Pontoxeniteas NSW celebrated Panagia Soumela on Sunday, August 18 by holding a paniyiri at the Pontian House in Earlwood.
A Divine Liturgy was first held on Sunday morning at The Transfiguration of our Lord – Greek Orthodox Church in Earlwood presided over by parish priest Father Sotiris.
There was a procession of the icon of Panagia Soumela through the church, followed by a march down Homer Street to the Pontian House. This was the first time the Pontoxeniteas NSW committee decorated the icon by themselves with beautiful flowers. They were guided by Laki Zikos.
Once inside the building, people enjoyed morning tea and had the opportunity to pay their respects to Panagia Soumela.
With a BBQ cooking and the youth playing live Pontian music, the dance floor flooded with multiple generations. In attendance were State Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis MP and Canterbury-Bankstown Councillor Clare Raffan, who joined in on the dancing festivities.
