The Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Belmore and District “All Saints” in Sydney, Australia celebrated its feast day on Sunday 19 June, with a strong community presence.
The feast day commenced with the divine liturgy in the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios who welcomed the congregation and reminded them of the meaning of All Saints Day and what it takes to be canonised.
In attendance also, were Mr Christos Karras, Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Mrs Sophie Cotsis MP, Member for Canterbury, Mrs Courtney Houssos, MLC, Shadow Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Mrs Elfa Lillis, Head of Senior School at ASG, Mr Thomas Psomas, Head of Junior School at ASG, and the newly appointed President of the Board of Directors of All Saints Parish, Mr Ulysses Ntoumbos, among others.
A strong community spirit was on full display as locals and visitors enjoyed the feast day which was complemented with traditional dance, music and scrumptious Greek food.
Following the liturgy, the thousands of parishioners in attendance spilled onto the streets for some freshly made loukoumades, souvlakia, sausage sizzles, cakes, drinks and much more.
The crowd was ushered into the school’s gymnasium where school captains, Miss Olga Liana Athanasatos and Mr George Gregory eloquently welcomed the official party and guests in both English and Greek, to this year’s All Saints celebration.
Everyone was treated to several Greek dancing performances by school students of all ages, along with student bouzouki soloists playing their rendition of a Greek classic, “The Song of Evdokia”.
Speeches followed together with award presentations, where All Saints Parish Priest, Father Christos Triantafillou handed out awards to long-standing members of the Parish for their contributions to the church and local community over the years.
Father Christos also wished Father Kyrillos every success with a heartfelt farewell in appreciation for all that he had contributed to the church in the past years, as Father Kyrillos prepares to make his return to Victoria to serve at Saint Eustathios Church in South Melbourne.
Students from ASG received an award in recognition of their contribution to the Campsie Police Area Command Christmas Appeal in 2021.
To conclude official proceedings, President of the Board of Directors, Ulysses Ntoumbos, thanked everyone in attendance.
Once again, people returned to the street fair and visited the primary school campus’ library where they enjoyed some photos from the Evzones Collection by Nick Bourdaniotis, a photographic exhibition.
Students, parents, and grandparents alike were enthralled to see the exhibition which showcased the elite Evzones from the Greek Presidential Guard, in never-before-seen captures.
The Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Belmore and District “All Saints” thanked the organisers, and volunteers for making this day possible and for ensuring its success.
See gallery of pics from this event:
Photography by George Karantonis, Image Smart (Copyright 2022).