For #KeepItGreek this week, The Greek Herald is bringing the pulse and liveliness of Greek concerts to the comfort of your home.
First up is a concert by the late Lavrentis Machairitsas and Vassilis Papakonstantinou, from the summer of 2018 at the Petra theatre.
Each Greek artist sings some of their greatest hits separately, before performing ‘South,’ ‘Gemini Blues’ and ‘Before the end’ in a duet.
We hope you enjoy the concert and if you’d like, we would love to see photos of you singing and dancing along to the songs! #KeepItGreek.
#KeepItGreek:
Τι θα λείψει πολύ αυτό το καλοκαίρι στην Ελλάδα;
Μα φυσικά, οι συναυλίες, ο παλμός των ζωντανών εμφανίσεων
των αγαπημένων τραγουδοποιών.
Μέχρι να ξαναβρεθούμε σε ανοιχτούς χώρους για να
παρακολουθήσουμε αγαπημένους Έλληνες καλλιτέχνες, ο «Ελληνικός Κήρυκας» σας
μεταφέρει τον παλμό και την ζωντάνια από συναυλίες του παρελθόντος.
Ας αρκεστούμε να τους δούμε σε προηγούμενες εμφανίσεις
τους να λένε αγαπημένα κομμάτια, τραγουδώντας κι εμείς μαζί με το κοινό από
κάτω τους στίχους!
Ο αείμνηστος Λαυρέντης Μαχαιρίτσας και ο Βασίλης Παπακωνσταντίνου, σε μια συναυλία από το καλοκαίρι του 2018 στο θέατρο Πέτρας.
Θα ακούσεις τον καθένα τους ξεχωριστά σε μεγάλες
επιτυχίες αλλά και τα «Νότος», «Διδυμότειχο blues» και «Πριν το τέλος» σε ντουέτα.
While the number of COVID- 19 cases in Australia growing at the time, the impact of the Federal Government’s announcement of Stage 2 restrictions was sudden and quick as people’s everyday lives practically changed overnight. And the impact was none greater to small businesses in Sydney’s business networks.
As Greeks play such a significant role in Sydney’s hospitality industries, so many Greek-owned businesses, whether cafes, restaurants and clubs or all their suppliers, found themselves either shutting, struggling to remain open or quickly readjusting their business models to continue operating.
For Sydney historian, Vasilis Vasilas, who has been compiling oral histories and photographs on Sydney’s Greek businesses over the last few years, it was difficult to observe so many friends whose businesses were financially suffering and this prompted him to do something to help these businesses and consumers.
WEAREOPEN: The Dulwich Hill Chicken Shop, Dulwich HillBusiness and busy as usual… refurbished and modern… been…
At a time when people were encouraged to stay at home and only shop for essential items, Vasilis used his Syndesmos Facebook page as a platform to launch the WEAREOPEN initiative where he visited Greek-owned businesses, took a photo of the business, wished the businesses owners to stay safe and posted the photograph and wish on his Syndesmos Facebook page.
“I just felt as though I wanted to help these businesses in some small way,” Vasilis explains.
“On my way home from work, I would take an alternate route, stop at the Greek businesses along the way- every day was a different route- and I witnessed first-hand the impact of the Stage 2 restrictions across so many Sydney’s small business landscape.
“With the WEAREOPEN initiative, I just wanted to raise awareness that there were so many small businesses still operating and we could still use their services and buy their products. Shop owners had taken precautionary measures such as social distancing or having hand sanitisers readily available. With the frenzy of panic buying in the major supermarkets, for example, I was reminding people the Greek delicatessens were well-stocked in items such as pasta, flour and sugar.”
Asked about what Vasilis encountered while visiting so many businesses and shops, the realities were quite stark as he recalls, “I visited so many business owners the worry and concern was on their faces. They were dealing with the domino effect of problems whether it be the loss of business, losing staff or mounting bills. The saddest part of all this was visiting businesses and finding them shut- with a sign of having to shut as a result of the COVID-19.
“After a few week, I suppose business owners had clearer idea of what is going on- though it has definitely had not made it any easier for them- but at least they could take whatever necessary steps were needed to keep operating.
Despite the sudden struggle of their business, I encountered so many business owners in high spirits and this is so inspiring to watch such people not giving into all the adversities; whether it was through changing their business models or coming up new ideas or ways of doing things, they have persevered and continued on.”
In almost one month, Vasilis has visited over 120 small businesses; asked about the responses on the Syndesmos Facebook page, Vasilis states, “Not only did the posts highlight which businesses were still operating but so many people responded to each post (of a business) with messages of encouragement and praise, and this just highlights the strong sense of support people have for our small businesses and their hope these businesses and our lives return to some normality.”
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios attended Sydney’s Hart Park, near Liverpool on Tuesday afternoon, the 5th May, participating in a new “Homeless Feed” program.
The Homeless Feed program has been successfully implemented by members of the Church of Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene in Liverpool, which is aimed at helping those who are homeless as well as other people that are in need of food supplies.
The program commenced with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, who was welcomed by the Parish Priest of the Church of Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene, the Very Reverend Archimandrite Prohoros Anastasiadis and members of the Ladies Philoptochos of Liverpool.
Photo: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
The program embraces the wider district of Liverpool, gaining the support of the local authorities and actively helping members of the community by offering food items and packaged meals. The program feeds about 40 people every Tuesday by providing packaged meals that have been prepared by the women of the Ladies Philoptochos of the Parish of Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene.
Prior to the the imposing of social distancing measures, the meals were prepared on site, with the program helping the community bring a friendly atmosphere of love and camaraderie.
During his visit to Hart Park, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios spoke with the volunteers and to congratulated them for their God-pleasing work. He encouraged them to continue with the same zeal and fervour and then did not hesitate to put on the gloves himself, observing the required protective measures, and to assist with the distribution of the meals.
Photo: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
His Eminence also praised Fr Prohoros for the program’s excellent organisation and indicated that it may be used as a model for similar initiatives taking place through other parishes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia notes that many similar schemes are being undertaken throughout Australia and His Eminence expressed the desire and expectation that they intensify their efforts and become even further organised to better meet the great needs faced by our fellow human beings.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia also adds that “Homeless Feed” is open to all people without exception and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, nationality or anything else. His Eminence characteristically points out, “we look at the face of our fellow human being, whoever they may be”.
Giannis Antetokounmpo shared on Instagram this morning an interview filmed in 2013, presenting what were the Greek international’s career goals for the future.
The video shows the ‘The Players Tribune’ interviewer asking Giannis about goals for his future career, with the humble Greek-Nigerian wishing only, “To be an NBA player”.
The interview was taken seven years before Giannis became famously known as ‘The Greek Freak’, now the reigning NBA MVP. In the 2016/17 season, less than five years after the interview was filmed, Giannis became the first player in NBA history to finish a regular season in the top 20 in all five statistics of total points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
At only 18 years old during the time of filming, Giannis was playing for Filathlitikos in the Greek A2 League, Greece’s second division.
On July 30, 2013, after making himself eligible for the 2013 NBA draft, he fulfilled his dream and signed his rookie scale contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 17: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Team Giannis celebrates with Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors against Team LeBron in the second quarter during the NBA All-Star game as part of the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend at Spectrum Center on February 17, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
The interviewer continued to ask 18-year-old Giannis in the video what kind of player he will be in the next five years.
“I’ll be much stronger. I’ll be much better in everything that I do, if I can,” Giannis says in the video.
In his Instagram caption, Giannis claims that it’s been 7 years later and he still hasn’t stopped working, continuing to be an inspiration for young NBA players around the world.
“Started off a skinny kid and 7 years later I haven’t stopped working. Always believe in your dreams even if others think it’s crazy!”
Qantas has extended the suspension of its domestic and trans-Tasman flights until the end of June and for international flights until the end of July as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Qantas announced the suspension of all international flights in late March, claiming that they would not resume until the end of May. The Australian airline has now come out and announced that international travel looks to be unlikely until at least the end of July.
The cancellation of thousands of international and domestic flights in March forced Qantas to stand down two-thirds of its 30,000-member workforce.
Employees have now been notified that they will not be returning to work until at least the end of June because of the downturn.
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said it will take years for the airline to get back to 2019 figures. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images
In a statement, Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce expects recovery for the airline to take “years”.
“With the possible exception of New Zealand, international travel demand could take years to return to what it was,” he said.
“Australia has done an amazing job of flattening the curve and we’re optimistic that domestic travel will start returning earlier than first thought.”
“But we clearly won’t be back to pre-coronavirus levels anytime soon. With the possible exception of New Zealand, international travel demand could take years to return to what it was.”
In an announcement to the ASX, Qantas said it had secured further debt funding of $550 million that should support the airline through to the end of 2021 if the coronavirus crisis continued.
The cancellation of international flights forces passengers looking to salvage their summer Greece trip to be grounded in Australia.
Qantas planes parked on the tarmac at Sydney Airport, in Australia. Restrictions have been placed on all non-essential business and strict social distancing rules are in place across Australia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Getty / Cameron Spencer)
Credit policy revamped after customer complaints
After receiving hundreds of customer complaints, Qantas has also overhauled its credit policy, with customers no longer be forced to use credit for cancelled flights towards an airfare of the same or greater value.
Instead, the Australian carrier will allow passengers to book multiple trips of lesser value, while customers who are booked to travel on Qantas and Jetstar flights will be able to split their travel credits from June across multiple future bookings.
‘We have listened to feedback from customers and are making changes to our backend systems so these vouchers can be used multiple times,’ a Qantas spokesperson said on Tuesday.
‘If your original booking was made prior to 30 April 2020, and you were due to travel on a Qantas flight between January 31, 2020 – September 30, 2020, your flight credit can be used across multiple future bookings.’
Greece’s prime minister says it appears “absolutely feasible” for restaurants and cafes to reopen on June 1 if the coronavirus outbreak keeps slowing.
On Monday, Greece reported two deaths and six confirmed infections, bringing the total death toll to 146, with confirmed infections at 2,632.
Greece began easing its lockdown measures on Monday, with the opening of a limited number of retail businesses, such as beauty salons and bookshops, and people allowed to leave their homes.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis held a video conference with several cabinet members Tuesday to discuss how to reopen the restaurant and café sector while maintaining social distancing regulations. One possibility was increasing the outdoor space for tables and chairs.
“We want to give enterprises the ability to start operating again while respecting the instructions of the experts but not impose such harsh restrictions that business activity becomes impossible,” the PM said.
Greece imposed a lockdown early on in its coronavirus outbreak, a move credited with containing the number of deaths.
A video has been released documenting the air battles that took place last Sunday in the Aegean, involving Turkish F-16s harassing a helicopter being flown by the Minister of Defence.
The video clearly depicts a Turkish F-16, which was caught in the sights of a Greek MIRAGE 2000-5. At the same time, a Greek pilot is heard and informs about the development.
“I have him,” he says characteristically as he had “locked” the Turkish plane in his field of vision. The Turkish pilot then makes an attempt to evade the Greek pilot by manoeuvring.
The helicopter that was harassed contained Defense Minister, Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, and the Chief of the National Defense General Staff, General Konstantinos Floros. This particular air battle was one of the six that took place on Sunday.
Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hami Aksoy, rejected claims by Greece that two of its fighter jets harassed a helicopter, saying it’s planes were conducting ‘routine flights’ in the area.
“Our fighter aircraft have performed an identification mission as part of their routine activities in the Aegean and harassment of the helicopter with Minister of National Defense of Greece onboard is out of the question,” stressed Mr Aksoy in a statement.
Turkey has continued to raise tensions in the Aegean, as Turkish fighters launched new overflights over Oinousses Monday and Tuesday.
Greek lawmakers approved a controversial environmental bill Tuesday that the opposition and environmental groups slammed for opening the door to exploratory oil and gas drilling in protected areas.
Lawmakers voted 158 -56 for the bill, with 214 of parliament’s 300 members voting. Most cast their ballots by mail due to social distancing measures that limit the number of people in the plenary hall.
The center-right government has argued the proposed legislation, which covers a wide array of subjects in its 130 articles, will help protect the environment while also ensuring sustainable development and help Greece end its dependency on coal.
“The new environmental regulations finally set clear rules for (environmental) protection, but at the same time they are the drivers behind a quick and, above all, sustainable development,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in his speech, adding that much of the criticism directed at the government was unjustified.
On the eve of the vote, Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund said they had collected 30,000 signatures in an online petition against the legislation, which they say will remove vital safeguards for environmental protection.
“Beyond the drilling, this legislation is deeply problematic in many areas, as has already been established by dozens of agencies and organizations,” WWF Greece head Demetris Karavellas said in a statement Monday. “A government that respected scientists’ positions on the issue of the coronavirus now appears to ignore them in this crucial legislation.”
Almost a month after recovering from COVID-19 and reuniting with her family, Greek Cypriot Rebecca Cannizzaro Louca, who is believed to be South Australia’s first locally acquired case of coronavirus, shared her experience with The Greek Herald.
“My symptoms started on Tuesday afternoon (March 21) with a tickle in my throat. I could feel my face getting hot and I knew I had a temperature. I felt exhausted so I went to bed early. Through the night my body was aching so much that I kept tossing and turning,” said the 50-year-old mother and grandmother.
“The next morning, I still had a temperature and rang the doctor to see if I could get an appointment. They were booked out. I was very fatigued. My husband and daughter recommended that I get checked for COVID-19. My husband took me to the Royal Adelaide Hospital and the test came out positive.”
In a plea to keep the community safe and urge people to take COVID-19 seriously, Cannizzaro Louca, had spoken exclusively to The Greek Heraldfrom her hospital bed.
“Never in a
million years did I expect to come back with a positive result…No need to
panic, just be smart. If you’re showing symptoms get tested,” she said back
then.
Now, after more than a month in isolation and away from her family, Rebecca has come out the other side. She is one of more than 5,000 Australians who’ve recovered so far from COVID-19.
Greek Cypriot, Rebecca Cannizzaro, has recovered from COVID-19 at Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Life in isolation for a month:
After spending a
week at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Rebecca chose to self-isolate in one of
Adelaide’s quarantine hotels for a further three weeks.
“I was still
infectious and was still coughing quite a bit. It would be hard to self-isolate
at home and I had to protect my mum who has advanced lung cancer and was also
diagnosed with pneumonia while I was unwell,” she said.
During her
self-isolation at the hotel, Rebecca was in touch with SA Health.
“They would ask about
my symptoms and I would give them two readings of my temperature. I ended up
staying longer at the hotel because of my cough,” said Cannizzaro Louca,
explaining that due to her mother’s frail health she insisted on getting rechecked
after she got the first negative test.
The second test
also came through as negative and Rebecca returned home.
Is Rebecca immune to COVID-19?
The doctors at the Royal Adelaide Hospital did not tell Rebecca if she could get reinfected with the coronavirus, nor if she could be a carrier again.
“They haven’t really said if I’m immune to COVID-19. I think this is all fairly new to them so it’s hard for them to know. They have said that I need to be careful as it takes a while to recover and that I have lower immunity,” she said.
According to a statement the World Health Organization (WHO) released on April 24, there is currently no evidence that people who have recovered from COVID-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second infection.
Life after the coronavirus battle:
Rebecca is now focusing on her health, her elderly mother and her loved ones.
“Through this experience, I realised that I need to do more to look after myself and take things more seriously,” she said.
“At first I
thought I was the unluckiest person to get it but if anyone in my family was
going to get it, this would have to be me. I joke with my husband saying that
I’m the glue that holds this family together.
“I’m one of the lucky ones. Things could have been a lot worse.”
SYRIZA leader, Alexis Tsipras, has criticised the Greek government’s economic plan to deal with the aftermath of the coronavirus restrictions, saying it will bring recession and unemployment.
The plan, announced by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, involves spending $19.2 billion to help laid-off workers and businesses required to shut during the lockdown.
However, speaking at a SYRIZA party meeting, Tsipras said the economic initiative was “an opportunity to promote a tough anti-popular agenda for the benefit of a small business elite.”
Alexis Tsipras (left) and Kyriakos Mitsotakis (right) have different opinions on how Greece’s economy should be handled.
“The coming recession will be the result of Mitsotakis’ inertia, timidity and inability to anticipate the real needs of the economy,” Tsipras said.
“It may even lead to snap national elections which would serve as a chance to elect a progressive government.”
After expressing these hopes, Tsipras concluded that the government’s handling of the economy will also put Greece at the top of a potential European economic recession.
![Greek pilot chases Turkish F-16 in Aegean declaring “I have him” [VIDEO]](/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/turkey.jpg "Greek pilot chases Turkish F-16 in Aegean declaring “I have him” [VIDEO]")
