The biggest Greek Orthodox church in Melbourne’s west will open its doors on Sunday.
Australian Archbishop Stylianos Harkianakis will lead an opening ceremony from 11.30am at the Altona North church at 272 Millers Road.
Parish priest Father George Frangos said the community had raised $3.5 million for the church, with the final cost expected to top $5 million.
“It’s testament to the Greek community’s ability to be able to make and create such grand buildings,” he said.
“For me, personally, it’s humbling to see the outpouring of love towards the church from the community, not only the Greek community but the community in general around Altona North.”
The prototype for the building, designed by architect George Bourakis, was a church in Corinth, Greece.
“There’s been a Greek community here in Altona North since 1967 and the original church that was built by the community was built on Mills Street,”
Father Frangos said. When this became too small, the church bought the old Altona Technical College site. Plans were then drawn up to build a new church.
People are welcome to visit this Sunday and enjoy a carnival afterwards.
