Sydney was bathed in blue and white on Sunday, March 23, as thousands gathered despite the threat of rain to honour Greek Independence Day in what has been hailed as one of the largest and most vibrant celebrations in recent years.
From the moving Doxology at the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation in Redfern, to the wreath-laying ceremony at Martin Place and the spectacular cultural program at the iconic Sydney Opera House, the day was a powerful testament to Greek Australian unity, heritage and pride.
Following the Doxology led by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the anniversary commemorations continued with a solemn memorial service at Martin Place, attended by dignitaries, clergy, and an enthusiastic crowd. Emcees were Themis Kallos and Dimitrios Kametopoulos.
Wreaths were laid by over 70 representatives from government, councils, veterans’ organisations, cultural associations, student bodies and schools. Dignitaries included His Eminence; members from the Hellenic Republic, The Hon. Stavros Keletsis MP (New Democracy), Athanasios Papathanasis MP (New Democracy), Stefanos Parastatidis MP (PASOK-KINAL), and Miltiadis Zamparas MP (SYRIZA); the Ambassador of Greece in Australia, Stavros Venizelos; the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis; the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis; Federal Member for Watson, Tony Burke MP; Federal Member for Maroubra, Matt Thistlethwaite MP; NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis MP; President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, Harry Danalis; and the President of the Inter-Communities Council of NSW of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, Kosmas Dimitriou.
The Archbishop, joined by Their Graces Bishops Iakovos of Miletoupolis and Christodoulos of Magnesia, conducted the memorial service, paying tribute to the heroes of 1821. The Last Post echoed through the heart of the city, followed by a minute’s silence and stirring renditions of the Greek and Australian national anthems.
Afterwards, a symbolic river of Hellenism surged through Sydney’s streets. Thousands marched behind banners, drums and flags — students from the three Greek Orthodox schools in Sydney (All Saints Grammar, St Euphemia College, and St Spyridon College), scouts, dancing groups, and families — many dressed proudly in traditional Greek costumes.
The sea of blue and white exceeded last year’s turnout, with organisers estimating record participation from communities across NSW.
The procession culminated at the Sydney Opera House forecourt, where a rich cultural program unfolded beneath the sails of Australia’s most recognisable landmark. The New South Wales Opposition Leader Mark Speakman joined the festivities as well.
In his rousing address to the crowd, Archbishop Makarios declared, “When Greeks are united, they achieve the impossible. Unity is our strength and division is our downfall.” He reminded the youth present that “the freedom you enjoy today was won at great cost,” urging them to “honour the sacrifices of the past and ensure the spirit of 1821 inspires both you and future generations.”
He also underscored the spiritual dimension of the celebration: “The struggle of the Greeks for independence was not only about the liberation of a part of the land, but the recovery of the soul of a people… Our religious and national identities are two sides of the same coin.”
Greek Ambassador Mr Venizelos echoed this sentiment: “204 years have passed since that pivotal moment… and Greece has not only survived immense challenges but thrived, defining its own unique identity.” He paid homage to the Philhellenes and the global Greek diaspora who played an instrumental role in supporting the revolution.
Mr Keletsis, representing the Hellenic Parliament, sent the well wishes of the Greek government and expressed his joy at witnessing the pride the Greek diaspora have for their heritage.
Minister Thistlethwaite, representing the Prime Minister of Australia, praised the Greek Australian community’s contributions: “No diaspora has contributed more to Australia’s economic and social development than the people of Greek heritage.”
The NSW Opposition leader Mr Speakman added, “Australia is the greatest multicultural society on the planet, and the Greek diaspora is such an extraordinary part of that society. Today is not just a celebration of the past, but a reminder of the shared values of freedom, democracy and faith that bind us together.”
Mr Danalis, President of the GOCNSW, highlighted the contemporary relevance of the day: “Our struggle here is to maintain our language, our culture, and our traditions. It is a struggle worth fighting so we can honour our forebears and pass on the flame.”
The High Commissioner of Cyprus to Australia, Mr Sammoutis, reminded attendees that the struggle for freedom continues: “The struggle might be over in Greece, but Cyprus is still fighting to reverse the consequences of the Turkish invasion… We have 51 reasons to solve the Cyprus issue, and to live in a reunified and free Cyprus.”
The cultural programme at the Opera House was a true celebration of Greek heritage in all its richness and colour. High school students from the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s Greek language schools captivated the crowd with stirring poetry recitations — Alexandros Moiralis delivered ‘Πατρίδα Μου’ and Lia Pappas recited ’25 Μαρτίου’ —earning heartfelt applause.
The combined choirs of St Spyridon College, St Euphemia College, and All Saints Grammar filled the forecourt with the powerful harmonies of the Greek and Australian national anthems.
The cultural showcase continued with a spectacular display of traditional dances from every corner of Greece—Cretan, Pontian, Cypriot, and many more—performed with infectious energy by youth and community dance groups in full traditional costume.
Each step was not only a tribute to the past, but a living, moving symbol of Hellenic continuity and pride in Australia.
As one elderly attendee remarked, watching the students wave flags and chant “Zito I Ellada!”, “This is how our history stays alive—through the joy and pride of our children.”
