Greek Independence Day celebrated at Sydney University’s Great Hall

·

The Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, held an official reception on Monday, March 27 at the University of Sydney’s Great Hall to mark Greek Independence Day.

The event was held in the presence of a number of official guests including Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley, Governor of New South Wales; Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia Archimandrite Christophoros Krikelis; Sophie Cotsis MP; Courtney Houssos MLC; Mark Buttigieg MP; Inner West Councillor Zoi Tsardoulias; Randwick City Councillor Alexandra Luxford; the President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW), Harry Danalis; the Sir Nicholas Laurantus Chair in Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies at USYD, Professor Vrasidas Karalis; and other Presidents of local Greek community associations.

Official guests.
Official guests.
Official guests.
Official guests.

In attendance were also a number of diplomats from Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Lebanon, New Zealand, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States, among many other countries.

On the night, Hellenic Lyceum dancers wearing traditional costumes stood proudly at the entrance to the Great Hall as guests arrived. The Australian Hellenic Choir also sang the National Anthems of Greece and Australia.

Hellenic Lyceum dancers in the costumes.
Australian Hellenic Choir.
Emcees.

Former University of Sydney students, Sophia and Antonia Komarkowski, emceed the event and started the official proceedings which included speeches by the Consul General, the NSW Governor, Archimandrite Christophoros, Professor Karalis and Mr Danalis.

In his speech, Mr Mallikourtis stated his appreciation of Australia and how its people embrace the celebration of Greek Independence Day and Greek culture more broadly.

Consul General.

“Greeks in Australia can freely speak and learn their language, exercise their religion, maintain their traditions and customs without being forced to make a choice or to view their two identities as mutually exclusive,” Mr Mallikourtis said.

In her speech, the NSW Governor made a special reference to British historian Mark Mazower and his book The Greek Revolution of 1821.

NSW Governor.

“He says that the Greek War of Independence is significant not just for the liberation of the Greek people, but also for its impacts on the geopolitical shaping of Europe, ushering in a fundamental change in the way Europeans could see themselves and in particular, expression of identity through the self determined nation state,” Ms Beazley said.

“It is truly a seminal moment in the history of modern Europe.”

At the conclusion of official proceedings, people were able to mingle amongst themselves and share their thoughts on the 1821 Greek Revolution.

Official guests.
Official guests.
Official guests.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Zeibekiko Festival Australia kicks off in Sydney with music, memory and movement

The 3rd Zeibekiko Festival Australia launched in dazzling style on Friday, 3 October 2025, at the Greek Community Club in Sydney.

Sydney father Artemios Mintzas identified as alleged Croydon Park gunman

Police have identified the man accused of opening fire on pedestrians, drivers and officers in Sydney’s inner west as Artemios Mintzas.

Service, culture, and unity: Greece’s new Consul General in Sydney sets out his vision

Greece’s new Consul General in Sydney, George Skemperis, speaks to The Greek Herald about diplomacy, unity, and the vibrant Greek Australians.

Greek school memories: Honouring the teachers who shaped our language and lives

Both the negative and heartfelt stories of Greek school have a way of becoming core memories for Greek Australians.

Spotlight on VCE Greek teacher Kristian Raspa

Sunday, October 5th is World Teachers’ Day and gives us the opportunity to celebrate the influential educators who have shaped our lives.

You May Also Like

Greek Australian Andriana Petrakis competes in France’s Virtus Global Games

Greek-Australian Andriana Petrakis from Adelaide, South Australia, participated in 2023 Virtus Global Games in Vichy France.

Hellenism on proud display at Australia’s Parliament House to mark Greek National Day

Greek communities from across Australia gathered at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra on March 27 to mark Greek Independence Day.

South Australia’s Ridleyton Greek home for the Aged in precautionary lockdown

An aged care home at Ridleyton will be locked down for at least 12 days after a staff member was in close contact with South Australia’s latest case.