AHEPA NSW Inc celebrates 89th anniversary

·

The Order of AHEPA NSW Inc celebrated its 89th birthday on Sunday, April 30 with a luncheon at the Ashbury Bowling Club in Sydney.

The luncheon was attended by a number of official guests including Archbishop Makarios of Australia; the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis; and many Presidents and members of local Greek associations.

Mr Premetis being awarded. All photos copyright The Greek Herald.
People enjoyed the luncheon.

Emcee Nia Gitsas kickstarted official proceedings on the day by inviting the President of the Australian Hellenic Choir, Jim Tsolakis, to lead the singing of the national anthems of Greece and Australia.

The day also included a dancing performance by the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney dancers, under instruction by Dimitrios and Stavroula Papapetros.

Dancers of the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney.
Officials with the dancers.

Archbishop Makarios then gave a blessing, before the Consul General gave a small speech of the lack of youth participation in Greek associations and questioned who will maintain their history.

From there, there was a presentation of awards to members with extensive service to AHEPA NSW Inc.

Awardees.

Irene Anestis received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Together with her late husband Angelo, Irene has served the community in various roles, including within AHEPA NSW. Irene was, and remains, the driving force of the annual OEEGA Radiothon in support of the research being conducted at the Childrens’ Cancer Institute.

“Thank you to AHEPA NSW for the great honour, we have tried to offer what we can over the past 68 years,” Irene said in a speech on the day, before honouring her late husband and thanking Dr James Giallussi and John Kallimanis for their continued support.

Irene Anestis.

Angela ‘Kiki’ Konstantinopoulou was named Ahepan of the Year. ‘Kiki’ is an original member of Chapter Chiron who renewed her relationship with AHEPA NSW upon her return from Hellas a few years ago. She thanked everyone for their support in making her creative works possible.

Angela ‘Kiki’ Konstantinopoulou.

A Special Award was given to John Mazmanidis in recognition of his donation of a large collection of folkloric material to AHEPA NSW Inc for permanent display at its new premises at the Bexley Bowling and Community Club.

John Mazmanidis.

From there, the Past President’s Medal was presented to:

  • Ch Alexandros Bro. Lambros Papadopoulos 2016-2018.
  • Ch Anatole Bro. Nick Kagelaris 2017-2020.
  • Ch Chiron: Sis. Lucy Miller 2016-2017 and Bro. Philip Kaloudis 2018-2019.
  • Ch Ippokratis: Sis. Vanya Staneva 2018-2022.
  • Ch. Platon Bro. Theophilus Premetis 2015-2016.
  • Ch Prometheus Bro. Dr James Gialoussis
Awardees.
AHEPA NSW Inc President Bill Skandalakis giving an award.
Past AHEPA NSW Inc President, John Kallimanis.

The annual Chapter Award was also presented to:

  • Ch Alexandros Award to Bro. Christophoros Bellos.
  • Ch Anatole Award to Bro. Demetris Lianos.
  • Ch Antigone Award to Sis Charoulla Themistocleous.
  • Ch Chiron Award to Sis. Sonia Kaimasidis.
  • Ch Diogenes Award to Bro Harry Karafotias.
  • Ch Ippokratis Award to Sis Valerie Pontikakos.
  • Ch Odysseas Elytis Award to Bro. Jim Papanagiotou.
  • Ch Platon Award to Bro. Kostas Kapodistrias.
  • the Kafeneio ‘Anapsihis’ Award to Bro. Nikos Grigorakis.

The luncheon ended with some raffles with prizes provided by Bowerhaus Pearls, Mr Roses, Angela Kiki, Lugarno Seafood Restaurant and The Cretan Association of NSW & Sydney.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Dr Christos Theologos: ‘Dance keeps us bound to our roots, from Chios to Sydney’

As part of the Zeibekiko Festival Australia, respected folklorist Dr Christos Theologos will lead a series of lectures and workshops.

South Melbourne turns to supporters ahead of Australian Championship kick-off

The opening clash of the Australian Championship will be an event shaped by the voices of the fans themselves.

Low birth rates and ageing: The silent enemy of the Greek nation

From the late 1990s it had become clear to Greek demographers and social scientists that the number of births in Greece was falling.

Peta Trimis: The new star of Australian football with a Hellenic soul

At just 19 years old, Peta Trimis is already being hailed as one of the brightest young stars of Australian football.

A second chance at life: Angelo Alateras’ journey from mechanical heart to transplant hope

After years on life support, 80kgs lost, and 615 days of physio, Angelo finally received the gift of a new heart.

You May Also Like

Bill for postal vote in European elections passes, rejected for Greek national elections

On Wednesday, January 24, a legislation passed, to establishing a postal vote for the be upcoming European elections.

International Greek Language Day: Top 5 surprising facts about our native tongue

To mark International Greek Language Day, The Greek Herald shares its top five interesting facts about our native tongue.

Apostolos Stamatelopoulos gets temporary suspension in A-League

Apostolos Stamatelopoulos has been temporarily suspended from playing a match the Isuzu Ute A-League football competition.