The Serbian Orthodox Church is one of the autocephalous Eastern Orthodox Christian churches. The majority of the population in Serbia, Montenegro and the Republika Srpska entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina are members of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
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The Serbian Orthodox Church in Coober Pedy, officially known as the Church of Saint Elijah the Prophet, is an extraordinary underground sanctuary that beautifully merges faith, culture, and the ingenuity of its community. Carved entirely into sandstone between 3 and 17 meters below the surface, this church is a must-see for anyone visiting Coober Pedy. 
🕍 Architecture & Atmosphere
Built in 1993 by Serbian Australians who settled in Coober Pedy as opal miners, the church was constructed underground to escape the region’s intense heat. The interior is a marvel, featuring a 30-meter-long nave with a 7-meter-high ceiling, all sculpted directly from the rock. The sandstone walls are adorned with intricate bas-reliefs of saints, and a stained-glass ceiling window bathes the space in a warm, ethereal glow. The glass iconostasis adds a unique touch to the sacred space. 
Visitors often describe the church as serene and awe-inspiring. One reviewer noted, “The simplicity of the church emphasises the incredible amount of work done to create this beautiful space in a very short time.” 
🙏 Experience & Accessibility
The church complex includes a community hall, parish house, and religious school, all carved underground. While the church is active, services are currently limited due to the difficulty of securing a resident priest. However, the site remains open to visitors, with an entrance fee of $5 AUD. Parking is available on-site, and the church is easily accessible via a gently sloping corridor.  
🌟 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re drawn by spiritual curiosity, architectural interest, or the unique underground setting, the Serbian Orthodox Church in Coober Pedy offers a memorable and moving experience. Its combination of cultural heritage and natural beauty makes it a standout attraction in the Australian outback. 
📍 Address: St Elijah Dr, Coober Pedy, South Australia 5723 
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💰 Entry Fee: $5 AUD 
🚗 Parking: Available on-site 
📷 Photography:...
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Hidden Underground Treasure! ⛪️🕯️⛏️
Wow! Visiting the Serbian Orthodox Church in Coober Pedy was an unforgettable experience! 🏜️✨ Tucked beneath the desert surface, this underground church is a peaceful and awe-inspiring masterpiece.
Carved right into the sandstone 🪨, it was built in the early 1990s by the hardworking Serbian community 🛠️🇷🇸. The craftsmanship is simply stunning – from the hand-carved walls and archways to the beautiful stained glass windows 🌈🪟 and religious icons 🖼️. The whole space feels cool, quiet, and sacred… a perfect escape from the blazing outback sun ☀️🔥.
It’s not just a church – it’s a symbol of culture, community, and Coober Pedy’s one-of-a-kind underground life 🌍🏠. Whether you're into history, architecture, spirituality, or just love discovering hidden gems, this spot is a MUST-SEE! 📍💯
Perfect for a peaceful moment, amazing photos 📸, and a deep appreciation for how people have adapted to life in the harsh Aussie...
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I attended with my husband and my service dog. We were willing to pay the $5 entry fee each. We were stopped at the door and told dogs are not allowed into the church. I explained it was a service dog. Another male said that if the dog came through they would have to bless the church all over again! He asked if I could leave my service dog outside. When I explained the dog was a service dog for myself they still refused entry.
What happened to all gods...
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