17 December 2025

The Greek Orthodox Parish of St Dimitrios in Salisbury, Adelaide, has once again demonstrated the strength of its faith and community spirit by linking a highly successful fundraising effort with a Christmas Appeal supporting vulnerable families in Fiji.

For over a decade, the parish has supported the Orthodox Mission in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa, operating under the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Zealand. Founded by the late Metropolitan Amfilochios and continued under Metropolitan Myron, the Mission provides vital assistance to families in remote and economically challenged regions, offering education, welfare and spiritual care.

Members of the parish community gather after a church service, holding prayer books and icons, underscoring the Church’s role as a living centre of spiritual and social life. Photo: Supplied

Earlier this year, a parish mission team travelled to Fiji, visiting villages across Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. During their trip, they delivered more than 150 family support packs, school supplies, food vouchers and hygiene essentials. They also spent time with the children at St Tabitha’s Orphanage in Saweni, witnessing first-hand how many rely entirely on the generosity of the Orthodox faithful.

A parishioner shares a meal during a community gathering, reflecting the everyday social bonds and hospitality that sustain parish life beyond worship. Photo: Supplied

This experience inspired the parish’s Labasa Christmas Appeal, which focuses on helping between 30 and 40 families during the festive season. The appeal provides meals, school support, medical assistance, and modest Christmas gifts for children. Parish organisers highlight that $200 can feed a family of four and offer a small but meaningful Christmas blessing.

The appeal featured prominently at a fundraising luncheon on Sunday, 7 December 2025, held after a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy presided over by Metropolitan Myron of New Zealand, with the blessings of Archbishop Makarios of Australia and Bishop Silouan of Adelaide. The event drew parishioners and supporters from across Adelaide, raising a remarkable $120,000 for ongoing mission programs throughout the South Pacific.

A moment from the Divine Liturgy, as clergy hold liturgical candles before the iconostasis, reflecting continuity, reverence and the enduring spiritual life of the parish. Photo: Supplied

Funds raised are directed toward essential initiatives, including food and daily essentials, education support, medical and welfare needs, church and mission centre development, emergency relief during disasters, and ongoing pastoral outreach. All programs are volunteer-run, ensuring donations are used directly to benefit those in need.

The parish leadership notes that their long-standing involvement in the South Pacific reflects a commitment to serving communities beyond their local parish. Through these efforts, the Adelaide community brings hope, support and practical assistance to families thousands of kilometres away.

As Christmas approaches, St Dimitrios Parish has expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed. Their support continues to provide care, compassion and practical assistance, bringing real and lasting change to communities across the South Pacific.

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