The Synapantema is a long standing and much anticipated annual gathering of Pontian Australians. One of the few such gatherings held by diaspora Greek communities in Australia.
President of the Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia, Esta Paschalidis-Chilas, said: “Synapantema is a platform to foster community bonds between generations, display our ancient Pontian culture, where Recognition Awards are presented and the creative work of dance teachers, dancers and musicians is showcased and this year being in Tasmania, was extra special to us all.”
Why Tasmania?
On 11 May in 2023 the Tasmanian House of Assembly approved a Motion recognising the Genocides of the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek peoples. This Motion, while specific to Tasmania, reverberated across Australia and the Federation felt it was important to say thank you in person to the Members of Parliament who, with brave moral conviction, ensured the successful passage of the Motion.
The adoption of this Motion means the Tasmanian Parliament joined the New South Wales and South Australian Parliaments in recognising the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides, making it the third state to recognise one of the first genocides of the 20th century.
Noting as well, community leaders played a critical role in gaining support for the Motion by the Liberal, Labor and Greens parliamentary parties. This shows the community that history matters, that the Pontian community is not invisible and this issue is above party-political issues. It gives Pontians great hope in the political process through active civic participation.
Marking Anzac Day
The 2025 Synapantema coincided with Anzac Day and attendees gathered for the very moving Dawn Service held at the Cenotaph in Hobart and took part in the Anzac Day Parade.
That evening, over 170 people gathered at the traditional Parakath at Hellenic House and were welcomed by Reverend Father Dimitrios Katsis of the local Greek Orthodox Church of St George, as well as the President of the Greek Community of Tasmania, Manual Kalimnios. The leadership and members of the Greek Community of Tasmania supported the Synapantema through their presence and wonderful hospitality as well.
Those gathered observed a minute silence and the Federation’s Vice President and President of the Pontian Brotherhoood of South Australia, an ex-Serviceman himself, Harry Tavlaridis recited The Ode.
This was followed by Dr Panayiotis Diamadis of the Australian Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, who spoke about the significant and strong bonds between the Anzacs and Greeks.
“For Australian Hellenes, Anzac Day is about renewing the bonds of comradeship between peoples. Since the South African War 125 years ago we have fought side by side. Pontians especially remember the Anzac prisoners of war who witnessed the Genocide of Hellenes and later donated generously to rescue survivors,” Mr Diamadis said.
Dinner Dance
Over 200 people attended the Dinner Dance held at Wrest Point Casino, with the Emcee being Adam Neou, President of the Federation’s Youth Committee. Guests were welcomed to Hobart and led in Prayer by Reverend Father Andrew Joannou of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Parish at Hobart.
The Federation’s President Ms Paschalidis-Chilas welcomed special guests, the Presidents and members of member associations and all attendees with words about why coming to Tasmania was important to the Federation.
“We made a specific decision to come to Tasmania this year as our community’s way to say thank you to the Parliament, the Greek Tasmanian community and indeed to all Tasmanians who honoured us by supporting the Genocide motion in 2023. I felt it was incumbent upon us to do so and to do so in strong number and that we did,” she said.
The three Parliamentary Awardees of the Ypsilantis Award for developing a strong Esprit de Corps spoke about the honour they felt in being with the Federation that evening, as well as how important the Motion was in bringing truth and healing to this long-standing issue of justice.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff was represented by the Honorable Minister Madeleine Ogilvie who accepted the Award on his behalf. The Honourable Lara Alexander, who played a pivotal role in the passing of the Motion, travelled all the way from Toowoomba to attend and accept her Award. The Honourable Minister Eric Abetz, also in attendance, was acknowledged with an Award for his stewardship of the process.
Community leaders Nick Daglas and Michael Kolokossian played important roles in the Motion’s campaign across the Greek and Armenian communities and as such, were bestowed Recognition Awards in the Ypsilantis category also.
Paraskevas Totonidis was awarded the Euclidis Award for his long-standing leadership of the Pontian community in Tasmania and was thanked for all his work over many years and for being in chamber when the motion was passed.
Also that evening, the Ktenidis Award for significant cultural contribution was presented to Alexandra Papoulidis who is the longest serving Dance Teacher working in a voluntary capacity for a member association of the Federation.
The Mithridatis Award for Lifetime Achievement was bestowed upon Dorothea Papadopoulos who served as Secretary of the Federation when the first Synapantema was held in Mildura. This award is a very significant award for a person who has served the community with honour and commitment, and Mrs Papadopoulos has certainly done that over many years in artistic, linguistic and leadership endeavours. Her Award was accepted by her son Peter Papadopoulos who was in attendance from Sydney.
Pontian performance showcase
The headline entertainer this year was Anastasios Kazantzidis from Greece. His talent and energy lifted all those present and unearthed true Pontian glendi.
He was joined by Australian Pontian musicians from Adelaide, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne over both evenings, Adam Neou, Zoe Karatasas, Kosta Papoulidis, Jack Xanthopoulos, Mikelina Hourdas, Harry Tsairis and Prodromos Moisidis.
After months of preparation between Dance Teachers from Adelaide, Renae Lazaridis and Peter Skourtis, from Melbourne, Eleni Totikidis and Myrto Makridis, and from Sydney, Christina Ioannidis, Kosta Papoulidis, Connie Tsipidis, Sophia Tsipidis and Alexandra Papoulidis, over 60 dancers proudly showcased their Pontian dance talent.
“The energy and passion bought to Synapantema 2025 had to be lived to be appreciated. I could not be a prouder President. Our youth are our future and with the massive number of youth attending, I know we are in good hands”, said Federation President Ms Paschalidis-Chilas.
Synapantema 2025 had it all – gratitude and thanks, respect for Anzac Day, celebration and cultural affirmation, youth engagement and above all, lots of memories and friendships created.
Community Parakath events held in Sydney (May 2) and Melbourne (May 3)
In partnership with three of the Federation’s members organisations, two additional events were held to bring the community together.
In Sydney, with Panagia Soumela and Pontoxeniteas NSW holding a joint event, and in Melbourne with Akrites tou Pontou hosting an event.
These were a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy Pontian culture and music and to experience the talents of Mr Kazantzidis as well. This was especially important for community members who were not able to travel to Tasmania.
“The Parakath brought to life the start of an unforgettable weekend in Melbourne. We bought together community members from across the country with a shared purpose and renewed spirit for the future”, Harry Tsairis, President of Akrites tou Pontou, said.
Maria Anthony, President of Pontoxeniteas NSW, said, “Our joint Sydney event showed that while we might be two Associations as Panagia Soumela and Pontoxeniteas, we are united as one, all Pontians in Sydney.”
The President of Panagia Soumela, Peter Papoulidis, said, “No-one predicted the heights the Federation has reached and the cooperation between members, in particular our two Associations. Yet here we are and it is testament to dedication and the Pontian spirit to survive that’s within us all.”
Ms Paschalidis-Chilas concluded with a heartfelt message, “With these two successful events closed Synapantema 2025. A week filled with inter-generational connection, gratitude, unity and strong cultural pride. Until 2026, when the Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia and its Members look forward to welcoming you to Synapantema – being held in Sydney on April 24, 25, 26.”
