The Greek Community of Melbourne’s St George church in Thornbury celebrated its Feast Day with close to 1000 people in attendance, on Sunday, 23 April.
The large turnout allowed people to enjoy activities in a marque, a jumping castle for children, live music, the GCM dance group, and delicious food.
During the service, Bishop Evmenios praised the parish priest Harris Vezos for his work in bringing the community together and giving new life to the church. He also thanked Bill Papastergiadis OAM and his board for organising the day’s festivities and for their leadership in the community.
Following the service, a function was held in the adjoining hall where the GCM dance group performed and a band where singer Tsourdalakis entertained the crowd.
In his speech, Bill Papastergiadis noted the significant investment the GCM will make in infrastructure programs for the Hall, which will be renovated to serve as a multipurpose venue.
The Feast Day of St George is a significant event in the Orthodox Christian Church. Saint George is revered for his knightly virtues and chivalry and is recognised as a holy saint. His life is a source of inspiration for many, with stories of his bravery and dedication to his faith persisting throughout history.
Saint George’s commitment to his faith led to his martyrdom in 303. Despite being a brave warrior with a charming personality, he refused to participate in the persecution of Christians ordered by Emperor Diocletian. As a result, he was brutally tortured before being decapitated near the city wall. His suffering inspired thousands of citizens to convert to Christianity, including Empress Alexandra.
In conclusion, the Feast Day of St George is an important celebration for the Greek Community of Melbourne’s St George church in Thornbury. It is a time to come together, reflect on the life of this holy saint, and celebrate the values he embodied. The community’s commitment to their faith and to each other is a testament to the enduring legacy of Saint George.
