This year’s commemorations for the Genocide of the Greeks of Pontos mark a new beginning for the Melbourne Coordinating Committee, whose members have been working diligently to organise the upcoming events.
The committee is led by newly appointed youth members under the age of 30, representing four Melbourne-based associations: Pontiaki Koinotita, Euxenos Pontos, Akrites tou Pontou, and Pontiaki Estia.
Coordinator Aliki Souliotis, along with Myrto Makridis, is leading the team. Eleni Totikidis has taken on the role of secretary, with the support of Desie Kyriakidis.
Alexia Moskofidis and Ioanna Eleftheriadis are coordinating the upcoming screening of the film Lethal Nationalism.
Together with Harry Tsairis and the guidance of experienced members of the associations – Apostolis Alexiadis, Spiros Varetimidis, Tasos Dimitriu, Eleni Nikou and Simela Stamatopoulos – they have organised a full day of commemorative events to be held on Sunday, May 18.
To mark the 106th anniversary, a Memorial Service will be held at the Holy Monastery of Axion Estin, located at 7 Hartington Street, Northcote, on Sunday, May 18 at 9:30am.
This will be followed by a Wreath Laying Ceremony at 11:30am at the “Monument of the Fallen,” situated at the rear of the church. Community organisations are invited to register their intention to lay a wreath by emailing: pontiancoorcommelb@gmail.com
A highlight of this year’s commemorations will once again be the screening of the film Lethal Nationalism – Genocide of the Greeks 1913–1923. This award-winning documentary chronicles the genocide of the Greeks and other indigenous Christians by the Ottoman and Nationalist Turks.
Funded by the Asia Minor and Pontos Research Centre (USA), the film is directed by Peter Lambrinatos, written by John McCarthy, and narrated by renowned American news anchor Bill Kurtis.
The film-documentary is in English and will be screened on Sunday, 18 May at Pontiaki Estia, 540 Sydney Road, Brunswick. Entry is free.
Event Details:
Sunday, 18 May 2025
Prayer Service
- Time: 9:30 am – 11:00 am
- Location: Holy Monastery of Axion Estin, 2 Hartington Street, Northcote
Wreath Laying Ceremony
- Time: 11:30 am
- Location: Monument to the Fallen, Holy Monastery of Axion Estin, 2 Hartington Street, Northcote
Following the proceedings, coffee and light refreshments will be served in the church’s function room.
Screening of film-documentary
- Time: 5:30pm
- Location: Pontiaki Estia, 540 Sydney Road, Brunswick
