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

From ancestral threads to contemporary art: Inside Evangeleah Plakias’ ‘Echoes of Hellenes’

At just 28, Evangeleah Plakias is presenting her work to the public for the first time through a personal exploration of Greek history.

Melbourne artist David Kaneen to hold painting exhibition in Athens

The Angelon Vima gallery in Athens is hosting a solo exhibition by Australian artist David W. Kaneen, running from March 1 to April 5, 2026.

At just six, Maya Konstantinou is shaping the conversation on Type 1 Diabetes

At just six years old, Maya Konstantinou has already faced challenges many adults struggle to comprehend; diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Geelong Greek community mourns business icon John Bourdamis

Greek Australian entrepreneur John Bourdamis, who immigrated to Australia in 1954 and settled permanently in Geelong in 1970, has died.

Shopkeeper recalls alleged Easey St killer Perry Kouroumblis decades before arrest

Nearly five decades after first seeing him in her Collingwood vintage store, Kate Buck says she instantly recognised Perry Kouroumblis.

You May Also Like

St Basil’s NSW/ACT to hold ‘1821 Greek Art Exhibition’ in collaboration with Athens War Museum

St Basil's NSW/ACT is set to launch for the very first time the '1821 Greek Art Exhibition' in collaboration with the Athens War Museum.

140 children with serious illnesses to be transferred from Moria

Doctors Without Borders has called for the transfer of at least 140 children with serious health problems living in Moria inland.

Australia prepares to host Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has set out to Australia at the invitation of Archbishop Makarios and PM Anthony Albanese.