Father Shimuye Mebratu is one of a growning number of Orthodox priests driven from their parish by drought in Wello Province.B & W waist length photograph of Father Shimuye Mebratu carrying a silver Orthodox cross."Father Shimuye Mebratu with his silver Orthodox cross Reproduction permission is granted for editorial purposes only. World Vision photo credit must be given at all times when reproducing this photo World Vision Media Department Phone (03) 699 8765 C&N 20/2/1985 page 7"mebratu, shimuye, father, orthodox cross

When the Free Serbian Church was established in Wodonga it was the only one in a country centre and the third Serbian Church established in Australia. It had a congregation of approximately 40 members. The Church was originally the first Presbyterian Church in Wodonga. It is a rectangular brick building with a red Colourbond gable roof to the nave area and a domed roof to the rear of the nave. Many features of the architecture from the original building remain. However, changes were made during the refurbishment by the Free Serbian congregation. The original façade red brickwork was rendered and painted white and it was modified to include two round arched relief panels. The upper relief panel was divided into three blocks of colour - red, pale blue and grey, with a centrally located gold cross. The relief panel above the double timber front doors has a gold cross and Serbian iconography. A cross was located on the wall at the apex of the gable and a cross rising up from the gable. The original pointed gothic style windows were replaced with round arched windows. The window hardware now includes wrought iron decorative features. A domed roofed area was constructed to the rear of the nave. The perimeter fence and gates included decorative wrought iron elements. The gates are particularly decorative with floral emblems and Serbian and English text in wrought iron. These photographs are significant because they provide evidence of the changing nature of religious worship and groups in Wodonga.A collection of black and white and coloured photographic images depicting the Free Serbian Orthodox Church, Wodonga. The Church was originally the first Presbyterian Church in Wodonga. It was extensively modified in 1961-62.free serbian orthodox church, wodonga churches, presbyterian church, religion wodonga