Cretan Association hosts commemorative event for 1821 Revolution and Battle of Crete

·

Last night the Cretan Association held a successful lecture evening to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Greek Independence and the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete.

The event was held in conjunction with the Joint Committee for the Commemoration of the Battle of Crete and Greek Campaign and was also part of the National program of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese national committee for the Bicentenary of the Greek Revolution. 

The Master of Ceremonies, Steve Siganakis, welcomed everyone to the night, followed by a welcome by the President of the Cretan Association, Terry Saviolakis, and the Secretary of the Joint Committee for the Commemoration for the Battle of Crete, Nick Andriotakis. 

Of the 100 attendees were many leaders and presidents of Greek Australian Associations and communities. In attendance were Mr Konstantinos Yiannakodimos, Head of the Office of Public Diplomacy of the Consulate General of Greece to Sydney, and Councillor Claire Raffan, representing the Mayor of the City of Canterbury Bankstown. 

Dr Alfred Vincent, a widely acclaimed philhellene, presented a talk on Crete’s involvement in the 1821 Greek Revolution and outlined the decades of struggles and turmoil until Crete’s final union with Greece in 1913. 

Dr Michael Bendon presented a very interactive talk on the lasting impact of the Battle of Crete in WW2 and the continued underwater archaeological work and research being conducted to this day. He also presented many first hand accounts from ANZACs and Cretan locals who fought in the Battle. 

Kelvin Bourke also gave a personal touch by giving an account of his father’s involvement in the Battle of Crete. Kelvin’s Father, Nick Bourke, was a runner for the 22nd Battalion.

After the talks, the 100 attendees were treated to dinner, including some traditional Cretan delicacies, made by the the Cretan Association’s Executive Committee. Then commemorative gifts and plaques were given to the guest speakers and guests who attended. 

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

GOCNSW youth lead heartfelt farewell to Greek Consul General in Sydney

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW hosted a special farewell reception for the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yannis Mallikourtis.

From Athens with purpose: Reflections on the Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers 2025

As the Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers 2025 drew to a close, it did so against the majestic backdrop of Athens.

Honouring Cyprus’ martyrs: Melbourne remembers the sacrifice of July 9, 1821

A hierarchical memorial service was held on Sunday, July 13, at the Holy Church of the Presentation of the Theotokos in North Balwyn.

Melbourne’s Greek community pays emotional tribute to the ‘Pontian Eagle’ Peter Jasonides

On a cold Friday night, a full hall at Alphington Grammar’s Lyceum brought warmth to those gathered to honour the life of Peter Jasonides.

Faith leaders condemn Israeli attacks on West Bank’s last Christian town

Greek Orthodox clergy in Taybeh, the only entirely Christian town in the West Bank, have condemned a wave of settler violence.

You May Also Like

‘We need to get a crack on’: Veronica Papacosta on the labour crisis

Key food industry associations are warning Australians to expect empty supermarket shelves and higher prices this summer

Kon Vatskalis slams proposed NT council mayor election changes

LGANT president and Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis has criticised a proposed amendment to the Local Government Act.

Kon Karapanagiotidis named 2023 Melburnian of the Year

The founder and CEO of Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Kon Karapanagiotidis OAM has been named the 2023 Melburnian of the Year.