‘Zito Ellas’: Greeks in Sydney mark Greece’s National Day with proud cultural display

·

From a wreath laying ceremony at Sydney’s Martin Place to a proud display of Hellenic culture, music and dance at Town Hall – Sydney’s Greek community came out in full force to celebrate Greek Independence Day on Sunday, March 26.

At Sunday’s wreath laying ceremony, over 100 Presidents and members of local Greek community organisations stood to attention in front of the Martin Place cenotaph to pay tribute to the fallen heroes and heroines of the 1821 Greek Revolution.

Attendees. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Attendees.
Attendees.
Attendees.
Attendees.

The ceremony began with the Greek and Australian National Anthems, followed by a small memorial service conducted by Archbishop Makarios of Australia.

The Last Post and Rouse was then played, the Ode was read in Greek and English by NSW Greek RSL members Andrew Kitsos and Peter Tsigounis, and a minute silence was held.

Attendees.
Attendees.

Politicians, prominent members of Sydney’s Greek community and young students later laid wreaths. These included Archbishop Makarios; the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis; Steve Kamper MP; Sophie Cotsis MP; Courtney Houssos MLC; Councillors and Mayors from Randwick, Canterbury Bankstown, Georges River, Waverley, Inner West Councils; and the President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW), Harry Danalis; among many others.

Steve Kamper MP.
Courtney Houssos MLC.
Sophie Cotsis MP.
Andrew Costa.
School students.
Greek RSL.

Following the wreath laying ceremony, people walked to Town Hall for a program of cultural activities organised by GOCNSW and the Inter-Communities Council of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.

Greek dancing.
Greek dancing.

The program of events began with the singing of the National Anthems of Greece and Australia by school students from St Euphemia College, All Saints Grammar and St Spyridon College. Two young students also gave powerful renditions of poems.

Choir.
Student recites poem.
Student recites poem.

Of course, there were also a number of official speeches given by Archbishop Makarios, the Consul General, Mr Danalis, Ms Houssos and the President of the Inter-Communities Council of NSW, Kos Dimitriou.

Amongst all this, people in the packed hall were also treated to a visual display of traditional Greek dancing performances by the Paroula Greek Dancing Group, Sophia Haskas Dancers, the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney Dance Group under instruction by Dimitris Papapetros, the Cretan Association of Sydney & NSW Dance Group, the Cyprus Community of NSW Dance Group, and dancers from Pontoxeniteas NSW.

More dancing.
More dancing.
More dancing.
Everyone enjoyed the event.
Official guests.

*All photos copyright: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

Greek Australians among top real estate young guns of 2025

A number of young Greek Australians have cemented their place among the best in Sydney and NSW’s real estate scene.

You May Also Like

Athens responds to Erdogan’s threats over the Aegean islands

Whilst observing military exercises in Izmir, Erdogan called Greece to “avoid dreams, acts and statements that will result in regret.” 

Greece secure first ever Olympic medal for water polo

The Greek Water Polo team goes to the Tokyo Olympics finals for the first time in history after an epic win against Hungary.

Andrew Liveris: Brisbane 2032 Olympics are ahead of schedule

Brisbane Olympics president Andrew Liveris spoke to the International Olympic Committee to address stadium plan for the 2032 Games.