Victorian Deputy Premier Ben Carroll joined Melbourne’s Greek Orthodox community for a Good Friday service at The Annunciation of Our Lady Greek Orthodox Church (Evaggelismo), marking his first attendance at a Greek Orthodox Easter service.
The service, held at the historic East Melbourne church, included the traditional Epitaphios procession through surrounding streets, drawing large crowds of faithful who gathered to commemorate the burial of Christ in one of the most solemn observances of the Orthodox calendar.
Candles illuminated the night as parishioners followed the flower-adorned Epitaphios, reflecting a deeply rooted tradition that continues to unite generations of Greek Australians across Melbourne. As the oldest Greek Orthodox church in the city, Evaggelismo holds a special place within the community, particularly during Holy Week.
Mr Carroll described the experience as both meaningful and symbolic, highlighting the spiritual significance of the occasion.
“Greek Orthodox Easter celebrates the triumph of life over death, light over darkness, and hope over despair,” he said.
“This is my first Greek Orthodox Easter mass and it’s fitting that I was at the oldest Greek Church in Melbourne – Evaggelismo. I thank Bill Papastergiadis for the invitation to be a part of this church service on Friday night and to follow the επιτάφιο through the streets surrounding this historic church.”
His attendance was warmly received by community leaders, reflecting the strong and ongoing relationship between Victoria’s Greek community and public representatives.
President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria, Bill Papastergiadis, said the Deputy Premier’s presence was welcomed by the parish and broader community.
“It was heartening to have Ben Carroll with us at Evaggelismo Church for the Friday service,” Mr Papastergiadis said.
“His presence solidifies our faith with the broader community. Many people in our παροικία, and particularly I have a strong connection with Ben Carroll and we thank him for his ongoing support and commitment to our community.”
The Good Friday service at the Annunciation Church formed part of wider Greek Orthodox Easter commemorations across Melbourne, with parishes throughout the city observing Holy Week through a series of services leading to the celebration of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
For many in the Greek Australian community, these traditions remain central to cultural and spiritual life, bringing together faith, heritage and community in one of the most significant periods of the year.
