The Serbian Church in the Desert of South Australia: Nine Meters Underground and Nobody Knows About It!
Did you know that in the desert of South Australia, in the town of Coober Pedy, there is a Serbian Orthodox Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah, and not just any church – it is built nine meters underground? Yes, you read that right! While the world looks up, Serbs in Australia have decided to keep their faith deep beneath the surface, in a place where temperatures reach a scorching 40 degrees Celsius.
A Town Underground – Coober Pedy
Coober Pedy is no ordinary town. Due to extreme climatic conditions and desert heat, most buildings in this town are underground. It sounds like a scene from a sci-fi movie, but it’s reality. The town is known as the “opal capital of the world” because of its vast deposits of this precious stone.
The Serbian Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah – The Second of Its Kind in the World!
The Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah belongs to the Australian-New Zealand Metropolis and was built back in 1993. What makes it special is that it is the second such church in the world, after the church of the Dajbapski Monastery near Podgorica in Montenegro, built underground. Next to the church, there is a parish house and a church school, showing how dedicated this community is to preserving faith and tradition.
Why Underground?
The desert climate of Coober Pedy is brutal – temperatures soar up to 40 degrees, and the heat is almost unbearable. That’s why the residents of this town, including the Serbian community, decided to build underground structures to protect themselves from extreme weather conditions. The Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah is a perfect example of this adaptation – a place where faith and tradition meet innovation and survival.
A Little-Known but Fascinating Story
Although this church is a true rarity and unique in its location and construction, few people know about it. The Serbian Orthodox community in Australia is small but very dedicated, and this church is their sacred place, far from the public eye. It is a place where liturgies are held, where faith is taught, and where Serbian tradition is preserved in the heart of the desert.
Just Imagine – Praying Nine Meters Underground While the Desert Heat Blazes Above!
This church proves that faith knows no boundaries, neither geographical nor climatic. Serbs in Australia have shown that tradition can be preserved even in the most unusual conditions. If you thought you’ve seen it all, think again – the underground Serbian church in the desert is a true mystery and wonder that deserves more attention.
Did you know about this church? What do you think about living and praying underground? Share your thoughts, maybe some of you have similar stories from your own regions!
