The smell of sardines filled the air on Sunday, September 21, as the Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney & NSW celebrated its much-anticipated Sardella Day at Mytilenian House in Canterbury.
By midday, the doors had swung open to a hall already buzzing with anticipation. Families, friends, and visitors poured in, ready for a feast that brought the flavours and traditions of Lesvos straight to Sydney’s south west.
Families, friends, and visitors enjoyed the day. All photos copyright Eirini Alligiannis.
A taste of Lesvos in Canterbury
Sardella Day is a beloved tradition on the Greek island of Lesvos, honouring the island’s world-famous sardines fished from the gulfs of Gera and Kalloni.
On Sunday, that spirit was alive in Canterbury, as platters of BBQ sardella, fried sardella, oven-baked sardella, and a variety of traditional mezethakia flowed out of the kitchen courtesy of Messinia Catering Services.
Guests remarked that the dishes transported them back to Greece, a sentiment echoed by Christine Stavropoulos.
“Our Annual Festival of the Sardella was a sold-out success. We had anticipated a bit of a challenge with numbers given there were other key events on the same day, but our wonderful supporters did not disappoint,” Ms Stavropoulos said.
Music, dancing, and community spirit
If the food was the flavour of the day, the music was its heartbeat. Guests were treated to performances by Ioannis Keligiannis, John Zaharis, Sam Christodoulidis, and Michael Platyrrahos, whose music kept the dance floor alive well into the afternoon.
The Sydney Greek Dancing School also took to the stage, dazzling the crowd with traditional Mytilenian dances before inviting guests to join in.
For many, it was an opportunity to extend their summer in Greece. “Many people who had recently just returned from Greece loved having that little taste of Greek island festivity to keep their Greece experience just that little bit longer,” Christine said.
Distinguished Guests and Community Connections
The day also brought together leaders and friends from across Sydney’s Hellenic community.
Among those present were the President of the Mytilenian Brotherhood Peter Psomas, President Emmanuel Valegeorgiou and Vice President Soula Gerasimou of the Samian Brotherhood of Sydney “O Lykourgos”, members of ELKA, author and filmmaker Billy Cotsis, and several past presidents of the Mytilenian Brotherhood.
It was, in every sense, a family affair, with generations mingling over shared plates and shared stories, reinforcing the bonds of culture and community.
By mid-morning on Sunday, September 21, the grounds of St Ioannis Greek Orthodox Church in Parramatta, Sydney were already bursting with colour and sound.
The chatter of families, the laughter of children queuing for face painting, the clip-clop of donkey rides, and the sizzling aroma of souvlaki set the tone for a day when close to 70,000 people came together for the biggest Let’s Go Greek Festival yet.
This year was the biggest Let’s Go Greek Festival yet. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Everywhere you looked, there were scenes of joy: toddlers with blue-and-white painted cheeks chasing balloons, teenagers snapping selfies in front of the food stalls, grandparents proudly pointing out traditional costumes, and young adults reconnecting with friends they hadn’t seen since last year’s festival.
“It’s always fantastic. The Greek community is very connected and close – whenever we come to these events, it feels like home,” festivalgoer Dion Omeros said, standing beside Melina Menelaou.
Dion Omeros and Melina Menelaou.
There were plenty of toddlers around.
A festival of food and family
With more than 80 food and market stalls, there was no chance of going hungry or missing a cool buy. The day’s most spectacular culinary feat – the preparation of a 500-kilogram gyros, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere – drew huge crowds eager to watch as chefs from Victoria Yeeros carved sizzling layers of meat from the spit.
Loukoumades, honey-drizzled and dusted with cinnamon, were devoured as quickly as they were fried, while tables overflowed with handmade sweets.
Children had their pick of carnival rides, donkey rides, a petting zoo, and craft activities. Volunteers ran face-painting stalls where kids queued to transform into butterflies, superheroes, or to wear the blue-and-white stripes of the Greek flag.
Loukoumades, honey-drizzled and dusted with cinnamon, were devoured as quickly as they were fried.
Parents lingered nearby with plates of souvlaki, while grandparents strolled proudly with coffee. It was a festival designed for every generation, and all of them turned up in force.
From tradition to pop stardom on stage
At the heart of the day was a stage alive with tradition and spectacle. The program opened with the St Ioannis Greek Orthodox Parish Choir, whose rendition of the national anthems and hymns filled the precinct with pride.
The St Ioannis Greek Orthodox Parish Choir.
Then came the dancers:
St Ioannis Parramatta Greek Junior Dance School & Sutherland Greek Dance School.
The Hellenic Lyceum Dance Group Sydney.
Greek Orthodox Community of NSW Dancers.
Paroula’s Dance Group.
St Paraskevi Blacktown Greek Dance School.
Aristotelion Academy of Greek Traditional Dance (Intermediate and Senior Group).
There were a number of dance groups performing on the day.
Between sets, emcee and Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou kept the crowd engaged, reminding them that “this festival belongs to you – the people.”
As daylight faded, the cultural program gave way to modern sounds. IHO NYX, Maraya Vavasis, Nikita Ellenis, and clarino player Jamison kept the crowd dancing, supported by the ever-popular DJs Georgie D and Jimmy V.
Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou.
And then, as twilight turned the sky purple, came the headline act: Giannis Ploutarhos, one of Greece’s most beloved singers, performing after his daughter Katerina with his full band flown in from Athens. Thousands pressed towards the stage, singing along word-for-word as phones lit the night. It was a once-in-a-lifetime concert – and Ploutarhos, a clear fan favourite, delivered what many described as the festival’s most unforgettable moment.
The sheer size of the crowd was matched by the calibre of the official guests who joined in the celebration.
The festival welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, parish clergy, and community leaders, alongside a roll call of political and diplomatic figures: Federal MP Dr Andrew Charlton, NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper, NSW Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis, Shadow Minister Mark Coure, State MP Donna Davis, and Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter.
They were joined by Greek Consul General George Skemperis, Deputy High Commissioner of Cyprus Nikolaos Varellas, councillors from Parramatta, Bayside and Cumberland, President of the St Ioannis Greek Orthodox Church Kos Dimitriou, festival organiser John Bris, and Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney Nia Karteris. Their presence underscored just how significant Let’s Go Greek has become on Sydney’s cultural calendar.
With so many leaders gathered under one roof — political, diplomatic, ecclesiastical, and community — the official speeches on the day carried both weight and warmth.
There were a number of official guests present.
Words of faith and unity
Archbishop Makarios was the first to speak, offering both blessing and inspiration.
“This event is a witness that we as Greeks and as Orthodox, are united. Whatever we do, we do it with love and faith… The past is not an option for us. We are looking only to the future, and we move forward towards it united, with the blessing of the Church,” he declared.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
Consul General Mr Skemperis, who has only been in Australia for a month, charmed the crowd with humour and heart.
“I grew up in Macedonia, Greece, famous for Alexander the Great and the best gyros in the world. If someone told me I’d have to cross an ocean to a place with poisonous snakes and spiders to eat the best gyros of my life, I’d say no way. But here I am!” he joked.
Turning serious, the Consul General urged parents and grandparents to “speak to your grandchildren in Greek at home… do whatever you can to keep the language alive.”
Consul General George Skemperis.Deputy High Commissioner Nikolaos Varellas.
For Deputy High Commissioner Mr Varellas, the festival was about bridge-building: “It gives the opportunity not only to Greeks, but to the broader community, to participate in a festival that showcases all aspects of Greek culture while creating inclusivity across New South Wales.”
Pride in community
NSW Minister Mr Kamper drew cheers when he proclaimed: “Why wouldn’t you want to celebrate being Greek? It’s one of the best things you could have.” He also noted the state government had “doubled support” for the festival.
Shadow Minister Mr Coure echoed the theme: “This seems to be getting bigger and better each and every year. We are lucky in NSW – one of the most multicultural states in one of the most multicultural countries in the world. Communities like the Greek community grow from strength to strength because of events like this.”
Steve Kamper MP.Mark Coure MP.
Federal MP Mr Charlton hailed the festival as “an absolute institution in Parramatta” after just 11 years: “Eleven years of culture, eleven years of great food, eleven years of faith, eleven years of family.”
Local MP Ms Davis described the parish as a beating heart for the city: “This is a fabulous precinct that celebrates not just on Let’s Go Greek day, but every single day of the year. It’s your community spirit that means so much to Parramatta.”
Donna Davis.Andrew Charlton.
Lord Mayor Mr Zaiter connected the festival to Parramatta’s wider story: “Parramatta is no longer Sydney’s second CBD. We are Australia’s second global city. The Let’s Go Greek Festival is a shining example of the kind of world-class cultural experiences we want here. Greek culture is woven into the fabric of our city.”
Finally, festival president Mr Dimitriou gave heartfelt thanks: “Your sacrifice and dedication is the heartbeat of this event… Kids, enjoy being Greek for the day.”
Martin Zaiter.Kos Dimitriou.
Raffle, sponsors and fireworks
Throughout the day, raffle tickets sold fast, offering chances to win $20,000 cash, two return tickets to Greece, jewellery, restaurant vouchers, and more.
The festival flourished thanks to the generous support of the NSW Government, Multicultural NSW, the City of Parramatta Council, and sponsors including Aussie Industries, Greek Law, and Divine Family Funerals.
By 9.30pm, as tired children leaned against parents’ shoulders clutching fairy floss, the sky exploded in a blaze of fireworks, closing the day in spectacular style.
A living legacy
From its beginnings in 2014 to drawing nearly 70,000 people in 2025, the Let’s Go Greek Festival has grown into a living legacy of heritage, faith, and unity.
Children with painted faces, teenagers dancing to DJs, parents sharing souvlaki, grandparents singing along with Ploutarhos – it was a true festival of generations.
That sense of home – in the music, the dancing, the food, and the faces of every generation – is why Parramatta’s Let’s Go Greek Festival has become one of the most beloved multicultural events in the nation.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos
The Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation has unveiled a series of major developments as it continues its mission to promote Hellenic language and culture in Australia, despite the closure of Modern Greek studies at Macquarie University.
End of a chapter at Macquarie University
In 2023, Macquarie University’s Faculty of Arts underwent significant reforms, which included the discontinuation of community language programs such as Greek, Italian, Croatian, and Russian. Despite strong lobbying and even an offer by the Foundation to cover the full costs of the Modern Greek program, the University confirmed the end of 40 years of Greek language teaching.
The Foundation expressed regret over the outcome but reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Hellenic studies in new ways, recognising the evolving academic, technological, and societal landscape of language learning.
Appointment of first CEO
To strengthen its role within the community, the Foundation announced the appointment of Leon Bombotas, a long-serving Board member, as its first Chief Executive Officer.
Mr Bombotas will serve in a voluntary capacity, leading the development and delivery of a five-year strategic plan designed to advance the Foundation’s objectives. The Board said his appointment marks the beginning of “a new era for the Foundation and its role within the Hellenic community.”
Winter School Program in Greece
Looking ahead, the Foundation confirmed it will sponsor a one-month Modern Greek language program for beginners in early 2026 at the Stavros Niarchos Centre, University of Ioannina. The initiative will provide Australian university students with intensive Greek language classes alongside a residential campus experience.
The program reflects the Foundation’s ongoing focus on creating opportunities for young Greek Australians to connect with their heritage through education and immersion.
Upcoming community fundraiser
The Foundation has also invited members of the Greek Australian community to support its initiatives by attending an upcoming Taverna Night:
Date: Friday, 7 November 2025
Time: 7:00 pm
Venue: Livadi Restaurant, Botany Bay Club
Cost: $80 per person
The evening will feature Greek food, live music, and community spirit, with all proceeds going towards the Foundation’s educational and cultural initiatives.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia welcomed a delegation from Panathinaikos Basketball Club to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese headquarters in Sydney on Saturday, September 20.
The group was led by Despina Giannakopoulou, widow of the late Panathinaikos owner and president Pavlos Giannakopoulos, and included current Club President Vasilios Parthenopoulos, General Director Stavros Dinos, and player Dinos Mitoglou.
They were received by His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth, Bishops-elect Athinagoras of Canberra and Christophoros of Kerasounta, and students from St Andrew’s Theological College before touring the Cathedral of the Annunciation and meeting Archbishop Makarios in a cordial atmosphere.
The Archbishop congratulated the club for staging the 7th International Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament in Australia, noting it offered “an additional opportunity to strengthen the bonds of the Greek diaspora with the motherland.”
Discussions also focused on the life of the Greek community in Australia and the work of the Orthodox Church. The Archbishop presented the delegation with commemorative centenary coins, while Panathinaikos gifted him a ring from the tournament.
The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia’s (GOCSA) Neoléa (Youth) Committee has been awarded the coveted Best Stall Award at this year’s Mosaic Festival Adelaide, recognising creativity, cultural storytelling, and community spirit.
The Neoléa team faced the challenge of encapsulating the richness of Greek culture within a single stall for Mosaic. Through their creative process, they identified yiayia’s saloni (grandmother’s living room) as the quintessential space that embodies the heart of Greek culture.
Yiayia’s saloni was more than just a room – it was a haven of warmth and tradition. Here, stories were shared, coffee flowed, and biscuits magically appeared, as conversations stretched long into the night. Every detail, from intricate lace tablecloths to family photos and embroidered cushions, was infused with memory and love, making the space a true reflection of Greek heritage.
To honour this spirit of kerasma (κέρασμα); the Greek tradition of offering something sweet to guests as a gesture of hospitality; visitors were treated to homemade Greek sweets and vanilia (ipovrichio), the traditional “submarine” spoon sweet. Just as in a Greek home, this act of sharing was our way of saying welcome, come in, you are part of our family.
“This year, we recreated the spirit of our yiayiades’ living rooms,” Chloe Katopodis, committee member of Neoléa, said.
“Our stall was curated from our own memories and shaped by conversations within the Neoléa community. It was about honouring where we come from, while sharing that experience with the broader South Australian community.”
Lenard Sciancalepore, CEO of MOSAIC Adelaide Inc., said: “My team and I were left speechless after Saturday night. We, and the audience, felt every emotion under the sun. It was very moving, I lost count of how many times I cried!”
“I had audience members write to me after saying, ‘This is the Australia I want to live in,’ and they couldn’t be more correct – This is South Australia. This is us. This is a part of who we are and we are so proud to have created magic together with so many communities. We stand united and we can’t wait for next year, we’ve already started planning!” Lenard added.
Visitors were invited to step inside ‘Yiayia’s Saloni,’ experiencing a space that blended nostalgia with pride, tradition with evolution. The stall became not just a showcase, but a living reminder of how culture is carried forward – through stories, hospitality, and connection.
The award is a testament to the passion and dedication of the Neoléa team, whose vision transformed their stall into a cultural time capsule that resonated deeply with festival-goers.
Neoléa extends a warm thank you to its volunteers, community, and festival visitors for helping bring ‘Yiayia’s Saloni’ to life — and welcomes everyone to continue the conversation, one coffee and one memory at a time.
With a packed hall at the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria and an atmosphere of deep emotion, the cultural event “A Century of Inspiration” took place on Saturday, 20 September 2025.
The event was dedicated to the legendary Greek composers Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hatzidakis, on the occasion of the centenary of their birth.
The event was organised by the Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia, with the support of the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria and the Pancretan Association of Melbourne.
The audience was taken on a journey through a unique composition of music, poetry, prose, dance, tributes, and speeches, highlighting the profound legacy and immortal contribution of the two great creators.
Special touches were offered through literary and historical references, student contributions from Oakleigh Grammar, Nestoras College, St John’s College, and the Greek Language and Culture Schools of the Greek Community of Melbourne, as well as the dynamic performance of the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria’s dance group, which stirred deep emotion and pride.
The artistic program featured the musicians: Maria Andaras-Dalamaga (accordion), Odysseas Kripotos (bass), Iakovos Papadopoulos (bouzouki), George Sevastakis (lute), Dimitris Stathopoulos (guitar), Christoforos Stathopoulos (percussion), and Katerina Stevens (violin).
On stage, the voices of John Kostarakis, Evangelia Baxa, and Anna Tsourdalakis were joined in song, while Antonis Tsourdalakis performed mantinades (Cretan rhymed couplets).
The event was further enriched by speeches from media representatives, Sotiris Hatzimanolis and Elias Diacolabrianos, and acclaimed actor Grigoris Valtinos.
The texts were curated by Vicky Petala, with Anthi Tzani as MC, narration by Hara Kogioni, and poster design by Evelina Karakasi. The concept and technical support were led by the Vice President of the Hellenic Writers’ Association, Evangelos Plokamakis.
Greetings were also extended by:
Dimitra Georgantzoglou, Consul General of Greece in Melbourne
Miltos Stamatakos, President of the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria
John Sachinidis, President of the Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia
The event was honoured by the presence of:
Father Georgios Fragos, representing His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora
Maria Triantafyllou, Deputy Coordinator of Education for Australia & New Zealand
The evening concluded with prolonged applause, leaving everyone with the strong sense that the music, words, and poetry of Hatzidakis and Theodorakis continue to unite, inspire, and guide us.
The Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia warmly thanks its supporters, artists, students, and all who contributed to an evening that will remain unforgettable in the memory of the community.
Victoria’s football community converged on Crown Palladium on Friday, September 19, as more than 900 passionate players, coaches, referees, administrators and volunteers united for the Victorian Football Gala, proudly presented by Senol.
It was a night of celebration and recognition, where the very best of our game were showcased across all levels; from off-field grassroots community heroes to the stars of NPL Victoria.
With participation records set to be smashed again in 2025, the prestige of the awards continues to soar, embracing more of our community each year.
Hosting the evening were A-Leagues broadcaster Michael Zappone and media personality Kat Sasso, who kept the energy high as the football community reflected on a truly unforgettable 2025 season.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said that the gala dinner will celebrate an incredible year of football in Victoria.
“The increases in participation at a grassroots level show Victorians love their football and are passionate about taking part on and off the field,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
“We know how important football is to our state and community, which is why we invested $8.1 million in upgrades to Olympic Park in Heidelberg, home to the recent winners of the National Premier League Men’s final, and it’s why we’ll continue to make Victoria the home of the world game.”
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of the many hardworking volunteers who form football’s backbone, taking on the thankless jobs that keep clubs thriving. Nominated by their peers, a dedicated group of community award winners were honoured on the night, including the celebrated Volunteer of the Year award, shared in 2025 by Megan Roussel (Maribyrnong Swifts) and Phillip Berry (Colts United FC).
Building on the incredible success of the Senol NPL Victoria Grand Final weekend; which drew over 13,700 passionate fans in the stands and more than 72,000 viewers online; the NPL Victoria awards were electric.
Oakleigh’s Joe Guest was crowned the 2025 NPLM Gold Medallist with an outstanding season, earning top honours with 33 votes, and impressive nine votes clear of second placed Bul Juach.
Guest’s stellar year also saw him claim the prestigious Bill Fleming Medal for the best NPLM player as voted by the commentary team, along with Dandenong Thunder’s Yuki Uchida.
In the NPLW, the Gold Medal was shared between Bulleen’s Danella Butrus and Spring Hill’s Aleksandra Sinclair, with both players finishing the night with 27 votes.
The NPLW Gold Medal count was a thrilling affair, with five players all in contention for the competition’s major award heading into the final round of the season.
Butrus had a standout evening, adding the NPLW Media Player of the Year and the Goal of the Year awards to her accolades.
Dan Birrell, FV Interim CEO, was thrilled to celebrate the 2025 season with representatives from across Victorian football.
“Congratulations to everyone who was recognised at this year’s awards,” Mr Birrell said.
“Your achievements inspire others across the football community and are a powerful reminder that hard work and dedication can open the door to success.
“While we are thrilled to recognise these individual accomplishments, this event also provides the platform to celebrate what we have achieved together for the good of our game.
“2025 has been yet another record-breaking year and we thank everyone in our community for being part of it.”
NPLM Award Winners
Gold Medal: Joe Guest (Oakleigh Cannons FC)
Players’ Player: Bul Juach (Heidelberg United FC)
Golden Boot: Bul Juach (Heidelberg United FC)
Goalkeeper of the Year: Yaren Sozer (Heidelberg United FC)
Coach of the Year: John Anastadiadis (Heidelberg United FC)
Goal of the Year: Luka Kolic (Melbourne Victory FC)
St Aloysius’ College at Milsons Point in Sydney’s lower North Shore has appointed John Tzantzaris as its new Deputy Principal.
Following a rigorous recruitment process that included experienced candidates, Tzantzaris was the unanimous choice of the interview panel, chaired by incoming Principal John Browne and including College Board Chair Mark Lennon and College Rector Fr Ross Jones SJ.
Having served as Acting Deputy Principal over the past 12 months, Tzantzaris has been praised for demonstrating his commitment to the College’s values.
The College noted he is “wholeheartedly committed” and “generously gives of himself to assist others, often stepping in to fulfil a role when it is needed.”
In a momentous event on Saturday, September 20, the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW) hosted a distinguished delegation from Panathinaikos Basketball Club as part of the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament in Australia. The event took place at the Greek Saturday School at Clemton Park PS.
The event was a highly anticipated occasion, with students enthusiastically prepared by their teachers to welcome the Panathinaikos delegation.
As the team players entered the hall, students performed the Panathinaikos hymn, creating an atmosphere of celebration and respect for the iconic club.
The Panathinaikos delegation included prominent figures such as international basketball stars Panagiotis Kalaitzakis and Vasilis Toliopoulos, who had recently earned bronze medals at EuroBasket 2025.
The delegation was also accompanied by Panathinaikos BC President, Vasilis Parthenopoulos, and Despina Giannakopoulou, widow of the late Pavlos Giannakopoulos, alongside key staff members from the Greek club.
The event was marked by a warm welcome from the Community’s President, Harry Danalis, who expressed his pride in the event.
“When we learned that the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament would be held in Australia, we eagerly embraced the opportunity. We took several actions to ensure its success, as the Greek diaspora here in Australia eagerly supports events that strengthen our connection to Greece and its rich cultural and sporting heritage,” Mr Danalis said.
In a heartfelt address, Mr Parthenopoulos reflected on his own time in Australia when he was a child and attended Greek School every Saturday and expressed his gratitude to the Greek community.
“It’s a joy to see the passion and dedication of these young students, who are learning to keep the Greek language and culture alive. Thank you to the Greek Orthodox Community for organising this memorable event,” Mr Parthenopoulos said.
Consul General of Greece in Sydney, George Skemperis, also addressed the crowd, emphasising the significance of Panathinaikos’ visit as an opportunity to showcase the excellence of Greek sports to the Australian Greek community.
“This is the Greece we want our children to see – vibrant, strong, and proud of its sporting achievements,” Mr Skemperis said.
As part of the event, the Community launched several initiatives to promote the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, including a student poster competition. The winners were announced during the event and recognised for their creativity and dedication:
Harry Kapsimalis – GOC Clemton Park Public School, Saturday Greek Class (ages 7-9)
Eleni Halatsis – GOC Summer Hill Public School, Thursday Greek Class (ages 10-12)
John Poulos – St Spyridon College (ages 13-15)
The winners received exclusive Panathinaikos BC merchandise and tickets to attend the tournament matches held on Sunday 21 September at Qudos Bank Arena.
In keeping with tradition, the leadership of the GOCNSW and Panathinaikos BC exchanged symbolic gifts to further strengthen the ties between Greece and the Australian Greek community.
The event concluded with a memorable moment as students, parents, and grandparents eagerly lined up to take photographs with Panathinaikos stars Kalaitzakis and Toliopoulos, creating lasting memories and a connection to the rich history of Greek basketball team.
This historic visit not only celebrated the spirit of sport but also reinforced the enduring bond between Greece and the Greek community in Australia.
Hieromonk Arsenios Papapanagiotou, a Melbourne-born clergyman who recently returned to the Canonical Church, passed away on Sunday, September 21, at the age of 54.
Born Markos Papapanagiotou in 1971 to migrant parents Michael and Maria from Keratsini, Attica, he dedicated his later years to spiritual renewal.
After a long period in the schism of Adelaide, Father Arsenios reconciled with the Church and was ordained Deacon on August 9 and Presbyter on August 15, 2025, by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
He passed away only weeks later following a battle with cancer, described by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia as departing “in repentance, spiritual joy, and inner fulfilment.”
The Funeral Service will take place at the Church of Saint Spyridon in Clayton, Melbourne, with details to be confirmed by the Archdiocese.
