GOCSA kicks off Greek bicentennial celebrations with Gala evening and wreath laying ceremony

·

With a Gala Evening held at the Olympic Hall in Adelaide last Friday, the Greek Orthodox Community of SA (GOSCA) kicked off this year’s celebrations for the 200th Anniversary from the beginning of the Greek Revolution.

In attendance were a number of dignitaries among them federal and state politicians, the Consul General of Greece to Australia George Psiachas, representatives of Greek Associations and members of the community.

Apart from the Greek Independence bicentenary the event was also dedicated to the 90th Anniversary of the Greek Orthodox Community of SA, which was to be celebrated last year, but was due to the pandemic. 

Addressing the attendees Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni, representing the SA Premier, referred to the successful outcome of the Revolution saying that Greeks inspired other countries in Europe to fight for their independence. 

“Greek immigrants have had a similar effect to Australia, as they have shown how one can progress and succeed,” he said.

In his speech, GOCSA’s President Vassilis Gonis said that the Community is moving forward following the heroic deeds derived from Greek history. 

“By keeping in our memories those who fought and by honouring the Great Struggle, we are confident that wherever on the globe we may be, their legacy remains alive with us,” Mr Gonis said. 

The President’s speech was followed by a video message from Greece’s president, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, who emphasized that the Greeks of the Diaspora were the ones who contributed significantly to the awakening of the Greek national consciousness before the outbreak of the Revolution.

The Consul General said that “”Hellenism, even if enslaved or in the diaspora, has always managed to keep alive the flame of its national consciousness, language and culture.”

The cultural part of the event consisted of traditional dances performed by students of the Community’s Dance Academy.

The list of attendees includes: the Assistant Minister to the Premier of South Australia Jing Lee, Labor MLC Irene Pnevmatikos representing Leader of the Opposition Peter Malinauskas, SA-Best MLC Connie Bonaros, Labor MP Tom Koutsantonis, Federal member for Adelaide Steve Georganas, Lord mayor of Adelaide Sandy Verschoor and Deputy Lord Mayor Mary Couros, Councillor of City of Mitcham and SAMEAC member Andriana Christopoulos and Charles Sturt Councillor Pavlos Alexandridis.

On Sunday, March 28th a memorial service followed by a wreath laying ceremony took place at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Archangels Michael and Gabriel with an extensive list of dignitaries among them Greek Australian politicians.

Sunday’s event concluded with students of the Community’s afternoon schools dressed in traditional costumes, reciting poems and singing traditional songs. 

READ MORE: Greek communities across Australia celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

Oakleigh Grammar to name 10 school buildings after successful Greek migrants

10 buildings on the Oakleigh Grammar School grounds will be named after Hellenes who have become successful since migrating to Australia. 

International Women’s Day 2022: This is how Greek and Cypriot women #BreakTheBias

To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we asked 14 Australian women of Greek and Cypriot backgrounds to share their messages.

University students meet to discuss Greek language studies and better collaboration

CUGA and NUGAS held a National Conference to formalise their partnership and speak frankly on the state of Modern Greek at tertiary level.