History of Church & Community of St Anna
INTRODUCTION
The Greek Orthodox Parish-Community of St Anna on the Gold Coast has a rich and enduring history of faith, dedication, and unity. Worship services first commenced in 1958, with the Very Reverend Father Gregory Sakellariou travelling from Brisbane to conduct the Divine Liturgy at local Anglican churches in Surfers Paradise and Southport.
In 1964–65, benefactor Mr Peter Vaggelas, together with his wife Stamatina (Betty), pledged land for the establishment of a church once a canonically legal community was formed.
The Greek Orthodox Community of St Anna Gold Coast and Northern Rivers NSW was formally recognised by the State Government of Queensland in 1965 under the Religious, Charitable and Other Institutions Act.
As the community grew, land was donated by Mr Vaggelas at Bundall, forming the site of the Community Centre and original Church. Construction began in 1976 with the support of parishioners who gave generously of their time, labour, and resources. Father George Papoutsakis was appointed the first Parish Priest, and the Parish-Community flourished, extending its reach from Beenleigh through the Gold Coast and into the Northern Rivers of New South Wales.
By the mid-1980s, the growth of the faithful created a need for a permanent church. In 1987, benefactor and second Community President Mr Jim Raptis OBE, together with his wife Helen, donated land adjoining the Community Centre for this purpose. With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop STYLIANOS, the foundation stone of the present Church was laid on 7 August 1988. Hundreds of parishioners attended this historic occasion, and most of the construction costs, architectural design, and project management were generously provided by Mr Raptis. Significant support was also given by the Ladies Auxiliary and many benefactors, whose pledges of funds, materials, and workmanship made the new Church of St Anna a reality.
Since its inception, the Church has stood as a cornerstone for the Greek Orthodox faithful of the region. Notable milestones include the Patriarchal visit of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch BARTHOLEMEW in 1996, and the inaugural visits of His Eminence Archbishop MAKARIOS of Australia, and His Grace Bishop Iakovos, the first appointed Bishop of Queensland, both in 2019.
The Parish-Community’s history is also marked by its commitment to philanthropy. In 2017, the St Anna Centre for Community and Independent Living in Arundel was initiated to provide affordable housing for financially disadvantaged individuals. Completed in 2019 with the blessing of the Archbishop and the support of benefactors, including Jim and Helen Raptis who generously donated building costs, this project reflects the Parish-Community’s enduring mission to serve not only the spiritual needs of the region but also its social welfare needs.
Today, the Parish-Community of St Anna continues to carry on the mission of Jesus Christ and His Church. It aspires to be a beacon of faith, culture, and service, honouring the legacy of its founders and benefactors while guiding future generations in the Orthodox Christian faith.