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The Monument of Zalongo listed as a site of Modern Cultural Heritage in Greece

Andriana Simos
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The Monument of Zalongo listed as a site of Modern Cultural Heritage in Greece

The Monument of Zalongo, which stands proudly on Mount Zalongo, Western Greece, has been designated by the Greek Ministry of Culture as a Monument of Modern Cultural Heritage of Greece.

The monument was designed by famous Greek sculptor, George Zongolopoulos, to commemorate the mass suicide of women and children which occurred in 1803, called the “Dance of Zalongo.”

The news of its status comes as the monument celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, and Greece also marks the bicentenary of the Greek Revolution.

What is the Monument of Zalongo?

The Monument of Zalongo was executed under the supervision of George Zongolopoulos, the architect, Patroklos Karantinos, and the marble craftsman, Eleftherios Gyftopoulos, inside the archeological site of Kassopi.

Construction of the Monument of Zalongo. Photo: George Zongolopoulos Foundation.

The monument itself took six years to construct, from 1954 to 1960. At the beginning of the project, Zongolopoulos built a lift to transport materials up the mountain, but safety concerns meant that this mechanism was replaced by more old-school human and animal labour.

The monument itself is 13 meters high, almost the same height as a five story building. The interior of the sculpture is made of concrete, while the outer shell was constructed using 4,300 off-white limestone blocks which were mined from a quarry 160 kilometers from the monument’s construction site.

The female figures do not represent well-known historical figures, but were intentionally left without specific characteristics.

George Zongolopoulos Foundation campaigns for recognition:

The George Zongolopoulos Foundation, established in 2004, works to preserve and represent Zongolopoulos’ famous sculptures.

The Monument of Zalongo.

In August 2020, the foundation petitioned to have the monument recognised as a cultural heritage site in Greece and in a statement they say they are pleased by the recent news.

“The characterisation of the sculpture… by the Ministry of Culture and Sports as a Monument of Modern Cultural Heritage of Greece, is a justification for the great Greek artist, George Zongolopoulos, and recognition of the artistic value of the monument itself,” President of the Foundation and nephew of George Zongolopoulos, Nicos Theodoridis, said.

“It is also a recognition of the contribution of the Greek woman, the heroic woman who fought and sacrificed side by side with their husbands and sons.”

It is clear the breathtaking monument deserves this status as despite its difficult position, 30,000 to 35,000 people visit it a year.

Egypt and Greece expand bilateral cooperation, agree on regional security issues

The Greek Herald
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Egypt and Greece expand bilateral cooperation, agree on regional security issues

Greece and Egypt will expand cooperation in sectors such as energy and security, the leaders of the two countries said on Monday in Cairo.

“In recent years, cooperation at economic and military level, either bilateral or multilateral, along with Cyprus, has deepened,” Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, said after his meeting with Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

“We examined with Mr Mitsotakis aspects of our relationship, from economic exchanges to cooperation in tourism. We exchanged views on regional developments. I stressed the need to respect international law and the principle of non-intervention on other countries’ internal affairs in the wider region. I stressed the need to strengthen the trilateral (cooperation) mechanism among Greece, Cyprus and Egypt,” el-Sisi added, also making a reference to the contacts between Egypt and Greece over several millennia.

In his statements after the talks, Mitsotakis referred to the new environment and energy agreement the two countries have signed, calling it a step that helps both countries’ prosperity.

Speaking about the connection of Egyptian and Greek electricity networks through an undersea cable, Mitsotakis noted that it will transmit to Greece and Europe electrical energy produced exclusively from renewable energy sources.

“The relevant memorandum is essentially ready,” Mitsotakis said.

“Our common goal is to avoid new adventures in our neighborhood…the partial delimitation of our neighboring zones is an example, a precedent of peace and stability in the wider region. I look forward to a total delimitation soon.”

Greek officials said the meeting was an occasion to reaffirm the two countries’ common approach to a range of issues, the strategic character of bilateral relations and the will, on both sides, to further deepen cooperation.

“We also discussed developments in Libya. We support peace and normalcy in the neighboring country and an essential precondition is the departure of all foreign troops and mercenaries and, finally, elections before the end of the year. Mr el-Sisi shares our deep displeasure at Greece’s non-participation in the ‘Berlin process’ in a few days,” Mitsotakis said.

Later in the day Mitsotakis held meetings with Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, members of the Greek community in Cairo and Alexandria, as well as with the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa Theodoros II.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Hundreds gather at Saint Sophia Cathedral in Paddington to enjoy BBQ and see restorations

Andriana Simos
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Hundreds gather at Saint Sophia Cathedral in Paddington to enjoy BBQ and see restorations

Hundreds of people from Sydney’s Greek community flocked to the historical Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Paddington on Sunday to enjoy a delicious Greek barbeque fundraiser and witness the recent restorations.

The church is known as the first Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere, and it has even been given State Heritage Status by the New South Wales Government.

  • Saint Sophia Cathedral. Photo: Andriana Simos / The Greek Herald.
  • Special Divine Liturgy. Photo: Andriana Simos / The Greek Herald.
  • Photo: Andriana Simos / The Greek Herald.

The festivities began inside the Cathedral with a special Divine Liturgy marking the Pentecost and presided over by His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Meletopoulos, who was representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.

Taking in the liturgy from the front pews were a number of prominent members of the Greek community including, but not limited to, Konstantinos Giannakodimos, representing the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Christos Karras, Peter Poulos MLC, Bayside City Councillor Vicki Poulos, and City of Sydney Councillor Angela Vithoulkas.

  • Prominent members of the Greek community attended the event. Photo: Andriana Simos / The Greek Herald.
  • Photo: Andriana Simos / The Greek Herald.

They, along with other parishioners, were then treated to a number of speeches about the recent restorations of the Cathedral, which have cost over $850,000 and include the cleaned interior. A new baptism font was also donated by ELLKA.

“Everyone thinks this is a bit of a paint job. It is a major project that has been undertaken. There was concrete cancer, major roofing, water was coming in through the place,” Chris Skiladellis, who is on the Advisory Committee in charge of overseeing the restorations, said in his speech.

  • Chris Skiladellis. Photo: Andriana Simos / The Greek Herald.
  • Konstantinos Giannakodimos. Photo: Andriana Simos / The Greek Herald.
  • The baptism font donated by ELLKA. Photo: Andriana Simos / The Greek Herald.
  • The interior of the church. Photo: Andriana Simos / The Greek Herald.

“It really did go downhill quite a bit, but the work has been extensive and it looks beautiful today.”

He also stressed that more work and funding is needed to fully restore the Cathedral to its former glory. In particular, work on the windows of the church is estimated to cost about $10,000 for each one.

After all the official proceedings were completed, parishioners moved outside towards the tantalising smell of lamb-on-the-spit and kontosouvli, as organised by Nick Andriotakis. Many enjoyed their meal as they chatted and took in the new plaque made from Pentelic Marble and donated by Euro Marble.

  • All photos: Andriana Simos / The Greek Herald.
  • Peter Poulos MLC and Bayside City Councillor Vicki Poulos.

“We wanted to do something here so we thought it’d be appropriate to source out a bit of marble with a bit of history… We managed to bring out three plaques [of Pentelic Marble],” Nick Voulgarakis from Euro Marble told The Greek Herald on the day.

“One is with a custodian, which is still being held, the other was at Euro Marble on our premises, which we unfortunately lost… and the third one is there on the wall. So it’s happy days.”

A special final touch to a Cathedral rich in history and much-loved by Sydney’s Greek community.

READ MORE: Greek BBQ to be held at historic Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Paddington.

  • Plaque donated by Euro Marble owner, Nick Voulgarakis. Photos: The Greek Herald.

The Australian Hellenic Choir amaze with songs from the immigration era and Poulopoulos tribute

Andriana Simos
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The Australian Hellenic Choir amaze with songs from the immigration era and Poulopoulos tribute

The Australian Hellenic Choir blew everyone away on Sunday at Beta Events in Sydney with their much-anticipated ‘Journey to the New Lands and Yiannis Poulopoulos Tribute’ concert.

The soiree was attended by about 300 people, including a number of prominent members of the Greek community such as Konstantinos Giannakodimos, representing the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Christos Karras, the President of the Australian Hellenic Choir, James Tsolakis and the President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Emmanuel Alfieris, among many others.

  • About 300 people attended the soiree. Photo: The Greek Herald.
  • Photo: The Greek Herald.
  • Photo: The Greek Herald.

Everyone sat down to enjoy a succulent Greek meal, while both Mr Tsolakis and Mr Giannakodimos gave small speeches.

In his speech, Mr Tsolakis spoke about the Choir’s establishment and said that its goal is “to bring to the community more innovation in music.” From there, he expressed his hopes of forming the Australian Hellenic Orchestra by 2023 and the Australian Hellenic Conservatorium of Music by 2026.

READ MORE: The Australian Hellenic Choir appoints new Musical Director, Leon Vitogiannis.

  • The Australian Hellenic Choir. Photo: The Greek Herald.
  • Jim Tsolakis (L) and Leon Vitogiannis (R). Photo: The Greek Herald.
  • Photo: The Greek Herald.

“Ambitious? Yes. But we can do it as a community because we all want to preserve the music of Greece because it has significant benefits for our future generations. It has significant benefits for people today because it’s such a good tool to teach people to speak Greek and to understand the Greek language,” Mr Tsolakis said.

“But Greek music also does more than that. It teaches us the history of our culture. It’s an amazing tool.”

  • Photo: The Greek Herald.
  • Photo: The Greek Herald.
  • Photo: The Greek Herald.
  • Photo: The Greek Herald.

Following the speech, the Choir, guided by new musical director Leon Vitogiannis, began to fill the room with the sounds of the Rebetes, delivering a powerful narrative about the sorrow of immigration. Songs such as ‘The Star of the North’ by Manos Hadjidakis and ‘My Sorrow’ by Mikis Theodorakis were performed.

The second part of the programme was dedicated to Yiannis Poulopoulos, with a medley of his greatest hits. Poulopoulos is best known for his collaboration with Mimis Plessas and Lefteris Papadopoulos on the album O Dromos, which became the best selling album in Greek music history.

All in all, it was a wonderful afternoon enjoyed by all who attended.

https://www.facebook.com/thegreekherald/videos/892894057928241

NSW Federation of Community Language Schools celebrates multiculturalism with Gala Dinner

Argyro Vourdoumpa
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NSW Federation of Community Language Schools celebrates multiculturalism with Gala Dinner

The NSW Federation of Community Language Schools hosted its 2021 Annual Gala Dinner on Saturday 16 June 2021 at the Bankstown Sports Club. 

The gala community event featured traditional performances by students, delicacies from around the world, speeches from special guests, messages from the Prime Minister and the Premier of NSW and a special presentation for the winners of the Art and Film Competition. 

Photo: Warren John Duncan

Addressing the attendees minister for Customer Service and inaugural Minister for Digital, Victor Dominello, who represented the Premier of NSW Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell spoke about the importance of community language schools and their contribution to the state’s multicultural character. 

“In a world that’s constantly changing we need anchors and your heritage, your identity is a critical anchor,” said Dominello, explaining that it took him a while to embrace his Italian background.

Victor Dominello MP. Photo: Warren John Duncan

Speeches were also given by the state leader of the Opposition, Chris Minns; Shadow Minister for Small Businesses, Property and Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper and CEO of Multicultural NSW, Joseph La Posta while in the role of Master of Ceremonies were Michael Christodoulou AM and Ms Carmila Chand. 

“If it wasn’t for the community language schools Australia would be a big hole. This country owes you gratitude,” said the newly elected Leader of the Opposition. 

https://www.facebook.com/SteveKamperRockdale/posts/219307970013770

In his speech, Steve Kamper expressed his pride for his Greek background and thanked the teachers, students and volunteers for their efforts. 

“I am of Greek background and I am a beneficiary of the community schools,” said Kamper. 

Steve Kamper MP. Photo: Warren John Duncan

During the event, year 9 student Maria Moutopoulos was presented with an award for the second Prize she won at the Student’s Art Competition in the 13 to 18 years old category.

“Maria’s painting was what she remembered from a trip we went to Greece two years ago. At Sounio, she saw an octopus hanging in the sun and this is what she drew,” Nicolette, Maria’s mother, told The Greek Herald.

“It’s very important to pass the language to the next generation so they [the children] know where they come from and have some sort of purpose. I always tell my kids being Greek is what makes you, you. 

“It’s also important for them to travel to the country and bond with the culture and their relatives. I felt very proud for Maria’s award,” said Nicolette.

Maria’s artwork will soon be showcased at the NSW Parliament House.

Film documenting 100 years since establishment of Panathinaikos BC to be available online

The Greek Herald
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Film documenting 100 years since establishment of Panathinaikos BC to be available online

A film which shares the story of 100 years since the establishment of Panathinaikos BC will be available to all Greeks worldwide on June 27 via online streaming.

Journey to the Stars has been in the making for many years and Panathinaikos BC OPAP is now proud to announce that the production is ready to be shown worldwide.

In 1987, the Giannakopoulos family, a family who adored “Panathinaikos” deeply, decided to take over the reins of the club’s men’s basketball team – a decision that has, without a doubt, led them on a trip to the stars ever since.

This wonderful journey, filled with so many indescribable moments, ranging from impressive victories to unexpected defeats, and unmeasurable joys to undeniable sorrows, but most importantly, six European championships, is captured throughout this film.

Journey to the Stars will be playing in Greek movie theatres from September 2021, but will also be available to view online on June 27 via viva.gr.

The movie will be screened in three different time zones, so that all Greeks living in Europe, America and Australia will have access to it. 

What is the film about?

The film journey will begin from the founding of the men’s team in 1919, the first presentation of the women’s team in 1937, the stance and actions of resistance of its athletes during the years of Occupation, how the team’s trophies were protected by the conquerors, and the build of the indoor hall under the stands of “Apostolos Nikolaidis” and its naming as “Tomb of the Hindu.”

Moreover, including the qualification into the top “4” of UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, the cartoon depiction of the historic van of Greek professional basketball player and coach, Kostas Mourouzis, until the overtaking of the team’s ownership and administration by the Giannakopoulos family – marking the notable turning point in Panathinaikos’ history – and has indisputably established the basketball club as one of the top teams in Europe since then.

Journey to the Stars has been in the making for many years by Panathinaikos BC OPAP.

Big and small stories of the highly celebrated, but also the  “invisible” protagonists from the hundred year journey of the Panathinaikos basketball team have been filmed in independent moments, which will, at times, have the audience laughing, and other times in their emotions, creating an intense and fulfilling experience for all.

Starring: Danis Katranidis, Themis Panou, Argyris Pantazaras, Giorgos Gallos, Vaggelis Mourikis, Anna Maria Papacharalampous, Gilles Touchais, Markos Lezes, Daphne Lamprogianni, Nikos Arvanitis, Tasos Iordanidis, Ioanna Pilichou, Christos Plainis, Vaggelis Alexandris, Giorgos Gerontidakis, and Kostas Apostolakis. Guest Appearance:  Zeta Makripoulia.

Screenwriter-Director: Christos Dimas; Executive Producer: Vicky Laskari; Production Execution: Panos Papachatzis; Photography: Kostas Triantafillou; Editing: Stella Filippopoulou; Music: Nikos Kipourgos; Set: Kiki Pitta; Costumes: Katerina Zoura; Sound Recording: Dinos Kittou; Sound Design: Nikos Konstantinou; Sound Mix: Kostas Filaktidis; Production Organization: Dimitris Gkanos; Production Management: Yiannis Karantanis; Make Up: Dimitra Giatrakou.

Screen times (please note all the info is for EEST- Athens time): 27/6 18:00, 27/6 22:00, 28/6 04:00, and 28/6 12:00.

5 facts you need to know about music in Ancient Greece

The Greek Herald
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5 facts you need to know about music in Ancient Greece

From establishing the first music school in Crete to religious celebrations, these are 5 facts you need to know about music in Ancient Greece.

1. Music as a gift of the gods:

In Ancient Greece, music was seen as a gift of the gods and they considered that music could have a valuable effect on both body and mind of the listener.

The invention of musical instruments was attributed to specific deities including the lyre to Hermes, the flute to Athena and the panpipes to Pan.

2. Music and Education:

According to historical evidence, Greeks started studying the theory of music from the 6th century BC. The earliest surviving text on music is the Harmonic Elements of Aristoxenos, which was written in the 4th century BC.

Music was strongly tied to education in Ancient Greece.

Music developed into an important element in the studies of philosophy by the followers of Pythagoras, the Greek philosopher and mathematician, who supposed that music was a mathematical expression.

3. The first school of musical education:

According to Plato, the first school of musical education was founded from the people of Crete followed by the music schools of Athens, where students were taught to sing and play the lyre. In Ancient Greece, they believed that music taught order and discipline while allowing the educated to appreciate better the musical performance.

4. Music and Religion:

Music and religion in Ancient Greece.

Music was associated with religious occasions in Greek cities including the Panathenaia and the Dionysia festivals in Athens.

Music contests in athletic competitions had a religious nature in honour of the gods and the earliest such competitions were held in Argos, Paros and Sparta.

5. Musicians and Social Class:

The musicians of Greece, also known as the makers of songs or melopoioi, were often regarded as composers and lyricists of the music they performed.

In Ancient Greece, musicians had an elevated society status, indicated from robes and their presence on the lists of the royal household.

Source: mysteriousgreece.com.

Marrickville Road precinct set to formally become ‘Little Greece’ on July 17

Andriana Simos
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Marrickville Road precinct set to formally become ‘Little Greece’ on July 17

Inner West Mayor, Darcy Byrne, has announced a precinct in Marrickville will be officially named ‘Little Greece’ on Saturday, July 17.

The official renaming event will be held at Marrickville Town Hall from 5 – 7pm and will feature Greek community groups providing dance and music performances.

The precinct of ‘Little Greece’ will be established on Marrickville Road between Livingstone Road and Victoria Road. Inner West Council has submitted this name to the Geographic Names Board for approval.

READ MORE: Inner West Mayor says Marrickville is set to formally become ‘Little Greece’.

“This precinct recognises the long-standing contribution of Greek Australians in the Inner West. Naming a section of Marrickville as ‘Little Greece’ is a gesture of respect to all the Greek migrants who helped establish the Inner West as the birthplace of Australian multiculturalism,” the Council writes about the renaming.

“This precinct will formalise the ongoing special bond that exists between Marrickville and the Greek-Australian diaspora.”

If you’d like to attend the naming ceremony, please RSVP by Monday, June 21, 2021 via EventBrite. For all enquiries, please call 9392 5177 or email at events@innerwest.nsw.gov.au.

READ MORE: It’s official: Marrickville Rd Precinct to be renamed as ‘Little Greece’.

Giannis Antetokounmpo makes NBA history after epic win against the Brooklyn Nets

Andriana Simos
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Giannis Antetokounmpo makes NBA history after epic win against the Brooklyn Nets

Giannis Antetokounmpo has become the first player in NBA history to record at least 40/10/5 in a Game 7 win on Saturday.

This comes after Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to the Eastern Conference finals after an epic win 115-111 in overtime in Game 7 against the Brooklyn Nets.

It was the NBA’s first do-or-die game to go to overtime in 15 years and the Greek Freak had an amazing performance with 40 points, 13 rebounds and five assists.

READ MORE: ‘This is my home’: Giannis Antetokounmpo signs five year contract extension with Bucks.

Seeing 50 minutes of court time, an exhausted Antetokounmpo continually probed the Brooklyn defence, working through endless physicality to simply overpower the Nets defence.

Nets star, Kevin Durant, took a 3-pointer to win the game with only seconds remaining, but came up short to allow Milwaukee to escape with the victory.

READ MORE: Behind the scenes of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s film, ‘Greek Freak’.

“At the end of the day, I try not to get too high, not to get too low. But I almost got emotional a little bit out there because the team really tried their best,” Antetokounmpo said after the match.

“We kept our composure. We were down 2-0. A lot of people didn’t believe we could make it.”

The Bucks will now face the winner of Sunday’s Game 7 between the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers. If they win there, they will advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1974.

READ MORE: ‘Give me your skills’: Tsitsipas receives gift from Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Turkish Foreign Minister says Greece must ‘stop its provocations’ just days after NATO meeting

The Greek Herald
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Turkish Foreign Minister says Greece must ‘stop its provocations’ just days after NATO meeting

Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, said Sunday that “Greece needs to give up provocations” for the two countries to solve their problems through dialogue, according to Ekathimerini.

He also accused his Greek counterpart, “my friend (Nikos) Dendias,” of speaking behind his back after joint press conferences following their recent meetings.

Cavusoglu was addressing reporters during the last day of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, an event which former Greek foreign ministers, Dimitris Avramopoulos and Dora Bakoyannis, declined to attend after the participation of officials from the self-styled “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,” (TRNC) the breakaway entity in the Turkish-occupied north of the island recognised only by Turkey.

READ MORE: Outrage in Greece as Turkey’s Foreign Minister claims he met with ‘Turkish minority’ in Thrace.

Cavusoglu told reporters that there was a gentleman’s agreement not to hold any exercises in the Aegean during the tourism season in the summer.

Cavusoglu was addressing reporters during the last day of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Photo: AA Photo.

He said: “Greece is now declaring NAVTEX (a shipping navigation warning about naval exercises). We had an agreement not to hold NAVTEX and exercises on national days as well. Greece broke this as well. They should give up these provocations.” 

Asked about the state of Greek-Turkish relations, Cavusoglu said that the two countries have engaged in dialogue after tensions rose in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean and that there is a “sincere determination” to solve problems through dialogue.

READ MORE: ‘Differences remain’: Mitsotakis, Erdogan meet at NATO to discuss Greece-Turkey relations.

“Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias came. I went there. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Greek Prime Minister Kiriakos Mitsotakis met in Brussels. The meeting went well. Have all the problems been resolved? No,” Cavusoglu said.

“These talks show our determination to solve our problems through dialogue. This determination and sincerity will continue. Greece needs to give up provocations. We go to the press conferences and everything is fine, but then my friend Dendias says many things behind our back. There is no need for this. We ignore it.”

Source: Ekathimerini.

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