Parish of Prophet Elias Norwood and Eastern Suburbs

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. J.S. Lee:

That this council—

1. Congratulates the Greek Orthodox Community and Parish of Prophet Elias Norwood and Eastern Suburbs for reaching the special milestone of their 65^th anniversary in 2024, and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia on achieving their 100-year anniversary in 2024;

2. Recognises that the Parish of Prophet Elias Norwood is the oldest Greek Orthodox Parish in the eastern suburbs of Adelaide, and has been servicing the Greek Orthodox community from the same church since its establishment;

3. Acknowledges that the Parish of Prophet Elias Norwood has been the convenor of the successful Annual Norwood Greek Festival since 2011;

4. Appreciates the Parish of Prophet Elias Norwood for their charity programs and philanthropic endeavours, particularly their compassionate fundraising and volunteering efforts to assist the poor and elderly;

5. Commends the Parish of Prophet Elias Norwood for preserving traditional Greek culture through their Greek Language School, the Official Dancing Group of Prophet Elias and by hosting various feast days of patron saints; and

6. Reflects on the many achievements of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese over the past 100 years and the Parish of Prophet Elias Norwood over the past 65 years and their contributions to enrich multicultural South Australia.

(Continued from 13 November 2024.)

The Hon. S.L. GAME (21:10): I rise to speak in support of the Hon. Jing Lee's motion. I, too, would like to commemorate the Adelaide Greek Orthodox community and the Parish of Prophet Elias Norwood and Eastern Suburbs for reaching their 65^th anniversary, and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia's 100^th anniversary.

The Parish of Prophet Elias Norwood and Eastern Suburbs is the oldest Greek Orthodox parish in the eastern suburbs of Adelaide and has administered pastoral care to families and members of the church ever since its roots were first planted in Adelaide. The parish is well known for organising the annual Norwood Greek Festival since 2011, a celebrated event in the local area that preserves Greek culture and brings people together.

Additionally, its dedication to charitable work, including fundraising and volunteering to support the elderly and those in need, is highly commendable as it demonstrates love and kindness towards Adelaide's broader community. These efforts have enriched South Australia's multicultural landscape. As we celebrate these milestones, we reflect on the achievements of both the archdiocese and the parish, honouring their invaluable contribution to the community.

The Hon. C. BONAROS (21:11): I rise to support the motion and to congratulate what is my parish in the Greek Orthodox faith and my second home, only to St George. Prophet Elias and St George are my two parishes.

The Hon. I.K. Hunter: Isn't that greedy, two parishes?

The Hon. C. BONAROS: This is what we do. We spread the love in our churches. I choose to spread it between two churches, and that is St George and Prophet Elias, but both of them are very special places and have very special meanings to our families respectively. It is where we have been baptised, it is where we have baptised our children, it is where I baptised my son.

Prior to Father John coming to Prophet Elias, Father Stavros and Presvytera Kyriaki and their entire family (an army), who still play an extraordinary role in that parish, have led that community for a very long time. It is an honour and a privilege to be associated with them and everything they do. We are very honoured to have Father John take over the reins from Father Stavros and then Father Michael and to continue the extraordinary efforts that the Psaromatis family have made in that area for a very long time.

I have been fortunate enough not only to attend those parishes in my formal capacity but also as a parishioner and to speak at many of the special celebratory events that we have had in our community. I will not speak to this long, other than to say that I am very humbled and proud to be associated with everything that Prophet Elias does, and I look forward to its continued success in the years to come.

I congratulate not just Father John but the entire community at Prophet Elias for their exceptional and extraordinary efforts on behalf of the community, including the amazing festivals that they put on, and I look forward to more of it in the future. I thank the member for bringing this motion to the house.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (21:14): I rise in support of this motion and, additionally, speak in support of the motion brought and passed in the other chamber by the member for Dunstan, Cressida O'Hanlon MP. It is a wonderful achievement of the Parish of Prophet Elias in Norwood on their 65^th anniversary, while at the same time celebrating 100 years of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.

The relationship between the Greek people and the Australian community can be traced back to the First World War. Not only that but the instability of postwar Europe saw major displacements, including those of Greek descent, so seeing Greek migrants come to Australia prior to the First World War was not unusual. We saw them in particular go and work in places such as Port Pirie, thus creating a need for a place of worship for the community.

As the Second World War caused further devastation and upheaval, we saw many migrants from Europe come to South Australia. One of the key groups was the Greek and Cypriot community. They settled in all parts of the state but predominantly in the western and eastern suburbs of Adelaide.

As we know, faith is a fundamental part of the Greek culture and thus creates a need for places of worship. In the eastern suburbs, that need was fulfilled by the establishment of the Parish of Prophet Elias in Norwood. This was a Parish built by and for the community. Throughout its time, it has gone through many developments simply to cater to the needs of the parishioners.

To build a community takes more than just the clergy, and we need to thank the countless volunteers over the past 65 years. The community has given more than just their time and work—they have provided their love to the community. This is the most important part of community, and it is the sole reason why the parish has remained an integral part of the community.

The community has always been supported by the clergy, and the name that comes to mind is the Very Reverend Father Stavros Psaromatis and Presvytera Kyriaki. I know they were honoured last year by the Premier, Peter Malinauskas, at the Norwood Greek Festival. Father Psaromatis was a key figure in the parish for 40 years. Today, we also have Father Ioannis Choraitis—or Father John, as he is affectionately known—and Presvytera Angeliki.

The community has also been running the Norwood Greek Festival, as previously mentioned. This is a terrific way to celebrate their faith and their culture. At the festival, usually on a warm night, you feel like you are in Greece. What is also amazing is seeing the diverse communities come and experience the night. You will always get good food there and witness some of the best Greek performances. It is a key reason why the state government made a three-year commitment to support the event at last year's festival.

Keeping culture strong in communities is why this government has supported Community Language Schools to the tune of $4 million over four years. In addition, funding was committed to support Greek schools, like the one organised by this parish. Greek dancing classes are also provided by the community, and is an excellent way to see culture being preserved.

The motion mentions the incredible work the community does for South Australians. This is absolutely commended by the state government. This is a community that puts others first. I want to single out the Five Loaves Initiative, led by the tireless efforts of the esteemed Philoptochos, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Archdiocese Community and Parish of Prophet Elias, Norwood. This is a group that provides food for those in emergency housing and people experiencing homelessness. I also want to acknowledge their toy drive during the Christmas period—another important philanthropic endeavour.

Finally, I want to again thank the volunteers who have contributed so much to the community over the last 65 years, whether it is in their capacity of faith, charity or celebration. This is the reason why the community is so strong.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (21:18): I would like to thank all honourable members for their contributions: the Hon. Sarah Game, the Hon. Connie Bonaros, as well as the Hon. Russell Wortley. I want to particularly thank the Hon. Connie Bonaros for her very affectionate contributions to the parish. Every time I get to see the Hon. Connie Bonaros at many events, as well as church services, she always embraces me and gives me a big smile. At one time, she actually came up to me and said, 'I think we should make you an honorary Greek at some point.' So with those remarks, I thank all honourable members for their support. I commend the motion.

Motion carried.