English edition of book on GCM’s history launched at Ithacan House

·

The launch of the English edition of The Embodiment of a Distant Homeland: The History of the GOCMV from Its Founding until 1972 at the Ithacan Philanthropic Society on Sunday, October 27, felt like a natural homecoming.

Ithacan Society president Spyridoula Digaletou-Coutsouvelis emphasised that it was fitting for the book launch to take place at Ithacan House, given the significant involvement of Ithacans in the Community’s early years.

English edition of book on GCM's history launched at Ithacan House

Prominent Ithacan names like Lekatsas, Raftopoulos, Vlassopoulos, and Mavrokefalos (Black) have played key roles as directors in both the Ithacan Society and the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) over the decades.

GCM President Bill Papastergiadis OAM underscored the importance of the English edition, which makes the Community’s history accessible not only to future generations but also to a global community of diaspora scholars. He also expressed gratitude to the Ithacan Society for hosting the event.

English edition of book on GCM's history launched at Ithacan House
English edition of book on GCM's history launched at Ithacan House

GCM Board member Dr. Nick Dallas, who oversaw the translation and publication, acknowledged the ease of collaboration with Themelio Publications in Athens, who served as a reliable partner.

The event’s final speaker, author Juliana Charpantidou, noted that the English version is more complete, containing an index and revisions suggested by translator Petro Alexiou. She encouraged other historians to write about community histories, noting that no history is ever truly complete, as every work has gaps and reflects the author’s perspective. A diversity of voices, she added, contributes to a deeper understanding of events.

English edition of book on GCM's history launched at Ithacan House

The audience expressed interest in follow-up volumes, and Juliana shared that she is currently researching the post-1972 period, with the goal of bringing the GCM’s history up to date, ideally to the early 21st century.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Tina Stefanou explores Melbourne’s urban fringe in immersive ACCA exhibition

Artist Tina Stefanou’s latest exhibition, You Can’t See Speed, now showing at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA).

Sydney man Zacharias Giatras granted bail after Rockdale crash leaves man critical

Zacharias Giatras, a 19-year-old plumbing apprentice, has been granted bail after being charged over a serious crash in Sydney’s south.

The late Jim Diamantis remembered as community-minded family man

Adelaide businessman Jim Diamantis, co-founder of Diamonds Camera, has been remembered as a hardworking and compassionate family man.

WA government dismisses Basil Zempilas’ Commonwealth Games bid

The WA government has sharply criticised Basil Zempilas’ call for Perth to launch a late bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

Greek Orthodox Easter celebrated Australia-wide with faith, tradition and joy

Greek Orthodox Easter was celebrated across Australia over the weekend with church services, processions, and joyful family gatherings. From solemn commemorations to festive feasts,...

You May Also Like

Nick Kyrgios becomes first athlete to sign with Naomi Osaka’s new sports agency

Nick Kyrgios has become the first athlete to join Evolve, the new sports agency co-founded by four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.

SA Premier visits Adelaide’s Olympic Hall to discuss cost of living expenses with seniors

South Australia's Premier, Peter Malinauskas, visited Adelaide's Olympic Hall and spoke with seniors about the Cost of Living Concession.

Yiannis Ploutarhos concert to hit Canberra for one night only

With a singing career spanning over 20 years, Ploutarhos’ voice is well known not only in Greece but around the world.