Professor Marinis Pirpiris announced earlier this week that Heritage Victoria has granted the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) a permit to proceed with stage one of the reinstatement of Evangelismos, and further noted that “upon the completion of stage one our church obtains the green light to operate as a place of assembly”.

As Professor Pirpiris, Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria (GOCMV) Project Steering Committee member, explained, “stage one involves a major clean-up of the church consisting of removal of all the debris caused by the devastating fire [last year]; and some minor structural works are required which will ensure that the church can become a place of assemble for parishioners”.

The GCM announced that it has selected as its preferred builder Merkon Constructions, a building company that has a close association with the erection of Orthodox churches.

Works for stage one will commence almost immediately.

Once completed, the church can operate in accordance with the relevant building guidelines and codes. Heritage Victoria is currently examining the plans that relate to stage two of the proposed rebuilding.

The Board of Management of the Greek Community would like to thank the following people for their tireless efforts in obtaining the relevant permits: Constantine Moschoyiannis (Morea Architects), Peter Paras (FMG Engineering), Andrew Christoforou (McKenzie Group Consulting) & Arthur Andronas (Andronas Conservation Architecture), Chris Merkoulias (Merkon Constructions), Angela Georgalis & Alexi Costa (Moray & Agnew Lawyers).
During the Lonsdale Street Greek Festival in February a further $6000 was collected in aid of the church.

Fundraising efforts are continuing.

To support the fundraising efforts donate to: Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne & Victoria Restoration Account for Evangelismos BSB: 941 300 Acc. No. 2300212002.