The Russian Orthodox Parish in Geelong was founded by post-WW2 Russian displaced persons who settled in the area from 1948-1951 and longed for a regular Orthodox liturgical life. The first services were held in December 1950 by Fr Alexander Shadko-Basilewitsch, and the “Joy of All Who Sorrow” parish began its normal existence on 1 April 1952, initially worshipping in Anglican church premises. Through the sacrifice and voluntary labour of a modest immigrant community, land was purchased in Bell Park, and the construction of an Orthodox church began with the blessing of the foundation on 12 November 1955; the central cupola was raised in 1958, services began in 1962 and the church was finally consecrated on 10 August 1968. The parish grew further with Russian immigrants from China in the 1960s, developing a parish school, hall, rectory and strong community life. Over later decades, successive rectors and parishioners expanded, restored and beautified the church, including major renovations, new cupolas, iconography and an iconostasis, making it one of the notable Russian Orthodox churches in Australia.

Parish life today

These days, our church organises many activities that unite Russian immigrants, people of Russian descent and the Orthodox believers from Geelong and beyond.

We run the Russian Orthodox School which is held every Saturday during Australian school terms and offers language classes to students of all levels, such as Russian, the Law of God, Russian history, Russian geography, Russian literature, and other subjects that expand the knowledge of the Motherland.

We organise many events throughout the year, such as Christmas and Maslenitsa. Our Easter traditions include kulich decoration masterclasses for kids and sale of pre-ordered kulich and paskha. We do fundraising activities, spiritual and educational talks that are accompanied by delicious lunches in traditional Russian cuisine, following the Liturgy.
Wedding receptions, wakes and christenings are often held in the hall.

In such fellowship, the community unites, everyone can share their joy or sorrow, find out local news, socialize in their native language.

Every February, towards the end of the hot hemisphere summer, the city of Geelong organizes the international folklore festival "Pako Festa" and we are proud to join the community walk - in folk Russian costumes, to the tunes of the traditional Russian music, in the company with the gigantic Russian bear which dances and shares the joy with the Australians. In 2019, the Russian group had 70 participants, and the parish community was awarded the first prize out of more than sixty groups!