Macedonian Orthodox Diocese of Australia and New Zealand

Macedonian Orthodox Diocese of Australia and New Zealand
Jurisdiction	Macedonian Orthodox Church
Diocese type	Diocese
Founded	unknown
Current bishop	Metr. Petar, administrator
See(s)	not applicable
Headquarters	Bitola, Macedonia
Territory	Australia, New Zealand
Liturgical language(s)	Slavonic
Musical tradition	Byzantine Chant
Calendar	Julian
Population estimate	unknown
Official website	Eparchy of Australia and New Zealand

The Macedonian Orthodox Diocese of Australia and New Zealand is a diocese of the Macedonian Orthodox Church. It is currently administered by Metropolitan Petar of Prespa and Pelagonia, who resides in Bitola, Macedonia, and is in Australia for approximately one month each year.

History

Originally, the Macedonian Orthodox began community churches, and so began to pray to God in a foreign land. A diocese was later established for Australia and New Zealand, but - as is common - the bishops had difficulty in convincing the trustees of the community properties to hand over these properties to the care of the bishop.

A result of the difficulties in handing over property is found in the extensive legal proceedings undertaken by the present administrator, Metropolitan Petar, in an effort to force the properties to be given over to the diocese. There are many community parishes who have not accepted this, forcing Metropolitan Petar to spend most of his time in Australia - usually approximately one month each year - involved in these court cases.

Worshiping Macedonians in New Zealand all attend churches of other jurisdictions.

See also

• List of Macedonian Orthodox parishes in Australia - also contains Macedonian Orthodox monasteries and centres.

External link

• Macedonian Orthodox Eparchy of Australia and New Zealand (Official Website)