The following press release has been distributed by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia announcing the launch of a new community relief program targeting vulnerable populations severely affected by the coronavirus crisis.

“In response to the immediate global crisis resulting from the current pandemic and, in particular, to the dramatic effects it is having on all people, specifically upon those who have lost their jobs and their salaries, as our resident international students, the Holy Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, in collaboration with various Community Organisations and individuals, launches, through the Archdiocesan District of Northcote, a new community relief program, the COVID-19 COMMUNITY RELIEF.

It is an attempt to bring relief to the families and people who today struggle to acquire the basics for their livelihoods.

This new welfare program will be directed and overseen by the Very Reverend Archimandrite Evmenios Vasilopoulos, Archiepiscopal Vicar of Northcote.

Having announced this then, with the blessing of our Archbishop, we invite all people within our community as well as all businesses that have the ability to assist in this unifying initiative to contribute by donating food, clothing, personal hygienic and sanitary products.

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The following Parishes will function as Centres for the collection and distribution for this purpose:

1. Archiepiscopal Church of the District of Northcote – Holy Monastery of Panagia “Axion Estin” – 7 Hartington Street, Northcote, Victoria 3070.

2. Parish of St Paraskevi – 22 Marsden Crescent, St Albans, Victoria 3021.

3. Parish of the Presentation of Our Lord – 23-29 Victoria Street, Coburg, Victoria 3058.

4. Parish of the Transfiguration of Our Lord – 45 Poplar Street, Thomastown, Victoria 3074.

Financial contributions can be made by directly depositing into the following bank account:

Account Name: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
Consolidated Trust – Northcote District
BSB:     082 135
Account Number:     42128 9455

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and His Eminence Archbishop Makarios thank you in advance for your efforts, your support and your prayers towards this common initiative of love towards our fellow human beings.”