The Australian Open 2025 has commenced with contrasting outcomes for local favourites Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios.
Kokkinakis showcased remarkable resilience in his opening match, overcoming multiple injury issues to secure a victory over Russia’s Roman Safiullin. The gruelling encounter lasted over four hours, with Kokkinakis prevailing 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5).
Reflecting on his performance, Kokkinakis said the crowd lifted him to victory.
“You guys willed me through. I was struggling there, I was cooked,” he said in his on-court interview.
“I tweaked something but I took some pain killers and battled through, as I had to pull out of Adelaide and didn’t want to pull out here. I’m super happy to get another crazy win.”
Kyrgios, who has been battling injuries, hinted at a potential shift in his career focus, suggesting this might be his final singles appearance at the Australian Open.
He remarked, “I can’t probably see myself playing singles matches here again.”
Despite his singles loss, Kyrgios remains committed to the doubles competition, where he will reunite with Kokkinakis. The duo, affectionately known as the ‘Special Ks’, previously clinched the Australian Open men’s doubles title in 2022 and are eager to replicate their success.
Greek communities turned out in huge numbers over the weekend to attend traditional Blessing of the Waters events across Australia.
Here is The Greek Herald‘s list of the winners and events that were held in Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, and NSW’s Wollongong.
New South Wales:
In the New South Wales coastal city of Wollongong, people gathered at the local harbour for the annual Blessing of the Waters ceremony.
The event saw both local Wollongong churches, St Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church and the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, conduct the Epiphany together.
Photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
24-year-old first-time diver Chris Kiotis retrieved the Holy Cross from the harbour, much to the joy of his family and friends present.
“In the lead up, I wasn’t even going to jump in to be honest, but I’m glad that I did,” Chris told The Greek Herald.
“It means a lot because my dad has won it twice, 20, 30 years ago. So it’s good to keep it in the family.”
The divers.(L-R) Winner Chris Kiotis, Nathan Kapsimallis, Theodore Papadopoulos, Saxon Gerovassilis, and John Bletas.
Australian Capital Territory:
The Blessing of the Waters ceremony held in Canberra’s Casuarina Sands, showed members of the local St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Parish joining together in celebration.
Attended by families from the parish and Greece’s Ambassador to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, the event marked a moment of community unity and faith.
Photos by St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Canberra / Facebook.
During the ceremony, Aristotelis Mavroudis, a local student, was the fortunate participant who caught the Holy Cross. The community extended their blessings to him.
Following the religious service, a meal was shared, prepared by the Greek Community of Canberra and the Ladies of the Philoptochos Society. It was a joyful gathering that highlighted the spirit of fellowship and tradition.
Tasmania:
On a hot but rainy day in Hobart, Tasmania, Yianni Anagnostis retrieved the Holy Cross at a combined Blessing of the Waters ceremony between The Greek Orthodox Church of St George The Martyr in Hobart and the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Parish of Hobart.
A large, umbrella-clad crowd gathered at Long Beach in Sandy Bay as the participants made their way to the boat for the annual dive. In an all-time first, the event saw six girls participating in the celebration.
Yianni‘s success marked his fourth consecutive year retrieving the Holy Cross.
“He’s very happy with himself,” Yianni’s partner Georgia told The Greek Herald.
Photos by Georgia Kelly.
Yianni participated alongside his brothers George and Petro, and his cousin Matthew. Photos by Georgia Kelly.
Queensland:
In Queensland, on Sunday, January 12, the Church of Saint Anna on the Gold Coast held the official Blessing of the Waters event.
Photos: Facebook.
Presided over by His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane, the dive for the Holy Cross took place at 11.30am at Evandale Lake. This year, two crosses were thrown in the water. One for all the children and later, a cross for the adults.
Following this, an Epiphany Festival took place at the St Anna Community Centre in Bundall.
Western Australia:
On Sunday, January 12, the Archdiocesan District of Perth hosted a vibrant Epiphany celebration at Matilda Bay Reserve, drawing the local Greek community together for a day of food, music and tradition.
Attendees enjoyed a plethora of delicious offerings, including souvlakia, a sausage sizzle, Greek sweets and refreshing drinks as a live Greek band provided entertainment.
In the early afternoon, His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth conducted the Blessing of the Waters wherein both teenagers and adults participated in the traditional diving for the cross.
The event was a joyous celebration of faith and community spirit, marking a memorable Epiphany for all those in attendance.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia hosted its annual festivities in South Australia, marking the 45th anniversary of the Epiphany celebrations on the picturesque foreshore of Glenelg.
Spanning three vibrant and sun filled days, from Friday, January 10 to Sunday, January 12, the festival brought together faith, culture, and community spirit.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.Swimmers lining up, ready to compete for the cross.
The procession of Orthodox clergy and faithful onto the Glenelg Jetty to bless the waters remains a cherished tradition for South Australian Orthodox Christians. This ritual, central to the Feast of Epiphany, commemorates the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan and the divine revelation of the Holy Trinity.
The contest for the Holy Cross
This year, approximately 60 competitors competed for the honour of retrieving the blessed cross.
Emerging triumphant was 21-year-old Vasilie Kypreos, a first-time winner from New South Wales, who claimed victory in a tight contest, outpacing his South Australian counterparts to secure the win.
Emerging triumphant was 21-year-old Vasilie Kypreos.
With strong familial ties to both NSW and SA, Vasilie is connected to Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Kingsford, NSW, and St George Church in Mile End, SA.
“Winning the cross was a great feeling,” Vasilie shared with The Greek Herald, adding he hopes the blessing of the cross will bring “good health and happiness for [his] family in 2025.”
As a Sydney-based lifeguard, wharfie and surfer, Vasilie added, “I also pray God will look after me while surfing and lifesaving.”
Vasilie Kypreos and family.
The Hon. Tom Koutsantonis MP, representing the Premier of South Australia, reflected on the significance of the event.
“Today we have witnessed the Church pray for our state and bless our waters through this ceremony. We pray for prosperity, for safety, for those who travel, and they pray for all of us. The sea has given us much – it has brought many Greek migrants here to these shores, but it has also brought the [Orthodox] Church to this shore,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
Tom Koutsantonis MP.
Glendi celebrations
The celebrations extended beyond the religious ceremony, with the Glenelg foreshore coming alive with cultural performances and live music.
The Pontian Brotherhood of SA, Messinian Greek Dance School of SA, and St George College Dance Group captivated audiences with traditional Greek dances, and the St Spyridon College Adelaide with their chanting choir. The Kosmos Band provided live music throughout the day, creating an atmosphere for dancing and festivity.
Pontian Brotherhood of SA Dance Group.
The Hon. Stephen Patterson MP, Local Member for Morphett, also expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the Greek Community and Bishop Silouan who come every year and bless the waters to “bring health… and prosperity here [to South Australia].”
Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou, Consul General of Greece in South Australia, attended her first Epiphany celebration in the state. She described the event as “more than a blessing” and expressed her personal joy, as her son swam in the waters.
“This is more joyful than [even in] Greece because, of course, being in the summer, there are more swimmers to catch the cross and blessing!” the Consul General added.
The Hon. Stephen Patterson MP, Member for Morphett.Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou – Consul General of Greece in SA.Dr Vladamir Devrelis.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, President of the Inter-communities Council of South Australia Dr Vladimir Devrelis expressed his gratitude to the crowd and dignitaries for participating in this special occasion. He emphasised its spiritual importance and highlighted the festival’s remarkable growth over the years, remarking on how it has become a cornerstone of community celebration.
The Glenelg Greek Festival stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring spirit and cultural legacy of the Greek Orthodox Christians of South Australia. Through dance, music, food, and faith, the festival celebrates the traditions and heritage cherished and passed down through generations.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos
Hundreds flocked to the Henley Beach Foreshore on Sunday, January 12, to participate in the 2025 Henley Beach Greek Festival and Blessing of the Waters organised annually by the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA), as part of the Epiphany Day celebrations.
The vibrant volunteer-driven event started late in the morning with clergy, parishioners and guests walking to the end of the jetty where the Blessing of the Waters was held and more than 30 brave swimmers dived into St Vincent’s Gulf waters to retrieve the cross.
This year’s winner was first time diver, 15-year-old Kristijan Radovanovic of Woodcroft whose family hails from Serbia.
“[I feel] really good. I was thinking about going in. My dad, said ‘just go in’,” Kristijan explained after he retrieved the cross.
Winners of the holy cross are said to have a year of blessings. Kristijan received a gold cross from GOCSA, a special award and a robe donated for the occasion by the Greek Women’s Society of South Australia ‘O Taxiarchis’.
After the ceremonial part, the event continued with speeches from the current President of GOCSA, Peter Gardiakos; the Hon. Zoe Bettison MP, SA Minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs representing state Premier Peter Malinauskas MP; Matt Cowdrey OAM MP, State Member for Colton representing the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Vincent Tarzia MP; and the Mayor of the City of Charles Sturt, Angela Evans.
Mr Gardiakos expressed his gratitude to the community’s volunteers and sponsors who made the event possible.
“Epiphany brings a message of spiritual rebirth. It reminds us Greeks worldwide to continue defending the values and ideals that shaped our history and culture – Humanism, Solidarity, Democracy, and Justice,” he said.
Minister Bettison said, “Let us give thanks, as we come together to celebrate what’s best in music, and food and entertainment.”
“I’m delighted to see that Ukrainian SLAVA group will be here. We know there is conflict around the world. More so than has been for some time. And our heart is with Ukrainians as they continue to fight the invasion. By inviting them here today shows your support for our wider community. We are not at peace at this time,” Minister Bettison added.
Attending were also Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon Mark Butler MP; members of the South Australian Legislative Council, Mira El Dannawi and Frank Pangallo; The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of the City of Adelaide Dr Jane Lomax-Smith AM; Trian Gonis representing Federal member for Adelaide, Steve Georganas; Chloe Kourakis representing the South Australian Multicultural Commission; local Councillors and Presidents of other Greek and multicultural associations.
Formalities were followed by dance performances from the Pontian Brotherhood of SA, Slava Ukrainian Cultural Centre and the GOCSA Dance Academy.
Participants had the chance to enjoy live entertainment by the local band ‘Kerasma Live’ and indulge in traditional Greek delicacies until late in the evening.
More than 40,000 people attended the 2025 Epiphany Greek Festival on Sunday, January 12, at Carss Bush Park in Sydney, NSW. The festival delivered a spectacular day of cultural celebration, faith, and community.
The festival was organised by St Basil’s NSW/ACT and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA).
Official guests in attendance included the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis; the Deputy High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Nikolaos Varellas; the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper MP; the NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis MP; and Georges River Councillor Sam Stratikopoulos; as well as many other Presidents and representatives of Greek community organisations and institutions.
Official guests arrive for the Blessing of the Waters ceremony. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Oglos.
The day began with the Blessing of the Waters ceremony, led by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. The Archbishop was joined by Their Graces, Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis and Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod.
Attendees watched as young men attempted to retrieve the Holy Cross from the waters, a powerful act symbolising renewal and blessings for the year ahead.
Ultimately, the Cross was retrieved by the young Dionysios Petri, who received the Archbishop’s paternal blessing, as did the other swimmers.
Winner Dionysios Petri with Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
The Blessing of the Waters was followed by a number of official speeches.
In his address, Archbishop Makarios reflected on the Holy Cross as “the instrument of our redemption and the gateway to eternal life.” He recalled the central importance of the Cross in the Orthodox faith, noting that “it is the ultimate symbol of Christ’s love and sacrifice, the instrument of our redemption and the gateway to eternal life.”
The Consul General Mr Mallikourtis stressed how the festival “shows that Greek Australians are a success story because they managed to integrate, but at the same time maintain their values, culture, faith and traditions.”
Cyprus’ Deputy High Commissioner Mr Varelas conveyed his pleasure to witness the event and reiterated one of Mr Mallikourtis’ other points in his speech in urging the younger generations to continue speaking Greek.
During his speech, Minister Kamper shared that he and the NSW Premier Chris Minns decided to contribute a $50,000 grant to the festival this year. Cr Stratikopoulos added that Georges River Council, which oversees Carss Bush Park, provided approximately $20,000 as an official sponsor of the event.
At the conclusion of the official proceedings, which were emceed by Stan Kondilios, the festival grounds came alive with traditional Greek music and dance performances, featuring cultural groups adorned in vibrant costumes.
Families enjoyed a variety of activities, including rides, face painting, and a Ferris wheel, ensuring fun for all ages.
Food was a major attraction, with stalls offering everything from savoury souvlaki to sweet loukoumades.
Over 80 vendors displayed handmade crafts and authentic Greek products, giving attendees the opportunity to immerse themselves in Greece’s rich culinary and artisanal heritage.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Oglos
The event, held at Panagia Soumela Hall in Hurlstone Park, Sydney, was filled with energy as local musicians from Crete provided entertainment throughout the night. The talented performers were Nikos Vezyrakis (lyra), Giorgos Katsoulieris (laouto) and Alexandra Kazakis (guitar).
All of the Cretan Association‘s dance groups performed, with the dancers concluding the night by joining their teacher, Paul Spanoudakis, for a final dance.
Over the last four years, Spanoudakis has played a pivotal role in bringing Cretan culture to the youth of Sydney, instilling a love for Crete’s dances, music, and instruments.
In a Facebook post, the Cretan Association wished Spanoudakis well and expressed their hopes he will return for a cameo appearance ahead of the CFANZ Convention in Sydney in 2026.
The event also featured a raffle and auction. The Oracle store in Earlwood donated beautiful prizes, including a custom hamper made by Natasha the Oracle. Other raffle donations came from Phillip Makras, the Parasiris Family, John Lagoudakis and Nina Saisanas. Victoria Cross Funerals supported the event.
Frank and Gina of the Greek Generation Gourmet Group provided exceptional food, which perfectly complemented the evening’s festivities.
The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) saw a record-breaking turnout at its Administrative Council elections held on Saturday, January 11, with 600 members casting their votes at Olympic Hall in Adelaide.
The electoral contest saw Peter Ppiros and his Independent Community Progressive Party securing 11 out of the 15 positions on the Council, leaving Peter Gonis’ Leading the Community Party ticket with four.
Peter Ppiros.
Ppiros, reflecting on the results of the election, highlighted the significance of the outcome amid challenging circumstances.
“It was a very difficult electoral contest during which 600 members voted, the largest number to have voted in our Community’s elections in many years. Our team… managed to win 11 out of the 15 positions on the Council, which we consider a very good result given the extremely difficult circumstances we had to face,” he said.
Ppiros said his focus will now be on the need for unity, economic recovery, and the protection of GOCSA’s democratic principles and assets. He also expressed gratitude to voters and the election organisers, while extending well-wishes to all elected members.
Meanwhile, Gonis, who had previously served as Vice President of GOCSA and campaigned for re-election, acknowledged the disappointment in the outcome but maintained an optimistic outlook.
“Although the election outcome was not what we had hoped for, I am humbled by the support shown by so many members of our community,” Gonis said.
“Whilst the election brought different perspectives to the forefront, I firmly believe that collaboration and respect are key to ensuring a strong and unified path forward.”
Gonis also reiterated his dedication to the community and his willingness to work with the new Council.
“I extend my congratulations to the newly elected Council and trust they will prioritise the best interests of the community with a continued focus in our youth and cultural programs,” he said.
The elections, held during the New Year period, were marked by intense competition and pre-election tensions. Despite this, the process concluded peacefully, though reports suggest the electoral process might face formal challenges.
Sandals were ruined, dresses drenched, and wayward umbrellas twisted in the wind as the heavens opened for Epiphany Day celebrations at Port Melbourne, Victoria on Sunday, January 12.
People ducked for cover under marquees as a deluge poured down, soaking those brave enough to hop over puddles for loukoumades or the sizzling gyros from the charcoal-fuelled rotisseries.
The sea swelled and the Nea Artaky fishing boat used by Their Graces Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopoulis and Bishop Evmenios of Chora to toss the cross each year was nowhere to be found.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
Following a long delay, the religious entourage finally took advantage of a brief respite from the rain to head out for the cross throwing. Doves were released by VIP guests, and Bishop Evmenios tossed the cross into the sea from a stage set up by the sea. He threw it once for good measure, and then a second time to ensure it landed further out as 35 divers rushed towards it.
Panayiotis (Peter) Tasias from Clayton, aged 38, a regular at the event, caught the cross for the second time in his life. He first claimed victory when aged 16.
“Just to jump in is a blessing, and I dive every year,” he told The Greek Herald last year. This year, he was the lucky one, clutching the cross while trying to catch his breath.
Scarlett Athanasia Bauwens demonstrated that the Blessing of the Waters ceremony is evolving with the times. Women were not allowed to dive at Port Melbourne two years ago. Last year, organisers had their own epiphany and aligned Port Melbourne with the rest of the world by permitting female participation. Although permitted, none participated.
“I did this first for God, and then for women,” Scarlett told The Greek Herald, thrilled to be participating as diver number 32 out of 35 (up from last year’s 27 despite the thunderstorm).
Surrounded by men, Scarlett only realised the dive had begun when five jumped in.
Mauritius-born and Bali-educated Scarlett embraced Orthodoxy as a convert in Sparta two years ago, when she was baptised Athanasia. She currently lives in Greece, where she works for a global consulting company and says she will dive again next year, in the chilly Greek waters next time. She attended celebrations with a friend.
“I told my husband and mother-in-law to stay at home due to the heavy rainfall,” she said.
A strong swimmer, she said the rain was no deterrent.
“Bring it on! The bigger the storm, the happier I am. God is with us today,” she added.
Her presence was welcomed by all present, and Scarlett said she faced no difficulty signing up, permitted to dive but instructed to “dress modestly.”
It is uncertain whether the young men with their bulging biceps, and some with interesting tattoos, were also told to cover up in modesty.
Steven Stamatakos, 20, who had dived a couple of years ago, said he had not swum in a while and wanted to participate for the blessing rather than any hopes of winning.
For Panagiotis Vasilopoulos, who was there with his sausage dog, Pluto, victory was very much the goal. Earlier in the week, he caught the Holy Cross at Rosebud’s Epiphany.
“I’m a very strong swimmer,” he said.
Under the marquee, 16-year-old Aristidis was watching carefully, determined to take part in the dive in his VCE year next year.
The Epiphany is a significant Christian feast celebrating the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. This event marks the revelation of the Holy Trinity – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Blessing of the Waters ceremony, where a cross is thrown into the water and retrieved by divers, symbolises the purification of the waters and the renewal of life.
Those not swimming also seek God’s blessing. Ms. Kalliopi from Northcote sat under a balcony after it began to pour.
“Will it stop?” she asked. “I had injured my leg and I came, despite the pain, in the hope that God’s grace would help me improve.”
She did not care that there were no dancing groups, petting farms, and fanfare as in other years. It’s the service she cares for.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has annulled Turkey’s “Turkaegean” trademark, registered in 2021 by Turkey’s tourism agency.
The trademark had been widely criticised in Greece as an attempt to undermine the country’s longstanding association with the Aegean Sea. Critics accused the government of failing to protect national interests.
The Greek government, along with the Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation (OBI), had petitioned the EUIPO to revoke the trademark, arguing it was harmful to Greek commercial interests and reflected Turkey’s geopolitical aspirations in the region.
“The decision is a vindication of Greek positions,” Greek Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos said. “The government will always assert the country’s rights by using every legal means available.”
The EUIPO’s decision prevents Turkey from using the trademark within the European Union, marking a setback for Turkey’s tourism efforts aimed at European markets.
While Turkey may appeal the ruling, the cancellation is seen as a significant victory for Greece in the ongoing dispute over the Aegean Sea, underscoring the importance of safeguarding national identity and cultural heritage.
