2025 has been an important year for the Greek Orthodox community in South Australia with the 65-year anniversary of the St George Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of distinguished guests, members of the clergy, parishioners, and community members gathered to celebrate the Legacy of Faith, 65-year Gala Dinner at the Adelaide Convention Centre last week.
The night was MC’d by Greek Australian journalist George Donikian and South Australian food identity, George Diakomichalis. Both set the tone for a magical evening of memory, endurance and a long-standing commitment to multiculturalism, faith and heritage.
The Hon Minister Tom Koutsantonis MP described Saint George Orthodox Church as “a spiritual home that has stood as a beacon of faith, culture, and community in South Australia for more than six decades”.
“Saint George’s is not just a church building, it is the living heart of a community.
“For 65 years, it has been a sanctuary where generations of faithful have gathered in prayer, where baptisms, weddings, and commemorations have marked life’s milestones, and where the Orthodox faith has been handed down with reverence and love.
“Through times of challenge and change, Saint George has stood firm, reminding us of the unbroken continuity of the Orthodox tradition and its central place in the lives of Greek Australians in this state.”
Minister Koutsantonis reiterated South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas’ recognition of the immense contribution the Greek community has made to South Australia and the importance of maintaining this legacy into the future.
On the night, Minister Koutsantonis announced that the Malinauskas Labor Government will provide a $2 million grant to the Hellenic Foundation to support the ongoing teaching of Greek language and culture in South Australia.
“Saint George has long been a place where children learn not only the Orthodox faith, but also the Greek language and cultural heritage that binds us to our ancestors. In its classrooms and community halls, thousands of young people have discovered the richness of their identity, and in turn, have grown into citizens who enrich South Australian society.
“Language is more than words, it is memory, it is faith, it is culture. Preserving Greek language in South Australia is about ensuring that our children and grandchildren can continue to read the Scriptures in their mother tongue, can sing the hymns of their church, and can carry forward the wisdom of their ancestors,” said Minister Koutsantonis.
At the heart of the night’s celebration was the incredible contribution made by the Very Reverend Father Diogenis Patsouris whose son Harry addressed the crowd by rightly noting:
“Tonight, we gather not simply to mark 65 years of the Saint George community, but to honour a remarkable story: a story of faith carried across oceans; built with courage in a new land; and sustained by unity across generations”.
Minister Tom Koustantonis – whose electorate of West Torrens represents the iconic church and bilingual college – said on the night it was impossible to speak of Saint Geoerge without acknowledging the extraordinary leadership of Father Diogenis Patsouris.
“For decades, Father Patsouris has been more than a priest, he has been a teacher, a guide, and a steadfast source of strength. He has not only ministered to the faithful with wisdom and compassion, but he has also built bridges beyond the church walls, into schools, community groups, and government, ensuring that Orthodoxy and Hellenism are respected and recognised as essential parts of South Australia’s social fabric.”
In doing so, he also recognised the continuing service of Father Kostandinos, who represents the new generation of clergy, committed to the preservation of faith, tradition, and education, while also speaking to the realities of today’s world.
“His energy and devotion are ensuring that Saint George remains not only a link to our past, but also a vibrant place of worship and learning for the future.”
Also in attendance was Aria Bolkus, Labor’s candidate for the seat of Colton who had the honour of unveiling commemorative plates recognising the outstanding service of Father Patsouris and the significant contribution of the St George Greek Orthodox community over the past 65 years.
“The anniversary celebration was a fitting tribute to a legacy of faith, culture, and community service,” said Bolkus.
“It is also a celebration of the first migrants who built this parish, who created the school, parishioners, priests, students, volunteers, teachers and parents – everyone who has contributed to this legacy is to be thanked and rewarded for strengthening multiculturalism in our state.”
In closing, Minister Koutsantonis said to the crowd:
“Let us look forward with confidence, knowing that with continued faith, with commitment to education, and with support from government and community alike, Saint George will stand as a lighthouse of Orthodoxy and Hellenism for another 65 years and beyond.”
