Greece’s Ambassador to Australia: ‘The OXI Day message is timeless’

·

Greece’s Ambassador to Australia, Stavros Venizelos has issued a message for OXI Day, emphasising the strong historical bonds between Australia and Greece.

Full message in English:

The message of October 28, 1940, is timeless. Throughout our long history, Greeks have taken up arms against superior forces many times when it came to defending our homeland. The resistance against the powerful Axis forces, who sought to undermine Greece’s national sovereignty, was self-evident for Hellenism. The intense political divisions of the time were set aside in the face of the nationwide effort against the invaders. First, the epic of Albania, followed by the resistance against the occupiers, not only in Greek territory but also in North Africa, continues to inspire and evoke admiration to this day.

Every Greek family remembers a story from the war and the occupation. As a child, I listened to my parents recount the enthusiasm of the Greeks, their heroism, but also the hardships and sufferings of war. We honour our many heroes. We remember their names and will never forget their sacrifice.

With the end of World War II, the Dodecanese islands were united with Greece. However, for Greeks, the victory had a bitter taste, with incalculable destruction, loss of human life, and a long civil war. During the following two decades, many Greeks—our fathers, who lived through those heroic and difficult years—emigrated to Australia in search of a better future. The welcoming land of Australia became home to yet another generation of successful Greeks.

After the First World War, the Second World War further intertwined Australia’s fate with Hellenism. The participation of the ANZACs in the Battle of Vevi in Macedonia and the Battle of Crete has forged the relations between the two countries and peoples for decades.

The sacrifice of the Greeks and Australians was not in vain. It laid the foundation for the formation of the post-war world, with the establishment of international organisations such as the United Nations, aimed at peace, security, prosperity, cooperation, and the implementation of international law. Greece, Australia, and much of the world have enjoyed and continue to enjoy peace and prosperity for more than 70 years.

Today, in a period of international polarisation, geopolitical competition, and conflicts that undermine the post-war system, the example of Greece’s heroic struggle reminds us of the importance of peace and the need for tireless efforts to maintain it.

Best wishes!

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister meets Sydney’s Greek business and community leaders

Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece Ioannis Loverdos met with Sydney’s Greek business and community leaders at a Business Sydney breakfast.

Conquest unveils $900 million plan for former Cyprus Club site at Stanmore

Conquest has lodged plans for a $900m retail and residential precinct on the site of the former Cyprus Community of NSW Club in Stanmore.

Councillor Katerine Theodosis calls on Merri-Bek to preserve its proud migrant history

Merri-Bek Councillor Katerine Theodosis has tasked Council to lead a program which documents and showcases the city’s migrant history. 

AHEPA Australia launches ‘Saving Hearts’ fundraiser in support of Heart Foundation

AHEPA Australia will host a Saving Hearts Fundraiser on Sunday, October 12, at The Grand Roxy in Sydney in support of the Heart Foundation.

Former Sydney teacher Bill Kafataris jailed for child sexual grooming

Bill Kafataris, 57, has been sentenced to two years in jail after being found guilty of sexually grooming a child following a retrial.

You May Also Like

First Cyprus-Greece ferry in 22 years sets sail for Piraeus port in Athens

The Athens port of Piraeus welcomed the inaugural Daleela cruise and its 170 passengers on Monday evening.

George Kambosos Jr: ‘Raising both flags on the world stage is a true honour’

In four days' time, George will be stepping into Marvel Stadium as he fights in the biggest sporting event in Australian history. 

The Guardian praises Greece for “beating coronavirus” despite decade of debt

Officials from The Guardian have praised Greece for its great handling of the coronavirus crisis, particularly with a recovering health system.