Small parish builds first permanent home in Rivett
St Athanasius Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church has begun construction on its first permanent 168-seat home after renting venues since 2008.
St Athanasius Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church broke ground on its new building in Rivett this month. The small parish has rented churches and school halls since 2008.
A neighbour, shopkeeper Bill Pesi, opposed the plan over parking concerns. The shops have about 50 shared spaces serving multiple businesses and two childcare centres.
The new church will have 27 dedicated spaces. The church averages 150 attendees per service.
The building committee said services mainly occur on quiet Sundays. A similar mosque proposal in the same area was blocked in 2014 over parking.
The new church will offer community facilities available for public use.
- 2008
- Church founded
- 168 seats
- Building capacity
- 150 per service
- Average attendance
- 27 spaces
- Dedicated parking
Why it mattersA small congregation finally has a permanent home, but local concerns about shared parking resources remain unresolved.
AustraliaCanberra residents gain a new community facility, though local tension over parking in Rivett shops persists as the city grows.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 11 d ago
