Mass Baptism in Perth: Thirty New Parishioners Joined the Congregation in 2026

In the Australian city of Perth, the congregation of the Church of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Mother of God celebrated a significant event: nine people received the Sacrament of Baptism, officially joining the Orthodox Church. According to the Orthodoxia News Agency, the ceremony took place on October 10, 2026, presided over by Bishop Elpidios of Perth.

This group of new converts is already the third this year, bringing the total number of people baptized in this diocese in 2026 to 30. Such dynamic growth underscores the strengthening of the Orthodox faith in Western Australia. Among those baptized were people who received the names Maria, Despina, Michael, Christian, Ksenia, Elizabeth, Michael, Roman, and Christina.

Bishop Elpidios warmly welcomed the new members of the Church, conveying to them the blessing and love of Archbishop Makarios of Australia. It is worth noting that interest in Orthodoxy in the region continues to grow: many candidates come to the parish already possessing a deep knowledge of church doctrine, gained through independent study of the faith.

Under the spiritual guidance of Protopresbyter Emmanuel Stamatio, the parish carries out active missionary work, offering individual catechesis to those who wish it, weekly Bible study sessions, and regular services in English, making Orthodoxy accessible and understandable to a wide range of believers.