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Fronditha Care staff member tests positive to COVID-19

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On Friday, 10 July 2020, a staff member of Fronditha Care’s St Albans residential aged care team tested positive for coronavirus.

The staff member did not work while infectious and was tested positive eight days after their last shift.

They have been in quarantine and will remain so until the necessary protocols are followed. They are not a member of the direct care services team.

Fronditha Care’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Malakonas, said the organisation has notified public health officials and will be continuing to follow infection control procedures.

“The Public Health Unit informed Fronditha Care that we don’t need to do any contact tracing, resident testing, resident quarantining nor staff testing, as the staff member who tested positive has been away from work well past the incubation timeframe,” Mr Malakonas said.

“We want to make residents, their families, our dedicated staff and our community aware of this situation and reassure everyone we are working tirelessly to protect our residents and staff.”

Mr Malakonas said the organisation is providing “every support to the affected staff member” and is working with all residents and their families to explain the situation.

“We are also reminding all staff to remain vigilant with internal infection control protocols and community safety,” he said.

Fronditha Care has been, and continues to be, on maximum alert levels.

“Our priority was to firstly inform the residents, families or representatives and staff at the home first, before making a public statement,” Mr Malakonas said.

“We are committed to providing the latest information to staff, residents and families and are working with authorities to ensure we have adequate supplies of infection control equipment.

“We wish to thank our much-loved residents, their families and friends for their understanding during this challenging period. In particular, we want to acknowledge our amazing staff for their approach and professionalism throughout this difficult time.

“Keeping our residents and the staff who care for them as safe as possible is a shared responsibility between Fronditha Care and our entire community, and we ask everyone to join in this commitment.”

Kerry Kourpanidis charged with murder of man at Canberra pub

35-year-old Kerry Kourpanidis has been charged with murder, following the death of another man at a pub in Canberra last weekend.

Warren Hordpenko, 44, died on Sunday night after a fight at the Kingston Hotel.

Police believe Mr Hordpenko, who was from Dalmeny on the NSW South Coast but worked in the ACT, did not know Mr Kourpanidis.

“There is no previous relationship that we’re aware of between the two men,” Detective Inspector Matt Reynolds said on Friday morning.

But he said Mr Hordpenko and Mr Kourpanidis had seen each other earlier on Sunday evening at the Kingston Hotel.

Kerry Kourpanidis, then a Sapper in the Australian Army, is pictured on a training exercise outside Townsville. Picture: ADF

“As a result of that incident, the 35-year-old male later returned to the Kingston Hotel where the incident took place,” Detective Reynolds said.

Documents tendered to the ACT Magistrates Court revealed Mr Kourpanidis left the pub after a meal with his partner, six-year-old daughter and another person. But it is alleged he returned some time later, going straight into the pool room, where he accused Mr Hordpenko of an offence against his child.

“You f***ed with my daughter, c***,” Mr Kourpanidis is alleged to have told Mr Hordpenko.

The documents alleged Mr Kourpanidis then tackled Mr Hordpenko off a stool and to the ground, punching him several times in the head.

Police said two other men in the bar left, fearing they would be attacked.

Mr Hordpenko was found unconscious on the floor a short time later.

Police officers were called to the hotel on Sunday about 9:15pm after reports of a disturbance. Once there, they found ACT Ambulance Service paramedics already treating Mr Hordpenko. He died at the scene a short time later.

Detective Reynolds said police had already taken statements from many patrons who were in the pub at the time, as well as hotel staff. He also thanked the public for their help, after ACT Policing released a CCTV image of Mr Hordpenko on Thursday.

“The incident occurred in the pool room [of the Kingston Hotel]. There is no coverage of CCTV in that particular place, however the hotel has numerous other CCTV cameras,” he said.

“Police went through all of the CCTV of the Kingston Hotel and identified the offender… We are very appreciative of the public’s help in this matter.”

Mr Kourpanidis was arrested on Thursday and charged with murder.

During a brief appearance in the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday afternoon, his lawyer argued the events did not justify the charge and he should be allowed bail.

But Magistrate Lorraine Walker refused Mr Kourpanidis bail and he was remanded in custody until later this month.

Last chance to provide feedback for new Greek precinct in Marrickville and Dulwich Hill

Greeks across NSW have until tomorrow to provide their feedback towards the new precinct in Marrickville and Dulwich Hill, which is to be renamed to commemorate the contribution of Greek migrants.

The name change of the precinct, which the Mayor of Inner West Council, Darcy Byrne, referenced as a ‘Little Athens’, is done to honour the incredible contribution of Greek Australians to the Inner West.

“This is a gesture of respect to all the Greek migrants who helped establish the Inner West as the birthplace of Australia multiculturalism,” the Mayor says.

“In the ’60s Greek was commonly spoken on the streets and there was high demand for authentic Greek products and experiences – delis, restaurants, cake shops, clothing stores, to name a few.”

People have the chance to provide their thoughts on where they think the “heart” of the new Greek precinct should be placed.

READ MORE: Marrickville and Dulwich Hill precinct to be officially renamed to honour Greek migrants

“The Council intends to honour and celebrate the long-standing relationship between the Inner West community and the people of Greece by naming a Greek precinct in Marrickville and-or Dulwich Hill,” the Inner West Council media team told The Greek Herald upon its announcement.

The renaming of the precinct will completed after a period of consultation with local Marrickville and Dulwich Hill Greek residents, organisations, wider community and businesses – as well as the Greek Consulate General.

People can provide their feedback here: https://yoursay.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/greek-precinct

Arthur Evans: The British archaeologist who discovered the Palace of Knossos

One of the greatest discoveries made in the modern world was pioneered by none other than British archaeologist, Arthur Evans, who paved the way for the analysis of ancient Minoan culture.

The eminent British archaeologist was one of the pioneers in the study of the Aegean civilisations of the Bronze Age, with his major work being the discovery of the Palace of Knossos in Crete.

Arthur Evans at the Palace of Knossos. Photo: British Archaeology at the Ashmolean Museum.

Born on July 8, 1851 in Nas Mills, East England, Arthur was the son of the archaeologist John Evans (1823-1908). He studied archaeology at Oxford and soon turned to monetary archaeology.

His interest in coins and seals led him to Crete for the first time in 1894. He later returned and from 1899 to 1934, starting with his own money, he brought to light the ruins of Knossos, which covered an area of ​​17 square meters. 

Arthur helped make the world aware of the Cretan culture of the Bronze Age, which he named Minoan, correlating the complex plan of the Palace of Knossos with the labyrinth.

The Palace of Knossos today. Photo: viator.com.

After researching layers under the palace and carefully comparing its findings with Egyptian excavations, Arthur created a chronological system that formed the first systematic basis for dating prehistoric times in Europe.

His interpretations, as is natural in the work of pioneers, contained many weaknesses and exaggerations but in general, his work sealed the development of knowledge of prehistoric civilisations in Greece. 

From 1909, he was an Associate Professor of Prehistoric Archaeology at the University of Oxford. In 1911, for his services to archaeology, he was knighted by King George and was awarded the title of “Sir.”

Arthur died on July 11, 1941, in Oxford, at the age of 90.

Source: San Simera.

Mitsotakis denounces Turkey’s decision to turn Hagia Sophia into mosque

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Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Friday night denounced Turkey’s decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia into a mosque.

The Greek PM said it was an affront to the monument’s global significance and that the move would not only adversely impact Turkey’s relations with Greece but also with the EU, UNESCO and the global community. 

READ MORE: Iconic Hagia Sophia to be turned back into a mosque

“Greece categorically condemns Turkey’s decision to convert Hagia Sophia to a mosque,” Mitsotakis said, noting that the move, which comes 85 years after its transformation into a museum, “is an affront to its ecumenical character.” 

The decision, Mitsotakis said, will not only influence Turkey’s relations with Greece but also with the EU, UNESCO and the world community. 

It is “regretful,” he added that Turkey’s leadership, which worked for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in 2005, “is now choosing to move in the opposite direction.”

READ MORE: Turkish administrative court repeals 1934 decree that turned Hagia Sophia into museum

Mitsotakis’ full statement in English: 

Greece categorically condemns Turkey’s decision to convert Hagia Sophia to a mosque. This decision, taken 85 years after Hagia Sophia was declared a museum, is an affront to its ecumenical character. Furthermore, it is a decision that offends all those who recognize Hagia Sophia as an indispensable part of world cultural heritage. This decision clearly affects not only Turkey’s relations with Greece but also its relations with the European Union, UNESCO, and the world community as a whole. It is a truly regretful development that the Turkish leadership, after working for the Alliance of Civilizations in 2005, has now taken the decision to reverse course.

CAS overturns PAOK’s seven-point deduction

Greek side PAOK were handed a lifeline in their pursuit of Champions League qualification when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned a seven-point deduction on Friday.

PAOK were adjudged to have broken the Greek football federation (EPO)’s ownership rules by having a stake in league rivals Xanthi FC.

The court upheld PAOK’s appeal and referred the case back to the EPO, who must deliver a fresh verdict.

The temporary decision restores PAOK to second place in the Greek top division behind newly-crowned champions Olympiakos, with three rounds to play.

Olympiakos are guaranteed a spot in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, while the runners-up enter the second qualifying round of the Europe’s elite competition.

“The CAS panel found that, notwithstanding its power to decide the case itself, it was not appropriate to render a final and binding decision in such circumstances, with major consequences for Greek football,” the court said.

Olympiakos had also lodged a complaint against the EPO’s decision, asking for harsher sanctions to be imposed on PAOK and Xanthi.

The court also confirmed Xanthi’s seven-point deduction remains in place as they did not appeal against it.

Sourced By: Reuters

Seven Greek islands voted among ‘Best in Europe’ by travel magazine

The “76-square-mile haven” of Paros in the Aegean Sea has been voted the best island in Europe by the readers of the influential magazine Travel + Leisure, who participated in the voting for the World’s Best Awards 2020.

The beautiful Greek island of Paros was selected for its combination of beautiful beaches, traditional architecture, picturesque villages, archaeological sites and bustling nightlife.

Paros replaced Milos at the top of this year’s Best European Island list, bumping it to second place, yet still ahead of Italy’s Sicily, the Azores in Portugal, the Dalmatian Islands of Croatia and another busy Greek destination, Crete.

Marcello Beach. Source: PitK / shutterstock

Rhodes and the Dodecanese came in 10th place, just above Santorini, while Corfu and the Ionian Islands ranked 18th, also above the other wildly popular Greek island, Mykonos, which came in last in 20th place.

Every year for the “World’s Best Awards” survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.

READ MORE: Milos, voted ‘Best Island of Europe’ for 2019 & Crete, Paros & Santorini in overall top 5

Writing about the winning island of Paros, T+L says that “this 76-square-mile haven has some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, stretches of white sand embraced by craggy cliffs on one side and turquoise waters on the other.

“Inland, it charms visitors with its traditional Cycladic architecture, small villages, and ancient monuments. Those looking for nightlife will be pleased with the island’s many clubs.”

Iconic Hagia Sophia to be turned back into a mosque

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ordered the conversion of one of the world’s most treasured cultural sites into a Muslim house of worship, potentially sharpening the rift between the Ankara government and Europe.

Mr Erdogan signed a decree transferring the 6th-century Hagia Sophia, which had bean a museum for nearly 90 years, to the Diyanet, the country’s highest religious authority. 

The decree came shortly after Turkey’s highest administrative court, annulled a 1934 decision to turning the iconic building into an interfaith museum.

Greek Prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis strongly condemned the decision to turn the site into a mosque.

“Greece strongly condemns Turkey’s decision to turn Hagia Sophia into a mosque. This decision affects not only Turkey’s relations with Greece. But also its relations with the European Union, Unesco and the global community as a whole,” Mitsotakis says in a tweet.

Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Turkey’s most visited monuments. Finished in the year 537 with futuristic building techniques in what was then Constantinople, it was the main cathedral in Christendom for 900 years before becoming an Ottoman mosque in 1453.

It was converted into a museum in 1934 under the secular founder of the modern Turkish republic, Kemal Ataturk, but the July 2 case before the court challenges the legality of this step.

Since last year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has backed the idea of returning the building’s mosque status in several speeches, in an attempt to satisfy his conservative Muslim base, which has always seen Ataturk’s decision as catastrophic.

UNESCO additionally came out to express their regrets over the Turkish government’s decision to change the status of Hagia Sophia without prior discussions.

“The Director-General of UNESCO deeply regrets the decision of the Turkish authorities, made without prior discussion, to change the status of Hagia Sophia,” the organization said. “This evening, she shared her serious concerns with the Ambassador of Turkey to UNESCO.”

According to UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay, “Hagia Sophia is an architectural masterpiece and a unique testimony to interactions between Europe and Asia over the centuries.”

“Its status as a museum reflects the universal nature of its heritage, and makes it a powerful symbol for dialogue,” Azoulay said.

Turkish administrative court repeals 1934 decree that turned Hagia Sophia into museum

Turkey’s top administrative court on Friday annulled the 1934 government decree that turned Hagia Sophia into museum.

The Council of State, Turkey’s highest administrative court, received the case July 1 and was expected to make a ruling by July 16. On Friday afternoon, the court annulled the 1934 government decree, paving the way for Hagia Sophia to become a mosque.

Only one hour after the decree was signed, Erdogan ordered the conversion of one of the world’s most treasured cultural sites into a Muslim house of worship.

READ MORE: Iconic Hagia Sophia to be turned back into a mosque

Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Turkey’s most visited monuments. Finished in the year 537 with futuristic building techniques in what was then Constantinople, it was the main cathedral in Christendom for 900 years before becoming an Ottoman mosque in 1453.

It was converted into a museum in 1934 under the secular founder of the modern Turkish republic, Kemal Ataturk, but the July 2 case before the court challenges the legality of this step.

READ MORE: Greece has no rights on Hagia Sophia, says Turkish Foreign Minister.

Since last year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has backed the idea of returning the building’s mosque status in several speeches, in an attempt to satisfy his conservative Muslim base, which has always seen Ataturk’s decision as catastrophic.

Following the court’s ruling, Erdogan’s government still needs to take the actual steps to make the necessary changes in the building to open it for public prayers.

Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a Byzantine cathedral before being converted into a mosque and is now a museum in Turkey’s capital Istanbul.Murad Sezer / Reuters

UNESCO warned that it must be notified of any change in the status of Istanbul’s sixth-century museum and the changes may have to be reviewed by its World Heritage committee, the United Nation’s cultural body told Reuters late on Thursday.

UNESCO told Reuters that the Hagia Sophia was on its list of World Heritage Sites as a museum, and as such had certain commitments and legal obligations.

“Thus, a state must make sure that no modification undermines the outstanding universal value of a site listed on its territory,” UNESCO said.

“Any modification must be notified beforehand by the state to UNESCO and be reviewed if need be by the World Heritage Committee,” it added.

UNESCO said it had expressed its concerns to Turkish authorities in several letters and conveyed the message to Turkey’s ambassador to the institution on Thursday.

“We urge Turkish authorities to start a dialog before any decision is taken that could undermine the universal value of the site,” UNESCO said.

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomaios, the spiritual head of some 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide and based in Constantinople where the Orthodox church stands, said making it a mosque would disappoint Christians and “fracture” East and West, setting up a potential clash of religions.

“The potential conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque will turn millions of Christians around the world against Islam,” Vartholomaios warned prior to the court ruling.

More to come.

Walk Down Memory Lane: Sydney Greek Schools in the 1970s

Back in the 1970s, for many children of migrant parents, going to Greek school wasn’t an option. It was a way of life. It was a chance to learn the Greek language, history and culture of their parents and in turn, find a place of belonging where they could express their Hellenic identity proudly.

This expression of Greekness usually occurred three times a week at Greek schools across Sydney including Marrickville, Belmore, Dulwich Hill and Newtown. Most Greek children already spoke Greek at home and so although language and grammar lessons were taught at Greek school, there were also classes on religion, geography, ancient and even modern history. Something which Terri Elefteria Dakis, who provided one of the many photos in this article, says made her feel proud of her heritage.

“Greek School was the place where I was not called a “wog” and therefore, I felt more at ease with my Hellenic identity. It was at Greek school that I could mingle with children of the same cultural background and could freely speak to them in Greek,” Ms Dakis, who went to Greek school at St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Parish in Marrickville in the 1970s, tells The Greek Herald.

Christina Tsatsoulis, who is one of the students in the Dulwich Hill Greek school photo, agrees with Ms Dakis. She says that as a “studious child,” she loved her experience at Greek school because it gave her a “real flair for the Greek language.”

“Greek schools were a drag for many but if you had a good teacher it was so much fun,” Mrs Tsatsoulis says.

Greek School Teachers:

Teachers were the centre of every Greek school. They were the main source of discipline, education and in most cases, fun. They encouraged their students to perform Greek poems for OXI Day celebrations and some even taught Greek dancing.

I have many fond memories from that part of my life and lifelong friendships were formed. I was also very lucky to have had an extraordinary Greek school teacher by the name of Mrs Aliki Ellis… She taught us with great passion and was indeed a true inspiration to all of us,” Ms Dakis says.

In the interest of thorough research for this walk down memory lane, we tracked down Mrs Ellis and found out what she thought of her time as a teacher at the Greek school of St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Parish in Marrickville.

“My time teaching the beautiful Greek language and culture for many years at St Nicholas Greek Orthodox church school a few decades ago remains a highlight of my life. They were some of the best years I’ve ever had,” Mrs Ellis tells The Greek Herald.

“The students inspired me as I tried to instil in them a love of everything Greek. My reward was seeing young Greek-Australians tap into their Greek roots to keep our beautiful language and culture alive and to pass on to future generations.”

The same can be said for other teachers across Sydney as well, including Mrs Voula Xanthoudakis who taught at the Greek school of St Constantine and Helen in Newtown back in the 1970s.

“The little kids were beautiful. I loved teaching them. They would come after school and most were really tired, but they still wanted to learn. Those were the best years and I wish we could get them back,” Mrs Xanthoudakis says.

Although we might not be able to actually go back to those days as they used to be, we can at least take a trip down memory lane. And what amazing days they clearly were, filled with Greek culture, history, language and most importantly, strong friendships. Many of which remain as strong as ever.