It’s a new year and Greece is already smashing records. According to data from the National Observatory of Athens released on Monday, January has already proven to be Athens’ hottest month in at least 160 years.
In early January, temperatures in Greece’s capital city ranged from 18.3 degrees Celsius to 12.1 degrees Celsius, with an average temperature of 14.8 degrees Celsius.
People wearing protective face masks walk on a beach during an unusual warm day, amid the coronavirus pandemic, in the southern suburb of Faliro in Athens, Greece, January 10, 2021. Photo: REUTERS/Costas Baltas.
On January 9 specifically, Athens recorded its hottest day in 160 years, with temperatures reaching 22.2 degrees Celsius.
According to Greece’s METEO weather service, January’s temperatures are as much as 15 degrees Celsius higher than normal for this season, which is traditionally the coldest time of the year.
The country is reveling in this unseasonably warm winter weather, with many Greeks rushing to the beach in an effort to cool off and get out of the house during lockdown.
Last year, along with 2016, was already the hottest year on record in Greece, attesting to the devastating impact of climate change on global temperatures.
The studio of Eleni Vernadaki, one of Greece’s pre-eminent modernist ceramists, will be listed as a historical monument, the Greek Culture Ministry has announced.
Verdanaki found inspiration in her studio for nearly 50 years thanks to the pioneering design of one of the country’s great architects, Takis Zenetos.
Zenetos specially designed the studio for Vernadaki and he is also the architect of the Athens Conservatory, among other iconic structures that have come to define modernism in Greece.
“As a piece of architecture, the studio had a direct influence on Eleni Vernadakis’ art. She created innovative forms that forged new paths in ceramic sculpture,” Culture Minister Mendoni said in a letter ordering its listing.
“The encounter between these two artists had a defining impact on Vernadaki’s expression and work,” she added in her letter to General Secretary for Culture Giorgos Didaskalou.
Vernadaki, who was born in Crete in 1933 and studied ceramics at Hammersmith College of Art and Building in London, worked in this studio from 1974 and up until last year. She is credited with the modern revival of the art form in Greece and for pioneering contemporary trends.
The new, 61st round of exploratory talks between Athens and Ankara will start on January 25 in Istanbul, Greece’s Foreign Ministry announced on Monday evening.
Speaking from Lisbon earlier on Monday, Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, said he hoped the talks would pick up from where they left off in March 2016, when the last round broke down.
Mitsotakis said Athens seeks a fertile relationship with Ankara, adding that the country will discuss the issue of disputed maritime zones.
Ανακοίνωση ΥΠΕΞ: Ο 61ος γύρος Διερευνητικών Επαφών θα λάβει χώρα στην Κωνσταντινούπολη, στις 25/01
The move comes after earlier confusion regarding an offer from Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, to resume the talks, which have been suspended since 2016.
At the time, the Greek Foreign Ministry said it had not received any invitation from Turkey to resume exploratory talks, but this changed later Monday evening.
No.9 seed Maria Sakkari of Greece stormed back from a set down to eliminate No.1 seed Sofia Kenin of the United States, 2-6, 6-2, 6-0, and clinch a semifinal spot at the Abu Dhabi WTA Women’s Tennis Open.
It was World No.4 Kenin who had won their two previous encounters, which were three-set thrillers in the first round of 2018 Wimbledon and the second round of the 2018 US Open.
This time, though, Sakkari charged back from the loss of a quick first set to dominate the final two frames, winning the final 10 games, and collect the win after 83 minutes of play.
Photo by WTA/Jimmie48.
World No.22 Sakkari thus claims the fifth Top 5 win of her career, and her second in her last three tournaments. She most recently claimed a win over a Top 5 player by upsetting Elina Svitolina at Ostrava in October.
Sakkari will now face No.4 seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in the final four, after Sabalenka outlasted No.6 seed Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in Monday’s first quarterfinal.
Sabalenka has defeated Sakkari in three of their four meetings, including twice in the Middle East last season, at both Doha and Dubai.
Greek Australian fugitive, Jim Soukoulis, who is wanted over serious drug charges, is believed to be using false identity documents to evade capture, the Herald Sun has reported.
The 55-year-old was extradited to Victoria in mid-2017, when he was charged over an alleged plot to import 255kg of methamphetamine from California to Australia via light aircraft.
He was bailed once he arrived in Melbourne and lived in the suburb of South Melbourne. He fled to an unknown location while on bail in November 2019.
It has now been one year since a warrant for his arrest was issued and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) is leading the manhunt for Soukoulis.
Greek Australian fugitive, Jim Soukoulis, is wanted over serious drug charges.
AFP detective, Superintendent Geoffrey Turner, told the Herald Sun it was suspected he may have access to false identity documents.
“We are urging the community to look closely at the photographs of this man’s face and his tattoos,” Superintendent Turner told the media outlet.
“He could be hiding anywhere in Australia – in your suburb, in your neighbourhood or next door.
“Do you have a new neighbour, someone you have met or known only recently who keeps to themselves (not withstanding COVID-19 restrictions), or reveals very little anything about himself?”
Soukoulis was charged over an alleged plot to import 255kg of methamphetamine from California to Australia via light aircraft.
Superintendent Turner has urged anyone with information to come forward.
“We know people can change their appearance – their hair or grow a beard to try to mask their appearance when aiming to evade law enforcement,” Superintendent Turner said.
“We hope by drawing attention to his distinctive tattoos, this will help people in the community identify him and his whereabouts.
“He has a Capricorn star sign on his left chest, a Taurus bull on his right chest and Greek mythology figure Medusa on his back.”
Anyone with information about Soukoulis should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Greek Australian boxer, George Kambosos Jr, is officially getting his world title fight.
The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has officially ordered lightweight champion, Teofimo Lopez Jnr, to defend his belt against the unbeaten Kambosos.
Lopez won the IBF crown in late 2019 after he pulled off a 12-round unanimous win against Ukrainian superstar, Vasyl Lomachenko, in October.
But Kambosos earned his shot at the title with a controversial split decision over Lee Selby in the UK in November, after two overseas judges easily named Kambosos the winner, but the British judge strangely gave the fight to Selby.
Greek Australian boxer, George Kambosos Jr, is officially getting his world title fight.
”We have been negotiating with Lopez’s manager and Top Rank since I beat Lee Selby… we are pushing for me and Lopez fighting for all the belts and for it to be here in Australia, that’s the most important thing,” Kambosos told The Sydney Morning Herald after the IBF announcement.
“I really want it. A lot of people don’t want to fight Lopez. But this mandatory is good. I really want this fight, I truly believe I will win this fight.”
Kambosos added that he thinks the world title fight will give him a chance to “become the first and the greatest fighter in Australian history.”
”That’s not taking anything away from our great fighters…” Kambosos told the Australian media outlet.
”But this would be huge, massive. I have got that vision. I could see myself in front of a packed-out arena, with thousands of people watching me become the undisputed lightweight champion of the world with four belts around my waist.”
But where would the title challenge even be held? Sources say either Sydney or Melbourne is on the cards in April or May.
“There’s over 700,000 Greeks in Melbourne and I am a very proud Greek and very proud Australian, so that’s a huge factor, and I am based in Sydney, I live there. It’s going to be one of them, that’s where we are pushing for this fight to happen,” Kambosos says.
A fight that many Greek Australians are looking forward to just as much as Kambosos himself.
By Andriana Simos, Argyro Vourdoumpa and Evelyn Karatzas.
The traditional Blessing of the Waters was held in South Australia, Canberra, Tasmania and the Northern Territory over the weekend to much joy from the parishioners who attended.
Priests held special church ceremonies at picturesque locations, as young men jumped off jetties to reach the Holy Cross which was thrown into the water.
Here’s our list of all the winners and events which were held across Australia:
South Australia:
The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) held its annual Blessing of the Waters at Henley Beach, Adelaide on Sunday afternoon.
Twenty swimmers attempted to retrieve the cross, including two females. The winner was 17-year-old Vasilis Tsoubarakis.
“The annual Blessing of the Waters ceremony at Henley was lower key than normal, but it still was a wonderful example of multiculturalism and tradition. I would like to thank everyone who attended,” President of the GOCSA, Bill Gonis, tells The Greek Herald.
Twenty swimmers attempted to retrieve the cross at the GOCSA’s event. Photos: Facebook / GOCSA.
Vasilis Tsoubarakis was crowned the winner. Photos: Facebook / GOCSA.
Besides parishioners and onlookers, there were also a number of officials in attendance. These included: The Hon Rachel Sanderson MP, State Member for Adelaide and Minister for Child Protection representing the Premier Steven Marshall; The Hon Irene Pnevmatikos MLC representing the Leader of the Opposition Mr Peter Malinauskas; Deputy Lord Mayor City of Adelaide Mary Couros, on behalf of the Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor; and a number of other local politicians.
Following the success of this event, Mr Gonis says the GOCSA will hold a number of other events this year as well, subject to COVID restrictions of course.
“Events will include celebrating our 90 year anniversary, as well as the global celebration of 200 years of Greek Independence. Our events program will be confirmed soon,” Mr Gonis says.
Christos Mavrogiannis donated white doves to the GOCSA for the Blessing of the Waters event. Photo: Facebook / GOCSA.
As this event was unfolding, the Greek Orthodox Community and Parish of The Nativity of Christ in Port Adelaide was holding its own Blessing of the Waters.
The sun was shining as parishioners walked from the church down to the local Fishermen’s Wharf Markets, where two young men jumped from the jetty to race for the Holy Cross.
Ultimately, Connor Ramos was successful in retrieving the cross and he was later given a gold cross necklace by the local parish priest.
Canberra:
On Sunday, the Parish of St Nicholas in Kingston, Canberra celebrated the Epiphany day with a special church service, followed by the “Blessing of the Waters” event at Casuarina Sands at the Cotter River.
The event was attended by Reverend Father Petros from Canberra’s St Nicholas church, Rev Father Iakovos from Queanbeyan’s St Demetrios Church, the Ambassador of Greece, his Excellency Mr George Papacostas, the High Commisioner of Cyprus, Mrs Martha Mavrommatis, President of the Greek Community & Church of Canberra, Mr John Loukadellis, President of the Samos Association in Canberra, Eleni Gianakis, as well as many members of the Canberra Greek community and surrounds.
Canberra celebrated the “Blessing of the Waters” event at Casuarina Sands at the Cotter River.
There were five young boys who participated in the dive for the holy cross, with Emmanuel Papanicolaou coming out victorious after successfully retrieving the cross. All boys were given a blessing by the priest, as well as an icon depicting the Baptist of Jesus Christ.
A lunch was available to those with an appetite, consisting of a Greek style bbq with chicken and pork souvlakia, Greek salad and drinks.
“It was a beautiful, sunny day and the perfect way to spend a Greek Australian summer,” President of the Greek Orthodox Community & Church of Canberra, John Loukadellis, tells The Greek Herald.
“Thank you to High Commissioner of Cyprus, Mrs Martha Mavrommatis and Ambassador Of Greece, His Excellency, Mr George Papacostas for attending today’s event – their support of our community events is greatly appreciated.
“On behalf of the Greek Orthodox Community & Church of Canberra committee, we wish everyone a very happy, prosperous and successful 2021. May God Bless us all.”
Northern Territory:
The Greek Orthodox Community of Northern Australia (GOCNA) treated its members and local parishioners to a special Blessing of the Waters ceremony on Sunday at the Darwin Waterfront.
Over ten swimmers attempted to retrieve the Holy Cross on the day, but Paraskos Koum was crowned the official winner for 2021.
Paraskos Koum was crowned the official winner for 2021. Photo: Georgia Politis Photography. Republished with permission.
President of the GOCNA, Nicholas Poniris, tells The Greek Herald that Paraskos was a second time winner, having won again two years ago.
Another exciting twist in this year’s celebrations, Mr Poniris adds, is that two restaurants along the waterfront opened early and were pre-booked so parishioners could enjoy light refreshments during the ceremony.
Blessing of the Waters ceremony held on Sunday at the Darwin Waterfront. Photo: Georgia Politis Photography. Republished with permission.
“Bella Fresh Pasta and Wharf One restaurants along the waterfront opened up their serving areas to serve our hungry and thirsty parishioners for the first time this year,” Mr Poniris says.
“It was a move well received by everyone and we look forward to working with the restaurants again next year.”
Tasmania:
The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Parish of Hobart, Tasmania held its annual Blessing of the Waters this year at Long Beach Reserve, Sandy Bay.
A large crowd gathered, made up of a mix of Greek community members and parishioners from both Greek Orthodox Archdiocese churches in Hobart (St George the Great Martyr Greek Orthodox Church & Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church).
A larger than usual group of 13 participants dived in for the cross this year from a nearby boat. Christos Klonaris was eventually named the official winner for 2021.
“Father Vasileios Verdos of Holy Trinity had the honour this year of throwing the Holy Cross into the sea, while Father Panagiotis Nikolakos of St George’s had ready the gift of a gold cross to present to blessed Christos Klonaris…” Greek Community of Tasmania’s organising committee member, Panagiota Papastamatis, tells The Greek Herald.
Christos himself tells The Greek Herald that ever since he was 10, he has been diving for the Holy Cross.
Blessing of the Waters at Long Beach Reserve, Sandy Bay. Photo supplied.
Christos Klonaris was eventually named the official winner for 2021. Photo supplied.
“Now at the age of 19, I have been blessed to have won the cross seven times. Throughout recent years, many new and young boys have begun to dive for the cross and I feel privileged to think that I have inspired many of them to dive, as I was inspired and looked up to those who dove before me,” Christos says.
“It is a blessing to go into the race, and it is an amazing experience for all as we continue to uphold our religious traditions.
“I want to continue to dive for as many years as I can, as for me being in those waters is a blessing, regardless of whether I retrieve the cross or not.”
Last year was full of travel misery and COVID chaos. But in one ironic bright spot for the new year – Greece and Australia have ranked in the top ten most powerful passports in the world, according to the Henley Passport Index.
For 2021, Greece and Australia have both ranked 8th in the world, with an access score of 184.
In top place was Japan’s passport, with 191 access points. This was followed closely by Singapore in second place, and both Germany and South Korea in third.
The Henley Passport Index is the original ranking of all the world’s passports, according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.
It looks at exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which maintains the world’s largest and most accurate database of travel information.
Global Passport Power Rank 2021:
Japan.
Singapore.
South Korea and Germany.
Italy, Finland, Spain, Luxembourg.
Denmark and Austria.
Sweden, France, Portugal, Netherlands and Ireland.
Switzerland, United States, United Kingdom, Norway, Belgium, New Zealand.
The Greek Government is reportedly seeking to ratify the all-important bills for the extension of its maritime zones in the Ionian Sea and the purchase of 18 French Rafale-type jets before January 20, according to Ekathimerini.
The move means the ratification will occur just before Joe Biden is sworn in as President of the United States.
The bill for the extension of Greece’s coastal zone from 6 to 12 nautical miles from the island of Corfu to Cape Tainaro in the Peloponnese was tabled Friday and a plenary vote is expected on January 19.
The bill stipulates that Greece reserves the right under International law to also extend its coastal zone to 12 nautical miles in the rest of the country.
The bill on the fighter jets will be introduced on Tuesday, aiming for ratification on Thursday.
In a dramatic video posted on social media on Sunday, the moments before a Hellenic Coast Guard patrol vessel was rammed by the Turkish Coast Guard on Wednesday can be seen.
The video, obtained by Protothema, shows a Turkish Coast Guard vessel harassing Greek fishermen, even bringing out ammunition just 20 metres from the Greek fishing boat.
“It’s a fifty, there are the bullets too,” the fishermen, who were not intimidated and continued to record the Turkish provocations, say.
At one point, when the Turkish boat passed very close to the Greek fishermen, they can be heard wondering: “What is he doing now? They want to drown us?”
According to Ekathimerini sources, the Greek fishermen later called for reinforcements from the Hellenic Coast Guard and it was then that the Greek patrol vessel was rammed by the Turkish Coast Guard.
In a statement, the Hellenic Coast Guard said that its patrol vessel, a Rafnar 1100 Cabin Assault patrol rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RIB), had suffered minor damage and no one was injured in the incident.
