New priest about achieving accessibility

ST Matthew’s Anglican Church congregation has welcomed its new parish priest.

With their previous pastor of four years Nay Htoo departing, Father Denis Sotiriadis into the role in late July.

Father Sotiriadis said he’s excited to bring his open approach to the community.

“We have our traditions, but there’s so much potential here to provide outreach and care where there are current struggles,” he said.

“People do need pastoral care, acceptance and love and understanding, and it’s an untapped area in a way.

“Everyone’s been very welcoming and it’s on my part to respect and honour that welcoming and that good faith I’ve been received in.”

Originally from Queensland, Father Sotiriadis left his job as a fitter and turner at the Far North Queensland Electricity Board and studied at the Brisbane College of Theology.

Alongside conducting regular church services, he will seek to provide aged care services, visitations, mission outreach, and pastoral care in the form of parish-led counselling.

“It’s providing support for those who can’t afford it professionally,” Father Sotiriadis said. “We are professional but we don’t put a price on it.”

Father Sotiriadis said he aims to start an ecumenical contemporary prayer group that invites people of all religions to attend

It’s an initiative he previously brought to his old parish in Horsham.

“It’s looking at the future and providing contemporary family services. You don’t have to be Anglican to take part in it,” he said.

“It opens the door so people can have their spiritual needs met with prayer and contemporary family services, adding more onto what we can deliver as a church.

“You’re only as good as your last sermon. I think I’m pastorally sensitive towards people of all ages. I’d say I have a respect of past traditions with an openness to new Christian traditions.”