The Greek Community of Melbourne’s (GCM) St George Church in Thornbury, marked a major milestone on Sunday, April 26, celebrating both its Feast Day and its 60th anniversary with a large community event.
The day brought together parishioners, families, neighbours and the wider community, and included the Divine Liturgy led by Parish Priest Fr. Harris Vezos and the community festival that followed.
St David Street was closed to traffic as the area opened into a community space, with live music, traditional dance, pop up market stalls and activities for children throughout the day.
Entertainment included performances by well known Melbourne band Demotika, along with dance groups O Periklis, the GCM Dance Group and Florina Aristotelis, entertaining the crowd.
The event was attended by Mayor of Darebin Cr Emily Dimitriadis and Cr Vasilios Tsalkos, alongside members of the GCM Board, including President Bill Papastergiadis OAM, Simela Stamatopoulos, Chris Sikavitsas, Jim Bossinakis, Vicki Kyritsis, Spiridoula Demetriou and Nick Koukouvitakis.
“Marking 60 years of St George’s is not only about recognising the generations who built and sustained this church and its programs, but it’s about the establishment of this important community hub that the church has developed into. It’s a place of worship, it’s a place to gather, it’s a place from which to deliver service,” Papastergiadis said.
“Days like today show that the Church is and continues to be an important part of people’s lives, bringing the community together across all ages.”
In his speech, Papastergiadis referred to the first feast day held at the Thornbury church referencing a 60-year-old letter sourced in the GCM archives by the then-GCM Secretary – Mr Deliyiannis – inviting people to attend the start of the church’s services.
“It is poignant to see that 60 years ago, we were staging similar events and celebrations for what is now an establish community stronghold in Melbourne’s inner Northern suburbs,” Papastergiadis said.
In her speech, Darebin Mayor Cr Dimitriadis said “the importance of community and the importance of our multicultural society is best reflected in neighbourhood events such as this. It is what makes Darebin, such a great place to live in.”
Special acknowledgment was given to the work of the Church Committee and the Philoptochos, whose ongoing efforts continue to support the church and its community.
“This celebration shows what can be achieved when the community comes together around the church,” Nick Koukouvitakis, Chair of the Church Committee, said.
“From the volunteers to the families who came through, it’s that support that’s kept St George’s going all these years.”
The event reflected the ongoing role of the Church as a place where people come together, stay connected and continue traditions across generations.
*All photos by Andy McMaster.
 St George Church in Thornbury, marked a major milestone on Sunday, April 26.){kind=link}