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.

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Latest News

‘Want to strengthen bonds with the diaspora’: Florina Mayor Vasilis Giannakis on Australia visit

There are periods in the eventful history of a place when a decisive leap is required in order to escape the wear left behind by the past.

Anna Giannis Interiors partners with South Melbourne FC ahead of debut in FIFA OPL competition

Anna Giannis Interiors has been commissioned by South Melbourne Football Club (SMFC) to design the Official Player Suits.

Koraly Dimitriadis to launch fourth poetry book about emotional abuse

Controversial Cypriot-Australian poet Koraly Dimitriadis, will launch her 4th poetry book, That's What They Do, at the beginning of February. 

GCM Schools to host two-day VCE Greek Summer Seminar this month

The Greek Community of Melbourne Schools continue to invest in the academic success of their students by delivering educational initiatives.

Paniyiri at Greek Home for the Aged in Earlwood cancelled

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s Home for the Aged has cancelled its planned Greek Paniyiri at GOCHA.

You May Also Like

Greek PM: ‘We will continue to stand by Ukraine’

In a message to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reiterated that Greece “will continue to stand by Ukraine.”

Ex-Crown boss, Peter Crinis, to lead pub group as it heads for the ASX

Ex-Crown boss, Peter Crinis, is set to emerge at the helm of a hotel company that will list on the Australian Securities Exchange next year.

Eleni Raptis honoured for lifetime of service to Saint Anna Parish on the Gold Coast

Archbishop Makarios of Australia has bestowed one of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia's highest honours upon Eleni Raptis.