The Greek Community of Melbourne’s St George Church in Thornbury, marked a major milestone on Sunday 26 April, celebrating both its Feast Day and its 60th Anniversary with a large community event.
The day brought together parishioners, families, neighbours and the wider community, and included the Divine Liturgy led by Parish Priest Fr. Harris Vezos and the community festival that followed.
St David Street was closed to traffic as the area opened up into a community space, with live music, traditional dance, pop up market stalls and activities for children throughout the day.
Entertainment included performances by well known Melbourne band Demotika, along with dance groups O Periklis, the GCM Dance Group and Florina Aristotelis, entertaining the crowd.
The event was attended by Mayor of Darebin Cr Emily Dimitriadis and Cr Vasilios Tsalkos, alongside members of the Greek Community of Melbourne Board, including President Bill Papastergiadis OAM, Simela Stamatopoulos, Chris Sikavitsas, Jim Bossinakis, Vicki Kyritsis, Spiridoula Demetriou and Nick Koukouvitakis.
“Marking 60 years of St George’s is not only about recognising the generations who built and sustained this church and its programs, but its about the establishment of this important community hub that the Chruch has developed into. It’s a place of worship, it’s a place to gather, it’s a place from which to deliver service,” said Greek Community of Melbourne President Bill Papastergiadis. “Days like today show that the Church is and continues to be an important part of people’s lives, bringing the community together across all ages.”
In his speech, Bill referred to the first feast day held at the Thornbury Church referencing a 60 year old letter sourced in the GCM archives by the then GCM Secretary – Mr Deliyiannis – inviting people to attend that start of the church’s services.
“It is poignant to see that 60 years ago, we were staging similar events and celebrations for what is now an establish community stronghold in Melbourne’s inner Northern suburbs”
Bill Papastergiadis
The event was also attended by Darebin Mayor Cr Emily Dimitriadis who spoke of “The Importance of community and the importance of our multicultural society is best reflected in neighbourhood events such as this. It is what makes Darebin, such a great place to live in.”
Special acknowledgment was given to the work of the Church Committee and the Filoptohos, whose ongoing efforts continue to support the church and its community.
“This celebration shows what can be achieved when the community comes together around the church,” said Nick Koukouvitakis, Chair of the Church Committee. “From the volunteers to the families who came through, it’s that support that’s kept St George’s going all these years.”
The event reflected the ongoing role of the Church as a place where people come together, stay connected and continue traditions across generations.
