Dandenong Parish of the Russian Orthodox Church (Abroad)

The Dandenong Parish of the Russian Orthodox Church (Abroad) is a religious nonprofit organization serving the Russian Orthodox community in Australia. It operates as a parish within the Australian and New Zealand Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). The parish is dedicated to the advancement of religion, education, and charitable endeavors aligned with Orthodox Christian spirituality.

History and Affiliation

Founded in 1983, the parish is part of the global Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, which maintains the traditions and liturgical practices of Russian Orthodoxy in diaspora communities. It serves parishioners in Dandenong, Victoria, and surrounding areas, providing a spiritual home and community activities for Russian Orthodox faithful.

Activities and Services

The Dandenong Parish offers regular divine liturgies, religious education, and various social and charitable programs to foster spiritual growth and community support among its members. The parish is known for celebrating Orthodox feast days and maintaining liturgical practices in both Church Slavonic and English languages, reflecting the multicultural makeup of its congregation.

Key services and activities include:

• Regular Divine Liturgy and sacramental services
• Religious education and catechism
• Community and charitable outreach programs
• Hosting of cultural and spiritual events

Leadership

The parish is led by clergy appointed through the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. The current leadership includes Very Rev Dr. Michael Protopopov, who serves as the parish rector, providing pastoral care and overseeing religious services and community activities.

Community and Ecclesiastical Significance

Dandenong Parish holds a significant place within the local Orthodox Christian community. It has hosted notable events such as visits from high-ranking hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, including Metropolitan Nicholas, the First Hierarch of ROCOR, who has visited with revered icons and led prayers and celebrations, strengthening the parish’s connection to the wider church.

Charitable Status

Registered as a nonprofit organization under the Australian Business Number (ABN) 32688972188RR0001, the Dandenong Parish conducts its activities in line with charitable objectives, focusing on religious advancement and community support.

The Dandenong Parish remains an active and vital center of Russian Orthodox faith and culture in Australia, fostering spiritual life and fellowship among Orthodox Christians in the region.

[1] https://www.russianchurchindandenong.org [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/7aac0327-38af-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d [3] https://synod.com/synod/eng2024/20240723_enmnvictoria.html [4] https://directory.stinnocentpress.com/viewparish.cgi?lang=en [5] https://www.rocor.org.au/?p=16731