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Kyrgios defeated on injury-affected ATP return in Brisbane

The Greek Herald
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Kyrgios defeated on injury-affected ATP return in Brisbane

Nick Kyrgios’ first ATP Tour match since March ended in a straight-set defeat to Aleksandar Kovacevic in the opening round of the Brisbane International.

The 30-year-old Australian, who had been given a wildcard and has played only six ATP singles matches in the past three seasons, lost 6-3 6-4 to the American in just 65 minutes.

The defeat comes after Kyrgios’ recent ‘Battle of the Sexes’ exhibition win over world number one Aryna Sabalenka.

Now ranked 670th, he is targeting improved fitness in the hope of securing a wildcard for the Australian Open, which begins on 18 January in Melbourne, following several serious injuries in recent years.

Photo: Getty.

Kyrgios appeared to clutch his elbow in discomfort during the match against world number 58 Kovacevic but still produced a trademark underarm serve to win a point in the second set.

The result is another setback to his bid to return to Grand Slam action for the first time since a first-round defeat to Britain’s Jacob Fearnley at his home tournament in 2025.

He is scheduled to play men’s doubles on Wednesday with Greek Australian partner Thanasi Kokkinakis before competing at the Kooyong Classic exhibition event in Melbourne next week.

Mitsotakis reaffirms support for Ukraine but rules out Greek troops

The Greek Herald
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Mitsotakis reaffirms support for Ukraine but rules out Greek troops

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis took part in the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing for Ukraine in Paris on Tuesday, January 6, where he underlined the need to further strengthen and support the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which he described as the most important security guarantee.

Greece has already announced a €20 million contribution as part of NATO’s Prioritised Ukraine List of Requirements (PURL) initiative in early December.

According to government sources, Mitsotakis made clear that Greece will not participate in a European military force in Ukraine. However, Athens does not rule out offering assistance in other ways outside Ukrainian territory, including in areas such as maritime surveillance.

Any framework of support will follow the relevant national parliamentary procedures.

The same sources added that Mitsotakis stressed the importance of US involvement in providing security guarantees for both Ukraine and Europe.

He also highlighted Greece’s role in supporting Ukraine’s energy security, particularly through natural gas supply via the Alexandroupolis FSRU and the Vertical Corridor.

Reiterating Greece’s firm position, Mitsotakis said that changing borders through the use of force cannot be legitimised and that Ukraine alone will decide its future.

He also emphasised the need for coordinated European positions so the EU can present a clear strategy in peace talks with the US and Russia.

Mitsotakis backs European declaration reaffirming Greenland’s sovereignty

The Greek Herald
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Mitsotakis backs European declaration reaffirming Greenland’s sovereignty

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has voiced Greece’s full support for the Joint Declaration on Greenland issued by several European leaders, stressing NATO unity, respect for sovereignty, and the need for collective security.

In a social media post on Tuesday, Mitsotakis said Greece stands firmly behind the declaration, noting that NATO allies share a responsibility to uphold sovereignty and international law.

He emphasised the importance of “dialogue, mutual respect, and international law” among member states and said cooperation and shared principles are essential when dealing with sensitive geopolitical issues.

His statement comes as Mitsotakis attends a high-level meeting in Paris with dozens of international leaders to discuss broader security challenges, including the war in Ukraine.

The Joint Declaration was signed by leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Denmark.

It highlights the strategic importance of the Arctic and reaffirms that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, with decisions about its future resting “exclusively with Denmark and the people of Greenland.”

The declaration also states that Arctic security should be addressed collectively within NATO, in line with the UN Charter and respect for borders and territorial integrity. Greece’s endorsement aligns the country with shared European and transatlantic positions.

Source: Tovima.

Thousands celebrate Epiphany traditions across Greek ports

The Greek Herald
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Thousands celebrate Epiphany traditions across Greek ports

The Feast of the Epiphany was celebrated across Greece today with traditional ceremonies, including the Blessing of the Waters and the diving for the Holy Cross in major ports.

In Piraeus, the country’s largest port, the celebration was led by Ieronymos II, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece.

A festive Divine Liturgy took place at the Holy Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, officiated by Metropolitan Seraphim of Piraeus, followed by the Blessing of the Waters at the pier opposite the Church of Saint Spyridon.

The Holy Cross was retrieved from the sea by Panagiotis Goras, who said, “I wish for the whole world to be united in love.”

Swimmers in Thessaloniki. Photo: AMNA.

The President of the Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, attended and highlighted the significance of the day, stating: “We celebrate the ‘all-bright’ Epiphany here in our country’s largest port to partake in the light and truth we so dearly need. This light can guide us forward with confidence, transforming into personal and collective strength.”

In Thessaloniki, the ceremony at Pier A saw 56 swimmers brave the cold waters of the Thermaic Gulf to retrieve the Cross.

Among them, 23-year-old Stergios Pagonidis emerged with the Cross to the cheers of thousands of faithful gathered along the waterfront.

Epiphany, also known as “Theophany,” is one of the most important Christian feasts, commemorating the revelation of Jesus Christ as God.

Semaphore Greek Festival celebrates 45 years this month

The Greek Herald
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Semaphore Greek Festival celebrates 45 years this month

One of Australia’s most iconic cultural celebrations is back – bigger, brighter, and more nostalgic than ever. The Semaphore Greek Festival will celebrate an extraordinary 45 years on the picturesque Semaphore Foreshore on January 17 & 18, 2026, marking nearly half a century of culture, food, music, and community connection. And once again – entry is completely free.

Proudly recognised as one of South Australia’s largest cultural festival, last year’s event attracted an incredible 45,000 attendees, serving up over 41,000 loukoumades, countless yiros and an atmosphere that buzzed with Greek pride.

The 2026 festival is expected to surpass these records as the community unites under this year’s theme: “Όλοι Μαζί – All Together.”

semaphore greek festival
semaphore greek festival
The Semaphore Greek Festival began as a humble community gathering.

What began as a humble community gathering has grown into a two-day cultural phenomenon that brings generations together. The festival has become a treasured tradition for Greek families across Adelaide and an immersive cultural experience for visitors from across Australia.

The heart of the festival remains unchanged – its people. This milestone year honours the hundreds of passionate volunteers who have shaped the event over four decades.

In 2025, more than 340 volunteers came together to cook, prepare, welcome, dance, and create magic. In 2026, the community will once again power the festival – Oloi Mazi, all together.

semaphore greek festival
semaphore greek festival
semaphore greek festival

Festival-goers can expect a vibrant program showcasing the rich music, dance, and traditions of Greek culture. Dance troupes of all ages will take the floor, reminding audiences that Greek heritage isn’t just remembered – it’s lived.

Crowds can indulge in an impressive spread of authentic Greek flavours, from sizzling yiros and souvlaki to golden haloumi, handmade pites like spanakopita, tiropita, prasopita and kremidopita, and succulent lamb kontosouvli. Don’t forget to finish with honey-drizzled loukoumades, and pair it all with refreshing drinks or traditional Greek coffee to round out the perfect feast!

semaphore greek festival

Set on the iconic beachfront, the festival invites families and friends to bring a picnic rug, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy live entertainment with the ocean as the backdrop.

Whether you’re Greek by birth, Greek at heart, or simply a lover of incredible food and culture, the 45th Anniversary Semaphore Greek Festival is an event not to be missed.

Event Details:

  • What: Semaphore Greek Festival – 45 Years
  • When: 17 & 18 January 2026
  • Where: Semaphore Foreshore
  • Time: From 11am
  • Cost: Free Entry

Faith and tradition unite at Blessing of the Waters ceremonies in Rye and Frankston

Andriana Simos
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Faith and tradition unite at Blessing of the Waters ceremonies in Rye and Frankston

Greek Orthodox communities across Victoria gathered today, January 6 to mark Epiphany with the traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremonies at Rye Foreshore and Frankston Pier, drawing hundreds of people for one of the most sacred days in the Church calendar.

At Red Hill, worshippers assembled for Matins and the Divine Liturgy at the Parish of Panagia Kamariani before making their way to the Rye Foreshore for the procession and Cross throwing.

The ceremony was officiated by His Eminence Metropolitan Ezekiel of Dervis, assisted by Father Irinaios Koikas, with Kyriakos Hatzinikolas emerging from the water holding the Holy Cross and receiving the blessing for the year ahead.

Later in the day, Frankston Pier became the focal point for the local Epiphany celebrations, as His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, clergy and community members gathered for the Blessing of the Waters overlooking Port Phillip Bay.

In a moment watched by families and supporters lining the pier, 18-year-old Kostas Kopsaftis retrieved the Holy Cross, earning the traditional honour bestowed upon the successful diver.

Epiphany, also known as Theofania, commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan by St John the Baptist and symbolises the revelation of the Holy Trinity. Central to the observance is the sanctification of the waters, a ritual representing renewal, blessing and spiritual light.

The ceremonies at Rye and Frankston reflected the enduring strength of Greek Orthodox tradition in Victoria, as faith, heritage and community came together against the backdrop of Australia’s summer coastline.

Canberra and Melbourne Greek community leaders discuss collaboration and shared priorities

Andriana Simos
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Canberra and Melbourne Greek community leaders discuss collaboration and shared priorities

The President of the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra, John Loukadellis, has met with Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) President Bill Papastergiadis in Oakleigh to discuss shared priorities and opportunities for collaboration across Australia’s Greek communities.

During the meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on key issues including the promotion of the Greek language, the management and sustainability of major cultural festivals, and the broader governance and business operations of community organisations.

Mr Loukadellis provided an update on developments in Canberra and the work of The Hellenic Club of Canberra, while discussions also focused on potential joint initiatives for the year ahead aimed at strengthening the profile and influence of the Greek community nationally.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Loukadellis emphasised the importance of open dialogue and cooperation between major community institutions. He said he valued the transparency of the discussion and the shared commitment to improving and growing Greek community organisations together.

The meeting also highlighted the longstanding professional relationship between the two leaders, who both serve as Directors of The Hellenic Initiative of Australia, a philanthropic organisation supporting projects in Greece and the global diaspora.

The discussions form part of broader efforts by Greek community leaders to foster greater unity, strategic planning and collaboration across state lines, with a view to elevating the standing of the Greek community within Australia.

Sea, sun and faith at Rosebud’s annual Epiphany celebration

The Greek Herald
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Sea, sun and faith at Rosebud’s annual Epiphany celebration

Hundreds gathered along the Mornington Peninsula shoreline on Tuesday, January 6 for the annual Blessing of the Waters in Rosebud, marking the Greek Orthodox celebration of Epiphany with faith, culture and community spirit.

The ceremony was officiated by Papa Lefteris, who has continued to perform the traditional Blessing of the Waters each year. This has been the case despite his defrocking by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which cited “a series of ecclesiastical and canonical offenses he committed.”

Held on a bright summer’s day, the event blended religious tradition with Australia’s coastal landscape, as clear waters, Greek music and the aromas of food trucks filled the foreshore, evoking memories of childhood and home for many in attendance.

rosebud epiphany
Greek music and the aromas of food trucks filled the foreshore.

Epiphany, also known as Theofania, is celebrated annually on January 6 by Greek Orthodox Christians worldwide. The feast commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan by St John the Baptist and symbolises the revelation of the Holy Trinity. Central to the observance is the sanctification of the waters, representing renewal, blessing and light.

In Victoria, the occasion has taken on a distinct local character through the Rosebud Throwing of the Cross, drawing members of the Greek community from across Melbourne to what many affectionately describe as their “little slice of Greece” on the Mornington Peninsula.

rosebud epiphany
Hundreds turned up.

Along the waterfront, spectators watched as the Holy Cross was cast into the sea and young swimmers plunged into the water in a display of devotion. Iordanis Anastasakis retrieved the cross and received a special blessing for the year ahead.

Iordanis Anastasakis.
Celebrations afterwards.

Following the religious ceremony, festivities continued onshore with music by DJ Chris and a spirited performance by the Manasis School of Greek Dance and Culture, which showcased traditional Greek dances and further enlivened the celebratory atmosphere.

Kellie Sloane reshapes NSW opposition frontbench in pre-election reset

The Greek Herald
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Kellie Sloane reshapes NSW opposition frontbench in pre-election reset

NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane has unveiled a significant frontbench reshuffle, sidelining leadership rival Alister Henskens, promoting a younger generation of MPs and redistributing key portfolios as she consolidates control of the Liberal–National Coalition ahead of the 2027 state election.

Henskens, who had been positioning himself for the leadership before Sloane’s victory in November, was demoted from shadow attorney-general to shadow special minister of state and government accountability, and lost his role as manager of opposition business.

Sloane defended the move, saying the portfolio would be “a key role that requires someone with great experience.”

Millennial MPs were elevated into major economic and policy roles, with Scott Farlow appointed shadow treasurer and Chris Rath promoted to housing, planning, public spaces and cities – reinforcing the Coalition’s shift towards boosting housing supply through a Yes In My Backyard approach that narrows differences with Labor.

Former Liberal leader Mark Speakman, who stepped aside to allow Sloane to take the leadership, was assigned the education portfolio. Oatley MP Mark Coure will remain on the frontbench, retaining the multiculturalism portfolio while also assuming responsibility for roads.

Damien Tudehope was removed from Treasury and shifted into the shadow attorney-general role after Sloane overturned his opposition to Labor’s workers’ compensation reforms late last year, delivering the Minns government a key legislative win.

New faces in the shadow ministry include Monica Tudehope as spokeswoman for finance and Western Sydney, Jacqui Munro covering environment, science and technology, heritage and the Central Coast, and Brendan Moylan overseeing agriculture and regional crime. Veteran conservative Anthony Roberts returned to the frontbench with responsibility for police, counterterrorism and corrections.

Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh becomes opposition spokesman for small business, while former Nationals leader Dugald Saunders has been left without a portfolio. Nationals MP and former education minister Sarah Mitchell has taken on the health portfolio.

James Griffin gained responsibility for artificial intelligence and investment and was appointed manager of opposition business in the Legislative Assembly. Eleni Petinos lost the finance portfolio but will take on jobs, industry and domestic manufacturing.

Sloane said the reshaped frontbench blended experience with renewal and was “ready to govern.”

“We have young people, we have mums and dads, we have people from the city and the country, people fresh out of corporate life,” she said.

“There were some hard decisions to make, as there are in any reshuffle. But there are also fresh new faces; it’s been a difficult job – we’ve got incredible talent.”

Source: Australian Financial Review

UN divided as Greece backs dialogue after Maduro’s capture

The Greek Herald
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UN divided as Greece backs dialogue after Maduro’s capture

Greece has urged restraint and renewed its call for dialogue amid escalating tensions over Venezuela, as the United Nations Security Council met in emergency session following the US capture of President Nicolás Maduro.

Speaking on Monday, Greece’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Ioannis Stamatekos, said Athens was closely monitoring developments and warned against actions that could deepen the crisis.

He reiterated Greece’s position that Maduro lacks democratic legitimacy, stating: “We have long made clear that Nicolas Maduro’s claim to the presidency lacks legitimacy. Greece has not recognised the results of the rigged July 28, 2024, elections and has consistently supported initiatives aimed at achieving a democratic solution for Venezuela.”

Stamatekos said Greece stood with Venezuelans seeking democratic change, adding: “We stand firmly with the Venezuelan people in their pursuit of a democratic future and hope recent events will move in that direction.”

He stressed the need to respect the UN Charter, international law and human rights, underlining the obligation to protect civilians and the importance of international cooperation to combat organised crime and drug trafficking.

“The only viable means for a peaceful transition and a lasting resolution of the crisis are dialogue and diplomacy,” he said, adding that Greece was ready to support any regional or international initiative aimed at a negotiated transition that respected the will of all Venezuelans.

The comments came as UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the US operation to capture Maduro could trigger wider instability in Venezuela and the region.

Addressing the Security Council through his political affairs chief, Rosemary DiCarlo, Guterres said: “I am deeply concerned about the possible intensification of instability in the country, the potential impact on the region, and the precedent it may set for how relations between and among states are conducted.”

Guterres called on all Venezuelan actors to engage in inclusive dialogue, adding: “I welcome and am ready to support all efforts aimed at assisting Venezuelans in finding a peaceful way forward.”

The emergency meeting, requested by Colombia and backed by Russia and China, saw sharp divisions among council members.

Venezuela’s representative, Samuel Moncada, condemned the US action as “an illegitimate armed attack lacking any legal justification” and “a flagrant violation of the UN Charter.” Russia’s ambassador, Vasily Nebenzya, called on Washington to “immediately release” Maduro and his wife, while China said it was “deeply shocked by and strongly condemns the unilateral, illegal, and bullying acts of the US.”

The United States defended the operation, with ambassador Mike Waltz describing it as a lawful move against indicted suspects. “There is no war against Venezuela or its people. We are not occupying a country,” he said, adding: “This was a law enforcement operation in furtherance of lawful indictments that have existed for decades.”

Maduro appeared in a Manhattan court on Monday, local time, as the diplomatic fallout from his capture continued to reverberate through the United Nations.

Source: Ekathimerini

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