Rebuilding is set to begin today at Sts. Anargyri Orthodox church in Oakleigh after a fire tore through the place of worship last Saturday 10 December.
Thankfully no one was hurt during the blaze but extensive fire and water damage has rendered the site unsuitable for liturgical services, which are now being held across the road at the Oakleigh Grammar conference centre.
President of the Oakleigh Greek Community, Christos Diamatopoulos updated Neos Kosmos on Thursday morning as to how the parish is coping with the tragedy.
“Today rebuilding has started, all hands are on deck working to get it done, praise God. We’ve been overawed by the response from the community, from clergy and community leaders. The support we’ve received from everyone has been very, very significant to us.”
Mr. Diamatopoulos told Neos Kosmos that the church has successfully transitioned its services to the Oakleigh Grammar conference centre, where the Divine Liturgy was held last Sunday immediately following the fire.
“The move across the road has gone absolutely smoothly, it has really been fantastic there were 500 faithful in attendance on Sunday. We pledge that services will continue at Oakleigh Grammar conference centre as per our monthly schedules through the year, until our church is restored,” he said.
While unsure exactly how long the repairs would take, Mr. Diamatopoulos says he hopes it is only a matter of months.
“Right throughout, Fr. Stavros will continue presiding over the Divine Liturgy and Holy Mysteries, people can still come for their weddings and christenings, the only thing we cannot accommodate at the moment sadly is funerals; because of stair access at the temporary site.”
“We’re most appreciative to work with Oakleigh Grammar in these trying times and grateful that we can continue to service the community from their hall,” Mr. Diamatopoulos said.
The wedding which was scheduled to take place at Sts. Anargyri on the afternoon of the fire was, through the work of Fr. Stavros, successfully held at a sister church with the least possible delay.
Mr. Diamatopoulos concluded by extending his heartfelt thanks to the Greek community far and wide, calling the outpouring of love a “humbling and most emotional experience”.
Neos Kosmos contacted Victoria Police for a statement on the fire which occurred on Saturday 10 December at Sts. Anargyri.
“Emergency services were called to a church fire in Willesden Road, Hughesdale, on 10 December.
The fire caused moderate damage to the property when it caught alight about 7.20am,” they said.
As mentioned earlier in this report, police confirmed that “no one was inside the church at the time of the fire.”
They say “Monash Crime unit detectives are investigating and yet to determine the cause of the fire.”
Any witnesses or anyone with information are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au”
