In 1968 a few Greek Orthodox inhabitants of the West Rand in Johannesburg decided to make a reality of their dream of creating a church around which a vibrant community/parish would be established for the benefit of the community. They approached Mr Piet du Plessis the mayor of Krugersdorp municipality with a survey of the Greek Orthodox population on the West Rand, and an appeal for assistance. The community was allocated 3 stands on the 4th November 1968 in the new suburb of Noordheuwel, Krugersdorp, measuring 8000 square meters at a token cost of R50 each. The ground, together with legal and other expenses, cost a total of R500.00.

This event led to the founding of our community at a meeting held in the home of Andreas Hajipavlou. In February 1969, the West Rand Hellenic Community was formed to serve the Greek speaking population in an area consisting of Florida, Roodepoort, Krugersdorp, Randfontein, Westonaria, Carletonville and Fochville. A constitution was adopted and the first council was elected with the late Mr Alecos Palexas as President, Mr Andreas Hajipavlou as Vice President and Mr Nicolas Palexas as Treasurer. The honour of 1st Honorary President of the Community was unanimously bestowed on Mr Alecos Palexas in recognition of his untiring work in the community, for his guidance, assistance and financial help to many immigrants making South Africa their new home. After his death, this honour was bestowed on Mr. Andreas Hajipavlou who had helped to initiate the founding of the Community and served for 16 years on the Council and as President.

The inaugural fund-raising function was at a luncheon hosted by Mrs Yiannoula Palexas wife of Mr Nicolas Palexas. At this function the first funds (R500) to start building the Church of Saint Andrew were collected. After this modest start, the first Saint Andrew’s festival (Panigiri) was held on Saint Andrew’s festival, the 29th November 1972 on a levelled piece of ground where the church stands today. The sum of R700 was raised. Since then the Panigiri has been held on a Sunday on that date or on the first Sunday in December and has become renown amongst the Greek Orthodox population of Gauteng, and throughout the whole country, for its authentic folk atmosphere and hospitality.

The building of the church, designed by the late Lano Michaelides and constructed by Nestor Kitalides and John Augustides, commenced in 1972 and was completed in 1974. The total cost of the building, icons and complete furnishings of the church, cost the small community the sum of R125 000. The iconostasi which dates back over 100 years, was donated to Saint Andrew’s by the Greek Community of Pretoria and is from the old Pretoria Greek Church which was demolished and rebuilt in another part of town. The iconostasi was made to fit into the new church and today pays tribute to the magnificent workmanship of yesteryear.

Mr Gabriel Kostandinides raised the necessary funds in order to commission the many icons which now appear in the iconostasi. Mr Kostandinides personally collected the icons from Ayion Oros (Mount Athos) in Greece.

The first Holy Icon of Saint Andrew the First-Chosen Apostle, was brought to our church from the Holy Monastery of Saint Andrew in Rizokarpasso in the occupied part of Cyprus, by Mrs. Yianoula Palexas, wife of the Founder-Treasurer, Nicolas Palexas having requested this from Ieromonahos Kleopas one of the monks there.

On Sunday 18th August 1974 the first church service was held in our new church. The fact that it coincided with the Turkish invasion and occupation of The Monastery of Apostolos Andreas in Rizokarpasso in Cyprus, did not go unnoticed by the devout worshippers. This coincidence has a deep significance for the many Cypriot members of our community.

The new Saint Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church has become a living symbol of hope and faith, to once again return to the freed historic monastery in Cyprus.