By Bill Roumeliotis
Thieves allegedly targeted a power station overnight, stealing copper cables that supply power to the Oakleigh area, including the nearby church of Sts Anargyri.
The theft caused significant disruption, with the church and surrounding neighbourhood left without electricity.
The Greek Herald understands the stolen cables led to a fire breaking out in the church’s bell tower. Damage to the church was minor and contained.
The Greek Herald has contacted Fire Rescue Victoria, with an investigation ongoing into the fire.
Despite the setback, the church is working tirelessly to restore electricity before a scheduled funeral at 10:30am today. The church doors remain open, symbolising the community’s resilience and strength during this challenging time.
“We hope for a swift return to normalcy,” Chris Damatopoulos, President of the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Sts Anargiri at Oakleigh, told The Greek Herald today in an emotional statement.
“Thankfully Sts Anargiri protected us for a second time.”
Another fire – unrelated to the current one – broke out at the church in December 2022. The fire caused extensive damage to the office area and smoke damage throughout the church. No one was injured at the time.
