The annual feast of the Dormition of Theotokos (Dekapentavgoustos) returned again this year for the first time after the pandemic and was celebrated with due splendour and solemnity, at the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia’s (GOCSA) Dormition of Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church in Croydon.
More than 600 faithful visited the Church to worship the Icon of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary) on Monday, August 14th and Tuesday, August 15th.
On Monday evening, vespers were chanted and on Tuesday, the Divine Liturgy led by Fr Mark Papan together with Fr Andreas Kollas and Fr Panayiotis Anagnostou, was followed by the Holy Icon and the Epitaph procession around the streets of Croydon, in the presence of official guests.
“We’ve tried to create a larger event this year and replicate what we had pre-covid. We’ve added more marquees and undercover seated areas for our community to sit down and enjoy lunch together,” stated Peter Gardiakos, GOCSA President.
Con Dalagiorgos and Jim Giannou added another element to our feast with live bouzouki, singing and dancing which really created a ‘paniyiri’ atmosphere here in the carpark of our church. I’ve just returned from Greece and although our festivals aren’t as big as they are there, we did really enjoy an authentic Greek atmosphere today. We’re looking forward to an even bigger and better festival in 2024.”
Also in attendance were Federal Member for Adelaide Steve Georganas, West Torrens Mayor Michael Coxon, Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans, Councillor of the City of Charles Sturt Peter Ppiros, Chair of SA’s Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission Adriana Christopoulos, and representatives of local organisations.
“The feast day of the Dormition of the Theotokos is one of the most significant religious events on the Orthodox calendar. It commemorates the falling asleep of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos, and also commemorates her assumption into Heaven,” said John Ninos, President of the Koimisis Tis Theotokou Parish Committee.
“Our beautiful church in Croydon is dedicated to the Theotokos, and it’s wonderful to see hundreds of people, young and old, pack into our church to celebrate with us on this special day.
GOCSA warmly congratulates its volunteers and sponsors for their ongoing support and thanks everyone who honoured with their presence this special celebration, which, apart from its prominent religious significance, offers an opportunity to reconnect with the roots and customs of the homeland.”
