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Are dating apps and blind dates the modern day proxenio?

Christina Savopoulos
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Are dating apps and blind dates the modern day proxenio?

Many Greeks shudder when they hear the word ‘proxenio’ (matchmaking). Visions of arranged marriages or being forced on an awkward date with a friend might spring to mind. 

While the matchmaking tradition may not be as common today, it still appears in various forms in our dating world. 

Many opt to swipe left or right on dating apps rather than meet people ‘naturally.’ Dating apps can be an easier option and may remove the uncertainty that can occur during in-person interactions. 

When there may not be a friend or a family member taking on the role of ‘matchmaker’ and setting you up on a date, dating apps like Hinge, Tinder, and Bumble become the matchmaker. They use algorithms designed to pair people with similar interests, goals, and ultimately based on whether they find each other attractive. It might not be an arranged marriage, but it is certainly a modern interpretation of the proxenio. 

NYC-based personalised matchmaking service Agape Match is led by CEO and matchmaker Maria Avgitidis. Having built quite a social media presence, Maria—better known as ‘Matchmaker Maria’—gives daily dating advice to her followers and each Wednesday answers personal questions sent in by them. 

Maria describes herself as having “successfully combined four generations of family matchmaking tradition with modern relationship techniques.” Having come from a long line of matchmakers, her matchmaking skills are used by people in the NYC Metropolitan Area. Agape Match’s website shares they are proud they have a “success rate of 93%.”

Agape Match removes the mystery behind dating and helps match couples based on personality traits and compatibility. With services like this available, as well as other dating apps where people can take their dating lives into their own hands (with the help of the algorithm of course), matchmaking now presents itself in all shapes and forms. 

Matchmaking caught Melbourne couple Carissa and Nikola K. by surprise when a mutual family friend played matchmaker and organised for them to meet. They have been together for 10 years and married for five. Here’s their story, told from Carissa’s perspective: 

“My Godmother, who was also friends with Nikola, had a Godmother’s intuition that we would be a good match! … My Godmother showed me a video that she captured of Nikola chanting a hymn on a parish bus outing (yes, as in church-chanting) and I was left somehow blushing and intrigued. Nikola was also left interested by the image my Godmother showed him of me…

On my 18th birthday… my Godmother organised to meet me in the city for brunch. Low and behold, without providing me with much more than a few hours’ notice, she also invited my future-husband Nikola to the brunch! As I tapped off my Myki at Flinders Street Station and met them both under the clocks, it was surprisingly obvious to us both that we had an immediate connection. So much so, that my Godmother left us both within 30 minutes of breakfast as she ended up third-wheeling us both. The rest is history!” 

Referring to the idea of the proxenio, Carissa and Nikola said that “the tradition of the proxenio has been looked down upon by the modern generation for obvious reasons—namely that it seems old-fashioned, and… soon-to-be-married couples were not provided with the opportunity to meet or date one another before the wedding day.” 

Carissa and Nikola hope their love story is a “testament to the fact that the ‘proxenio’ concept in the modern day is still possible and has its place, especially when the mutual friend of both parties has the best interests in mind for the couple.” 

Matchmaking through dating apps removes the mutual connection of meeting through friends or family. 

Carissa shared how “the proxenio process can personalise the connection. It’s real, potentially safer, will be less likely to create instances of catfishing.” 

The modern day proxenio and matchmaking through friends and family means the person you might be set up with is known to your loved ones, who have presumably already checked that they are interested in developing a relationship. 

Carissa said “what’s better than getting to know someone who you already know is trustworthy, potentially good-looking and has similar family values?”

While we have come quite a long way from arranged marriages and the traditional forms of the proxenio, there are hidden ways the matchmaking tradition remains in our society. For some, the thought of a “nouna” getting involved in their love life may be a nightmare, for others it can set the stage for bliss. And then there are many who are happy to sit on their couch, swiping left or right based on a hairstyle. 

Whether you have help from a robot or an enthusiastic family member, matchmaking can spark a new beginning.

South Australians with Greek heritage among the state’s wealthiest

The Greek Herald
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South Australians with Greek heritage among the state’s wealthiest

South Australia is home to some of the country’s most affluent families, many of whom have made their mark through generations of wealth, property investments, and successful family businesses. These families have shaped Adelaide’s landscape, from its leafy suburbs to its iconic street signs, and are renowned for their luxury lifestyles.

Among the most prominent is the Angelopoulos family, who run the Duke Group of Companies. Founded in the 1970s by Chris Angelopoulos, the family has built a substantial property portfolio, including commercial spaces on King William Road, Unley Road, and Rundle Mall.

SA businessman Constantine (Con) Polites.

Another key player is the Polites family. Known for the signature blue-and-white signs throughout Adelaide’s CBD, Constantine George Polites rose from humble beginnings in Port Pirie. After a series of ventures, including real estate, Polites’ legacy lives on in the family’s expansive property holdings, following his death in 2001.

Fitness mogul Kayla Itsines, co-owner of the Sweat fitness app, has also joined the ranks of South Australia’s wealthiest. As of June 2023, Itsines’ net worth is reported at $165 million. Her rise to fame began in 2009 when she started posting client transformations on Instagram, leading to the global success of Sweat, which she co-founded with ex-partner Tobi Pearce.

These families, along with others, embody the old-money elite of Adelaide, contributing to the city’s status as a hub for property moguls and successful entrepreneurs.

Source: The Advertiser.

Efforts intensify for return of Parthenon Marbles to Athens

The Greek Herald
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Efforts intensify for return of Parthenon Marbles to Athens

The push for the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum to Athens has gained significant momentum, according to the Italian news agency Ansa.

The renewed international dialogue is partly attributed to Italy, especially Sicily, which played a key role in 2022 by returning the Fagan Fragment, a piece of the Parthenon’s eastern frieze, to Greece.

The fragment, previously held in the Salinas Museum in Palermo, was returned through direct negotiations between Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, Acropolis Museum Director Nikolaos Stampolidis, and the Salinas Museum’s then-director Caterina Greco.

Photo: Jeff Overs / BBC.

Alberto Samonà, former cultural heritage adviser to the Sicilian regional government, who spearheaded the return of the fragment, expressed confidence in the future return of the Parthenon Marbles.

“The day when the Parthenon Sculptures will finally return to Athens is approaching,” he said.

“Thanks to our initiative, the international conversation about returning the sculptures has gained new momentum.”

Samonà emphasised the importance of international cooperation in cultural matters, stating, “The path we must follow, in a world full of conflicts and divisions, is precisely international cooperation and partnership in the name of culture, which always carries a message of dialogue and peace.”

Source: Orthodox Times.

Greek football legend Mimis Domazos hospitalised after cardiac arrest

The Greek Herald
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Greek football legend Mimis Domazos hospitalised after cardiac arrest

Greek football icon Mimis Domazos, 83, is in critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest on Wednesday, January 22.

The Panathinaikos legend collapsed while walking in the Halandri area of northern Athens and was initially treated with first aid at a diagnostic centre before being rushed to the Red Cross hospital.

Captains Mimis Domazos and Luis Ubiña before the Intercontinental Cup 1st leg in Greece – Panathinaikos vs. Nacional (1971).

Ambulance crews performed successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during the transfer.

Domazos is celebrated for leading Panathinaikos to the European Champions Cup final in 1971, a historic achievement often referred to as the “Wembley Epic,” which remains unmatched by any other Greek team.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Cyprus to allow 17-year-olds to vote in elections in historic change

The Greek Herald
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Cyprus to allow 17-year-olds to vote in elections in historic change

President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, announced on Wednesday, January 22, that the Council of Ministers has approved a historic change allowing citizens as young as 17 to vote in elections, along with automatic voter registration.

The move, which aims to strengthen participatory democracy, marks a significant step in involving young people in the country’s democratic processes.

“Today, we’re moving forward with the right for 17-year-olds to vote and automatically be included in the electoral rolls,” President Christodoulides said.

“This is an important decision that we are making, and it’s about giving young people a voice in the decisions that shape our country.”

This change is part of a broader initiative to engage youth in public life. Christodoulides emphasised the government’s ongoing efforts, including using technology to create platforms for youth to discuss national issues and introducing civic education in schools from 2024 to prepare children for democratic participation.

“We have complete trust in our youth. They are already playing a leading role in public discussions, and they have demonstrated that they are ready to take responsibility,” the President added.

Christodoulides expressed hope that the House of Representatives will swiftly pass the law, enabling 17-year-olds to vote in the 2026 parliamentary elections, aligning Cyprus with other EU countries in terms of youth participation in the electoral process.

He called the decision a major milestone in the country’s journey toward a more inclusive democracy.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Mitsotakis on ‘woke’ agenda: “I believe that there are two genders, male and female”

The Greek Herald
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Mitsotakis on ‘woke’ agenda: “I believe that there are two genders, male and female”

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis shared his perspective on the “woke agenda” during a conversation with Enrico Letta, President of the Jacques Delors Institute and former Italian Prime Minister.

The discussion took place at an event organized by the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce in Athens on Tuesday, January 21. The central theme of the event was “The Future of Europe in a Fast-Changing World – Leadership and Global Challenges.”

Addressing his stance on gender, Mitsotakis stated, “I personally believe that there are two genders, male and female. This is my view, based on biology. Naturally, every country has its own culture and unique characteristics, but it is important to express this clearly.”

Turning to political trends in the United States, Mitsotakis commented on the “Donald Trump phenomenon” and attributed part of Trump’s resurgence to the growing influence of extreme elements within the woke movement.

“I have previously noted that the extreme positions of the woke agenda in the US triggered a strong counter-reaction, causing the pendulum to swing sharply in the opposite direction. This reaction is, in many ways, natural,” he explained.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis speaks at the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce event in Athens, addressing global challenges, the ‘woke agenda,’ and Greek-American relations.

Mitsotakis emphasised, however, that Europe differs significantly from the United States in this regard. He argued that the extreme elements of the woke agenda, which are most prominent on the liberal campuses of elite American universities, have not gained traction in Europe.

“I do not observe similar issues in Europe that would provoke such reactions. This is mainly an American phenomenon,” he stated.

On Greek-American relations, Mitsotakis highlighted that ties between the two countries are stronger than ever. “We have a five-year defense cooperation agreement, but our relationship extends well beyond defense into areas like advanced technologies, education, and culture,” he remarked.

Commenting on the rise of the far-right in both Europe and the United States, Mitsotakis acknowledged the presence of such trends but suggested that Greece has been more successful in managing the issue.

“In Greece, we have been able to contain this to a significant extent. That said, there is still a portion of the population that chooses to support parties positioned further to the right of New Democracy,” the PM concluded.

Madison Stefanis’ journey to building a multi-million dollar business

The Greek Herald
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Madison Stefanis’ journey to building a multi-million dollar business

At just 23, Madison Stefanis has transformed her passion for vintage cameras into a thriving $4 million business.

Founder of 35mm Co, a reusable film camera brand, Madi’s entrepreneurial journey began while she was still studying business at university.

In 2019, during her first year of university, Madi got the idea of starting her line of reusable film cameras after selling an old SLR film camera on Facebook Marketplace.

By 19, Madi used $50,000 of her savings from working at a supermarket to launch 35mm Co. The brand’s debut product, The Reloader, aimed to provide a beginner-friendly, affordable alternative to disposable cameras.

With her business rapidly growing, Madi dropped out of university to focus on 35mm Co full-time.

The cameras, priced from $119.95, are available in seven colours and are now sold in over 200 stores across Australia, with plans to expand to international markets like the UK.

A standout moment in her journey came when she appeared on Shark Tank in October, securing a $300,000 investment offer from two investors. At that time, the brand had already surpassed $4 million in sales.

The exposure led to significant retail distribution deals, including partnerships with major retailers.

Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: “Get close to your customer and understand their key pain points to validate the need for your product.”

She also emphasises the importance of taking risks, saying, “You will only regret the risks you didn’t take.”

Source: 7 News.

Tahlia Kokkinis secures place in the Australian Open girls’ singles quarterfinals

The Greek Herald
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Tahlia Kokkinis secures place in the Australian Open girls’ singles quarterfinals

Young tennis sensation Thalia Kokkinis has prevailed in the Australian Open girls’ singles third round against the United Kingdom’s Brooke Anna Black.

The 15-year-old wildcard emerged with a 5-7 6-1 6-3 win.

During a thrilling one-hour and 52-minute match, Kokkinis bounced back after a first-set loss, smashing the final two in a three-set epic.

Kokkinis will now proceed to the quarterfinals; her opponent is yet to be determined.

Greek Australians named among the most influential people of the past six decades

The Greek Herald
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Greek Australians named among the most influential people of the past six decades

The Australian has named 60 individuals who have significantly shaped Australian life over the past six decades.

Among them are two iconic figures of Greek heritage: Peter V’landys, the influential sports administrator, and George Miller, the renowned director.

Peter V’landys: Reshaping Australian sport

Peter V’landys, 62, has been a driving force in transforming Australia’s sporting landscape over the past 20 years. As the head of Racing NSW and the Australian Rugby League Commission, V’landys has overseen the explosive growth of two major billion-dollar industries.

Under his leadership, Racing NSW introduced The Everest, the world’s richest horse race on turf, and the NRL expanded its reach with a spectacular Las Vegas opening round.

V’landys attributes his success to long-term vision, explaining, “A lot of people in sport and business talk about a three or five-year plan, but I think you’ve got to do more than that… It’s all about capturing the next demographic coming through.” His strategies have seen the NRL reach a record $700m revenue and Racing NSW secure $600m.

A skilled dealmaker, V’landys brokered numerous key agreements, including a $235m government funding package for equine influenza management and a $100m win in the High Court regarding sports betting.

George Miller: The visionary filmmaker

George Miller, 79, is another of the 60 chosen, credited with putting Australian cinema on the global map. A trained doctor, Miller chose filmmaking over medicine, creating some of the most iconic films in history. His breakout film, Mad Max (1979), which starred a young Mel Gibson, made more than $100m worldwide and launched the New Wave of Australian cinema.

Miller’s portfolio includes Oscar-nominated films like Lorenzo’s Oil (1992) and The Witches of Eastwick (1987), but it was his Babe (1995) and Happy Feet (2006) that solidified his international reputation, with the latter earning him an Academy Award. Miller’s work continues with the Mad Max franchise, with Furiosa released last year.

Source: The Australian.

Evangelia Stivactas inspires young women to get fit with free group tennis sessions

Evelyn Karatzas
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Evangelia Stivactas inspires young women to get fit with free group tennis sessions

Are you a young woman in Sydney who’s looking to make new friends, stay fit and get healthy mentally and physically?

Then why not come along and join Girls Gang – an inclusive, free initiative that invites young women ages 16 and over of all skill levels to come and socialise and participate in tennis matches, workshops and games.

Evangelia Stivactas, the founder of Team Tennis Sydney from Earlwood, began coaching six years ago as she had a passion for playing tennis and wanted to use her skills and knowledge to help others.

The 22-year-old pre-service primary school teacher and tennis coach told The Greek Herald that after being involved in so many types of group settings when it came to sport, she wanted to come up with a way to make tennis more inclusive.

“Even though tennis can be seen as an individual sport, I like to see it as a team sport. That way each player can help one another with their strengths and weaknesses,” Evangelia said.

“This is why I decided to create Girls Gang, so that I could invite young women of all skill levels to get active on the court. 

“Whether they’re a beginner, experienced, competitive, or just want to have a good, fun time and socialise, they’re all welcome to come along on a Saturday morning and participate. It’s free too.”

Evangelia said the inspiration for Girls Gang came from Team Murph Bondi, which is a free community fitness initiative that takes place every Friday and is run by personal trainers.

“These sessions just have such a positive environment and they inspired me see what I could do for the community in my area,” she said. 

“I wanted to form my own free initiative that people could come and just have fun with. Now I accept new people every weekend and encourage the girls to bring their friends along too.”

Evangelia’s Girls Gang sessions take place on Saturday mornings and run for 1.5 to 2 hours. The sessions involve tennis drills, warm-ups, one-on-one technique tutorials, games and singles and doubles matches.

“I accept anyone from ages 16 and up,” she said.

“Often, I get groups of six to eight people come along, but I’d love to encourage more young women to get involved. Many of the girls are in their early twenties, however I have people of all different ages, skill levels and backgrounds participate.”

The sessions are designed to allow the girls to socialise on the court, make new friends and improve their tennis skills. Evangelia said she always provides light refreshments and snacks too.
“It just brings people together and it encourages people to stay healthy and fit both mentally and physically,” she said.

“The girls get to build social skills and connect with their community, which is a great benefit. Especially after experiencing COVID lockdowns over the last few years, it’s nice to come together, get active with people again and make new friends.”

To find out more about Evangelia’s Girls Gang, visit Team Tennis Sydney’s Instagram @teamtennissyd to see where and when the sessions will be held.

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