The Orthodox Church is the fastest growing Christian denomination in Australia according to recently published 2016-2021 census data.
The Greek Orthodox Church is the fasting growing of all in Australia, while the Serbian and Antiochian Churches are also in the top 10.
The Greek Church grew by 17,400 members, the Serbian by 7,300, and the Antiochian by 4,400. However, the number of Australians who identify simply as “Christian,” without specifying a Church or denomination grew by 76,100.
The Orthodox growth comes amidst an overall decline in Christianity in Australia. In 2016, 12.2 million people (52.1%) identified as Christian, but this number fell to 11.1 million (43.9%)by 2021, though Christianity, in general, remains the most popular religion in Australia.
By far the largest decline was suffered by the Anglican church, followed by the Catholic church, though the Maronite and Chaldean Catholic churches are in the top 10 for growth. 8 of the 10 fastest-growing groups come from Eastern Christian traditions.
Glory be to God! This is wonderful news.
How about Russians? There were Russians that left Harbin and other places in China and moved to Australia. When I was teaching English in Harbin during the ’80’s I went to the Orthodox church there. One of the Russian ladies took her two nieces and a nephew with her to Australia in 1989. Father Michael Li went to Australia in the 1990’s see: http://www.orthodox.cn/localchurch/shanghai/michaelli_en.htm
Great news. I’m Anglican but I do have a soft spot for Orthodoxy. If The Australian Anglican Church deteriorates to a point where I couldn’t in good conscience remain in it, then I’ll have somewhere to go.
Immigration is a temporary solution. That’s why the Catholic Church enables illegal immigration, because it fills the pews. Next generation starts dropping off dramatically.