Greeks mark Revolution Bicentennial with wreath laying ceremony at Martin Place, Sydney

·

There was plenty of Greek pride on display as Sydney’s Greek community gathered at the cenotaph in Martin Place on Sunday for a traditional wreath laying ceremony.

The ceremony kicked off with the national anthems of Greece and Australia, followed by a poem recital of Χαίρε Ελλάδα, δοξασμένοι from Maria of the Saturday Greek High School at Clemton Park.

A trisagio service was later led by His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim of Sevastia, representing His Eminence Makarios of Australia, after which the Last Post and Rouse was played, the Ode was read in Greek and English by Andrew Kitsos and Peter Tsigounis, and a minute silence was held.

A number of speeches were then given by His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Christos Karras, and President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, Harry Danalis.

“The Greek Revolution is the most important chapter in the history of modern Hellenism. It has shaped the Greek national identity, but it was also a leading historical event of its era,” the Consul General said in his speech.

After the speeches, prominent members of the Greek community, Greek organisations and politicians, laid wreaths at the Martin Place cenotaph.

These included, but are not limited to, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Christos Karras, Trade Commissioner Katia Gkikiza, Matt Thistlethwaite MP and Tony Burke MP, representing Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese, Leader of the NSW Labor Party, Jodi McKay MP, Sophie Cotsis MP, Steve Kamper MP, Mayor of Waverley Council, Paula Masselos, councillors from Randwick and Bayside City Councils, St Spyridon College, All Saints Grammar, St Euphemia College, the Cretan Association of NSW and Sydney, the Greek Returned Servicemen League of NSW, the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney, among many others. ALL photos of attendees can be found here.

The wreath laying ceremony was concluded with attendees being thanked by the event organisers, followed by a number of youth standing proudly in Greek costumes for photographs.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Finalists announced for ‘The Greek Herald Woman of the Year’ Awards 2025

Finalists have been announced for ‘The Greek Herald Woman of the Year’ Awards 2025. Find the full list here.

My child doesn’t want to go to Greek school. What can I do?

The most important thing is to be aware that this is common, to young people and to all languages. It is not unique to your child, or to Greek. 

Euterpe Collective brings women in Greek music together for first meeting

March 16 at The Pontiaki Estia will be the inaugural meeting of the Euterpe Collective, a network of women working in Greek music in Melbourne. 

Greek Australian women progress but VIP stands remain male-dominated

The VIP stands at Greek Australian community events tell their own story. Rows of suited men form a sea of leadership that has barely changed.

Manta takeover brings Athenian Riviera to Sydney

Manta, the stunning waterfront restaurant at Woolloomooloo Wharf, is set to bring the flavours of the Athenian Riviera to Sydney.

You May Also Like

21 cousins reunite in Messinia from Australia to honour their ancestors

A hike on Mount Taygetos connected Australia with Greece, as different generations of Greeks came together.

George Miller’s latest Mad Max film sends crowds wild at Cannes

George Miller's 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' received a seven-minute standing ovation at its Cannes Film Festival premiere this week.

Thessaloniki Holocaust Museum gets long-awaited building approval

Greece's Environment Ministry and Thessaloniki's city planning authority gave permission to build the Holocaust Museum in the city.