Greek Orthodox Church

When I mention something Greek, that means it’s another Paniyiri-related post. This time I’m going to bring you inside a Greek Orthodox church in Brisbane. As Paniyiri was held in West End, so does the church.

I’m not sure where to begin but yeah, this a typical Greek Orthodox church architecture. Definitely, I’m learning something new here because my faith is similar to a certain extent but different church.

This is the entrance of the church from the festival. I took from inside the compound. There were ladies selling cross and rosary (the Greek version, of course). You can also see the huts erected for the festival. In the background, it’s Brisbane’s skyline.

Now, let’s take a look inside.

My first impression, this is one colourful church. You’ll find similar decoration in all Greek Orthodox church worldwide. Before you enter the hall, there are candles for you to lit. You must pay for that candle.

When the priest started his oration, he can go on and on like in the Protestant church. That’s why they keep a clock inside. If you started to get bored, well, there’s the exit.

The priest is also allowed to marry. But most probably he gets married after he became a priest. Not that there’s no chance, it’s just rare.

Imagine how many days it took complete painting the whole church? How many litres of paint were used?

Now, I’m taking you to second floor. Somehow the upper level reminds me of the Denpasar’s Bishop House – not that I’m a regular visitor but if you’ve ever been to the morning mass at that place, I feel similarities.

In the altar, there are some areas where attendees are not allowed to enter. Some part of the altar is also closed unlike the Catholic church. Holy Communion is provided though.

The bench reminds me of Kepundung Church, haven’t been there in ages – ever since Cathedral opens (which the construction never finished).

So does this church recognises Saints? They don’t have choir during service but oddly enough, later in the afternoon they have choir performance at the church.

Anyway, if there’s any information that’s wrong about this feel free to correct me. Russian Orthodox church next, anyone? 🙂

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ΝΕΟΣ ΚΟΣΜΟΣ

Am I learning Greek or any Cyrillic language? No. It’s another Paniyiri-related post.

On Paniyiri, patrons are welcome to take a copy of Neos Kosmos newspaper. Neos Kosmos is a Greek community newspaper in Australia published every Saturday – therefore reporting Greek issues in Australia or issues in their ancestors’ homeland. The newspaper has some printing relations with Fairfax’s The Age. That means the paper is based in Melbourne.

Neos Kosmos is published in two languages, English and Greek. The English version is printed in ‘compact’ format and it has a mini Greek-language tabloid inserted. There is another Greek version printed as a broadsheet (the same size as ‘The Australian’ or ‘Sydney Morning Herald’). I’m not sure what’s the difference between the Greek tabloid inside the English edition and the Greek broadsheet.

What I don’t get is why does the paper cost $2.50 in NSW, ACT, Vic & SA but $3 elsewhere (Qld, NT, WA, Tas). Remind me of some Indonesian magazines which cost more outside Java and some Malaysian books which cost more in Sabah & Sarawak.

The feature that I really like from this paper is the headlines from major Greek newspapers.

If the Indonesian community in this part of the world plans to publish a weekly magazine or newspaper (printed or online version), I’m ready to contribute at your disposal. 😀

Going Greek for lunch

Last weekend was Paniyiri, Brisbane’s Greek festival. Greek as in the people from Greece, not geek as in IT nerds (pardon me). Last year due to a series of unfortunate event (sore throat), I didn’t go to Paniyiri.

Anyway, this is my last post before I’m on my study assignment break next week. I’ll be back earliest by 3 June.

I’m not going to focus on my whole experience at Paniyiri as it will take so much time. I promise I’ll write that down as soon as I’m back from doing assignment. So, this post will focus on what I ate during Paniyiri.

1. Sweet honey puffs

It’s one of the must-try food at Paniyiri. Honey is poured on top of the puffs. If you remember my post on Fieritalia last year (go find that in this blog), I ate something quite similar to this. Was it called gnocchi? Anyway, I also forget the Greek name for this honey puff. Small plate costed me $5, bigger plate $7.

2. Haloumi Wrap

Another must-try at Paniyiri. I guess this is the Greek version for kebab. It consists of vegetables (tomato, onion, lettuce) and beef. Did they put mayonnaise or Greek yogurt inside? It costs me $8.

The Greeks used to be considered as lower-caste European migrants in Australia. But time certainly has changed. The guy who served me when I bought those two things used the word ‘Mate’.

Paniyiri celebrates 35 years of Greek-iness (if there’s such a word) in Brisbane this year. Definitely I’ll visit Paniyiri again next year. If you’ve missed out, there are many Greek restaurants in West End. If you live in my hometown (Denpasar), there is this Greek restaurant called Mykonos in Seminyak area – I’ve eaten there before and I like it (but my mother doesn’t, apparently she doesn’t like Greek food because she finds it weird).

Hope you have a great day. See you again when I come back from my bloodbath with assignments. 😀