Greek composer, Mikis Theodorakis, as well as actresses, Olympia Dukakis and Betty White, all featured in a special ‘In Memoriam’ video at the Oscars this year.
The ‘In Memoriam’ segment is one of the Oscars’ most cherished traditions as it honours industry veterans who have died over the course of the year.
Theodorakis died on September 2, 2021 at age 96 in Athens. During his sixty-year career, Theodorakis wrote over 1,000 songs, many symphonic works, music for dozens of plays and tragedies, operas and music for the cinema.
Dukakis, a Greek actress who won an Oscar for her role as an overbearing mother in the romantic comedy “Moonstruck,” died on May 1, 2021 at the age of 89.
White, who’s maternal family hails from Greece, passed away on December 31, 2021 just three weeks shy of her 100th birthday. The Emmy Award-winning comic actress was a TV fixture for decades.
White was best known for playing a man-hungry TV hostess on The Mary Tyler Moore Show in the 1970s and a ditsy widow on The Golden Girls in the 1980s.
All three are among a long list of other iconic stars which featured in the ‘In Memoriam’ video including Sidney Poitier, the first black winner of the Best Actor Oscar, who died in January 2022 at 94 years of age.
A ministerial meeting chaired by Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, on Monday has confirmed that Greece is not at risk of a food shortage due to the current Russia-Ukraine crisis.
The meeting was also attended by Rural Development and Food Minister, Giorgos Georgantas, and he said concerns around sunflower oil production could be eased by producing more for household consumption rather than for biofuels.
According to Ekathimerini, Greece imports sunflower oil from Ukraine. It estimates its imports of soft wheat from Ukraine and Russia at roughly 250,000 tonnes, about 30% of its total wheat imports.
Georgantas stated that Greece does not import the majority of its cereals from Ukraine though and its supply chains remain unaffected by the ongoing crisis.
Sunflower field in Halkidiki, Greece.
The government also decided to increase inspections and checks to confront unfair commercial practices and potential cases of price speculation.
The government has asked suppliers, such as supermarkets and other food retailers, to declare stockpiles of products including flour, grains, fertilisers, animal food, sunflower and other vegetable oils.
Greeks crossing the Bulgarian border for fuel. Photo: CGTN.
This comes as fuel prices have soared in Greece with the benchmark has price hitting a record high of $2.20 a litre. In Bulgaria, fuel is less expensive – almost 55 cents cheaper at $1.60.
This has seen Greece’s border communities crossing into Bulgaria to fill up their tanks,CGTN reports.
More than 1500 visitors to date have passed through the doors of the iconic Sydney Town Hall to admire the ‘1821 Greek Art Exhibition’ organised by St Basil’s NSW/ACT and curated by Captain Nikolaos Roussos.
The official launch, held on Sunday evening to coincide with the Greek Revolution commemorative events was a great opportunity for distinguished guests to come together and explore the Athens War Museum’s rare exhibits and traditional costumes from the collection ‘Heroes Made of Metal’ by the internationally renowned sculptor Nikos Floros.
Attending the event that was mc’d by Chairman of St Basil’s Homes NSW/ACT James Jordan were Archbishop Makarios of Australia and a number of distinguished guests including Press Counsellor Costas Yiannakodimos representing the Consul General of Greece in Sydney Christos Karras, Mr Andrew Chryssavgis representing the High Commissioner of Cyprus Martha Mavrommati, Parliamentary Secretary Peter Poulos, Georges River Mayor Nick Katris, Bank of Sydney CEO Miltos Michaelas and boxing champion George Kambosos.
Numerous speeches were given on the night about how Greek Orthodox faith, history language and culture are intertwined to form one’s national identity and the importance of upholding those values and passing them on to future generations while students from St Spyridon, All Saints and St Euphemia Colleges performed the Greek and Australian national anthems.
“I hope people will keep the flame of our history alive,” said Archbishop Makarios in his speech making a special mention on the current situation in Ukraine.
“It is not possible to think of modern Greece as being separate from the Church or a Greek not having that spiritual and religious aspect to their lives.”
Press Counsellor Mr Yiannakodimos conveyed a message from the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis who praised Greeks in Australia for “being the living piece of the Greek nation despite the challenges that have occurred during the years.”
“Wherever I happen to be on Greek National Days, my thoughts are always with the diaspora and its Hellenic communities where the vision for Independence was created and rooted,” read the Prime Minister’s letter.
Secretary General for Greeks abroad Ioannis Chrysoulakis, NSW Minister for Multiculturalism and Seniors Mark Coure, Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore and sculptor Nikos Floros also addressed the attendees via video messages.
Last speakers for the evening were Mr Poulos who gave a passionate speech about history, his heritage and the contribution of Greek migrants in the state’s multicultural fabric and exhibition curator Captain Roussos.
After the formalities concluded the Archbishop enjoyed a tour of the exhibition by Captain Roussos and socialised with the attendees.
1821 Greek Art Exhibition
Exhibition dates: March 13 to April 3, 2022
Open 7 days, 9:30am – 4:30pm
Venue: Sydney Town Hall, 483 George St, Sydney NSW 2000.
The Kytherian Association of Australia (KAA) successfully launched its centenary celebrations on Saturday, March 26 at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour.
The event was attended by over 150 people including a number of special guests such as the Press Counsellor at the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, Costas Giannakodimos; His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia; the Honourable Peter Poulos MLC; Bayside Councillor, Vicki Poulos; City of Sydney Councillor, HY William Chan; and the President of KAA, Emmanuel Alfieris, among many others.
Everyone enjoyed some light refreshments before the night’s emcee and former Mayor of Woollahra Council, John Comino, invited all the guests to be seated for formal proceedings.
Mr Comino started the proceedings by welcoming everyone to the event and giving a brief history of the KAA. He then invited coloratura soprano Helen Zerefos to sing the National Anthems of Greece and Australia. Ms Zerefos also performed a special ‘Kythera’ song.
There were then a number of speeches from Bishop Christodoulos, Councillor Chan and Mr Alfieris.
In his speech, Bishop Christodoulos praised the Kytherians for their filotimo and Greek hospitality and encouraged them to uphold these values and pass them onto future generations.
Mr Alfieris later took to the stage and talked proudly about the founding fathers and other members of the KAA, before announcing that the Kytherians will have a special panel of names on the National Monument to Migration at the National Maritime Museum of Australia.
During the night, the Chair of the Kytherian Centenary Committee, Andrew Malanos, also read out the names of Past KAA Presidents, whilst Mr Poulos MLC and Councillor Poulos presented Certificates of Appreciation to the Presidents and their direct family members.
To conclude the official proceedings, there was a live auction of three of the 100-year Collector’s Edition Medallions, which have been produced by The Australian Mint. The first coin was bought by Peter Maneas from My Greek Odyssey for $20,000, John Sophios bought the second coin for $6,000 and Mr Alfieris bought the third coin for $10,000.
At the end of the night, there was plenty of mingling and Greek dancing to music by IHO Nyx Band.
Greek communities across Australia celebrated the 201st anniversary of the Greek Revolution this year with a number of exciting events, wreath laying and flag raising ceremonies.
Here’s our list of how Greek Independence Day celebrations went across Australia:
New South Wales:
It was a jam-packed weekend of Greek Independence Day celebrations in Sydney as a number of Greek communities and organisations held events to mark the momentous occasion.
First up was a commemoration event organised by AHEPA NSW in cooperation with Bayside Council on Thursday, March 24. The event started with a flag raising ceremony in the forecourt of Bayside Council conducted by Steve Kamper MP, AHEPA NSW Inc President, Bill Skandalakis, Press Counsellor at the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, Costas Giannakodimos, and accompanied by Georges River Mayor Nick Katris and Councillor Sam Stratikopoulos, among many others.
This was followed by a celebration at AHEPA NSW Hall in Rockdale, which featured the singing of the Greek and Australian National Anthems, a recital of the Ode in Greek and English, speeches by Mr Kamper and Bayside Councillor Ed McDougall, as well as poem recitals and presentations by students from Kingsgrove Public School. The event closed with young dancers of the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney.
The next day, on Friday, March 25, the Canterbury-Bankstown Council held an ‘Independence Day Celebration,’ which featured the singing of the National Anthems of Greece and Australia, speeches and poem recitals.
The event was attended by a number of local politicians, such as Sophie Cotsis MP, representatives of Greek organisations, and students from the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s (GOCNSW) Clemton Park Greek School and Earlwood Public School.
Later that same day, GOCNSW also held a Cocktail Party to mark Greek Independence Day. The event featured poem recitals and a number of speeches from the President of GOCNSW, Harry Danalis, and the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Coure MP, among many others. The celebrations concluded with a dance performance by the Community’s dance group under the direction of Paroula Thurban.
On Saturday, March 26, Burwood Council hosted its annual Greek National Day celebrations at Burwood Park. Despite the rain, a large crowd attended including the Mayor of Burwood, John Faker; Father George Liangas from St Nectarios Parish in Burwood; St Nectarios Parish Board President Penelopy Kioussis, Secretary Christina Efthymiades and other Board members; as well as Councillors Heather Crichton and Hugo Robinson.
The commemoration included a flag raising ceremony, followed by a memorial service, hymns, poem recitals, the singing of the Greek and Australian National Anthems and a wreath laying ceremony. There were also a number of speeches from Mayor Faker, Father George and Chris Christogeorge. The event concluded with a special performance from the Nassibian Dancers.
Last, but not least, was the traditional wreath laying ceremony at the Martin Place cenotaph on Sunday, March 27. The event included a memorial service conducted by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, followed by wreath laying from politicians and representatives of Greek community organisations.
Later that same day was the official opening of the St Basil’s NSW/ACT ‘1821 Greek Art Exhibition’ in collaboration with the Athens War Museum at Sydney Town Hall. The free exhibition features rare objects inspired by the Greek Revolution of 1821, as well as the ‘Heroes Made of Metal’ collection of traditional Greek costumes by internationally renowned sculptor Nikos Floros.
On Sunday, March 27, Grand Lodge of NSW and District Lodge of NSW also held a dinner to commemorate Greek Independence Day. In attendance were a number of officials including George Lizidis, representing the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, and George Lianos, the President of National Council AHEPA Australasia, among many others.
The event featured a number of songs and dances by Sofia Ventouri and the Aristotle Dance Academy, under the direction of Dimitris Papapetrou. The National Anthems of Greece and Australia were also performed, and a number of youth recited poems.
Victoria:
In Victoria, celebrations began with the Greek Consulate General of Greece in Melbourne holding a commemoration event at the Hellenic Museum on March 23. The event was attended by a number of politicians including the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews who announced the coming of the Evzones to Melbourne from April 21-29 for Anzac Day.
On Friday, March 25, the inaugural Grecian Ball was also held. It was organised by the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), the Greek National Day Council of Victoria and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
Throughout the week, there were also a number of wreath laying ceremonies across Melbourne. On Sunday, March 20, the Organising Committee for the Celebration of the National Anniversary organised a commemoration at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance, whilst Melbourne’s Hellenic RSL laid wreaths at the Australian Hellenic Memorial on Friday, March 25.
On Sunday, March 27, the Australian Greek Ex-Servicemen’s Association also held a wreath laying ceremony at the Axion Esti Monastery in Melbourne’s Northcote.
There were a large number of attendees including, but not limited to, the Archdiocesan Vicar of the Northcote District, Father Evmenios Vasilopoulos; Maria Vamvakinou MP; Kat Theophanous MP; the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis; the President of the Organising Committee for the Celebration of the National Anniversary, Tony Tsourdalakis; and the President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis.
South Australia:
In South Australia, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (Archdiocesan District of Adelaide) held a number of events to mark Greek Independence Day on Sunday, March 27.
In the morning, there was a Divine Liturgy in the Church of Saint Spyridon, Unley, presided over by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Sinope. Later, there was a memorial service at the War Memorial in North Terrace.
Credit: St George College, Adelaide.Credit: St George College, Adelaide.
Wreaths were laid by the Honourable Consul General of Greece in Adelaide, George Psiachas, as well as SA’s civil and military authorities and representatives of Greek Community organisations.
A parade by the students from the Greek Colleges, Afternoon and Saturday Greek schools of the Archdiocese then took place from the War Memorial to the Torrens Parade Ground.
Credit: St George College, Adelaide.
The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia Inc. (GOCSA) also commemorated Greek Independence Day on Sunday, March 27. The event was held at the Cathedral of Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Adelaide and involved wreath laying, as well as a number of school presentations.
Later that afternoon, GOCSA in collaboration with the Pan-Rhodian Association of South Australia, held a special presentation with Dr Alfred Vincent, the first lecturer in Modern Greek Studies at the University of Sydney and a long-time collaborator and supporter of the Greek festivals.
Western Australia:
A Doxology to honour the fallen heroes of the Greek Revolution was held at the St Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Perth on Sunday, March 27. The service was conducted by His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea.
The Consulate of Greece in Perth then organised a wreath laying ceremony at Kings Park State War Memorial.
The ceremony opened with a religious blessing, followed by presentations from the students of St Andrew’s Grammar, the Centre For Hellenic Studies of Western Australia and the Greek Language and Culture Institute.
Australian and Greek dignitaries laid wreaths and the ceremony was concluded with speeches by the Consul of Greece in Perth, Ms Georgia Karasiotou; the Governor of WA, the Honourable Kim Beazley AC; representing the WA Premier, Simon Millman MLA; and representing the WA Opposition Leader, Tjorn Sibma MLC.
The Consulate of Greece in Perth then offered light refreshments at the park to attendees.
Australian Capital Territory:
The Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra (GOCCC) went all out this year to mark Greek Independence Day. Forty Greek flags are flying proudly across Vernon Circle, Kings Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue until Monday, April 4.
A number of buildings also shone blue and white on March 25. These were the National Museum of Australia, the Hellenic Club of Canberra, the Greek Embassy in Australia, Canberra Centre Fountain, John Gorton Building, Telstra Tower and Old Parliament House, among many others.
The Canberra Hellenic Dancers performed in front of the National Carillon as it was officially lit.
On Sunday, March 27, there was also a special Doxology service held at St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Canberra in honour of the fallen heroes of the Greek Revolution. The service was presided over by His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis and parish priest, Father Petros Kipouros.
This was followed by a memorial service and wreath laying ceremony at the Australian Hellenic War Memorial. In attendance were a number of officials, army representatives and Greek community organisations, including the President of the GOCCC, John Loukadellis.
Northern Territory:
The Greek Orthodox Community of Northern Australia (GOCNA) also marked Greek Independence Day with a special school celebration and wreath laying ceremony.
His Grace Bishop Silouan of Sinope was in attendance for the events and paid a visit to the Greek Orthodox School of Darwin in Nightcliff, where young students performed poems and songs in honour of the heroes and heroines of the Greek Revolution.
The Greek Community of Tasmania held a Doxology service and wreath laying ceremony on Sunday, March 27 at St Georges Greek Orthodox Church in Hobart. Wreaths were laid by Nick Theodoropoulos, the President of the Community, John Gavalas from the Lipsis Brotherhood, and Nick Gonianakis from the Cretan Brotherhood.
Students from Hobart’s local Greek school recited poems and the National Anthems of Greece and Australia were sung.
Parish priest, Father Nicolaos Bozikis, read a prepared speech about the importance of Greek Independence Day, which was kindly provided by Rosa Roussos who has been a Greek school teacher for over 35 years in Hobart.
Queensland:
The Greek Orthodox Community of St George in Brisbane held a Doxology service and wreath laying ceremony on Sunday, March 27.
In attendance were the Queensland Governor, Dr Jeannette Young PSM; the Honorary Consul of Greece in Queensland, James Raptis OBE; and members of local Greek communities.
Sydney’s Greek community came out in full force on Sunday for a traditional wreath laying ceremony at the cenotaph in Martin Place to mark Greek Independence Day.
The ceremony kicked off with the Greek and Australian National Anthems, followed by a small memorial service conducted by Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
All photos copyright: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
The Archbishop as well as the President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) Harry Danalis, then gave small speeches.
In his speech, Archbishop Makarios stressed the relevance of the Greek Revolution today and said Greek Australians are “privileged” to be able to call Greece and Australia home.
“Within the body of a multicultural nation, we continue to share the values of justice and liberty. These principles are as relevant today as they were two centuries ago. This is why we can stand together, remember and honour our ancestors and follow their example,” Archbishop Makarios said.
Mr Danalis spoke next and stressed the importance of Greek Australians coming together every year at Martin Place to honour the memory of the heroes and heroines who fought and lost their lives in the war.
After these speeches, the Last Post and Rouse was played, the Ode was read in Greek and English by NSW Greek RSL members Andrew Kitsos and Peter Tsigounis, and a minute silence was held. A student from the GOCNSW Greek School also recited a poem.
Prominent members of the Greek community, Greek organisations and politicians, later laid wreaths at the Martin Place cenotaph.
These included the Press Counsellor at the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, Costas Giannakodimos; Matt Thistlethwaite MP; Tony Burke MP; Sophie Cotsis MP; Steve Kamper MP; councillors from Randwick, Bayside, Georges River and Inner West Councils, students from St Spyridon College, All Saints Grammar and St Euphemia College, among many others.
The wreath laying ceremony was concluded with attendees being thanked by the event organisers, followed by a number of youth standing proudly in Greek costumes for photographs.
The Hellenic Club of Canberra has announced their new development plans for their Woden office space. The announcement comes with a two-stage development plan in order to properly deliver the vision the club has for the future.
According to the newly released plans, the existing building will get the ultimate facelift. A 16-storey office tower will be situated right next to 12-storey, 15-room hotel with a new auditorium donning a 2000-seat theatre.
Earlier this month, The Greek Herald spoke with the President of the Hellenic Club, Andrew Satsias, and he spoke about the future plans for the club and its goal to become a precinct.
“We’re in the midst of strategic planning… It’s a reality that has to take place quickly because poker machines, which have been our primary source of income for some time, are declining in support from the politicians here,” Mr Satsias says.
“As part of that, there’s a number of things we’re looking at as to how we can generate that alternative income for the Club and that includes greater entertainment, potential office, and commercial space.
“We want it to be a new precinct.”
The Club has mentioned that the current facilities will remain but would likely be revamped to match the rest of the new club plans. Plans are in place for construction to start in late 2023.
Racing legacy, Debbie Kepitis, has been placed in the top 20 of Sydney’s most powerful and influential people in 2022.
Debbie is the daughter of legendary racehorse owner-breeder Bob Ingham and is continuing her father’s legacy in business and racing.
Trainer Chris Waller with Winx. Photo: AAP Image/Julian Smith
On the list, Kepitis is joined by Harvey Norman founder Gerry Harvey, Penrith Panthers coach and co-captain, father and son, Ivan and Nathan Cleary, Belmore-based medical doctor, Jamal Rifi and many more.
Debbie and her husband, Paul are co-owners of the racing champion Winx, who is trained by the nation’s leading trainer, Chris Waller, who takes third place on this list.
Greece has signed a new arms deal with France worth over $4.4 billion to buy three navy frigates and six additional Rafale fighter jets as Athens increases its armed forces in response to rising tensions with Turkey.
France’s defence minister joined the respective defence minister from Greece, Nikos Panagiotopoulos at a signing ceremony on the eve of Greece’s national day aboard a 112-year-old battleship that also acts as a floating museum.
“It is with solidarity that we address the threats that face our nations and our interests,” minister Parly said.
The three FDI-class French frigates will be built by Naval Group, a defence contractor located in western France that is set to be delivered by 2026.
One of six agreed Rafale fighter jets landed on the island of Crete on Friday, where it will be based as it begins a series of operations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was extended an invitation to address Greek Parliament by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during a phone call on Friday March 25th. This address will likely take place via teleconference.
Zelenskyy has already made multiple addresses including to the US, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan in an attempt to rally support to the Ukrainian cause following the Russian invasion.
Mitsotakis’ invitation reflects Greece’s clear condemnation of the invasion and support for the Ukrainian nation. Greece was among the first countries to send aid to the country ranging from military aid and humanitarian aid.
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. photo: The Economist
Giorgos Katrougalos, a foreign minister during the SYRIZA government tweeted “The invitation to President Zelenskyy to address the Parliament is a positive gesture of solidarity.”
“Greece, as a country of peace and soft power, must play a leading role in diplomatic efforts for an immediate end to the war,” Katrouglas said.
Θετική κίνηση αλληλεγγύης η πρόσκληση στον Πρόεδρο Ζελένσκι να μιλήσει στη Βουλή. Η Ελλάδα πρέπει να πρωταγωνιστήσει στη διπλωματική προσπάθεια για άμεσο τερματισμό του πολέμου, ως χώρα ειρήνης κ ήπιας ισχύος.
In efforts to send continuous aid to the Ukraine during this invasion, French President Emmanuel Macron has also announced he will be working with Greece and Turkey to help people get out of the city of Mariupol and convince Russia to allow the evacuation of the population.
Macron told reporters after an EU summit in Brussels, “There was a concrete discussion today with the Mayor of Mariupol. We are coordinating and we will then negotiate with the Russians.”
“I will have a conversation with President Putin in the next 48 to 72 hours to finalize the details and modalities. It is urgent,” the French President added.
