On Saturday, May 24, the Parish of St. Savvas the New of Kalymnos, located in Banksia, Sydney, joyfully celebrated the 10th anniversary of its founding in an atmosphere of spiritual joy and deep emotion. The official anniversary dinner was graced by the presence of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, alongside Bishop Elpidios of Perth and other distinguished guests, including Peter and Nila Deriashnyj, prominent figures in the Ukrainian Orthodox community and the Ukrainian Free Cossacks of Australia.
During the dinner, Archbishop Makarios addressed the faithful members and friends of the celebrating Parish, warmly expressing his fatherly satisfaction for its spiritual progress and the spirit of unity and harmony that has been cultivated within its community. He gave special praise to the Parish Priest, Fr. Savvas Pizanias, founder and leading figure of the Parish, and also extended thanks to President Mr. Konstantinos Vellis, Presvytera Mrs. Stella Pizanias, and all their devoted collaborators.
He further conveyed the gratitude of the local Church to Mr. Damian Trad, CEO of Trad Financial Services, and to John and Julia Marcus, co-founders of Marcus Legal, for their invaluable support to the Parish of St. Savvas.
Archbishop Makarios reminded everyone that “where there is unity and love, there is the Holy Spirit,” while, conversely, “where there is division, conflict, and hatred, there is the devil.” Reflecting on the Parish’s journey, he noted that, like all communities, it had faced trials and challenges until the blessed moment came—its official integration into the Holy Archdiocese of Australia and the Ecumenical Patriarchate three years ago. “It was united with the canonical Church smoothly, gently, and spiritually,” he noted, adding: “Today, we rejoice in the fruits of unity—we rejoice in the fruits of the Holy Spirit.”
The warm and festive evening featured music and traditional dances. At its climax, Archbishop Makarios, surrounded by Bishop Elpidios of Perth, Fr. Savvas, Presvytera Stella, and President Mr. Vellis, cut an impressive anniversary cake shaped as a miniature model of the Church of St. Savvas the New of Kalymnos in Banksia.
