Enthroning the Bishop

One of the main reasons for our trip to Canberra was to be present at the inauguration of the new Bishop of the Free Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Australia and New Zealand.    The event was reported in the Canberra Times complete with better photos than I took, but in my defence, the reporter did have some impressive-looking photographic gear, and she did venture to locations that I had reservations about!

The new Bishop Ambrose was made very welcome by a large crowd (I think the Canberra Times only took account of the people actually inside the Church).   He's actually a Scot, and is a bishop of the Old Calendar Greek Church, based in Athens.    Perhaps this gives a hint of some of the political undertones here?

The ceremony was mostly in Serbian, although the new Bishop's address was in English.   It was conducted by Bishop Auxentios (from the USA) and included blessing the Church from each direction.

The week-end's activities also included the St Sava Festival, so there was lots of music, dancing, eating and drinking all round!