St Anna Greek Orthodox Church in the Gold Coast was able to celebrate the feast day of its patron saint on 25 July, just days before the COVID-19 lockdown was imposed in south east Queensland.

Father Romanos Stergiou and Fr Raymond Smith co-celebrated the Divine Liturgy. The church Youth Choir sang the responses.

Special guests who attended included the Honorary Consul of Greece in Queensland, Jim Raptis OBE with Gold Coast Councillors Booke Pattrson and Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden.

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With social distancing regulations restricting the numbers of people able to attend the church service, more parishioners came to the subsequent luncheon at Ashmore Seafood and Steak Restaurant.

Father Romanos Stergiou, in the middle, with Father Raymond Smith and James Nides, the president of the Greek Community of St Anna. Photo: John Carras

 

Gold Coast Councillor Ryan Baildon- Lumsden and Councillor Brooke Patterson attended the service on 25 July. Photo: John Carras

 

St Anna Youth Choir. Photo: John Carras
Helen Raptis introducing officials at the luncheon which was held at the Ashmore Seafood and Steak Restaurant. Photo: John Carras.