Cathedral of St. Constantine and St. Helene

Although Greeks have long had a presence in Western Australia, their total numbers remained small during the colonial period. In 1881, for example, there were only fourteen Greek people in a population of 29,708. Most Greeks who settled here were of the Greek Orthodox faith, but there was no resident Orthodox priest until 1911, when Reverend Chysanthos Constantinides arrived to administer to the growing Greek community.

The local Greek community built the Cathedral of St. Constantine and St. Helene from 1935 following many years of fund raising. Designed by architectural firm, Oldham, Boas and Ednie-Brown, the Cathedral has remained the major place of worship and fellowship for Perth’s Greek community.

By the early 1930s, some parts of Northbridge were developing a definite Greek character. Newly arrived Greek families were choosing to purchase homes in Aberdeen, Francis, James, Lake, Newcastle and Pier streets. Post WWII immigration saw many more Greek families move into the area. The Greek community raised money for a church through the 1920s and 1930s through dances, raffles and bazaars, as well as popular concerts.

By the mid-1930s, the Hellenic Community had enough money to approach a number of architectural firms for a design for a church. Oldham, Boas and Ednie-Brown’s Byzantine style church, modelled on the Saint Constantine Cathedral of Castellorizo, was eventually selected. Apart from the size of the building (the church on Castellorizo is much larger), the only notable difference between the two churches are the square columns in the nave, as opposed to round columns in the mother church.

The Greek community had just over £1,000 and could raise a loan for another £2,500, leaving another £1,000 to be raised. Archbishop Timotheos Evangelinides called on Greek communities in the South West to gather donations. As a result, Bunbury, Manjimup, Donnybrook, Pemberton and Bridgetown were visited and substantial donations collected. The Archbishop’s visit to Kalgoorlie in early 1936 resulted in substantial donations.

Archbishop Timotheos consecrated the church on 18 April 1937. Dignitaries from other churches participated in the ceremony. Relics of saints from Europe, a gold coin and historical documents were placed beneath the altar:
The scene was impressive, the priests in their robes of gold, and scarlet, and blue; the acolytes with lighted candles; the interior illuminated by the large, glittering central candelabra; the light of the sun, for a time streaming golden through the windows; the richly-painted altar screen and the music from an invisible choir of men.

Much of the original iconography, including the painted alter screen, was done by Castellorizian-born artist, Vlase Zanalis. An honour board at the rear of the church listed major financial contributors. In 1952, Greek artist, J Krafilakis was commissioned to complete the interior iconography, including ceiling and wall frescos.

In May 1972, Archbishop Ezekiel Tsoukalas proclaimed the Church a Cathedral. The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helene continues to be an important part of the life of many Greek people in Western Australia. A band of dedicated volunteers continues to raise funds for the upkeep of the Cathedral, including the Ladies Auxiliary who contributed to conservation works to the large chandelier at the front of the church.