On Saturday, February 15, the Panipirotiki Enosis of New South Wales held their Annual Dance at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba, Sydney to celebrate the 112-year anniversary of the Liberation of Ioannina.
Special guests included His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis; President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, Harry Danalis; President of the Cyprus Community of NSW, Michael Kyriakou; President of the Demokritos of Thrace Association, Christos Pazaridis; as well as members of the media and the Pontoxeniteas NSW Youth Committee.
The event featured a full house of guests who enjoyed a night of food, dancing and music by Thanasis Pylarinos Band, Maria Toila, and George Svolos. There was also a special Zeibekiko performance by Nikolaos Vasilas.
For 483 years, the Epirotes lived in the darkness of slavery until 21 February 1913 when they were liberated from Ottoman rule.
At the start of the First Balkan War, the Army of Epirus focused on defence as most Greek forces reinforced the Macedonian Front. After Thessaloniki’s annexation, the Ottoman Empire sought a truce, but Greece insisted on continuing the war until Epirus was liberated.
On 19 October 1912, under Major Sapountzakis, the Army of Epirus shifted to offence, capturing Preveza and repelling an Ottoman attack at Pente Pigadia. However, the fortified Bizani forts, harsh weather, and supply shortages hindered further progress toward Ioannina.
Victories in Macedonia allowed reinforcements to reach Epirus. Crown Prince Constantine demanded the peaceful surrender of Ioannina, but Essat Pasha refused.
Through strategic manoeuvring and heroism, the Greek Army captured Bizani and forced the Ottoman surrender of Ioannina on 21 February 1913.
The Panipirotiki Enosis of NSW honours the brave men and women who fought for the victory and faced countless difficulties.
Commemoration events will continue on Sunday, March 2, with a memorial service at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Belmore. This will be followed by a luncheon at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba.
