Greek Community of Melbourne celebrated St George feast day

·

 The Greek Community of Melbourne’s St George church in Thornbury celebrated its Feast Day on
Sunday 23 April. Joining the community for both the service and the Feast was Consulate General
Emmanuel Kakavelakis, Bill Papastergiadis OAM, and GCM board members Helene Hiotis and Jeana
Vithoulkas.

With close to 1000 people in attendance the feast day for St George was a terrific festive day for all.
As part of the festivities, the GCM along with the parish community had organised a number of
activities including a marque, a jumping castle for the kids, live music, the GCM dance group and
delicious food.

Church followers celebrating the St George feast day. Photo: Supplied.

In his sermon Bishop Evmenios made particular mention in his speech of the great work done by the
parish priest Harris Vezos and on how he has brought together the community and given new life to
this church. Bishop Evmenios also thanked Bill P and his board for the day’s organisation at the
church and for their leadership in the community.

A function had been organised post the service int eh hall adjoining the hall. At the event was the
dance group of the GCM led by Nick Papaefthimiou which gave an outstanding performance of
dances. A band with lead singer Tsourdalakis entertained the crowd.

Church followers celebrating the St George feast day. Photo: Supplied.

In his speech, Bill P noted that he had spent one hour that morning call of the Georges he knows as it
seems half our paroikia is named George. Bill P also to the loud applause of the crowd announced a
significant investment by the GCM on infrastructure programs for the Hall such that it can be used as
a multipurpose venue and is renovated.

These works will take place within one year with the support of the Federal Government In the
history of Christianity, few figures inspire as much reverence as Saint George.

Church followers celebrating the St George feast day. Photo: Supplied.

About Saint George:

The patron saint of several localities, including England and Georgia, Saint George is the epitome of
knightly virtue and chivalry. Throughout history, stories persist of the life of Saint George, including
his service as a Roman soldier and his slaying of a fearsome dragon. Following his martyrdom in 303,
Saint George became recognized as a holy saint in the Orthodox Christian Church.

When George came of age, he chose to serve in the Roman army like his father. A brave warrior with
a charming personality, George quickly endeared himself to his superiors and rose through the ranks
of the Roman officer corps. In 303, George found himself in Nicomedia in the personal guard of the
Emperor Diocletian.

When Diocletian ordered the persecution of Christians in Nicomedia, George refused to participate
and revealed his faith. The emperor then brutally tortured the noble soldier before having him
decapitated near the city wall. George’s suffering led thousands of citizens in Nicomedia to convert
to Christianity, including Empress Alexandra.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

John Stamos explores his Greek heritage in emotional documentary

In a new documentary, Hollywood actor John Stamos embarks on a personal journey to uncover his Greek ancestry.

Actor Adam Demos opens up on his exciting new role

Australian actor Adam Demos, takes on a new challenge in Rescue: HI-Surf, where he plays lifeguard Will Ready on O‘ahu’s North Shore.

Bauhaus-inspired revival for Athens’ Faliro Bay waterfront

The European Commission has approved €370 million in funding for the Faliro Bay Metropolitan Park in Athens.

Expansion work set to begin at Athens International Airport

Preliminary construction for the expansion of Athens International Airport is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2025.

Study ranks Greece among world’s scariest places to drive

According to a recent survey by Scrap Car Comparison, Greece ranks among the most nerve-wracking places to drive in the world.

You May Also Like

George Karlaftis secures back-to-back Super Bowl wins with Kansas City Chiefs

Greek-born George Karlaftis won his second Super Bowl in as many seasons on Sunday as a defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs.

‘Marry a younger woman’: 100-year-old Louis Ampoulos shares his secrets to living a long life

100-year-old, Louis Ampoulos, tells The Greek Herald how marrying his 72-year-old wife, Panagiota, was the best decision of his life.

COVID labor shortage makes Greek olive harvest a traditional family affair again

Greek olive producers rely on migrant seasonal workers to harvest the crop, but with the coronavirus lockdown this year, that isn't possible.