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Turkey signals reopening of Greek Orthodox Theological School of Halki

The Greek Herald
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Turkey signals reopening of Greek Orthodox Theological School of Halki

Turkey has signalled the reopening of the Greek Orthodox Theological School of Halki, which has been closed since 1971.

According to Daily Sabah, Turkey’s Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin paid a visit recently to the Greek Orthodox seminary in Heybeliada off the Istanbul coast.

Tekin said after his visit that he would like to see the Halki Theological School reopen, but the final decision would be made by Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

“We simply implement their decisions. Personally, I desire the opening of the seminary to reflect Turkey’s democratic maturity and our viewpoint on secularity,” Tekin said.

Minister of National Education (front) is accompanied on a tour of the building of a high school where the Halki seminary is also located, Istanbul, Turkey, May 28, 2024. Photo: AA Photo.
Minister of National Education (front) is accompanied on a tour of the building of a high school where the Halki seminary is also located, Istanbul, Turkey, May 28, 2024. Photo: AA Photo.

He added that President Erdogan had sent him to visit the Greek Orthodox seminary to “explore” and report back methods that could be applied if Turkey decides to reopen it.

The seminary, which used to train priests for Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, an Istanbul-based religious entity with millions of followers from around the world, was closed in the 1970s after implementing a law ordering religious and military training institutions into full state control. It was part of a string of policies targeting minorities, dating back to the early years of the republic.

The issue gained renewed attention during the recent meeting between Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Erdogan in Ankara in May 2024. Mitsotakis brought up the Greek Orthodox seminary in conversation with Erdogan who reportedly hinted that it may be reopened if the Greek authorities improve the conditions of Muslim minorities in Western Thrace.

Source: Daily Sabah

Chris Lucas joins with top chefs to launch new industry association

The Greek Herald
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Chris Lucas joins with top chefs to launch new industry association

Greek Australian chef Chris Lucas has joined forces with some of Australia’s highest-profile restaurateurs to launch the Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association (ARCA).

According to The Australian Financial Review, the new industry association will push for improvements to skilled migration, tax and industrial relations.

Neil Perry will chair the ARCA, alongside Mr Lucas as deputy chairman. The 15 ARCA board members include chef Luke Mangan, Merivale’s chief people officer Jessica Furolo, Stokehouse boss Hugh van Haandel, Anton Forte of Swillhouse group, Fink Group CEO Jeremy Courmadias, The Grounds of Alexandria co-founder Ramzey Choker, and other heavy hitters.

chris lucas
Chris Lucas. Photo: Julian Kingma.

The group threatens the dominance of the 100-year-old but financially struggling Restaurant and Catering Association (R&CA) which is led by chief executive Wes Lambert.

Speaking after ARCA’s first board meeting on Friday, May 31, Mr Perry cast ARCA as the power group that would lobby Canberra while the R&CA delivered industrial advice on award matters or health and safety.

Source: The Australian Financial Review

Turkey denies UK claim Lord Elgin was allowed to take Parthenon Marbles

The Greek Herald
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Turkey denies UK claim Lord Elgin was allowed to take Parthenon Marbles

Greece has found an ally in the form of Turkey’s representative at a UNESCO conference in its campaign for the return of the Parthenon Marbles.

According to Tornos News, Zeynep Boz, who heads the Turkish Culture Ministry’s department for combating trafficking in antiquities, denied Scottish diplomat Lord Elgin had permission from the then-ruling Ottoman Empire to rip the Parthenon Marbles off the Acropolis of Athens, Greece.

Ms Boz said Turkey was not aware of any Ottoman-era document legitimising the removal and sale of the Parthenon Sculptures to Lord Elgin, “so I do not think there is any room to discuss its legality even (…) according to the law of the time.”

“We eagerly look forward to celebrating the return of the Sculptures, as we believe that it will signal a change in behaviour towards the protection of cultural goods and will be the strongest message to be given worldwide,” Ms Boz added.

parthenon marbles
The Parthenon Marbles on display at the British Museum. Photo: AP

Lord Elgin said he had obtained permission in a firman, a decree, to take the Parthenon Marbles early in the 19th century. The document, translated into Italian by the British Embassy in Constantinople at the time, is now in the hands of the British Museum, which uses it to claim ownership of the marbles purchased from Elgin when he got into financial trouble.

But no official copy of it has yet been found in the Turkish government archives from the imperial era and debate continues to this day over the legal status of the document. Greece insists the marbles were stolen and Turkey had no right in any case to give away property it didn’t own.

Commenting on the conclusion of the UNESCO session from the Greek island of Rhodes, Greece’s Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said “there was never an Ottoman firman (decree) which allowed Elgin to treat the Parthenon Sculptures with such brutality.” Mendoni added that the Turkish delegate attending the session confirmed Greece’s long-standing argument.

Source: Tornos News

Alcaraz invincible again for Tsitsipas at French Open

The Greek Herald
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Alcaraz invincible again for Tsitsipas at French Open

Once again, Carlos Alcaraz’s obstacle was insurmountable for Stefanos Tsitsipas, with the Spaniard taking a 3-0 sets victory and advancing to the French Open semi-finals.

For the second year in a row, Alcaraz defeated Tsitsipas in straight sets in the quarter-finals.

In particular, the 21-year-old Spaniard prevailed 6-3, 7-6 (3), 6-4 against the 25-year-old Greek tennis player and took the ticket to the semi-finals of Paris, closing a very big match with the new No.1 in the world ranking, Jannik Sinner.

Tsitsipas lost 9 of the first 12 games of the match, to find himself behind 3-6, 0-3 in less than 45 minutes. He started to find a rhythm in the second set and finally found the opportunity to come back and reduce to 4-3.

The Greek then erased a break point to hold his serve, made it 4-4 and turned the second set into a battle. But everything he built up was derailed by a poor tie-break where Alcaraz avoided mistakes, was more consistent and prevailed 7-3 to win the second set as well.

In the third set, Tsitsipas started for the first time without being behind from the beginning, but again a bad moment was enough to take him out again. Having a poor service game, the 25-year-old Greek single-handedly put his opponent in the game from 30-0 down and finally lost 4 straight points – 2 of them on double faults – to break and find himself 3- 4.

Alcaraz came back from 0-15 in the 8th game and from 0-30 in the 10th, to successfully defend his serve in his next 2 service games and reach 6-4, “sealing” qualification to the semi-finals in 2 hours and 15 minutes of competition.

Tsitsipas, on the other hand, ends his course at the French Open and next Monday he will lose two places in the world rankings, again leaving the Top 10 (No.11).

Source: tennisnews.gr

Bishop Emilianos of Meloa resigns from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

The Greek Herald
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Bishop Emilianos of Meloa resigns from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

Vicar General of the Archdiocesan District of Brisbane, Bishop Emilianos of Meloa formally resigned from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) on Monday, June 3.

Bishop Emilianos tendered his resignation during a meeting of Bishops from across Australia, which was held in Sydney under the presidency of Archbishop Makarios of Australia.

Bishop Emilianos tendered his resignation during a meeting of Bishops from across Australia.

This resignation comes amid tension between the GOAA and Bishop Emilianos since March 2023.

The Bishop first submitted a letter of resignation to Archbishop Makarios on March 10, 2023, outlining four reasons behind his decision, whilst suggesting there were more.

  1. According to Bishop Emilianos, Archbishop Makarios provided selective information to the Bishops regarding important matters concerning the Orthodox Church. One specific instance mentioned was when the Bishops were asked during a zoom call to endorse a letter to the Ecumenical Patriarch, urging the approval of the new Constitution of the GOAA. The Bishops were not given prior knowledge or clarification on the proposed amendments. Bishop Emilianos pointed out that these changes could have an impact on the Bishops and suggested that they should have been consulted before making any decisions.
  2. The Bishop stated that Archbishop Makarios implemented a policy that restricts Bishops from operating Facebook pages. Additionally, it is suggested that when clergy members oppose his instructions, the Archbishop allegedly reassigns them to a new post away from their home.
  3. Bishop Emilianos observed that Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopolis was transferred from Sydney to Melbourne and reportedly may not have received the expected support from the Archbishop. In his letter, he expressed his concerns about what he perceived as “not fatherly behavior.”
  4. Bishop Emilianos expressed his concern about the uncertainty faced by the Bishops, using Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis’ financial situation as an example. He claimed that when Bishop Bartholomew served as the former Archiepiscopal Vicar of Canberra, he incurred travel expenses of approximately $35,000 per year, which were allegedly agreed to be reimbursed by the GOAA but were not. Bishop Emilianos further highlighted the significant travel expenses incurred by the Archbishop on frequent business class trips abroad, which were claimed to amount to over $500,000.

Despite Bishop Emilianos claiming to speak on behalf of all Bishops across Australia, none co-signed the letter in support.

Following his resignation letter on March 10, Bishop Emilianos sent follow-up correspondence to Archbishop Makarios, apologising for his actions.

Whilst the Archbishop allowed him to continue his ministry at the time, Bishop Emilianos left Australia and travelled to America in November 2023 by invitation of the Pan-Kalymnian Federation of America. During his trip, he met with Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

The Bishop later returned to Brisbane, Australia in early 2024, but was replaced as Vicar General of the Archdiocesan District of Brisbane by Bishop Bartholomew.

His resignation on Monday, June 3 was accepted by Archbishop Makarios, with the Greek Orthodox leader expressing at the meeting his gratitude to Bishop Emilianos for his contribution to the GOAA and conveying his well wishes for the future.

News of Bishop Emilianos’ resignation has saddened Australia’s Greek Orthodox community. He held many roles in the GOAA, having been Chancellor at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of our Lady in Redfern, and also Chairman of the GO Youth, GO Family and Friends and GO Teens initiatives in New South Wales.

Hellenic Club of Sydney’s members voice concerns amid Jon Adgemis’ debt drama

The Greek Herald
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Hellenic Club of Sydney’s members voice concerns amid Jon Adgemis’ debt drama

Members of the Hellenic Club of Sydney and wider Greek community have voiced concerns over the future of its operations since it was taken over by Jon Adgemis’ debt-ridden Public Hospitality Group (PHG) in 2024.

PHG took over business activities of the Hellenic Club of Sydney’s Alpha and Beta venues in early January. According to The Greek Herald‘s sources, Adgemis’ pub group trumped competitors such as the Dedes Waterfront Group and the Doltone House Group.

Former MasterChef judge and chef George Calombaris also moved into the kitchen at Alpha in March 2024, taking the reins from Alpha’s founding chef, Peter Conistis, who fronted the venue since its opening in 2013.

George Calombaris
George Calombaris took over Alpha’s kitchen in March 2024. Photo: The Herald Sun.

This takeover came despite PHG being weighed down by $500 million debt at the time. Adgemis’ project started to fray after he took on hundreds of millions in debt at high interest rates from a variety of lenders just before financing costs rose.

Some lenders started trying to sell off his properties, staff were left out of pocket, and suppliers were unpaid. The Australian Taxation Office also visited the pub group’s offices in early May 2024.

Last week, it was reported that Adgemis struck a $400 million refinancing deal with Deutsche Bank, Gemi Investments, Archibald Capital and Muzinich & Co, to save his PHG from collapse.

Public Hospitality Group’s (PHG) Jon Adgemis
Public Hospitality Group’s (PHG) Jon Adgemis has secured a debt deal. Photo: The Australian.

The funding will be used to pay staff, suppliers, and creditors, and lenders will be the ones to appoint a new general manager with hospitality industry experience to manage the group’s venues. Adgemis will stay on as executive chairman.

But as the $400 million refinancing deal won’t cover the extent of Adgemis’ $500 million debt, further property sales are expected. 

Club members and the wider Greek community have questioned the selection of Adgemis’ PHG over competitors, expressing concerns about the club’s financial stability as well as the potential impact on its activities and reputation.

The Greek Herald has contacted the President of the Hellenic Club of Sydney for comment on the future of the business, but there was no response at the time of publication.

Oakleigh Grammar celebrates alumni at inaugural Hall of Fame induction

The Greek Herald
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Oakleigh Grammar celebrates alumni at inaugural Hall of Fame induction

Oakleigh Grammar successfully launched last week its prestigious Alumni Hall of Fame. Held at the school’s state-of-the-art N P Nikolakakis Centre for Academic Excellence, the occasion brought together past and present members of the school community to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Dr Pia Varsamis and Dr Maria Tsanglis, the Hall of Fame’s first two esteemed inductees. 

In his opening address, Principal Mark Robertson warmly welcomed the attendees, emphasising the school’s unwavering commitment to nurturing exceptional individuals.

Mr Robertson then invited Vic Rajah, the Convenor of the Oakleigh Grammar Business Network, to share his initial vision that planted the seed for the Alumni Hall of Fame to come to life. He spoke of the immense value the initiative will bring to the school, fostering a strong sense of community while setting the stage for future generations of excellence.

oakleigh grammar hall of fame

Oakleigh Grammar’s inaugural inductees into the Alumni Hall of Fame were then introduced by the Senior School Captains, Sotiris Bakalis and Jessica Peraic.

Dr Pia Varsamis from the Class of 2011 was recognised for her remarkable contributions to the field of medicine. Currently working with the esteemed Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Dr Varsamis has dedicated her career to improving lives and advancing medical research.

oakleigh grammar hall of fame
Dr Pia Varsamis.

Joining her was Dr Maria Tsanglis, from the Class of 1991, whose profound impact on the field of psychiatry has been nothing short of remarkable. As a respected professional at Alfred Health, Dr Tsanglis has made significant contributions to mental health care, leaving a mark on many lives.

oakleigh grammar hall of fame
Dr Maria Tsanglis (second from left) was inducted into the Oakleigh Grammar Hall of Fame.

Both Dr Varsamis and Dr Tsanglis delivered inspiring speeches, captivating the audience with their personal journeys and unwavering commitment to excellence. Their words resonated deeply, creating an atmosphere of great anticipation for the future of the Alumni Hall of Fame and the remarkable achievements yet to come from Oakleigh Grammar’s esteemed alumni.

As the evening drew to a close, a sense of pride and joy reverberated throughout the building. With up to two alumni to be inducted into the Hall of Fame each year, based on professional achievements, leadership and innovation, and community involvement, the Alumni Hall of Fame stands as a testament to Oakleigh Grammar’s enduring legacy and its commitment to nurturing excellence in every facet of its educational endeavours.

Sister Kaliniki nominated for inaugural People’s Choice Blue Plaque in NSW

The Greek Herald
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Sister Kaliniki nominated for inaugural People’s Choice Blue Plaque in NSW

Nominations are now open for a fresh round of Blue Plaques to celebrate the people, groups and events which have contributed to the rich heritage of New South Wales.

For the first time, the NSW Government is announcing a People’s Choice Blue Plaque. Heritage NSW has shortlisted favourite nominations from past rounds and launched a public vote to decide the inaugural People’s Choice Blue Plaque.

Among the eight nominees is Sister Kaliniki, born Coralia Stavropoulos (née Christides). She was Australia’s first ordained Greek Orthodox nun who dedicated her life to supporting Greek immigrants in Australia.

Sister Kaliniki founded the Christian Ladies and Girls Greek Orthodox Society of Australia and was known for her extensive community service, including welcoming migrant ships arriving in Sydney, offering settlement advice, distributing clothing, and providing referrals to medical and other essential services. She also collected clothing to support the poor in Greece.

The NSW Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe said, “the Minns Labor Government values the diversity of our community and history, and we look forward to it being recognised in this round of Blue Plaques.”

“The People’s Choice category is an exciting way for everyone to get involved, even if they don’t have a specific nomination in mind,” Ms Sharpe added.

The NSW Government want to hear memories from the Greek community in NSW about Sister Kaliniki’s work and impact. They are also looking for photographs or any other materials that community members may have and are willing to share. These materials may be shared, and votes may be cast, via www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/blue-plaques-nsw.

READ MORE: Still no plaque for world’s first modern milk bar in Sydney

Greek Welfare Centre of SA receives funding to raise awareness about organ donation

The Greek Herald
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Greek Welfare Centre of SA receives funding to raise awareness about organ donation

As part of the Federal Government’s Organ and Tissue Authority’s Community Awareness Grants, 11 community organisations will share in almost $400,000 to deliver digital resources, content, and host DonateLife Week events for Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities, multicultural and faith groups.

The Greek Welfare Centre of SA has received $13,832 in funding as part of the grant program and will develop various activities and resources to educate the local Greek community about organ and tissue donation. 

Grant recipients also include the African Women’s and Families Network and Enliven Victoria, among many others.  

Organ and tissue donation saves lives. 4 out of 5 Australians say they support donation but only 1 in 3 are registered to donate.

Ged Kearney
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney MP.

Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney MP said, “we want more Australians to talk about organ and tissue donation, to tell their family that they want to be a donor, and importantly, to register.”

“Australia is a diverse and multicultural country. These grants will help encourage conversations around organ and tissue donation with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities in their own voices.

“Regardless of where you were born, what language you speak at home, and what religion you practice, you can register to be an organ and tissue donor and save lives.”
 
Registering to be an organ and tissue donor is easy. It takes just three taps in your Medicare app, or just one minute at donatelife.gov.au. 

History making Matildas team selected for Paris Olympics

The Greek Herald
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History making Matildas team selected for Paris Olympics

The 18-strong Matildas team to compete at Paris 2024 has been announced today by the Australian Olympic Committee at Sydney Olympic Park.

Captained by Steph Catley, the team features eight athletes who will become the first Australian footballers to compete at three Olympic Games.

Catley, vice-captains Emily Van Egmond and Ellie Carpenter, Mackenzie Arnold, Caitlin Foord, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Polkinghorne and Tameka Yallop will all become three-time Olympians in Paris.

Kyra Cooney-Cross, Mary Fowler, Katrina Gorry, Michelle Heyman, Teagan Micah, Hayley Raso all return for their second Games, while Clare Hunt, Kaitlyn Torpey, Cortnee Vine and Clare Wheeler have been selected to make their Olympic debut.

The Matildas enter Paris off the back of Australia’s best ever finish in Olympic football with fourth in Tokyo.

Drawn in a pool with former gold medallists USA and Germany along with Zambia, the team will open their campaign the day before the Opening ceremony, 25 July, against Germany in Marseille.

The 18 athletes selected today is the largest selection announcement so far for the Australian Olympic Team for Paris, with the team now numbering 134 of an expected 460 team size.

Australian Olympic Team Chef de Mission Anna Meares said, “I am thrilled to announce the Matildas team for Paris 2024.”

“This team is already full of trailblazers and record breakers, with eight players set to become the first three-time football Olympians for Australia,” Ms Meares said.

“Thank you to the team at Football Australia, and everyone who has helped these 18 players grow from their first time having a go at football to becoming Paris Olympians.

“Congratulations to each of the players selected today, as well as to your families, friends, coaches and supporters who are all celebrating your Olympic achievement.”

The Matildas Head Coach Tony Gustavsson welcomed today’s announcement.

“This has been an incredibly challenging squad to select with so many quality players competing fiercely for limited spots,” Mr Gustavsson said. 

“It has been a methodical process over the past couple of years to reach to this point, and each of the players selected bring unique and beneficial qualities to our team that will be vital for our Paris 2024 campaign.

“I would like to congratulate all the players selected and the teammates, coaches, family and friends that have brought them to this moment. I know that this team will give everything for the coat of arms and will represent Australia to the best of their ability in the true Aussie way.”

Sharn Freier, Charlotte Grant, Courtney Nevin and Lydia Williams have been named as the travelling reserves (known as Ap athletes under Games accreditation). The travelling reserves can be selected as a replacement athlete onto the Australian Olympic Team in case of injury or other withdrawal of one of the selected 18 athletes.

The women’s football competition will be held in seven cities, however with the draw complete, Australia can only play in four cities – Paris, Nantes, Lyon or Marseille. The women’s tournament starts before the opening ceremony on July 25 and concludes on 10 August 2024.

Australia have been drawn in Group B against USA, Germany and Zambia. Their pool games are: 25 July against Germany (Marseille), 28 July against Zambia (Nice), and 31 July against USA (Marseille).

Matildas squad: Mackenzie Arnold (GK), Ellie Carpenter (VC), Steph Catley (C), Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Katrina Gorry, Michelle Heyman, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Teagan Micah (GK), Clare Polkinghorne, Hayley Raso, Kaitlyn Torpey, Emily van Egmond (VC), Cortnee Vine, Clare Wheeler, Tameka Yallop

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