Pan Orthodox Mission Conference in Wellington, New Zealand

A truly meaningful event that took place this past weekend at the Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Church in Wellington.  Father Alexander Skorik was our wonderful and gracious host. We began the day with Divine Liturgy honouring both the Holy Apostles (New Style) and the Saint Tikhon of Cyprus (Old Style).

The highlight was the presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Amfilochios who gave the central address on our theme "Orthodox Mission in the New World".

In the context of his address he acknowledged with love each of his brother Hierarchs who are represented in New Zealand. His Eminence especially acknowledged the Nameday of Archbishop Paul of the Antiochian Patriarchate, and further expressed his prayer that each of our beloved Hierarchs be able to join us at our next conference and that we make every effort to include them.

Also present was Hieromonk Father Meletios of the Holy Archangels Monastery in Levin who also spoke on the theme of Orthodox Missions, Father Ian Nield, Father Stanley Nield, Father Nicolae Floroiu, Father Amphilochios Vasiltsotellis, Father George Pillay and Father Pavlos Patitsas.

About forty five people gathered for the conference which was organised in close working with all of the Orthodox clergy of Wellington. An additional highlight of the day was the personal testimonies from some present regarding their own conversion to the Orthodox faith.  Each story was so different but in each story we could perceive the hand of God opening hearts and doors to expand the flock of the Holy Orthodox Church here in New Zealand and in Oceania.

Father Pavlos Patitsas
Sacred Parish of the Holy Trinity-Auckland
Holy Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of New Zealand