The Pallaconian Association of Canberra & Districts (The Pallaconian Association) celebrated on Saturday, May 24, their 25th anniversary by hosting the ‘Taste of Laconia’ event at The Hellenic Club of Canberra in Woden.
The event was attended by a number of dignitaries including David Smith MP, Member for Bean; His Excellency Stavros Venizelos, Greek Ambassador to Australia; John Loukadellis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra; and Very Reverend Father Petros Kipouros.
Ambassador Stavros Venizelos.
The Pallaconian Association invited the President and Board Members of Fair Canberra and Migrant Refugee Settlement Services. Over recent years, strong relationships have formed and both groups partnered with the Pallaconian Association to make the night possible.
In addition, ACT Multicultural Council President, Andrew Ng and Board members, and the Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia were in attendance.
The event themed ‘Taste of Laconia’ provided a great opportunity for old Canberra relationships to reunite. A number of people from Sydney attended the event where new friendships were formed.
The night provided guests with a packed program of live music, performances, speeches, a PowerPoint presentation showcasing aspects of the Laconia region, and plenty of Greek dancing.
The evening commenced with a welcome address from the President of the Pallaconian Association, followed by a blessing of the food from Very Reverend Father Petros Kipouros.
The Canberra Hellenic Dancers entertained guests with their enthusiastic and upbeat Greek style of dancing that lifted everyone in the room.
Marking the 25th anniversary of the Pallaconian Association, a special presentation was provided to all past Presidents. A certificate of appreciation and a personalised key ring was presented as a token for their hard work during their tenure.
The Pallaconian Association thanked all supporters of the night, which included Farm Fresh, Valley FM Radio, KProperty Group, Tranquility Homes Canberra and members of the Greek community.
The night concluded with a raffle draw where nine prizes were up for grabs where guests had an opportunity to win. Everyone who attended the event enjoyed an entertaining night.
Over 400 people gathered on Saturday evening, May 24, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Cypriot Community of Apostle Andrew in Sunshine, Melbourne.
His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, delivered a message of love and encouragement.
In his address, Bishop Evmenios described the milestone as “an invitation to boldness,” urging the community to inspire future generations and “build the future with faith and courage.”
The event was also attended by the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Australia, Antonis Sammoutis.
Reflecting on Cyprus, Bishop Evmenios acknowledged the enduring pain of occupation and injustice, noting: “Cyprus is wounded, but spiritually upright. And your presence here is living proof.”
He honoured past priests who had served the community, stating, “May their memory be eternal,” and praised current parish priest Fr Evangelos Georgiou and community president Eleni Christodoulou for their dedicated service.
The celebration continued with traditional Cypriot dances and songs, showcasing the unity, resilience, and vibrant heritage of the Cypriot community in Melbourne.
The 84th anniversary of the Battle of Crete was solemnly commemorated over the weekend by the Greek communities in Queensland and the Northern Territory, paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Allied forces and Cretan civilians during the 1941 WWII battle.
Brisbane, Queensland
On Sunday, May 25, the Cretan Association of Queensland hosted a commemorative event beginning with a Divine Liturgy at the Greek Orthodox Church of St George in South Brisbane.
The service commenced at 9:00 am and was followed by a memorial and wreath-laying ceremony at the Hellenic RSL Memorial, located in the church courtyard.
The event honoured those who fought and fell in the Battle of Crete, with wreaths laid by numerous community representatives, including the Honorary Consul General of Greece in Queensland, George Mastrocostas; Harry Bertsos, Hellenic RSL; Tony Katsanevas, President of the Cretan Association of Queensland; Herc Kaselakis, Vice President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand; Vasso Himonas, Cypriot Community Association of Queensland; and Luke Comino, President of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Dormition of Our Lady, Mt Gravatt.
The commemoration concluded with a morning tea at the Greek Respite Centre, bringing the community together in remembrance and unity.
Darwin, Northern Territory
The Cretan Association of the Northern Territory held their commemorative service on Sunday, May 25 at St Nicholas Church in Darwin, beginning with a Doxology led by Father Joel. The service was attended by dignitaries including Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and Honorary Consul of Greece in the NT John Aniktomatis.
Distinguished attendees included: CLP Member for Casuarina, Khoda Patel; Leonie Melder, Community Engagement Advisor; Michael Koulianos, President, and Nick Theo, Secretary, Greek Community NT (GOCNA); City of Darwin Councillor Jimmy Bouhoris and Councillor Sylvia Klonaris (Waters Ward); Representatives from the Cyprus Community of the NT, Evan Fittirikos and Andreas Ioannou; Jim Simisakakis, Darwin Olympic Sporting Club; Angela Tomazos, Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry NT; and Bupe Amon Kyelu, Tanzanian Community NT and Vice President, Multicultural Council NT.
The ceremonies reflected both solemn remembrance and enduring pride in Hellenic heritage, commemorating the courage of those who defended Crete on 20 May 1941.
Greek Australian MP Alex Hawke has returned to the Coalition frontbench as part of a major shadow cabinet reshuffle unveiled by Liberal deputy leader Sussan Ley on Wednesday, May 28.
Hawke, a close ally of former PM Scott Morrison, will take on the industry and innovation portfolio in the new opposition line-up.
In a post on social media, Hawke wrote: “I look forward to holding the government to account and seeking better Industry policy for Australian Business.”
His return signals a consolidation of support for Ley within the Liberal ranks, as several of her key backers have been rewarded with prominent roles.
The reshuffle follows a turbulent week for the Coalition, which included a brief split between the Liberal and National parties after their federal election loss. The new frontbench aims to reestablish unity and renew focus ahead of the next election.
Ley, announcing the new line-up alongside Nationals Leader David Littleproud, replaced Angus Taylor as shadow treasurer with Ted O’Brien.
Taylor has been moved to defence, while Andrew Hastie takes over the home affairs portfolio. Jane Hume and Sarah Henderson were among those dropped from the frontbench.
Jacinta Nampijinpa Price was also demoted to the outer shadow ministry, taking on the defence industry portfolio, following tensions arising from her recent attempt to switch parties and contest the Liberal deputy leadership.
Hawke’s appointment highlights the re-emergence of key Morrison-era figures, as the opposition seeks to blend experience with new talent under Ley’s leadership.
To mark the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325 AD), the Ecumenical Patriarchate has released a Patriarchal and Synodal Encyclical, reaffirming the enduring significance of the Council’s decisions.
The letter describes the Council of Nicaea as a pivotal moment in Church history that exemplified the “synodal nature of the Church” and restored “broken unity and Eucharistic communion” amid doctrinal threats.
The call for a unified celebration of Pascha (Easter) is also given special prominence in the encyclical. The Church expresses its hope that “Christians around the world may return to the celebration of Pascha on a common date,” viewing it as a sign of “genuine progress in the struggle for ecumenical cooperation and unity.”
Reaffirming the Council’s decisive role in shaping the Church’s dogmatic identity and canonical structure, the letter urges a return to “the original canonical ordinances of the undivided Church.”
It recalls a similar message issued by the Ecumenical Patriarchate on the 1600th anniversary, which emphasised that Nicaea “solidified and sealed the unity of the Church.”
Concluding with a call to reflect on the unity of Christology and anthropology, the encyclical addresses contemporary challenges.
In a key cabinet meeting, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a series of wide-ranging reforms aimed at improving daily life in Greece, focusing on agricultural subsidies, market regulation, and migration policy.
Framing the reforms within a broader vision for Greece by 2030, Mitsotakis emphasised the values of “justice, transparency, and a safer future.”
Restoring transparency in agriculture
Addressing long-standing issues in the Organisation of Greek Agricultural Payments (OPEKEPE), Mitsotakis vowed to restore fairness in subsidy distribution.
“When a Gordian knot persistently cannot be untied, then it must be cut,” he said, committing to transparency in the agricultural sector.
New consumer protection authority
To combat inflation and protect consumers, the Prime Minister announced the creation of a new national authority, inspired by Sweden’s model.
It will unify fragmented agencies such as the Consumer Ombudsman and the General Directorate of Markets to enforce inspections, handle complaints, and issue sanctions.
A mobile app will also be launched for real-time reporting by citizens.
Προσθέτουμε ένα ακόμα όπλο στη φαρέτρα μας για την αντιμετώπιση της ακρίβειας: την ίδρυση μιας πολύ ισχυρής Εθνικής Αρχής που θα αναλάβει συνολικά την εποπτεία της αγοράς, μαζί με την προστασία του καταναλωτή. pic.twitter.com/jReXP7kHYE
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) May 28, 2025
Tougher migration measures
Migration featured prominently, with Mitsotakis pledging tougher penalties for illegal entry or continued residence following asylum rejection.
“Penalties will be heavier for those who enter the country illegally or stay after their asylum application is rejected,” he said.
The new draft legislation aims to speed up returns and strengthen Greece’s role in managing Europe’s external borders. He noted successful cooperation with Turkish authorities and the effectiveness of the Evros border fence, now being extended.
European legacy and shared responsibility
The Prime Minister also marked the 46th anniversary of Greece’s accession to the European Economic Community, stating, “This event tied our destiny to Europe.”
He called on the EU to contribute more to infrastructure protecting the bloc’s borders and described migration as both a national and European priority.
Despite a 30% drop in migrant flows in early 2025, Mitsotakis highlighted rising arrivals from Libya and stressed the need for a “comprehensive intervention” to safeguard public life. He concluded by affirming the government’s commitment to a safer and more prosperous Greece.
Greek police detained 15 members of the left-wing Nea Aristera (New Left) party on Wednesday morning after they unfurled a Palestinian flag at the Acropolis.
Among those taken into custody were members of the party’s youth group.
The protesters, who chanted “Free Palestine” and “Stop the Genocide,” were accused by authorities of unauthorised protest action.
In response, Nea Aristera criticised police for displaying “special zeal in carrying out their duties.”
Photo: @lolosmarios / X.
The party issued a statement accusing the Greek government and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of “supporting the war criminal Netanyahu” through silence and tolerance of his actions.
“Solidarity and the demand to end the war are not criminal acts,” the statement read.
“Palestine must live; the Palestinians are not alone. We demand the immediate release of those detained.”
Gabriel Sakellaridis, general secretary of Nea Aristera, posted on social media: “Repression will not prevail. Full solidarity with the martyred Palestinian people.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered a major upset at Roland Garros on Wednesday, May 28, losing to Italian qualifier Matteo Gigante 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 in the second round.
The loss ends the Greek star’s hopes for another deep run in Paris, where he was a 2021 finalist and had reached the quarter-finals in the past two years.
Despite a strong 27-8 record at the clay-court Slam and three Monte-Carlo titles to his name, the 26-year-old Tsitsipas struggled against the 23-year-old Gigante, who is appearing in just his second major main draw.
Photo: AP.
Gigante dominated with a heavy forehand, varied backhands, and saved all eight break points in the fourth set.
The defeat sees Tsitsipas drop to No. 25 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, set to exit the Top 20 for the first time since August 2018.
His recent form continues a concerning trend—he has failed to reach the quarter-finals in seven of his past eight majors, despite winning the Dubai title earlier in 2024. He currently ranks 17th in the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin.
Gigante, now up 37 spots to No. 130, will next face American Ben Shelton in the third round.
The Ascension of our Lord is celebrated by the Orthodox Church forty days after Pascha (Easter), always falling on a Thursday. It is celebrated as one of the Twelve Great Feasts of the Church.
The Ascension marks the moment when Jesus Christ, after His Resurrection, led His disciples to the Mount of Olives, blessed them, and ascended into heaven, instructing them to await the coming of the Holy Spirit.
The biblical account of this event is primarily found in Acts 1:3–11, where Jesus says, “You shall be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” He commands the disciples to stay in Jerusalem and commissions them to spread His message to all nations.
As they watch, “He was lifted up before their eyes in a cloud which took Him from their sight” (Acts 1:9). Two angels then assure them, “This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen Him going into heaven” (Acts 1:11).
The icon of the Ascension.
The icon of the Ascension depicts Christ ascending in glory within a mandorla (almond-shaped or round design), blessing with His right hand and holding a scroll in His left — a symbol of teaching. Below, the Virgin Mary stands in a prayerful pose, calm among the disciples, representing the Church. Though not present at the actual event, Saint Paul is often shown to highlight the universal and enduring mission of the Church.
The Feast is observed with a Vespers service the evening before, followed by the Matins and Divine Liturgy on the day itself.
The yearning for the homeland can quickly turn into a nightmare when a Greek living abroad comes face-to-face with Greece’s notorious bureaucracy. Inheritance delays, land registry deadlines, and documents rejected over a missing stamp or minor discrepancy often create a nightmarish reality. It’s a frustrating web of procedures that many Greek Australians struggle to navigate in order to manage their property affairs in Greece.
Greeks abroad, fuelled by love for their roots, often find themselves entangled in a labyrinth of processes that demand time, patience, and specialised knowledge.
In this labyrinth, lawyer Anastasia (Natasha) Karamichou emerges as a valuable ally. With academic qualifications in European Law and Business Administration, deep expertise in Civil, Inheritance and Immigration Law, and a personal connection to the Australian Greek community, she understands firsthand the challenges and questions troubling the diaspora.
The following interview serves as a practical guide for anyone wishing to preserve their ties to Greece — even when the legal hurdles seem insurmountable.
The Greek Herald has received numerous complaints from members of the Greek community who were informed either late or not at all about the deadlines concerning the Land Registry, causing concern and uncertainty regarding the fate of their property in Greece. So, what can a reader who has not yet taken any action do today?
The Greek Herald has received numerous complaints from members of the Greek community who were informed either late or not at all about the deadlines concerning the Land Registry.
The National Land Registry is a unified and constantly updated Information System which records legal, technical and other additional information on real estate and rights to it, under the responsibility and guarantee of the State. The “HELLENIC LAND REGISTRY” as a Legal Entity under Public Law, is responsible for the publicity of transactions in rem, taking over the overall maintenance of the National Land Registry System, which will gradually absorb all the Land Registry Offices of the country and merge with them.
Today, 59% of Greek Territory is officially registered. How does the land registration process start in a region? According to 2308/1995 Law, the Ministry’s decision to declare an area under land registration is posted in the relevant municipal or communal shops and published twice consecutively in two newspapers in the seat of the prefecture, if it exists, and in two daily Athenian newspapers and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In this way, Greek citizens are given the opportunity to describe in a declaration their rights over property they may own in the area under land registration.
Greeks living abroad have the right to submit the declaration within 6 months of the last publication of the decision. Therefore, the lack of correct and timely information on the submission of the declaration and the observance of the deadline has forced many Greeks living abroad to deal with procedures of objections to the properties under registration in the Land Registry and the filing of lawsuits for the recognition of their rights in areas where the land registration has been completed and the rights over properties have been finalized as “unknown owner” or in favor of the Greek State or even in cases where the land records are inaccurate and require correction.
In the latter two cases the time limit for filing a claim is 7 years for foreign residents. Contact and consultation with qualified professionals (Lawyers, Notaries, Surveyors) can provide solutions and guidance for the settlement of these cases, which by nature are time-consuming. Moreover, there is no one solution for every case. These cases’ monitoring depends on the geographical area, on the stages of the land survey, on the type of right to be registered, on the number of beneficiaries on the succession.
The process of recognising or acquiring Greek citizenship concerns many new generations of Greek Australians. The notorious Greek bureaucracy may discourage some from taking the necessary steps. What are the basic requirements, and which documents are typically difficult to get accepted by Greek authorities?
In Greece, the 4535/2020 law is currently in force for the acquisition of Greek citizenship. This law simplified the procedures for Greeks living abroad; however, there are some formal and substantive requirements:
Application for the Greek citizenship acquisition of Greeks residing abroad at the Greek Consul of their place of residence.
An application for the Greek citizenship acquisition to the Consul, in the presence of two Greek citizens as witnesses.
Exact copy of a valid foreign passport or other proof of identity.
Original of birth certificate legally certified and officially translated or another equivalent certificate (if applicable, an original certificate of baptism is accepted).
Original criminal record certificate from a foreign authority legally certified and officially translated.
Exact copy of a valid foreign passport are needed to acquire Greek citizenship.
It is often observed that Greeks living abroad submit copies of certificates without proof of their accuracy and not the original copies or certificates that are not translated through the official translators of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and without the Hague seal (apostille). Such certificates are not accepted by the Greek authorities, resulting in applicants’ inconvenience and the process of acquiring the Greek citizenship being transformed from a joyful and optimistic process into a permanent struggle with the Greek State Authorities.
The essential requirements include sufficient knowledge of the Greek language, Greek history and geography, as well as family ties with a Greek citizen, familiarity with the customs and traditions of Greek society, participation in voluntary activities, social and religious events.
The field of inheritance matters is one of the common issues faced by Greeks in Australia. What should a member of the diaspora know if they wish to secure their property in Greece? Are there specific timeframes or legal pitfalls that require attention?
Greeks who lived for many years in another country, where they have developed professionally, have acquired property and their demanding daily life forces them to put the settlement of inheritance and property issues in their homeland on the back burner. As a result, wills (handwritten or secret) are drawn up for assets in Greece whose publication and acceptance by the heirs is delayed or forgotten. It is also noted that if the heir renounces the inheritance, he/she must submit the declaration of renunciation within 4 months from the date of death. If this period passes without action, then he/she is deemed by law to have accepted the inheritance and the declaration of acceptance of the inheritance, which is prepared by the Notary Public together with the preparation of a declaration for the payment of inheritance tax, must follow.
The time limit for filing the inheritance tax declaration generally starts from the death of the deceased for heirs intestate (without a will) or the publication of the will for testamentary heirs. It is also important to note that the acceptance of the inheritance requires the issuance of the ENFIA Certificate, which will certify that the deceased had submitted his/her E9 and paid the ENFIA for the last five years prior to his/her death. In these cases as well, seeking legal guidance in advance is considered essential, as it may protect heirs from acts or omissions in carrying out the necessary actions after the death of the deceased.
Let us not forget, however, the legal actions that can be taken during life, such as parental provision under Article 1509 of the Civil Code and the establishment of a gift (donation) during life to any third party for any real estate or an undivided share thereof, located within the Greek territory in full ownership, in part ownership or in usufruct.
As summer approaches, many Greeks abroad are preparing to visit the country and settle outstanding legal matters – from inheritance issues to property transfers or citizenship cases. What should they have gathered in advance in order to speed up the process and make the most of their time in Greece?
Every legal case, whether it concerns inheritance law, nationality (citizenship) law or real estate transactions, is different. Advance consultation with an informed lawyer is essential and saves the parties concerned from hassle, delay and unnecessary expenses. Since Greek living abroad stay in Greece for a short period of time, including well deserved summer holidays, the power of attorney to the Lawyer or another trusted person, but always in consultation with a Lawyer, is of foremost importance. Most of the legal actions that will be initiated during summer months will almost certainly not be completed when they leave Greece. Therefore, the accurate drafting of a Power of Attorney either by the Consular Authority or by a Greek Notary Public protects and relieves them from actions that will definitely concern and trouble them, while dealing with the Greek State, National Authorities and Organizations.
Moreover, the contact and consultation with the local Consular Authority is critical, because this Authority will issue the required documents and certificates (exact copies, officially translated certificates) that the Greeks living abroad could bring with them to Greece upon their arrival, but I repeat, that each case is individualized, so the uninterrupted and continuous communication with their Attorney in Greece is of major importance.
You’ve worked with many Greeks living abroad – what is the most common misunderstanding or expectation you encounter when someone from the diaspora engages with Greece’s legal reality?
I feel fortunate, because apart from clients, I have friends like family to me and business associates in Australia, which I visited and admire. I receive the same frustration and bitterness from all of them when their legal cases in Greece are not completed in the anticipated time, with the expected diligence, with errors and omissions by public services and other administrative authorities. However, conditions in Greece today are not the same as they were 30 years ago.
I am not claiming that the Greek Public Administration operates like a “Swiss watch”, but I do believe that many steps have been taken towards modernization, computerization, simplification and acceleration of procedures that the Greeks in Australia are rightly unaware of. Patience, focus and cooperation are recommended. Many times, the supporting documents we have may not be sufficient or correct for the legal transaction we will perform, nor can we complete within a short period of time legal cases that in Greece “take time”. Therefore, contacting professionals in Greece (Lawyers, Notaries, Accountants, Surveyors) who are familiar with the newest Legislation, online platforms and trained to investigate with accuracy, using the appropriate tools is beneficial and “comforting”.
For more information on issues that concern you, you can contact Anastasia (Natasha) Karamichou at the following phone numbers: +30 2106139625, +30 6942472539 or via email: n.karamichou2012@gmail.com
