Adelaide’s Greek Orthodox community will gather in celebration this Saturday, 13 September, for the consecration of the newly restored Church of St Andrew in Noarlunga, more than a year after a fire ravaged the beloved parish.

In March 2024, during Holy Lent and just weeks before Easter, a destructive blaze severely damaged the church. At the time, Bishop Silouan of Adelaide urged the faithful to stand firm in faith: “Tragedies are never welcome, but with the help of God, we find the strength to overcome them. Just as Christ, so too the Church may be tested, but it will never be broken.”

Inside the newly rebuilt St Andrew’s, where Archbishop Makarios will preside over the consecration, the first such service in South Australia in decades. Photo: Supplied

Through determination, faith, and a remarkable spirit of unity, the parish rebuilt St Andrew’s. Its consecration this weekend marks what Bishop Silouan described as the church’s “baptism,” establishing its historical presence and ensuring its eternal future.

The consecration, the first of a Greek Orthodox church in South Australia in decades, is considered a historic milestone for the local Archdiocese and its faithful. The service will take place at St Andrew’s (Morton Road, Christie Downs), beginning with Orthros at 7.00am, followed by the consecration rites and the Divine Liturgy, led by Archbishop Makarios of Australia.

Following the dismissal, a festive luncheon will be hosted at the Vasiliades facilities in Christies Downs.