Modern crime-solving methods have helped identify a leading Byzantine artist, Manuel Panselinos, long shrouded in mystery. Scholars now believe Panselinos, known for blending humanity into Orthodox art, was a nickname for Ioannis Astrapas, a painter from Thessaloniki.
According to cbsnews, Panselinos’ works, attributed to the late 13th and early 14th centuries, are among the finest from the Byzantine Empire, known for its elongated saints and stark formalism. His identity has remained uncertain, but recent research has linked him to the Macedonian School of painting.
Greek monk Father Cosmas Simonopetritis and handwriting expert Christina Sotirakoglou compared lettering on a manuscript attributed to Astrapas with writing on paintings in Protato Church, Mount Athos, long considered Panselinos’ masterpiece.
“Panselinos was a real person, and the name was just a nickname for Ioannis Astrapas,” Father Cosmas told the Associated Press.
Despite Mount Athos’ millennium-old ban on female visitors, Sotirakoglou used photographs for analysis, identifying similarities in unique letter shapes, particularly the Greek Phi.
Father Cosmas’ daily visits to the Protato Church inspired his research, which he believes confirms the artist’s true identity. Byzantine art professor Constantinos Vafiadis agreed that Astrapas likely contributed to the Protato paintings but called for further study.
Astrapas’ works, combining classical antiquity and Orthodox spirituality, reflect a renaissance in Byzantine art, making his contributions unique worldwide.
From Mimis Plessas to Emmanuel Alfieris, 2024 has been characterised by the loss of a number of great Greek celebrities and Greek Australian community leaders.
As the year comes to an end, The Greek Herald remembers those who have passed away this year.
Plessas was a beloved musician and composer in Greece, whose music featured in scores of films, television shows and theatrical productions.
Emmanuel Alfieris
Emmanuel Alfieris.
The former President of the Kytherian Association of Australia (KAA), Emmanuel Alfieris 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.
Vardis Vardinogiannis
Vardis Vardinogiannis.
Vardis Vardinogiannis, a towering figure in Greek shipping, energy, and business, passed away at the age of 91. His death, which occurred on Tuesday, November 12, was confirmed by Motor Oil Hellas, the oil company that Vardinogiannis transformed into one of Greece’s largest and most influential corporations.
Peter Yiannoudes
Peter Yiannoudes.
Cypriot Australian Peter Yiannoudes, a beloved figure who had a pivotal influence on the success of Greek cinema in Melbourne, passed away in November 2024.
A pioneer of Greek cinema in Australia, Yiannoudes formed a film company in 1958 called “Cosmopolitan Motion Pictures” together with Andreas Papadopoulos and Stathis Raftopoulos, to be joined soon after by Chris Louis from Sydney. They became the sole Greek (and other) film distributors in Australia, catering to the immigrant populations of the post-WWII period.
Mr Jasonides was a former President of the Pan Macedonian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, a leading member of the Pontian community, and founder of ITHEA Educational Institution.
Mr Jasonides was unwell for the past few years and passed away at home surrounding by his family. He is survived by his wife Helen, daughter Natole, and son George.
Vasso Papandreou
Vasso Papandreou.
Vasso Papandreou, one of the founding members of the socialist PASOK party, and a former European commissioner, minister, and MP, passed away in October 2024 at the age of 79. Reports suggest that she had been struggling with health issues in recent months.
Papandreou was best known for her advocacy of women’s rights and was notably the first woman to represent Greece as a commissioner in the European Union, then the European Economic Community. She also championed social welfare and disability rights.
Georgia Alexandrou
Georgia Alexandrou.
The Cypriot Australian community was in mourning this year following the death of Georgia Alexandrou on Sunday, April 21 after a long battle with cancer.
Ms Alexandrou was the first female leader to have taken the presidency of the Cyprus Community of ACT (CCACT) from 2000-2023. Her strong and enduring leadership provided a long period of stability for the Cypriots in the Canberra district and all of Australia.
Yiannis Boutaris
Yiannis Boutaris.
Yiannis Boutaris, the former mayor of Thessaloniki, esteemed businessman, and respected oenologist, passed away on Saturday, November 9, at the age of 82 after battling severe health issues in recent months.
His death marked the end of a remarkable life dedicated to both the revitalisation of his city and the growth of Greece’s wine industry.
Kikis Eftimiou
Kikis Eftimiou.
Renowned Sydney businessman Kikis Eftimiou OAM passed away on June 25 at the age of 91. A migrant from Skarinou, Cyprus, Mr Eftimiou dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the Greek culture, language and cuisine in Australia.
As a businessman for over 60 years, Mr Eftimiou was the owner of Australia’s largest import company of Greek products, KEBIA Importex, until 2013. Mr Eftimiou co-founded the company with Vasilis Iatropoulos.
Mr Passaris was well-known for his strong passion for multiculturalism and for the development of a culturally diverse society. He also held multiple positions on not-for-profit boards and community organisations.
Bill Caralis
Bill Caralis. Photo: Getty Images/Fairfax Archives.
Mr Caralis was the founder, chairman and managing director or 2SM Super Radio Network. 2SM is the largest privately-owned radio network in NSW.
Nikos Sarganis
Nikos Sarganis, the legendary Greek goalkeeper known as “The Phantom,” passed away in December 2024 at the age of 70. Reports confirm that Sarganis had been hospitalised in critical condition and was in a coma prior to his death.
Throughout his career, Sarganis played for several top clubs, including Ilisiakos, Kastoria, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos and Athinaikos. He also earned 58 caps for the Greek national team, solidifying his place as one of Greece’s greatest goalkeepers.
Known for his generosity, passion, and warm personality, Con left an indelible mark on the market community and beyond. His family continues his legacy, with sons Ross, Anthony, and Alex, as well as his daughter-in-law and granddaughter, remaining deeply involved in the business.
Born in Wagga Wagga in New South Wales, Marinos was celebrated for his extensive contributions to Australian television and theatre. His notable roles included performances in iconic local dramas such as Kingswood Country, A Country Practice and The Slap.
Alexiadou was affectionately known as Greece’s “national chef.” She became a household name in the 1990s, starting her television career on Ant1 TV, where she hosted popular cooking shows.
She was also the author of a series of cookbooks, two of which received prestigious awards in 1998 and 2000 at the International Cookbook Exhibition in Perigueux, France.
From welfare payments and price increases to new laws and regulations, here are some of the biggest changes starting on January 1, 2025.
Increased welfare payments: Several Australian welfare payments will rise in line with inflation. Youth Allowance will increase by $15 to $30.60 per fortnight, with changes to the parental income test threshold. Austudy recipients will receive up to $30.60 more, while Carer Allowance increases by $5.80. ABSTUDY Living Allowance for postgraduate students rises by $54.
Wage theft criminalised: Employers who intentionally underpay workers face penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $7.825 million. Small businesses with fewer than 15 employees may avoid prosecution if they comply with a voluntary wage compliance code.
ATM rules for pokies: In New South Wales, ATMs and cash facilities must no longer be visible from gaming areas. Cash facilities must also be placed at least five metres from gaming entrances or exits, with exemptions granted only in exceptional cases.
Medicare safety net thresholds: Medicare Safety Net thresholds are increasing. Patients will need to spend more on out-of-pocket medical costs before qualifying for higher rebates, with thresholds rising to $576 for the Original Safety Net and $2615.50 for the Extended Safety Net.
Foreign property tax changes: Property sellers in Australia must provide clearance certificates to avoid buyers withholding 15% of the sale price. The previous $750,000 exemption threshold is removed, and all property transactions are now subject to the rule.
Passport price increase: Australian passport fees will rise in January, following a mid-2024 increase. The estimated increase is $11 for a 10-year passport and $6 for a five-year passport.
UK travel visa requirement: Australians visiting the UK must apply for a £10 Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for stays under six months, starting January 8.
Ban on engineered stone imports: Engineered stone imports will be banned due to links to silicosis, a life-threatening lung disease. This follows a domestic ban on its use and manufacture in mid-2024.
Mandatory sheep e-tags: Electronic ID tags become mandatory for all sheep and goats born in Australia from January 1 to enhance biosecurity and traceability. By 2027, tags will be required for all sheep, regardless of age.
Located at The Hellenic Club of Canberra in Phillip, ACT, you’ll find ‘Mazi Hellenic,’ promising delicious authentic Greek food and a cosy dining experience.
The joint venture is run by Spiro Tsiros, who will oversee the front of house, and Spiro’s Bulgarian head chef, Petar Mlekanov, who will be in charge of making all the delicious Greek Mediterranean food which will be on offer.
The pair also previously worked alongside each other at The Lighthouse, in Belconnen, ACT – one of Spiro’s former businesses of seven years, where Spiro employed Petar on a sponsored visa and he quickly transitioned from a junior member of the kitchen to head chef shortly after.
Spiro (left) with Petar.
In an exclusive interview with The Greek Herald, Spiro revealed what people can expect when they visit ‘Mazi Hellenic.’
“People can expect a Greek menu with a social dining sort of aspect. We’re trying to focus on getting people to eat together,” Spiro told The Greek Herald.
”It’ll be like when you go to Greece and you never order a meal, you just order a whole heap of different things to share, and everything will be as tasty as it can be, hopefully with a flavour profile that fits most Greek palettes.
“It [the food] will leave you thinking, ‘geez, that was nice, we’ll have to go back again’.”
On the menu
Spiro said when people visit ‘Mazi Hellenic,’ they will be treated to a variety of delicious Greek dishes, including chicken, lamb, calamari, chargrilled octopus on fava, and many traditional favourites including moussaka, pastitsio, and many more.
Dishes on the menu at ‘Mazi Hellenic.’
“We’ll have a heavy focus on specials too, to try and understand where the palette lies with the customers,” the restaurant co-owner said.
“There will also be a salad special, something from the grill, a seafood special and something from the oven on a weekly basis.”
Spiro added that in the new year, people will also be able to order an authentic Greek gyro.
“A return back home”
As someone who’s been in the hospitality industry since 2005, Spiro has taken over several Canberra businesses during his time including Café Mizuna, Café Momo’s, Tampered Coffee, The Lighthouse, and most recently, Gryphons Caffe Bar.
Now, he embarks on his latest chapter with ‘Mazi Hellenic’ and it is quite special to him.
Spiro is excited for his next chapter.
“The Hellenic Club of Canberra has been part of my life since I was six years old, when I started Greek dancing,” Spiro said.
“I also used to spend Friday nights with my old man there, with me and my friend’s playing billiards and all the arcade games, while the old men played cards, backgammon, and drunk great coffee at the kafenio etc. So, to be a part of the club again now almost feels like a return back home.”
Opening ‘Mazi Hellenic’
Spiro revealed how it feels to finally have ’Mazi Hellenic’ open, especially following a quick turnaround of front of house and kitchen renovations within five weeks.
Staff at the newly refurbished ‘Mazi Hellenic’ restaurant.
“It’s been a series of very quick, but I must say, what appears to be very good decisions by the Club in terms of their renovations, and now we just have to run to catch up,” Spiro said.
“Starting a new business is very exciting, it’s like moving into new house and buying a new car. Everything’s brand new and exciting.
“I’m just looking forward to doing what I love doing, which is running a restaurant and looking after people, rather than all the administrative work that goes into getting it open.”
After more than a decade, the Municipality of Zacharo is set to see the return of the prestigious ‘Blue Flag’ to its beaches in 2025.
Through coordinated efforts led by Mayor Konstantinos Mitropoulos, Zacharo has secured the necessary pre-approval for certification.
This recognition will cover the beaches of Zacharo, Kaiafa, and Kakovatos, highlighting their clean waters, safety measures, and high-quality services for visitors, including accessible facilities and lifeguard coverage.
The recognition will cover the beaches of Zacharo, Kaiafa (above), and Kakovatos. Photo: www.visit-olympia.gr.
The ‘Blue Flag’ is an internationally recognised symbol of ecological and water quality excellence, implemented in over 50 countries under strict criteria. To qualify, beaches must meet rigorous standards in cleanliness, organisation, visitor safety, environmental protection, and awareness.
Mayor Mitropoulos expressed his pride, saying: “The Municipality of Zacharo is regaining the trust it deserves. After painstaking efforts, we are particularly happy for this great achievement for our region. The ‘Blue Flag’ will return to the beaches of our Municipality in 2025.”
He emphasised Zacharo’s commitment to becoming a sustainable tourist destination by improving coastal infrastructure, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring access for all visitors.
Camera traps set on Mount Taygetus, near ancient Sparta, identified nine wolves – four adults and five pups – in November 2024. This is the first verified evidence of wolves in the region since the late 1930s.
The return is viewed as a positive development for biodiversity, but raises concerns about balancing wildlife conservation with human activities such as livestock farming.
Wolves return to the Peloponnese after almost a century. Photo: Callisto Environmental Group.
Callisto intensified research efforts following reports of livestock predation in October, using cameras and tracking wolf footprints and droppings.
While wolves have been seen in other parts of mainland Greece, their reappearance in the Peloponnese marks a significant step in the species’ recovery.
Approximately 700 wolves are thought to inhabit Greece, primarily in remote, mountainous areas. However, dwindling natural prey has led to increased conflicts with farmers.
Wolves have also recently returned to Mount Parnitha, near Athens.
The awards recognise Australia’s most talented young lawyers under 30, celebrating their contributions to the legal profession and their commitment to excellence.
Elle told The Greek Herald she felt “incredibly honoured and humbled to be recognised as a finalist amongst so many talented legal professionals.”
“The recognition signifies an acknowledgment of my dedication to client service, to nurturing a supportive team environment at my workplace and to my efforts to contribute to meaningful change. However, it is ultimately a testament to all my wonderful clients, mentors and peers who have supported me to date, and the immense value in everything we have built together to achieve as a team,” she added.
Elle, an experienced litigation lawyer, specialises in corporate and insurance litigation and dispute resolution. She has represented clients in high-profile cases across Australia and is known for her empathetic, pragmatic approach to complex matters.
Chants of ‘O-LYM-PIC, O-LYM-PIC’ and ‘Let’s go Hellas’ echoed loudly across Netstrata Jubilee Stadium at Kogarah, Sydney on Saturday, January 13 as close to 3,000 football fans packed the stadium for the inaugural The Greek Herald Cup.
The atmosphere was electric with live music, Greek dancing performances, and a football extravaganza as two iconic Greek heritage football clubs, Sydney Olympic FC and South Melbourne FC, came face to face in the historic clash. Ultimately, Sydney Olympic came out on top.
Registrations are NOW OPEN for the 2025 Greek Herald Cup, which will be held at Melbourne’s Lakeside Stadium on Saturday, January 18. Entry is free, but registration is essential.
Anais Menounos, winner of The Greek Herald Woman of the Year, with her mum, dad and brother. Photo: Effy Alexakis.
The winner of ‘The Greek Herald Woman of the Year’ Award for 2024 was 29-year-old Anais Menounos – co-founder of the St Nicholas Mission Academy in Ghana.
Antipodes Festival 2024. Photo: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Once again, the 36th Antipodes Festival, organised by the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), resonated with the vibrant pulse of the Greek community.
Held in the heart of Melbourne’s historic Greek precinct on Lonsdale Street, adorned in blue and white, the Festival marked a significant milestone.
The Festival stands as the largest Hellenic festival in the global diaspora and this year, for the first time, was recognised by the City of Melbourne as a Tier 1 event alongside the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Australian Tennis Open.
The event was organised by the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) in conjunction with the Inter-Communities Council of NSW of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA).
The historic occasion featured a wreath laying ceremony at Martin Place, followed by a parade through Sydney’s streets towards the Opera House.
Afterwards, a cultural spectacle took place including Greek dancing performances, singing and official speeches.
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 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.
The Cyprus Community of South Australia, in collaboration with the Justice for Cyprus Coordination Committee SA (SEKA SA), marked the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Photo: The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.
Members of the Cypriot and Greek communities in Australia came together in July 2024 to call for justice for Cyprus 50 years after Turkey invaded the island in 1974.
In Sydney, hundreds of people took part in a ‘peace march’ from Sydney’s Martin Place to Lane Park, chanting “Free Cyprus” and “Turkey out of Cyprus.” It was the first time in years the march was allowed to be held.
In Melbourne, more than 2,000 people flocked to Federation Square on Sunday, July 21 in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
During the event, Cypriots, Greeks and Philhellenes called for the unification and freedom of Cyprus after 50 years of ethnic division.
More than 2,000 people flocked to Melbourne’s Federation Square on Sunday, July 21 in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Photo: The Greek Herald / Bill Roumeliotis.
In South Australia, the Cyprus Community of South Australia (CCSA), in collaboration with the Justice for Cyprus Coordination Committee SA (SEKA SA), held a series of important events from July 14 – July 22 dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in Cyprus and acknowledging the continued struggle for freedom and democracy.
The Ecumenical Patriarch participated in a series of celebratory events in Sydney and Melbourne marking the centenary of the establishment of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
The historic visit further strengthened the ties between the Orthodox Church and the Greek community of Australia, marking a new era in their relations.
In a heartwarming display of love and giving, students of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Schools visited Fronditha’s Care’s residential aged care facility in Clayton on Monday, December 23.
Accompanied by parents and teachers, the students shared unique moments with the elderly residents and staff, singing traditional Christmas carols and embodying the true spirit of the holidays.
The warm welcome and tearful smiles of the elderly made the occasion truly special.
The students, with their energy and positive attitude, provided more than just music and songs; they offered love and companionship, bringing back memories of childhood and homeland for the grandmothers and grandfathers.
“This initiative is meaningful not only for the elderly, but also for our children, who had the opportunity to experience the joy of giving and the importance of love by continuing a cherished Greek tradition, Christmas carols” Maria Bakalidou, Principal of the GCM Schools, said.
“We would like to thank everyone who participated—students, teachers, and parents—who made this celebration of love possible. A special thank you to the Fronditha staff for their warm hospitality. We look forward to fostering more intergenerational connections through similar activities in the future.”
In a cheerful and constructive atmosphere, another gathering of Greek entrepreneurs, academics, and community figures took place on Saturday, December 21 at the welcoming venue of Nikos Cakes in Fairfield, Victoria.
The event has been envisioned and sustained for 20 years by well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist Gregory Kaias, along with community members Kostas Saristavros and Dimitris Karalakis.
Several notable figures were present on the day including His Eminence Metropolitan Myron of New Zealand, who attended with the blessing and permission of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
In a moving address, Metropolitan Myron highlighted the unique challenges faced by Hellenism and Orthodoxy in NZ and nearby regions such as Fiji and Samoa.
Metropolitan Myron also emphasised the Church’s monumental efforts to support Orthodox churches and orphanages, aiming to improve the living conditions of Orthodox Christians in these areas despite significant challenges.
Mr Saristavros, in his welcoming remarks, expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of this cross-border initiative.
Mr Saristavros also encouraged the community to support Melbourne’s Greek organisations, societies, churches, and all aspects of Hellenic culture, stressing the importance of preserving Greek identity and language to prevent the decline of the diaspora.
The President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), Bill Papastergiadis, praised such initiatives and underscored the importance of strengthening Hellenism.
