With a memorial service and a wreath laying ceremony held on Sunday morning at South Australia’s State War Memorial in Adelaide and a cultural evening that took place the same day, at the grounds of the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Prophet Elias in Norwood, the state’s Hellenes and Philhellenes had the opportunity to commemorate and celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Greek Revolution of 2021.
The memorial service, organised by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, was initiated by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Sinope and in attendance were a number of distinguished guests and representatives of federal state and local governments as well as community representatives.
Among them, the Consul General of Greece in Adelaide George Psiachas, Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni representing the Premier of SA Marshall, Leader of the opposition Peter Malinauskas and Greek Australian politicians Tom Koutsantonis, Andrea Michaels and Steve Georganas. Representing the Mayor of the city of Adelaide was Deputy Lord Mayor Mary Couros and representing the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission (SAMEAC) Andriana Christopoulos.
Councillor of City of Mitcham and SAMEAC member Andriana Christopoulos
Following the laying of the wreaths Bishop Silouan of Sinope and the Consul General addressed the crowd and the function concluded with a march and traditional dances from the students of Greek Orthodox schools and colleges.
Marshall: “The Greek Revolution inspired many nations around the world”
The commemorative celebrations continued at the grounds of the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Prophet Elias in Norwood with more than 400 attendees enjoying traditional food, dance, music, songs, poems and presentations from the 160 Prophet Elias Greek school students.
In presence were the Premier of SA Steven Marshall, Assistant Minister to the Premier Jing Lee MLC, Tom Koutsantonis MP representing the Leader of the Opposition, the Consul General of Greece in Adelaide George Psiachas and Ms Andriana Christopoulos of SAMEAC.
“The Greek Revolution of 1821 inspired many nations around the world to seek Independence. Today is a great day to celebrate not only the Revolution but also the democracy that Greece has provided to the rest of the world,” Premier Marshall told The Greek Herald.
“Multiculturalism is the backbone of our society in South Australia. We have very harmonious multicultural relations in the state and this is something we must never take for granted.”
Addressing the attendees Prophet Elias Parish priest Fr Michael Psaromatis gave an inspirational speech about the role of church during the Ottoman oppression in cultivating and maintaining the Greek language and culture and referred to the Revolution as an event of global significance.
The grand finale of the evening was a Zorba Dance performance by students of Prophet Elias Greek School.
