An unexpected and disturbing situation was sparked in the Oakleigh community at around 4.45am this morning when thieves targeted an electricity substation on Chester Street with the intention of stealing copper wires.
As a result residents in the area, including the Greek Orthodox Parish of Sts Anargiri, were left without electricity overnight.
The cut wires, unfortunately, led to a sudden power surge and an electrical fire broke out in the bell tower of the Saints Anargiri Church. The fire did not cause any damage to the interior of the church, and Victoria Fire Department personnel are continuing their investigation.
Despite the disruption caused, the Parish continues to show unparalleled resilience and determination in restoring power and resuming normal services. The doors of the church remain open, sending a strong message of hope and resilience to the local community.
“We are working for a quick return to normality”, Christos Damatopoulos, President of the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Saints Anargiri Oakleigh, told TA NEA in a statement. “I’m a broken man at the moment,” he stated, clearly upset. “I thank God and Agios Anargiros for protecting us for the second time,” he added, referring to the previous ordeal the church has been through when an extensive fire broke out in December 2022, causing extensive damage, mostly to the church offices, and significant smoke damage throughout the building.
