On Sunday, March 15, the Oceania Branch of the National Research Foundation “Eleftherios Venizelos” and the Cretan Association of Sydney and New South Wales with the support of the Cretan Federation of Australia & New Zealand, held a solemn memorial service to mark the 90th anniversary of the great statesman and ethnarch, Eleftherios Venizelos.
The service took place at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos and was attended by a distinguished gathering of clergy, dignitaries, and community leaders, as well as the Cretan Youth of Sydney dressed in traditional Cretan Costumes.
The memorial service was presided by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, and assisted by His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Canberra, His Grace Bishop Christophoros of Kerasounta, the Very Reverend Archimandrite Father Stefanos Tinkashvili, and Elder Antipas of Mount Athos.
Among the official representatives present were Athanasios Lambrou, First Counsellor for Public Diplomacy of the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, representing the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Georgios Skemperis, as well Archons of the Great Church of Christ of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The service brought together a broad cross-section of the Greek Australian community, underscoring Venizelos’ enduring influence and the pride that his legacy continues to inspire among Hellenes worldwide.
Representatives from various community organisations were present, including board members and representatives of the Cretan Association of Sydney & NSW, the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand, AHEPA Sydney & NSW, the Athenian Association of NSW, the Cyprus Community of NSW, the Greek Australian Society, and the Greek Returned Services League of NSW.
Their presence reflected the unity and strength of the Greek community in Australia, with Venizelos remaining a central figure in the collective historical identity of Hellenism.
Gift and Tribute
Following the service, attendees moved to St Andrew’s Theological College Hall, where a special tribute to Eleftherios Venizelos took place. In a gesture of deep respect, a bust of Venizelos was presented as a gift to Archbishop Makarios.
The commemoration also included a screening of the documentary “For Crete and Freedom – A Journey
towards Unification”, that showcased the historic union of Greece and Crete, and the influence of Venizelos.
As the architect of Cretan union with Greece, Venizelos played an instrumental role in the island’s integration into the Greek state, a fact that was highlighted in the documentary and resonated with many attendees who deeply honour this aspect of his legacy.
National Research Foundation Oceania Branch President Tony Tsourdakakis said, “With deep respect for our historical memory and national heritage, the Oceania Branch of the National Research and Studies Foundation “Eleftherios K. Venizelos” continues its work with dedication in preserving, studying, and promoting the political and historical legacy of the great Greek statesman.”
“Eleftherios Venizelos was one of the most significant figures in modern Greek history, whose leadership played a decisive role in shaping modern Greece and strengthening the country’s democratic institutions and European orientation,” Mr Tsourdalakis added.
“For Hellenism worldwide, and particularly for the Greek diaspora in Oceania, preserving historical memory and highlighting the work and principles of Venizelos is both a duty of honour and a responsibility to future generations.
“Through initiatives, events, and research activities, the Oceania Branch seeks to enhance knowledge of our history and maintain a living connection between Greeks of the diaspora and the values, ideals, and vision that Eleftherios Venizelos championed. This work also serves as a bridge of memory, education, and national consciousness, uniting Hellenism across borders and generations.”
Cretan Association of Sydney & New South Wales President Terry Saviolakis said, “When one thinks of a Cretan revolutionary fighter, the image that often comes to mind is that of a Kapetanios, dressed in traditional costume and armed with a mahera. In 2026, however, we honour a great Greek statesman, Eleftherios Venizelos — truly a revolutionary fighter in his own right — who used diplomacy to secure the union of Crete with Greece and to expand Greek territory following the First World War.”
“Crete did not gain its freedom during the Greek War of Independence in 1821, but instead continued
its struggle through decades of revolts until its eventual union with Greece in 1913 — a cause realised through the leadership of Eleftherios Venizelos,” Mr Saviolakis added.
“It was an honour to commemorate the great statesman and Ethnarch, Eleftherios Venizelos, in Sydney on the 90th anniversary of his passing.”
