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Greeks chant “Christ is Risen” again forty days after Easter [VIDEO]

Andriana Simos
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Greeks chant “Christ is Risen” again forty days after Easter [VIDEO]

The bells of Greece’s holy temples and monasteries rang joyfully last night as the faithful celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus Christ forty days late.

People were unable to celebrate the Resurrection on April 18 this year, as churches were shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, the service was streamed live on television or the internet.

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ was celebrated 40 days later in Greek Orthodox Churches across Greece. Source: tvstar.gr.

But last night, Archbishop Ieronymos officiated over a service at Athens Cathedral from 9 pm until 1 am, while thousands of Orthodox faithful gathered at churches around the country to chant “Christ is Risen” and celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. 

Many people received the Holy Fire, while some also used the occasion to receive Holy Communion, as is tradition during Easter.

The Easter Resurrection Service held in a Greek Orthodox Church in Lamia, Greece.

Social distancing was maintained and in some churches, the ceremony was held outdoors.

The Holy Synod said the services would “give the faithful the opportunity to experience the joy of Easter of which they were deprived due to the coronavirus pandemic.” 

READ MORE: Belated Easter Saturday liturgy to be held in churches across Greece.

The Battle of Thermopylae 2500 Year Anniversary Competition

The Greek Herald
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The Battle of Thermopylae 2500 Year Anniversary Competition

Do you want to have your own work published in one of Australia’s biggest national newspapers? Do you want the chance to win an INSANE money prize bonus?

The Greek Herald is launching a competition commemorating the 2500 year anniversary of the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC.

The competition will require people to submit any piece of writing or artwork, which will then be selected by the team at The Greek Herald and then passed on to a special panel of judges.

SURPRISE US!!!

For this competition you have the freedom to submit anything! This can include a short history summary of the battle, an artwork of the battle itself, or even a poem! Whatever you write, make sure it is below 300 words!

Submissions written in Greek and English will be accepted for the competition.

The finalists will be separated into different age group categories, with a special prize awarded to each age group.

Below is a list of the prizes for each age group:

Prizes for each age group:

Grade 7 to 9

Winner: $500, Published work in The Greek Herald newspaper

Finalist: Work published on our digital platform

Grade 10 to 12

Winner: $500, Published work in The Greek Herald newspaper

Finalist: Work published on our digital platform

University Students

Winner: $500, Published work in The Greek Herald newspaper

Finalist: Work published on our digital platform

How to enter:

Send through your submissions by Wednesday, 24th June 2020, 19:00 AEST, with the title “Submission – The Battle of Thermopylae Competition” to the Greek Herald email address at: greek@foreignlanguage.com.au

In the body of the email please include your name, age and preferred contact number.

Winners will be announced on Friday July 10th, 2020 by 19:00 AEST.

Help us commemorate this significant piece of Greek history!

Melbourne Greek Community in talks with the Prime Ministers of Greece and Australia about lifting travel bans

Andriana Simos
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Melbourne Greek Community in talks with the Prime Ministers of Greece and Australia about lifting travel bans

The Greek Community of Melbourne has recently written to the Prime Ministers of Greece and Australia, congratulating them on the effective measures they have taken to control the spread of coronavirus, and enquiring about when the travel restrictions are expected to be eased.

In fact, in its letter to Australia’s Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, the Community called for the lifting of the travel ban to and from Greece as “travel to Greece remains an important emotional experience for many Greek Australians.”

“Given that the Greek government recently outlined its plans to open its borders as of June 15 to travellers from 20 countries and with Australia being prominent in that list, can we encourage you to start considering your total travel ban allowing people to travel to and from Greece soon?” the statement reads.

“Beyond just tourism, travel to Greece remains an important emotional experience for many Greek Australians and connecting with family and the land of the parents and grandparents is a paramount motivation for thousands of Australian travellers each year.”

Along a similar strain, the Community also wrote to the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and congratulated him for his recent communication with Mr Morrison.

“We were particularly enthused with your recent bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Scott Morrison, with a view to reviving travel between our two countries and by extension the respective tourism industries which, as we all are aware, have come to a halt during the pandemic,” the second letter reads.

“The Greek Community of Melbourne would also like to congratulate you on your strategic plan of re-opening Greece to the outside world. We take particular pride in the fact that Australia is one of the countries on your initial list of 20 favourable nations.”

A response from both Prime Ministers is forthcoming.

Greek Welfare Centre Sydney sends congratulations to Archbishop Makarios

Andriana Simos
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On the occasion of the first anniversary of the arrival of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios to Australia, staff and members of GWC express our heartfelt appreciation for his inspirational leadership, guidance and support over the past 12 months. 

The arrival of His Eminence marks the commencement of a historic time for the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia. We remember the thousands of people gathered at Sydney airport to welcome His Eminence. The atmosphere of joy and celebration is imprinted in the memory of all those present. “AXIOS” 

It was a blessing to witness the expressions of love, humility and respect in the words of His Eminence. These words and actions continue to embody the leadership and vision of His Eminence as he has engaged with, and continues to engage with, all sections of the Church and Australian society around Australia on a one on one basis. 

This engagement is represented by a myriad of achievements that have been highlighted in a range of areas. These achievements are even more significant when we consider the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and summer bushfires around Australia. 

We thank you, Your Eminence, for your inspiration and guidance, and pray that God grant you strength to continue your ministry here is Australia. 

AXIOS.

AHEPA NSW send their congratulations to Archbishop Makarios on one year anniversary of enthronement

Andriana Simos
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0

Την Δευτέρα 29 Ιουνίου ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αυστραλίας, Υπέρτιμος και Έξαρχος πάσης Ωκεανίας κ. κ. Μακάριος κλείνει έναν χρόνο στον Αρχιεπισκοπικό θρόνο. Τα εμπνευσμένα λόγια του ηχούν ακόμα στα αυτιά μας: «Πόθος μου είναι να βρίσκομαι εν Χριστώ σε αγαπητική κοινωνία με όλους σας. Δεν ανήκω στον εαυτό μου, αλλά στον Χριστό και στο ποίμνιό μου. Είμαι εδώ για να μοιραστώ μαζί σας ό,τι είμαι και ό,τι έχω. Η αγάπη του Θεού με έφερε κοντά σας». Από την πρώτη ημέρα του στην Αυστραλία, ήρθε ευαγγελιζόμενος αγάπη για τον Χριστό, ενότητα για την Εκκλησία και την Ομογένεια, ανθρωπιά για τον πλησίον.

Αγαπήθηκε από την πρώτη στιγμή. Όργωσε την ήπειρό αυτής της χώρας απ’ άκρου εις άκρον, μέχρι το Ντάργουιν και την Τασμανία. Άρχισε μία τιτάνια προσπάθεια αναδιάταξης της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής σε επίπεδο οικονομικό, οργανωτικό, στελεχιακό και πνευματικό. Κορυφαία εν προκειμένω πράξη του η στελέχωση της Ιεράς μας Αρχιεπισκοπής με τρεις νέους Επισκόπους, εκ των οποίων οι δύο είναι αυστραλογεννημένοι απόφοιτοι της Θεολογικής Σχολής του Αποστόλου Ανδρέου στο Σύδνεϋ.

Γέμισε και πάλι με φοιτητές τη Θεολογική Σχολή. Έσωσε το ημερήσιο Ελληνορθόδοξο Κολλέγιο του Αγίου Ιωάννου στη Μελβούρνη. Μάζεψε σαν τις μέλισσες τους νέους και τις νέες της Ομογένειάς μας στα Συνέδρια Νεολαίας με την συνολική συμμετοχή 2.500 νέων σε Σύδνεϋ, Μελβούρνη, Αδελαϊδα, Πέρθη και Βρισβάνη.

Πρωτοστάτησε στην συμπαράσταση των πληγέντων από τις καταστρεπτικές πυρκαγιές, συγκεντρώνοντας $500.000 μέσω του εράνου της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής για τους πυρόπληκτους. Έδωσε, πάνω απ’ όλα, το καλό παράδειγμα εν μέσω της πανδημίας προς όλους τους θεσμικούς φορείς του Αυστραλιανού Κράτους.

Είναι χαρακτηριστικό ότι στην συνεστίαση κατά την ημέρα των ονομαστηρίων του Σεβασμιωτάτου Αυστραλίας (19 Ιανουαρίου), όλοι πλήρωσαν το εισιτήριό τους – ακόμα και οι υπάλληλοι των Κεντρικών Γραφείων της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής. Επίσης, τα χρήματα από τα εισιτήρια και τις δωρεές αφιερώθηκαν για να αναβαθμιστεί η νεανική κατασκήνωση στο Bribie Island. Κι αυτό για να μπορούν να πηγαίνουν τα παιδιά και τα εγγόνια όλων μας να κάνουν ποιοτικές διακοπές και να μαθαίνουν για την παράδοση, την παιδεία, τον πολιτισμό και την πίστη των προγόνων τους.

Την επόμενη ημέρα, στις 20 Ιανουαρίου, τα μέλη και οι αξιωματούχοι της ΑΧΕΠΑ Νέας Νοτίου Ουαλίας είχαν την ιδιαίτερη τιμή να φιλοξενήσουν τον Ποιμενάρχη τους στα Γραφεία του οργανισμού στο Rockdale και να κόψουν μαζί του την παραδοσιακή βασιλόπιτα.

Θα μπορούσε, βέβαια, κανείς να συνεχίσει επί μακρόν απαριθμώντας διάφορες δράσεις και παρεμβάσεις του Σεβασμιωτάτου. Αυτό, όμως, που θα πρέπει να τονιστεί είναι ότι μέσα σ’ έναν μόλις χρόνο ο Σεβασμιώτατος κ. κ. Μακάριος έχει κάνει τόσα όσα άλλοι θέλουν πολλαπλάσια χρόνια για να τα επιτύχουν. Το καταφέρε αυτό με τη χάρη του Θεού, αλλά και με την αγάπη του κόσμου. Μία αγάπη που του δίδεται απλόχερα, διότι ο ίδιος προσφέρει τη δική του αγάπη με απλόχερο τρόπο. Σεβασμιώτατε, ευχόμαστε υγεία και δύναμη εξ ουρανού. Εις πολλά έτη Δέσποτα!

Greece relies on drone technology to keep beachgoers in check amid COVID-19

The Greek Herald
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Greece relies on drone technology to keep beachgoers in check amid COVID-19

Drones are the next technological tool shown to used in Greek beaches to monitor and keep beachgoers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NBC News released a video pointing out how drones are being flown above Greek beaches crowded with tourists, reminding them to maintain their social distancing.

The increase in beach goers comes as the Greek government begins to relax restrictions for their country, along with the heat wave that surged into the mediterranean a few weeks ago, allowing many to swarm the beach and enjoy the sun.

Greek Journalist Niko Efstathiou says that the drones are flying above the Greek beaches equipped with loudspeakers, telling people to keep their distance from one another.

Plexiglass and physical barriers are also being used in Greek beaches to maintain social distancing. One beach bar in Santorini has employed the use of plexiglass walls, with the owner stating that although he doesn’t like it, it must be done to bring tourists back to the beaches.

“We hope these constructions you see are not going to be the future for beaches. We don’t want this, but if this is necessary, and if this is what people’s safety depends on, such a construction or any such construction – we (just) want to work, we want to get going,” said beach bar owner Charlie Chahine.

Plexiglass and physical barriers are also being used in Greek beaches to maintain social distancing. Photo: Kathirimini

A dedicated team of people are also making their way around the Greek beaches to disinfect lounge chairs as tourists leave.

In Europe, drones similar to the ones in Greece are being flown to monitor beachgoers.

French drone maker Parrot has donated 5,000 of its motors to be put to use in an open-source ventilator project. Spain was also quick to take to the skies, being the first European country to use agricultural drones to spray disinfectant in various large public areas in response to COVID-19.

Greek Welfare Centre offers free telephone counselling and support service to tackle mental health issues

The Greek Herald
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Greek Welfare Centre offers free telephone counselling and support service to tackle mental health issues

The GWC Community Services NSW has introduced a free Special Mental Health Telephone Counselling and Support Service to combat growing mental health issues amid COVID-19.

The social welfare and community services arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia has provided this free service to further increase its effort to assist the community during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Read More: Focus on your mental health and wellbeing in an age of social isolation

The GWC says that the demand for this service has emphasised the paramount importance of providing this much needed support in our community.

“As a consequence of this increased demand and as suggested and blessed by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the service is now also available to individuals in all parts of Australia,” the GWC statement says.

The service provides Counselling and Support for individuals experiencing mental health issues including stress, loneliness, fears, anxiety or depression. The counselling services are offered by psychologists and other trained professionals in both Greek and English.

Read More: Free psychological support for Greek diaspora offered by Melbourne institute

The Cairnmillar Institute in Melbourne also announced in the beginning of May that it is offering free counselling and mental health services in Greek during the coronavirus crisis.

“Through this program, people will get free access to counselling sessions by phone or conference call with provisional psychologists,” a statement by the Hellenic Community of Melbourne reads.

“For the Greek community, this program is also offered in Greek. You do not need to have a medical plan or paper from a doctor. You can simply call 1800 391 393 and request an appointment with Ms Myrto for the Greek support program.”

Greek pilot given honour of ‘best pilot of NATO’ for third year running

The Greek Herald
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Greek pilot given honour of ‘best pilot of NATO’ for third year running

Greek pilots continue to shine in the eyes of their fellow NATO colleagues, with a Greek pilot being named the “best pilot of NATO” for 2020.

The accolade was given after the Greek Air Force’s participation in the largest NATO multi-day Tactical Leadership Program (TLP). This is the third year in a row that a Greek pilot was given the prestigious honour by his colleagues.

Contrary to previous years, the name of the Greek pilot is not being disclosed by the Air Force itself, yet it was revealed that the winner was Squadron Leader (I) AA. of the historic 340th Flea Squadron of the 115th Fighter Wing from the Souda Air Base.

Photos of the 340th Flea Squadron of the 115th Fighter Wing from the Souda Air Base. Photo: Greek Air Force

The winner was voted on by his fellow pilots of the participating member states from the TLP exercise, adding to the list of the Greek Air Force’s numerous distinctions. The Greek pilot was voted the top pilot of his School, and more specifically as the “Best Warrior pilot”, the leader that pilots would most desire to follow into battle.

Greek pilot Vassilis Kontopoulos was awarded “Best Warrior pilot” in the TLP meeting last year, along with Captain Kosmas Xalari in 2018.

“During the training, the Squadrons undertook missions in accordance with their mission in both National and NATO contexts, in order to familiarise and cooperate with all personnel, in accordance with NATO standards and procedures,” the GEA said in a statement.

The TLP is an organisation formed under a Memorandum of Understanding. It is not part of the NATO structure, but linked to NATO via a Letter of Agreement.

Greek Foreign Minister asserts ‘borders don’t change’ following Evros border claims by Turkey

The Greek Herald
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Greek Foreign Minister asserts ‘borders don’t change’ following Evros border claims by Turkey

After a Turkish ploy to claim a patch of the Evros River’s southern section, Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias confirmed that the extension of the border fence across the Evros River will continue and will be completed.

Speaking with Kathimerini, Dendias dismissed the “misinformation” that a Greek patch in the region of Evros was occupied by Turkish forces.

“Borders are a given. They do not change and they cannot change,” Dendias said to Kathimerini.

The issue came to fruition after Turkey lodged a demarche seeking information on the coordinates of Greece’s fence extension for the Evros border.

Greece confirms that the metal fence will be completed. Photo: Archyde

Athens, Dendias said, rejected the Turkish request with a demarche of its own, “as what we do within the limits of our national sovereignty is our privilege and responsibility and we are not obliged to give account to anyone.”

Greece, he said, then lodged a fresh demarche after Turkish activity was detected in the region.

“From then on, an unacceptable spread of misinformation took place, about the occupation of, for example, 1.6 hectares of Greek territory,” Dendias said.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis denied press reports that Turkey had invaded Greek land in the northeastern Evros area, echoing statements from Ankara that there were technical issues that needed to be resolved.

“There is no border dispute,” Mitsotakis said in a pre-recorded interview with Greek broadcaster Star on Monday. Turkey had become nervous about Greece’s decision to build the fence, but it was “our inalienable right to do it and we’ll do it”, he said.

Mitsotakis said Greece would prevent swathes of migrants from entering the country, whatever Turkey’s policy.

“We are not going to accept a policy of mass inflows. Protecting our borders and European borders is an acqui,” he said.

Perth commemorates 79th anniversary of the Battle of Crete in private ceremony

The Greek Herald
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Perth commemorates 79th anniversary of the Battle of Crete in private ceremony

The 79th anniversary of the Battle of Crete was commemorated with a simple ceremony on Monday, May 25, with the Holy Archdiocese of Australia and the Greek Consulate in Perth.

The ceremony was held at the State War Memorial at Kings Park in Perth, a Monument to the Fallen of World War II.

In accordance with the current health regulations, the ceremony was attended by a limited number of representatives. Specifically in attendance were the Consul General of Greece in Perth, Mrs. Georgia Karasiotou and the Maritime Follower, Mrs. Katerina Argyrakopoulou. The Greek delegates were joined by representatives of the political and military authorities of Western Australia, as well as representatives of community organisations and veterans’ organisations.

A private ceremony in Perth commemorating the 79th anniversary of the Battle of Crete. Photo: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

A memorial prayer was sung by the Archbishop’s Commissioner of Perth, Theophilestatos Bishop of Kianes Mr. Elpidios, accompanied by his father Eleftherios Gerovasilis, while wreaths were laid at the Monument to the Fallen.

In his message, Theophilestatos emphasised that it is our sacred obligation to remember and honour the heroes of the historic Battle of Crete, and at the same time to pass on the values ​​and ideals for which they fought to future generations.

The Bishop also acknowledged the significant contribution of Australians who fought and shed their blood on the soil of Crete, noting that the anniversary of this historic event is another occasion to reflect and reaffirm the strong bond of friendship that unites the Greek and Australian people.

A private ceremony in Perth commemorating the 79th anniversary of the Battle of Crete. Photo: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

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