Around 300 guests, including community leaders, dignitaries and representatives of the Greek Australian community, gathered on Saturday, March 28 for a formal reception marking the 205th anniversary of Greek Independence Day.
Held at The Gallery – Events by Alpha in Sydney, the event was hosted by the Embassy of Greece in Australia and the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, bringing together a cross-section of political, diplomatic and community leadership.
The evening was emceed by Dimitra Mavrokordatos and Maria Kakali, who opened proceedings with an Acknowledgement of Country before inviting guests to stand for the national anthems of Australia and Greece.
A video message from Kyriakos Mitsotakis was then played, marking the significance of March 25 and connecting the Sydney gathering to commemorations taking place globally.
Consul General of Greece in Sydney, George Skemperis, officially opened the evening, framing the reception within the significance of Greek Independence Day and the enduring connection between Greece and its diaspora.
Addressing guests, he underscored the importance of the anniversary as a defining moment in Greece’s history, while recognising the role of the Greek Australian community in preserving and advancing Hellenism abroad.
“We gather here to celebrate the independence of Greece and the enduring values of freedom and democracy that define our nation,” he said.
Among those in attendance were Stavros Venizelos, Ambassador of Greece to Australia, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, and NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper representing NSW Premier Chris Minns, alongside a cross-party delegation of the Hellenic Parliament including Maximos Charakopoulos, Secretary of the Parliamentary Group of New Democracy, Filippos Fortomas, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee for Greeks Abroad, Stavros Michailidis from PASOK, and Konstantinos Barkas from SYRIZA.
Archbishop Makarios delivered a reflective address, linking the national and spiritual significance of March 25.
“With profound emotion, national pride and gratitude to God, we gather here tonight,” he said.
“This commemoration becomes more than a national remembrance. It becomes a witness… that courage is possible, that unity is necessary and that hope endures.”
Ambassador Venizelos spoke on the significance of the anniversary.
“The 25th of March marks the renaissance of our nation and our enduring love for freedom,” he said.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the Greek diaspora, describing Greek Australians as a source of pride for Greece through their achievements and continued connection to the homeland.
Minister Kamper also addressed the gathering, reflecting on identity and heritage among Greek Australians. “We never lose that connection to our motherland,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Hellenic Parliament delegation, Mr Charakopoulos conveyed the greetings of the Greek Prime Minister and emphasised the enduring bond between Greece and its diaspora.
“We are proud of you… proud of the Hellenism of Australia,” he said.
The remaining members of the delegation echoed similar sentiments, expressing gratitude to the diaspora for preserving Greek heritage abroad and acknowledging their contribution to both Australia and Greece.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a commemorative medal to Mr Charakopoulos, presented jointly by Consul General Mr Skemperis and Ambassador Venizelos as a symbolic gesture during the delegation’s visit.
The formal program concluded with remarks from event sponsors, including Argyris Karavis on behalf of wine sponsor Nico Lazaridis.
“It is an honour to be part of this commemoration… celebrating the enduring connection between Greece and its diaspora,” he said.
The evening then continued with a performance by the Hellenic Lyceum dance group, before guests mingles and enjoyed the remainder of the reception.
The reception served not only as a commemoration of Greece’s independence, but as a reaffirmation of identity, heritage and the enduring ties between Greece and Australia.
*Photos: Euphoria Photography and Andriana Simos
