Doxology at the Cathedral Church

Joyful rite of doxology in honour of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia celebrated at the Cathedral church of Saint Michael the Archangel in Belgrade

The doxology was celebrated by the clergy of the Archdiocese of Belgrade-Karlovac, and during this rite the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church was standing on the Patriarchal throne in prayerful attendance of Serbian Patriarch Irinej and many bishops of the Russian and Serbian Church, with other high guests.

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill paying irenic visit to the Serbian Orthodox Church

The primate of the Moscow Patriarchate His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill arrived with his delegation by plane at the airport “Nikola Tesla” in Belgrade on Friday, the 14^th November 2014, at 10:30 a.m.

The high guest and his delegation were welcomed by the primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church His Holiness Archbishop of Pec, Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovac and Serbian Patriarch Irinej with an entourage consisting of the dignitaries of the Serbian Church, among them: His Eminence Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro and the Littoral; Their Graces Bishops: Lavrentije of Sabac, Nikanor of Banat, Irinej of Backa, Hrizostom of Zvornik-Tuzla, Jovan of Sumadija, Milutin of Valjevo, Teodosije of Raska-Prizren, David of Krusevac, Vicar Bishops Their Graces: Antonije of Moravica and Arsenije of Toplica, as well as lots of priests.

High dinstinctions for great benefactors

His Holiness Ireneus, Serbian Patriarch, awarded the president of the Board of Directors of the Rosneft from Moscow, Mr. Gela Valiev, with the highest distinction of the Serbian Orthodox Church – Order of Saint Sava of the first degree.

The solemn award ceremony was attended by members of the Holy Synod of Bishops: Metropolitan Amphilochius of Montenegro and the Littoral, Bishop Theodosius of Raska-Prizren, as well as Bishops John of Slavonia and Arseny of Toplica. In the decision of the Holy Synod of Bishops it is said: The highest distinction of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Order of Saint Sava of the First Degree, is awarded to Mr. Gela Valiev for an efficient love towards the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Serbian people.

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill to visit the Serbian Orthodox Church

Upon the invitation of His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Irenej, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia will pay an official (irenic) visit to the Serbian Orthodox Church from November 14-16, 2014.

Patriarch Kirill will arrive with a delegation consisting of a number hierarchs and priests. Serbian Patriarch Irenej, hierarchs and clergy as well as monastics of our Holy Church will welcome the high guests at the Belgrade’s airport Nikola Tesla.

The solemn doxology will be served in the Belgrade’s Cathedral church of Saint Michael the Archangel on Friday, 14 November 2014 at 12 p.m.

The same day the meetings of the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church with the highest state officials are scheduled. The University of Belgrade is going to deliver to Patriarch Kirill doctorate honoris causa.

On 15 November 2014 at 10 a.m, Patriarch of Moscow is expected to visit the Rakovica Monastery, where he will officiate the Panichida rite for the souls of Patriarchs Dimitrije and Pavle of the blessed repose.

The same day at 1 p.m., His Holiness Patriarch Kirill will consecrate the Russian necropolis and memorial ossuary of the Russian soldiers fallen in the First World War.

At 2 p.m., in the attendance of the highest state and city officials, the Primates of the two Churches will consecrate the newly erected monument of Tsar Nicholas Romanov at Kralja Milana Street in Belgrade.

The Primates of two sister Churches and many hierarchs, priests and deacons will conciliary officiate the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy in the Saint Sava Memorial Cathedral in Belgrade on Sunday, 16 November at 9 a.m..

On this occasion we invite all faithful people to participate prayerfully in this historical event for our Church.

Communiqué of the Metropolitanate of Australia and New Zealand

Communiqué regarding the Church Community Centre at St Stephen the Archdeacon Serbian Orthodox Church in Keysborough

Without prejudice or judgement, but mindful of a serious transgression which has eventuated as a result of gross mismanagement of Church property on the part of its warden, in this case a parish priest, the Very Reverend Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Cedomir Videkanic is suspended from all liturgical and administrative functions at the Parish of St Stephen the Archdeacon in Keysborough and the Melbourne Deanery of the Metropolitanate of Australia and New Zealand, from this moment and until such time as a full and thorough investigation of what transpired reveals why this was allowed to happen. In the interim, the Reverend Presbyter Dejan Milosevic will assume all administrative and liturgical duties.

With due respect accorded to all faiths and their adherents, it will be understood that the Holy Canons of the Orthodox Church forbid the performance of religious rituals by those of other faith traditions, within our ecclesiastical and associated structures. Furthermore, Orthodox Christians are bound by the Canons to re-consecrate such places should such an unfortunate thing come to pass. Therefore, tomorrow on the 6^th of November at 1:00pm, the undersigned together with available members of the Serbian Orthodox Clergy and faithful will gather for a service of sanctification in the Hall of St Stephen’s Church Community.

Any insinuation or assertion that a higher instance, be it myself personally, any member of the clergy or Metropolitanate Executive Board gave permission or sanctioned this transgression is completely false.

+IRINEJ
Bishop of the Metropolitanate of Australia and New Zealand

In Sydney, 5 November 2014
Holy Apostle James, First Bishop of Jerusalem

Blessing of Frescoes at St Stephen's

On Sunday, October 12, 2014, His Grace Bishop Mitrophan blessed the completed frescoes of the St. Stephen the First Martyr Serbian Orthodox Church of Lackawanna, NY. The frescoes were painted from 2007 to 2013 by Fr. Theodore Jurewicz, who is well known for painting the beautiful Monastery New Gracanica Church and other churches. Since the frescoes were finished, the renovation of the temple was completed with the refinishing of the pews, and the installation of a new floor and carpet.