The 98th anniversary of the Asia Minor Catastrophe was commemorated on Sunday, September 20, in a special event hosted by St Catherine’s Greek Orthodox Church in Mascot, Sydney and The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney.
The event, titled ‘The Traumatic Consequences of the Asia Minor Catastrophe on the Modern Greek Nation,’ treated people to a keynote speech on the history of the catastrophe, as well as a number of traditional songs from Asia Minor presented by a young band.
A band played traditional songs from Asia Minor. Photo: Mark Petropoulos. 
Photo: Mark Petropoulos.
Guest speaker, Vrasidas Karalis, who is a Sir Nicholas Laurantus Professor of Modern Greek Studies at the University of Sydney, presented the main talk on the night.
People of all ages listened intently as Mr Karalis, surrounded by young children dressed in traditional Greek dancing costumes, spoke firstly about the Greek presence during the Ottoman Empire, followed by a history of the Asia Minor Catastrophe.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia ended the event with a small speech, where he described the life story of prominent ecclesistical figure, Saint Chrysostom, Metropolitan of Smyrna.
The event, which was also attended by Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Mr Christos Karras, ended with some light refreshments enjoyed by all.
