By Ilias Karagiannis and Andriana Simos
A spirit of unity filled the room during a formal luncheon hosted by AHEPA New South Wales in honour of the Presidential Guard of Greece – the Evzones – on Sunday, 4 May 2025 in Sydney.
The luncheon coincided with celebrations marking 91 years since the founding of AHEPA NSW, offering the Greek Australian community a rare opportunity to pay tribute to Greece’s military tradition while also honouring one of its most historic organisations.
The day began with a memorial service at the Parish of the Resurrection of Christ in Kogarah, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the nearby ANZAC Lemnos Memorial.
At midday, the heart of the celebrations beat within Hermes Lounge in Kogarah, where dancers from the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney formed a ceremonial guard of honour as the Evzones entered to loud applause.
The event was emceed by AHEPA NSW Vice President, Nia Gitsas. Among the notable guests were His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, Lieutenant Commander Michalis Tzinieris who accompanied the Presidential Guard during their visit to Australia, Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos (Defence Attaché), and other distinguished members of the Greek Australian community.
AHEPA NSW President Jim Papanayiotou welcomed guests, and the Evzones, with heartfelt words.
“Truly, not just AHEPA but the entire Greek community of Australia, welcomes you and thanks you. Over the past few weeks, you have filled us with pride,” he said, before speaking about AHEPA NSW’s anniversary.
“This year, as AHEPA celebrates its 91st anniversary, we aim to present our best self. If we wish to continue serving the founding principles that inspired our organisation, we must be prepared to make difficult decisions about restructuring our operations.”
The Consul General of Greece, Mr Mallikourtis, delivered an emotionally charged address — his final one at an AHEPA event before concluding his term.
“Just as Australians have the ANZACs, we Greeks have the Evzones. Just as the slouch hat of Australian soldiers in the Gallipoli campaign is an inseparable part of their national identity, so too is the fustanella a symbol of the modern Greek state’s national fulfilment,” Mr Mallikourtis said.
“The presence of the Evzones in Australia unites these two worlds and these two symbols, creating a bridge of friendship and forming the foundation of the identity of Greeks in Australia. In this effort, a historic organisation like AHEPA cannot be absent — I commend you for today’s event.”
Mr Mallikourtis continued with a thought-provoking suggestion for the Greek community.
“Too often we spend money bringing artists from Greece, when instead we could be funding postgraduate or doctoral research into Greek-Australian military history. That would yield multiple national benefits,” he said.
“Thank you for your support over the past three years. Stay united — because together, you can achieve so much more.”
Also moving was the speech by Lieutenant Commander Tzinieris, who said: “It is a great joy and honour for us to be in the city of Sydney for these commemorative events.”
“The sacrifices of the ANZAC Corps in the Gallipoli campaign cannot be forgotten. Their actions bequeathed an intangible yet powerful legacy. The legend of the ANZACs has become a fundamental part of national identity in both countries,” Mr Tzinieris added.
“The presence of the Evzones at every community event is a living link between our nation’s glorious past and its present.”
Lieutenant Commander Tzinieris received commemorative gifts on behalf of the Presidential Guard from AHEPA President Mr Papanayiotou, including a replica of the painting Convergence of Glory, a set of commemorative stamps, and a copy of AHEPA’s official album, which includes photos from previous Evzones visits to Australia.
The cultural programme continued with traditional dances performed by the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney, including Tsakonikos, Tsamikos and Kalamatianos, accompanied by Olga Kremisis (vocals), Dimitris Tsolakis (clarinet) and Peter Tsenkas (daouli).
A commemorative cake celebrating AHEPA NSW’s 91st anniversary was then ceremonially cut by Bishop Christodoulos, the Consul General and AHEPA President Mr Papanayiotou.
Remaining true to its longstanding commitment to the community, AHEPA NSW used the event as a platform to offer meaningful support to institutions and individuals preserving Hellenism and collective memory in Australia. The following were awarded:
- A donation of $10,000 to St Andrew’s Theological College in Sydney, in support of its theological and spiritual mission in Greek Orthodox education. The donation was received by Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia.
- A $1,000 donation to the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney, in recognition of its ongoing contribution to the preservation and promotion of Greek folk traditions, presented to Dimitra Micos.
- Honorary grants to visual artist Angela Kiki Konstantopoulos for her ongoing participation in AHEPA’s cultural events, and to the Hellenic Art Theatre, one of the most vibrant pillars of Greek theatrical creativity in Australia, with the award presented to Steve Economidis and Evelyn Tsavalas.
Additionally, service medals were awarded to former presidents of AHEPA chapters, recognising their long-standing and selfless contributions:
- Emmanuel Aivaliotis (Chapter “Plato”)
- Haroula Themistocleous (Chapter “Antigone”, 2021–2023)
- George Balassis (former President of Chapter “Diogenes”)
- Bill Athanasopoulos (former President of Chapter “Anatoli”)
- Bill Skandalakis (former President of AHEPA NSW Inc, 2018–2023), for his leadership during one of the organisation’s most challenging periods.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a medal marking 50 years of service to George Yakoumidis, awarded by Honorary AHEPA NSW President John Kalimanis.
With visible emotion, Mr Yakoumidis closed the evening with the official Vote of Thanks on behalf of all the honourees.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
