The Coptic Orthodox Church has scaled back plans for a grandiose development at Caringbah and is selling three-quarters of the site, including the completed bishop's residence.
The move comes two years after the church's leader Pope Tawadros II caused a stir when he travelled unannounced through the shire in a huge security convoy to lay a foundation stone for the project.
The church bought four adjoining blocks with frontages to Wurrook Circuit and Meta Place four years ago.
They are in a factory-warehouse estate, which was owned by pharmaceutical giant Parke-Davis, which became Pfizer before being acquired by Johnson & Johnson.
The estate was subdivided after its sale in 2008.
At the time of Pope Tawadros II's visit in 2017, the church said the development would become the headquarters of the Sydney Diocese, called the Light House.
Colliers International is selling three of the lots in one line or separately, with expressions of interest closing on October 30.
The church has retained an adjoining vacant block, on which it has received approval to build what appears to be a more modest church, although it is still described in planning documents as "a grand cathedral".
A church spokesman, Maged Zaki, declined to comment.
Colliers International selling agent Trent Gallagher said, "I think the property was too big in the end and they didn't need all that land".
Mr Gallagher said the value of the properties had doubled since he sold them to the church in 2015.
Sutherland Shire Council has given "deferred commencement" approval to a development application (DA) for the block that is not being sold, meaning conditions have to be met before building can start.
The DA provides for a two-storey building, including a "grand cathedral" for worship plus a games room, four classrooms, office, kitchen and other facilities on the first floor.
A maximum of 180 worshippers are expected to attend the church on Sunday.
This plan of management said the church would be run by the diocese of Sydney and would provide social, religious, cultural and intellectual development of the local community.
"The first floor is intended to serve members of the community, with an emphasis on youth activities and the Sunday School," the document said.
"The weekday operations are limited to small bible study/prayer groups, community consultations and the occasional youth group."
Twenty-nine car parking spaces are included.
