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The history of Apokries and how it came about

Evelyn Karatzas
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The history of Apokries and how it came about

Have you ever stumbled across videos and photos of people in Greece dressed up in costumes and partying for weeks on end ahead of Easter and wondered why?

Every year, on the weekend prior to Orthodox Lent, a carnival season called ‘Apokries’ takes place. It is celebrated throughout most Orthodox countries around the world and marks the last celebration before 40 days of fasting.

Apokries Carnival.
Xanthi, Greece- March 6, 2011: Friends celebrating in the annual Carnival Parade in Xanthi, Greece wearing different costumes.

The word itself, Apokries, comes from the Greek words ‘apo’ and ‘kreas’ which translates to ‘from meat,’ meaning abstaining from meat. It symbolises the commencement of the Lent fast which includes having no meat for 40 days.

Apokries Carnival.
Apokries Carnival.

Apokries origins

The roots of Apokries can be traced back to ancient Greece where festivals dedicated to Dionysus were celebrated to welcome the rebirth associated with the arrival of spring.

These ancient festivals and celebrations were marked by large feasts, music, and dance, as well as people wearing masks and dressing up in costumes.

As time went on and centuries passed, these pagan rituals intertwined with Christian practices, eventually leading to the Apokries carnival season becoming a dedicated lead-up to Lent practice.

Apokries Carnival.
Apokries Carnival in Patras.

When and where do Apokries take place?

Apokries typically begins ten weeks before Greek Orthodox Easter. The official commencement takes place on the Saturday and Sunday before ‘kathari deftera’ (clean Monday), which is the first official day of fasting.

Apokries is something widely celebrated through all parts of Greece, and often leads to different islands and cities in Greece hosting their own parties and events as part of the festivities.

One of the most renowned carnivals that takes place in Greece is in the vibrant city of Patras. Here, a grand parade is held, the city is decorated and people dress in colourful costumes.

In northern Greece, the city of Xanthi hosts a big parade, and on the island of Corfu, the carnival is filled with people dressed in Baroque costumes and street theatre performances.

Some of the smaller towns and villages throughout Greece also hold ancient fertility rituals for the carnival season. In Tyrnavos, they host an annual Phallus Festival as part of Apokries, which consists of people parading phallic symbols through the streets, wearing questionable costumes, and chanting songs. This festival is more than a century old, with its first written records dating back to 1898.

Apokries Carnival.
Apokries Carnival Land.

Apokries in modern days

While Apokries has its ties to ancient traditions, it continues to evolve and embrace modern interpretations of celebrations. From elaborate parades to cultural performances and extravagant feasts, Apokries offer a rich experience for both locals and visitors in Greece ahead of Lent to enjoy.

This year, Orthodox Easter will take place on Sunday, 5 May. Lent will commence from Monday, March 18 until Saturday, May 4.

Alphington Grammar loses fight to stop construction of mental health facility next door

The Greek Herald
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Alphington Grammar loses fight to stop construction of mental health facility next door

Melbourne private school, Alphington Grammar, launched an unsuccessful legal bid to block a 24-hour mental health facility from being built next door, after it argued it posed a risk to students’ safety and would affect its future viability.

According to The Guardian, Yarra City Council approved a development permission for the facility to be built near to Alphington Grammar School last year.

The school then attempted to have the ruling overturned by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (Vcat).

But a Vcat decision handed down last month found that the facility had a “net community benefit” and the school’s argument – that it would present an unacceptable risk to students and its community – were unfounded.

“We find the operation of a mental health facility will have negligible risk to the school students and community provided it operates in accordance with the OMP [operational management plan] and conditions on the permit,” the tribunal found.

The school had contended that the facility, which would provide overnight and same-day treatment for adults with mild to moderate psychiatric conditions, would expose students to potential interactions with clients on their way to school.

Vcat, in response, decided to accept the evidence of Prof Louise Newman, a psychiatrist called by the Healthe Care Group set to be built, who said clients receiving treatment would have low to moderate mental health issues and were  “more likely to be reserved and unlikely to engage in disturbing public behaviour”.

They agreed with her suggestion – rather than the building be stopped – that students be “supported in developing mental health resilience,” as opposed to the school’s position that they needed to be sheltered from any negative consequences.

Source: The Guardian

Meet Yiana Roumeliotis: One of the inspiring IWD panellists for Sydney event

The Greek Herald
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Meet Yiana Roumeliotis: One of the inspiring IWD panellists for Sydney event

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, the 42nd Greek Festival of Sydney, in collaboration with The Greek Herald, will hold an inspiring event to recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements of Greek women in Australia and around the world.

Taking place on Friday, 8 March 2024, at the Prince Henry Centre at Little Bay, Sydney from 6.30pm, the IWD event will feature a dynamic panel discussion highlighting the diverse contributions of multigenerational Greek women to multicultural communities.

The esteemed panellists for the night are:

  • Andriana Simos: Panel Moderator & Digital Editor at The Greek Herald
  • Jenny Zagas: Principal at Lucas Gardens School & Disability Advocate
  • Anais Menounos: Sydney Lawyer & Co-founder of the St Nicholas Mission Academy in Ghana, Africa
  • Marika Kontellis: Director at Zakumi Consulting, CEO at Inner Sydney Voice, CEO at Council on the Ageing NSW
  • Yiana Roumeliotis: Community Engagement Officer at the Addison Road Community Organisation

In the lead up to the event – which will also feature the inaugural presentation of The Greek Herald Woman of the Year award – we will showcase each panellist and their accomplishments.

International-womens-day-1-1392x783
The event will also feature the inaugural presentation of The Greek Herald Woman of the Year award.

Who is Yiana Roumeliotis:

Yiana Roumeliotis is a qualified social worker in the role of Community Engagement Officer at The Addison Road Community Organisation (Addi Road) – which is an independent, non-government-funded charity with a commitment to the environment, social justice, and arts and culture. 

She has been inspired by her grandparents’ journey as Greek migrants to Australia in search of a better life. She works and lives with the belief that every person should have the right to meet their full potential and is passionate about supporting and empowering diverse individuals and communities in times of need.

Admission to the event is free, but booking is essential via the following link: https://trybooking.com/COSLU

Event Details:

  • WHAT: Celebrating International Women’s Day
  • WHEN: Friday 8 March 2024, 6.30pm
  • WHERE: Prince Henry Centre, 2 Coast Hospital Rd, Little Bay, NSW, 2036
  • FREE EVENT | Bookings Essential via this link: https://trybooking.com/COSLU

Natalie Kyriacou and CARE Australia spotlight vital role of women in overcoming poverty

The Greek Herald
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Natalie Kyriacou and CARE Australia spotlight vital role of women in overcoming poverty

This International Women’s Day, CARE Australia will celebrate women as global change-makers amid increasingly frequent conflicts and climate-related crises with Ashleigh Streeter-Jones, Natalie Kyriacou OAM, and Justine Cullen spearheading the initiative as ambassadors.

In its third consecutive year, the ambassadors will champion CARE Australia’s Her Circle initiative which recognises that: when one woman rises, she brings four others with her – also referred to as the ‘multiplier effect.’ Decades of CARE’s experience from around the world demonstrates that, although women are the most impacted by poverty, conflict and disaster, they are also the key to overcoming it. 

Inspiring women to seize opportunities, pursue sustainable livelihoods, and become leaders of their communities, CARE Australia fights for gender, climate and economic justice globally.

In Vanuatu, CARE Australia is supporting diverse groups of women to build economic resilience, which is critical to enabling communities to prepare for, adapt to, and recover from the impacts of climate change.

The impact doesn’t stop there. In 2023 alone, CARE Australia supported over 1.37 million people across 23 countries and delivered humanitarian assistance to more than 445,000 people in times of crisis. 

Suzi Chinnery, Head of Capability and Impact at CARE Australia, said: “Around the world, women are bearing the responsibility of increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and conflicts, which are exacerbated by rising economic inequality and climate change.

“Our aim for this year’s Her Circle campaign is to demonstrate how, despite these adversities, women hold the solution to lift their families, communities, and the world out of poverty – a critical step in our path towards gender equality.”

Recognised environmental and social impact leader, Natalie Kyriacou OAM said: “Women are often the invisible architects of social progress, their legacy lives in the communities that are rebuilt, the lives that are saved, and the societies that are safeguarded.

“The great leaders of society have always been right in front of us, they were just cast into the shadows. In every thriving society, in every safeguarded community, you will undoubtedly find the footprints of the women who made it happen.”

Gender equality activist and Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient Ashleigh Streeter-Jones said: “As a longstanding advocate for gender equality and recognising the power of women as catalysts for change, I’m thrilled to serve as a Her Circle ambassador.

“Investing in women not only empowers individuals but is key to poverty alleviation and fostering global peace. In times of increasing crisis and conflict, it’s never been so crucial that we uplift women as leaders in their communities.”

To learn more and find out how you can make a difference, visit care.org.au/her-circle.

Greek Community of Melbourne announces 2024 ‘XOROS’ dinner dance

The Greek Herald
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Greek Community of Melbourne announces 2024 ‘XOROS’ dinner dance

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) has announced the 2024 ‘ΧΟRΟS’ Dinner Dance, scheduled to take place on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Panarcadian Association Hall.

Attendees will be treated to a sit-down meal providing the perfect opportunity to enjoy a delicious dinner with friends before hitting the dance floor.

Adding to the excitement, the music legends of laiko, Anagennisi band, will be gracing the event. They will keep everyone on their feet throughout the night, playing popular Greek hits.

The 2024 ‘XOROS’ – GCM Dinner Dance offers a unique opportunity for people to come together to dine, dance and create lasting memories.

GCM Dinner Dance invitation.
GCM Dinner Dance invitation.

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday, March 22
  • Location: Panarcadian Association Hall (570 Victoria St, North Melbourne, VIC, 3051)
  • Doors Open: 6:30pm
  • Start Time: 7:00pm

To book your tickets, visit: “XOΡΟΣ” – THE 2024 GCM DINNER DANCE.

Greek Independence Day march returns to Sydney Opera House

Andriana Simos
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Greek Independence Day march returns to Sydney Opera House

The Greek Independence Day march to the Sydney Opera House will take place this year for the first time in four years.

Greek Independence Day is celebrated every year on March 25th and commemorates the start of the War of Greek Independence in 1821. It coincides with the Greek Orthodox Church’s celebration of the Annunciation to the Theotokos.

The Sydney march typically saw crowds of between 5,000 and 8,000 people turn up to celebrate Greek Independence Day, but it has not been held since 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic first broke out across NSW.

sydney opera house greek independence day1
Sydney Opera House lit up for Greek Independence Day in 2021.

In the years after 2020 when the state government lifted pandemic restrictions on outdoor gatherings, The Greek Herald reported that the parades were axed predominantly due to the uncertainty around public health orders, as well as the issue of allowing only a certain number of community members to attend the festivities.

This year though, the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW in conjunction with the Parishes-Communities of NSW of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, are inviting people to attend a wreath laying ceremony and march to the Sydney Opera House on Sunday, March 24.

At 1pm, a memorial service and wreath laying ceremony will be held at the Martin Place Cenotaph in Sydney. This will be followed by a march at about 2.30pm to the Opera House, where there will be formalities and entertainment.

Bulldogs receive support for $50m ‘Centre of Excellence’ in Belmore

The Greek Herald
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Bulldogs receive support for $50m ‘Centre of Excellence’ in Belmore

A community campaigner has described a multimillion-dollar concept for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs‘ hybrid training and administration complex as a “game changer” for the future of rugby league in southwest Sydney.

The $50 million ‘Centre of Excellence’ project would revamp the Bulldogs’ home base at Belmore Oval Sports Complex, located at 3B Edison Lane in Belmore.

Artist impressions of the proposed Bankstown Centre for Excellence at Belmore Sports Ground.
Artist impressions of the proposed Bankstown Centre for Excellence at Belmore Sports Ground. Photo: The Daily Telegraph.
Artist impressions of the proposed Bankstown Centre for Excellence at Belmore Sports Ground.
Artist impressions of the proposed Bankstown Centre for Excellence at Belmore Sports Ground. Photo: The Daily Telegraph.

At last week’s council meeting, Canterbury-Bankstown councillors unanimously supported the proposal and agreed in principle to a new long-term leasing agreement with the Bulldogs.

According to The Daily Telegraph, planners declare that there is “mutual benefit” in council approving the site as the club could create new junior rugby league teams in a “bespoke” sporting centre.

“The club estimates that developing the Centre for Excellence will potentially increase those participating in these programs by 5,000 people across the local community,” planners state.

A Bulldogs representative stated that the team plans to begin works on the project in 2025.

Source: The Daily Telegraph

Consul of Greece in Perth visits Archbishop Makarios of Australia

The Greek Herald
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Consul of Greece in Perth visits Archbishop Makarios of Australia

The Consul of Greece in Perth, Georgia Karasiotou paid a visit to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia headquarters in Sydney on Monday, March 4, 2024, accompanied by her husband and two children.

They were cordially welcomed by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, where an amicable discussion followed between the Archbishop and the Greek ambassador, with a focus on Hellenism in Western Australia.

Archbishop Makarios of Australia and Consul of Greece in Perth, Georgia Karasiotou.
Archbishop Makarios of Australia and Consul of Greece in Perth, Georgia Karasiotou during a previous meeting.

Mrs. Karasiotou’s visit to the Archbishop occurred in anticipation of the end of her tenure at the Greek Consulate in Perth.

Archbishop Makarios praised Karasiotou for the close and productive collaboration she had formed with the local Church in recent years, and wished her success in the future responsibilities she would pursue after finishing her diplomatic mission on the fifth continent.

The Consul, on her part, expressed gratitude for the generous cooperation and wished the Archbishop good health and strength to continue the excellent pastoral work he is doing in Australia for both Orthodoxy and Hellenism.

Samian community enjoy Sydney Harbour cruise

The Greek Herald
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Samian community enjoy Sydney Harbour cruise

By Takis Triadafillou.

The Samian Brotherhood of Sydney and NSW ‘Lykourgos’ enjoyed a cruise on Sydney Harbour on Sunday, March 3. The cruise was intended to honour the integration of Samos with Mother Greece. 

In a speech on the day, Vice President of the Samian Brotherhood, Soula Gerasimou, thanked everyone for attending, including Publisher of The Greek Herald, Dimitra Skalkos, President of the Hellenic Lyceum Sydney, Liana Vertzayias, and President of Panachaian Philanthropical Association, Katerina Vetsikas.

Samian cruise
Samian cruise
All photos copyright: The Greek Herald.
Samian cruise

“The Samians played a decisive role in the union of Samos with Greece as they took advantage of the favourable circumstances and expressed with courage and determination the ideal of unity, which had been kept alive on the island for more than 80 years,” Mrs Gerasimou added.

“Samians are examples of dynamic and patriotic personalities who contributed to national unity and the historical vindication of Hellenism. We honour them and owe them our freedom.”

Samian cruise
Samian cruise
Samian cruise

President of the Samian Brotherhood, Emmanuel Valageorgiou also thanked all cruise attendees, and said Samians in Sydney celebrate the unification of the island with Mother Greece every year.

It was also mentioned that donations towards a hospital in Samos will be sent through at the end of March. 

Samian cruise
Samian cruise
Samian cruise

The rest of the day was full with joy, laughter, music and plenty of dancing. 

It was an opportunity for members to come together and remember the importance of unity and contributions of the Samian community in Sydney.

Qantas fined $250,000 for illegally standing down Theo Seremetidis 

The Greek Herald
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Qantas fined $250,000 for illegally standing down Theo Seremetidis 

Qantas has been fined $250,000 and convicted for illegally standing down former worker, Theo Seremetidis during the pandemic after he raised concerns about the risk of COVID-19 to staff cleaning aircraft from China.

Seremetides, who was an elected health and safety representative at the time employed by subsidiary Qantas Ground Services (QGS) at Sydney International Airport, was sidelined in early 2020.

NSW District Court Judge David Russell last year found the airline engaged in discriminatory conduct, accepting that Seremetidis was unfairly kept cut off from other staff who were seeking his help.

Qantas last week agreed to pay Seremetidis $21,000 for economic and non-economic loss.

Former QANTAS cleaner, Theo Seremetidi leaves the Downing Centre District Court, John Madison Tower, Sydney, Friday, November 3, 2023. Photo: AAP/Dean Lewins.

Today, Judge Russell ordered that QGS be convicted and fined $250,000, finding that the conduct involved significant culpability and was deliberate rather than inadvertent.

“The conduct against Mr Seremetidis was quite shameful,” the judge said.

Half of the fine was ordered to be paid to the prosecutor.

The NSW Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis has welcomed the landmark conviction and fine of Qantas.

“As a first principle no Work Health and Safety rep should be stood down for doing their job,” Ms Cotsis said.

“I greatly appreciate the work that the TWU has done to support workplace health and safety. I am also very pleased SafeWork took the initiative in this case to ensure the rights of Health and Safety reps were protected.

Sophie Cotsis. Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP Photos.
Sophie Cotsis. Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP Photos.

“Let this case stand as a warning, not just to Qantas but to all employers, not to discriminate against their health and safety reps.

“Given this was a first-of-its-kind case, the New South Wales Government will take time to review the outcome.”

In a statement a Qantas spokesperson said the airline accepted the penalties.

“We agreed to compensation for Theo Seremetidis and the court has today made orders for that compensation to be paid,” the spokesperson said.

“We acknowledged in court the impact that this incident had on Mr Seremetidis and apologised to him.”

Source: ABC

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