AFTER four years of painstaking work, the bare white walls and ceiling of the Serbian Orthodox Church of St Sava have finally been transformed with nearly 1000sq m of spectacular religious iconography now adorning the church.

Work on the Ingleside church’s frescoes was recently completed, with virtuoso fresco artist Tonia Ganin laying her final strokes.

Parish priest Father Sasha Radoicic said the church community was “very, very excited” to have the work completed, which he described as an essential part of their “liturgical life”. “Standing in the church, you are now able to see all the saints and bible scenes,” he said.

“They are not only a piece of art, but they have an education purpose. It is very good for kids, for the young, for everyone, that they can see the gospel stories on the walls.”

The frescoes were first created on canvas in Mrs Ganin’s artist studio, before being transported to the Ingleside church where they were attached to the walls and ceiling with glue.

The St Sava Parish has been established on the northern beaches for more than 60 years, moving to its present location in 1986, and was the first Serbian Orthodox Community in Australia.

The church will hold an official consecration ceremony for the frescoes on October 23, which will be open to the public.