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Top 8 Greek Christmas traditions you should know about this festive season

The Greek Herald
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Top 8 Greek Christmas traditions you should know about this festive season

By Billy Patramanis

Decorating Boats

The decorating of Christmas trees became a tradition in Greece in 1833. Originally a German and Scandinavian Christmas tradition, Prince Otto of Bavaria, who ruled Greece from 1832-1862, decorated the first tree in his Nafplio palace. Christmas trees were considered upper-class and only the wealthy would decorate trees, though this would change after World War II.

During this time, however, a famous Greek tradition in households was the decorating of boats. The tradition stemmed from Greece’s history with the sea as a maritime country. A decorated boat for Greeks was a sign of love and respect for the sea, and the welcoming of family, who were arriving by boat. 

Christopsomo

The Christopsomo, or Christ bread, is a must on every Greek Christmas table. The Christopsomo has varied designs depending on region of Greece you live in, however, each design has a cross made of dough in the centre, along with nuts sprinkled on top for prosperity. The Christopsomo is eaten on Christmas Eve.

Christopsomo. Source: Pinterest 

Christmas Desserts

Christmas desserts are a tradition when it comes to food for the Christmas celebrations. The two main desserts are the ‘melomakarona’ (honey cookies) and ‘kourabiedes’ (sugar-coated butter cookies). The ingredients in both are made from products that are famously Greek produced; oil, honey, oranges and nuts. 

Kourabiedes and Melomakarona. Source: Greece Is

Christmas Carolling

Christmas Eve in Greece is filled with Christmas carolling from very early in the morning. Groups of children will go from door to door with music triangles and sing traditional Christmas carols, known as ‘kalanta’. The kalantas the children sing begin with Jesus’ birth, before going into songs praising the house and the people they’re singing to. The kalanta ends with the children asking for a gift, which will often be a small amount of money, as well as a dessert such as a melomakarona or kourabiedes.

Greek tradition of Carolling. Source: Mama Lisa

Florina Fires

In Florina, a northern Greek city, the town has a tradition every Christmas eve whereby dozens of large fires are set in the main part of the city. In ancient times, the city of Florina would begin these fires in appreciation for the sun god. However, in more modern times, these fires are started to symbolise the birth of Jesus, and more specifically, represents the fire that led the Three Wise Men to Jesus’ birth.

Florina Fires. Source: Greece-is.com

Volos Lanterns

On December 26, the city of Volos, a city in Central Greece, have their own Christmas tradition, similar to that of Florina. In Volos, citizens come out at night along the shore of city and release thousands of “fanaria” into the night sky. The lanterns symbolise wishes made on Christmas, hoping that when they are released into the night sky, their wishes are fulfilled.

Lanterns released into the night sky. Source: xpatathens.com

Stand-up surfing Santas

In Parga, stand up surfing is a well known recreational sport that many in the region participate in. Therefore, during Christmas, people dressed up as Santa will begin stand up surfing in the harbour of Parga to spread holiday cheer. It is a fun tradition that mixes their beloved sport with Christmas cheer.

Stand-up surfing santas. Source: Parga, Greece Facebook.

Cretan Santas

In Chania, a city located in Western Crete, a new tradition which began 8 years ago is growing in popularity. The new tradition consists of local residents dressing up as Santa and participating in a parade, known as the Santa Run. This new tradition had more than 10,000 people dress up as Santa in 2016, with money from the parade being donated to a children’s shelter in Chania.

Hania Santa Run, 2016. Source: pappaspost.com

Randwick Councillor Anthony Andrews recognised for his 20 years of service to the community

Argyro Vourdoumpa
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Randwick Councillor Anthony Andrews recognised for his 20 years of service to the community

It was during the year’s last meeting at South East Sydney’s Randwick Council, when long-standing Central Ward Councillor Anthony Andrews was recognised for his 20 years service to the community.

“I feel proud to have been in the Council for 20 years and to represent my local community. The reason I ran for Council in the first place, was to be a voice for our Greek community,” Mr Andrews, who is of Cypriot background, tells The Greek Herald.

An independent Councillor first elected in 2000, Andrews has been responsible for the redevelopment of Heffron Park and major capital works programs in Maroubra but advocating for the Greek community, as one of the prominent ones in his area, is what sparks his passion to work harder.

“One of my proudest moments was helping the local Greek Orthodox Church, St Spyridon Parish and also St Spyridon School. I’ve been always there to help them with their dealings with Council and over the years we’ve been able to deliver a number of projects in benefit to the School.

“Renaming a lane at St Spyridon Church after the First Principle of St Spyridon College, Mary Hamer was a really proud and moving moment for me,” says the Councillor who was also recently recognised by the St Spyridon Parish.

Mary Rayias Hamer, Founding Principal of St Spyridon College and a well-known educator of more than 30 years, passed away in July after a long battle with cancer.

Unfolding his plans for the near future, Councillor Andrews says he is preparing to run for the next Council elections in September 2021 as “he loves what he’s doing and he has more projects to deliver”. 

But what’s in it for the Greek community?

“I would like to bring the local Greek community together in a cultural event, like a Festival or a Glendi style event. One such event has not happened in Randwick in quite some time and we need to reunite Greeks in South East Sydney,” he reveals.

Top Ten Christmas Kalanda

The Greek Herald
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Top Ten Christmas Kalanda

By Victoria Loutas

When Christmas Eve comes around in Greece, plenty of young children get ready to go out to take part in the Christmas Kalanda. Christmas Kalanda is a long lived tradition in Greece where young Greek children go door to door singing Christmas Carols!

Christmas caroling takes its roots in Ancient Greece where young children would carry small boats and sing songs honouring Dionysius. By honouring their god, Greeks began the tradition of praising the head of the household, which has since been continued into Christmas Carolling. 

The sentiment between these two acts of praise is similar, as young children are wishing homeowners health, wealth and happiness through songs they sing.

(Depiction of traditional Greek Christmas Carollers holding boat – Image – TheGreekVibe)

Young children often perform in groups and bring along instruments to accompany their songs. They will knock on a person’s door and first ask, ‘Na Ta Poume?’, asking if they may sing. The answer is almost always yes, and the children sing a sweet Christmas carol and are often invited in afterwards for a Greek treat. 

There are dozens of different Greek Christmas Kalanta that are specific to different regions in Greece, but we’ve listed some of the most popular Greek Christmas Carols that everyone should know!

Trigona Kalanta

Trigona Kalanta is the Greek equivalent of ‘Jingle Bells’. Christmas Carollers often carol triangles and other instruments when they sing, which is where this song got its name from! 

(Video to embed in)

Kalanta Chistougenna

Kalanta Christougenna is considered the most popular Greek Christmas Carol! It simply translates to Christmas Carol and is a favourite among most Greek households. Follow the lyrics below to sing with your family this Christmas!

kalin esperan arhontes

an ine orismos sas

Xristu ti thia genissi

Na po st’ arhontiko sas

Xristos gennate simeron

en Vithleem ti poli

I ourani agalonte

Herete I fissis oli

en to spileo tiktete

en fatni ton alogon

o vassilefs ton ouranon

ke piitis ton olon

plithos agelon psalousi

to doksa en ipsistis

ke touton aksion esti

I ton pimenon pistis

Ek tis Persias erxonte

tris magi me ta dora

Astro lambro tous odigi

Xoris na lipsi I ora

S’afto to spiti pou’pthame

petra na mi ragisi

ki o nikokiris tou spitiou

Xronia polla na zisi

Agia Nixta 

Agia Nixta is a Greek Christmas Carol meaning ‘Holy Night’. This charming song is short, but sweet and is a popular choice for carollers!

Catch up on every part of Eleni Elefterias’ ‘Insight or Perspective’ column

The Greek Herald
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Catch up on every part of Eleni Elefterias’ ‘Insight or Perspective’ column

Have you been tuning in to Eleni Elefterias’ weekly column? Every week, Modern Greek and University lecturer Eleni analysis the beauty of the Greek language and why it is being lost so quickly in Australia.

From providing Greek school and teaching advice, to looking at the shifting migrant landscape in Australia, Eleni’s multi-part column is a must-read.

Read every part by clicking on the links below:

PART 1

PART 2

PART 3

PART 4

PART 5

PART 6

PART 7

PART 8

Greek President visits sole inhabitant of Kinaros

The Greek Herald
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Greek President visits sole inhabitant of Kinaros

Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou on Wednesday visited the remote border island of Kinaros, where she met with its only inhabitant, Katerina Katsotourhi.

Located in the west of the islands of Leros and Amorgos, Kinaros is the second western-most island of the Dodecanese after Astypalea, and its coastline measures only 4.5 square kilometers.

“In a way, Kyra Rini symbolizes this year’s Christmas in a relevant way,” Sakellaropoulou said, referring to Katsotourhi in a traditional address form, “she lives alone and is courageous.”

The president noted that “this is what we are asked to be like, under these unique circumstances” in the pandemic.

President Sakellaropoulou pays visit to sole inhabitant at remote island of Kinaros. (Photo by Eurokinissi)

“I have been in quarantine for many years,” Katsotourhi had quipped earlier, according to the president, who expressed her best wishes to all Greeks from a remote corner of Greece.

Katsotourhi was born on the island of Amorgos and went to Kinaros with her family when she was 3. She migrated to Darwin in Australia in 1970 before moving back to Greece, to Kalymnos, in 1985.

She returned to Kinaros with her husband in 2000. She has been living there alone since her husband died in 2013.

After her two-hour visit, the president visited the monument of the Fallen Naval Officers, before returning to Athens. 

Sourced By: ANA-MPA

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke sends message of unity for the festive season

The Greek Herald
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Immigration Minister Alex Hawke sends message of unity for the festive season

Liberal member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke, who stepped up as an Immigration Minister in the Cabinet’s most recent reshuffle has sent a message of unity to Australia’s multicultural communities.

In his letter, Hawke, who is the second Minister of Greek heritage to pursue the immigration portfolio after Nick Bolkas in the ‘90s, is highlighting how Australia’s social cohesion is more important than ever for the nation’s prosperity and success.

Read the full letter below:

EU clears 120 million euros to support Greece’s Aegean Airlines

The Greek Herald
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EU clears 120 million euros to support Greece’s Aegean Airlines

EU regulators approved on Wednesday a state grant of 120 million euros ($146.48 million) for Greece’s national carrier Aegean Airlines to help the airline with damage suffered during the coronavirus crisis.

The support consists of a direct grant of 120 million euros, an amount that does not exceed the estimated damage directly caused to the airline between March 23 and June 30, the EU Commission said.

“This measure will enable Greece to compensate Aegean Airlines for the damage directly suffered due to the travel restrictions necessary to limit the spread of the coronavirus,” the European Union’s antitrust chief, Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.

Source: Aegean Airlines

The Greek state contribution is part of a wider investment plan, detailed a month ago, which is conditional on Aegean successfully effecting a private investor share capital increase of €60 million.

Aegean adds: ”Following today’s approval by the European Commission, the company plans to undertake all necessary corporate actions and submissions to the Capital Market Commission in the upcoming period, with the aim being to complete all necessary procedures within the first three to four months of 2021.”

Sourced By: Aegean Airlines

‘A source of hope’: Archbishop Makarios sends Christmas message to Australia’s Greek community

The Greek Herald
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‘A source of hope’: Archbishop Makarios sends Christmas message to Australia’s Greek community

Ahead of Christmas, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios has issued a Christmas message for Australia’s Greek Community.

In his message, Archbishop Makarios calls for people to focus on the real meaning of Christmas instead of accumulating material goods and wealth and he goes on to explain that “the most beautiful things in life we can’t see, but we can only feel them”.

“It is a fact that a pervasive insecurity and phobia has engulfed the world, which spreads like a cloud of dust, causing a disturbing shortness of breath in humanity. Some, are trying to face this situation, by accumulating goods and wealth. Some others believe that their relationship with powerful personalities, will spare them from suffocating. Others again, resort to spiritual vaccinations with unfounded ideas and philosophies or even religious teachings which, indeed not real, instead of healing they spiritually poison and torture.” reads the Archbishop’s message.

“…The birth of Christ is a source of true joy for the universe, source of hope and strength for those of us who experience the deeper spiritual dimension of this great religious feast…” the message continues.

READ THE FULL LETTER IN GREEK BELOW:

Pontian Greeks of Australia send supplies to Evros border guards in Greece

Andriana Simos
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Pontian Greeks of Australia send supplies to Evros border guards in Greece

Pontian Greeks of Australia have provided 353 flashlights to the border guards at Evros, Greece, to provide them with extra support and honour their hard work.

The contribution was made possible by The Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia as their representative, Mr Xorozidis, contacted the Deputy Mayor of Alexandroupolis, Mr Dasteridis, and made the necessary arrangements.

“Our Pontic brothers that live in Australia are a brilliant example of the Greek emigrants,” a press release from the Federation reads.

“They were watching what was happening in Greece, during the crisis on our borders, and they decided to help in any way the border policemen of Evros, who were self-sacrificingly guarding the Greek and European borders.”

In response, the Union of Evros Border Policemen has thanked Pontian Greeks in Australia for their support.

“The Union of Evros Border Policemen wants to kindly thank the Greek emigrants and especially the Federation of Pontian Association of Australia and we hope that more people will follow your example,” the union wrote.

Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne farewells Consul General

The Greek Herald
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Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne farewells Consul General

Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne president Bill Papastergiadis has farewelled Consul General Mr Dimitrios Michalopoulos following the end to his three-year term.

Consul General Mr Michalopoulos has recently returned to Greece, with Mr Papastergiadis saying his tenure was a formative one but unfortunately also interrupted significantly by virtue of Covid-19. 

“My dealings with the Consul were always constructive and informative. He brought significant experience with him to Melbourne,” said Bill Papastergiadis.

“Perhaps most, I will miss his insight on Eastern Europe which he had an unparalleled understanding of its political systems. He was always forthcoming in providing assistance and made himself available to assist wherever he could”.

“We wish him well in his next posting and we will remain in touch with one another. The Melbourne post for any consul is no doubt the most challenging given the size of the greek population here. It’s a never ending job and he executed it well ” Bill Papastergiadis added.

Speaking previously during a church service at St Spyridon’s church in Melbourne, Mr Michalopoulos says that the time he served in Victoria will remain engraved in his memory due to the dynamic spirit of Hellenism in Melbourne and its impact to the wider Greek Australian community. 

READ MORE: “Not an epilogue but a starting point,” Consul General of Greece in Melbourne on Gold Cross bestowment
READ MORE: Consul General in Melbourne, Dimitrios Michalopoulos, receives church medal

“I met successful people, who excelled, each in their own fields and who never forgot the place where their ancestors were born. I would like the relations between the Greek diaspora and Greece to remain strong, in a spirit of mutual respect and national solidarity.

“On a more personal level, Melbourne is a very beautiful city, with the right infrastructure, a high level of higher education and a thriving economy. In other words, it is Athens as it should be. I hope, then, that these memories will soon become a reality in the homeland,” Mr Michalopoulos concluded.

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