On Sunday, 30 March, Canberra’s Greek community came together to celebrate one of the biggest celebrations in Greek history, Independence Day.
The 25th of March commemorations commenced in the early morning with a liturgy at St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Kingston, and then following the service, several students of the Greek School of Canberra sung the Greek national anthem and recited poems that reflected Greece’s fight for freedom and independence in 1821.
All parishioners and guests were then invited to drive to the Australian Hellenic Memorial at around 12:30 pm for the annual wreath laying ceremony and a minute of silence.
His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, alongside Father Petros from St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and Father Iakovos from St Dimitrios Greek Orthodox Church in Queanbeyan, led the ceremony with prayer, and then formal speeches followed.
Many distinguished guests attended the church service and laid wreaths at the Greek memorial including Bishop Iakovos, Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, Federal Member for Canberra, Alicia Payne MP, Federal Member for Bean ACT, David Smith MP, President of the Greek Orthodox Community & Church of Canberra, John Loukadellis, multiple military personnel and leaders of local Greek associations.
Following the wreath laying ceremony, a luncheon took place at the Hellenic Club of Canberra in Woden, where more than 100 people attended. The Olympus room was filled with vibrant blue and white décor, Greek flags, and many proud members of the Greek community to mark the significant event.
Secretary of the Hellenic RSL Melbourne, Major Terry Kanellos (RETD) OAM emceed the event, and formally welcomed everyone. Speeches were made by Mr Loukadellis and Ambassador Venizelos.
In his speech, Mr Loukadellis reflected on the significance of the 25th of the March.
“This year, we proudly commemorated the 204th anniversary of Greek Independence. A day of immense historical, religious, and cultural significance that embodies the courage, sacrifice, and overall spirit of the Hellenic people in their struggle and fight for freedom and their battle cry of ‘Ελευθερία η Θάνατος’ – freedom or death,” Mr Loukadellis said.
“’Ελευθερία η Θάνατος’ is a nine-syllable word. On the Greek flag, there are five blue stripes and four white stripes, which symbolise this freedom or death. So, the words ‘Ελευθερία η Θάνατος’ are engraved in Greeks, yesterday, today, and forevermore.”
In his speech, Ambassador Venizelos revealed what the celebration is all about.
“The anniversary of the 25th of march is a day of pride and a national milestone in our long history,” Mr Venizelos said. “The Greeks united their strength in the glorious struggle to defend their freedom and orthodoxy.”
The Ambassador concluded his speech by sending his wishes to the Canberra community.
“On the occasion of our National anniversary, the Feast of the Annunciation, I wholeheartedly wish all Greek men and women of Canberra and to our Australian friends, and to your families, health, progress, and prosperity. Χρόνια Πολλά, Ζήτω η 25 Μαρτίου!.”
Families, friends and guests were then treated to a two-course meal and a dance performance by the Canberra Hellenic Dancers, as well as live music by Canberra’s Kefi Band who wowed the crowd with their great selection of music and singing that got everyone on the dance floor.
Dimitri Bezos, a member of the Atalanti dance group, added how it felt to perform at such an important event.
“We’re always very excited to perform at national events. We feel a deep sense of pride and it’s great to perform all together as part of the community,” he said.
“I think it’s a significant day for everyone, and we fought hard, our ancestors fought hard for our freedom, and I think we need to value our independence always.”
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Evelyn Karatzas.
