His Grace Bishop Prodromos of Toliara and Southern Madagascar has issued a deeply moving statement following his recent visit to Australia, expressing profound gratitude to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) and His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia for their unwavering support of the Orthodox Mission in Madagascar.
Reflecting on his initial journey to Australia two years ago, Bishop Prodromos described a mixture of awe and apprehension as he arrived on the “unknown and distant Fifth Continent.”
He recounted, “Everything seemed new, and the size of things seemed inconceivable compared to Greece, and even more inconceivable when I compared them to the poor Southern Madagascar, where I humbly minister.”
Yet he found comfort in God’s guidance, recalling, “And then suddenly the story of Abraham came to my heart and the voice of God saying: ‘Go where I will show you.’”
Bishop Prodromos said his journey turned out to be “truly a miracle,” praising the paternal love of Archbishop Makarios and the generous spirit of the Australian Orthodox faithful.
At the heart of this miracle stands a newly established school complex in Southern Madagascar, now home to 510 children across primary, middle and high school levels. The Bishop described it as “a beacon of knowledge and hope… illuminating their future with the truth of learning.”
The school, aptly named “Archbishop Makarios,” was described as a gift born out of “selfless love.”
Bishop Prodromos noted, “In a gesture of love and fraternity, he [Archbishop Makarios] gifted the Holy Diocese of Toliara and Southern Madagascar an entire school complex, offering the children what they so desperately sought: an opportunity to learn, to develop, to dream of a better future and a better world.”
He continued: “This donation is not just a building. It is a living testimony of Christian brotherhood and solidarity, a work that proves that love knows no distances, borders, peoples and races.”
The Bishop painted a vivid image of the impact: “Today, within the halls of this school… 510 children laugh, write, read, dream. Children who once had no access to knowledge, hold books in their hands, form their first letters, gain hope.”
In his closing words, Bishop Prodromos said his more recent visit to Australia was a chance to offer his heartfelt thanks to the GOAA and Archbishop Makarios: “This donation is not just a gesture of charity; it is an investment in the souls of the children, a seed that will bear fruit in a society enlightened by knowledge and faith.”
He concluded with a humble call: “We are waiting for you, Your Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, in Toliara, to see the good works of your hands and to hear the ‘thank you’ of our children. This alone has value and not my own inarticulate words… We are forever grateful!”
AHEPA Australia held its 70th National Convention in Canberra from March 14 to 16, with over 50 delegates in attendance, both in person and via Zoom, representing Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory.
The event took place at the Hellenic Club of Canberra at Woden, with business sessions held at the Hellenic Club in the City.
Among the distinguished attendees were Stavros Venizelos, Ambassador of Greece to Australia, and Antonis Sammoutis, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia.
They both acknowledged the significant contributions of Greek Australians in Canberra, emphasising how generations of Greek Australians have enriched local communities with cultural traditions, and have remained dedicated to democracy, prosperity, and peace.
They also highlighted AHEPA’s core values, including individual excellence, support for education, philanthropy, family, and civic responsibility.
Sophia Notaras, National President of AHEPA Australia, expressed her pride in the convention’s success, commending the members for their harmonious and productive discussions.
“It is a testament to the resilience and invaluable community work performed by AHEPA that after 90 years, it remains active across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory,” she said.
The convention reflected on AHEPA’s rich history, recalling the days when members travelled interstate or even to Greece for conventions, enjoying both business and camaraderie.
While there have been differing opinions over the years, the respect for AHEPA’s values remains strong across all members, regardless of their location.
One of the key outcomes of the convention was an agreement to review the organisation’s constitution, with efforts to unify and strengthen the National Lodge moving forward.
Members also discussed strategies to restore cooperation across all states and territories, aiming to reignite the spirit of the original AHEPA.
With strong support from the Hellenic Club and ACT members, the 70th National Convention set the stage for AHEPA’s continued growth and success, ensuring it will thrive for years to come.
Entrepreneur Aaron Zerefos has announced the acquisition of the Fresco Beverages business, enhancing his strong hold on the Australian drink distribution market.
Fresco Beverages adds to Zerefos’ existing portfolio, which includes Aaron’s Organics, DrinkScene, Add Water, Ozone, Little Fox Coffee Roasters, C Coconut Water, Fiji Water and Milk Lab. Zerefos has also joined forces with Ordermentum and will have a total customer base of around 50,000 in 2025.
Zerefos is excited to continue his expansion in the beverage distribution arena.
“What we are creating here is something very special, something Australia has never seen before,” Zerefos said.
“Our other brands have grown in recognition throughout Australia and the US; Coconut Water is liquid gold and is penetrating the Australian and US markets – we have 40ft containers on the water to New York as we speak.
“Add Water is a very good biodegradable product created in the beautiful Byron Bay hinterland, and our sales have already doubled.
“Meanwhile, I’ve now been selling Fiji Water for over 20 years and it continues to be one of our key performers in the drinks market.
“Aaron’s Organics has some exciting alternative milk products like Oatside and David’s Protein, while our Drink Scene brand includes products like Capi and Just Water, which people were talking about at the recent Expo West in California.
“Overall, it’s a great time to be expanding in the drink distribution space and the rest of 2025 is looking very exciting.”
Aaron will be competing at the Bathurst 6 Hour on Easter weekend 20 April, driving the number 105 Milk Lab BMW. Zerefos is confident of a podium finish. You can watch all the action on Fox Sports and SBS One.
Feros Group has announced they now own and operate the Helm Bar & Bistro in Sydney’s Darling Harbour.
Expanding into the heart of the city, their team is beyond excited to be taking over a premier waterfront venue located in the iconic Cockle Bay on Sydney’s world-class harbour.
Boasting a stunning bar and bistro on its upper deck and the Cockle Bay Yacht Club on the lower level, Helm Bar delivers casual social and dining experience.
The venue’s coastal-inspired menu features classic favourites such as fish and chips, steaks, pizzas, fresh seafood, and crisp salads, all complemented by an impressive selection of wines, craft and classic beers, and signature cocktails.
They announced that carefully planned renovations and updates will soon elevate the Helm Bar experience while staying true to its character.
Guests can expect refined offerings and an atmosphere that seamlessly blends the energy of Cockle Bay with the renowned hospitality of the Feros Group.
Peter Mamouzelos has expressed his ambition to play rugby league in Greece, a goal that has been hindered in the past due to the sport’s ban in the country.
Although he represented Greece at the 2022 World Cup, he was unable to play any matches in Athens, with home games forced to be played overseas.
“Our ‘home’ games actually had to be played overseas, and we played in London against Norway [in an RLWC qualifier] because it was illegal to play in Greece,” Mamouzelos explained.
The situation has improved since then, with Mamouzelos hopeful for more support from Greece, especially after their qualification for the World Cup.
Mamouzelos, who has Greek roots through his parents, Denise from Zakynthos and Theo from Kalymnos, has solidified his role as South Sydney’s starting hooker under Wayne Bennett.
He hopes to inspire more Greek players to enter the NRL as rugby league grows in Greece.
“Now that rugby league is growing over there… we will hopefully see more Greek players in the NRL,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of representing his heritage, saying, “I want to put Greece on the rugby league map.”
Souths hooker Peter Mamouzelos has declared his ambition to play in Greece after previously being denied because rugby league was illegal. https://t.co/n2qJqYk4eG
Before turning his attention to his heritage, Mamouzelos will play against the Sydney Roosters in Friday night’s Multicultural Round clash.
This match holds significance, especially due to the clubs’ deep-rooted rivalry and their strong Greek connections through chairmen Nick Pappas and Nick Politis.
Despite the Rabbitohs’ current success, Mamouzelos described the rivalry as one that all players look forward to, with a special intensity felt from a young age.
“From a young age, it’s taught to you as a Souths player to hate the Roosters,” he said, recalling a motivational speech by the club’s mascot that left a lasting impression.
Additionally, Mamouzelos shared his thoughts on the signing of Brandon Smith from the Roosters, assuring fans that he felt secure in his role at Souths after speaking with Bennett.
“Wayne’s just given me a simple role this year, just to be Pete, and to play to the best of my ability,” he said.
Mamouzelos expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity to learn from Damien Cook and the enjoyment he finds in starting and playing key minutes for the team.
“I’ve had a lot of time to work on my game, and now that I’m here I’m just trying to put my best foot forward.”
Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, made some progress on Wednesday, April 2, in fostering trust between their divided communities, agreeing to address issues like minefields and collaborating on environmental initiatives.
They also pledged to restore neglected cemeteries and create a joint group of young people from both sides to discuss relevant issues.
However, significant hurdles remain in formally restarting peace talks, with both leaders acknowledging the ongoing divide over the type of peace agreement each side envisions.
The meeting, hosted by the United Nations, echoed commitments made in a previous meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who will appoint an envoy to help resume stalled peace negotiations.
Photo: AP Photo / Petros Karadjias.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded the northern part of the island following a failed coup by pro-Greece factions.
While the Greek Cypriot south enjoys full European Union membership, only Turkey recognises the Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence.
Despite some positive steps, no agreement was reached on two key initiatives: building solar energy parks in the UN-administered buffer zone or expanding the nine existing crossing points between the two sides.
Tatar expressed hope for future progress, saying, “What is important is to exchange and be positive so that we can achieve things together.”
The leaders’ comments highlighted the deep divide in their visions for a peace settlement.
While Tatar and Turkey advocate for a two-state solution, Greek Cypriots reject any deal that would entrench the island’s division, in line with long-standing UN resolutions supporting a federated model.
Additionally, they oppose a permanent Turkish military presence or Turkish Cypriot veto power in any federal government structure.
The leaders agreed to meet again later this month as they continue efforts to bridge their differences.
Greece is set to invest 25 billion euros ($43 billion) in a comprehensive defence overhaul, marking the “most drastic” transformation in its modern history, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Wednesday, April 2.
The initiative, aimed at addressing evolving geopolitical challenges and strengthening Greece’s position within the European Union’s defence framework, includes the development of a new anti-missile, anti-aircraft, and anti-drone defensive system called “Achilles’s Shield.”
“The plan involves the most drastic transformation of the armed forces in the country’s modern history,” Mitsotakis told parliament.
He added, “The world is changing at an unforeseeable pace,” emphasising the need for rapid modernisation.
Οι περιστάσεις δεν περιμένουν. Οφείλουμε να τις αδράξουμε, αναλαμβάνοντας το τίμημα και το κόστος της ελευθερίας και της κυριαρχίας, προκειμένου η Ελλάδα να παραμείνει ισχυρή σε έναν αβέβαιο πλανήτη και να συνεχίσει απρόσκοπτα την πορεία προς την πρόοδο. https://t.co/saluneG7yUpic.twitter.com/EG5uEc7zzT
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) April 2, 2025
Greece’s military budget has already doubled this year to 6.13 billion euros ($6.6 billion), making the country one of the few NATO members to allocate more than three percent of its GDP to defence.
This move aims to solidify Greece as a crucial part of the EU’s defence strategy, contributing one of its most advanced armies.
The overhaul is partially driven by Greece’s long-standing tensions with Turkey.
Greece has also been strengthening its military capabilities by purchasing advanced weapons, including 24 Rafale fighter jets from France and 20 US-made F-35 fighter jets, alongside the acquisition of unmanned vessels, drones, and radars.
Όταν μιλάμε για πόρους που αφορούν την Εθνική Άμυνα, δεν εννοούμε μόνο τις δαπάνες, μόνο τις επενδύσεις για τους στρατιωτικούς εξοπλισμούς. Αλλά πρωτίστως την πάγια επένδυση της πατρίδας μας να μένει ισχυρή, σταθερή, ανεξάρτητη, σε έναν κόσμο που αλλάζει με απρόβλεπτους ρυθμούς. pic.twitter.com/1EAIw7GnXE
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) April 2, 2025
Reports suggest that Greece is negotiating with Israel for the “Achilles’s Shield” system, which will bolster its defences against drones.
Experts argue that the overhaul is vital, as Greece’s military had lagged in modernisation due to economic constraints in the past decade.
Maria Gavouneli, an international law professor at the University of Athens, described the reorganisation as “necessary” to address new global security challenges and ensure Greece remains a key European outpost.
This ambitious defence strategy comes amid growing concerns in Europe about security threats from Russia and regional instability, with other EU nations, including France and Germany, also expanding their military capabilities.
Experts are warning of rising prices for American consumers as US President Donald Trump announces sweeping reciprocal tariffs, which will likely drive up the cost of groceries, fuel and cars.
One key focus of the new tariffs is Australia’s beef trade.
In a speech at the White House, Trump criticised Australia’s restrictions on American beef imports, stating, “Australia bans – and they’re wonderful people and wonderful everything – but they ban American beef.”
He noted that while the US imported $3 billion worth of Australian beef last year, Australia refused to accept American beef to protect its own farmers.
“They won’t take any of our beef… I don’t blame them, but we’re doing the same thing right now, starting midnight tonight,” Trump said, referring to the tariffs set to go into effect immediately.
The new tariffs will impose a 10% baseline tax on all countries, including Australia.
This move is part of Trump’s broader strategy to address trade imbalances and has sparked concerns about retaliatory measures from global trading partners.
Experts predict the tariffs will lead to higher consumer prices across the board, as businesses face higher import costs and may pass these increases onto consumers.
The tariffs are also expected to affect American companies heavily reliant on global trade. Shares of major companies, including Apple and Amazon, dropped following the announcement.
Trump’s decision to impose these tariffs is expected to have widespread economic implications, with major international players like the European Union and Canada preparing for retaliation.
For quite a while now, I’ve been hearing complaints from Greek Australians about long delays in obtaining a Greek passport. Even though these applicants have the required Greek citizenship, many have been waiting for well over a year – and longer.
If they do manage to get an explanation from Greek Consulate staff in Australia, it’s something to the tune of “won’t be too much longer” and “backlog of work” given staff shortages.
You see, this wasn’t always the case. The delay seems to have occurred when the Greek government in 2022 decided to absolve passport issuing responsibilities from their Special Registry Department. Since then, this responsibility has been transferred to Greek Consular staff in Australia who already have a hefty workload, suggesting employing more staff would help.
Greek Consulates in Australia are struggling with staff shortages.
Lawyers, with whom I’ve spoken, prefer to remain unnamed due to their exasperation with this issue. One Greek Australian lawyer recently said, “Why do Greek Australians even want a Greek passport?!” implying that our Aussie passports are good enough. I reminded him that apart from being a legal right, aside from emotional and patriotic reasons, a Greek passport essentially means an EU passport. This makes it easier to travel, study and ascertain rights of EU citizens. He just shook his head, obviously not wanting to get into it.
A friend’s two Greek Australian offspring, both in their 20’s, have been waiting for close to two years for their Greek passports. I asked my friend if I could speak to them, but she told me that her kids apologised, saying it wasn’t a good idea at this point in time. Their reason was because the Greek Consulate of their Australian state had, lo and behold, recently contacted them at last, telling them that “it wouldn’t be long now.” This was over two months ago, and last time I checked (this week), they are still waiting.
As for the reason they declined to speak with me? It was, their mother told me, that: “They don’t want to risk compromising the Greek Consulate staff’s progress on their passports, by being critical of them.” Their mother – my friend and a lawyer herself – added: “I know this problem is still very real and alive for the Greeks of the diaspora and needs to be told, but I obviously can’t go against their wishes.” I was further surprised to learn that, “delays are only related to just getting an appointment, it has nothing to do with the papers!”
The Greek passport.
Many years back in Australia, I, as an Australian citizen, didn’t experience such a delay in getting my Greek passport. I really hope that my respect for Greece in living here and bringing up a family for over two decades, and experiencing Greek honour (filotimo) on a daily basis, doesn’t get eroded: These passport delays seem to essentially underestimate the respect and love that Greeks of the diaspora have towards this country.
I also have hope because there’s “a new sheriff in town.” No, not Trump’s Kimberly Guilfoyle, the new US Ambassador to Greece. You see, for about two weeks now, there’s a new Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister for Greeks Abroad, Ioannis Michail Loverdos.
I, and many others, certainly hope that rectifying this passport delay is on his agenda as an important issue, as the delays are disheartening.
I decided to contact the relevant Minister’s office and spoke to a staff member there to whom I explained the Greek Australian passport delay issue. I was then politely and promptly given Mr Loverdos’ email and instructed to explain my issue to him, while being reassured that my email would be answered in a few days. At the time of print, no response has been received.
The Greek Foreign Ministry’s website (dated 22 March 2025 as of this writing and regarding the issuing of Greek passports to Australians who are Greek citizens), seems to be of the opinion that things are efficient, claiming: “Please note that the required time for the completion of this process is approximately 4-5 weeks.”
Since the police authorities in Greece issue Greek passports, I decided to call the “passport cops.” I spoke to a Hellenic Police staff member there and on the condition of anonymity, he told me that they work with a diplomatic ‘sack’ (officially, a diplomatic ‘bag’ or ‘pouch’).
According to this kind gentleman, the diaspora countries Consulates’ ‘sack’ takes long to get to the relevant Ministry in Greece, who in turn take even longer to finally get it to the Hellenic police who issue the passports. Perhaps a good old kangaroo pouch would be quicker and more efficient I thought at that moment, keeping my joke to myself.
The passport policeman reassured me that things are going to change for the better very soon, as technology is stepping up and will eventually obliterate the sacks.
Seriously though, the delay for Greek passports in question, is getting ridiculous.
In the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ special presentation of ‘The Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad (2024-2027)‘ they stress how much they respect Greek communities abroad, and aim to be accessible to them.
In a video address even the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted the importance of the Greek Diaspora, actually reassuring that passport procurement ease was happening. In fact a big deal was made in the same video by the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Gerapetritis about this.
At this stage, I hope the new Minister Mr Loverdos answers my email addressing this passport delay issue soon. That’s for Part 2 of this article.
*Have you experienced significant delays receiving your Greek passport in Australia? Please email editor@foreignlanguage.com.au with your experience.
In a glittering celebration of entrepreneurial excellence, First Education, founded by Harry Mavrolefteros, was awarded ‘Business of the Decade’ at the 2025 Australian Small Business Champion Awards, held at The Star Sydney on Saturday, 29 March.
The prestigious awards program — now in its 27th year — honours the most outstanding small businesses from across Australia. This year, more than 5,500 entries were received from all corners of the country, with only 1,423 finalists selected across 106 categories, making the win for First Education a truly remarkable achievement.
The prestigious awards program — now in its 27th year — honours the most outstanding small businesses from across Australia.
Attended by over 1,000 guests, the evening was hosted by Channel Nine’s Jayne Azzopardi and included live entertainment, with many in attendance dubbing the ceremony the “Oscars of Australian Small Business.” Among the crowd were Harry and his wife Tania, who proudly accepted the trophy and official certificate on behalf of the entire First Education team.
Harry Mavrolefteros gave a speech at the awards ceremony.
Speaking exclusively to The Greek Herald, Harry said: “Winning ‘Business of the Decade’ for the Australian Small Business Champion Awards is the Everest (the Olympus?) of recognition for First Education.”
“I’m honoured and humbled and immensely grateful to my wife Tania, my parents and siblings, our managers, our tutors, our parents and our students who all believed in the power of building our students’ passion and confidence!” Harry added.
First Education offers tailored, one-on-one tutoring to students from Kindergarten to Year 12.
First Education has become a household name in Sydney’s eastern and inner west suburbs, offering tailored, one-on-one tutoring to students from Kindergarten to Year 12, as well as group debating classes and HSC study support sessions. With centres in Bondi, Earlwood, Maroubra, Mascot, and Randwick, the organisation supports more than 1,000 students with the help of over 200 tutors.
The journey began in 2005, when Harry, then a university student with a passion for mathematics, started tutoring students from their homes. Despite advice to the contrary, he left a job in financial planning at age 22 to pursue tutoring full-time.
Harry has always had a passion for mathematics.
In October 2010, the first Maroubra centre opened above his parents’ optometry practice on Anzac Parade. From humble beginnings with just 10 students, the business has flourished, guided by a core ethos of nurturing confidence, passion, and hard work.
Despite opening multiple centres — even during the height of the COVID pandemic — Harry’s vision has remained steadfast: to create a learning environment where students not only succeed but thrive.
With this award win, First Education has cemented its place as not just a leader in the tutoring industry, but as a cornerstone of educational support and community empowerment in Australia.
