With a strong message on identity and language, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia has emphasised the central role of Greek in Orthodox worship, warning against diluting its presence within the Church.
Speaking at the conclusion of the Vespers of the Taking Down of Christ from the Cross on Holy Friday at the Church of Saint Nektarios in Fawkner, the Archbishop highlighted the connection between liturgical life and cultural identity in the diaspora.
“If the Church loses its Greek identity, then we are lost. We must hold firm!” he said.
“We do not forget our identity,” His Eminence added, stressing the importance of preserving language and tradition within the Greek Orthodox community.
Archbishop Makarios expressed concern over the use of English alongside Greek during services, saying: “We here are Greeks. Who here does not understand Greek? I did not like that the service was divided half in Greek and half in English. We are Greeks, and we must preserve and uphold this. For if the Church loses its Greek identity, then we are lost. We must hold firm!”
While acknowledging practical needs within parishes, including more chanters and greater youth engagement, he maintained that the Greek language must remain central to worship.
“We have needs,” he noted, “but we will find chanters to chant in Greek. And we may include some English for our children, to bring them closer to the Church, but not half and half. We do not forget our identity. And I am glad that you receive this well and honour it.”
The Australian High Commission in Cyprus has held talks with the United Nations peacekeeping leadership on the situation in Cyprus.
High Commissioner Emily Pugin met with Khassim Diagne, the United Nations Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), during a meeting focused on the mission’s role on the island.
Established in 1964, UNFICYP remains one of the world’s longest-running peacekeeping operations, overseeing the buffer zone that separates Cyprus.
Discussions centred on the mission’s work in maintaining peace along the buffer zone, as well as broader global challenges facing peacekeeping efforts.
The meeting also referenced Australia’s historical involvement in Cyprus, where Australian personnel served in military, civilian and policing roles for 57 years — the country’s longest peacekeeping mission.
Participants additionally reflected on the role of the United Nations and multilateral cooperation in an increasingly complex international environment.
Decorated war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith has been granted bail after spending more than a week in custody over serious war crimes allegations.
The 47-year-old was arrested at Sydney Domestic Airport and charged with five counts of the war crime of murder, relating to incidents in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.
His legal team told a Sydney court the case was unprecedented and involved “uncharted legal territory,” arguing it was likely to take years, with “many twists and turns.” They said it would be unfair for him to prepare his defence while in custody.
Prosecutors opposed bail, describing the allegations as “gravely serious” and raising concerns about flight risk and potential interference with witnesses or evidence.
However, Local Court Judge Greg Grogin acknowledged the length and complexity of the case, granting bail with strict conditions to address those concerns.
Roberts-Smith has not yet entered pleas, but he denied the allegations throughout a previous defamation case against Nine newspapers. The court noted the distinction between that civil matter and the current criminal proceedings, where the burden of proof is higher.
He appeared via video link from Silverwater Correctional Complex, while his parents were present in court.
Olympiacos Piraeus have finished top of the EuroLeague regular season for the second consecutive year, sealing the No.1 seed with an 85–76 win over EA7 Emporio Armani Milan.
Olympiacos closed the season with a 26–12 record, ensuring no rival could overtake them heading into the final round of fixtures. They will now wait until April 24 to learn their playoff opponent, following the play-in games.
“I’m not happy with Australia because they were not there when we asked them to be there,” Trump said. “They were not there, having to do with Hormuz, the Hormuz Strait.”
However, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected the claim, insisting no formal or new request has been made by the US.
“Australia’s position is the same as it was yesterday,” Albanese said. “There have been no new requests, at all.”
The disagreement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Iran effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz following US strikes earlier this year, disrupting global oil shipments.
Defence Minister Richard Marles echoed the Prime Minister’s stance, saying Australia had “not received a specific request in relation to the Strait of Hormuz,” while reaffirming the country’s willingness to work with allies.
Meanwhile, Australia is bracing for ongoing fuel supply disruptions due to the crisis, with the government already securing emergency diesel shipments and pursuing further regional agreements. Officials have indicated Australia will participate in international talks led by the UK and France on protecting shipping routes, though any operational involvement remains uncertain.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed the federal government has used new fuel security powers to underwrite the purchase of 100 million litres of diesel, as global supply pressures intensify amid conflict in the Middle East.
The diesel — sourced from Brunei and South Korea in two shipments totalling 570,000 barrels — was secured under legislation passed last month, allowing the government to take on financial risk for fuel imports that may otherwise be too costly. The shipments were purchased by Viva Energy.
“This is the first of many expected shipments secured under the government’s new strategic reserve powers, with the support of Export Finance Australia,” Albanese said.
It is understood Australia consumes around 40 to 70 million litres of fuel per day, meaning the 100 million litres secured would cover only roughly one-and-a-half to two days of national demand.
The move comes as authorities respond to both global disruptions — including the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz — and domestic concerns following a fire at Viva Energy’s Geelong refinery. Albanese described the incident as involving “distressing scenes” but noted no injuries, warning there would “clearly” be consequences for fuel supply.
During talks in Kuala Lumpur with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Australia also secured a “no surprises” agreement on energy trade, part of a broader diplomatic push across the region to stabilise supply chains.
“This is a conflict that has caused unprecedented energy supply shocks right across the globe,” Albanese said.
“We’re working together to prepare and shield our citizens from the worst of the impacts of this global conflict.”
Malaysia, a key supplier of Australia’s fuel, reaffirmed its role as a reliable partner, with Ibrahim warning global markets remain under strain. “The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed for nearly seven weeks… the consequences are pummelling through the seven seas,” he said.
The government argues these agreements are essential as Australia remains heavily reliant on imported fuel, while critics have questioned the Prime Minister’s extensive travel — including more than 25,000km since late February — as part of the diplomatic effort.
Opposition figures labelled the travel “hypocritical” amid a national campaign urging Australians to reduce fuel use. “This is pure hypocrisy… pick up the phone not the boarding pass,” said opposition spokesman Tony Pasin.
Albanese has defended the trips as necessary, stating: “Australia is facing a more uncertain world, and therefore the certainty of those clear, close relationships is more important than ever.”
A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has come into effect following mediation by US President Donald Trump, who announced the agreement after speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
The temporary truce, which began at 7am Friday (AEST), is seen as a possible step towards easing broader regional tensions involving Iran. However, uncertainty remains over how it will hold, given Israel is engaged in conflict with Hezbollah rather than the Lebanese state itself.
“These two leaders have agreed that in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries, they will formally begin a 10-day CEASEFIRE,” Trump declared on social media.
Despite the announcement, Israeli strikes on Hezbollah-linked targets have continued, raising doubts about enforcement. Analysts warn the agreement’s fragility lies in Hezbollah’s position outside formal state control. “If that means the state of Lebanon, what about Hezbollah? They can break it tomorrow and that’s the end of the 10 days,” said Elliott Abrams.
Netanyahu described the ceasefire as “temporary” and a “timeout,” while maintaining Israeli troops would remain in a “security zone” in southern Lebanon.
“We have an opportunity to make a historic peace agreement with Lebanon,” he said.
Hezbollah has signalled conditional openness to the truce, tying its commitment to Israel halting all hostilities, while crediting Iran’s diplomatic role.
Meanwhile, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis held separate calls with both leaders, welcoming the ceasefire and stressing its importance for regional stability. He emphasised that preserving the truce is critical for peace and urged Lebanon to maintain full sovereignty across its territory, reaffirming Greece’s balanced ties with both nations.
The ceasefire comes amid ongoing negotiations involving the US, Iran and regional actors, with questions lingering over whether the short-term pause can evolve into a lasting agreement.
On Easter Sunday morning, the Greek Orthodox Parish–Community of Saint Anna on the Gold Coast gathered in large numbers to celebrate the Resurrection with great joy and reverence.
The day began with the beautiful Vespers of Love Liturgy, led by His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane.
The church was filled with parishioners who participated in this deeply moving service, highlighted by the reading of the Holy Gospel (John 20:19–25) in multiple languages, including Greek, Russian, Polish, Arabic, French, German, Latin, and English.
The parish was especially honoured that one of the Gospel readings was delivered by Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate and another by John-Paul Langbroek MP, Member for Surfers Paradise and Queensland Minister for Education and the Arts.
Following the service, Mayor Tate and the Mayoress, as well as Mr Langbroek and His Grace, enjoyed the celebrations which continued at the Hellenic Function Centre.
The President of the Community, Sandra Voukelatos, warmly welcomed special guests to a traditional Greek Orthodox Easter feast that was also enjoyed by approximately 360 attendees.
Guests were treated to traditional lamb, red eggs, and tsoureki, all lovingly prepared by the Greek Ladies Auxiliary with the support of dedicated volunteers.
The event was marked by a wonderful atmosphere of joy, community spirit, and cultural pride, with traditional music and dancing enjoyed by all.
This celebration not only reflected the enduring traditions of the Greek Orthodox faith but also highlighted the vibrant multicultural fabric of the Gold Coast community.
My ancestry traces back to Greece, a heritage that intertwines with my Australian upbringing, making me a crossbreed of Greek and Aussie.
My grandparents migrated to Sydney, driven by hopes for a better life.
They hailed from Peloponnese, Kalymnos, and Tripoli, arrived in their twenties, brought all the diverse idiosyncrasies that Greece had to offer and by some miracle found each other and made one big fat Greek family.
However, Sydney was alien to them. Their arrival delivered a spectrum of varying experiences, from a flourishing lifestyle, to the dark exposure of ostracism and at times racism.
So I raised the question; How can we build a sustainable multicultural community, whilst overcoming cultural xenophobia such as ‘a big Australia’?
Immigration has woven a vibrant cultural tapestry within urban cities like Sydney, giving rise to neighbourhoods with diverse restaurants, shops, and centers that reflect the rich heritage of their residents.
For instance, the suburb of Earlwood resonates with me as my ‘little Greek Town’, a homestead for my extended family. Earlwood is dotted with Greek restaurants and Orthodox churches, emblematic of our cultural identity.
With Australia’s growing diversity since 1945, where approximately seven million migrants from over 270 ancestries contribute to 30% of the national population, these ethnic havens foster holistic multiculturalism and national diversity.
Merging my personal experiences and cognitive research has revealed the developmental benefits of growing up within a multicultural environment.
My upbringing melded together European academic discipline with the support of Australia’s nurturing culture, which forged an educational journey during my formative years. Constant exposure to the Greek language, which I attribute to my family’s poor ‘volume management’, has facilitated my proficiency across many European languages.
This linguistic prowess has enabled me to correlate Greek, French, and Spanish which has created advantages in a language school.
Considering my future, it’s clear that my proficiency in foreign languages, European work ethic and Australian empathy will enhance my employability and broaden my academic horizons.
Ultimately, my early exposure to languages and diverse cultural approaches to education has augmented a cognitive flexibility which will benefit me socially and professionally.
Multicultural festivals serve as vibrant platforms to celebrate diversity and to share heritages. Greek Orthodox Easter holds a special place in my heart. From solemn Good Friday rituals to the Midnight Mass illuminating Christ’s resurrection, the lighting of candles and the succulent lamb feast creates a surreal unifying atmosphere. The battles of cracking red-dyed eggs evokes laughter and a feisty competitive spirit – I still yearn to seek revenge for last year’s defeat at the hands of my grandfather.
Easter celebrations for Giorgos.
Participating in festivals such as these encapsulates the essence of multicultural celebrations, creating connections between the spirituality, history, and community of a new home and old heritages. I’m still counting down the days for next year’s Greek Orthodox Easter.
On the other hand, it has been a struggle to balance mainstream immigration without creating concerns regarding resource sustainability. As such, immigrants have faced challenges in achieving cultural acceptance. Growing beyond my formative years has foregrounded an awareness of Australia’s underlying social prejudices.
My parents have disclosed tales about facing ostracism, which has allowed me to characterise the mumbled biases I’ve witnessed my whole life as “quiet racism”. Criticisms for our names, language, and food choices flew over my head as a child, but ate away at me as a young man. I blamed it on jealousy for my cultures’ complexity, seeing as modern Australia is only a few 100 years old – and not the best 100 years either.
My grandparents too were unjustly accused of ‘stealing jobs’, despite accepting demanding hours, cruel conditions and unforgiving pay. Looking back, I wonder why those who complained never worked alongside them in the sweltering factories in Fairfield and cold seamstress basements in Liverpool.
This structural lack of acceptance extended beyond social courts to policy-makers, having been noticed by the former Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s critical vision of a larger immigration-charged population. She spouted that it would reduce crucial resources like housing, healthcare, transportation, and education, articulating the ‘big Australia’ notion in 2010.
After the national population was projected to rise from 22 million in 2010 to 35 million in 2050 I can’t blame people for agreeing with her. Immigration-driven population growth raises resource consumption and carbon emissions. Increased energy, water, and resource use heighten environmental concerns, especially in the face of climate change.
The link between cultural diversity and sustainable resource allocation presents a paradox in mainstream immigration. It’s impossible to fully analyse immigration’s cost-benefit balance, thus cannot completely invalidate either side of this debate.
Truthfully, I believe the introduction of Greek food is enough to value cultural diversity.
Regarding the ostracism that clouded this conversation and impacted my grandparents, it is both unfounded and socially out of date.
My relatives came here with such little money you could count it with your fingers.
Seeing where I am now, at university, living with a big family in a comfortable home, my family’s culture of immigration is not an anchor but an inspiration.
At the end of day we’re even. We come and fill up your country, and you return the favour on your annual European summer trip. Thank you.
Richmond’s Laikon Deli, a beloved institution since 1976, is marking nearly 50 years of serving its community, evolving from a traditional Greek grocer into a modern deli and café while maintaining its strong neighbourhood roots.
Originally a lifeline for Melbourne’s Greek population – selling staples like olive oil, feta and dry goods in bulk – the family-run business is now led by third-generation owner Jon Pandoleon.
Jon has expanded its offerings to include a wide range of European and Australian products, as well as ready-made meals and a popular sandwich counter.
In 2018, Laikon grew further with the addition of a sit-down café, now known for favourites like spanakopita, souvlaki and bougatsa, blending tradition with contemporary dining.
Despite its growth and upcoming 50-year celebrations – including wine nights and live music – the heart of Laikon remains its daily connection to loyal, multi-generational customers, with the family confident the deli’s story is far from over.
