The Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral Melbourne, the Very Revd Dr Andreas Loewe, has been appointed the as the next Dean of the Australian Priory of the Order of St John, effective 15 June 2025. Dean Andreas will continue in his full-time role as Dean of St Paul’s, while working with Priory officials in Canberra in his capacity as Dean of the Priory. In a message to volunteers and members of St John, Chancellor of the Australian Priory Mr Cameron Oxley GCStJ announced the appointment, saying “a Commander of the Order, Dr Loewe brings to the role a perfect combination of theological depth, pastoral sensitivity, and distinguished leadership.”
As Dean of the Priory, Dean Andreas will guide the continued growth and impact of the Chaplaincy across its four key expressions of ministry:
1. Pastoral Care – Providing compassionate presence and practical support to meet physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs.
2. Liturgical Ministry – Leading worship and ceremonial services, including Investiture Services, Youth Services, Chapter Prayers, and blessings for people, vehicles, and places.
3. Spiritual Care – Encouraging and sustaining the inner life of our members and those we serve, honouring diverse beliefs, values, and traditions.
4. Prophetic Ministry – Upholding the founding ethos and enduring values of the Order, ensuring that our mission remains rooted in its noble spiritual foundations.
Dean Andreas shared the following message upon his appointment:
“I am delighted to have been asked to become the inaugural Dean of the Priory of Australia of the Order of St John. St John undertakes remarkable, lifesaving work in Australia and across the globe. All of us serve voluntarily driven by our faith and values in service of humanity. I look forward to offering my gifts as a faith leader to strengthen chaplaincy across Australia, support local first responders, and help ensure that our values and faith continue to shape our mission. Like all our volunteers, I will do this alongside my day job as Dean of Melbourne drawing on 12 years of experience leading Victoria’s metropolitical Cathedral.”
Mr Oxley acknowledged the service of outgoing Sub Prelate (now Dean) Bishop Richard Hurford OAM KStJ, noting his dedicated leadership, wisdom, and pastoral care. Bishop Richard will serve in a transitional role during the handover to Dean Andreas in the coming months.