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Irini Kassas’ journey growing Newcastle into one of Australia’s greatest cities

The Greek Herald
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Irini Kassas’ journey growing Newcastle into one of Australia’s greatest cities

Irini Kassas’ Australian odyssey is a modern replication of the journey made by Greeks during the post-WWII migration, demonstrating kindness as she devotes her life to the development of one of Australia’s largest cities.

Born in Greece to a Greek Australian mother and Greek-born father, Irini left her homeland at the age of 14 to move to Newcastle with her family. While longing for her European home, Irini fully embraced Newcastle and strived towards making it one of the nation’s greatest cities.

“I felt like it was just another adventure, which certainly has been,” Irini Kassas said to The Greek Herald.

“And I felt I truly wanted to keep my culture and being able to share that with other people and kind of see where they stand as well.”

Boasting a population of approximately 500,000 people, Newcastle is NSW’s second largest city by population.

Growing up in a small Greek village, Irini said there was a big concept of community in her hometown. Moving to Australia, she wanted to keep that sense of community with her and share it with everyone she knew.  

Irini Kassas. Photo: Supplied.

“I felt like it was something in my blood, something in my character that I wanted to engage with other people, getting to know my new surroundings and what opportunities there were for me,” Irini said.

In 2017, Irini received a sponsorship by her university, The University of Newcastle, to take part in a global ‘Work to Change the World Program’ in Hanoi, Vietnam. The program featured 800 delegates from universities and organisations and gave Irini her first taste in foreign affairs, influencing her to pursue it as her dream career.

“I attended in my first year… I really enjoyed the atmosphere at the conference and I got to meet a lot of people from around the globe,” Irini said.

“What astonished me was that it was university students organising the conference more than people who had graduated and worked for a company.”

“I just really loved the concept that such young people like myself could do something extraordinary.”

Irini Kassas. Photo: Supplied.

Irini currently works as Deputy Chair of Newcastle International INC., a not for profit introductory agency based in Newcastle that focuses on reviewing and sustaining international relational relations between Newcastle and overseas interested parties.

“We welcome parties who are interested in making something in our city and we try and find the appropriate authorities with appropriate representative for them to come into contact with,” Irini said.

Irini said the company is currently in the process of commencing an education program with the University of Newcastle, through the ‘Newcastles of the World’ alliance.

“The Newcastle in Denmark, Nyborg, want to create a project where students engage via video, so they make more films about what it’s like in Newcastle, and it’s called ‘Learning from other Newcastle’s’,” Irini summarised.

“So we are currently in the process of promoting and implementing that with our local primary schools.”

Irini Kassas. Photo: Supplied.

The projects established with Newcastle International weren’t the first steps made by Irini in providing a service to her city. Since 2015, Irini has volunteered for a number of community events and city development projects, including CityServe, the Newcastle Museum and as a unit volunteer for the NSW State emergency services.

“It was just something that I rolled into, from one opportunity to the other, starting off as a prefect at Newcastle High, to volunteering for the Newcastle Museum, all those other opportunities arose,” Irini said.  

“Now I recently did the state emergency services, which is an active opportunity for a lot of people to get involved in.”

Irini’s willingness to donate her time derived from the struggles faced after moving to Australia from Greece. During her first year in the country, Irini lived with her grandmother in a small flat with no Wi-Fi access and spent many hours in either the public library or after hours at school doing work.

“These were the small challenges that I kind of faced, and it never bothered me,” Irini said.

“Even to this day, I’m just grateful that I even have the opportunity to have this and I guess that’s one of the reasons why I have resilience to something.”

“It’s a bit like Newcastle; It’s a great city, but we are training as well.”

Irini’s efforts in helping progress Newcastle saw her receive the city’s Young Citizen of the Year award in 2018, and to this day she continues to have an active involvement in the community.

“She is an international thought leader amongst young people when considering topics of social justice, women’s empowerment and equality,” City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Josephine Nelmes said.

Nick Politis’ company in court case with Sydney restaurant owners

The Greek Herald
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Nick Politis’ company in court case with Sydney restaurant owners

Sydney mother and daughter restaurateurs, Giovanna and Paola Toppi, are locked in a $1.5 million legal stoush with a company of which Sydney Roosters chairman, Nick Politis, is a director.

The Toppi family, who made the renowned Machiavelli’s in Sydney’s CBD a power-lunch institution for politicians and millionaires, could lose the premises which houses their latest Italian eatery — Bar M at Rushcutters Bay — after allegedly not repaying a loan, according to documents lodged with the NSW Supreme Court.

WFR Motors, of which Mr Politis is a director, is the landlord of the Bar M site.

The Bar M site.

In October 2018, it loaned Paola Toppi’s company Bar M Pty Lt $1.1 million so she could settle another court case which included $837,000 which was owed to fit out the building.

Her widowed mother Giovanna, 84, is also being sued because she guaranteed the loan. Giovanna has denied she is liable, claiming she trusted her daughter and did not read the documents Paola asked her to sign.

WFM is claiming a total of $1.135 million, in the case, which includes interest, vacant possession of Bar M and also the proceeds of the sale of 95 Macleay St, Potts Point.

Nick Politis.

That address is the former site of Giovanna’s famous La Strada restaurant which was a regular haunt of the rich and famous and visiting entertainment stars such as Mick Jagger, Elton John and Shirley Bassey during the 1980s.

This is the latest financial drama to hit the family since Paola’s sister Caterina sold Machiavelli’s in 2015 after Paola signed her shares over to Caterina.

The case is yet to be determined by a judge. Last Friday, Justice Rowan Darke adjourned the matter to June 4 for a directions hearing.

FULL STORY: The Daily Telegraph.

On This Day: Famous Greek comedian, Thanasis Veggos, passed away

The Greek Herald
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On This Day: Famous Greek comedian, Thanasis Veggos, passed away

By Chrisos Mavromoustakos.

Thanasis Veggos was an actor born in Piraeus on the 29th of May 1926. He is considered one of the most influential and best Greek comedic actors of all time. He performed in 130 films.

Veggos’ father fought in the Greek Resistance in World War II, particularly working at the power station. Veggos also worked here and played a crucial role in defending the power station against the Germans. Due to this however, he was dismissed, due to his allegiances with left-wing party EPON. 

Theatrical career:

Thanasis Veggos first appeared in front of the cameras in 1954, in Windfall in Athens. His first major role came in the film Hands Up Hitler which premiered in 1962. The movie What did you do in the war Thanasi? (1971) was awarded with 3 Thessaloniki International Film Festival awards.

Thanasis Veggos was an actor born in Piraeus on the 29th of May 1926.

His characters were often named ‘Thanasis’ and were average men struggling to get by or anti-heroes. He would work with directors Panos Glykofridis and Giorgios Lazaridis often.

He appeared in Ulysses Gaze with Hollywood actor Harvey Keitel. Veggos also performed at the ancient Epidaurus theatre in 1997.

After surviving a car accident in 2000, Thanasis Veggos became an advocate for road safety, appearing in advertisements for the cause.

In 2004, a documentary of his life was released titled, A Man for All Seasons. The documentary detailed many of the stunts that Veggos performed on his own, which included walking through a glass door or falling down the stairs headfirst. Showing his commitment and dedication to his trade.

Veggos passed away at the age of 84.

Veggos was appointed Commander of the Order of the Phoenix by then President, Karolos Papoulias in 2008.

Death and Legacy:

On the 3rd of May 2011, he passed away at 7:10am at the age of 84. He had been hospitalised since the 18th of December 2010.

A common Greek saying “τρέχει σαν το Βέγγο” (run like Veggos) was coined based off his quick and fast slapstick comedies in which he performed.

‘The Spartan,’ Andreas Michailidis, becomes first Greek fighter to claim UFC victory

The Greek Herald
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‘The Spartan,’ Andreas Michailidis, becomes first Greek fighter to claim UFC victory

Andreas Michailidis has became the first Greek to ever win the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in mixed martial arts (MMA) on Saturday night.

Michailidis went up against 34-year-old KB Bhullar from Canada in the UFC Vegas 25 prelims and the game made for some entertaining viewing.

Michailidis opened up swinging big, looking to get the knockout early against Bhullar. Throwing massive winging shots, Michailidis did hurt Bhullar halfway through the round, but Bhullar ended up getting into the clinch and got a chance to breathe for a minute.

READ MORE: ‘The Spartan’, Andreas Michailidis, looking to fight his way onto UFC podium.

Andreas Michailidis from Athens became the first Greek to ever win the UFC in mixed martial arts (MMA) on Saturday.

However, he didn’t breathe for long as Michailidis landed a huge head kick and flurry, before getting a big takedown and getting Bhullar’s back. Michailidis landed some ground and pound before going for the choke, however, time ran out and we would see a round two.

Bhullar landed a devastating strike early in round two, but it was an illegal one, landing a hard groin strike right as the round began. After a brief rest, the two were right back at it.

Michailidis went back to pressuring him right after the break, but Bhullar started to find some offense of his own, landing some body kick and low kicks near the end of the round.

Bhullar came out with the same strategy in round three, mixing up the body kicks and low kicks and occasionally landing a jab or two upstairs. Michailidis was a little bit more restrained early but it wasn’t long before he was swinging for the fences once again.

Bhullar was making Michailidis leg a little red but wasn’t landing anything too hard-hitting, but by the third round, Michailidis wasn’t landing much of substance either. However, Bhullar landed another devastating groin strike in the third, his hardest strike of the round.

The two soon went to a decision, with Michailidis defeating KB Bhullar by a unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28).

“I wanted this so much and it came. Now I’ll be less stressed in the next fight,” Michailidis said after his win.

Source: Cageside Press.

‘Xristos Anesti’ rings out across Australia as Greek communities mark Orthodox Easter

Andriana Simos
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‘Xristos Anesti’ rings out across Australia as Greek communities mark Orthodox Easter

From midnight masses on Holy Saturday to breaking Lent with a traditional mageritsa, tender lamb on the spit and red-dyed eggs, Greek Orthodox Easter this year was more special than ever before.

A loosening of COVID-19 restrictions across Australia, saw Greek communities gather in masses at their local parishes to receive the Holy Light and chant ‘Xristos Anesti.’ From there, families returned home and enjoyed each other’s company as they ate a delicious feast and cracked red dyed eggs.

On Easter Sunday, many people visited relatives for lamb on the spit, while others attended the Vespers of Love service at night and enjoyed the company of their fellow parishioners.

This is how Greek Orthodox Easter was celebrated across Australia:

New South Wales:

Thousands gathered at Greek Orthodox churches across Sydney on Holy Saturday to attend the midnight mass celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

  • Photo: Peter Oglos / The Greek Herald.
  • Photo: Mark Petropoulos.

At the Greek Orthodox Parish of Kogarah, a midnight service presided by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia was attended by Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, and his wife Jenny, as well as a host of other dignitaries, including the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Christos Karras, Trade Commissioner of Greece in Australia, Katia Gkikiza, High Commissioner of Cyprus in Australia, Martha Mavrommatis, Minister for Sport, Multiculturalism, Seniors and Veterans, Geoff Lee MP and Member for Oatley, Mark Coure MP.

Photo: Peter Oglos/The Greek Herald.

READ MORE: Scott Morrison joins Greek Orthodox community in celebrating Easter.

Across town in churches such as St Nectarios Parish in Burwood and Sts Raphael, Nicholas and Irene Parish in Liverpool, among many others, parishioners could also be heard loudly chanting ‘Xristos Anesti’ at midnight before cars, lit up from people carrying the Holy Light, were seen heading home for a traditional feast of mageritsa.

For those parishioners who couldn’t attend services, live streams were also set up from parishes such as St Spyridon in Kingsford.

  • Sts Raphael, Nicholas and Irene Parish in Liverpool. Photo: Facebook.
  • St Nectarios Parish in Burwood. Photo: Facebook.

On Easter Sunday morning, the celebrations continued with the Vespers of Love service held at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation of our Lady in Redfern. The service was officiated by Archbishop Makarios, accompanied by His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim, His Grace Bishop Iacovos of Militopolis, His Grace Bishop Emilianos and clergy from across NSW.

At the end of the service, parishioners, including dignitaries such as Mr Karras, Mrs Gkikiza and Ms Mavrommatis, were given red eggs by Archbishop Makarios, as is tradition.

Archbishop Makarios handed out red eggs to parishioners after the Vespers of Love service. Photo supplied.

Victoria:

In Victoria, Archdiocesan Vicar of the Northcote District, Father Evmenios Vasilopoulos, presided over the Resurrection Service at the Transfiguration of the Lord Parish in Thomastown.

The church itself was decorated beautifully with bright flower wreaths, while thousands of parishioners gathered outside and inside to take part in the service.

  • Photos: Faceboo / Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of the District of Northcote, Victoria.

On Easter Sunday, Father Evmenios also presided over the Vespers of Love service at the Archiepiscopal Monastery Axion Esti. This service was attended by all clergy from the district of Northcote.

Elsewhere, a solemn Vespers service was held at St. Eustathios Greek Orthodox Church, South Melbourne, by Bishop Ezekiel of Dervis.

  • Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis.

The Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, was in attendance and read a passage from the Gospel, before Bishop Ezekiel distributed red eggs to the congregation.

South Australia:

In Adelaide, Anastasi midnight services were attended by thousands of Greeks, wanting to partake in the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

At St Panteleimon Greek Orthodox Church in Adelaide, for example, there were lines out the door as people waited their turn to receive the Holy Light from the parish priest. From there, the entire congregation, both elderly and youth, stood outside and chanted together ‘Xristos Anesti.’

  • St Panteleimon Greek Orthodox Church in Adelaide. Photos: Argyro Vourdoumpa / The Greek Herald.

Elsewhere, at the Greek Orthodox Community and Parish of The Nativity of Christ in Port Adelaide, which recently underwent repairs due to the extensive damage suffered from a fire in December 2019, more Greek people also partook in the Anastasi, before returning home from the traditional feast.

Photo: Argyro Vourdoumpa / The Greek Herald.

ACT:

Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations began in Canberra from Good Friday. The Archepiscopal Vicar of Canberra and Tasmania, Very Reverend Prochoros Anastasiadis, first presided over the Epitaphio procession at St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Canberra.

In the early morning of Holy Saturday, Father Prochoros then held a special Divine Liturgy attended by hundreds of faithful.

  • Photos: Facebook / Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, District of Northcote.

Everyone could be seen smiling as the priest emerged from the altar and threw palm leaves at the church pews, a traditional custom for the morning service.

Later that night, a crowd gathered again outside and inside the church for the Anastasi service. The next day, Greeks gathered at each other’s houses for lunch, while others enjoyed a small meal at restaurants such as the Hellenic Club of Canberra.

Anastasi at St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Canberra. Photo by Totzoz Films.

Tasmania:

In Tasmania, the traditional Anastasi service was held at the church of St George in Hobart on Saturday night, before Father Prochoros made his way to the capital city from Canberra to preside over the Vespers of Love service on Sunday morning.

  • Photo: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, District of Canberra / Facebook.

During the service, Father Prochoros spoke about the importance of allowing Christ in our lives and expressed the well wishes of Archbishop Makarios.

At the conclusion of the service, eggs were handed out to the congregation and Father Prohoros wished the President of the Greek Community of Tasmania, Mr Nicholas Theodoropoulos, a blessed feast day for St George.

Photo republished with permission from The Archepiscopal Vicar of Canberra and Tasmania.

After all this, some parishioners were able to enjoy a nice sit-down lunch of lamb on the spit, roasted potatoes and salads with the priest, taking in the beautiful view of a nearby lake.

Northern Territory:

In the NT, Greeks gathered at St Nikolaos Greek Orthodox Church in Darwin on Saturday morning for a Divine Liturgy, where the local priest emerged from the altar and threw flowers at parishioners as a symbol of the earthquake which is said to have been felt during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

  • Photo by Georgia Politis Photography.
  • Photo by Georgia Politis Photography.

“Today we showed the world that we can come together after a year with the bells ringing, feet stomping and more flowers in the air than ever before,” photographer, Georgia Politis, who works with the Greek Orthodox Community of Northern Australia, said after attending the morning service.

“The laughter, bright eyes and smiles I saw today made me tearful.”

Later that night, lambathes lit up the sky in the church’s courtyard as the Anastasi was celebrated. After this, everyone returned to their respective houses to enjoy the traditional feast of mageritsa or chicken soup, tsourekia, eggs and koulourakia.

Outside St Nikolaos Greek Orthodox Church in Darwin. Photo by Οπου γης.

Western Australia:

It was a very different situation in Western Australia during Anastasi this year, compared to the rest of Australia.

Due to the newly imposed COVID-19 restrictions, the local Greek community which gathered at churches such as Sts Constantine and Helene in Perth, were required to wear masks during the service both outside and indoors.

Despite this, everyone continued to chant loudly and proudly, and all those who were unable to attend, could watch the Resurrection service via a live stream on Facebook and YouTube.

“The Management Committee of the Hellenic Community of WA would like to wish all our members and friends Χριστός Ανέστη, Christ has risen,” the Hellenic Community of WA Inc wrote on Facebook after the service.

*Video by the Hellenic Community of WA Inc.

Queensland:

In Queensland, Anastasi services took place across the state. One which took place at St George Greek Orthodox Church in Brisbane, was attended by thousands of Greek families who made the most of a service which they weren’t able to attend last year.

Photo: Facebook.

The entire service was also live streamed for those who were unable to attend physically.

“Father Dimitri and Father Stavros pray that Christ Resurrects in your own heart tonight during Pascha and daily thereafter, to renew your life, to fill and fulfil you, with all that is true, good, worthy of honour, and beautiful. Kali Anastasi friends,” the local parish wrote on Facebook after the event.

Maria Sakkari crushes Kontaveit in straight sets at Madrid Open

The Greek Herald
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Maria Sakkari crushes Kontaveit in straight sets at Madrid Open

All it took was an hour and a minute for Greek tennis player, Maria Sakkari, to send Anett Kontaveit packing from the Madrid Open, winning their second round match in straight sets.

Sakkari completed a 6-3, 6-1 rout to make it to the third round of a competition she has never won a match before this.

The Greek, who had earlier needed three sets against Amanda Anisimova, did not have a lot of trouble against her Estonian opponent, avoiding any breaks of serves in the entire match. In turn, Sakkari broke Kontaveit four times, twice in both.

It didn’t look like that to begin with though. The two were tied at three games apiece in the opening set, with Kontaveit needing to prevent just one break-point in that time.

That was, however, about the kind of fight Kontaveit put up. From there on, Sakkari won nine of the next 10 games, losing just one game at 3-0 in the second, to complete the victory.

Sakkari is now set to take on an in-form Muchova.

Greek Easter: How Greece celebrated its greatest feast with pandemic restrictions

The Greek Herald
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Greek Easter: How Greece celebrated its greatest feast with pandemic restrictions

Worshippers lined up at churches across Greece on Orthodox Holy Saturday as the government kept pandemic restrictions in place through the Easter holiday.

The Resurrection of Christ service was very different this year, as the night culminated at 9pm instead of the usual midnight, due to curfew measures.

Most services across the country were conducted outside, due to restrictions in the number of faithful allowed inside. Worshippers who were inside churches appear to have adhered to social distancing rules and mask-wearing.

But ultimately, ceremonies were relatively subdued. Even the Holy Light, coming from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem was not greeted this year as a visiting head of state. It arrived at 7 pm in Athens by plane, and was distributed around the country with the help of 12 flights.

On Holy Sunday, Greeks across the country were seen enjoying a beautiful lamb on the spit, tsourekia and of course, cracking red eggs as the words ‘Xristos Anesti’ rang out from people’s homes and backyards.

  • People preparing for the traditional Greek feast.
  • Photos: AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris.

Greek President and Prime Minister celebrate Easter:

Greek President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, sent a message of hope from the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens on Saturday night where she attended the Resurrection service.

“Today we celebrate the victory of life over death, the move from the dark to the light, the spiritual change from fear and despair to hope. I wholeheartedly hope this Easter is the end of the pandemic, the healing of wounds on the body of humanity, and the final triumph of good, bathed in the light of love and solidarity,” Sakellaropoulou said.

For his part, Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, attended the service at the Church of Agios Dionysios, accompanied by his wife and children.

“This Easter, our thoughts turn to the people we lost to COVID and those still being tested in our hospitals. That our country is one of the lower ranked countries in Europe in deaths does not blunt that grief. It does portray the level of danger, the struggle of those on the front line of public health. The hope brought to all by the gift of vaccines,” Mitsotakis said in his Easter address, before stressing the minimal risks posed by vaccines.

“Easter in spring is an augur of a free summer. The Holy Fire becomes a sun of optimism about an end to this international pandemic. The message of the resurrection permeates current affairs, justifying its redemptory aspect. The days ahead can truly be better. So, the next months can be more productive. So the next years can be years of great prosperity for Greece and Greeks.”

Chios island marked Easter with spectacular rocket war:

The rocket war, one of the most beautiful, spectacular and yet dangerous Easter spectacles of Greece, was revived on Saturday night on the island of Chios in the Eastern Aegean Sea.

At midnight, in the village of Vrontado, two opposing parishes started firing thousands of homemade rockets at each other’s church, while the more pious among them attended the service inside.

The rocket war of Chios takes place on Holy Saturday at midnight. Credit: Dimitris Tachynakos / Wikimedia Commons – CC BY-SA 4.0.

The two rival parishes are Saint Mark and Panagia Erythiani (which means ”Red Madonna” in English).

Groups of locals from the area struck an agreement with the local authority in 2018, the church and the police to continue with the 200-year-old custom, albeit on a smaller scale.

This came after a few years of inactivity, since the event had been cancelled altogether.

READ MORE: The Vrontados Rocket War: Yiannis Apostolis on the unusual Greek Easter tradition.

Insight or Perspective: “Parents and grandparents need to model good reading behaviours”

The Greek Herald
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Insight or Perspective: “Parents and grandparents need to model good reading behaviours”

By Eleni Elefterias

We all like to encourage our children to read and be interested in Greek topics.

One way to encourage our children is by having a home library. First of all, if we do not read, we can’t expect our children to be interested in reading either. We as parents and grandparents need to model good reading behaviours for our children.

So apart from books in our library for adults we should also have a children’s book section which should include books about Greek mythology, Greek history and Greek fairy tales in English translation as well as in Greek. A good selection of bilingual books is also good. They will learn to treasure and read these books over and over again. 

You may need to read to them at first but before long they will be reading on their own.

The books should be age appropriate and level appropriate. For books in simple Greek start with small stories and build up to short stories for young readers. The publisher Patakis has small storybook readers that are colour coded. They start with 50 words, 100 words, 300 words all the way to over 500 word story books. All come with colour illustrations and bigger print suitable for young readers.

Remember, children at a young age may not be able to read Greek but they can’t read English either so what harm does it do to read to them in Greek? 

Having a home library gives many benefits to children and teaches them how to respect and look after books, practise reading in English and Greek and have pride in their reading ability.

The biggest benefit of course is how much they will learn about the various topics they read about and how their vocabulary will increase. Also having their own library is magic! Next week how to put a good library together!

*Eleni Elefterias-Kostakidis is a teacher of Modern Greek and University lecturer. 

Cholakian stunner sees Sydney Olympic clinch 3-2 victory over Sutherland Sharks

The Greek Herald
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Cholakian stunner sees Sydney Olympic clinch 3-2 victory over Sutherland Sharks

By Peter Oglos.

Sydney Olympic FC came out on top of what was an exciting five-goal thriller at Seymour Shaw stadium, defeating Sutherland Sharks 3-2.

Sharks forward James Andrew caused headache for the Olympic defence in the first half, netting his eighth of the season putting them up 1-0. A brace for Mohamed Adam put confidence back into the Olympic side who had been struggling to find goals this season.

At 2-2, after a goal from Sharks’ Christopher McStay’s, Brendan Cholakian stepped up to the plate to rocket the ball off a half volley into the net, giving his side a huge boost into the top five.

MIRANDA, AUSTRALIA, MAY 10: Match action during Round 10 of the Mens 1 NSW NPL between Sutherland Sharks FC and Sydney Olympic FC on May 1, 2021 at Seymour Shaw Stadium in Miranda, Sydney. (Photo by Jeremy Ng – www.jeremyngphotos.com for Football NSW)

A delighted Sydney Olympic FC coach Ante Juric was happy with the effort from his side to bring themselves closer to the top five after recent results.

“It was a positive result. We dominated most passages of play, although we gave away two goals, so we aren’t making it easy on ourselves. Consistency is the word I am after with the side, but we need to pick up our effort.” said Juric.

Olympic kicked off the match with great energy and early chances from corners, with a double header from Oliver’s Puflet almost giving Juric’s side an early lead.

MIRANDA, AUSTRALIA, MAY 10: Match action during Round 10 of the Mens 1 NSW NPL between Sutherland Sharks FC and Sydney Olympic FC on May 1, 2021 at Seymour Shaw Stadium in Miranda, Sydney. (Photo by Jeremy Ng – www.jeremyngphotos.com for Football NSW)

James Andrew, who has been one of the NPL’s top forwards this season, got the Sharks their first goal from a breakaway, putting it underneath the keeper. With another one-on-one opportunity, the forward almost bagged another soon after, but a poor finish saw the shot land safely in Christopher Parsons hands.

A high-pressing Sharks attack didn’t stop right back Jason Madonis, who surged up the wing and cut back to deliver the ball to Mohamed Adam, who equalised the match.

Seconds before the half time whistle, Olympic were stunned by a rocket from Sharks midfielder Christopher McStay from outside the box, giving them a lead heading into the break.

MIRANDA, AUSTRALIA, MAY 10: Match action during Round 10 of the Mens 1 NSW NPL between Sutherland Sharks FC and Sydney Olympic FC on May 1, 2021 at Seymour Shaw Stadium in Miranda, Sydney. (Photo by Jeremy Ng – www.jeremyngphotos.com for Football NSW)

After half time, it was the Sharks midfield that fell asleep at the wheel, with Olympic racking up a number of strong chances.

The best of these came from Adam, who showed incredible physicality and technique on the night, juggling the ball to the Sharks net where he once again equalised the match 2-2.

Substitutes Fabio Ferreira and Adam Parkhouse made instant impact off the bench, with Sharks goalkeeper Anthony Bouzanis parrying one of Ferreira’s shots wide.

MIRANDA, AUSTRALIA, MAY 10: Match action during Round 10 of the Mens 1 NSW NPL between Sutherland Sharks FC and Sydney Olympic FC on May 1, 2021 at Seymour Shaw Stadium in Miranda, Sydney. (Photo by Jeremy Ng – www.jeremyngphotos.com for Football NSW)

The former Olympic goalkeeper prevented many scoring opportunities from Olympic, but was unable to save an incredible shot from Brendan Cholakian, which curved into the net and gave Olympic their game-winning goal.

Sydney Olympic supporters cheered from the stadium stands as the match finished 3-2.

On this day in 1941, Greek author Penelope Delta died

The Greek Herald
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On this day in 1941, Greek author Penelope Delta died

By Ilektra Takuridu.

Penelope Delta was an author whose books have influenced generations of Greeks. Her work is particularly significant as she is the first female children’s book author in Greece. Penelopes books were very popular and widely read, as well as her children’s books her Historical novels were extremely influential on the Greek people’s views of national identity and culture.

Early Life

Penelope Delta was born in Alexandria, Egypt, to Virginia Choremi and Emmanuel Benakis, a prosperous cotton merchant. She had five siblings, whom she would later use as inspiration for characters in her books. In 1882, the Benaki family relocated to Athens.

Penelope Delta with her daughters. Source: lifo.gr

Marriage

Whilst living in Athens, Penelope married Stephanos Delta, a wealthy Phanariote merchant, with whom she had three children, Sophia Mavrogordatou, Virginia Zanna, and Alexandra Papadopoulou. In 1905, they returned to Alexandria, where she met Ion Dragoumi, the Vice-Consul of Greece in Alexandria at the time. Dragoumi, who like Penelope Delta, was an author.  Their books shared the same themes of the Macedonian Struggle, and their own accounts of it. The pair was briefly romantically involved but out of respect for Delta and her children, Dragoumi decided not to pursue the romance and separated from her. Even so, they continued to correspond passionately, until 1912, when Dragoumi started a serious relationship with the famous stage actress Marika Kotopouli. Heartbroken and suffering from depression Penelope twice attempted suicide. Despite the relationship not working out, in 1920 Dragoumi died, and following his death Penelope would only be seen wearing black just as widows do.

Writing career

In 1906 , Delta relocated to Frankfurt, Germany, and her first novel, Gia tin Patrida (For the Sake of the Fatherland), was published in 1909. Delta collaborated with historian Gustave Schlumberger, a renowned expert on Byzantine Empire history to make her novel more accurate. Her novel The Life of Christ was published in 1925, the same year she was diagnosed with Polio. In 1927 she began writing the trilogy Romiopoules (Young Greek Girls), an autobiography that she did not complete until 1939. Part one of the trilogy, To Xypnima (The Awakening), was set in Anthens and covers the early years of her life, from 1895 to 1907, while the second part, H Lavra (The Heat is between 1907 and 1909 and the final section, To Souroupo (The Dusk), spans the years 1914 to 1920.

The Benaki House. Source: The Benaki Museum

Whilst writing the Trilogy, she also worked on other books. Three memorable novels she wrote in this period were (Crazy Anthony; 1932), Mangas (1935), and Ta Mystika tou Valtou (The Secrets of the Swamp; 1937). Trelantonis was written about and inspired by her brother Antonis and his cheeky behavior as a child and antics.

Death and Legacy

Penelope Delta died on May 2, 1941, she decided to take her life by drinking poison. As per her request she was buried in the garden of the stately Delta mansion in Kifissia. The funeral was officiated by Chrysanthos, the Archbishop of Athens at the time. The word σιώπη (“silence”) was etched on her grave in her house’s backyard. Delta’s daughter, Alexandra Papadopoulou, donated the house to the Benaki Museum in 1977, and it has since stored the museum’s significant archives. Benaki Museum is still one of Greece most famous museums with many exponents of Greek culture and history. Penelope Delta left behind books that were adored by children and novels that were admired by proud Greeks.

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