Vice Admiral Theodoros Mikropoulos, Deputy Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, has completed a meaningful visit to Sydney, marked by commemorative events and community engagements that celebrated the historic bonds between Greece and Australia.
On Thursday, May 15, the Vice Admiral was guest of honour at a special assembly at St Spyridon College in Maroubra, commemorating the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign of April–May 1941. He was accompanied by his wife, Pagona Zeibeki, as well as Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos, Defence Attaché of the Greek Embassy in Canberra, and Ioannis Mallikourtis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney.
The assembly featured a poignant musical tribute by Year 11 and 12 students, offering a heartfelt reminder of the bravery and sacrifices shared by Greek and Australian soldiers. The ceremony reinforced the deep historical and emotional ties between the two nations.
Later that afternoon, the delegation visited St Basil’s NSW & ACT, where they were welcomed by CEO Diana Horvatovic, Chairman James Jordan, Father Miltiades Chryssavgis, and members of staff. The Vice Admiral and his delegation toured the chapel, residential facilities, and communal areas, and spoke personally with residents. He praised the organisation for its dedication to serving both the Greek and broader Australian community, and concluded the visit with a ceremonial exchange of gifts with the Chairman and CEO.
On Friday, May 16, the Vice Admiral continued his visit with a stop at the Anzac Lemnos Memorial in Kogarah, where he was joined by His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, Father Athanasios Giatsios, and Father Socrates Dokos. The memorial honours Greece’s critical role during World War I, especially the island of Lemnos’ support for ANZAC troops during the Gallipoli campaign, and commemorates the vital contributions of nurses.
Following the memorial visit, the delegation visited the nearby Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Kogarah. There, they were informed about the parish’s theological, educational, and charitable programs.
Professor Peter Monteath and Dr Sandra Kearney from Flinders University, in Sydney for the weekend’s commemorations, also accompanied the delegation throughout the Friday program, alongside the Consul General.
Vice Admiral Mikropoulos’ visit was a powerful expression of ongoing friendship, mutual respect, and shared remembrance—honouring not only the past, but also the communities who keep this legacy alive today.
