The Greek community across the Illawarra and South Coast of NSW saw 180 dignitaries and guests from the Greek community of Wollongong welcomed internationally renowned speaker, missionary and founder of Paradise 4 Kids, Bishop Themistocles of Nicopolis, from Sierra Leone.
The St Nektarios parish of Wollongong, with permission from Archbishop Makarios, hosted a fundraiser on 21 August, to support missionary work in Africa by Bishop Themi and Paradise 4 Kids.
“This was an auspicious occasion. The Greek community of Illawarra all came together to welcome Bishop Themi and to support the children in Sierra Leone through Paradise4Kids. Bishop Themi has not only laid foundations for Greek Orthodox missionary work which has saved thousands of children not only in Sierra Leone, but across the world.
“He has also been a role model, lecturer and teacher to so many clergy and students during his time at St Andrews Theological College in Sydney. The outcome of the fundraiser truly demonstrates how, when we have God in our hearts, anything is possible,” said Father Anastasios Bozikis, parish priest of St Nektarios who together with Father Panagioti Mavrommatis of Bankstown, assisted Bishop Themi officiate the Divine Liturgy in the morning.
After the Service, the Paradise 4 Kids fundraiser was held in the St Nektarios Community Hall, attended by the dignitaries and guests from the Illawarra, South Coast and Sydney.
Special guest speakers included Mayor of Wollongong, Gordon Bradbery; Mayor of Shellharbour Chris Homer; State Member for Wollongong Paul Scully, Federal Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes and the Parliamentary Secretary for Wollongong and Illawarra, Peter Poulos MLC.
The President of the St Nektarios committee was overwhelmed and praised the efforts of the volunteers and community members who helped to bring the event together.
“I am incredibly proud of this achievement, but it would not have been possible without the support and hard work of our volunteers and the community. I would also like to thank the special guests who joined us on the day, and to all the members of the Greek community throughout the region who cooked, baked, and supported our parish to warmly welcome Bishop Themi to Wollongong,” stated Mr Arthur Tzortzis.
Parliamentary and council leaders meet with His Grace Bishop Themi and members of the St Nektarios committee during the fundraiser held in Wollongong on Sunday 21 August 2022. Photo: Supplied
“The St Nektarios Parish priest and committee were moved by the heartfelt generosity of parishioners from both St Nektarios and the Holy Cross who came together to support Bishop Themi. Donations and support are still coming in, but the committee of St Nektarios are proud to announce that ove $18,500 was raised on the day. This is a remarkable outcome and demonstrates the heart and spirit of the Greek community of Wollongong,” added Mr Tzortzis.
It is worth mentioning that many businesses and donors assisted with donations and raffles prizes. These included: Taronga Zoo, Treetop Adventures, Whiteroom Studios Photography, Specsavers Dapto, Maria T Beauty, Passion in Fruit Coniston, Tuesdeys Hair & Beauty, The Icon, Cabbage Tree Hotel, Hello Harry Cafe, Levendi Wollongong, The Nut and Deli Hut Wollongong, Cougars Car Services Oak Flats, Georges VIP Kemblawarra, Kiama Fish Market, Anastasia Feneri singing session. Even more were the parishioners that donated gifts, cakes, and icons to both raffle and sell for Paradise4Kids.
Source: https://neoskosmos.com/en/2022/08/25/news/over-18500-raised-by-st-nektarios-in-wollongong-for-sierra-leone-orphans/