Christ Our Holy Redeemer Parish

In 1901, a seed of faith was planted. That seed was the purchase of land right here, in Surrey Hills, by Father George Robinson of Camberwell Parish. This land would become the home of Christ Our Holy Redeemer Parish. On May 11th the following year, the church that graces this spot, originally named Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, was blessed and opened by Archbishop Thomas Carr of Melbourne. Christ Our Holy Redeemer Parish isn’t just a place of Sunday worship. It’s a living testament to the enduring power of faith. Each year, on the last Sunday of the liturgical year, the church celebrates the Feast of Christ the King. This day holds special significance, as it’s also the feast day of Christ Our Holy Redeemer Church itself. The Feast of Christ the King, while always recognized by the Catholic Church, wasn’t officially instituted until 1925 by Pope Pius XI. Initially celebrated in October, it was moved to the last Sunday of the liturgical calendar after the Second Vatican Council. This shift emphasizes the belief that Christ’s full glory as King will be revealed at the end of time. Step inside Christ Our Holy Redeemer Parish, and you’ll be greeted by a stunning icon of the Holy Redeemer, commissioned in 2019. This full-length portrayal of Christ, arms outstretched in embrace, is painted on wood using the ancient technique of egg tempera. This method, utilizing dry color pigment, egg yolk, and water, dates back to the first centuries AD and was the standard in Europe well into the Renaissance. The background, a shimmering testament to the divine, is pure gold leaf. Christ Our Holy Redeemer Parish is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a beacon of faith, a testament to history, and a vibrant part of the Surrey Hills community.