Gold Coast Greek Orthodox community marks Easter with faith, unity and celebration

The Greek Orthodox Parish–Community of Saint Anna connected the Gold Coast, the region’s lone Greek Orthodox parish-community, marked Easter Sunday with a vibrant solemnisation of faith, civilization and assemblage spirit, drafting hundreds of attendees.

Festivities began successful the greeting with the Vespers of Love Liturgy, led by His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane. The religion was filled with parishioners who gathered to observe the Resurrection, participating successful a profoundly moving work that reflected some reverence and joy.

A item of the liturgy was the speechmaking of the Holy Gospel (John 20:19–25) successful aggregate languages—Greek, Russian, Polish, Arabic, French, German, Latin and English—symbolising the universal connection of the Resurrection. Among those invited to take portion successful the readings were Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate and Queensland Minister for Education and the Arts, John-Paul Langbroek MP, Member for Surfers Paradise.

Following the service, celebrations continued astatine the parish’s Hellenic Function Centre, where assemblage members and distinguished guests, including Mayor Tate and the Mayoress, gathered for a traditional Easter feast.

Community President Sandra Voukelatos welcomed attendees, arsenic astir 360 guests enjoyed a repast featuring traditional lamb, reddish eggs and tsoureki, prepared by the Greek Ladies Auxiliary with the support of volunteers.

The lawsuit was marked by a warm and festive atmosphere, with traditional euphony and dancing bringing together generations of the Greek Australian assemblage and beyond.

Organisers said the solemnisation not lone upheld the enduring traditions of the Greek Orthodox religion but besides showcased the multicultural quality of the Gold Coast, reinforcing the parish’s relation arsenic a taste and spiritual hub for the region.

More photos: