Dimitris (Mimis) Fotopoulos was born on the 20th April, 1913 in the Greek village of Zatouna. Although Fotopoulos is most notable for his comedy films, he was also a writer, poet and academic.
Fotopoulos always had a passion for theatre and studied at the Dramatic School of National Theatre. Fotopoulos also studied at the University of Athens in the Philosophical School, studying maths for two years, leaving in 1933.
Fotopoulos began his creative arts work in poetry, writing ‘Bouloukia’ in 1940. Fotopoulos also wrote ‘Imitonia’ in 1960 and ‘Sklira Trioleta.’
Mimis Fotopoulos, Source: IMDb.
In 1948, Fotopoulos would begin his acting career, first appearing in ‘The Nazis Strike Again,’ followed by three more films, most notably ‘Madame Sousou.’
Fotopoulos’ acting career would span 39 years, ending in 1987. Fotopoulos is one the most famous Greek comedic actors of all time, starring in classics such as ‘O Grousouzis’ (1952), ‘You’ve Got to Keep Cool’ (1951) and ‘The Counterfeit Coin” (1955). All up, he is said to have appeared in around 100 films.
Mimis Fotopoulos acting, Source: Listal.
As well as forging a successful path in acting, Fotopoulos continued his work in writing. Fotopoulos published two autobiographies, ’25 Years of Theatre’ in 1958 and ‘The River of My Life’ in 1965.
Fotopoulos also wrote two successful theatrical plays, ‘Ena Koritsi Sto Parathyro’ in 1966, and ‘Pelopidas O Kalos Politis’ in 1976.
Unfortunately, in 1986, Fotopoulos died in Athens from a heart attack. He was aged 73.
Despite his death, Mimis Fotopoulos’ legacy remains as he built a successful career for himself as a Greek actor, and will always be remembered for his work in the creative arts.
President of the United States, Donald Trump, has issued a statement to commemorate the 80th anniversary of OXI Day, which marks the moment Greek people said ‘No!’ to Benito Mussolini in 1940.
The statement, published on his election campaign website, applauds the strong ties between Greece and the United States, and discusses the rich history of OXI Day.
Full statement below:
“The United States has been a stalwart ally and supporter of Greece since its independence in 1821. The US and Greece have fought side by side in defence of freedom and liberty in multiple wars against tyranny and communism, including World War I, World War II, and the Cold War.
OXI (“No”) Day commemorates this day in 1940 when the Greek government answered “No” to a request by the Axis Powers to occupy Greece. Greece’s heroic determination to fight for liberty culminated in Greece’s defeat of Mussolini in World War II – the first Allied victory against the Axis Powers.
Greece’s victory provided a symbol of hope throughout occupied Europe and around the world. Today, America celebrates its historic, reliable and strategic alliance with Greece and all her citizens.”
The 80th anniversary of OXI Day yesterday was commemorated with heartfelt poems and speeches by the Greek communities of Canberra, Melbourne and New South Wales.
The October 28 holiday commemorates the day in 1940 when Greece rejected an ultimatum from fascist Italy to allow Axis troops to enter the country and occupy strategic locations. The refusal marked Greece’s entry into World War II on the Allied side.
Here’s how the commemorations went down across the three states:
Greek Orthodox Community & Church of Canberra:
On Wednesday, the Greek Orthodox Community & Church of Canberra held a special ceremony at the Greek Embassy of Australia to celebrate OXI Day.
President of the Canberra Greek Community, John Loukadellis (right) and the Ambassador of Greece in Australia, His Excellency Mr George Papacostas (left).
Children from the Greek School of Canberra.
The event had a total of 220 people in attendance, running from 6-8pm in the gardens of the embassy. 25 children from the Greek School of Canberra performed songs and poems about OXI Day, followed by the Canberra Hellenic Dancers Atalanti group performing traditional Greek dances.
“We were very blessed that we got to celebrate this historic and religious event as a community, united to remember the fallen heroes of 28 October 1940, for they sacrificed their today for our tomorrow,” President of the Greek Orthodox Community & Church of Canberra, John Loukadellis, tells The Greek Herald.
Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria:
The Greek Schools of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria commemorated OXI Day last night with a special Zoom event.
Many hundreds of children and parents took part in the digital commemoration, with some reciting poems, giving speeches and presentations.
The Greek Schools of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria commemorated OXI Day last night with a special Zoom event.
All of the activities were focused on the meaning and relevance of OXI Day.
“The Zoom event was a great success. It gave all the students a chance to continue performing and honour the heroic actions of the Greeks,” President of the Community, Bill Papastergiadis, tells The Greek Herald.
All of the activities were focused on the meaning and relevance of OXI Day.
Greek Orthodox Community of NSW:
The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW organised a cocktail “COVID-Safe” event to mark the 80th anniversary of OXI Day last night.
Students from the Community’s Greek schools gave a small play.
Photos: The Greek Herald.
Students from the Community’s Greek schools started the event with the singing of the National Anthems of Greece and Australia. This was followed by a small play, where students retold the events that occurred on OXI Day.
In attendance were the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Mr Christos Karras, Leader of the Opposition, Jodi McKay, Member for Oatley, Mark Coure, and Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis, as well as a number of representatives from Greek communities across NSW.
OXI day, the 28th of October, is celebrated all around the world to commemorate the day Greece said NO to the Italian’s taking over Greece back in 1940, prior to World War 2.
On Wednesday at the Greek Embassy of Australia, the Greek Orthodox Community & Church of Canberra held a special ceremony to celebrate this day. Special guests such as the Hellenic Club of Canberra President, Mr Stef Pashalidis, the Ambassador of Greece in Australia, His Excellency Mr George Papacostas, the High Commissioner of Cyprus, Mrs Martha Mavrommatis, the Cyprus Community of Canberra President, Mrs Georgia Alexandrou, as well as other presidents of local Greek associations, were all in attendance to the event to share speeches and words of wisdom on the significance of OXI day and what it means to Greeks. The event was MC’d by President of the Greek Community & Church of Canberra Mr John Loukadellis.
John Loukadellis (left) and the High Commissioner of Cyprus, Mrs Martha Mavrommatis (right).
The event had a total of 220 people in attendance, running from 6-8pm in the gardens of the embassy. It showcased 25 children from the Greek School of Canberra performing songs and poems about Oxi Day, followed by the Canberra Hellenic Dancers Atalanti group performing traditional Greek dances to further celebrate and commemorate the occasion. Kiria Anastasia, Kiria Dora, Kiria Stella, Kiria Marilena, Kiria Eva and Kirio Sotiri were all very proud of their students for their amazing efforts today.
“We were very blessed that we got to celebrate this historic and religious event as a community, united to remember the fallen heroes of 28 October 1940, for they sacrificed their today for our tomorrow,” Mr Loukadellis shared.
The High Commissioner of Cyprus, Mrs Mavrommatis, stated “we are very proud of our kids because we know that our community has a future and ‘Hellenicism’ will never die as we continue to grow our culture, language and our religion and will forever be proud Greeks.”
The event was a hit with the younger generation as well.
CMS radio’s Greek radio programme host, Mr Dimitris Saragas, further stated: “I am very proud to be a Greek” after seeing the kids today do an “amazing job” in keeping the traditions and culture alive in Canberra.
Theodore Leonidas Merkoureas, senior teacher of the Atalanti Canberra Hellenic Dancers group, also shared “oxi day is an extremely important day in Greek and world History and we’re always excited to support and promote our national culture.”
Mr Loukadellis stated: “I am extremely proud of the efforts of our teachers and our amazing students and Hellenic Dancers performance at this evenings events. We would also like to thank the Ambassador of Greece, H.E Mr George Papacostas, for his continued support of our community and for opening the doors to the embassy for our community to celebrate OXI Day in such a beautiful residence” and further thanked everyone who came and supported the event.
Nearly two months after Turkey’s President Erdogan issued an order converting the historic church from a museum into a mosque, Islamic prayers are finally scheduled to occur on October 30th.
In preparation, Turkish authorities have gone to great lengths to cover priceless Byzantine frescoes and iconography at the former church, considered one of the most significant collections of such art in the world.
Photos show that the centuries old Christian frescoes and mosaics have been completely covered by white screens, raising concerns about how these fixtures were installed and how it will impact the integrity of these historical artifacts.
Dünya sanat tarihinin baş yapıtlarından Kariye fresk ve mozaiklerinin kapatılması ne yazık ki yapının karakterini ve sanatsal değerini öldürecek vasıfısızlıkta.
Solda eski hali, sağda yeni hali. Proje Türkiye kültür mirası yöneten ve koruyan bakanlık ve kurumları. pic.twitter.com/ijItpmLxCz
Mahir Polat, the director of the Cultural Heritage Department of the City of Istanbul, was critical of the work being done by religious officials.
In a tweet, he called the Byzantine iconography in the church “one of the masterpieces of world art history,” adding that the renovation was “incompetent” and the work that was done to conceal the Christian iconography will “kill the character and artistic value of the building.”
The Chora church is a UNESCO World Heritage site but it was converted into a mosque in August. The scheduled prayers will complete the church’s transformation into a mosque.
Greek tennis player, Stefanos Tsitsipas, had to switch his shoe in the third set of his first-round match against Jan-Lennard Struff at the Erste Bank Open on Wednesday, but that didn’t stop the third seed from rallying past the German.
The reigning Nitto ATP Finals champion raised his level as the match wore on to oust Struff 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 52 minutes. Tsitsipas will next play former World No. 3 Grigor Dimitrov, who also has triumphed at The O2 in London (2017).
“I’m happy that I was relaxed and in that kind of state of mind and mood. I think it helped overall my performance today,” Tsitsipas said in his on-court interview.
“For sure there are a lot of benefits you can take when you’re playing relaxed and when you’re not panicked.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas ousted Struff 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 52 minutes.
Tsitsipas and Struff entered this match tied at two wins apiece in their ATP Head2Head series, with three of their clashes going to a deciding set. The pivotal moment in Vienna came at 1-1 in the third set. Just before Struff served to begin the game, Tsitsipas realised he needed to switch his left shoe.
When play resumed, the Greek broke serve and he never looked back. Tsitsipas only lost three service points in the decider, landing 83 per cent of his first serves in the set to put pressure on the German.
The World No. 5 clinched his victory with a forehand winner, advancing to the second round on his debut at the ATP 500.
“I think Jan played good today and we were both serving well, [playing well] from the baseline. I wouldn’t say there were many rallies,” Tsitsipas said.
“It was a demonstration of serves and I managed to overcome the difficulties that were presented in his service games.”
For much of the early part of the match, Struff controlled play with his big serving and powerful groundstrokes. But he relinquished a pivotal break at the end of the second set by missing a high forehand volley into the net. That proved the opening Tsitsipas needed. He takes a 1-0 ATP Head2Head series advantage into his meeting against Dimitrov.
During his speech to mark OXI Day in Crete on Wednesday, Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, said “we are facing the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic” as Greece recorded 1,547 cases overnight.
“As we are facing the second wave of the pandemic, let’s remember the words of George Theotokas, who 80 years ago, writing about October 28, said he was impressed by the activation of the Greek philotimos and this unprecedented feeling of national unity,” Mitsotakis said during his speech.
“As we face other challenges, let us remember these words again. I am absolutely sure that with a sense of unity, high individual and social responsibility and collectivity, we will be able to face this crisis and emerge victorious again.”
Wednesday marked the second consecutive day in Greece with over 1,000 new cases.
The total number of cases since the start of the pandemic is 34,299, with 603 deaths.
There are 108 patients on ventilators. Their median age is 65 years. Thirty-four (31.5%) are women and the rest are men.
Ninety-three percent of intubated patients suffer from an underlying disease or are aged 70 years and older. A total of 280 patients have now been discharged from ICU’s across the country.
Greek military jets and helicopters performed flybys over Athens and other Greek cities, towns and islands on Wednesday to mark Greece’s national holiday.
Known as OXI Day, or “No Day,” the October 28 holiday commemorates the day in 1940 when Greece rejected an ultimatum from fascist Italy to allow Axis troops to enter the country and occupy strategic locations. The refusal marked Greece’s entry into World War II on the Allied side.
On Wednesday, an F-16 of the Greek Air Force flew through the skies in Thessaloniki with the pilot giving a powerful patriotic message.
“Greeks, from Orestiada to Gavdos and from Othonoi to Kastellorizo, remember that the most laconic and resounding message in world history consists of two syllables: OXI,” the pilot can be heard saying as he completes his fly-by.
“A message that reminds everyone that democracy and freedom are ideals that will triumph as long as there are immortal Greek souls. Souls bold beyond their strengths, adventurous in their knowledge and optimistic despite difficulties. Happy National Day Greece.”
Greek flag flies over Athens:
While traditional military and student parades were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Mayor of the southern Athenian suburb of Glyfada also installed a huge Greek flag on the slopes of Mount Hymettus, overlooking the capital city,
The 800-square meter flag can be seen from most parts of southern Athens.
“With pride, up there on Mount Hymettus we put the Greek flag today! Above the small church of Prophet Elias where it is visible from everywhere. It is a tribute to the Greeks who sacrificed themselves in the ’40s, defending our homeland,” Mayor Giorgos Papanikolaou said on Twitter.
Με περηφάνεια και καμάρι, εκεί ψηλά στον Υμηττό βάλαμε σήμερα την ελληνική σημαία! Πάνω από το εκκλησάκι του Προφήτη Ηλία, ορατή από παντού. Φόρος τιμής στους Έλληνες που θυσιάστηκαν το ‘40, αμυνόμενοι περί πάτρης. Η φετινή επέτειος του «Όχι» δεν είναι σαν καμία άλλη. pic.twitter.com/fTajis4aG3
Greece’s Prime Minister and President celebrate OXI Day:
In his address for the national holiday, Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, appealed to Greeks to show the same unity and solidarity they did in 1940.
“Today, our country is facing different challenges than those it faced 80 years earlier,” Mitsotakis said. “But we must marshal the same virtues that made Greece then too: national unity, a high mindset, the sense of solidarity.”
Mitsotakis was at the Greek naval base in Souda Bay, Chania, on the island of Crete.
Mitsotakis was at the Greek naval base in Souda Bay, Chania, on the island of Crete, visiting with sailors at the naval base and the crew of the submarine “Katsonis.”
Greece’s President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, on the other hand, was in Thessaloniki to celebrate the national day.
Sakellaropoulou lay a wreath at the Heroes Monument at the 3rd Army Battalion in Thessaloniki, while Air Force jets, followed by helicopters, flew over the city.
Katerina Sakellaropoulou lay a wreath at the Heroes Monument at the 3rd Army Battalion in Thessaloniki.
In a speech, she said that history teaches the Greek people that Greece “becomes stronger and overcomes every obstacle when it is united.”
“Greece chose the right side of history, defended liberty, justice and human values against the barbarity of fascism and the violence of Nazism, overcame fear, fought valiantly under the worst possible conditions and gained the admiration of the entire world,” Sakellaropoulou said.
“That event still inspires Greeks. Today, under difficult circumstances, in the midst of a pandemic and tensions in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean, the event serves as a model of solidarity, unity and national self-confidence.”
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.”
