Turkish officials have not granted authority for religious services to be held in the Holy Monastery of Panagia Soumela on August 15 to mark the Dormition of the Theotokos.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate announced a service will take place eight days later on August 23. The service will be celebrated by Metropolitan Stefanos of Kalliopolis and Madytos.
“Following a decision by the Turkish authorities, this year permission was granted to perform a Divine Liturgy in the Holy Monastery of Panagia Soumela on Friday, August 23,” the Ecumenical Patriarchate said, with no explanation as to why the August 15 liturgy will not go ahead.
Panagia Soumela Monastery. Photo: The Art of Wayfaring.
Last year, 13 years after the first patriarchal ceremony at the historic monastery, was the first time there had been a disturbance as Turkish authorities initially prohibited a liturgy for the Dormition of the Theotokos but eventually allowed it.
In 2015, the Soumela monastery, built into a sheer cliff above the Black Sea forest in eastern Turkey, was shut for restoration and reopened to tourists in 2019.
Turkey’s policy towards Greek monuments, both ancient and medieval, has gone through several “waves” since ethnic Greeks were expelled in 1923 as part of a population exchange between Greece and Turkey.
For the first time since World War II, Russian territory is under occupation in a “big swing” by Ukraine.
In an ambush last week, Kyiv’s troops swarmed Russia‘s Kursk region from all directions. A week on, Russia has failed to drive them back as the occupants rampage on Russian soil.
Russian officials said Ukraine had advanced 30 kilometres into the region occupying 28 settlements.
A column of Russian Army trucks damaged by shelling in the Kursk region’s Sudzhansky district. Photo: Anatoliy Zhdanov / Kommersant Publishing House.
Alex Gatopoulos, the defence editor for Al Jazeera English, said, “For them to still be there a week later on Russian soil… makes [Putin] look incredibly weak.”
According to ABC News, Ukrainian forces appeared to still be gaining ground despite being slowed by failed Russian efforts.
Matthew Sussex from the ANU’s Strategic and Defence Studies Centre said the operation was a reminder to Russia that “their borders aren’t secure.”
Hundreds of Greek firefighters, armed with more than 200 fire engines and 20 water-bombing aircraft, have contained the fires that started over the weekend in Varnavas, Attica.
While many locals were forced to flee their homes, the wildfires proved fatal with the body of a Moldovan woman in her 60s found in a burned-out factory in Halandri and at least 66 people injured, including five firefighters.
Fuelled by strong winds, the fire scaled Mount Penteli overlooking Athens and devastated the suburbs of Nea Penteli, Palaia Penteli, Patima Halandriou and Vrilissia.
Greece appealed for international assistance from France, Italy, Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia and Turkey, as authorities indicated they were sending hundreds of firefighters along with helicopters, fire engines and water tankers.
Photo: The Australian.
Sports halls including the Athens Olympic Stadium have been assigned to shelter the homeless and one former Olympic hall was used to house over 150 rescued pets.
“Never in a million years did I think a fire would come here… We’re without clothes, money, everything was burned inside,” 65-year-old Sakis Morfis told AFP outside his gutted home in Vrilissia.
Greece’s National Observatory, itself threatened by the wildfire, predicted temperatures of up to 38 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, August 13 with winds of up to 70 kilometres per hour.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis returned early from holiday due to the crisis amid citizens rallying to blame the government for the spread and destruction of the wildfires.
“Every year we are doing our best to improve, but unfortunately conditions are becoming more difficult,” Mitsotakis said after an emergency cabinet meeting on Tuesday, August 13.
The 52-year-old is a business leader, banking and finance professional, board member, and gender equality advocate. She is also currently a Business Bank Executive in Northern Australia, and holds many volunteer advocacy roles with the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce, Economic Security for Women, and Business & Professional Women International.
With such an extensive repertoire, it’s no surprise Angela will be heading to Ioannina, Greece in September 2024 to speak about her experience at the first global conference ‘Women and Hellenism,’ organised by the Food for Thought Network of Greek Women in Australia (FFTN).
Ahead of the conference, The Greek Herald sat down with Angela to hear all about what she’s been up to recently.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your Greek heritage.
I am a first-generation Greek Australian, born in Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia.
My parents migrated to Darwin separately in the 1960’s. My father was from the beautiful region of Laconia in the Peloponnese, and my mother was from the idyllic island of Kalymnos in the Dodecanese. They met in Darwin, fell in love, and raised their family here where we remain today. They have both sadly passed away but their legacy and memory live on in their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Their purpose in seeking out a new life in a country with limited education or language, was to create a new future and hope for family and to prosper.
Angela Tomazos’ family.
I started a career in banking and finance 30 years ago and have been blessed to live and work in this incredible part of Australia and be surrounded by loving family and lifelong friends.
You are a prominent business leader, holding roles with the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce, Economic Security for Women, and Business & Professional Women International, just to name a few. How did you come to be involved with these groups?
Although I lived in a regional location with population less than 250,000, I have been blessed to make connections that led to incredible opportunities.
My journey into the world of not-for-profit advocacy began with my involvement in the Australian Federation of Business & Professional Women (BPW). This initial experience opened doors to numerous connections and opportunities across the globe. Through this organisation, I met inspiring individuals and encountered serendipitous experiences that further strengthened my resolve to make a positive impact in the world. This foundation allowed me to expand my reach and engage with other advocacy groups, each one building on the relationships and insights gained from the first. The network and knowledge I developed have been instrumental in my continued commitment to advocating for women’s empowerment and equality.
I was able to meet Georgegina Poulos in 2016, then Chair of Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce (HACCI), at a BPW Australia National Conference in Geelong. Georgegina then introduced me to Fotini Kypraios, who I deeply admire and since had the privilege of being part of the historic formation of HACCI National Federation. In another historic moment, our federation has recently announced the signing of Memorandum of Understandings with Athens, Piraeus, Thessaloniki Chambers and SEVE in Greece.
HACCI National Federation has also joined forces with an international mentoring platform in Athens, Women on Top. This partnership has led to three young women from Darwin being selected to join a 6-month mentoring program.
Angela Tomazos is on the HACCI National Federation.
Many of your roles are centered on female empowerment and equality. Do you believe it’s important to encourage more female leaders in business? Why / Why not?
Encouraging more female leaders in business is essential for several reasons. Firstly, diversity in leadership brings a variety of perspectives, fostering creativity and innovation. Women often bring unique insights and approaches to problem-solving, which can lead to more effective and inclusive decision-making.
Secondly, female leaders serve as role models and mentors for the next generation, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve success in traditionally male-dominated fields. This visibility is crucial for breaking down barriers and inspiring young women to pursue their ambitions. I am incredibly grateful to have Violet Roumeliotis AM in my life, both as a dear friend and a mentor. Violet embodies kindness and compassion in everything she does. Her wisdom, patience, and unwavering support have been invaluable to me over the years.
Angela Tomazos (right) with mentor Violet Roumeliotis (left).
In my roles, I have seen firsthand the transformative impact of female leadership, and I am committed to continuing to advocate for equality and empowerment in all sectors.
What do you believe is the best way to encourage women to take up roles in typically male-dominated areas?
Encouraging women to take up roles in typically male-dominated areas requires a multifaceted approach.
Building confidence through positive reinforcement and by highlighting the unique strengths and perspectives women bring to these roles can help women feel more empowered to pursue them.
Providing opportunities for women to gain experience and advance in these fields is crucial. This can be through internships, apprenticeships, and targeted recruitment efforts.
Providing access to mentors and showcasing successful female role models in these fields can inspire and motivate women to pursue similar paths. Seeing someone who has navigated the challenges and succeeded can be incredibly empowering.
Establishing networks and communities for women in these areas can offer much-needed support, advice, and encouragement. These networks can help women share experiences, overcome challenges, and celebrate achievements together.
Angela Tomazos is all about female empowerment.
How does your Greek heritage and upbringing inspire your work?
My Greek heritage and upbringing have been profound influences on my work and values. Raised by migrant Greek parents who arrived in Australia with nothing but a dream, I witnessed firsthand the strength and resilience they embodied. They were determined to raise a family, prosper, and give back to the community that welcomed them.
This experience instilled in me a deep appreciation for the ethos of Greek culture, which values hard work, community support, and the importance of giving back. My parents’ journey taught me the significance of perseverance, adaptability, and the power of dreams. Their story is a testament to the Greek spirit of ‘philotimo’—a concept that encompasses honour, dignity, and a sense of duty to others.
In my professional life, these values have driven me to advocate for female empowerment and equality. I strive to support and uplift those around me.
My parents selflessly worked to give us a future in a new country. Their legacy inspires me to work tirelessly, not only to achieve personal success but to contribute positively to society and help others thrive.
What do you believe is the future of the business sector?
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for businesses. Consumers and investors are prioritising environmentally responsible companies, leading to a rise in sustainable practices and green technologies. Businesses are focusing on reducing their carbon footprint, adopting renewable energy sources, and promoting circular economy principles.
The ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances, such as economic fluctuations, technological advancements, and global events, will be crucial. Businesses that demonstrate resilience and agility will be better positioned to thrive in the future.
Angela Tomazos is looking forward to the Greek Women and Friends Global Forum in Ioannina.
This year you are also taking part in the Greek Women and Friends Global Forum in Ioannina, Greece. Why did you decide to take part in the forum?
My involvement is driven by a deep respect for the rich history and cultural legacy of Hellenism. I am humbled to contribute to a platform that fosters dialogue and connection among Hellene women globally.
Your topic of discussion at the forum will be ‘Celebrating the Impact of Hellene Women in a Regional Tapestry.’ What can people expect from this talk?
Being involved in this conference is not about my personal journey, but about representing the many Hellene women who have made significant impacts in their communities. It is a privilege to highlight their stories and showcase the strength and resilience of our culture.
I wanted to share the unique narrative of Hellenic women thriving in regional Australia, where a smaller population belies the outsized impact of the Hellene community. With a higher per capita presence than our metropolitan counterparts, these women embody resilience and cultural preservation. I hope to illuminate the often-overlooked narrative of the Hellenic community thriving in a setting distant from the bustling metropolis.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
This conference is a chance to reflect on how far we have come and to inspire future generations of Hellene women. It’s about creating a space where we can support and uplift each other. I am looking forward to making new connections and the opportunities we can create together. I am very grateful to be a part of this journey. Thank you to The Greek Herald for being a media partner at the conference and for raising the profile of Hellene Women globally.
Registrations continue for the first global conference ‘Women and Hellenism‘until August 20. For more information and the FULL PROGRAM visit the website of the Food for Thought Network of Hellenic Women in Australia: www.fftn.org.au. Media Contact in Greece: +306936290145. Media Contact in Australia: +61406011015.
The conference is under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Family and Social Cohesion, Region of Epirus, Municipality of Ioannina, Chamber of Ioannina, and the Office of Education of Epirus.
South Australia’s Minister for Transport, Tom Koutsantonis MP has slammed the newly elected state Liberal leader Vincent Tarzia.
According to The Advertiser, Mr Koutsantonis accused Mr Tarzia of being untrustworthy just hours after his election.
“The Liberals have decided to reward one of their treacherous members who decided to undermine his leader,” Mr Koutsantonis told reporters on Monday, August 12.
Mr Tarzia took over as SA Liberal leader on Monday after the resignation of outgoing leader David Speirs last week, who announced he had enough of being undermined and no longer had the energy to fight for the job.
Mr Tarzia emerged as the winner of the Liberal leadership spill, beating out his colleague Josh Teague with 18 votes to four.
During his first press conference in the new role, Mr Tarzia claimed his party would win the next state election.
When asked if he was worried about the 2026 election, Mr Koutsantonis said “you can’t trust treachery, and if you can’t trust treachery, you can’t trust Tarzia.”
When asked for an update on the religious discrimination laws during a press conference in Western Australia on Friday afternoon, the Prime Minister stated he was unwilling to move forward without bipartisan support, which he claimed had not been forthcoming.
“One of the things I’ve spoken about is the need for greater social cohesion,” Mr Albanese said.
“And the last thing that Australia needs is any divisive debate relating to religion and people’s faith… I don’t intend to engage in a partisan debate when it comes to religious discrimination.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Photo: NCA Newswire/Gaye Gerard.
Mr Albanese explained that he had set a time frame for bipartisan agreement to introduce legislation during the May federal budget sittings.
He attributed the lack of progress on the bill to the Coalition, stating that bipartisan agreement had not been achieved because the Opposition had failed to provide amendments to Labor’s draft.
Opposition legal affairs spokeswoman Michaelia Cash stated in mid-July that Labor needed to start over completely, given the rejection of the bill by faith groups.
While it had been widely speculated that the legislation was unlikely to proceed after the May deadline passed, the Prime Minister’s remarks are the first public confirmation that it would likely not move forward at all.
With church leaders and school communities vying for the ability to employ and dismiss teachers based on religious beliefs, including sexuality, Albanese’s decision has the potential to create a cultural debate that will last until the next federal election.
Socceroos striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos has been injured during his starting debut for Scottish Premiership club Motherwell.
According to news.com.au, Stamatelopoulos was forced off with an upper leg injury in the dying stages of the first-half of Motherwell’s 2-1 weekend loss to Rangers.
Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell said “the last thing we needed was an injury” for Stamatelopoulos.
It feels never-ending 🥴
Stuart Kettlewell says new Motherwell striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos' injury vs Rangers isn't a good one – as he reflects on defeat at Hampden 🗣️https://t.co/zZFab8Hbvepic.twitter.com/wIRGC6e7fL
“It doesn’t look great at this point. There was a bit of tightness in his thigh, very quickly that turned into something a bit sharper, and something that might be a bit more significant. We need to wait and see, and assess that,” Kettlewell said.
Stamatelopoulos’ injury could also jeopardise his hopes of being selected in Australia’s Socceroos squad for next month’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Bahrain and Indonesia.
Australian helicopters by McDermott Aviation have been spotted in skies above Athens, Greece fighting a wildfire which ravaged homes and forced thousands of locals to evacuate on Monday, August 12.
The fire began Sunday afternoon about 35 kilometers northeast of Athens, burning several homes and businesses and sending a blanket of smoke and ash over the city center. Power cuts hit parts of the Greek capital and affected traffic lights at major central junctions.
Three hospitals, including a children’s hospital, two monasteries and a children’s home were evacuated on Monday afternoon. Cellphones in the area got at least 30 push alerts warning people to flee.
A McDermott Aviation helicopter fighting fires in Greece. Photo: Instagram.
On Tuesday morning, Greece’s fire department spokesperson Vasilis Vathrakogiannis said whilst there was no single fire front any more, there were still “several active pockets of fire.”
Firefighting aircraft by McDermott Aviation – Australia’s largest privately owned helicopter company – were helping local Greek fire authorities fight the wildfires near Penteli mountain and Marathonas Lake.
The Ethnic Communities’ Council of New South Wales (ECCNSW) has issued a statement today following the death of Jack Passaris OAM at the age of 88.
Mr Passaris was a founding member of the ECCNSW – an organisation he loved and continued to serve from its foundation until his passing.
Jack Passaris with Bill Shorten MP. Photo supplied.
In 2023, the ECCNSW decided at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) to rename its building in honour of Mr Passaris, in recognition of his unwavering commitment and advocacy for multiculturalism. Mr Passaris and his family were present on the day and it was an immensely proud moment.
Mr Passaris was also a revered leader in the Cypriot community, having presided over the committee for Justice for Cyprus (SEKA NSW) for many years.
Jack Passaris (left) with former Australian Ambassador to the US, Arthur Sinodinos (centre) and Jack’s brother-in-law Dr George Margelis. Photo supplied.
At Marrickville Council, Mr Passaris was a former Deputy Mayor. He served for 19 years as a Councillor.
He was President of the Greek Orthodox Parish of Newtown for 46 years, and also held numerous positions at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia Consolidated Trust (former Treasurer), and Foundation for Hellenic Studies UNSW (Trustee).
(L-R) The Hon Philip Ruddock, former Federal Attorney General, Jack Passaris, and his wife Irene. Photo supplied.
In 2009, Mr Passaris received the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his services to the community and his ongoing dedication to multiculturalism in Australia and community life. In 2014, he was awarded the Premier’s Lifetime Multicultural Community Service Medal.
In a statement, current Chair of the ECCNSW, Peter Doukas OAM, praised Mr Passaris for his commitment to multiculturalism and the Greek community.
“Multiculturalism in Australia has lost one of its stalwarts, as Jack was one of those few people who was ‘there’ during pivotal moments in Australian history, particularly its multicultural history,” Mr Doukas said.
“As a friend, as a colleague and as a mentor he has left his mark, and he will be deeply missed.”
Mr Passaris’ funeral will be held at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 366-378 King St, Newtown NSW 2042 on Friday 16 August 2024 at 10:30 am.
Members of the Greek Olympic delegation who had not yet returned from Paris, France arrived in Athens, Greece on Monday, August 12.
Among them were Miltiadis Tentoglou, the gold medalist in long jump; Emmanouil Karalis, the bronze medalist in pole vault; and Dauren Kurugliev, the bronze medalist in freestyle wrestling. Also returning were Rio de Janeiro gold medalist Katerina Stefanidi, Antigoni Drisbioti, Elina Tzengko, Stamatis Skarvelis, Ariadne Adamopoulou, the national men’s and women’s water polo teams, the artistic swimming duet, and their coaches George Pomaski, Haris Karalis, Mitchell Krier, and George Botskriov.
In a statement prior to the athletes’ arrival, Greece’s Deputy Minister of Sports Yiannis Vroutsis emphasised that the Olympians and the National Delegation members deserved a different kind of welcome, but “the critical situation with the fires naturally does not allow it.”
“We sincerely thank them for the joy and optimism they brought us with their achievements. We honour them all and stand by them, but our thoughts and concerns are now with the fire fronts and all those currently battling the inferno,” Minister Vroutsis said.
“The large fire in northeastern Attica has put the entire state apparatus and all of us on alert. The Ministry of Sports, together with the Region of Attica, has opened the doors of OAKA, welcoming our fellow citizens affected by the fires.”
O Πρόεδρος της ΕΟΕ Σπύρος Καπράλος ανακοινώνει, στην πτήση της επιστροφής της AEGEAN από το Παρίσι, την έκτακτη οικονομική επιβράβευση από την Ελληνική Ολυμπιακή Επιτροπή, για όσους κατετάγησαν από την 1η μέχρι την 8η θέση στους Oλυμπιακούς Αγώνεςhttps://t.co/0HYhwv7ZQw
— Ηellenic Olympic Committee (@HellenicOlympic) August 12, 2024
Tentoglou also voiced his concern about the situation in Attica, expressing his support for those facing the difficult ordeal.
Karalis said: “We are definitely very happy to have returned, the entire national team. We are safe, but as we were approaching and looking out the airplane windows, the view outside was darkening from the clouds and there was a certain… silence as we descended. We hope everything will be okay. We are all quite saddened by what is happening in the country. We hope these fires will finally be extinguished so we can resume our lives.”
Sofia Sakorafa, President of the Hellenic Athletics Association (SEGAS), commented, “We cannot rejoice when such events are happening around us, affecting our fellow citizens. Our hearts and souls are with them as properties are being destroyed at this moment.” She added that these athletes, through their successes, offer a small note of comfort during these challenging times.
In a moment of celebration, friends and fellow athletes lifted Dauren Kurugliev at Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” to welcome him. However, a scheduled press conference on Monday for the Olympic team’s return from Paris was canceled due to the devastating fires impacting large parts of Attica and other regions of Greece.
