Our historical church, "The Annunciation of Our Lady", reopened its doors for first time on 24 March - on the eve of the Fest-Day of the Annunciation. Many people attended the Feast-Day celebrations and the church will also be open for Easter. The church suffered severe damage early May 2016 by fire. The first stage of the reinstatement project was recently completed but the next stages will occur in gradual steps.

The Board of the Greek Community of Melbourne was pleased to announce that our our church will recommence all religious services from Saturday 24th March. His Grace Bishop Ezekiel presided over the Vespers service on the eve of the Holy Feast Day of the Church. 

The church was severely damaged by fire on the 2nd May 2016 and since then an extensive reinstatement project has been undertaken by our organisation. With the completion of phase 1 of the reinstatement project, the Church will now be open again for services as per normal. The areas destroyed by the fire have been extensively structurally reinstated and the church is now available for the commencement of services. The Board would like to point out that works will continue to complete phase 2 of the project, which will include the reinstatement of the hagiography the fittings and the fixtures.

The celebratory activities for the Holy Feast Day continued on the 25th March, Holy Feast Day of the Church with His Grace Bishop Iakovos presiding assisted by a number of Orthodox Priest.

Hundreds of parishioners attended the celebratory activities of the Church.

“The Evangelismos reinstatement project has reaffirmed the community’s commitment to its religious, historical and national heritage,” said Associated Professor and GCM Treasurer Marinis Pirpiris.

“Stage 1 had reinforced the tremendous emotional support of the wider Greek community for this important and significant project. It is with a sense of accomplishment that this project has now reached the stage where services may recommence in the front part of the congregational space. Parishioner are whole heartedly welcomed back to commence the process of reconnecting with old friends and making new friends. Mary’s simple, apprehensive and responsible words “Let it be according to the will of God” set in place a history that is, without doubt, glorious and miraculous. As we celebrate our great national and religious holiday of the 25th March, with the devotion and patriotism of our forefathers, let us all commit to work together to reinstate the Church to its former glory. Please consider reconnecting with the Church, your friends and your community and provide your support for Stage 2 to be successfully completed.”

Architect Mr Constantine Moschoyiannis (Morea Architects) who was responsible for the reinstatement designs and permits of Evangelismos said:

“Our historical church is back! The Greek Community of Melbourne brought back our Greek history and underpinning faith. Our first Church re-commences services on feast day. Melbourne’s Greek history, culture and orthodox religion are reborn with renewal of Church services at Evangelismos. The Holy Annunciation of Our Lady will open to the faithful on its feast day the 25th of March. The Church lives again.”