On Saturday, May 13, His Grace Luke, Bishop of Syracuse, vicar of the Eastern American Diocese and abbot of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, arrived in Australia to take part in the celebrations of the centennial anniversary of the founding of Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Brisbane, Queensland.

Bishop Luke flew into Sydney airport on a crisp and cool autumn morning to be greeted by His Grace George, Bishop of Sydney, Australia & New Zealand, and other clergy.

That evening, His Grace was welcomed by the clergy and parishioners of Sts. Peter & Paul Cathedral in Strathfield, where he served at the All-Night Vigil and at Divine Liturgy the next morning together with Bishop George and cathedral clergy. At the end of Liturgy, a litia was served in memory of the upcoming anniversary of Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral’s) repose.

A luncheon followed in the church hall, where Bishop Luke gave an interesting talk about Holy Trinity Monastery and Seminary. After lunch, he was shown some of the popular sites of Sydney Harbor.

The next day, Monday, May 15, Bishop Luke travelled up to the Blue Mountains to explore the unique Australian landscape. Leaving the bush at dusk, Bishop Luke was greeted by a wild kangaroo that stopped in close view and curiously gazed at the American visitor.

On Tuesday, May 16, Bishops George and Luke visited the Convent of Our Lady of Kazan in Kentlyn, where after Divine Liturgy, they served a panihida in memory of Metropolitan Hilarion, marking the one-year anniversary of his repose. Abbess Maria extended a warm welcome with bread and salt, and a festal breakfast after the service.

After a tour of the convent, Bishop Luke paid a visit to the Skete of St. John the Baptist nearby, where he was met by Abbot Joachim (Ross). Within just a short drive from the skete, he was shown Holy Protection Church in Cabramatta.

On Saturday, May 20, the Eastern American Diocesan vicar arrived at Melbourne airport, where he was greeted by the clergy of Holy Protection Cathedral. That evening, Bishop Luke officiated the resurrectional All-Night Vigil there.

The following day, the 6th Sunday of Pascha – the Healing of the Blind Man, His Grace was greeted at Holy Protection Cathedral with bread and salt and celebrated Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with Bishop Luke were the cathedral clergy: Archpriests Nicholas Karipoff (cathedral rector), Nicholas Dalinkiewicz, and Peter Sheko, Priest Mark Woloszyn, Protodeacon Alexander Abramoff and visiting clergy Archpriest Peter Shashkoff.

After the service, Bishop Luke made his way south to Geelong, where he spent a few days visiting Joy of All Who Sorrow Church.

Diocese of Australia & New Zealand
www.rocor.org.au