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Katerina Stefanidi on Tokyo 2020 postponement: Better late than later

Olympic pole vault champion, Katerina Stefanidi, issued on Sunday a positive reaction to the postponement of the Olympic Games to 2021, having previously been an outspoken advocate of this measure.

Stefanidi, who won gold at Rio 2016, said on state broadcaster ERT that it was always going to be a difficult decision but it needed to be done.

“The postponement was made a little late but could have been made even later, given that originally the International Olympic Committee had said they would announce their decision in May,” Stefanidi said.

Olympic pole vault champion, Katerina Stefanidi, took part in the Olympic Flame Relay this year. Source: Instagram.

READ MORE: Katerina Stefanidi faces new challenge for Olympics as all training stadiums in Greece remain shut.

She also acknowledged that her pride for being the last torchbearer at the Greek leg of the Olympic Flame Relay last month was mitigated by the fact that this was eventually done in front of empty stands at the Panathenaic Stadium.

“I would have liked organisers to give us the opportunity to do it again in normal circumstances for next year’s Games, but I understand the Flame has now been delivered to Tokyo and they will keep it in Japan, so it’s alright,” she said.

Her comment comes in the wake of the Government’s announcement that it hopes there will be a return to local sporting action in Greece next month.

“We hope, we estimate, that some time in May there will be some resumption of sports activity in Greece,” Deputy Minister for Sports, Lefteris Avgenakis, said last week.

Free TAFE courses on offer in NSW to up-skill people during coronavirus crisis

People in New South Wales will be able to up-skill during the coronavirus pandemic, with 21 fee-free TAFE NSW short courses now available online.

NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, made the announcement this morning and said the select courses will assist job seekers and workers looking to diversify their skills during the crisis.

NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, made the announcement this morning. Source: AAP.

“This initiative is good news. It means people can start preparing for when these difficult times are over,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Rather than not having a job or not working from home, it’s an opportunity for you to upgrade your skills or acquire new skills so that you can enter or re-enter the workforce after this crisis.”

Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, Geoff Lee, concurred with the Premier and said the fee-free courses will contribute “to helping businesses stay in business and people stay in jobs.”

“The NSW Government understands that circumstances have changed for a lot of people and business owners, which means the way they work and how they conduct their business has also changed,” Mr Lee said.

“We also understand that many industries are in hibernation, so using this period to upskill for the future is time well spent.”

People interested in accessing the online courses can choose from a range of topics including administration skills, digital impact, health and medical knowledge, leadership and business skills.

More information, including a full list of courses, is available here or by calling 131 601.

Second Greek migrant camp in lockdown after COVID-19 case confirmed

Officials in Greece have placed a second migrant camp near Athens under lockdown after a 53-year-old Afghan resident tested positive for the coronavirus, the migration ministry said.

The Afghan man, who lives with his family at the Malakasa camp just north of Athens, was taken to a hospital in Athens after displaying virus symptoms and subsequently tested positive for the virus.

“The Malakasa camp has now been placed under full sanitary isolation for 14 days, with no one allowed to enter or leave,” the migration ministry said in a statement.

“A screening of the camp is in process and anyone with suspect symptoms will be tested as we try to trace the route of the virus.”

A migration ministry source said the Malakasa facility currently shelters more than 1,700 people. Source: Ayhan Mehmet/Anadolu Agency.

The lockdown comes as just last week, the Ritsona camp in central Greece was sealed off after 20 migrants tested positive for the coronavirus. It was the first such facility in the country to be hit since the outbreak of the disease.

The health ministry has ruled out a general screening campaign at the camps, noting that such a process would be costly and impractical.

Greece collects more than €4 million in fines for violating coronavirus restrictions

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Greek authorities have confirmed the state has collected a total of €4,253,700 ($7.6 million) in fines issued for violations related to the bans on movement and opening of businesses during lockdown.

In order to contain the spread of COVID-19, the government suspended the operation of shops and businesses on March 12 and imposed lockdown and movement restrictions on March 23.

According to data from the Hellenic Police (ELAS), there were 17,385 violations during that period, with fines of 150 euros ($270) on individuals, bringing in 2.6 million euros ($4.7 million) in 12 days from people flouting the restrictions.

The 330 businesses that stayed open were also whacked with fines of 5,000 euros ($9,000) for each incident, bringing in another €1.6 million ($2.8 million).

Most of these violations were recorded in the region of Attica, followed by Thessaloniki, the Ionian Islands and Western Greece.

Greek authorities are cracking down on people breaking the lockdown rules. Source: Efsyn.

Spokesperson for the Greek Police, Ioanna Rotziokou, said that despite the “total amount of fines imposed throughout Greece amounting to 4,253,700 euros,” the majority of citizens continue to comply with the coronavirus measures.

“It is significant that the majority of citizens have complied with the measures implemented to avoid and limit the spread of the coronavirus and for this, the Hellenic Police thanks them sincerely,” Ms Rotziokou told the state-run Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA).

“The measures aim at protecting the health of citizens and not their punishment.”

Government officials have said that the bulk of this revenue will be spent on bolstering the public healthcare system that was decimated with budget cuts during a nearly decade-long economic and austerity crisis.

A Greek in Rio & Brasil: From being a Grego to a Bulldogs training session

By Billy Cotsis.

A Bulldogs footy and kids with a Greek background, deep in the picturesque Rio State. Now that is not something I had not planned when contemplating a visit to Brasil, a nation with almost 220 million people, yet few are of Greek origin and even fewer would have heard of the mighty Canterbury Bulldogs. Yet here I was, in Barra Mansa, 2.5 hours out of Rio de Janeiro passing a rugby league ball to two enthusiastic kids. The kids were enjoying this new sport. Behind us a group of Brasilians started playing drums and a hundred metres down the road a group of kids were playing football, Pele ginga style. Taking it all in, the rain started to beat down, placing the impromptu game on hold. As the Brasilians kept drumming, I leaned over to writer and teacher Ana Marcia who was looking on and spoke to her in Greek, I love this country.

How could one not love Brasil? Beaches, nature, amazing people, humid, picturesque. As an Aussie, the surfing element also appeals. The surf is good and adds to the football and fun on many beaches. There were times when Ana and I drove in Brasil and heard Aussie surf bands on the radio, such as Hoodoo Gurus, Spy Vs Spy, Midnight Oil, complemented by the brilliant INXS. There were other times when I happened to flick on the TV and a Greek movie had just finished playing! It seems my two cultures were on the fringes of Brasil. And fringes they certainly were. Having eaten at an Outback Steakhouse in Argentina, one-time home of Onassis on my way to Rio, I was desperate for Greek or Aussie in every form. Starting with the fake and uneatable feta I bought from a Copacabana supermarket to my desperation to find an authentic Greek meal.

We had a meal at one of just two authentic Greek restaurants in Rio. Each time making our way during a downpour. At Oia Cozinha Medeterranea, Ana and I found a lively eatery decked out in blue and white, with a waiting list to get in. The food, not exactly a replica of Athens or Lesvos, was at least accompanied by ouzo from Mytilene! In my excitement at eating Greek, I asked the table next to us why they came to eat at a Greek place?

“We have been to Greece and like the food; it was an easy choice.”

Billy and Ana enjoying a Greek feast at Vokos Greek restaurant at Leblon in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

It was nice to hear that people had visited Greece. Though Brasilians account for a small percentage, just below 20,000 visitors per year when there is no coronavirus. There is a fascination with Greece and ‘Grego’ people, as my visit would unpack.

I spoke to the owner of the other Greek restaurant we visited. Vokos, is another Greek eatery with a suave interior, and it was a chance to eat a gyros and have some tzatziki with ouzo, naturally. Met by a young Maître D and friendly staff, we missed meeting one of the Greek owners until a chance conversation a few days later.

Viktor Vokos (though it is technically Vocos from when he was registered in Brasil as a boy) has quite a unique story. From being ‘kidnapped’ to rediscovering his Greek heritage, its “worth a film in itself,” he explained. Viktor was born in Athens to a Greek man, who is a descendant of Admiral Vokos, and a Brasilian mother. He ended up in Rio by the age of six, though not without drama. His father had been coming to Brasil for business in the 1970s as the owner/director of the shipping exhibition called “Poseidonia,” and met his future wife who was a service provider for Rio Mar, the equivalent of Poseidonia. They settled in Athens and Viktor was born. Sadly, the marriage wasn’t to last. He told me, “I was in London with my mum, and my father managed to take me away without her permission. He took me back to Athens.” The intention was to keep the young Viktor in Athens and away from his mum.

His distraught mother enlisted the help of detectives in London and then the Brasilian Ambassador to Greece who duly provided as much support as possible. His father had the belief that the Greek courts would side with him and with documents in Greek, he even persuaded the court to send the documents to Brasil where it was expected no one would read them. Fortuitously, there was someone there who opened the mail. His mum was always going to struggle with the process. A woman who was a foreigner with limited Greek dealing with the Greek courts. Fortunately, the legal team of the embassy helped convince the Greek magistrate that Viktor had been taken illegally to Athens. A child should not be kept from a loving mum. Mother and son were reunited!

Viktor was able to return to Brasil and gradually became more Brasilian than Greek, though he admits that at school he was initially teased about his Greek heritage. It meant he turned somewhat away from his Hellenic side. Viktor did, however, reunite with his father, going to visit him two years after the ‘kidnapping’ and yearly thereafter to keep his connection with Greece. With a background in events, he joined his half brother to help run Poseidonia in recent times. Back in Rio, he was approached to be involved with a new Greek eatery; he immediately jumped at the chance to be a partner, named after his famous Independence War hero ancestor.

A Greek meal at Vokos restaurant.

Another true highlight is a visit to the Greek Church and the Sociedade Helênica Do Rio, at 46 Rua Darke de Matos. A church goer Θανάση (Sakis) Makris told me there are at least two Greek churches in Rio. He attends every week with his family. We met his charming wife Alexia and son George at the church and subsequently for a kafedaki on another day. She has Greek heritage on one side of the family, while Θανάση is originally from Corinth, having worked at the Corinth canal for most of his life, he now calls Brasil home. “I moved here in 2018 for good, and I had been visiting Rio since 1989, every year since 2003.” He spoke glowingly of Brasil and the church he attends.

The Father at the church speaks Greek fluently, among many languages he converses in. The church is Saint Andrew Orthodox Church (Ι.Ν.Αγίου Ανδρέου του Πρωτοκλήτου) which belongs to the archdiocese of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. It a beautiful church, located two flights of stairs above the church hall. It was a smaller gathering than usual, perhaps 20 of us coming to hear the sermon of Fr. Henrique Cairus and the beautiful singing in Greek and Portuguese. The hymns and singing carried beautifully by younger voices. I rarely attend church in Sydney, yet on this day I felt enlightened on the inside and proud to see this group of people engaging with Fr Henrique. After the service, everyone is invited to coffee and cake. Here I was able to meet a range of others. From Giannis who is third generation, to younger members of the congregation who were either mixed heritage Greek or Brasilians who converted to the Greek Orthodox religion.

Sakis told me that there used to be significantly more Greek people and worshippers in Rio, but age has caught up with many. Others have gone to Greece or Sao Paulo.

Ausli Sena is of Persian ancestry who speaks Greek. One of the most delightful people you will meet. An engineer, PhD candidate and musician (among many other talents including physics), who coaxed me out of musical retirement. We played/jammed on the stage in the church hall which has a large print, ‘Acropolis,’ written on the stage wall, to the ‘delight’ of our Greek audience. My drumming is by no means impressive, however, Ausli is a fantastic saxophonist, who also provides music lessons at the hall. He also told me that towards the end of March, a festival will be held at the hall to celebrate all things Greek. The more we spoke, the more I was convinced he really is Greek. His knowledge of Greece and the culture is better than most. It helped that he knew Lesvos, of course, and we posed for a picture next to a Lesvos poster on the wall.

I also met Κωνσταντίνος Μας who is a young man from Thessaloniki, he has not been in Brasil for more than two or three years. He is also an engineer and is currently trying to establish Greek language classes, a must for the local community. It is through these endeavours that the Greek community can strengthen and preserve its identity.

Over the years I have met many a Brasilian with Greek heritage. I first met Sophia from Sao Paulo in Sydney one summer when I was on a break from London, early 2010. In 2014 I stayed in a hotel in Rhodes, where the owners had lived in Brasil and the son had been born in Rio. They talked up the Greek neighbourhood in Sao Paulo. This city by the way, is hme to former Mayor Fernando Haddad who almost won the Presidency in 2018. He is of Lebanese Antiochian Greek Orthodox ancestry.

It is estimated that there are 60,000 Brasilians of Greek heritage. Some have contributed significantly to Brasil, including Bruna Griphao who is a young television actress, Cleo Rocos an actress and businesswoman, Leonardo Koutris the footballer, João Pandiá Calogeras, Brazilian Minister of War, during WWI. Calogeras was born in Rio in 1870, was an author and also served as a minister earlier in the century; he was at the Versailles post war conference where its probable he met Eleftherios Venizelos. He is also credited with modernising the military.

On another rainy day in Brasil, Ana spotted a sign on a building. It was for the AGK Construction company, owned by Athanase Gerom Koukolis. Amazed, Ana called and spoke to the Greek man. Alas, he was on holiday in Cabo Frio.

What is intriguing about Brasilians is that they never refer to themselves as say Lebanese-Brasilian or by another ethnicity. “We are all Brasilians here, no matter if we are black, white, or have ancestry from Europe.” This was told to me a young man in a hotel and has been repeated to me often, even if they speak another language. This applies to the Greek community as well.

Another Brasileira, Juliane Pereira, who is from Sao Paulo and runs Bonita Brazilian in Auckland, laughed at my homemade t shirt which proudly says, “speak to me in Grego.” She explained that where she comes from, they would use the equivalent saying of its all Greek to me. In many ways, the Brasilians are conscious of Greek elements, and this was just another example of that.

Billy enjoying the sun on the famous Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro.

From a lighthearted moment, to one that is powerful and dramatic. Many Brasilians know the name of Polyvios Kossivas, who became an instant hero at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games marathon. I was at the 1896 stadium that day with friends and remember learning that a Brasilieros runner, Vanderlei de Lima, was poised to win the Gold. It would be a fantastic win for Brasil, their first in the marathon. Yet a crazy defrocked Irish priest came out of nowhere at the 22 mile mark and tackled Lima. The quick thinking Kossivas jumped the barrier and pulled the lunatic off the runner, who lost valuable seconds. Seconds that meant he finished with the Bronze medal. Yet the deeds of a Greek spectator allowed the Brasilian to gain a medal. Disappointingly, the IOC did not award the gold to the rightful athlete. He was instead given a special Olympics award and was feted in Brasil. Lima lit the cauldron in 2016 at Rio in place of the great Pele who was too ill to attend. Kossivas by the way, was also feted in Brasil and was able to attend to meet his new friend and accept a debt of gratitude by the Brasilian Olympic Committee and public.

According to author and professor Savas Apóstolo Pítsica of Santa Caterina, “since 1883, Greeks from Kastelorizon Island emigrated to Brazil, settling down in Santa Catarina Island, and in Paranaguá, State of Paraná, creating an important relationship in the Community of Florianópolis.”

It is probable that small numbers of Greek people had been coming to Brasil for decades earlier, though in 1883 the arrival of Captain Savas Nicolau Savas “on his regress from Montevideo, visits the Island of Santa Catarina and leaves some Greeks in Desterro.” Savvas would return years later with more Greeks including his family. The Captain would become an important businessman across Argentina, where he became the Consul, and Brasil. His business interests extended to the USA. He was also known for intervening to protect people and once saved the life of the Governor of Santa Caterina. His ships were well known in the region.

Desterro which became Florianópolis, was a haven of Greek people thanks to Savas, with dozens of businesses and hundreds of Greeks in the city as the twentieth century progressed. Many brought along with them ouzo from Greece.

As Ana and I finished an ouzo and practised our Greek, I couldn’t believe my luck. I had always wanted to visit Brasil and here I was, just before the pandemic outbreak, meshing my Greek and Aussie with Brasilian. This country has certainly captured my attention. The trip could only be topped by one thing: the Greek heritage kids learning about the mighty Bulldogs and of course my beloved Lesvos.

*Billy Cotsis is the author of Once upon a time in Crystal Palace: heart, life and football under Brexit

Cyprus reports huge jump in domestic violence cases amid coronavirus pandemic

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The coronavirus outbreak has brought about a disturbing surge in cases of domestic violence in Cyprus, with the 1440 helpline receiving over 2,000 calls between the date of the confirmation of the island’s first coronavirus case and March 31.

In a recent press release, the Association for the Prevention and Handling of Family Violence said that of the 2,075 calls received by the domestic violence hotline since coronavirus broke out on March 9, the association could only respond to 921, with the remaining 1,154 calls remaining unanswered as the helpline had often been flooded with calls.

“In a period of just 23 days, 15 requests had been made to be transferred to shelters, while 12 women had requested personal counselling and 230 had reported cases of family violence, corresponding to over 10 cases per day,” the Association said in a statement.

“These calls regarding domestic violence are definitely maintaining a highly-concerning upward trend, which mirrors the rising degree of danger against women and children brought about by the new restriction measures.”

In fact, according to experts from the Domestic Violence Association, these measures are now being used as a tool in the hands of perpetrators. New abuse tactics range from:

  • Withholding means of personal protection including antiseptic liquids, masks, and medicine.
  • Withholding or using children as a means of exercising psychological violence.
  • Flouting protective measures and exposing women and children to an increased risk of contracting the virus.
  • Forcing women into excessive uses of personal protection measures, sometimes until they bleed or form wounds.
  • Obstructing women from seeking medical and other help in cases where they develop symptoms.

Are you the victim of any of the above in Australia? Contact 1800 RESPECT.

The Association stressed that it continues to provide help to people in Cyprus through the 1440 helpline, teleconferences and other forms of contact, while shelters remain in full operation.

Visa changes open the door for Greek students to access their hard-earned superannuation

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The COVID-19 pandemic has brought life to a standstill for thousands of Greek students in Australia, with many left with little choice but to return to their home country.

For some however, they will now be able to fall back on their superannuation contribution under new visa changes announced by the Acting Immigration Minister, Alan Tudge, on Friday.

“In relation to second year students and onwards, we ask that you rely on your families, go into your own savings to support yourself if you need to,” Mr Tudge said.

“But if you are unable to, we will allow you to use the superannuation that you might have accumulated during your time here in Australia through the part-time work which you are able to do while you are here.”

Mr Tudge also said the Government will be flexible in cases where coronavirus has prevented international students from meeting their visa conditions such as class attendance and work hours.

“International students are usually able to work up to 40 hours per fortnight only. International students working in aged care and as nurses have had these hours extended to support these critical sectors,” Mr Tudge said.

“From May 1, their hours will return to the maximum 40 hours a fortnight as more Australians are being recruited into these roles.”

Further arrangements are also not out of the question, as Mr Tudge said the Government is in constant communication with the international education sector to ensure the safety of international students as the coronavirus crisis continues.

Letter from the Editor: #KeepItGreek while we stay at home

Dear readers of The Greek Herald,

As the coronavirus pandemic unfolds around us, it is our duty to stay at home to prevent the rapid spread of this disease. While self-isolation can be daunting and mentally exhausting, we do believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

As Greeks, we have been through extreme hardship and we still stand proud and strong. Now, it’s time to show the world how it is done through social media.

Using the hashtag #KeepItGreek on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, we (The Greek Herald team) aim to encourage everyone, young or old, to participate in a movement to maintain and strengthen our Greek heritage and culture while we stay at home.

Every week, The Greek Herald will be challenging our readers to take part in Greek activities ranging from ‘practice your Greek dancing for 20 minutes,’ to ‘test your Greek vocabulary.’

All you have to do in return is:

  1. Post on your social media pages a photo or a video of you completing our challenge for that day.
  2. Don’t forget to hashtag #KeepItGreek and #StayAtHome on the post.
  3. Tag @The Greek Herald on your social media pages.
  4. That’s it! You are making a difference, the Greek way!

Your posts will be shared on our social media pages during the week and the best posts will make it to our Sunday print edition.

Are you ready? Let’s #KeepItGreek together and play our small role in keeping our language and culture alive during this time. 

From,

The Greek Herald Digital Team.

The Archdiocese of Australia ‘relieves parishes’ from their financial responsibilities in 2020

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia announced in an encyclical on Friday that due to the adverse conditions created by the coronavirus pandemic, all parishes who are facing financial problems will be relieved “from their financial responsibilities and contributions towards the Holy Archdiocese of Australia for the current year of 2020.”

The decision comes as the Archdiocese attempts to respond to the needs of its parishes, priests and ecclesiastical employees, as well as employees at the Archdiocese’s headquarters and regional offices, institutions and schools under its control.

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia has relieved parishes of their financial responsibilities for 2020. Source: Archdiocese of Australia.

“We acknowledge that the closure of the Churches, especially during this period and during Holy Week which is fast approaching, have resulted in huge financial consequences to the income of our Parishes and Communities as well as all other Institutions which function under our auspices,” the encyclical read.

“For this reason, after much thought and research, we have made the decision to exempt parishes facing financial problems from all their financial obligations and contributions to the Archdiocese of Australia for the current year of 2020.”

His Eminence also acknowledged that he is working with the Finance Office of the Archdiocese and relevant government authorities, to ensure priests and church employees can access a fortnightly income of $1500.

“For the priests and the church employees, for whom it is difficult to receive their salary due to the reduction of income to our Churches, the Holy Archdiocese will offer every assistance and every justification in order to secure the basic income for those who request it from March 1.”

The statement concludes with an assurance that the Archdiocese “does not intend to dismiss any employee from the central or district offices, from our institutions, our schools or from our Churches.”

“We will continue to support and extend our welfare programs to our sisters and brothers who have been impacted by this crisis, making every attempt to be with them, not only in word, but primarily through our actions and initiatives.”

The clergy and the Ecclesiastical Councils of the parishes accepted the above decisions of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios with great relief and many expressed their thanks to their Pastor in writing.

The full statement:

Deputy Minister for Immigration meeting with Melbourne community leaders to discuss temporary visas

The President of the Hellenic Community of Melbourne, Mr. Vassilis Papastergiadis, is scheduled to meet with the Deputy Minister for Immigration in Australia, Mr Alan Taj, on Monday in order to address the problems faced by Greek citizens in the country with temporary residence permits.

Mr Taj immediately responded to a letter sent by the Melbourne community on Friday, requesting a meeting to examine the problem.

“We thank Minister Taj and the Australian Government for their prompt response and settlement of the meeting, almost two hours after our letter was sent,” Mr Papastergiadis said.

In the letter, Mr Papastergiadis had expressed his concern for Greek citizens who were forced to stay in Australia without financial or health support, while they were unable to travel to Greece.

“Last month, our office received numerous calls from many of our members asking for help and guidance on the problems of these Greek citizens,” Mr Papastergiadis wrote.

“These people have no financial support and no income to survive, and they do not have access to free public hospitals and health services. In most cases, these citizens cannot return to Greece due to travel restrictions and remain helpless without access to the welfare system.

“Given the seriousness of the problem, we want to discuss the matter with you and your staff in order to decide how we can offer protection to these citizens. ”