The Theatrette at the Parliament House of New South Wales was filled with solemn reflection and cultural pride on Monday, May 19, as guests gathered to commemorate the Greek Genocide, with a focus on the genocide of Pontian Hellenes.
Hosted by The Hon. Sophie Cotsis MP, the evening was coordinated by the Hellenic Pontian Genocide Commemorative Committee of NSW — comprising Panagia Soumela Sydney, Pontoxeniteas NSW, Diogenes Wollongong, and the Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia.
Guests were warmly welcomed by performers in traditional Pontian attire, with Elias Theodoridis leading the musical welcome on the lyra, setting a tone of reverence and community. A prelude to the night’s emotive proceedings, the atmosphere was immediately one of reverence and community.
A somber procession followed, as flag bearers and candle holders, led by a drummer, entered the Theatrette and stood respectfully behind the lectern. The National Anthems of Australia and Greece were then sung by all in attendance.
MC Kiki Moysiadou, a proud Pontian youth committee member, led the evening with confidence and grace, opening the formal proceedings with an Acknowledgement of Country and remarks on the vital importance of preserving historical memory.
“By remembering, we honour those who didn’t survive, those who did, and those who ensured survival,” she said.
Peter Tsigounis recited The Ode, followed by a powerful one-minute silence — a moment that underscored the collective grief and enduring memory of the lives lost during the genocide.
His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia offered a prayer and blessing, before dignitaries were welcomed and acknowledged.
The formal addresses commenced with Minister Cotsis, who warmly welcomed guests to Parliament House and spoke with deep emotion about her own family’s experiences as descendants of Asia Minor. She stressed the importance of ensuring younger generations understand their heritage and the trauma of the past.
“We honour our ancestors by educating the next generation,” she said.
The Hon. Mark Coure MP followed with an address that underscored bipartisan support for the recognition of the Greek, Armenian, and Assyrian genocides in NSW. He framed the commemoration as both a tribute and a duty, stating, “Recognition matters, justice matters, memory matters.”
Ioannis Mallikourtis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney, spoke about the significance of the day, noting that remembrance is not just a matter of honouring the past but of protecting the future. He praised the Pontian organisations for their enduring commitment and described remembrance as “a safeguard for peace.”
Students Stella Gikoulelis and Anastasia Moskofidis from Pontoxeniteas NSW and Panagia Soumela respectively recited a poem in Greek, before a heartfelt video message from Professor David Treloar introduced the launch of a long-awaited publication.
A highlight of the evening was the official launch of the book Genocide to Regeneration: The Photographs of George Devine Treloar, co-authored by Professor Treloar and Dr Panayiotis Diamadis. The book features more than 180 rare images documenting the humanitarian efforts of Colonel Treloar, who served as the League of Nations Commissioner for Refugees between 1922 and 1924.
Dr Vasilis Adrahtas, co-founder of Unity in Philia, described the book as a historical treasure and praised the Treloar family for their commitment to preserving the past: “This is a photo book, yes, but it is also a monument.”
During a panel discussion facilitated by Helen Macris, Maria Anthony (Pontoxeniteas NSW President) and Peter Papoulidis (Panagia Soumela Sydney President), Dr Diamadis captivated the audience with his contagious passion and depth of knowledge about the project, reflecting on the years of work, research, and historical responsibility involved in bringing the book to life. He spoke of Treloar not only as a man of action but of foresight — someone who understood that refugees needed more than shelter: they needed dignity and work.
Dr Diamadis underscored that while we rightly honour the fallen during wartime, it is equally vital to recognise those who helped others rise after war — a legacy exemplified by Treloar.
Eleanor Lacey, granddaughter of Colonel Treloar, shared personal family memories, stories of resilience, and Treloar’s steadfast belief that refugees needed not just food and shelter, but dignity, work, and belonging. “I hope this book becomes an ever-present memorial,” she said.
As a gesture of recognition, the Commemoration Committee presented Dr Diamadis and Mrs Lacey, on behalf of the Treloar family, with a framed copy of Genocide to Regeneration and a commemorative plaque.
To end the night there was a traditional performance of the Serra in tribute to the fallen, performed by Pontian youth — Theo Moudanidis, Christopher Lampropoulos, Ross Tsenkas and Dimitri Poniris — and accompanied by live lyra by Prodromos Moysiadis and daouli by Peter Tsengas.
A formal vote of thanks was delivered by Esta Paschalidis-Chilas, President of the Pontian Federation, who expressed heartfelt appreciation to all speakers, performers, and attendees.
Official guests included Father Athanasios Giatsios; Anastasia Christofilopoulou, First Secretary for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney; Councillor Tanya Raffoul, City of Parramatta; Greek Pontian Society of Wollongong “Diogenes” President, Nick Chrissostomidis; among many others.
The commemoration served not only as a tribute to history, but as a reminder of the responsibility we all share in carrying its lessons forward.
