The 79th anniversary of the Battle of Crete was commemorated with a simple ceremony on Monday, May 25, with the Holy Archdiocese of Australia and the Greek Consulate in Perth.
The ceremony was held at the State War Memorial at Kings Park in Perth, a Monument to the Fallen of World War II.
In accordance with the current health regulations, the ceremony was attended by a limited number of representatives. Specifically in attendance were the Consul General of Greece in Perth, Mrs. Georgia Karasiotou and the Maritime Follower, Mrs. Katerina Argyrakopoulou. The Greek delegates were joined by representatives of the political and military authorities of Western Australia, as well as representatives of community organisations and veterans’ organisations.
A memorial prayer was sung by the Archbishop’s Commissioner of Perth, Theophilestatos Bishop of Kianes Mr. Elpidios, accompanied by his father Eleftherios Gerovasilis, while wreaths were laid at the Monument to the Fallen.
In his message, Theophilestatos emphasised that it is our sacred obligation to remember and honour the heroes of the historic Battle of Crete, and at the same time to pass on the values and ideals for which they fought to future generations.
The Bishop also acknowledged the significant contribution of Australians who fought and shed their blood on the soil of Crete, noting that the anniversary of this historic event is another occasion to reflect and reaffirm the strong bond of friendship that unites the Greek and Australian people.
