Olympiacos BC defeated reigning champions Panathinaikos BC 97-93 in the Euroleague 2025 third-place game on Sunday in Abu Dhabi, securing the bronze medal in a hard-fought Greek derby.
The match followed both teams’ semifinal losses on Friday—Olympiacos to Monaco and Panathinaikos to Fenerbahce—dashing hopes of an all-Greek final.
Despite crowd clashes before the game at Etihad Arena, security quickly intervened, and the game proceeded without further incident.
Olympiacos led throughout the contest, with Alec Peters scoring a Final Four-record-tying 32 points. Sasha Vezenkov added 23 points, and Moses Wright contributed 19. Panathinaikos’ top scorer was Omer Yurtseven with 23 points.
Hundreds of Greek fans traveled to the UAE for the tournament, witnessing their teams fall short of the final. Panathinaikos’ earlier loss to Fenerbahce (82-76) and Olympiacos’ defeat by Monaco (75-65) ended their title bids.
Olympiacos and Panathinaikos will face off again in Athens on May 30 in the Greek League. Meanwhile, Monaco and Fenerbahce will meet tonight at 7pm CEST for the Euroleague title.
Monaco, led by Greek coach Vassilis Spanoulis, is vying for its first title, while Fenerbahce aims for its second after winning in 2017.
It has been a few decades in the making, but Associate Professor Voula Gaganis from Adelaide, South Australia has been guided by her yiayia’s own dream of a career in science.
As a youngster she grew up knowing her maternal yiayia Voula had hoped of becoming a doctor, but in those times, women were not always encouraged to study.
Her maternal grandparents were both from the island of Ayios Efstratios, often referred to as ‘Ai Stratis.’
“My grandparents, particularly my grandmother Yiayia Voula inspired my science path,” A/Prof Gaganis said.
“As a young girl in Ai Strati she dreamed of becoming a doctor, but as was the case during those times for many women, her family did not allow it.
“She spent as much time as she could helping at the local clinic. Though she never had the chance to become a doctor, she shared many stories with me about those times and through those stories I found my own passion for science.”
Photo by Randy Larcombe
At the age of 21, A/Prof Gaganis began studying for her PhD at Flinders University in 1998. After her studies she worked as a post-doctoral researcher on clinical trials with her then-supervisors Professors Kathie Knights and Arduino Mangoni in cardiovascular pharmacology at the Flinders Medical Centre.
“While I loved researching and discovering new things, what I really loved was teaching,” she said.
“As a PhD student I had tutored in the Flinders Foundation Studies Program and various undergraduate topics from Biochemistry to Skills for Medical Scientists.
“Our college also offered problem-based learning in the graduate entry medical program, and I really wanted to move into teaching.
“At that time, I recognised that I had a passion for teaching and students’ feedback was that I helped them understand complex concepts, and with that validation I decided to take on more varied teaching roles including teaching in the medical course.
Photo by Randy Larcombe
“I was also offered a lecturing role in the medical science program which was an incredible opportunity for me and opened the doors for me to develop my career as an educator in medical science.”
Late last year A/Prof Gaganis was recognised nationally by Universities Australia and awarded with the prestigious and highly sought after award: Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT)- Teaching Excellence in Health.
“Transforming medical science education has been a journey led by collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to student success,” she said.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to help shape meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for their graduate careers in health.
“This award motivates me to continue striving for excellence in education and to empower the next generation of medical scientists.”
A/Prof Gaganis is also the recipient of the South Australian Science Excellence and Innovation Awards – STEMM Educator of the Year, which recognises her commitment to teaching the next generation of health graduates. She has a passion for active learning using innovative teaching techniques that includes using cloud-based learning technology in the medical science physiology topics.
Photo by Randy Larcombe
“It was very special for me on the night because I had my family around me supporting me,” she said.
“I couldn’t believe it when they called my name; I felt proud that I was showing my daughters that I love what I do – I have put in many years of work across multiple layers of tertiary education to benefit current and future students, and that you are never too old to get an award!”
Her current role is the Associate Professor in Physiology at Flinders University, Program Coordinator of the Bachelor of Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine) Program and the Teaching Program Director for Clinical Programs – Doctor of Medicine, Paramedicine, Clinical Education and Counselling.
“Communication and respecting students are both incredibly important,” she said.
“I believe that the values I have grown up with in my family have been those same values that students see in me and trust me with their learning experience.
“I have also been lucky enough to experience those same values with my PhD supervisor.”
Postecoglou’s path began at South Melbourne Hellas, the heart of Melbourne’s Greek football scene. After migrating from Greece as a child, he grew up near Albert Park where he and his father, Dimitris, watched South Melbourne every weekend. That club—founded by Greek migrants—was his footballing birthplace.
“He is still with me mate. His voice is in my head all the time and as I get older and look in the mirror I see his face sometimes, which is a bit scary,” he said with a chuckle.
Postecoglou went onto play for his family’s beloved South Melbourne, making 193 appearances and scoring 27 goals primarily as a defender in the old National Soccer League, and went onto earn four caps for the national side.
Tottenham’s head coach Ange Postecoglou holds up the trophy. Photo: AP.
As a player, he captained the side. As a coach, he led them to back-to-back national titles and an Oceania championship that earned a historic trip to the 2000 FIFA Club World Championship, where he first faced Manchester United.
That underdog story has defined his career. Dismissed by Australia’s football establishment in 2007, he rebuilt from scratch—coaching locally, even in Greece’s third tier, before transforming Brisbane Roar into “Roarcelona” with record-breaking success.
His national triumphs followed: an Asian Cup win with the Socceroos and a bold World Cup campaign. Then Japan, where he lifted Yokohama F. Marinos to a J-League title. Then Celtic, where doubters turned into disciples after domestic dominance.
England was no different. Critics called him a “clown.” But he stayed true to his vision—attacking football, youth development, and belief. Injuries rocked Spurs, but he adapted, adding defensive grit to tactical flair. And it worked.
Postecoglou said: “To quote my favourite Australian prime minister Paul Keating, he said: ‘After an unlikely victory, this is one for the true believers,’ and this is certainly one for the believers.”
From the terraces of South Melbourne to European silverware, Postecoglou has always silenced the skeptics.
Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for Koulouria Thessalonikis with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram @mygreekkitchen for more!
Ingredients:
400 g strong bread flour
100 g all-purpose plain flour
14 g instant yeast (2 sachets)
1 tsp salt
280-300 ml of tepid/warm tap water
2 tbsp white granulated sugar
For basting:
500 ml warm water
3 tbsp white granulated sugar
150 gm white sesame seeds
50 gm black sesame seeds (optional – other wise use 200 gm white sesame seeds)
Method:
In a standalone mixer with the hook attachment, add your flours, yeast and sugar – stir thru with a fork.
Add 280 ml of water and mix on low speed of your mixer. Add remainder of water if needed. Add your salt and let it mix for 7-8 minutes. You should have a soft dough once done.
Cover bowl with glad wrap and set aside till dough doubles in size. This could take anything between 45-60 minutes depending how warm your kitchen is.
Preheat your oven to 200C.
Once ready, divide dough into 10 equal portions – set them aside for 5 minutes covered with a clean tea towel while you prepare the basting.
In a bowl add the warm water and sugar – stir to dissolve sugar and set aside.
In another bowl add your sesame seeds.
Roll each of you dough portions into a long cigar thickness – approx. 25cm in length. Bring the ends together to form a ring and press to seal the edges together. Repeat till all portions are done. The thicker your koulouri is the softer it will be. It’s your choice of how thick you make it.
Dip each koulouri fully into the water/sugar solution, then into the sesame seeds making sure it is generously covered. The sesame seeds are what will give you the aroma and nutty flavour to your koulouri.
Place them on a baking paper lined tray making sure you don’t overcrowd it. Bake for approximately 10 minutes till golden brown.
These koulouria freeze really well, so consider making a double dosage and freeze some of them for when you feel like having one on another day. They can be eaten as is, they are a favourite snack for a lot of Greeks or have it with a cup of Greek coffee, olives, feta or grilled haloumi, tomato and cucumber for breakfast or even lunch.
Just one week after the announcement of the 2025 Blue Flag Awards, two well-known beaches near Athens have had their prestigious Blue Flag status revoked. The beaches failed to meet the stringent criteria set by the international Blue Flag program, which evaluates environmental quality, safety, and amenities, according to keeptalkinggreece.com
According to media reports on Wednesday, Karavi Beach in Schinias (Municipality of Marathon) and the 1st Port of Daskaleio Keratea – Solo Pino (Municipality of Lavreotiki) no longer comply with the requirements established by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the organization responsible for the Blue Flag certifications.
The Blue Flag program assesses multiple factors, including water quality, waste management, lifeguard coverage, accessibility, environmental education initiatives, and infrastructure.
Karavi Beach, set within Schinias National Park, is known for its soft sands, shallow waters, and pine-covered backdrop. It’s a favorite for families and water sports enthusiasts, particularly windsurfers. Daskaleio features three small ports, two of which are developed for visitors. The now delisted 1st port had become increasingly popular in recent years.
Losing Blue Flag status is more than symbolic—it may reflect environmental degradation, pollution concerns, or failures in beach management. The move has raised alarm among local communities and tourism professionals, especially as the busy summer season approaches, To Vima reported.
Despite these removals, the region of Attica still holds 15 beaches that continue to fly the Blue Flag for 2025. These include sites in Eastern Attica, Athens’ southern suburbs, and the Saronic Islands:
Municipality of Marathon
Brexiza – Schinias/Karavi
Municipality of Spata-Artemidos
IntersectionLake
Municipality of Markopoulo Mesogaia
Avlaki
Municipality of Lavreotiki
1st Port Daskalio Keratea/Solo Pino
Municipality of Saronic Islands
Lagonissi 1 – Grand Beach/Grand Resort Lagonissi
Lagonissi 2 – Mediterraneo/Grand Resort Lagonissi
Lagonissi 3 – Kochylia/Grand Resort Lagonissi
Mavro Lithari – EverEden Beach
Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni
Asteras Vouliagmenis – Astir Beach Vouliagmenis
Voula A
Vouliagmeni
Municipality of Glyfada
Glyfada
Glyfada A
Glyfada B – includes Seatrack for disabled access
Municipality of Aegina
Agia Marina
This year, Greece maintained its strong international standing by earning second place globally in the Blue Flag rankings, with a total of 657 awards across beaches, marinas, and eco-friendly tourist boats.
The Greek government is exploring the installation of a second, more spacious elevator at the Acropolis to enhance accessibility for visitors, according to Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.
In an interview with SKAI, Mendoni highlighted that over 150 accessibility initiatives are currently underway across Greece. She pointed to Monemvasia’s Upper Town as one of the more complex projects in progress, ekathimerini.com, has reported.
The existing Acropolis elevator, which was introduced in 2020 and built to handle around 200 trips per day, is now accommodating more than 2,000 visitors daily. This excessive use has led to frequent breakdowns, and the elevator has been out of service for the past two weeks. Repairs are ongoing and expected to take at least another week.
Mendoni explained that the system has suffered substantial damage due to overuse, and the required replacement parts must be sourced from abroad. Although the original Italian manufacturer attempted to carry out the repairs, they were unable to complete them due to the severity of the issues.
Discussions are underway regarding the addition of a second elevator, with a decision pending from the Central Archaeological Council on its potential location. The Onassis Foundation—which funded the original elevator—has shown interest in supporting the new project, though the Ministry of Culture is also considering implementing it as a publicly funded infrastructure initiative.
Some scholars don’t like the name ‘Byzantium’. They think that it isn’t historical because no one used it in the duration of the empire. Instead, the people under the command of Constantinople called themselves ‘Roman’.
This lecture asks the question: should we abolish the name ‘Byzantium’ and use ‘the east Roman empire’ in preference? The answer depends on (i) how widespread you think words like ‘Romanía’ were, (ii) how negative you think the name ‘Byzantium’ is anyway, and (iii) how much do you mind suppressing Greek identity by perpetuating the superior prestige of Romans over Greeks?
For many, it’s hard to see Greeks as Romans. The reason that ‘Roman’ was preferred from the time of the first Christians is that ‘Greek’ was aggressively stigmatised as heathen.
The lecture concludes that ‘Byzantium’ is ideologically sounder than the terms proposed to replace it.
BIO
A/Prof. Robert Nelson is a Principal Honorary Fellow at the University of Melbourne. He trained in art history at La Trobe University, with an MA in Baroque Art and a PhD in Hellenistic Art. Robert taught in Art, Design, and Architecture at Monash University, where he became Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies.
His most recent books include A History of Inspiration (Routledge, 2022) and A Visceral History of Bread: From First Nations Australia to Byzantium (Museum of Innocence, Mildura, 2023), as well as a collection of verse titled Eclogues to Polixeni. Robert was the art critic for The Age and the scene painter for Polixeni Papapetrou.
Event Details:
When: Thursday 29 May 2025, 7pm
Speaker: DrRobert Nelson
Seminar: Should we reject Byzantium?
Where: TheGreek Centre (Mezzanine, 168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne)
Life-sized marble statues, now emblematic of ancient Greek art, began to emerge in the early 6th century B.C., evolving from earlier, smaller sculptures made of ivory, clay, and bronze that date back to the 8th century B.C. Recent excavations on the Greek island of Paros have uncovered significant new evidence about how these iconic works were crafted, offering archaeologists a rare glimpse into a sculpture workshop dating to the Hellenistic period (323–31 B.C.), popularmechanics.com, has reported.
The site has been under investigation since the 1980s, when researchers first noticed marble fragments and incomplete statues scattered around the area—clues that hinted at a sculpting facility. Early digs revealed three buildings that supported the theory of artisan activity. Further excavations in 2008 and 2013 expanded understanding of the site, with findings such as drinking and dining vessels from the Classical period (5th–4th centuries B.C.), indicating that the area also served a residential function.
And the discoveries haven’t stopped.
This year’s excavation unearthed major changes to the layout of the site dating from the late 3rd to early 2nd centuries B.C. New sections of the complex were revealed, including structures with impressively well-preserved walls. One notable room—featuring a pebbled floor and traces of mural decoration—was identified as an andron, a space typically used for male gatherings, lending further credence to the idea that the site was at least partially residential. Meanwhile, the abundance of marble debris and partially carved statues firmly supports the site’s identification as a sculpture workshop.
Excavators also uncovered several remarkable artifacts, including marble representations of Aphrodite and clay heads of female figures. The discovery of clay molds, metal slag, seals, and pigments suggests that the workshop was not limited to sculpture but may have supported a variety of artisanal crafts.
Although the press release from the Greek Ministry of Culture did not detail the exact age of the statues found, it’s likely they date to the same period as the surrounding buildings. If so, they would have been produced during a transformative phase in Greek art. Between 800 and 300 B.C., Greek sculpture was heavily influenced by Egyptian and Near Eastern styles, often characterized by stiff poses and emotionless faces. But by around 500 B.C., artists began striving for realism, celebrating the human form in more dynamic and expressive ways—a style that still resonates in art today, as many creators continue to draw from ancient Greek ideals of beauty and form.
With an impressive tally of 67 film awards and 122 nominations, George Clooney embodies Hollywood stardom. Yet, beyond his cinematic accolades, the 64-year-old is also a dedicated advocate for social and political causes.
In an exclusive interview with Ta Nea‘s Yiannis Andritsopoulos, Clooney shared his thoughts while fans waited outside Manhattan’s Winter Garden Theatre hoping for a selfie or autograph.
When Andritsopoulos mentioned his Greek heritage, Clooney responded warmly, “I love Greece,” and reaffirmed his commitment to the campaign for the repatriation of the Parthenon Marbles.
“I know they’ll be returned,” Clooney stated confidently.
These iconic relics of classical antiquity have long been a subject of concern for Clooney, who notably clashed with Boris Johnson over the issue a decade ago. At the time, Johnson was London’s mayor and later became the UK’s Prime Minister.
Since then, Clooney and his wife, Amal, have incorporated the Marbles into their broader philanthropic and advocacy work. In his conversation with Ta Nea, the celebrated actor and producer reiterated his conviction that the 5th-century BC sculptures by Phidias will one day be restored to Greece.
For Clooney, this has become a deeply personal mission. “Of course, I still support the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures. Both my wife and I are fighting for this cause,” he said, emphasizing their ongoing dedication. “We’re doing everything we can to ensure the Marbles return to Greece,” he continued, assuring that their efforts will persist until success is achieved. “There’s no doubt about it.”
Despite years of pressure—including a UNESCO ruling in 2021, assertions from Turkey that Elgin lacked legal authority to remove the Marbles, successful repatriations from other countries, and extensive media attention—negotiations between the British Museum and the Greek government remain unresolved. Nonetheless, Clooney remains unfazed. “The Marbles will return to Greece,” he said, exuding calm confidence. “I know they will.”
Clooney’s involvement in the issue dates back to 2014, when during a press event at the Berlin Film Festival promoting The Monuments Men, he said returning the Marbles to Greece “would be a very fair and very nice thing to do.” A few days later, speaking in London, he reiterated this stance, with backing from co-stars Bill Murray and Matt Damon.
In 2016, Clooney and Amal launched the Clooney Foundation for Justice, described by The Telegraph as the work of “the world’s most powerful couple.” The foundation offers free legal aid to support human rights and free expression in over 40 countries. Among its initiatives, it investigates war crimes in Ukraine and tracks how antiquities trafficking finances international terrorism.
In March 2021, Ta Nea reported on another effort by Clooney advocating for the Marbles’ return. In a message to actress Janet Suzman, chair of the British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles, he wrote: “There are many historically significant objects that should be returned. However, none is as important as the Parthenon Marbles, which must be returned to their original owner.”
The exhibition Zaks in the Outback, officially opened by the Consul General of Greece in Adelaide, Dr. Alexandra Theodoropoulou, with remarks from City of Unley Mayor Michael Hewitson AM and Athena (Tina) Karanastasis AM of the Zakynthian Association of South Australia, offers an emotional and richly layered account of the story of the Zakynthian diaspora community’s journey and legacy to the suburbs of Adelaide.
Karen Paris guiding attendees around the geography of Zakynthos.Angela Tsoulos and family
Curated by Karen Paris, the exhibition invites visitors into the lives of Zakynthian families who migrated to South Australia from the 1950s onwards. Driven by hardship but armed with fierce determination and rich cultural traditions, these migrants found a new home in Unley and surrounding suburbs.
Zakynthians brought with them a love of music, food, theatre, and storytelling; with traditions often shaped by the island’s Venetian past.
Carnival masks, golden mandolins, and theatrical costumes recall the exuberant Zakynthos Carnival, a three-week-long celebration held each February. The carnival’s unique features, including masquerade parades, the Giostra di Zante (a horseback tournament), and omilies (street theatre with political satire), reflect a unique cultural flair that the community holds dear.
This vibrancy carried over into daily life. Many Zakynthians arrived with little more than their skills and ambition, but quickly established themselves in local industries.
Men often worked in factories or on construction sites, while women sewed garments in their homes or staffed department stores like Miller Andersons. One such figure was Marieta Mavrangelos, a talented seamstress who designed dresses for both working-class and high society clientele, including Joan Bullock, the wife of South Australian Premier Steele Hall.
Others like Spiros Giatras used traditional methods from Zakynthos to repair shoes, shaping leather with broken glass and sealing heels with wax. These small trades became cornerstones of the community.
Zakynthian cafés and snack bars soon dotted the Adelaide CBD—The Chicken Shoppe in Brighton, Blue Bird Café on Bank Street, and the Symposium Café in the Adelaide Arcade, to name a few. Families like the Spatharos, Loutas, and Giatras clans helped share their food culture with South Australia.
But the exhibition also reaches further back, into the island life that shaped these migrants. The 1950s in Zakynthos were marked by poverty and simplicity. Most families lived off the land, cultivating olive trees, grapevines, and seasonal produce. There was little electricity or running water. As one account describes: “There was no sewage and only some houses had toilets that were manually filled with water… Others had none at all.”
Consul General Theodoropoulou officially opens the exhibition.Athena (Tina) Karanastasis AM of the Zakynthian Association of South Australia addressing attendees.The Zakynthians were passionate in maintaining thier culture – Eleni Loutas at a dance (1957).
Memories of struggle are underscored by the trauma of the 1953 earthquake, which flattened towns and killed over 450 people. Survivor Dionysios Lobotesis and his family lived in a shed for years after, too afraid to return to their home. This catastrophe acted as a catalyst for emigration, as many Zakynthians sought safer, more prosperous lives abroad.
Mayor of the City of Unley, Michael Hewitson and Cr Finos presenting the Consul General with a gift, a painting of the council.
Through personal stories, historical insight, and vivid photography, Zaks in the Outback is more than a community exhibition. It tells of a people who, though shaped by hardship and history, carved out a lasting legacy in a new land; never forgetting who they are, and never letting the distance of geography wash away the connection to their beloved Fiore di Levante ( “Flower of the East.”)
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.
