On Monday, March 24, the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney hosted a powerful and heartfelt celebration of Greek Independence Day, marking 204 years since the start of the Greek War of Independence in 1821.
The reception was held in the historic Strangers’ Room of the Parliament of New South Wales, drawing an esteemed gathering of political leaders, diplomats, and members of the Greek Australian community.
The evening began with a warm welcome from the emcee, Elena, who acknowledged the traditional custodians of the land and spoke movingly of her own experience reconnecting with her Kytherian heritage during a recent trip to Greece.
Following the national anthems of Greece and Australia, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, addressed the audience with a speech that blended history, reflection, and gratitude.
“Today we celebrate the perseverance and commitment of our ancestors,” he said. “Poor and largely illiterate peoples… succeeded against all odds.”
Mr Mallikourtis paid tribute to Australia’s role in supporting Greek immigrants and fostering deep bilateral relations.
“Australia gave them opportunities which no other place would have given them… Greeks were won over by something that has made me have a soft spot for this country, the spirit of egalitarianism…” he noted.
Mr Mallikourtis also highlighted growing prospects in trade, investment, and diplomacy between the Greece and Australia, while extending a heartfelt farewell as his term in Sydney nears its end in July.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia delivered a stirring spiritual message.
“Without spiritual freedom, there is no other freedom,” he declared, emphasising the significance of March 25 as both a national and religious celebration.
“They stood firm for a principle—the right to express their faith openly, to live with dignity, and to determine their own destiny.”
The visiting Hellenic Parliament delegation was represented by Stavros Keletsis MP (New Democracy), who honoured the “crucial and profound” contributions of the diaspora. Also present were Athanasios Papathanasis MP (New Democracy), Stefanos Parastatidis MP (PASOK-KINAL), and Miltiadis Zamparas MP (SYRIZA).
In a speech, Mr Keletsis said, “Since the founding of the modern Greek state, more than 200 years have passed… despite the challenges and adversities, we Greeks succeeded in building a modern, strong European state.”
The event also featured heartfelt video messages from NSW Governor Margaret Beazley and NSW Premier Chris Minns.
“Greeks are a proud people who fought for their freedom and won their independence,” Minns said. “You helped build this state and changed the face of this country for the better.”
NSW Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis MP represented the NSW Government in person and delivered a passionate tribute to the Greek Australian story.
“That generation of men and women put everything on the line,” Ms Cotsis said. “It is a testament of both our nations… In Greece, we have the word ‘philotimo,’ in Australia we have the word ‘mateship.’ You can’t exactly describe them, but both are deeply spiritual that both nations share.”
As the formalities concluded, guests mingled over drinks and traditional fare, celebrating not only Greece’s path to freedom but also the enduring spirit and contributions of the Greek Australian community.
As Archbishop Makarios aptly put it, “Let us stand here today as free Greeks, as free Australians, as free people of the world. Zito Ellada. Zito Australia.”
