Last Friday, students from Bald Face Public School joined members of the Blakehurst Anglican Church’s youth group to package up 65 food hampers and 200 toys that will be distributed through Anglicare’s Toys ‘n’ Tucker program.
The school has participated in the program for several years. This year, it aims to deliver 6,000 food hampers and 4,500 toy hampers throughout Sydney, and as far afield as Moree.
Speaking to The Leader, President of the P&C, Stella Christofi, said when Covid-19 hit, she thought they wouldn’t be able to get involved.
“This is the first year the kids have got to actually pack the hampers, not just collect the items, and that extra bit of hands on work really gave them an insight into what helping others is all about,” she said.
Bald Face Public School pupils Josh Davidson (L) and Peter Christofi with one of the 65 hampers that will be distributed through Anglicare to those in need this Christmas. Picture: The Leader
“We love to do something each year where the kids get to serve the community. But because of all the Covid restrictions, we were unsure whether we would be able to pack the hampers this year.
“Then, when things opened up a bit, the church got in touch and suggested we work together. We jumped at the chance.”
This is also the first time Blakehurst Anglican has been involved with Toys ‘n’ Tucker and, while they too were uncertain about what they could do this year, Senior Minister Ross Ryan saw a great opportunity to strengthen the local community.
“Working with the school was a real highlight for us after what has been a very difficult year without a lot of community connection,” Mr Ryan said.
“And the fact that the connection was made through helping families who are facing a very uncertain Christmas makes it all the more special.”
The gruesome massacre of innocent Greek people in Kalavryta occurred in 1943, at the time where the Axis had Greece occupied (April 1941-October 1944) by German, Bulgarian and Italian armed forces.
The operation to massacre the Greek village of Kalavryta began in October 1943, after Greek resistance forces captured 80 German soldiers during a battle in the village of Kerpini, near Kalavryta.
After the soldiers were captured and held as prisoners, Nazi forces threatened to massacre nearby villages out of revenge if the Greeks didn’t release the prisoners.
However, despite the church in the village trying to reason with the resistance forces to free the German prisoners, the leaders all refused.
After the Greeks refused, the German 117th Jäger Division took action. On December 8th 1943, the German troops entered nearby villages of Kerpini and Pogi, killing the entire male population of both villages.
The Greek forces retaliated by executing the German prisoners, with one German soldier managing to escape.
By December 13th, 1943, The German troops entered Kalavryta, demanding they speak with the Greek forces who held the Germans captive, however, the Greek soldiers had already left the area once the execution was completed.
Despite the villagers pleading with the German soldiers to leave, telling them the Greek soldiers already left, the Germans refused.
The Nazis ordered everyone living in Kalavryta to go to the town’s school. From there, the Nazis locked the women and children in the schoolyard, meanwhile forcing every male aged over 12 to walk up to Kapi Hill. They were ordered to the top of the hill because the men were forced to look down to the city of Kalavryta, and see the women and children locked in the schoolyard.
From there, the gruesome massacre began. The Nazis lit the school on fire with the women and children trapped, waiting to be burnt alive while the men would watch the horror unfold. As the school was being burnt down, the men on the hill were brutally massacred, shot dead by the Nazis.
Of the 700 odd men that were standing atop of the hill, only 13 managed to survive.
Fortunately for the women and children, they managed to escape from the burning school, it is believed that an Austrian soldier freed them, while the some other Nazi soldiers also allowed them to be freed.
The days after Operation Kalavryta were horrific. The wives, sisters and children of the men who were brutally murdered were now forced to bury their beloved loved ones.
Despite being granted the right to live, Kalavryta had been completely burnt down and ransacked by the Nazis. The women and children were left homeless and starved.
Unfortunately, the Germans didn’t stop there. They continued their onslaught of nearby Greek villages, as well as the monastery of Agia Lavra, an important landmark of the Greek War of Independence.
The town’s cathedral was eventually rebuilt once the German occupation was over. The clock that is on the cathedral shows the time of 2:34pm, and will remain that way forever. The time is stopped to mark the exact time the murdering of the men had begun.
Moreover, the site of the schoolyard where the women and children were locked up, became the Kalavryta Holocaust Museum in 2005. The museum has objects on display from the Nazi occupation, photographs depicting the events, as well as newspapers and documents from that specific dark time in Greek history. In the museum, some of the floors are still burnt to remember the horrific events of that fatal day.
The Kalavryta massacre remains one of the darkest days in modern Greek history.
Diples are traditional, sweet Greek pastries that are topped with walnuts and drizzled with honey. They originated in the Peloponnese region and are often made in large batches and offered on a platter at Greek celebrations! This sweet dessert gets its name from the Greek word for fold because of the folding layers within diples.
Ingredients
For the diples;
2 tbsps sugar
2 tbsps baking soda
400g all-purpose flour
5 eggs (divide into yolks and whites)
Juice of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 orange
1 bsp white win vinegar
½ cup corn oil
A pinch of salt
Vegetable oil
For the syrup
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup water
½ cup honey
Juice of ½ lemon
1 cinnamon stick
150g chopped walnuts (to top)
Cinnamon
Photo: My Greek Dish
Method
Begin by placing the five egg whites and a pinch of salt into a bowl. Whisk the egg whites with an electric mixer until the mixture is thick and glossy.
Add the egg yolks into the mixture, one at a time whilst continuing to mix. In a separate cup, add the orange and lemon juice and baking soda and blend until dissolved. Once dissolved, add into the egg mixture.
Add the white wine vinegar and sugar and mix into the egg mixture.
Transfer the mixture into a large bowl and sift in the flour in small batches. Then, add the oil and knead the dough using your hand until smooth and elastic. If needed, add more flour.
Separate the dough into four pieces and cover with plastic wrap. Let the dough mix for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, roll out the dough into thin, large rectangular pieces. Using a knife or rolling cutter, cut the dough into rectangular sheets into the sizing of your choice.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan, until shimmering but not smoking hot. Place the sheet into the hot oil using two forks. Hold the dough with the fork in the oil and roll the pastry sheet away from you, to eventually form a circular shape.
Repeat this step with all rectangular sheets.
Remove the diples from the oil and place on some kitchen towelette to drain.
Begin preparing the syrup for the diples. Pour all of the syrup ingredients into a pot over heat and bring to a boil. The syrup is ready once the sugar has dissolved.
Depending on how sweet you like your diples, you can either drizzle the pastries with the syrup or soak in the syrup for a few seconds. Sprinkle with crushed walnuts and cinnamon and enjoy!
“Supermarkets will not be allowed to sell toys,” Development Minister Adonis Georgiadis said on Saturday just hours after the government announced that retail shops will remain closed over the Christmas season, with the exception of click and collect services.
“Toy stores make 30% of their turnover every year during the holidays and now we do not allow them to open, so we want them to work with delivery,” he said.
“If we allowed supermarkets to sell toys, we would greatly reduce the chances of someone buying from the stores through the order process over the internet and over the phone,” he added.
However, he said if supermarkets have a click and collect service, they will be able to sell toys, as long as it is not inside the store.
Georgiadis explained that if the sale of toys inside supermarkets is allowed, mobility will increase, as “whole families would go together so that the child chooses the toy.”
The Minister reiterated that during through the click and collect process “only one person will be allowed to go to a shop to pick up the ordered product,” and that there will be flexibility of “one hour before and one hour after” the fixed time set by the shop for pick up.
He threatened to cancel ‘click and collect’ services if Ermou, the main commercial street in Athens, gets too crowded.
A study by Athens University of Economics and Business tracking the attitudes of the public to vaccines and their behaviour after two lockdowns, showed that 42% said they will get the jab and that most are complying with restrictions.
The study sampling 3,571 people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds from across Greece, showed that 68% said they practise physical distancing, 86% wear a mask and 90% send an SMS to move around.
A majority of 63% of respondents said they choose a fabric mask, versus one in three who opt for a disposable, non-surgical, version.
Another 58% said they leave home “when this is necessary.”
“Women are a little bit more consistent, while older respondents are significantly more consistent,” explains Marina Psiloutsikou, member of the laboratory teaching staff who was in charge of the survey.
When it comes to the Covid-19 vaccines, only 42 percent of those asked said they are ready to be inoculated. The vaccine and the vaccination process are seen more positively by women and older people.
“Fear of side effects and doubts about its effectiveness are the main reasons for hesitation towards vaccination. However, one in three people in the population believe that the vaccine should be mandatory for everyone,” said Psiloutsikou.
Providing an opportunity to choose between the Covid-19 vaccines that will become available “will encourage those who are already favourably disposed about it, and impact negatively those who already have reservations,” she added.
They immigrated to Australia in search of a better life.
In their suitcases, together with their belongings, they brought the customs and traditions of the homeland which despite the hardships they preserved as unwavering habits in time, and passed on to the next generations.
Three Fronditha Care residents remember how they used to spend Christmas and New Year’s in Greece, how they maintained their customs and traditions in Australia and they send their messages to the younger generations of Greeks abroad.
Sofia Pagrati: “I will continue to preserve the Greek traditions”
Sofia Pagrati immigrated from Athens to Australia approximately fifty years ago.
“There was poverty after the war, whether you lived in the village or in the city,” said Mrs Pagrati, a member of one of Fronditha’s Social Support Groups.
“We could not always buy sweets and waited for the holidays to buy kourabiedes and melomakarona”.
Mrs. Pagrati talks about the fragile Christmas ornaments with which she decorated the tree and describes how eagerly she and her brother were waiting for Santa Claus.
“As we grew older, we realized that mom was buying the presents. She then used to take us to Aiolou Street in Athens and let us choose toys from the stalls. My mother would usually buy me sawdust filled cloth dolls.
“When I was fighting with my brother, he would pull the doll’s hand from one side, I would pull from the other. The sawdust would drop and this would leave me with the cloth in my hands,” Ms. Sofia, describes and smiles, as she remembers her childhood.
Although so many years passed Mrs Pagrati is keeping her childhood memories close to her heart and as she says, in turn managed to pass them on to her children as well.
George Fifis: “We always celebrated the Greek way”
George Fifis immigrated to Australia from Aitoloakarnania in 1954.
“I was a blacksmith by trade and came to Australia with the intention to stay for only two years. I found a good job and stayed. Australia was much better than Greece back then,” Mr Fifis says and goes on to describe his difficult youth.
“Growing up in Greece, I used to blacksmith far from my village and waited for Christmas to go and visit my sisters and my mother.
“You see, my father died when I was six years old,” says Mr Fifis moved.
” Christmas however, was a happy season for the whole family. We would invite our relatives over and we’d celebrate together.
“When I came to Australia, I didn’t have my family but I had Greek friends. We’d gather and celebrate Christmas the Greek way.”
Stamatiki Athanasakou: “Young Greeks should mingle with Australians”
Stamatiki Athanasakou, originally from Arna, Laconia, came to Australia following her husband who had immigrated under a program of the then Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration (ICEM).
The Program, was initially established in 1951 to help resettle people displaced by World War II.
“He came to Australia first and later on he was allowed to invite me, for free. Because my parents had six girls, they wanted me to get married and they let me go,” says Mrs Athanasakou.
“During the first years, we would socialize with both Greeks and Australians. We followed our traditions as we would in Greece. Like Greeks do.”
Asking her for her advice to the younger generation of Greek Australians, Mrs Athanasakou urges them “to have courage, patience, to work hard and socialize with Australians as well.”
“Australians were happy to meet us and always took good care of us,” says Mrs Stamatiki, not omitting to thank Fronditha’s staff for looking after her and her friends during an especially challenging year.
This summer, let’s take advantage of the beautiful travel destinations we have at our doorstep. Here’s a list of our top ten travel destinations in Australia that you should visit this summer!
Great barrier reef, QLD
A World Heritage Listed site, the Great Barrier Reef is one the largest living structures in the world. With an exceptional array of marine life, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven national wonders of the world and is definitely a must visit this summer!
Photo: IBORISOFF/ISTOCK
Blue Mountains, NSW
The Blue Mountains are located just 81 km out of Sydney city. The vast, stunning park is covered by a blue haze, hence its name. The three sisters and the mountain lookout is a picturesque view. This destination is perfect for a family road trip and hike.
Kakadu National Park, NT
The Kakadu National Park in Northern Territory is one of the planet’s greatest wilderness areas. It is the largest national park in Australia and is home to a diverse range of wildlife. From beautiful waterfalls, wetlands and monsoon rainforests, there are endless attractions at Kakadu.
Uluru, NT
In the centre and in the heart of Australia, Uluru (formerly Ayers rock) sits beautifully. Uluru, meaning “shadowy place” in the local aboriginal dialect and is a beautiful tourist attraction.
Great Ocean Road, VIC
As its name suggests, the Great Ocean Road follows the road at the southeast coast of Australia. The most popular attraction is the Port Campbell National Park, which features the Twelve Apostles; A collection of amazing wind-sculpted rock formations.
Byron Bay, NSW
Byron Bay is a popular coastal travel destination, which sits at the top of the NSW border. The area is known for its beautiful resorts, beaches and scuba diving sites. Byron Bay is the perfect vacation spot for a balanced holiday with recreation and relaxation.
Barossa Valley, SA
The Barossa Valley is a renowned wine-producing region northeast of Adelaide, in South Australia. From beautiful vineyards to stone cottages and Lutheran churches, Barossa valley is a picturesque destination that is perfect for a romantic getaway.
Kangaroo Island, SA
The beauty of nature takes over at Kangaroo Island, a gorgeous island located in South Australia. Kangaroos hop along the powdery shores, and you can often see sea lions and penguins frolic in the crystal-clear waters.
Hamilton Island, QLD
Hamilton Island is one of the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, Australia, close to the Great Barrier Reef. The car free island is the perfect vacation spot, with beautiful resorts and buggies available to take you around the island. Picturesque beaches and fine dining defines this gorgeous travel destination.
Wineglass Bay, TAS
This little piece of paradise is located in Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula. The deserted beaches, colourful rocks and delicacies of local seafood makes this destination even more attractive to visit!
Greek Australian author Will Kostakis was announced as one of the feature guests for the 2021 Adelaide Festival’s “Writers’ Week”, taking part of the Middle Grade and YA Day.
Will Kostakis, highly regarded for his Monuments series and The First Third, will be joined by R.A. Spratt (The Peski Kids and Friday Barnes; Girl Detective series) and Vikki Wakefield (This is How We Change the Ending).
Will Kostakis is an author highly familiar with the Greek community in Australia. His debut book, The First Third, was written as a way to show a new perspective on what it’s like growing up as a Greek-Australian teenage boy.
Will Kostakis with his novel, The First Third. Photo: The Greek Herald
“In that novel, I centred love, I centred a bit of familial affection, and it’s either something that people have lost or something that they yearned for or something that they had,” Will said to The Greek Herald in an interview earlier this year.
“I think that’s what keeps the novel in the public conscious, even today it’s still being read and still being shared.”
During the Writers’ Week, the Middle Grade and YA Day will bring a relaxed environment for tweens and teens to enjoy author talks and conversations as well as the dynamic talent of Australia’s most powerful spoken-word performers in Hear Me Roar.
The Adelaide Writers’ Week was the last literary festival to squeak in before the 2020 lockdown, and will be one of the first to return live in 2021.
Highly-touted Greek boxer Andreas Katzourakis (5-0, 4 KOs) returns to the ring after nearly a year hiatus on Saturday, December 12th at the Blue Lagoon Hilton in Miami.
Katzourakis is set to face 35-fight veteran Brandon Baue in a six round bout contested at a catchweight of 158 lbs. Two undefeated opponents had earlier pulled out of the fight, the last due to a COVID-19 related issue on Monday evening.
Katzourakis spent much of 2020 at home in Greece before signing with Split-T Boxing in September. By mid-October, he was stationed in Big Bear Lake, California training under legendary coach Abel Sanchez.
Undefeated Greek Middleweight Andreas Katzourakis. Photo: Split-T Boxing
“I’ve had an amazing camp with Abel and the team. Here it’s all about hard work, rest, hard work, and rest again! There are no distractions to get your mind off of training and with the types of grueling workouts we are doing we need the fresh air that the mountain provides!” said Katzourakis.
Split-T’s CEO David McWater is very encouraged by the potential he sees in the 23-year old fighter.
“Brendan Segalas (of Split-T) brought to my attention a kid he thought had all the tools to be special, but just needed some structure and a good team around him to sharpen those tools,” McWater said.
“Although he’s managed to roll over some tough, veteran opposition early in his career, Andreas is still a raw talent. He dominated Walter Wright in his fourth bout and that really caught my eye.”
Photo: inthering.gr
Despite having only five professional bouts, Katzourakis has already established himself as one of the top up-and-coming prospects in the middle weight divisions.
Regardless of wherever and whomever he is facing, Katzourakis is grateful for the opportunity afforded to him each time he steps in the ring.
“My biggest motivation to become a World Champion is to represent Greece and the Greek boxing community. I fight knowing what my ancestors had done in the past and what I can do for Greek boxing in the future. I don’t need much more motivation than that alone.”
The event will be streamed live via FITE.com pay-per-view.
The Presidential Guard is a ceremonial infantry unit that guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential mansion in Athens, Greece. The Presidential Guard, also known as the Evzones, was established on this day in 1868 and has proudly withheld the test of time.
In 1868, a combatant and ceremonial elite unit of the Hellenic Army was established, which aimed to provide high level military training to soldiers that have demonstrated bravery and military virtue. These selected soldiers were intended to act as a role model to the remainder of the Hellenic Army.
The first Presidential Guard was established by Royal Decree as an independent battalion-sized unit, called the Agema. This unit consisted of staff, two evzone infantry companies and one cavalry company.
Photo: Charter World
Under the reign of King George I (from 1863 to 1913), the structure and composition of the presidential guard remained unaltered. However, his successor, King Constantine, who ruled from (1913-1917, 1920-1922), made several changes to the guard. Under his Royal Decree, it was changed to a ‘Palace Guard’ and consisted of just two platoons, one of Evzones, and one of Cretans. Later in 1916, due to National Schism, this structure was abolished.
Afterwards, the guard returned to its original format and remained a consistent institution while Greece underwent hardship and havoc, particularly during the 1941 Battle of Greece.
Today, the Presidential Guard is purely a ceremonial unit, representing the rich political and national history which Greece possesses. The unit has the responsibility of providing permanent ceremonial guard detachments of two Evzones, each for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the entrance to the Presidential Mansion.
The guards on duty do a ceremonial performance every hour, on the hour, which consist of small movements in a slow and civilised manner. While guarding, the soldiers have to remain completely still.
The Greek Presidential Guard is highly regarded and represents the social and cultural pillars of Greece.
