Greek Orthodox parishioners in Melbourne angered over council candidate’s campaign tactics

·

Churchgoers at Saint Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church in Templestowe have raised concerns about the campaign tactics of Isabella Eltaha, a candidate for the Manningham council, after she distributed flyers despite being explicitly asked not to campaign during a Sunday service.

Eltaha attended the church as part of her election efforts, but the church president informed her that while she was welcome to participate, she “could not campaign during the liturgy or service.” This decision was made as the church sought to remain neutral, not aligning with any election candidates or political policies.

Despite these guidelines, a long-time church member, who requested anonymity, told The Herald Sun that Eltaha proceeded to hand out flyers.

“I recognised her face from the posters across the street and spoke to her,” he recalled. “She came across as very polite and charming and told me she was an Armenian Christian.”

However, many congregants felt taken aback by her actions, deeming them “inappropriate.”

One parishioner commented, “There are better ways to campaign than going to a church you have been asked not to campaign at. It’s not a good look campaigning at a church.”

Additionally, some members expressed doubts about Eltaha’s authenticity in her campaign, especially after learning of her affiliation with the Alliance of Australian Muslims (AAM).

According to Herald Sun, a senior parishioner said, “Our church is full of people of different ethnicities, and not everyone is Greek… I would not have a problem if she came to our church and was honest, but members are confused about whether she was being authentic.”

Source: Herald Sun.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Ethnic media: A necessary platform informing a multicultural Australia

Independent ethnic media like The Greek Herald play a vital role in Australia’s multicultural landscape, delivering culturally specific news.

From Kythera to Katoomba: Preserving the heritage of the Paragon Café

Founded in 1916 by Greek migrant Jack Simos, Katoomba’s Paragon Café is undergoing long-overdue heritage restoration after years of neglect.

Oakleigh Grammar students selected for prestigious Monash Scholars Program

Oakleigh Grammar is celebrating the selection of three Year 10 students into the prestigious Monash Scholars Program.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia plans revival of historic Mount Gambier church

A historic church in Mount Gambier, South Australia may soon be revived as a place of worship by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.

McDermott Aviation finalist in Australian awards amid Greek wildfire deployment

Australia’s heli-aviation operator, McDermott Aviation, has been announced finalist in two categories at the 2025 Australian Aviation Awards.

You May Also Like

On This Day: 17 Greek tourists tragically lost their lives in the 1996 Cairo shooting

We remember the 17 Greek tourists who tragically lost their lives in Cairo during a trip to the Holy Land sites for Greek Easter.

Thousands flock to Greek War of Independence Playmobil recreation

Laskarina Bouboulina, Theodoros Kolokotronis and Markos Botsaris were only some of the personalities and scenes depicted in more than 20 fascinating Playmobil dioramas and 3D scenery exhibited there.

South Melbourne FC legends reflect ahead of The Greek Herald Cup 2025

On Saturday, the highly anticipated second meeting of the Greek Herald Cup will occur between South Melbourne FC and Sydney Olympic FC.