The Parish of St Stylianos belongs to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, which was formally established in 1924 by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, in response to the steady growth of Greek Orthodox communities across Australia during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Its first hierarch, Metropolitan Christophoros (Knitis), marked the transition from provisional pastoral care to an organised ecclesiastical structure. A major milestone followed in 1959, when this Metropolis in Australia was elevated to the status of an Archdiocese, reflecting its demographic growth and institutional maturity.

In more recent years, under the leadership of Archbishop Makarios, who arrived in 2019, the Archdiocese has undergone significant administrative and pastoral development, including the establishment of diocesan structures to strengthen episcopal presence and pastoral care across the continent. Today, the Archdiocese stands as a mature ecclesial body, firmly rooted in the canonical tradition of the Orthodox Church and contributing actively to Australia’s religious, cultural, and multicultural life.

The Parish and Church of St Stylianos Greek Orthodox Church was established during the Archiepiscopal tenure of Archbishop Stylianos (Harkianakis), in response to the growing Orthodox presence in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire. The parish was formally inaugurated on 19 March 1995, when nearly 900 faithful gathered at the Sutherland Entertainment Centre, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the spiritual life of the region. In its early years, the community worshipped in a temporary location – most notably the auditorium of Gymea Technology High School – initially on a monthly basis, depending on priestly availability. A dedicated 16-member founding committee, led by Mr Stylianos Pambris, the founding President, coordinated these early efforts, laying the foundations of parish life through tireless organisation, fundraising and faith, even in the absence of a permanent church.

A decisive step forward came on 15 December 1996, when Fr Constantine Varipatis was appointed as the parish’s founding priest by Archbishop Stylianos. Together with his wife, Presbytera Eleni, he embraced the demanding yet blessed task of nurturing a new parish community from the ground up. Weekly services soon commenced at the school auditorium, with parishioners faithfully setting up and dismantling chairs, icons, and the altar each week. Though the space was temporary, the devotion and unity of the community never wavered.

On 21 June 1998, the parish was formally dedicated to Saint Stylianos by Bishop Seraphim of Apollonias, and was established as a Tri-Hypostatic Church: the main altar dedicated to Saint Stylianos (26 November), a side chapel to Saints Peter and Paul (29 June) and another to Saint Gregory Palamas (Second Sunday of Lent).

By the end of 1998, the parish acquired 4,400 square metres of land along The Kingsway, Gymea, including five houses. One of these was renovated to serve as a weekday chapel and parish office, while plans for a permanent church were developed under the guidance of architects John Horiatopoulos and Gregory Koutoulas, and engineers Peter Douroudis and Luke Tsougranis. The project was coordinated by Mr Harry Exikanas, then Parish President, whose leadership – together with that of his wife Maria – has left a lasting legacy of faith and devotion for which future generations remain deeply grateful. Construction was completed in just six months by Fugen Constructions, made possible through the generosity and sacrificial giving of parishioners and benefactors.

On 16 December 2001, Archbishop Stylianos presided over the joyous opening of the new church, joined by the Premier of New South Wales, the Honourable Bob Carr, the Mayor of Sutherland and thousands of faithful. The church stood not merely as a building, but as a living community in the Body of Christ, founded on faith, hope and love.

From these humble beginnings, parish life flourished. Greek language schools were established in 1997, followed by Sunday School, youth and seniors’ groups, a playgroup, and a children’s choir. Men’s, Ladies’, and Youth Committees met regularly to guide parish activities, while religious instruction expanded into local public and high schools. Pastoral care for the elderly and sick became a defining ministry and fellowship after Sunday services grew into a cherished tradition.

Fundraising initiatives – including afternoon teas, raffles, dances and parish events – thrived through the dedication of volunteers, particularly the Philoptochos Committee.

A further significant contribution of the parish to the wider community was the establishment of St Basil’s Nursing Home in Miranda. Through the efforts of the parish and the support of the local member Mr Barry Collier, a suitable parcel of land was identified and acquired by St Basil’s to develop a flagship aged-care facility comprising a 100-bed nursing home and 50 independent living units. The facility was officially opened in 2006 by Archbishop Stylianos and the Prime Minister of Greece, Kostas Karamanlis, and continues to serve the most vulnerable members of the community. Clergy from the parish regularly visit the home, offering ongoing pastoral care to its residents.

In more recent years, the Church of St Stylianos was solemnly consecrated on 19 October 2019 by Archbishop Makarios, marking a moment of profound spiritual and ecclesial significance for the parish. This sacred act was especially noteworthy as it was the first consecration performed by Archbishop Makarios following his arrival in Australia, offering a powerful sign of continuity, blessing and pastoral commitment at the outset of his archiepiscopal ministry. Through the consecration, the church was sealed permanently as a place of prayer, sacrifice and sacramental life, firmly integrating the parish into the living tradition of the Orthodox Church. For the faithful of St Stylianos, this moment affirmed the maturity of the parish community and its enduring vocation to bear witness to Christ in faith, unity, and love for generations to come.

In 2025, a further significant milestone was reached with the construction of a new parish car park, undertaken as the first stage of a broader and visionary plan to establish a child-care centre on the church grounds. This development reflects the parish’s enduring commitment to the care and formation of the youngest members of the community and to the integration of faith with daily life. The prospect of children taking their first steps in education within the physical and spiritual surrounds of the Church speaks profoundly to the Orthodox understanding of formation as encompassing the whole person – mind, heart and soul. In this way, the parish of St Stylianos continues to look forward with hope, ensuring that future generations are nurtured from their earliest years within an environment shaped by prayer, faith and the loving presence of the Church.