Even though Greece is slowly but steadily lifting strict COVID-19 restrictions across the country, it is keeping more than 120,000 refugees in lockdown in overcrowded camps to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Greece’s Migration and Asylum Ministry said confinement for refugees in camps across the country would be extended to July 5. It was due to have ended on Monday.
Greece was quick to introduce strict confinement measures on refugee camps on March 21 and imposed a more general lockdown on March 23.
Migrants stand outside container houses in Moria refugee camp on the island of Lesbos, Greece. Source: AP News.
While no known coronavirus deaths have been recorded in the camps so far and only a few dozen infections have surfaced, the measures have since been extended a number of times.
World Refugee Day:
The announcement’s timing, hours after 2,000 people rallied in Athens streets for World Refugee Day, demanding an end to the confinement of refugees and improvement in their abysmal living conditions, was controversial.
Migrants living in Greece chant slogans during a rally in Athens, June 20, 2020. Source: AP News.
“While restrictions on freedom of movement to protect public health can be necessary and justified, they must be based on scientific evidence, neither arbitrary nor discriminatory in their application… respectful of human dignity and subject to review,” Eva Cosse, of the Human Rights Watch in Athens, told VOA News.
“The camp lockdowns do not meet these criteria and yet, these discriminatory lockdowns continue.”
In response in a message for World Refugee Day, the Migration and Asylum Ministry said Greece has found itself “at the centre of the migration crisis bearing a disproportionate burden.”
“The country is safeguarding the rights of those who are really persecuted and operates as a shield of solidarity in the eastern Mediterranean.”
This year, 10,095 migrants and refugees have reached Greece, using rickety, rubber rafts to cross the Aegean Sea, mainly from Turkey.
Shortly after the third and final volume of
his book “Hellenes in Australia”, was published, we caught up with Professor
Anastasios Tamis, President of the Australian Institute of Macedonian Studies
(AIMS) and Director of the Australian Institute for Hellenic Research, to chat
about the book’s thematology and its importance as a legacy for the future
generations of Greeks in Australia.
“The first volume, published in 1997, deals
with the years from 1830 to 1958. The second volume with the years 1958 to 1974
and the latest one from 1974 to 2016,” explains Professor Tamis.
The third volume of the History of Hellenes
in Australia is written in English and in 650 pages, it presents the story of
Hellenic settlement and organization, the socio-economic, cultural and
religious trends as well as the achievements attained by more than 540,000
Australians of Hellenic background in Australia, between the years 1974 to
2016.
“This volume is the most important one, as
it describes the emergence of the middle class. Prior to 1974, most of the
-otherwise intelligent and curious- Greek and Cypriot immigrants who arrived in
Australia were unskilled workers and farmers. There was no leadership.”
“After the first years of survival, when their children established themselves and adapted to the Australian culture, they claimed positions of influence and thus created, the so-called middle class. This was only due to the sacrifice of the first generation of Greek immigrants. Today, these children are the ones who lead Greek organisations, unions and communities,” said the Greek academic.
But why is a book about Hellenes in Australia written in English?
“Because the children and grandchildren of
those first immigrants must read it,
“The content of this book is an
integral part of Australia’s and Greece’s national history,” he said,
adding that “unfortunately, the Greek language skills they have are not
sufficient for them to understand historical or spiritual books”.
“The Greek language, is a bet we’ve lost. Yet, it is of great importance for the Australian-born children and grandchildren to read and learn about the history written by their own parents and grandparents,” Professor Tamis concludes.
Professor Tamis’ book will be launched as part of The Greek Festival of Sydney on Thursday, April 14 at the Marrickville Town Hall at 6.30pm. The NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Coure MP, will be launching the book.
Multiple Greek associations across Australia have made public statements announcing that they are standing by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios following recent community discussion.
A news.com.au article sparked debate after alleging that His Eminence Archbishop Makarios has been residing in a $6.5 million investment property, purchased by the Consolidated Trust of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia. The Greek Orthodox Church of Australia allegedly purchased the apartment for the new Archbishop on December 20, 2019.
However, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese announced on Thursday that His Eminence is not currently living in the apartment, nor has ever lived there since his appointment as Archbishop of Australia 12 months ago.
The Archdiocese confirmed that the $6.5M apartment was identified, both for its suitability for the specific purpose, as an excellent investment opportunity.
Below is a list of associations that have released statements on the matter:
St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College:
Public Statement of Support to our DeanIn relation to all the media frenzy surrounding the recent purchase, by the…
Yesterday it was announced that Battle of Crete veteran Norman “Norm“ William Maddock OAM passed away peacefully at the age of 97.
Norman was part of a special military division in the Australian Imperial Forces, who are particularly noted for their service and sacrifice on the Island of Crete in 1941.
Norm was involved in a series of actions aimed at delaying the German advance, as well as in rearguard positions that enabled the successful withdrawal of thousands of allied troops.
VALE NORMAN WILLIAM MADDOCK We sadly inform the Cretan Community of Australia that yesterday our dear friend and…
Norm managed to reach the port of Kalamata in the southern Peloponnese and was evacuated on the Costa Rica. He fought in Georgioupolis, Chania and the Battle of 42nd Street. Norm was captured in Crete but escaped and reached the North African coast by sea.
In 2007 Norm was awarded the medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for ‘service to the Victorian tramways’, particularly through the Malvern Tramways Museum and as a union official.
Norm has been honoured by prestigious Greek military officials, including the Governor of Crete Mr. Stavros Arnaoutakis in 2010 and the Head of the Hellenic Defence Forces Mr. Konstantinos Floros in 2016.
Norman Maddock was the last surviving Victorian veteran, yet is always remembered for being present at commemorative events for the Battle of Crete in Melbourne every year.
Random coronavirus tests will be carried out on a proportion of travellers arriving at Cyprus’ airports as an added layer of protection against the virus’ spread, government officials said Friday.
The measure was announced a day before the expiration of a requirement that foreign nationals permitted to travel to Cyprus from 22 countries obtain a health certificate declaring them coronavirus-free.
The 22 countries include Austria, Greece, Finland, Australia, Germany, Norway, Bulgaria and Hungary.
After weeks of strict closure, Cyprus is allowing residents back on the beach — tourists could be next. Photo: Shutterstock
Cyprus’ deputy government spokesman Panayiotis Sentonas said the measure was taken on the recommendation of an advisory body of medical experts “so as not to risk the positive epidemiological picture” the country has built over the last few months.
Cyprus has managed a low coronavirus infection rate thanks to a nearly three-month lockdown imposed in mid-March that included a commercial flight ban and a stay-at-home order.
A visitor wearing a mask to protect against the coronavirus looks at ancient artifacts placed inside a glass-protected display area at Cyprus Archaeological Museum in the capital Nicosia, on Thursday, June 18, 2020. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
The country is keen to restart is vital tourism sector that directly accounts for 13% of its economy, but wants to avoid imported virus flare-ups that could tarnish its image.
Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou said health officials at the airports are aiming to randomly test 10-15% of 1,500 passengers who are estimated to arrive daily over the next few weeks.
Ioannou said random virus tests will also be conducted on passengers arriving from 12 countries including France, Italy, Spain and Israel, who will still need a health certificate declaring them virus-free.
There was trouble bubbling in Omonia Square on Friday morning as pedestrians looked in shock at the new fountain, which had turned into a bubble bath.
Reports say that during that night someone threw detergent or shower gel in the fountain, causing a tremendous soapy surprise.
The fountain was almost completely covered in soap, with images being broadcast on morning news networks in Athens.
Reports say that during that night someone threw detergent or shower gel in the fountain, causing a tremendous soapy surprise.
This isn’t the first time an instance like this has occurred however, with the Syntagma Square fountain also suffering bubble trouble in 2014 and 2018.
The police, who informed the Municipality of Athens about the incident, were at the scene.
The new Omonia Square was unveiled on May 15, with the mayor promising that the square will be “an oasis of cool.
On the morning of June 20, 1824, the Turkish fleet began the destruction of Psarra, signifying one of the biggest blows to the revolutionary effort.
The Turkish fleet comprised of 176 ships (warships and transports), carrying 17,000 Turkish and Albanian troops. The forces defending Psara included 1,300 Psarians, 700 refugee troops, and 1,027 mercenaries from Macedonia and Thessaly. The island’s 100 ships were a sizeable force that posed a thorn in Turkish naval operations.
The beaches were organised with cannon emplacements and trenches. All defences were prepared well, apart from one tragic mistake. In trying to placate the mercenaries, the locals agreed to remove the rudders from their significant fleet, thus rendering their ships useless.
Despite strong naval bombardment, the Turks were unable to land their troops on the Greek island. However, naval scouts found they could disembark at an area called Cavo Markaki.
They then disembarked and proceeded to destroy the islands defenders. Very quickly they began the systematic roundup and slaughter of the inhabitants. Horrific scenes ensued, with streets strewn with the corpses of old men, women and children.
Of the 30,000 inhabitants, 18,000 were massacred or sold as slaves. Of the 100 or so Psarian ships, only 16 managed to escape along with seven fireships under Konstantinos Kanaris.
The destruction of Psara dealt a serious blow to the revolutionary effort as it destroyed a very vital portion of the Greek navy.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios has paid a visit to doctors working on the coronavirus vaccine during his three-day visit to Melbourne.
His Eminence received a special invitation from the University of Victoria, specifically from the head of research for the treatment of COVID-19, Dr Vasso Apostolopoulo.
Also present at the meeting were Corinne Reid, Vice President for Research, Ross Coller, Director of Scientific Progress, and Yvette Petersen, Director of Scientific Development at the University.
His Eminence briefed on the current research progress. Photo: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
The scientists presented to His Eminence the current research progress on discovering drugs and vaccines to help fight coronavirus, with the Archbishop also asking questions regarding the type of work conducted.
It should be noted that the Archbishop was accompanied by Archdeacon Mr. Athenagoras, also a Doctor of Physics at Stanford University, and the Director of the Archbishop’s Office, Deacon Mr. Christoforos.
His Eminence proceeded to visit the workshops, congratulating and blessing the efforts of the Greek researcher and her collaborators.
His Eminence blesses the efforts of the Greek researcher and her collaborators. Photo Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
His Eminence blesses the efforts of the Greek researcher and her collaborators. Photo Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
“I am very optimistic that the research currently being carried out at this Research Centre will bear fruit and that we will soon have the tools to fight the pandemic. I wish and pray that the time of God will come and that humanity will be saved,” His Eminence said.
Ms. Apostolopoulou also stressed that “we asked for special permission to bring Archbishop Makarios to the workshops and bless us. Because he himself has research experience, he can understand our struggle. We want his support, his blessing and his prayers.”
Throughout Vasili’s journey throughout Sydney’s Greek business community, one recurring theme is the importance of family in a business’ success. And what is amazing is how the support and care in one family’s business transcends into the family that takes over this business. The same strong family values and attitudes are passed on and the business continues to grow. One family fosters a warm and loving work environment and the next family continues on with it…
Our lives are full of wonderful moments, whether they are engagements, weddings and baptisms, and they become etched in our family’s stories. On these special occasions, we rely on someone to make sure that everything runs smoothly and everyone walks away (at the end) completely happy and satisfied. How many of us have organised or attended one of these special occasions, and have had Pelopidas Catering make sure it was a magical occasion?
Pelopidas Keravnos migrated to Australia in 1970; in Sydney, his first job was in Riverstone abbatoirs; a huge strike prompts his cynicism about its reasons and he finds work at Arthur Roufagalis’ milk bar in Bondi Junction and he works here for a number of years.
Photos: Vasilis Vasilas
Marrying Anthoula in 1977, and wanting venture into his own business, Pelopidas and his κουμπάρο, Kostas Christodoulou, established the catering business, Lefkosia Catering. Like so many beginnings, it was initially difficult but this dynamic duo’s philosophy of respecting their customers’ wishes and providing excellent service and delicious food won over customers. Back then, Pelopidas and Kostas prepared foods like the dips in Kostas’ garage and did all the cooking at the reception centres and halls- people appreciated hot food on the premises!
Despite their success, Kosta moved onto running successful reception centres while Pelopidas continued in catering and established Pelopidas Catering (1988). Reflecting on his decision to continue catering, Pelopidas points out, ‘I enjoyed the freedom go moving around different venues whether it was the Marana Hall, Hurstville, or the Kos Association Hall in Petersham. Being free, I could cater numerous functions at the same time, whereas running a function centre limited you with one of two functions. One time, we catered twelve functions during one weekend!’
Photos: Vasilis Vasilas
Through another κουμπάρο, Savvas Plakides, who worked for hims, the Pericleous family’s sons- Perry, Kokos, Moysis and Mario- all found casual work at Pelopidas Catering. Even the parents, Haralambos and Haralmbia began working there! Coming from Argaka (Paphos), Cyrpurs, the Pericleous family migrated to Australia in 1977.
With Pelopidas establishing a base on Canterbury Road, Canterbury, for all the preparations to be made, and Perry finishing his hospitality management TAFE course, an opportunity arose for the Pericleous family to become partners in the business (1992) and they then subsequently bought it (1995)- with Pelopidas everpresent to help and advise the family. Expanding the business, the Pericleous family ran the function centre, Fontana Amorosa, at Liverpool’s Agios Rafael Greek Orthodox Church (1998) and the function centre at Blacktown’s Agia Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Church (2001).
All four brothers emphasise every function is very different whether it is catering for touring Greek singers Michalis Violaris, Rita Sakellariou and Gita Lidia or an outddor glala day for Sydney Olympic Soccer Club; yet, it does not matter what type of function it is, the late Haralambos Pericleous philosophy was always ‘please your visitors before you please yourself’ and the family strives to be the perfect hosts in making sure of this- offering high quality service and food which is always great value..
Photos: Vasilis Vasilas
Asked about the secret of keeps the family business together, all four Pericleous sons agree, ‘It is all about what is best for the family. We may have our differences, but work through them because we have been together all our lives, and this is our strength. Even our children work in the business, so this is a third-generation family business! And we have such strong ties with Pelopidas’ family, as we may be in contact with Anthoula three or four times a week. And Pelopidas and Anthoula’s daughter, Irini (Plangides) has baptised one child in each of our families. We are κουμπάροι four times!’
And what keeps people coming back over the years, ‘We have customers whom we catered for their engagement, wedding and baptisms; the years pass and their children are now going through the same cycle and they come to us. Why? As we are dealing with families’ special moments, we cater for them in the same way as if they are our family. We are also part of their celebration. When we offer zivania to our customers at the beginning of each function, it represents a toast to our customers as if they are our extended family’.
Feature guests took to the stage to discuss ways on strengthening the relations between Greece and Diaspora as part of the 5th Delphi Economic Forum, on Thursday 18 June.
The discussion was held in English and featured:
George Prevelakis, Professor emeritus, Sorbonne University (Paris 1), Permanent Representative of Greece at the OECD
Bill Papastergiadis, Managing Partner, Moray & Agnew Lawyers, Australia
Endy Zemenides, Executive Director, Hellenic-American Leadership Council, USA
Moderator: Antonis Papayannides, Managing Director, Economia Publishing, Greece
During the discussion, a number of issues related to Diaspora’s cooperation with Greece were discussed, as well as proposals for improving these relations in the future.
Four issues were of main consideration during the panel:
What is the current make up of the Diaspora
Is now a good time to further the relationship
How is the Diaspora currently dealing with this relationship
What are the impediments?
According to Mr Papastergiadis, it was predicted that the Greek Diaspora in Australia would shrink numerically and culturally as a result of the termination of Greek immigration post 1974. However, following the economic crisis and collapse of the Greek economy, there has been a huge repatriation of the Greek-Australian Diaspora back to Australia.
It is estimated by Dr A. Tamis, that there are approximately 80,000 Greek-Australian citizens that returned to Australia and 10,000 Greek settlers on various visas.
“The
Diaspora in Australia is not homogenous, Melbourne is different to Sydney – for
example – those born in Greece differ from their children and then they differ
from those who have married into other ethnicity,” he said.
“There is no homogenous national identity. Equally, there has been a change of view about the Greek homeland. That yearning for the return to Greece is no longer related to a melancholy story of loss and decay. Hence, the idea of belonging has changed over a period of time with the recognition of cultural differences.”
Mr Papastergiadis believe’s that now is the time to move forward in developing the relationship between Greece and Australia. “In Australia, the politicians and policy makers know that the Greek Diaspora is good for business,” he said.
“In Australia and particularly in Melbourne, the Greek community is considered amongst the strongest if not the strongest ethnic group. It stimulates trade, provides links to foreign markets and expanded services for the community. The government provides and funds festivals and numerous cultural and educational programs.”
Referring to the meeting held in July 2019 with Prime Minister Mitsotakis, Mr Papastergiadis discussed the issue of postal vote from Diaspora.
Discussing the importance of the right to vote for Greeks living abroad, Mr Papastergiadis emphasised that: “A vote means more than just filling out a ballot. It means reflecting and engaging on all issues that relate to your country. It brings you closer to your country. By allowing the vote, Greece will send a message to its citizens that everyone counts. That we are all one. Hopefully this will lead to more engagement both culturally and economically.”
