On March 3, Greece celebrated Clean Monday, known locally as ‘Kathara Deftera,’ marking the onset of Lent with nationwide festivities.
Families and friends gathered outdoors to enjoy traditional foods, music, and the customary flying of kites.
In Athens, the Filopappou Hill became a focal point for celebrations. From early morning, residents and visitors assembled with baskets filled with Lenten delicacies.
Χιλιάδες Αθηναίες και Αθηναίοι, αλλά και επισκέπτες γιορτάσαμε όλοι μαζί την Καθαρά Δευτέρα στον πανέμορφο λόφο του Φιλοπάππου.
Ο Δήμος Αθηναίων φρόντισε να δημιουργήσει μια ατμόσφαιρα γιορτής με μουσική, χορό και παραδοσιακά εδέσματα για όλους.
The Municipality of Athens organised a public festivity, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere for Athenians welcoming Lent. The Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality initiated the festivities at 11am, creating a festive ambiance.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas remarked, “Thousands of Athenians and visitors celebrated Clean Monday together on the beautiful Filopappou Hill. The Municipality of Athens ensured a festive atmosphere with music, dance, and traditional delicacies for all. The wind helped the kites fly very high! A note of joy and carefreeness, which we so much need! Happy Lent!”
In Thessaloniki, despite strong winds, residents ascended the city’s Acropolis to partake in kite flying, a cherished Clean Monday tradition. The skies above Thessaloniki were adorned with colourful kites, symbolising the day’s spirit.
Flying a kite at the Acropolis of Thessaloniki. Photo: Eurokinissi.
Patras, renowned for its vibrant carnival, continued the festivities into Clean Monday. Following the ceremonial burning of King Carnival, locals flocked to parks to indulge in food, music, and spirited games, all under a sunny sky that complemented the lively atmosphere.
Throughout Greece, Clean Monday, also referred to as ‘Koulouma’, is synonymous with outdoor excursions and picnics.
Traditional foods such as ‘lagana’ (a type of unleavened bread), ‘taramosalata’ (fish roe dip), olives, and various seafood dishes are savoured. The custom of kite flying adds to the day’s festivities, with skies filled with colourful kites of all shapes and sizes.
A new establishment has emerged in the heart of Brunswick: a veritable ark of repurposed nostalgia, with furniture straight from Maria Vamvakinou’s living room.
It’s called Patris, in honour of the ship that brought Maria and so many other migrants to Australian shores, and it is a captivating, and perhaps deliberately provocative, collision of migrant history, considered kitsch, and culinary fusion.
Step inside, and you’re immediately immersed in a meticulously curated chaos. Reclaimed wood and industrial interiors sit alongside resurrected relics from a grandmother’s attic – think velvet-upholstered armchairs with dubious provenance and side tables that seem to whisper tales of bygone eras. The walls are a gallery of contradictions: metallic Seventies decor juxtaposed with abstract prints and paintings, many created by Cypriot artist Michalis Michael, co-owner of Patris along with his children, Stella and Stavros Michael and son-in-law Johnny Hasan.
A new establishment has emerged in the heart of Brunswick. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
A visual feast designed to both stimulate and disorient. The culinary offerings, naturally, are equally ambitious. Maria and Michalis’ son, Stavros, marathon runner and chef, presides over a kitchen where global flavours collide with reckless abandon.
“We’re not playing it safe,” confides son-in-law Johnny, with a hint of both pride and trepidation. “We’re doing pig and tomato chutney, chickpea salad, and this insane chili oil and mushroom pâté.”
Imagine Cypriot loukanika, the cured meat staple, reimagined as a fig and tomato chutney toastie, a culinary tightrope walk that could either soar or plummet.
A few minutes later, he is serving delectable bite-sized pavlovas to guests, because Australia is also integral to Patris’ multicultural offerings.
The name itself, “Patris,” is a knowing wink to Melbourne’s past, a nod to the Greek ocean liner that ferried thousands of migrants to Australian shores after World War II. For many, it’s a vessel of memory, a floating symbol of hope and hardship. Here, however, it’s also a brand, a carefully crafted narrative woven into the very fabric of the space.
Ahmet Keskin, a prominent figure in intercultural dialogue, lends an air of gravitas to the Open Day.
“Getting migrant communities to Australia and promoting the Australian identity is vital,” he states.
Patris does this authentically, and fills with locals, friends, and even young entrepreneurs such as 13-year-old Sylvana Tramontana, whose little biscuit jars are on sale for $25.
“It began as a project and gifts for teachers, and now I sell them,” she says, with her proud mother adding that she earned $5,000 in November-December from market sales.
Though not a social enterprise, Patris has a social conscience, paying homage to Christos Tsirkas with a frame on a bench in his honour, and even an International Women’s Day event on March 8 featuring some of the Greek community’s most powerful and unassuming women, hosted by Greek Community of Melbourne Vice President Anthea Sidiropoulos. The panel includes former minister Jenny Mikakos, Deputy Mayors Emily Dimitriadis (Darebin) and Helen Politis, and of course Ms Vamvakinou.
Patris is already making waves, and Brunswick is watching. Open from 9am to 2pm from Thursday to Sunday and for books and special occasions. Located at 140 Barkly Street, Brunswick.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
Melbourne’s annual Halloumi Festival at the Cypriot Community Hall on Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2 wasn’t just a celebration of grilled cheese; it was a defiant roar of a community determined to build its future.
Theo Theophanous, President of the Cypriot Community of Melbourne and Victoria (CCMV), wasn’t shy about his community’s impact.
CCMV President Theo Theophanous invites VIP guests to join the rest of those present. Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis / Andrea Demetriou.
“[It was] the largest gathering and demonstration on the 50th anniversary of the invasion anywhere in the diaspora (including London and New York).”
Yet, this monumental effort, coupled with the festival’s growing popularity and cultural significance, failed to secure funding.
Official guests.
“We used to receive a $20,000 grant for the Halloumi festival,” Mr Theophanous revealed to The Greek Herald, “but despite it being bigger than ever, there were no grants for this year’s.”
Undeterred, he vowed to make the festival “a large annual event on the Victorian events calendar for the entire community, not just Cypriots.”
As Federal Member for Wills, Peter Khalil, representing Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, aptly stated, “It is the people that make the festival.”
Peter Khalil MP.
A vibrant tapestry was present. Maro Ostrognay’s South Melbourne Dance Group dazzled, as did her unique Cypriot culinary delights. Sotiris Sotiriou’s Pegasus troupe evoked generations of tradition, and Theano Milidis’ violin strings wove magic with singer Sotiris Stylianos’ band, Aetos. They filled the air with sounds of home, a poignant reminder of the island they yearned for.
Enjoying Cypriot hospitality.
The shadow of the 1974 invasion loomed large. His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora, with palpable emotion, reminded attendees, “Half a century has passed and still the words of division remain.”
Yet, he offered a message of resilience: “Borders may be drawn, and may be taken, but the spirit of people when greeted injustice and righteousness can never be broken.”
Kat Theophanous MP emphasised the festival’s unifying power: “Food truly is a universal language.”
Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Dimitra Georgantzoglou, freshly minted in her post, celebrated “Cypriot civilisation.”
Kat Theophanous MP.Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Dimitra Georgantzoglou.
The festival also ignited debate over halloumi’s designation, currently a unifier between the Turkish-occupied north and Greek south of the island.
High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis declared, “Australia will need to rename Halloumi as Cypriot cheese,” if legal protections are secured.
Maria Vamvakinou MP, however, vowed to be a “formidable adversary” in defending the name’s use among local makers of Cypriot heritage.
High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis.Maria Vamvakinou MP.Evan Mulholland MP.
There were references to the community’s ambitious redevelopment project. Last year, Mr Theophanous, speaking to The Greek Herald, detailed plans for a six-storey “Greek village” within Melbourne, a partnership with Lucent Property Development Group.
The project includes a 600-square-metre function room, a traditional kafenio, retail spaces to address the community’s $3 million debt with a “steady income stream.” There will be community offices, a potential after-hours school, a consular office, underground parking, a rooftop garden, and 50 apartments.
“Our biggest challenge is bringing the next generation, but we hope they will be able to make use of the facilities of the new building,” Mr Theophanous admitted. “The CCMV has now been granted charity status after years of trying and this will significantly reduce our tax burden but also gives us obligations to help the disadvantaged in our community.”
This year, he shared new challenges.
“Problems due to a music venue across the road which would have meant significant additional cost in installing sound barriers. We have had to come to an agreement with the music venue owner, even though it is no longer operating, to purchase the music licence and remove it but we are still waiting for the Council to give the green light,” he said.
Mr Theophanous added, “We are hoping to demolish the existing building this year and commence construction with the aim of having it completed by 2027.”
Interested parties signed up for future housing. They hope that construction will begin before next year’s Halloumi Festival.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis / Andrea Demetriou.
On Saturday, March 1, the Food for Thought Network (FFTN) hosted a compelling International Women’s Day (IWD) event under the theme ‘From Silence to Strength: Reclaiming the Female Narrative.’
The virtual gathering brought together more than 60 attendees from Australia, the United States, Canada, Greece, and South America, creating a global moment of unity and empowerment.
The event, expertly moderated by Helen Karagiozakis, featured an inspiring keynote address by human rights lawyer Stella Boyages and an engaging panel discussion with VASSY (award-winning singer-songwriter), Andriana Simos (award-winning journalist and Digital Editor of The Greek Herald), and Stavroula Lampropoulos (visual artist, photographer and mother).
In her opening remarks, FFTN founder and chair, Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou AM, welcomed participants, highlighting the importance of amplifying women’s voices and honouring the network’s 24-year commitment to empowering women.
“We have been connecting, inspiring, and mentoring women for over two decades. Giving voice to women, profiling their achievements, and financially supporting underprivileged women are at the heart of what we do,” Varvara noted.
Challenging ‘His Story’: A thought-provoking Keynote
Stella Boyages gave the keynote speech.
Keynote speaker Ms Boyages captivated the audience with her talk, ‘Her Story vs. His Story.’ She explored how history has traditionally been written from a male perspective, often erasing or misrepresenting women’s contributions.
“For too long, women’s voices have been forgotten, misrepresented, stereotyped, maligned, and usurped,” Stella stated. “It is time for women to be heard. Time for women to tell their story their way.”
Referencing Greek mythology, historical biases, and modern feminist perspectives, Stella traced the evolution of patriarchal narratives and urged women to reclaim their rightful place in history.
Panel Moderator Helen Karagiozakis.
Women leading in their fields: A dynamic panel discussion
Following the keynote, three inspiring and young Greek Australian women shared their personal journeys and perspectives on this year’s theme for IWD – “March Forward.”
Internationally renowned singer-songwriter VASSY spoke about the challenges of being a Greek Australian woman in a male-dominated industry.
VASSY speaks.
“I was kicked out of school choir as a child because I was told I didn’t have what it took [to be good],” she recalled. “Years later, I became a multi-platinum, number one Billboard artist. So, it just goes to show you that rejections are simply redirections.”
She also highlighted the importance of supporting women in the entertainment industry: “Women need to come together and celebrate each other.”
The Greek Herald’s Digital Editor Miss Simos passionately spoke about her commitment to ensuring Hellenic women’s voices are heard in Australian media.
The Greek Herald’s Digital Editor, Andriana Simos.
“So many Hellenic women are under-recognised and underrepresented in mainstream media in Australia. My role is to find them, share their stories, and ensure they receive the recognition they deserve,” Miss Simos said.
She also highlighted the impact of The Greek Herald’s ‘Woman of the Year’ Awards, which are in their second year and shine a spotlight on ‘unsung heroines’ within the Hellenic community in Australia.
“Every year, we receive an amazing response from the community. These awards give people a chance to nominate women who they believe deserve to be recognised in our community, they encourage active participation, and foster conversations around the importance of recognising female contributions to the Hellenic community in Australia,” she said.
As a young female editor leading a predominantly female team, Miss Simos added that she sees her work as breaking barriers for future generations of female journalists.
“I hope that in my role, I can lead by example and encourage more women to pursue journalism. It’s a demanding job, but it’s one of the most rewarding ways to amplify stories that often go unheard,” she said.
Photographer and mother Ms Lampropoulos shared how society forces women to choose between career and family, a system she actively challenges through her work.
Stav Lampropoulou speaks.
“We must stop comparing ourselves to men, to get ourselves out of that patriarchal system and stop trying to achieve the same things as them because we are different. It’s time for us. We have all the resources in the world to make our lives and our careers serve us,” Ms Lampropoulos said.
“For me, ‘March Forward’ means finding empowerment in our wisdom, our abilities and our resources. We are very resourceful so we need to build that village, stay true to our values, our wants and our needs, and also our family’s needs.”
Her words resonated with many, especially young mothers navigating the same struggles.
A wave of global support and recognition
The event concluded with an open discussion, where attendees expressed appreciation for the empowering conversations and the growing global impact of FFTN.
Questions from the audience. (L) Founder of the Food for Thought Network, Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou.
“Varvara, you have started a movement that is slowly but surely going global,” one participant wrote. “This is not just about our cultural pride; it’s about building a worldwide network of women who are taking their rightful place in the narrative and amplifying each other’s strengths.”
Another participant praised the event’s inclusivity and engagement.
All the attendees.
FFTN announced that its next event, scheduled for April 2025, will focus on women’s health and menopause.
As the event wrapped up, Varvara left attendees with a powerful call to action: “We must keep moving forward. We must keep amplifying our voices. Together, we are shaping history.”
With that, the Food for Thought Network’s IWD’s 2025 event left a lasting impact, proving that women’s voices are stronger together.
For more details on FFTN’s upcoming events, visit their official website here.
Pontoxeniteas NSW’s Parakath (Pontian for taverna night) was a vibrant celebration of the community’s achievements.
Pontoxeniteas NSW president Maria Anthony, alongside committee members Esta Paschalidis-Chilas, Kyriaki Tsavdaridis, Athena Belogiannis, Despina Poniris, Nena Lambousis, and Sophie Karatasas, expressed their gratitude for the support, financial contributions, and donations that made the renovations possible.
The event was further graced by the presence of members from Panagia Soumela Sydney and Diogenes Wollongong, with respective Presidents Peter Papoulidis and Nick Chrissostomidis, their committees, and members joining in the celebrations.
The warmth and unity among the Pontian community was palpable, as all attendees reaffirmed their shared heritage.
A highlight of the evening was the musical performances, with talented youth from Pontoxeniteas NSW (Kosta Papoulidis, Peter Tsenkas, Prodromos Moysiadis, Zoe Karatasas) and Panagia Soumela Sydney (Eric Fotiadis) — taking to the stage, adding to the festivities.
The event also featured an exceptional buffet, thanks to the BBQ Kings Chris Taxidis, Glenn Anthony, Alex Lambousis, and the rest of the committee.
Attendees enjoyed a delightful meal while celebrating together.
The night reflected the Association’s intergenerational spirit, bringing together members of all ages. The Association expressed appreciation for the ongoing support of members, families, and friends.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia celebrated a Doxology Service at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, Sydney on Friday, February 28, to mark the graduation of students from St Andrew’s Theological College.
During the service, His Eminence also awarded certificates to graduates of the Byzantine Music School, who completed a four-year course of study.
Degrees were also conferred by His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim of Sevasteia, Their Graces Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis and Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, Christophoros Krikelis, Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, and Ioannis Mallikourtis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney.
Also present were Assoc. Professor Philip Kariatlis, Sub-Dean of the Theological College, faculty members, teachers from the Byzantine Music School, and the graduates’ families and friends.
In his address, Archbishop Makarios praised the Byzantine Music School, which he founded shortly after his arrival in Australia, for its role in preparing individuals to support the local Church by serving at sacred chanting stands during services.
He then congratulated the graduates of the Theological College, highlighting the importance of the faculty and families’ support in their academic journey. The Archbishop emphasised that theology is not merely an academic discipline, but a divine gift.
“Theology is a gift ‘coming down from the Father of lights’ (James 1:7) that brings us before the mystery of God’s love,” he said.
The Archbishop reminded the graduates that theology is not only informative but also transformative, urging them to present a living testimony of the presence of Christ in their future ministries.
Finally, Archbishop Makarios stressed that for theology to remain authentic, it must offer a glimpse of Christ’s future kingdom.
For the past 47 years, Sydney’s Patrino Karnavali has brought the vibrancy of Greece’s largest carnival to Australia, giving the Greek community and friends from all backgrounds an unforgettable night of celebration.
This year, on Friday, February 28, The Grand Roxy at Brighton-Le-Sands transformed into a dazzling carnival hub, filled with music, laughter, and a lively atmosphere that captured the spirit of the iconic Patrino Karnavali from Patras, Greece.
The Panachaian Philanthropical Association (PPA), founded in 1974, has been the driving force behind this event, keeping the tradition alive in Sydney with an exclusive one-night-only celebration.
Everyone enjoyed the night. Photos supplied.
Inspired by Patras’ 180-year-old carnival, Sydney’s version blends Greek and Brazilian Karnavali traditions, encouraging guests to step away from their daily routines for a night of carefree fun, fancy dress, food, drinks, and of course, dancing.
This year’s fancy dress contest brought an extra layer of excitement, making the event even more interactive and engaging. From elaborate costumes to high-energy performances, every element of the night was a tribute to the festival’s rich history and the enduring passion of the Greek Australian community.
Guests were treated to an incredible culinary experience courtesy of Bill Mougios and his exceptional team at The Grand Roxy.
The venue’s atmosphere was further enhanced by the electrifying music selections of DJ Vasilis Karantzias, who brought the authentic sounds of Karnavali to Sydney’s dance floor.
Live performances by singer Katherine Theofanopoulou and bouzouki player Antoni added an extra layer of magic.
The 47th Patrino Karnavali Sydney was yet another incredible testament to the enduring love for Greek culture and tradition within the community.
The event’s fancy dress contest, live music, traditional flavours, and energetic dancing made for an unforgettable evening that will be talked about for years to come.
A marvellous and remarkable event was enjoyed by those lucky enough to attend the theatrical performance Women of Byzantium last weekend, on March 1 – 2, at the Hellenic Art Theatre in Marrickville, Sydney.
The event was uniquely organised and presented by the esteemed organisation, the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney.
As the title of the event suggested, the main theme was the presentation of the lives of nine prominent and powerful women who lived during the era of the great Greek-speaking Byzantine Empire – presented by the women themselves.
As stated in the event programme, “The Hellenic Lyceum, as a guardian of Greek tradition, education, and culture, presents a performance about women who stood out for their dynamic personalities and achievements, who remain an inspiration and role model for young women today!”
The present moment travelled back 1,000–1,500 years, with a “modern journalist” journeying through time to ask intriguing questions to each of these women. The aim was for them to recount their position and role in Byzantium, share personal aspects of their lives, discuss the challenges they faced, their relationship with Christianity and Orthodoxy, their intrigues, their influence, their achievements, and how they perceived themselves as well as their historical or religious role in the course of history.
Hypatia, the Empresses Eudokia, Pulcheria, Theodora, Irene, Theophano, Zoe, Anna Komnene, and the holy Kassiani took to the stage in full costume. Each of them was interviewed in Greek or English for approximately 10–15 minutes by the “modern journalist” Theodora Zourka.
Before each on-stage interview, the dynamic President of the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney and host, Liana Vertzayias, read a brief biography of each powerful Byzantine woman. Meanwhile, Dimitris Koumbaroulis and Harry Mavrolefteros chanted short ecclesiastical hymns, further enhancing the necessary Byzantine atmosphere of the event.
Presenters were Amanda Tziallas in Greek, Christina Mitsopoulos and Tina Contos.
The program was complemented by the Lyceum’s dancers performing rarely seen Asia Minor dances led by Irene Tsenkas.
In a short address, Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis stressed the importance of the production as Byzantium is the link between Ancient Greece and Modern Greece.
Countless congratulations are due to the following Greek women from our community and members of the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney, each of whom admirably and enviably portrayed these prominent women of Byzantium: Nia Gitsa, Antonia Nikolopoulos, Anna Micos, Sophia Brunetta-Kongos, Stavroula Gianna, Paraskevi (Vivian) Spanos, Maritsa Micos, Styliani (Stella) Sorotou, and Eleni Dima.
Congratulations are also owed to the other contributors to this production for their work on the characteristic Byzantine costumes, direction, subtitles in English and Greek, and the presentation of traditional Greek dances—especially Linda Legas, Christina Tsakonas, Angeliki Konstantopoulos, Adamantia Tzialla, Irene Tsenkas, Thanasis and Maria Fotiadis, and others.
It is worth noting that the concept of presenting the women of Byzantium in this unique way – through a “live interview” – belongs to the prominent expatriate figure Costas Vertzayias.
What can be stated with absolute certainty is that the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney offered the Greek community of Sydney an opportunity to learn more about Byzantium, particularly a lesser-known aspect of it – the strong female presence.
*The production was under the auspices of the Secretariat of Greeks Living Abroad.
Written by Michael Peters Kyriacou, President, Cyprus Community of NSW
It’s a moment that no person can escape, a moment no sibling can ignore, and no community can amiss, the passing of a community pioneer, a member of a generation that delivered a legacy few today can match.
Every community has pioneers, the people who came to Australia with next to nothing to build more than a home and a family, but then quietly went on to sacrifice their efforts, time and limited resources to selflessly build a Community.
Savvas Bieri was just that pioneer.
Savvas was the father of the current Cyprus Community of NSW Treasurer Terri Bieri.
Savva’s dedication and quiet devotion to family, his people and Community is typical of the generation who nurtured our Community for over half a century without fanfare, noise, demands and for no other reason than the love of family Community and ethnos.
Savva served as a director of the Cyprus Community of NSW for many years, he was instrumental to raise the funds to purchase the first real estate in Surry Hills near central station, his dedication to the Community is legendary.
Typical of his generation, he was not so concerned with talk, debates or opinions, his generation was concerned with hard work, organising and delivering functions, events and get togethers, keeping our culture, our identity, our language and the cause of Cyprus alive.
Like others of his generation he was quiet, a no-nonsense diligent worker for his Community expecting no glory and nothing in return.
His generation believed in the idea of “rights” “entitlements” must be earned through hard work and dedication perhaps foreign to our contemporary world.
Savvas came from the village of Akaki, Cyprus. He landed on the shores of Australia seeking a better life from a homeland occupied by foreign troops and historically the pawn of great powers.
Savvas’ story is truly the great Australian anthology, it is how the nation was built and what it is today. It is also how a Community was founded, a legacy handed to us from the sweat of that generation.
It is the classic story of a young man seeking opportunity, with cultural baggage that was to drive his character and love of family, Cyprus and Community.
Today, the Community has valuable “rezoned” real estate in Stanmore inner west Sydney with a Club house, offers a range of services and activities from the second largest soccer team in the Inner West of Sydney to Dancing and Greek Schools, Veteran Anzac Committee, Heritage Committee, Justice for Cyprus and young professionals, amongst many other activities.
It is the character of Savva’s generation that serves as an example to all, to contribute in a meaningful manner with civility and dedication to family, Community, Australia and the cause of Cyprus.
Savvas’ generation was not so concerned or blinded by wealth and personalities; they were too “new Australians,” too busy with a mission to succeed to take care of their family and build a Community.
Savvas’ generation was focused on preserving our identity. Whatever we have today is because of that generation.
As that generation passes, their legacy calls us to respect the endeavours of the pioneers, not damage the good name and reputation earned by the deeds of that generation. We must all be motivated to step up and be worthy of this inheritance.
Today, the Cyprus Community is at the table of many policy forums, both government and non-government and continues to preserve the ancient identity and culture of the land of Aphrodite, the place where the Greek alphabet was born, where many sacrificed their life to retain the identity of the ethnos through the ages.
On February 26, 2025, we paid homage to Savvas and his generation. Without their legacy, the Community would be poorer, our identity in peril and Australia a lesser place.
As this generation of pioneers leave us, we must not let down our pioneers, our ancestors. We must never abandon the sacred mission they gave the world. We must not be distracted from the quiet selfless vision of that generation that gave us a legacy to cherish. After all, the passing of this generation reminds us that we are all merely passing by, obliged to respect our pioneers and nurture the legacy and show we are worthy inheritors.
To Savvas’ children Anna, Terri, Peter and Diane, to his grandchildren Dimitri, Samantha, Miriam, Patricia, Nicholas, Savvas, Christian, Elizabeth, Christof, Iren and Savia, to the great grandchildren Nicholas, Stephanie, Joseph, Nicholas, Jacob, Talia, Dante, Andreas and Niko , you have big shoes to fill to continue the tradition of your great ancestor, be worthy trustees of the deeds of our pioneers like Savvas.
