A free lecture titled ‘1992-2022 The unification of Hellenism in Australia for the Greek Macedonian naming dispute‘ will be held on Sunday, November 13 at 5pm at the Pan-Arcadian Federation Club in the Sydney suburb of Ashbury.
The lecture is part of a series of talks organised by the Pan-Macedonian Association of New South Wales for the 2022 Dimitria Festival. This year’s festival celebrates Macedonian culture.
The lecture will be presented in Greek by Dimitrios Kametopoulos and Kostas Vertzayias and will focus on the 30 years since protests were held in Greece in response to the Macedonia name dispute.
Mr Vertzayias giving a lecture earlier this year on the Asia Minor Catastrophe.
Mr Kametopoulos and Mr Vertzayias will shine a light on how the Greek and Australian media recorded the uprising of the Greek people, how the rally was organised, what its outcome was and how it influenced the Macedonian issue in Australia’s political scene at the time.
A number of unknown facts will also be presented during the lecture for the first time. At the end of the event, there will be a Q&A session with the speakers.
Greece’s Presidential Guard concluded their inaugural visit to Perth in Western Australia with the official commemoration of OXI Day on Sunday, November 6.
The commemorative events started with a Doxology at the Greek Orthodox Church of Evangelismos in West Perth officiated by His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea, with the participation of the Evzones.
The Presidential Guard then took part in a wreath laying ceremony at the State War Memorial at Kings Park, in the presence of Perth’s local Greek community and a number of Australian dignitaries. This included the WA Premier, Mark McGowan; the Consul of Greece in Perth, Georgia Karasiotou; Member for Armadale, Dr Tony Buti MLA; Member for the North Metropolitan Region, Dan Caddy MLC; Mayor of the City of Perth, Basil Zempilas; and the State President of RSLWA, Duncan Anderson.
Arthur Leggett, the last remaining veteran of the Battle of Crete, also recited the Ode of Remembrance on the day.
Evzones in WA. Photo: Consulate of Greece in Perth / Facebook page.
The Ceremony closed with the unveiling by the WA Premier and Mr Leggett of a plaque, which will be embedded in the future Battle of Crete Memorial, once erected at Kings Park.
At the end of the ceremony, the Evzones performed their traditional Change of Guard, with two of them remaining to guard the Cenotaph for a further hour.
In a post on Facebook, the Consulate of Greece in Perth wrote: “It was a historic day to remember!”
“The unique sight of the Evzones parading, mounting and paying tribute to the State War Memorial, filled everyone with pride and emotion and reaffirmed the close and long-lasting friendship between Greece and Australia, forged in the battlefield during WWII,” the Facebook post continued.
The Evzones’ first ever trip to WA was filled with a number of activities and events commemorating OXI Day throughout the week.
The Cyprus Community of Melbourne and Victoria (CCMV) are set to launch Professor Anastasios M. Tamis’ book The Children of Aphrodite: Cypriots in Australia on Sunday, 18 December 2022 at 3pm at the premises of the Nikos Andrianakos Centre, Alphington Grammar, Alphington.
The book is proudly launched by the CCMV on behalf of the President the Hon. Theo Theophanous and Board members, in collaboration with the GOCMV, Alphington Grammar, the AIMS and AIHER.
The book was prompted by the necessity to honour pioneer Cypriot settlers and their children in Australia. Its purpose was to show that the pattern of Cypriot settlement has not been vitally influenced by the Australian migration restrictions nor by the government-controlled migration schemes during the pre- and post-War II period, being British subjects. That the settlement trends and the intra-communal politics of the broader Greek community seriously swayed the organisation and evolution of Cypriots. Moreover, that the thousands of Cypriots made an enormous contribution to Australia’s socioeconomic, political, and cultural life, including the wider region of Australasia.
Book cover.
This study contains information on the personal history of several pre- and post-WWII Cypriots, it traces their settlement and organisational settings, their contribution and grievances, achievements, intra-communal divergences, as well as their disputes while drawing attention to their intra- and inter-ethnic relations.
The book also proudly depicts the contribution and input of ancestors, their commitment, and their determination to maintain their ethno-religious and linguistic identity.
There are limited copies of the book. RSVP to the event is necessary via anastasios.tamis@aims.edu.au
The Andrews Labor Government has committed $50 million to delivering better spaces for multicultural and multifaith communities in Victoria if re-elected at the upcoming state elections in November.
Victorians come from more than 200 countries, speak 260 languages and follow 135 different faiths. Nearly half of all Victorians were born overseas or have a parent who was born overseas.
For many Victorians from multicultural and multifaith backgrounds, community groups offer important connections to their culture and heritage.
These groups need the best possible community spaces to celebrate and share their culture and traditions.
In a press release today, Victorian Labor said it will deliver a $50 million investment to build, upgrade and renovate new community infrastructure for multicultural and multifaith communities.
This will ensure community upgrades large and small can be delivered in every corner of Victoria, supporting multicultural and multifaith Victorians, wherever they live.
The NSW Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott gave the NSW Taxi Council a 24 hour deadline on Monday to accept the government’s “final offer.”
NSW Transport Minister David Elliott. Photo: AAP.
Mr Elliott said if the council did not accept the offer, it would be sent for independent assessment, which could have seen taxi drivers given far less.
But according to The Daily Telegraph, the NSW Taxi Council agreed to accept the offer late on Monday night, subject to the compensation payments not being subject to income tax.
The deal aims to compensate taxi licence holders following the introduction of ride-sharing services, like Uber, into NSW in 2015.
The new package provides $150,000 for every Sydney metropolitan taxi licence holder with a cap of 6 plates. Each regional taxi plate will be paid between $40,000 and $195,000, with no cap on the number of plates.
Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi.
NSW Labor Leader, Chris Minns, backed the package on Monday and said it was “fair and reasonable.”
“I think we need to show the industry and those who are stakeholders here that there’s bipartisan support for this package,” Minns said.
“We are not very happy about the final result but taking into consideration that the country is going through financial problems and we are realistic people, we accept the latest offer from the government provided it’ll be tax free,” Mr Koliadis concluded.
Tennis superstar, Nick Kyrgios has apologised to a fan that he accused of being drunk during his loss at this year’s Wimbledon final, donating over $20,000 to a charity of her choice following a legal case.
During the match, Kyrgios accused the spectator of speaking to him during points and when probed by the umpire to identify her, the tennis star replied, “The one with the dress, the one who looks like she’s had about 700 drinks, bro!”
In August, Anna Palus filed a lawsuit against the 27-year-old Australian, alleging that he had defamed her by making “a reckless and wholly unfounded charge.”
In a public statement, Kyrgios apologised to Ms Palus and announed he would be making a monetary donation to a charity of her choice.
“I told the umpire that a fan, who I now know to be Anna Palus, was distracting me during the match, believing that she was drunk,” Kyrgios said.
“I accept that belief was mistaken, and I apologise.
“To make amends, I have donated 20,000 pounds to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, a charity chosen by Ms Palus. I will not be commenting on this matter again.”
The Greek team have triumphed over the Republic of Somalia in a thrilling quarter final clash victory 1-0 for the All Nations Cup.
Having gone down to 10 men, after receiving a red card in the 8th min of the match, the players fought heroically and eventually scored the winner in the 85th min thanks to a wonderful goal by Zois Galanopoulos.
The Republic of Somalia had the better of the first half as it took the Greek team some time to adjust following the red card. They managed to get to the halftime break still level at 0-0 and gave coaches, George Katsakis and Con Tangalakis, the opportunity to reset the team and attack the second half with a different formation.
The players came out after the break and straight from the whistle, controlled the half and didn’t allow Somalia any time to settle. They were rewarded with the winning goal and have now advanced to the semi final in the All Nations Cup next Saturday, November 12 at 2pm against Italy.
Coach Katsakis couldn’t hide his emotions after the match stating: “To concede an 8th minute red card and fight the way we did today, speaks volumes of these boys. I’m just so proud of them and what they’ve achieved so far in the tournament and look forward to the semis now against Italy.”
Michael Karamitos, Vice President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), was delighted with the outcome, stating: “From the first training night when we gathered all the players together, I knew we had something special on our hands and to make it to the last four of the tournament is definitely reward for effort and I wish them all the best in the semis.”
Bill Papastergiadis, President of the GCM, who has been there for every match of the tournament, jumped euphorically after the final whistle.
“The Greek team showed enormous spirit and passion today. The Lads played for their Greece jersey with pride. This passion was no more evident in the rooms following the match, where the boys sang their song loudly and with fervour,” Mr Papastergiadis said.
“Uniting players from so many clubs is what we hoped to achieve as a Greek Community and all of this is due to our coaches and supporters as well as our sponsors Steve Tsalikidis and Chris Pavlidis. I hope we have a big crowd at next week’s semi against Italy.”
Captain Peter Skapetis was rightfully exhausted after the game but still managed to belt out the Greek theme song in the dressing room after the game.
“We were on the backfoot from the start of the game following the red card but to adjust the way we did proves this side is resilient and has what it takes to go all the way and win the tournament,” Mr Skapetis said.
“I look forward to our next opponent Italy in the semi-final next Saturday and I encourage as many people as possible to come and support our team.”
Exxon Mobil will start conducting seismic surveys off southwestern Greece and the island of Crete in the coming days, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Monday.
The project has been heavily criticised over the potential risk of spills and critics said the project, if successful, would increase Greece’s use of fossil fuels amid the planet’s climate change crisis.
During an interview with Antenna TV on Monday, Mitsotakis insisted that Greece remains dedicated to a “fast green transition,” but it is “obliged to explore if it has the potential to mine natural gas, which will contribute to our country’s energy security and Europe’s.”
Η χώρα μας οφείλει να διερευνήσει αν έχει τη δυνατότητα να εξορύξει φυσικό αέριο, ώστε να συμβάλει στην ενεργειακή ασφάλεια τη δική μας, αλλά και ολόκληρης της Ευρώπης. Μέσα στις επόμενες μέρες ξεκινούν έρευνες νοτιοδυτικά της Πελοποννήσου και της Κρήτης, από την ExxonMobil. pic.twitter.com/tEHykJvbw8
In July, ExxonMobil and Greece’s biggest oil refiner HelleniQ Energy agreed to take over TotalEnergies’ share in two contracts for gas and oil exploration off Crete, after the latter pulled out.
ExxonMobil is the operator, owning 70 percent of the rights for looking for hydrocarbons off Crete. HelleniQ Energy holds the rest.
Mitsotakis said in April the country plans to speed up exploration for gas reserves to replace Russian gas with indigenous resources. The country aims to have a clear idea by 2023 on whether it has gas reserves it could tap.
The St Nectarios Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Burwood and District celebrated its 50th anniversary with a Luncheon and Service Awards on Sunday, November 6 at Le Montage in Lilyfield, Sydney.
The parish’s 50th anniversary was officially marked in 2020 but some celebrations were postponed for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The luncheon was attended by over 200 parishioners and officials including Archbishop Makarios of Australia; the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis; Chris Rath MLC, representing the NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet; Member for Strathfield, Jason Yat-Sen Li MP; Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis MP; Member for Reid, Sally Sitou MP; the Mayor of Burwood, Cr John Faker; and the President of the St Nectarios Parish and Community, Penelopy Kioussis; among many other politicians, clergy and representatives of Greek community organisations.
Official guests.
Event attendees. Event attendees.
The Nassibian Dancers, choreographed and directed by Secretary of the Parish Board Christina Efthymiades AM, opened the event with a special dancing performance called ‘May the Dances Never Stop.’
Emcees Themis Kallos and Ms Efthymiades then welcomed everyone to the event and asked Demi Kioussis and Diandra Minas to light a memorial candle in honour of parishioners who have passed away. This was followed by a minute’s silence.
Official attendees at the event. The Nassibian Dancers.Christina Efthymiades.
The Nassibian Dancers.The Nassibian Dancers.
Cake for the 50 year Anniversary.Demi Kioussis and Diandra Minas lit a candle in honour of parishioners who have passed away.
Throughout the event, there were a number of videos played including one containing messages from Members of Parliament and Mayor’s, as well as one about the history of the parish and how they celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2020.
Young students from the St Nectarios Greek School also recited extracts from St Nectarios’ Odes to the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. The Australian Hellenic Choir gave a resounding musical performance.
Lucky door prizes such as a $250 gift voucher from the Dedes Waterfont Group and a $150 gift box of roses from Mr Roses were won on the day as well.
Young students from the St Nectarios Greek School also recited extracts from St Nectarios’ Odes to the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.The Hellenic Choir.
The 50th Anniversary Keynote Speech was read out by Greek School teacher for over 40 years and former Principal of the parish’s Greek language school, Catherine Christogeorge, in Greek and by Parish President, Ms Kioussis, in English.
In her address, Ms Kioussis spoke about the recent restorations of the St Nectarios parish building and said: “It is now shining brightly in all its glory, ready to face the next 50 years.”
“I can proudly say that we have fifth generation in the St Nectarios parish and I pray that our strong connection with this parish continues in the years to follow,” Ms Kioussis added.
Official speeches by Mr Rath, the Consul General, Archbishop Makarios and parish priest, Father George Liangas, were also given.
In his speech, Mr Rath spoke about the important role the St Nectarios parish plays in the multicultural community that makes up NSW.
“This Greek Orthodox parish has been a place of community, faith and service. The tapestry of our state’s culture has a rich Greek thread running through it and your parish and community has been such an important part of that for 50 years now,” Mr Rath said on behalf of the NSW Premier.
Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis.Chris Rath MLC, representing the NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet.
The Consul General also gave a small speech and said that although he is new to Sydney, he has been made aware of the Burwood parish’s contribution to the “Greek presence and activity” in the area.
In his speech, Archbishop Makarios congratulated St Nectarios Burwood on celebrating 50 years and acknowledged the “tireless dedication” of the late Archimandrite Father Ezekiel Petritsis, as well as former parish priest, Father John Kapetas, and Father George.
Father George was the last to officially give a speech and thanked everyone who has helped him in his duties as parish priest. He also spoke of the future of the parish and how although it “may not be a migrant church soon,” it will continue to bear “spiritual fruit.”
Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
President, Penelopy Kioussis.
These official proceedings were followed by a number of award presentations on the day.
Archbishop Makarios presented Father John and Father George with plaques for their service, before the Service Awards were handed to dedicated volunteers who had supported the parish for over 10, 15 and 25 years.
The event concluded with the cutting of the 50th anniversary cake and Greek dancing to music by Tassos Lambrou on the bouzouki and George Lambrou on the accordion.
When The Greek Herald asked parishioner, Harriet Fotaras, what she thought of the luncheon and why it was so important to celebrate the parish’s 50th anniversary, she summed it up nicely: “It feels like you’re part of a family. That’s what makes our church so special.”
Archbishop Makarios presented Father John and Father George with plaques for their service.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
The Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney & NSW commemorated the 110th anniversary of the liberation of the Greek island of Lesvos with a church service on Sunday, November 6.
The service was held at the Sts Raphael, Nicholas and Irene Greek Orthodox church in Liverpool in Sydney’s south west.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a small wreath laying ceremony was held at the cenotaph outside.
In attendance was the President of the Mytilenian Brotherhood, Peter Psomas; the President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Canberra, John Loukadellis; and the Presidents of the Antissian Association, Maria Iatrou and Trish Loukis.
After the event, Mr Psomas said in a post on Facebook: “Eternal memories, long live freedom, long live Greece, and long live our lovely island of Lesvos.”
Celebrations for the 110th anniversary of the liberation of Lesvos will continue next week with the Mytilenian Brotherhood’s annual dance on Saturday, November 12 from 7.30pm at the Mytilenian House in Canterbury.
