On Sunday, February 9, Arcadians in Melbourne were joined by members of the Greek community to honour the memory of Theodoros Kolokotronis, who died 182 years ago on 4 February 1843.
Kolokotronis is considered the ultimate symbol of the Greek War for Independence and was also a key contributor in shaping the new Greek state.
A memorial service held at the church of Axion Estin in Northcote was followed by a wreath laying ceremony. Floral tributes were presented by the hosts, the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne & Victoria represented by President George Kotsirilos, and the Panarcadian Federation of Victoria represented by Dimitris Alexopoulos.
Many Greek community organisations also laid wreaths including the Australian Greek Ex-servicemen’s Association, the Cyprus Community of Melbourne and Victoria, Pontiaki Estia Melbourne, the Pan-Macedonian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, the Pan Korinthian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, Kalamata 23 March, the Association of Thessalonikeans ‘White Tower,’ the Greek Orthodox Community of Whittlesea, the Pantrifilian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, Justice for Cyprus (SEKA Victoria), Prasino Arkadia Melbourne, the Greek Australian Cultural League, and Oakleigh Grammar School.
Following the commemoration ceremony, attendees were invited to the building of the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne & Victoria ‘O Kolokotronis’ in North Melbourne. A luncheon was served to guests in the Kallisto Room, and speeches followed by Mr Kotsirilos and Mr Alexopoulos.
In his speech, Mr Kotsirilos spoke about the history of Kolokotronis and his bravery during the Greek Revolution.
“Today, as we lay this wreath in his [Kolokotronis’] memory, let us not only honour his past achievements, but also reaffirm our commitment to the principles for which he fought,” Mr Kotsirilos said.
“Let us strive to embody the same spirit of courage and dedication in our own lives, and let us continue to build a Greece worthy of the sacrifices made by heroes like Theodoros Kolokotronis. May his memory be eternal.”
