A packed audience gathered in Sydney on Tuesday, March 10 for a special public lecture marking 250 years since the birth of Ioannis Kapodistrias, exploring the legacy of the first Governor of the modern Greek state and his vision for the future of Athens.
The event, titled “250 years since the birth of Ioannis Kapodistrias (1776–2026): The First Governor and the City of Athens,” was presented under the banner of the Greek Festival of Sydney and organised in collaboration with Unity in Philia and the Athenian Association of NSW.
Held at the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW Hall in Lakemba, the lecture was delivered by Vassilis Adrachtas, Convenor of Greek Studies at the University of New South Wales.
Dr Adrahtas examined Kapodistrias’ pivotal role in the formation of the newly independent Greek state and his early recognition of the strategic importance of Athens as a future capital city. The presentation drew on historical texts and visual material, including the artworks of educator and writer Stella Sorotou, and was followed by a roundtable discussion on the topic.
Opening remarks were delivered by Con Apoifis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, and Cathy Vallis, President of the Athenian Association of NSW.
A discussion panel followed the keynote address, featuring Dr Adrachtas, George Vardas, and John Tripidakis, with the audience participating in an enthusiastic question-and-answer session.
Among the distinguished guests present were Archimandrite Fr Irenaeus Triantis; Athanasios Lambrou, Head of the Public Diplomacy Office at the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney; Pamela Proestos, Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney; and Tilda Sikes, Festival Director.
The lecture formed part of the program of the 44th Greek Festival of Sydney, commemorating the bicentenary-era figure whose work helped lay the foundations of the modern Greek state.
Following the event, attendees gathered for refreshments and finger food while continuing discussions on Kapodistrias’ historical significance and enduring influence.
