After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, the clergy of the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand gathered for preparation for Holy Communion, concelebration of divine services and a pastoral conference.
On Tuesday, 22 March, 2022, the diocesan clergymen gathered in Croydon, NSW, at All Russian Saints’ Church to read the preparatory prayers for Holy Communion, after which Great-Lenten matins was performed, during which time the clerics made confession to their spiritual fathers.
The next day, Divine Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts was celebrated at SS Peter and Paul Cathedral in Strathfield, at which His Grace Bishop George officiated. Several clergymen were given ecclesiastical awards for the service to the Holy Church.
The event attracted 30 priests and 10 deacons. Commemorative prayers were intoned for all those who died in Ukraine.
Divine services were followed by a pastoral conference at which diocesan and parish matters were discussed. Due to their civil jobs, ten priests could only participate digitally. His Grace Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe led an on-line discussion on the importance of the holy canons in the life of the Holy Church.
