DIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND: September 4, 2014
Dormition Church in Dandenong, Australia, Celebrates its Feast Day

On Thursday, August 28, 2014, the Parish of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Dandenong, Australia, celebrated its feast day. All-night vigil was performed on Wednesday evening, with the bringing out of the Shroud of the Mother of God.

On Thursday , Divine Liturgy commenced with the greeting of His Grace Bishop George of Mayfield. Six clergymen from Melbourne and Geelong also participated in the services, which began with the minor blessing of the waters. The Holy Eucharist was administered from two chalices due to the number of worshipers. A moleben and procession of the cross followed.

Vladyka George delivered the sermon, in which he stressed the importance of the Dormition feast within the church calendar. He also gave an eloquent explanation of how the Mother of God, having received the Divine gift with humility and faith, gave life to the Savior of mankind, thereby granting salvation for all of us. The Mother of God became the intercessor and guide for our entire lives.

Special gratitude was expressed to the sisterhood and their assistants. Thanks to their efforts, the church was brilliantly adorned, flush with flowers, which always lends special grandeur to the divine services. The Russian Social Center hosted a luncheon for 400 participants.

Mitred Protopriest Michael Protopopoff, the parish rector, thanked the parishioners, guests and sisterhood for their selfless labors. He also expressed gratitude to those who donated to the plate collection. Over 2,100 dollars was raised to complete the mosaic above the church�s main entrance.

A photo report is available here.