Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Surry Hills facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church |
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| Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity | |
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Ayia Trias
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Surry_Hills_Orthodox_Church.jpg)
Facade of the Holy Trinity Church, pictured in 2007.
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 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Location in Sydney
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| 33°53′28″S 151°12′54″E / 33.8911°S 151.2149°E | |
| Location | 626–630 Bourke Street, Surry Hills, City of Sydney, New South Wales |
| Country | Australia |
| Denomination | Greek Orthodox |
| History | |
| Founded | 29 May 1898 |
| Consecrated | 16 April 1899 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | C. R. Summerhayes |
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| Years built | 1898–1931 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Greek Orthodox Parish of the Holy Trinity |
| Archdiocese | Australia |
The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is a special church building in Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia. It is a Greek Orthodox church, meaning it belongs to a branch of Christianity that started in Eastern Europe. The church is also known as Ayia Trias or Agia Triada. It was designed by C. R. Summerhayes and built between 1898 and 1931. This historic building is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register, which means it's an important part of the state's history and culture.
Contents
History of the Church
Early Orthodox Settlers in Australia
In the late 1800s, many people from Greece, Lebanon, and Russia came to Australia. They were looking for new opportunities and a better life. Most Greek migrants planned to earn money and then return home. They were often young, single men.
As more people arrived, they started to form communities. These communities helped new immigrants settle in. They provided support, like food and shelter. This helped them keep their traditions and culture alive. Many Greek and Lebanese families settled in areas like Surry Hills, Waterloo, and Redfern.
The Need for a Church
At first, there were no dedicated Orthodox churches in Australia. Priests would travel to hold services for important holidays. This wasn't ideal for a growing community. In 1897, a group led by Athanassios Cominos decided to build a Greek Orthodox church in Sydney.
Having a proper church was very important to the Greek community. They wanted their religious ceremonies, like marriages, to be officially recognized. They also wanted to bring a Greek priest to Australia.
Building the First Greek Orthodox Church
Before their own church was built, Orthodox Greeks used the St James Parish Hall in Sydney. Archimandrite Dorotheos Bakaliaros was the first Greek Orthodox priest in Australia. He encouraged the community to build their own church.
Fundraising began in late 1897. Ioannis Cominos, Athanassios's brother, donated the land. The community raised money, and construction started.
The foundation stones for the Holy Trinity Church were laid on May 29, 1898. This date is very meaningful for Orthodox Christians. It marks the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453. This tradition shows the spread of Greek culture and Orthodoxy around the world.
The ceremony included three foundation stones. Inside each stone, they placed a small iron cross, holy water, and English and Greek silver coins. The church was completed and furnished by 1899. A home for the priest was also built next to it.
A Church for All Orthodox Christians
The Holy Trinity Church was built for all Orthodox Christians, including Greeks, Lebanese, and Russians. All these groups were part of the wider Orthodox faith. Lebanese migrants also helped fund the church.
In March 1899, Father Serafeim Phocas became the first official resident Orthodox priest. He led the Easter and consecration ceremonies on April 16, 1899. Building this church and priest's home was a big achievement for Sydney's Orthodox community.
Changes and Challenges
Father Serafeim served the church until 1913. After he left, the church's rules changed. In 1914, membership became limited to people of Greek descent only. This caused tension among the different groups.
The Lebanese and Russian Orthodox members eventually sought other places to worship. The St George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral opened in Redfern in 1920. The Russian Orthodox members also moved their services there.
Father Dimitrios Marinakis became the priest in late 1913. He served for about 10 years. During his time, there were some disagreements within the community. He was replaced by Father Athinagoras Varaklas in 1923.
A Split in the Community
In 1924, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, a major Orthodox authority, tried to regain control over Australian Orthodox churches. They appointed Dr. Christoforos Knitis as the Metropolitan. This caused a big disagreement within the Greek community. Some supported the Metropolitan, and others opposed him.
Metropolitan Knitis and his supporters eventually started a separate church, Saint Sophia Cathedral, in Paddington in 1927. Father Varaklas and his supporters stayed at Holy Trinity Church. He continued to lead services there until he left Australia in 1932.
Coming Together Again
After Metropolitan Knitis left in 1928, efforts were made to reunite the two church groups. The Holy Trinity Church was hesitant because St Sophia Cathedral had a large debt from its construction. However, after many years, the two churches finally reunited in April 1945. They formed the Greek Orthodox Community of Sydney and NSW.
Church Design and Features
The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church stands out in its street. It was first built in the Byzantine style, which shows the founders' respect for their Christian heritage. It was designed to hold up to 400 people.
In 1931, the front of the church was updated. It was rebuilt in an Inter-War Romanesque style. This new front has two brick towers and an arched leadlight window above a triple arched entrance. You can still see parts of the original design when you enter the church's foyer.
Inside, the church is beautifully decorated with religious images and symbols. Many original items are still used today. These include the altar, the main chandelier, and some hanging lamps. There are also two candle stands from 1899. Many other original items are kept in a museum at the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW office.
Condition of the Church
The church is in very good condition. It still has many of its original features and materials. This includes the altar, chandeliers, lamps, and candle stands.
Updates Over Time
- The church's front was changed in 1931 to the Inter-War Romanesque style.
- The priest's house behind the church has been fully renovated inside.
Why Holy Trinity Church is Important
The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is very important to the history of New South Wales. It was the first dedicated Greek Orthodox church built in Australia. It was funded by the community itself.
Since the late 1800s, this church has been a stable place for its community. It helped immigrants practice their culture, values, and language. The church provided a strong support network for new settlers. For over 100 years, it has been a dedicated place for Christian Orthodox worship.
The church is important for several reasons:
- It shows the history of immigrant communities settling in Sydney in the late 1800s.
- It was a central place for social interaction and support for these groups.
- Its unique design, especially the 1931 facade, makes it stand out.
- It continues to be a spiritual center for the Greek-Australian community today.
- It represents how religious buildings help communities maintain their identity.
See also
- Saint Sophia Cathedral, Sydney
- Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
- Greek Orthodox churches in New South Wales
