In a packed hall on Wednesday, 26 March, the unveiling of a new painting by artist Angela Kiki, titled ‘The Maniatisses’, marked a moving tribute by AHEPA NSW to Greece’s National Day on 25 March 1821.
The painting honours the women of Mani, who famously left their fields on 24 June 1826 to fight invading forces using sickles and knives. Through this powerful artwork, tribute was paid to all those who sacrificed their lives for Greek freedom during the War of Independence.
Ms Kiki herself presented the painting and spoke about the history behind it. The story of the women of Mani was shared with her by Dimitra Micos, which inspired her to create the piece.
Dominated by hues of black and yellow, the painting vividly conveys the women’s passion to defend their homes and families. In contrast, the expressions on the faces of the Ottoman soldiers reflect fear and dread in the face of these fierce defenders.
The AHEPA NSW event was honoured by several distinguished guests, including Greek MPs Thanasis Papathanasis (New Democracy) and Miltiadis Zamparas (SYRIZA), Anastasia Christofilopoulou from the Public Diplomacy Office of the Greek Consulate-General in Sydney, Bayside Councillor and Liberal candidate for Barton Fiona Douskou, and Georges River Councillor and Labor candidate for Barton Ash Ambihaipahar.
Perhaps the most thoughtful comment of the evening came from AHEPA NSW President Dimitri Papanagiotou. In his welcome speech, he prompted the audience to reflect deeply on how we must remember and honour our ancestors, but it is equally vital that our own generation contributes meaningfully for the sake of our descendants.
Travelling from Melbourne for the event was Athanasios Tsouhantaris, President of the Victorian branch of New Democracy. Also present was John Kallimanis, President of New Democracy’s NSW branch and Honorary President of AHEPA NSW.
Con Zannetides, a member of the Archdiocesan Council and President of the Parish of Saint Sophia and Three Daughters, was also present along with a large number of representatives from Greek Australian media and community organisations.
Adding to the ceremony’s atmosphere were four young dancers from the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney, dressed in traditional costumes. Master of Ceremonies, Vivian Nikolareas, also wore a Maniot outfit and fulfilled her role with poise and elegance.
The national anthems of Greece and Australia were sung with passion by Jim Tsolakis, President of the Australian Hellenic Choir, while the Ode was recited by Bill Skandalakis, a retired officer of the Royal Australian Air Force.
The historical context of the day was explored by historian Dr Panayiotis Diamantis, through five paintings by the diaspora artist: ‘Zalongo,‘ ‘Dervenakia,’ ‘Maniatisses,‘ ‘The Homeland‘ and ‘Kolokotronis.’
Closing his brief address, Dr Diamantis recited a poem written about the Greek War of Independence titled “Greece and Her Freedom”. Authored by an anonymous writer in the Antipodes, it was first published in The Australian newspaper on 30 January 1829.
With the Greek Australian community now made up overwhelmingly of Australian-born Greeks, these stories that link Hellenism with Australia are vital for the continued growth and development of Greek identity in the Antipodes. This mission lies at the heart of all AHEPA NSW’s initiatives.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
