More than 50 years of service to the community has earned Father Nicolaos Zervas OAM the honour of becoming the 17th Freeman of the City of Newcastle.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes bestowed the award on the 90-year-old on Sunday, March 24 during the Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church’s annual celebration for Greek Independence Day.
Cr Nelmes said Father Nicolaos’ selfless acts have benefitted multiple generations, from teaching scripture to children, through to volunteering with senior citizens.
“Father Nicolaos’ list of achievements spans decades, with a remarkable breadth of service to the community,” Cr Nelmes said.
“He has contributed to initiatives that not only advanced his local Greek community, but also across sectors of health and wellbeing, peace and justice, sport, and aged care, for all Novocastrians.”
Father Nicolaos Zervas wearing his medal with wife Nina, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Sharon Claydon MP, Tim Crakanthorp MP and CN Councillors. Photo: City of Newcastle.
Born in Greece in 1934, Nicolaos Zervas came to Australia in 1955. He initially opened a restaurant in Victoria, then one in Sydney, but his real dream was to become a priest.
After marrying his beloved wife Christina (Nina) in 1965, he was given an opportunity to move north where he was ordained by the Newcastle Greek community in 1973.
Twenty years later he was awarded the Order of Australia medal for his spirit of giving, volunteering with Meals on Wheels at Hamilton, the Northern Settlement Services, the Ethnic Communities Council and Lifeline.
Father Nicolaos is a founding member of Greek Day Care and a life member of Hippocrates Aged Care, Fronditha Aged Care Nursing Home and Newcastle Olympic Football Club.
Despite retiring from his role with the Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in July 2021 he still regularly visits people in nursing homes and hospitals.
Father Nicolaos said he was proud to receive the honour of being named Newcastle’s 17th Freeman of the City, a place he has called home for over 50 years.
“I was living in Sydney when I was given the option to relocate to Newcastle,” Father Nicolaos said.
“As soon as we arrived, I felt very at home, and I knew it was the place I wanted to work and raise my family in.
“It is emotional to be recognised by the City of Newcastle in this way. The support of my wife Nina, my four children and 10 grandchildren has enabled me to keep giving back to the community of St Demetrios and the people of Newcastle and now, even in retirement, it has been my absolute privilege to do so.”
Father Nicolaos joins an impressive list of fellow Novocastrians to be awarded the Freeman of the City honour including former Lord Mayor Joy Cummings, Surfest co-founder Warren Smith and writer, philanthropist and passionate historian, Vera Deacon.
On the riverbank of the Torrens, the Honourable Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia together with George Psiachas, Consul General of Greece in Adelaide and Dean of the Consular Corps of SA, co-hosted a reception for the Greek community to commemorate the 203rdGreek Independence Day.
The event saw participation from a diverse array of attendees from the Greek community, representing their respective local and industry organisations, including members from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) and the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA).
In his address, the SA Premier commemorated the pivotal moment in history, stating that “203 years ago, revolution began, when the people of Greece rose up to throw off the chains of the Ottoman Empire, creating the first modern European nation state. Their courage did more than change Greece – it transformed the face of Europe.”
Premier Malinauskas addressing South Australian Greek Communities.
The Premier explained that the triumph of the Greek independence, which started as a small and underfunded revolutionary force, was the first expression of national character in an age when Europe was predominantly under imperial rule.
“For a full decade, the people of Greece fought for their liberty, an expression of the same revolutionary spirit from which the United States was born, and it fuelled the growing nationalist movements that would soon catch fire across Europe – first in Greece, then in Italy, Spain, Belgium, France and later Poland, Bulgaria and beyond,” he said.
The Premier added that Europe today was only made possible because of the bravery of the Greek people, being inspired by the cause of freedom and people being able to chart their own destiny in their own lands.
He concluded by thanking the Greek community for their role in forming the fabric of South Australian society, through their contribution to politics, the judiciary, arts, sports, and universities – but also, through their generosity and warmth in sharing the value systems that accord with South Australians and the Australian people more broadly.
Premier Malinauskas presented Mr Psiachas with a token for his hard work throughout the course of representing Greece in SA.
Mr Psiachas has been the Consul General for Greece in Adelaide for the past five years, with his term ending in July 2024. As a token of thanks, Premier Malinauskas presented Mr Psiachas with a token for his hard work throughout the course of representing Greece in SA.
Mr Psiachas then addressed the South Australian Greek community at his last South Australian Independence Day address.
“The Greek national perception, when we look into the past, [does] not stop two centuries ago. We delve back millennia, reaching all the way back to our glorious ancient history, as well as out of Byzantium which lasted over 11 centuries. During those times, Greeks contributed a lot to humanity in all fields of human achievement,” Mr Psiachas said.
The Consul General then offered an insightful overview of the modern Greek nation’s status within the global community and its economic landscape. Mr Psiachas detailed Greece’s position as a vital member of the European Union, emphasising its integration with the common Euro currency and its strategic importance in South-eastern Europe and the Mediterranean region.
Members of the Hellenic Consulate- General in South Australia.
The Hon. Julian Stefani with the Hon. Connie Bonaros MLC.Addressing gathering of South Australian Greek Communities.
Highlighting a significant turnaround, Mr Psiachas proudly announced that Greece has emerged from its financial crisis, witnessing a resurgence in foreign direct investment and an economic upturn. This revival is drawing people back to the country, encouraged by growing opportunities across various sectors.
According to Mr Psiachas, the past five years have been transformative for Greece, with comprehensive reforms undertaken to ensure long-term sustainability and growth. These reforms span environmental sustainability, renewable energy initiatives, the introduction of non-public educational services, and the revitalisation of key industries.
Mr Nick Chapley OAM, The Hon. Chief Justice Chris Kourakis, The Hon. Greg Crafter and the Hon. Julian Stefani.Mr Peter Charatisis and Mr George Vlahos.Mr Theodore Dalanas, Councillor Mary Couros, Mr Kosta Koutsonas and Mr Elias Demourtzidis.
This event, and the diverse range of Greek community representatives in attendance, emphasises the vibrant spirit and enduring strength of the Greek community in SA and the diaspora’s commitment to preserving and promoting Greek customs, traditions, and culture. As Greece strides toward a period of significant growth and prosperity, overcoming its recent challenges, the community in SA is energised by the progress and reforms in the homeland.
Ms Sue Farina and Ms Chrysoula Heisler.Ms Zaharoula Moutzouris, Mr Dion Vithoulkas , Mr Elia Hatzopoulos and Mr Jamieson Noutsatos.
Dignitaries included Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Energy and Mining The Hon. Tom Koutsantonis MP, The Hon. Zoe Bettison MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, The Hon. Andrea Michaels MP, Minister for Arts, Minister for Small and Family Business and Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, The Hon. Chris Kourakis, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of South Australia, The Hon. Olivia Savvas MP, Member for Newland, The Hon. Jing Lee MLC representing the Leader of the Opposition, The Hon. Connie Bonaros MLC, Mr Lee Dong, Consul General of the Peoples Republic of China, and Mr Enresto Pianelli, Consul General of Italy in South Australia.
The Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yannis Mallikourtis, held an official reception on Monday, March 25 at New South Wales Parliament to mark Greek Independence Day.
The event was held in the presence of a number of official guests including Greece’s Alternate Interior Minister, Theodoros Livanios; Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley, Governor of New South Wales; Archbishop Makarios of Australia; NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper MP; NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis MP; NSW Minister for Finance, Courtney Houssos MLC; Leader of the NSW Liberals, Mark Speakman; Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Coure MP; and Member for Miranda, Eleni Petinos MP.
All Photos Copyright: The Greek Herald
There were also number of other politicians, Greek and Cypriot community leaders, diplomats and Consular authorities from Slovenia, Italy, Cyprus, Japan, Indonesia, the United Kingdom and the United States, among many other countries.
On the night, youth stood proudly in traditional costumes provided by the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney, as guests sang the National Anthems of Greece and Australia.
Master of Ceremonies Paul Kaletsis then kicked off formal proceedings which included speeches by the Consul General, Mr Livanios, Archbishop Makarios, the NSW Governor and Minister Kamper.
In his speech, Mr Mallikourtis stated his appreciation of Australia and how its people embrace the celebration of Greek Independence Day and Greek culture more broadly.
Mr Mallikourtis.
He also highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Greece and Australia, based on shared values and common experiences, including tourism, trade, and addressing global challenges like wildfires.
In his speech, Mr Livanios said that Greece and Australia have strong historical ties, always fighting together on the right side of history in WWI and WWII. He also said he is incredibly proud of the Greek diaspora in Australia.
“The first wave of immigrants worked very hard, they worked with meraki, they worked with passion, they worked with love for their new homeland,” he said.
“Now you have great doctors, great politicians, great architects… It’s a wonderful feeling to see how the Greeks here have progressed. The second and third generation love Greece as much as their pappou and yiayia.”
Archbishop Makarios.
Archbishop Makarios spoke about how March 25th is a double celebration not only for Greek Independence Day, but also for the Annunciation of the Theotokos. He also spoke about the centenary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and stressed that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew would be visiting Australia in October.
The NSW Governor praised the Greek Australian community for their significant contributions to various fields, including business and professional communities. She also stressed how Greeks have demonstrated a commitment to the public good through their contributions to the greater community.
Minister Kamper was the last to speak about his Greek heritage and he reflected on the bicentenary of the Greek Revolution celebrated in 2021. He also spoke of the pride of Greeks and how the younger generation continue to maintain their Greek heritage.
At the conclusion of official proceedings, people were able to mingle amongst themselves and share their thoughts on the 1821 Greek Revolution.
As Canberra’s biggest Greek precinct, the Hellenic Club held a variety of events throughout the last week to commemorate this special day.
Kicking off from Tuesday, March 19 until Monday, March 25, the Hellenic Club held a “Greek Week” dedicated to the nation’s capital’s love for all things Greek.
Dance Group. All Photos Copyright: The Greek Herald / Evelyn Karatzas.
Jr Dance Group.Dance Group.
Dancing.
From ‘Ouzotini’ cocktails and delicious hot loukoumades to homemade koulourakia and Greek kafe at the kafenio, this special week had something on every day to honour Greek Independence Day.
There was a trivia night, Greek-inspired dishes at Ginseng Chinese restaurant, Greek dish specials at Fillos Taverna, a Greek DJ (DJ Stavro) playing music at Fillos, a Greek theatre show, and of course, plenty of music and dancing.
On Monday, March 25, several dance groups from the Canberra Hellenic Dancers also performed, as well as a live performance by a Greek local band, Kefi.
The evening commenced just before 6 pm and was opened with a speech by John Loukadellis, the Director and Chairman of the Community and Culture Committee of the Hellenic Club.
(L-R) Mr Venizelos’s wife, Mr Venizelos, Steve and John Loukadellis.
“For us Greek Australians, today we celebrate the importance of our faith, language and culture,” Mr Loukadellis said.
“We reflect on how Greeks of the time rose to resistance and freedom.”
After Mr Loukadelllis spoke, various groups from the Canberra Hellenic Dancers took to the stage.
After about 40 minutes of dance performances, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis presented his speech, reflecting on his pride to see so many people engaging in the Greek culture at the Hellenic Club.
He described the Hellenic Club as the ‘home’ for Greeks in Canberra.
“The Greeks are at their homes,” he said.
“There is no other city with a club like the Hellenic Club. It is the biggest, the most beautiful, and the most welcoming venue for Greeks and today we all celebrate here together.
Mr Venizelos and Mr Loukadellis.Antonis Sammoutis and Hellenic Club Vice President Jim Adrianopoulos.
“We have so many kids dancing and so many kids enrolled in the Greek school here, there’s just so much happening at the Club.
“The Greeks in Canberra are so close, and there might not be many of them, but they’re united, and that’s the purpose of today, for all of us to come together and unite.”
Following this, the former Consul General of Greece in Libya and new Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos shared a few words.
“Long live Greece. Long Live Australia,” Mr Venizelos said. “Xronia Polla.”
Kosta Vlahos singing.
Kefi Band then commenced their set, opening with a classic song to mark the event, ‘Na’tane to 21’, by local singer Kosta Vlahos.
The Hellenic Club was vibrant and full of people showcasing their pride for their culture by attending annual celebrations. The event, attended by families, friends, and guests, highlighted the significance of Greek Independence Day and recognised the commitment of the Greek community in Canberra to preserve and promote its rich cultural heritage.
The Great Club in Marrickville, Sydney hosted a special tribute show on Sunday, March 24 dedicated to the music of renowned Greek composer, Stavros Kougioumtzis.
‘A Tribute to Stavros Kougioumtzis’ by Irene Vacondios and Sotiris Procopiou was held in conjunction with the Greek Festival of Sydney.
The event welcomed people of all ages to come along and listen to Kougioumtzis’ classic hits, where more than 30 of his best were performed on stage.
Singer Irene described the night as a “wonderful show” with a “great turnout.”
Sotiris playing bouzouki. Photo: Jennifer Brankin.
She said people “young and old, enjoyed all the classics.”
“On the eve on March 25th – Greek Independence Day – the band and audience sang Na ‘tane to 21 in unison, which was such a wonderful experience,” Irene said.
Irene said the sing-alongs with the audience were electrifying.
“It was just wonderful to see so many new faces, and see young audiences bringing their parents and grandparents to come and watch the show,” she said.
“Sotiri and I would like to thank the Band, and the Greek Festival of Sydney, along with the magnificent audience.”
The event took place on Sunday, March 24. Photo: Jennifer Brankin.
Irene was joined on the stage by Procopiou and John Zaharis on bouzouki, John Logothetis, who played the keyboard, Ignatis Mariolas, who played the guitar, Theo Samartzis, who was on bass and George Constantinou, who was on drums.
They performed a variety of hasapika, zembekika, tsiftetelia, karsilamathes and ballads.
Archbishop Makarios of Australia welcomed Greece’s Alternate Minister of Interior, Theodore Livanios at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese (GOAA) in Sydney on Monday, March 25.
In addition, the Archbishop praised the Greek government for introducing the postal vote for the Greek diaspora to participate in the upcoming European elections and referendums. He urged support for attempts to expand this idea to national elections.
Theodoros Livanios. Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
The meeting was attended by Metropolitan Seraphim of Sevastia, Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yannis Mallikourtis, as well as associates of Minister Livanios.
The presentation of the Order of Philochristes with Star to the Minister took place at the end of the meeting. The Order of Philochristes with Star symbolises the deep appreciation of the GOAA for the minister’s exemplary dedication to the Church and the noble values of the Nation.
In his response, the Minister expressed sincere gratitude to Archbishop Makarios for his gracious welcome and generous hospitality, and commended the Archbishop for his significant contributions to the Greek community and Orthodoxy in Australia.
The Queensland Government will continue support for the state’s largest cultural event, the Paniyiri Greek Festival.
The festival, now in its 48th year, is expected to attract more than 50,000 people and will be held at the Greek Club in South Brisbane as well as Musgrave Park in West End.
Organised by the Greek Orthodox Community of St George, the two-day event is also Australia’s longest-running Greek festival and will be held on 18 and 19 May this year.
Visitors can expect Zorba dancing, plate smashing, honey puff eating competitions, and a pop-up Greek village.
There will also be cooking demonstrations, food stalls and cafes serving up a scrumptious variety of Greek delicacies.
All photos: paniyiri.com.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs and second-generation child of Greek parents, Charis Mullen, said Paniyiri was an immensely significant event on Queensland’s multicultural calendar.
“I’m so proud of my Greek heritage and, like thousands of Queenslanders, absolutely love Paniyiri.
“Queensland is a proudly multicultural state.
“We speak hundreds of languages and come from all corners of the globe, and it’s festivals like this that bring us all together to proudly share our multicultural heritage.
“Our vision is to see a unified, harmonious and inclusive Queensland and I’m proud to represent a government committed to supporting multicultural communities to showcase their culture and thrive.
“I can’t wait to visit Paniyiri with my family this year and would love to encourage everyone to put it in your calendars.
“You don’t want to miss out.”
Paniyiri Organising Committee Chair, Chris Kazonis OAM expressed that it was a fantasitc outcome for Paniyiri and Queensland’s Greek community, the southeast of the state in particular.
“As the largest multicultural festival in Queensland, the support of the Miles Labor Government is invaluable.
“This is one of the nation’s biggest festivals to showcase our food, music and art, and Australia’s longest running Greek festival.
“It’s time to dine, dance and party like a Greek.”
The Hellenic Museum of Melbourne buzzed with life on March 25th, capping off a weekend bursting with Greek Independence Day events. The air crackled with an energy of cultural pride and appreciation as Greek Australian community leaders, businesspeople, politicians, sports leaders, and clergy joined together.
Vicki Kyritsis, Spyridoula Demetriou, George Kotsirilos, Betty Dimitropoulos, Denise Zapantis. All photos copyright: The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.Hellenic Museum celebrations on March 25.An opportunity to converse with friends.
Peter Giasoumi, Dean Kotsiani and Michael Loutakis enjoy a stroll around the Hellenic Museum.A group of young guests, the future of the Greek community of Melbourne.Canapes and cocktails, with live music accompaniment.
Guests enjoying the Hellenic Museum’s garden.
Greek Consul General in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, host of the event, said, “Representing Greece is a tough job, but doing that in a city that has 30 Greek football teams and 530 Greek associations. How do you do that? It’s impossible. But thanks to all of you I have been able to do just that.”
He drew attention to the recent visit of Greece’s Alternate Interior Minister Theodoros Livanios and upcoming visits by Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou this year and of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in October.
Greek Consul General Emmanuel Kakavelakis.Greek Consul General Emmanuel Kakavelakis and lawyer Jenny Mikakos, Victoria’s former health minister during the COVID-19 pandemic.Greek Consul General Emmanuel Kakavelakis greets Greek Community of Melbourne President Bill Papastergiadis as other prominent Greeks wait in line.
Looking at the many groups that helped Greece achieve independence, he said that the success lay in everyone working together – “Oli mazi.”
Victorian Minister for Tourism, Steve Dimopoulos, representing Premier Jacinta Allan, said: “Almost 10 years ago, in my first speech in Parliament, one of the things I said was ‘I’m eternally proud and grateful for two things.’ One is that I was born in Australia and that I lay some small claim to 5,000-years of Hellenic heritage, extraordinary in its scope and depth. I think we’re all proud of that. We love this country, but we love that we were born to a legacy that is so extraordinary.”
Victoria’s Minister Steve Dimopoulos represented Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan.David Davies respresented Victoria’s Opposition Leader John Pesutto.Bill Papastergiadis.
David Davies, representing Victoria’s Leader of the Opposition John Pesutto, said, “Here, in Victoria, whether it’s in academia, whether it’s in business, whether it’s in politics, everywhere you look Greek community members are making an amazing contribution.”
“I’m going to unashamedly say that Greece is the foundation of democracy and 1821 is the rebirth of Greece coming forward again,” Mr Davies added.
Greek Community of Melbourne President Bill Papastergiadis highlighted the role of the diaspora in the 1821 Revolution, but he also focused on the role Greek Independence played in the “broader geopolitical framework.”
“It pivoted the geopolitical future of Europe. How did it do that? It inspired almost every other country to leave or push back on autocratic ruling, which was the mainstay of Europe at the time,” he said, pointing to countries that followed suit, including Belgium, Italy, Germany, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and Ireland.
Bishop Kyriakos.A full house at the Hellenic Museum.
Speakers emphasised the importance of freedom while acknowledging the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Additionally, Mr Dimopoulos highlighted the 100th anniversary of the Genocide of Christian minorities in Turkey.
Hellenic Museum’s Development and Engagement Manager Leslie Gurusinghe highlighted that it was 200 years since the death of Lord Byron on the battlefields of Messolonghi. He pointed to the yet-to-be announced “Spirit of Byron” exhibition to take place in April, the same month as the official Melbourne Greek Independence Day Parade on April 14th.
The Hellenic Museum’s Development and Engagement Manager announced a ‘Spirit of Byron’ exhibition to open in April.Evelyn Darzanos welcomes guests to the Hellenic Museum, and showcases some of its offerings.
Betty Dimitropoulos and Denise Zapantis with the Consul Generals and Ambassadors of the People’s Republic of China, Slovakia, Italy, Germany, Japan and Korea. Together they said, ‘Zito i Ellas’.Sofia Mastoris, outgoing president of the Hellenic Women’s Association, current Hellenic Women’s Association President Mary Lalios, Anemones President Nola Radiotis and Ange Kenos are served appetisers.
Greek Consul General Emmanuel Kakavelakis and his Chinese counterpart, Xinwen Fang.Manny Karvelas, Hellenic RSL President, with his wife Angela. ‘So many events, and we’ve had a busy weekend,’ he told the Greek Herald.
The focus on Byron, a great Philhellene, resonated well with the number of philhellenes at the event. Consul Generals and Ambassadors from the People’s Republic of China, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Korea, the United States, and the Slovak Republic were present.
“Can you say anything in Greek?” The Greek Herald asked them, “Ζήτω η Ελλάς! (Zito I ellas)” (Long live Greece!) they said in unison.
The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) hosted its annual Greek National Day dinner dance at the historic Panarcadian Association Hall on Friday, March 22.
The event brought together members of the Greek community, community leaders and public figures, in a vibrant atmosphere where good food and good times sat large in the menu.
The event, which is designed to celebrate Melbourne’s Greek community whilst commemorating Greek National Day and the great War of Independence, featured a program anchored by popular Melbourne band Anagenisi and featured a moving performance by the GCM’s own acclaimed Dance Group.
The event brought together members of the Greek community, community leaders and public figures, in a vibrant atmosphere. The annual Greek National Day dinner dance music.
The event was well patronised by prominent Greek and philhellene political figures who were all provided with an opportunity to present a greeting.
The guest speakers included Federal Minister Bill Shorten, the Federal member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou, Victorian Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs Nick Staikos, state MP Kat Theophanous, Deputy Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne Nicholas Reece and the visiting Greek Deputy Minister for the Interior, Theodoros Livanios.
The President of GCM, Bill Papastergiadis OAM, expressed his deep appreciation for the overwhelming love and support from all the attendees and said “This event, is not just a celebration, but also a symbol of the enduring strength and unity of our community. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage, nurturing community ties, and passing down traditions to the generations to come.”
The event was well patronised by prominent Greek and philhellene political figures who were all provided with an opportunity to present a greeting.
He continued, emphasising the importance of celebrating Greek Independence Day.
“Celebrating Greek Independence Day serves as a poignant reminder of our collective history, marking the journey from oppression to freedom and the sacrifices made along the way. It symbolises the triumph of democracy, liberty, and the enduring spirit of our homeland,” Mr Papastergiadis said.
“Τhis commemoration also sheds light on the road that lies ahead, reminding us of the challenges we still face and the importance of remaining vigilant in safeguarding our hard-won freedoms. As we honour the struggles of the past, we are inspired to continue working towards a future marked by progress, unity, and prosperity for all.”
Reflecting on the night Leonidas Vlahakis, Chair of the GCM Cultural Committee, remarked, “It was heartening to see the venue largely filled with young people who are developing a strong connection to their culture and to the GCM. These events are an important link to the continuity of our organisation. With events like this one, the GCM continues to unite the community in celebration and solidarity, ensuring that the spirit of Greece shines brightly in Melbourne and beyond.”
The enchanting performance of the GCM Dance Group at the Panarcadian Association Hall.
One of the highlights of the evening was undoubtedly the enchanting performance of the GCM Dance Group who presented a pot-pouri of dance and song from all corners of Greece. Impeccably dressed in vibrant traditional costumes, the dancers showcased their considerable talents captivating the audience with their graceful movements.
Nick Papefthimiou, the leader of the GCM Dance Group, stated, “We feel honoured to showcase the dances of the Sarakatsan nomads of Greece. Among these dances, the stavroto holds particular significance as it pays homage to blood brother relationships. Attendees also had the chance to glimpse into fading vocal traditions—songs seldom performed by musicians and unaccompanied by instrumentation. These melodies, unique to their villages, are sadly fading as older generations gradually depart.”
The event went well into the night and featured the drawing of a raffle where one lucky guest won a trip to Greece on Scoot airlines as Anagenisi poured on the dance tracks for the energetic crowd.
*All photos by Constantly Flashing / Peter Kakalias.
Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, accompanied by his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau, made a significant presence at the March 25 parade organised by Greek Community associations of Greater Montreal on Sunday (local time).
Expressing his gratitude for the invitation, Prime Minister Mitsotakis emphasised the vibrancy of Hellenism in Canada, stating, “the heart of Hellenism beats very strongly here in Canada, and the message of March 25 reverberates lively and timely throughout the world and in Canada as well.”
He further highlighted the historic occasion of Greeks abroad being able to vote by mail from their permanent country of residence for the first time, acknowledging the pivotal role of Canada in this milestone.
Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, accompanied by his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau, made a significant presence at the March 25 parade. Photo: Press Office Canada PM.
Mitsotakis extended his appreciation to Prime Minister Trudeau for the opportunity to partake in the “glorious parade, on this very important day.”
In response, Prime Minister Trudeau commended the Greek Canadian community as “an incredibly dynamic community” that has significantly enriched Canada. He acknowledged the enduring pride of Greek Canadians in their heritage and expressed his delight in joining the celebrations.
Before the parade, both leaders attended a celebratory liturgy at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, underscoring the deep cultural and religious ties between Greece and Canada.
Fostering personal connections within the community. Photo: Press Office Canada PM.
Mitsotakis and Trudeau also engaged with Greek Canadian store owners and customers, fostering personal connections within the community.
During an interview with Canadian TV station CTV and journalist Vassy Kapelos later that day, Mitsotakis highlighted the historic nature of his visit as the first by a Greek prime minister in nearly 41 years.
He elaborated on the bilateral relations between Greece and Canada, as well as the free-trade agreement between Canada and the European Union. Mitsotakis outlined Greece’s evolving economic landscape and emphasised the country’s role as a significant gateway for liquefied natural gas (LNG), particularly in supplying the Greek market, the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and potentially Ukraine.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ official visit to Canada concluded on Monday, marking a milestone in bilateral relations and reaffirming the strong bonds between the two nations.
