On Sunday, May 18, the Holy Diocese of Perth, with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, held its annual commemoration for two pivotal moments in modern Greek history: the Battle of Crete during WWII and the Greek Genocide.
The day began with a solemn memorial service at the Church of Sts Constantine and Helene, attended by the Consul of Greece in Perth, Eleni Georgopoulou, along with representatives from the Hellenic Community of WA, the Pontian and Cretan Brotherhoods of WA, staff and students from St Andrew’s Grammar, and the Greek Language and Culture Institute of Evangelismos.
Following the service, children from the Pontian Brotherhood and St Andrew’s Grammar recited poems in tribute, and Ms Georgopoulou addressed the congregation.
The commemoration continued at the newly established Battle of Crete memorial in King’s Park, where a wreath-laying ceremony took place in the presence of His Excellency the Honourable Christopher John Dawson AC APM, Governor of Western Australia, and Leader of the WA Liberal Party, Basil Zempilas.
A Trisagion service was conducted by clergy of the Perth Diocese, accompanied by further recitations and presentations by schoolchildren, addresses by the Consul and Governor, and the singing of both Greek and Australian national anthems.
An official luncheon followed, hosted by the Greek Australian RSL (GARSL), which expressed heartfelt thanks to Archbishop Makarios for his instrumental role — as Patron of the Battle of Crete Memorial Committee — in supporting the creation and funding of the new memorial.
Blessings from both Archbishop Makarios and His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth (currently abroad) were conveyed to all participants in what was described as an important and moving day of remembrance.
