Adelaide: Event in support of the philanthropic programs of the Parish of Prophet Elias, Norwood

On Sunday 15 June, with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, at the Holy Church of Prophet Elias, Norwood on the commemoration of the feast day of the First Sunday of Matthew and All Saints day, a Divine Liturgy was celebrated and presided over by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide along with concelebrants Father Ioannis Choraitis and Deacon Anthony.

Following the Church Service more than 250 parishioners and their families, invited dignitaries, representatives from federal state and local government, local business supporters filled our Community Centre next to the Church in support of a fundraising luncheon for the important works organised by our Philoptochos and Norwood Ark Youth group. These tremendous works assist members of our community experiencing homelessness and providing food for families in emergency situations.

The wonderfully kind and supportive people who attended our fundraising luncheon gave generously to continue two of our extremely worthwhile programs, Five Loaves and Neighbours in Need. His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide gave his blessings and offered his support for these fruitful works undertaken by our Philoptohos and youth.

In support were two of our long standing faithful parishioners Mr John Kiosoglous MBE KSA Archon Ekdikon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Mrs Chrissi Kiosoglous. Also in attendance were Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Zoe Bettison MP, who spoke in high regard of the many works of the Parish and community which help the wider community. Also present were Mrs Cressida O’Hanlon MP State Member for Dunstan, Mrs Claire Clutterham MP recently elected Federal Member for Sturt and Mayor Robert Bria, Norwood Payneham and St Peters Council who all gave their valuable time and support.

The tremendous generosity of the many businesses who embraced these crucial works of our Parish, by giving financial support and donations also contributed greatly to the success of the fundraiser and secured the ability of these programs to continue into the future. We would like to offer our heartfelt thanks fand deep appreciation or the support of the following businesses: Chapley Group – Foodland Norwood, Maras Group, JVH Technology (SA), Tom Koutsantonis MP, Finance Lab, Tolis & Co Lawyers and LAI Switchboards Australia.

The generosity and amazing support showed by our parishioners, businesses and individuals will provide the opportunity for these programs to continue to provide assistance to those in need in the community for many months to come. All of our organisers were overwhelmed with this generosity and are extremely grateful for their support which showed in raising more than $20,000 for these programs.

The Five Loaves initiative was officially launched Australia wide by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios in Melbourne in July 2023. Bishop Silouan of Adelaide embraced this program and supported Father John’s efforts to extend this in Adelaide through our Holy Parish, which commenced in April 2024.

This program involves many wonderful volunteers making food in the form of sandwiches and rolls, directly after our Sunday church services and then delivering these, together with an array of fruit to families in emergency housing in the Adelaide city area. Parishioners of all ages and supporters from the wider community, have enthusiastically embraced this program. Soon after commencing, the program further expanded, as we were blessed with a donation of one hundred toaster presses allowing families to enjoy warm meals during the cold Adelaide winter months.

Mary Bambacas, Coordinator of this program since its inception spoke passionately and also gave tribute to the hard work and dedication of all our volunteers and supporters along with the leadership and support of our Parish Priest, Father John. This program could not be possible without team work and the broader support and assistance of members of our Ladies Philoptochos,

Congratulations in abundance was offered to all in our Parish who have contributed to the highly successful Five Loaves program. Heartfelt appreciation was also extended for the love and generosity of all our volunteers, supporters, families, businesses and Members of Parliament who regularly give their time to help and contribute through in-kind support, donations and financially. The success of this function reflected the embracing and inspired all to continue the growth of this program both in our Parish in Norwood and in the wider Adelaide area.

Youth from Norwood Ark also spoke enthusiastically about their contribution to the many works of our Parish. Under the guidance of Father John, the youth group meet weekly to discuss spiritual matters, Gospel lessons together with traditions of the Orthodox Church, are shared and explored in an environment of Christian fellowship.  Along with this our youth actively embrace, giving their time, resources and services to arrange fundraising events to provide help to those in need in the broader community. Our youth delight in the love of Christ, which nurtures the young in the springs of our faith.

Their actions and thirst for Christ have set an example for our Parish to emulate, including, since March 2023, launching the Neighbours in Need program. The young members of the youth group plan, purchase, collect and organise the distribution of non-perishable food goods donated by parishioners throughout the year to distribute to homeless members of the community in the city of Adelaide. At least four times a year the Norwood’s Ark Youth make more than 100 bags of essential items which are donated to those in need living on the streets of Adelaide.

We were overwhelmed with the amount of donations for the raffle and silent auction, which also contributed greatly to the success of the fundraiser.

Once again our deepest appreciation to all our parishioners, volunteers, businesses and government representatives all of which helped to make this fundraiser so tremendously successful. Their generous support will enable us to continue these much needed programs to help the most vulnerable people in need in our community.