The Embassy of Greece in Australia has marked the 200th anniversary of the Exodus of Messolonghi with a commemorative lecture held at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra on Sunday, April 19.
The event, which formed part of global commemorations of the historic 1826 siege and exodus, brought together diplomats, academics and members of the Greek Australian community to reflect on the enduring significance of Messolonghi in the Greek War of Independence.
Opening the lecture, Greece’s Ambassador to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, welcomed attendees and set the tone for an afternoon of historical reflection and cultural insight.
Two distinguished historians delivered keynote presentations. Spiridoula Demetriou, co-curator of the Messolonghi exhibition at the Benaki Museum in Athens, presented on ‘Messolonghi 1826–2026: The Exodus as a Symbol of the Greek War of Independence in Art’, examining how the event has been depicted and remembered through artistic expression.
Australian historian Jim Claven OAM followed with a lecture titled ‘This Brilliant Victory: Australia and the Battle of Navarino’, exploring connections between the Greek Revolution and 19th-century Australian colonies, including the role of Australian veterans in the decisive naval battle.
The event was attended by federal MPs Steve Georganas and David Smith, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus Antonis Sammoutis, and Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Dimitra Georgantzoglou, alongside diplomats, academics from the Australian National University and the University of Canberra, and community leaders.
Special recognition was given to Dr John Robertson, a collector of works relating to the Greek War of Independence, many of which — including pieces depicting Messolonghi — are currently exhibited at the Benaki Museum.
The lecture concluded with reflections on the lasting legacy of Messolonghi as a symbol of sacrifice, resilience and international solidarity.
