Students of St Spyridon College marked the 205th anniversary of Greek Independence Day with a moving presence at the Divine Liturgy and Doxology Service at the Greek Orthodox Parish of St Spyridon in Kingsford, Sydney.
Following the extended Divine Liturgy, the official Doxology for March 25, 1821 was conducted by Father Stavros Ivanos, with Father Steven Scoutas delivering the sermon, reflecting on the spiritual and historical significance of the day.
The service was enriched by student participation, with a series of powerful poetry recitations that brought the history and sacrifice of the Greek Revolution to life.
From the Afternoon and Saturday Greek Language Schools, Year 6 student Emmanuel Tourgelis recited Aristotelis Valaoritis’ ‘25th March‘ in Greek, followed by Year 4 student Mersina Achillaras with the traditional poem ‘The Secret Underground School’.
St Spyridon College students also took part, with Year 6 students Magdalene Kokkinogoulis and Panayiotis Yiokas reciting Stelios Sperantzas’ ‘25th March,’ while Year 8 student Constantinos Dounis, Year 9 student Haralambos Paxinos and Year 7 student Alexandros Seik-Moralis presented ‘The Sacrifice of the Monk Samuel.’
The latter paid tribute to the historic explosion at Kougi in 1803, when the monk Samuel chose to blow up the Monastery of Saint Paraskevi in Souli rather than surrender to Ali Pasha – an enduring symbol of resistance and self-sacrifice.
Accompanied by Head of College Amelia Katsogiannis and Head of Students Gina Kokinelis, the students’ contributions added emotional depth to the commemoration, with the congregation visibly moved by the performances.
The service honoured the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom, reinforcing the enduring legacy of Greek Independence Day within the community.
