Under blue skies, the second day of the 10th annual Oakleigh Glendi brought together faith, remembrance, and community spirit.
The morning began with a stirring parade through Eaton Mall led by Oakleigh Grammar students, their drums and flags echoing through the heart of Oakleigh.
The march set the tone for a day that celebrated both OXI Day (28 October) and the feast of Saints Anargyri, Kosmas and Damianos, twin pillars of faith and resilience in the Oakleigh Greek Orthodox community.
Wreaths were laid in solemn tribute, and a host of dignitaries gathered to honour Greece’s historic defiance in 1940. Among them were Greek Consul General Dimitra Georgantzoglou, former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett, Federal MP Clare O’Neil, first female leader of the Liberal Opposition Sussan Ley, Carina Garland MP, State MPs Lee Tarlamis, David Davis, and Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, Monash Mayor Paul Klisaris, Oakleigh Grammar Principal Mark Robertson, and Greek Community of Melbourne President Bill Papastergiadis.
Father Stavros Kakavas of Sts Anargyri reminded the crowd that the Glendi marks not only a feast of St Anargyri but also a solemn remembrance.
“They thought they would take Greece in three days and crush it,” he said. “But Greeks fought with all their hearts for the land they lived on. We remember all those people who sacrificed and were killed for our freedom.”
Greek Consul General Georgantzoglou, attending the Oakleigh Glendi for the first time, described it as “a link with the motherland” and conveyed a message from Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Ioannis Loverdos. “‘No’ is a symbol of courage and freedom,” she said, “written not only on the mountains of Pindos but on the souls of Greeks everywhere.”
Oakleigh Grammar Principal Mark Robertson paid tribute to the event’s founders, including Con Baltas and Angelo Sardellis, calling the Glendi “the fulfilment of Father Moutafis’ vision.” He highlighted Oakleigh Grammar’s ethos of faith, family, and service, and told the moving story of a former student, Arthur Dimitriou, who overcame cerebral palsy to study medicine.
“We call it filotimo, the Greek spirit of love, duty, and generosity,” he said.
Victorian Minister Mr Dimopoulos took to the stage to acknowledge the long-time leaders of the Oakleigh Glendi, the men who helped it grow. He also wanted to draw attention to the capabilities of Greek-Australian women and their vital contribution because, as he noted, the wives “work tirelessly behind the scenes to support these men and this festival.”
Dimopoulos’ main message resonated deeply: pride in a multicultural Australia that allows people to be both Greek and Australian “without having to choose.”
“Last night, I saw generations, young and old, dancing together,” he said. “That’s how we honour those who said ‘no’ in 1940. We continue Greek culture wherever we are.”
Federal MP Ms O’Neil praised the festival as a “brilliant, vibrant showcase” and expressed pride in her local community. “People from other parts of Australia often ask what makes Oakleigh so special,” she said. “It’s the generosity and spirit of Greek Australians, their warmth, their vibrancy, their heart.”
Opposition Leader Ms Ley commended Oakleigh Grammar’s students, who “stood in the hot sun with their jackets and drums,” and drew parallels between Greek and Australian values. “Freedom, democracy, and human dignity, these are the values we share,” she said.
Monash Mayor Klisaris reflected on OXI Day’s enduring relevance. “We live in a dangerous world,” he said. “The courage and strength of the Greek people who stood up to totalitarianism is a lesson for all of us.”
As speeches gave way to dance performances and the joyful sounds of bouzouki, the sun shone brilliantly over Warrawee Park. Children twirled in traditional dress, families shared plates of souvlakia, and the rhythm of drums echoed Oakleigh’s enduring Greek heart.
The Glendi continued into the evening with cooking demonstrations, market stalls, and performances that captured the essence of filotimo: faith, friendship, and pride.
Ten years on, Oakleigh Glendi remains not just a festival but a living tribute to those who said “No,” and to those who keep saying “Yes” to community, culture, and connection.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis
