Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has extended his warm Christmas wishes to The Greek Herald, its readers and Australia’s Greek community, reflecting on the importance of faith, tradition, service and togetherness during the festive season.
In his message, the Prime Minister acknowledged the role of Greek cultural customs – from kalanda to melomakarona – while also paying tribute to volunteers and frontline workers who give their time to others at Christmas.
In another message to all of Australia, Mr Albanese also paid tribute to the lives lost during the recent Bondi Beach terror attack, and acknowledged that “Christmas will feel different this year.”
Christmas message to Australia in English:
Wherever you are across our wonderful country, Christmas will feel different this year.
After the terror inflicted on Jewish Australians celebrating Chanukah at Bondi Beach, we feel the weight of sorrow in our hearts.
As Christmas brings its message of love and compassion, we grieve those whose lives were stolen – and those whose lives were changed forever.
Together, we give thanks for the extraordinary courage that shone so brightly through the darkness.
A powerful reminder that in the worst of times we see the very best of the Australian character.
It is in that spirit that Christmas brings Australians together to celebrate all that we have and all that we share.
For Christians, this is a sacred celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and a time to reaffirm faith.
It is also a time to express our gratitude to everyone who gives up their Christmas for the sake of others.
We give thanks to our emergency personnel, our medical workers, our hospitality and charity workers – and so many more.
Likewise the volunteers who spend the season of giving devoting their time and energy to serving those in need, exemplifying the Australian spirit of kindness, generosity and compassion.
We also thank our Defence Force personnel, who forgo the comforts of home and family to defend our nation.
To each and every Australian, I wish you a Christmas of peace, safety and love.
A Christmas where we stand together, united.
A Christmas of healing and one of hope.
Christmas message to the Greek community in English:
I send my very best wishes for the festive season to everyone who is part of the Greek Herald story – from the hardworking staff who put it together, to the readers who make it all possible.
For Australia’s Greek community, Christmas is a chance to enjoy special traditions that reflect the spiritual joy of the season, from singing kalanda to indulging in platters of kourabiedes and melomakarona.
For many, it is a time for faith and reflection. For others, it’s simply about taking a well-earned break and spending time with the people we love.
Wherever you are, and however you celebrate, Christmas is also a time to show you care.
Our gratitude goes to the volunteers who spend their holiday in service of others.
We also think of all those who will forgo the comforts of home and family to make Australia a safer, better place for us all.
May the cherished rituals of this season bring you comfort, peace and joy. And may you all have a very merry Christmas.
