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House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-11-17 Daily Xml
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PROPHET ELIAS CHURCH

Ms CICCARELLO (Norwood) (15:38): It was Plato who wrote: 'As the builders say, the large stones do not lie well without the lesser.' Almost 2,500 years later, the Parish of Prophet Elias stands as a proud testament to those words. On 8 November (this month) I was honoured to attend—to the very day—the celebrations to mark the parish's 50th anniversary of their inaugural Divine Liturgy. As I looked around the magnificent church, I marvelled (as I always do) at the road the parish has travelled from that very first meeting in the hall of the Norwood Scout Troop in Fisher Street half a century ago. I am quite certain that the Premier, the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, who also attended the celebrations, were thinking exactly the same thing.

It was that first meeting that heralded the beginning of a triumphant effort to bring the church to the people and marked the opening chapter in this compelling story of faith and community. As the first community parish of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in South Australia, it had much to do and many expectations to meet. Never one to rest on its laurels, the parish met that challenge head on and, 50 years later, it can now proudly reflect upon its significant role in helping shape the lives of the many Greek migrants who came to our shores after the war.

By establishing church services and Sunday school, Greek language and dancing classes, community activities, youth groups and aged services, the parish has ensured that it remains at the forefront in fulfilling the spiritual, educational and social needs of its members. Its impact continues undiminished to this day. I have often said in this place how fortunate I am to be the local member for an electorate which has such a diverse and dynamic multicultural community, but I am also acutely aware that this just did not come about by a stroke of luck or by having many people from different ethnic origins simply living in one location. Rather, it is as a result of vision, dedication, the willingness to help others and a desire to impart a sense of history and purpose not only to your own community but to the community at large.

This is what determines the success of a truly multicultural society, and this is what has determined the importance of the Prophet Elias Church in its tapestry. I have always strongly believed that an understanding and appreciation of your background and history is of great importance to your personal development and the values you then take with you throughout your life. As society becomes increasingly hectic, and as technology in many ways—somewhat paradoxically—continues to dictate a more distant and aloof future, a sense of community and belonging has never been more important; and herein lies the success of the Parish of the Prophet Elias and the many thousands of families and volunteers who have paved its way.

The parish has become a home. So many have given their time, talents and money to build a place where experiences can be shared, diversity celebrated and support offered to those in need but, just as importantly, the parish has become a bridge, a vital connection between members of the South Australian Greek community, particularly the younger generation, and the homeland and traditions of their ancestors.

It is an understatement so say that the parish has come a long way. From an initial outlay of £1,500, from a small functional place of worship and a tin shed out the back, we now have an icon of Norwood a magnificent church, replete with exquisite iconography and a fantastic community hall. Plato could not have put it better.

I congratulate the parish on its 50th anniversary and the wonderful service it has provided to the community over that time. While this milestone offers an appropriate time for reflection and quiet pride, it is also a great opportunity to look forward to the future with optimism and a true sense of togetherness. Unfortunately, time constrains me from paying tribute to the many people who over the past 50 years have made the parish what it is today, but they all are within my sentiments.

His Grace Bishop Nikandros of Dorileou has done a fine job in leading the clergy here in South Australia for the past 7½ years and has much of which to be proud. I thank Father Stavros Psaromatis, who has made a tremendous contribution to the parish. Along with his team of volunteers, he has fostered a true sense of spirituality and cooperation. I also thank and acknowledge the president of the parish, Chris Koronis, and the chairman of the organising committee of the parish's 50th anniversary celebrations, John Kiosoglous, for his continuing hard work. I extend my very best wishes to all the other volunteers, all the men and women of the parish and the wider Greek community within South Australia for a happy 50th anniversary. It has given me great pleasure to be associated with the community for more than 20 years. I wish them at least another 50 years of contribution to our local community.

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