The Burwood Council hosted its annual Greek National Day celebrations on Wednesday, March 26, marking the start of Greece’s Revolution in 1821 that led to its independence.
The event was organised by Burwood Council with the support of Mayor Cr John Faker, and continues a beloved tradition that started in 2003 under former Mayor Chris Christogeorge.
The evening featured speeches from notable dignitaries, including Member of the Hellenic Parliament, Stavros Keletsis (New Democracy), the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, Mayor Faker, Tony Diakopanagiotis, Vice President of the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Burwood and District Saint Nectarios, and parish priest at Saint Nectarios Burwood, Father George Liangas. Mr Christogeorge gave the keynote address.
The program also included a poignant reading of The Ode for The Fallen by Peter Tsigounis, President of the Greek RSL Sub-Branch, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.
Entertainment was provided by local Greek School students, who presented hymns, poems, and performances about the Heroes of 1821, along with dance and music from the Greek Dance Rhythms group directed by Christina Efthymiades AM and Tassos Lambrou on the bouzouki.
The event also saw participation from other special guests such as His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth, Greek MP Stefanos Parastatidis, and Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney President Peter Psomas.
The night’s success was attributed to the enthusiastic support of the local Greek community and the event’s talented MC, Dimitrios Kametopoulos.
