Foundation Stone Laid for New Greek Orthodox Church in Darwin, Australia, Honoring Saint Savvas of Kalymnos
In an atmosphere of spiritual joy and deep emotion, the foundation stone for a new Greek Orthodox Church dedicated to Saint Savvas the New of Kalymnos was laid on Sunday, May 18th, in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
The blessing of the foundation was officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, accompanied by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, the Very Reverend Archimandrite Fr. Ioil Xanthos (Parish Priest of Saint Nicholas in Darwin), Fr. Savvas Pizanias (Parish Priest of Saint Savvas in Sydney), and Fr. Christos Tsoraklidis, Parish Priest of the newly established parish.
The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Mr. Stavros Venizelos, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Darwin, Mr. Charles Gauci, and a number of political representatives, including the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, Ms. Lia Finocchiaro.
Archbishop Makarios expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Minister for the generous land grant provided by the Northern Territory Government, where the new church will be built. “This donation and your unwavering support,” the Archbishop noted, “reflect your profound commitment to the cultural and spiritual richness of Australia and stand as a meaningful acknowledgment of the Greek presence in the country’s multicultural fabric.”
Referring to the decision to establish a parish dedicated to the newly revealed Saint of Kalymnos, Saint Savvas the New, the Archbishop paid tribute to the vibrant Kalymnian community in Darwin. “When the Kalymnians arrived in this distant land, they brought not only their traditions, language, and culture but also their Orthodox faith,” he remarked. “It was this faith and living relationship with Christ,” he added, “that gave wings to their efforts, their hopes, and their labors.”
His Eminence emphasized that Orthodox faith is not a relic of the past, but a living and dynamic reality. Saint Savvas, who reposed only a few decades ago, “teaches us that holiness can flourish in any era,” he said. “At a time when so many seek meaning in material things,” he continued, “Saint Savvas reminds us that true peace is found in the presence of God and communion with Him.”
Concluding his remarks, Archbishop Makarios expressed his hope that the new church will become a beacon of faith and spiritual guidance, leading more souls to Christ. He warmly congratulated the Parish Council and all the faithful of Darwin who worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality. “Your efforts have established a living spring in this land – a well of Orthodoxy from which future generations will draw living water,” he said.
Source: https://greek.vema.com.au/
