01  Holy Week Liturgicon

With the approval of Archbishop Paul, SMG Publications has produced a full edition of the Holy Week Services in modern standard English.

This is an excellent and much needed publication suitable for the whole English speaking world.  Highly recommended.

More details are available here.

02  01 February 2007 - Archbishop's Report 2007

State of the Archdiocese Report 2007.

03  05 February 2007 - Damascus and the Patriarchate

New link for views of Damascus and the Patriarchate

04  06 February 2007 - Transfer of Deacon Christopher to Patriarchate

With the written blessing of Metropolitan Archbishop Paul, Father Deacon Christopher was released from the Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand this day to assist the Patriarchate located in Damascus, Syria.

05  New Melbourne Institute Brochure

The 2007 information brochure for courses at the Melbourne Institute of Orthodox Christian Studies is now available.

06  Sunday 11 February 2007 - Saint Nicholas Punchbowl - Fellowship Night

The Youth of Saint Nicholas Punchbowl held a successful Summer Barbeque after Evening Divine Liturgy which commenced at 6pm on Sunday 11 February 2007.

All youth of Sydney parishes and their guests were invited.

See parish website for more information.

07  Archbishop's Great Lent Letter

Greetings to all of you in the spirit of Great Lent.

We are writing to you to report about our students in Balamand and Sydney's Theological schools.

This year we have four students in the Theology school of Balamand and one student at Saint Andrew's Theology school in Sydney.

Beginning 2008, we will be having graduates entering the working field of your Churches. Education and Theology is not different, it is an investment and I can say an important one. We must nourish, encourage and spend on it.

For the above reasons, I am encouraging our faithful to be generous in contributing towards the "Theological students education" which you have been doing for the last three years.

May the blessings of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

+ Paul

Metropolitan Archbishop Paul

08  Monday 19 February 2007 - Beginning of Great Lent

The Great Lent Fast commenced on Monday 19 February 2007. Please consult the Archdiocesan approved Diary published by SMG Publications for daily obligations, or consult your parish priest.

See also General Rules for Great Lent Fasting

09  Sunday 25 February 2007 - Sunday of Orthodoxy - Melbourne

On Sunday 25 February 2007, combined Melbourne-wide Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers was celebrated at Saint Nicholas Church East Melbourne commencing at 5.30pm.

There were no Sunday evening services at any other MetroMelbourne churches, so as to allow all to attend the combined service at Saint Nicholas East Melbourne.

All clergy and laypeople were made most welcome.

10  Sunday 25 February 2007 - Sunday of Orthodoxy - Sydney

On Sunday 25 February 2007, combined Sydney-wide Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers was celebrated at Saint Nicholas Church, Henry Street Punchbowl, commencing at 6pm.

There were no Sunday evening services at any of the other MetroSydney churches, so as to allow all to attend the combined service at Saint Nicholas Punchbowl.

All present were welcomed by Father Nabil, the Archdiocesan Vicar General.

11  Friday 02 March to Sunday 04 March 2007 - Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees of the Antiochian Archdiocese Meeting will be held on Friday 2nd March to Sunday 4th March.

Venue will be Saint Paul's Church, Dandenong, Melbourne

Main Topics:
1. Election of twenty Board members
2. Discussion and decision on a plan for Clergy Retirement
3. New Publications
4. New Missions and others.

See also Archbishop's Notice of Election and Requirements

12   Saturday 10 March 2007 - Saint Nicholas Punchbowl - Monastery Visit

The Youth of Saint Nicholas Punchbowl plan a monastery visit on Saturday 10 March or Sunday 11 March 2007. More details will be provided when available.

13   Sunday 08 April 2007 - Pascha - Feast of Feasts - Feast of the Resurrection

The Paschal Feast of Feasts this year coincides with Western Easter.

Details of Church services and activities will be provided when firmed up.

14  Monday 09 April 2007 - Saint Nicholas Punchbowl - Nursing Home Visit

Youth of Saint Nicholas Punchbowl plan to visit a local nursing home on Monday 09 April 2007.

Further information will be made available closer to the date.

15   Clergy Conference 23 April to 27 April 2007

The 2007 Clergy Conference will be held in Wollongong from Monday 23 April until Friday 27 April. All Clergy of the Archdiocese are expected to attend.

Accordingly, clergy will be generally unavailable in parishes during that week.

16   Friday 27 April to Sunday 29 April 2007 - ACOY Annual Sydney Retreat

The Australian Christian Orthodox Youth will be holding its annual Sydney Retreat on Friday 27 April 2007 to Sunday 29 April 2007.

Full details will be published when finalised.

17   Friday 25 May 2007 - Saint Nicholas Punchbowl - Fellowship Night

Youth of Saint Nicholas Punchbowl will be holding a Karoake Night this day.  Futher details to be provided later.