Australia and the southern hemisphere’s oldest Greek Orthodox church is currently in the process of being restored.
Located in Surry Hills, Sydney, the Greek Orthodox Church of Holy Trinity was given State Heritage Status by the NSW government in 2010.
The church dates back to 1898, and was originally build to serve not just the Greek Orthodox community, but many other immigrant communities in the late nineteenth century, like the Syrian, Lebanese and Russian Orthodox.
Given its age, over time the church has deteriorated due to water entry and tree root damage underground.
The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) and the Holy Trinity Restoration Committee are looking to restore the church as part of the 125th Anniversary Restoration Appeal.
Work will take place over the next three years, with a total cost estimated at over $1.1 million.
The first stage was in March of this year, which saw the repair of the roof and guttering, installing new gutters, cost over $40,000.
Stage two commenced in June, and in compliance with the Order of City of Sydney Council, it involves stabilising and new work to the Bourke Street façade and stained-glass windows.
Stage three will see the internal ceiling and roof fixed, the walls and the painting of the church inside and outside. Funding will partly come from the emergency funds of the GOCNSW and donations.
The fourth stage will include repairs to the bell tower, inclusion of a disabled entry ramp, new main doors and much more.
Fundraising for this work has already begun, with a barbeque having took place on June 18. Later this year, a formal dinner event will be held.
If you want to make a donation to the restoration appeal, you can contact: Alkis Dracopoulos, General Manager GOC (02) 9740 6022 or by email manager@goc.com.au; John Comino, Coordinator by email johnc@cominodaniels.com.au; or Kathy Samios, 0410 491849 by email samios@live.com.au
