October 12, 2014
Cleveland, OH: ROCOR Synod Resolves to Appoint Bishop George to Australian Diocese

On Tuesday, October 7, the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia met in a regular session in Cleveland, OH, during the church-wide celebrations in honor of the 700th anniversary of the birth of Venerable Sergius of Radonezh.

In addition to His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion, taking part in the Synod meeting were: Archbishop Mark of Berlin, Germany & Great Britain; Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco & Western America; Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada; Bishop Peter of Cleveland, Administrator of the Diocese of Chicago & Mid-America; and Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishops George of Mayfield and Nicholas of Manhattan.

In the course of its deliberations, the Synod resolved to appoint Bishop George – who has been serving for almost five years since his episcopal consecration in December 2009 as vicar of the Eastern American Diocese – as vicar of the Diocese of Australia & New Zealand, with the title "Bishop of Canberra." Canberra is the capital of Australia and the nation’s largest inland city.

At the present time, plans are for Bishop George to move to the Australian Diocesan Chancery after Pascha 2015; until further notice, he remains Bishop of Mayfield and a vicar of the Eastern American Diocese. His new title will come into effect upon relocation.

In announcing the Synod’s decision, Metropolitan Hilarion touched on the bittersweet nature of the news:

"Bishop George is well loved by the clergy and faithful of the Eastern American Diocese, and in the course of my travels has been instrumental in maintaining an archpastoral presence in our many parishes. However, the faithful of the Australian Diocese are also in need of more constant archpastoral care, and it is for this reason that Bishop George has received his new appointment. He has had an opportunity to become well acquainted with the Australian flock over the course of his past two-month visit, and I believe his presence in Australia and New Zealand will be met with joy. The members of the Synod and I wish Bishop George God’s speedy aid in his new assignment, and ask you all to keep him in your private prayers."

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese