The Ecumenical Patriarchate has condemned what it described as a fresh attack by Russian state services against His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
A statement by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) on January 12 accused Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of destabilising Orthodox Christianity and acting with alleged backing from British intelligence.
The SVR labelled the Patriarch the “Constantinople Antichrist,” claiming he was seeking to weaken the Moscow Patriarchate by “sowing discord” within the Orthodox world.
The agency alleged he had already “dismembered Orthodox Ukraine” and was now targeting the Baltic states by encouraging clergy and faithful in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to break from Moscow-linked jurisdictions.
It also claimed he intended to grant autocephaly to the unrecognised Montenegrin Orthodox Church, a move it said would undermine the Serbian Orthodox Church, using overtly theological language to liken him to “false prophets… in sheep’s clothing.”
In response, the Ecumenical Patriarchate said the “Mother Church of Constantinople – the Mother also of the Church of Russia” expressed “profound sorrow” over the attack.
The Patriarchate noted it has consistently avoided responding to similar attacks since granting autocephaly to the Church of Ukraine in 2018, and said it would continue that stance.
It stressed that “fanciful scenarios, false news, insults, and fabricated information” would not deter its ministry or ecumenical mission.
Greek Orthodox communities across Australia marked Holy Theophany (Epiphany) 2026 with deep reverence, strong youth participation and large public turnouts, as the annual Blessing of the Waters ceremonies transformed coastlines, rivers and harbours into places of faith, tradition and communal celebration.
From metropolitan centres to regional towns, thousands gathered to witness the immersion of the Holy Cross and the courageous dives that symbolise renewal, spiritual light and the sanctification of the waters.
New South Wales
In Sydney, Epiphany celebrations were significantly impacted by weather, with the Blessing of the Waters and Epiphany Greek Festival at Carss Bush Park cancelled due to hazardous wind conditions exceeding 55 km/h. Organisers cited public safety as the priority and thanked the community for its understanding.
Further south, however, Epiphany was marked with a historic celebration for the Canberra District at Batemans Bay on Saturday, January 10. Hundreds of faithful travelled from Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and across the South Coast to attend the Divine Liturgy at the Church of St John the Baptist, led by His Grace Bishop Athinagoras of Canberra.
Batemans Bay Epiphany.
The Blessing of the Waters followed at Clyde Wharf, where local teenagers dove into the water to retrieve the Holy Cross. The cross was retrieved by 15-year-old Julian Pilavakis of Canberra, highlighting the strong role of the younger generation in sustaining Orthodox tradition. The day concluded with a community barbecue and the cutting of the Vasilopita.
In Wollongong, the Holy Cross was retrieved by 17-year-old Saxon Gerovasilis from Bulli, who described the experience as uplifting and deeply connected to community life.
Wollongong Epiphany. Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.17-year-old Saxon Gerovasilis with his parents.Photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Victoria
Across Victoria, Epiphany was marked with large gatherings at Rye Foreshore, Frankston Pier, Princes Pier in Port Melbourne, and Rosebud.
At Rye, the ceremony was officiated by His Eminence Metropolitan Ezekiel of Dervis, with Kyriakos Hatzinikolas emerging from the water holding the cross. Later at Frankston Pier, 18-year-old Kostas Kopsaftis retrieved the cross under the blessing of His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne.
At Princes Pier, hundreds gathered under mild summer skies as 28-year-old Stelios Kikyris retrieved the Holy Cross, describing the moment as a blessing tied to new beginnings in his personal and professional life.
In Rosebud, the ceremony was again led by defrocked Papa Lefteris, with Iordanis Anastasakis retrieving the cross, followed by music and cultural performances that blended faith with Australia’s coastal summer atmosphere.
Australian Capital Territory
In Canberra, the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra and Districts held the Epiphany service at Casuarina Sands. Following the Blessing of the Waters led by Bishop Athinagoras, the Holy Cross was retrieved by Panos Morogiannis, who reflected on the moment as a strengthening of faith rather than a competition.
South Australia
Thousands gathered at Henley Beach and Glenelg for South Australia’s Epiphany celebrations, making them among the largest in the country.
At Henley Beach on January 11, the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia held the annual Blessing of the Waters, with Thomas Matsouliadis retrieving the Holy Cross after its immersion at the jetty. The ceremony was followed by a lively foreshore celebration featuring food, music and traditional dance.
At Glenelg, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia marked the 46th year of Epiphany celebrations with a three-day festival from January 9 to 11. The Blessing of the Waters ceremony, led by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, saw 25-year-old Jozef Kogoj retrieve the Holy Cross in a field of around 50 participants.
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas and other civic leaders attended the Glenelg celebrations, where bipartisan commitments were announced to secure increased long-term funding for the event. The Premier also attended the festival at Henley Beach.
The Premier at Glenelg.
Western Australia
In Perth, Epiphany was celebrated at Matilda Bay along the Swan River, drawing an estimated 800 to 1,000 people. The ceremony was presided over by His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth, with the participation of His Grace Bishop Prodromos of Toliara and Southern Madagascar.
Around 30 young men dove into the river, with Haris Stefanatos retrieving the Holy Cross. The event was marked by strong family participation, food, fellowship and messages emphasising faith, courage and unity within the Church.
In Perth, Epiphany was celebrated at Matilda Bay along the Swan River. Photo: Robi Gerovasilis.
Queensland
On the Gold Coast, Theophania 2026 was celebrated by the Greek Orthodox Church of St Anna, with more than 70 divers taking part.
The Holy Cross was retrieved by Elpida Johansson in the juniors’ category and Marcus Polites in the adult group. Polites’ retrieval carried special significance for a family long associated with Greek Orthodox community life in Adelaide, symbolising continuity of faith across generations and states.
Northern Territory
In Darwin, the Greek Orthodox Community of Northern Australia held the Blessing of the Waters at the Waterfront following the Divine Liturgy, presided over by Father Joel. The Holy Cross was retrieved by Terry Poniris, as parishioners and representatives from across the NT’s multicultural community gathered for the annual observance.
Blessing of the Waters in Darwin. Photo: Georgia Politis Photography.
Meanwhile in Palmerston, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, through St Savvas of Kalymnos Greek Orthodox Church, held its Epiphany celebrations at Cullen Bay following the Divine Liturgy. Manoli Loukataris retrieved the Holy Cross. Clergy, parishioners and invited guests attended the ceremony, which concluded with thanks to volunteers and community leaders for their continued support.
Tasmania
In Hobart, more than 500 faithful gathered at Sandown Park, Sandy Bay, where the two city parishes celebrated Theophany together. The Holy Cross was retrieved by Paul (Apostolis) Holland, as the ceremony concluded with communal celebrations and a traditional barbecue.
Photos supplied.
Across Australia, Epiphany 2026 once again demonstrated the enduring strength of Greek Orthodox faith, the central role of youth, and the power of community gathering – renewing tradition in waters both familiar and new.
Thousands gathered at Henley Beach on Sunday, January 11, for the annual Blessing of the Waters ceremony, as the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia marked Epiphany under clear skies and calm seas.
The major religious celebration, which traditionally signals the close of the festive season, drew large crowds to the foreshore, transforming the occasion into a vibrant Greek summer festival.
From early morning, Henley Square became an open-air Greek fair, featuring food marquees, barbecues, seating areas, live music and an abundance of freshly made loukoumades overlooking the blue waters of the gulf.
The major religious celebration drew large crowds to the foreshore.
The official ceremony began shortly after noon at the end of the Henley jetty, where members of the clergy conducted the Blessing of the Waters and immersed the Holy Cross into the sea.
Around 20 young participants dove into the water to retrieve it, with Thomas Matsouliadis emerging as this year’s successful diver.
Thomas Matsouliadis emerged as this year’s successful diver.
As tradition dictates, ten white doves were released following the retrieval of the cross, symbolising purity, enlightenment, peace and love.
Proceedings then moved back to Henley Square, where Father Ioannis blessed Matsouliadis and, together with Community President Peter Ppiros, presented him with a commemorative trophy and a gold cross.
The event was attended by a wide cross-section of political and civic leaders, including South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, Opposition Leader Ashton Hurn, Deputy Premier Kyam Maher, Multicultural Affairs Minister Zoe Bettison, Federal MP Mark Butler, Liberal MP Matt Cowdrey, and Lord Mayor of Adelaide Jane Lomax-Smith, alongside several mayors, councillors and electoral candidates.
The program continued with official addresses and live music by the Zorbas band, maintaining a festive atmosphere well into the evening.
Dance performances by the Greek Orthodox Community of SA Dance Academy and the Pontian Dance Group also featured prominently, once again highlighting the depth of cultural pride and tradition within South Australia’s Greek community.
The full program has been unveiled for the Semaphore Greek Festival, as one of South Australia’s most recognisable cultural celebrations prepares to mark an extraordinary 45 years on the Semaphore Foreshore.
Taking place on January 17 and 18, 2026, the free, two-day festival is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors once again, following last year’s turnout of around 45,000 people.
Organisers say the milestone edition will be bigger than ever, uniting the community under the theme “Όλοι Μαζί – All Together.”
What began as a modest community gathering has grown into a major cultural fixture on SA’s summer calendar, celebrating Greek heritage through food, music, dance and intergenerational connection. The festival has become a cherished tradition for Greek families across Adelaide, while also attracting visitors from interstate eager to experience Greek culture by the sea.
At the heart of the event is its volunteer base. More than 340 volunteers helped bring the festival to life in 2025, and organisers say the 45th anniversary will again be powered by the community, honouring decades of collective effort that have sustained the festival.
At the heart of the event is its volunteer base.
The newly announced program features a packed schedule across both days, blending live music, traditional and contemporary dance performances, interactive competitions and family-friendly entertainment.
Dance schools and cultural groups from across the state will take to the stage, reinforcing the festival’s role in preserving and actively living Greek heritage.
Food remains a centrepiece of the celebration, with festival-goers able to enjoy classic Greek favourites including yiros, souvlaki, haloumi, spanakopita, tiropita, prasopita, kremidopita and lamb kontosouvli, alongside the festival’s iconic loukoumades. Greek coffee, refreshments and seaside views complete the experience.
Live entertainment will run throughout the weekend, with Enosis Band featuring Paras Siasios headlining both nights, supported by DJ Apostal and performances from groups including the Messinian Dance School of SA, the Pontian Brotherhood of SA, the Cretan Association of SA and the Port Adelaide Greek Dance Academy. AFL and AFLW players from Port Adelaide will also make special appearances during the program.
Set against the backdrop of the Semaphore beachfront, the festival invites families and friends to bring a picnic rug, enjoy the summer atmosphere and celebrate nearly half a century of Greek culture, community and togetherness.
Whether attending for the food, the music or the cultural experience, organisers say the 45th anniversary Semaphore Greek Festival promises a nostalgic yet vibrant celebration not to be missed.
Full Event Program
SATURDAY 17TH JAN 2026
11.00am – DJ Apostal
12.30 pm – Who Loves Pita Competition
1.00pm – DJ Apostal
1.30 pm – “Honey, I Ate The Loukoumades Competition”
2.00pm – DJ Apostal
2.30 pm – Half-time with Port Adelaide AFL Players
3.00pm – Spasta! Plate Smashing Competition
3.15pm – DJ Apostal
4.15pm – Messinian Dance School of SA
4.30pm – Port Adelaide Greek School Dance Groups
5.00pm – Official Opening Ceremony
5.30pm – Bill Moutzouris Bouzouki School of Music
6.00pm – Enosis Band featuring Paras Siasios
7.15 pm – Pontian Brotherhood of SA Dance Group
7.30 pm – Enosis Band featuring Paras Siasios
8.30 pm – Port Adelaide Greek Dance Academy
8.45 pm – Enosis Band featuring Paras Siasios
11pm – See You Tomorrow!
SUNDAY 18TH JAN 2026
11.00am – DJ Apostal
12.00pm – Yiros Yiros Oli Competition
12.30 pm – DJ Apostal
1.00pm – “Honey, I Ate The Loukoumades Competition”
1.30 pm – DJ Apostal
2.00pm – Half-time with Port Adelaide AFLW Players
2.30 pm – What-A-Melon Eating Competition
2.45pm – DJ Apostal
3.30pm – Messinian Dance School of SA
3.45pm – Port Adelaide Greek School Dance Groups
4.15pm – Bill Moutzouris Bouzouki School of Music
5.00pm – Cretan Association of SA Dance Group
5.15pm – Messinian Dance School of SA
5.30pm – Greek Lyceum of SA School of Greek Dance and Culture
The United Cup today announces the second round of recipients for its inaugural Community Champions Program, further spotlighting local businesses that embody community spirit, multicultural pride, and a passion for sport.
This new pool of six honourees builds on the strong momentum of the first cohort, which showcased the rich cultural fabric and leadership that define Sydney and Perth.
The United Cup Community Champions Program recognises businesses that strengthen local identity, foster a sense of belonging, and make meaningful contributions to the social and cultural life of their communities.
Each selected organisation will receive a United Cup Community Champion accolade, acknowledging their role as local pillars in their community.
United Cup Tournament Director Stephen Farrow said: “The response to the United Cup Community Champions Program has been truly remarkable. Each of our honourees captures the energy and generosity of the communities that make Sydney and Perth so special; the same spirit that fuels our tennis fans and brings people together across cultures.”
“These businesses not only celebrate local identity but also inspire connection, belonging, and pride, both within their neighbourhoods and throughout the United Cup. Their passion reflects the heartbeat of the tournament — a shared love of sport, community, and togetherness — and we’re proud to shine a light on their extraordinary contributions,” Mr Farrow added.
Second round recipients
Attika Hotel, trusted hospitality landmark in Perth, recognised for its commitment to cultural inclusivity, warm community engagement, and its ongoing support of local organisations and events.
Floreat Athena Football Club is a proud, community‑driven institution with deep migrant roots, celebrated for its rich history and strong cultural identity.
The Hellenic Community of WA unites and supports Western Australia’s Greek community, having been a cornerstone of faith, culture, and heritage for generations.
Swiss Club NSW fosters connection, cultural pride, and community spirit among Swiss Australians, promoting social activities, preserving Swiss traditions, and supporting a vibrant network of Swiss organisations and affiliates across New South Wales.
Syrenka – Sydney is a Polish dance ensemble based in Sydney, Australia, dedicated to promoting Polish culture within both the Australian and Polish communities
Yefsi at Attika brings an authentic Greek dining experience to Perth, crafting traditional yet modern, flavour‑rich dishes made with fresh local ingredients and serving as a pillar of the Perth community.
The second‑round honourees, drawn from across both host cities, reflect a broad spectrum of community impact, from cultural education and grassroots engagement to hospitality, arts, and social connection.
Their selection underscores the program’s core criteria: philanthropic contribution, community leadership, multicultural engagement, and alignment with United Cup values such as inclusivity, teamwork, and positivity.
A Melbourne nightclub has accused council workers of improperly removing refundable bottles and cans from its commercial bins, after CCTV footage showed workers placing containers into a council truck.
The incident occurred behind King Street nightclub Inflation, where owner Martha Tsamis said the venue separates containers to claim refunds under Victoria’s container deposit scheme.
“We take time with staff to separate the bottles from rubbish, only to find that council workers are stealing from us,” she told The Sydney Morning Herald.
The City of Melbourne confirmed the workers were only authorised to remove illegally dumped waste and said the matter would be investigated.
“Any allegation of misconduct by staff or contractors is taken seriously – and will be investigated,” a council spokesperson said.
Authorities overseeing the container deposit scheme said bin fossicking without permission is not encouraged and warned rules vary between councils.
Gym entrepreneur Nikolaos Solomos is set to exit the business he founded after creditors overwhelmingly backed a rescue deal for the struggling Derrimut 24:7, effectively ending his involvement with the popular gym chain.
According to The Advertiser, the $34 million proposal, backed by more than 300 creditors, will see employees and secured creditors paid in full, with unsecured creditors receiving up to 50 cents in the dollar.
While Derrimut 24:7 will continue operating, several Solomos-linked businesses, including Derrimut Nutrition and supplement brands Protein 247 and Ultimate Performance, have been placed into liquidation.
Administrators said the restructure would deliver a better outcome than liquidation and preserve most jobs, following months of financial distress linked to tax debts, aggressive expansion and rising interest rates.
A mathematician with high-level security clearance has been granted bail after appearing in Brisbane Magistrates Court on multiple sexual offence charges.
Athanasios Johannes Evangelou-Oost, 39, is accused of rape, sexual assault, supplying a drug and common assault.
According to the Courier Mail, he has no prior criminal history and works as a senior mathematician at a defence-linked firm. His lawyer told the court he holds a high-level defence clearance.
“He has an NV1 security level clearance with the Australian Defence Force,” solicitor Mark Stone said.
Police opposed bail, arguing the dual Greek and Australian citizen posed a flight risk.
“These are serious allegations and the defendant’s flight risk is the live issue here,” prosecutor Harry Coburn said.
Magistrate Sheryl Cornack granted bail under strict conditions, including surrendering his passport and staying away from international departure points. The case returns to court on February 20.
Former Greek finance minister and author Yanis Varoufakis has defended his withdrawal from Adelaide Writers’ Week as a necessary stand against censorship, as the controversy deepens with the resignation of the festival’s director and a mass boycott by writers.
Varoufakis pulled out of the festival in protest over the removal of Palestinian-Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah, a decision he said reflected political intimidation rather than genuine concern for community cohesion.
Responding to criticism from a Greek Australian reader who described his decision as “appalling,” Varoufakis rejected claims that Abdel-Fattah had promoted violence or hatred.
“…Randa Abdel-Fattah never called for the elimination of a people,” he wrote. “Had she done so, I too would have refused to share a platform with her at the Adelaide Writers Week or anywhere else for that matter.”
Varoufakis argued that Abdel-Fattah’s remarks had been mischaracterised, likening her critique of Zionism to historical opposition to apartheid.
“Like successive Australian governments were calling for years for the elimination of the South African Apartheid state, Randa wished for an end of the ‘Zionist colony’ in Palestine,” he said, adding that her call was for “equality before the law independently of one’s religion, ethnicity or creed.”
The fallout has intensified today when Louise Adler, director of Adelaide Writers’ Week, resigned in protest. In an open letter published in The Guardian, Adler said the decision to cancel Abdel-Fattah’s appearance was made by the Adelaide Festival Board despite her “strongest opposition.”
More than 180 invited participants have now withdrawn from Writers’ Week, including former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern, along with prominent writers and journalists such as Trent Dalton, Peter Greste, Hannah Kent and Evelyn Araluen.
Abdel-Fattah had been scheduled to discuss her novel Discipline, set during Ramadan. The festival board said it was “not culturally sensitive” to proceed with her appearance so soon after the Bondi Beach terror attack in December, while stressing it was not suggesting any connection between her work and the incident.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has backed the board’s decision, citing Abdel-Fattah’s history of anti-Israel and anti-Zionist social media posts.
Varoufakis, however, said the broader implications for free expression were impossible to ignore.
“If you do care about Australian values and institutions, you should be appalled,” he wrote in response to the reader’s letter. “I am glad to have withdrawn from this year’s AWW in a bid to help save it.”
The controversy has reignited debate about artistic freedom, censorship and the growing influence of risk management and commercial considerations on arts programming, as Adelaide Writers’ Week prepares to begin on February 27.
Australia’s Ambassador to the United States, Kevin Rudd, will resign from his post on March 31, stepping down a year earlier than expected, a move that has been commented on by former ambassador Arthur Sinodinos.
Mr Sinodinos told ABC News he was surprised by the timing of Rudd’s resignation, but described his tenure as highly effective.
“He’s been hard working, and so we should congratulate him for his term there and wish him the best,” Mr Sinodinos said.
“It would be great to hear from Kevin about what prompted him to decide to go at this time, a year early.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the decision to step down was Rudd’s own and paid tribute to his role in strengthening Australia–US relations, advancing the AUKUS pact and helping secure the release of Julian Assange in 2024.
“On behalf of our nation, we thank Kevin for his service to Australia and for taking forward Australia’s interest with our closest security ally,” Albanese said.
Rudd’s tenure also spanned a change of US administration following the re-election of Donald Trump in 2024, a period that at times placed strain on the relationship due to Rudd’s past criticisms of Trump.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong described Rudd as an “excellent ambassador,” thanking him for his “tireless contribution” to Australia’s national interests.
Rudd will take up a new role as global president of the Asia Society, also leading its Centre for China Analysis. The government said an announcement on his successor would be made in due course.
