Greek flags sail across Burwood as council celebrates bicentenary of 1821 revolution

·

Burwood Council took part in the month long celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the Greek revolution, held under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Australia.

Dignitaries present at the event include Christos Karras, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Martha Mavrommati, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus, Jodi McKay, leader of NSW Opposition and Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Katia Gkikiza, trade commissioner of Greece in Australia, John Faker, Mayor of Burwood Council, Cr Heather Crichton and Cr Raj Dixit, Tommaso Briscese, General Manager of Burwood Council, Antoine Doueihi, Mayor of Strathfield, Rev. Fr George Liangas, as well as the Greek RSL sub-branch representing Peter Tsigounis.

The ceremony commenced with a parade of young school children and Greek dancers marching onto the large stage sat in Burwood park, which was decorated with hanging Greek and Australian flags. Following a Greek dance on the stage, the students joined Fr George Liangas and Mr Peter Tsigounis in the opening proceedings.

Master of Ceremonies Dimitrios Kametopoulos introduced Mayor John Faker as the first speaker to celebrate the historic occasion, who noted the unforgettable role St Nectarios Church has played in the Greek community of Burwood.

“I want to say a big thank you to the contribution you are making to our community for the last 30 to 40 years, some of you 50 years, and it’s really important that we continue to celebrate this diversity and your culture and importantly the faith,” Mayor Faker said.

Mr Christos Karras spoke about the role Greek Australians have played in shaping their new homeland, but also about the role the Greek diaspora and philhellenes played during the Greek revolution.

“The philhellenes and Greek diaspora struggled together to promote the Greek cause… and their work proved to be critical to the future of the revolution,” Mr Karras said.

Martha Mavrommati spoke about the unforgettable role Cypriots played in the Greek revolution, and continue to play a role in honouring the heroes of the Greek revolution.

“Be proud of your heritage, be proud of your language and be proud of your religion, and don’t forget what the Greeks said when they were fighting during the revolution: It’s better to be free for one minute than to be for 40 years in imprisonment and enslavement,” the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus said.

Concluding the dignitaries speeches was Jodi McKay MP, who expressed her honour in participating in the month long celebrations of the Greek revolution bicentenary anniversary, especially in her representative seat of Strathfield.

“I also what to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of St Nectarios Church last year,” Ms McKay said, adding that the work of Rev. Fr George Liangas is greatly appreciated in the Burwood and Greek communities of Sydney.

Following the speeches was a choir and musical performance by members of the St Nectarios parish, as well as a poetry recital by the Greek school students.

Mr Chris Christogeorge gave his Greek national day address in the Greek language, speaking about the heroes of the Greek revolution.

“Greek general Theodoros Kolokotronis once said that ‘God is with us and he’s helping us. Because we fight with our faith for our country, for our elder parents, our children and ultimately for our Freedom. And when God helps, we can’t be defeated'”, Mr Christogeorge said.

Photo: The Greek Herald

The Nassibian dancers followed the powerful speech by Mr Christogeorge, who were directed by Christina Efthymiades. Mr Costa Vertzayias, author of ‘1821’, also spoke about the significance of the Greek revolution when looking upon all revolutions in Europe and the United States of America.

Another poetry recital followed, along with a speech from Mr Tony Diakopanagiotis, the Greek School sub-committee President.

The event concluded with another performance from the Nassibian dancers, along with a speech from Greek school principal Dimitrios Kametopoulos, and closing statement by Rev Fr George Liangas.

Photo: The Greek Herald

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Pontoxeniteas NSW celebrates community, culture and generosity at 2025 Winter Wonderland

Celebration swept through The Grand Roxy on Saturday, May 31, as Pontoxeniteas NSW hosted its spectacular Winter Wonderland Gala 2025.

GCM prepares for AGM as Board elections and revenue outlook take centre stage

The Greek Community of Melbourne has officially announced that its Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday, 15 June 2025.

Raptis sisters left devastated as SA music school faces second government acquisition

Koula and Mary Raptis are “devastated and heartbroken” after learning their music school, Allegro Music, is to be acquired by the government.

Jon Adgemis vacates luxury Sydney mansion amid legal battle over his mum’s home

Disgraced former KPMG dealmaker Jon Adgemis has vacated the $20,000-a-week Point Piper mansion dubbed the "Bang & Olufsen house."

Australian Hellenic Choir delivers a stirring musical journey at ‘A Portrait of Greece’ in Sydney

The Australian Hellenic Choir captivated a packed Sir John Clancy Auditorium at the University of New South Wales on Sunday, June 1.

You May Also Like

Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation wants to save lives these summer holidays

Dr Fiona Martin is an Ambassador of the Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that works to educate and protect child pedestrians.

Olive tree planted at Lamia Barracks in Sydney to honour the Battle of Crete

An olive tree was planted at Lamia Barracks in Sydney on May 16 as a way to honour the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Crete this year.

Christmas carols sung proudly by the Greek community in Sydney and Adelaide

The Greek community in Sydney and Adelaide got into the festive spirit over the weekend with a number of Christmas kalanda events.