Greek Orthodox church’s first anniversary festival

Fr George Frangos

The biggest Greek Orthodox church in Melbourne’s west this month celebrates its first anniversary with a festival in the Altona North church ground.

Parish priest Father George Frangos said it was a small but significant milestone for the church, dedicated to The Dormition of Our Lady.

He said the festival would take place after religious proceedings, with seafood dishes and a carnival for children.

Father George said the church was not only a cornerstone for the community but had brought many visitors to Altona North.

“I’d say 50 per cent of our parishioners are in Wyndham,” he said.

“The parish is based in Altona North but our parish stretches out beyond Werribee and Werribee South.

“It’s the biggest Greek Orthodox church in the west, if not Melbourne, in size.

“There’s only one that comes close, and that’s Springvale.”

The festival is on November 15 from noon-5pm, following a liturgy from 7.30-11.30am. At 3pm, there will be a guided tour inside the church at 272 Millers Road.

The prototype for the building was a church in Corinth, Greece, with the local Greek community raising more than $3.5million towards its cost.