A Torchbearer in the Darkness: In Memory of Fr. Vladimir Evsukov (1942–1980)
June 29, 2025
On that the Orthodox Church in Australia lost a devoted pastor, missionary, and spiritual father.
Archbishop Theodosius (Putilin), ruling bishop of the Australian and New Zealand Diocese of ROCOR from 1955 to 1980, with Priest Vladimir Evsukov
A Life Rooted in Faith and Sacrifice
Fr. Vladimir Ivanovich Evsukov was born on October 18, 1942, in the village of Pechinah, near Kharkov, Ukraine. During World War II, his family was forcibly taken to Germany as Ostarbeiters (forced laborers). There, his father joined the Brotherhood of St. Job of Pochaev as a lay brother. In 1950, the family immigrated to Australia.
From this turbulent beginning, a profound spiritual life emerged. Fr. Vladimir was raised largely by his grandparents—his grandfather a church reader, his grandmother deeply pious. Their faith planted the seed that would later flourish in him.
He studied at Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, New York, from 1961 to 1966, a time he would later recall as the spiritual foundation of his life. He admired Archbishop Averky, whose sermons left a lasting impression. Upon graduating, he made a pilgrimage to Mount Athos and the Holy Land before returning to Australia, where he soon married and began his priestly ministry.
Missionary Zeal and Pastoral Care
Fr. Vladimir was ordained deacon in 1968 and priest in 1969. He served first in the parish of Joy of All Who Sorrow in Geelong, and later became rector of Holy Protection Cathedral in Melbourne. There, his influence blossomed.
He was not a public ascetic or celebrated theologian, but a tireless, warm, and deeply sincere priest whose entire life was one of sacrifice for Christ. His efforts reached far beyond the altar:
He founded a youth Bible study group that met biweekly, drawing 20–30 young people eager to hear Orthodoxy explained in English.
He established a small printing press and began publishing Pokrovskie Listki (Protection Leaflets, a newsletter named after the parish’s name), translating spiritual texts and catechetical material into English. He dedicated this work to St. Xenia of St. Petersburg.
He sought to make the church a place of prayerful beauty—not for aesthetic reasons alone, but to open hearts to God. He commissioned new icons, refreshed vestments, and regilded sacred vessels.
His sermons and services were marked by seriousness and reverence. He refused to begin the Gospel reading until there was full silence in the church.
He also founded the Australian branch of Pravoslavnoe Delo (Orthodox Action), which supported persecuted Christians behind the Iron Curtain.
The funeral service for Fr Vladimir at Melbourne Cathedral
A Tragic End
On June 29, 1980—his 38th birthday—Fr. Vladimir died in a car accident in Melbourne. His sudden death shocked the entire diocese. The community had lost a spiritual rock, and many were left wondering how to continue without the man who had guided them so faithfully.
And yet, his death also became a turning point. As one of his spiritual children wrote:
“Perhaps now it is time for us to take Fr. Vladimir’s life as an example and become ourselves torchbearers—who, having been ignited by Fr. Vladimir, are now ready to spread the light to others.”
His Legacy Lives On
Memorial services are still held in his honor in the Australian Diocese of ROCOR.
His Protection Leaflets, Bible groups, and pastoral counsel sparked the renewal of faith in an entire generation.
He inspired countless Orthodox Christians to take their spiritual lives seriously—and personally.
Another spiritual child wrote:
“If ever a man was a great lover of Christ and guided by the Holy and Life-giving Spirit, Fr. Vladimir was such a man.”
Memory Eternal
In a world increasingly defined by confusion and spiritual apathy, Fr. Vladimir’s example shines brighter than ever. He was a faithful laborer in Christ’s vineyard, a quiet hero of the Church who taught not by ideology, but by love, sacrifice, and action.
May his memory be eternal!
Sources:
Australian Parishes Mark the 25th Anniversary of the Death of Priest Vladimir Evskiukov, Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
Torch-Bearer for Christ – Fr. Vladimir Evsukoff, Orthodox America
Protoierei Vladimir Evsiukov, Biographies of Religious Activists of the Russian Diaspora
Schema-Priestmonk John, “Orthodox Russia in America: Portraits of the First Generation of Jordanville Monastery Fathers,” Historical Studies of the Russian Church Abroad