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Archbishop Makarios makes historic visit to Saint Eleftherios Church in Melbourne

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Archbishop Makarios makes historic visit to Saint Eleftherios Church in Melbourne

The Great Hierarchical Vespers for the feast of Saint Eleftherios the Hieromartyr was celebrated at the Church of Saint Eleftherios in Brunswick, Melbourne on Saturday, December 14.

The service was presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, marking a historic milestone as it was the first time since its founding in 1968 that an Archbishop had visited the church.

The Archbishop was welcomed by the faithful, with youth presenting him with a bouquet of flowers at the church entrance.

Parish priest Father Kyriakos Peripetsakis and Bill Papastergiadis, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), both highlighted the significance of the Archbishop’s visit and the occasion. Mr Papastergiadis also emphasised the importance of unity and solidarity in the community, and stressed the role of past President Dimitrios Elefantis in the establishment of the church.

In his address, Archbishop Makarios spoke with deep emotion about the importance of unity for the advancement of Orthodoxy and Hellenism, offering blessings for the church and its families.

The Vespers service was attended by several dignitaries, including His Eminence Metropolitan Ezekiel of Dervis, His Eminence Metropolitan Myron of New Zealand, and His Eminence Metropolitan Prodromos of Rethymno and Avlopotamos, who delivered the sermon at the Archbishop’s request.

Their Graces Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne and Bishop Evmenios of Chora, as well as Ioannis Chrysoulakis, Greece’s former Secretary General of Greeks Abroad, were also present.

The event marked a historic and deeply emotional moment for the church and the Greek Orthodox community of Melbourne.

GOCNSW’s Afternoon and Saturday Schools hold End-of-Year Disco

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GOCNSW’s Afternoon and Saturday Schools hold End-of-Year Disco

The Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW) recently hosted a remarkable End-of-Year celebration for its Afternoon and Saturday Greek schools at Clemton Park Public School, marking the end of a successful academic year. 

This year’s event was particularly special, as it was the first of its kind in many years, bringing together students, parents, and grandparents for an evening of joy, unity, and celebration. 

Held on a warm summer’s evening on Friday, December 13, the event featured a vibrant mix of food trucks, music, and lots of dancing. 

It was a chance for everyone to come together, celebrate a year of hard work and success, and enjoy the festive atmosphere that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of Greek tradition.

2025 Greek Community Cup set to kick off in January

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2025 Greek Community Cup set to kick off in January

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) has announced that the 2025 Greek Community Cup is scheduled to commence on Friday, January 10, and the next tournament will be hosted by South Springvale Aris FC at Ross and Warner Reserve.

Defending champions Oakleigh Cannons, along with prominent NPL (National Premier League) teams such as South Melbourne Hellas, Heidelberg Alexander FC, and Kingston City, are expected to participate. They will be joined by teams like Box Hill, Keon Park, and Bentleigh Cobras, among others, in what promises to be an enthralling pre-season tournament, following the excitement of the 2024 edition.

The Greek Community Cup celebrates sporting excellence, camaraderie, and community, promoting football as a means to strengthen these connections. For many, football has been more than just a sport; it has served as a social avenue to retain cultural ties, and the Cup aims to further enhance these connections.

Designed to provide teams with a solid pre-season workout, the tournament accommodates varying competition levels with two trophies up for grabs: the coveted Cup and the Shield.

The tournament kicks off on January 10, with the final scheduled for February 2. Notably, plans are underway for the inaugural Women’s Cup, as well as a highly anticipated Junior tournament.

For more details and to register your team visit https://www.greekcup.com.au/. For all sponsorship opportunities, please contact: michael.profyris@greekcommunity.com.au

Archbishop Makarios of Australia visits St Basil’s in Fawkner

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Archbishop Makarios of Australia visits St Basil’s in Fawkner

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, currently on a pastoral visit to Melbourne, Victoria, visited the St Basil’s Aged Care Home in Fawkner as part of a Christmas celebration on Saturday, December 14.

This marked the Archbishop’s first participation in the annual event at the facility, where he wished the elderly Greek residents and staff well for the upcoming Twelve Days of Christmas.

The Archbishop was joined by several church dignitaries, including His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora, His Eminence Metropolitan Prodromos of Rethymno and Avlopotamos, and the Most Eminent Archimandrites, Vasilios Papadakis and Theologian Papalevyzakis.

Also present were His Eminence Metropolitan Myron of New Zealand, His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, and Ioannis Chrysoulakis, Greece’s former Secretary General for Greeks Abroad.

During the festive event, which included a meal, music, and dancing, the Archbishop and Metropolitan Prodromos delivered heartfelt speeches, offering warm Christmas greetings to the residents.

Metropolitan Prodromos also commended the staff and administration of the aged care home for their dedicated work.

As a gesture of appreciation, Metropolitan Prodromos presented Bishop Evmenios with a commemorative plaque featuring the Four Holy New Martyrs of Rethymno.

Roma Siachos appointed President of the Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia

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Roma Siachos appointed President of the Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia

The election process for the appointment of the new Executive Committee of the Hellenic Writer’s Association of Australia was successfully completed during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Saturday, December 7, at the Northcote Library.

The election process was conducted in accordance with the invitation sent to the Association’s members and Article 13 of its constitution.

Following the completion of the procedure, the new Committee was formed as follows:

  • President: Roma Siachos
  • Vice President: Evangelos Plokamakis
  • General Secretary: Evangelia (Lia) Argyropoulou
  • Treasurer: Ioannis Sachinidis
  • Special Secretary: Evangelia Baksa
  • Public Relations: Pavlina (Paola) Haidouli
  • Advisor: Odysseas Krypotos

The new Executive Committee will continue the Association’s mission, promoting its activities and strengthening collaboration among its members. The Association’s aim is to safeguard, preserve, and promote Greek cultural heritage, as well as to foster love and respect for Greece.

For more information or to become a member of the Association, please visit the website or contact via email at hellenicwritersau@gmail.com.

Polites family feud escalates over lucrative estate in SA

The Greek Herald
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Polites family feud escalates over lucrative estate in SA

A legal battle involving one of South Australia’s wealthiest families has reached the state’s highest court, as George Constantine Polites, 70, challenges a recent Supreme Court ruling over the estate of his late mother, Florence Gemenis Polites.

The estate, which includes a share in the multimillion-dollar family empire, has become the focus of a bitter dispute between George and his nephew, Markas Salkanovic, 54.

The appeal, lodged on Friday, December 13, contests the court’s decision to appoint an administrator to investigate the estate, which includes assets worth over $1.5 million and significant interests in the Polites Group of Companies, a real estate empire valued at over $1 billion.

Florence, who passed away in March at 102, had left a complex will that has led to accusations of financial mismanagement and family discord.

The Polites family’s fortune stems from the success of the Polites Group, which owns more than 50 properties across Adelaide and Sydney, including prime CBD locations. George Polites, who has led the family business since his father Con’s death in 2001, is known for his community involvement and personal achievements, including a career in taekwondo.

The dispute centres around the family’s longstanding tensions, particularly with Salkanovic, who has faced legal troubles, including a 2019 conviction for attempting to import drugs. Salkanovic’s strained relationship with the family became evident after his 2015 arrest, leading to years of estrangement.

The Supreme Court heard that Florence’s estate, though holding valuable assets, is burdened with significant debts. As the executor of the will, George has denied any wrongdoing, while Salkanovic has sought to contest the will in a bid to secure a larger share of the inheritance.

The ongoing legal drama highlights the deep divisions within the Polites family, with no resolution in sight.

Source: The Advertiser.

Brewarrina Shire Councillor Angelo Pippos passes away

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Brewarrina Shire Councillor Angelo Pippos passes away

Brewarrina Shire Council has announced the death of Councillor Angelo Pippos, who tragically passed away Friday afternoon, December 13.

Angelo was a dedicated member of the community, known for his unwavering commitment, and leadership in serving the people of Brewarrina Shire. He served as a Councillor for more than 48 years and his passion for Brewarrina did not waver right until the very end.

His most proud and beloved achievement was the world-famous Café Deluxe, first opened by his father in 1927. It was the centre piece of Brewarrina main street for almost nine decades, where Angelo kept the wood fired stove burning until 2014.

Mayor Tom Stanton expressed his profound sadness at the sudden loss and extended his heartfelt condolences to Angelo’s family.

“Angelo was not only a valued member of our Council, but also a true friend and a guiding light for our community,” Mayor Stanton said.

“His tireless dedication to improving the lives of our residents and his passion for our Shire will never be forgotten. On behalf of the entire Council, I extend my deepest sympathies to his beloved wife, Margie, and the entire Pippos family during this heartbreaking time.”

General Manager David Kirby also shared his condolences and reflected on Angelo’s significant contributions to the Shire.

“Angelo was a man of integrity and vision, and his contributions to not only Brewarrina, but to towns right across Outback NSW ensures he leaves a lasting legacy,” Mr Kirby said.

“He was a true advocate for the community and always put the needs of others first. Our thoughts and prayers are with Margie and the Pippos family as they navigate this immense loss.”

Angelo’s leadership and commitment to the Brewarrina Shire Council will be greatly missed. Council flags will be flown at half-mast in his honour, and arrangements to commemorate Angelo’s extraordinary life and contributions will be announced in the coming days.

The thoughts of the entire Brewarrina Shire community are with Margie Pippos, her family, and everyone who knew and loved Angelo during this time of profound loss.

Sydney’s Lindt Cafe siege survivors 10 years on

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Sydney’s Lindt Cafe siege survivors 10 years on

As the 10th anniversary of the Lindt Cafe siege approaches, survivors and those involved in the tragic events continue to reflect on the lasting impact of the 2014 attack that claimed two innocent lives and forever changed many others.

Stefan Balafoutis, one of the first hostages to escape the cafe, has previously spoken at an inquest into the siege, sharing the “guilt” he still carries after fleeing while leaving behind his friends, Katrina Dawson and Julie Taylor.

Balafoutis had been seated with Dawson and Taylor when the gunman Man Haron Monis initiated the hostage situation. Dawson was tragically killed by a stray police bullet during the rescue operation.

According to The Daily Telegraph, Balafoutis returned to work as a barrister after the siege, but struggled with the loss of his close friend.

Ten years on, Louisa Hope, a fellow hostage, has shared how PTSD surfaced for her years after the event.

“It was much later for me. I was just grateful to be alive and was busy dealing with pain issues from my injuries when it was suggested I see a psychologist because of what I had been through,” Hope said.

Despite the challenges, Hope has channelled her experience into advocacy, founding the Louisa Hope Fund for Nurses to show gratitude for the medical staff who helped her recover.

For others, the trauma lingers in more subtle ways. Cafe worker Harriette Denny, who was 14 weeks pregnant during the siege, now finds herself meticulously planning every outing due to the anxiety and PTSD she still battles.

“I have to plan every outing—how we get there, how long we’re going to stay, how we can leave—it is meticulous,” she said. Denny has since had three children and admits that her experiences have made her more protective and cautious as a parent.

Among the most poignant stories of healing is that of Joel Herat, a fellow hostage who found love with his colleague Eunice Estaris in the aftermath of the attack.

“Ten years on, having gone through it, survived it, and done all [of] these other amazing things that I’m proud of… And now, I’ve married the love of my life,” he told The Daily Telegraph. The couple’s wedding last year was attended by several of their former colleagues from the cafe.

For many, the memories of the day are still vivid, and the emotional scars remain. However, survivors like Balafoutis, Hope, and Denny are finding strength in their resilience and their shared experiences.

Syrian Christians return to church amid uncertainty under new rulers

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Syrian Christians return to church amid uncertainty under new rulers

For the first time since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad last week, Syrian Christians attended Sunday services, marking a significant moment of religious observance under the new Islamist leadership group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

The HTS, which seized power in Syria’s capital, has sought to reassure minority communities that their rights and way of life will be safeguarded.

In the Christian neighbourhood of Bab Touma in Damascus, streets were filled with worshippers returning from Mass, though many expressed lingering fear.

Historically, Syria is home to diverse ethnic and religious minorities, including Christians, Kurds, Armenians, and Shiite Muslims, many of whom feared Islamist rule during the ongoing civil war.

In Latakia, once an Assad stronghold, Lina Akhras of the St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral said that while Christians had enjoyed religious freedom under Assad, they simply wanted to live peacefully. Despite the sudden collapse of Assad’s regime, Akhras noted receiving assurances from HTS, with members reaching out to local clergy.

The protection of minorities was a central topic during recent diplomatic talks, with officials from the US, EU, Arab nations, and Turkey expressing support for a new inclusive government.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasised the importance of safeguarding minority rights and preventing the country from becoming a safe haven for terrorists.

In a sign of returning normalcy, schools reopened across Syria on Sunday, December 15. However, some parents remained hesitant to send their children to class due to ongoing uncertainties. Students, optimistic about the future, celebrated the first day back with new flags and enthusiasm.

As Syria begins the arduous task of rebuilding, Ahmad al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of the new regime, faces immense challenges, including international sanctions.

The United Nations hopes for the lifting of sanctions to facilitate the country’s recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Trump appoints Michael Rigas as Deputy Secretary of State for Management

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Trump appoints Michael Rigas as Deputy Secretary of State for Management

Michael J. Rigas, a Greek American public servant, has been appointed as Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources by President-elect Donald Trump.

In his announcement on X, President Trump praised Rigas for his track record of accountability and efficiency, referencing his previous roles as Deputy and Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management and Acting Deputy Director for Management at the Office of Management and Budget during Trump’s first term.

“Mike is a conservative warrior who knows how government works,” Trump said, adding that Rigas would contribute to his administration’s goals of streamlining operations and strengthening the federal government.

Rigas holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and degrees in economics from Boston University.

With experience in both the public and private sectors, Rigas has worked to improve organisational performance, serving as Senior Advisor and Deputy Administrator at the General Services Administration (GSA) and Chief of Staff at the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services. He also led the America First Transition Project at the America First Policy Institute.

Source: Ekathimerini.

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