Large demonstrations were held across Greece on Sunday by members of the local Greek and Armenia community to show their solidarity with Armenia.
The protest was marked by people waving both Greek and Armenian flags, while speakers and those in attendance stressed the strong bond between Greece and Armenia.
Armenia is currently fighting an escalating war with neighboring Azerbaijan over the ethnic Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Στο πλευρό των αδερφών μας Αρμενίων.Ζήτω το Αρτσάχ!Ζήτω η Αρμενία!
Armenia’s Defence Ministry said on Saturday that Armenian-backed separatist fighters in Karabakh destroyed a “huge military grouping,” and claimed to have inflicted “serious losses in manpower and military hardware.”
But Armenia also announced the deaths of 51 more separatist fighters, increasing the number of fatalities on both sides above 220 after nearly a week of fighting.
In an address to the nation on Saturday, Armenian Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, called on Armenians to unite.
Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, in the capital, Yerevan, last week. Photo: Press Service of Armenia’s Government, via Agence France-Presse — Getty Images.
“We are facing possibly the most decisive moment in our millennia-old history,” Mr Pashinyan said. “We all must dedicate ourselves to a singular goal: victory.”
This statement came as Azerbaijan accused Armenian forces of firing rockets at its second largest city, Ganja, last night, killing one civilian and wounding another four.
Armenia denied it had directed fire “of any kind” towards Azerbaijan.
The developments mark a sharp escalation of the war in the South Caucasus. Until now, the main fighting has been between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnic Armenian enclave inside Azerbaijan, but it now threatens to spill over into a direct war with Armenia itself.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia is currently in Fanari, Greece, ahead of the meeting of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on October 6 – 8.
As part of his visit, Archbishop Makarios, who is accompanied by the Hierologos Archdeacon Athenagoras Karakonstantakis, met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Archbishop Makarios (left) and Archdeacon Athenagoras Karakonstantakis (right) met with the Ecumenical Patriarch.
During the meeting, Archbishop Makarios conveyed the love and deepest respect of the Greek Orthodox flock of Australia to the Ecumenical Patriarch.
For his part, the Ecumenical Patriarch welcomed them with feelings of joy and emotion, and was interested in being informed about the ecclesiastical life in Australia and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia more broadly.
There are few moments in a nation’s history when one decision can heal the wrongs of the past.
But in Greece, there is mounting hope that a panel of three judges will do just that when at 11am on Wednesday they deliver judgment on Golden Dawn, the neo-fascist party that took Europe by storm at the height of the country’s economic crisis.
“It will be good for the mental health of Greece,” said the leftwing reporter, Dimitris Psarras, whose investigations into the ultra-nationalist force helped expose its sinister ideology and embrace of violence.
“We’re all looking towards three people to do what is right to protect democracy.”
Dimitris Psarras at the Golden Dawn trial, which could place the party’s leaders behind bars, on November 6, 2019. Photo: Nick Paleologos/Al Jazeera.
Few verdicts have been as eagerly awaited. Even fewer have been as long in the making. The trial, the largest court hearing of Nazis since Nuremberg, began on 20 April 2015.
During proceedings, 68 people, including the party’s entire leadership, have faced charges of operating a criminal organisation while at the same time posing as a political group. Police officers who allegedly supported the far-right party are among those on trial.
The accusations have been vigorously denied. Only Giorgos Roupakias, a Golden Dawn operative, has confessed to the stabbing of Pavlos Fyssas, a popular anti-fascist rapper whose death triggered the group’s unravelling.
MPs who represented the xenophobic bloc until its electoral defeat in July 2019 are also accused of attempted murder, possession of weapons and employing violence to eradicate perceived enemies.
The former MP Nikolaos Michaloliakos, the Holocaust denier who founded Golden Dawn in the early 1980s. Photo: Aris Messinis/AFP via Getty Images.
Like Nikolaos Michaloliakos, a Holocaust denier who founded the neo-Nazi movement in the early 80s, they claim to be victims of political persecution.
Yet nearly five and a half years after the trial began, Athens’ normally divided political class is united in the belief that this week’s decision will be as cathartic as it is decisive. Writing in Saturday’s Syntakton newspaper, leaders from across the spectrum rejoiced in “the end of Golden Dawn.”
“Greece suffered as few countries from Nazism,” wrote Greece’s Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
“It mourned victims, it experienced tragedies, it endured destruction. That is why it fought Nazism. There is no place in our country for [its] mimics and followers.”
Main opposition SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance leader, Alexis Tsipras, added in an interview with the same newspaper that only a guilty verdict for Golden Dawn on October 7 will serve as vindication.
“The trial’s conclusion is a historic milestone for Greek democracy. Golden Dawn are no longer in parliament and after the conclusion of the trial, the members of this criminal gang must go to prison,” Mr Tsipras said.
The verdict is expected to be the denouement of Golden Dawn’s terminal decline.
Fueled by feuds, defections and factional infighting, the group has all but collapsed since narrowly failing to cross the 3 percent threshold into parliament in 2019.
Yet no country in modern Europe has come as close to an overtly Nazi group strutting the national stage.
Damon Hanlin has guided the development of Sydney Olympic for years, being a strong board member and, more importantly, loyal fan of the club.
Damon started kicking a football from the age of five and later found himself playing for Parramatta City FC for two seasons, before moving to Sydney Olympic FC.
He now leads a new squad in Greece in the form of Xanthi FC, with the task to bring the club back to the Greek Super League and thrive in the domestic competition, while training some of Greece’s prospect youth.
TGH: Damon, How do you feel that you are helping the team?
Damon: Our goal has been achieved by making the Sydney Olympic side the greatest it can be. I believe that this year, despite the difficulties we are facing, we will be able to win both cups. I believe we will succeed. We’re part of a team and even though we encountered misfortune, the fans remain close to us and I thank them.
Damon Hanlin with his father, Nick. Photo: Supplied
TGH: Is Xanthi opening other perspectives?
Damon: Yes, with Bill Papas and the technical staff, it is the bridge that connects Sydney Olympic FC with Europe.
TGH: And what does this bridge mean for the clubs?
Damon: The bridge will make it easier for overseas players to come to Australia and help Sydney Olympic and Australian football in general, which is currently plagued by many problems. Three Australian players have already transferred to Xanthi and others are coming, and it’s now Sydney Olympics turn to bring in some productive players.
TGH: What do you think about Xanthi?
Damon: I completely agree with Bill Papas and I will echo that:
“Our goal is not to win a title or waste a few million but to invest so that the team improves day by day in all areas. In the field of training, on the football pitch, utilisation of the talents in Thrace, making the team the first choice of all the talents of the wider region, in cooperation with Academies in the long run.
Photo: Supplied
“And, of course, for people to come to the stadium and support a strong team, building up not only Xanthi but the whole of Greece and abroad.”
TGH: Several loyal fans are wondering, what will happen to Sydney Olympic?
Damon: Sydney Olympic will become stronger and more competitive and, of course, when the Second National Division is finally created, then they will really see the values of the team. The big problem is just waiting for the results to be born.
Xanthi FC were demoted to the second Greek football division this season before the takeover by Greek Australian business owner Bill Papas. The club has so far brought in a host of A-League talents, including the likes of Paul Izzo, Joshua Brillante, Matt Jurman and Callan Elliott.
The Xanthi FC board, with the help of new coach Tony Popovic, will use new the A-League recruits to help bring the club back into the Greek Super League.
Editors Note:
Sydney Olympic has previously tasted the hospitality and experience in Europe with Schalke in Germany. President Bill Papas made sure to link the team with Schalke 04 to replicate the training and organisation of how a modern team should operate.
Damon Hanlin, along with Sydney Olympic, going out and connecting with Xanthi FC does not surprise us, and it gives the Director the extra incentive to succeed and raise the team where it belongs in the Super League category.
Additional funding from The Gruber Foundation is making it possible to support a third outstanding early-career astrophysicist with a Gruber Fellowship. In 2020 Ioannis Liodakis of the Finnish Centre for Astronomy with ESO (FINCA), University of Turku will receive the third fellowship grant.
Established in 2011, the Gruber Fellowship is awarded annually by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), supported by The Gruber Foundation (TGF), to assist promising young researchers in astrophysics.
Now TGF has increased the yearly funding for the Gruber Fellowship. This generous additional funding will be used this year to support a third outstanding early-career astrophysicist. The IAU Gruber Fellowship selection committee has decided to grant the additional US$25 000 to Ioannis Liodakis of the Finnish Centre for Astronomy with ESO (FINCA).
Liodakis has recently embarked on a postdoctoral appointment studying the emission processes in blazars, a subclass of active galactic nuclei (AGN) that host the most massive black holes at their centres and produce highly relativistic jets. He plans to use a portion of the fellowship to promote diversity and inclusion within astronomy through international visitor programmes at FINCA, having previously led similar projects at Stanford University.
“I am greatly honoured to be selected as one of the 2020 TGF fellows,” says Liodakis.
“It is incredibly rewarding to see my work recognised by the community. The Gruber Fellowship will not only support my research, but will also allow me to continue my efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in astrophysics, by supporting collaborative trips from researchers in typically underrepresented countries.”
The next Gruber Fellowship in astronomy will be awarded in 2021.
Melitzanes Papoutsakia (stuffed eggplants) is a traditional Greek dish, similar to Moussaka but not as well known.
The term Papoutsakia translates to “Little Shoes” in Greek, as the dish resembles the shape of little shoes.
Papoutsakia is a simple meal to cook up, and we’re going to show you how to make it for your family.
How to make Papoutsakia (serves 4)
For the eggplants:
3 medium eggplants
3 tablespoons olive oil
Pinch of salt and pepper
For the beef mixture:
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
250g ground mince beef
400g tinned tomatoes
For the bechamel:
20g butter
1bsp all purpose flour
1 cup milk
Pinch of nutmeg
1 egg yolk, beaten
120g grated cheese
Photo: Urban Zesty
Method:
Preheat oven to celsius and line a baking tray with baking paper
Slice eggplants vertically in half and carefully scoop insides of the eggplant out (set aside for later)
Add salt and pepper to the eggplants
Heat two tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan. Fry both sides of the eggplant until it wilts and is slightly brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel and place on the prepared baking tray.
In the same frying pan, add finely chopped onion and garlic in a pan and stir frequently until caramelized.
Add the ground meat and eggplant flesh. Continue stirring until the meat browns. Add the tin tomatoes, salt and pepper and let simmer for 10 minutes.
In the meantime, begin making the bechamel sauce by heating a large pot over medium heat. Melt the butter until it froths then start adding the flour and continuously stir for 2 minutes
Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously until the mixture has thickened.
When the sauce has thickened, add the egg yolk, cheese and nutmeg. Whisk until a smooth consistency is formed
Remove eggplants from the oven and carefully fill the insides with the meat mixture. Top with the bechamel sauce and extra cheese and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until golden and enjoy!
We all know Greek coffee is good for the soul, but how good is it for our bodies?
A study conducted by the University of Athens revealed that Greek coffee holds many health benefits.
Below are some reasons why you should be adding Greek Coffee into your morning routine.
Healthy blood vessels
Research reveals that Greek coffee can improve the endothelial function, which contributes to healthy blood vessels and overall cardiovascular health.
Reduces inflammation
The finely grounded coffee beans used to make Greek coffee contains high levels of chlorogenic acids, which can reduce inflammation, blood sugar and high blood pressure.
Traditional greek coffee with cafe and the sea at the background. Photo: Greek Boston
Reduces the risk of premature death
Based on research conducted on the inhabitants of Ikaria, considered one of the world’s ‘Blue Zones’, drinking a cup of Greek coffee a day can contribute to a long, healthy life. The high amount of polyphenols and antioxidants within the Greek Coffee promotes longevity.
Contains antioxidants that lower the risk of diabetes
All coffees are rich in antioxidants, however what makes Greek Coffee special is that it is boiled, not brewed. This method extracts many nutrients within the coffee and can overall lower the risk of diabetes.
Increases metabolism
Greek coffee does not need milk or much sugar and can therefore contribute to weight loss and increase your metabolism.
Last week, in Part 1 of our special series on the history of The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney, we gave you an insight into its past. Today, in Part 2, we take a look at the present and future of Australia’s first Greek women’s association.
During the early 1980’s, The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney was involved in several events which were either held overseas or attended by international personalities.
Take for example, the International Lyceum Conference held in Auckland, New Zealand in May 1983. Members from the Sydney Lyceum, Mrs Sophia Salapatas and Mrs Nicky Limbers, represented Greece at the event and exchanged ideas and opinions with other Lyceums from around the world.
International Lyceum Conference in Auckland, NZ, in May 1983. Photo supplied.
Only a few years later, in 1989, Olympia Dukakis, a Greek American actress, and Kitty Dukakis, the wife of US Presidential candidate, Michael Dukakis, graced the Sydney Lyceum with their presence at a Hellenic Club dinner held in their honour.
In one famous photograph, Olympia and Kitty are pictured smiling brightly as they cradle a huge bunch of flowers, surrounded by young girls dressed in traditional Greek costumes. An iconic moment for all who attended the event.
Olympia and Kitty Dukakis (centre) at a dinner held in their honour in 1989. Photo supplied.
Popular exhibitions of Greek antiques:
More currently, The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney has had Greek regional costumes, furniture and jewellery on display at venues across Australia. This includes: the office of the Greek Consulate General in Sydney and St Basil’s in Randwick, which is run by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia – an institution affiliated with the Sydney Lyceum.
The exhibition at the Greek Consulate’s office has been available to view since 2006. According to the President of The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney, Mrs Liana Vertzayias, this exhibition contains some very rare antiques from Greece.
The Lyceum’s exhibition at the office of the Greek Consulate General in Sydney. Photo supplied.
“There is some beautifully carved furniture from Skyros which is over 100 years old, as well as the costumes of Sarakatsana, Karagouna, Thraki and even Zagora. There are also some lithographs of old Athens and a lot of jewellery, embroideries and kontogounia,” Mrs Vertzayias tells The Greek Herald.
With regards to the display at St Basil’s, Mrs Vertzayias says they also have ‘a nice little museum there’ of about seven pieces of Greek antiques, while some of their older and more fragile pieces are being stored in a room nearby and taken out ‘for special occasions only.’
Many of these special pieces have been donated over the years by people such as Mrs Diana George, Mrs Poppy Kourousia, Mrs Despina Vrisakis, the High Commissioner of Cyprus Ioanna Malliotis and Mrs Maree Caroni, just to name a few.
Traditional Greek costume worn by a member of the Sydney Lyceum. Photo Supplied.
Mrs Despina Vrisakis (right) who made a donation to the Sydney Lyceum. Photo supplied.
Memorable events throughout the 2000’s:
Two other significant events which members of the Sydney Lyceum were privileged to be a part of were the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and a special concert in 2015 held to commemorate the ANZAC’s. Both are spoken of fondly by Mrs Vertzayias.
“During the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, the Lyceum had a special function at Brighton Le Sands and we also donated money for the statue of a discus thrower which is now erected at Homebush,” Mrs Vertzayias says.
“A few years later in 2015, we held a commemoration for the ANZAC’s, focusing on the role of the Greek island of Lemnos during the war. It was a huge dance concert held at the Sir John Clancy Auditorium at the University of New South Wales.
Sydney Olympic Games in 2000. Photo supplied.
Commemoration event for the ANZAC’s in 2015. Photo supplied.
“We brought two dance groups from Greece, with a live traditional five-piece band and we had 200 performers dressed in different authentic costumes from all over Greece.”
And that’s not all. The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney also continues to proudly display its regional costumes during an annual walk-a-thon held by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, as well as events for the 25th of March and OXI Day.
For many who attend, these events were and continue to be a true spectacle of Greek culture and heritage, proudly shown off by the Greek women of Australia.
25th March celebration in 1996. Photo supplied.
25th March celebration in 2009. Photo supplied.
The bright future of The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney:
As shown throughout this two-part series, The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney has evolved since its foundation in 1951. Starting out as an association which helped women who arrived in Australia after WWII, it later grew to encompass a more cultural aspect as well. Its main aim was to preserve the Greek culture, folklore and traditions of Greeks in Australia.
But what about today? Does this aim remain the same? We put the question to Mrs Vertzayias, the current President, and her answer is impressive.
“Our main aim at the moment is to open our own Australian Hellenic Lyceum museum because it’s important that our collections are shown to the younger generation and to future generations,” she says.
The current committee of The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney. Photo Supplied.
“They need to see the background of their forefathers, their grandparents, where they came from and what conditions they used to live in.
“We also want to continue to maintain the Greek language, history and culture, and help women. The Lyceum is not just a social thing, it’s also about maintaining that connection to Greece and its history.”
Important goals which the Sydney Lyceum is sure to meet, especially as they get ready to celebrate their 70th anniversary next year. Here’s to many more years!
If you or anyone you know would like to donate Greek costumes or artefacts to The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney, please contact: 0425 250 855or 0430 457 089.
Greece’s 2004 Euro’s campaign. A 31 day journey filled with excitement, anxiety and, most importantly, hope.
July 4 marks a historic day for modern sport in Greece after the Greek national football team were declared champions of Europe, beating Portugal and a host of other countries to lift the Euros trophy.
The Greek Herald spoke with George Tsitsonis; A Greek American football journalist and author who has spent the past few years interviewing players, managers and match officials to retell Greece’s magical football campaign.
What specifically prompted you to write the book, ‘Achieving the Impossible’?
A few years ago I was taking a trip down memory lane wanting to watch and read about Greece’s victory at EURO 2004. There was decent amounts of coverage in Greek, but I soon found the dearth of anything comprehensive in the English-language. There were some good articles written, however they were few and far between. Not only that, but some of the coverage was overly simplistic speaking about a a negative team that did nothing but defend to win a European championship. I was looking for a more nuanced look.
Initially, I thought I would put something together for AGONAsport.com, a site I was working for that covers Greek sport in English. As I delved into the research though, the history of the national team and the way the 2004 team came together began to truly fascinate me. I then began entertaining the idea of a book. I did enough to put together the first chapter and then was motivated to carry on.
Greece won the 2004 Euros amid harsh criticism that they were boring and played anti-football. Getty Images
What were some of the most gratifying moments when writing the book?
It was an honour to write this book and cover one of the greatest sporting successes, if not the greatest, in Greek history. To be able to speak with individuals such as Giorgos Karagounis, Stelios Giannakopoulos, Kostas Katsouranis, Nikos Dabizas, Fanis Katergiannakis, and Ioannis Topalidis was pure joy.
Listening to players describe their emotions as the team went on that run and for example what the players felt as the bus brought them to the stadium on the day of the final was incredible. That insight was priceless and gave me a glimpse into what it must have felt like to be doing something so historic for your country.
Watching the matches again and writing about them was just amazing. I still get goosebumps. The entire process allowed me to relive those magical days in June and July of 2004, a time as Greeks we will never forget.
Similarly, did you encounter any difficulties when writing the book?
There were a few. I do not possess a big, journalistic name and while I have some connections in Greece, they are few. Thus, convincing individuals to speak with me was at times quite difficult. For the most part, people were willing to take part after they saw this was a serious project. I live in the United States so being able to land down interviews was also a challenge as everything had to be done remotely.
Greece beats France 1-0. Photo: UEFA
Not wanting to be too negative, but to be honest, it must be said that the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) were of little to no help throughout the entire process. Emails and communication went unanswered or there were always dead ends. It was striking to me that I would receive responses from UEFA and the Portuguese and Spanish football federations, but not from Greece!
Released to the public in June, what has been the response from football fans of your book?
I have received so many wonderful messages from Greeks across the globe, from Australia to the United States and Canada to the UK. There have even been people from places like Argentina, South Africa, and South Korea who have reached out. All of them have been so gracious in their praise of the book. A common theme in the feedback I have seen on social media or through direct emails has been a real gratitude for allowing those readers to relive the tournament.
The response to the book has been so overwhelmingly positive and I am indebted to every single person who has taken the time to read it. It really means the world to me.
Why do you think an event like Greece’s 2004 Euro campaign should be recorded and reminisced upon by Greeks today?
We must learn from both the positive and negative portions of our history. EURO 2004 was undoubtedly a positive moment. It truly showcased what Greeks and those of us of Greek descent can do when we are organised and united.
Charisteas heads the ball in the net in the 57th minute to secure a victory for the Greek national team. Photo: UEFA
While this was one instance of one team in one sport, I’m convinced it can be extrapolated to much larger situations in our society. Infighting, distrust, and lack of planning will hold us back like it did with so many Greek teams of the past.
However, once unity, trust, and strategic planning came to the fore, the results were truly spectacular. There is something special wherever a Greek heart beats and this team showed what is possible when we pull together towards a common goal.
Everyone has a “I was here when this happened” moment for the Euro 2004 grand final match. How were you watching the final?
My family and extended family all gathered at my parents house on the day of the final. We had a full barbeque in the lead up to the match and spent most of the day watching Greek satellite television and listening to all those in Greece who were offering up predictions of the game.
Like many others, I had grandparents who had never watched a football match in their lives, yet they lived the game like the most hardcore of supporters. Each moment has its own place in my heart. The joint joy experienced once Angelos Charisteas scored, running out of the house with my arms outstretched yelling to the heavens, and then the tears of happiness we all had once the final whistle had been blown. Moments of life that none us will ever forget.
George Tsitsonis with his family in Greece.
Looking at the current Greek national team, what do you think are some ways they can learn from players of the 2004 campaign?
Even if it seems that Greek players have developed a sort of defensive DNA, I will leave the strategy to the coaches, the ones who can see what characteristics their players have and thus form their tactical decisions based on that. What I will say is that the current Greek side would do well to heed the lessons of that EURO 2004 group. The biggest of those was to be a family.
That was a side with big characters, but as Nikos Dabizas told me, they all put ‘the us above the I.’ It was a team who enjoyed each other’s company off the pitch and that helped them immensely on it. Otto Rehhagel’s influence was massive, but the foundation laid consisted of a band of brothers who fought for one another and who truly believed they could defeat any opponent.
After seven years as National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, George Tambassis will be stepping down from his role at the end of this term to “encourage others to lead the organisation”.
In a message to Guild members, Tambassis says he will not be contesting the current Branch Committee election in Victoria, ending his National Presidency early next year.
Reflecting on his role, Tambassis says it had been “very demanding, but also rewarding”, sending high praise to the community pharmacy industry.
George Tambassis National President Pharmacy Guild of Australia. Photo: AJP
“Community pharmacy is a dynamic and highly regarded industry doing great work for all Australians, and it has been so good to lead the Guild during a period in which we have broadened the role of our pharmacists and staff in the interests of patients,” Tambassis says.
“Community pharmacy small businesses have been under immense pressure, not just in this extraordinary year, but for all of the seven years I have led the organisation.”
During his time as President, Tambassis signed both the Sixth and Seventh Community Pharmacy Agreements. The Sixth Agreement provided around $18.9 billion in remuneration for community pharmacies, while the Seventh Agreement benefits Australians living in rural and remote areas, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“I wish all candidates in the current Guild elections well, and know that the tradition of community pharmacists giving their time and commitment to the objectives of the Pharmacy Guild is in good hands, and will continue to benefit all Australian patients through advocacy and service,” Tambassis concluded.
![The future of The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney and its breathtaking exhibitions [Part 2]](/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Screen-Shot-2020-10-03-at-6.33.23-pm-768x522.jpg "The future of The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney and its breathtaking exhibitions [Part 2]")
