Search
Home Blog Page 1419

Greece strengthens cooperation with Israel, Cyprus

John Voutos
-
0
Greece strengthens cooperation with Israel, Cyprus

Greece has agreed to strengthen its cooperation with Israel and Cyprus at the eighth trilateral summit in Jerusalem on Tuesday.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Israel’s Naftali Bennett, and Cyprus’ Nikos Anastasiades confirmed the cooperation in a joint statement.

“Israel, Greece, and Cyprus view the energy sector, and in particular, natural gas and renewable energy, as a solid foundation for cooperation in the region, based on international law…,” the leaders say.

They also noted their respect for each to exercise their respective sovereign rights.

“The ongoing turmoil in our region has triggered unprecedented migratory flows that pose challenges and can only be met by multilateral, multifaceted action,” they said.

“We express the importance of respecting sovereignty and sovereign rights in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea and to preserve the stability in this region.”

The leaders also reaffirmed plans to connect their countries with a 2,000-megawatt undersea electricity cable. 

The leaders signed an agreement to speed up the construction of the EuroAsia Interconnector (EAI) project in March. 

All three say they remain committed to their cooperation with the US under the 3 + 1 scheme. 

They also reiterated their “full and unwavering support” to settling the Cyprus problem – an everlasting dispute between Cyprus and Turkey including over territorial rights in the Aegean Sea and energy exploration rights in the eastern Mediterranean. 

The next trilateral summit will be held in Cyprus in the latter half of 2022. 

Source: Ekathimerini

Hellsoc UNSW raise money for Heartbeat of Football with annual soccer event

Andriana Simos
-
0
Hellsoc UNSW raise money for Heartbeat of Football with annual soccer event

The Hellenic Society of the University of New South Wales (Hellsoc UNSW) held their annual ‘Hellsoccer Day’ on Saturday and raised over $500 for the Heartbeat of Football foundation.

Over 70 people attended the annual event which saw seven soccer teams, made up of university students, play against each other for a chance to make the grand final.

In the end, players from team ‘3rd Times the Charm’ came out victorious against the Sydney University Greek Society (SUGS) team and claimed the Vageli Siaflas Shield.

  • Photos supplied.
  • The winning team.

The Shield has been named in honour of beloved Hellsocian, Vageli Siaflas, who tragically passed away in 2009 but will always be remembered for his love of soccer.

Throughout the day, spectators and players were also treated to a traditional Greek barbeque of souvlakia and Greek music was on repeat.

Souvlakia were on offer on Hellsoccer Day. Photo supplied.

Peter Kougias from the Heartbeat of Football foundation was among the crowd and thanked Hellsoc UNSW for their generous donation, which would go towards installing working defibrillators on soccer fields all around Sydney.

The President of Hellsoc UNSW, Antigone Sarlas, told The Greek Herald after the event that everything “exceeded” her expectations on the day.

“The fact we could do it all to give back is what the day is all about!” she concluded.

The committee of Hellsoc UNSW with Peter Kougias from the Heartbeat of Football foundation.

Oakleigh Grammar students achieve excellent results in various Greek competitions

The Greek Herald
-
0
Oakleigh Grammar students achieve excellent results in various Greek competitions

Students from Oakleigh Grammar School have actively participated in and received excellent results in various competitions organised by different Greek community organisations throughout the year.

Junior School students had the opportunity to participate at the annual Greek Public Speaking Festival organised by the Modern Greek Teachers’ Association of Victoria. The students had to recite a Greek poem dedicated to the Greek Revelation of 1821. 

Oakleigh Grammar students won the following awards at the Festival: In Year 3-4 Category, 2nd Prize – Mikaela Thomaidis and 3rd Prize – Eva Bakali. In Year 5-6 Category, 1st Prize – Paul Makris and 2nd Prize – Vasia Kosmas.

The Organisational Committee for Greek National Day, under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and in conjunction with the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad, also hosted a state-wide student and youth competition titled “Ambassadors 200.”

READ MORE: Winners announced for the ‘Ambassadors 200’ competition.

The aim of this competition was for the youth of Victoria to have the opportunity to actively participate in the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the beginning of the Greek Revolution. Participants were asked to explain what 1821 means to them. 

Each participant had the opportunity to present their views through an essay, a poem, a drawing, a PowerPoint presentation, a poster, an interview, a song, a painting or an object. 

From Oakleigh Grammar, 111 students submitted some amazing projects and 64 of those students won and achieved the title “Ambassador” for 2021.

Further to this, students from Year 5 to Year 9 had the opportunity to participate in the annual competition called “Student Competition for Pontian Hellenism and the Greek Genocide.”

The aim of this competition is to give students the opportunity to conduct their own research to learn, describe, comment and illustrate an understanding of topics relating to the Hellenic presence that existed in the East, the reasons why communities were forcibly uprooted from their ancestral lands, and the aspects of their culture and identity that survived.  

Students submitted some amazing work and the winners were:

  • Elly Alexopoulos (Year 6) – 1st Prize Winner
  • Vasileios Delichristos (Year 9) – 1st Prize Winner
  • Nikitas Kourdoulos (Year 5) – 2nd Prize Winner
  • Yianni Katsipodas (Year 8) – 2nd Prize Winner
  • Nikki Ballis (Year 8) – 2nd Prize Winner
  • Paul Makris (Year 5) – 3rd Prize Winner

“We would like to congratulate all students who took part and represented Oakleigh Grammar in these state-side competitions, presented such remarkable projects and achieved some outstanding results,” Natasha Spanos, the Acting Head of LOTE and the SRC & Hellenic Culture Coordinator, said in a press release.

“We would also like to warmly thank all the community organisations that conducted these competitions.”

‘We won’t be deterred’: Chaos in NSW as teachers, train and bus drivers walk off the job

Andriana Simos
-
0
‘We won’t be deterred’: Chaos in NSW as teachers, train and bus drivers walk off the job

NSW commuters have faced a day of chaos today, as train and bus workers go on strike on the same day the state’s public school teachers walk off the job.

First teachers’ strike in a decade: 

For the next 24 hours, NSW public school teachers will be on strike in an act of defiance against the state government’s offer of a 2.5 percent a year pay rise.

From posts seen by The Greek Herald on social media today, it appears thousands of teachers have turned out at NSW Parliament this morning to protest.

The President of the NSW Teachers Federation, Angelo Gavrielatos, gave an address at the rally, saying: “we will always protect our students, we will not tolerate an attack on the profession…”

READ MORE: NSW public school teachers to strike for first time in decade over pay and staff shortages.

“Rather than take action to address the teacher shortage, the government and department decided to take legal action. We will not be deterred,” Mr Gavrielatos continued.

Teachers want a five percent pay rise, plus another 2.5 percent for experience, which is above the government’s legislated 2.5 percent public sector wage cap.

Angelo Gavrielatos (centre) at today’s protest. Photo: Twitter.

They point to a “statewide staffing crisis” and an escalating workload as evidence that the pay is too low.

In response, Education Minister Sarah Mitchell has launched a blistering attack on the Federation today, accusing it of being a protection racket that fights transparency.

“[Teachers] deserve better representation than that of a union hell-bent on hanging students out to dry for political purposes,” Ms Mitchell told The Sydney Morning Herald.

READ MORE: NSW Teachers Federation president Angelo Gavrielatos pushing ahead with teacher strike.

Mr Gavrielatos said the attack was “unwarranted and without foundation” and that it will “only deepen the profession’s resentment.”

Bus and train strikes:

Major disruptions to rail services have also been felt across NSW today as train and bus drivers take industrial action in a dispute over privatisation and safety conditions.

The Rail Tram and Bus Union has warned that travellers should expect lengthy delays, as its members refuse to operate the foreign-made trains that make up 75 percent of the state’s fleet.

Commuters wait for the train at Central station as strike action causes significant delays across the network. Photo: Nick Moir.

Buses are also out of action in Sydney’s south-west between Parramatta, Liverpool and Bonnyrigg, as 300 drivers strike over a pay and conditions dispute with Transit Systems, their employer after privatisation.

“We know that actions like this are an inconvenience to commuters, but the ball is in the court of management and the government,” the Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW secretary, Alex Claassens, said.

“They can stop this action by simply agreeing to workers’ basic asks around safety, hygiene and privatisation.”

Unions are warning of a “summer of chaos” ahead, with more industrial action planned.

George Papandreou and Nikos Androulakis to face off for the KINAL leadership

The Greek Herald
-
0
George Papandreou and Nikos Androulakis to face off for the KINAL leadership

European Parliament lawmaker, Nikos Androulakis, 42, will face former Prime Minister, George Papandreou, 69, in a runoff on Sunday for the leadership of the centre-left Movement for Change (KINAL) party. 

According to Ekathimerini, Androulakis won the first round comfortably on Sunday, garnering more than 37.06%, ahead of Papandreou on 27.78% and MP Andreas Loverdos, 65, with 25.95%.

“I really want to thank [voters] from the bottom of my heart for the honor they did me and I pledge to honor their mandate for renewal, unity and political autonomy,” Androulakis wrote on Twitter after the results were released.

European Parliament lawmaker, Nikos Androulakis.

READ MORE: Former Greek prime minister, George Papandreou, joins KINAL leadership race.

Androulakis achieved victories in 11 of the 13 regions, losing only Western Greece to Papandreou and Attica to Loverdos.

Androulakis achieved his most sweeping victory in his homeland of Crete, where he received 61.38% against 24.69% for Papandreou and only 10.07% for Loverdos.

Former PM of Greece, George Papandreou.

Loverdos, a former education minister, has said he will announce his support for one of the remaining candidates by Tuesday. 

Around 280,000 people turned out to vote in the first round on Sunday, more than the 217,000 that voted in the last leadership contest in 2017. 

The elections took place after the death of Fofi Gennimata from cancer in October.

READ MORE: KINAL leader, Fofi Gennimata, dies at the age of 56.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Despite a few stumbles, Pope Francis concludes his tour of Greece and Cyprus

The Greek Herald
-
0
Despite a few stumbles, Pope Francis concludes his tour of Greece and Cyprus

Pope Francis ended his 6-day trip to Cyprus and Greece on Monday by meeting with Greece’s young people, before he was sent off with an official departure from Athens airport.

In the final event of his trip, Francis met with students at a Catholic school in Athens, where he encouraged them to follow their dreams and not be tempted by the consumerist “sirens” of today that promise easy pleasures.

“Today’s sirens want to charm you with seductive and insistent messages that focus on easy gains, the false needs of consumerism, the cult of physical wellness, of entertainment at all costs,” he said.

READ MORE: Pope Francis shines spotlight on migrant crisis during visits to Greece and Cyprus.

  • Photo: AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino.
  • Photo: AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis, Pool.

“All these are like fireworks: they flare up for a moment, but then turn to smoke in the air.”

Later, on arrival at Athens airport, Pope Francis was farewelled by Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, before he was seen walking towards the papal plane in high winds.

Francis briefly struggled to keep his balance on the steps while boarding the plane bound for Rome when caught by a gust of wind, and was helped on board by an aide.

READ MORE: Pope Francis to transfer migrants to Italy from Cyprus after visit.

This wasn’t the first ‘stumble’ of Francis’ tour, with the leader heckled by an elderly Greek Orthodox priest as he arrived for a meeting with the leader of Greece’s Orthodox Church, Archbishop Ieronymos, on Sunday. “Pope, you are a heretic!” the priest shouted three times before police led him away.

Despite this, Francis made the journey from Athens to Rome’s airport in just over two hours, during which time he held his usual in-flight press conference with journalists on board the plane.

Pope Francis greets the journalists onboard the papal plane. Photo: Alessandro Di Meo/Pool photo via AP.

During the press conference, Francis announced his plans for a possible second meeting with the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, after their historic 2016 encounter in Cuba became a landmark in mending relations severed by the 1,000-year-old schism that divided Christianity.

When Francis returns to the Vatican, he has some important pre-Christmas events on his agenda, including a scheduled meeting with the members of a French commission that investigated sexual abuse in the French Catholic Church, and his own 85th birthday on December 17.

Source: AP News.

Thousands protest in Greece in memory of slain teen, Alexandros Grigoropoulos

Andriana Simos
-
0
Thousands protest in Greece in memory of slain teen, Alexandros Grigoropoulos

Thousands of people protested in the Greek city of Athens on Monday to mark the 13th anniversary of the fatal shooting of teenager, Alexis Grigoropoulos, by a police officer in 2008.

Police were out in force on the day as one rally by students took place at 12pm, while another by far-left groups took place at 6pm. Both started outside the main entrance to the University of Athens.

Police were out in force on Monday in Athens.

According to Ekathimerini, the protests were relatively peaceful this year with roughly three people arrested and 11 detained by police.

The three arrested individuals are all minors and were found in possession of four Molotov cocktails by the police in Syggrou-Fix, central Athens.

Every year, demonstrators gather to commemorate the memory of Grigoropoulos.

He was killed by a Special Guard of the Greek Police Force on December 6, 2008, after a verbal altercation that witnesses say was instigated by the officer and his partner.

READ MORE: On this day: Murder of Greek Student Alexandros Grigoropoulos.

Alexandros Grigoropoulos was killed by police in 2008.

The two officers were both charged and found guilty in relation to the murder, one with the murder itself and the other as an accomplice.

At the time, the heinous killing was marked by riots and protests around the country.

Source: Ekathimerini.

‘Very disappointing’: Cumberland Mayor, Steve Christou, on alleged assault outside school

The Greek Herald
-
0
‘Very disappointing’: Cumberland Mayor, Steve Christou, on alleged assault outside school

A 29-year-old man has been charged after he allegedly assaulted Cumberland City Council Mayor, Steve Christou, outside a polling booth at a Merrylands school on Saturday.

Video of the incident posted online shows Cr Christou, in an orange shirt, in a heated verbal and physical altercation with a man in a white shirt and grey shorts.

Cr Christou was allegedly assaulted before bystanders intervened to break up the incident.

Cumberland Mayor Steve Christou (orange shirt) was allegedly assaulted at Fowler Road School at Merrylands. Picture: The Daily Telegraph.

In a statement to The Greek Herald, Cr Christou said he was “feeling good” and thanked all the people concerned about his welfare after the incident.

“I can’t comment too much but it’s very disappointing that a candidate put up to represent the community has to be subjected to this type of behaviour,” Cr Christou said.

“I’m also disappointed that Labor continue to endorse Councillor Ola Hamed, who was standing behind the bloke recording it all and inciting the problem.”

The 29-year-old man will appear in Fairfield Local Court next month.

Greek Lyceum of SA mark Greek War of Independence bicentennial with impressive dance concert

Argyro Vourdoumpa
-
0
Greek Lyceum of SA mark Greek War of Independence bicentennial with impressive dance concert

With an impressive sold-out dance concert held on Sunday, November 5, 2021 at the Parks Theatre in Angle Park, the Greek Lyceum of South Australia marked the 200th Anniversary from the beginning of the Greek Revolution. 

The concert titled ‘Footsteps Through Time: A Celebration of Greek History and Independence through dance’ was supported by the state government and showcased ancient, traditional and contemporary Greek dances and choreography performed by the organisation’s students aged from 3 to 21 years old.

In her opening speech, Greek Lyceum of SA Chairperson, Theodora Ekonomopoulos said that the organisation’s vision is to keep strengthening and fostering the young generation’s connection to the Greek community and culture.

“We want to see our organisation grow and the students who are part of it to remain engaged and learn more about dance and culture. This is what makes us proud,” Ms Ekonomopoulos told The Greek Herald.

From L to R: Greek Lyceum of SA dance students George, Poli, Isabella and Patrick

Standing behind the scenes, beside their teachers Alexandra and Marie, dancers Isabella, Poli, George and Patrick said they feel proud for being able to bring history and independence on the stage and help keep the tradition alive. 

“Being a part of the culture is great and knowing what your ancestors have been through and what they achieved and being able to show it through dance is amazing,” said George who has been part of the Greek Lyceum dance group for nearly 10 years.

“I can’t speak Greek but I started dancing and it really helped me connect with my own culture. It’s fun and a good way to make friends,” added Isabella. 

The organisation currently has 40 students in three different dance groups (junior, intermediate and senior). 

“Anyone who is interested in learning about the Greek culture and dance is more than welcome to be part of the Greek Lyceum,” said Ms Ekonomopoulos.

*Photos: The Greek Herald/Argyro Vourdoumpa

104-yr-old Anzac, Alf Carpenter, made honorary life member of the Cretan Association of NSW

Andriana Simos
-
0
104-yr-old Anzac, Alf Carpenter, made honorary life member of the Cretan Association of NSW

The Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, December 3 and on the agenda for the night were two topics: 104-year-old war veteran, Alf Carpenter, and a ‘permanent home’ for the Association.

On the first topic, Mr Carpenter, who is one of the the last living ANZAC veterans who fought in the Battle of Crete, was given an honorary life membership of the Cretan Association.

The award will be presented to Mr Carpenter for his service and bravery on behalf of the entire Cretan community.

Alf Carpenter fought in the Battle of Crete.

READ MORE: ‘I was never afraid’: 104-year-old Anzac, Alf Carpenter, recalls fighting in the Battle of Crete.

“It was a really nice and symbolic gesture,” President of the Cretan Association, Terry Saviolakis, tells The Greek Herald.

Following this unanimous decision, discussions at the AGM turned to a potential ‘permanent home’ for the Association as a means of securing its future.

The Cretan Association currently rents a Council Hall in Ashbury for dance lessons and gatherings. The current Cretan House in Marrickville is also regularly used as a gathering and meeting place since it was opened two years ago.

The Cretan House in Marrickville. Photo supplied.

But Mr Saviolakis says the Cretan Association’s committee resolved to finding a more permanent residence as the current facilities “are not really fulfilling our needs as we don’t have anywhere to store our records, plaques and archives.”

“We are currently discussing different options but ultimately, we want this to be on the minds of future committees as well,” he concluded.

The Cretan Association is set to hold its elections in two weeks’ time.

1...1,4181,4191,420...1,977Page 1,419 of 1,977

Stay connected:

Other

© 2024 The Greek Herald. All rights reserved.