Sydney’s Cretan community commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Crete

·

The words ‘MAXH’ shone brightly at the Croatian Club in Punchbowl on Saturday night as Sydney’s Cretan community gathered to commemorate exactly that – the Battle (MAXH) of Crete.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the battle and the Cretan Association of Sydney & NSW marked the significant occasion with a special dinner dance.

The dance was attended by about 400 people, including a number of guests of honour, dignitaries and representatives from Greek communities across New South Wales.

These included, but are not limited to, the President of the Cretan Association of Sydney & NSW, Terry Saviolakis, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Christos Karras, the Very Reverend Father Christophoros Krikelis and the Archdeacon Athenagoras, the Chairman of the Joint Committee of the Commemoration of the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign, James Jordan, the Vice President of the Greek Returned Servicemen League of NSW, Peter Tsigounis, New Zealand RSL representative, Margaret McInroy, and Delphi Bank representatives, Nick Kalikajaros and Tom Christopoulos.

Also in attendance on the night were Kelvin and Phillip Bourke who came to honour their late father Nick Bourke, a runner from the 22nd Battalion, who fought in the Battle of Crete.

Official proceedings began with a minutes silence for members of the Cretan Association who had passed away over the last few months, followed by the entrance of each guest of honour walking side-by-side with Greek dancers dressed in traditional Cretan costumes.

A number of prominent officials gave speeches. Photos: The Greek Herald.

Speeches then began, starting with Mr Saviolakis, Mr Karras, Mr Jordan, Mr Kalikajaros, who presented Mr Saviolakis with a commemorative award, and the Very Reverend Father Christophoros Krikelis. Messages from Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, and the NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, were also read out.

In his speech, the Consul General focused on the relationship between Greece and Australia and stressed how the Battle of Crete “was the culminating moment of the co-operation between two peoples.”

“The Anzac contribution in Greece is a chapter of great importance to our two nations. Australia and Greece share a history of strength and dignity, a history of common values and struggles,” Mr Karras continued.

At the conclusion of the speeches, the Cretan band for the night, which included Sifi Tsourdalakis on the Lyra, Paddy Montgomery and Angelo Goutzios on the laouto, Tony Iliou on guitar and George Ganakas on the bass guitar, were presented with awards before they went on stage to entertain attendees for the remainder of the night.

A Cretan band performed on the night. Photo: The Greek Herald.

Their music was accompanied by Cretan dance performances from the Cretan Association’s youth, intermediate and senior dance groups, which brought a smile to the faces of everyone in the room.

The night ended with large groups of people, who had enjoyed a meal of delicious steak or chicken, jumping on to the dance floor and grooving to the music. One lucky attendee also walked away with an 18ct white gold diamond cross from Steven James Jewellers.

A great night enjoyed by all!

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greece said ‘no’ to Italians in WWII, but answered to a Roman name

On OXI Day, The Greek Herald reflects on how one word - “No” - continues to shape identity, language and belonging.

How Vietnam veteran Steve Kyritsis made it his work to honour forgotten WWII soldiers

For Vietnam veteran Steve Kyritsis OAM, what began as a request from the Greek Consulate 14 years ago has become a lifelong mission.

Young Greek Australians reflect on OXI Day and their cultural identity

OXI Day remains a symbol of hope and national pride in Greek history, especially for the younger generations.

St Demetrios Greek Orthodox church at St Marys hosts first-ever Paniyiri

People flocked to St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church at St Marys on Sunday to celebrate the feast day of the parish’s patron saint.

Kezilas family donates historic baptism record to Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane has received the first recorded Baptism Certificate issued in Australia, dating back to 1924.

You May Also Like

Insight or Perspective: What is the problem with Greek language learning in Australia?

What is the problem with Greek language learning in Australia and how can this problem be solved? Alex Missiris shares her views.

Easey St murder accused Perry Kouroumblis faces court as 19 witnesses set to give evidence

Decades after the brutal deaths of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett in their Collingwood home, Perry Kouroumblis, is facing charges.

Greek Australian community rallies to save cultural landmark in Sydney Olympic Park

The future of Stockroute Park and its iconic Discobolus sculpture has sparked widespread concern among Sydney's Greek Australian community.