Greek community in Frankston blessed to have new Orthodox Church

 

 

 

FRANKSTON’S Greek community has followed a well-trodden path to their church over the years. 
 
And now they’ll take a slight detour to their new church in Petrie St — directly across the road from the old one.

Greek Orthodox Community of Frankston and Peninsula president Tim ­Gemetzis said the new $1.5 million church was in a traditional Byzantine style with high ceilings.
“It has been a long time coming,” he said.
“We have a dynamic priest and the community is growing.

“The community have been talking about it for a long time — whether it (the old church) could be upgraded. It was more cost effective to build a new one.”
Reverend Doukas Georgalas said the Greek community was rapt with the new church.
“Everybody is really happy. It’s a lovely church,” he said.

“As soon as you get in, you feel you are in a church. We are looking forward to the big opening.”
Rev Georgalas described the church as the “cherry on the cake”.
Church officials thanked Frankston Council for its support in getting the new church off the ground.

The old church will be converted to a community centre.
The Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Theofania will hold a service at the old church tomorrow (November 9) at 8am followed by a blessing of the new church at 11.30am.