The Mission began in 2003 as a lay initiative by committed Orthodox Christians, and is continually supported by those who are zealous to bring the true universal, Orthodox Faith to all.

The Mission is a fraternity, consisting of Orthodox clergy, monastics and lay people. It is open to every person from every nation and background - it is not ethno-specific.

The best gift we can give to our nation (and the world) is the message of hope and salvation. This can only be achieved by using the language and culture of the nation we find ourselves in. Lest by adhering to a foreign language and culture, we isolate people or shut them out of the Kingdom, by imposing upon them the Faith in an incomprehensible language.

... preaching cannot cease;
divine worship is fulfilled according to correct rite and in an edifying manner;
iconography is uplifting and pious and the singing is sober, simple and reverent.
The fulfilment of this is the responsibility of those who serve.
It is necessary to speak out, not just in churches but also in homes,
using every opportunity to describe the divine world,
and to expose the seduction of our soul by the illusions of the mind and body.
[St Theophan the Recluse, The Path to Salvation]

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit inaugurated the dawn of the New Covenant Church when all heard and understood the mighty acts of God in their own language and dialect. This imperative was set by God himself.

Although they were known to be unlearned, (the apostles) were made wise;
and as fishermen they preached divinely, and brought the nations to the Faith.
for they heard them speaking in foreign languages, as the Spirit inspired them.
Therefore, we cry out to you: Glory to you, O Lord,
who appeared on earth to save us from error.
[Aposticha Thursday of Pentecost, Vespers]

           

The vision of the Holy Cross Mission began when Archimandrite Lazarus came to Australia and lived in Melbourne with a young couple during 1976 – 1984.

It was during these years when Nazareth House was established. The services of the Church were conducted in the language of this nation - English, and presented in a non-ethno specific culture. The founding principles of the Mission were established and the visible expression of Australian Orthodoxy began then. To this small house, many came, Orthodox clergy, lay people, seekers inquirers and those needing the wisdom of our beloved monk.

These were difficult years because Orthodoxy presented to this nation in its own language was seen as being unacceptable. The seemingly immovable rock of a liturgical language centred on Church Greek, Church Slavonic and classical Church Arabic did not give any space for all Australians to comprehend the Faith of our Fathers in their own language and dialect. The message of salvation was sought more by the non-Orthodox – Pentecostals, Baptists, Church of Christ and even Roman Catholics. At great financial cost Nazareth House printed books / pamphlets / and small booklets containing the Church services and catechism lessons. The great missionary would always say, never despise the day of small beginnings, for you never know how big the mustard seed will grow.

Fr Lazarus is now regarded as one of the great missionaries and scholars of the 20th century. His translations of the Orthodox liturgical books (the Church Services, the Psalter and the Four Gospels), and other books such as The Ladder, Life of St Seraphim of Sarov, The Arena, as well as many other works, have opened the doors of the Church to countless people, not to mention all those in the household of the Faith.The work of Holy Cross Mission is a product of the pioneering efforts of Fr Lazarus in Australia who was adamant that the universal faith and all its services must be presented in the language and cultural setting of the nation it finds itself in.

The mustard seed sown by Fr Lazarus and the small young family has grown and the fruit is abundant stretching from Melbourne to Indonesia and beyond.

Fr Lazarus in Athens 1973 before arriving in Australia

Fr Lazarus staying at the Christian community in Tasmania, 1976

Stephen & Sandra Atsis meet Fr Lazarus in Tasmania in 1976. Soon after their meeting Fr Lazarus moves with them to Melbourne to begin Nazareth House.

Nazareth House established in Melbourne 1976.

Fr Lazarus visiting the Serbian Orthodox Monastery in Elaine, 1977.

Fr Lazarus with the founder of the Indian Orthodox Church in Australia, Fr Scariya.