==Biography==

Alan Reginald Eades was born on [[November 18]], 1946, to the family of an Anglican priest, Rev Reginald and Mrs Joan Eades. While training as nurses at Tauranga Hospital, Alan and his future wife, Mary Joycelyn Coate (b. [[October 14]], 1950) met, and were married on [[August 30]], 1970. In 1973, Angelina was born (now married with three children), soon followed by Nicholas (~1976). On [[November 23]], 1977, Alan's father reposed.

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. Metr. 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, Metr. 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.