“They burned down our church at Christmas” Christos Diamatopoulos the president of the Community was audibly crying when talking to Neos Kosmos.
Fire broke out on Saturday morning at the church of Sts Anargyri in Oakleigh, the president of the Oakleigh Greek Community Christos Diamatopoulos told Neos Kosmos.
Mr Diamatopoulos was very distraught and could not hold back his tears.
“They called me on Saturday morning to tell me that our church was on fire,” he said over the phone.
The suspect fire is thought to have started at the entrance of the church
Mr. Diamatopoulos said that the police and fire department were in the church investigating the causes.
“Investigations are being carried out because the fire is considered suspicious,” Mr Diamatopoulos said.
Neos Kosmos spoke to the parish priest who knew about the fire but was conducting a service in another church on Saturday. He had no details.
Mr. Diamatopoulos said that many community members and parishioners were gathered outside the church.
“The damages are great, and if the church cannot function the services will be held in our community hall.
A statement followed from the Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh through the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
In the statement His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopolis, with Father Stavros Kakavas and the Board of Management of the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Sts. Anargiri Oakleigh advised the community that “Saturday morning 10 December 2022 there was a fire at our beloved Sts Anargiri church.”
“There has been extensive damage to the office area, and smoke damage throughout the Church.
“Glory be to God and Saints Anargiri no one was hurt,” the statement said.
It also said that His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopolis would preside at Divine Liturgy this Sunday and from then on liturgical services will continue from the Oakleigh Grammar Conference Centre opposite the church.
“We look forward to your continued support, prayers, and participation in all services.
“Whilst this is a sad event it provides us with the opportunity to unite as one in Christ and move forward.
“We will continue to provide updates,” the statement said.
