A group of archaeologists, led by Antonis Bartziokas from Democritus University of Thrace, may have uncovered the sacred “chiton,” or tunic, of Alexander the Great, sparking excitement in the archaeological community.
According to ekathimerini.com, the discovery, detailed in the Journal of Field Archaeology, involves a purple fabric found in a royal tomb at Vergina, in northern Greece’s Macedonian region.
This fabric was located in the golden ossuary of Tomb II, alongside human remains and a gold wreath.
The cloth, a purple robe known as a sarapis, was traditionally worn by Persian monarchs and later adopted by Alexander.
Through extensive analysis, researchers determined the fabric was made of cotton—an unusual material at the time—and dyed in royal purple. They also found traces of chondrite, a white mineral commonly used in ancient Persia, embedded within the layers.
These findings suggest the garment was part of royal clothing with eastern influences, likely brought back by Alexander himself.
This discovery offers new insights into the tomb’s artifacts, suggesting that many items may have belonged to Alexander rather than his father, King Philip II of Macedon.
It’s that time of the year again as Greek communities around Australia prepare to commemorate OXI Day.
Observed each year, OXI Day commemorates then-Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas’ refusal to Italy’s Benito Mussolini to give free access for Italian troops to invade and occupy strategic areas of Greece during World War II. This ultimately led to Greece’s involvement in the war on the side of the Allies.
OXI Day is a cherished national holiday celebrated on October 28 annually in Greece, Cyprus and Australia. With many events planned in Australia this year, The Greek Herald has the lowdown on what you can attend over the next few days to mark the national day.
New South Wales:
In New South Wales, AHEPA Australia will be holding their OXI Day celebrations tonight, October 25 at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba.
On Saturday, October 26 from 11am, the Inner West Council will be holding a wreath laying ceremony at the Winged Victory Memorial at Marrickville Town Hall.
OXI Day commemoration from last year.
A Doxology service to mark OXI Day will be held in the morning on Sunday, October 27 at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady Theotokos in Redfern. This will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony in the Cathedral’s courtyard.
Later on Sunday, the inaugural Macarthur Greeks OXI Day will be held at the Campbelltown Showground from 11am to 4pm. The event will come alive with the irresistible sounds of the bouzouki, dazzling dance performances, and mouth-watering Greek food.
On Monday, October 28, the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) will be holding a cocktail party to mark OXI Day at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba from 7pm.
AHEPA NSW will hold their OXI Day celebrations on Wednesday, October 30 at their hall in Rockdale from 7.30pm.
A final event to commemorate OXI Day in Sydney will be a lecture by Dr Stavros A Paspalas, entitled The Fate of the Antiquities of Greece during World War II, held on November 27 at NSW Parliament House.
Victoria:
In Victoria, the Hellenic RSL Sub Branch in Melbourne will mark OXI Day on Monday, October 28.
Commemorations will begin at St Eustathios Greek Orthodox Church in South Melbourne at 9.30am, followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the Australian Hellenic Memorial from 12pm. At 1pm, another wreath laying ceremony will take place at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.
South Australia:
The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) will be celebrating OXI Day on Sunday, October 27. The Community will be holding a 10am doxology at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Archangels Michael and Gabriel, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony and poems by afternoon Greek school students.
Australian Capital Territory:
This year, to commemorate OXI Day, the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra (GOCCC) will hold an event on Sunday, November 3. There will be a special Doxology held at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in the morning. Students of the Greek Orthodox School of Canberra will perform poems and songs after the service.
At midday, the Canberra community will be invited to head to the Hellenic War Memorial to watch the annual wreath laying ceremony for the heroes of 1940.
Western Australia:
In Western Australia, local Greeks will be able to celebrate OXI Day on Saturday, November 9. There will be a Doxology at the Greek Orthodox Church of St Nektarios in Dianella from 11am, followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the State War Memorial in Kings Park from 4.30pm. The ceremony will be hosted by the new Consul-Designate of Greece, Eleni Georgopoulou.
This year, students from the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Schools once again achieved significant recognition at the Modern Greek Teachers Association of Victoria (MGTAV) Greek Public Speaking Festival.
The awards ceremony, organised by the Association, took place on Thursday, October 24, at Northcote.
The annual competition is open to students from Greek schools across Victoria, aiming to empower them in their journey of learning the Greek language. The GCM Schools regularly participate in this event, demonstrating their active support for the collective effort to strengthen Greek language education.
Among the distinguished participants from GCM Schools were: Anastasia Hondros, Demetra Mead, Olivia Vlahos, Nikolaos Papantoniou, Isaak Cokalis, Despina Kyriakou, Angelina Kyriakou, Eleni Georgiou, Sophia Souhlas, Pavlos Dimitriou, Harry Vitanopoulos, Jessica Lagos, Evgenios Kolokithas, Sara Kolovos, and Fotini Kottaras.
The GCM Schools extended their heartfelt congratulations to all the students who participated in the competition, especially those who received awards. They also expressed their sincere gratitude to the dedicated teachers who devoted their time and effort to ensure their students could take part.
The GCM Schools remain committed to supporting similar events that promote the Greek language and culture in Victoria.
The couple behind the White Fox Boutique online retailer started the business in 2013 and have built the brand’s following to more than 2.5 million people on Instagram. While the label is known for its short skirts, cropped tops and branded loungewear, the fashion entrepreneurs have built up a name for themselves in Sydney’s prestige property market. The pair now own four mansions in Sydney’s Vaucluse, buying two more properties in 2023. The four total more than $120 million in value, suggesting their net worth is higher than previously estimated.
34. Kayla Itsines, $171 million
Kayla Itsines.
Itsines is the co-founder of fitness app Sweat, which she bought back from US exercise equipment giant iFIT in November 2023. Her former fiance and co-founder Tobi Pearce is now a passive investor. The pair originally sold the company in 2021 in a deal worth $400m once all post-sale instalments had been paid, but bought it back for what’s understood to have been a fraction of this price. Just how much they actually received in cash is also up in the air, with documents from an aborted listing for iFIT suggesting $US150m was to be composed of stock, three-year performance bonuses and royalties on the sale of exercise equipment. Both co-founders have also built up considerable wealth in property.
69. Argylica Conditsis & William Conditsis, $70 million
Argylica & William Conditsis. Photo: Herald Sun.
After a long shift waiting tables at Pizza Hut, most 17-year-olds would just want to chill. Not Argylica Conditsis from Baulkham Hills, who used her meagre earnings to “bedazzle” heels with diamantes and rhinestones, then flip them online. That side hustle turned into Babyboo, which now employs over 45 people at its Sydney headquarters – including Argylica’s brother William, who quit an innovation degree to join early. It has nearly 3 million Instagram followers and makes more than half its revenue from the US. The company is entirely bootstrapped and the siblings have previously had it independently valued.
81. Aaron Pasias, $56 million
Aaron Pasias.
Pasias is a co-founder of PlaySide Studios, an ASX-listed game developer whose shares were, as at mid-September, up 16 per cent in the previous 12 months. PlaySide develops games for phones, computers and virtual reality headsets, using both its intellectual property and that of major studios such as Disney, Pixar, Warner Bros. and Nickelodeon. Pasias is a long-time friend of Gerry Sakkas (No.82), whose 2012 redundancy cheque from EA Games sparked PlaySide’s creation. Pasias was already an established property developer when Sakkas tapped him for additional cash. They both own about 80 million PlaySide shares.
82. Gerry Sakkas, $56 million
Gerry Sakkas. Photo: PodTail.
PlaySide Studios has seen its shares rally this year thanks to record revenue of $65m and net profit of $11.3m. The Melbourne-based gaming studio, the only one listed on the ASX, inked a deal with Warner Bros. to develop two titles based on the Game of Thrones franchise. Its upcoming game MOUSE is already one of the most wish-listed on gaming marketplace Steam, while PlaySide continues to develop games based on its Dumb Ways To Die franchise. Previously a developer for EA Games, Sakkas took the $15,000 redundancy cheque he received from the American giant in 2012 to start a competitor.
A Greek business delegation, organised by the Hellenic-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has successfully concluded their mission to Oceania and Southeast Asia.
The mission included companies from diverse sectors: dairy (MEVGAL), delicatessen and antipasti (ALMI), olive oil and olives (ELMAR CRETE), aromatic herbs and essential oils (THARROS HERBS & OILS), super food extra virgin olive oil (ARKAS), and innovative aluminum doors (VERPAN).
With the support of the Office for Economic and Commercial Affairs in Sydney and the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the delegation conducted over 70 B2B meetings, forging new partnerships and exploring export opportunities.
The mission was considered a resounding success, demonstrating the growing interest of Greek businesses in expanding their reach into the Oceania and Southeast Asia regions.
The 29th Greek Film Festival, proudly presented by Metaxa, has announced that additional screenings have been added to the program, due to popular demand.
After several sold out sessions since Opening Night on Tuesday, October 15, additional sessions have been added to allow audiences to catch the Festival’s most popular films.
“These encore screenings are an excellent last chance for Sydneysiders to catch some of the most talked-about titles at this year’s Festival,” Festival Chair, Nia Karteris, said.
Audiences will be treated to additional screenings of a film by Christophoros Papakaliatis What If, the Opening Night comedy film Hear Who’s Talking, the highly anticipated documentary Mary, Marianna, Maria; the multi-award-winning film by Eva NathenaMurderess; the Closing Night film The Aegeanand Ange & The Boss: Puskas in Australia,the soccer themed documentary featuring one of the soccer greats of the 1950s, Ferenc Puskas.
Filming of ‘Murderess’ by View Master Films. Photo supplied by G. Tatakis.
Extra sessions at Palace Norton Street:
Fri 25 Oct – What If – 6.30pm
Sat 26 Oct – Hear Who’s Talking – 6.30pm
Sat 26 Oct – Murderess – 8.30pm
Sun 27 Oct – Mary, Marianna, Maria – 2.30pm
Sun 27 Oct – The Aegean – 7:15pm
Sat 2 Nov – Murderess – 6:30pm
Sun 3 Nov – Ange & the Boss: Puskas in Australia – 4.00pm
The 29th Greek Film Festival officially runs 15 – 27 October 2024 at Palace Norton Street & Palace Moore Park with extra screenings being booked by popular demand at Norton St until Sunday, 3rd November 2024.
With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, together with Fathers Athanasios, Socrates, and Panteleimon, conducted the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Chrismation.
Relatives, friends of the newly baptised, and many parishioners attended the significant occasion.
The newly baptised received the names: Theophan, Paul, Panayiota, Maria, Catherine, Penelope, Nina, and Demetrios. Bishop Christodoulos conveyed the paternal blessings of Archbishop Makarios to the new Greek Orthodox converts.
Following the Sacraments, a celebratory meal was offered by the Parish’s Philoptochos Association, marking the joyful day.
From the ages of five to 18, a teacher plays a pivotal role in a child’s life.
What many people don’t realise is that a teacher is not just a teacher. They’re an educator, a councillor, a parent, a nurse, and a safe space for children all the way through to their adult lives.
This year, in honour of World Teacher Day, The Greek Herald decided to speak with two teachers from the Greek community to ask them what they love about teaching and how they decided it was the career for them.
Vasilios Aligiannis
Vasilios Aligiannis.
Vasilios Aligiannis is a teacher at a public high school in Sydney, and currently holds the position of head of HSIE. As a teacher in public education for the last 28 years, Vasilios revealed that his desire to teach came from his deep interest in historical events, cultures, and people when he was younger.
“The opportunity to explore the stories of the past and share that knowledge with others was and is a powerful motivation,” Vasilios told The Greek Herald.
“I am and always have been driven by a genuine love of learning and the desire to share knowledge with others.
“Making a difference in students’ lives has also been a strong motivating factor, given the opportunity to positively impact students by inspiring and supporting them on their educational journey.”
The Greek Australian educator also shared what he loves most about teaching.
“Teaching is more than just imparting knowledge; it’s about sparking curiosity, inspiring minds, and helping students discover their potential,” Vasilios said.
“I love the moment when a student’s face lights up because they’ve understood something new, or when they begin to see the world from a different perspective because of a lesson or conversation we’ve had. That transformation, no matter how small, is incredibly powerful.
“I also love the human connection that comes with teaching. The classroom becomes a space where trust and understanding are built, where I can support and guide students through challenges both academic and personal. Watching them grow, not just in their knowledge but in their confidence, resilience, and empathy, is deeply rewarding.”
Vasilios said teachers help shape not just academic growth, but also personal development for students, “teaching values like resilience, empathy, and integrity, which are crucial for success in life”.
“For many students, school represents a safe haven, a place where they can find support and encouragement,” he said.
“They help students make sense of the world, guiding them through both academic challenges and life’s uncertainties, and ultimately shaping the leaders and thinkers of tomorrow.”
Olga Theodoridou
Olga Theodoridou.
Olga Theodoridou is a Greek teacher and childcare worker who moved from Lesvos, Greece, to Australia in 2017 and commenced her teaching career. For the last seven years, she has been working as a language teacher at Pedia Greek School in Melbourne, where she teaches primary school students on Monday afternoons and Saturday mornings.
“We learn the Greek language, we learn about grammar and Greek mythology,” Olga told The Greek Herald.
“We learn not only about words and how to speak, but how to write and read, as well as teach them about our culture and traditions and what we celebrate throughout the year.”
When speaking with The Greek Herald, Olga shared what inspired her to pursue her profession.
“For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be around kids,” she said.
“When I was in grade nine, I remember during the summer I told my mother that I wanted to find a job, and then she asked me, ‘why, what kind of job?’ I told her that I want to take care of children and teach them different things, as I loved being surrounded by them.
“I chose to become a teacher because I wanted to see the children learn, develop, and become better. I also wanted to be a part of the learning process too, so I can watch them use what I have taught them and then feel proud at the end when they finish their schooling.”
Olga at Greek school.
The Melbourne Greek teacher added that she loves teaching because she gets to see her her students “gain new knowledge, learn the language and learn about the culture, while boosting their imagination and creativity.”
“I love building relationships with them, finding new activities and games to keep them happy and learn at the same time,” Olga said.
“Teachers are pillars of knowledge who are shaping the future of the kids. They are educators, mentors, inspirations and guides, because they encourage, lead and leave a lasting mark on every child’s life.”
Olga said as teaching is so vital, she hopes to encourage more people to pursue it in the future.
“The first and most important thing is that you love kids if you want to become a teacher,” she said. “You can’t just look at it as a job to earn some money, you have to love what you’re doing.”
The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA), held from October 22 to 24 under the chairmanship of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, has concluded.
According to an announcement by the Synod, a number of key decisions were made during the three days of deliberations.
A committee was formed to translate the GOAA’s new Constitution into English. Once finalised, the translation will be reviewed by the Synod before being submitted to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for approval.
Several Synodal Committees were established, covering topics from interfaith relations to legal and canonical issues, the youth, and philanthropic institutions, among many others.
Archbishop Makarios of Australia chaired the meeting.
It was resolved that only clergy will be allowed to preach in the Church. Laypeople may only preach in exceptional cases, and this requires written permission from the Synod.
Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan has been criticised by members of the local Greek community over her decision to oppose a proposed parliamentary motion aimed at recognising the Greek, Armenian and Assyrian genocides.
The motion was expected to be moved in the Legislative Assembly by Victorian Greens Senator, Samantha Ratnam, next week.
The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) and the Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia sent letters on Wednesday, October 23 asking the Premier to support the motion to bring Victoria in line with other Australian states in acknowledging the Genocide of the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek people.
But the motion was formally withdrawn on Thursday, October 24 after it failed to receive the support of parliament, including Premier Allan and her Labor government.
The Victorian Greens backflipped on their proposed motion to recognise the Greek, Armenian and Assyrian genocides, after the Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan (above) expressed her opposition.
At the time, a government spokesperson said that “we know a lot of people feel very strongly about this issue,” but “this is not an appropriate time for this motion.”
“The war in the Middle East has hurt social cohesion in this country and led to so much division. Right now we need to focus on uniting communities, not creating more division,” the spokesperson added.
Premier Allan’s opposing stance, and subsequent withdrawal of the motion, has since drawn the ire of Greek Australians, who traditionally show Labor strong support at the ballot box.
“So the suffering of women and children creates “division”?” prominent lawyer and author Konstantinos Kalymnios wrote on The Greek Herald‘s social media post reporting the Premier’s stance.
Another Greek community leader Constantine Spiropoulos wrote, “By acknowledging past histories one does not create division but reconciliation. The last time I heard we were a multicultural society.”
A number of Greek-dominated Victorian ALP branches are now preparing to pass resolutions in support of the genocide motion.
