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From 1827 Greece to modern Cyprus, sovereignty remains an unfinished journey

The Greek Herald
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From 1827 Greece to modern Cyprus, sovereignty remains an unfinished journey

By Michael Peters Kyriacou, Honorary President of the Cyprus Community of NSW

On March 25, we commemorated the beginning of the struggle of 1821 – liberate the lands of the Hellenes and restore dignity, identity, and freedom to a people long under foreign rule. It was a moment of courage, sacrifice, and conviction.

Between the call to arms and the achievement of independence lies another moment when the struggle gave birth to a nation.

That moment is 14 April 1827.

At the ancient town of Troezen, southwest of Athens, the Third National Assembly – having overcome deep internal divisions – moved beyond revolution and into statehood. There, the Hellenes confirmed the mandate of Ioannis Kapodistrias, a Hellene of Cypriot descent, as their leader, to defend, define, and build Greek sovereignty.

He was the son of Adamantia Gonemi, a woman of Cypriot lineage whose life embodied displacement, endurance, and the preservation of Hellenism under foreign rule.

Her family belonged to the elite class of the Greeks of Cyprus prior to the Ottoman conquest of Cyprus in 1571. When Cyprus fell, they were forced into exile – carrying with them not territory, but identity. Their journey from Cyprus to Crete, Epirus, and ultimately Corfu reflects a deeper truth: Cyprus did not vanish from the Hellenic world – it dispersed into it, embedding its influence across regions and generations.

In Corfu, under Venetian administration, this Cypriot lineage became part of a political and cultural environment that fused Greek identity with European governance. It was in this setting that Kapodistrias was raised. His later ability to defend Greek sovereignty – through diplomacy, institution-building, and international engagement – was no accident; it reflected a heritage shaped by his mother’s family experience.

His mother’s family carried the trauma, struggle, aspiration, and vision of a free and sovereign people of Cyprus, of all Hellenes – values she instilled in her son, guiding both his life and the destiny of the new nation.

For Adamantia, sovereignty was not an abstract idea; it was inherited, lived, and understood – it was part of what it meant to be Greek. It is no surprise, then, that Kapodistrias led Greece with Herculean endurance to secure the sovereignty now often taken for granted.

Greece formalised its sovereignty in 1827 under a Hellene of Cypriot descent – carrying the legacy of a mother deeply rooted in Cyprus, whose aspirations were for a people free from foreign domination. Cyprus has continued its own journey to achieve the same into our time.

More than a century later, Cyprus confronted the same fundamental question: the right of a people to govern itself – its right to sovereignty. The 1955–1959 Struggle was a contest over legitimacy, identity, and recognition. Cyprus sought to assert the very principle established at Troezen: that sovereignty belongs to a people united by history, identity, culture and purpose.

Unlike Greece in 1827, Cyprus’ path did not resolve into a clear and unified outcome. Its sovereignty has remained complex, contested, and still evolving.

14 April 1827 was not the end of a story – it was the beginning of a Hellenic principle and tradition. Sovereignty must be asserted, defended, and recognised. Greece achieved this through unity and leadership. Cyprus inherited that same imperative – and its journey continues.

The Cyprus Community of NSW commemorates 14 April 1827 not simply as the founding of modern Greece, but as a moment of enduring significance, for the people of Cyprus in 2026.

Today, Cyprus continues the path to define and defend its sovereignty – a path led by one of its own nearly two centuries ago.

On Tuesday, April 28, the Cyprus Community launches its largest exhibition on the media narrative of Cyprus’ modern history – exploring how sovereignty is shaped, challenged, and contested through perception.

The 1955–1959 Liberation Struggle was part of that journey – drawing inspiration from 1821 and 1827 – not only to assert sovereignty, but to define it, and to ensure Cyprus’ story is told truthfully, not distorted.

A Hellene of Cypriot ancestry helped define Greece’s sovereignty.

Cyprus continues to define and defend its own.

We invite all Greeks and Philhellenes to attend the exhibition launch and reflect on 1827 – just as much as on the continuing story of Cyprus’ struggle for sovereignty.

The exhibition, Cyprus: The Liberation Struggle 1955–1959, will be held at the Cyprus Community’s premises in Lakemba and will run from Tuesday 28 April to Friday 15 May. Find out more details here: www.thecyprusclub.org.au/exhibition

Members to vote in long-awaited Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney elections

The Greek Herald
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Members to vote in long-awaited Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney elections

Members of the Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney and NSW are set to head to the polls this Sunday, April 19, as the long-awaited elections for a new Board of Directors take place following a five-year hiatus.

The vote is expected to draw strong participation from the community, with members given the opportunity to elect a new leadership team to guide the organisation into its next phase.

Candidates have been nominated across key executive roles, including president, vice president, secretary and treasurer, with members required to select one candidate for each position to ensure a valid vote.

Those contesting the presidency are Dimitris Barmakelis and Christine Gazepis Stavropoulos, while Gabriel Petreziklis and George Tserdanis are standing for vice president.

For the role of secretary, candidates include Vicky Gazilas, Peter Psomas and Maria Tryfon, while Symeon Gazilas and Tom Marangos are contesting the treasurer position.

Members will also vote for up to seven additional committee members from a broader list of candidates, with organisers reminding voters not to exceed this number for their ballot to be counted.

The elections mark a significant moment for the Brotherhood, with hopes the newly elected board – whether comprised of new or returning members – will strengthen the organisation’s future direction and address key areas in need of improvement.

Community leaders have also encouraged unity following the vote, stressing the importance of continued support for the Brotherhood’s work within the Greek Australian community, particularly in fostering a connection to Mytilenian heritage among younger generations.

Online seminar to explore poetry of Kostas Karyotakis

The Greek Herald
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Online seminar to explore poetry of Kostas Karyotakis

An online seminar exploring the poetry of Kostas G. Karyotakis will be held on Thursday, April 16, as part of the Greek Community of Melbourne’s 2026 Greek History and Culture Seminar Series, offering Greek-speaking audiences an opportunity to engage with one of modern Greece’s most significant literary figures.

Titled The poetry of Kostas G. Karyotakis (1896–1928), the session will be presented by Associate Professor Michail Bakogiannis at 7pm and delivered in Greek via YouTube and Facebook, making it accessible to audiences across Australia and internationally.

The talk will examine the distinctive features of Karyotakis’ work, its reflection of social reality, and its links to the French “poètes maudits,” as well as its reception by the Generation of the 1930s and postwar critics.

Karyotakis is widely regarded as one of the most important poets of the Generation of the 1920s, with enduring influence on modern Greek literary studies.

Dr Bakogiannis, a lecturer in Modern Greek Literature at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, has taught internationally and published extensively, with a focus on postwar Greek literature and literary criticism.

The seminar is supported by sponsor John Sachinidis.

Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
  • Time: 7pm
  • Speaker: Associate Professor Michail Bakogiannis
  • Topic: The poetry of Kostas G. Karyotakis (1896–1928)
  • Language: Greek
  • Location: Online (Greek Community of Melbourne’s YouTube and Facebook)

‘Our village is hurting,’ say Melbourne cousins fundraising for Pelopi’s livelihood

Mary Sinanidis
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‘Our village is hurting,’ say Melbourne cousins fundraising for Pelopi’s livelihood

In Pelopi, a small village on the Greek island of Lesvos, the silence is devastating. Where there were once herds and the daily hum of farm life, there is now uncertainty and loss. In a matter of weeks, an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has wiped out livestock and livelihoods.

Compelled to act, Melbourne cousins, psychologist Stefan Tsagaris and commercial analyst Nicky Tzouvanellis, have launched a fundraiser to support the community after the catastrophic outbreak. For them, the crisis isn’t just a headline; it’s a direct blow to their heritage.

The virus is notoriously aggressive, spreading rapidly through air and soil. To protect the wider agricultural economy, authorities have enforced strict containment measures, including mass culling, leaving families in Pelopi without their primary source of income just weeks before the peak Easter period.

“Pelopi is incredibly important to us,” they wrote in their fundraiser. “It’s a village whose streets we’ve walked… the origin of our family’s migration story.”

Their connection runs deep. Their grandmothers were siblings who migrated to Australia, creating a close-knit family that has remained tightly connected ever since. Despite growing up in Melbourne, both cousins return often and remain closely tied to the village.

“We’re super connected to the village,” Stefan says. “Everyone we know is kind of concentrated in this one place.”

So when news of the outbreak came through, it hit hard.

“We found out a few days after it started. It just became talk of the town,” he says, describing a family group chat filling with messages from Greece. The situation quickly became personal, with the first confirmed case linked to someone in their extended network.

“It’s very close to home,” he says.

The impact has been immediate and devastating. Under containment rules, entire herds are culled if just one animal tests positive, erasing livelihoods overnight.

“One of our relatives had over 400 sheep and a few cows,” Nicky says. “To lose everything overnight… it’s not just financial. These animals are part of their everyday life. Then suddenly, they’re gone.”

Thousands of animals have already been culled across the region. For Stefan, the emotional toll is just as significant as the financial loss. 

“These animals are more than income,” he says. “They’re part of people’s identity.”

Watching from Australia, the cousins felt they had to do something. 

“We both had the idea separately, ‘we should start a GoFundMe,’” Stefan says. “Then we realised we were thinking the same thing.”

They launched the fundraiser within days. The response has been swift, and unexpected. 

“We’ve had donations from people we know, but also people we don’t,” Nicky says. “Someone gave $1,000 from overseas and we have no idea who they are.”

While support is coming from across Australia and beyond, their focus is clear: helping the families back home.

“This won’t fix everything,” Stefan says. “It’s a multi-million-dollar problem. But it’s something.”

The money will go directly to the worst-affected families, those who have lost entire herds. With help from a trusted contact in the village, they are identifying around 10 to 15 families in urgent need.

“In a village of 300 people, everyone knows whose farms are empty,” Stefan says.

It’s the first time the cousins have taken on something like this. But for them, the decision was simple.

“It doesn’t feel like an obligation,” Nicky says. “We just feel compelled to help.”

Because no matter the distance, the connection remains. 

“What makes this especially personal is that both of our families, our grandparents and parents, come from this village,” Stefan says. “We often think about what our lives might have looked like if they had stayed. You can live on the other side of the world, but that connection never really leaves you.”

And now, as Pelopi faces one of its hardest moments, that connection is turning into action.

*At the time of publishing, the fundraiser had raised almost $9,000 of the $20,000 goal. 

Dionysus Theatre Company returns with new comedy ‘Unforgettable’ in Sydney

The Greek Herald
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Dionysus Theatre Company returns with new comedy ‘Unforgettable’ in Sydney

The Dionysus Theatre Company is set to return to the Sydney stage with its latest production, Unforgettable, a retro wedding comedy that promises laughter, chaos and a distinctly Greek flavour.

Written and directed by Nicholas Ambrose, the play centres on a wedding reception gone wrong, unfolding behind the scenes as a family-run venue attempts to deliver what is meant to be “the Greek wedding of the year.” As tensions rise, service begins to unravel, personal rivalries surface, and the evening spirals into comedic disorder.

According to event listings, the production invites audiences into the experience, with elements of immersive theatre woven into the performance.

Set in Sydney and drawing on recognisable cultural dynamics, Unforgettable blends English and Greek dialogue, reflecting the lived experience of the Greek Australian community and making the production accessible to a broad audience.

The Dionysus Theatre Company has been steadily building its profile within Sydney’s cultural landscape, bringing contemporary Greek theatre to local audiences.

As outlined in their company material, the group was established as a collective of artists passionate about Greek theatre, comprising both Australian-born performers of Greek heritage and newcomers raised in Greece.

Their earlier production, Soutzouk Loukoum, staged during the Greek Festival of Sydney, achieved a sold-out run, signalling strong community support and appetite for Greek-language theatre in Australia.

With Unforgettable, the company continues that trajectory, expanding into a full-length comedy format while maintaining its cultural core.

Set at a Greek wedding reception in 1999, the play explores the dynamics of family, tradition and expectation through humour and exaggerated scenarios.

From outdated work practices to clashing personalities, the narrative follows the staff and family behind the event as everything that can go wrong does. Relationships are tested, emotions run high, and comedic situations unfold as the night descends into chaos.

The production aims to capture both the nostalgia and intensity of Greek celebrations, where humour often sits alongside drama.

Event Details

Unforgettable will be staged across multiple dates in April and May:

  • 17 April
  • 24, 25, 26 April
  • 2, 3 May
  • 8, 9, 10 May

All performances will take place at the Mytilenian House, 225 Canterbury Road, Canterbury.

Evening performances commence at 7pm, with select matinee sessions scheduled at 1pm and 5pm.

Tickets: https://bit.ly/UnforgettableSydney

Mario Alexandridis spared in $1 billion cocaine case after bail breach

The Greek Herald
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Mario Alexandridis spared in $1 billion cocaine case after bail breach

A Sydney businessman accused of supplying a commercial quantity of cocaine has narrowly avoided having his bail revoked, with a judge citing the “very fortunate” support of his partner, former model Monique Belovukovic, in allowing him to remain in the community.

Mario Alexandridis, 47, who faces drug supply and proceeds-of-crime charges linked to an alleged $1 billion cocaine network, appeared in the Downing Centre District Court last Thursday after admitting breaching his $4 million bail conditions.

Despite the breach, Judge Kenneth Averre refused to revoke bail, finding Alexandridis had come “very close” to losing it but crediting Ms Belovukovic’s role in ensuring compliance with strict conditions, including remaining at their Mosman home and only leaving when accompanied.

The court heard Alexandridis was arrested during Strike Force Raptor raids and is accused of involvement in the supply of cocaine and laundering around $1 million, with prosecutors citing DNA evidence and phone records.

His defence said he suffers from schizophrenia but is now more stable under treatment and strong family support. He has not entered a plea and is due to face court again in June.

Source: Daily Mail

Matt Nikakis to close Trinity St Kilda for major $2 million revamp

The Greek Herald
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Matt Nikakis to close Trinity St Kilda for major $2 million revamp

Trinity has become a St Kilda fixture for drinks, food and live music since opening in a former church hall in 2022. Now, the team is doubling down with a $2 million renovation set to introduce a broader music program, expanded food and beverage offering, and capacity for up to 450 people – positioning it as one of the area’s largest all-season venues.

The makeover marks a full takeover of the Trinity site from the neighbouring church, for the first time in the church’s 100-year-old history. With nods to monk beer brews, church dances and school fetes, the new direction leans further into its role as a social, community hub.

“We want to be that everyday local. It’s not just about drinking alcohol. You can have a good meal, play games, and spend time with friends. I think that’s key to modern-day hospitality,” says owner Matt Nikakis, a third-generation hospitality veteran with two hotels under his belt. 

The oversized front courtyard is being completely reworked with a clear glass roof and wall along Chapel Street. The space will offer full weather protection while retaining views of the venue’s heritage red brick facade. 

With flexible furniture and upgraded acoustics, the courtyard will move easily between sit-down dining and stand-up events of up to 200 guests.

The existing Airstream kitchen that once sat outside will be replaced with a 12-metre, fully electric shipping container kitchen, allowing for a broader, more considered menu led by a new executive chef to be announced soon. 

Alongside Trinity’s signature burgers and fries, the new offering will expand into pub classics, Sunday roasts and lighter options, including seafood and salads – designed to suit both quick bites and longer, more relaxed meals.

The drinks list is also set for a refresh. While popular staples like the signature spicy margarita will remain, the team is working with a dedicated mixologist to evolve the cocktail offering, alongside seasonal updates and a continued focus on approachable, well-priced options across beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

The new glass enclosure will allow Trinity to extend its outdoor licence until 1am, bringing its music programming outside for the first time. Expect a new rotation of live acts and DJs across the week, with a focus on building atmosphere without compromising the neighbourhood.

The team has also secured a new private dining room, formerly part of the church behind Trinity. Designed for birthdays, group bookings and small events, the space will accommodate up to 30 seated or 50 standing guests. Featuring the same chapel-style windows as the main venue and acoustic treatment throughout, it’s designed to comfortably host both family and adult gatherings.

The popular kids’ playground – already a drawcard for local families – will be refreshed with additional play equipment, including a surfboard balance beam to build on its bayside theme.

Trinity will close temporarily on 19 April for construction, with a reopening slated for Spring 2026. 

It promises to return as a venue that feels familiar, but more versatile, cementing its place as an all-season destination for St Kilda locals and visitors alike.

Sydney Olympic FC parts ways with Senior Men’s Head Coach David Magrone

The Greek Herald
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Sydney Olympic FC parts ways with Senior Men’s Head Coach David Magrone

Sydney Olympic FC has today announced the immediate departure of Senior Men’s Head Coach David Magrone, with both parties agreeing to part ways following a brief tenure at the club.

In a statement, the club said Magrone joined during a “transitional period” and conducted himself professionally throughout his time, thanking him for his commitment and wishing him well for the future.

Assistant coach Michael Melito has been appointed Interim Head Coach, supported by Graham Forbes, as the club looks to maintain stability and direction moving forward. Sydney Olympic also called on members and supporters to remain united during the transition.

Magrone’s departure comes not long after his appointment was heralded as a significant step in the club’s long-term technical vision. He arrived with extensive European experience, having previously worked with Tottenham Hotspur under former manager Tim Sherwood, where he contributed to tactical analysis, scouting and first-team preparation.

He later served as Chief European Scout for Tottenham, identifying emerging talent across the continent, before taking on a similar recruitment role at Queens Park Rangers alongside technical director Les Ferdinand.

Magrone also played a role in the development of former Socceroo Massimo Luongo, helping guide his pathway from Sydney to a professional career in Europe.

In 2021, he moved into senior coaching as Head Coach of AO Trikala in Greece’s Super League 2, where he focused on implementing a possession-based style built around youth development.

Sydney Olympic has not provided further details on the reasons behind the departure, as the club now turns its attention to the remainder of the season under interim leadership.

Virgin cuts flights as fuel costs surge in aviation shake-up

The Greek Herald
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Virgin cuts flights as fuel costs surge in aviation shake-up

Airline Virgin Australia will reduce domestic flying as rising jet fuel prices continue to squeeze the aviation sector, becoming the latest carrier to respond to sharp cost increases driven by global oil market disruption.

The airline told the ASX it will cut domestic capacity by about 1 per cent in the three months to June 30, while expecting fuel costs to rise by $30–40 million in the second half of the financial year.

It follows a similar move by Qantas, which warned of up to $800 million in additional fuel costs and has already suspended four regional routes and permanently cancelled one domestic service.

Virgin said jet fuel prices had become “extremely volatile and more than doubled since the end of February 2026”, driven by global oil shocks linked to conflict in the Middle East.

The airline also noted supplier assurances that fuel supply remains stable “well into May 2026”.

Despite short-term reductions, Virgin said it still expects domestic capacity to be 1 per cent higher across the second half of the financial year overall.

The company said it would increase fuel hedging to manage volatility, alongside potential fare and capacity adjustments if needed.

Source: ABC.

Greek women’s football team secure promotion and World Cup playoff spot

The Greek Herald
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Greek women’s football team secure promotion and World Cup playoff spot

The Greek women’s national football team claimed a 3-2 victory over the Faroe Islands women’s national football team in Tórshavn, sealing promotion to League B and a place in the playoffs for the 2027 World Cup.

The win ensured Greece finished top of Group 4 in League C of the qualifiers, with Vasilis Spertos’ side recording a perfect “3 out of 3” and nine points. Their final group match against Georgia in June is now a formality.

Goals from Moraitou (8’), Giannakas (53’) and Drakogiannakis (78’) secured the result, although the hosts briefly equalised in the 9th minute and pulled one back in stoppage time.

By topping the group, Greece advances to League B and will compete in the October playoffs, where they will face a strong opponent from League A for one of eight spots in the final phase of the 2027 World Cup, seven via direct qualification and one through intercontinental playoffs.

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