Arcadians in Victoria lead commemoration for Greek Revolution hero Kolokotronis

·

On Sunday, February 9, Arcadians in Melbourne were joined by members of the Greek community to honour the memory of Theodoros Kolokotronis, who died 182 years ago on 4 February 1843.

Kolokotronis is considered the ultimate symbol of the Greek War for Independence and was also a key contributor in shaping the new Greek state.

A memorial service held at the church of Axion Estin in Northcote was followed by a wreath laying ceremony. Floral tributes were presented by the hosts, the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne & Victoria represented by President George Kotsirilos, and the Panarcadian Federation of Victoria represented by Dimitris Alexopoulos.

Arcadians in Victoria lead commemoration for Greek Revolution hero Kolokotronis

Many Greek community organisations also laid wreaths including the Australian Greek Ex-servicemen’s Association, the Cyprus Community of Melbourne and Victoria, Pontiaki Estia Melbourne, the Pan-Macedonian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, the Pan Korinthian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, Kalamata 23 March, the Association of Thessalonikeans ‘White Tower,’ the Greek Orthodox Community of Whittlesea, the Pantrifilian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, Justice for Cyprus (SEKA Victoria), Prasino Arkadia Melbourne, the Greek Australian Cultural League, and Oakleigh Grammar School.

Following the commemoration ceremony, attendees were invited to the building of the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne & Victoria ‘O Kolokotronis’ in North Melbourne. A luncheon was served to guests in the Kallisto Room, and speeches followed by Mr Kotsirilos and Mr Alexopoulos.

Arcadians in Victoria lead commemoration for Greek Revolution hero Kolokotronis

In his speech, Mr Kotsirilos spoke about the history of Kolokotronis and his bravery during the Greek Revolution.

“Today, as we lay this wreath in his [Kolokotronis’] memory, let us not only honour his past achievements, but also reaffirm our commitment to the principles for which he fought,” Mr Kotsirilos said.

“Let us strive to embody the same spirit of courage and dedication in our own lives, and let us continue to build a Greece worthy of the sacrifices made by heroes like Theodoros Kolokotronis. May his memory be eternal.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

From crisis to compassion: Timos Roussos and his family’s mercy mission in war-torn Cyprus

When Turkish troops landed on Cyprus on 20 July 1974, six-year-old Timos Roussos was sitting on the floor of his family’s home in Lemesos.

A granddaughter returns: Georgia Georgiou retraces her yiayia’s occupied village in Cyprus

When Georgia Georgiou handed over her Cypriot ID at the border checkpoint to cross into occupied northern Cyprus, she felt an ache.

‘You never get over it’: A childhood shattered by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

On a warm July morning in 1974, 10-year-old Anastasia Di Loreto (née Karatzia) was jolted awake by the sound of bombs falling on Kyrenia.

Cyprus: The paradox of tolerance and impunity for Turkey

The lack of a unified, systematic and practical strategy on the part of Greece has led the Cyprus crisis into national disarray.

Lost homes and lingering hope: Greek-Cypriots reflect on Turkish invasion and its aftermath

From hidden stories to haunting memories, two Greek-Cypriot men share what it means to carry the burden of Cyprus’ past.

You May Also Like

Greeks protest outside Australian ambassadors house over bushfires

Members of the anarchist group Rouvikonas, on Saturday morning, scattered flyers outside the home of the Australian Ambassador to Greece Arthur Spyrou in a...

Kokatha Greek Tammy Coleman-Zweck receives SA short film grant

Kokatha Greek Tammy Coleman-Zweck has received the SAFC First Nations Short Film Production Grant of up to $45,000.

Professor Anastasios Tamis’ book on Cypriots in Australia launches in Nicosia

Th Australian Embassy in Cyprus hosted 'The Children of Aphrodite: Cypriots in Australia' book launch by Professor Anastasios Tamis.