Russian Orthodox Church of St Archangel Michael

The Russian Orthodox Church of St Archangel Michael is a nonprofit religious organization based in Australia, affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). It operates as a parish community located in Blacktown, New South Wales, serving the spiritual needs of Orthodox Christians and others interested in the Russian Orthodox faith.

History and Background

The parish has a history linked to the broader Russian Orthodox presence in Australia dating back to the mid-20th century. It was established to provide a place of worship and community for Russian Orthodox faithful living in Australia. Over the years, it has remained a modest but vibrant congregation dedicated to preserving the sacred heritage of the Russian Orthodox tradition while welcoming people of diverse backgrounds[1][2].

Mission and Activities

The parish centers its activities on celebrating the Holy Mysteries, the liturgical sacraments fundamental to Orthodox Christian worship. These services are regarded not only as rituals but as profound encounters with the Divine, fostering a deep spiritual connection among the faithful. The community emphasizes living out the teachings of the Orthodox faith with sincerity and devotion, under the pastoral care of Archbishop George of Sydney, Australia and New Zealand[1].

The Church of St Archangel Michael honors Archangel Michael as its heavenly protector, reflecting the parish's spiritual focus and dedication.

Organizational Information

• The organization operates under the Australian Business Number (ABN) 51918711224RR0001.
• It is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)[3].
• The parish is part of the wider Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, which maintains several parishes and monastic institutions across Australia.

Relationship to Wider ROCOR Community

This parish is connected to the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, which has a presence in Australia and New Zealand. The ROCOR community in the region includes other entities such as the Orthodox Monastery of the Archangel Michael in Sydney, founded in 1995, which supports Orthodox monastic and missionary activities, including printing and audio production of Orthodox teachings in English[4][5].

Summary

The Russian Orthodox Church of St Archangel Michael represents an active religious community within the Russian Orthodox tradition in Australia. It facilitates worship, community life, and spiritual education for Orthodox Christians, fostering continuity of Russian Orthodox heritage and engaging with a diverse congregation under established ecclesiastical leadership.

[1] https://www.archangelmichael.net.au [2] https://www.archangelmichael.net.au/history/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/88de070a-39af-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd [4] https://www.synod.com/synod/eng2016/20160512_enausdiocese.html [5] https://www.orthodoxtalks.com/about-us/