With speeches, traditional dances and an abundance of excitement, students and the school community of Adelaide High School and St George College welcomed on Monday members of the Hellenic Presidential Guard.
The students had the opportunity to learn more about the Evzones, the symbolism behind the elements of their ornate costumes and how they manage to stand guard for hours in front of the Greek parliament and the Presidential Mansion.
“It was an honour and privilege to have the Hellenic Presidential Guard visit our school, teach our students and more so, strengthen their Hellenic spirit, ensuring Hellenism has a dynamic and promising future in the diaspora,” Adelaide High Modern Greek Teacher, Dimitra Rozaklis told The Greek Herald.
Addressing the attendees, Labor MP Olivia Savvas said that the presence of the Evzones in South Australia commemorates the long-standing relationship between Greece and Australia.
“We, as government have a proud history of acknowledging that relationship,” she said and continued, “it’s an absolute pleasure to have you here at Adelaide High School. A school, that is very much the home of keeping Greek culture and tradition alive here in Adelaide”.
For students Angela Zaikis and Yianna Kantzavelos, the visit was valuable as they said they learned more about their heritage.
“It’s amazing that we share the same culture with them [Evzones] and I just found bizarre how many layers and how heavy their costumes are,” Angela said.
“We would definitely love to see them here again next year,” added Yianna.
The St George College community welcomed the Evzones with equal excitement.
“We are truly privileged to have this opportunity today and we warmly thank the Greek government and the Foundation for Hellenic Studies for making this possible,” said one of the students who emceed the special assembly.
“It is an honour for us who have grown up in Australia to have this amazing opportunity to learn about and appreciate a significant piece of our Greek culture.”
In his speech, Vice Admiral Efthymios Mikros said he felt deeply moved by the students reciting the Greek and Australian national anthem with such warmth and conveyed the Greek President’s thoughts for the diaspora.
Father Diogenis Patsouris who has dedicated more than 50 years of his life to the St George Parish and Community also thanked the attendees, among them the Consul General of Greece in Adelaide, George Psiachas.
Concluding the event, the school’s principal, Peter Karamoshos, said that the Evzones are an example of how we all should live our lives.
“With dedication and selflessness,” he said.
The Evzones will depart Adelaide on Tuesday night for their first official visit to Perth.
*All photos copyright: The Greek Herald / Argyro Vourdoumpa
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