Neither rain nor clouds could dampen the festive spirit at the annual St Charalambos Festival in Doncaster & Templestowe, as record crowds gathered on Sunday, 16 February, to honour the saint and celebrate with the Greek Australian community.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the church grounds transformed into a lively Greek celebration, with visitors of all ages enjoying traditional delicacies such as souvlaki, crispy loukoumades, and an array of sweets.
The rich aromas of grilled meats and desserts filled the air, inviting guests to indulge in the flavors of Greek heritage.
Live music set the rhythm for the day, with traditional and folk songs inspiring attendees to dance. Greek dance groups Akrítes, Pígasos, and Aristotélis captivated the crowd with performances in traditional attire, while many guests eagerly joined the dance circles.
Children were also at the heart of the festivities, with special entertainment and activities designed for them, creating a warm and family-friendly atmosphere.
From left to right (seated): Matthew Guy MP (State Member for Bulleen), Deirdre Diamante (Mayor of Manningham), Fr Ilias Kentrotis, His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, Fr Menelaos Chatzoglou.
The event drew prominent community figures, including Manningham Mayor Deirdre Diamante, MP Keith Wolahan, MP Matthew Guy, and Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, along with local councillors and church representatives.
Organisers expressed their gratitude for the strong turnout and promised an equally vibrant celebration next year, reaffirming the festival’s role in preserving Greek culture and bringing the community together.
