On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the Church Community of St. John the Baptist in Wollongong marked its 65th anniversary since its founding. This small community, located about 90 kilometers south of Sydney, in the Illawarra region, began to form in the 1950s and was officially organized in 1960 with the establishment of the parish and subsequently, the church community.
His Eminence Metropolitan Siluan of Australia and New Zealand attended the festive celebration and, on that occasion, congratulated the community on its jubilee. He reflected on the history of this Church community — its life, the work and efforts of its priests, board members, and faithful, and its growth and progress to the present day. His Eminence particularly highlighted the significance of this Serbian place of worship in its mission among many seekers of God in this land — the so-called converts to Holy Orthodoxy.
The celebration took place in a joyful atmosphere, featuring the presentation of awards, singing, and traditional folk dancing, as well as a warm welcome from the hosts, led by Protopresbyter Branko, and speeches by political dignitaries.
Loading Flickr gallery...
