Greece’s Ambassador to Australia, George Papacostas, has sent a message of thanks to the Greek Australian community to mark the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution.
Ambassador Papacostas writes that the Greek Australian community is a “bridge between Greece and Australia” and thanks them for their contribution to the homeland.
Full Message in English:
“Dear compatriots,
It is an honour and a privilege for me to address you on the occasion of the Bicentennial celebration of the commencement of the Greek War of Independence.
The 25th of March, 200 years ago, marked a new era in the Nation’s fight for regaining democracy, freedom and independence.
The emblematic heroes of the 1821 Revolution taught us, with their example, the values of fighting for the noble causes of the nation and for the keeping and promotion of the national conscience, identity and heritage.
Thanks to their sacrifice, Greece is a modern, prosperous, democratic nation today, a member of the European family and a pillar of stability and peace in the Balcans and the wider Mediterranean region.
Greece is also a reliable partner in the international arena, promoting a positive and dynamic cooperation agenda in international relations and abiding by the international Law rules. Additionally, its economy resists the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic and offers a wide range of opportunities for those wishing to invest in it.
Dear Compatriots,
You are the bridge between Greece and Australia with which our country shares strong bonds of blood and maintains excellent bilateral relations in all fields.
I would like to thank you, not only for keeping the Greek civilization, culture, history and language alive in Australia, but also for your valuable and very important contribution in maintaining and promoting the exemplary bilateral relations for the benefit of both nations and countries.
Χρόνια πολλά, Ζήτω το Ελληνικό Έθνος, Ζήτω η Ελλάδα, Long live Hellas!
Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and his wife, Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotakis, welcomed Britain’s Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall along with their other dignitaries, to the newly refurbished National Gallery, as celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of the Greek War of Independence in Athens got underway on Wednesday night.
The PM, Culture Minister, Lina Mendoni, and National Gallery Director, Marina Lambraki-Plaka, all gave a small speech, followed by a tour of the gallery and a relevant exhibition marking the anniversary.
In his speech, the Mitsotakis stressed that the National Gallery “belongs not only to Greeks. It also belongs to our friends from abroad who join us on this anniversary.”
“Today’s event sends a renewed message of dynamism at the dawn of the third century of Greek liberty, because the National Gallery has never been a mere repository of artistic creation. On the contrary, it is a living organism that has followed the nation’s progress,” he added.
Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades (right) with Greece’s PM. Photo: AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris.
Greece’s PM with his wife (right) and Britain’s Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall. Photo: AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis.
The event was also be attended by President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Cypriot President, Nicos Anastasiades, French Ambassador to Greece, Patrick Maisonneuve, British Ambassador Kate Smith, the President of the Greece 2021 committee, Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and her spouse Theodoros Aggelopoulos, and Louvre Museum President, Jean-Luc Martinez.
The day’s proceedings concluded with an official dinner at the Presidential Mansion at 8.30 pm.
During the official dinner, Sakellaropoulou told foreign dignitaries that the legacy of the Greek Revolution of 1821 in which Greeks sought their independence from Ottoman rule is “universal.”
The night concluded with a formal dinner, where speeches were given by some of the dignitaries. Photo: Sigma Live.
“The legacy of 1821 is not only Greek. On the contrary, it carries the universality of the ideas and values of its time,” she said in her speech.
“We return to this acquis on the occasion of the 200th anniversary. To the challenges we face today, starting with the pandemic, which is testing our health and freedom, but also in other critical issues, such as climate change and the dialogue of cultures,” she added.
The official dinner. Photo: Ekathimerini.
Military parade and 200 Greek flags at Syntagma Square:
This event comes as celebrations are set to culminate in a military parade, accompanied by air force overflights, in central Athens on Thursday, Greece’s Independence Day.
But with Greece struggling with a renewed surge in coronavirus cases and deaths, the public will not be allowed to attend the parade, which will be broadcast live by state television.
200 Greek flags have been placed in Syntagma Square to mark the anniversary. Photo: AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis.
A garden mural at Syntagma Square. Photo: Kostas Bakoyannis.
Major avenues in the center of the capital will be closed to traffic for the parade, while thousands of police were being deployed for security. Authorities have banned seven rallies and protests that had been planned in Athens on Thursday.
The parade is to be attended by Russian Prime Minister, Mikhail Mishustin, Britain’s Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, French Defense Minister, Florence Parly, and Cypriot President, Nicos Anastasiades.
Syntagma Square has already been decorated for the occasion with 200 Greek flags, as well as a garden mural with the words 1821-2021.
Artists join the celebrations as buildings light up blue:
On Wednesday at 12pm, 21 writers and 21 artists also left their mark along the Grand Promenade in Zappeion, Athens, by leaving their creative works of art around the area.
Some of the artworks on the Grand Promenade. Photos: The Greek Herald / Ilias Karagiannis.
The pieces range from graphic art of Greek heroes and heroines, to poems and literature. The Greek Herald’s correspondent, Ilias Karagiannis, captured some of the beautiful pieces.
This comes as the Acropolis, Greek Parliament Building, the White Tower of Thessaloniki, the Theodoros Kolokotronis Stadium and the Peace and Friendship Stadium (SEF) have all been lit in blue and white to add to the celebrations.
March 25 has a special meaning to Greeks around the world as it is a double celebration of the Annunciation of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary) and Greek Independence Day. To mark the occasion, we take a look back at the history of this significant day.
The Annunciation of the Theotokos (Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου):
On March 25 every year, the religious event of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary is celebrated. The day celebrates the moment when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Panagia and told her she would be the mother of Jesus, the Son of God.
On this day, anyone with the name Evan or Evangelia celebrate their name day.
The Annunciation of the Theotokos.
Greek Independence Day (Η Μέρα της Ανεξαρτησίας):
The Empire of Byzantium ended in 1453 when its capital, Constantinople (now called Istanbul), fell to the Ottomans. Since then, Greece was under Turkish Muslim rule and for the next 400 years, deprived of their human rights.
Over the years, many attempts were made by the Greeks to gain their freedom, but they were unsuccessful. From the 18th century, Greeks living or studying abroad got more organised and dreamt of the liberation of the Greek people and the creation of the New Hellenic State.
Finally, after 400 years under Turkish rule, on March 25, 1821, Bishop Paleon Patron Germanos raised the flag of the Greek Revolution at the Monastery of Agia Lavra.
Bishop Paleon Patron Germanos raised the flag of the Greek Revolution at the Monastery of Agia Lavra.
From that moment on until 1830, Greeks all over Greece started to fight for their freedom and were able to finally get rid of their conqueror.
How do Greeks celebrate March 25 today?
March 25 is an official public holiday in Greece and Cyprus.
In most Greek cities, it usually includes parades and other festive events. The main events are the military parade in Athens in the morning of March 25th, as well as many school parades all over the country.
It is also a tradition to gather with family and friends and eat fish. Since this day is also a religious celebration, and it always falls in the “fasting period” before the Easter celebration, most people will avoid eating meat. That’s why the traditional menu for March 25 is the so-called “bakaliaros skordalia.” It is fried cod accompanied by a strong garlic sauce. Delicious!
With a reception held at the Hellenic Club and hosted by the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Christos Karras, in presence of 100 political, religious and community leaders the state’s Greek consulate commemorated the 200th Anniversary from the beginning of the Greek Revolution.
“For the Greek Diaspora here in Australia and living abroad, Greek Independence Day takes on a special meaning. It is a celebration commemorating the start of the Greek war of Independence and reminds us of what our ancestors fought and died for. The Greek bicentenary is a once in a lifetime event for Greeks in Australia and abroad,” said the MC for the night, Director of the Business Leaders Council at the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Paul Nicolaou.
Photo: The Greek Herald/Vasilis Vasilas
The list of distinguished guests included: Rev. Father Christophoros Krikelis representing His Emminence Archbishop of Australia Makarios, the Official Secretary to the Governor of NSW Colonel Michael Miller representing the Governor of NSW Margaret Beazley, Eleni Petinos member for Miranda representing the Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Multiculturalism Geof Lee, Jodi McKay member for Strathfield and Leader of the NSW opposition, the High Commission of Cyprus in Australia Martha Mavrommatis, City of Sydney Councillor Mr Robert Kok representing the Lord Mayor of Sydney, Mrs Clover Moore, Courtney Houssos MLC, Mark Buttigieg MLC, Steve Kamper MP, Consul Generals of consulates from at least 17 countries, Trade Commissioner Katia Gkikiza and representatives of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW.
Photo: The Greek Herald/Vasilis Vasilas
“Today we are celebrating the 200th anniversary of the start of the Greek Revolution of 1821, the start of a long struggle, against the odds, which lead to the birth of the modern Greek state, in a region of course where Greeks had existed for thousands of years, speaking more or less the same beautiful language that we Greeks speak today, with the long polysyllabic words and the rich etymology,” Mr Karras said, explaining that the bicentenary anniversary is also an opportunity to celebrate the common bonds between Greece and Australia and the contribution of the Greek diaspora to Australia’s multicultural character.
Photo: The Greek Herald/Vasilis Vasilas
In his speech, the Official Secretary to the Governor of NSW, Colonel Michael Miller, whose father fought in some of the battles that took place in Greece during WW2, referred to the Greek connection with NSW through their common resistance to the German occupation.
Member for Miranda Eleni Petinos, said that the NSW government is proud to join in the celebrations for the momentous occasion by lighting up the Opera House sails in blue and white colours on Thursday.
Photo: The Greek Herald/Vasilis Vasilas
“On Thursday the NSW Parliament will be suspending standing orders and will be moving a motion in bipartisan support of the 200th Anniversary and it gives me great pleasure to say that we will be doing this with Steve Kamper and Sophie Cotsis,” Ms Petinos said.
Addressing the attendees, Opposition Leader Jodi McKay read a speech that she recently gave at the Parliament of NSW.
Photo: The Greek Herald/Vasilis Vasilas
“We have our Greek members in Parliament but there are many of us who are not Greek, but are very proud to represent the Greek community, like I am,” she said and went to present the Consul General with the speech, on behalf of the Labor Party.
Photo: The Greek Herald/Vasilis Vasilas
The evening continued with a speech from academic Vrasidas Karalis and the attendees were entertained with songs from the Hellenic Choir and traditional dances from the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney.
“Although we can’t support that women played the leading role in the Greek War of Independence, it would be very wrong to say that they didn’t make important contributions. In some cases, they contributed as much as men, and sometimes even more than men,” Dr Panayota Nazou tells The Greek Herald at the start of our insightful interview.
Most of us know something about Greek women contributing to the War of Independence, but not much. Luckily for Dr Nazou, when she conducted research for a lecture she gave to commemorate the bicentenary of the Greek Revolution titled Women of ’21, she was able to uncover much more detailed information.
The Affiliate Academic at the University of Sydney’s Department of Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies, says while it was difficult at first to find primary sources describing the role of Greek women during the 1821 Revolution, she never gave up and this persistence paid off in the end.
Dr Panayota Nazou. Photo: Andriana Simos.
“The main information on Greek women during the war came from folk songs, poems from Greek and non-Greek poets, travel texts, written pieces from Philhellenes, and also artworks,” Dr Nazou tells The Greek Herald.
“But of course, the main sources which brought these heroines to light were women. Educated women who, during the second half of the 19th century, were involved in Greece’s women’s movement and the education of women in Greece and began to publish periodicals and newspapers.”
Callirrhoe Parren was one of these educated women who released the first Greek women’s newspaper, ‘Εφημερίς των Κυριών,’ in 1887. Several women wrote about the heroines of the Greek Revolution in this newspaper including Sotiria Aliberti, who released the first book in Greece titled ‘Heroines of the Greek Revolution’ in 1933. Another woman, Koula Xeradaki, also dedicated 50 years of her life to uncovering the role of Greek women during the Revolution and published her book ‘Women of 1821’ in 1995.
Callirrhoe Parren released the first Greek women’s newspaper, ‘Εφημερίς των Κυριών,’ in 1887.
“There were also some men who say something about women, but it’s kind of like a ‘by the way this happened as well.’ These dates show that we properly started to learn about the women’s role during the Greek Revolution quite late,” Dr Nazou says.
The Souliotisses were like ‘Spartan women’:
One group which appeared consistently in all of Dr Nazou’s research were the Souliotisses. The Souliotes were a ‘warlike people’ who were involved in two wars with Ali Pasha in 1792 and 1800 – 1804 and consequently, were said to inspire the actions of many women during the Greek Revolution in 1821.
“The Souliotisses were like Spartan women. They were trained to use weapons and during the war, they took up their armour,” Dr Nazou says.
In one account of the first war between the people of Souli and Ali Pasha’s army, this bravery became especially clear through the actions of the little-known Souliotisses, Moscho Tzavela and Haido Giannaki Sehou.
Moscho Tzavela (left) was a well-known Souliotissa.
“In the middle of the battle, the sounds of fighting stopped. The Souliotisses thought everyone had died so they charged the battleground, with Moscho at the front and Haido at the back, some carrying rocks and others carrying weapons. The men were given courage and together they slaughtered the Ottomans. About 2-3,000 Turks died that day and only 74 Souliotes,” Dr Nazou explains.
The heroic actions of the Souliotisses didn’t stop there. In fact, the ‘Dance of Zalongo,’ which the Souliotisses performed to avoid capture by the Ottomans in 1803, has also been immortalised in history by a Turkish writer, Ibrahim Manzour efenti, who was told the story by a Turkish army officer who witnessed the dance.
“Ibrahim wrote that the women held hands and danced as, one by one, they threw their children from the cliff of Zalongo before jumping after them themselves. So this event was written and heard throughout Europe and these women became a symbol of self-sacrifice for their country,” Dr Nazou says.
The Dance of Zalongo.
But interestingly, Dr Nazou adds that there are two other ‘Zalongos’ which are not as well documented.
“200 women and girls feel from a cliff at Riniasa (Souli) and we don’t even know much about it. There’s also a third instance in Naousa at the Falls of Arapitsa in 1822. These were all recorded in folk songs,” she says.
The Filiki Eteria and 1821 Greek Revolution:
Just as well known as the Dance of Zalongo are two popular Greek heroines who fought in the 1821 Greek Revolution – Laskarina Bouboulina and Manto Mavrogenous. Both spent all their fortune for the Hellenic cause, with Bouboulina becoming a naval commander and Mavrogenous providing a number of ships for the war.
“These two are so well-known not only because they gave everything for the Greek Revolution, but because they were also personalities. They were rich women, they had power but also courage and determination. Other women didn’t have those advantages,” Dr Nazou says.
Manto Mavrogenous (left) and Laskarina Bouboulina (right).
One such woman was Panoria Xatzikonstanti the Psorokostaina. According to folk tradition, Panoria was the wife of a merchant from Asia Minor (Kydonies). One day, the Ottomans killed her husband and took her four children, but she escaped and went to Nafplio, where she became a beggar.
“With the money she collected from begging, she would feed and care for the orphans from the war in the Peloponnese. When Ioannis Kapodistrias arrived in Greece, he quickly built an orphanage and ‘Psorokostaina’ asked him if she could work there, without being paid, to take care of the orphans,” Dr Nazou explains.
“She gave whatever was most valuable to her, her love and care, as well as her silver wedding ring, for these orphans and for the liberation of Greece.”
Panoria Xatzikonstanti the Psorokostaina also gave away her wedding ring.
And she wasn’t the only one. Dr Nazou lists a number of other well-known, rich Phanariot women and unknown Greek women, such as Elizabeth Ypsilantis and Magiro Zarafopoula, who were members of the Filiki Eteria – a secret organisation which was tasked with overthrowing Ottoman rule of Greece and establishing an independent Greek state.
“These women contributed in many ways, such as organising secret meetings for members of the Filiki Eteria, organising fundraising appeals and also distributing secret and official documents to members. It was a very dangerous and important role,” Dr Nazou concludes.
Important enough for these women to be memoralised in our article as a means of celebrating their leadership, courage and determination during the Greek War of Independence.
The Governor-General has today announced Australian Bravery Decorations to recognise the courage and service to the community of 111 Australians.
Among those recipients are two proud Greek Australians – Manny Koulakis from the Northern Territory and Nicholas Karagiannis from New South Wales.
According to the Governor-General, these men have been awarded as “they were brave, they did not hesitate and their actions made a difference.”
“On behalf of all Australians, I thank each recipient for their action and congratulate them on the recognition that they are receiving today,” the Governor-General added.
To find out exactly what brave act they carried out, The Greek Herald decided to reached out to both Manny and Nicholas and this is what they had to say.
Manny Koulakis, Station Officer, NT Fire and Rescue Service (Group Bravery Citation):
Manny Koulakis (right) and Peter Stacey Simon (left). Photo supplied.
Manny Koulakis, along with Peter Stacey Simon and Scott Douglas Burrows, have been recognised with the award of the Group Bravery Citation for their actions during the rescue of two people at East Point in Darwin, Northern Territory on December 3, 2006.
At 48-years-old, Manny has been a firefighter at NT Fire and Rescue Service for 26 years. But he tells The Greek Herald he will never forget that fateful day back in 2006.
A man had been swept into rough seas at East Point and a woman went to assist him. The pair were thrown against some rocks and became separated. Despite the treacherous conditions, a passerby (Scott Burrows) swam to the unresponsive woman and attempted CPR without success. He then swam to the semi-conscious man and managed to hoist him onto the rocks, where he was later taken to hospital.
“When we arrived, I saw a middle-aged man already being attended to by ambulance officers. But the next thing that was obvious to me was a young child, probably about 10 years old, and I could see that he was frantic, pacing up and down on the cliff. He was always looking at the sea, so we knew that there was someone else in the water,” Manny tells The Greek Herald.
Manny and Peter Simon quickly decided to enter the dangerous water and swam to the unconscious woman and brought her to shore. Sadly, the woman wasn’t able to be revived.
“We tried our very best and I think that’s the most important thing – for everyone looking, especially the child, to see that people cared and we tried our best,” Manny says.
“At the time, it was instinctive. In the line of work that I do as a firefighter, it’s part and parcel of my job. But I think in today’s age of mental health awareness, not only do we need to help and care for people, but we also need to be seen to be caring for people. To show bystanders that humanity still exists.”
Nicholas Karagiannis, Team Manager at Crash Claim, Homebush (Commendation for Brave Conduct):
Nicholas Karagiannis from Lidcombe has been commended for brave conduct. Photo supplied.
Nicholas Karagiannis from Lidcombe has been commended for brave conduct for his actions during the rescue of people from a house fire at Homebush in NSW on November 9, 2014.
Nicholas tells The Greek Herald how he was returning to his workplace at midday on that fateful day, when he noticed plumes of black smoke billowing from a house close by. He raced down the street towards the burning house and once there, he saw two metre high flames engulfing the building.
“I knew the residents who lived there – there was the grandma, grandpa, daughter and granddaughter. I saw the grandma grab a garden hose and run back into the house in an attempt to put out the flames,” Nicholas explains.
“So I ran in after her and quickly pulled her to safety just one minute before the roof of the house came in.”
Emergency services arrived soon after to fight the fire, which caused extensive damage to the house, but Nicholas says in that moment he didn’t even consider waiting for help to arrive.
“Anyone else in my situation would’ve done the same thing. At the time, it was about her safety and welfare. Even now, I still visit them from time to time.”
Adelaide’s Town Hall will be lit blue and white and the Greek flag will be flying proudly at the front of the building on March 25 to mark the 200th anniversary of the Greek War of Independence.
“It is our city’s great honour to fly the Greek flag from the Adelaide Town Hall balcony this Thursday, as we join in celebrating the 200 year anniversary of Greek Independence. Later that evening Town Hall will also be bathed in blue and white lighting,” Adelaide Lord Mayor, Sandy Verschoor, tells The Greek Herald.
“It will be a very significant and special day for our Greek friends and I am glad the City of Adelaide can show its support in this way.”
Adelaide Deputy Lord Mayor, Mary Couros, tells The Greek Herald she’s delighted by the news as it recognises South Australia’s “long-established Greek community.”
“As with many first generation Greek Australians, the stories of the Greeks winning back their freedom and independence from Turkey in 1821 has been ingrained as part of our heritage with pride,” Ms Couros says.
Adelaide’s Town Hall is going Greek on March 25.
“I am delighted that the Town Hall will light up with the colours of the Greek flag and flying the flag outside the town hall to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Greek Revolution.
“South Australia, and in particular the City of Adelaide, has a long-established Greek community and has contributed considerably to both our character and development of the city.
“Independence Day is very significant to the community and to support the Greek community is a commitment to the multicultural country that we are built on and sending a message that through unity, we should never forget the importance of freedom and democracy.”
The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) also welcomed the news with a post on social media.
“SA Hellenic Communities will be celebrating this milestone anniversary side-by-side with Greek communities across the world. South Australia is home to a long-established and flourishing Greek community, one that has contributed considerably to both our character and our development,” reads the message.
The City of West Torrens is also planning a flag raising ceremony on March 25 to acknowledge the Greek community’s contribution.
Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, has sent a message of celebration and support to the Greek Australian community on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution on March 25.
In his message, Mr Morrison says he will be participating with the Greek community as they celebrate “this new chapter in the epic history of ancient Greece,” and added that “Australia is blessed by the huge presence of the Greek Diaspora.”
Full Message in English:
MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER / GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY 2021
“I send warm greetings to all who celebrate the Day of the Greek Independence – the two hundred years since the establishment of the modern Greek state.
On this national day, I participate with you in the celebration of this new chapter in the epic history of ancient Greece.
For millennia, Greece has given so much to the world – philosophy and democracy, science and architecture, arts, sports and culture. A record of achievements that has enriched the world.
Greece is a nation committed to the freedoms of democracy and equality. These are the values and expectations that connect Greece with its friends around the world.
Australia is blessed by the huge presence of the Greek Diaspora. Australians of Greek descent have contributed greatly to our nation, bringing energy and enthusiasm for a new life in a new place.
From our big cities to the provincial cities. From milk bars to high quality restaurants. On the screen next to the newspapers. In conference rooms, courts and parliaments. The men and women of Greek descent who characterise Australia as their country lead the progress of the nation with knowledge and courage.
We share a history and a cultural heritage. We have stood side by side in war and sought the same freedoms and peace. Our ties with blood and family unite us.
Australia is the most successful and interconnected multicultural country in the world. Our multicultural work is a celebration of humanity. It is based on the goodwill, sacrifice and resilience of generations. The Greek Diaspora is a valuable part of this story.
I am happy to participate with the people of Greece and their families around the world as you celebrate this milestone in your nation’s history.
Long live Greece!
The Hon Scott Morrison MP, Prime Minister of Australia, March 25, 2021.
Laskarina Bouboulina was a naval commander and heroine of the Greek War of Independence.
But she was not only that.
Bouboulina or ‘Capetanissa’ was also a woman twice widowed by the age of 40, a mother of 10, an enterpreneur and until recently, the first and only woman in world naval history to hold the title of Admiral.
Two centuries after Bouboulina raised the Greek flag of the Revolution to resist the Ottoman oppression, Pavlos Demertzis-Bouboulis, a sixth-generation descendant is trying to keep her legacy alive and explains why her story is more relevant than ever.
Q: What is it like to be a descendant of a Greek female naval commander and a heroine of the 1821 Greek War of Independence?
A: On my father’s side, I am a 6th generation descendant of Greek revolutionary heroine Laskarina Bouboulina from her youngest son, Nikolaos Dimitriou Bouboulis (1808/10 – 1884), who later became a commander in the – then – Royal Hellenic Navy.
My two younger brothers and I were raised on the island of Spetses in Bouboulina’s house – part of which remains our family home to this day – surrounded by this incredible woman’s story. Since we were also carrying the family name, you can understand that it wasn’t something anyone could easily ignore and it wasn’t always easy for us.
I admit that, as children, our feelings about our heritage were mixed, something I consider completely natural at that age. Of course, as we got older and better understood the important role our great-grandmother played in Greece’s path to independence and the historic legacy of her actions, we grew to both respect, admire and love our family’s history.
I am immensely proud of my heritage, even though it comes with a great weight on one’s shoulders – and I do not mean that in a negative sense. It is a responsibility, a duty if you will, to safeguard her legacy and try to live up to Bouboulina’s actions and ideals, in a way befitting to today’s modern world.
Q: Who was Bouboulina from your perspective? Can you give us a fact regarding something about her that most people don’t know?
A: Laskarina Bouboulina, the ‘Capetanissa‘. Naval commander and heroine of the 1821 Greek Revolution against the Ottoman Empire. This is the punchline of her story, that almost every Greek around the world knows. However, if you look closely, she is so much more than that.
She was a woman, twice widowed by the age of 40. A mother of 10 children in total – 7 of her own, plus 3 more from her second husband’s first marriage.
An accomplished businesswoman, an entrepreneur who managed her own wealth and shipping enterprises. A born leader, who commanded her own fleet and her own private army during the revolution and, until recently, was the first and only woman in world naval history to hold the title of Admiral.
All of this in early 19th century Greece, a land dominated by men and patriarchal tradition. To me she was a phenomenon in her own right, a pioneer of her time, whose story inspired writers, poets and artists throughout Europe.
If you move past the Greek Revolution and also consider modern day civil and equal rights movements and the struggle for the emancipation of women throughout the world, I believe her story could not be more relevant today.
Did you know?
Something many people do not realise is that, when she entered the war in 1821, Bouboulina was 50 years old. In those days, she was considered advanced in age, if not an old woman. General Kolokotronis, arguably the most famous figure of the revolution, has gone down in Greek history books as the Old Man of the Morea – he was 51. This only adds to the immensity of her accomplishments.
During the battle of Argos, her eldest son Yannis was killed. It is said that she searched the battlefield for his decapitated body and sent word to Spetses that “…my son is dead but Argos is ours”.
In his book L’Archipel en Feu, Jules Verne mentions many heroes of the Greek Revolution, one of them being Laskarina Bouboulina. The first translation of the book by H. Canellides was published in 1884.
Q:You and your family have been the driving forces behind ‘Bouboulina’s Museum’. Why is this project important to you?
A: The museum was founded in 1991 by my late father, Philip, and my mother Linda, in a final attempt to save the 350-year-old mansion from certain collapse.
A designated heritage site since 1925 via Presidential Decree, unfortunately state assistance over the years was minimal and the cost of maintenance and restoration was impossible for the family to keep up with.
It is a private non-profit organisation, and its main objectives, apart from the restoration and maintenance of the building and grounds, are its function as a cultural centre and national monument, ensuring that this legendary woman’s story is known to the world.
To date, more than €1.500.000 – mainly generated from the proceeds of visitors’ tickets but also state and European funding – have been spent on building renovation and artefact restoration work, and the Museum has welcomed more than 1.200.000 visitors from Greece and abroad.
We are considered the No1 attraction on the island and we have been named amongst the 10 best small museums in the country by the Guardian. In 2016, the Museum and my father were honoured with an award by the Academy of Athens, Greece’s highest cultural institution, in the category of ‘Ethical and Political Sciences’.
I take pride in knowing that the story of this legendary woman has spread around the world, in great part thanks to our Museum and the work we have done over the past 30 years.
As I mentioned earlier, this is my family’s heritage and something you cannot easily run away from. It is as much a part of me as I am a part of it and I think that applies to all of my family. The continued survival of the Laskarina Bouboulina Museum is the least we can do in her memory. It is our obligation to those who came before us and those who will come after us.
Q: Is there support and/or interest from the diaspora and are there any plans for collaboration with Hellenic Museums overseas?
A: Interest and knowledge of the Bouboulina Museum has thankfully increased in the past decade, especially since the introduction of social media but also from documentaries, television interviews and newspaper articles in Greece and abroad.
Even though most of our visitors are Greeks, we have translated Bouboulina’s story into 25 languages and we work with many embassies in Athens organising tours and events. We have collaborated with a number of small cultural institutions in Greece, as well as with the Maritime Foundation in London and the Hamburg Maritime Museum in 2016.
We have always wanted to expand and diversify the museum, to collaborate with cultural institutions in and out of Greece and to bring the Bouboulina Museum firmly into the 21st century. However, the country’s unfavourable financial conditions over the past years’ economic crisis, coupled with Spetses’ short tourist season, have been obstacles in fulfilling many of these plans with our own financial means.
Furthermore, the 2020 restrictions imposed due to the pandemic, the effects of which are expected to last well into the future, not only rendered most of our plans unachievable, but they also brought with them the very real threat of closure. Thankfully we were able to weather the storm so far and stay afloat. Unfortunately, a great number of other institutions around the world were not so lucky.
Q: Are there any special events coming-up for the 200 years from the Greek War of Independence?
A: The 200-year anniversary of the Greek War of Independence has been anticipated as a year of great celebration. It is not only a landmark for Greece and Spetses, but additionally a year of special importance to us as it also marks 250 years since the birth of Laskarina Bouboulina, and 30 years since the founding of the Museum.
As we are a small, family-run museum, we do not have the capability or the resources of some of the larger institutions in Greece, but we are confident we can still play an important part in the celebrations. We have a small number of plans in the works for 2021, such as art and history exhibitions, lectures and music events.
However, as everyone surely understands, it is very difficult – I would say almost impossible – in the current climate, to plan and organise any sort of event that would entail large numbers of people. No one really knows how museums and cultural institutions will be able to operate this season, so nothing is set in stone regarding the celebrations.
Q: How can someone from overseas support Bouboulina’s Museum?
A: I am a firm believer that out of any crisis comes opportunity. We are currently in the process of creating a new website for the museum and also establishing an association of friends. Our website will of course have an e-shop, so people will be able to purchase items from our gift shop which we are also enriching with new products. Once the association is up and running, it will form the link between the museum and the general public in Greece and abroad.
By becoming a member, you will help with providing the museum with financial, material and moral support and help increase the public’s perception of the museum itself and its cultural activities. The continuity and growth of the museum beyond the borders of Spetses and Greece is only possible through the commitment of friends and sponsors.
We hope to have the website up very soon and to establish the association before the summer season begins, but until then, anyone wishing to support the museum and the work we do may contact us at bouboulinamuseum@gmail.com. Especially in these turbulent times we are all living in, everyone’s continued support will allow us to faithfully continue our obligation to those whose sacrifices earned us our national freedom.
Guests, sponsors and donors raised just over $20,000 at the 2021 Breakfast for Brain Cancer event, which was hosted by the White Pearl Foundation on March 19 at the Estate Vaucluse House.
The White Pearl Foundation was founded by Suzane Peponis-Brisimis in honour of her mother who passed away from a brain tumour in late 2013.
“An enormous thank you to our guests, sponsors and donors who helped us raise just over $20,000 at the 2021 Breakfast for Brain Cancer,” Suzane Peponis-Brisimis tells The Greek Herald.
“The event sold out in 72 hours and many missed out. We are currently looking at holding a second event in June, COVID permitting, and of course the White Pearl Ball on November 27, 2021. We will keep you posted.”
On the day, Cassandra Bennett, patient and author of the soon-to-be released Survivorship Diaryfor patients and carers, flew in from Canberra to speak at the event and had the attendees captivated when she spoke of her journey with brain cancer and her motivation for creating the diary.
Guests also enjoyed a very informative address by Associate Professor Michael Back, Radiation Oncologist and Director of The Brain Cancer Group,Care2Cure, who is curating and leading The Brain Cancer Group’s latest initiative, aBrain Cancer Databank.
“The comprehensive DataBank will comprise data from three linked projects under TBCG. Conceptually, once established, every patient will be entered into the TBCG Brain Cancer DataBank through a linked pathway in which their initial brain tumour specimen is stored, alongside their actual brain cancer images and their information data,” Associate Professor Michael Back said.
“A scientist asking a question can then access the actual brain tumour specimen, and see how that influences the MRI appearance and treatment outcomes. It will be a powerful future resource for the Brain Cancer community.”
The Associate Professor then went on to discuss the three new initiatives being launched by The Brain Cancer Group, including:
Brain Tumour BioBank and Laboratory: This is the Laboratory situated in the Kolling Institute of Medical Research on the Royal North Shore Hospital campus and contains the biological samples of patients brain tumours, as well as the biological research laboratory studying the tumour specimens. Funding for this laboratory has been from previous fundraising campaigns and is now an established unit.
Clinical Outcomes Database: This is the detailed database that gathers baseline tumour and treatment information from our patients and assesses the outcomes of treatment. This is being funded by a donation from the family of Tim Cohen. Information from the BioBank and Imaging Laboratory will feed into this database.
Brain Cancer Imaging Laboratory: This is new imaging databank under development paralleling the principles of the Brain Tumour BioBank and Laboratory gathering the actual images from patients for future study and assessment. It will be the only Imaging Laboratory in Australia and be a great resource for local and international researchers.
