Role of the Church
The Orthodox Church is central to Greek history, culture and tradition. In every village in Greece there is an Orthodox church – even in the most isolated and mountainous locations. When walking, riding or driving past a church, most Greeks make the sign of the cross. In most Greek homes there is at least one Christian icon and an iconostasi, a small corner or section of the home for icons, with an incense holder and lighted wick or kandili.
Most Greeks baptise their children in the Orthodox church; most marry in the church; most celebrate Greek Easter and Saints’ days; and most hold funeral services for their loved ones in the church.
The traditions of Orthodoxy encompass:
- the Holy Scriptures (both the New and Old Testaments)
- the acts, teachings and writings of the apostles, saints, martyrs and fathers
- the Creed, which includes the doctrinal truths of Christian Orthodoxy
- the weekly Sunday liturgy service
- the sacraments
- the saints’ days and major feast days, especially the feast of Easter.
Although the number of second and third generation Greek Australians attending church services is declining, the church continues to play a major role in the lives of most Greek Australians. It is especially important for most Greek elders.
The significance of the church is highlighted by one of the Greek Australian community’s first major achievements: the building, in 1903, of Evangelismos, the Greek Orthodox church in Victoria Parade, East Melbourne. It has served the religious and cultural needs of the community for decades, especially those associated with important sacramental occasions and holy feast days.
From the 1970s onwards, after the arrival of tens of thousands of Greek immigrants, numerous Greek churches were built in the suburbs of Melbourne and in some regional cities. This was made possible by significant financial contributions from members of the Greek Australian community. For the location of Greek Orthodox churches and services, use our Directory of Greek Services.
