On Saturday, October 25, 2025, on the feast day of the Holy Martyrs Tarachus, Probus, and Andronicus, and Saint Cosmas of Maiuma, His Eminence Metropolitan Siluan of Australia and New Zealand celebrated the Divine Hierarchical Liturgy at the Church of Saint George the Great Martyr in St. Albans, Melbourne. On this occasion, he formally relieved the retiring Very Reverend Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Borislav Petrovic of his duties as parish priest and appointed the Reverend Father Nebojsa Tumara in his place.
Serving with their archpastor were the priests of the city of Melbourne, and the liturgical celebration was graced by the presence of Archimandrite Theodor (Bojovic), abbot of the Saint Sava Monastery in Elaine.
After the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Siluan addressed the faithful with a sermon on the virtues that should adorn a servant of the altar, referring to the work of Saint John Chrysostom, who compared the priestly ministry to that of the angelic hosts.
His Eminence expressed heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing parish priest, Father Borislav, who, since his arrival on the fifth continent, had served as rector of Saint George’s Church for more than thirty-two years, leaving an indelible mark on the life of the parish through his pastoral mission.
The liturgical celebration continued in the parish hall, where the congregation was first addressed by Father Bora and then by Father Nebojsa.
In an emotional speech, Father Bora reflected on his calling to the priesthood and his mission in the Lord’s vineyard entrusted to him, recalling the events and people who had marked his decades-long ministry. Father Nebojsa spoke on the theme of the good vinedresser, drawing a parallel between the Book of the Prophet Isaiah and the Gospel according to Matthew.
The president of the church-school community, Mr. Dragan Chicha, then presented commemorative gifts to Father Bora and his wife, Protinica Dragica, as well as to Father Nebojsa and his wife, Popadija Isidora.
The celebration continued with a musical program and the presence of many faithful from Melbourne and all over Australia, who gathered to bid farewell to their devoted pastor, Father Bora, and to wish him many blessed years.
