DIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND: 8 February 2023
A new church is consecrated in Tasmania

On February 4-5, 2023, the consecration of the new Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, built on the territory of the estate of Fr George Morozov in the forest area of the Huon district in Tasmania. The editor of Unity [Edinenie website] visited this important event for the community of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia in Australia.

The consecration took place on Saturday, February 4, at an evening service conducted by His Grace Bishop George of Sydney and Australia and New Zealand, and co-served by Archpriest Boris Ignatievsky, Rector Fr Georgy Morozov, Protodeacon Alexander Kotlaroff and Protodeacon Alexander Abramov, and other ROCOR clergy. The service was accompanied by the beautiful male choir of our diocese, head Nektary Kotlaroff. The church was built in 12 years by Fr George Morozov, parishioners and friends.

On Sunday morning, Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the church, which drew Orthodox Christians from the entire region. Led by Bishop George, participating were also Fr David, Rector of Elevation of the Cross Church in Hobart, where services are performed in English. Holy Trinity Church had never before seen such a large gathering of worshipers.

After Liturgy, the rector of the church invited everyone to a festive meal prepared by the sisterhood of the church. During the meal, Bishop George congratulated the rector and parishioners on the consecration of their church. Fr George thanked the bishop, all the guests and the male choir who decorated the festive service. At the request of the guests, the choristers performed several songs during lunch.

Fr George plans to separate the site of his estate, where the church is located, and transfer it to the Australian Diocese of ROCOR.