The Greek Returned Servicemen League of NSW (GRSL), formerly the Greek Sub-Branch of RSL, have started the new year with their first official event – the vasilopita cutting.
Held on January 31 at C-Side Restaurant in Kyeemagh, the venue was filled with members of the GRSL and all their family and friends.
READ MORE: New name heralds a fresh start for the Greek Returned Servicemen League of NSW.
The Ode was recited by Peter Tsigounis in English and in Greek by Andrew Kitsos, while everyone sang the Greek and Australian national anthems together.
In a speech following the Ode, President of the GRSL, George Giakoumidis, welcomed attendees and stressed that the newly formed League will be very active and creative in the future.
The presence of former Egyptian President, Evangelos Koumakis, was also touching as he could be heard saying, “I am 94 years old and I will care for our League until my last breath.”
Mr Koumakis, as well as Lambros Papadopoulos, who could not attend the event, were later given a commemorative plaque in recognition of their tireless work for the League.
In the end, the gold coin from the vasilopita was won by Sophia, the wife of the GRSL’s Treasurer, Bill Iliopoulos. This was followed by a lottery, where over 60 prizes were won.
Everyone left very happy and wished the League success in the future.
