In an atmosphere of spiritual joy and deep emotion, the foundation stone of a new Greek Orthodox church dedicated to Saint Savvas the New of Kalymnos was laid in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
The consecration of the site was performed by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, accompanied by Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, the Proistamenos of the Church of Saint Nicholas in Darwin, Archimandrite Fr. Ioil Xanthos, and the priest of the newly established parish, Fr. Christos Tsoraklidis.
The ceremony was attended by a wide array of dignitaries, including the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Mr. Stavros Venizelos, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Darwin, Charles Gauci, and a number of political representatives, led by the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, Ms. Lia Finocchiaro.
Archbishop Makarios warmly thanked Ms. Finocchiaro for the generous donation of land by the Northern Territory Government for the construction of the new church. “The granting of this land and your generous support,” the Archbishop noted, “reflect your profound commitment to Australia’s cultural and spiritual richness and represent a meaningful recognition of the Greek presence within the country’s multicultural fabric.”
Referring to the establishment of the parish dedicated to the modern-day saint of Kalymnos, Saint Savvas, Archbishop Makarios described it as a tribute to the large and vibrant Kalymnian community of Darwin. “When the Kalymnians came to this distant land,” he said, “they brought with them not only their traditions, language, and culture, but also their Orthodox faith.” He emphasized that it was this faith and their living relationship with Christ that gave strength to their struggles, hopes, and efforts.
Highlighting that Orthodox faith is a living and dynamic reality—not a distant or outdated system of beliefs—Archbishop Makarios reminded the faithful that Saint Savvas, who reposed only a few decades ago, teaches us that holiness can flourish in any era. “At a time when many seek meaning in material things,” he added, “Saint Savvas reminds us that true peace is found in the presence of God and communion with Him.”
In closing, the Archbishop expressed his hope that the new church would become a spiritual beacon guiding souls toward Christ. He also warmly congratulated the Parish Council and the faithful of Darwin for their tireless efforts to realize this sacred vision. “Your labors,” he concluded, “have established a living source in this land—a well of Orthodoxy from which future generations will draw living water.”
