The Greek Orthodox Diocese of Perth hosted a fundraising luncheon on Sunday, October 12, at the Archdiocese Conference Room in Dianella, raising $95,000 in support of the Holy Monastery of St John in Forrestfield. The event drew a capacity crowd of 300 attendees, with all tickets sold out.
Among those present were His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth, Very Reverend Archimandrite Makarios Souris, Abbot of the Monastery, clergy from across the Diocese, and several dignitaries, including Consul for Greece in Perth Eleni Georgopoulou, Michael and Michelle Sutherland, Kevin Kannis, and Katina Kakulas, widow of one of the original donors of the monastery’s land.
In a message shared with attendees, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia praised the monastery as “a spiritual haven” and urged the faithful “to support this sacred cause… so that it may shine as a radiant beacon of Orthodox faith and life.”
Fr Makarios expressed gratitude for the Archbishop’s “unwavering love, support, and spiritual guidance,” acknowledging his “paternal care and encouragement” as a source of strength for the monastic brotherhood.
A silent auction featuring a mosaic icon donated by Olympia Marble in Sydney raised $10,000, while an anonymous benefactor contributed $30,000.
Other donations and parish fundraising efforts, including $7,000 from cake stalls and $1,000 from the Central Philoptochos of St Tabitha, added to the total.
During the event, 17 long-time supporters of the monastery were honoured with Centenary Commemorative Coins from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. The celebration also included the recognition of three milestone birthdays at ages 87, 90, and 95.
Concluding the luncheon, Bishop Elpidios conveyed the Archbishop’s blessings and thanked all participants for their generosity and devotion.
