The Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Geraldton, Western Australia celebrated its 60th anniversary this past weekend, drawing over 300 attendees from Perth and surrounding areas.
The coastal church, 424 kilometres north of Perth, has been a spiritual beacon facing the Indian Ocean since its consecration by Archbishop Ezekiel Tsoukalas in May 1965.
The church’s origins trace back to 1953 when the Hellenic Society of Geraldton was formed to support Greek families affected by the Ionian earthquake.
By 1958, the Society purchased land at 13 Mark Street, and the foundation stone was laid on 8 November 1963.
The first Divine Liturgy was celebrated a year later, establishing a lasting spiritual legacy.
Presiding over the anniversary, His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth reflected on the community’s dedication.
“When we look back over these six decades, we cannot help but feel a deep sense of thanksgiving. This church stands as a living witness to the faith, the courage, and the vision of our forefathers – men and women who built not only with bricks and mortar, but with their hearts, their hands, and their tears and prayers,” His Grace said.
The two-day celebrations included Vespers, Matins, and a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, attended by Fr Terry Gerovasilis, Fr Emmanuel Lykopandis, the Honourable Consul of Greece in Perth, Eleni Georgopoulou, president of the Hellenic Society of Geraldton, Nicholas Geronimos, and various Greek community representatives.
Students from St Andrew’s Grammar Day School and the Greek Language and Culture Institute of Evangelismos also participated.
Following the Liturgy, a luncheon was held with Mayor Jerry Clune, during which Bishop Elpidios presented 15 recipients, including Hellenic Society members, with commemorative coins issued for the Centenary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
The event concluded with the cutting of a commemorative cake and a video tribute to past supporters of the church.
The anniversary was particularly celebrated by young families who return annually for the Feast of the Archangels, with Bishop Elpidios conveying the love and blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia to all attendees.
