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Holy Synod states Greece’s same-sex marriage bill overlooks interests of children

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The Holy Synod of the Church of Greece has sent a letter to members of the Greek Parliament in preparation of the legislative vote on the bill affecting same-sex couples’ marriage and adoption rights.

The seven-page letter highlights the Synod’s appeal to MPs, drawing their attention to how the proposed legislation “does not merely address the immediate concerns of specific individuals within the LGBTQ+ community through temporary measures but fundamentally alters the foundational institution of family throughout the country.” 

The first page of the seven page letter.
The first page of the seven page letter.

Gender neutrality in the parent-child relationship is the main concern of the Holy Synod, claiming that the bill converts parents from traditional father and mother duties to neutral guardians, putting same-sex couples’ rights ahead of future children’s welfare.

Addressing the human rights issue, the Holy Synod challenges if aligning with the majority of progressive cultures should replace a child’s natural need for both a father and a mother, claiming that “the Greek people remain progressive” while “prioritising the fundamental functions of both parents in child development.”

The Holy Synod also believes that conflicting regulations suggest surrogacy, if allowed in foreign states, potentially leads to the economic exploitation of vulnerable women: “The aforementioned factors serve as incentives for the economic exploitation of vulnerable women, both within Greece and beyond its borders, reducing them to the status of professionally operated breeding machines.”

Widespread farming protest movement hits Greece

A widespread farmering protest movement is occurring across Europe, with multiple countries including Greece seeing farmers uniting in protest of low wages.

The movement, sparked by worries about the impact of low salaries, strenuous regulation, and the entry of cheap imports, has seen farmers from Spain, Italy, Germany, Romania, and Greece join in demanding for action.

Hundreds of farmers from areas within Northern Greece met on Thursday at Thessaloniki’s annual agricultural fair with 300 tractors, to press demands for greater support of the farming sector.

Protesting farmers with their tractors take part in a rally outside an agricultural fair in the port city of Thessaloniki, northern Greece, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. Photo Giannis Papanikos AP News.
Protesting farmers with their tractors take part in a rally outside an agricultural fair in the port city of Thessaloniki, Northern Greece on Thursday, February 1. Photo: Giannis Papanikos / AP News.
One of the angry farmers who converged on the agricultural fair in Thessaloniki on Thursday. Photo Sakis Mitrolidis AFP.
One of the angry farmers who converged on the agricultural fair in Thessaloniki on Thursday. Photo: Sakis Mitrolidis / AFP.

Under the European Commission’s proposal – introduced by France with the assistance of Greece – allows farmers the option to cultivate land that should have remained fallow.

According to Ekathimerini, the proposal also allows farmers to make a double profit because they would be able to sell the products grown on that property without being exempt from the scheduled aid.

Farmers will also be exempt from any inspections or fines irrespective of the protests.

Greece’s Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the farmers at a roadblock in Vonitsa on Wednesday and assured them that the government will do all possible to help the farming community.

“Support for the primary sector is a priority,” Mitsotakis said.

The farmers announced they will remain at Thessaloniki’s YMCA square until February 4.

Source: AP News and Ekathimerini

Mount Olympus’ height re-measured a century later

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A century after the Swiss surveyor and alpinist Marcel Kurz in 1921, a group of climbers, research geologists and topography specialists have calculated again the altitude of Mt Olympus in Greece.

According to ekathimerini.com, the last attempt to calculate Olympus’ altitude showed that the mountain ‘s height was 2,917.85 meters.

This time, the team calculated the elevation of Mytikas, the highest peak, to be 2,917.727 meters, which was not far off Kurz’s estimate.

Calling their venture AltiZeus, the team took its first measurements in September 2022.

Mount Olympus. Photo: iStock

Then, on the sidelines of the PalAeolus science project, which studies the paleoclimate in Southeast Europe by collecting ice cores, the team packed its own topographic equipment (GPS/GNSS, high-altitude rovers, precision instruments, tripods, drones, computers and drills) in the 1.5 tons of tools, devices and other supplies it carried up the mountain.

The scientists came up with their final estimate after returning for new data collection in October 2023. 

Source: ekathimerini.com

Stelios Birbas opens new homemade gelato bar in Adelaide

The team behind an award-winning pizzeria in Western Adelaide, “Pizza Meccanica”, has launched a new homemade gelato bar right next to it.

Gelato Meccanica just opened in Bowden, located in the same converted warehouse on Hawker St.

According to the Advertiser, Stelio Birbas, the owner of Meccanica, graphic designer and car enthusiast, described the eatery as an “old school, authentic” gelato bar using the same “timeless philosophies” employed in Italy.

“Our goal was to craft a product unlike any other, aligning with the same principles we apply to our renowned Neapolitan pizzas,” he said.

Photo: facebook / Pizza Meccanica

“By exclusively using distinctive and fresh ingredients we are genuinely passionate about, we aim to share our philosophy with everyone, confident that they would embrace it with the same enthusiasm.”

There are flavours including traditional favourites such as pistachio, plus strawberries and cookies, espresso and lemon sorbet.

There’s also a “Boozy Gelato” range featuring alcohol-infused gelato.

“We’re thrilled about embarking on this new venture and eagerly anticipate everyone’s visit to taste and enjoy our gelato,” he said.

Source: The Advertiser

Three stolen ancient artifacts repatriated to Greece

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Emory University’s Michael C. Carlos Museum is set to repatriate to Greece three ancient artifacts, which were believed to have been looted from distinct regions within the country—Crete, Epirus, and Attica—and illegally exported abroad.

According to amna, among the repatriated items is a Minoan larnax (coffin) decorated with fish dating back to the 14th century B.C. Additionally, a statue depicting a young woman leaning on a tree trunk, believed to originate from Epirus and dating to the 2nd century B.C., will be returned.

Photo: amna.gr

There is also included a statue of a seated figure, originating from the relief of an Attican funerary stele in the shape of a temple, dating from the third quarter of the 4th century B.C.

“It took more than 16 years before we reached this outcome today. During this time, the Greek side was constantly enriching the documentation with new evidence of their illegal trafficking,” Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said.

Source: amna.gr

Abandoned ancient wine shop discovered in Greece

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Archaeologists have uncovered a Roman-era wine shop, which was destroyed following a sudden event that resulted in the owners vacating it.

According to smithsonianmag, the 1,600-year-old site is located in the ancient city of Sicyon in southern Greece.

The findings were presented by Scott Gallimore, an archaeologist at Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada, and Martin Wells, a classics scholar at ​​Austin College, at the annual meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America in Chicago.

Marble tabletops, broken pottery and some 60 bronze coins were spotted in the site. Many of the coins were made during Constantius II’s reign, which lasted from 337 to 361 C.E.

Photo: Scott Gallimore

Experts suppose that it could have been an earthquake or dangerous weather conditions that caused the structure to collapse.

The site, where possibly the owners were selling wine and products such as olive oil, was part of a building complex that included areas with kilns and tools to press grapes or olives.

Wine played a vital role in ancient Roman culture across upper- and lower-class communities.

Many questions remain about the Sicyon shop, including what kind of wine would have been offered.

Source: smithsonianmag.gr

Cultural programs for diaspora Cypriots in Australia now accepting applications

NEPOMAK is the Organisation for Young Overseas Cypriots, supported by the Youth Board of Cyprus and the Presidential Commissioners Office and volunteers from all around the world. 

Every year NEPOMAK runs subsidised programs in Cyprus for 18 to 30-year-olds to connect with their heritage, learn more about Cyprus and learn Greek.

Applications are open now and close on Sunday, February 4. 

NEPOMAK Discover Cyprus Program 

NEPOMAK Program 2024
Information for the EPOMAK Discover Cyprus Program. Photo: Supplied.

The NEPOMAK Discover Cyprus Program (NDCP) is an immersive 3-week program learning about Cyprus by taking Greek language classes, visiting historic sites, and experiencing the best nightlife that the island has to offer.

The cost of accommodation, excursions, course fees and partial flight fares are covered by NEPOMAK with support from the Government of Cyprus and the Youth Board of Cyprus.

Tour dates: 1 – 22 July 2024

Requirements: 

  • At least 1 Cypriot grandparent
  • Aged 18-22 inclusive
  • Registered member of NEPOMAK 

Apply for NDCP before Sunday 4 February: https://nepomak.org/ndcp 

NEPOMAK Cyprus Culture Tour

NEPOMAK Program 2024
Information for the NEPOMAK Cyprus Culture Tour. Photo: Supplied.

The NEPOMAK Cyprus Culture Tour (NCCT) is an unforgettable 10-days exploring Cyprus through professional tours and authentic experiences. Enjoy the best Cypriot cuisine, explore ancient places, and marvel at the

island’s natural beauty.

All accommodation, activities, and travel during the tour are subsidised by NEPOMAK with the support of the Government of Cyprus and Youth Board of Cyprus.

Tour dates: 25 July – 5 August 2024.

Requirements: 

  • At least 1 Cypriot grandparent
  • Aged 23-30 inclusive
  • Registered member of NEPOMAK 

Apply for NCCT before Sunday 4 February: https://nepomak.org/ncct.

George Kambosos Jr says ‘legacy on the line’ ahead of biggest fight in Australian history

On May 12, the Greek Australian fighter, George Kambosos Jr will go head-to-head against boxing icon Vasily Lomanchenko.

Taking place in Perth, Western Australia, the pair will be fighting for the IBF lightweight world title.

For Kambosos, the competition is about more than a belt, money, titles, fame, or cars.

“This fight rejuvenates my career. It’s redemption,” the 30-year-old fighter told The Daily Telegraph.

Kambosos
Kambosos competing in a fight. Photo: Getty

“I’ve been in big fights, won big fights, lost big fights. This is about legacy. It’s not about money, or winning a world title. It’s legacy. And that’s the same for Lomachenko.

“Our careers are on the line. Legacy is on the line.”

The Ukranian fighter said this was the biggest fight in Australian history.

“It’s about legacy and showing that only one of us will continue with their career,” Lomanchenko said.

“One of us will go not where we want to go… So, I’m very motivated, I know he’s motivated, and on May 12 a true war will come to Perth.”

Source: Code Sports.

Marcus Stoinis re-signs with Melbourne Stars for three years

The Greek Australian cricketer, Marcus Stoinis, has re-signed with the Melbourne Stars, extending his time at the KFC Big Bash club to a 14th season after signing a three-year deal

The 34-year-old, who arrived at the Stars in 2013-14 (BBL|03) following a season at the Perth Scorchers, is set to remain at the Victorian club until season 2026-27 (BBL|16).

The Australian 2021 T20 World Cup winner is one of Stars’ greatest ever players, coming second in the all-time run scorers at the club and sixth in the wicket takers.

Stoinis has played 98 games for the Stars and will become just the second player to reach the 100-game milestone at the club.

“Marcus is obviously one of the most experienced and well performed T20 players in Australia over the last decade and for him to commit for another three seasons is a great demonstration of the faith he has in where we are headed,” Melbourne Stars General Manager Blair Crouch said.

“He is one of the most in-demand T20 players in the world and as we saw on New Year’s Eve again this year, when he was at his destructive best, he is one of very few players who can win a match off his own bat. 

“As well as what Marcus brings on the field, he, along with the other senior players will play a huge role over the next few years in developing the next generation at the Stars.”

Stoinis has previously represented Australia at ODI level as well as in major T20 cricket competitions around the world including the IPL.

Source: Cricket Australia.

Former Newington College student Tony Retsos protests against move to go co-ed

A parent protest took place outside prestigious Sydney boys’ school Newington College on Wednesday, January 31, after backlash intensified around the school’s proposal to become co-ed.

Known for its 160 years of history as an elite all-boys school in Sydney’s inner west suburb of Stanmore, Newington College recently announced it would transform into a fully co-educational school by 2033.

According to News.com.au, the school said it would begin accepting girls into kindergarten and year 5 from 2026.

This left many parents and past students furious, with many protesting outside school gates on Wednesday holding placards.

College Headmaster Michael Parker wrote a letter to parents on Tuesday night saying the school had increased staff presence at the gates, in preparation for the planned protest.

“While we acknowledge people’s right to share their opinions, the first day of the school year is all about the current students,” he said in his letter.

newington college tony retsos
Tony Retsos at the protest. Photo: Kate Geraghty.

This did not deter protesters.

Tony Retsos was a graduate of Newington in 1977, and said the college had a long history as “an elite boys’ school and the process to consult [on the co-ed proposal] wasn’t sufficient.”

“All we want is for the decision to be reversed and a proper consultation. Without more information the decision is unfathomable,” Mr Retsos told The Sydney Morning Herald.

Mr Retsos sent his son to Newington and now as a grandfather of two girls, he said he couldn’t see them being sent to a co-ed Newington in the future.

An online petition has now been formed which objects to the co-ed move. It has already collected 2,300 signatures, and a separate group of parents have threatened legal action against the college over the plan to enrol girls.

Sources: News.com.au and The Sydney Morning Herald.