For many people, October 28, 1940, marks the moment when former military general and Prime Minister of Greece, Ioannis Metaxas, said “OXI” (NO) to an ultimatum made by Italian Prime Minister, Benito Mussolini, an ally of Nazi leader Hitler.
For Chris Zaropoulos, the day is more personal and vivid. He was only 9 years old at the time and remembers the exact moment when the Italians launched an air attack on Greek soldiers who were fighting in the Pindus mountains near his village, Aristi, in Zagori.
“Once the bombing began, all the villagers gathered to discuss whether we should stay or leave. Eventually we decided to flee in the middle of the night,” Chris tells The Greek Herald exclusively.
“My mum packed whatever she could, including clothes and blankets. Once night fell, she put everything on our two donkeys and we travelled towards a village called Vikos.
Chris was only 9 years old when the Italians launched an air attack on Greek soldiers.
“We walked all night, very slowly. There was about 50 of us and we all had to walk one behind the other because the road was narrow. I didn’t want to get lost so I held onto the tail of the donkey until we finally reached our destination at dawn.”
Chris and his family stayed in Vikos for a few months, while all around them Greek soldiers were launching a powerful counterattack against the invading Italian forces. The Greek army had to face a cold winter, Chris says, but their determination, bravery and patriotism never wavered.
“For ten days in December, the Greek and Italian forces battled over two mountains of Pindus all day and night. Seven times the Italians took over the mountain and seven times we claimed it back,” Chris explains.
For ten days in December, the Greek and Italian forces battled over two mountains of Pindus.
“During the third week in December, the Greek army took over the mountain for good after constant attacks on the Italian forces.”
Of course, these attacks were not without heavy casualties. Something Chris distinctly remembers as once the snow began to melt in March, he begged his pappou to take him to the place where the bodies of dead Greek and Italian soldiers were.
“I saw their bodies half covered by snow. I counted about 25 bodies. Two of them were hugging each other. From their khaki uniform, I could tell that they were Greeks,” Chris says.
Many of the Greek soldiers who fought in the Greek-Italian war were either severely injured or killed.
After this traumatic experience, Chris and his family returned to Aristi. He says they were able to survive by living off the animals they had as they provided them with wool, cheese, milk and meat.
To this day, Chris still thinks about those days and always spares a thought for the mothers of the young soldiers who lay dead on the battlefield.
“I still think about those mothers who wanted to see their sons grow up, get married and have children, not lying dead on a mountain for at least three months covered by snow,” Chris says tearfully. “They were just children.”
A painful reminder that while the patriotism of the Greeks was incomparable and a brave example for future generations, it also had many devastating impacts for those people who were left behind.
80 years have passed since the outbreak of the Greek-Italian war. Greece responded immediately to Italy’s aggressive action.
Some fought bravely in the mountains of Albania, while others gave their best in the background to organise the war. All the Greeks, however, surpassed themselves.
The Greek-Italian war of 1940-1941 became history. An example to imitate. It inspired many and became a source of creation and continues to inspire Greeks. The events of 1940 live in the hearts of all of us, no matter how far we are from home.
The editorial team of The Greek Herald thanks the more than 50 young people, aged 10 to 17, who participated in our competition for October 28 and congratulates their parents and grandparents, who pass on their love for the homeland.
Winner for Year 5 – 6: Vasiliki Kastora
Vasiliki Kastora from Nestoras College was the winner of our Year 5-6 category, submitting a beautiful hand-drawn artwork which clearly portrays her pride in her Greek heritage. The Greek flags, as well as the quote by Winston Churchill saying “heroes fight like Greeks,” made her entry a standout.
“On October 28, we celebrate the liberation of Greece from the Italians and Germans during the war of 1940. As a Greek, I am proud of all those who fought like heroes, and this sacrifice remains in our history today,” Vasiliki tells The Greek Herald.
“Let us never forget the day of “NO,” when Greece gave hope to the whole world and that gives me great joy.”
Winner for Year 7 – 9: Georgia Christofi
Georgia Christofi from Oakleigh Grammar School was the winner of our Year 7 -9 category, after she submitted a hand-painted artwork showcasing the Greek flag and soldiers preparing for battle.
The Hellenic Culture Coordinator at Oakleigh Grammar, Natasha Spanos, says students from the school were “excited” to take part in the competition to “express themselves and understand Greek history and culture better.”
“This competition gave the students the opportunity to identify what we celebrate on the 28th of October and express it in their own way,” Ms Spanos tells The Greek Herald.
Winner for Year 10 – 12: Elektra Cadzow
Elektra Cadzow took home the prize for the Year 10-12 category, with a striking image of a man holding the Greek flag proudly, while the word ‘OXI’ stands out in the left hand corner.
“OXI day means to me celebrating the Greek people’s resolve for standing up for what’s right and empowering the people,” Elektra says.
“Thank you for the opportunity, I’m so excited that you chose my picture. My yiayia and pappou will be so happy.”
2020 marks eighty years since Greece’s Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas’ famous declaration, ‘OXI’ (NO!) to Italy’s proposed annexation, subsequently triggering an Italian invasion. While Greece’s glorious military feats against the Italians have been well-documented, whether through historical recount or analysis in so many mediums over the many decades, looking at the events through a newspaper of the Greek diaspora, such as the Panellinios Kiryx, highlights its significant role in providing news information to its readership on the other side of the world, as well as bridging the relationship between Australia’s Greek migrant communities with the broader Australian society.
As the Panellinios Kiryx’s policy at the time, stated in its masthead, was to ‘promote friendly relations between the Greek and Australian people and to educate and instruct Greeks in Australian sentiment and develop good citizenship,’ how was Italy’s declaration of war against Greece and the ensuing Greek-Italian campaign presented in Sydney’s Panellinios Kiryx? While its readership’s homeland was at war, in what ways did the newspaper promote friendly relations between Greeks and Australians, and how did it develop good citizenship among Australia’s Greeks?
Before we examine the significant coverage of October 28, 1940, the Panellinios Kiryx was already covering the prelude to the forthcoming events with the sinking of the Greek cruiser, ‘Elli,’ docked at the island of Tinos as it was participating in the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (Panellinios Kiryx, August 22, 1940), with the front page headline capturing the plight in Greek Italian relations, ‘Greece Is Determined to Protect its Liberty at all Costs’, while stating the torpedo that sunk ‘Elli’ was Italian. Furthermore, the Panellinios Kiryx’s editorial, written in English, ‘Italian Double Dealing and Double Crossing’ (October 17, 1940) puts forth the Greek case of not trusting Italy’s assurances that it respects Greece’s sovereignty – colourfully portraying Italian policies as ‘Caponism’ and ‘Mafiasm,’ and foreshadowing the imminence of an Italian defeat, ‘And Italy is rushing headlong toward that inglorious destiny.’
Rallying Behind OXI:
Front page of the Panellinios Kiryx on October 31, 1940.
As Panellinios Kiryx was a weekly newspaper, published on Thursdays, the news of Italy’s declaration of war against Greece was published on October 31. As a broadsheet newspaper, the entire front page was dedicated to the headline, ‘Hellas at War with Italy.’ Throughout the main article, Greece is repeatedly referred to as a ‘small’ country, and protecting its sovereignty and freedom against a much larger, aggressive country. There are proud, patriotic statements such as ‘Today, we are proud to be Greek. We are proud because a small and weak Greece showed the road of duty and honour to countries which are larger and more powerful but hurriedly tied themselves to the Hitler’s chariot of slavery and brutality,’ and ‘… as Greece’s new struggle is not a struggle of dreams and national claims. It is a struggle of life and death.’
Included on the front page are also portraits and statements from Greece’s Prime Minister, Ioannis Metaxas and King George I, as well Great Britain’s King, George VI. Both Metaxas and King George I rally the Greek people with a reference to history, with the former stating, ‘Greeks, now we will show just how worthy we are to our ancestors which our forefathers secured for us,’ and the latter, ‘And at this great historical moment I am sure every Greek will do their duty until the end and we will prove worthy of glorious history, with our faith in God and our national destiny.’ Great Britain’s King George VI immediately provides assurances of his country’s support for the Greek struggle, ‘In this testing hour for Greece, I wish to say to the heroic Greek nation and to my cousin, King George of Hellenes: I am at your side during this fight! Your matters are our matters. We will fight against the common foe.’
Week after Week, Victory after Victory:
With the Greek army quickly halting the Italian advance and the commencement of their counter-offensive, then pushing the Italian army into Albania and, in turn, liberating towns and villages of northern Epirus, this series of Greek victories were vividly captured by Panellinios Kiryx. As a weekly paper, the headlines of victory and anticipated advances would have captivated its readership and prompted such a great sense of national pride.
Only one week after the Italian invasion, any Italian dream of ‘Athens by Christmas’ was shattered by the rallying Greek army and the headline, ‘Greeks Stop the Italian advance’ and sub-headline, ‘Greeks Threaten Koritsa; English at Crete’ highlight the complete and rapid changing fortunes in the campaign. How the Panellinios Kiryx structures the front pages is as a general news article and then provides readers with a day-to-day account of events. Again, the establishing sentence emphasises the David and Goliath contest as ‘It has been one week from the commencement of the war between the barbaric Fascist Italy and the small and weak Greece,’ but the driving force behind the latter’s efforts become profoundly clear, ‘… a race who’s foremost characteristic is its great love for liberty.’ (Panellinios Kiryx, November 7, 1940) As a historical source, what signifies the Panellinios Kiryx’s coverage of the Greek-Italian campaign is also visual stimuli accompanying the text, with a photograph of Greek soldiers passing a bomb shelter.
Announcements made in the Panellinios Kiryx on 14 / 11.
Despite the Greek armies halting of the Italian advance, the ‘against the odds’ image persists, ‘For one more week of epic resistance from the small but heroic Greece against the ever-strong Italy,’ and the Greek army’s resistance is generating an enormous sense of pride, ‘One more week that has strengthened our patriotism and national pride with a new golden page being written by our brave men in the mountains of Epirus and Macedonia.’ (November 14, 1940)
By the November 21, 1940, edition of the newspaper, the headline read, ‘The Greeks Advance in Albania’ and the victorious Greek army’s feats were announced in the November 28, 1940, edition, ‘Ever Bright Victory of the Greek Army’ as the towns Koritsa and Argyrokastro in northern Epirus had been liberated. December editions continued to follow the Greek army’s advancements; every victory provided Greek readers and Australians a growing swell of pride and admiration, as the English editorial read, ‘The slogan for the Greek from time immemorial has been, DEATH BEFORE SURRENDER’ (Panellinios Kiryx, December 12, 1940) As the Greek army’s advance continued, the headlines continued, ‘The Greeks At Tepeleni and Cheimara.’ (Panellinios Kiryx, December 12, 1940) Despite the challenges of limitations in the weaponry and ill-organised supply lines, the Greek army had achieved the unbelievable by advancing deeper into Albania.
Front page of the November 28 edition.
With the New Year came news of more victories, as Cheimara fell (Panellinios Kiryx, January 2, 1941) and, after a thirty-one minute battle, Kleisoura was taken, (Panellinios Kiryx, January 16, 1941), while Italy’s counteroffensive was quelled (Panellinios Kiryx, January 31, 1941)
As an aside, astrologer A.J. Bush examined the alignment of the planets to provide a forecast for the Greek armed forces. For example, one of the predictions was, ‘The New Moon for the 27th March shows the distinct possibility again of universal public rejoicing throughout the country, and I notice here a strong indication of new Allies and or substantial help which will greatly increase the power of the fighting forces’ (Panellinios Kiryx, January 16, 1941). How prophetic Bush was, when we consider the Greek nation would have been celebrating around March 25, with Independence Day celebrations, and the British army was already in Crete at the time.
After months of headlines highlighting the Greek army’s glorious victories and advancement, news of Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas’ unexpected death was captured by the Panellinios Kiryx’s sketch of his portrait amongst marching evzones- with the caption, ‘The sacred memory of Ioannis Metaxas who always guided to victories and triumphs’ (February January 16, 1941). As the Greek Consul, Dr E. Vrizakis, paid tribute to the late Prime Minister on 2BL, ‘I feel that Metaxas had sown the good seed and that Greece, before long, will reap a rich harvest of moral and material wealth,’ it was as though his death inspired further victories- with the liberation of Kleisoura and the Greek army capturing thousands of Italian prisoners.
Front cover reports on Metaxas’ death, 06/02/1941.
The enormous outpouring of support on the Australian home front:
Greece’s heroic defence evidently captured the admiration of nations across the globe, including Australia, and the support was immediate. With the Greek Consul General, Emilios Vrizakis, establishing the Greek War Fund, where people could make a donation towards Greece’s war efforts, the rush to financially support the Greek cause was incredible. In only a week, Australia’s Greek communities had donated £1328-9-0 with Port Pirie’s Greek community raising another £600, Innisfail’s Castellorizians donating £100 and Sydney and NSW’s Cypriots raising £50!
And the donations poured in from Australians too: the fish agent, Arthur Murrell donated £600; through the Central Committee members, S. Andronikos and A Diamantopouos, they received £237 from Australians; the company Nathan and Wyeth, who imported Varvaressos Ouzo, donated £10. And the support did not only come in money; the company, Henry Woolf Butchers, donated five tonnes of meat for Greece’s war effort! The Greek victories also captivated the local Australian newspapers; via the ‘The Tweed Daily,’ the Greeks of Murwillumbah raised £78. 11.0! With Queen Frederika addressing the Greek diaspora, the initiative, ‘The Jumper of the Soldier,’ was launched, which was known in Australia as the Ladies Greek Auxiliary Comforts Fund! (Panellinios Kiryx, November 14, 1940)
Photo in the newspaper covering the Red Cross march in Adelaide.
As the Greek War Relief Fund declared, ‘Act on our Sacred Duty to our Homeland, Greece,’ another list of individualised contributions was published with subgroups of Sydney and suburbs, Silkwood (Queensland), Cooma and Goulburn (NSW) and Mt Larcoum (Queensland), all raising £794.14.0. As the Kytherian Brotherhood announced they would be making a substantial donation, Sydney Castellorizians also donated £200 in this latest wave of donations. (Panellinios Kiryx, November 28, 1940).
And the wave of support gathered momentum, as the whole country was behind Greece. Within the week, another £3, 073.3.4 was raised- including donations from NSW country towns such as Katoomba, Molong, West Wyalong, Queenbeyan, Narromine, Cowra, Barraba, Temora, Dubbo and Trangie, as well as Ipswich (Queensland). Included was the donation of £100 from the Chelmos Association. The list of contributors was so large that it went over a second page (December 5, 1940).
Within another week, the monies raised were at £9515.0.1 (Panellinios Kiryx, December 26, 1940) and another week, it had jumped to £12, 575.0.10 (Panellinios Kiryx, January 2, 1941). Every week, the updated amount surged by the thousands. Fundraising for the Greek War Relief Fund just did not cease. In fact, great sums continued to be raised. One example is the Chelmos Association whose funds increased from its initial £422.16.056 to £1003.1.7! Every social dance within the Greek communities across the country, even theatre performances, was dedicated to raising monies for the Greek War Relief Fund.
Panellinios Kiryx, 19/12/1940.
Examining the list of contributors of the Ladies Greek Auxiliary Comfort Fund, which raised £179-14-8, it is admirable to notice just how many non-Greek ladies were contributors (Panellinios Kiryx, January 23, 1941). It should be highlighted that the whole nation came to the support of the Greek cause and this is epitomised by the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Rt. Hon. J. B. Chandler’s radio appeal, where he appealed for Australians to get behind the fund-raising efforts for the Greek army, ‘The maintenance of the Greek army and the Greek people is a vital necessity to our own national existence…I again appeal to you to give- give freely- give liberally- give NOW!’ (Panellinios Kiryx, February 13, 1941).
The Greek Italian War truly captivated Australians. At this point, only Greece was defying the Axis Powers push across Europe. So much was the enthusiasm and admiration for Greece’s victories- as well as the understanding for the Greek army and nation to be financially supported- that Friday February 28, 1941 was declared Greek Day as an opportunity to celebrate Greece’s victories and raise more funds. All the celebrations culminated with a parade of Greeks dressed as evzones and Australians! Panellinios Kiryx’s editor, A. G. Grivas, wrote, ‘APPRECIATION. To the excellent organisers of the magnificent celebrations of Australia’s Greek Day, to the most generous Australian People who with traditional nobility of their hearts spontaneously responded to the appeal for the valiant Greece Forces, the Greek Community of Sydney has no adequate words to express its appreciation. From the innermost of their hearts, the Greeks of Australia extend to every one of them their sincere thanks…’ (March 6, 1941) What these Greek Day celebrations pointed out to Australians was what an important ally Greece was to the Allied cause. It also provided Australians with an insight of Greece and the Greek people, as ANZACS and British forces would soon be deployed in Greece to defend the country against Germany’s inevitable invasion.
Panellinios Kiryx, 16/03/1941.
Greece’s delays in entering World War I placed pressure on Australia’s Greek communities and generated a poor portrayal of their homeland. World War II, however, was a profoundly different experience for Greece as Italy’s expansionist policies thrust it into war. Whether it was Australians’ love for the ‘underdog’ – with Greece defying all odds against a strong, aggressive Italy- or Greece proving to be an important ally for the free world, Australians were presented with a great image of Greece and its people, who showed enormous courage against all adversities to repel the Italian invasion and then advance deep into Albanian territory.
And the Panellinios Kiryx played an instrumental role in the re-evaluation of the Greek image in Australia. Whether it was its weekly updated funds of the Greek War Relief Fund or several editorials written in English, the newspaper went beyond its role in informing its Greek readership by bringing Greeks and Australians closer in the Allied cause. And the ANZACs defending Greece against the German invasion would merely solidify this relationship forever.
Lockdown restrictions in Melbourne lifted as of midnight last night with people able to leave their home for any reason.
Oakleigh, Melbourne’s Greek precinct, came back to life on Wednesday as patrons were able to visit their favorite Hellenic cafes and restaurants.
Metropolitan Melbourne has been subject to Stage 4 restrictions since 2 August 2020 with residents under stay at home orders following a second wave of COVID-19 cases in the community.
Here’s is what has changed:
Visiting friends and family
Visiting people in their homes will be allowed, but limited to no more than two adults, plus their dependents, per day.
People in Melbourne must also to abide by the 25km ruleandcannot travel any further to visit someone in their home.
The metropolitan-regional border also remains and cannot be breached for the purposes of visiting.
Mr Andrews said the home was “actually the most dangerous environment for the spread of this virus” because people let their guard down, and there’s no supervision or industrial cleaning.
“Only one such visiting event can occur per day,” Mr Andrews said.
Retail and hospitality
All retail stores will be allowed to reopen.
Beauty, personal services and tattoo parlours can return as long as customers can wear a mask throughout the procedure.
For the first time in months, hospitality businesses will be allowed to seat patrons, including inside.
Restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs will be allowed to seat a maximum of 20 people indoors, provided there are no more than 10 people per space and no more than one person for every 4 square metres.
Outdoors will be restricted to one person per 2 square metres, up to a maximum of 50 patrons.
Groups will be capped at 10 people, seated 1.5 metres from other groups.
Community sport is back for kids and adults
All outdoor sport will return for those aged under 18.
Adults will be allowed to participate in non-contact outdoor sport.
Weddings, funerals and religious gatherings
Weddings will increase to a maximum of 10 people.
Funerals will increase to a maximum of 20 mourners.
Indoor religious gatherings will be capped at 10 people indoors, or 20 people outdoors, plus one faith leader.
Additional changes, including the 25km travel limit for Melburnians, will be introduced on November 8.
November 8 will also be the day Victorians get a sense of what the rest of November, and indeed Christmas, might look like with the Premier set to unveil an updated roadmap.
Greek Australian politicians have released messages of respect and gratitude to mark the 80th anniversary of OXI Day today.
Here is an extensive list of all the MP’s and their statements:
Sophie Cotsis MP:
In her message to commemorate OXI Day, Sophie Cotsis MP writes that “80 years ago, the people of Greece said NO to fascism,” adding that “this history must never be forgotten.”
“We must remember the terrible hardships which people endured during the Second World War. Their sacrifice was noble. We owe them for preserving freedom, democracy and justice in our world,” Ms Cotsis says.
Fiona Martin MP writes that “as the grandchild of Greek migrants, I feel a personal pride in the message of OXI Day.”
She continues by saying that Greece’s defence of “human dignity, freedom and democracy” on October 28 still resonates 80 years after the historic event.
“All democratic nations can learn from Greece’s example in standing against the evils of fascism,” Ms Martin says.
South Australian Federal MP, Steve Georganas, has also issued a statement to commemorate the 80th anniversary of OXI Day.
In the statement, he writes: “80 years after the heroic ‘NO’ to the Italian forces, everyone’s thoughts are with the events of 1940. Greece stands proud and fights for a better tomorrow.”
Eleni Petinos MP:
In her message to mark OXI Day, Member for Miranda, Eleni Petinos MP, says the historic display of the Greeks on the day “is an enduring legacy instilled in all children of the diaspora, including those growing up here in Australia.”
“This moment in history is the embodiment of the Greek spirit and represents who we are as a people,” Ms Petinos says.
“80 years on, it is incumbent upon us to take a moment to pause and reflect with pride on the courage and sacrifice of our ancestors this OXI Day.”
Maria Vamvakinou MP, who represents the division of Calwell in Victoria in Parliament, has also issued a message to commemorate OXI Day.
In her statement, she expresses her gratitude to the Greek people who sacrificed their freedom for Greece, adding that the messages of 1940 are “becoming more relevant.”
“I admire all those who fought and sacrificed for the freedom of the homeland and for the defeat of fascism, including thousands of Australians,” Ms Vamvakinou says.
“Now that fascism is on the rise again, both in Europe and around the world, the messages of 1940 are becoming even more relevant.”
As new confirmed coronavirus infections smashed the 1,000 mark for the first time since the pandemic began in Greece, infectious diseases expert Sotiris Tsiodras called on citizens to avoid mass gatherings and wear face coverings at all times.
The National Organization for Public Health (EODY) announced a record 1,259 new cases on Wednesday, pushing the total number to 32,752. Twelve more patients died from Covid-19, raising the number of fatalities to 593.
“The spread of the coronavirus is impossible to control,” he said in his first televised briefing since August. “Face masks are the only choice we have. We take it off only to eat [when we are with someone else].”
“I want to say, with a clear conscience, that we do not lose hope, we continue to fight as citizens with measures that make our lives easier, that allow social life without the ban [lockdown], which has huge social consequences,” he said. “We want to avoid a lockdown, with its consequences.”
Tsiodras said that people’s “personal choice will play an important role” in how the pandemic develops in the country.
In the same briefing, Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias announced that the regions of Ioannina and Serres will enter into lockdown after a riise in infections. He also issued a particular warning for the regions of Thessaloniki and Larisa,noting that the situation is “critical”.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia has urged the Greek Orthodox community to pass on to the next generation of young Greeks “the great legacy left to us by our ancestors” on OXI Day.
This message came in a statement by His Eminence, which was released today to commemorate the 80th anniversary of OXI Day.
“It’s not just the dates, names and information that our young people need to memorise,” His Eminence elaborated in the statement.
“Above all, they must know the ideals and values of the nation and our faith, which unanimously pushed our ancestors to resist heroically and willingly sacrifice their lives.”
His Eminence went on to say that the three words of “pride, gratitude and responsibility” come to mind when he thinks of OXI Day as it is the day when “a small and poor Greece stood up to the mighty war machines of fascist Italy and Nazi Germany.”
“Reflecting on the strength and spirit of self-sacrifice with which the ancestors fought for our faith and the Fatherland, we bow with respect to their memory and express our deep gratitude. Without their fight and sacrifice, none of what we enjoy today would be given and taken for granted.”
The statement concludes with a recognition of the strong bonds of friendship which were developed between Greeks and Australians due to the historic moment of OXI Day.
Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, has released an official statement today to mark the 80th anniversary of OXI Day.
In the statement, Mr Morrison says he will “join with the people of Greece, and the Greek Australian community, to honour OXI Day as a beacon that lit our way to victory.”
OXI Day marks the moment when former military general and Prime Minister of Greece, Ioannis Metaxas, said “OXI” (NO) to an ultimatum made by Italian Prime Minister, Benito Mussolini, an ally of Nazi leader Hitler.
“We have never forgotten the selflessness and courage of the Greek people in the face of a long night of brutal tyranny. An imperishable bond of friendship was forged in defence of liberty,” Mr Morrison said.
The Prime Minister went on to acknowledge how OXI Day will be celebrated differently this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but added that “the spirit of our commemoration remains the same.”
“On 28 October, I will join in reflecting on that day 80 years ago with respect and admiration – for the tragic losses of war, and for the bright future born of that time.”
As a young boy growing up in Australia, James Paniaras would attend ANZAC Day marches and “feel empty” because most of his friends had a “heroic” grandfather who had fought in a war, while he had no one.
All this changed when James was older and he started to pay more attention to important national events such as Greek Independence Day. He began to ask his aunties questions about Greece’s history until eventually, he discovered that he also had a “heroic” grandfather who had fought in the Battle of Albania.
Petros Dimitrios Kalpaxis, James’ grandfather, was only 28 years old when war broke out between the Greek and Italian forces on October 28, 1940. Two days earlier, he had just celebrated the birth of his second daughter, Frida.
Petros had celebrated the birth of his second daughter, Frida, two days before he left for war.
But, like many of his generation, once the bells rang out through Greece calling to service young brave men to fight for their country, Petros took up his arms instantly.
“My grandfather, who had completed three years of military service, left his family behind in late October and went to fight at Grama in Albania. He was a gunner and had to face extremely cold conditions, with snow so deep it was waist high as the soldiers walked,” James tells The Greek Herald exclusively.
Despite these conditions, the Greek army maintained a tenacious resistance against the over 100,000 Italian troops they were up against in Albania. This resistance had devastating impacts however, as many young Greek soldiers either lost their lives or were critically injured.
Petros Kalpaxis (behind gun) was a gunner during the Battle of Albania. Photo supplied.
“One of Petros’ friends was mortally injured during a skirmish and died on the battle field. In the same incident, Petros was injured by mortar shell after a mortar bomb landed next to him. His finger and torso were injured due to the shrapnel,” James explains.
After 40 days of serving in Grama, Petros’ injury forced him to return to Corinth where he continued to serve in the hospital as a nurse and treated many soldiers with horrific, sometimes deadly, injuries.
Eventually, when Greece surrendered to Germany, Petros was able to go home to his village, Vasiliko, in Corinth and reunite with his family, including a daughter who had already become unrecognisable.
Petros was able to return to his village, Vasiliko, in Corinth after the battle.
Petros Kalpaxis also visited Thessaloniki. Photo supplied.
“When my grandfather returned, the people in the village grabbed a random baby and put it in Petros’ hands and said, ‘this is your daughter.’ He was sitting there cuddling her and then they laughed saying, ‘Petros, this isn’t your child. This is yours.’ And they brought my auntie to him,” James says.
“My auntie was a blonde baby. She was just completely different. So my grandfather had no idea who his daughter was because he hadn’t seen her in over two months.”
This, along with risking your life for your country, is a huge sacrifice that many would say deserves some form of recognition. But James says his grandfather and his comrades in Albania refused medals for their heroic actions.
Petros Kalpaxis (centre, with cigarette) with his fellow Greek soldiers. Photo supplied.
“They talked about issuing medals and honouring the soldiers who had fought in the battles, but my grandfather and others said, ‘We don’t want medals because we did our duty. It was an honour to defend our country’,” James says.
“So they asked that the money for medals be used for the poor or for the widows of the soldiers who were killed.”
It’s these actions of selflessness and bravery which James says make him especially proud to call his grandfather a hero, even though Petros himself never consider himself one.
“I do remember on occasion, my grandfather sitting around the dinner table and an uncle of mine probing him and asking him what had happened during the war. But he would just choke up and he just couldn’t breathe and couldn’t talk,” James says sadly.
“But he would’ve been the first to say to me, ‘I’m not special. I’m just like everybody else.’ He would have wanted to dedicate this article to his friend who passed away in the battle, who never got to go home to his family, never got to cuddle his children.”
And that’s the most important thing of all. To remember and honour those Greek soldiers who fought valiantly against the Italians in Albania, inflicting an embarrassing defeat and setting an example for future generations of Greeks around the world.
Greece’s Forbes magazine has released its ’30 under 30′ list for this year and in a fantastic twist no one saw coming, Greek Australian George Moulos, 21, has been recognised for his entrepreneurship.
Earlier this year, The Greek Herald spoke exclusively with George about his e-commerce business and how he was adjusting his business during the coronavirus pandemic.
It looks like his hard work has paid off, especially as his current recognition in Greece’s Forbes means he is now also in the running for Forbes’ Europe list.
“I’m definitely honoured. It’s my first entrepreneurial award and it is very validating to know that the work I’ve been doing over the past seven years is getting recognised nation-wide,” George tells The Greek Herald exclusively.
“Most importantly, I think it’s really great for young Greek entrepreneurs building online businesses, as it shows the old generation of Greeks that the new era of Greek entrepreneurship isn’t in the form of a kafenio or taverna, but online!
“Young Greeks don’t need to go to university, have family connections or startup money to succeed as entrepreneurs.”
George has been obsessed with entrepreneurship since he was a kid. He was inspired by stories of his grandfather who went to Australia as a refugee from Greece and started small businesses.
He started building his own online businesses when he was 15 years old. When he generated over $110,000 for his first client within 3 months, he knew he was onto something and quit his job at McDonalds.
Since then, he’s built, bought, brokered and sold over 75 online businesses and with his business Ecommerce Brokers, he’s now on target to sell a total of $1.5 million USD worth of online businesses in 2020 and revolutionise the way people invest in the ecommerce world with a fund and an investment platform he’s developing.
During this seven year process, George has also travelled across Australia, Asia, Europe and the USA to meet clients, broker deals and speak at seminars.
In 2018, he started documenting his entrepreneurial journey on his YouTube channel.
He’s created over 150 videos and vlogs about his journey to show that “you don’t need a degree, start-up money or a rich and connected family to succeed in entrepreneurship, just the discipline and determination to persevere.”
Clearly George is an inspirational young Greek entrepreneur with the world as his oyster.
