The Parish of Saint Savvas the New of Kalymnos in Banksia, Sydney, marked its 10th anniversary on Saturday, May 24, with a joyful and uplifting celebration.
The official anniversary dinner was attended by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth, and several distinguished guests, including Peter and Nila Deriashnyj from the Ukrainian Orthodox community.
Archbishop Makarios praised the parish’s spiritual progress and unity, acknowledging the dedication of Parish Priest Fr Savas Pizanias—its founder—and the contributions of Parish President Constantine Vellis, Presbytera Stella Pizanias, and other supporters.
Reflecting on the Parish’s journey, Archbishop Makarios said, “It was integrated into the canonical Church smoothly, sweetly, in the way of the Holy Spirit… today, what we are doing is rejoicing in the fruits of unity; rejoicing in the fruits of the Most Holy Spirit.”
He also reminded attendees, “Where there is unity and love, there is the Holy Spirit.”
Fr Savas, visibly emotional, shared the Parish’s origin as “a quiet prayer in my youth,” and described its growth into a thriving community as “a reality” made possible through divine providence.
Commemorative gifts, including an anniversary book, were presented to the Archbishop and guests.
The evening concluded with music, traditional dances, and the cutting of a cake shaped as a miniature of the Saint Savvas church, led by the Archbishop, Bishop Elpidios and Parish leaders.
