Bishop Mihail introduces Australia’s new assistant Bishop: ‘Together we will renew our ministry’

His Grace Bishop Mihail of Australia and New Zealand introduced the diocese’s first assistant bishop, Iachint of the Pacific, to the faithful on Sunday. The hierarchs concelebrated the Divine Liturgy at the “Life-Giving Spring” Monastery at the Episcopal Residence in Melbourne, Australia.

“We hope that, together, we shall serve with great dedication and renew our ministry,” Bishop Mihail said. “I called him here to assist me in the administrative and spiritual work of the diocese, and he responded as Peter did.”

“Faith, hope and love for the Church moved him to answer our call. He has come here to serve the Church, to be close to our faithful in all the parishes, and to strengthen our spiritual ministry together.”

The bishop acknowledged that challenges lie ahead.

“There will be waves and storms, but with hope, patience, wisdom and good counsel, we pray to God that we may steer the ship safely, just as the Saviour’s boat reached the shore of the Sea of Galilee. May we fulfil our duty here, serve our Romanian Orthodox Church in Australia, strengthen it and expand its work, so that when the Good God calls our souls to judgement, the faithful entrusted to our spiritual…