Remains of the late Archbishop Stylianos of Australia’s father identified years after Nazi execution

·

For the first time in Greece’s history, DNA analysis was performed on victims of Nazi executions during World War II and among those remains identified was the father of the late Greek Orthodox Archbishop Stylianos Harkianakis of Australia.

The father of Archbishop Stylianos was among 18 victims identified from a Nazi massacre that took place at a little town on the Greek island of Crete called Adele. Other victims included four relatives of the Alexandrakis family.

18 males ranging from age 67 to 16, were rounded up by Nazi forces in the town of Adele on June 2, 1941, marched to a secluded area amongst the olive groves, ordered to start digging, were shot on site, and buried in a mass grave. Their remains were found two weeks later and moved to another grave. In 1960, the remains were exhumed but they could not be individually identified until today.

The identification effort led and sponsored by the Alexandrakis family, is a collaboration between Dr George Alexandrakis, the University of Crete, and the Foundation of Technology and Research [HTE]. The effort not only hopes to bring closure to an 83 year old wound, but to also create awareness of many forgotten injustices that have taken place, not only in Greece, but worldwide.

Memorial at execution site
Memorial at execution site.

“I’ve been working on a family project for several years now, and hoped that one part of the project would be matching the massacre remains to surviving family members through DNA analysis, but the whole process was beyond me. Two years later my father had the idea to make it happen, and here we are,” two-time Grammy-nominated musician Eric Alexandrakis said.

Eric Alexandrakis holding one of the bullets found in one of the skulls
Eric Alexandrakis holding one of the bullets found in one of the skulls.

“It’s been an interesting journey watching the progress, holding the bullets, watching my father unknowingly looking at his grandfather’s wallet and the money in it, and even helping one of the scientists handle the remains.”

On leading, and sponsoring this effort, Dr Alexandrakis said: “Our most sacred oath in Crete is taken on the bonds of our ancestors. I object fundamentally to the inhumanity of mass executions, an act which denies people their identity.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

British man survives horror Air India crash that killed at least 294 people

A British man has survived a catastrophic Air India crash that claimed at least 294 lives after the plane exploded shortly after take-off.

Sydney restaurant owner Peter Papas pushes back on council speed limit cuts

Sydney restaurant owner Peter Papas has criticised a growing push by local councils to reduce speed limits across suburban streets.

Emotional memories shared at launch of ‘Finding Home’ exhibition at Bonegilla

The stories of Greek migrants to Australia came to life on June 6 at the official launch of Finding Home, a new exhibition at the Bonegilla.

Feast day of the Holy Spirit celebrated at the Holy Trinity Church in Footscray

The Feast Day of the Holy Spirit was celebrated by the faithful at the Holy Trinity Church in Footscray, Melbourne.

Kingsgrove High School’s ‘Future Links’ expo inspires students to dream big

On Friday, June 6, Kingsgrove High School (KHS) proudly hosted its fifth annual Future Links Careers Expo.

You May Also Like

Melbourne lecture to look at poetry and how it records Cypriot Greek heritage

Poet and writer Angela Costi will be giving a lecture focused on how poetry best represents Greek Cypriot heritage and culture.

Christina Iskandar nominated for Westfield Local Hero 2023

Founder of Diva Charity incorporated, Christina Iskandar, has been nominated as a finalist for Westfield Eastgardens Local Hero for 2023.

Greek Community of Melbourne to hold VCE Preparation Summer Seminar

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Schools continues to support its students with innovative educational initiatives throughout the year.