Greek Australian benefactor Andreas Andrianopoulos and family have committed to continue their funding support for works to be carried out at Melbourne’s historic Church of Evangelismos in a recent meeting.
On his visit to the church to announce the support, Andreas Andrianopoulos said: “This church is a very important part of my life and the lives of many Greek Melbournians. For many years, it was the only church we had, it was a meeting place, a place where we celebrated our greatest joys, and our deepest sorrows. I am only too happy to help see it restored.”
Mr Andrianopoulos met with Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) President Bill Papastergiadis OAM, Vice President Tammy Iliou, the church priest Father Antonios Vanikiotis and members of the church committee to further commit funding for the completion of the church floor, lighting and seating works ahead of the church’s 120thanniversary in 2022.
The well-known Melbourne family have been significant supporters and benefactors of the GCM’s work dating back many years.
Their involvement with the East Melbourne historic church has a long history. Andreas married his beloved Sophia there in 1957 and he first funded works at the Church with the installation of it’s parquetry floor over 40 years ago.
The 119 year old church was significantly damaged in a 2016 fire with the GCM funding painstaking restorative works that included a rebuild of the mezzanine, replacement of the heritage listed led light windows and the ongoing archaeological work to restore the “templo”.
“What can I say about Andrea, his sons Chris, George, Nick and Dimitri and the whole of the Andrianopoulos family? Their support of the GCM and its programs is significant and ongoing and this latest gift isjust one part of the ongoing support over many years by the Andrianopoulos family. We are humbled and incredibly appreciative.” said GCM President Bill Papastergiadis.
