The Greek community raised $250,000 to support missionary work in Africa and Asia during a charity dinner held by the Holy Archdiocese of Australia on November 22 at the Agia Paraskevi Parish event hall in Blacktown, Sydney.
The fundraising event was held in support of the ‘Share with the World’ initiative, which was initially called ‘Share with Africa’ when it was established by the late Archbishop Stylianos.
Archbishop Makarios renamed the initiative to incorporate the missionary work of the Dioceses of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as they are the most similar to the Archdiocese of Australia.
The Greek community raised $250,000 to support missionary work in Africa and Asia.
The $250,000 is three times the amount collected in previous years.
The dinner was attended by a limited number of guests due to coronavirus restrictions, but that didn’t put a dampener on the mood as event coordinator and host, Mr Asterios Zouriakas, kept people entertained.
Guests were shown a video presentation of the charitable work done by the Archdiocese in Asia and Africa, followed by a number of speeches from His Grace Bishop Emilianos of Meloa and Father Konstantinos Varypatis, who has been a pioneer of the initiative for many years.
The $250,000 is three times the amount collected in previous years.
In a statement after the event, the Holy Archdiocese of Australia and Archbishop Makarios thanked those who donated to the initiative.
“All the people who helped in the midst of a pandemic and financial hardship are commendable. This shows the quality and dynamics of our flock,” Archbishop Makarios said in a statement.
“This proves the sensitivity of our people, but also the trust they have in us. May God repay them a hundredfold.”
Nine activists were detained in downtown Athens on Wednesday for raising banners on the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The women stood at the stairs of Syntagma Square opposite the Parliament, wearing masks and maintaining their social distance.
Their banner read: “They don’t silence us. The quarantine does not protect us from the pandemic of violence against women.”
Nine activists were detained in downtown Athens on Wednesday for raising banners on the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women. Photo: lolos marios / Twitter.
Several police officers gathered around the activists and ultimately detained the women, taking them to the police station.
Charges are expected to be laid which has angered many as small gatherings are not banned during the lockdown restrictions. Protests and rallies were banned only around the days of November 17.
Greek President and Prime Minister mark the international day:
The protest came after Greece’s first female President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, called for action towards adopting a zero-tolerance policy on all violence against women, while ensuring support for the victims of domestic abuse.
In a message marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Sakellaropoulou underlined the need for “a change in family and societal paradigm” through education and counselling.
“It will take time to debunk the stereotypes that originate in gender inequality and which ideologically underpin the phenomenon, often stigmatising the victim instead of the culprit, nourishing a collective tolerance toward actions that are immoral and reprehensible,” she said, adding the law must be strictly enforced in prosecuting cases of domestic abuse.
Δυστυχώς υπάρχουν ακόμα αρκετές γυναίκες που δεν γνωρίζουν τη διαδικασία με την οποία μπορούν να ξεφύγουν από τον εφιάλτη της βίας. Σίγουρα είναι ένα μακρύ ταξίδι. Όμως συνήθως ξεκινάει με ένα τηλεφώνημα. Και θέλει θάρρος να κάνεις αυτό το πρώτο βήμα. https://t.co/BBbZzmhwnG
Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, also added his voice to the conversation, saying on Twitter: “Unfortunately, there are still many women who do not know the process by which they can escape the nightmare of violence.”
“It is definitely a long journey. But it usually starts with a phone call. And it takes courage to take that first step,” Mitsotakis wrote.
To end the day, the Greek Parliament building was also lit up in orange with the slogan “No to Violence.”
Maria Moscholiou, the legendary High Priestess of the Olympic Flame ceremony at Ancient Olympia, has died in Athens, local media reported on Wednesday.
Moscholiou born in Athens and studied the art of drama at the National Theatre, where she performed for many years.
She supervised the dramatic Olympic Lighting Ceremonies four times in total — in 1968, 1972, 1976 and 1980.
Maria Moscholiou, the legendary High Priestess of the Olympic Flame ceremony at Ancient Olympia, has died in Athens.
She was presented with the City of Athens Medal in recognition of her extensive contribution to the dissemination of the Olympic Ideal.
“Creating the Olympic Light is an unbelievable feeling. Watching what happens next in the countries where the Olympic Flame is travelling is unbelievable,” Moscholiou said in a rare interview.
Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, will tonight meet with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, for the first European Union (EU) – Australia Leaders’ Meeting.
During the meeting, the leaders will share perspectives on Australia’s health and economic response to COVID-19, developments in the Indo-Pacific, and the development of new technologies to reduce global emissions.
“Australia and the EU share a vision for a stable, prosperous, inclusive and resilient Indo-Pacific. We are both supporting international efforts to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines in the region, including by supporting the COVAX Facility,” Mr Morrison says in a statement this morning.
The EU, with its 27 member states, is Australia’s second largest trading partner and the largest source of foreign investment. Mr Morrison says he hopes the negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the EU will conclude in 2021.
“We launched Free Trade Agreement negotiations in 2018 and our aim is a high quality, ambitious and comprehensive agreement,” Mr Morrison says.
“An EU FTA will contribute to our economic recovery and market diversification. The Agreement will send a strong signal to the world on the value of open markets and trade based on clear and transparent rules. Supporting open, rules-based trade is vital as the world emerges from the pandemic recession.”
Australia’s longstanding diplomatic relationship with the EU of almost six decades is now evolving into new areas of cooperation such as digital transformation, low emissions technology partnerships, cyber security, transport and space.
“The Annual Leaders’ Meeting is a big step with a partner that is becoming even more important to Australia and the Indo-Pacific,” Mr Morrison says.
“This Meeting follows through on the commitment to annual dialogue that we agreed to at our meeting last year. I look forward to deepening our cooperation further.”
An explosion damaged a Greek-managed tanker at a Saudi Arabian terminal on the Red Sea just north of the Yemeni border, the ship’s manager said on Wednesday, in an attack confirmed by Saudi Arabia.
In a statement published by state media, the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis in Yemen said a commercial vessel suffered minor damage from shrapnel in what it described as a foiled terrorist attack.
Athens-based TMS Tankers said the Maltese-flagged vessel it managed was “attacked by an unknown source” while at berth in Shuqaiq in Saudi Arabia after it had completed discharging and was preparing to depart.
“The Agrari was struck about one meter above the waterline and has suffered a breach,” TMS Tankers said in a statement.
“It has been confirmed that the crew are safe and there have been no injuries. No pollution has been reported. The vessel is in ballast condition and stable,” the company said, adding that an investigation was underway.
The blast follows a number of recent security incidents concerning Saudi oil infrastructure.
Argentina football legend, Diego Maradona, has died of a heart attack at age 60, his lawyer has confirmed.
The former midfielder and national coach had recently battled health problems and underwent successful surgery earlier this month for a blood clot on his brain.
He suffered a heart attack at his home on the outskirts of Buenos Aires on Wednesday, Argentinian media and acquaintances of the former player said.
Diego Maradona of Argentina holds the World Cup trophy after defeating West Germany 3-2 during the 1986 FIFA World Cup Final match. Photo by Archivo El Grafico/Getty Images.
Beloved in his homeland after leading Argentina to win the 1986 World Cup and adored in Italy after taking Napoli to two Series A titles, Maradona was a uniquely gifted player and charismatic figure.
Although his reputation was tarnished by drug problems, off-field indiscretions and an ill-fated spell in charge of the national team, he remained idolised in football-mad Argentina as the ‘Pibe de Oro’ or ‘Golden Boy.’
In Buenos Aires, people began pouring onto the streets to mourn the nation’s favourite son, gathering in the San Andres neighbourhood where he lived and also in La Plata where he had lately been technical director for local team, Gimnasia y Esgrima.
The Argentine government has declared three days of mourning.
The Greek sporting community has also reacted to news of Maradona’s death, with Twitter posts from both Panathinaikos FC and Olympiakos BC.
“Irreplaceable. Unstoppable. Unforgettable. Immortal. A true legend of the game has passed away. Love for football came from you. Thanks for the memories. Rest in Peace, Diego Armando,” Panathinaikos FC wrote.
Irreplaceable. Unstoppable. Unforgettable. Immortal. A true legend of the game has passed away. Love for football came from you. Thanks for the memories. Rest in Peace, Diego Armando #Maradona. #Panathinaikospic.twitter.com/ZI0mUSJFPh
“The colour of the ball may be different, but the feeling is the same. The world of sports grieves today the loss of a legend. R. I. P. Diego,” Olympiakos BC wrote.
The colour of the ball may be different, but the feeling is the same. The world of sports grieves today the loss of a legend. R. I. P. Diego 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/VkrKBn9kUW
Thanasi Kokkinakis has spent this year rebuilding his fitness and form following a severe bout of glandular fever.
The 24-year-old has been training in Melbourne for the past few months and hitting regularly with two-time Australian Davis Cup champion Mark Philippoussis.
“Mark’s been great for me. He is a super nice guy,” Kokkinakis said.
“I couldn’t get my coaches over from Adelaide just yet. Obviously with the year kind of in limbo, I didn’t want to get them over when I wasn’t sure what I was doing tournament wise.
“But Mark is in Melbourne and ever since I was younger, he has always been willing to help and never asks for anything in return. He’s just a super good guy and I really appreciate him.”
Kokkinakis described Philippoussis, who is a former world No.8 and two-time Grand Slam finalist, as a great support.
“It is not even about the tennis, it’s just good to have a relationship with him,” Kokkinakis said.
“Mark always has my best interests in mind. Anything I can get from him tennis wise is a bonus, he obviously has a lot of experience.
“He’s been through a lot of injuries himself and I think we have similar personalities, so he gets me and knows what makes me tick. He is just a really good guy to have around.”
Australian Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt has also been helping Kokkinakis in his comeback.
“I’ve hit with Lleyton a little bit as well,” Kokkinakis said. “He’s always been good to practise with.”
Photo: EDDIE JIM/The Age
In an interview with the AAP, Kokkinakis revealed his shocking health battle with glandular fever and muscle injuries.
Standing 193cm, Kokkinakis’s weight dropped to just 68kg after he was diagnosed with glandular fever and ended up in hospital for a week, having his tonsils and adenoids removed.
It was the latest blow in a cruel series of injuries for the former Australian Davis Cup hero, which has included shoulder, elbow and knee injuries, lingering osteitis pubis, pectoral issues and torn oblique and abdominal muscles.
Western Sydney Wanderers defender Tass Mourdoukoutas recently spoke with NSW Football Media Manager Mark Stavroulakis to discuss his proud Greek heritage, along with his Olyroos and club goals for 2021.
The two kicked off the conversation by talking about Tass’ last name, Mourdoukoutas. More specifically, the two Greeks joked about the way other commentators and players tend to mispronounce the complicated surname.
“The way you (Mark) pronounced it was right, but ‘Moudakoutas’ is fine for a lot of the Aussies,” Tass jokingly said on NSW Football series ‘Pitch Side with Stav’.
Tass was part of the Socceroos’ U-23 friendly squad against Sydney FC and new A-League contenders Macarthur FC. While the match against Sydney FC was one to forget, letting three goals slip past the defence in the opening 20′ of the match, Tass’ defensive efforts in the second match helped them secure a 2-1 win against Macarthur.
“We’ve set new goals for the Olympics and it’s time to kick on and hopefully have a really good A-League campaign and year for the boys who want to push to make the (U-23) side.
“That’s pivotal in your selection and success of the team.”
With the final squad not yet announced for the upcoming 2021 Olympics, Tass says having the opportunity to represent the green and gold would be ‘incredible’.
“It’s not something you even think about when you’re younger… But when the opportunity came to push into the national team setup and play for the Olyroos, qualifying because we haven’t qualified the last four times, it was massive to do so. Historic and I’m really proud to be a part of that,” Tass said.
“A lot of work needs to be put in between now and then, and I just need to put my best foot forward.”
While speaking very highly of his time at the Football Institute of NSW, Tass went on to talk discuss the formation of his career at Sydney Olympic FC. Entering the Men’s first team at a young age, Tass said he was “thankful” for the opportunity that many young players aren’t lucky enough to receive.
“It’s not easy to break in from the U-20s into the first grade and get a few games, and I was able to do that under the guidance of not only the coaching staff but the players at the time as well,” Tass said.
Tass Mourdoukoutas on ‘Pitch Side with Stav’. Photo: Football NSW
“I played with some really talented players at the time, including club legend Paul Henderson, who was a great role model for professionalism and attitude.”
“And Max Burgess was there at the time, what a player back then and even now, going strength to strength in the A-League.”
“It was a good time there at Olympic.”
Speaking about his transfer from Olympic to the Wanderers, Tass gave credit to former WSW NYL Coach Arthur Diles, who has now joined Sydney Olympic directors Bill Papas and Damon Hanlin, along with head coach Tony Popovic, at Greek Super League II side Xanthi FC.
Arthur Diles.
Tass said Arthur tried to recruit him for the NYL team the year prior to him leaving, yet chose to stay to focus on his HSC and final year of schooling.
“I took a lot of pride in my schooling and education so I had to make a big decision at that point to not join the Wanderers.”
“It was a good decision in the end because I got to play some first grade men’s games and develop in ways that I may not of done if I was just playing in the youth team at Western Sydney.”
“That year gave me a lot of time to develop mentally and physically.”
Tass added to his extended thanks for Arthur Diles, saying he “owed a lot to him” for his development and coaching at Western Sydney Wanderers.
Tass Mourdoukoutas and his Greek father, Kon. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers Twitter
Concluding his interview with Tass, Mark Stavroulakis said he’s proud to see another Greek Australian player rise up through the ranks, asking him how important it was for him and his family.
“It’s such a strong Greek community here in Australia… there’s quite a few young Greek players scattered around the league and it’s good to see because we’re very passionate about the game and there’s a lot of culture there from even the old days in the NSL,” Tass concluded.
“I’d honoured to be Greek Australian and play for a country that supports us and we’ll continue to thrive I’m sure.”
The NBA MVP continues to give back to his home town of Sepolia in Athens, this time distributing food packages in the church of Agios Meletios.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was spotted with his mother and brothers handing out food and supplies to the poor on the streets of Sepolia.
Prior to arriving at the church, Giannis and his family went to a nearby supermarket and “emptied” it for their humanitarian action.
Photo: Keep Talking Greece
Giannis and his brothers Thanasis, Kostas and Alexis grew up in poverty in their early days in Greece, where their parents had arrived from Nigeria as immigrants.
There were no cameras or reporters at the church, however bystanders took pictures and posted them on social media.
“Just a while ago, Giannis distributed food boxes at the church of Agios Meletios. Unbelievable amounts and without inviting any camera. Human,” wrote Alexia Koziona.
In April 2020, Giannis and his family donated 10,000 surgical masks to the Athens suburb of Zografou.
“I’d like to thank the Antetokounmpo brothers for their generous donation that becomes even greater since it takes place in difficult times for the whole planet,” Mayor of Zografou, Vassilis Thodas, said.
The Battle of Gorgopotamos, also known as Operation Harling, was a pivotal event within World War II. It was one of the first major sabotage acts in Axis – occupied Europe and the beginning of a permanent British involvement with the Greek resistance.
Background
Operation Harling was a result of collaborative action between the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) in cooperation with the Greek resistance groups EDES and ELAS. The groups met late summer 1942, to discuss their tactical plan. The plan consisted of blowing up one of the three bridges Papadia, Asopou and Gorgopotamos (all three are located in the mountain range of Brallo), over which passes the railway line from Thessaloniki to Athens.
The strategic benefits of destroying the railway lines which connect Thessaloniki to Athens would immensely help both Greek and British operation, as it would cause the supply of Rommel’s German army to be cut off in North Africa.
In the following days, British officers Colonel Eddie Myers and Captain Hamson spotted all three possible sabotage areas and deemed the Gorgopotamos bridge to be the easiest target.
The Mission
In the few days leading up to the operation, all party leaders arrived and the area was inspected by a joint guerrilla group. By November 22nd, the final plan was drawn up and the operation was set for the night of November 25th.
The Gorgopotamos Bridge was guarded by over 100 Italian and German soldiers who each held heavy machine guns. Little did they know, they had over 150 SOE, EDES and ELAS soldiers coming their way. The plan was to neutralize or harass the guard by the guerrillas, while the commandos would place the explosives to blow up the bridge.
Finally, at 11:07pm on November 25th, the attacks took place and everything went according to plan. By the next morning, two sections of the bridge had been blown up, putting the railway out of operation.
(Greek and British Troops preparing for the operation)
Aftermath
The victory for Britain and Greece in the Battle of Gorgopotamos was a great reward to the tried Greek people and turned out to be one of the largest, successful acts of sabotage in World War II.
Out of the 150 men who undertook the operation, only four soldiers were injured. However, a few days later, in retaliation, 9 Greek patriots were executed in the area of the damaged bridge. Whilst Operation Harling was an extremely successful operation, its impact was unfortunately limited, as it was carried after a holiday, causing its two month delay. By this point, Rommel’s forces had already moved further west, and thus the supply through Greece played no role.
In 1964, thousands of people gathered in Gorgopotamos to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of the bombing of the bridge.
