[Greek Orthodox Parish & Community of Wagga Wagga/Via Facebook]
The Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas in Canberra, Australia, was a hub of joy and tradition on Sunday as hundreds of parishioners gathered for the annual St Nicholas Paniyiri (festival), The Greek Herald reports. The event, steeped in faith and cultural pride, showcased the vibrant tapestry of Greek heritage through music, dancing, and authentic cuisine, creating a festive atmosphere that resonated with all in attendance.
The day began on a solemn and spiritual note with a divine liturgy held inside the church. Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, together with the parish priest, Father Petros Kipouros, led the service, which was attended by both local parishioners and visitors who traveled to partake in the day’s celebrations. The liturgy underscored the deep-rooted spiritual significance of St Nicholas, revered in Orthodox Christianity as a protector and guide.
A number of distinguished guests added to the occasion’s prominence. Among them were the Ambassador of Greece to Australia Stavros Venizelos; the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Australia Antonis Sammoutis; Defense Attache of Greece Kyriakos Kyriakakos; David Smith MP, who represented Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese; and Federal Member for Adelaide Steve Georganas MP. Their presence highlighted the enduring ties between Australia’s Greek community and their homeland, as well as the cultural contributions of Greek Australians to the nation.
Following the liturgy, the celebrations moved outdoors, transforming the church grounds into a lively festival space. A large marquee buzzed with energy as attendees gathered to enjoy an array of Greek delicacies. Volunteers from the St Nicholas Philoptochos society prepared a feast that included fresh fish, crispy calamari, and the much-loved loukoumades – deep-fried dough balls drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon.
John Loukadellis, president of the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra, reflected on the extraordinary turnout, describing the day as one of the busiest in recent memory. Visitors came not only from Canberra but also from as far as Wagga Wagga and Sydney, including members of the Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney & NSW. Loukadellis recounted an unexpected twist to the day: the arrival of two additional buses of guests that had not been anticipated in the catering plans.
“We were grateful for their attendance but it caused a bit of chaos with the food, as you can imagine. It added volumes to the kefi of the event too,” Loukadellis told The Greek Herald.
