Parishioners rejoice as Greek Orthodox churches reopen in Australia

·

Hundreds of Greek Australian parishioners flocked to church on Sunday after weeks of staying away, as a ban on mass gatherings to curb the spread of coronavirus was eased.

Whilst only ten people at a time were allowed inside churches, it was still a special moment for many as they heard the melodious chants of the Sunday liturgy in person for the first time in eight weeks.

“I was moved when I came to church today because it’s something we couldn’t do for a while. But I hope the pandemic will disappear and we will be able to return to normal,” said Margarita Kapetanaki with tears in her eyes, after attending a service at St Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in Burwood.

DOORS RE-OPEN FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP – ST NECTARIOS BURWOOD

DOORS RE-OPEN FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP TODAY | For the first time in 8 weeks our doors reopened today for the Divine Liturgy – an uplifting development. Whilst we could only allow ten worshippers in at one time, those who attended were filled with emotion and joy. Everyone was very understanding about the necessary health and safety procedures. We asked some of those present today to tell us how they were feeling…

Posted by Saint Nectarios Burwood – Sydney, Australia on Saturday, May 16, 2020

Another parishioner from St Nectarios, Stella, also expressed how happy she was to be able to attend church for her mother’s 17 year memorial.

“It’s a pleasure to be here for my mother’s 17 year memorial and to see everyone at church today,” she said.

However, the reopening of Greek Orthodox churches across Australia was no easy feat. Parishioners were asked to sit in designated seats and those who weren’t lucky enough to get inside, had to adhere to social distancing measures in outdoor courtyards.

Disposable gloves and antiseptic were also available at the entrance, and worshippers had their temperature taken on arrival.

Father George Liangas from St Nectarios Burwood said these preparations to reopen the church were worth it as it was good to see parishioners attend services again.

“It was difficult to have holy services with no parishioners, so I’m very happy that we are now able to open our churches again. It was moving to interact with everyone, which is what the church is about,” Father Liangas said.

READ MORE: Greek Orthodox Churches in Australia to reopen for private prayer this week.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

History and heritage united: Evzones receive warm reception in South Australia

Greek Australians were filled with pride on Thursday, 24 April 2025, as the Evzones stood in reverent formation during an official reception.

The Tymbakion Shorts: How a heirloom uncovered a hidden chapter of ANZAC history

When Dr Andrew Holyoake stumbled upon wartime memorabilia, he had no idea it would lead him to a long-forgotten chapter of WWII history.

A Kytherian ANZAC: The wartime legacy of Nicholas Theodore Georgeopoulos

Nicholas, the first child of Theodore N and Eirini Tzortzopoulos, was born in Sydney, Australia in 1917. Read more here.

Oakleigh Grammar commemorates ANZAC Day at special assembly

Oakleigh Grammar has honoured ANZAC Day with a moving whole school assembly to commence Term Two of 2025.

‘ANZAC Bread’: How Australian flour fed the survivors of Genocide

The Hobson’s Bay had sailed from Melbourne the previous month with thousands sacks of flour donated by Victorian farmers.

You May Also Like

In the footsteps of Digenis Akritas: Melbourne exhibition celebrates Hellenic unity

A new Melbourne exhibition fosters a deeper understanding of the shared history and culture of Greeks from Cyprus.

Greek Vice President of European Commission Margaritis Schinas to visit Australia

The first Greek European Commission Vice President, Margaritis Schinas, is scheduled to visit Australia next week.

Kirin Georgi follows in the footsteps of her ancestor and the first Greek in Australia, Gikas Voulgaris

Kirin Georgi tells The Greek Herald how she followed in the footsteps of her ancestor and the first Greek in Australia, Gikas Voulgaris.