More than 300 guests gathered at The Grand Roxy in Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney on Saturday, May 24 for the St Elesa Food Initiative Fundraising Dinner, an evening marked by generosity, spiritual reflection, and unwavering community spirit.
Presiding over the sold-out event was His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, joined by His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth and His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia. Their presence brought spiritual warmth and heartfelt encouragement to the evening, which celebrated the work of the Initiative in supporting vulnerable members of the community.
In his address, Archbishop Makarios emphasised the significance of the charitable service run by the Greek Orthodox Community and Parish of Kogarah. He also praised Bishop Christodoulos, Fr Athanasios Giatsios, Fr Socrates Dokos, and the tireless members of the Philoptohos for their “inspirational work” in serving those in need.
Bishop Christodoulos, speaking on behalf of all St Elesa volunteers, thanked His Eminence for his “unwavering and unconditional support,” crediting the Archbishop’s pastoral care as the driving force behind the Initiative’s continued impact.
One of the most moving moments of the night came from Glen, a man currently experiencing homelessness who now serves as a Peer Support Officer at St Vincent’s Hospital. He spoke candidly about the role of the St Elesa Food Initiative in his life and the importance of accessible healthcare and emergency accommodation for the homeless.
Adding a special sporting touch to the evening, South Sydney Rabbitohs player Peter Mamouzelos donated a 2025 team jersey, which was auctioned to raise funds for the cause.
Bishop Christodoulos also extended gratitude to the many donors and sponsors, including Elias Stefadouros of Olympia Marble, who contributed a mosaic of St. Porphyrios as a raffle prize. A standout moment was the announcement that Fr Miltiades Chryssavgis had raised over $13,000 in raffle ticket sales alone — an act described as “a testament to the spirit of giving that defined the evening.”
The total amount raised on the night was a remarkable $178,000.
Special thanks were extended to the hardworking Philoptohos for organising the event, MC Peter Panagiotopoulos for keeping the evening lively, Marianthi Karadoukas for capturing it all through photography, and Bill Mougios and the Grand Roxy team for delivering exceptional hospitality.
*All photos supplied by MK Creative Photography and Designs.
