Serbian Patriarch Porfirije has consecrated the Church of St. Archdeacon Stephen in the Melbourne suburb of Keysborough, in a solemn service attended by hierarchs, clergy and numerous parishioners of the Serbian Orthodox Church, according to the Patriarchate’s press service.

The church was built in 1994 with donations from Serbian Orthodox faithful living in Melbourne and the surrounding areas. At the request of Metropolitan Siluan of Australia and New Zealand, a particle of the relics of St. Stefan of Dečani was placed in the altar. Timber from the historic Šumadija region of Serbia was also incorporated into the church’s foundation.

Addressing the congregation, Patriarch Porfirije emphasized that the Orthodox faith helps Serbs preserve their national identity far from their historical homeland while also becoming part of the societies in which they live.

“Wherever a Serb may find himself — from America to Australia — he remains who he is, while at the same time becoming one with those among whom he lives,” the Patriarch said.

He urged the faithful to turn to prayer in both joyful and difficult moments. The Patriarch also highlighted the role of the church community in maintaining a spiritual connection with previous generations and passing traditions on to the next.

Metropolitan Siluan thanked Patriarch Porfirije for visiting and supporting the Serbian Orthodox community in Australia and New Zealand. He said the visit was a sign of the Serbian Orthodox Church’s care for local believers, despite the geographical distance separating Australia from their ancestral homeland.

The service was attended by Metropolitans Longin, Hilarion, Arsenije and Siluan, as well as Bishops Irinej, Sergije and Isihije. Hymns were performed by the parish choir, the Stevan Mokranjac Choir and a Russian Orthodox male choir.

Following the consecration, a parish folk ensemble performed, and a festive meal was held. Representatives of the government of the Australian state of Victoria and federal authorities also attended, congratulating the Serbian community on the occasion.

Church rector Father Aleksandar Savić announced that part of the donations collected would be allocated to support church-run public kitchens in Kosovo and Metohija. Another portion would go to St. Sava College in Warriewood, a suburb of Sydney.

The consecration marked a significant occasion for the Serbian Orthodox community in Melbourne, reaffirming the church’s role as a center of worship, cultural identity and charitable outreach for Serbs living in Australia.