The Greek Parliament observed a minute of silence on Monday, January 27, to honour the over 67,000 Greek Jews who were murdered by the Nazis during World War II. The solemn moment marked the International and National Day of Commemoration for Holocaust victims.
“Our Greek Jewish brothers, who were sacrificed on the barbaric altar of Nazism, constituted the fifth-largest ethnic group at Auschwitz. The Holocaust of the Jews is the greatest group crime in the history of mankind and an insane truth,” Deputy Speaker of the House Thanasis Bouras told Parliament.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp by the Soviet army.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement, noting that 67,151 Greek Jews were among the six million Jews exterminated by the Nazis across Europe.
The ministry emphasised the importance of remembering these atrocities to ensure that the darkest chapters of history are never forgotten.
Greece mourned the loss of Mimis Domazos, affectionately known as “The General,” with a heartfelt farewell on On 27 January 2025, that highlighted his lasting impact on Greek football. The day’s commemorations began at Leoforos Stadium, the home ground of Panathinaikos FC, where Domazos spent the majority of his illustrious career. His coffin, draped in the Panathinaikos flag, arrived at the stadium gate. His daughter, Popi Domazou, along with fans and friends, welcomed him as the Panathinaikos anthem resonated through the stadium’s speakers. Overcome with emotion, Popi expressed, “It is very, very difficult. My father is here; we thank the whole world; all of Greece is mourning; my father is here.” The gathered crowd honoured the legendary footballer by chanting “immortal.”
Following the stadium tribute, Domazos’ body was placed for public viewing at the Athens Metropolitan Cathedral, allowing thousands of admirers to pay their respects. The funeral service, attended by a multitude of dignitaries, including former Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, former Mayor of Athens Kostas Bakoyannis, and former Commissioner Christos Papoutsis, who conveyed their condolences to Domazos’ family. Panathinaikos coach Rui Vitória and technical director Giannis Papadimitriou were also present to honour the football icon.
The Domazos family, united in grief, thanked fans for their support and love for ‘The General.
The service featured poignant eulogies from notable figures. Giannis Alafouzos, owner of Panathinaikos FC, and Fotis Ioannidis delivered heartfelt speeches, reflecting on Domazos’ enduring legacy. Due to illness, Antonis Antoniadis was unable to attend; in his stead, either Vassilis Konstantinou or Nikos Karoulias shared memories of their esteemed colleague. Domazos’ daughter, Popi, also offered a touching farewell to her father.
Domazos’ brother, Thanasis, spoke of the profound loss, stating, “All of Greece and Europe are talking about him; no words are enough. He was a beloved brother. We talked; he advised me because he was older, and I listened to him.” Fans remembered Domazos as “one of the holy monsters of football along with Pele, Cruyff, and Maradona,” emphasising his gentlemanly conduct on the pitch and the respect he inspired. His grandchildren, Stelios and Vicki, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love, noting, “They give us strength; it is a touching day for all of us.” A particularly moving tribute came from his grandson, Stamatis, who left a black shirt bearing the words “Eternally Loyal” and the message: “One life Panathinaikos, grandfather I will love you forever.”
Mimis Domazos’ passing marks the end of an era for Greek football. His unparalleled skill, leadership, and contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on the nation’s athletic history. As Greece bids farewell to “The General,” his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of footballers and fans alike.
The Western Australian election campaign is heating up, with tensions flaring between Perth Lord Mayor and Liberal candidate Basil Zempilas and Premier Roger Cook’s chief of staff, Daniel Pastorelli, over the use of annual leave during campaign periods.
Pastorelli, who is also Labor’s candidate for Landsdale, stated he was taking annual leave to balance his responsibilities as chief of staff and his campaign activities. “I’ve always in my job as chief of staff, I’ve always performed that in the best interests of the public and same goes for my role now as a candidate,” he said. He even offered to share his leave forms to prove the separation of roles.
In response, Zempilas called on Pastorelli to make his leave records public, arguing that his own decision to remain as lord mayor until the writs are issued is consistent with long-standing practices. “Everybody knows what I’m doing is following the rules and procedures that have been set out forever,” Zempilas said.
Premier Roger Cook dismissed Zempilas’ demands, saying Pastorelli’s leave forms would not be handed over and could only be accessed through Freedom of Information laws. Cook defended Pastorelli’s integrity, stating, “He understands full well his obligations and responsibilities as a public servant, but also as a candidate, and he was doing everything by the book.”
As the campaign intensifies, the clash between Zempilas and Pastorelli highlights the pressures on candidates balancing professional roles with election commitments.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis paid tribute to the late Archbishop Anastasios of Albania by attending a solemn memorial service held on Sunday at the Holy Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens. The service, led by Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, drew the participation of religious leaders, officials, and members of the public.
Archbishop Anastasios, a towering figure in the Orthodox Christian world, passed away recently, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy as the head of the Orthodox Church of Albania. His leadership, marked by resilience and devotion, was instrumental in reviving Orthodoxy in Albania after decades of religious suppression under the communist regime.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis joined other dignitaries in honouring the late Archbishop’s contributions to faith, humanity, and reconciliation. Archbishop Anastasios was widely recognised not only for his spiritual leadership but also for his efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and peace in the Balkans.
During the service, Archbishop Ieronymos emphasised the profound impact of Archbishop Anastasios’ life and work, highlighting his unwavering commitment to spreading the message of faith and unity. The ceremony served as a moment of reflection and gratitude for his enduring contributions to the Orthodox Church and society at large.
Archbishop Anastasios’ legacy continues to inspire countless individuals, and his passing marks the end of an era for the Orthodox Church of Albania.
Archbishop Makarios of Australia recently travelled to Havana, Cuba, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the consecration of the Church of Saint Nicholas, a significant event for the Orthodox community. Representing the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Archbishop marked this important milestone for a church gifted by the late Cuban leader Fidel Castro to the Ecumenical Patriarchate two decades ago.
Upon his arrival at José Martí International Airport, Archbishop Makarios was warmly welcomed by Metropolitan Iakovos of Mexico, Bishop Athenagoras of Myrina, Cuban government representative Leira Sánchez Valdivia, and Greek Ambassador to Cuba, Theodoros Tsakiris, alongside other dignitaries.
In his address, Archbishop Makarios reflected on the historic visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Cuba in 2004, during which the Patriarch consecrated the Church of Saint Nicholas. He also expressed his gratitude to the Cuban government for its ongoing support of the Orthodox faithful in the country, underscoring the significance of this landmark church in fostering faith and community.
The Church of Saint Nicholas has come to symbolise the strong ties between the Orthodox Church and Cuba, serving as a spiritual home for Orthodox Christians in the region. Over the years, it has stood as a beacon of faith, unity, and cultural exchange, bridging the Orthodox community with Cuban society.
This 20th anniversary celebration highlights the enduring legacy of the Orthodox Church in Cuba and its role in promoting faith, hope, and unity among its followers. Archbishop Makarios’ presence at the event further underscored Australia’s connection to the broader Orthodox community and its commitment to fostering ties across the global Orthodox diaspora.
Authorities detained 12 individuals and made one arrest following a rally in Athens on Sunday, January 26, marking the ongoing public demand for justice and accountability in the wake of the 2023 Tempi rail disaster.
The rally, held in the city centre, drew a large number of participants paying tribute to the 57 lives lost in the February 2023 train collision near Tempi. Demonstrators called for systemic reforms to prevent similar tragedies and held banners demanding government transparency and action.
While the demonstration concluded peacefully, police detained 12 individuals for questioning and later confirmed the arrest of one person on charges related to public disturbance. Authorities noted that these actions were precautionary to maintain public safety and order during the event.
The Tempi rail disaster, one of the worst train accidents in Greece’s history, continues to evoke widespread outrage and grief across the country. It has prompted significant public demonstrations, with citizens voicing concerns over infrastructure safety and the need for accountability.
The government has pledged to address the systemic issues exposed by the disaster, but critics argue that progress has been slow. Public memorial events and protests remain a powerful reminder of the collective determination to seek justice for the victims and their families.
Thessaloniki honored the National Day of Remembrance for Holocaust Martyrs and Heroes, on Sunday January 26, with a series of moving ceremonies, commemorating the Jewish community that suffered immense loss during the Holocaust.
The day began with a solemn memorial service held at the historic synagogue of Thessaloniki. Attendees, including city officials, Jewish community leaders, and citizens, gathered to remember the lives lost during one of humanity’s darkest chapters.
Following the service, participants assembled at the Holocaust Memorial in Eleftherias Square, a symbolic location that has come to represent the resilience of the city’s Jewish community. Wreaths were laid at the monument by local government representatives, foreign diplomats, and members of the public, all united in a pledge to ensure such atrocities are never forgotten.
The day’s events concluded with a commemorative march to Thessaloniki’s old railway station. This site holds deep historical significance, as it was from here that over 50,000 of Thessaloniki’s Jewish residents were deported to Nazi concentration camps during World War II. The march served as a poignant reminder of the tragedy and highlighted the importance of preserving the memory of those who perished.
Thessaloniki, once home to one of the largest and most vibrant Jewish communities in Europe, lost 96% of its Jewish population during the Holocaust. Today, events like these not only pay tribute to the victims but also educate future generations about the horrors of antisemitism and the enduring need to combat hate.
In his address, the Mayor of Thessaloniki reaffirmed the city’s commitment to preserving the memory of its Jewish history. “We stand here today to honor the lives taken from us and to ensure that their stories are never forgotten. Thessaloniki remains a city that values tolerance, inclusion, and remembrance.”
The National Day of Remembrance for Holocaust Martyrs and Heroes is observed annually in Greece to reflect on the profound impact of the Holocaust and to promote the principles of humanity and peace.
In a powerful display of public demand for accountability, tens of thousands of individuals convened in Athens’ Syntagma Square on Sunday, seeking justice for the 57 lives lost in the tragic Tempe train disaster nearly two years prior.
Demonstrators held placards bearing messages like ‘We won’t forget’ and ‘I have no oxygen,’ the latter reflecting the poignant final words of a victim during an emergency call, recently highlighted in local media.
‘We are here and we will not stop … until those responsible are held accountable,’ stated Maria Karistianou, whose 20-year-old daughter died in the 2023 train crash.
The largely peaceful protest, among the most significant in the capital in recent years, saw brief confrontations between participants and law enforcement. Parallel demonstrations unfolded in various cities across Greece.
The catastrophic head-on collision between a passenger train, carrying numerous students, and a freight train occurred just before midnight on February 28, 2023, on the route linking Athens to Thessaloniki. This incident ignited widespread protests nationwide, with many citizens asserting that it underscored systemic neglect of the rail infrastructure following a prolonged financial crisis.
Nearly two years later, the precise causes of death for many victims remain undetermined. Families have accused authorities of attempting to conceal evidence, a claim the government denies. ‘Two years after the tragedy, no one has been punished, no one is in prison,’ expressed Ilias Papangelis. Some protesters chanted ‘Murderers’ during the rally.
The center-right government, re-elected after the crash, maintains that it is the judiciary’s responsibility to investigate the causes. Despite pledging to reform the rail system, the European Commission has noted that progress has been slow. The recent nomination of former parliament speaker Constantine Tassoul has further angered victims’ relatives, who argue that under his leadership, lawmakers failed to examine any political accountability.
An expert report commissioned by the victims’ families revealed that the crash resulted in a massive fireball, though the cause remains unclear. Leaked audio evidence suggested that approximately 30 of the 57 victims were still alive immediately after the Thessaloniki-bound intercity train collided with a freight train.
These recent protests underscore the enduring grief and anger among the victims’ families and the broader public, as they continue to seek accountability and justice for the tragic event.
At least four Greek Australians have been recognised by the Governor-General today in the 2025 Australia Day Honours List.
A total of 732 Australians were recognised in this year’s awards, which were divided into three categories – Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), Meritorious awards, and recognition for Distinguished and Conspicuous awards.
Included in this list, 24 recipients were recognised for their contribution in support of Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and will be included in a permanent COVID-19 Honour Roll.
The Governor-General congratulated all Australians who were recognised in today’s honours list.
“Recipients have made a difference and had an impact at the local, national and/or international level. Individually, they are inspiring and collectively they speak to the strength of our communities,” the Governor-General said.
“Recipients come from all parts of the country. They have served and had an impact in just about every field you can imagine; their stories and backgrounds are diverse. We value their service, thank them for their hard work and selflessness and, today, celebrate them.”
The Greek Herald spoke to some of the Greek Australians who were recognised to learn more about their achievements and how it feels for them to receive these prestigious awards.
Order of Australia Medal (OAM) category:
Kleoniki Matziaris-Garay – Footscray, VIC Kleoniki Matziaris-Garay is recognised for her service to the Greek community of Victoria. Ms Matziaris-Garay has dedicated her life to supporting the welfare and cultural development of the Greek Australian community. Over a career spanning 35 years in the social sector, with 30 years at PRONIA (the Australian Greek Welfare Society), she has worked in various capacities, from counselling individuals and families to coordinating volunteer training programs. She reflected, “Through my work I could also help in my own way our compatriots here, the Greek community.”
Kleoniki Matziaris-Garay.
She explained that her work evolved to address the unique challenges facing the elderly and women in her community. “For the last 10 years I have been dealing with the elderly. This gave me great joy because I managed to serve our compatriots from various fields and I had also seen the problems that women face, loneliness, especially when they lose their jobs and other various matters.”
Motivated by her observations, she founded the Hellenic Women’s Network VIC (Eliades) five years ago. “I promised myself that when I one day leave the workforce, I would do something for women. Through welfare we had developed many programs such as for domestic violence, but I wanted to do something myself that would encourage women to see their worth and feel that they belong.” Today, the network has 130 members, and she emphasised, “It is open to all ages and all women no matter what education they have.”
Reflecting on her career, she shared a poignant moment, “Something that touched me was when I helped a mother find her son who had been taken up for adoption. This still brings tears to my eyes.”
On receiving the honour, Ms Matziaris-Garay described it as unexpected, “It was a big surprise for me. I didn’t do anything to get awards. I have never thought about it, nor have I ever pursued it. For me, my prize is when I meet my old clients and see their joy to see me. That’s the award and the joy I get. But of course, it is a very great honour.”
Her journey as an immigrant adds another layer of significance. “When I came to Australia and I was 18 years old, I suddenly grew up. The responsibility my parents had once for me, now all the responsibility was coming to me. It is a great thing for an immigrant… to reach this point where this country that we loved is giving us an award. At least I consider Australia as my homeland, same as Greece.”
Dr James Markos – Tasmania Dr James Markos is recognised for significant service to medical education and research, particularly respiratory and sleep disorders.
Dr James Markos.
Dr Markos has dedicated nearly five decades to improving respiratory health, serving as Tasmania’s first full-time lung and sleep doctor and addressing critical shortages in his field. He has led groundbreaking public health initiatives, including combating wood smoke pollution in Launceston, and contributed to over 30 research publications. His legacy also includes mentoring future medical professionals and promoting lung health through innovative education and community campaigns.
Dr Markos expressed his immense pride in being recognised, describing the honour as “a great honour, sort of somewhat unexpected, but… it’s nice to be acknowledged for work that one’s done.” Reflecting on his career, he noted that his life has been “totally immersed in lung medicine,” dedicating nearly five decades to clinical practice, teaching, and research.
A pioneer in Tasmania, Dr Markos explained, “One of my contributions was that I was actually the first full-time lung and sleep doctor in my region.” His arrival in northern Tasmania addressed a critical shortage in respiratory medicine, ensuring that patients no longer needed to travel out of state for care.
Dr Markos also spoke of his public health advocacy, particularly his efforts to combat wood smoke pollution in Launceston. “I had a lot to do with… researching the wood smoke levels and the health effects, doing health education and public campaigns, and pushing for change to improve the lung health of people in northern Tasmania,” he said.
Teaching was another cornerstone of Dr Markos’s career. “I developed this little program I called my ‘snap, crackle, and pop’ talk,” he explained, describing how he sought to demystify lung medicine for medical students. “It was a pleasure to teach and mentor, to help junior doctors and students understand the nuances of respiratory medicine.”
In addition to his professional contributions, Dr Markos has been actively involved in the Greek Orthodox Community of Launceston and Northern Tasmania. As Secretary, he has helped foster a strong sense of culture and identity within the community. “We try to celebrate Greek Independence Day, Oxi Day, and other cultural events. It’s a small group here in Launceston, but we strive to keep the culture alive.”
Meritorious List:
Public Service Medal (PSM) Panagiotis (Peter) Tsokas – South Australia Peter Tsokas is recognised for outstanding public service in local government, particularly in strategic and environmental planning. As CEO of the City of Unley for 12 years, Mr Tsokas has led innovative projects, including a world-first tree canopy monitoring initiative and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, earning national and global recognition. His leadership, which included representing Unley at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, has enhanced community engagement and set a benchmark for local government excellence in Australia.
Peter Tsokas.
Mr Tsokas reflected on his 12-year tenure as CEO of the City of Unley, during which he led the city to remarkable growth. “I have been the CEO at the City of Unley for the last 12 years and during this time, the city has thrived in so many ways, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together.”
He highlighted the city’s focus on sustainability and its reputation for excellence. “Unley has a reputation for its environmental stewardship, vibrant local economy, and civic leadership. These attributes, coupled with our strong sense of community, have cemented the city as a place people truly value—offering an enviable lifestyle, a range of activities, and outstanding facilities and services.”
Community engagement was a cornerstone of his leadership. “We’ve made a deliberate and sustained effort to genuinely listen to our community, ensuring their voices are not only heard but actively shape the decisions we make. This spirit of collaboration has strengthened trust, deepened our connection with the community, and fostered a shared sense of ownership and pride in the future of Unley.”
On receiving the award, Mr Tsokas said, “It’s an incredible honour and privilege to be awarded the Public Service Medal. To be acknowledged for something that I care so deeply about is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the importance of serving our community with dedication and integrity.”
He added that his passion for community service is deeply personal, “Serving the community is more than just my profession, it’s my passion. Knowing that you make a positive difference to many people’s lives is very rewarding.”
Emergency Services Medal (ESM) Michael John Delanis – Glen Iris, VIC Michael Delanis is recognised for distinguished service as a member of an Australian emergency service. With over 30 years of service to the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), Mr Delanis has been a stalwart in emergency response and disaster management. His leadership roles in the Malvern Unit, including as Unit Controller, have been instrumental in shaping the organisation’s preparedness and response strategies.
Michael John Delanis.
Mr Delanis’s contributions extend beyond Victoria, as he has volunteered in interstate disaster relief efforts, including the Shepparton and Murray River floods and Cyclone Seroja in Western Australia. His commitment to mentoring future leaders within VICSES has made him a respected figure in the sector. His unwavering dedication to public safety and community resilience embodies the values of emergency service personnel.
The 2025 Honours List highlights the remarkable contributions of Greek Australians, showcasing their commitment to community, leadership, and excellence. Their achievements are an inspiration to all Australians.
Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia. If you know someone worthy, nominate them now at www.gg.gov.au.
*These are the names The Greek Herald were able to identify as Greek. If you believe your name should be on this list, please send an email to info@foreignlanguage.com.au.
Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, a revered spiritual leader and humanitarian, has passed away at the age of 95 at Evangelismos Hospital in Athens, where he had been hospitalised since early January.
The archbishop was airlifted to Athens from Tirana on 3 January following complications with his health. He underwent emergency laparoscopic surgery to address gastrointestinal bleeding and was placed in intensive care under intubation. Despite medical efforts, his condition deteriorated in recent hours.
His health struggles began on 30 December when he was admitted to a hospital in Tirana with a fever.
Born Anastasios Yannoulatos in Piraeus on 4 November 1929, he was a distinguished theologian and scholar. A graduate of the University of Athens with a doctorate in theology, he furthered his studies in religious and missionary studies as well as ethnology at the universities of Hamburg and Marburg in Germany. His academic journey also included research at Makerere University College in Uganda as a scholar of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
Archbishop Anastasios was ordained as a deacon in 1960 and became a priest in 1964. In 1972, he was consecrated as the Bishop of Androussa and served as the general director of the apostolic ministry of the Church of Greece from 1972 to 1991. His crowning achievement came in 1992 when he was appointed Archbishop of Albania. Taking on the monumental task of rebuilding the Orthodox Church of Albania after it had been dismantled under the oppressive Hoxha regime in 1967, he revitalised the Church, expanding its influence in health, education, social welfare, rural development, environmental protection, and cultural preservation.
In recognition of his contributions, Archbishop Anastasios was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000 by 33 members of the Academy of Athens and prominent Albanian figures. His efforts were globally acknowledged, particularly in fostering interfaith dialogue, promoting peaceful coexistence, and advancing contemporary Christianity.
A scholar of international renown, he was an emeritus professor at the University of Athens and an honorary member of the Academy of Athens. He held honorary doctorates from 19 academic institutions across Greece, the United States, Romania, Cyprus, Georgia, Albania, and Italy. Additionally, he served as an honorary senator of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, honorary president of the World Conference of Religions for Peace, and honorary professor at the University of West Attica.
Archbishop Anastasios leaves behind a profound legacy of spiritual leadership, intellectual achievement, and unwavering dedication to peace and unity.
