Under a bright spring sun, thousands of mourners queued for hours in St Peter’s Square on Wednesday, April 23, to honour Pope Francis, whose body now lies in state inside the basilica ahead of Saturday’s funeral.
In accordance with his wishes for simplicity, he lies in a plain wooden coffin on the main altar, dressed in liturgical vestments and holding a rosary, flanked by Swiss Guards.
Unlike his predecessors, the coffin was not elevated, reflecting funeral reforms he introduced last year.
The Vatican reported that by Wednesday night, nearly 20,000 people had come to pay their respects, many enduring long waits in the sun.
Inside the basilica, silence fell as pilgrims approached the casket.
Photo: Cecilia Fabiano / LaPresse/ Rex / Shutterstock.
Cardinal Thomas Christopher Collins called the procession “the most profound moment,” noting that the simplicity of the ritual reflected that of any baptised person’s funeral.
Mourners from around the world—Catholics and non-Catholics alike—shared memories and reflections. “Francis was a great pope and I think he should be made a saint too,” Vicky Cabral told TheGuardian, who traveled from Argentina draped in her national flag.
The funeral Mass will be held in St Peter’s Square on Saturday morning, attended by a wide array of global leaders and royals, including US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Prince William, and leaders from over 40 countries.
Following the service, Pope Francis will be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome, breaking with Vatican tradition.
Meanwhile, 103 cardinals have approved nine days of mourning, with the conclave to elect the next pope expected to begin no earlier than May 5. Early contenders include Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines and Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
The Greek Australian community has expressed outrage after the Australian Government abstained from a historic vote at UNESCO to establish February 9 as World Greek Language Day — a global celebration of one of the most foundational languages in human civilisation.
The motion, brought forward by 87 countries including the United States, passed unanimously at the UNESCO Executive Board session last week. However, Australia, through its Permanent Representative to UNESCO, refused to vote in favour of the resolution or co-sponsor the proposal — sparking criticism from diaspora leaders, academics, and cultural advocates.
Under mounting community pressure, the Australian Government has issued a statement to The Greek Herald via a spokesperson for Foreign Minister Penny Wong, expressing support for the initiative.
“The Albanese Labor Government supports and welcomes a new World Greek Language Day,” the statement reads.
“The Greek language has an enduring influence on contemporary Western culture, politics, and philosophy. We value the rich cultural contributions of our vibrant Greek diaspora in Australia and our strong bilateral relationship with Greece.
“We look forward to celebrating this day with Australian Greek communities in Australia on 9 February.”
Professor Tamis has been a vocal opponent of Australia’s abstention.
Whilst the statement did not provide concrete reasons for the abstention, government sources clarified it was due to caretaker conventions in place during the recent UNESCO session, which occurred in the lead-up to an Australian election. These conventions prohibit Australia from co-sponsoring agenda items or making international commitments during an election period.
Still, the diplomatic nuance has done little to appease many in the Greek Australian community, who view the absence of support as a missed opportunity to acknowledge the importance of Greek language and culture globally and domestically.
Dean Kalimniou, on behalf of the Australian Hellenic Council, stated: “We welcome the Australian Government’s support of World Greek Language Day, as clarified by our Foreign Minister.”
“The Greek community’s confusion is understandable,” Mr Kalimniou added.
“On the one hand, we understand that caretaker conventions prohibit Australia from co-sponsoring agenda items or making international commitments during an election period. On the other hand, our Foreign Minister, in her statement, states that the “Albanese Government supports and welcomes a new World Greek Language Day.”
“This notwithstanding, we gladly take the Government’s support for World Greek Language Day at face value, and its acknowledgment of the significance of the Greek Language to the World, noting its stated desire to celebrate World Greek Language Day with Greek-Australian communities. The onus is on us now, to ensure that this significant day is properly celebrated.”
Despite Australia’s non-participation, the resolution was passed unanimously. From 2026, World Greek Language Day will be commemorated annually on February 9 through international events, educational programs, and cultural celebrations aimed at preserving and promoting the Greek language.
For many, the day will serve not only as a tribute to the Greek diaspora’s contributions, but as a powerful reminder of the need for recognition, respect, and inclusion in shaping the global cultural narrative.
The elite Greek Presidential Guard, known as the Evzones, has arrived in Adelaide, South Australia to commence a significant 12-day ceremonial tour of Australia, marking ANZAC Day 2025 and honouring the enduring friendship between Greece and Australia.
During their stay from April 23 to May 4, the Evzones will participate in major commemorative events in both Adelaide and Sydney, including ANZAC Day marches, wreath-laying ceremonies, and community celebrations.
Their presence symbolises the shared sacrifices made by Greek and Australian soldiers in wartime, particularly during World War II and the Battle of Crete.
Highlights in Adelaide include their participation in the ANZAC Dawn Service and March on April 25, a visit to St Basil’s Nursing Home, and a community appearance at the Thebarton Hellenic Festival.
In Sydney, the Evzones will attend Doxology services, school and aged care visits, a high-profile tribute luncheon, and a major memorial ceremony at Hyde Park on May 3.
Organisers say the visit is a powerful moment of unity and cultural pride.
“This is a unique opportunity for all Australians to engage with Greek culture while honouring the brave men and women who fought for our freedom,” said Harry Patsouris of the Hellenic Studies Foundation.
Nick Hatzistergos, President of the Hellenic Club Sydney, added, “This visit provides a momentous opportunity for reflection and celebration. It unites the Greek and Australian communities in honouring our shared history and the contributions of Greek Australians to our national story.”
The Evzones’ tour is open to the public at several key events and is expected to draw large crowds from both the Greek Australian community and the broader public.
Full program of events for the Evzones can be found here.
Are you looking to meet like-minded people who have the same values and beliefs as you and follow the same faith?
Look no further than a Greek Orthodox youth group.
Located all over Australia, The Greek Herald has got the scoop on where you can join one, what exactly they are, why they are important and how can they benefit you.
According to Father Petros, the priest at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Canberra, a youth group is a fellowship made of young people who want to make new friends and establish deeper connections with their faith.
Father Petros holds ‘Parea,’ the Greek orthodox youth group in Canberra, which has been running for more than four years. In the last two years it has become more popular.
“Every week, we gather here at Saint Nicholas, and we share one topic,” Father Petros told The Greek Herald.
“It is a good opportunity for young people to come together to discuss and ask questions not only about the topic, but about our faith in general.
“It is important because we need to learn basic things about our faith. It’s like catechism.”
Father Petros said Parea welcomes young people aged 17 to 35 to attend every second Tuesday at St Nicholas.
“We call it Parea because we like to keep it casual. I want young people to feel casual, to come along when they can and to not be afraid to ask questions. We all love Jesus Christ and it’s a beautiful thing to discover our faith,” he said.
“The most important thing about running the youth group is to encourage young people to come along and get to know each other and learn something at the same time.
“Everyone is always welcome too.”
Iliada Mantinaos.
Iliada Mantinaos, a 22-year-old from Canberra shared her thoughts on the importance of running and attending youth groups. She has been attending Parea for almost two years.
“I attend Parea because I am always intrigued on what Father Petros is going to talk about,” Iliada said.
“I always learn something new; I get to see my friends and I love going to church because it’s so beautiful and makes me feel so peaceful.”
Iliada revealed that by attending youth groups, they can provide you with so much valuable knowledge.
“Every week you learn something new about Orthodoxy, so there are so many things I have gotten out of Parea,” she said.
“I have learnt lots about fasting, forgiveness, reasoning behind why the church says/does things, and Father Petros is always happy to answer any question we have too.”
The university student revealed that attending youth groups is also “healthy for the soul.”
“When I’m stressed with uni work, I always feel better after going to Parea. It’s also a good opportunity to see friends and make new ones,” Iliada explained.
“People should come to Parea because you get so much out of it. It’s a good social outlet, and Father Petros is also the best, so it’s always good to see him and get his advice.”
In Sydney, there are also many youth groups that always have their doors open to new people.
Dimi Galanopoulos, a regular attendee of the Kogarah Orthodox Youth (KOY) group, described the youth group as a “vibrant community centred around the teachings of Christ, the Saints, and the fundamental values of the Orthodox Church.”
“It serves as an enriching environment for youth who are eager to come closer to Christ and take their first steps in deepening their spirituality,” Dimi told The Greek Herald.
“It also provides a safe space for those who are striving to live a Christ-centred life or grow in their faith, surrounded by like-minded individuals who share similar values and beliefs.
“Through various activities and discussions, the Youth Group aims to support and empower its members on their spiritual journeys, fostering a sense of community and belonging among young Orthodox Christians.”
KOY welcomes those aged 16 to 28. Dimi said she has been attending the youth group for just over two years, and has since gained so much value in attending and has deepened her understanding of Orthodox traditions.
“I find great joy in witnessing individuals deepen their faith and form lasting friendships centred around Christ through KOY,” she said.
“It’s truly inspiring to see how our shared beliefs can bring us together and enrich our lives in profound ways.”
Dimi said KOY meets every Tuesday at 7:30 pm. The youth group also holds an English Divine Liturgy, a Bible study and regular guest speakers.
As a proud member of KOY, Dimi said she encourages more people in Sydney to become a part a youth group.
“Attending groups like the KOY is crucial for young people, as it provides them with a supportive and nurturing environment to spiritually progress and grow. Beyond just spiritual development, these groups offer a space to form lifelong bonds through the church,” Dimi concluded.
From seasoned educator and author, Anthony Buirchell comes a historical fiction novel five years in the making, delivering nostalgic research that resurrects the spirits of the men who fought on Crete in 1941.
Through the lost and found, and a devoted quest for truth driven by his own generational roots, Buirchell’s approach allows for pivotal perspectives to guide readers in a time of “supreme sacrifice” and “genuine humanity.”
Investigation meets sensitive curation in all 24 chapters, as the book’s cover casts an intense yet fading imagery of armed, allied soldiers on the battlefields of WWII – just some of the 151 Prisoners Of War (POWs) who became Spirited Away.
Buirchell begs the question on all our lips, “who were these men?” with part of the answer lying in a cupboard for eight decades written in the form of 125 signatures on a pair of “forgotten, hand-stitched” canvas shorts, featured inside – “a researcher’s treasure trove.”
Written under a pseudonym, researcher and finder of the shorts, Andrew Jones’ theories on what exactly transpired in this turbulent “Tymbakion story” could only be made possible by two things; the masterful tailoring of Private Albert “Bert” Edward Chamberlain; and the“breakthroughs” from families, including that of Vic Peterson, who’s “scrap paper” notes turned determining diary entries act as the “only first-hand account” of “Lamsdorf’s Stalag VIII-B”.
Vic Peterson.
Buirchell’s father himself, William Roy “Bonnie” Buirchell who only briefly escaped enslaving incarceration, is also central to deciphering what waswitnessed across thefragmented and “windswept” south coast of the island.
Readers will be stationed “behind the wire” as they learn to endure the “brainwashing” tactics of “Nazi Germany,” Mussolini’s Axis, the “pretence of Stockholm Syndrome,” malaria induced mosquito bites, burying bodies in gruelling heat, all while avoiding the “kaleidoscope” of devastatingly invasive “Operation Mercury” strafes.
In addition, the “shrunken stomachs” digesting menacing threats to “work or be shot” further engage with audiences sense of survival, as each page exposes “shocking truths” of a “heinous” covert airfield built off of the rubble of a nearby town – certainly “not for the faint hearted.”
Imagining the POWs lives pre-war provides respite to the tent-dwelling, traumatising journey for many Allies of the ANZAC countries and UK across North Africa through Greece, who saw their “baptism of fire” amid burning olive trees, still searching after months for home in the stars above.
The author arms audiences with a patriotic backbone while emboldening the essence of “magnanimous hospitality” and “philoxenia” from the local Cretan people, whose greatest ammunition was undoubtedly their unwavering altruism, even as “their world collapsed around them.”
Working as the front line of the unfolding narrative, each surrendering wound and echo of the Maori “Haka” war cry is tended to with formidable camaraderie and inevitable bonding amongst the atmospheric and “magnetic waters” of Souda Bay.
Historical references to WWI treaties, the 2/11th Australian Battalion, political ties with Winston Churchill, the “Long March,” and the incorporation of book excerpts including from “To War Without a Gun” and “We Band of Brothers” build an unabridged ambience, where “real champions” and “real heroes” could be just as recognised as a white flag of truce.
Threading it all together, Buirchell’s poignant and examining style emphasises the significance of how time passes in a period of “breathtaking bravery” that most might not even know about unless recorded, making space for absence to become presence.
He dedicates an entire component of the book to census figures, specialised notes, and individual profiles at the end, listing the recruits from their “Date of Birth”, “Rank”, and “POW number” through to “Date of Capture”, while opening a line to the public for help with filling in any gaps where there is missing information.
As the calendar approaches April 25th each year, a commemoration like no other prepares to take place in Australia, New Zealand and Tonga, among other islands, known as Anzac Day. Buirchell’s goal is similar, through honouring these now veterans in the form of written remembrance.
His purpose – to find the truth; to honour, and to remember the last men to leave Crete that served.
“Many a tear” will forever be shed for those who did not come home “but remained in the hearts of those here.” Many a tear will forever be shed for the land and souls of Crete, which once appeared, and still resiliently appear today, as one, united.
For those who wish to pay tribute to a family member and share information please visit: www.prisonersofwarcrete.com or email: jumper11@live.com. Please also take the time to explore the Returned Soldiers League (RSL).
Have you ever watched the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3?
Well on Sunday, April 20, my family from Canberra, Queanbeyan, Batemans Bay, Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia came together for our very own big, fat, Greek Easter reunion.
Held at the Hellenic Club of Canberra at 12:30pm, we welcomed 97 people… and that’s only from my pappou Yianni Andonaros’ paternal side!
Me, my brother Yianni, cousin Hugo and yiayia Dora and pappou Yianni.The three Paul Andonaros’.
The Andonaros Family Reunion was a day full of love, laughter, music, food, pride, and emotions. Aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins from across five generations came together in the one room—it was amazing.
Our Easter kicked off with a buffet featuring lamb, spanakopita, salads, calamari, souvlakia, pastitsio and patates. Relatives also brought homemade sweets, including baklava, ekmek, tsoureki, koulourakia, melomakarona and more.
Tables were adorned with red eggs for cracking, and the room was filled with beautiful pictures of our family near and far. At the heart of it all, was our big family tree.
Cousins- Phoebe, Nikola, Angelina, Georgia, Demi, Karissa, Thea, Olivia, Connie and baby Elias.My great theio Harry, theia Vicky, theia Belinda and theio Paul Andonaros and their kids.Some of the boy cousins.
Reunion in the making
The reunion was sparked by a conversation between my theia Maria Frilingos, and my theia Christina Metohianakis, aiming to reconnect family across Australia.
“This resulted in me sending a message in early December of 2024 to your mum (Chrisoula) and my sisters (Lisa and Chrisoula), theia Christina (QLD), theia Teresa and theia Kathy to see whether they thought a family reunion at Easter would be a good idea, especially since they were on the same year this year,” Maria told me.
“Everyone was in, and we started adding family members to the chat.”
The organising committee – (left to right – Lisa, Christina A, CHristina M, Chrisoula M, Chrisoula K, Maria and Kathy).
An organising committee then formed involving Maria Frilingos, Lisa Andonaros, Chrisoula Mamatas, my mum Chrisoula Karatzas, Christina Metohianakis, Christina Apostolidis, and Kathy Kambouris.
“We started planning where we’d host it, what type of things we should do, but most importantly how we would speak with our parents, aunties and uncles, to find out about our family history and build a family tree,” Maria said.
“Each person had a role.”
Theia Lisa handled the slideshow and venue, Theia Kathy made invites, Theia Christina M. took photos, Theia Chrisoula was MC, Theia Christina A. liaised with the Adelaide families, my mum gathered family details from Greece, and theia Maria was the secretariat, keeping things on track.
The photo wall.The grandparents and Andonaros siblings table.
The event
The reunion featured speeches from my theia Chrisoula, a heartfelt presentation by my theia Lisa with videos of relatives in Australia and Greece, and music by my theio George Apostolidis.
After lunch, my cousins Olivia Kambouris and Eleni Metallinos announced a surprise performance of the Limnian dance ‘Kehagias’, inviting all the cousins on the dance floor. The faces of all our family members watching us were priceless.
This day served as a reminder to never forget where we came from, and the sacrifices those before us made to give us a better life.
Cousins James (SA) and Johnny (ACT).My theia Lisa, theia Maria and theia Christina M.Me and my cousins Angelina Mamatas and Olivia Kambouris.My great theio Jim (Dimitri) Andonaros (left) and pappou John (Yianni) Andonaros (right).
Finally reuniting
What started as an idea between a few family members turned into an unforgettable event.
“The emotion we all felt hearing about our family history and seeing the joy in our parents’ storytelling was priceless,” Maria said.
“I have loved every minute of this journey and I have no doubt everyone that came felt exactly the same. I hope it is something we will continue as our family continues to grow.”
Theia Christina M. said, “Greek Easter was the catalyst for bringing us all together.”
“The importance of this time within the Greek Orthodox community is fundamental to the way we have all been brought up,” she said.
“It made sense to all of us to tie this important religious time together with our reunion.”
Hopefully this reunion is the first of many to come.
Tim Hines, an English teacher at Oakleigh Grammar, has been recognised as one of the best educators in Australia under 35 in The Educator’s annual Rising Stars & School Leadership Awards for 2025.
With close to 100 different nominees for the awards, candidates were judged on their leadership, innovation and achievement in their education careers to date.
After just three years into his teaching career, Tim has displayed remarkable leadership in his teaching and learning, as well as his development of student agency.
Principal Mark Robertson praised Tim for “quickly distinguishing himself as a dedicated professional who cultivates a culture of trust and innovation, empowering his students to take greater ownership and authorship of their own learning.”
Tim’s dedication to continuous development of teaching practices and elevating student outcomes makes him a worthy recipient of the award.
Oakleigh Grammar is proud of its commitment to fostering the development of brilliant young teachers and looks forward to the continued contributions to the School and its students by all of its passionate teachers.
Around 700 teachers, representing the 297 community language schools across the state that teach 61 community languages, will attend their annual conference organised by NSW Federation of Community Language Schools on Saturday 26th of April.
The conference at Sydney University will follow the inspiring theme: ‘Stronger Together and Making a Difference for Community Languages.’
The Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early learning, Prue Car, has sent a video message to the conference in which she expressed her pride in backing the work of the Federation to be as wide-reaching as possible.
“In 2024 the Government boosted support for the eligible community language schools with an extra $100 per student to ease the load on families and to support the Federation’s work even further,” she said.
“The new funding will help ensure students can maintain connection to their heritage and alleviate some of the costs that parents face in supporting their children’s language education.”
Describing the Federation as “a powerhouse” the Deputy Premier said: “The impact that you have across the state cannot be understated.
“I have seen first-hand – kids learning, laughing, proudly learning, switching between languages and sharing in the joy of being understood. That’s what your schools give.
“You help kids stay connected to who they are, keeping language alive in homes and hearts for generations.
“The NSW Government is so pleased to be backing your work and thanks you for everything you do to help kids hold onto a vital part of themselves.”
The CEO of the Federation, Michael Christodoulou AM,said today: “After last year’s wonderful success, we’re absolutely thrilled to bring back this highly anticipated event!”
“This year will be packed with even more opportunities for language educators and school management committees to connect with top-notch expert presenters and explore the latest trends and innovations in language teaching and learning,” Mr Christodoulou added.
“We’ve prepared a fantastic lineup of renowned international and local speakers aimed specifically at community language teachers.
“I thank the Deputy Premier for her video message. We very much appreciate her time, her thoughtful words, her support and her sincerity expressed in that message which all participants will hear at the conference.”
An online professional development workshop was recently held for Greek language teachers, students preparing for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek, and their parents.
Held as part of an annual initiative, the workshop aimed to provide essential training, guidance, and resources to educators, exam candidates, and their families in preparation for the upcoming Greek language exams in May.
More than 60 participants from across Australia joined the online session, reflecting the strong national interest in Greek language learning and certification.
Dr Patricia Koromvokis, Head of the Greek Language Examination Centre and Lecturer in Global Cultures and Languages in the School of International Studies at Macquarie University, delivered a thorough and insightful presentation.
She focused on effective preparation strategies and the structure and style of the exams, providing valuable guidance for both teachers and students.
Dr Koromvokis was joined by Ms Tserentzoulia, Assistant at the Greek Examination Centre, and Mr Dagopoulos, representative of the Centre for the Greek Language in Thessaloniki, who also contributed to the discussion and responded to questions from participants. Katerina Vetsikas, Project Officer (Greek Curriculum) of the Sydney Institute for Community Languages Education (SICLE) coordinated the workshop.
This year, Macquarie University will host the Certificate of Attainment in Greek exams from 20 – 22 May 2025. As the largest examination centre in the Southern Hemisphere for this certificate, Macquarie will welcome over 100 candidates—a record number.
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew received Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn and her delegation on Tuesday, April 22, for a warm and cordial meeting at the Patriarchate.
Their discussion focused on the work of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, with particular emphasis on the role of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Australia. Both leaders also paid tribute to the late Pope Francis, praising his significant contributions to the Christian world.
Photo: Nikos Papachristou.
The meeting was attended by Simeon Beckett, husband of the Governor-General; Australian Ambassador to Ankara, Miles Armitage; Consul General in Istanbul, Tony Huber; and members of Mostyn’s staff.
Representing the Patriarchate were Metropolitan Elder Emmanuel of Chalcedon, Metropolitan Maximos of Sylivria, and the Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, Director of the Patriarchal Office.
