St Stephanos church receives Panagia Soumela icon from Pontian Society of Sydney

·

The Pontian Society of Sydney presented a sacred icon of Panagia Soumela to St Stephanos Greek Orthodox Church at Hurlstone Park on Sunday, May 19.

The event included a Divine Liturgy as well as the first unveiling and procession of the sacred icon, along with a memorial service for the souls of the victims of the Genocide of the Hellenes of Pontos.

The icon of Panagia Soumela is deeply intertwined with the history and identity of the Pontian Greeks. Following the Greek Genocide and population exchange of the early 20th century, many Pontian Greeks were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands in the Pontos region of modern-day Turkey.

This traumatic event resulted in a dispersal of the Pontian Greek community across various parts of the world, with many finding refuge in Greece and other countries such as Australia.

IMG-20240520-WA0004-1-jpg.webp

The icon of Panagia Soumela, originally housed in the ancient Monastery of Soumela in Trabzon, present-day Turkey, became a beacon of hope and resilience for the Pontian diaspora. The image of the Virgin Mary depicted in the icon was seen as a protector and guide, offering solace and strength to the displaced community.

In times of hardship and uncertainty, the icon serves as a source of comfort and reassurance for the Pontian Greeks, reminding them of their enduring heritage and the enduring power of faith.

The icon donation acts as a pledge of support for the community and the church ensuring that the spirit of Pontos, its sacred traditions and beliefs, remain and thrive for years to come.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Teacher Dorothea Papadopoulou recognised for 46-year contribution to Greek language

Dorothea Papadopoulou, a Greek language teacher of 46 years, was recognised at the Annual Dinner of Federation of Community Language Schools.

Community language schools in NSW praised for preserving heritage, shaping the future

A group of senior politicians has acknowledged that Australian society has now changed dramatically, and language was a key driver.

Inaugural Christmas tree lighting at Greek Orthodox Diocese of Brisbane

Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane welcomed clergy and laity to the Holy Diocese of Brisbane for the first-ever Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Pharos Alliance becomes a legal entity and launches its inaugural Symposium

Pharos Alliance is now a registered not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to the promotion, maintenance and expansion of Greek.

Andriana Petrakis claims titles at 2024 Peter Smith Open

Andriana Petrakis won her singles title and doubles at the SA Tennis Championships tournament for Players with Intellectual Impairment.

You May Also Like

Commemoration events for the Armenian and Greek genocides to be held in Canberra

In the lead-up to the 109th Anniversary of Armenian and Greek Genocides, events will take place in five different cities across Australia.

Bonnie Loutas becomes first baby born in Australia via new fertility treatment

UNSW Sydney and the Royal Hospital for Women are celebrating an Australian first, following the arrival of baby Bonnie Loutas.

Everything Greeks abroad must know about registering land in Greece by November 30

Tension is mounting among the Greek diaspora in Australia as the final deadline of November 30 looms to register property.