Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides left Monday’s meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar frustrated, as three key proposals on confidence-building measures were rejected.
According to Cyprus Mail, Tatar refused to progress discussions on opening new crossing points, announcing the long-delayed Pyla agreement, or implementing the 2011 Mia Milia water-sharing deal.
Christodoulides said the talks were dominated by Tatar’s complaints about recent arrests made in the south over the usurpation of Greek Cypriot properties in the north.
“There is no positive response. It will be examined. We will see what happens,” Christodoulides stated, adding that the “yavas-yavas [slowly-slowly] approach is not working for the Cyprus problem.”
Despite setbacks, agreements were reached on restoring 30 cemeteries – 15 in each community – and launching the long-awaited Technical Committee on Youth. Some progress was also reported on environmental issues.
The President reiterated his commitment to a resolution and called for greater international involvement.
Tatar, meanwhile, expressed strong dissatisfaction over the property-related arrests, accusing the Greek Cypriot side of politicising the issue.
He said, “this issue greatly bothers the Turkish Cypriots,” and criticised the lack of common ground, though both sides agreed to meet again soon under UN auspices.
Israeli ministers have endorsed a plan to capture all of Gaza and maintain a military presence there indefinitely, two officials confirmed.
The move, approved by Israel’s security cabinet, includes the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to the south and marks a major escalation in the ongoing conflict.
The war resumed in mid-March after an eight-week truce collapsed. Israel has since blocked aid to the territory, triggering a worsening humanitarian crisis, and renewed strikes have killed over 2,600 people in recent weeks.
The Gaza strip. Photo: Mahmoud Essa / AP.
The overall death toll in Gaza has surpassed 52,000, mostly civilians, according to Palestinian health authorities. Over 90 per cent of Gaza’s population has been displaced.
Military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said tens of thousands of reservists are being called up and Israel will “operate in additional areas” of Gaza.
The Israeli government has vowed not to end the war until Hamas is defeated, while Hamas demands a ceasefire deal.
The next generation of Greek Australian talent took centre stage on Sunday, May 4, at the Chau Chak Wing Museum in Sydney, as the 2nd Greek Youth Creative and Performing Arts Competition celebrated the artistic brilliance of young people aged 12 to 24.
An initiative of the Greek Festival of Sydney under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW), the event drew entries from across the state in four categories — art, writing, music and performing — with this year’s theme, “Beyond Greek Borders,” inviting participants to explore Hellenic identity in a global context.
The awards ceremony was emceed by Maria Kakali, the 2024–2025 Greek Community Languages Ambassador and a current Modern Greek student at the university. She opened the event with an Acknowledgement of Country and urged students to continue embracing their language and heritage through education and creativity.
Distinguished guests included Harry Danalis, President of the GOCNSW; Chrysa Prokopaki, Trade Commissioner of Greece in Australia, representing the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis; and Nia Karteris, Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney. Special thanks were extended to Dr Craig Barker, Head of Public Engagement at the Chau Chak Wing Museum, for his ongoing support of the initiative.
In his address, Mr Danalis praised the entrants for their imagination and commitment to culture, noting that events like this are essential in preserving Hellenic identity in modern Australia. He emphasised the importance of encouraging youth to express themselves creatively while honouring their Greek roots.
Participants across three age brackets — 12–15, 16–18 and 19–24 — submitted entries in visual arts, creative writing and performance. Although no entries were received in the music category this year, the quality and diversity of submissions in the remaining categories impressed organisers.
All participants were acknowledged on stage and received certificates of participation, with their work displayed on screen.
A standout moment came when Eleftherios Giannas, the sole performing arts entrant in the 12–15 age group, took to the stage with a live bouzouki performance, earning enthusiastic applause.
In a short address, Andrew Caramanis reflected on the competition as more than a showcase, describing it as a “bridge” between heritage and identity — a meaningful space for young Greek Australians to connect, create, and express who they are in a multicultural Australia.
Winning entrants were awarded monetary prizes of $500, with runners-up receiving $300. Some winners were unable to attend and will be contacted individually to receive their prizes.
Award winners on the day were:
Arts Category:
12–15 years:
Winner – Nichol Stratis (not present)
Runner-up – Olympia Mournehis (not present)
16–18 years:
Winner – Olga Giannikouris
Runner-up – Niko Tsiokos (not present)
19–24 years:
Winner – Kosta Giitsidis (prize accepted by his mother)
Runner-up – Elaina Kazouris
Writing Category:
12–15 years:
Winner – James Caramanis
Runner-up – Zaharenia Filactos
16–18 years:
Equal Winners – Andrew Caramanis and Yiorgios Filactos
Performing Category:
12–15 years:
Winner – Eleftherios Giannas
As the Greek Festival of Sydney continues its 43rd year, this competition once again underscored the power of creative expression in strengthening community bonds and passing on Greek heritage to future generations.
A powerful sense of pride and emotion swept through the Greek Orthodox Parish of the Resurrection of Our Lord in Kogarah, Sydney, on Sunday, 4 May 2025, as the Hellenic Presidential Guard — the Evzones — paid a historic visit.
The occasion drew thousands of faithful from across the community, united in celebration of both Orthodox faith and Greek national heritage.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
The day began with the Evzones standing in solemn formation during the Divine Liturgy, officiated by His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, supported by parish priests Father Athanasios Giatsios and Father Socrates Dokos alongside Deacon Timothy Mavromatis.
Distinguished guests included Ioannis Mallikourtis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney; Michalis Tzinieris, Commander of the Greek Presidential Guard; Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos, Defence Attaché of the Hellenic Republic in Canberra, Georges River Councillor Sam Stratikopoulos; Bayside City Councillor Vicki Poulos; President of the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community at Kogarah, Nicholas Varvaris, and Vice President Christos Georgiou; as well as the coordinators of the Greek afternoon and Saturday schools, and representatives from various Hellenic and community organisations.
(L-R) Bayside Councillor Vicki Poulos, Consul General Ioannis Mallikourtis, Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos, Commander Michalis Tzinieris, and Lieutenant Athanasios Loulas.
In an address, Bishop Christodoulos extended a heartfelt welcome to the Evzones, conveying the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and expressing the parish’s deep gratitude for their presence. His words reflected the pride and reverence felt by all who attended.
After the service, the Evzones were welcomed outside the church by students of the Kogarah Greek afternoon and Saturday schools, proudly dressed in traditional Greek costume and waving Greek flags.
In a striking moment, the ceremonial procession made its way across the street to the Lemnos Memorial, with traffic respectfully halted to allow the dignified march to proceed.
At the Lemnos Memorial opposite the church, a commemorative service was held in honour of the fallen heroes of World War I, particularly the ANZACs who served on the Greek island of Lemnos.
The ceremony featured a memorial conducted by Bishop Christodoulos, the singing of the Greek and Australian national anthems, the reading of the Ode by Panagiotis Tsigounis, and a wreath-laying ceremony conducted by official guests. A minute of silence was observed in tribute to the fallen.
Following the formalities, the public was invited to take photographs with the Evzones, a rare and cherished opportunity that brought joy to many families and students. The atmosphere was one of shared remembrance, cultural pride, and deep connection to heritage.
More than a ceremonial visit, the day rekindled a powerful connection to homeland, faith, and collective memory. It left a lasting impression on all in attendance, marking it as a significant and uplifting chapter in the life of the Kogarah parish and the broader Greek Australian community.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos
Photographer and filmmaker Eirini Alligiannis launched her striking exhibition Art On The Wallon Tuesday, April 29, as part of the Greek Festival of Sydney, drawing visitors into the vibrant world of New York’s street art culture.
Held from April 29 to May 4, the free exhibition featured photography and themes from Alligiannis’ accompanying book, exploring urban culture through graffiti, movement, and the energy of city streets.
The first book chapter revisits the now-demolished 5PointZ in Queens, featuring images from Alligiannis’ award-winning documentary Louie (KR. ONE) Gasparro 5PointZ, alongside breakdancer Ze Motion, who brings the walls to life with his expressive movement.
The second chapter moves to Brooklyn’s Bushwick Collective, capturing the bold, ongoing creativity of one of New York’s most active street art hubs.
“As an Australian Greek photographer, filmmaker, and now author, it was a true honour to be part of the Greek Festival of Sydney and to present Art On The Wall,” Alligiannis told The Greek Herald.
“This work speaks to a blend of experiences, memories, and emotion… I’m deeply grateful to the Greek Festival of Sydney for the opportunity to share this perspective and for making space for new creative voices within our shared cultural landscape.”
Greek music icon Peggy Zina brought the house down at the Hellenic Club of Canberra on Friday, May 2, with a sold-out crowd of 540 fans packing the venue for an unforgettable night of live music and Greek spirit.
Part of her Australian tour, the concert featured Zina’s signature blend of traditional Greek sounds and contemporary pop, with a setlist spanning her chart-topping hits and new releases.
She was joined on stage by Charis Georgiou, a full band from Greece, and local guest Maria Maroulis.
The event drew Greek music lovers from across the region, including many from Sydney, who turned the concert into a weekend getaway, enjoying the Hellenic Club’s award-winning dining and the sights of Canberra.
Organised by the Hellenic Club of Canberra, the $150 tickets — making it the most affordable Zina concert in the country — sold out quickly, with attendees praising the intimate venue and electric atmosphere.
Zina’s powerful vocals and emotional performance earned standing ovations, cementing the night as a highlight for Greek Australian music fans.
On Friday, May 2, the schools of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) had the honour and pleasure of hosting Andreas Papadopoulos, an acclaimed dance instructor from the Dora Stratou Theatre in Athens, for a special two-hour traditional dance workshop.
Students from all campuses of the GCM’s schools were invited to participate in the event, which offered a unique opportunity to learn and experience Greek traditional dances under the guidance of one of Greece’s most respected teachers.
The second part of the workshop was open to parents and educators from the GCM’s school community, and the session evolved into a lively celebration filled with music, dance, and the joyful spirit of Greek culture.
Mr Papadopoulos, who is currently visiting Melbourne as a guest of the Kos Club of Melbourne and Victoria, expressed his deep appreciation for the students’ effort and enthusiasm.
He also praised the ongoing commitment of the GCM’s educators—especially Jenny Iliou—in preserving and passing on Greece’s rich dance heritage to the third generation of Greek Australians.
This special day was a true celebration of culture and identity, strengthening the bonds between school, family, and tradition.
Christina Scalone has been named one of seven 2025 Seniors of the Year for the Drummoyne electorate, in recognition of her outstanding voluntary service to numerous charities and causes, including The Cottage Kitchen.
Nominated by the Board of the St Nectarios Parish and Community at Burwood, Ms Scalone was presented with the award by Drummoyne MP Stephanie Di Pasqua during a recent visit.
The ceremony took place in the presence of parish priest Father George Liangas, members of the Board and Youth In Action, and the Ladies Philoptochos.
Ms Di Pasqua also toured The Cottage Kitchen facilities during her visit, acknowledging Scalone’s lifelong commitment to helping others.
“Thank you to Stephanie for her visit, and this acknowledgement of the life long achievements of Christina Scalone,” Saint Nectarios Burwood said on social media.
The Greek Festival of Sydney, in collaboration with the Department of Modern Greek Studies at Sydney University, has proudly announced a unique opportunity for emerging filmmakers: the 1st Greek Australian Youth Filmmaking Competition. This is more than a competition; it’s a platform to amplify your voice and vision.
They are calling on the next generation of cinematic storytellers (aged 18-30) to delve into the rich tapestry of the “Greek Australian Panorama.” This is your chance to capture the essence of a vibrant, evolving identity – the stories, the struggles, the triumphs, and the unique cultural fusion that defines the Greek Australian experience.
What they are looking for:
They are not just looking for films; they are seeking cinematic experiences. Whether it’s a gripping short film, a powerful documentary, an evocative music video, or a thought-provoking film essay, they want you to push boundaries and challenge conventions.
Your film should be a reflection of your perspective, your artistry, and your interpretation of what it means to be Greek Australian in today’s world. Think outside the box:
Raw Authenticity: Unfiltered narratives that resonate with truth.
Visual Poetry: Films that move and inspire through stunning imagery.
Cultural Fusion: Explorations of the dynamic interplay between Greek and Australian cultures.
Untold Stories: Shedding light on the hidden gems and unsung heroes of the Greek Australian community.
This is your opportunity to connect with a national audience, gain invaluable exposure, and contribute to the ongoing narrative of the Greek presence in Australia.
The prize:
The winning filmmaker will receive a $2,000 prize to fuel their future projects and will have their work showcased at the prestigious 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney, a prime platform for emerging talent.
Key details:
Eligibility: Australian residents aged 18-30.
Submission Deadline: 31st August 2025.
Film Length: Maximum 10 minutes.
Your Story. Your Vision. Your Film. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. For full details, guidelines, and to submit your film, visit: www.greekfestivalofsydney.com.au
From the moment they walk in, people can be expected to be greeted by a cozy, welcoming atmosphere designed for comfort and conversation.
The menu will feature a range of carefully curated offerings, with a special spotlight on traditional Greek sweets – lovingly prepared and full of the rich, authentic flavours.
“We truly appreciate your patience and enthusiasm as we prepare to launch. We look forward to seeing you soon,” the Club stated in a press release.
