A moving memorial service commemorating the victims of the Greek Genocide was held on Sunday, May 18, at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, Sydney.
The event was organised by the three Pontian Associations of NSW—Pontoxeniteas NSW, Panagia Soumela Sydney, and Diogenes Wollongong — in collaboration with the Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia.
The day began with a Divine Liturgy and memorial service led by the Very Reverend Archimandrite Father Christophoros Krikelis, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
During the memorial service, Pontian youth stood reverently in traditional dress, embodying a deep sense of cultural pride and continuity. Others stood solemnly holding lit candles.
“Standing in church holding the lit candle during the memorial service was very emotional. I couldn’t hold back my tears,” Maria Anthony, President of Pontoxeniteas NSW, said. “The flame was symbolic of all our ancestors who didn’t survive the Genocide, and those who did but are no longer with us. A sadness for our dark history, which needs to be recognised.”
The commemorative service was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony, attended by community leaders, dignitaries, and descendants of survivors.
Among those who laid wreaths were Athanassios Lambrou, First Counsellor for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate of Greece in Sydney; Sophie Cotsis MP, Minister for Industrial Relations, Work Health and Safety, Member for Canterbury; Esta Paschalidis-Chilas, President of the Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia; Nick Chrissostomidis, Diogenes Wollongong; Peter Papoulidis, President of Panagia Soumela Sydney; and Ms Anthony, President of Pontoxeniteas NSW.
Wreaths were also laid by representatives from AHEPA NSW Inc, the Hellenic Club Sydney, the Pan Macedonian Association of NSW, the Lemnian Association of NSW, the Panipirotiki Association of NSW, the Greek Australian Society, UTS Hellenic Society, and the Australian Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies.
Students from St Euphemia College participated, laying a wreath in school uniform — a powerful symbol of intergenerational remembrance. The Pontian Associations extended their sincere thanks to the school for its continued support.
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Mr Papoulidis, President of Panagia Soumela Sydney, said:
“Today we pay our respects to our dead who were killed during the Genocide. You can feel their presence and gratitude that we have not forgotten them. All our Pontian organisations will forever commemorate them on this day.”
Ms Paschalidis-Chilas, President of the Federation, added: “Being with all three of our NSW Member Associations to honour our Ancestors is a deep honour. I thank and congratulate them for bringing us together in such a moving and respectful commemoration.”
The event was a solemn and dignified reminder of the tragedies endured by the Pontian people, and a powerful call to preserve their memory and advocate for broader recognition of the genocide.
