Saint Panteleimon Russian Orthodox Church was formed by a small group of people living on the NSW Central Coast.  The first services were held in November 2000, and by the end of 2003 our community had grown sufficiently to purchase premises in West Gosford for a parish centre.  There, as many know, our parish has established a small temporary church and hall and a vibrant parish life that includes a regular pattern of divine services and social activities.  A loan of $125,000 obtained in 2003 to purchase these premises was paid off in full in 2008, some 9 years early, and our parish has since saved a further $60,000 in its “Future Fund”.

During the course of 2014 our parish celebrated ten years of parish life in West Gosford.  Looking back over all that has been achieved since November 2000 and giving thanks to God, we nevertheless continue to plan for the future, hoping in time to construct a permanent church in traditional Russian Orthodox style.  The first step towards this is the acquisition of a suitable block of land, something likely to cost around $400,000.  It is with this first step in mind and with the blessing of the Diocesan authorities that our parish now turns to the faithful of the Australian and New Zealand Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church outside Russia and to all our friends, seeking assistance. 

Our Parish Council has resolved to set aside $40,000 from the “Future Fund” for the purpose of property acquisition, ten per cent of the required amount.  Families within the parish have already pledged contributions of $1000.  If 400 families or individuals across the Diocese could be found to contribute such an amount our goal would soon be reached, and the next important step in the life of our parish could be taken. 

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ!  Please give prayerful consideration to our appeal, and help us bring this project to fruition.  Any help that you can give, whether great or small, will be most welcome.  We assure all those who assist our parish of our prayers for their health and salvation.  May the Lord bless you!

For more information, please contact us.  A Russian-language version of this appeal is available here.  Donations can be made in person at church, by direct deposit to our building fund account, Westpac 032-523 28-9049, or by using the Paypal "donate" icon on the left-land side of this page.