Benoni’s St Athanasios Church celebrates 50 years of grace

The church has been blessed with six priests since its establishment.

March 21, 2024

Ntombikayise Sibeko 2 minutes read

Dimitri Seretis and Elia Dounias are making sure that the meat was ready.

The Greek Orthodox Church of St Athanasios, on the grounds of the Hellenic Community of Benoni, celebrated its golden anniversary (50 years) on March 10.

It was a joyful day for about 250 congregants who gathered at the church hall to celebrate the rich history of the church while enjoying pure Greek hospitality.

Outside the Greek Orthodox Church of St Athanasios building which is octagonal in shape are Helen Philippou, Vasili Tsinonis and Margeret Pappas.

Situated at 104 Woburn Avenue, the church with its modern Byzantine architecture, is a proud landmark in Benoni.

Taking guests down memory lane, three large boards decorated with photographs, dating back from 70 years, of priests, pioneers and church members were displayed at the entrance during the celebration.

Speaking during the thanksgiving service, chairman Dimitri Korfias said keeping a community or church operational for five decades is an achievement.

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“Achieving this milestone requires a vision of success, a willingness to serve and abundant generosity, which we have experienced over the past years.

“The dream to build a Greek Church in Benoni began many years following the formation of the Hellenic Society of BenoniBoksburg in 1937.

“In 1949, the society’s name changed to the Hellenic Community of Benoni. “Our church premises were purchased in 1950 by the pioneers of our community through their tremendous vision, hard work and generosity.”

Gabriel Pappas and Philip Philippou are having a chat during the church’s 50th celebration.

The Benoni boys who attended the Greek school and dancing school are Theo, Michael and Angelo Pappas.

Korfias added that before purchasing their property, the Greek School operated from the St Dunstan’s hall until they could no longer be accommodated.

A house at the church’s current location was then converted into classrooms to accommodate the school.

“Fundraising for the building started and plans were drawn up in 1971. The foundation stone of our church was laid on March 11, 1973, by Archbishop Paul Lingris.

“The church construction took a year to complete and the inaugural service and fete held on May 1974. The first panigiri (a traditional festival) was on January 19, 1975.”

Korfias said the church has been blessed with six priests since its establishment 50 years ago – Fathers Erotheos Petrakis, George Kandilanaptis, Costa Antoniou, George Kogios, Marcos Theodosi and Timotheos Kapsalis.

He further acknowledged the church’s ladies’ committee, formed in 1971 as an integral part of the community.

Anni Andoniou, Eva Pappas and Helen Dokos. are having a good time.

An enormous spread of Greek food that was served on the day.

Jimmy Korfias the community’s chairperson reading his speech during the church’s 50th anniversary.

Fellowship group

The church’s weekly fellowship group started with the blessings of his Eminence Damaskinos Archbishop of Johannesburg and Pretoria under the auspices of the diocese, Rev Archimandrite Marcos, who led the Bible study group.

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