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Everything you need to know about Psihosavato (Saturday of Souls)

The Greek Herald
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Everything you need to know about Psihosavato (Saturday of Souls)

Psihosavato, also known as the Saturday of Souls, is a day that members of the Greek Orthodox community gather to pray for the dead, remembering that it was on the Great and Holy Saturday when Christ lay dead in his Tomb.

As Greeks come together and pray, they also celebrate the day with traditions that have been passed down through centuries.

One of the most popular traditions is that of eating koliva. This is a delicious dessert that consists of wheat, raisins, cinnamon, nuts, pomegranate, and powdered sugar. This dish is handed out after a memorial service, and if there are any leftovers, they’re given to friends and family. This custom is thought to have originated in Ancient Greece, because the Ancient Greeks used to offer the dead a similar dish of wheat and nuts.

Another popular element of Psihosavato is the memorial service, in which a special memorial prayer is made to pray for the deceased’s forgiveness. This is also a time where many family members attend the tomb or burial site of a loved one, commemorating their death.

Psihosavato traditions can sometimes differ between different regions of Greece. In Crete, Soul Saturday is a day when people don’t cut down trees. This is because they believe there are souls sitting on the branches, and cutting the trees down would disturb them.

To help celebrate Psihosavato, here is a koliva recipe you can make at home!

Ingredients

  • 500 g Olympian Hard Wheat
  • 200 g Walnuts
  • 200 g Grated Walnuts
  • 200 g Almonds, blanched
  • 1 Pomegranate (optional)
  • 250 g Sultanas
  • 2 tbsp Ground Cinnamon

Instructions

  • In a bowl, add the hard wheat, cover with cold water and soak overnight.
  • The following day, drain, transfer to a pot and cover with cold water.
  • Boil over medium heat for about 60 minutes, until the wheat softens.
  • When ready, drain.
  • Spread a large, clean towel on a working surface and spread the wheat over it. Cover with another towel and let it dry overnight.  It should have no moisture at all. 
  • Coarsely chop the walnuts.  
  • Coarsely chop the almonds.
  • Finely grind the other walnuts in a blender.
  • If you’re using pomegranate, cut in half, remove the white membrane and remove the seeds.
  • In a large bowl, add all of the toasted ingredients, the pomegranate seeds and the remaining ingredients.
  • Mix well with a wooden spoon and serve.

Recipe by: Olympian Foods

Tsitsipas to clash with Rublev for Rotterdam final spot

The Greek Herald
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Tsitsipas to clash with Rublev for Rotterdam final spot

Stefanos Tsitsipas, a semi-finalist at last month’s Australian Open, reached the final four of the ATP Rotterdam tournament on Friday with a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory over Karen Khachanov.

World number six Tsitsipas fought back from 3-1 down in the final set and broke his Russian opponent at five games each before sealing a place in the semi-finals.

“He was playing great tennis and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to compete,” said Tsitsipas who fired 46 winners past his Russian opponent.

“We had great rallies and the quality of tennis was excellent.”

Slice job: Stefanos Tsitsipas returns the ball to Karen Khachanov. Photo: Yahoo News

“You need to stay as calm as possible in three-setters. I have won a lot in the past and with experience, it gives me an idea of how to play in these tight moments.”

Tsitsipas beat Rafael Nadal en route to the Australian Open semi-finals before losing to Daniil Medvedev, who crashed out in the opening round in Rotterdam as top seed.

The second-seeded Greek will next play another Russian in fourth seed Andrey Rublev who battled past French qualifier Jeremy Chardy 7-6 (7/2), 6-7 (2/7), 6-4.

“It was a really tough match against Jeremy,” Rublev said in an on-court interview after having had two match points in the second set.

“I will try to do as much as I can to be ready for tomorrow. Stefanos also had two tough matches this week.”

Sourced By: AFP

Miltos Tentoglou jumps for gold at 2021 European Athletics Championship

The Greek Herald
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Miltos Tentoglou jumps for gold at 2021 European Athletics Championship

Greek long jump athlete Miltos Tentoglou has placed first in long jump at the 2021 European Athletics Championship, making him a back to back European Champion.

The Greek champion measured 8.35 meters from his first jump in the final at Torun to win the gold medal as he edged out Sweden’s Thobias Montler by four centimetres. Finland’s Kristian Pulli was third with 8.24 meters.

Tentoglou skipped his second, third and sixth attempt, while his fourth and fifth were invalid.

The Greek athlete is only 22 years old and already has multiple gold medals to his name. He is looking to add to this collection at the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo.

He initially started as a freerunner and parkourer until a coach saw him in action at the age of 15, urging him to try athletics. Since then, he’s been dominating youth and professional competitions.

Speaking before the final, he said he felt great and he believed he could come close to his personal best, which is 8.38 meters.

“The competition is being held under difficult circumstances but even without any spectators it is still a European Championship and I want to give all my best,” he added.

Indigo Cafe owner Anthony Moustacas lists $8 million Bronte home for sale

The Greek Herald
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Indigo Cafe owner Anthony Moustacas lists $8 million Bronte home for sale

The owner of Double Bay’s famous Indigo Cafe, Anthony Moustacas, has listed his incredible Bronte home worth an estimated $7.5m-$8m.

The Figtree house is a beautifully revived five-bedroom Victorian manor home on a 670 sqm block at 27 Chesterfield Parade — one of Bronte’s most coveted streets.

According to realestate.com.au, the home last traded for $4.7m in 2013 and has Arent & Pyke interiors, views to the ocean, a sunny Peter Fudge designed garden with a huge lawn and a heated mosaic-tiled pool. The house will go up for auction on March 27.

  • 27 Chesterfield Parade, Bronte, has beautiful interiors. Photo: realestate.com.au
  • It’s on a 670 sqm block. Photo: realestate.com.au

The house is part of Phillips and Tyrrell’s $20m sales spree, previously selling a five bedder with ocean views at 34 Pacific Street for $10 million.

The listing hit realestate.com.au today as Phillips and Tyrrell were in the midst of a $20m sales spree.

“She wasn’t really looking to sell it, but we showed through buyers and she got a really strong offer,” says Tyrrell. “The market’s just so hot.”

Harry Maguire’s hearing in Greece delayed due to ‘backlog’ of cases

The Greek Herald
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Harry Maguire’s hearing in Greece delayed due to ‘backlog’ of cases

Harry Maguire was found guilty of aggravated assault, resisting arrest and repeated attempts of bribery in August last year following a brawl with police in Mykonos. While it was believed he would be called before the summer for an appeals court hearing on Syros, this is no longer the case.

A judicial official told the Guardian on Friday that it is unlikely Maguire will have a hearing this year due to the tribunal’s case load having piled up because of the pandemic.

READ MORE: Manchester United captain faces trial for bribe and assault charges in Mykonos

“Only emergency cases are being held,” the official said. “We have a backlog dating back several years and every week there are adjournments. Very probably this case will not be heard for all of 2021.” United did not want to comment on the latest developments on Friday.

The Manchester United captain was arrested along with his brother Joe and pal Chris Sharman after a fight erupted in the street.

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire allegedly attempted to bribe Greek police after his arrest. (Photo by EUROKINISSI / AFP)

Maguire’s top human rights lawyer Alexis Anagnostakis told the trial in Syros that the fight was allegedly started after an “Albanian group” attacked Maguire’s younger sister, Daisy. Daisy was stabbed in the arm, causing her to pass out.

Maguire and his group asked to be taken to hospital after the incident, but were driven to a police station instead, where officers allegedly kicked Maguire on the leg and told him: “Your career is over”.

The court heard how once at the police station, Maguire said: “Do you know who I am? I am the captain of Manchester United, I am very rich, I can give you money, I can pay you, please let us go.”

After being handed a 21-month prison sentence, suspended for three years, the defender immediately appealed against the verdict. His two co-defendants, who were given 13-month suspended sentences, also appealed. All three were allowed to walk free after the court acknowledged their clear criminal records.

Under Greek law an appeal amounts to a retrial with the higher tribunal having up to eight years to hear the case. When it does take place Maguire will face a three-member panel of appeals court judges, also on Syros.

Greece to increase army service amid tension with Turkey

The Greek Herald
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Greece to increase army service amid tension with Turkey

Greece will introduce an increase in military service for conscripts serving in the army from nine to 12 months, starting in May, as part of a program to boost the armed forces amid tension with regional rival Turkey.

The decision made public Friday will bring army service in line with the length of conscription to the navy and air force.

READ MORE: Greek students outraged as mandatory military service looks to be extended

The nine-month term will only remain for army conscripts who volunteer to join special forces services or serve in border areas for their entire term in uniform.

In Greece, the unemployment rate of young people up to 24 years old jumped to an alarming 33% last September, according to Greek statistics office data. Military service in Greece is mandatory for men from the age of 19.

Greece last year began a major military modernization program that will include the upgrade of its aging F-16 fighter jet fleet as well as the purchase of new-generation, French-built Rafale jets and a planned frigate order that has drawn keen interest from competing U.S. and European arms makers.

Greece and neighboring Turkey are at odds over sea boundaries and mineral rights in the Aegean Sea and eastern Mediterranean, causing a tense naval buildup in the region last year.

Sourced By: AP News

‘Proud moment’ for Stuart McLennan after Greek women’s rugby league team made finals in Sydney International 9s

The Greek Herald
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‘Proud moment’ for Stuart McLennan after Greek women’s rugby league team made finals in Sydney International 9s

It was a proud moment for Greek Rugby League Women’s coach Stuart McLennan as he watched his team defeat some of the world’s best women’s sides, making it through to the grand final of the Sydney International 9s tournament on February 20 at Cabramatta.

The women’s team got together three weeks prior to the tournament, holding only two training sessions. Unsure how they’d fair, McLennan said he was “extremely proud of their efforts” on the day.

“I couldn’t have asked for more from the girls,” McLennan said to The Greek Herald.  

“They were just fantastic. They showed a lot of talent, but also they bonded well as a team with spirit and a lot of resilience as well. So I was very impressed.”

Greek Rugby League Women’s team with coach Stuart McLennan. Photo: Twitter

Despite forecasted rain, the day turned out perfect for the women to enjoy a full tournament without disruption. Prior to its commencement, the team was presented with jersey’s by Cronulla Sharks and Greek national side representative Billy Magoulias.

“That was amazing and just shows how solid the Greek Rugby League family is. The fact that Billy took the time out to come and have a chat to the girls and hand out the jerseys.”

Captain Samantha Economos was prepared to lead the women in their matches on Saturday, yet unfortunately suffered an ankle injury in a trial that same morning.

International representative Alexis Mavrantonis was fortunately able to step up to the plate and help the squad bond together, McLennan said.

The team was presented with jersey’s by Cronulla Sharks and Greek national side representative Billy Magoulias. Photo: Ladies Who League / Mary Konstantopoulos

“She took over as captain and not only was fantastic on the field, she was a great leader off the field as well. Was an inspirational display.”

The teams were divided into four brackets of three teams, with the Greek side going up against Malta and Cabramatta in the first round. The first match against Malta ended 12-12, with the girls then needing a win against Cabramatta to advance to the semi-finals.

Despite being name the ‘Powerhouse Club’ of the tournament, the Greeks managed to defeat Cabramatta 6-0 and advance to the semi-finals to face Cook Islands.

“We played our semi-final against Cook Islands and we won that game 8-4, which was probably our best effort in the tournament to be honest,” McLennan said about the semi-final match.

“The girls played really well in that game as Cook Islands were a strong team.”

Greek Rugby League Women’s team in action. Photo: Ladies Who League / Mary Konstantopoulos

Up against Lebanon in the final, the Greek girls managed to get ahead 4-0 at half time. Lebanon proved to come back strong as they drew the match 4-4, putting intense pressure in the final moments of the match.

In what McLennan described as a “miracle” for Lebanon, the Greeks’ opposition managed to score a try in the last play of match, with the final siren having already gone off. Lebanon converted the try and beat the Greeks 10-4.

“As far as we’re concerned, it’s a starting point for the squad. And it was always going to be a starting point… the number one reason to get them together, but also to have a point where we could move onwards.”  

“So we’ll be looking at holding regular training sessions and social events.”

McLennan concluded that Greece is currently in negotiations to play a women’s international match in Vanuatu at the end of the year.

A memorable event: Kostas Mountakis Tribute Concert in Sydney hailed a success

The Greek Herald
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A memorable event: Kostas Mountakis Tribute Concert in Sydney hailed a success

The Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW, together with the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand, hosted a tribute concert for Cretan icon Kostas Mountakis, honouring his timeless music and longstanding impact on the Greek community.

The musical tribute, held on Thursday night at the Marana Auditorium in Hurstville, marked the 50th anniversary of the arrival of Kostas Mountakis in Australia in 1971, as the first Cretan artist to come to Australia, as well as the 30th anniversary of his death.

Photo: Vasilis Vasilas

In presence at the event were Mr Konstantinos Giannakodimos, Communication Advisor at the Office of Public Diplomacy of the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney who represented the Consul General of Greece in Sydney Mr Christos Karras, and President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand, Tony Tsourdalakis, as well as representatives of Greek community organisations.

“Mountakis was the first Greek artist who arrived to Australia to entertain the Cretans who had migrated to the country some years earlier… Today we are celebrating the memory of an artist who has left a legacy to the overall musical tradition,” said Mr Tsourdalakis.

The audience were treated to a performance by iconic Greek lyra performers and vocalists Sifis Tsourdalakis, Giannis Pollakis, Antonis Petrantonakis and Michalis Platyrrachos. These performers were accompanied by Angelos Goutzios (Lute), Manolis Karageorgiou (Lute), George Ganakis (Bass Guitar), Themis Ioakimidis and Fotis Lampis (Percussion).

  • Photo: Vasilis Vasilas
  • Photo: Vasilis Vasilas

“Kostas Mountakis not only wrote dozens of lyra songs… If anyone hears the words, ‘Kostas Mountakis’, they mainly think of the lyra and the type of music. He popularised Greek folk music and his legacy continues today,” Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW President Terry Saviolakis said.

The full concert can be watched on the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW’s Facebook page.

  • Photo: Vasilis Vasilas
  • Photo: Vasilis Vasilas

Businessman George Boulos sentenced to five years jail for trading cocaine for ‘sexual favours’

The Greek Herald
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Businessman George Boulos sentenced to five years jail for trading cocaine for ‘sexual favours’

Gold Coast businessman George Boulos has been handed down a five year prison sentence after being found guilty of selling cocaine to women and prostitutes in exchange for sexual favours, a court has been told.

Initially reported by The Australian, mortgage broker George Boulos was unaware police had bugged his Southport office with cameras and microphones to reveal the lucrative trade he shared with associates over six months in 2016.

Boulos pleaded guilty to eight drug-related charges, including supplying, producing, trafficking and possessing dangerous drugs. He also pleaded guilty to possessing a weapon.

Brisbane Supreme Court was told on Wednesday how the broker’s “stupidity” caused him severe reputational and financial damage.

Mortgage broker George Boulos. Photo: News Corp

His Southport office was used as a “distribution point” to supply drugs to his clients, many of them friends or associates, and he was supplying drugs up to six times a week.

Acting Justice Anthony Rafter said he supplied the drugs 160 times to about 15 customers.

“On some occasions you sold drugs to female customers in exchange for sexual favours,” Jstice Rafter said.

“You also supplied prostitutes with cocaine in exchange for sexual favours.”

Justice Rafter sentenced Boulos to five years’ jail but ordered the term be suspended after serving 14 months behind bars.

“You had the financial means to satisfy your own cocaine addiction without resorting to selling cocaine,” he said.

“You did not need to resort to selling cocaine in order to satisfy your own habit.”

Sourced By: The Australian

Maria Sakkari crashes out of Qatar Total Open in quarter finals

The Greek Herald
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Maria Sakkari crashes out of Qatar Total Open in quarter finals

Maria Sakkari was defeated by Spanish-Venezuelan tennis player Garbiñe Muguruza 6-3 6-1, signalling the end of her Qatar Total Open campaign.

The Greek tennis player quickly ousted Madison Keys 6-2 6-2 only one day prior. Tipped to advance to the Open finals, her upset today came as a shock to Greek tennis fans.

In the beginning of the first set, it looked like it could be stretched to a three set game. Both players played fiercely with the Greek even showing hopes for a break point. It was sadly Sakkari, however, who gave away the first break point and was unable to recover.

Muguruza was on fire this morning, boasting a first serve percentage of 77. Sakkari was unable to disrupt the rhythm of her Spanish opponent, who left no opening for the Greek.

Muguruza will face eighth-seeded Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in the semi-final.

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