The executives of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) held a fruitful meeting on Friday, October 4 with Greece’s Deputy Minister of Culture, Iason Fotilas.
The GOCNSW was represented by President Harry Danalis, Secretary Michael Tsilimos, and Vice President Nia Karteris as they met the Deputy Minister at the offices of the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney.
The meeting also featured the presence of the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis.
Various topics were discussed in the meeting, including the history of the organisation and all the departments and initiatives it operates (Greek afternoon schools, Home for the Aged, Churches, Greek Festival, Welfare Service, Child Care Services etc), as well as future funding projects in the area of Culture.
They also spoke on the Greek Film Festival and its growth over the years, a cultural initiative which is of particular relevance as it prepares for its 29th edition in the coming weeks.
Tributes are being paid after the death of Greek Australian artist Alkis Astras whose works were collected by the likes of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and former PM Sir Robert Menzies.
Alkis passed away on Tuesday, October 1 in a Merrimac nursing home on the Gold Coast with his family by his side.
Although relatively unknown in Australia, he was renowned in his native Greece where he became the only artist to hold an exhibition at Mt Athos.
Alkis and his wife settled on the Gold Coast about 20 years ago after raising a family – children Oresti, Mariette and Critton – on the Sunshine Coast.
The family still has letters from Kennedy’s secretary, Menzies himself and the abbot of Mt Athos thanking Alkis for his paintings.
A painting by artist Alkis Astras.
Alkis’ son Critton said his dad was “the last of the method artists.”
“He was an enigma in the art world, always looking where his next challenge would take him,” Critton added. “He told great stories about his lifetime adventures and loved his family dearly.”
Alkis’ nephew, Cratis Hippocrates, said his uncle was “an inspiration” for him and his brother John.
“We got educated and moved into journalism, academia and music and worked in locations around the world following his example of travel and work,” Cratis said.
“He and Athina owned several art galleries and he was a serious artist, with many sold-out exhibitions and a significant legacy collected by galleries in Australia, Greece and the US.”
The blaze, which is believed to have originated in the kitchen, was contained to the shop, though neighbouring businesses experienced smoke and water damage.
Mr Ploubidis sustained severe injuries while attempting to extinguish the flames. He was rushed to the hospital, where he remains undergoing treatment.
In response to the tragedy, Mr Ploubidis’ eldest daughter, Daniella Carling, launched a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise $20,000 to support his wife, Katya, and their three young children during his recovery.
Ms Carling explained that her father “sustained third-degree burns affecting 70 per cent of his body” while trying to save his restaurant.
“When the roof started to collapse in the back kitchen, Dad was still inside trying to put the fire out to save Plato’s,” she said. “He is expected to remain in hospital for several months.”
Fire destroyed Plato’s. Photo: Nine News.
The fire has left the family struggling financially. Katya, unable to work due to the loss of the restaurant, is facing difficulty covering their mortgage and daily expenses for the children.
“Dad will also have ongoing medical expenses for at least the next 18 months following multiple surgeries,” Ms Carling said. “Katya is applying for support where possible, as insurance unfortunately won’t cover the loss. Our family are also trying to help out as much as possible.”
The GoFundMe has so far raised over $14,000 of its $20,000 goal.
“We are so thankful to all our family and friends who have continued to support us. To everyone who helped dad on the day of the fire and pulled him out, and the burns unit at the RAH, we are forever grateful to you for saving his life,” Ms Carling said.
“Plato’s meant so much to dad for so many reasons, and he is very thankful for all the messages we’ve read to him from his customers and the community.”
She added that her father hopes “to be able to see everyone again” and eventually return to “serving amazing Greek food.”
The ‘giant of modern Greek music,’ Mimis Plessas, has passed away, just a week shy of his 100th birthday.
Plessas’ death was confirmed on Saturday, October 5 by his wife, Loukila Carrer.
Plessas was a beloved musician and composer in Greece, whose music featured in scores of films, television shows and theatrical productions
Born in Athens on October 12, 1924, Plessas began his musical journey at a young age. He became a piano soloist at state radio before entering international piano competitions while still in his 20s.
Often seated at the piano, accompanying renowned Greek stars, he was a fixture of musical moments and celebrations for decades, his music becoming intertwined with the nation’s cultural fabric.
Mimis Plessas has passed away, just a week shy of his 100th birthday.
His 1969 composition, “O Dromos” (The Street), remains one of the highest-selling albums in Greek history.
Plessas collaborated with a constellation of Greek music icons, including Nana Mouskouri, Vicky Leandros, Giannis Poulopoulos, Marinella, and lyricist Lefteris Papadopoulos, shaping the landscape of Greek music.
His work defied genre, blending traditional Greek music forms with elements of jazz and classical, creating an easy-on-the-ear signature sound — softer than the hard jangle of many of his contemporaries.
Plessas’ contributions extended beyond composing. He produced a popular radio quiz show, In 30 Seconds, and he served as a judge on numerous Greek and international music competition panels. He was also a member of prestigious artistic societies, including the Greek Society of Theatrical Authors and the Society of Greek Composers and Lyricists.
Plessas is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter. Funeral arrangements were not immediately known.
About 350 people were on board the Qantas 787 from the Cypriot port of Larnaca, which landed at Sydney Airport just after 7:30pm AEDT.
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the federal government was working to help more Australians get out of Lebanon, but noted that flights were “subject to security and operational restrictions.”
Welcome home to 349 Australians and their immediate family, who touched down in Sydney tonight after leaving Lebanon over the weekend.
Today another two assisted departure flights leave Beirut Airport for Cyprus. pic.twitter.com/KFckfE3Gwn
Cyprus, an island off Lebanon in the Eastern Mediterranean, is the nearest safe pick-up point amid Israel’s expanding war against Iranian-backed Islamist militants. Israel is intensifying air strikes in the Lebanese capital Beirut as part of its campaign against Hezbollah.
Those on board the first repatriation flight thanked the Australian government for its help.
“I never knew the importance of having this passport until today. Honestly. So thank you very much Australia. I wanted to say safety is more important than freedom. Now we feel safe,” passenger Dana Hamieh told ABC News.
It is understood that 904 Australians and their immediate family members have been evacuated from Beirut to Cyprus after the Albanese government scrambled to secure seats on commercial flights following Iran’s missile strikes on Israel last week.
Two more flights are set to leave Beirut later on Monday.
More than 9,000 Orthodox faithful filled the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney Theatre on Sunday, October 6 to take part in a historic Patriarchal Divine Liturgy presided over by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
The sacred liturgical event was concelebrated with His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Assistant Bishops and clergy, and was held to mark the centenary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA).
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
People gathering before the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Among those present were a number of official guests including the NSW Premier Chris Minns; the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper; the Greek Deputy Minister of Culture, Iason Fotilas; the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos; the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis; the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis; Ambassadors and Consul Generals from Romania, Georgia and Ukraine; and other Federal and State ministers.
(L-R) NSW Multicultural Minister, Steve Kamper, John Loukadellis, and NSW Premier Chris Minns.
Starting at 7am, faithful started drifting into the ICC Sydney Theatre for the Divine Liturgy before the expected arrival of His All-Holiness at 9am. When the Ecumenical Patriarch arrived, he was flanked by Archbishop Makarios and the NSW Premier, and was greeted by a ‘Guard of Honour’ from youth dressed proudly in traditional Greek costumes.
Following an intricate Divine Liturgy accompanied by the moving chanting of chanters from across Australia, there were a number of speeches and important announcements made.
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
Premier Minns spoke first and highlighted the significance of the GOAA celebrating its 100th anniversary, noting the excitement among the state’s Orthodox communities. He also acknowledged the foundational role of the Orthodox community in NSW, strengthened by their contributions over generations.
NSW Premier Chris Minns.
In his speech, Archbishop Makarios spoke of how the GOAA had, in the past, been harmed and eroded by “secular ideas and ideologies” which created “unbearable passions and wounds, schisms and apostasies.” Despite this, he said, the GOAA is “now moving on the path of unity, harmony and the overcoming of the grievances of the past” thanks to the approval of the Archdiocese’s new Constitution.
The Holy and Sacred Synod unanimously approved the new Constitution of the GOAA at a meeting convened at the Phanar in Turkey on Thursday, August 29. The meeting was presided over by the Ecumenical Patriarch and Archbishop Makarios was also present at the time.
“History has recorded… the many benefactions of Your God-beloved All-Holiness,” the Archbishop said on Sunday.
“This includes the granting of the new Constitution, the establishment of the Diocese, the formation of the Holy Eparchial Synod, your current blessed visit to Oceania, and numerous other contributions that cannot be counted. It has witnessed the renewal and birth of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia under Patriarch Bartholomew.”
Archbishop Makarios gave his speech.
His All-Holiness also spoke about the new Constitution in his speech and provided more details as to what it entailed. He said although the Greek diaspora in Australia maintain their faith and ancestral traditions, and that the local Church is now thriving, this wasn’t always the case.
“The Church has often prioritised the pastoral needs of the faithful over its strict adherence to canonical accuracy,” the Ecumenical Patriarch said.
“This has also occurred in the administrative structure of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and the local Communities, where there has been a disproportionate involvement of our lay brothers beyond canonical limits, with the well-known consequences and distortions of the past, as well as the schisms within the Communities, which continue to affect the Archdiocese.”
His All-Holiness said Archbishop Makarios “sought to address and correct these difficulties and canonical deviations” and with the support of a team of selected scholars, Bishops and legal advisors, he prepared the new Constitution for the GOAA.
“It is an excellent document, in every respect, which not only addresses the contemporary administrative and pastoral needs of the Archdiocese, but at the same time reinstates absolute canonical order in its structure and governance,” he said.
“It articulates in the clearest manner the ecclesiastical dependency of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia on the Ecumenical Patriarchate and strengthens the legal “status quo” of the Patriarchate in relation to the Commonwealth of Australia.”
His All-Holiness concluded his impassioned speech by handing the approved Constitution to His Eminence, who waved it proudly in the air with a huge smile.
Next, His All-Holiness welcomed 12 males to the stage to anoint them with the position of Archon of the Holy and Great Church of Christ. Among the new Archons were Professor Vrasidas Karalis, Theodosios Penklis, Ioannis Mitrothanasis, Efstathios Kondylios, Panagiotis Sachtouris, Tony Tsourdalakis, Mario Kalogiannis, Dimitrios Athanasios Limnios, Panagiotis Demourtzidis, Vladimir Devrelis, Antonis Michael, and Christos Diamantis.
The 12 new Archons.
These Archons will form part of a new initiative established by Archbishop Makarios known as the ‘Order of Christ the Saviour,’ which is the Order of the Archons of the Ecumenical Throne in Australia. The new initiative will be placed under the presidency of Archon Andrew Liveris AO.
Following the Archon announcement, Professor Vrasidas gave a small speech thanking His All-Holiness for bestowing them with the honour. The Patriarchal Divine Liturgy concluded with the offering of Holy Communion to those present.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Thousands of Orthodox faithful were joined by Australia’s political leaders on Saturday, October 5 at an Official Welcome Doxology for His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who had landed in Sydney overnight for his first official visit to the country in 28 years to mark the centenary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA).
The Welcome Doxology was held at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, Sydney, and also marked the official blessing and reopening of the church after it was closed to undergo extensive renovations and upgrades in the form of a golden altar and throne, as well as detailed and beautiful iconography.
Blessing conducted by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Whilst the faithful gathered outside to welcome the Ecumenical Patriarch, official guests including the Greek Deputy Minister of Culture, Iason Fotilas, the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis, and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, were seated inside in preparation for the Doxology.
Guests wait inside the Cathedral.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, alongside Federal Assistant Minister for Immigration Matt Thistlethwaite, later turned up and were greeted by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
The Prime Minister, Mr Thistlethwaite and Archbishop Makarios spoke with the faithful gathered outside, before a drumming band signalled the imminent arrival of the Ecumenical Patriarch.
His All-Holiness participated in a procession to the Redfern Cathedral surrounded by Archbishop Makarios, Bishops and clergy from across Australia, before stopping just outside the church to greet the Prime Minister, Mr Thistlethwaite and the Governor of New South Wales, Margaret Beazley.
Following a traditional Smoking Ceremony, the Ecumenical Patriarch took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially reopen the Cathedral to the public. He later went inside and took part in a moving Doxology service which included the rich chanting of numerous clergy and chanters.
The service made room for a number of official speeches as well. Archbishop Makarios spoke first and gave a detailed historical overview of Greek migration to Australia and the subsequent establishment of the GOAA.
In his speech, the Archbishop highlighted the significance of the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit, saying: “This is indeed a historic occasion, not only for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia but also for the whole of Australian society. One of the largest minorities of the fifth continent is marking its centenary here, and entering its second century, having made a crucial contribution to the culture, education, unity, solidarity, and democratic spirit of this blessed country.”
“The presence of Ms Beazley, and our esteemed Prime Minister, Mr Albanese, along with other political figures, ambassadors, MPs, and senators, is, in my opinion, a clear indication that the Archdiocese of Australia has progressed in the best possible way. It has fulfilled and continues to fulfil its mission of service, love, unity, progress, and peace, and it has certainly earned a prominent place in the consciousness of Australian society,” the Archbishop added.
Archbishop Makarios.Margaret Beazley.
For her part, the Governor Ms Beazley discussed the significant contributions of the Greek community to Australia, including their integration and cultural enrichment. She also spoke of the personal significance of the church to her family and the broader community.
“It is an honour to be here with you. The entire community is honoured by your [the Ecumenical Patriarch’s] presence. This is a most significant celebration, a significant centenary of the Greek Orthodox Church,” she said.
When it was time for the Prime Minister to speak, Mr Albanese highlighted the role of Greek Australians to society and the importance of preserving their heritage. He also announced that the Federal Government would be providing up to $25 million to fund further restoration works at the Redfern Cathedral. Funds would go towards upgrading St Andrew’s Theological College, a new Great Hall, a library and a museum.
Anthony Albanese.
“This is an investment that will benefit the whole community. Not just the Greek Australian community or the Greek Orthodox community, but the whole community of our multicultural nation,” Mr Albanese said.
“This is a vision that His Eminence has had and has gone through government processes to provide support for because it is about honouring and preserving centuries of tradition, sharing knowledge with the whole nation and passing it down to future generations and nourishing aspiration for the next 100 years of community and faith.”
His All-Holiness spoke after Mr Albanese, and thanked all attendees for their presence.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
“We continue to experience the joy of Pentecost, the certainty of unity, the spirit of the diaspora, the enthusiasm of the youth, the love of the faithful flock, and everyone’s devotion to the Mother Church, our Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the Patriarch of the Nation,” he said.
After thanking Ms Beazley for her lengthy speech, he addressed Mr Albanese.
“Your Excellency, Mr Prime Minister, your presence at today’s event is a testament to the dynamic spirit of the Greek community in Australia. We thank you for being here, and I wish to express my gratitude for the support the Australian government has shown to our compatriots, providing them with the prospect of a better life during difficult and tragic times. You have always been close to the Greek community, both institutionally and personally, and you honour our Archbishop with your friendship,” he said.
The end of these speeches marked the conclusion of the Doxology, with the Ecumenical Patriarch, Archbishop and Bishops returning to the altar to sign the Gospel as a mark of remembrance for the special day.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
With great anticipation and enthusiasm, hundreds of members of the Greek community in Australia welcomed His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Friday, October 4 upon his arrival in Sydney.
This is his second visit to Australia, following his first visit in 1996. The Ecumenical Patriarch will participate in a series of celebratory events marking the centenary of the establishment of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
People waiting outside for His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to arrive. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Despite a delayed flight, Patriarch Bartholomew arrived in Sydney in good spirits and with a smile. He was warmly welcomed by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Federal Assistant Minister for Immigration Matt Thistlethwaite, and Sophie Cotsis, NSW Minister for Industrial Relations and Work Health.
The three speakers, addressing the audience before the Ecumenical Patriarch, highlighted the significance of his visit and the contribution of the Greek Orthodox Church to the development and prosperity of Australia’s multicultural society.
(L-R) Sophie Cotsis MP, Matt Thistlethwaite MP, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Archbishop Makarios, in a particularly warm address, introduced His All-Holiness, saying: “Welcome to beautiful Australia, the land of contrasts and compositions. To a place justly characterised as a mosaic of cultures, languages, and beliefs. Welcome to the fifth continent, of which the Greek Orthodox faith and tradition form an integral part, flourishing and bearing spiritual fruits, which I am sure you will have the opportunity to enjoy during your apostolic visit. Welcome to Australia, welcome home.”
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
Following this, Mr Thistlethwaite, representing the Australian government, took the floor: “It is a great honour to welcome you on behalf of the Australian government, and I want to thank you for making this long journey to participate in the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.”
“Your presence here symbolises the deep bonds between the citizens of Australia and Greece. Our nations fought together in world wars. Greek migrants have been coming to Australia for over a century, significantly contributing to the economic and social development of our country. Simply put, Australia would not be the great nation it is today without the contribution of the Greeks. Thank you as the spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox Church, and rest assured that faith in Australia is strengthened through the leadership of Archbishop Makarios,” Mr Thistlethwaite added.
Matt Thistlethwaite MP.
Ms Cotsis, representing the NSW Premier Chris Minns, stressed the historical significance of the Patriarch’s visit: “It is a great honour and privilege to welcome His All-Holiness, especially in the year marking the centenary of the Archdiocese’s foundation. His first visit to New South Wales was pivotal, especially for the migrants who came to the country in the 1960s and 1970s.”
“It is a privilege for us to welcome His All-Holiness. There is great anticipation, especially among students and young people, for your presence,” she added.
Sophie Cotsis MP.
Upon his arrival, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his gratitude to God for the opportunity to visit Australia for a second time, saying: “I am happy and grateful to Almighty God, who has once again guided my steps to this distant, yet very beautiful and hospitable country.”
“From our Ecumenical Patriarchate in Phanar, I bring love, blessings, affection, and encouragement for the century of our Church here on the fifth continent. I bless young and old with all my heart, on behalf of the Mother Church, which has very large arms that embrace everyone, all nations, and all peoples, as long as they believe in Christ the Saviour and accept the Orthodox doctrine. But even those who are not of the Orthodox family are embraced with affection, love, and solidarity. I hope we will spend these 15 days with unity, joy, enthusiasm, and love. Glory to God,” the Patriarch concluded, emphasising that this patriarchal visit is not only religious but also conveys a strong social message of unity, solidarity, and mutual understanding among people of all origins and faiths.
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Warm reception from the faithful
Following the press conference, the Ecumenical Patriarch met with a crowd of faithful outside the reception area, where they eagerly awaited to receive his blessing. The Patriarch was welcomed by priests, forming a “guard of honour” before he proceeded to bless the gathered faithful.
Also present was the Greek Deputy Minister of Culture, Iason Fotilas; the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos; the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis; and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis.
Despite his efforts to reach as many as possible, many attendees were unable to greet him and receive his blessing after waiting for hours.
The Ecumenical Patriarch will remain in Australia for 15 days, during which he will visit various Greek Orthodox communities in Sydney and Melbourne, while presiding over numerous religious and cultural events. Among the highlights are the patriarchal service at the ICC Sydney Theatre and meetings with political and religious leaders of the country.
This historic visit is expected to further strengthen the ties between the Orthodox Church and the Greek community of Australia, marking a new era in their relations.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
On Saturday, September 21, a hike on Mount Taygetos connected Australia with Greece, as different generations of Greeks and relatives from the Ligouri, Kouramba, and Valsamaki families came together, according to tharrosnews.gr
Eleven cousins from Melbourne and ten others living in Messinia embarked on the route from Kato Karveli (or Hani Hanakia) to Ano Karveli. This journey served as a pilgrimage to honor their immediate ancestors. At the same time, they paid tribute to their grandparents and, more broadly, to all the earlier residents of the region, reflecting on the difficult daily life of the past, when walking along these trails was the only way to travel to Kalamata for work and return to their villages.
Ioanna, the organizer and inspiration behind this event, described it as a privilege to walk in the footsteps of their ancestors. She dedicated every step to the memory of her father, Souli. The entire group thoroughly enjoyed the large family gathering, feeling moved as they reflected on their shared history.
They hiked for many kilometers through the beautiful landscape, undeterred by the challenges. This idea had been in the works for three years, demonstrating the persistence of these 21 young people, whose gathering spread joy, vitality, and hope for the future. The visitors received a warm welcome from their relatives and fellow villagers, with the “reward” at the end being a family celebration, or more accurately, a traditional Karveli festival. The festivities featured local delicacies such as tsipouro and lalagia, which were given special honor.
In an emotional event in Heraklion, Crete, a 55-year-old grandmother acted as a surrogate mother for her daughter, giving birth to a healthy baby boy, according to Protothema.com.
This rare case was announced by the gynecologist-obstetrician, Alexandros Zervakis, through a social media post.
Dr. Zervakis explained, “The grandmother was determined, with a life goal to help her daughter, who was born with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome type 1, characterized by the congenital absence of the uterus, though the ovaries produce eggs.”
The grandmother lives in Crete, and her daughter resides in Athens. After years of unsuccessful attempts, they approached Dr. Zervakis, who said, “We devised a plan, but the surrogate grandmother required several corrective interventions to carry the pregnancy. Challenges included her age, pre-existing hypertension, and strict legal frameworks. Preparation took two years, with surgeries, tests, and approvals from the National Authority for Infertility.”
The first embryo transfer attempt failed, but Dr. Zervakis noted, “The second attempt was successful. Despite a high-risk pregnancy, the surrogate grandmother’s determination was remarkable. She followed everything to the letter, and in the end, a chubby baby boy weighing 3,500 grams was born.”
After the delivery, the grandmother said, “I waited 30 years and was afraid of this moment.”
