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Saint Gregory feast and Philotimo Festival unite community in Melbourne

The Greek Herald
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Saint Gregory feast and Philotimo Festival unite community in Melbourne

The feast of Saint Gregory the Theologian was marked with reverence, joy and strong community participation on Sunday, January 25, at the Church of Panagia Kamariani, as parishioners and visitors gathered for a day that combined worship, tradition and youth engagement.

Matins and the Divine Liturgy were celebrated with ecclesiastical splendour, presided over by His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne. He was joined by the parish priest, Archimandrite Fr Irinaios Koikas, along with clergy from parishes across the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne, reflecting the broader diocesan significance of the feast day.

Panagia Kamariani, a parish deeply connected to faith, family and community life, was filled with worshippers of all ages, many of whom travelled from surrounding areas to take part in the celebrations honouring one of the great Fathers of the Church.

Following the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the parish grounds transformed into a vibrant gathering place as the GO Youth Melbourne ‘Philotimo’ Festival 2026 commenced. The festival, organised under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne, aimed to strengthen bonds within the community, promote tradition, and highlight the vital role of young people in the present and future life of the Church.

Families, children and young people came together to celebrate in an atmosphere marked by warmth and inclusivity. Parades featuring children from the Diocese’s Sunday Schools were held, while traditional Greek dances performed by parish and youth dance groups added colour, movement and cultural pride to the day. The strong presence of families and youth underscored the festival’s central message of continuity, participation and shared responsibility.

Speaking following the celebrations, Fr Irinaios expressed his deep gratitude and emotion at the strong turnout and enthusiastic engagement of the faithful. He noted that the success of the festival reflected not only the commitment of volunteers and families, but also the broader pastoral vision of Archbishop Makarios of Australia.

Fr Irinaios highlighted the Archbishop’s consistent presence, support and paternal care for youth and parish initiatives, noting that such events strengthen unity across parishes and encourage younger generations to remain actively connected to the life of the Church.

The GO Youth Melbourne ‘Philotimo’ Festival once again stood as a living expression of Orthodox faith in action – bringing together worship, culture and community – while demonstrating the enduring values of philotimo, cooperation and service. For those in attendance, the day offered not only celebration, but a renewed sense of belonging and shared purpose within the Greek Orthodox community of Melbourne.

John Halikos announces departure from Kalymnos following bitter experience

The Greek Herald
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John Halikos announces departure from Kalymnos following bitter experience

Businessman and long-time supporter of Kalymnos, John Halikos, has announced his decision to leave the island, citing deep personal hurt and disappointment following a recent incident that he says profoundly affected his dignity.

In a letter addressed to his compatriots and shared with local media, Mr Halikos said the decision to depart from Kalymnos – which he frequently refers to as “my island” – was one of the most difficult he has made, after decades of involvement, contribution and support to the local community.

Widely regarded as a benefactor of the island, Mr Halikos has played a significant role over many years in supporting major infrastructure projects, social initiatives and charitable causes, contributing to daily life and community wellbeing in Kalymnos and neighbouring Pserimos. Despite this, he said recent developments left him feeling “bitterness, distress and, above all, an insult to my dignity.”

Mr Halikos said the incident, which he described as minor in nature, resulted in the immediate initiation of criminal proceedings against him – an experience that he said deeply affected him on a human level.

“I am not hurt by the application of the law,” he wrote. “I believe the law must apply equally to everyone. What hurt me was the absence of understanding, moderation and respect for a person who, for decades, stood consistently and selflessly beside this place.”

In his letter, Mr Halikos also expressed disappointment at the conduct of certain political factions, accusing some local leaders of politicising the matter during a Municipal Council meeting and choosing not to attend – actions he said discredited both the event and his personal standing.

At the same time, he expressed gratitude to those who offered him moral support, including local officials, institutional representatives and ordinary citizens who reached out to him privately.

“I felt deep satisfaction from the sincere and beautiful words I heard from many of my compatriots,” he wrote.

Reflecting on his long-standing involvement on the island, Mr Halikos said his support was never motivated by obligation, recognition or titles, noting that he has never sought to be described as a “benefactor.”

“Everything I have offered has come from emotion, love and respect for the place and my people,” he wrote.

He also revealed that over the years his business activities – which he described as having a strong social dimension, aimed at local development and employment – had repeatedly been the subject of complaints and, at one point, false accusations to financial crime authorities. He said those claims were ultimately dismissed, with all his activities found to be legal.

At the age of 65, he said, being summoned to police and facing criminal proceedings was a deeply distressing experience that ultimately led him to his decision.

“With a heavy heart, but with a clear conscience, I make the decision to leave my homeland today,” he wrote.

While acknowledging that his departure – and the possible closure of his businesses – could have economic and social consequences for Kalymnos and the families he employs, Mr Halikos said he remains committed to doing everything possible to avoid that outcome.

He concluded by expressing hope that time would ease the emotional burden he now carries, and that he may one day return to Kalymnos to continue offering and contributing to the island and its people.

Novak Djokovic settles in Athens ahead of ATP 250 campaign

The Greek Herald
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Novak Djokovic settles in Athens ahead of ATP 250 campaign

Novak Djokovic, 24-time Grand Slam champion, has made Athens his home since September, moving from Serbia with his family.

The Serb will begin his ATP 250 Athens campaign on Tuesday against Alejandro Tabilo, seeking his second title of the season.

Djokovic describes his life in Greece as enriching and grounding, allowing him to slow down and spend more time with his wife and two children.

“In the last two months, we have been testing life in Greece, and the feelings are very positive. We feel welcome, people are very kind, generous and friendly to us,” he said.

The 38-year-old has embraced a calmer routine between training and matches, finding a family-focused environment that has recharged his competitive drive ahead of the season’s final stretch in Athens and Turin.

Despite a lighter schedule, Djokovic remains among the world’s top players, having reached all four Major semi-finals this year and deep runs in Miami and Shanghai.

He will aim for his 101st ATP title in Athens, closing in on Roger Federer’s 103 career titles, while balancing his professional ambitions with his new family life in Greece.

Severe storms continue to hit Greece causing flooding and red alerts

The Greek Herald
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Severe storms continue to hit Greece causing flooding and red alerts

Heavy rain and thunderstorms have swept across much of Greece, with the Athens National Observatory and Meteo warning that some areas could also see hail.

The storms, which began in western Greece, are spreading to central Greece, southern and eastern Peloponnese, Evia, Crete, the Cyclades, Sporades, the northern and eastern Aegean islands, and the Dodecanese.

Meteo classified the rainfall as category three out of five, with six northern regions placed on red alert. Strong southerly winds are expected across the Aegean through the afternoon.

The severe weather has already caused localised flooding in Attica, halting traffic along the Varda stream from Spata to Pikermi.

The fire service received about 40 calls for water pumping, debris removal, and fallen trees.

Two people were rescued unharmed after their vehicle was swept into a stream near Pikermi and Spata.

Authorities urged residents to avoid flood-prone areas and follow all safety instructions.

Banned doctor Bill Tolis faces court over steroid import charges

The Greek Herald
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Banned doctor Bill Tolis faces court over steroid import charges

Bill Tolis, the 61-year-old former GP banned from providing health services in 2022, is facing court in April after Australian Border Force seized more than 200 vials of steroids at his Adelaide clinic.

Tolis, who previously practiced at Findon Clinic in Woodville South, has been charged with importing Tier 1 goods, including performance and image-enhancing drugs.

The South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal banned Tolis from practicing medicine and naturopathy for seven years after finding he had prescribed harmful medications, including anabolic steroids, and failed to maintain proper patient care.

AHPRA has warned that Tolis may still be providing health services, describing him as a “serious risk” to the public.

Outside court, Tolis denied importing steroids and said he was “just managing” the clinic, disputing claims he posed a risk.

Authorities continue to investigate, and providing health services while banned carries penalties of up to three years in prison or fines up to $60,000.

Source: The Advertiser.

Ange Postecoglou returns to football as UEFA Technical Observer

The Greek Herald
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Ange Postecoglou returns to football as UEFA Technical Observer

Former Celtic and Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou has returned to football just three months after his brief stint at Nottingham Forest ended following a string of eight winless games.

The Greek Australian, who previously won five trophies in two years with Celtic, including a treble, and guided Spurs to Europa League glory, has joined UEFA’s Technical Observer Panel.

In his new role, Postecoglou analyses the technical and tactical aspects of matches, alongside other former top coaches like Rafa Benitez, Roberto Martinez, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

On Tuesday, he observed Arsenal’s 3-1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan, highlighting striker Gabriel Jesus’ sharp instincts in scoring both goals.

Postecoglou said of Jesus’ performance: “Both goals were instinctive… a demonstration of a goalscorer’s instincts as, while others are watching, he is anticipating an opportunity to score.”

Fifth worker found dead after Trikala biscuit factory explosion

The Greek Herald
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Fifth worker found dead after Trikala biscuit factory explosion

Fire brigade investigators have located the body of a fifth employee following a deadly explosion and fire at the Violanta biscuit factory in Trikala, central Greece, early Monday, bringing the death toll to five, authorities said.

According to sources, firefighters identified the area where the missing worker, a woman, was located, though recovery will require the removal of debris due to extensive structural collapse.

The bodies of four other victims, all women, were recovered earlier, and relatives have been contacted to begin identification procedures.

Seven people, including a firefighter, were injured in the incident and are reported to be in stable condition.

The explosion and ensuing fire broke out shortly after 4am during the night shift, causing a large section of the factory to collapse. At the time, 13 people were believed to have been inside the facility.

Arson investigators are continuing to examine the cause of the blast, with authorities saying a gas leak combined with a spark is the most likely scenario.

Preliminary findings indicate the initial explosion occurred at the factory’s gas-operated furnaces.

Source: Ekathimerini.

New Sydney Fish Market draws huge crowds in first long weekend

The Greek Herald
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New Sydney Fish Market draws huge crowds in first long weekend

Sydney’s new $836 million Fish Market was put to an early test over the long weekend, drawing tens of thousands of visitors and briefly triggering crowd-control measures, with traders reporting business well above expectations.

According to Sydney Morning Herald, Nicholas Seafood manager Angelo Vaxevani said staff were “flat out” serving customers at the company’s large outlet on Sunday, noting the new site was already outperforming the old market.

“It’s much busier than the old [market],” he said, adding he expected Australia Day to be even busier.

Photo: Concrete Playground.

The market nearly reached its 5000-person capacity on Sunday, with about 4500 people inside at peak times and more than 30,000 visitors estimated before 4pm.

Crowd controls were in place for around 45 minutes as queues formed inside and outside food outlets.

High visitor numbers also put pressure on transport and parking, with the 400-space underground car park repeatedly filling and long queues reported at the Wentworth Park light rail stop.

Authorities had urged visitors to use public transport, warning the opening weekend would be “very busy.”

Source: Sydney Morning Herald.

Greece plans direct election of MPs by diaspora voters

The Greek Herald
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Greece plans direct election of MPs by diaspora voters

The Greek government plans to create a new electoral district allowing Greeks living abroad to directly elect three members of parliament, changing how the diaspora is represented.

Under the proposal, expatriate Greeks would no longer be represented through parties’ nationwide state ballots, with those seats reduced from 15 to 12 to accommodate the three diaspora MPs within the 300-seat parliament.

The reform is part of a broader legislative package that also extends postal voting to national elections, following its use in European Parliament elections.

The bill is expected to be submitted before Easter and would require support from at least 200 lawmakers to apply to the next national election.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the reform, if approved with the required enhanced majority, would apply to the next national elections in 2027.

“This is yet another important link … that unites the motherland with the millions of Greeks abroad,” he said, adding that a common ballot would encourage greater participation by overseas voters and ensure “full equality as stipulated by the constitution.”

The Interior Ministry says the changes aim to strengthen diaspora engagement by creating a single global electoral district, allowing overseas voters to choose both a party and an individual candidate, regardless of where the candidate is based.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Metropolitan of Florina visits historic Saints Cyril and Methodius Church in Preston

The Greek Herald
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Metropolitan of Florina visits historic Saints Cyril and Methodius Church in Preston

His Eminence Metropolitan Irineos of Florina, Prespa and Eordaia is currently undertaking an official visit to the state of Victoria.

On Saturday, 24 January, His Eminence presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius, a parish of deep historical and spiritual significance for the local Greek community.

The Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius was founded by migrants originating from Florina and the wider region of Western Macedonia. Through faith, sacrifice and collective effort, these families established a vibrant ecclesiastical centre that has served generations of Greek Australians.

From its earliest years, the parish became not only a place of worship, but a focal point of community life, preserving the Orthodox faith, Greek language and cultural traditions far from the homeland.

On behalf of the Archbishop of Australia, His Eminence Bishop of Chora Eumenios formally welcomed Metropolitan Irineos, conveying the joy and emotion of the local Church at the presence of a Hierarch whose pastoral ministry is closely connected to the origins of many parish founders and members.

Also in attendance at the Divine Liturgy was the Mayor of Florina, Vasileios Giannakis, accompanied by his wife, adding special symbolic meaning to the occasion and reinforcing the enduring bonds between Greece and the Greek diaspora in Australia.

In brief remarks following the service, Metropolitan Irineos expressed his gratitude to Archbishop Makarios of Australia for his blessing and hospitality. He spoke warmly of the Greek community in Australia and praised the generations of migrants who, wherever they settled, placed the establishment of the Church at the heart of their communal life, safeguarding their spiritual identity and heritage.

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