Students at All Saints Grammar (ASG) in Belmore in Sydney’s inner south west proudly put on a display of Hellenic culture on Sunday, October 30 at the school’s OXI Day celebrations.
The celebrations began with a Doxology service at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in the morning.
Four students dressed in their school uniforms stood at the front of the church holding the Greek, Cypriot and Australian flags, whilst other students from Kindergarten to Year 12 enjoyed the service from upstairs.
After the Doxology, students, parents and teachers moved to the school’s gymnasium next door for a special OXI Day presentation event.
The event began with a memorial service for those men and women who lost their lives during World War Two fighting for Greece’s freedom. The service was conducted by parish priests, Father Christos and Father Dimitrios.
A number of official guests laid wreaths including the Chair of the Board of Directors at ASG, Mr Ulysses Ntoumbos; The Head of School, Mrs Elfa Lillis; Helen Aresti from the Ladies Auxiliary of All Saints Parish; Steven Mavrakis from the Belmore Youth Group; and Vasiliki Fotiadou from the All Saints Parish Afternoon Schools.
The wreath laying ceremony was followed by a minute silence before a number of ASG students recited poems in both Greek and English. They also gave a small presentation on the history of OXI Day and its impact on Greece and the world.
At the conclusion of these official proceedings, ASG students dressed in traditional costumes and gave a Greek dancing performance to loud applause from everyone in attendance.
Ms Lillis told The Greek Herald on the day that she was “immensely proud of All Saints Grammar students and staff.”
“Your enthusiasm today, demonstrates your pride and commitment to our Hellenic Culture and its traditions,” the Head of School concluded.
“I am honoured I can share in the commemoration of ‘OXI’ Day with this wonderful school community.”
All Saints Grammar has been helping shape the lives of students and partnering with families since 1990. Founded by the Parish and Community of Belmore and District, the School was established to support families in their quest to introduce and instil Hellenic values and the Orthodox Christian faith to the next generation of Greek Australians. Today, our School attracts students from many different faiths and backgrounds.
ASG is now accepting enrolments for all entry years for 2023.
*All photos by The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
