Canberra marks World Greek Language Day with diplomacy, culture and community

The Embassy of Greece in Australia, in partnership with the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra (GOCCC), the International Society of Friends of Nikos Kazantzakis and Unity in Philia, hosted a celebratory event for World Greek Language Day on Saturday, February 15, at the Hellenic Club of Canberra. 

The occasion marked the recent adoption of the day by UNESCO, highlighting the global significance of the Greek language.

Proceedings opened with a Welcome to Country delivered by Elder Paul Girrawah House on behalf of the Ngunnawal people. Elder House also performed on the didgeridoo, setting a tone of cultural respect and dialogue that echoed throughout the night.

The evening was emceed by President of the GOCCC John Loukadellis, who made opening remarks about the enduring importance of the Greek language in Australia, describing it as a bridge between generations and a vital link connecting diaspora communities to their cultural roots. 

Federal Member for Adelaide, Steve Georganas also spoke, underscoring the role of language in preserving identity and fostering multicultural understanding.

A recorded message from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was then screened, in which he emphasised the importance of the Greek language within the diaspora and praised communities abroad for safeguarding a linguistic heritage that continues to shape global civilisation.

Greece’s Ambassador to Australia Stavros Venizelos delivered a keynote address titled ‘Greek words in dialogue with the world,’ exploring foundational concepts such as geometry and theatre and tracing their influence across cultures and centuries. 

His address was followed by an in-depth presentation from Dr Vasilis Adrahtas of the University of New South Wales, who spoke on ‘Nikos Kazantzakis, a mystic of the Greek language,’ offering a rich and reflective examination of the author’s linguistic and philosophical legacy.

The event drew a broad audience, including members of the Australian Parliament, representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, the ACT Government, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, members of the diplomatic corps, clergy, and the wider Greek community of Canberra.

Proceedings concluded with a reception and live music featuring works by Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hatzidakis, as guests networked over refreshments. 

The evening closed on a practical note, with a reminder that Greek school classes were set to commence in Canberra in the coming week – an apt continuation of the night’s focus on language, learning and legacy.