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BREAKING: Australian government and private sectors hit by major cyber attack

The Greek Herald
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BREAKING: Australian government and private sectors hit by major cyber attack

Australia is currently being hit with a massive cyber attack by a “sophisticated, state-based cyber actor”, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says.

“This activity is targeting Australian organisations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure,” Mr Morrison told reporters Canberra.

“We know it is a sophisticated, state-based cyber actor because of the scale and nature of the targeting and the tradecraft used. Regrettably, this activity is not new. Frequency has been increasing.”

Mr Morrison said the government was announcing the issue today “not to raise concerns in the public’s mind but to raise awareness in the public’s mind”.

Parliament House in Canberra, Australia. Photo: Australian Federal Gov.

He said so far there had been no large-scale data breaches of Australians’ personal information as a result of the attacks.

“This is the world that we live in. These are the threats that we have to deal with. The fact that these threats present is not a surprise in this world in which we now live and the actions that we are taking are the actions that we need to take and we will continue to be as ever vigilant as we possibly can,” he said.

The ABC reports that China is behind the malicious attacks, yet Mr Morrison said the Federal Government would not be making “any public attribution” about the attack.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the attacks were “not new” but the “frequency has been increasing … over many months”.

“It hasn’t just started,” he said.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 18: Prime Minister Scott Morrison during Question Time in the House of Representatives at Parliament House, on June 18, 2020 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Sam Mooy/Getty Images)

“This is a constant threat to Australia, as it is to many other nations and you would be aware of many other nations having highlighted similar activity in their jurisdictions. This has been a constant issue for Australia to deal with and so I wouldn’t say that there has been any one event or any one instance.”

He said it had been an “issue of ongoing management, defence and cooperation, working with private operators, other governments, all levels of government and other organisations”.

Mr Morrison said the Opposition had been notified last night, as had state and territory premiers and chief ministers.

“A number of them have already been involved working with our agencies on these issues,” he said.

“In addition to that there will be further technical briefings conducted with the states and territories today.”

On this day in 1951, Greek poet Angelos Sikelianos died aged 67

The Greek Herald
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On this day in 1951, Greek poet Angelos Sikelianos died aged 67

Angelos Sikelianos was one of Greece’s most distinguished poets, born on the island of Lefkada on March 15, 1884. Dedicating his life to his work, Sikelianos developed some of Greece’s most prestigious pieces of literature, being nominated five times for a Nobel Prize.

His first poem “Alafroiskiotos”, written in 1907 on a trip to Egypt, was a true hymn to Greek nature, written with admirable power and coarse original lyrics. During the Balkan Wars (1912-1913), in which he took part, he wrote patriotic poems, which were published in newspapers, magazines and in the poetry collection “Verses” (1921).

In May 1927, in collaboration with his wife, Eva Palmer-Sikelianos, Sikelianos held the Delphic Festival as part of his general effort towards a revival of the ‘Delphic Idea’. The ‘Delphic Feasts’ featured performances of ancient tragedies and popular exhibitions, attracting global attention.

Angelos Sikelianos with his wife Eva Palmer-Sikelianos.

Much of Sikelianos’ poetic inspiration is drawn from themes from the ancient Greek world, mythology and mysticism. Such are his tragedies: “Dithyrambus of Rhodes” (1933) and “Daedalus in Crete”, as well as many poems. 

The poetic creation of Sikelianos is of special value, from when the first signs of World War II began to its end. During the occupation of Greece, he secretly wrote and published “Akritika” (1941-1942), a cry of pain for enslaved Hellenism. In 1947, his poetic work titled “Lyrical Life” was published in three volumes.

On June 4, 1951, due to a mistake by a domestic helper, he received a disinfectant instead of his medicine, suffering severe burns to his respiratory organs. On June 19, 1951, he died at the “Pammakaristos” clinic in Athens.

Sourced By: San Simera

Greek MasterChef winner gifts half of prize money to runner-up

The Greek Herald
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Greek MasterChef winner gifts half of prize money to runner-up

Never seen before on the Australian version of the popular cooking show, winner of Masterchef Greece Stavros Varthalitis announced on Thursday that he is gifting half of his prize money to runner-up Stavris Georgiou.

Hundreds of thousands of Greeks tuned in to watch Varthalitis be crowned the winner of Masterchef Greece 2020, beating out fierce competitor and friend Stavris Georgiou, Greek Reporter writes.

While Varthalitis rightly won the competition fair and square, he announced the next day that he would share the 50,000-euro prize with Georgiou.

“The prize money will be split 50-50,” he said speaking to interviewers from Star TV. “When I promise something, I keep my word,” he added, referring to a private deal the two competitors made during the show.

“Now that our real life begins, I don’t want to lose him. I want to maintain this healthy relationship that we had in the game as I hope we can cooperate as chefs in the near future,” Varthalitis added.

Masterchef Australia is close to wrapping up its twelfth season of the show. The show features a new panel of judges following judges George Calombaris, Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan leaving due to a failed commercial agreement.

‘Ikoyenia is love and a sense of belonging,’ says Stephanie Timotheou on her bilingual children’s book series

Argyro Vourdoumpa
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‘Ikoyenia is love and a sense of belonging,’ says Stephanie Timotheou on her bilingual children’s book series

Ikoyenia, or family, is a word describing the basic social unit in Greek society. It is also the title of a bilingual, four-part children’s books series written by Adelaide based Greek-Cypriot mum and journalist, Stephanie Timotheou.

“As a journalist I am always writing, but most of the time writing for a newspaper doesn’t allow you to completely unleash your creative flair. When I found out I was pregnant in 2018, I started searching for a sentimental book I could give to my mum and mother-in-law about being a yiayia (grandmother).

“I couldn’t find the perfect book, so I decided I would write one of my own. ‘Cooking with Yiayia’ is a tribute to them, as well as my own yiayiathes,” Mrs Timotheou told The Greek Herald shortly before the release of the first part of her Ikoyenia stories.

Cooking with Yiayia, is a bilingual rhyming book about one little Greek girl and the bond she has with her Yiayia through cooking. The book is written in English and Greek to encourage children to learn the language.

“Without our heritage, who are we?”

Having grown close to her own grandmothers and in deep connection with her Cypriot roots, Mrs Timotheou wants to pass on the love for her culture to her daughter Anthea.

“My biggest fear is that when our grandparents and parents are gone, nobody is going to carry on our beautiful culture and traditions. I think it’s important to maintain and preserve our heritage because without it, who are we?

“Geographically we are so far away from Greece and Cyprus and it’s easy to lose sight of where we came from, so I think, more than ever, we need to keep our culture well and truly alive,” Timotheou said.

“To me, ikoyenia is home. It’s heart, soul and passion. It’s love, loyalty and a sense of belonging. It’s a very special thing that can’t be replaced.

“If my books can bring people together through storytime, my job is done. There’s nothing like a physical book, especially in this day and age where we are so consumed by technology. I think books bring people back into the present, real world and they are something we all need in our lives.”

The self-taught illustrator who brought the book to life

In the Ikoyenia book series, Stephanie’s written text is decorated with the simplistic family characters who were brought to life by Australian self-taught illustrator, Rachel Darling.

“For the most part, all of the characters wear happy little smiles, as they enjoy their family time with each other. I’ve really enjoyed bringing that feeling to life through these characters and illustrations,” said Darling, explaining that her only connection with the Greek culture are her many Greek friends, a summer holiday in Greece and a bit of Greek language learning back in Primary School.

“I’ve always loved Greek food and had a fascination with Greek mythology, which I really enjoyed learning more about in Greece last year,” she said.

*The three books to follow are Gardening with Pappou, Playtime with Baba and Bedtime with Mama. You can order the books here: https://www.ikoyenia.com.au

TGH Exclusive: Harry Vatiliotis has been hand making exquisite violins for 66 years

Andriana Simos
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TGH Exclusive: Harry Vatiliotis has been hand making exquisite violins for 66 years

“When I was a young boy in Cyprus, I used to play the violin as the bride walked down the aisle,” Harry Vatiliotis tells The Greek Herald as he reminisces about the good old days. “I always liked the violin.”

Almost 66 years later and Harry’s passion for the violin has only grown stronger. The Cypriot Australian is now arguably Australia’s best regarded and most prolific luthier (someone who makes instruments with strings, a neck and sound box). He has singlehandedly made more than 780 violins, many of which are now played by leading musicians in Australia and internationally.

With all these accomplishments, it should have come as no surprise that Harry was recognised for his craft in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for 2020. But according to the humble man himself, he really didn’t expect the recognition.

Harry Vatiliotis was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday List for 2020. Photography: Pete Dillon.

“When I found out I had become a Member of the Order (AM) I was overwhelmed and surprised. I didn’t expect it,” Harry says.

“A lot of my clients were really excited as well. Maybe even more so than me. A couple of them said: ‘it’s about time one of us got a gong’.”

It’s not surprising Harry’s clients were his biggest supporters. For years, Harry has worked continuously from his Concord workshop, ensuring his violins are handcrafted to perfection to meet the exact needs of those who pay for his services.

However, whilst he is happy to experiment with different oil and spirit varnishes if the client requests him to, Harry still favours the traditional methods of the Cremonese school of violin makers. This was a method he was introduced to when he first arrived in Australia from Cyprus in 1952 at the age of 15.

Harry is a skilled luthier. Photography: Pete Dillon.

“I was born in the village of Vatili in Cyprus but when I was 15, my family and I came to Australia. My first job was at the Eveleigh railway workshops in Sydney, where one of my fellow workers told me that if I was serious about making violins, I should get an apprenticeship with A E Smith and Company. They were Australia’s leading violin makers and repairers back then,” Harry explains.

“I took his advice and it was a success. I joined the company in 1953 and a year later, I made my first violin.”

Harry remained with the violinery and learnt all the tricks of the trade until 1970, when he eventually decided it was time for him to mentor other aspiring luthiers. He did this by conducting Australia’s first (and only) stringed instrument-making course at the University of Sydney’s Art Workshop from 1981-84. Something Harry says brought him a lot of happiness.

Harry enjoys teaching the younger generation how to play music on his violin. Source: Sydney Morning Herald.

“I’ve got no secrets. I’m happy to teach anyone and I think people got a lot of pleasure from my teaching. I really just want to pass on my skills to other people,” Harry says with a smile.

It’s clear that Harry has lived a happy and fulfilled life. So fulfilled in fact, that he says he will probably semi-retire this year and close the door on a lifetime of the violin craft.

“I wanted to keep going until 2023 and complete my 70 years in the trade, but I think I might semi-retire at 66 years instead. That’s still good! I won’t go cold turkey that’s for sure. I’ll still be in touch with the musical world in any way I can,” he exclaims.

A resounding promise that the Greek Australian community will definitely be relieved to hear.

Read this article in Greek in The Greek Herald‘s print edition on June 19.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese responds to reports concerning Archbishop’s alleged residence

Andriana Simos
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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese responds to reports concerning Archbishop’s alleged residence

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios has responded to recent reports concerning his alleged $6.5 million Sydney Harbour apartment.

Read the full English statement:

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia makes the following comments in relation to the purchase of a property by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia Consolidated Trust (‘Consolidated Trust’) in Sydney, where the headquarters of the Archdiocese are situated:

1.Given that a) the Archdiocese does not possess a suitable residence for the Archbishop, and b) the Archbishop, together with some of the services provided by the Archdiocesan Central Offices in Redfern, are shortly to be relocated to allow for extensive renovations, various options were considered, including the possibility of renting a suitable property for this purpose. However, due to high and unfavourable rental prices in Sydney, the Consolidated Trust decided instead to proceed with the purchase of a property.

2. After examining the property market in Sydney, an apartment in Kent Street, valued at $6.5M, was identified, both for its suitability for the specific purpose, and as an excellent investment opportunity for the Archdiocese. Certain renovations to the property, enhancing its value, were then carried out and funded in total by a private benefactor of the Archdiocese.   

3. The process relating to the acquisition of the property was absolutely legal and there was no formal objection regarding this matter. The property in question does not belong to a private individual or to the Archbishop but is vested totally in the Consolidated Trust, the statutory corporation established by the NSW Parliament with the task of holding the real estate assets of the Archdiocese in trust for the Church. Furthermore, there is no outstanding debt to the Archdiocese for the said property.

4. The Archbishop continues to reside within the Archdiocesan building in Redfern. The Archdiocese unequivocally refutes any suggestion that the Archbishop currently resides in this particular apartment, or that he has stated that he will reside there and places on record that, up to this point, no such decision has been taken by him.

5. Regrettably, certain persons, lacking both competency and any legal responsibility, are stirring up the issue relating to the purchase of the property in question, by publishing letters and promoting media articles, with a view to harming the good reputation of the Archdiocese and Archbishop Makarios. The Archdiocese, responsibly and officially, declares that the Consolidated Trust is represented only by its members. Statements relating to the actions of the Consolidated Trust originating from any other source cannot be considered objective or reliable and are disseminated in order to serve other self-seeking interests.

From the Offices of the Archdiocese I 18 June 2020

Read the full Greek statement:

Η Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή Αυστραλίας ανακοινώνει τα εξής, σε σχέση με την αγορά ακινήτου από το Consolidated Trust στο Σύδνεϋ, όπου είναι και η έδρα της:

1. Δεδομένου ότι: α. η Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή Αυστραλίας δε διαθέτει κατάλληλη αρχιεπισκοπική κατοικία, β. ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος και κάποιες από τις υπηρεσίες θα πρέπει να μεταφερθούν από τα Κεντρικά Γραφεία, λόγω της εκ βάθρων ανακαινίσεώς τους,  μελετήθηκε κατ’ αρχάς το ενδεχόμενο ενοικιάσεως ακινήτου, προκειμένου να χρησιμοποιηθεί για τον συγκεκριμένο σκοπό. Ωστόσο, λόγω των υψηλών και ασύμφορων ενοικίων στο Σύδνεϋ, το Consolidated Trust αποφάσισε να προχωρήσει στην αγορά ακινήτου.

2. Μετά από μελέτη αγοράς κτηματομεσιτικού γραφείου προκρίθηκε το ακίνητο στην οδό Kent, αξίας 6,5 εκ. δολαρίων, αφενός μεν για την καταλληλότητά του για το συγκεκριμένο σκοπό, αφετέρου δε για τη μελλοντική υπεραξία του, η οποία εγγυάται μια άριστη επένδυση για την Αρχιεπισκοπή. Στον επενδυτικό αυτό σκοπό συνέτεινε επίσης και το γεγονός ότι την ανακαίνιση του ακινήτου, η οποία αυξάνει την αξία του, ανέλαβε οικονομικώς εξ ολοκλήρου γνωστός επιχειρηματίας, ευεργέτης της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής.

3. Όλη η διαδικασία της αγοράς είναι καθ’ όλα νόμιμη και δεν υπήρξε καμία επίσημη αντίδραση επ’ αυτής. Το ακίνητο αυτό δεν ανήκει σε ιδιώτη, ούτε στον Αρχιεπίσκοπο, αλλά απολύτως και εξ ολοκλήρου στο Consolidated Trust. Δεν εκκρεμεί κανένα δάνειο της Αρχιεπισκοπής σχετικά με τη συγκεκριμένη περιουσία.

4. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος συνεχίζει να διαμένει στο κτίριο της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αυστραλίας. Διαψεύδουμε απερίφραστα όσους ισχυρίζονται ότι ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος διαμένει στη συγκεκριμένη κατοικία ή ότι έχει δηλώσει ότι θα διαμένει εκεί και επισημαίνουμε ότι μέχρι στιγμής δεν έχει ληφθεί τέτοια απόφαση εκ μέρους του.

5. Δυστυχώς, κάποιοι, δίχως να είναι αρμόδιοι και δίχως να έχουν κάποια νομική ευθύνη, ανακινούν το ζήτημα της αγοράς του συγκεκριμένου ακινήτου με σκοπό να θίξουν την Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή και τον Σεβασμιώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αυστραλίας κ. Μακάριο, γράφοντας επιστολές και προκαλώντας δημοσιεύματα. Υπεύθυνα και επίσημα δηλώνουμε ότι το Consolidated Trust εκπροσωπείται μόνο από τα μέλη του. Πληροφορίες σχετικά με τις ενέργειες του Consolidated Trust που προέρχονται από οπουδήποτε αλλού προφανώς δεν είναι αντικειμενικές και αξιόπιστες και διασπείρονται γιατί εξυπηρετούν ιδιοτελή συμφέροντα.

Ambiguity surrounds reports concerning the purported residence of Archbishop Makarios

The Greek Herald
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Ambiguity surrounds reports concerning the purported residence of Archbishop Makarios

A news.com.au article has 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, sources have confirmed to The Greek Herald that Archbishop Makarios is not currently living in the apartment, nor has ever lived there since his appointment as Archbishop of Australia 12 months ago.

RELATED: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese responds to reports concerning Archbishop’s alleged residence.

The Honorary Secretary & Trustee of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia Consolidated Trust, Nicholas G Pappas AM, reportedly told news.com.au that the apartment was purchased by the Trust as an official residence for the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Australia.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs chairman confirmed that the Archbishop does not retain ownership of the property.

“The Trust, not the Archbishop, retains ownership of the property, as it does with other real estate assets of the Church. The Archbishop does not own any real estate or other assets,’’ he said.

“The Trust will not be making any further comment about the matter.”

It is understood that the sale itself is being used as part of a coordinated attack against Archbishop Makarios by other circles in Greece and Australia who view the primate as standing in the way of their own interests. 

Athens to host Champions League group stage draw and UEFA awards ceremony in October

The Greek Herald
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Athens to host Champions League group stage draw and UEFA awards ceremony in October

Athens will host the ceremony for the UEFA Player of the Year Award in October, along with the draws for the European Cups’ group stages for the 2020-2021 season, government spokesman Stelios Petsas announced on Wednesday.

The executive committee of European soccer’s governing body convened on Wednesday to discuss how this season’s European competitions will be completed, as well as planning ahead for the following season which is set to begin far later than usual.

In a statement, Petsas revealed that the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center at Kallithea will host the annual event for the UEFA Player of the Year Award and other awards, plus the all-important draws of the lucrative group stages of the Champions League and the Europa League.

“The choice of Greece by UEFA constitutes a vote of confidence in our country, as this will be the first major event by UEFA after the restriction measures taken to contain the coronavirus pandemic,” Petsas said in the statement.

“The UEFA decision has a crucial contribution in the global promotion of Greece as a modern and safe country that is able to host events of such level,” the government spokesman added, revealing that “a decisive factor that sealed this agreement was the telephone conversation Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had in recent days with UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin.”

Greek PM honours ‘heroic aunt’ at Jerusalem’s Garden of the Righteous

Andriana Simos
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Greek PM honours ‘heroic aunt’ at Jerusalem’s Garden of the Righteous

During the second day of his official visit to Israel, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the Holocaust Memorial and located the name of his aunt at the Garden of the Righteous Among the Nations in Jerusalem.

Mitsotakis’ visit to Jerusalem’s Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial was marked by a wreath-laying ceremony to pay tribute to the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis during World War II.

This ceremony was followed by a visit to the Garden of the Righteous Among the Nations where trees are planted in memory of non-Jews who saved the lives of Jews during the Holocaust.

Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, laid a wreath at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. Source: Prime Ministers Office.

Among the names of all 300 Greeks at the memorial was that of the Prime Minister’s own aunt, Evangelia Georgiadou.

“This is a special moment for me. Evangelia Georgiadou was my grandmother’s younger sister. She was my aunt. I remember her vividly. She did an act of bravery during the war like many other non-Jews who are honored as the Righteous among the Nations,” Mitsotakis said.

Georgiadou, a mother of two, who lived during the German occupation in the Athenian suburb of Philothei, helped save a Jewish girl named Yvette Ventura by offering her a place of refuge in her home.

The Georgiadou family warmly welcomed the little Jewish girl, offering her shelter despite being completely aware of the danger. Yvette was simply treated as the third child in the family from the beginning of 1944 until the Germans evacuated Athens in October of 1944.

Georgiadou and Yvette’s mother remained close friends after the war and continued to meet regularly for many years.

“This personal story,” Mitsotakis said, reminds us that “every name written on this monument tells us a personal story of bravery.”

Georgiadou was proclaimed as one of the Righteous of the Nations on November 3, 1986.

READ MORE: Greek PM secures tourism pledge with Israel and warns on Turkey.

COVID-19 cases continue to spike in Greece with 55 in single day

The Greek Herald
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COVID-19 cases continue to spike in Greece with 55 in single day

Greek health authorities announced 55 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday in what is the highest jump in the number of cases for weeks.

Authorities say that most of the cases were recorded in Thrace, northeastern Greece, and in particular at the prefectures of Rodopi and Xanthi.

Two communities in these areas, Echinos and Agiasma, have already been placed in a “soft” lockdown quarantine and night curfew.

Two of the last victims to have died in the last 24 hours were from the village of Echinos in mountainous Xanthi, raising the total coronavirus death toll in the country to 187.

Health experts attribute the surge of COVID-19 cases in the area to the neglect of safety measures and overcrowding in the small, enclosed communities of the majority Muslim population. Extended families often gather together and perform their religious rituals at home and as a result, the virus spreads quickly among them and in the community in general.

Just 11 people remain in intensive care units around the country, with the median age of those patients being 69. At the same time, 117 people who were at one time confined to the ICU have now left intensive care and have recovered.

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