Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia’s tribute to Mikis Theodorakis

Ā·

Mikis of Resistance and Struggle, Mikis of creation and the great arts, is no longer with us. He passed away on Thursday 2 September at the age of 96.

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia is deeply saddened and mourns the passing of Mikis Theodorakis, Greece’s most acclaimed composer whose name is directly associated with struggle, exile and music works that have been adored by millions around the world. Mikis’ love for the arts and his musical genius were inspired during the difficult years of exile where he composed music, representative of a whole era. An era during which Mikis Theodorakis not only was an active participant, he was the protagonist, leading a whole generation who shared the same ideals.

Because of his views and action, he was imprisoned, tortured and sent to exile, affecting his health which later led to further issues that followed him to the end of his life. 

Mikis Theodorakis was the composer who encapsulated the turbulent history of our homeland through his lyrics and notes, as he himself lived and experienced it for almost one full century.

It was the man who taught us how to sing the poetic lyrics of our great poets and he was content to see these works growing roots in the heart and mind of a whole nation.

For it is the struggles, deep history, desires and vision of the Greek people that echo in those lyrics.  His works resulted in the Renaissance of ā€˜Romiosini’ (Greekness).

His music and its impact went well beyond the Greek borders as Mikis created pure culture that touched millions around the world advocating justice and a better life for everyone.

He had a special bond with Cyprus and the Greeks of Diaspora because this is where he found refuge in order to gather his strength, organise and fuel the struggle against the Greek junta during an era known as ā€˜stone years’, stretching from the Civil War until the fall of the military junta in 1974.

His relationship with the pain-stricken people of Cyprus was particularly strong and this is why he gave numerous concerts there pushing for struggle towards freedom and independence.

Mikis Theodorakis as a fiery advocate of community ideals, was a close friend and ally of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia and we were honoured to welcome him at the Olympic Hall in two occasions, one was during the anti-dictatorship struggle in 1972 on behalf of the Patriotic Front and his second visit with his wife Mirto in 1995.

Honouring the great Greek composer, the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia has at times organised concerts featuring his works, with the last concert in his honour being in November 2018.

Memory eternal our dearest friend Miki. Your songs, your legacy and your struggle will remain alive with us for ever.

Our deepest and heart felt condolences to the family of Mikis Theodorakis.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Kostas Sloukas praises Greek Australian fans as Panathinaikos arrive in Sydney

Panathinaikos BC touched down in Sydney this week for the second leg of the 7th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament.

From family legacy to the Federal Court: A look into Justice Anastasis Liveris’ legal career

In an exclusive interview with The Greek Herald, the Greek Australian judge reflected on how he felt to achieve this major career milestone.

The Greek influence on Australian television

Among the many communities that helped shape TV culture were Greeks, whose presence both on and off screen left a lasting mark.

Critically endangered monk seal welcomes newborn on Karpathos island

The first Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) birth of 2025 has been confirmed on the island of Karpathos.

Campaigners celebrate as Milos luxury hotel project is halted

Environmental activists have welcomed the suspension of a controversial five-star hotel project on Milos’s world-famous ā€œmoon beachā€.

You May Also Like

Calling all young artists: Enter The Greek Herald’s Christmas print cover competition

As the festive season approaches,Ā The Greek HeraldĀ newspaper wantsĀ YOUĀ to participate in its annual Christmas competition.

Historic event held at Australian War Memorial to commemorate Turkish invasion of Cyprus

A historic event took place at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on Sunday to commemorate the Turkish invasion of Cyprus this year.

Athens launches first rare diseases list in Greek language

Athens has launched its own Rare Disease list in Greek. Prior to this initiative, there was an absence of a classification system in Greek.