By Dimitra Skalkos
The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) hosted a moving OXI Day commemoration at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba on Tuesday, October 28, bringing together community leaders, political representatives, clergy, and families to honour Greece’s historic defiance on 28 October 1940.
Proceedings opened with the Australian and Greek national anthems performed by students from the Community’s Greek Afternoon and Saturday Schools, followed by a minute’s silence for the fallen.
Master of Ceremonies Dimitri Kallos welcomed guests and noted that the community “proudly commemorates the Greek National Day of October 28, 1940 – a day that marks the Greek people’s heroic stand against fascism and their brave resistance during the Second World War.”
Reflections on courage, sacrifice and national unity
GOCNSW President Harry Danalis set the historical scene, describing OXI Day as an enduring example of courage and principle.
“No matter what the odds, liberty and independence are worth fighting for. Greece’s stand became the first victory against fascism in Europe and gave impetus to others to resist,” he said, adding that the sacrifices “did not come cheaply,” and that resistance continued throughout the occupation.
George Skemperis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney, also reflected on the rare national unity of 1940, noting, “A dictator said ‘no’, but the people in the streets made that ‘no’ a reality – and that is why we triumphed over a much superior enemy.”
Reflecting on the Asia Minor catastrophe and the integration of 1.5 million refugees, he said, “It was the sense of ‘never again’ that led Greeks to fight like lions.”
He urged contemporary vigilance, “Let us say ‘OXI’ to indifference and division, and live with courage, serve with honour, and cherish freedom.”
Also addressing the audience, Archimandrite Father Irenaeus Triantis delivered a message on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, describing OXI as “a small word written in indelible letters” and “a moment when freedom triumphed over tyranny.”
Father Irenaeus called on the Greek diaspora to remain connected to its faith and cultural identity, noting that “the spirit of national unity shown by our heroic forebears constitutes an invaluable inheritance for all Greeks today.”
Messages of leadership and remembrance
NSW Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis MP thanked teachers, families and volunteers and drew on archival reporting from the Parliamentary Library to illustrate how Sydney’s Greek community followed developments in 1940.
“It was one word that created the action of resistance and kept the Germans at bay. It changed the trajectory of World War II,” she said, adding a call to be “continuously vigilant about democracy and our institutions,” while celebrating the contribution and advancement of migrant families in Australia.
NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman MP emphasised shared values and bonds forged in war.
“OXI Day embodies courage, unity and the indomitable spirit of the Greek people,” he said. “Greece became the first nation in Europe to halt the advance of fascism and bought precious time for the Allied cause… The Greek Australian story is now inseparable from the New South Wales story.”
The keynote address was delivered by Argyris Kallos, President of the Sydney University Greek Society (SUGS), who said the legacy of 28 October was not confined to the past.
“The spirit of resistance continues to inspire us today. The tendencies Greece opposed are not foreign to our communities. Let’s carry on in unity and solidarity, wherever we are,” he said.
Poetry, performance and dance
One of the evening’s most heartfelt moments came through the voices of the youngest participants. Students from the Greek Afternoon and Saturday Schools took to the stage to recite patriotic poems with confidence and emotion, earning warm applause from the audience.
Their words – spoken in Greek – served as a living reminder that the language and values of courage, sacrifice and unity continue to pass proudly from one generation to the next.
Those performing included:
- Dimitris Babalis (Clemton Park Saturday School): “The Dawn of 1940”
- Eleni Halatsis (Summer Hill Afternoon School): “Never Forget”
- Konstantinos Halatsis (Summer Hill Afternoon School): “October 28”
A short play, “The Mother of 1940”, was later presented by Year 6 students of Clemton Park Public School as a touching tribute to the women and mothers of wartime Greece – those who endured hardship with dignity and resilience.
The night concluded with a joyful Greek dance performance by the GOCNSW Dancing Group, under the direction of Paroula Thurban, which brought the hall to life in a celebration of tradition and pride.
Guests, families and students then mingled over cocktail refreshments, closing the evening in the same spirit of unity and remembrance that defined it.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald.
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