Greek Orthodox Easter was celebrated across Australia over the weekend with church services, processions, and joyful family gatherings. From solemn commemorations to festive feasts, communities came together to honour one of the most significant dates on the Orthodox calendar.
Melbourne – Archbishop Makarios Leads Lamentations in Northcote
At the Axion Esti Cathedral in Northcote, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia led the deeply moving Epitaphios service. The night was marked by solemnity and emotion as hundreds of faithful followed the flower-adorned bier in procession around the grounds. The Archbishop offered a prayer before the statue of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and delivered a heartfelt homily on the sacrificial love of Christ.
“Christ chose the Cross not for ease, but to show how deeply He loves us,” His Eminence said, urging the faithful to reflect on eternity and embrace Christ in their lives.
The service was attended by clergy from across Victoria, including Bishops Evmenios and Kyriakos, as well as dignitaries such as Greek Consul General Dimitra Georgantzoglou, Federal MP Maria Vamvakinou, and Minister Steve Dimopoulos.
Adelaide – Epitaphios Procession through Bowden
In South Australia, Federal MP Steve Georganas joined Premier Peter Malinauskas and parishioners from the Church of Hagia Sophia for the Epitaphios procession through the streets of Bowden. The local community gathered in large numbers to honour the sacred moment with deep respect.
Sydney – Belmore and Earlwood Services
In Sydney, NSW Minister Sophie Cotsis joined hundreds of faithful at All Saints Church in Belmore for the evening service alongside Minister Tony Burke. At the Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord in Earlwood, worshippers gathered in reverence for the solemn liturgy.
Oakleigh – Saints Anargiri Church
Federal MP Clare O’Neil, Greek Community of Melbourne President Bill Papastergiadis, Oakleigh Grammar Principal Mark Robertson, Board Chairman Chris Damatopoulos, Greek Herald publisher Dimitra Skalkos, and Harmick Singh Matharu, Liberal candidate for Hotham, were among those attending the service at Saints Anargiri Church, Oakleigh.
Thousands of parishioners gathered for the Epitaphios procession, which circled the church grounds in a moving tribute of faith and reflection. Students from Oakleigh Grammar also took part in the service, performing hymns and chants that added a touching sense of reverence to the evening.
A National Gathering in Faith
As the clock struck midnight, Greek Orthodox churches across Australia were filled to capacity as thousands gathered for the Resurrection Service. Holding traditional lambathes, parishioners lit their candles from the Holy Flame and sang Christos Anesti in celebration of Christ.
Melbourne – Bentleigh and Hughesdale
In Bentleigh, Victorian MP Nick Staikos joined the Resurrection service at Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene. Tourism Minister Steve Dimopoulos attended in nearby Hughesdale, where families gathered in joy, sharing the kiss of love and traditional Easter delicacies.
Sydney – Kogarah and Belmore
In Kogarah, MP Mark Coure and federal election candidate Fiona Douskou attended the midnight service, while parishes across the city echoed with chants of hope and unity. NSW Minister Sophie Cotsis also joined parishioners at All Saints in Belmore alongside Minister Tony Burke and a large congregation.
Perth – Celebration in the West
In Western Australia, WA Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas joined parishioners at Saints Constantine and Helen in Perth. In a public post, he wished all a “Kalo Pascha” and “Christos Anesti.”
Post-Liturgy Traditions
Across the country, families and friends gathered after the service to enjoy magiritsa, red eggs, and traditional greetings, reinforcing bonds of faith and culture.
“A Little Greece” Blooms Across Australia
On Sunday, Australia transformed into a festive reflection of Greece. Backyards, parks, church halls, and restaurants were filled with music, laughter, and the scent of lamb on the spit. With kokoretsi, tzatziki, red wine and dancing, communities celebrated the Resurrection in full spirit. From young children to elders, generations came together to preserve and honour their heritage
Prime Minister Celebrates with the Greek Community
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese marked Orthodox Easter Sunday by joining Archbishop Makarios of Australia and members of the Greek Australian community for a festive lunch at Alpha Restaurant in Sydney’s city centre. The gathering brought together community leaders and friends in a warm atmosphere of celebration and tradition.
The table was filled with beloved Easter delicacies — lamb on the spit, tsoureki, and red-dyed eggs — capturing the spirit of a Greek family table. The Prime Minister, in relaxed and cheerful spirits, exchanged Christos Anesti greetings with attendees, cracked red eggs with parishioners, and shared laughs and stories with His Eminence.
His attendance came during a demanding federal election campaign, offering a meaningful pause to honour Australia’s multicultural fabric and the strong contribution of Greek Australians to national life.
This year’s Easter was particularly symbolic, as it marked the first time in over two decades that Orthodox and Catholic Easter coincided, adding a sense of broader unity to the day’s celebrations.
