DIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND: April 10, 2012
The First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad Celebrates Palm Sunday Liturgy at the Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul

On Sunday, April 8, 2012, the Entrance Into Jerusalem of Our Lord, His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, during an archpastoral visit to the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand entrusted to him, officiated at Divine Liturgy, and all-night vigil the evening before, at SS Peter and Paul Cathedral in Sydney, Australia. He was joined by the Cathedral’s clergymen, Protopriest George Lapardin, Priest Simeon Nikipelov and Protodeacon Alexander Kotliaroff. Among the worshipers was a group of pilgrims from the Republic of Georgia who are visiting local Orthodox sites.

At the end of the service, congratulating the congregation, His Eminence announced that he will be celebrating divine services during Passion Week and on the Pascha of Christ in the churches of Sydney.