[2][1] Orthodoxy arrived in NSW in the mid-to-late nineteenth century when significant numbers of Greek, Lebanese and Russian immigrants made their way to Australia from their homelands.
The early migrants were attracted to Australia for a number of reasons, but particularly by the prospect of a new land and the chance to better their lives by amassing their fortunes in a developing settlement.
As such, these migrants were largely young single men with no intention of settling in Australia or at least not until they were financially well established and could bring their wives and families from Greece to join them.
As migration continued, a community developed in Australia with the implementation of the necessary organisations and structures needed to support the new immigrants who were still, overwhelmingly, single men with little to no understanding of the language and with few marketable employment skills.
This institutional structure was important to the new migrants in helping them get established in a new country and integrate into their own community and the broader Australian society while maintaining their traditions, values and cultural identity.
[1] The migration experience was a binding force within these communities and these newly-established institutions were able to provide food, shelter, supplies and a stable family-type environment for the migrants that followed.
In the very early days of the migration of Orthodox Greeks, Lebanese and Russians, there were no dedicated churches in which the migrants could worship but the celebration of major religious holidays (particularly Christmas and Easter) did continue through makeshift services being conducted by travelling priests.
The new metropolis looked to establish its own centre and fundraising began for the erection of a new church, the Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral (Ayia Sofia) in South Dowling Street, Paddington.
[1] Constructed in the Inter-war Academic Classical architectural style, the landmark cathedral building has a symmetrically composed facade behind four fluted Ionic columns.
[1] The interior of the cathedral, much like other Greek Orthodox places of worship, is richly embellished with framed icons, wall paintings depicting saints, furniture and chandeliers.
[1] Since its construction in 1927, the cathedral has played an important role in the settlement of immigrant communities in Sydney, becoming a focal point for the social, cultural, education and philanthropic life in the community, and today the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Sophia (Agia Sophia) continues its original purpose as a spiritual centre for Christian Orthodox worship in NSW.
[1] Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Sophia was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 18 March 2016 having satisfied the following criteria.
Religious institutions have long been a significant aspect of the Greek-Australian experience and churches have provided a stable and reliable meeting place where communities can practice and maintain their spirituality, traditional culture, values and language.
[1] The interior of the cathedral, much like other Greek Orthodox places of worship, is richly embellished with framed icons, wall paintings, furniture and chandeliers.
The cathedral was an important place where the Greek community could meet, maintain their Christian Orthodox faith and continue the customs, traditions and language of their homeland.
Incorporating the centralised domed cupola above the nave (to demonstrate the sky), the cathedral reflects the influence of the architectural legacy of the Byzantine style.
[1] The interior of the cathedral, much like other Greek Orthodox places of worship, also contains rich iconographic depictions on its walls and a detailed iconostasis separating the nave and sanctuary.