Theodore (Rafalsky) of Sydney

The Right Reverend Theodore (Rafalsky) was the first bishop of the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand within the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. He was accepted from the autonomous Ukrainian Orthodox Church into the Russian Orthodox Church Ourside Russia on May 6, 1946, and became the first bishop of Australia and New Zealand, posted in Brisbane.
Even though he was accepted in 1946, the Cold War, stringent requirements for both an Australian visa and for medical clearance meant that Bp Theodore was not able to take up his post until November 1948. He served the Church in Australia and New Zealand between 1948 and 1955, when he reposed and was buried at his cathedral in Sydney.
Category:Bishops
Category:Orthodoxy in Australia
Category:Orthodoxy in New Zealand