More than 300 people turned up to Rudd Park in Belfield, Sydney on Sunday, July 21 to pay their respects to the late Kytherian community leader, Emmanuel Alfieris.
Emmanuel passed away suddenly on Wednesday, July 17 after suffering a heart attack during a soccer match with his beloved Belmore Eagles FC at Rudd Park. He was only 53 years old and leaves behind his dad George, wife Louise, two children, and many friends.
Emmanuel was a much-loved member of Sydney’s Greek community, having been President of the Kytherian Association of Australia (KAA) from 2018 to 2022. He also served on numerous Boards, including as a volunteer and Board member at All Saints Greek Orthodox Parish and Community at Belmore for a number of years.
The vigil in honour of Emmanuel started at 7pm and was emceed by Michaelangelo Kontoulis – a school friend Emmanuel’s from Greece. A number of Emmanuel’s family and friends, including his brother Nick, wife and son George, gave heartwarming speeches. They spoke emotionally about Emmanuel as a one-of-a-kind man filled with kindness, generosity, and humour.
His brother Nick brought tears to the eyes of everyone in attendance when he said he couldn’t play soccer again without Emmanuel by his side. The siblings always used to play the sport together.
Later, a minute silence was held at 7.30pm – the time of Emmanuel’s heart attack – before family and soccer players laid flowers on the sport where he passed away.
Emmanuel will be laid to rest on Thursday, July 25 at All Saints Greek Orthodox church in Belmore at 12.30pm.
