Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney launch costume exhibition to mark Greek Revolution bicentenary

The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney has officially launched its amazing costume exhibition at the Hermes Lounge in Kogarah to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution.

Over 200 people were in attendance and had the pleasure of admiring traditional Greek costumes from regions as widespread as Crete, Macedonia, Epirus and Kastellorizo.

These attendees included a number of dignitaries and prominent members of the Greek community, including His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Christos Karras, the wife of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Jenny Morrison, Trade Commissioner of Greece in Australia, Katia Gkikiza, the High Commissioner of Cyprus in Australia, Martha Mavrommatis, the President of the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Kogarah, Nick Varvaris, Parish priests, Father Kyriakos and Father Dimitris, and the President of the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney, Liana Vertzayias, among many others.

READ MORE: Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney amaze Greek community with preview of costume exhibition.

Official proceedings kicked off with a blessing ceremony (Agiasmos) by Archbishop Makarios, and this was followed by the national anthems of Greece and Australia, as well as the Ode to Freedom, by the National Metropolitan Choir.

Speeches were then given by Archbishop Makarios, Mr Karras, Ms Mavrommatis, Mr Varvaris and Mrs Vertzayias, all drawing attention to the rich Greek history and culture surrounding them.

The launch concluded with traditional dances from Morias and Thrace by the Aristotelion Academy of Greek Traditional Dance, which brought a smile to the faces of everyone in attendance.

*All photos by Syndesmos Connecting People and Their Stories / Vasilis Vasilas.