A Russian Orthodox priest has been charged with grooming and indecent assault offences against a 15-year-old boy.

Police allege the priest, 33, who arrived in Australia in 2013, had been communicating with a 15-year-old Belarusian boy over the internet.

In July 2014, the 15-year-old arrived in Australia and stayed in accommodation at the inner west church where the priest lived.

Sex Crimes Squad investigators arrested the priest and charged him with three counts of aggravated indecent assault, one count of child grooming and one count of detaining for advantage.

The priest has had his visa cancelled by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, and is being held in the Villawood Detention Centre.

He was refused bail is due to appear at Burwood Local Court on October 14.