Our parish
Seventy years of faith in Auckland
The story of the Church of the Resurrection of Christ — from a small émigré community to a growing, bilingual parish family with a new home on Dominion Road.
Our story
From the first liturgies to a new home
Russian Orthodox Christians have prayed together in Auckland since the years after the Second World War, when refugees and émigrés from Russia, China and Europe found their way to New Zealand and built a church dedicated to the Resurrection of Christ. For some seventy years that church served the faithful — the place of countless baptisms, weddings, confessions and farewells.
In time the parish outgrew its beloved old building. After many years of searching and many unrealised projects, the community acquired a new building as the home for our church and parish centre at 455–461 Dominion Road, Mt Eden — with room for worship, the parish school, trapeza and the whole life of the community under one roof.
Our mission is unchanged: to preserve the spiritual and cultural heritage entrusted to us, and to fulfil the Lord’s Great Commission — to make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Who we belong to
Our Church and our bishops
The parish belongs to the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) — a self-governing part of the Russian Orthodox Church. Our services follow the traditional Julian calendar and the full rhythm of Orthodox worship.
Metropolitan Nicholas
First Hierarch of ROCOR
His Eminence Nicholas (Olhovsky), Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York, has led the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia as First Hierarch since 2022.
Archbishop George
Ruling Bishop of the Diocese
His Eminence George (Schaefer), Archbishop of Sydney, Australia and New Zealand, has led our diocese since 2022 and was elevated to Archbishop in 2024.
Archpriest Vladimir Boikov
Rector of the parish
Born in Sydney in 1966, Fr Vladimir graduated from Holy Trinity Seminary, Jordanville, was ordained priest in 1991 and served in New Jersey, Chicago, Brisbane and Washington DC before being appointed our rector in May 2005. He and his Matushka have four children.
Parish life
A community, not just a building
Sisterhood
The parish sisterhood cares for the church, prepares the trapeza meals, and is the quiet engine of parish hospitality.
Brotherhood
The brotherhood lends hands and skills wherever they are needed — from the altar to the working bee.
Parish school
The Russian Orthodox School of St Martyr Sophia teaches children the faith, Russian language and culture.
Trapeza & fellowship
After Sunday Liturgy the parish shares a common meal — visitors are always welcome at the table.