Search
Home Blog Page 1221

Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW launch Dimitria Festival 2022

The Greek Herald
-
0
Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW launch Dimitria Festival 2022

The official opening of the Dimitria Festival 2022 was held at Kogarah’s Greek Orthodox Church in southern Sydney on Sunday, October 2.

The festival, which celebrates Macedonian culture, is being organised by the Pan-Macedonian Association of New South Wales.

The official opening was marked by a memorial service and Doxology at the church performed by parish priest, Father Athanasios Giatsios.

Father Athanasios welcomed everyone in attendance and gave a small speech about the importance of Macedonia in Greek history and how inextricably linked this Greek region is to Greece, Europe and the whole world.

After the service, the public was invited to the adjoining Hermes Lounge for a small presentation of the official programme for the Dimitria Festival.

In attendance were a number of prominent members of the Greek community including the newly-elected President of the Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW, Anastasia Karakominakis; the Vice President of the Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW, Peter Papoulidis; the Secretary of the Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW and curator of the program, Costa Dantos; and the President of Pontoxeniteas NSW, Maria Anthony; among many others.

During the presentation, emcee Dimitris Kametopoulos invited a number of people to the stage to give small speeches including Ms Karakominakis and Mr Papoulidis.

During her speech, Ms Karakominakis hailed the return of the Dimitria Festival after a number of years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms Karakominakis also presented the eight-page program to the public and urged everyone to distribute it to relatives, friends and even strangers in order to attend the events that have been planned.

Official proceedings were concluded with a dancing performance by the Aristotelian Academy of Traditional Greek Dance under instruction from Dimitri and Stavroula Papapetrou. The young dancers wore traditional costumes from rural Florina.

The program of the Dimitria Festival began in September, with a full list of events available below:

Greece defeats Serbia to win inaugural European Rugby League Women’s B title

The Greek Herald
-
0
Greece defeats Serbia to win inaugural European Rugby League Women’s B title

Greece claimed the inaugural European Rugby League Women’s B title after a 28-0 victory over Serbia in front of 400 fans at the Gorytsa Stadium, Aspropygos in Athens on Saturday.

The hosts scored six tries, two in six minutes at the start of the second half, taking the game away from the Serbs.

“To beat Serbia and become Euro B South champions was beyond our wildest dream when we brought the squad together a few months ago,” Greece women’s coach, Stuart McLennan, said after the match.

Greek Rugby League (GRL) Australia team manager, Terry Liberopoulos, also spoke to The Greek Herald on Monday and congratulated the women on their win.

“Every girl was from the Greek competition, not from here. It was all just the local girls. They just smashed them,” Mr Liberopoulos said.

Winger Velissaria Koutsioumpa, who scored both of Greece’s tries in Istanbul, opened the scoring in the eighth minute, Kleopatra Velmachou – who converted her own effort – also going over before half time to make it 10-0 at the break.

Greece finished strongly with two touchdowns in the final nine minutes, centre Styliani Markou and Aspasia Stavrianou, whose sister Magdelini played at full back, the other try scorers.

SRL director, Radoslav Novakovic, said after the match: “The game was tough for us, most of our players were debutants but it was a great experience.”

The final group match between Serbia and Turkey is scheduled to take place at the end of November.

READ MORE: Greece defeats Turkey in European Rugby League women’s match.

Source: European Rugby League.

Greek PM reiterates call for capping gas prices to ‘take back control’ from Russia

The Greek Herald
-
0
Greek PM reiterates call for capping gas prices to ‘take back control’ from Russia

Greece’s Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has reiterated a call for European action to cap gas prices in an op-ed published by Bloomberg on Monday.

In the article, Mitsotakis accused Russia of having “weaponised energy” during the current crisis with Ukraine and said it was time for Europe to “take back control of its gas market.”

“We cannot afford to sit back and watch as Russia uses our market institutions against us,” Mitsotakis said in the article.

“It is an act of common sense, and of sovereignty, to step in and design rules that respond to the unprecedented challenge we face. Imposing a cap on natural gas prices is an inevitable step in that process.”

This statement comes as EU countries’ energy ministers adopted a fresh set of policies on Friday to attempt to tame high energy costs, including windfall profit taxes on energy firms.

However, states are divided over what to do next – with many calling for an EU-wide cap on gas prices, but others, including Europe’s economic powerhouse Germany, opposed.

READ MORE: Leaders of Greece and France meet to discuss energy crisis, East Med tensions.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Greece questions legitimacy of Turkey-Libya preliminary maritime energy deal

The Greek Herald
-
0
Greece questions legitimacy of Turkey-Libya preliminary maritime energy deal

Greece’s Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, has questioned the legitimacy of the recent memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between Turkey and Libya’s government of national unity.

According to Ekathimerini, Libya’s Tripoli government signed a series of preliminary economic agreements with Turkey on Monday that included potential energy exploration in maritime areas.

Libya’s eastern-based parliament rejected the move.

It was not immediately clear whether any concrete deals to emerge would include exploration in the “exclusive economic zone” which Turkey and a previous Tripoli government agreed in 2019, angering other eastern Mediterranean states.

That zone envisaged the two countries sharing a maritime border but was attacked by Greece and Cyprus and criticised by Egypt and Israel.

Now, in a statement released on Monday night, the Greek Foreign Affairs Ministry noted that it is following recent developments in Libya “very closely.”

Greece, the ministry said, “holds sovereign rights in the area, which it intends to defend by all legal means, in full respect to the International Law of the Sea.”

“Any action or reference in implementation of said ‘memorandum’ will be de facto illegal, and -depending on its gravity – will carry a reaction both at the bilateral level and at the level of the European Union and NATO,” the ministry added.

Dendias also brought up Greece’s concerns with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry, during a telephone conversation on Monday.

READ MORE: Turkey and Libya recommit to contested maritime borders deal, angering Greece.

Source: AMNA.gr and Ekathimerini.

Midnight sun shines on Melbourne Hellenic Museum’s inaugural exhibition in new art space

The Greek Herald
-
0
Midnight sun shines on Melbourne Hellenic Museum’s inaugural exhibition in new art space

By Mary Sinanidis.

Like Greek culture itself, the Hellenic Museum – housed in Melbourne’s Royal Mint – has a fighting spirit.

Thumbing its nose at the controversy surrounding its ill-fated move from The Royal Mint to the Land Titles building, it instead knocked down a wall to reveal a tiny cube of a room which it packed with the work of five Australian artists, at different stages of their careers, influenced by Hellenistic culture and ideals: Ann Debono, Rob McLeish, Stephen Benwell, Grace Wood and Ngilan Margaret Dodd.

“Our museum has grown just a little bit,” Hellenic Museum CEO Sarah Craig said, during the opening of The Sun at Midnight – a new exhibition named after the natural phenomenon that occurs in poles during summer solstice when the midnight sun remains visible.

The Sun at Midnight. Photo: Abigail Trewartha, Tangerine Creative.

Curator Adam Stone points to indigenous artist Margaret Dodd who used traditional weaving techniques to create her signature baskets which resemble the ancient Greek hydria.

“I think that is such a special artist to include in this exhibition because you have these two ancient cultures existing in different parts of the world but then infused in these contemporary art objects,” Mr Stone told The Greek Herald, adding that the other four artists are just as special in their own way.

Standing in front of her artwork with her baby in tow, Melbourne-based artist Grace Wood remembers the Cycladic island of Folegandros with peaks of holiday memories interposed between the layers of her artwork.

“This photo and the owl are from a cemetery, which was on top of a hill and was more about life than death,” she said of her work, inspired by Greek tradition, pearls and Hellenic marble.

Melbourne-based artist Grace Wood in front of her artwork.

But beyond beauty, Mr Stone said Wood “looks at ideas of elitist art history and challenges some of these images that we see and recontextualises them through a feminist lens, while someone like Stephen Benwell, who is quite active, shows the link between classicism and his practice in the way he makes small sculptures based on statutory and we have someone like Rob McLeish whose works on display here are part of a body of work called distortions which are a suite of 60 monochromatic aqua pencil drawings.”

The conversation moves to where inspiration stops and cultural appropriation begins. Asked about Adam Newman’s Parthenon-inspired “Temple of Boom” at the NGV, Mr Stone states he cannot comment.

Visitors looking at works by Grace Wood and Ngilan Margaret Dodd. Photo: Abigail Trewartha, Tangerine Creative.

“I don’t know. It’s probably not a context I am particularly familiar with because it is not my personal heritage,” he said.

“It’s a tricky thing because cultural appropriation is a topic that is contentious at the moment. I think because ancient Greece is perhaps a beginning of the liege of western art it can be seen within that context. And a lot of people, when they think of the beginning of western art, start at the Renaissance but it goes back even further than that. When it is viewed in that context, the ownership question is a tricky one.”

Mr Stone said he could have easily found 25 Australian artists inspired by Greek art, but small space was the qualifier. However, there’s more to come in that cubed room – small like Greece itself but with enough thought to feed the world.

The Hellenic Museum is at 280 William Street, Melbourne.

All Saints Grammar students receive Watson School Leadership awards

Andriana Simos
-
0
All Saints Grammar students receive Watson School Leadership awards

Students at All Saints Grammar in Belmore in Sydney’s inner south west have been recognised by the Federal Member for Watson, Tony Burke MP, with the Watson School Leadership awards.

The awards, established in 2009, acknowledge high-achieving students who demonstrate strong leadership skills in their school environment.

The students awarded were from the School’s Leadership Team 2022 and include School Captains, Olga-Liana Athanasatos and George Gregory, as well as Year 12 students Catrina Benakis, Maria Christou, Anastasia Haikalis, Demetria Koutavas, Demi Papas, Thomas Raketic, Alex Tzakos, Mark Ullmann and Maria Varvaressos.

All Saints Grammar students.

The Head of School, Mrs Elfa Lillis, congratulated the Year 12 students for being recognised by the Federal Member for Watson, Mr Burke.

“It recognises your exceptional leadership efforts and contribution to your school community,” Mrs Lillis said.

For his part, Mr Burke also commended the students for their successful nomination and investiture as a school leader.

“All school leaders believe in the importance of accepting and fulfilling the responsibilities that come with their role,” Mr Burke said.

Tony Burke with the All Saints Grammar students.

“I am committed to recognising volunteers, ambassadors and leaders in the Watson electorate and this event acknowledges students in leadership roles.”

This award recognition comes as the School’s Year 12 students officially concluded 13 years of schooling on Thursday, September 15 with a Valedictory Doxology and Awards Presentation Ceremony.

All Saints Grammar has been helping shape the lives of students and partnering with families since 1990. Founded by the Parish and Community of Belmore and District, the School was established to support families in their quest to introduce and instil Hellenic values and the Orthodox Christian faith to the next generation of Greek Australians. Today, our School attracts students from many different faiths and backgrounds.

ASG is now accepting enrolments for all entry years for 2023.

Nostalgia, comedy and depth: Wog Boys Forever film premieres in Sydney

Chris Spyrou
-
0
Nostalgia, comedy and depth: Wog Boys Forever film premieres in Sydney

Just one week after ‘Wog Boys Forever’ premiered at Melbourne’s Palais Theatre before 3000 people, Nick Giannopolous and the Wog Boys 3 ensemble made their way northward, checking in to the Enmore Theatre for the Sydney premiere on Thursday night.

The stars of the film were present on the night, with Nick accompanied by fellow cast mates Vince Colosimo, Sarah Roberts, Costa D’Angelo, DJ Havana Brown and Sooshi Mango, on the red carpet.

Speaking with The Greek Herald earlier this month, Nick described the Sydney premiere location as a full circle moment.

“Did you know Enmore used to show Greek movies in the 60s and 70s? So to go back and turn it into a cinema again, that’s really special to me. It’s kind of like coming full circle,” he said at the time.

Whilst the venue was a deliberate choosing well-suited to Nick – the son of Greek migrants – it was also one well suited to Nick – the performer.

The moment the house lights dimmed, the wog boy, sporting his black-on-black (on-black) attire walked out to a roar of applause from an electric crowd.

Over the next half hour, audiences were treated to a stage show before the movie’s premiere and were reminded that whilst the man before them was an accomplished actor, producer and writer, he too was a man whose roots in the entertainment industry run deeply in the world of stand-up comedy.

As for the film itself, Giannopoulos reprised his role as the iconic Steve ‘The Wog Boy’ Karamitsis, bringing his familiar comedic flair as well as an unexpected level of maturity and depth previously unseen in the franchise.

As we track Steve’s journey to regaining that which he had once lost, audiences are treated to familiar narratives of rekindled relationships, meddling neighbours and cross-generational camaraderie.

The film is fearless in its ethnic representation and holds racism firmly in its grips, at times challenging stereotypes whilst simultaneously embracing them to earn the resounding laughter and applause of the audience.

Making their big screen debut were the film’s break-out stars, internet comedy group, Sooshi Mango.

Speaking with The Greek Herald, one-third of the trio, Andrew Manfre said: “It’s an absolute honour and a privilege to be a part of the movie.”

“We’ve all grown up watching it so to be a part of the trilogy is unbelievable,” he added.

Also making her silver screen debut was Australian DJ and recording artist, DJ Havana Brown, who told The Greek Herald whilst on the red carpet that despite her nerves she was excited to see the film.

“I know Nick (Giannopoulos) and Frank (Lotito) the director know what they’re doing, so I know it’s going to be amazing,” she said.

“I grew up with it (the wog boy series) and I feel like my culture is similar in a lot of ways … I feel like we’re very similar in our morals and our families are very similar. So I get all the jokes and the humour behind it all,” the Mauritian Australian said.

Across 109 minutes, the film delivers nostalgic moments drawing on the franchise’s first two films, whilst standing entirely on its own as a celebration of togetherness in difference.

WOG BOYS FOREVER opens nationally in cinemas on 6 October.

Marietta Zafirakos gets crafty these school holidays in Sydney’s west

The Greek Herald
-
0
Marietta Zafirakos gets crafty these school holidays in Sydney’s west

Marietta Zafirakos is hosting a series of creative workshops these school holidays from Tuesday, October 4 to Friday, October 7 at the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre in Sydney’s west.

During the classes, Marietta will encourage kids to make their own clay jewellery, upcycling old clothing, painting with nature and exploring the art of water colours.

Marietta is a Sydney-based creative producer and facilitator who graduated from Sydney College of the Arts, majoring in print media, before completing a Masters in Arts Administration.

Her experience and interests lie in the process of art making within a gallery space. She most enjoys developing and facilitating creative workshops for children and families.

Marietta is one of a number of artists hosting a workshop at the Arts Centre these school holidays, with artists such as Skye Andrews also visual arts workshop with the kids.

Book online at Spring School Holiday Workshops – Blacktown Arts.

Rare 1000-year-old manuscript returned to Greek monastery from the US

The Greek Herald
-
0
Rare 1000-year-old manuscript returned to Greek monastery from the US

The Museum of the Bible in Washington, the United States, has officially returned a rare 1000-year-old Christian manuscript to Eikosiphoinissa Monastery in northern Greece, AP News has reported.

The 11th century gospel was formally presented to the monastery on Thursday in a ceremony attended by Greek Orthodox Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, and officials from the Museum.

According to the Archdiocese of America, the Greek manuscript is one of the world’s oldest handwritten gospels, and is believed to have been made in southern Italy.

It was donated to the Museum in 2014 after being bought at auction.

Museum officials subsequently identified it as one of the roughly 430 manuscripts stolen from the monastery in 1917 by marauding forces from neighbouring Bulgaria. Most are still missing.

At the ceremony on Thursday, Elpidophoros praised the Museum for its “courtesy in recognising where (the manuscript) belongs and returning it.”

“A historical injustice has been redressed,” he said.

Two Greeks named on Australia’s Top 100 Financial Advisors list

The Greek Herald
-
0
Two Greeks named on Australia’s Top 100 Financial Advisors list

Financial Advisors Ben Andreou and Steve Triantafilidis have both taken spots on The Australian’s Top 100 Financial Advisors List.

Ben Andreou works at the Sydney investment company, Koda Capital as a partner and the company’s Head of Structuring and Tax. 

With over 14 years of experience in helping families and individuals, Andreou specialises in personal tax planning and tax effective wealth creation strategies, effective strategies on extracting wealth and asset protection. 

Steve Triantafilidis is an Executive Director, Financial Adviser for national Investment and financial service company, Morgan Stanley. 

Steve has more than 30 years of experience in portfolio management, asset allocation and equity research in Australian and international markets.

Source: The Australian

1...1,2201,2211,222...1,984Page 1,221 of 1,984

Stay connected:

Other

© 2024 The Greek Herald. All rights reserved.