Melbourne’s Greek Centre glows red for Pontian Genocide

·

The Greek Centre will be lit up in red in solemn remembrance of the Pontian Greek Genocide (1916-1923), one of the darkest chapters in Greece’s history.

This initiative signifies the collective resolve of the Greek community to honour the memory of the fallen and to ensure that their stories are never forgotten. The red illumination of the Greek Centre symbolises the 350,000 lives lost, a solemn tribute to those who perished at the hands of brutality and injustice.

Through this gesture of remembrance, the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) underscores the importance of acknowledging past atrocities and educating future generations about the horrors of history.

Bill Papastergiadis OAM, President of the GCM, shared the story of his grandmother, a woman of remarkable resilience, born in Trabzon amidst the upheaval of Minor Asia.

“In her eyes, I saw a strength that defied all odds,” Mr Papastergiadis reminisced. “She faced the darkest of days with unwavering ethics and an indomitable spirit. Even as she rebuilt her life in Kastoria, the shadows of genocide lingered, haunting her every step.

“Her words, ‘Bill, we must forge ahead,’ echo in my heart. She couldn’t bear to speak of the horrors she witnessed, but her message was clear: resilience in the face of adversity.”

As he stood before the Greek Centre, bathed in a solemn red glow, Mr Papastergiadis declared, “Today, we pledge to remember, to honour the memory of those who endured unimaginable suffering and loss. Our gesture, a beacon of remembrance, signifies our commitment to ensure that history never repeats itself.”

Mr Papastergiadis concluded, echoing Edmund Burke’s wisdom: “Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.”

feature pontian genocide greek community of melbourne

Vice President of the GCM, Anthea J. Sidiropoulos, has a deep connection to the Pontian Greek Genocide through her full Pontian bloodlines.

“Both my Paternal and Maternal Great Grandparents settled in Katerini, Northern Greece, after surviving their journey from Pontos, witnessing unspeakable horrors, and losing much of our extended family,” she states.

“I am moved to tears by the red glow over the Greek Community building. I am reminded of our family’s painful history, and overwhelmed with a mix of sadness and relief. The red glow is a fitting tribute to lives lost, and an acknowledgment of our existence as Pontians. A significant reminder of how cultural heritage is so important for future generations.” 

May 19th marks the official Pontian Greek Genocide Remembrance Day, honouring the memory of 350,000 Pontian Greeks who perished at the hands of the New Turks and the Ottoman Empire from 1916 to 1923. Other sources including foreign missionaries mention 500,000 deaths, most through deportation and forced marches into the Anatolian desert.

Recognised by the Greek state in 1994, this genocide stands as one of Greece’s bleakest chapters, marked by a systematic campaign to eradicate the native Greek populace of Anatolia. The atrocities committed during this time included massacres, forced deportations involving perilous marches, expulsions, executions, and the deliberate obliteration of Eastern Orthodox cultural, historical, and religious landmarks.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Pelagia Markogiannakis: Leading with courage in defence, infrastructure and beyond

With a distinguished career spanning the Australian Defence Force and the private sector, Pelagia Markogiannakis has broken barriers.

Honouring Pontian women: Pontoxeniteas NSW marks IWD 2025 with celebration

Pontoxeniteas NSW proudly celebrated International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 9, at the Pontian House in Earlwood, Sydney.

AHEPA NSW celebrates 190 years of Australian Hellenic women

AHEPA NSW Inc held a successful tribute to the 190th anniversary of the arrival of the first female Hellene migrants in Australia.

Estudiantina of Melbourne: Music tribute to Vasilis Tsitsanis, Sotiria Bellou in Sydney

Estudiantina of Melbourne is set to deliver an extraordinary evening of live music at Bankstown Sports Club on March 30, 2025.

Celebrating women’s strength and achievements at GOCSA’s IWD event

GOCSA hosted a remarkable IWD event celebrating the achievements and contributions of women throughout history and within the community.

You May Also Like

New findings from Faliron excavation showcased at Archeological Musuem of Piraeus

The Archaeological Museum of Piraeus has opened an exhibit showcasing some of the most important findings from the excavation in the Delta of Faliron Bay.

Ecumenical Patriarch: Coronavirus is not transmitted by Holy Communion

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Sunday expressed his view that there is no danger of becoming infected by the coronavirus from receiving Holy Communion. The Patriarch was officiating...

Ange Postecoglou: ‘I will do things my way at Tottenham to achieve success’

Coach Ange Postecoglou will manage Tottenham Hotspur Football Club as first Australian to manage a Premier League club.