A powerful sense of pride and emotion swept through the Greek Orthodox Parish of the Resurrection of Our Lord in Kogarah, Sydney, on Sunday, 4 May 2025, as the Hellenic Presidential Guard — the Evzones — paid a historic visit.
The occasion drew thousands of faithful from across the community, united in celebration of both Orthodox faith and Greek national heritage.
The day began with the Evzones standing in solemn formation during the Divine Liturgy, officiated by His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, supported by parish priests Father Athanasios Giatsios and Father Socrates Dokos alongside Deacon Timothy Mavromatis.
Distinguished guests included Ioannis Mallikourtis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney; Michalis Tzinieris, Commander of the Greek Presidential Guard; Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos, Defence Attaché of the Hellenic Republic in Canberra, Georges River Councillor Sam Stratikopoulos; Bayside City Councillor Vicki Poulos; President of the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community at Kogarah, Nicholas Varvaris, and Vice President Christos Georgiou; as well as the coordinators of the Greek afternoon and Saturday schools, and representatives from various Hellenic and community organisations.
In an address, Bishop Christodoulos extended a heartfelt welcome to the Evzones, conveying the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and expressing the parish’s deep gratitude for their presence. His words reflected the pride and reverence felt by all who attended.
After the service, the Evzones were welcomed outside the church by students of the Kogarah Greek afternoon and Saturday schools, proudly dressed in traditional Greek costume and waving Greek flags.
In a striking moment, the ceremonial procession made its way across the street to the Lemnos Memorial, with traffic respectfully halted to allow the dignified march to proceed.
At the Lemnos Memorial opposite the church, a commemorative service was held in honour of the fallen heroes of World War I, particularly the ANZACs who served on the Greek island of Lemnos.
The ceremony featured a memorial conducted by Bishop Christodoulos, the singing of the Greek and Australian national anthems, the reading of the Ode by Panagiotis Tsigounis, and a wreath-laying ceremony conducted by official guests. A minute of silence was observed in tribute to the fallen.
Following the formalities, the public was invited to take photographs with the Evzones, a rare and cherished opportunity that brought joy to many families and students. The atmosphere was one of shared remembrance, cultural pride, and deep connection to heritage.
More than a ceremonial visit, the day rekindled a powerful connection to homeland, faith, and collective memory. It left a lasting impression on all in attendance, marking it as a significant and uplifting chapter in the life of the Kogarah parish and the broader Greek Australian community.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos
