SYDNEY: December 2, 2009
Archangel Michael Church Marks its 50th Anniversary

On Sunday, November 22, 2009, the parishioners of the small church in western Sydney celebrated their 50th anniversary.

In 1959, fifty Russian families living in the neighborhoods of Saint Marys, Blacktown, Mount Druitt and Penrith decided to build their own church. The recent immigrants were not wealthy, but brick by brick they built their temple and along with it, built their community, their future parish.

On day of the 50th anniversary, priests and parishioners from throughout Sydney’s churches gathered for Divine Liturgy. A group of worshipers from the Cathedral in Strathfield arrived by bus, and visitors even came from other cities. The fact that His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion, who flew in from New York, officiated at the service imparted special ceremony to the event. Vladyka was joined in the service by Priest David Lloyd, Rector of Archangel Michael Church, as well as Priest Alexander Filchakov, who recently came to the Australian Diocese from Moscow, Priest George Robinson of Queanbeyan and Priest Seraphim Slade.

The choir, headed by Andrei Laptev, made the divine service especially ceremonious. Mr Skornyakov, the Warden, and the parish sisterhood, did a great deal to decorate the church for the holiday.

Despite the heat, which reached 106 degrees Fahrenheit, the church was filled with worshipers.

After Divine Liturgy and a procession of the cross, everyone was invited to partake of the trapeza luncheon held at the Social Athletic Club in Camp’s Creek.

The parish sisterhood, which was aided by volunteers from Protection Church in Cabramatta, the Cathedral and other churches, hosted a meal for 400 people. Honored guests at the event included Laurie Ferguson, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, and government representatives Gavin McCann and David Wilson. Vice Mayor of Blacktown Stephen Bali and Julie Griffith represented the municipality. The honored guests congratulated the parish and emphasized the importance of the Russian diaspora in Australia in its development. Prof. Marie Bashir, Governor of New South Wales, also sent a greeting.

St Vladimir Parish Children’s Choir gave a performance under the direction of E. Metlenko.

Fr David thanked everyone who participated in the celebrations and who helped prepare for the luncheon. Gramatas and flowers were given to NN Baich and other long-time parishioners who actively participated in the life of the community. Senior Sister V. Smolonogova thanked G. Nikitenko, T. Lester, K. and O. Tonkikh, S. Boikova, N. Shornikova, D. Cherkas, R. Saushkina, I. and V. Khadarin, M. Chipizubova, S. Zheludeva, V. Sadovoi, A. Semenova and Fr David.  

Vladimir Kuzmin, Sydney
Unity [Edineniye], the official website of the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand.