During a press conference ahead of the Spurs’ Premier League match against Luton Town on Saturday afternoon, a journalist greeted Postecoglou with the words: ‘Happy Easter.’
In response, the proud Greek Australian coach said: “Thanks mate. I’m Greek Orthodox, mine’s in about a month’s time, but I appreciate it.”
This year, Orthodox Easter will be held on May 5 – more than a month after Catholic Easter on March 31.
This difference typically occurs as Orthodox Easter is calculated using the Julian Calendar not the Gregorian Calendar (which is used by Catholics). The Orthodox Church also still uses the rule set forth by the First Ecumenical Council held in Nicaea in 325 AD, that says Pascha (Easter) must take place after the Jewish Passover.
Postecoglou’s reference to Greek Orthodoxy is not the first time he’s openly spoken about his Greek heritage and faith.
During an interview with The Greek Herald in November 2022, Postecoglou spoke proudly of his strong links to South Melbourne FC and said he was “lucky to grow up in Australia but in Greece I also feel at home.”
Greece’s Defence Minister, Nikos Dendias visited the General Directorate for Defense Equipment and Armaments on Monday to discuss “Agenda 2030” – the upgrades of the Hellenic Air Force and Navy.
According to amnar.gr, the Air Force will acquire 200 state-of-the-art aircraft by 2030, gradually removing from operation third- and fourth-generation combat aircraft.
Greece’s Defence Minister, Nikos Dendias (centre-front) visited the General Directorate for Defense Equipment and Armaments on Monday to discuss “Agenda 2030”. Photo: Ekathimerini.
The strategy also involves bolstering and upgrading the fleet with new FDI frigates, exploring collaborative construction of new Constellation frigates, and establishing a defense innovation ecosystem through the Greek Center for Innovation Development (ELKAK).
“We want to change the current reality of ‘buying foreign arms off the shelf’. To strengthen our own defense industry and move ahead to advanced production of multiplier forces,” Dendias said.
Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan suffered a historic electoral defeat against the main opposition party amid rising inflation and the highest borrowing prices since the president assumed office more than two decades ago.
According to the Australian Financial Review, Turkey’s lira weakened in early trading on Monday after Erdogan’s AK Party fell behind the main opposition Republican People’s Party, known as CHP, in Sunday’s municipal elections for the first time ever.
Erdogan conceded defeat in an address to his supporters in front of the AKP headquarters in Ankara, promising “self-criticism” and “respect” for the outcome.
Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul mayor and the Republican People’s Party (CHP) candidate, claiming victory. Photo: Getty images.
“The March 31 elections mark a turning point. We weren’t able to get the results in local elections that we were hoping for,” Erdogan said, promising to recover support by the next presidential vote in 2028.
“Voters appear to have punished his party and candidates for economic hardships at the municipal elections,” Emre Peker, Europe director for Eurasia Group, said of the president.
“Erdogan is no longer immune to voter concerns over the economy, which he most recently sidestepped in May 2023 to secure reelection.”
A devastating fire has torn through the Greek Orthodox Church of St Andrew Noarlunga in Christie Downs, Adelaide on Saturday March 30. The fire occurred just weeks before the most important time of year for the church, ahead of Greek Orthodox Easter.
Parish priest, Father Armandos Manafis, left the church around 7pm, only to receive a distressing call an hour later, alerting him to the raging flames engulfing the entrance of the church.
Photo: Madeline Morrison/Facebook
Firefighters swiftly responded to the scene, with 17 firefighters, five appliances, and a command vehicle working tirelessly to contain and extinguish the blaze. Flames were seen billowing out of the upstairs windows, presenting a challenging situation for the firefighters. After 20 minutes of battling the fire, they were successful in bringing it under control.
Investigators have examined the scene and have determined that the fire was non-suspicious, although the exact cause is yet to be determined.
Photo: The Advertiser
This incident comes shortly after a scandal involving the former priest of the same parish, Father John Christodoulos, who was exposed for living a secret double life and obtaining significant financial donations from an elderly parishioner. The elderly parishioner’s family eventually recovered over $1 million worth of jewellery from Father Christodoulos.
It was also uncovered that the priest had been using the gay Grindr app to engage in secretive encounters with other men.
Father Manafis, still in shock from the destruction of his church, expressed his sadness and disbelief. He had left the church after putting out the candles, as he normally would, only to return to chaos. He described the situation as unexpected and disorientating, with everything in the church being turned upside down.
Despite the devastation, a service was held the following morning outside the damaged church. Parishioners gathered on plastic chairs, listening to the service and demonstrating their resilience. Father Manafis emphasised that the church is not defined by its physical building but by the people. The emotional impact was evident, with long-time parishioners, who consider the church their home, shedding tears.
Photo: The Advertiser/Morgan Sette
Father Manafis remains hopeful and determined to rebuild with the support of the parishioners. He expressed gratitude that the damage was contained to one section of the building and estimates that the restoration costs will not be significant. The Metropolitan Fire Service has estimated the damage to be around $150,000. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, as the church was unoccupied at the time of the fire.
Sydney Olympic FC emerged victorious in a thrilling match against the Wollongong Wolves on Saturday March 30 at Belmore Sports Ground. Olympic secured a 4-3 win in round 8 of the 2024 National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW season.
Despite trailing 2-0 at halftime due to two goals from Takumi Ofuka, Sydney Olympic staged an impressive comeback in the second half, ultimately winning 4-2. The Wolves briefly took the lead 3-2 with an Andre Takami goal, but late strikes from Teng Kuol and Roy O’Donovan secured the victory for the home side.
The match saw several chances, with Banri Kanaizumi and Ofuka missing opportunities for the Wolves, while Michael Vakis and Peter Politis came close for Sydney Olympic.
The halftime break proved beneficial for Olympic, as they started the second half with an early goal from Vakis. They continued to press forward and equalized through Darcy Burgess in the 60th minute. However, the Wolves regained the lead with Takami’s volley in the 78th minute.
Olympic fought back once again, with Kuol scoring in the 91st minute to level the score at 3-3. The winning goal came in the 94th minute, as O’Donovan headed in a cross from Adam Parkhouse.
Sydney Olympic coach Labinot Haliti praised his team’s performance, expressing belief in their abilities. Wolves goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, admitting that conceding four goals in one half was not acceptable. He attributed the loss to communication breakdowns and missed opportunities.
Recognised under the pseudonym YANIS, John Papailiou is a renowned innovative designer and digital artist, who bypasses the conventional tools of canvas and brush, favouring instead the influence of music from diverse genres and the technological finesse of his ‘Digital Canvas.’ This atypical toolkit serves as the catalyst for his creative endeavours, and propel him into a realm of artistic exploration.
This is his sanctuary and creative haven. A place where he blends genres and pushes the boundaries of digital abstract and geometric art to create his own distinctive style known as ‘Abstractus Geometricus.’ This is where his creative spirit flourishes, translating abstract thoughts into visually stunning graphics- a passion that has remained a constant throughout his professional journey and artistic expression.
Sandstone Eruption
During the early years, his high school teacher and artistic mentor, Brian Worsey, played a pivotal role in nurturing his creative instincts. Under Mr. Worsey’s guidance, he learned to perceive the inherent creativity in his surroundings, capturing the beauty of form, function, colour, and abstract shapes. This mentorship instilled in him the courage to diverge from conformity and embrace his unique artistic journey.
Potential Energy
Drawing inspiration from artists such as Wassily Kandinsky and the Abstract Expressionism art movement of the post-World War II era, Yani’s work, is a mesmerizing amalgamation of colours, shapes, and textures. With the use of abstract and geometric art as guiding principles, he delves into the complexities of shape, colour, form, and composition. His aim, to evoke emotional responses through his abstract contemporary style, infusing elements of spirituality, nature, and the human experience, inviting viewers on a journey of introspection and self-discovery.
Influenced by the cultural revolution of the 1960s, he incorporates its sounds, vibrant colours, and free-spirited aesthetics. Whether it is, ‘the rhythm of Rap, the soulful notes of Jazz, the infectious beats of Pop, the electrifying riffs of Rock, or the emotive symphonies of Classical music”, each creation is an embodiment of a musical narrative.
Odysseus Etruscans
In later works, ‘Let Me Wipe Away Your Tears’, (pictured) Yani pays tribute to his mother Ekaterini (nee Mihalarias) Papailiou. The artwork represents the immense sadness and trauma experienced when her newborn was taken from her in hospital, during the forced adoption era,1960s. ‘Australia’s Shame’(pictured) is another piece incorporating Yani’s thoughts after the Voice Referendum.
Australia’s Shame
To Yanis, “Creativity serves as the vessel that navigates the tumultuous waters of uncertainty, fear, and joy. It is the manifestation of emotions let loose, guiding us through the labyrinth of life”.
Yani’s complete works (‘Abstractus Geometricus’) are accessible for purchase in the form of exquisite Fine Art Prints. Each signed and numbered with a certificate of authenticity and created using highquality Pigment Ink on Archival Cotton Rag or Chromogenic Print for World Class Acrylic Face Mounts, ensuring long-lasting and vibrant displays.
Harmonies in Hope: The essence of ‘Abstractus Geometricus’
YANIS says: “Welcome to ‘Abstractus Geometricus’, a beacon of my life’s purpose and philosophy, far more than just an artistic endeavour. This collection is not only a testament to my personal journey, growth, and evolution but also epitomizes my aspiration to make the world a better place, one inspired soul at a time. Each artwork I create is an expression of my experiences and a silent ode to those born into adversity, resonating with a universal sentiment of empathy.
In every stroke on my ‘Digital Canvas’, I convey messages of hope, resilience, and solidarity. My art transcends being a mere form of expression; it becomes a medium of outreach, offering a space of peace and understanding amidst chaos. The abstract elements in my work symbolize the complex emotions and aspirations of those who, like me, yearn for a better world, while the geometric patterns represent our interconnectedness, emphasising our shared humanity, irrespective of our diverse backgrounds.
‘Abstractus Geometricus’ is a collective reflection of our shared human experience. It goes beyond my personal story, resonating with anyone who has ever felt lost, challenged, or misunderstood. It is a reminder that, though our individual stories may vary, our collective longing for understanding, acceptance, and positive change is what unites us.
As this journey unfolds, my art becomes a platform for those overlooked voices, amplifying their stories with the hope of igniting empathy and unity. Through ‘Abstractus Geometricus’, I aim to bridge divides and spark a collective transformation, extending gratitude to kindred spirits who share in this vision. It’s a silent language of art, reaching out to touch souls, embodying the belief that change can emerge from small, yet profound gestures of artistic expression.
In essence, ‘Abstractus Geometricus’ is not just an artistic label; it is a living, evolving testament to a shared dream of a better world, a tapestry of individual and collective narratives that together weave the story of our humanity, driven by the hope for a brighter, more empathetic future.”
Yanis is amongst many Greek Australian artists who have participated in the GAAD (Greek Australian Artist Directory). An initiative by the Greek Australian Cultural League (GACL), the GAAD celebrates Greek Australian visual and performing artists by showcasing their works and contributions to the Australian arts landscape. By preserving and promoting the artistic legacy of Greek Australian artists, the directory ensures that their talents are duly acknowledged and cherished, cementing their place in Australia’s artistic narrative.
Interested artists can register their profiles by visiting www.gacl.com.au and clicking on the dedicated GAAD section. For any inquiries related to the GAAD, individuals can either email GACL President Cathy Alexopoulos infogaclm@gmail.com or contact GAAD Co-ordinator Vasy Petros on 0412 242 557
*This is a Greek Australian Cultural League Initiative supported by The Greek Herald.
The autumn school holidays are almost here and the Chau Chak Wing Museum in Sydney has a range of activities designed for kids aged 6-12.
Come along and write poetry inspired by Biennale of Sydney artworks, make a traditional Papua New Guinean bag and help decorate an ancient Greek vase.
All activities will take place on Level 4 of the Chau Chak Wing Museum, University Place Camperdown. Plan your visit by visiting the website: www.sydney.edu.au/museum
Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Photo: fdcbuilding.com.au
Word Play Poetry with Katy B Plummer
Responding to works in the Biennale of Sydney, Katy will use word games to help participants write poems expressing who they are.
When: 10am-11.30am, Monday 22 April, Wednesday 24 April and Friday 26 April
Discover more about one of Australia’s closest neighbours in this workshop, where you will learn to count in its national language, make a traditional bilum bag and learn to weave.
When: 10am-12pm, Monday 15 to Friday 19 April inclusive
Explore Greek mythology with archaeologists and ancient historians. During this workshop you will handle ancient Greek artefacts, hear ancient mythological stories and help decorate an ancient Greek vase.
When: 10am-12pm, Monday 15 to Friday 19 April inclusive
Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for potato frittata with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram @mygreekkitchen for more!
This recipe, which serves 4 – 6 people, is a very quick and easy one for a mid-week meal. Niki’s mum would make this at least once a week and always made sure there was plenty for left overs the next day for lunch. If you have an overripe tomato or two, you can grate it and add to the egg mixture.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
6 extra last potatoes (size of your hand) or 10 medium size – peeled and washed
1 dozen eggs – whisked with a fork
Salt to taste
Light olive oil for frying
Method:
1. Cut potatoes into bite size pieces as shown in photo.
2. Fry potatoes in vegetable oil in batches until all cooked.
3. Once all potatoes have been cooked, remove all the oil from the frying pan and return all the cooked potatoes into the pan.
4. Pour the whisked eggs all over the potatoes, add your salt and with a wooden spoon gently stir/turn potatoes so the eggs cover them and cook through. This can take 5 or so minutes.
The best areas of Athens to live in have been presented, following a nationwide survey by Spitogatos Insights, based on safety, access to public transport, parking availability, access to shopping and entertainment options, parks and schools, as well as pedestrian and pet friendliness,
Kathimerini has reported that those areas are the following: Kato Glyfada, the center of Nea Smyrni, Kalamaki, Ano Ilioupoli, Kolonaki, the Hilton area, the center of Argyroupoli, the center of Pangrati, Ano Glyfada and the center of Vrilissia.
Accordingly, the areas of Thessaloniki with the highest evaluations based on all the research criteria are Nea Paralia, TIF-University area, Peraia area, Ano and Kato Toumpa, Martiou, the historical center of Thessaloniki and Botsari, Agia Triada and the Hippocratio area.
In the rest of Greece, the 10 areas with the highest user ratings are the center of Komotini, Rhodes Town, the center of Ioannina, the center of Alexandroupoli, the center of Trikala, Larissa, Hania, Kalamata, Serres and the center of Veria.
Photo: George Zografidis
The sense of security is an important criterion for choosing an area to buy or rent a home. According to user evaluations, the areas of Athens that offer the greatest sense of safety are the center of Pangrati, Kolonaki, the center of Nea Smyrni, Kalamaki and Ano and Kato Glyfada.
Accordingly, in Thessaloniki the areas with the highest ratings in relation to the feeling of safety are the following: Martiou, Hippocratio, Agia Triada, Peraia and the Botsari area.
In the rest of Greece, users looking for housing report that they rate the following areas as safe: The center of Katerini, the center of Trikala, Rhodes Town, the center of Alexandroupoli and Corfu Town.
The Greek Police has acquired the first electric VAN type motorway patrol vehicle, a donation of “Nea Odos.”
The electric VAN will cover the police needs of the motorway and has an autonomy of approximately 320 kilometres.
General Secretary of Citizen Protection Manos Logothetis attended the event held at the Automotive Service Station “Malakasa – Sirios.” The vehicle was handed over by the company’s CEO Rodianos Antonakopoulos.
Logothetis spoke about the “ green” transition of the Hellenic Police and especially of Traffic Police.
