A massive vasilopita, fit for the Guinness World Records, was unveiled in Town Hall Square in Peristeri, Athens, weighing in at an impressive 10 tonnes and 400 kilograms. The colossal cake, made up of more than 70,000 pieces, disappeared in just one hour as people eagerly grabbed their share.
The vasilopita was filled with hidden coins, offering gifts to the fortunate finders. To create this giant cake, over 9.5 tonnes of flour, 1,900 kilograms of oil, 5,700 eggs, 600 kilograms of sugar and 600 kilograms of powdered sugar were used.
In a festive celebration, Peristeri Mayor Andreas Pachaturidis, alongside municipal employees, distributed pieces to the crowd. Local bakers and students from the Public School of Bakery and Pastry in Galatsi contributed to the creation of the massive dessert.
A vehicle slammed into a crowd in New Orleans early on New Year’s Day, killing 10 people and injuring 35 others. The attack occurred around 3.15 am on Bourbon Street, in the city’s French Quarter, a major New Year’s Eve destination.
The driver, identified by the FBI as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar from Texas, was killed in a shootout with police after he opened fire on responding officers. According to A Financial Review, two officers were injured but are in stable condition.
Photo: Gerald Herbert / AP.
The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism, FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan declared, “We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible.” Investigators also found a handgun, an AR-style rifle and potential explosives in Jabbar’s vehicle and in the French Quarter.
New Orleans Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick called the attack “intentional” and described Jabbar as “hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did.”
The incident unfolded as crowds gathered for the Sugar Bowl college football playoff game between Georgia and Notre Dame at the nearby Superdome. Despite the tragedy, local authorities emphasised that security would be stepped up for the game.
The annual Charity Football Match is back for its 6th year, and brothers Yianni and Chrisos Mavromoustakos are once again stepping onto the pitch to raise money for children in need across Africa.
Taking place on Sunday, 19 January 2025, from 5pm at Seymour Shaw Stadium in Miranda, Sydney, the event promises a thrilling football showdown with a heartwarming purpose.
Funds raised during the match will support Paradise 4 Kids, a charity dedicated to aiding the vital missionary work of Greek Australian Bishop Themi Adamopoulos in Africa. The organisation focuses on providing food, clothing, and education to those in need.
Ahead of the big day, The Greek Herald spoke with Chrisos to learn more about the inspiration behind the event and what attendees can look forward to.
“Hosting a Charity Football Match created the perfect platform for bringing people together and making a positive impact while raising money for an amazing cause,” Chrisos said.
“We are deeply inspired by Bishop Themi’s dedication and the significant positive change he has brought to African communities. We are honoured and thrilled to support his efforts. Paradise 4 Kids ensures that almost all funds go directly to their charitable causes, with only a small portion used for administrative costs.”
The day itself promises to be a vibrant community event. Attendees can enjoy free food, free entry, live commentary, performances, and more. The event is open to people of all ages.
“This year we are honoured with the addition of guest and celebrity appearances, both on and off the pitch. With musician Timomatic and former professional footballer George Timotheou joining us, there will also be new, exciting prizes and half-time entertainment from local footballers,” Chrisos added.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this impactful event. Head to Seymour Shaw Stadium in Miranda on 19 January 2024, and join Yianni, Chrisos, and their teams in making a difference for those who need it most. Find out more here.
We’re coming to the end of 2024 and there have been some fantastic stories by journalists at The Greek Herald which have captured your attention.
From the rise of TikTok yiayia Effie Tzaferis to His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia condemning the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, here’s our list of the 15 most read The Greek Herald stories for 2024.
Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Walking down Bay Street in the Sydney suburb of Brighton-Le-Sands on any normal weekday, you would see cars calmly driving past and locals sipping their coffee at nearby cafes. But Sunday, May 26 this year was not any ordinary day.
The festival marked the end of the 42nd Greek Festival of Sydney supported by the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW) and presented by the Bank of Sydney.
According to the ‘2024 HSC school ranking’ list provided by The Sydney Morning Herald, St Spyridon College at Maroubra ranked in 81st place in NSW. All Saints Grammar at Belmore was not far behind, claiming 91st place.
The pursuit of love has always been a universal thread connecting people, whether through chance encounters or carefully orchestrated arrangements. In generations past, love often intersected with practicality, leading to arranged marriages, or “proxenia marriages,” that secured not only a partner but also stability for families.
For many, arranged marriages were a blend of necessity and hope – sometimes leading to lifelong partnerships filled with harmony, like the enduring union of Katarina and Yianni, whose journey began with a whirlwind three-day courtship and blossomed into 47 years of companionship in rural Australia.
Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
“The Pontian House is a symbol of our Pontian culture, our roots, our heritage and our identity. We can proudly say that it is our second home,” young Pontian, Eleni Lambousis, said in a speech on Saturday, May 25 this year.
The comment drew loud applause from the crowd – which consisted of three generations of proud Pontian women, men and children – who were all there to support Pontoxeniteas NSW‘s ‘Winter Wonderland Fundraising Gala’ for its 45-year-old Pontian House.
Yiayia Effie Tzaferis was born for the camera. Sitting on her couch at home, her daughter Dimitra Mormanis and granddaughter Renee Mormanis conducted a practice run of her interview with The Greek Herald on camera… unbeknownst to us at the time.
Before long, the mock interview found its way to TGH Headquarters and naturally we had to make it a reality.
Having already prepped and primed for our interview, Ms Tzaferis got stuck right into telling The Greek Herald about how she feels so young in her 90s.
That first bite of Patricia K’s famous Gluten Free Lemon Cake will melt in your mouth like no other dessert. The texture of the cake, with the way the lemon melts in with the almond meal and the syrup, will make you want to slow down and savour every bite.
This superior taste is the result of years and years of 3am starts, consistent dedication and a passion for pastry making that began in a home garage more than 20 years ago, with one commercial oven.
The Greek Herald received more than 300 nominations for the Award this year. The nominations were carefully reviewed by an independent panel consisting of the Federal Member for Calwell, Maria Vamvakinou MP, the SA Minister for Small and Family Business, Consumer and Business Affairs, and the Arts, Andrea Michaels MP, and the CEO of Settlement Services International, Violet Roumeliotis AM. In the end, 15 finalists were selected.
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy. Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
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).
The Cyprus Community of NSW was put into administration this year.
Ernst & Young Australia (“EY Australia”) executives, Morgan Kelly and David Kennedy, were appointed Voluntary Administrators of the Cyprus Community of NSW Ltd (The Cyprus Club) in September 2024.
Founded in 1929, The Cyprus Club is a social community club located in Stanmore, New South Wales. In addition to operating the Cyprus consular service, it operates a social club, Greek and dancing schools, the Saturday Café and other services. The Cyprus Club owns several real estate assets.
The Church of the Holy Trinity (Aghia Triada) in Surry Hills, Sydney – the oldest Greek Orthodox church in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere – reopened after extensive restoration and renovation. On Sunday, June 2, a large congregation gathered to celebrate the significant milestone.
The church is a heritage-listed building located on Bourke Street in Surry Hills. It was designed by C. R. Summerhayes and built from 1898 to 1931 by J. Noble. It has been given State Heritage Status by the New South Wales Government, and is managed by the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW).
The former President of the Kytherian Association of Australia (KAA), Emmanuel Alfieris.
Tributes were flowing this year for the former President of the Kytherian Association of Australia (KAA), Emmanuel Alfieris who passed away suddenly at the age of 53.
Mr Alfieris passed away in Sydney on Wednesday, July 17 after a heart attack during a soccer match. He is survived by his dad George, wife Louise and two children.
Mr Alfieris was a much-loved member of Sydney’s Greek community, having been President of the KAA from 2018 to 2022. He also served as a volunteer and Board member at All Saints Greek Orthodox Parish and Community at Belmore for a number of years.
Tension mounted among many members of the Greek diaspora in Australia as the final deadline of 30 November 2024 for registering properties with the Hellenic Cadastre approached.
Numerous Greek expatriates living in Australia expressed concerns over the possibility of losing their properties in Greece if they fail to complete the required procedures in time. The Greek Herald received several calls from its readers, highlighting this critical issue and noting a lack of sufficient information about the upcoming deadline.
Archbishop Makarios of Australia condemned a scene that mocked Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper during the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
Da Vinci’s painting shows the moment when Jesus Christ declared that an apostle would betray him. The scene displayed on Friday, July 27 at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony featured DJ and producer Barbara Butch – an LGBTQ+ icon – surrounded by drag artists and performers.
In a statement, Archbishop Makarios said the Paris Olympics opening ceremony “featured scenes of irreverence that were offensive to Christianity and the Church.”
Father Nicholas Bozikis, a beloved figure in Sydney’s Greek Orthodox community, passed away this year at 79. Born in Zakynthos, Greece, in 1944, he moved to Australia in 1964 and served the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia for over 50 years. His ministry included roles at Holy Cross Parish in Wollongong, St Spyridon in Kingsford, and St Stephanos in Hurlstone Park.
Despite health challenges, he continued his service until 2018 and was honoured as Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne in 2021. Father Nicholas is remembered for his dedication to faith and family and is survived by his Presbytera, children, and grandchildren.
Vicar General of the Archdiocesan District of Brisbane, Bishop Emilianos of Meloa formally resigned from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) on Monday, June 3 this year.
Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis recently shared personal insights on everything from his iconic beard to his love for moths, as well as his respect for nature’s quiet beauty.
When asked by The Guardian about the strangest thing he’d uncovered in someone’s garden, Costa recounted discovering a washing machine buried underground, filled with empty VB tins.
“I’m sure someone said, ‘Oh, come on, we’re not taking it to the tip. Let’s just bury it,’” he joked.
Georgiadis also revealed that he hasn’t been without his beard since November 1991, joking that people often ask how much it would take to get him to shave it.
“I’ve got a price on it: $1m for every year that I’ve had it. With $34m, I can support some serious projects,” he quipped.
On his favourite garden to visit, Costa expressed his admiration for Kings Park and Botanic Garden in Perth, calling it a “biodiversity hotspot” and an essential annual trip.
“Every time I go there, I just get blown away,” he said, highlighting the unique adaptation of plants in the region’s harsh soils.
Costa also took time to talk about his respect for moths, noting how they often go under appreciated compared to butterflies.
“Moths are just as incredible as butterflies,” he said, pointing out their “amazing patterns” and intricate engineering.
Reflecting on his love for nature and family, Costa shared that his most prized possession is a pair of secateurs that belonged to his grandfather.
“Every time I hold them, I feel like he’s holding my hand,” he said of the 70-year-old tool.
Finally, when asked about advice that stuck with him, Costa recalled his father’s words: “If it’s worth doing, do it properly.”
The Greek Orthodox Parish of St Sophia and Three Daughters’ ‘Feed the People’ program brought a heartwarming Christmas celebration to Martin Place on Monday, December 23, delivering more than 1,000 meals to those in need.
The event was made possible through the support of sponsors Crash Claim and The Butcher Boys, alongside dedicated volunteers from the Mother Maria of Paris Greek Orthodox Mission in Belmore.
A festive BBQ served at the Martin Place location provided a delicious meal for those who might otherwise have gone without, while the volunteers also distributed festive desserts to brighten the day of patrons.
The collaborative effort between local businesses, volunteers, and community groups helped create a meaningful and joyful holiday experience for the less fortunate in the area.
The initiative was a perfect example of the Christmas spirit, providing not only a meal but also a sense of warmth and connection to those who needed it most.
As a self-funded programme, ‘Feed The People’ relies on the generosity of volunteers and donors to sustain its work. The parish encourages anyone who would like to assist or learn more about how they can support the program to contact Father Irenaeus at (02) 9331 5031.
The bank is suing Kyriacou for more than $779,000, alleging she defaulted on a loan agreement entered into in 2015.
Kyriacou – who has been linked to convicted tax fraudsters Adam Cranston and George Alex but denies wrongdoing in those cases – claims her signature was forged on the financial documents related to the CBA loan.
Kyriacou attempted to delay the case, citing mental health issues, but her application was rejected by the Supreme Court.
Justice Nicholas Chen ruled the case should proceed immediately, emphasising that further delays could push the hearing into 2026.
Kyriacou was also ordered to pay the CBA’s legal costs for the application. The case continues.
To celebrate, The Greek Herald decided to dive deep into the association’s rich history and what it has achieved throughout the years.
How it all began
The KPA was established on September 20, 1959 in Canberra, the Australian Capital Territory, and has since evolved from its original founding committee of six members.
It was started by Con Mantinaos (Vice President), George Leon (Secretary), George Economidis (Treasurer), Mihalis Vassiliotis senior (Councillor), Emmanuel Xirakis (Councillor) and Frank (Frangios) Diakovasilis (councillor).
Mr Economidis is now 90 years old and resides in Sydney. He is the oldest and only living original member who contributed to the formation of the association.
Today, the association features more than 400 Greek Australian members, as well as eight current committee members. They include Frank (Frangiskos) Kochinos (President), Dora Vassiliotis (Vice President), George Constantine (Secretary), Maria Theoharidis (Treasurer), and Miltiadis Vassiliotis, Antonis Vassiliotis, John Mantinaos and Fina Vassiliotis, who are all committee members.
The KPA has become a widely respected association that is very well supported by the Greek community, especially in Canberra.
When the first settlers from Greece arrived in Australia in 1959, most of them came from Karpathos. Today, 90 per cent of Karpathians in Australia come from the villages of Othos and Pyles. The other 10 per cent from villages including Olympos, Volatha, Menetes, Mesohori, Pehadia and Aperi.
The reason the Association was originally started was to revitalise the island of Karpathos both in an economic and social sense, as well as keep the community together here in Australia.
Why members join
Current KPA President Mr Kochinos told The Greek Herald he joined the Association five years ago because he wanted to contribute to keeping his Karpathian roots alive in Canberra.
“I just really wanted to keep Greek traditions alive and keep the Karpathian flame going,” he said.
“For me, it’s really about the people. I love the team that I’ve got behind me as well. They’re amazing and we all think the same, we feel the same and we give off the same energy.”
Fina, a long-standing committee member who has previously held the title of President and Vice President, said she joined the committee to follow in the footsteps of her father, Mr Leon who was part of the initial committee.
“Karpathos has always been a second home to me, and being in the committee means I get to surround myself with others in Canberra who have that shared love for the island like me,” Fina said.
The youngest member and Secretary of the Association, Mr Constantine said he initially joined KPA in 2020 as he wanted to keep the connection to Karpathos alive, especially amongst younger generations in Canberra.
“It wasn’t until we were on the cusp of COVID-19 that I decided to attend the Annual General Meeting and put my name down to join the committee,” Mr Constantine said.
“I understood that we were missing that kind of cultural connection and that feeling of meeting people of the same background, and at that point I felt like I was finally old enough to be able to give back and become more involved.
“I just think it’s important to try and not let associations like this one die out. Even though I am very busy, and I’ve got a lot of work and not enough time, I still try and contribute however I can.”
The 35-year-old said one of the things he loved most about being a part of the Association is the “sense of unity” it provides.
“It feels so rewarding to be surrounded by people who share the same dreams of going on a vacation back to the island that you’re from,” Mr Constantine said.
“I just love the feeling of giving back, the feeling of celebrating various life events together and the inclusivity.”
Keeping up the KPA legacy
KPA President Mr Kochinos said he hopes to see more people get involved with the Association in the future to keep the Karpathian legacy alive.
“I feel as though I am torn between two beautiful countries, Greece and Australia, and I don’t want to see the Greek traditions ever fade away here in Canberra,” he said.
“If I could pass on the emotions and the feelings that I have for our country, I would, and I’d love to be able to inject them into somebody else and encourage them to continue keeping the Association alive. I hope to see future generations have that same drive and love.”
Over the years, the KPA has been known for holding three key annual events which bring together Canberrans from all parts of Greece to a love for food, fishing and fun with family and friends.
They include the Karpathian Turros Classic fishing competition – which is a three-day event held on the last weekend of February every year; the Karpathian Christmas party – which takes place at the end of the year; and the annual BBQ, put on at the beginning of each year.
“The fishing competition is the biggest event on our calendar, and for those three days we see men, young and old, come together, mingle, and spend quality time together. It’s just beautiful,” Mr Kochinos said.
Reaching the 65-year milestone
The KPA committee members shared how it feels to see the Association turn 65 this year, and what they hope to see from the Karpathians in Canberra in the future.
Mr Kochinos said he thinks “it is amazing” the Association has stayed strong for more than 60 years.
“I am very happy to see that it’s still alive and still hosts events that people attend. However, I hope that for the next 65 years, more of the younger members in the second, third and even fourth generations start coming in to replace the older people who are involved,” Mr Kochinos said.
Fina added, “The Association has had its ups and downs, but at the moment we’re doing very well, and it makes me very proud.”
“Over the years we’ve united a lot of people through our annual events and it’s great to see so many Karpathians in Canberra who love their island come together all these years and attend the fishing comp, the BBQ and the Christmas party,” she said.
Tereapii Pokoina, a landscaper involved in the importation of $20 million worth of cocaine from Greece as part of Operation Ironside, has had his sentence increased by two years.
Originally sentenced in February 2024 to six years with a three-year non-parole period, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions appealed, arguing the sentence was “manifestly inadequate.”
The cocaine, concealed inside welders shipped from Greece, was seized by law enforcement in August 2020.
Pokoina, who arranged the shipment, paid for customs clearances, and used his employer’s address for the delivery, pleaded guilty to importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug.
Tereapii Pokoina.
Judge Rauf Soulio noted that although Pokoina was at a lower level in the drug operation, his actions were crucial to the importation’s success.
The Court of Appeal, comprising Justices David Lovell, Sam Doyle and Laura Stein, agreed. They resentenced Pokoina to eight years and 10 months, with a non-parole period of four years and 10 months.
The court highlighted the “significant scale” of the importation and the large reward Pokoina stood to gain. The sentence was backdated to February 26.
The legal dispute over the estate of late South Australian matriarch Florence Gemenis Polites has taken a new turn, with her twin grandsons Marcus and Alex Polites joining the battle to challenge her 1999 will.
The twins, property developers based in Queensland, revealed their intent to contest the multimillion-dollar estate before a new law changes this week, despite previously claiming they had no plans to do so.
Salkanovic, a convicted attempted drug importer, has been estranged from parts of his family and faces accusations of causing family strife.
Alex Polites.
The court learned that Marcus and Alex, the sons of property tycoon George Polites, had instructed lawyers to file a claim, with the twins stating that “circumstances have changed.” However, it is unclear what they seek from the estate under the Inheritance (Family Provision) Act.
The estate, which has not yet been granted probate, reportedly has assets worth at least $1.5 million, but also faces debts exceeding $4.4 million.
The ongoing dispute also involves George, who is challenging the appointment of estate administrator Sarah Hooper, arguing the process lacks transparency and could expose confidential family business details.
A hearing next month will determine whether the temporary suspension of Hooper’s powers will be extended.
