On Monday, March 24, the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney hosted a powerful and heartfelt celebration of Greek Independence Day, marking 204 years since the start of the Greek War of Independence in 1821.
The reception was held in the historic Strangers’ Room of the Parliament of New South Wales, drawing an esteemed gathering of political leaders, diplomats, and members of the Greek Australian community.
The evening began with a warm welcome from the emcee, Ellie Mavromattis, who acknowledged the traditional custodians of the land and spoke movingly of her own experience reconnecting with her Kytherian heritage during a recent trip to Greece.
Following the national anthems of Greece and Australia, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, addressed the audience with a speech that blended history, reflection, and gratitude.
“Today we celebrate the perseverance and commitment of our ancestors,” he said. “Poor and largely illiterate peoples… succeeded against all odds.”
Mr Mallikourtis paid tribute to Australia’s role in supporting Greek immigrants and fostering deep bilateral relations.
“Australia gave them opportunities which no other place would have given them… Greeks were won over by something that has made me have a soft spot for this country, the spirit of egalitarianism…” he noted.
Mr Mallikourtis also highlighted growing prospects in trade, investment, and diplomacy between the Greece and Australia, while extending a heartfelt farewell as his term in Sydney nears its end in July.
The event was enjoyed be everyone in attendance.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia delivered a stirring spiritual message.
“Without spiritual freedom, there is no other freedom,” he declared, emphasising the significance of March 25 as both a national and religious celebration.
“They stood firm for a principle—the right to express their faith openly, to live with dignity, and to determine their own destiny.”
Official speeches. Sophie Cotsis MP.
Emcee Elena.
Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
Stavros Keletsis MP (New Democracy).
The visiting Hellenic Parliament delegation was represented by Stavros Keletsis MP (New Democracy), who honoured the “crucial and profound” contributions of the diaspora. Also present were Athanasios Papathanasis MP (New Democracy), Stefanos Parastatidis MP (PASOK-KINAL), and Miltiadis Zamparas MP (SYRIZA).
In a speech, Mr Keletsis said, “Since the founding of the modern Greek state, more than 200 years have passed… despite the challenges and adversities, we Greeks succeeded in building a modern, strong European state.”
The event also featured heartfelt video messages from NSW Governor Margaret Beazley and NSW Premier Chris Minns.
Chris Minns MP.NSW Governor Margaret Beazley.
“Greeks are a proud people who fought for their freedom and won their independence,” Minns said. “You helped build this state and changed the face of this country for the better.”
NSW Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis MP represented the NSW Government in person and delivered a passionate tribute to the Greek Australian story.
“That generation of men and women put everything on the line,” Ms Cotsis said. “It is a testament of both our nations… In Greece, we have the word ‘philotimo,’ in Australia we have the word ‘mateship.’ You can’t exactly describe them, but both are deeply spiritual that both nations share.”
As the formalities concluded, guests mingled over drinks and traditional fare, celebrating not only Greece’s path to freedom but also the enduring spirit and contributions of the Greek Australian community.
As Archbishop Makarios aptly put it, “Let us stand here today as free Greeks, as free Australians, as free people of the world. Zito Ellada. Zito Australia.”
Melbourne’s Hellenic Museum brimmed with distinguished guests on Monday, March 24 including Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan, to celebrate Greek National Day (25th March).
Premier Allan announced a landmark collaboration with the Hellenic Museum, with the Victorian government offering free access for children to its upcoming “Rituals, Gifts for the Gods” exhibition. This will feature over 150 artifacts, with 119 originating from Greece, many of which have never left Athens, with MC Spyros Alatsas revealing that the exhibition comes following meetings with Greece’s Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.
“I want to make sure that even more Victorians have the opportunity to learn about and be inspired by that history, particularly our youngest Victorians,” Premier Allan stated.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced a landmark collaboration with the Hellenic Museum. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.Greek Community of Melbourne President Bill Papastergiadis gave a speech as well.George Tzatzakis offered the Premier a token gift from the sports union of the Hellenic Police Force.
Sarah Craig, CEO of the Hellenic Museum, told The Greek Herald, “The Victorian Premier is a supporter of the Greek community and the Hellenic Museum, and has offered support for the museum in providing free access to the children.”
She said that more children’s focused events can be expected to accompany the free visits once the exhibition opens in a few months.
Hellenic Museum CEO Sarah Craig.
Premier Allan was asked by The Greek Herald about other issues of interest to the Greek community, apart from culture, such as the loss of the Greek language.
“The way we solve problems is by drawing on our values,” she said. “That’s why Greeks pass on culture to their children and grandchildren – to pass on those values.”
The Premier also noted that the National Gallery of Victoria and Melbourne Museum will promote the exhibition to their extensive distribution lists, reaching over 200,000 people.
There were a number of official guests present at the event.
Manassis dancers danced indoors and outdoors, impressing guests with their talent.
After the euphoria of the Greek parade returning to the Shrine after five years, the news of the next exhibition was welcomed. Congratulations flowed regarding the impeccable organisation of the parade by Victoria’s Greek National Day Council on Sunday, drawing thousands. Much of the praise went to Sophia Siachos, the Council’s chair.
Adding a unique twist to the accolades, His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, during his speech, playfully reinforced gender stereotypes by quoting former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who said in 1965: “If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done ask a woman.”
His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne gave a speech.
This unexpected reference drew a surprised reaction from Premier Allan, who quipped, “When I came here this evening, I didn’t expect to hear Margaret Thatcher on Greek National Day. Who am I to disagree with Margaret Thatcher?”
Ambassador of Greece to Australia Stavros Venizelos delivered a powerful speech, highlighting Greece’s rich history and modern contributions with its strong national defence force, an economy that relies 70% on services, the influx of millions seeking the beauty of the islands and wealth of history.
“We are a maritime power with Greek shipping controlling nearly 20% of global trade. 50% of our energy is sourced from renewable power,” he said, ending his list of Greece’s bounties with the quote: “When I want something done, I have my wife.”
Ambassador of Greece to Australia Stavros Venizelos (right) with the Victorian Premier (centre), and the Ambassador’s wife (left).
Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Dimitra Georgantzoglou, host of the event, did not give a speech but graciously welcomed eminent guests, including His Eminence Metropolitan Ezekiel of Dervis, His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora, Shadow Multicultural Affairs Minister Kim O’Keefe, Minister Steve Dimopoulos, Minister Nick Staikos, Lee Tarlamis MP amongst others.
The evening was a testament to the enduring cultural ties between Greece and Victoria, and the Hellenic Museum’s commitment to preserving and sharing this rich heritage. With the Victorian government’s support, future generations will have the opportunity to delve into the captivating world of ancient Greece.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis
Residents, staff, and families at St Basil’s NSW & ACT in Lakemba came together for a vibrant and heart-warming celebration of Greek Independence Day, filled with music, dance, and cultural pride.
The festivities were highlighted by a special performance from beloved Greek singer Kostas Karafotis, who delighted the audience with a selection of classic and much-loved Greek songs. His presence brought a special touch of nostalgia and joy to the occasion.
Students from All Saints Grammar School added a patriotic flair by performing the Greek national anthem, while the Aristotelion Academy of Greek Traditional Dance captivated everyone with an energetic display of traditional dances, showcasing the richness of Hellenic heritage.
The celebration, held on the grounds of the Lakemba aged care home, brought together generations of the Greek Australian community in a joyful tribute to Greek history and identity.
The event was not only a cultural highlight, but also a meaningful expression of unity and community spirit.
Two hundred and four years have passed since 25 March 1821- the official date of the Greek Revolution. This was when Greeks at last co-ordinated, fought in the Peloponnese. Here they gained the first major milestone in their independence from the Ottomans who invaded Hellenism’s Byzantine’s capital Constantinople in 1453.
So much history, so many memories can be rather baffling to a Greek Australian like myself who was born and bred in Australia; a ‘younger’ nation. But this measuring and narrating of ‘official’ history leaves out much: A primarily politically enacted and defined history, often overlooking the fact that common people become pawns.
We are at last recognising politically motivated biases in history, acknowledging for example that Australia means Aboriginal Australia as well. And, here in Greece (where I have been residing for almost 30 years), overdue recognition is being given to the underestimated contributions by Asia Minor Greeks to the Greek Revolution of 1821, culminating in the survival of Hellenism.
Perhaps I myself am suffering from bias in delving into this complex topic, as my grandmother was an Asia Minor Greek. I was fortunate enough to meet her when I was a fresh-faced Aussie arriving in Greece aged 16 in 1984. My surprise at hearing her converse in a strange tongue with another elderly Greek lady hadn’t yet manifested into intrigue to make me want to ask why these two were speaking in Turkish.
My Grandmother.
“She came to Greece from there (now Turkey) when it was ours, and she was only 13 and came with her elder brother as the others were lost there, when the Turks kicked us out in 1922,” was the narrative I recall getting from a cousin.
I wish I had looked more into her history, my history, Greece’s history, before she died.
I questioned my mother, her daughter, many years later, but she herself didn’t have much to say, nor know much about her mother’s origins.
“I think she was from Constantinople. Your poor grandmother had many children – I was the 7th and last. She was always busy washing, cooking…”, was her response.
I did learn from my mother that my grandmother had brought customs with her from Asia Minor, such as spiced aromatic food, and giving her babies “a little bit of milk from the poppy plant to help us sleep.” Very exotic stuff!
Perhaps my grandmother couldn’t or didn’t want to put into words the trauma of her fleeing from her Asia Minor homeland, from a homeland of millions of Greeks for over 3,000 years until Ottoman domination. I wonder in what forms inter-generational trauma carried through in many subtle but powerful ways to the second and third generation of Asia Minor Greeks like myself.
The Asia Minor Catastrophe.
I live close to a suburb here in Athens called Nea Filadelfia, 6 kilometres north of the city centre. It is an Asia Minor refugee area founded just after 1922. This was the year of the ‘Megali Katastrofi’ – the ‘Great Disaster’ – an event originating from the ‘Megali Idea’ – ‘The Great Idea’ – for Greeks to be freed from Ottoman rule. The plan included a desire to restore Greece to its 1453 pre-Ottoman occupation borders, but went wrong due to awry foreign and Greek political decisions.
Though the Greek Revolution of 1821 succeeded in mainland Greece, things in Asia Minor were a lot tougher. Attempting many times to revolt within the approximately 400 years of Ottoman invasion, the Asia Minor Greeks were swiftly and barbarically put down by the Ottomans who outnumbered them.
Finally, culminating dramatically in 1922, the largest expulsion of Asia Minor Greeks happened with over 1.5 million arriving as refugees in Modern Greece. Nea Filadelfia is one of several suburbs in Athens – and other parts of Greece – named after the Asia Minor refugees’ origins. (Original Filadelfia was a town in Asia Minor established in 189BC.)
Nea Filadelfia is also the home of one of Greece’s most popular soccer teams – AEK, a Greek acronym for Athletic Association of Constantinople. Their fans are very passionate and still consider Asia Minor their former homeland with its stadium’s architecture resembling Aghia Sophia Church from Constantinople, adorned both inside and outside with historical reminders of Asia Minor heritage, as well as housing a museum.
I meet up here with 3rd generation Nea Filadelfia resident, also historian and researcher at the Centre of Asia Minor Studies, Dr Dimitris Kamouzis. We talk about AEK amongst many things, and he explains that Asia Minor people tend to be more politicised than the mainland Greeks because when they arrived in mainland Greece, they had to fight to be accepted, they had to work harder to prove themselves as Greeks.
The Asia Minor Greeks who fled slaughter (around 1 million Asia Minor Greeks left behind didn’t) and arrived in mainland Greece, with only the clothes on their backs, faced the wrath of many Greeks here. Called ‘tourkospori’ – turk seeds – and ostracised for their poverty, as they had to leave hurriedly to save their lives even though many led much more cosmopolitan lives than the mainland Greeks, their integration was made difficult by the above-mentioned defensive and ignorant attitudes.
Dr Kamouzis considers an important, definitive event of the Asia Minor Greeks’ involvement in the Greek Revolution of 1821 – the Turk’s slaying Patriarch Gregory V who to the Ottomans served as a scapegoat representative of the Greeks’ struggle for independence. This is indicative of the Ottomans’ many torturous reprisals towards the Greeks of Asia Minor as they bravely planned, enacted and struggled for their independence.
Dr Dimitris Kamouzis.
We know that Alexandros Ypsilantis from Constantinople was one of the first to attempt revolt before 25th March 1821. Ypsilantis formed the ‘Philiki Etairia’ – the ‘Society of Friends’ – a movement that spread the seeds and deeds of Greek independence to areas such as Constantinople, Cappadocia, Ionia (mainly in Smyrna), Cydonia-Aivali and Pontus. There was also Adamantios Korais (1748-1833), an intellectual from Smyrni who energetically, and internationally, advocated for a Greek Renaissance, greatly influencing Philhellenism. And these were only two men in a plethora of Asia Minor Greeks contributing to the Revolution in many ways.
A special army was formed by Asia Minor Greeks – the Column or Phalanx of the Ionians (1826 -1828) – which gave its combative presence to the Revolution. There were also the many Asia Minor Greeks who immediately joined the military corps of chieftains, such as Nikitaras, Makrygiannis, Gouras, and Kolokotronis in mainland Greece.
Much money and weaponry were donated by Asia Minor Greeks for the Revolution, including a ship full of ammunition to the Peloponnese enabling the Revolution to first succeed in Kalamata in March of 1821, and then spread to the rest of Greece.
Asia Minor women showed their patriotism and love for freedom in many ways too. The actual banner held up by Bishop Germanos signalling the beginning of the Revolution was made by a woman from Asia Minor, and donated to Greece in the 17th century.
This brings to mind what Dr Kamouzis tells me about the old, now abandoned factories in Nea Filadelfia where textiles were made and where many of the 1922 Asia Minor refugees worked, as they excelled in artistic textile design.
“The area with its carpet and cloth, including silk factories, was known as ‘Little Birmingham,’ due to its industry,” Dr Kamouzis says.
But the Asia Minor Greeks also excelled in many, many fields such as administration and trade, stemming from their geography and ensuing Byzantium culture dating back to antiquity.
Another signifier of their cultured, cosmopolitan Asia Minor ways, Dr Kamouzis refers to, is parks. Yes, parks.
“Nea Filadelfia has a big ‘Alsos’ park, and note the other Asia Minor suburbs such as Neas Smyrni also have these beautiful, green leisure spaces,” he explains.
We also discuss that much of the tasteful architecture in Nea Filadelfia, unique to Greece, is based on the refugees Asia Minor abodes.
“These houses were built just after 1922 in consultation with the Refugee Settlement Commission,” Dr Kamouzis says, testifying to their administrative prowess.
My mum, not wanting to return to her homeland Greece but content to remain in Australia, often refers to Greece as ‘Psorokostaina.’
Psorokostaina.
The real name of ‘Psorokostaina’ was Panoria Chatzikosta, the wife of wealthy merchant Kostas Aivaliotis, and the mother of four children. She lost them all in the years of the Greek Revolution when the Turks massacred the area of Aivali from where she hailed. Ending up in Psara then Nafplio, she became a poor beggar. Nasty, taunting children there nicknamed her ‘Psarokostaina,’ which evolved to ‘Psorokostaina.’
During the siege of Messolonghi (1826), a fundraiser took place, whereby she was the first to donate her only possession, a golden wedding ring. This humble act moved the other Greeks, resulting in the table then being loaded with offerings.
She was eventually hired as a volunteer laundress at an orphanage in Aegina where she died much-loved, where the orphans there washed her with their tears and accompanied her to her grave. The term is a metaphor for the economic situation of Greece. It’s also symbolic of the fate of Greece after the woes of our history (foreign powers’ manipulations included), but is nonetheless also indicative of our love for freedom, independence and sacrifice for our country and our people.
Basil Zempilas, a former broadcaster and Perth Lord Mayor, has been elected unopposed as the new leader of the Western Australian Liberal Party.
Zempilas’ election follows the party’s significant defeat in the recent state election and the subsequent resignation of former leader Libby Mettam, who will now serve as deputy leader.
For Greek Australians, the heroes of the 1821 Greek War of Independence are fiercely kept alive. From Melbourne’s social clubs named after Kolokotronis and Papaflessas to the rich movements of the Zalongo traditional dance and the vibrant strokes of contemporary art, the sacrifices and triumphs of Greece’s heroes are woven into the very fabric of the Greek Australian community.
“It was always called the Papaflessas Social Club, in honour of the war hero from the Greek Revolution of 1821 since it was first established 66 years ago,” Nasia Dimitrakopoulos, assistant secretary of the club, declares.
Irene Tsianakas at a Papaflessas photo booth during one of the annual 23rd March dances, an event that is documented within the social club’s constitution.
She recalls the impact of a childhood film: “During the fight, the Greeks were few, outnumbered by Turks, but they fought with passion and had a flame inside. When Papaflessas died, Ibrahim Pasha visited him and said, ‘Someone who fights as Papaflessas fought is not a hero, not a mortal, but a god.’”
This legacy, she emphasises, is passed down: “My kids, my son’s kids have seen the movie and enjoy it as much as I did.”
George Kotsirilos, president of the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, ‘O Kolokotronis,’ echoes this sentiment. “All Hellenes are proud of the Greek War of Independence, and as Arcadians, we can say that Kolokotronis from our region contributed to this.”
President George Kotsirilos and Vice President Betty Dimitropoulos with Kolokotronis-inspired artworks.
“When I was a child, I didn’t appreciate it as much, but the older you get, the more you appreciate and respect history and the significance of our ancestors,” Mr Kotsirilos adds.
To connect with younger generations, Mr Kotsirilos blends the old with the new: “We commissioned a graffiti artwork by Anthony Tartaglia and Warhol-inspired art that sit in the Kolokotronis hall to give it a modern twist, to keep our history alive.”
The emotional weight of the revolution is vividly conveyed through the art of Greek dance, as taught by Sophia Ventouris. She highlights popular dances like the Dance of Zalongo: “The song is usually sung a-cappella while the girls dance with low, sad expressions—it’s beautiful and instantly gives me goosebumps.”
Sophia Ventouris dancers. Photo: Vasilis Vasilas.
And the dance of Makrinitsa: “The older students understand that a sacrifice was made in history. Because of this understanding, they express their gratitude and pride in their willingness to learn and perform these dances on special occasions such as the celebration of Greek Independence.”
Artist Angela Kiki Konstantinopoulou channels the spirit of 1821 onto her canvases.
“I started painting heroes during the debt crisis when I lived in Patra for 5-6 months a year. Greece was struggling, but in museums, there were heroes of 1821, and I felt they had been let down by the government,” she says, referring to her first work of hero Kolokotronis with a tear streaming down his cheek.
“These heroes went to war in full glory, wearing their best clothes. Even the poor ones had dignity.”
Angela Kiki Konstantinopoulou has painted a series of paintings dedicated to 1821.Angela Konstantinopoulou’s Convergence to Glory shows the layers of Greek history through time.
Now in Australia, she refuses to sell her paintings individually.
“If someone wants them, they should buy all 20. Through these works, children learn about our history,” the artists says.
She speaks with passion about the women: “Unlike the women of Souli, who chose death (over being captured by Turks), the women of Mani took up arms as the Ottomans approached. What is tragic is that Greece would have won the war sooner if women had fought. The Ottomans believed that if a woman killed you, you would not go to heaven. When the women of Mani attacked, the enemy scattered like rats.”
Spiridoula Demetriou dressed as Amalia as a young girl.Spyridoula Demetriou connects with her past in Messolonghi.
“When I went to Greek school in the 60s and 70s, we did plays and recited poems, but we didn’t really learn much about individual heroes. It was only later, through my own research, that I came to understand Kolokotronis’ view that the most important outcome of the war was the formation of a collective Greek identity,” Ms Demetriou says.
Her travels led her to Mesolongi, where she felt the depth of history.
“When I visited the place of my heritage, I was struck by the presence of the past. Mesolongi had produced five prime ministers despite its small population. That was when I became interested in the Greek War of Independence through the poetry of Kostis Palamas and Lord Byron,” she explains.
As children of migrants, Greek Australians can’t connect with their family heritage with weekend trips to their home towns. But through the vibrant Antipodes Festival to the quiet dedication within social clubs, the Greek Australian community ensures that the flames of 1821 continue to burn brightly.
By Michael Peters Kyriacou, President of the Cyprus Community of NSW
The bonds that hold Hellenism together are complex and reach back millennia, older than Christianity and Homer.
Beyond language, tradition, and the thirst for knowledge is the desire for liberty, the freedom to think, to earn the fruits of one’s labour, the right to be a citizen of a polis and a willingness to accept the obligation that comes with citizenship.
Earning a right is the Hellenic ritual, a pathway to being a Greek.
The people of Cyprus, the home of the ancient naval engineers, global traders, scientists and poets, Olympians and farmers, aspire that the flame of liberty should grace the island at the crossroads of the great civilisations.
Today many talk of their “rights” with no mention of what they have done to earn the rights.
1821 was the age of sacrifice, delivering on a pledge, an obligation, stepping up to earn the right to have a voice, to be a Greek.
Greeks had for well over two millennia lived beyond the Greek mainland, they made their home in southern France, Spain, Magna Grecia of Southern Italy, the Black Sea, north Africa, Asia Minor, Crete, Cyprus and beyond.
The Greeks of Cyprus were, as they are today, accustomed to invasion, occupation and ethnic cleansing on an industrial scale. They also desire freedom – it’s in their DNA.
It’s no surprise that the Greeks of Cyprus were amongst the first to swear the oath to join the ‘Filiki Eteria’ (‘Friendly Society’), a secret organisation whose purpose was to overthrow Turkish Ottoman rule to establish an independent Greek state.
As early as 1818, Archbishop Kyprianos of Cyprus lent his “secret” support of the venture at great risk as evident in an 1818 letter to Alexander Ypsilantis.
The Greeks of Cyprus were to be active members of the organisation, take up arms in the 1821 war of liberty, be present in the battles of Tripolitan, Cervenka, Levadia, Athens, Thebes, Spetses, Samos and Patras, Argos, Kalamata, Corinth, Corinth, Messolonghi, Faliron, Piraeus, Piraeus, Karystos, Haidari, Nafpaktos, on land and at sea.
The Greek National Archives preserves letters and notes by Kolokotronis, Kanaris, Mavromichalis, and many other 1821 leaders writing about the heroes from Cyprus.
Many Greeks from Cyprus would sell their prized possessions even their real estate and risk the safety of their family and friends to join the revolution.
Within three months of 25 March 1821 declaration of independence, an estimated 480 to 2000 Greeks from Cyprus had died for liberty.
Back in Cyprus, the occupier’s Governor issued an order to the occupying forces to disarm the Greeks and instigated a reign of terror that was recorded in great detail by the Consuls of many European nations. In particular, the French Consul in Nicosia noted the brutality of the terror, the murder of children, women, priests, a frenzy that engulfed European non-Greeks, which led to an official protest by the diplomat Corp led by the French.
When Archbishop Kyprianos of Cyprus sent off a letter to all parishes to calm his people, he also sent a letter to the Turk Emperor that was intercepted and never arrived, begging a halt to the terror.
At the same time, the local occupier’s Governor met with the Greeks to accept a petition and cash to stop the terror, the Governor kept the money, and intensified the terror.
This collective “punishment” did not deter the Greeks of Cyprus on the battlefield; indeed it motivated them to fight for more than the idea of the ethnos “Hellas,” the idea that this will spread to their island.
As their families back home fell to the killing machine of the occupiers, Cyprus was to endure massacres that will stain the island for centuries.
Today, the 1821 Greeks of Cyprus heroism is often not known. Like all Greeks from the diaspora, the Greek of Cyprus deserve credit.
In particular, Archbishop Kyprianos of Cyprus’ conduct at the height of the 1821 uprising during March-July to protect the families of all in Cyprus, to give them hope, even though many were to be hung, murdered by the occupying forces – that is a remarkable feat of human courage.
Today, a corner of Europe is still under occupation, 51 years later, the idea of liberty is a strong as ever before.
The 1821 spirit is the light of hope that inevitability history will deliver liberty.
The Cyprus Community of NSW since 1929 has preserved our identity, history and perhaps trauma. Today, the Community offers various services often accessed by the refugees of the 1974 invasion of Cyprus.
We listen to their stories, their trauma, the massacres, the destruction of ancient and sacred sites just as if it happened yesterday or perhaps in 1821.
The refugees and their families are more than victims or displaced persons, collateral of a brutal invasion, forced out of their ancestral homes. They are the custodians of hope, endurance, the hope that our ancestors grasped in 1821.
To see churches converted, ancient names wiped out, monuments defaced, the brutality of occupation throws a dark shadow on the island of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, on the home of St Barnabas, on the town of Zeno of Citium the founder of stoicism, and yet 1821 is a reminder that the struggle continues.
March 25, 2025, is a time to mark the return of liberty to the lands of the Hellenes, and a time to reflect that rights come at a price – they are delivered by our commitment to liberty.
The promise of 1821 lives in Cyprus today, it is alive in our Cyprus Community of NSW, it is reflected in our services, our events, the work of the Justice for Cyprus Committee (SEKA), the Cypriots for Anzac Committee, the Cyprus Heritage Committee. It is the narrative that is passed on to our Greek School students, it is in our DNA, the love of liberty, a love the island of love deserves and longs for, just as the Hellenes did way back in 1821.
Sydney is set to experience an unforgettable night of Greek Rebetiko music as the acclaimed band Estudiantina of Melbourne brings its tribute concert to Bankstown Sports Club this Sunday, March 30 at 6:30pm.
Estudiantina of Melbourne has crafted a show that pays homage to Vasilis Tsitsanis and Sotiria Bellou, two iconic artists who played a pivotal role in shaping and popularising Rebetiko music. Their powerful songs captured the essence of Greek urban life, narrating the struggles, loves, and daily experiences of the people.
Speaking on behalf of the band, Con Kalamaras shared his excitement about bringing the concert to Sydney after its successful run in Melbourne last year.
“Their music captures the essence of Greek urban life and the emotional landscape of the people,” Kalamaras told Dimitri Kallos from Community Horizons. “By paying homage to their music, we celebrate a rich cultural legacy that continues to inspire.”
He highlighted the significant role Tsitsanis and Bellou played in transforming Rebetiko from music associated with the marginalized urban underworld to a celebrated genre that resonates deeply with Greek identity.
The concert will feature a chronological journey through the timeless songs of Tsitsanis and Bellou, including beloved classics like Synnefiasmeni Kyriaki (Cloudy Sunday) and Ta Kavourakia (The Crabs). The night promises a soul-stirring experience, showcasing the depth and power of Rebetiko music.
Harry Danalis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “It is an honour to host Estudiantina of Melbourne and to celebrate the musical heritage of Tsitsanis and Bellou. Their contributions to Greek music are profound, and this concert offers a rare opportunity for audiences to connect with the depth and emotion of Rebetiko.”
Kalamaras added, “We have a great relationship with the Greek Festival of Sydney, and we love playing here. Sydney audiences bring such passion and appreciation for our music. We are thrilled to be part of the festival once again.”
With limited tickets still available, this is a rare opportunity to witness Estudiantina of Melbourne perform live and celebrate the enduring influence of Rebetiko music.
Event Details:
EVENT:Vasilis Tsitsanis & Sotiria Bellou – A Musical Tribute by Estudiantina of Melbourne
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia has issued a message to Greek Australians to mark Greek Independence Day today.
Full Message:
Orthodoxy and Hellenism, like two wings of the same body, journey together, united and inseparable, through the skies of our Nation’s history. This unbreakable and continuous bond is emphatically reminded to us on this day, in which, as our great poet Kostis Palamas wrote, “two freedoms unite.” Indeed, today we celebrate both the freedom of humanity from the bonds of sin and the freedom of our homeland from long years of slavery and tyranny.
The first freedom we owe to the mercy of our compassionate God and to the world-saving event of the Annunciation of the Ever-Virgin Mary. In our churches and hearts, the liberating words of the Archangel Gabriel resound: “Rejoice, highly favoured one… behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.” And the response of the Virgin Mary: “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” The event of the Annunciation marked the dawn of a new era for humankind; an era where darkness retreats and light spreads, where despair is replaced by the joy in Christ and the hope of eternal life.
The second freedom that we commemorate and celebrate today came after the uprising of the enslaved Greeks in 1821. It was achieved thanks to the heroic struggles and sacrifices of our ancestors, who stood tall against a powerful empire. They knew they were outnumbered and lacked military resources, yet their hearts were seized by the desire for freedom. It was this longing for liberty, along with their unwavering faith that “with God nothing will be impossible,” that led to the achievement of the independence of our homeland.
We must never forget that all we are and all we have as younger generations, we owe to those virtuous and pious forebears, who were inspired by ideals and values and who trusted in the words of the Archangel that nothing is impossible for God! Let us draw lessons from their shining example as we navigate a world that often presents as freedom the separation from our Creator and the enslavement to human passions, material possessions, and worldly pleasures.
Many years to all! May they be years of true freedom and salvific years!
Stirring tributes for Greek Independence Day on March 25 started early in Greece this year and included traditional student parades and the now-iconic unfurling of a giant Greek flag across the sea in Piraeus.
In central Athens, hundreds of students took part in the annual school parade on March 24, proudly commemorating the 1821 revolution against Ottoman rule.
The General Lyceum of Kalavryta—symbolically chosen as the revolution began there—led the parade. Students dressed in traditional attire marched through the capital accompanied by the Athens Municipality Philharmonic Orchestra.
"Κι όσο αγαπώ την πατρίδα μου δεν αγαπώ άλλο τίποτας", είχε πει ο Μακρυγιάννης.
Μας το θύμισαν ο ενθουσιασμός και η φλόγα στα μάτια των μαθητών που παρήλασαν σήμερα. Αυτή είναι η νέα γενιά μας που μας κάνει συνεχώς υπερήφανους. Και για αυτά τα παιδιά αξίζει να παλεύουμε. pic.twitter.com/EaB8JgeTLH
Before the procession began, wreaths were laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in a solemn act of remembrance. The event was attended by key officials, including Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports Minister Sofia Zacharaki, Parliament President Nikitas Kaklamanis, and Athens Mayor Haris Doukas.
To accommodate the celebrations, traffic was temporarily halted across central Athens, with road closures and parking bans in place around major avenues and key landmarks.
A sea of blue and white in Piraeus
Meanwhile, in the port city of Piraeus, a striking visual tribute drew national attention: a massive Greek flag was unfurled on the sea off Aphrodite’s Cove in Piraiki.
The symbolic gesture, now in its fifth year, was organised by the Municipality of Piraeus with the support of the Association of Greek Navy SEALs Veterans.
“With this act, we pay tribute to the 1821 Revolution and the heroic struggles at sea,” said Piraeus Mayor Yiannis Moralis, who attended the event with his family. “At the same time, we send a message of unity, optimism, and solidarity.”
The event included live performances of the Greek National Anthem and patriotic marches by the Municipal Wind Philharmonic Orchestra, and received logistical support from various institutions such as the Hellenic Coast Guard, the Red Cross, and local marine clubs.
Adding to the atmosphere, the Piraeus Tower—the city’s tallest building—was illuminated in blue and white as a glowing symbol of national pride.
Looking ahead: Grand parade on March25
The main national celebrations culminate on March 25 in Greece with the official military parade in Athens. The day begins with a 21-gun salute from Lycabettus Hill and a flag-raising ceremony at the Acropolis.
The parade itself is scheduled to begin at 11:00 am, with units of the Hellenic Armed Forces marching through the capital in a show of precision and national pride.
