History of Saint Mary Parish Sydney

The Romanian Orthodox Parish of St. Mary in Sydney was founded on 18 March 1973 by Romanians and Greeks who had emigrated from Romania. It was officially recognised by the New South Wales authorities on 15 October 1973 and, in the same year, was accepted under the canonical jurisdiction of the Romanian Patriarchate. At first, religious services were held in the Welsh Presbyterian Church building in Redfern, a suburb of Sydney. In 1977, the parishioners purchased their own building, a former wooden Methodist church, located in Linthorn Avenue, Croydon Park. The administration of the church was ensured by a parish committee, with a two-year term, elected by the general assembly of the parish.

Notable events in the history of our church

1975, publishing of the periodical newsletter "Viața Parohială"
1977, April 3 - inauguration of the church building. Simultaneously, an annexed hall was inaugurated, which serves as a meeting place for parishioners, on the occasion of various cultural events or holidays.
1978, August - opening of the parish library, containing hundreds of books on art, literature, history, folklore, etc.
1980, January 6 - the erection and consecration of a monumental stone trinity dedicated to Orthodox Christians originally from Romania who died on Australian soil
1980, June 1 - consecration of the church by Bishop Antonie of Buzău
1983, January 8 - opening of the St. Andrew's Parish in Newcastle

The construction of the current church was done in three stages:

1982 main entrance to the church,
1987 church body,
1998 church steeple.

It is noteworthy that St. Mary's Church was the first church in Australia built in the style of traditional Romanian architecture.

1989 - installation of a mosaic representing the Mother of God, executed by artist George Răducanu
1991 - installation of the iconostasis carved in wood, donated by the Romanian Patriarchate
1994, April-December - iconographic vestment works of the church interior. The church mural, signed by the painters Doru Dumitru Slădescu and Cristina Slădescu, bears the imprint of both the Byzantine Orthodox style and the Romanian school of iconography. The iconography of the church is developed in two registers. The first, in the lower plane, is made up of icons representing 31 Romanian and universal saints. The second, in the upper plane, is made up of a row of 12 icons depicting biblical scenes. This iconographic vestment was made not only for the simple decoration of the church, but also with the aim of creating an atmosphere conducive to prayer.
2003, October 1 – Fr. Dr. Gabriel Popescu requested retirement for health reasons. By Patriarchal Decision no. 6/2003, Fr. Dr. Doru Costache was appointed to the position of parish priest; on December 12, 2004 – the new parish priest Fr. Dr. Doru Costache took over the leadership of the parish.
2005 - equipping the church with a new sound system, air conditioning and new furniture for the Holy Altar, as well as the kitchen and the annex room with new furniture.
2006 - complete renovation of the hall; the courtyard landscaping project was started; the launch of the catechetical and cultural program "Saint Mary's Evenings".
2007 - re-registration of the parish as an incorporated non-profit organization; painting of the church ceiling and spire.
2008 - Fr. Doru Costache retires from the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand. Following the vacancy of the parish priest position, His Grace Bishop Mihail appointed PCPr. Vincențiu Dumitru as parish priest.
2010, June - the new Property Title was obtained, in the name of Saint Mary Parish Inc.
2010, August - Fr. Vincențiu Dumitru returns to Romania. He is replaced by Fr. Valeriu Botezatu at the parish.
2011, September - the approval for the construction of the Cultural-Missionary Center and the parish house was obtained
2012, October 1 - His Holiness Bishop Mihail appointed P.C.Pr. Valeriu Botezatu as parish rector
2012, October 14 - the statute of organization and functioning of the Parish was adopted under the authority of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Australia and New Zealand
2013-2014 - work was done on the church: concrete was poured in the basement, a new floor was installed, the church roof was extended at the entrance and on the sides. The painting was cleaned of mold and dust. Carpets for the church and new cabinets for the Holy Altar were purchased. The lighting system for the church's exterior for nighttime was installed.
2014, April 19 - PS Mihail blesses the place of worship following the work carried out
2015 - the church annex was equipped with a boiler, oven, and cabinets
2016, May - new furniture was installed in the church: Holy Table, proscomidiar, altar furniture, bishop's chair, 90 pews, church entrance doors and altar door. A pergola was installed on the right side of the church.
2024, January - The roof was repaired and the broken tiles were replaced. The tiles were painted and 2 whirlybirds were installed.