Nikolaos Vlanis, a 20-year-old apprentice electrician from Murrumbeena, has been sentenced after pleading guilty to kidnapping and assaulting his teenage ex-girlfriend, as well as attempting to extort $20,000 from a pizza shop owner.
According to The Herald Sun, in July 2024, Vlanis forcibly took his 17-year-old ex-girlfriend to his home, where he physically assaulted her and threatened her with a hammer.
Earlier in May, he also made threatening phone calls to his mate’s boss, demanding money and issuing violent threats.
Nikolaos Vlanis, a 20-year-old apprentice electrician from Murrumbeena, has been sentenced.
After a police investigation linked Vlanis to the crimes, he was arrested. At sentencing, the court heard he had started therapy and had a positive reference from his employer.
Magistrate Jan Maclean sentenced him to a 12-month community corrections order with 100 hours of community service.
The Electoral Committee of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) has announced the successful candidates elected to the Administrative Council for the 2025-2026 term.
The elected members, listed in descending order of votes, are:
The electoral contest saw Peter Ppiros and his Independent Community Progressive Party securing 11 out of the 15 positions on the Council, leaving Peter Gonis’ Leading the Community Party ticket with four.
The newly elected Administrative Council and Supervisory Committee will hold their first meeting today, 14 January 2025, at 7pm at GOCSA’s premises to form and announce the structure of the new Board.
For the first time in its history, the fishing village of Wallaroo in South Australia celebrated the Feast of Epiphany with a unique Blessing of the Waters ceremony on Thursday, January 9.
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated earlier at the local Greek Orthodox Parish of St Nicholas, which operates regularly with the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and under the guidance of His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide.
The service saw a significant turnout of young people and families from Adelaide, many of whom were holidaying in the area.
Father Michael Psaromatis, the parish priest, later invited the congregation to the beach at Wallaroo for the Blessing of the Waters ceremony.
During the ceremony, nine young men and boys entered the sea to retrieve the Holy Cross. The Cross was successfully retrieved by Dionysis Stamatelopoulos from the Parish of Saint George in Thebarton, Adelaide.
Following the ceremony, the congregation enjoyed a festive meal prepared by members of the parish committee.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman co-chaired the inaugural Greece-Saudi Arabia High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Al Ula on Monday, January 13.
This meeting marks the first such council between Greece and a Middle Eastern nation, underlining the growing importance of bilateral relations between the two countries.
In the meeting, Mitsotakis highlighted the strategic significance of Greece’s cooperation with Saudi Arabia, particularly in the context of global instability.
“The security of Europe and the Middle East is interdependent,” Mitsotakis stated, emphasising the role of Saudi Arabia as a key partner in stabilising the region.
Το Ανώτατο Συμβούλιο Στρατηγικής Συνεργασίας στέλνει ξεκάθαρο μήνυμα ότι Ελλάδα και Σαουδική Αραβία ενισχύουν τη διμερή συνεργασία στο ανώτατο δυνατό επίπεδο σε ένα ευρύ φάσμα τομέων, όπως η άμυνα, οι επενδύσεις, το εμπόριο, η ενέργεια, ο τουρισμός, ο πολιτισμός και ο αθλητισμός. pic.twitter.com/DrNaDcojWb
The two leaders discussed a broad range of cooperation opportunities, including defence, trade, energy, tourism, culture, and sports.
Mitsotakis underscored the need for collaboration in energy, investments, and trade, with particular focus on shipping, agrinutrient products and construction.
They signed off on 46 initiatives agreed upon by the joint committees of the Council, with each committee focusing on specific sectors such as political relations, military cooperation and energy.
The leaders also addressed regional and global issues, including the ongoing crises in Gaza and Syria. Mitsotakis reiterated Greece’s call for a ceasefire in Gaza and a political resolution for a two-state solution. Additionally, he reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity and discussed the importance of maritime safety in the Red Sea.
Greece is grappling with severe weather, bringing heavy snow, rain and storms that have disrupted daily life across the country.
According to Ekathimerini, regions like Epirus, Macedonia, Thrace and Thessaly are experiencing intense snowfall, while strong winds are impacting the Aegean and Ionian seas.
In Macedonia and Thrace, hazardous conditions have closed roads and left several villages in Halkidiki under snow. Snowplows are working to maintain access, and snow chains are mandatory on many roads.
Schools in northern Greece remained shut on Monday, January 13 due to the adverse weather, which also caused road closures on Mount Parnitha near Athens.
In the Peloponnese, Kalamata faced flooding and landslides, damaging businesses and sweeping away vehicles. Strong winds also suspended the Rion–Antirion ferry service.
Heavy rainfall has been recorded in Eastern Peloponnese and Central Greece, with the National Meteorological Service forecasting continued adverse weather into Tuesday morning before conditions improve later in the day.
The Australian Open 2025 has commenced with contrasting outcomes for local favourites Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios.
Kokkinakis showcased remarkable resilience in his opening match, overcoming multiple injury issues to secure a victory over Russia’s Roman Safiullin. The gruelling encounter lasted over four hours, with Kokkinakis prevailing 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5).
Reflecting on his performance, Kokkinakis said the crowd lifted him to victory.
“You guys willed me through. I was struggling there, I was cooked,” he said in his on-court interview.
“I tweaked something but I took some pain killers and battled through, as I had to pull out of Adelaide and didn’t want to pull out here. I’m super happy to get another crazy win.”
Kyrgios, who has been battling injuries, hinted at a potential shift in his career focus, suggesting this might be his final singles appearance at the Australian Open.
He remarked, “I can’t probably see myself playing singles matches here again.”
Despite his singles loss, Kyrgios remains committed to the doubles competition, where he will reunite with Kokkinakis. The duo, affectionately known as the ‘Special Ks’, previously clinched the Australian Open men’s doubles title in 2022 and are eager to replicate their success.
Greek communities turned out in huge numbers over the weekend to attend traditional Blessing of the Waters events across Australia.
Here is The Greek Herald‘s list of the winners and events that were held in Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, and NSW’s Wollongong.
New South Wales:
In the New South Wales coastal city of Wollongong, people gathered at the local harbour for the annual Blessing of the Waters ceremony.
The event saw both local Wollongong churches, St Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church and the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, conduct the Epiphany together.
Photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
24-year-old first-time diver Chris Kiotis retrieved the Holy Cross from the harbour, much to the joy of his family and friends present.
“In the lead up, I wasn’t even going to jump in to be honest, but I’m glad that I did,” Chris told The Greek Herald.
“It means a lot because my dad has won it twice, 20, 30 years ago. So it’s good to keep it in the family.”
The divers.(L-R) Winner Chris Kiotis, Nathan Kapsimallis, Theodore Papadopoulos, Saxon Gerovassilis, and John Bletas.
Australian Capital Territory:
The Blessing of the Waters ceremony held in Canberra’s Casuarina Sands, showed members of the local St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Parish joining together in celebration.
Attended by families from the parish and Greece’s Ambassador to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, the event marked a moment of community unity and faith.
Photos by St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Canberra / Facebook.
During the ceremony, Aristotelis Mavroudis, a local student, was the fortunate participant who caught the Holy Cross. The community extended their blessings to him.
Following the religious service, a meal was shared, prepared by the Greek Community of Canberra and the Ladies of the Philoptochos Society. It was a joyful gathering that highlighted the spirit of fellowship and tradition.
Tasmania:
On a hot but rainy day in Hobart, Tasmania, Yianni Anagnostis retrieved the Holy Cross at a combined Blessing of the Waters ceremony between The Greek Orthodox Church of St George The Martyr in Hobart and the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Parish of Hobart.
A large, umbrella-clad crowd gathered at Long Beach in Sandy Bay as the participants made their way to the boat for the annual dive. In an all-time first, the event saw six girls participating in the celebration.
Yianni‘s success marked his fourth consecutive year retrieving the Holy Cross.
“He’s very happy with himself,” Yianni’s partner Georgia told The Greek Herald.
Photos by Georgia Kelly.
Yianni participated alongside his brothers George and Petro, and his cousin Matthew. Photos by Georgia Kelly.
Queensland:
In Queensland, on Sunday, January 12, the Church of Saint Anna on the Gold Coast held the official Blessing of the Waters event.
Photos: Facebook.
Presided over by His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane, the dive for the Holy Cross took place at 11.30am at Evandale Lake. This year, two crosses were thrown in the water. One for all the children and later, a cross for the adults.
Following this, an Epiphany Festival took place at the St Anna Community Centre in Bundall.
Western Australia:
On Sunday, January 12, the Archdiocesan District of Perth hosted a vibrant Epiphany celebration at Matilda Bay Reserve, drawing the local Greek community together for a day of food, music and tradition.
Attendees enjoyed a plethora of delicious offerings, including souvlakia, a sausage sizzle, Greek sweets and refreshing drinks as a live Greek band provided entertainment.
In the early afternoon, His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth conducted the Blessing of the Waters wherein both teenagers and adults participated in the traditional diving for the cross.
The event was a joyous celebration of faith and community spirit, marking a memorable Epiphany for all those in attendance.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia hosted its annual festivities in South Australia, marking the 45th anniversary of the Epiphany celebrations on the picturesque foreshore of Glenelg.
Spanning three vibrant and sun filled days, from Friday, January 10 to Sunday, January 12, the festival brought together faith, culture, and community spirit.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.Swimmers lining up, ready to compete for the cross.
The procession of Orthodox clergy and faithful onto the Glenelg Jetty to bless the waters remains a cherished tradition for South Australian Orthodox Christians. This ritual, central to the Feast of Epiphany, commemorates the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan and the divine revelation of the Holy Trinity.
The contest for the Holy Cross
This year, approximately 60 competitors competed for the honour of retrieving the blessed cross.
Emerging triumphant was 21-year-old Vasilie Kypreos, a first-time winner from New South Wales, who claimed victory in a tight contest, outpacing his South Australian counterparts to secure the win.
Emerging triumphant was 21-year-old Vasilie Kypreos.
With strong familial ties to both NSW and SA, Vasilie is connected to Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Kingsford, NSW, and St George Church in Mile End, SA.
“Winning the cross was a great feeling,” Vasilie shared with The Greek Herald, adding he hopes the blessing of the cross will bring “good health and happiness for [his] family in 2025.”
As a Sydney-based lifeguard, wharfie and surfer, Vasilie added, “I also pray God will look after me while surfing and lifesaving.”
Vasilie Kypreos and family.
The Hon. Tom Koutsantonis MP, representing the Premier of South Australia, reflected on the significance of the event.
“Today we have witnessed the Church pray for our state and bless our waters through this ceremony. We pray for prosperity, for safety, for those who travel, and they pray for all of us. The sea has given us much – it has brought many Greek migrants here to these shores, but it has also brought the [Orthodox] Church to this shore,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
Tom Koutsantonis MP.
Glendi celebrations
The celebrations extended beyond the religious ceremony, with the Glenelg foreshore coming alive with cultural performances and live music.
The Pontian Brotherhood of SA, Messinian Greek Dance School of SA, and St George College Dance Group captivated audiences with traditional Greek dances, and the St Spyridon College Adelaide with their chanting choir. The Kosmos Band provided live music throughout the day, creating an atmosphere for dancing and festivity.
Pontian Brotherhood of SA Dance Group.
The Hon. Stephen Patterson MP, Local Member for Morphett, also expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the Greek Community and Bishop Silouan who come every year and bless the waters to “bring health… and prosperity here [to South Australia].”
Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou, Consul General of Greece in South Australia, attended her first Epiphany celebration in the state. She described the event as “more than a blessing” and expressed her personal joy, as her son swam in the waters.
“This is more joyful than [even in] Greece because, of course, being in the summer, there are more swimmers to catch the cross and blessing!” the Consul General added.
The Hon. Stephen Patterson MP, Member for Morphett.Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou – Consul General of Greece in SA.Dr Vladamir Devrelis.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, President of the Inter-communities Council of South Australia Dr Vladimir Devrelis expressed his gratitude to the crowd and dignitaries for participating in this special occasion. He emphasised its spiritual importance and highlighted the festival’s remarkable growth over the years, remarking on how it has become a cornerstone of community celebration.
The Glenelg Greek Festival stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring spirit and cultural legacy of the Greek Orthodox Christians of South Australia. Through dance, music, food, and faith, the festival celebrates the traditions and heritage cherished and passed down through generations.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos
Hundreds flocked to the Henley Beach Foreshore on Sunday, January 12, to participate in the 2025 Henley Beach Greek Festival and Blessing of the Waters organised annually by the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA), as part of the Epiphany Day celebrations.
The vibrant volunteer-driven event started late in the morning with clergy, parishioners and guests walking to the end of the jetty where the Blessing of the Waters was held and more than 30 brave swimmers dived into St Vincent’s Gulf waters to retrieve the cross.
This year’s winner was first time diver, 15-year-old Kristijan Radovanovic of Woodcroft whose family hails from Serbia.
“[I feel] really good. I was thinking about going in. My dad, said ‘just go in’,” Kristijan explained after he retrieved the cross.
Winners of the holy cross are said to have a year of blessings. Kristijan received a gold cross from GOCSA, a special award and a robe donated for the occasion by the Greek Women’s Society of South Australia ‘O Taxiarchis’.
After the ceremonial part, the event continued with speeches from the current President of GOCSA, Peter Gardiakos; the Hon. Zoe Bettison MP, SA Minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs representing state Premier Peter Malinauskas MP; Matt Cowdrey OAM MP, State Member for Colton representing the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Vincent Tarzia MP; and the Mayor of the City of Charles Sturt, Angela Evans.
Mr Gardiakos expressed his gratitude to the community’s volunteers and sponsors who made the event possible.
“Epiphany brings a message of spiritual rebirth. It reminds us Greeks worldwide to continue defending the values and ideals that shaped our history and culture – Humanism, Solidarity, Democracy, and Justice,” he said.
Minister Bettison said, “Let us give thanks, as we come together to celebrate what’s best in music, and food and entertainment.”
“I’m delighted to see that Ukrainian SLAVA group will be here. We know there is conflict around the world. More so than has been for some time. And our heart is with Ukrainians as they continue to fight the invasion. By inviting them here today shows your support for our wider community. We are not at peace at this time,” Minister Bettison added.
Attending were also Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon Mark Butler MP; members of the South Australian Legislative Council, Mira El Dannawi and Frank Pangallo; The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of the City of Adelaide Dr Jane Lomax-Smith AM; Trian Gonis representing Federal member for Adelaide, Steve Georganas; Chloe Kourakis representing the South Australian Multicultural Commission; local Councillors and Presidents of other Greek and multicultural associations.
Formalities were followed by dance performances from the Pontian Brotherhood of SA, Slava Ukrainian Cultural Centre and the GOCSA Dance Academy.
Participants had the chance to enjoy live entertainment by the local band ‘Kerasma Live’ and indulge in traditional Greek delicacies until late in the evening.
More than 40,000 people attended the 2025 Epiphany Greek Festival on Sunday, January 12, at Carss Bush Park in Sydney, NSW. The festival delivered a spectacular day of cultural celebration, faith, and community.
The festival was organised by St Basil’s NSW/ACT and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA).
Official guests in attendance included the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis; the Deputy High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Nikolaos Varellas; the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper MP; the NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis MP; and Georges River Councillor Sam Stratikopoulos; as well as many other Presidents and representatives of Greek community organisations and institutions.
Official guests arrive for the Blessing of the Waters ceremony. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Oglos.
The day began with the Blessing of the Waters ceremony, led by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. The Archbishop was joined by Their Graces, Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis and Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod.
Attendees watched as young men attempted to retrieve the Holy Cross from the waters, a powerful act symbolising renewal and blessings for the year ahead.
Ultimately, the Cross was retrieved by the young Dionysios Petri, who received the Archbishop’s paternal blessing, as did the other swimmers.
Winner Dionysios Petri with Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
The Blessing of the Waters was followed by a number of official speeches.
In his address, Archbishop Makarios reflected on the Holy Cross as “the instrument of our redemption and the gateway to eternal life.” He recalled the central importance of the Cross in the Orthodox faith, noting that “it is the ultimate symbol of Christ’s love and sacrifice, the instrument of our redemption and the gateway to eternal life.”
The Consul General Mr Mallikourtis stressed how the festival “shows that Greek Australians are a success story because they managed to integrate, but at the same time maintain their values, culture, faith and traditions.”
Cyprus’ Deputy High Commissioner Mr Varelas conveyed his pleasure to witness the event and reiterated one of Mr Mallikourtis’ other points in his speech in urging the younger generations to continue speaking Greek.
During his speech, Minister Kamper shared that he and the NSW Premier Chris Minns decided to contribute a $50,000 grant to the festival this year. Cr Stratikopoulos added that Georges River Council, which oversees Carss Bush Park, provided approximately $20,000 as an official sponsor of the event.
At the conclusion of the official proceedings, which were emceed by Stan Kondilios, the festival grounds came alive with traditional Greek music and dance performances, featuring cultural groups adorned in vibrant costumes.
Families enjoyed a variety of activities, including rides, face painting, and a Ferris wheel, ensuring fun for all ages.
Food was a major attraction, with stalls offering everything from savoury souvlaki to sweet loukoumades.
Over 80 vendors displayed handmade crafts and authentic Greek products, giving attendees the opportunity to immerse themselves in Greece’s rich culinary and artisanal heritage.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Oglos
