The Greek Orthodox Community & Church of Canberra (GOCCC) have not let the coronavirus pandemic hamper their progress in building upon new and existing initiatives for the Canberra Greek Community.
GOCCC have been administering community matters programs and providing regular updates to their parishioners and members via social media during this time.
The Canberra Greek Community President, John Loukadellis, says that the coronavirus restrictions on churches were the perfect chance to work on restorations to the hail damage inflicted upon the St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Canberra.
Additionally, while the churches remaining closed, the GOCCC have provided the ability for parishioners to purchase candles and make donations online.
“As part of this initiative, Father Petros will also be blessing and providing prayers for the families of our parish,” Mr Loukadellis told The Greek Herald.
READ MORE: Greek community in Canberra restores hail-damaged church.
Hands Across Canberra Foundation Grant
The GOCCC was recently awarded a local grant from ‘Hands Across Canberra’ foundation, a foundation which raises funds for community-service organisations working with vulnerable individuals and families.
The grant has allowed the GOCCC to purchase tablets for their vulnerable elderly members, allowing them to stay connected to family and friends during COVID-19 restrictions.
The Grant also allows the elderly to access livestreams of church services until churches reopen for public worship.
In the last eight years, Hands Across Canberra has donated over $2.5 million to close to 100 community projects aimed at making a difference to some of the ACT’s most vulnerable people.
Online Learning for Greek School and Zoom GOCCC Meetings
The GOCCC have enabled online learning for their Greek School students, allowing them to continue their cultural and language education while under restrictions.
“Our teachers remain very committed to their students and we are grateful for all their efforts in managing this remote teaching environment,” Mr Loukadellis told The Greek Herald.
The GOCCC president also affirmed that the committee continues to remain active and work effortlessly via regular ZOOM meetings.
“….When we come out of COVID-19, we will be ready to go with our events, fundraisers and business matters without any delays and obstacles,” Mr Loukadellis added.
Mr Loukadellis offered his thanks to Father Petros for all his continued support of our community, along with the GOCCC committee.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our priest Father Petros for all his continued support of our community, our committee who are giving 100% of their volunteer hours to ensure the growth of our Hellenic culture in ACT and to all our members and friends for their continued support, love and generosity during this time.”
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