The final commemorations for the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Crete were held on Sunday, May 25 at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Redfern, Sydney with a moving Divine Liturgy, Doxology, and memorial service.
Presiding over the service was His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, joined by His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth.
In attendance were key representatives of the Greek and Cretan communities, including Ioannis Mallikourtis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney; James Jordan, Chairman of the Joint Committee for the Commemoration of the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign; and Emmanuel Vitetzakis, President of the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW.
Other notable guests included Councillor Vicky Poulos of Bayside Council, Peter Tsigounis, President of the Greek Returned Services League of NSW, and John Cominos, Vice President of the Hellenic Club of Sydney. Members of the Cretan Association and the Joint Committee were also present.
During the service, a message from His Eminence was read aloud, honouring the courage of the Greek people and the support offered by the ANZACs during the pivotal WWII battle. He reflected on the bravery of the Greek people and the support of the ANZAC forces, as well as the enduring bond between Greece and Australia.
Following the liturgical observances, attendees gathered for a morning tea, where a commemorative cake was ceremonially cut by Mr Vitetzakis and Bishop Elpidios.
