"Sveti Nikola" Church Community, Preston
The first Church of the Macedonian Community in Australia was established
in Fitzroy. It was "Sveti Georgi", it was followed by "Sveti
Ilija" in Footscray and "Sveti Nikola" in Preston.
The initiative for building "Sveti Nikola" came from a Church
Committee which was led by George Pisevski. Together with a number of
good people, may they all be blessed by God for their noble intentions and
great effort, they laid the foundations for the temple. Thus it became our
star in the heaven of this region.
On 9/2/1978 his Grace, Metropolitan Peter dedicated the foundations in
a Holy Liturgy held in unison with Very Reverend Spase Stefanovski, acting
as the Metropolitan ' Representative, the parochial priest Reverend Radosav
Atanasovski and other priests. Present were over 1000 people.
In the same year the City of Preston confirmed with an official decision
that "Sveti Nikola" will be a place of worship where religious
services will be performed. The Constitution of this Church was approved
in 1982 by the Holy Synod of the Macedonian Orthodox Church.
Since then "Sveti Nikola" is a spiritual support to our people
who live in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne. The parishioners organised
groups such as "Sveti Naumov" Macedonian School and "11
October" Dance Group which held educational, social and entertainment
activities. These groups enriched the lives of the younger generations by
developing their language skills and proficiency in communication with their
parents, relatives and the Macedonian Community in general. They also brought
contacts with the arts through music, dance, folklore, participation in
competitions and festivals.
Unfortunately "Sveti Nikola" was burnt to the ground on the 20
of February 1994. Parishioners streamed from everywhere and stood stupefied
and numb. In the months to follow they prayed fervently for the renewal
of the Church, helping with funds and work. Soon it was rebuilt and the
Service of Holy Liturgy was resumed.
On Easter that year the parishioners saw a happy event, the laying of
foundations for a new spacious Church to be built close to the existing
little one. A special service was held while an encapsuled parchment with
the Dedication of the Church and its Charter was laid in the ground.
At that time the head of the Australian Diocese was the Metropolitan Timotej,
whereas the head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church was Mihail, the Archbishop
of Ohrid and Macedonia.
The support for the construction of the new Church was overwhelming. The
Church was completed in two years. Its frescoes are being painted at present.
The services give us joy that with God's and Saint Nikola's blessings we
live in peace.
Reverend Mile Talevski
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