The Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia will host a Sydney Harbour cruise on Sunday, April 26 as part of its flagship national gathering, Synapantema, a four-day cultural program bringing together Pontian communities from across the country.
Held annually in a different state, Synapantema will take place in Sydney this year from April 24 to 27, featuring a packed schedule of cultural, social and commemorative events aimed at celebrating and strengthening Pontian heritage.
A key highlight of the program will be the Synapantema Sydney Harbour Cruise on Sunday, April 26, running from 3:00pm to 6:00pm aboard a Vagabond Cruises vessel departing from King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour. Guests will enjoy a three-hour cruise around Sydney Harbour, with canapés served and drinks available for purchase.
The cruise forms part of a broader Sunday program that includes a Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Redfern, followed by a free workshop by Dr Mattheios Tsahouridis titled “The Pontic Lyra in Contemporary Greece: From Tradition to Invention” at the Tom Mann Theatre in Surry Hills. The day will conclude with a traditional Parakath evening at the Pontian House, featuring dinner and live entertainment.
Synapantema will officially begin on Friday with activities including a group visit to the Sydney Aquarium, youth networking drinks, and an official opening night Parakath hosted by Panagia Soumela Sydney and Pontoxeniteas NSW.
Saturday’s program will coincide with Anzac Day commemorations, beginning with the Dawn Service, followed by a sold-out Synapantema Dinner Dance in the evening.
The event will conclude on Monday with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Anzac War Memorial, a presentation on the Anzacs in Pontos, and a community lunch.
The Federation, representing nine Pontian associations across Australia, said the annual gathering aims to foster unity, cultural continuity and intergenerational engagement, with participants travelling from multiple states to take part.
Event Details (tickets still available)
Sunday, April 26
Free Workshop with Dr Mattheios Tsahouridis
- “The Pontic Lyra in Contemporary Greece: From Tradition to Invention”
- 12pm–2pm (doors open 11:45am)
- Tom Mann Theatre, 136 Chalmers St, Surry Hills
- Buy tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/DLDXC
Sydney Harbour Cruise with canapés
- 3pm–6pm
- Sydney Harbour
- Buy tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/DJRPU
Parakath at the Pontian House – Dinner & Entertainment
- 7:30pm–11:30pm
- The Pontian House
- Buy tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/DLDXD
