The Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric has appointed its first ruling metropolitan for the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand, marking a significant milestone for its growing diaspora community.

The decision was made during a session of the Holy Synod on March 19, 2026. Bishop Nikolaj (Trajkovski) was elected as the new Metropolitan of Australia and New Zealand, with his appointment taking effect immediately.

According to the Church, Macedonian Orthodox communities have been present in Australia for more than 30 years, but until now the diocese had not had its own resident head bishop.

Metropolitan Nikolaj was born in Skopje in 1974 and holds a degree in philology, specializing in Byzantine and medieval literature. He took monastic vows in the late 1990s and has since been involved in both the revival of monastic life and academic research, publishing works on church history. He was appointed as a vicar bishop in 2023 and consecrated as a bishop in 2024.

Until this appointment, the diocese was administered remotely by Metropolitan Petar of Prespa and Pelagonia, based in Bitola in southwestern North Macedonia. Church officials confirmed that he has now been relieved of these duties at his own request.

Orthodox communities in Australia and New Zealand are spread across vast distances, often separated by thousands of kilometers. As a result, church life in the region differs significantly from that in Europe, with parishes concentrated in major cities such as Melbourne and Sydney. Clergy frequently serve multiple communities, requiring extensive travel.

Church leaders expressed hope that the appointment of a dedicated metropolitan will strengthen religious life in the region and help unify Macedonian Orthodox believers living abroad.