Saints Theodores Greek Orthodox Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saints Theodores Greek Orthodox Church |
|
|---|---|
Saints Theodores Greek Orthodox Church
|
|
| Location | 799 Flinders Street, Townsville CBD, City of Townsville, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1940s–1960s (post-World War II) |
| Built | 1947–1950 |
| Architect | M. Vogiatzoglou, Joseph Gabriel Rooney |
| Architectural style(s) | Romanesque |
| Official name: Saints Theodores Greek Orthodox Church | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 25 August 2000 |
| Reference no. | 601635 |
| Significant period | 1940s (historical) 1940s–ongoing (social) |
| Significant components | dome, church, mural / fresco, views to, tower, furniture/fittings |
| Builders | Vause and Hayne |
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
Saints Theodores Greek Orthodox Church is a special church in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It's known for its unique history and beautiful design. The church was built between 1947 and 1950. It was designed by M. Vogiatzoglou and Joseph Gabriel Rooney. Today, it is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register as an important historical site.
Contents
History of the Church
Why Greeks Came to Australia
Many Greek people started moving to Australia in the 20th century. This was often because of difficult times and wars happening in Greece. They looked for new homes and opportunities in places like Australia.
Greek Community in Townsville
Greeks began settling in Townsville around 1916. However, they didn't form an official Greek community until the 1940s. Before they had their own church, visiting priests would hold services for them in other churches, like St James' Cathedral. A very important leader, Timotheos Evangelinidis, helped set up the Greek community in Townsville.
Building a New Church
In April 1944, a Greek resident named Theodoros Calagatis offered a large sum of money to build a Greek Church in Townsville. Archbishop Timothios then held a meeting for all Greeks in Townsville. About 65 people attended this meeting on May 4, 1944.
At this meeting, almost £3,000 was collected. The money was raised to build a church named after the Saints Theodores. They also wanted to start a Greek school to teach the Greek language and important values. The goal was to help the community grow and work well with other Australian citizens.
Starting Construction
In March 1945, a committee was chosen to help build the church. They also planned to build a home for the priest and a community hall. The main people who helped start the church and lay its foundation stone were:
- Mr Theodoros Kalafatis (a great helper)
- Mr Michael Leondarakis (President)
- Mr John Manikaros (Secretary)
- Mr Spyridon Theo Nennas (Treasurer)
- And other important members.
The Saints Theodores Church was the third Greek Orthodox Church built in Queensland. M. Vogiatzoglou designed the church, and J.G. Rooney was the architect. The builders were Vause and Hayne. A local Townsville company, Gelling & Haig, made the steel parts for the church.
Laying the Foundation Stone
The foundation stone for the church was laid on March 16, 1947. Archbishop Timothios led the ceremony. A special guest from Greece was also there. This guest had brought soil from Australian soldiers' graves in Greece to Australia. This was a very special gift, as it broke a 2,600-year-old tradition. It showed how much the Greek Government admired Australia for helping defend Greece.
Church Opening and Art
Even while the church was still being finished, religious services began in 1948. The church officially opened in June 1950. It is named after three saints, all called Theodore.
The inside of the church is designed in the Byzantine style. It has beautiful rounded columns and arches that support a choir area. Above the altar, there is a large dome. On the ceiling of this dome, there is a painting of Christ with his hands raised. This painting makes people look up and feel a sense of wonder.
The religious paintings inside the dome were created by an artist named Angelo Manolios. He came all the way from Greece to do this special work. He spent twelve months painting while lying on his back on scaffolding. His art shows important teachings of the Orthodox Church.
The first priest for the church was Father George Kateris, who served the community from 1946 to 1953. The first couple to get married in the church was Luke and Despo Lucas, on September 19, 1948.
Community Activities
Saints Theodores Church is still a very active place today. It helps the Greek community in Townsville by offering:
- An Ethnic Greek School
- A Greek Dancing School
- A Hellenic Youth Association
- A Greek Ladies' Auxiliary
- A Hellenic Senior Citizens group
- A Greek Orthodox Church Playgroup
- And even Debutante Balls.
Description of the Church
Saints Theodores Greek Orthodox Church is a red brick building. It has a tall tower right above the main entrance on Sturt Street. The roof of the tower and the dome above the altar are painted white. The window frames on the upper part of the tower are also white.
Inside, the church has a main area for the people attending services. There is also a choir area above this section. The altar and the side walls are decorated with many Greek Orthodox religious paintings and icons. The dome above the altar shows a painting of Christ with outstretched hands, along with pictures of the Apostles.
Why the Church is Important
Saints Theodores Greek Orthodox Church is important for several reasons:
- It shows how Greek people moved to and settled in Queensland. It also highlights how the Townsville Greek Community helped its members.
- The church has unique architecture and decorations that are special to Greek Orthodox traditions in Australia.
- It adds to the beauty of Sturt Street in Townsville. Many people, not just those from the Greek Orthodox community, value its appearance.
- The church has a special connection to the Greek migrant community that grew in Queensland during the 19th and 20th centuries and continues to be important today.
