The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) and Pontiaki Estia will jointly host the 2026 Pontian Genocide Memorial Seminar next week, bringing together members of the community to reflect on one of the most significant and painful chapters in modern Greek history.
This year’s seminar will take place on Tuesday, May 19 at 7pm at the Greek Centre in Melbourne, differing from its traditional Thursday timeslot.
The keynote address will be delivered by Dean Kalimniou under the title Pontus and Venizelos: The Politics of Abandonment?
According to organisers, the seminar will examine the complex relationship between former Greek Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos and Pontic Hellenism, exploring whether the Pontic population was ultimately abandoned due to political pragmatism, diplomatic pressures and military realities following the First World War.
The lecture will analyse Venizelos’ opposition to the creation of an independent Pontic republic, his support for incorporating Trebizond into an Armenian framework, the prioritisation of Smyrna over the Black Sea region, and the lasting consequences of the Treaty of Lausanne.
Organisers said the seminar aims to encourage discussion about the tension between national ideals and political realities, while examining how historical memory shapes perceptions of leadership and responsibility.
Kalimniou is well known within the Greek Australian community as a lawyer, columnist, poet and author. He has published several poetry collections in Greek, translated works by Greek Australian writers into English, and released children’s books including Simela and the Magic Kemenche and The Librarian from Cappadocia.
The event is sponsored by Roma Siachos in memory of Olga Siranidou.
Event details:
- What: 2026 Pontian Genocide Memorial Seminar
- Topic: Pontus and Venizelos: The Politics of Abandonment?
- Speaker: Dean Kalimniou
- Date: Tuesday, 19 May 2026
- Time: 7pm
- Venue: Greek Centre, Mezzanine Level, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
 and Pontiaki Estia will jointly host the 2026 Pontian Genocide Memorial Seminar next week.){kind=link}