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Laconian Federation of NSW holds intimate 1821 celebrations

The Greek Herald
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Laconian Federation of NSW holds intimate 1821 celebrations

It was an intimate celebration of Laconian culture as the Laconian Federation of NSW held their commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution of 1821.

Originally planned to be held in the courtyard of Marrickville’s St. Nicholas Church, rainy weather forced the celebrations into the neighbouring hall.

MC and Laconian Federation Committee member Chris Apostolakos welcomed guests and honourable dignitaries to the celebration.

Present at the event was Konstantinos Giannakodimos, representing the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, the Hon Anthony Albanese, leader of the Labor Party and federal opposition, Hon Courtney Houssos, Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council and President of AHEPA NSW Bill Skandalakis.

Photo: The Greek Herald

“Although we are at the other side of the world, we remember and we respect out proud heritage and the events of the 17th of March, 1821. Which, perhaps with the exception of the battle of thermpoloyae, is the most significant contribution of Laconians to the tapestry that is Greek history,” Chris Apostolakos said.

The honorary speaker at the event, Laconian Federation President Peter Kokkinakos, referred to the harrowing tales of the Laconians in one of the first battles of 1821, which took place seven days before March 25.

“We are here to honour the struggles and sacrifices of our ancestors. Not only the sacrifices of the Laconians but of all heroes from all over Greece,” said Mr Kokkinakos.

PMC and Laconian Federation Committee member Christopher Apostolakos. Photo: The Greek Herald

On 17 March 1821, war was declared on the Turks by the Maniates, who were a Greek group native to the Mani Peninsula, located in western Laconia.

It was on this same day where 2,000 Maniates, under the command of Petros Mavromichalis, advanced on the Messenian town of Kalamata. There, they united with troops under Theodoros Kolokotronis, Nikitaras and Papaflessas. Six days later, Kalamata was claimed by the Greeks.

“If we in the modern era cannot imitate them, let us at least remember them. Let us admire them and above all, be grateful for them,” Kokkinakos added.

“Let us acknowledge the fighters who gave us our freedom, let us acknowledge and honour the Greeks in the diaspora who showed a great national contribution to the struggle of 1821 and support of our homeland.”

  • Photo: The Greek Herald

Kokkinakos’ speech was followed by a powerful re-enactment of the oath taken by the Maniates in commitment to the freedom of Greece. The re-enactment was carried out by Vasilis and his group of dancers.

To remember the historical events of the revolution of 1821, Anastasia Diasakou Anastasiadi, the Federations cultural adviser, spoke about the brave efforts of some of Greece’s most well known, and unsung, heroes.

The ensuing speech was by a well-recognised member of the Greek community, Fanis Nikolareas, who wrote a poem to commemorate the events of 1821.

Photo: The Greek Herald

Wreaths were laid by representatives of Greek community organisations, signalling the end to the formal presentations. From there, guests enjoyed a musical performance by Cretan performers, who sung the ‘Hymn of Mani’ and a series of dances by Vasilis and his group.

For one of the dancers, Aiden Haralambidis, this was his first performance after joining the group only recently, with his father, David, expressing his pride.

The event held at St. Nicholas Church was under the auspices of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia.

Aiden Haralambidis with his father, David. Photo: The Greek Herald

Sydney Olympic claim first NPL NSW win against local rivals APIA Leichhardt

The Greek Herald
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Sydney Olympic claim first NPL NSW win against local rivals APIA Leichhardt

“Forever Olympic” was heard echoing in the crowd at Belmore after Sydney Olympic FC claimed a vital home win against local rivals APIA Leichhardt.

Off the back of two losses, it was do or die for the Olympic players as they looked to claim their first win of the NPL NSW season.

Team captain Hagi Gligor was still out injured and did not participate in the weeks match, alongside Adam Parkhouse and goalkeeper Nick Sorras.

Match action during the PS4NPLNSW Men’s Round 3 match between the Sydney Olympic FC vs APIA Leichhardt FC at Belmore Sports Ground on March 13th, 2021 in Belmore, Australia. (Photos by loopii for Football NSW)

Following his incredible performance on Saturday, and the week prior on Sunday, Brendan Cholakian is becoming one of the league’s biggest threats. Cholakian linked up expertly with Jason Madonis, with the two combining for some early opportunities, yet were unable to score in the first half.

As the second half got underway, Olympic fans didn’t have to wait long before a goal was gifted by Tom Whiteside. Being given a free kick opportunity, Cholakian fired the ball into the goal box where Whiteside headed it into the net.

It was shots galore from Olympic yet APIA’s 41-year-old shot-blocker Ivan Necevski was in fine form, saving three crucial attempts by Madonis and Marley Peterson.

Match action during the PS4NPLNSW Men’s Round 3 match between the Sydney Olympic FC vs APIA Leichhardt FC at Belmore Sports Ground on March 13th, 2021 in Belmore, Australia. (Photos by loopii for Football NSW)

The match wrapped up 1-0 and left Olympic players singing back in their locker room.

Olympic coach, Ante Juric, expressed his pleasure in his team securing their first goal and win of the 2021 season.

“The boys worked super hard from defence to attack and we finally got on the scoresheet and got three points which is nice,” Juric said.

“The fans deserve a winning team and a good performance like we just put out for them.”

“We just keep working hard, that’s what we do as a team.”

“We’re a tight-knit team and we are just going to go out for another three points next week and start to climb the ladder.”

NSW breaks 55-day streak after quarantine worker diagnosed with COVID-19

The Greek Herald
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NSW breaks 55-day streak after quarantine worker diagnosed with COVID-19

A person who works in two NSW COVID-19 quarantine hotels and has already had their first-dose of the Pfizer vaccine, has come down with the virus.

The positive result was recorded after 8pm on Saturday, meaning the state’s virus-free run will end at 56 days.

NSW Health said in a statement the source of the Sydney worker’s infection remains unclear and testing of their close contacts is underway.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday told reporters the hotel quarantine worker had received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

Photo: AFP

“There are no risk-free responses when you deal with COVID-19, it is unrealistic and naive to think so … there are always vulnerabilities,” Mr Morrison said.

Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said there was a time lag between receiving the vaccine and its protection kicking in, particularly with the Pfizer jab.

“This is not a silver bullet that will fix everything right away,” Prof Kelly said.

“There will still be outbreaks, even as we go through this vaccination program.”

On this day in 1939, Greek composer Stavros Xarchakos was born

The Greek Herald
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On this day in 1939, Greek composer Stavros Xarchakos was born

Composer Stavros Xarchakos is one of the pillars of artistic folk music, along with Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hadjidakis. Now 80 years old, Stavros remains a revered composer in Greek music.

Stavros Xarchakos, originally from Mani, was born on March 14, 1939, in Athens. He studied at the Athens Conservatory and continued his studies in Paris and at the Juilliard School in New York. 

Although he intended to engage in ‘deep and serious’ music, he wrote music and songs for theatre and cinema from a very young age, with success in the early 1960s.

His music has been recorded to 42 albums, has been used in 21 movies and for 15 TV productions. Internationally he is known as the composer for the Rembetiko film score, composing the music for the Werner Herzog film Signs Of Life, and composing the music for the 1983 BBC TV mini series, The Dark Side of the Sun.

Xarchakos was also tested in the field of politics. In 1986, he was elected municipal councillor of Athens and took over as deputy mayor of culture. In June 1989, he entered the national political scene and was elected member of parliament. Despite being re-elected, in 1990 he submitted his resignation, saying he could not serve the interests and the public as good as when he first joined politics.

In 1995, he took over the artistic direction of the newly formed State Orchestra of Greek Music (KOEM), the only orchestra in Greece with an exclusively Greek repertoire from the whole range of music. 

In his personal life, Stavros Xarchakos has been married twice. The first time with Carlota Xanthopoulou, with whom he had a daughter, Pandora Xarchakou. In 2015, he married the singer Iro Saia, with whom he had twins.

Songs written by Stavros in the 60’s are now considered classics of their time, with the composer known for his personal musical style.

On December 19, 2019, Stavros Xarchakos was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Department of Music Studies of the School of Philosophy of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Sourced By: San Simera

Oakleigh Greek Community launches Greek Dance Academy

The Greek Herald
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Oakleigh Greek Community launches Greek Dance Academy

The Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh and District (Community) for almost 60 years has played an integral role in preserving the Greek Orthodox faith and Greek language. The Community now aims to extend services to include traditional Greek dance.

This will be a free service offered by the Community to students of Sts Anargiri Greek Language Centre and Oakleigh Grammar.

Background to Greek traditional dance

Dance, according to (Classical) Greek thought, was one of the civilizing activities, like winemaking and music.

Greek dances (horos) is a very old tradition, being referred to by authors such as Plato, Aristotle, Plutarch and Lucian.

There are different styles and interpretations from all of the islands and surrounding mainland areas. Each region has formed its own choreography and style to fit in with their own ways. For example, island dances have more of a different smooth flow to them, while Pontic dancing closer to Black Sea, is very sharp.

There are over 10,000 traditional dances that come from all regions of Greece. There are also Pan- Hellenic dances, which have been adopted throughout the Greek world. These include syrtos, kalamatianos, pyrrhichios, hasapiko and sirtaki.

Traditional Greek dancing has primarily a social function. It brings the community together at key points of the year, such as Easter, the grape harvest, or patronal festivals; and at key points in the lives of individuals and families, such as weddings.

For this reason, tradition frequently dictates a strict order in the arrangement of the dancers, for example, by age. Visitors tempted to join in a celebration should be careful not to violate these arrangements, in which the prestige of the individual villagers may be embodied.

Greek dances are usually performed in diaspora Greek communities and among international folk dance groups.

Aim and operation of the Dance Academy

Specialist dance instructors will conduct lessons specific to the region they specialise in. There will be a rotating roster of dances covered in a two-to-three-month rotation, which will be dependent on demand and instructor availability.

Dance lessons will be conducted according to demand and numbers.

The aim is to have a performing group which will represent the Community at internal and external events.

The dance lessons will take place every Thursday from 6.30 to 8.00 pm with times of each level to be confirmed once registrations have been received. The suitable age for beginners is 5 years and older.

All organisers and instructors will hold a valid Working with Children Check.

Importance of dance

  • Like any other form of art, dance is a mode of expression.
  • It is great exercise.
  • Children learn cooperation and teamwork.
  • Dancers enter society with the ability to maintain the uncompromising high standards nurtured during their dance training.
  • Creative thinking skills are developed,
  • Learning the value of discipline, commitment, and work ethic.
  • Self-confidence is developed as young people overcome challenges to master new goals, learning to apply themselves and accomplish any task put before them.
  • Children learn about music, rhythm and beat.
  • Social skills are developed, and children learn the importance of being part of a team.
  • Children learn to take turns, to share attention, and to cooperate with others as they work with a group

Enrolment details

If you would like to register your child/ren’s participation in the Dance Academy, please complete the following details for each separate child and email: info@stsanargiriglc.vic.edu.au (one email per family):

  • Name of child (first name and surname):
  • Date of birth and age of child
  • School: Sts Anargiri/Oakleigh Grammar/Other
  • Name of parent contact:
  • Parent contact phone number:
  • Emergency contact phone number

Traditional Greek Recipes: Stuffed Cabbage Leaves (Lahanodolmades)

The Greek Herald
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Traditional Greek Recipes: Stuffed Cabbage Leaves (Lahanodolmades)

Hearty, yet light, rice and meat filling wrapped with tender cabbage leaves. These Greek Cabbage Rolls (Lahanodolmades) are a classic Fall or Winter dish guaranteed to take you back to your childhood.

Ingredients

  • 1 large cabbage, stem removed
  • 2 carrots
  • 3 celery ribs

For the filling:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/4-1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup water (or more)
  • ​1 small onion
  • 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
  • 1/2 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/2 cup chopped dill
  • ​1 teaspoon salt
  • black pepper to taste
  • ​5-6 cups chicken broth or water

Add egg-lemon​ sauce:

  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Boil the cabbage in salted boiling water with the cored part facing down. Flip it around and boil an additional 10-15 minutes until the leaves begin releasing easily and have become somewhat translucent. They should not be overcooked to the point where they become soft and mushy.
  2. Pull the leaves out as they detach from the cabbage and set them in a colander to drain.
  3. When you peel off most of the leaves and you get to the core with the smaller leaves it will be difficult to remove the leaves without ripping them. At this point just remove the small bunch with the core attached and place in the colander. It will be easier to separate them once they are cooled. Most of these leaves will be too small to use for the cabbage rolls so they will be used as the bed or cover.
  4. Roughly chop the carrots and celery into large chunks and place them in the bottom of your pot. These will be the bed that the cabbage rolls will sit on so that they do not come in direct contact with the heat and cook more gently. This will prevent them from falling apart while simmering.
  5. Use some of the small and shredded pieces of cabbage to cover the vegetables.
  6. Place half of the onion in a food processor and pulse until it is finely chopped. Add the parsley and puree until smooth. Place this mixture in a large mixing bowl.
  7. ​Pulse the remaining half of the onion until finely chopped. Add the dill and puree until smooth. Place this mixture in the mixing bowl.
  8. ​Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, rice, olive oil, and water to the pureed​ ​herbs​ and onion and mix well to combine. The best way to do this is by hand. Break up the ground beef and add 1/4 cup more water if the mixture is not very moist.
  9. ​A very moist, wet filling will make the best tasting cabbage rolls.
  10. ​To assemble the cabbage rolls, take a cabbage leaf and lay it flat on your work surface. Cut of the thickest part of the stem. Place a full tablespoon of the filling in the center, fold the left and right sides of the leaf over the filling then roll it up.
  11. ​Continue the same process adjusting the amount of filling depending on the size of the cabbage leaves (smaller leaves get less filling). Keep in mind that when the filling is cooked, the rice will expand a bit. Roll them up tight but giving enough room for the rice to expand.
  12. ​Some leaves may be very large. You can cut those in half and use them to make 2 rolls.
  13. ​Layer the cabbage rolls in the pot fitting them snug together.
  14. ​Cover them with cabbage leaves.
  15. Place a plate over them inverted. This will keep them in place so that they do not fall apart while cooking.
  16. ​Pour enough water or chicken broth to come right up to the plate.
  17. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 30-45 minutes.
  18. ​Carefully remove the plate and the extra cabbage leaves from the pot.

To add lemon sauce:

  1. ​Combine the egg yolks, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a bowl. Whisk well until smooth.
  2. Add some of the hot broth to the egg mixture. Whisk well.
  3. ​Season with some more salt and pour the egg-lemon​ mixture into the pot. Carefully shake the pot from side to side to distribute the egg-lemon​ sauce.
  4. ​Bring to a boil. Taste the seasoning and add more salt if necessary. Remove from heat and allow to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken as it sits.
  5. ​Serve with some warm toasted bread.

Kali Oreksi!

Joint United States-Greek military exercises underway in the Mediterranean

The Greek Herald
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Joint United States-Greek military exercises underway in the Mediterranean

The presence of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean has provided the Hellenic Armed Forces with the opportunity to conduct several exercises with their American counterparts.

The activity has been planned and coordinated by the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS) and the respective U.S. authorities, to build upon partnership capabilities using NATO operational and tactical procedures.

The joint exercises will not only increase the combat capabilities of the unites involved but will increase interoperability between the two allies.

Photo: US Navy Europe

“The U.S.-Greece defense relationship is at an all-time high, and growing stronger every day,” said Ambassador Geoffrey R. Pyatt, U.S. Ambassador to Greece. 

“I am especially proud to see the IKE Strike Group in the Mediterranean — a strategically dynamic region where the United States is stepping up its engagement. 

“The cooperative deployment between our Forces is another excellent opportunity to strengthen their interoperability and partnership, helping advance our shared regional defense and security goals. 

“The United States is committed to elevating and demonstrating our vital security relationship with Greece which is codified in our updated Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement.”

Photo: US Navy Europe

The U.S. considers Greece to be a pillar of stability in the east Mediterranean region and continues to develop closer cooperation with Greece at all levels.

As part of these exercises, the Hellenic Navy frigate “Psara” was embedded with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG). Additionally, two Hellenic submarines are participating in anti-submarine warfare exercises, while a Hellenic fighter aircraft operates with the Carrier Air Wing fighters.

Insight or Perspective: What is the problem with Greek language learning in Sydney?

The Greek Herald
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Insight or Perspective: What is the problem with Greek language learning in Sydney?

By Eleni Elefterias

In an effort to try and find out what the issues there are with Greek language learning in Sydney, today I speak to teacher Shirley Peshos of Ashfield Primary School.

Shirley has been a teacher for 40 years and at one time for a two-year period she taught a Greek language pilot program at Marrickville Public School to Kindy’s and Year 3 students. 

How did you become do fluent in the language having been born here?

“As a child we spoke Greek at home. Like many Greek children of the times, I was the designated ‘interpreter’ in my family from the age of 5.

“I attended St Sophia Cathedral Greek School at Paddington and have only praise for my teacher Kiria Alexiadou. From the age of 8 I was performing poems at the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW and took part in Greek plays for children, a wonderful experience for me and that is what gave me the confidence to speak well.”

Tell us about the Greek language Pilot program at Marrickville Public School?

“During this pilot program all children attended classes that were taught in English for half the day and in Greek only for the other half. This gave them an immersion experience during school hours. The year 3 students benefitted the most from this experience.

“Teaching children another language opens up cultural opportunities and enables students to be able to communicate with grandparents and great grandparents as well as to be part of the culture by achieving a deeper understanding of the music, dance, theatre and customs not just at an elementary one.”

Shirley also reminded me that on March 21st we celebrate Harmony Day and as such it is a time where all teachers can promote languages including the Greek language whether they teach Greek or not.

However, Shirley says that “children are more challenged today as languages are not as promoted as they were in the Al Grassby* days on the late 70’s and early 80’s.

*Al Grassby was the Labour Minister of Immigration during the Whitlam years.

READ MORE: Insight or Perspective: What is the problem with Greek language learning in Australia?

*Eleni Elefterias-Kostakidis is a teacher of Modern Greek and University lecturer. Read her column ‘Insight or Perspective’ in Greek, every Saturday in The Greek Herald’s print edition or get your subscription here.

Former finance minister Mathias Cormann to be next OECD Secretary General

The Greek Herald
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Former finance minister Mathias Cormann to be next OECD Secretary General

Australia’s former finance minister Mathias Cormann has been elected as the new head of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The 50-year-old will become the first person from Asia-Pacific to lead the Paris-based, 37-nation organisation, and takes the role in the middle of one of the worst global recessions on record.

The climate record of Australia’s longest-serving finance minister grabbed headlines ahead of his appointment.

More than two dozen environmental groups said Mr Cormann shouldn’t have been considered for the top OECD job, citing former statements they said questioned climate change.

But Mr Cormann defended his climate record, saying: “Action on climate change to be effective, requires an ambitious, globally coordinated approach”.

A member of several Coalition governments, Mr Cormann quit parliament late last year to seek the top job.

He emerged as a surprise frontrunner, and beat out fellow top contender, Sweden’s Cecilia Malmstrom, a former EU trade commissioner.

Another eight candidates were whittled out of contention.

Morrison: Cormann will make an oustanding contribution

In a statement, PM Scott Morrison said that Cormann will make an “outstanding contribution as leader of the OECD.”

“I am delighted that the 38 member nations of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have chosen Australia’s representative the Hon Mathias Cormann to be the organisation’s next Secretary-General,” reads the statement.

“The appointment is recognition of Australia’s global agency and standing amongst fellow liberal democracies and our practical commitment and contribution to multilateral co-operation. 

“This is a great honour for Mathias who has worked tirelessly over several months to engage with leaders, senior ministers and officials of OECD member nations from Europe, Asia and the Americas. This is the most senior appointment of an Australian candidate to an international body for decades.

“Australia overcame great odds for Mathias Cormann to be successful in the contest, which comprised nine other high calibre candidates, including six from Europe. 

*With information from the ABC and The Sydney Morning Herald

Boris Johnson rules out return of Parthenon marbles to Greece

The Greek Herald
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Boris Johnson rules out return of Parthenon marbles to Greece

Boris Johnson has used his first interview with a European newspaper since becoming the UK’s prime minister to issue a point-blank rejection of the Parthenon marbles being returned to Greece.

Johnson insisted the sculptures, removed from the monument by Lord Elgin in circumstances that have since spurred one of the world’s most famous cultural rows, would remain in Britain because they had been legally acquired.

“I understand the strong feelings of the Greek people – and indeed prime minister [Kyriakos] Mitsotakis – on the issue,” he told the Greek newspaper Ta Nea when asked to comment on his counterpart’s offer – made in an interview with the Observer in 2019 – to lend priceless artefacts to London in return for putting the marbles on display in Athens this year.

“But the UK government has a firm longstanding position on the sculptures, which is that they were legally acquired by Lord Elgin under the appropriate laws of the time and have been legally owned by the British Museum’s trustees since their acquisition.”

Johnson’s intervention, though clearly aimed at drawing a line under the dispute, is bound to ignite further controversy. Last year, Greece’s culture minister, Lina Mendoni, branded Elgin a “serial thief” who used illegal tactics to take the marbles.

The prime minister, who posed for Ta Nea in his Downing Street office next to a plaster cast bust of his “personal hero”, Pericles, spoke within weeks of Greece marking the bicentennial of its war of independence.

In the run-up to the celebrations, Athens has reinvigorated its campaign to repatriate the fifth-century BC carvings, regarded as a high point of classical art.

Greece has long argued that reunification of the sculptures, displayed in museums across Europe but mostly in London, is integral to understanding the artworks in the context of the temple they once embellished.

In 1816 the British Museum acquired the sculptures from the then bankrupt Elgin, who, as Britain’s ambassador to the Sublime Porte, had ordered them to be torn down from the Parthenon after purportedly receiving a permit from the Ottoman forces occupying Athens at the time. 

*Source: The Guardian

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