Health Minister Thanos Plevris has ruled out introducing anymore harsh restrictions in the country, however continues to push for increased testing and vaccinations.
Speaking to Skai TV on Monday, the Health Minister said Greeks will be able to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve uninterrupted.
“There are currently no thoughts of lockdown-style restrictions,” he said.
He added that there are internal discussions for a mandatory Covid-test for the general population, for both the vaccinated and unvaccinated, allowing authorities to have a better understanding of the epidemiological situation in the country.
Photo: IANS
Plevris said that although currently experiencing a de-escalation of the fourth coronavirus wave, Greece should be bracing for the fast-spreading Omicron variant. He said a fifth wave is likely to hit the country in January.
Greece has so far registered 26 cases of the Omicron variant in Crete, Laconia and Attica.
One day prior, the Health Minister told Mega TV that testing measures should be primarily directed towards the unvaccinated.
The Epidemiologists’ Committee is expected to meet in due time, while the new measures are expected to be announced on Wednesday, December 22.
Many countries and cities around the world have gone all out this year to keep up the tradition of decorating their Christmas trees to mark the special holiday.
Here is The Greek Herald’s list of the top five trees you need to look into:
The Capitol Christmas Tree always stands proudly on the West Front Lawn of the US Capitol in Washington DC. The 84-foot-tall white fir tree is decorated with handmade ornaments created by Californian residents. The tree is lit from nightfall until 11 pm each evening through Christmas.
Latvia:
Photo by Edijs Palens / Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images.
A Christmas tree in Riga, Latvia is getting attention this festive season. Made entirely from waste, the artwork encourages people to produce less waste and sort household trash during the holiday season.
Philippines:
Photo by Ryan Eduard Benaid / Nurphoto via Getty Images.
The big Christmas tree of Antipolo City, Philippines is 44 feet high and illuminated with colourful lights and ornaments. Made of some 40,000 plastic water and beverage bottles, the giant Christmas tree is the city’s version of the YES (Ynares Ecosystem to Green) Christmas Tree.
Singapore:
The decorated Christmas tree at Changi Jewel in Singapore is a big hit with visitors. The tree is 16 metres tall and visitors can also be treated to magical snowfall daily, starting from 6.30pm until 10.30pm.
From the birth of Jesus Christ to traditional Christmas carols, the vasilopita and the Blessing of the Waters, Panagiota Andreadakis’ second bilingual alphabet book for children has it all.
The ABC of the Twelve Days of Christmas aims to reconnect children and families with the religious and cultural traditions celebrated during the Orthodox Christmas period from December 25 until January 6.
Panagiota tells The Greek Herald she decided to write the book as she “wanted to get the Greek heritage, traditions and religion into every household no matter the level of Greek vocabulary.”
“I was raised in a family with strong Greek cultural and religious values that became a part of who I am,” Panagiota, who also wrote The ABC of Greek Easter, says.
“My series of books are a way of preserving this heritage and passing it onto the next generation.”
Panagiota’s new book does exactly that. Beautiful illustrations, attached to letters from the Greek and English alphabets, capture the interest of young readers and help them understand the meaning of things such as the fasting period, the Saints and even Christmas hymns.
“Some of the illustrations include members of our family. This made it very ‘real’ for me, bringing back memories of Christmas from my childhood…” Panagiota says.
“My favourite illustration is the vasilopita as it resembles family, unity and faith. It was very important to me to find a way to demonstrate to children how and in what order it is cut.
“I placed the coin in the centre to symbolise that the coin is in the cake and could be in anyone’s piece once cut.”
It’s clear The ABC of the Twelve Days of Christmas holds a very special place in Panagiota’s heart and she says she can’t wait to see it on people’s bookshelves soon.
“It is the perfect heirloom and keepsake gift for your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, godchildren, baby shower, birth of a baby, christening, to have on display or include in a beautiful gift or hampers,” she concludes.
“It is the perfect gift for under the tree this Christmas!”
The ABC of the Twelve Days of Christmas can be purchased from www.stelakis.com.au or participating stockists listed on the website.
Panagiota is also holding two competitions – ‘Vasilopita Colour-Me-In Competition (7-11 years old)’ and ‘Christopsomo Colour-Me-In Competition (3-5 years old)’ – which you can find out more about via www.stelakis.com.au.
The All Saints Greek Orthodox Parish and Community in Belmore have been working hard this Christmas season to help those in need through the ‘Mother Maria of Paris Mission.’
The Mission has joined forces with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the Canterbury Leagues Club to deliver toys to hundreds of young children who might miss out this Christmas.
In fact, with the help of the Parish community and a $7,500 donation from the Canterbury Leagues Club, the Mission was able to distribute toys and vouchers to places such as Barnardos at Marrickville Youth Resource Centre, Riverwood Community Centre, Mission Australia, Canterbury Hospital, and Campsie Police Area Command.
The Mission has also partnered with GO Family and Friends Ministry, the St Elesa Food Initiative, Feed the People and Ark of Love, for their 2021 Christmas Hamper Appeal.
During one toy delivery to the Riverwood Community Centre, a number of Mission volunteers attended, as well as Bulldogs players, Matt Doorey, Jayden Okunbor and Ava Seumanufagai; Bulldogs legend and Community Ambassador, Hazem El Masri; and the President of the Canterbury Leagues Club, Peter Winchester.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs work with All Saints Parish to deliver toys to those in need. Photo supplied.
One of the Mission Co-ordinators, Jenny Hantzopoulos, tells The Greek Herald the visit was fantastic and she was really happy to help.
“I love it. We went to Riverwood and Canterbury and discovered how much homelessness there is so it was a really good feeling to give back,” Ms Hantzopoulos says.
“There were also a lot of teenagers this year so having the vouchers [from the Canterbury Leagues Club] was really good and we’re looking forward to doing more of this in the future.”
Some of the vouchers donated by the Canterbury Leagues Club.
‘Long history with the Greek community’:
This initiative is one of five the Bulldogs have partnered with this year in an attempt to work more closely with the community.
Bulldogs General Manager – Community, Fayssal Sari, tells The Greek Herald he wanted to partner with the Mission and All Saints Parish as they “have been a very important community contributor for a very long time.”
“The club has a long history with the Greek community and supporters and we were really impressed with the setup the Mission had at the church… so we decided to partner up,” Mr Sari says.
“It means a lot to us. We are aware of the difficulties the community faces post lockdown and finding community partners makes it easier for the community to benefit. We look forward to continue working closely with the Greek community.”
Another Mission Co-ordinator, Chris Constanti, couldn’t agree more and tells The Greek Herald the toy drive would not have been possible without the support of the Bulldogs, the Leagues Club, the volunteers and of course, the Parish community who also donated hundreds of toys.
“We’re very grateful and fortunate the Bulldogs came to All Saints and Mother Maria to support our programs. It’s really gone a long way towards supporting many families and children who may have not seen any gifts this year,” Mr Constanti concluded.
Swinburne’s Director of Master of Financial Technologies (FinTech), Dr Dimitrios Salampasis has been named the 2021 Blockchain Educator of the Year by Blockchain Australia.
The award recognises the important work of educators who are dedicated to the improvement of blockchain awareness and knowledge.
“It is an honour to receive this award, which recognises academia and higher education as a foundational and critical pillar of the FinTech and Blockchain ecosystem,” Dr Salampasis said.
“As for me, it encapsulates years of hard work in developing educational and pedagogical expertise within such a multi-faceted, complex, novel and fast developing space.”
Prior joining academia, Dimitrios worked in the management consulting industries being involved in global advisory and consulting activities on emerging market investing assisting companies in developing long-term strategic focus and sustainable market business strategies.
He is an MAICD (Australian Institute of Company Directors) and a FINSIA (Financial Services Institute of Australasia) Senior Associate.
“Blockchain has the potential to change not only businesses and the economy, but also society and our world as a whole.
“The numerous applications and use cases show the magnitude of evolutionary transformation that is emerging and that is yet to come. This award encourages me to further excel excellence and lead innovation as an integrative part of the global blockchain thought leadership community.”
Click HERE to see the full list of Swinburne Awards and Achievements.
Ange Postecoglou has become the Greek Australian hero in Scotland as he celebrates his first trophy as Celtic manager, winning the Scottish League Cup.
The Scottish side came from behind to defeat Hibernian 2-1 at Hampden Park in a nail-biting victory.
Things were looking shaky for Posetcoglou’s team in the first half as Hibernian’s Paul Hanlon struck one past English goalkeeper Joe Hart.
Ange Postecoglou has done an incredible job in a few months . Fair play to him and this gutsy Celtic team. Hibs gave it a real go second half. Kyogo incredible finishes Larsson like.👏👏👏
Postecoglou and Celtic fans owe thanks to Kyogo Furuhashi, who scored a double to earn Celtic a 20th League Cup triumph.
Furuhashi’s magic touch has been evident since he was spotted by the formerly Japan-based Postecoglou, who brought him to Parkhead in the summer.
“A fantastic player – but what a person,” Postecoglou said.
“He just had it in his mind he was going to play. We were thinking it won’t happen, but he just made himself available even though he’s not 100 per cent.
Callum McGregor of Celtic lifts the Premier Sports Cup trophy. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“To be honest, I don’t know how he did it today.
“This football club and him are a match made in heaven.”
The former Socceroos manager took the reins at Parkhead five months ago, and a Scottish Cup victory is all he could have asked for.
“We’ve had a hell of a ride from the moment I arrived, we’ve had some real challenges, up and down results and I’m so proud of this group of players, they’re just so resilient,” Postecoglou told the BBC.
"I always knew this club was universally popular but I’ve had messages from all around and I’m sure they’re all celebrating tonight."
Former Sydney police officers Angelo Dellosa, 31, and James Delinicolis, 30, have avoided jail time after pleading guilty to routinely picking up women for sex and having a threesome with a teenage schoolgirl.
The former officers pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct in public office and were sentenced in the NSW District Court on Friday.
In March 2020 Delinicolis was stationed at a bus stop at Cabramatta railway station when he saw Violet, 17, wearing a school uniform.
Violet is a pseudonym to protect her identity.
The policeman asked her several intrusive questions then handed her his number from a pile he carried in advance to hand out, according to the facts.
NSW Police Senior Constable Angelo Dellosa. Photo: Daily Mail
“As the police officers drove away, some of the officers, to their discredit, congratulated Delinicolis,” the judge said.
That same day Violet contacted Delinicolis on Whatsapp and the two began exchanging sexually suggestive messages. Later that evening, the two checked in to a hotel.
Dellosa soon arrived and engaged in further sexual acts, all of which have been suppressed by the court.
After the encounters the men said: “Don’t tell anyone because we are police and we might lose our job”.
NSW Police officer Angelo Dellosa. Photo: The Daily Telegraph
A complaint by Violet prompted their arrest.
The judge was satisfied both men spent a “frightening” time in custody and that both had shown genuine remorse, especially Dellosa, who sobbed giving evidence.
“Both offenders were of otherwise good character before they committed the offence for which I will sentence them,” he said.
Delinicolis was sentenced to an intensive corrections order of two years and 400 hours of community service. Dellosa was subject to a community corrections order for 18 months, and ordered to perform 300 hours of community service.
The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia was recognised by the South Australian government on Friday for its 90 years of service and contribution to the State.
The Community was presented with a Certificate of Recognition by the Hon Jing Lee, MLC Assistant Minister to the Premier on behalf of the Hon Steven Marshall together with the Chair of SA Multicultural Commission Adriana Christopoulos during a Special Parliament House Afternoon Tea on Wednesday.
The certificate presentation form part of the Government’s policy to acknowledge and celebrate significant milestones within the diverse multicultural community of South Australia.
The Afternoon Tea was attended by the President Mr Bill Gonis and Treasurer Mr Peter Gardiakos on behalf of the Greek Orthodox Community of S.A., as well as representatives from other communities which also received Certificates of Recognition.
Mr Gonis said he was pleasantly surprised but felt particularly honoured to be presented with the Certificate explaining that it’s a big yet rewarding responsibility to represent a Community such as the Greek community.
Gala Evening to celebrate the Greek Orthodox Community of SA’s celebrations for the 200th Anniversary from the beginning of the Greek Revolution. Photo: The Greek Herald/March 31, 2021.
“I was taken a bit by surprise when I was called up to receive the Certificate from the Minister’s hands but then immediately thought that we have been around as an active Community for over 90 years and is a reflection of the hard work from past members & leaders in our community so this is well deserved,” said Mr Gonis.
The GOCSA applauded the number of other communities who have made their contribution to the multicultural character and fabric of the State in the last few decades, with the Greek Orthodox Community feeling “proud for being one of the oldest and most active in South Australia”.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has revitalised his frontbench ahead of the 2023 election, elevating Miranda MP Eleni Petinos and eight other ministers to cabinet.
Eleni Petinos was named as the new Minister for Small Business and Minister for Fair Trading. Oatley MP Mark Coure will take over as Minister for Multiculturalism, also becoming Minister for Seniors.
There are other seven first-time ministers in the new cabinet include:Goulburn MP Wendy Tuckerman, Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC, Cootamundra Nationals MP Steph Cooke, Manly MP James Griffin, Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders, Ben Franklin MLC and Sam Farraway MLC.
Oatley MP Mark Coure.
Mr Perrottet’s cabinet includes the new portfolios of Minister for Cities (Pittwater MP Rob Stokes), Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology (Ku-ring-gai MP Alister Henskens) and Minister for Homes (Lane Cove MP Anthony Roberts).
The Premier said the new ministry “harnesses experience, while allowing for renewal and injecting fresh energy into the team”.
“This is a cabinet with a purpose, carefully shaped to deliver on our vision, and my expectation is that every minister will work hard and get outcomes for the people of our state,” Mr Perrottet said.
Premier Dominic Perrottet. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone
“Our focus remains on getting the people of NSW back on their feet and we will be with them every step of the way as we navigate our way through the pandemic.”
The police portfolio will return to the NSW Nationals as Police Minister David Elliott will take on the Minister for Transport role.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said he was proud of the new Nationals talent coming through the party’s ranks, adding: “I know they are going to bring fresh ideas to our government and throw all their energy into helping us build a bigger, brighter future in the regions.”
The Greek Jewish community is celebrating the return of a trove of manuscripts and community documents that the Nazis stole nearly 80 years ago.
The Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece (KIS) announced in a statement earlier this month that Russia, which was in possession of the archives, had agreed to return them to their Mediterranean origin, after a diplomatic process supported by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Nazis looted Thessaloniki, formerly home to one of Europe’s most vibrant Jewish communities, on July 11, 1942. The Soviet Union came into possession of the archive after their capture of the city on April 23, 1945. They took them to Moscow where they remained to be inherited by the Russian federation, after the USSR’s dissolution in 1991.
In pre-war Thessaloniki, the Capon family gathers for a festive afternoon at a taverna. Third from the left is Lina, with her sister Alice just behind her. Their father Hasdai is in front on the right, with their mother Vida beside him. Photo: Greece-is
“Our history returns home!” the Board wrote in the statement. “Greek Jews with immense emotion welcome the decision of the Russian President Putin that Russia returns the pre-War archives of the Greek Jewish Communities, and especially the archive of the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki.”
According to KIS, the archives include books and religious artifacts from 30 synagogues, libraries, and communal institutions in Thessaloniki.
Before the Holocaust, Thessaloniki was one of the most Jewish cities in Europe with a Jewish majority or plurality for much of the 19th century. The city’s Jewish community was primarily Sephardic, though it also included a small community of Romaniotes, Judeo-Greek speakers from Greece and Turkey who predated the Sephardic migration to the area after their expulsions from Spain in 1492.
During the spring and summer months of 1943, almost all of Thessaloniki’s Jews were deported to Auschwitz, where most perished.
“For Greek Jewry, these archives bring light to its historic course, sacred heirlooms of the light of life and the darkness of the looting and the Holocaust,” KIS said. “Their restitution would mean justice and would transmit knowledge about a part of the Greek people that contributed to the progress of the country and no longer exists, that of the 60,000 Greek Jews who were deported to and exterminated in the Nazi death camps.”
