Fr Ilyan's initial congregation was of some converts, and some New Zealand-born Lebanese and occasional Greeks and Serbs. Relations with the [[Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Zealand]] became most amicable after difficulties in the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, Auckland, caused Metropolitan [[Dionysios (Psiahas) of Proussa|Dionysios]] to approach Bp Gibran to find some accommodation for Fr Michael Balafas at St Ignatius when he wanted to serve. Some more Greek Orthodox then began attending St Ignatius services. Met Dionysios made reciprocal arrangements with Bp Gibran for Fr Ilyan to attend Holy Trinity Church to conduct [[matrimony|weddings]], [[funeral]]s and [[baptism]]s when needed.

After need was expressed from congregants of St Michael Orthodox Church, Dunedin, and after consultations between Bp Gibran and Fr Jack, Fr Ilyan left Auckland for Dunedin in late October 1992. After being billeted for 2 weeks, Fr Ilyan was able to rent, then buy, the house directly behind the church. Soon after this, Met Dionysios requested Fr Ilyan's help in looking after the Greek community in Christchurch, who were currently without a priest. So until mid-1996, Fr Ilyan made monthly trips to Christchurch, and until 2004, to care for other centres (Auckland, Napier, Wellington) as requested.