Greek firefighters were battling a major forest fire in the Corinth region west of Athens for a second day Friday, with more settlements evacuated overnight.
Civil Protection head Nikos Hardalias said Friday that more than 4,000 hectares (nearly 9,900 acres) of mostly forest in mountainous terrain had been burned. Dozens of houses were also destroyed, mostly holiday homes or small dwellings outside of villages.
The fire, which broke out late Wednesday near the village of Schinos, was fanned by gale-force winds that blanketed the Greek capital about 70 kilometers to the west with acrid smoke throughout the day Thursday.
A firefighting airplane drops water near the village of Alepochori , Greece, on Friday, May 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
“During the night there were many fronts that were exceptionally dangerous for our forces,” said Hardalias, adding that three settlements and one monastery were evacuated as a precaution during the night.
More than 300 firefighters, ground teams, members of the military and volunteers were fighting the flames, while 21 water-dropping planes and helicopters were deployed at first light Friday to assist from the air.
Despite “exceptionally difficult circumstances,” firefighting forces managed to prevent the flames from reaching a wildlife refuge south of the main fire, and from expanding further east towards the town of Megara, Hardalias said.
The smoke covers the city of Athens from a wildfire near the village of Schinos, near Corinth, Greece, Thursday, May 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Varaklas)
The fire destroyed power lines, causing local blackouts, and reached a nearby coastline. The Civil Protection Authority activated a cellphone-enabled alert service to help with evacuation efforts on Thursday and overnight to Friday.
Wildfires are common during Greece’s hot, dry summers, but this blaze started well before the full heat of summer. The country had been experiencing unseasonably hot weather over the past week. In 2018, a blaze that hit the summer resort area of Mati east of Athens killed more than 100 people.
Stefanos Tsitsipas competed with great intensity on Friday to move within one step of the Open Parc Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Lyon final.
The second-seeded Greek, who has compiled an ATP Tour-best 31 match wins on the season (31-8), did little wrong in a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka in 66 minutes.
“It was a good match from my side, he was serving well,” said Tsitsipas.
“His game is a little unpredictable and he is one of the best left-handers out there. It’s never easy to construct the point and he is able to penetrate and play shots you don’t expect. I knew he was going to fight and not give up. I am pretty glad to have won.”
Tsitsipas put Nishioka under constant pressure, breaking courtesy of a backhand long for 4-2 in the first set, which ended after 31 minutes. Tsitsipas, who lost just eight of his service points (40/48), gained a 2-1 lead in the second set courtesy of another error and didn’t look back.
The World No. 5 will now face 19-year-old Italian Lorenzo Musetti. Musetti recovered from 2-5 down in the second set to claim a 6-3, 7-6(2) victory over Aljaz Bedene of Slovenia in one hour and 34 minutes.
Tsitsipas beat Musetti 6-1, 6-3 in the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC semi-finals two months ago.
A military historian and an expert on the Greece and Crete campaigns, Dr Maria Hill has long been fascinated by the doomed operations fought by Australian soldiers in Greece and Crete in WW2.
As a Greek Australian herself, Dr Hill wanted to find out the true story of the campaigns – and why the veterans are honoured and remembered in Greece but not nearly so much in Australia.
What is the special connection between the Australian troops and the Greek people and why they formed friendships that endure to this day?
The Greek Herald caught up with Dr Hill to discuss ‘coalition relations’ and her book entitled “Diggers and Greeks”.
TGH: Dr Hill, you are the first Australian historian of Greek descent to write about the Greek and Crete campaigns. What fascinates you about these two campaigns?
What sparked my interest in the Greek and Crete campaigns was the discovery that so little was taught about them in schools, with the syllabus and most history textbooks, focussing on ‘Rats of Tobruk’ and Kokoda.
I assumed that that Australia’s involvement in the Greek and Crete campaigns must have been inconsequential and was shocked to discover that the ANZACS constituted the majority of the fighting forces sent to Greece in 1941 and later in Crete.
As I delved deeper into these campaigns, I was fascinated by the strong bond of friendship forged between Australians and Greeks, whose culture and language were so different.
TGH: Why in your opinion the veterans are honoured and remembered in Greece but not enough in Australia?
What really highlights the difference in attitude between the Greek and Australian government towards the Australian soldiers who fought in Greece and Crete is the fact that the Greek government has honoured them with a medal whereas the Australian government has not done so.
The veterans I interviewed, were upset with this decision and wrote to successive Australian governments seeking to have the decision reviewed. As far as the veterans were concerned, if there was an ‘Italian Star’, ‘Pacific Star’ and so on, why not a ‘Greek and Crete Star’ or at least a clasp attached to an existing medal to recognise the traumatic campaigns?
For a while I ran an online petition to address this issue and wrote in 2011 to then Veteran Affairs Minister, Warren Snowden MP, for a response. I was told the decision rested with the British government who were in charge of honours and awards and decided not to issue a separate medal for the Greece and Crete campaign, as these campaigns did not qualify for a separate medal as they lasted less than six months and as such were not regarded as ‘major’ campaigns.
According to Warren Snowden, these campaigns were seen to be adequately covered by ‘1939 -1945 Star’. Some have argued that it was a political decision based on the fact these campaigns were not victories and an embarrassment to the British and Australian governments of the time, as both Prime Minister Churchill and then Menzies were criticised for supporting the Greek campaign – a second ‘Gallipoli’.
Australian delegation with veterans, Suda Bay, 2011. Photo: Maria Hill
Suda Bay Memorial, 2011. Pic: Maria Hill
Photo: Maria Hill
Photo: Maria Hill
TGH: Your book “Diggers and Greeks” reveals the personal relations that developed between Australian soldiers and Greek civilians and soldiers; what can we learn from these friendships today?
The close relationships forged between Australians and Greeks during the war aided the survival of Australian troops in Greece and Crete. These friendships have lasted the test of time, as returned veterans shared their experiences with their family and friends and sort to repay the kindness and compassion shown towards them by the Greek people.
Many returned soldiers sponsored Greek immigrants, involved themselves in their lives and facilitated their inclusion in Australian society. Their children have returned to Greece to visit the country and people who helped their parents in an effort to better understand their war experience.
While many books written on the Greek and Crete campaigns have concentrated on strategy, tactics -the lasting legacy of these campaigns rest in the friendships that developed between Diggers and Greeks that have continued to this very day through the involvement now of their children and grandchildren in the commemorations, highlighting the importance of such connections to all concerned.
*To learn more about the Greek and Crete campaigns or to purchase a rare first edition hard copy of the book “Diggers and Greeks” with a personalised message (upon request), visit Dr Hill’s website at: diggersandgreeks.com.au
Canberra’s Greek community gathered at the Australian Hellenic Memorial on Thursday to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete.
Organised by the Cretan Association of Canberra and Districts Incorporated, the event paid tribute to the Greek, Australian, British and New Zealand troops who desperately tried defending Greece against a huge German airborne assault.
The commemoration ceremony took place in the presence of Government Representatives and Australian Defence Force veterans, the most notable of these being 101 year old ANZAC Les Cook, who was a veteran of the Battle of Crete with the 6th Division.
101 year old ANZAC Crete Veteran Les Cook. Photo: John Loukadellis
George A Katheklakis, President of the Cretan Association of Canberra & Districts Incorporated, said they’re honoured by the sacrifices made by the allied forces during WWII, “forming unbreakable bonds of friendship between Australian & New Zealand and Greece.”
“However the most important history makers are our parents, grandparents and ancestors who came to Australia most with nothing, and began building a better life and an inclusive community for today’s Greek-Australian generations,” Katheklakis said.
“We have never felt prouder than now to be Greek, to be Cretan, to be Australian with a rich and diverse history grounded in our Orthodox religion, our language and culture.
Photo: John Loukadellis
Photo: John Loukadellis
Photo: John Loukadellis
“The Canberra Committee remembers these sacrifices which highlights Greek tenacity to be free.”
The President added that the commemorations this year coincide with Greek Revolution’s bicentennial anniversary, saying people should reflect this year on the many human and emotional sacrifices made by forefathers such as Kolokotronis, Bouboulina, the Arkardi Martyrs.
The following people laid wreaths yesterday to honour the fallen soldiers.
1
His E. Mr Georgios Papakostas – Ambassador of Greece to Australia
2.
Her E. Mrs. Martha Mavrommati, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Australia
3.
Archimandritis Prochoros Anastasiadis – The Archepiscopal Vicar of CanberraRepresenting His Eminence, Archbishop Makarios
4.
Her E. The Hon Dame Annette King – High Commissioner of New Zealand to Australia
5.
Wing Commander Martin Rendell – Air Adviser, representing the British High Commission
6.
Mr David Smith – Federal Member for Bean, representing the Leader of the Opposition
7.
Mr Les Cook – Veteran of the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign
8.
Major General Andrew Hocking, CSC – Representing the Chief of the Australian Defence Force and the Chief of the Army
9.
Commodore Raymond Leggatt, AM, CSC, RAN – Representing the Chief of the Navy
10.
Mr Ian McConville – Chief of Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
11.
Major General (Retired) Brian DawsonAssistant Director, Australian War Memorial
12.
Mr John King – President of the ACT Branch of the RSL – Jointly with:Mr Paul Taylor – Representing The Hellenic Sub-Branch of the RSL
13.
Dr Kathryn Spurling – President of War Widows ACT
14.
Mr David Manolas – National President of the Naval Association of Australia
15.
Mr John Loukadellis – President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Canberra and Districts
16.
Mrs Georgia Alexandrou – President of the Cyprus Community of Canberra and SEKA ACT
17.
Mr Paul Levantis – President of AHEPA ACT
18.
Mr Tony Tsourdalakis – President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand
19.
Mr George Katheklakis – President of the Cretan Association of Canberra & Districts
20.
Mr Steph Paskalidis – President of the Hellenic Club of Canberra
According to an announcement by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, more parishes around the country are systematically incorporating within their social ministries, feeding programs for isolated people and families in need of support.
Read the full announcement below:
These activities are constantly being expanded with the initiative and blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia in order to help, as much as possible, those who are in need.
The Cathedral Parish of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, in Redfern, Sydney, is implementing the “Merimna” program. Under the guidance of the parish priest, Very Reverend Archimandrite Christophoros Krikelis and with the assistance of the members of the Ladies Philoptochos and other volunteers, about 100 meals are being distributed every Monday.
On Monday morning, 17 May, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios visited the kitchen, which is located on the premises of St Andrew’s Theological College and had the opportunity to talk with the ladies of the Philoptochos, to express his sincere gratitude to them for their involvement and, through them, to thank all the volunteers of the programs that are being implemented by the parishes for their valuable contribution to the social ministry of the local Church.
An additional warm “thank you” was addressed to the members of the Ladies Philoptochos for the fact that, in addition, they take care of the needs of the students of the Theological College with great love by cooking for them once a week.
Second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas wasted no time in getting back to his winning ways in his Open Parc Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Lyon debut, racing past Tommy Paul 6-1, 6-4 on Thursday to reach the quarter-finals.
The Greek has been one of the players to beat during the clay-court season since claiming his maiden ATP Masters 1000 crown at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. Today’s victory gave him a Tour-leading 30 wins on the season.
“I [took] control of the match from early on, and after that I didn’t let go,” Tsitsipas said in his post-match press conference.
Photo: Getty Images
“I had a few opportunities in the second set to go up a double break and I missed a shot that I felt like I shouldn’t have missed. But [overall] I was playing good tennis today. I was able to move him around the court and find angles, press with my forehand. It wasn’t my best day on serve, but I found solutions when things proved difficult.”
Tsitsipas did not face a break point across two sets against the unseeded American. Paul, a former Roland Garros champion in the juniors, struggled to connect on his first serve – giving Tsitsipas plenty of opportunities to pounce on his opponent’s attackable second delivery. The Greek reeled off the last five games on the trot with a double break to claim the opening set, and started the second with a 2-1 lead.
Paul raised his level on serve in the second set, improving his first serve percentage from 38 to 71 per cent, but he was unable to make inroads on Tsitsipas’ serve. The Greek player served out the match to love, sealing the victory after an hour and 15 minutes.
Photo: Getty Images
In his ninth quarter-final of 2021, Tsitsipas will face Japanese lefty Yoshihito Nishioka next. Nishioka toppled fifth seed and home favourite Gael Monfils 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(2) earlier in the day.
“He is a player who is very fast, and I think that helps on clay,” Tsitsipas said. “He has clay-court tennis, so for sure I am going to take that match as an important one.
“I feel like I’m playing good tennis and I can play against anyone. For me, these matches are important, every single one of them. It’s going to be a battle against Yoshihito who is a lefty, on red clay which is my favourite surface.”
On Saturday 15th of May, the Pantrifilian Association of Melbourne and Victoria hosted the annual Mother’s Day Dinner Dance at the White Rose Reception in Thornbury.
Every year the committee of Pantrifilian Association of Melbourne and Victoria together with members of the organisation celebrate Mother’s Day by showing their appreciation for the achievements and efforts of mothers and mother figures.
This year, the event was also dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the beginning of the Greek Revolution, honouring with respect and pride all the mothers of the revolutionary struggle. It is well known that all the mothers of that time took a decisive role in the struggle.
On behalf of Pantrifilian Association of Melbourne and Victoria we would like to say a huge thank to all mums and especially to those who come from the area of Trifylia who managed to pass on their love for their special homeland to their children and grandchildren and to keep alive the tradition in Antipodes.
Vasilis N. Triantafillidis, mostly known by his stage name Harry Klynn, was a famous Greek comedian. He was born on May 7th, 1940, in Thessaloniki to Pontic Greek Refugees. As a young kid, he experienced extreme poverty, and started working from the age of only five, at the same time, he was still attending school. His life completely changed when he participated in a talent show hosted by Giorgos Oikonomidis. On this show, he won the first prize for his talent. After his win, he moved from Thessaloniki to Athens to further develop his career. After Klynns performance in the talent show, Oikonomidis began mentoring him in the early years of his career.
In 1964 he travelled to Montreal for a few appearances. This period of his life lasted ten years, where he worked in the USA and Canada, in centers of the Greek Diaspora and in theatres as a stand-up comedian (a new genre at the time, which later introduced it to Greece). In Chicago, he married his wife, Hariklia, and there he had his first of 3 children, Nikos. He returned to Greece with his family in 1974, and he started working in Athens. In one of his interviews, he explained why he adopted the nickname Harry Klynn (Clean), as he said the nickname was a contrast to Dirty Harry movies with the famous American actor Clint Eastwood.
Harry Klynn was one of the top comedians in Greece in the 1980s. Most of his satire comedy portrayed the stereotypical arrogant, cocky and smartypants Greek man, which was extremely popular amongst the public. Other popular characters he played were; a typical taxi driver who knows more than a scientist, a cunning gypsy who could even sell a block of ice to a polar bear and a government office worker, who he showed as being the laziest and most arrogant person in Greece. At the height of his career, he also made many famous films, the most popular of these include Alaloum (1982), Eis mnimin Harry Klynn… kai klama (1984) and Made in Greece (1987).
In addition to comedy and film, Harry also had a talent for visual art, and in 1998 he launched his first painting exhibition. From 2006 he lived permanently in his hometown in Kalamaria (a district in Thessaloniki) and wrote books, played in plays and painted. He published 13 novels, 5 of which were nominated for the most prestigious Greek literary award. Whilst living in Kalamaria, Harry Klynn also attempted a career in Politics and ran for Major of the opposition in Kalamaria.
Klynns health began to deteriorate and further problems began to worsen after his son Nikos died of cancer at the age of 49 in 2016. Not many years after, on 21 of May in 2018, Harry Klynn himself passed away in Kalamaria, Greece. He suffered for a long time from many problems, and he had been using a wheelchair for the last few years of his life. He died suddenly and abruptly from a seizure, it was a tragic and sad death for such a joyful person. In Greek culture, he will always be remembered as a multitalented comedian who was always on point with his satire of the political, cultural and social changes in the country.
Stefania stole the hearts of Europe in the Second Semi-Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, advancing through to the grand final this weekend.
The eighteen-year-old showed incredible maturity and vocal range for her age, being one of the best competitors on the night. Released on YouTube only two hours ago, the video has already received over 130k views.
Many noticed Stefania’s glamorous purple outfit, further adding to the the story of ‘Last Dance’. While captivating audiences in the crowd, the Greek singer’s intentional stare at the camera made everyone at home feel like they were standing with her on the stage.
Her Eurovision entry is written by a team of Eurovision veterans including Dimitris Kontopoulos (You Are The Only One and Shady Lady), Greek production team Arcade and Sharon Vaughn (Scream and Waterline).
“Our whole team believes a lot in our song that we have this year. A prediction does not make sense. We put all our efforts to have an excellent stage presentation and we want Greece and the Greeks wherever they are to feel proud of the result they will see,” Stefania told local media.
Cyprus also managed to qualify for the Eurovision grand final, while Australia’s pre-recorded video performance failed to progress past the first semi-final round.
The team from My Greek Odyssey have announced that series four of this visual and historic feast will be served up on 7TWO, commencing Sunday, May 30 at 3pm.
After a year filled with turmoil and heartache, with so many people enduring the pain caused by COVID 19, host and Executive Producer of the show, Peter Maneas, felt he had to do something to help provide some joy and momentary respite to fans of My Greek Odyssey.
Host and Executive Producer of the show, Peter Maneas. Photo supplied.
“I’ve always been passionate about Greece and travelling in general. But this year, the happiness I get from spending time in the islands and sharing the journey with friends and family was taken away from me. But thankfully we had already filmed series four of the show,” Maneas says.
“So I tasked the production team with completing it as quickly as possible, so we could give people somewhat of a distraction from the everyday. My hope is that by experiencing a slice of Greece vicariously through me, I may be able to bring a small amount of joy to those stuck at home and longing for a holiday.”
This series of My Greek Odyssey is not to be missed. Photo supplied.
Series four of My Greek Odyssey sees Peter travelling through the southern islands of the Dodecanese. From Kos to Symi and Rhodes, all the way down to Kastellorizo. It’s a region of Greece with significant influence from Asia Minor, and landscapes quite unlike other parts of the Mediterranean.
The history is as dramatic as the scenery, and of course, the cuisine is unforgettable. There’s the clichéd beaches and wonderful people, plus unique cultural elements that give each destination its own personality.
Maneas visits Kastellorizo. Photo supplied.
Maneas and his team will again be cruising through the islands on the magnificent Mia Zoi and along the way, chef Kyriako will be cooking local delicacies, while Captain Yianni will make sure Maneas doesn’t miss any of the regional highlights.
In further exciting news, the team will soon be returning to Greece to continue filming series 5 and 6 through the 2021 Greek Summer and Autumn.
Maneas in Symi. Photo supplied.
“We have a responsibility to our staff in both Greece and Australia to continue this project. The challenges created by COVID-19 meant we had a long and stressful period where we didn’t know when, or even if, we would be able to finish our journey,” Maneas says.
“But thankfully we have been granted permission to travel abroad and join our team overseas. I’m hugely appreciative of this opportunity and all the show’s staff will be working hard to complete the Odyssey.”
Maneas meeting the locals during his Odyssey. Photo supplied.
My Greek Odyssey is available to a global audience on Vimeo on Demand and 7Plus in Australia:
