Built in stages, the church was - in the most part - complete by its consecration in August 1855 but almost immediately underwent further expansion to accommodate the greater population numbers now residing in the Redfern and Chippendale areas.

[1] During the second half of the nineteenth century, Redfern and Chippendale continued to be mixed suburbs of both residential and industry and it was not long before living conditions began to decline and these inner-city areas turned into slums.

Efforts to improve these conditions were largely spurred by Reverend Francis Bertie Boyce who was appointed to the parish of St Pauls in 1884 (and who remained as an active and vocal leader for social reform until his retirement in 1930).

By the outbreak of the World War II, the population decline of Redfern and Chippendale was acute with its residents leaving for the new and expanding outer suburbs of Sydney.

A new residential demographic saw a shift in the social demand for religion and the decline of the Anglican congregation and the rise of the Orthodox migrant settlers led to the sale of the church in 1967.

Following contentious disputes amongst the leadership about the direction of the church, the congregation split and the Cathedral of Agia Sophia (Holy Wisdom of God) was established in Paddington in 1927.

A sandstone construction with slate covered timber roof, the building also consists of a square tower surmounted by an octagonal turret, with a nave, two wide aisles, chancel, two vestries and two porches.

[1] As at 15 October 2012, the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady is of state heritage significance as an important early ecclesiastical design in the architectural career of Edmund Blacket.

[1] This item is also significant as the Greek Orthodox Cathedral for Australia and for its association with the migrant communities that settled in NSW following World War II.

A notable and active leader for social reform, Boyce used his political connections to campaign for clearing slums, improving living conditions, promoting pensions and alleviating working class distress within the Redfern/Chippendale parish.

Since its conversion and re-consecration to the Orthodox faith in 1970, the cathedral has become a cultural centre for worship, education and the continuity of Greek customs, traditions and language in Australia.

The Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady has state heritage significance for its association with the migrant communities that settled in Australia following World War II.

Establishing churches and maintaining the orthodox faith has always been a significant aspect of the Greek-Australian experience and with the settlement of a new population after the war, the formation of a cathedral for Greek Orthodoxy was of fundamental importance.

The cathedral became the focal point of cultural, education and philanthropic life in the community and was essential for the ongoing practice and celebration of their customs, traditions and language.

A notable and active leader for social reform, Boyce used his political connections to campaign for clearing slums, improving living conditions, promoting pensions and alleviating working class distress.

The Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady has state heritage significance as an early example of Edmund Blacket's work as Diocesan Architect for the Church of England and as a largely intact example of his ecclesiastical designs in the Colonial Decorated Gothic style.

Positioned in a visually prominent location, the design of this landmark church made use of an already popular architectural style that was a potent reflection of the buildings of Britain (of home).

[1] Churches have always been a significant aspect of the Greek-Australian experience and, with the settlement of a new population after the war, the cathedral became the focal point for the social, cultural, education and philanthropic life in the community.