DIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND: January 4, 2016
Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York Arrives in Australia

On January 2-3, 2015, His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, headed divine services on the Sunday before the feast of the Nativity of Christ at SS Peter and Paul Cathedral in Strathfield, near Sydney, Australia. His Eminence was joined by His Grace Bishop George of Canberra, Vicar of the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand; Protopriest George Lapardin, head of the diocesan youth department and Senior Priest of the cathedral; Protodeacon Alexander Kotliaroff and Protodeacon Constantine Moshegov. After Divine Liturgy, Vladyka George welcomed the Primate of the Russian Church Abroad and expressed his joy at their joint service.

After the celebration of the Nativity and Epiphany of the Lord, His Eminence will travel to Moscow to participate in the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church in early February, after which he will return to Australia until March 9 . Then, God willing, His Eminence will return to New York.