Oakleigh Grammar has commemorated the 204th anniversary of Greek Independence Day with its annual Independence Day Assembly.
The event was attended by students, staff, parents, members of the School Executive, and representatives of the School Board – Chairman Chris Damatopoulos and Treasurer Sam Vassos.
Also present was special guest His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, along with Rev Father Chris Dimolianis, Rev Father Panteleimon Laskaridis, Rev Father Stavros Kakavas, Tony Tsourdalakis (President of Intercommunities and Parishes Council of Victoria – Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia), and Maria Triantafyllou (Acting Coordinator of Educational Affairs Australia and New Zealand).
On behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, His Grace delivered a profound speech to those present, emphasising the importance of Greek Independence Day and its coinciding with the beginning of Great Lent and the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, two central dates in the Orthodox Christian calendar.
The Byzantine Choir then performed several beautiful hymns before Principal Mark Robertson delivered his Address, focusing on the Greek concept of ‘Philotimo’ and emphasising its special connections to the School values of Humility, Aspiration, Respect and Kindness.
Parents and guests were then presented with several musical performances by each Junior School year level, including a live bouzouki performance by Vasili from Year 5, as well as a performance from the Middle School Dancing Group.
Each student admirably displayed their talents to mark such an important event for the international and local Greek community.
