Greece has expressed its sympathies to Japan’s government and people following the catastrophic earthquake that struck the nation on New Year’s Day.
According to Ekathimerini, the earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 in Japan’s west coast; destroying roads, buildings, and cutting power to tens of thousands of homes.
Greece’s Foreign Ministry shared its condolences to the Japanese people in a statement posted on X.
We offer our deepest condolences to the Japanese people and Government. Our thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones in the powerful earthquake that struck Japan on Monday. We hope for the successful rescue of more survivors. pic.twitter.com/TRzXpyXpWO
According to ATP Tour, Tomas Barrios Vera and Daniela Seguel defeated Maria Sakkari and Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-7(5), 6-3, 10-6 to seal the tie. The South American country is now 1-1 in Group B.
Maria Sakkari and Stefanos Tsitsipas playing in mixed doubles. Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.Maria Sakkari and Stefanos Tsitsipas playing in mixed doubles. Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Earlier in the day, Sakkari gave Greece a quick lead before Nicolas Jarry survived a stern test from World No. 416 Stefanos Sakellaridis to level the tie and force a deciding mixed doubles.
Nicolas Jarry survived a stern test from World No. 416 Stefanos Sakellaridis. Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.Team Greece supported each other every step of the way. Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
In her first match of the season, Sakkari, the highest-ranked Greek woman in history, took just 68 minutes to ease past Seguel, a former Top 200 player currently ranked No.671.
“It’s just amazing to see so many Greek flags, so many people that come out and support us,” Sakkari said after her match.
“We want to stay here as long as we can, and bring the whole Greek community of Sydney out here to support us.
Maria Sakkari won her match. Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Every year on January 6, Greek people around the world celebrate the day Jesus Christ was christened.
Typically, a church service takes place in the morning, followed by the Blessing of the Waters ceremony where a priest throws the Holy Cross into the water and Orthodox faithful dive for it. Whoever grabs the Cross first receives good luck for the year.
If you’re interested in attending any of the events around Australia for Epiphany Day (also known as the Theophania), The Greek Herald has you sorted.
New South Wales
In NSW, several events are taking place.
At Carss Bush Park in Sydney, an Epiphany Greek Festival is taking place on Sunday, January 7 from 11am to 9pm.
This event will showcase more than 60 stalls selling a wide variety of Greek foods and products, including souvlakia, loukoumades, octopus, halloumi and more, and there will be plenty of entertainment for the kids including amusement rides, face painting, outdoor games and interactive activities.
Dimitri Glastras retrieved the Holy Cross at last year’s Blessing of the Waters ceremony at Yarra Bay.
There will also be plenty of live music featuring international Greek singer Stella Konitopoulou and her band from Greece, a bouzouki show from Tommy Tsonis featuring Theo Skaltsas on klarino, Nikita Ellenis will be performing, and dance groups in Sydney and surrounds will showcase traditional Greek dances.
At 1pm, the Blessing of the Waters service will also take place, presided over by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, and youth will be invited to participate and attempt to retrieve the Holy Cross from the waters.
Victoria
In Victoria, the Blessing of the Waters will take place at the Promenade in Frankston from 12.30pm on Saturday, January 6. The service will be presided by Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
Crowds at last year’s Blessing of the Waters in Victoria.
The Epiphany will also be celebrated on Sunday, January 7 at Princes Pier in Port Melbourne. The throwing of the Holy Cross will be held as part of the Blessing of the Waters Festival.
Held from 12 to 6 pm, there will be plenty of entertainment for families and kids of all ages, as well as Greek food and market stalls.
Australian Capital Territory
In the ACT, a church liturgy will take place on Sunday, January 7 at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church from 7:45 am to 10:30 am.
Blessing of the Waters in Canberra last year.
To follow, the Blessing of the Waters will take place at 11:30 am at Casuarina Sands, where the youth will dive for the Holy Cross.
South Australia
In South Australia, the Greek Orthodox Community is hosting a 2023 Henley Beach Greek Festival which incorporates the Blessing of the Waters (at 12 pm) on Sunday, January 7. Taking place from 11 am, the Henley Beach Foreshore will have events running all day for its festival. From traditional Greek food, music, dancing and dance performances, this day will be jam-packed with plenty of entertainment for kids and their families.
At Glenelg, there will also be a Greek festival from Saturday, January 6 to Sunday, January 7. The Blessing of the Waters will commence on Sunday at Glenelg Jetty from 12.30pm.
Western Australia
In Western Australia,on Sunday, January 7, the Archdiocesan District of Perth is hosting a combined Epiphany celebration. Held at Matilda Bay Reserve, there will be plenty of souvlakia and a sausage sizzle, Greek sweets and refreshments available throughout the day, as well as entertainment provided by a live Greek band.
At 12:30pm, Bishop Elpidios of Kynea will conduct the consecration of the waters and the immersion of the Holy Cross. Children over the ages of 15 and adults will then be welcome to participate in the diving of the cross. They must be capable of swimming 300 metres.
Queensland
In Queensland, on Sunday, January 7, the Church of Saint Anna at Bundall Road on the Gold Coast will be holding the official Consecration of the waters and Diving for the Holy Cross event. Following this, a Lunch and the Epiphany Festival will take place at Evandale Park in Surfers Paradise.
Australian soccer player Apostolos Stamatelopoulos has been temporarily suspended from playing a match in the Isuzu Ute A-League football competition.
The 24-year-old was ruled suspended after receiving a second yellow card on Saturday, 23 December during a match against Western United FC.
The Newcastle Jets versed -Western United FC on Saturday, 23 December.
According to Football Australia, during the 57th minute of the A-League Men’s match game, the Newcastle Jets player, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos also accumulated a red card, which resulted to the Mandatory Match Suspension.
Despite the suspension, the Newcastle Jets forward player, Stamatelopoulos, will return to the field on Sunday, 14 January for the Newcastle Jets vs Brisbane Roar FC match.
The tournament runs from 12/1/24 till the 4/2/24 with all matches to be played at Heatherton United Soccer Club, 482 Springvale Rd, Springvale South.
The tournament will include powerhouse NPL teams in South Melbourne Hellas, Heidelberg Alexander FC and Oakleigh Cannons FC, just to name a few as well as other Greek Clubs. South Melbourne was the Inaugural Champions last year and they look forward to defending their title.
GCM President, Bill Papastergiadis had this to say, leading into the tournament.
“We at the Community as so proud to host this tournament as it’s a way of engaging with our younger generation and as we know, through sports, people become united.Following last year’s successful tournament, we look forward to bigger and better things this year.
“I encourage as many people as possible to come along and support the teams as it will truly be an entertaining and spectacular event for our community,” Mr Papastergiadis said.
Michael Karamitos, Vice President of the GCM can’t wait for the tournament to begin.
“As a football lover, I’m excited to once again be a part of the Greek Community Cup and following last year’s successful inaugural tournament, I’m confident that 2024 will be as exciting as what it was last year.
“We have some great rivals participating against one another and we look forward to some great matches. I wish all the teams the best of luck for the tournament,” Mr Karamitos said.
Steve Tsalikidis, President of Heidelberg United FC commended the GCM for this initiative.
“The Greek Community Cup gives all clubs the opportunity to participate in a pre season tournament and trial new players leading into the regular season. We look forward to the commencement of the tournament,” Mr Tsalikidis said.
Aki Ionnas, from Oakleigh Cannons FC also applauded the Community.
“Congratulations to the Greek Community for organising the Greek Cup and we look forward to the event in the next few weeks,” Mr Ionnas said.
Kon Tangalakis, coach of Kingston FC commented as follows.
“The Cup is a unique opportunity for clubs like Kingston to challenge themselves against higher clubs like South Melbourne Hellas, Heidelberg and Oakleigh and we so look forward to the challenge,” Mr Tangalakis said.
Finally, Andrew Mesourouni from South Melbourne Hellas, continued the applause for the initiative.
“South is very proud to once again enter a team in the Cup and the club looks forward to defending its title,” Mr Mesourouni said.
For tournament schedule, please visit Greek Community Cup (greekcup.com.au). For all other tournament information, visit the greekcup.com.au or greekcommunity.com.au.
Macquarie Asset Management, on behalf of co-investors and managed funds, has acquired a 50 per cent stake in Enel Green Power Hellas from Enel Group (“Enel”) for a total equity consideration of approximately €250 million.
One of the Enel Green Power Hellas’ solar plants in Polymylos, Kozani.
Enel Green Power Hellas is a leading renewable energy developer and operator in Greece, with a 566 MW portfolio of onshore wind, solar, and hydropower projects in operation or under construction across its mainland and islands.
The portfolio comprises 59 operational projects totaling 482 MW of installed capacity powered by wind, solar and hydropower, and six solar projects under construction with an overall capacity of 84 MW. Its operational portfolio is the third largest in Greece.1 Enel Green Power Hellas has also identified a pipeline of new development projects, across wind and solar and is expanding into innovative storage and hybrid solutions. This infrastructure will be critical to Greece’s ongoing energy transition as it seeks to decarbonise its energy generation capacity and enhance security of supply.2
The joint venture brings together two highly experienced teams in the renewable energy sector. Macquarie Asset Management’s specialist Green Investments team will further support the business’ ambitions through its global expertise and investment capabilities. Enel Green Power Hellas has a growing professional team with long-standing experience in the Greek renewable energy market, industrial knowledge and in-house capabilities to take projects swiftly from development through to construction and operations.
Eric Bjonerud, Managing Director at MAM Green Investments, said: “The Greek market is rapidly accelerating away from fossil fuels and now holds huge potential in helping to accelerate Europe’s decarbonisation efforts. We are excited to announce this new investment and partnership with Enel – supporting the delivery of an ambitious pipeline of renewable energy projects, embedding innovative green technologies in the grid, and supporting Greece’s energy transition.”
Following recent challenges in the European energy market and increasing momentum to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, Greece is ramping up its renewable energy deployment targets and establishing itself as one of the leading markets for renewables development in Southern Europe. Under the revised National Energy and Climate Plan, Greece is aiming to more than double its installed capacity of renewable energy to over 28 GW by 2030, accounting for about 80 per cent of its forecasted 2030 power generation mix.2 These ambitions are supported by an encouraging regulatory environment, and Greece’s emerging power purchase agreement market.
This transaction marks the latest investment by Macquarie Asset Management in the Greek energy market, following its acquisition of a 49 per cent stake in Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator in 2022.
The transaction has now reached financial close and was previously announced by Enel in July 2023. The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
In a significant step toward electoral reform, public consultation has commenced on a much-anticipated draft bill that aims to establish a comprehensive framework for Greek citizens to participate in absentee or mail-in voting.
The proposed legislation not only addresses the absentee voting process, but also introduces changes to the election procedures for Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and addresses the need for updating voter rolls, with a focus on eliminating names of deceased individuals.
The central feature of the bill grants Greek citizens the option to either cast their votes in person or utilise the mail-in voting method. Those citizens residing outside Greece during elections will be required to send their ballots to designated first-instance courts for counting, as no expatriate voting precincts are currently envisioned.
The public debate phase of this legislative process is set to conclude on January 10.
According to the provisions outlined in the draft law, absentee ballots will be tabulated concurrently with those cast in person across the country. If the bill is ratified, the new mail-in voting framework will also be applicable to European Parliament elections and referendums.
To exercise the right to vote by mail, citizens must register electronically on a designated online platform using their personal tax bureau codes. The registration process includes providing details such as a mailing address for election materials, a valid mobile phone number, and email. The latter will be crucial for identity confirmation through one-time OTP codes.
The application deadline for mail-in voting is set at 40 days before any scheduled election.
Granting Greek citizens the ability to vote from abroad was a key commitment made by the current center-right Mitsotakis government and stands as a prominent feature in this comprehensive electoral reform proposal.
In his New Year’s message, Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis acknowledged the significant role played by the Greek diaspora, describing it as an “invaluable contribution” to the nation’s progress.
Mitsotakis, speaking on behalf of the government, expressed steadfast support for the diaspora and highlighted key developments enhancing their involvement in Greek affairs.
Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis reflected on how the diaspora played a significant role. Photo: PrimeMinisters.gr.
Addressing Greeks around the world, Mitsotakis emphasised the government’s ongoing commitment to prioritise relations with the diaspora.
He noted recent positive changes, including the removal of obstacles to overseas voters’ participation in Greek elections and the introduction of mail-in voting, providing an accessible means for expressing opinions on matters concerning the homeland.
“The National Strategy for Hellenism Abroad is evolving, with a key focus on preserving the Greek language, our rich cultural heritage, and advancing education,” Mitsotakis stated in his message.
Acknowledging technological advancements, the Prime Minister also pointed out the dedicated section on the gov.gr website exclusively catering to requests from the diaspora.
Mitsotakis expressed confidence in the continued collaboration between the government and the Greek diaspora, recognising its vital role in shaping the nation’s global identity.
We’re coming to the end of another year and there have been some fantastic community, lifestyle and crime stories which have captured the attention of The Greek Herald’s readers in 2023.
From the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia’s funeral certificate investigation, to a Greek-owned fish and chip shop being named the best in South Australia, here’s our list of the 12 most-read The Greek Herald stories for this year.
12. O Thanasis in Athens named among top restaurants in the world
O Thanasis in Athens named among top restaurants in the world.
Well known for its juicy souvlakia, O Thanasis, located in the heart of Athens, Greece, has been ranked at number 42 on the Taste Atlas List.
Eating under the radiant white lights and reading from a laminated bilingual menu, the restaurant serves flawless meals ranging from insanely rich tzatziki, succulent grilled meats and homemade moussaka.
11. Greek-owned fish and chip shop named the best in South Australia
Stunned Mullet owners Dino and Amanda Papadopoulos. Photo: The Western Australian.
The Stunned Mullet was one of the top food offerings in South Australia’s delicious 100 list this year, welcoming every customer with a broad range of local and sustainable seafood while ensuring that the tradition of fish and chips remains a beloved element of the Aussie summer.
10. Community take action to save iconic Paragon cafe in NSW
Friends of the Paragon cafe in Katoomba, New South Wales called on people to take action this year to save the iconic 102-year-old state heritage listed building from disrepair.
The Paragon closed in May 2018 due to a maintenance dispute between the owner and the tenant. A planning panel approved a $360,000 repair and restoration development application in July 2020 but work has not yet started.
9. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia suspends Father Leslie from Leichhardt
Father Leslie from Leichhardt.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia placed Father Leslie Kostoglou from St Gerasimos Greek Orthodox Church in Leichhardt, Sydney on “ecclesiastical suspension” in May this year.
In a statement, the Archdiocese said the ecclesiastical suspension would be reviewed once Father Leslie “returns to the treasury of the Parish of St Gerasimos in Sydney, the money he has embezzled or there is a relevant settlement with the Board of Directors of the Parish.”
Father Leslie later apologised for his behaviour and he is now parish priest at St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in St Marys.
8. Father John Christodoulos in SA to be investigated amid sordid double life allegations
Father John Christodoulos in SA to be investigated amid sordid double life allegations.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia launched an “internal investigation” into Archimandrite John Christodoulos from South Australia after a report by The Advertiser was released alleging the priest led a sordid double life.
Father John allegedly obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations from devout elderly parishioners, while flouting church teachings by regularly meeting other men at night via gay dating and chat app, Grindr.
7. Tsindos: The legendary Greek tavern of Lonsdale Street in Melbourne
Cypriot Neofytos Tsindos came to Australia at the end of 1965.
As almost every Greek place in central Melbourne, Tsindos tavern comes with a migrant story. The Greek Herald paid a visit to the restaurant to hear about this history and found people sitting at tables and enjoying Greek food in a place that, for the last 40 years, continues to promote Greek tradition.
6. Family story behind Melbourne’s iconic Stalactites restaurant
In an interview with The Greek Herald, Nicole Papasavas speaks about the iconic Stalactites Greek restaurant in Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, which she now owns. Nicole’s grandfather, Konstantinos Tsoutouras, opened the restaurant in 1978, running it with her father, mother, aunt and uncle.
5. Melbourne community leader Tony Tsourdalakis slapped with restraining order
The President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand (CFANZ), Tony Tsourdalakis, was slapped with a personal safety intervention order by a Victorian magistrate on Thursday, November 16.
The President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand (CFANZ), Tony Tsourdalakis, was slapped with a personal safety intervention order by a Victorian magistrate on Thursday, November 16.
Mr Tsourdalakis, who is also a Director at St Basil’s Homes for the Aged in Victoria and Board Member at AGAPI Care, allegedly threatened to incite violence on former President of the Pancretan Association of Melbourne, Emanuel Starakis.
4. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia’s funeral certificate under scrutiny
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia’s funeral certificate under scrutiny.
The Greek Herald’s exposé found families were expected to pay $250 for a funeral certificate that was not officially recognised in Australia nor Greece. The cost of the certificate was also found to be five times the amount compared to a government-issued death certificate in Australia and Greece.
3. Steph and Gian: The Greek-Italian Australians on The Block 2023
Steph and Gian are the youngest couple on this season of The Block. Photo: Nine.
Stephanie Ottavio, an architect and third generation Greek Australian, and Gianpietro Ottavio, a tech startup worker and third generation Italian Australian, were not only crowned this year’s winners but made a record-breaking profit of $1.75 million – the most any contestant has ever made on the show.
2. George Sioris celebrates wedding day with 101-year-old yiayia by his side
George Sioris with his 101-year-old yiayia. Photo supplied.
After having such a huge influence on his life, it’s no surprise George Sioris couldn’t wait to celebrate his marriage to Lenyia with his 101-year-old yiayia by his side.
On Saturday, June 24 this year, George, his yiayia and family gathered outside their home to take photographs before the wedding ceremony at St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Kingsford, Sydney.
In one photograph, yiayia Georgia can be seen standing next to her grandson, holding a black-and-white photo of her late husband George Sioris.
1. Five miscarriages and a baby after an Orthodox convert’s pilgrimage to Tinos
Will and Artemis Greenwood.
After several miscarriages, Will and Artemis Greenwood visited the Greek island of Tinos to worship at the Holy Church of Panagia Evangelistria (Our Lady of Tinos). Will crawled on his hands and knees from the ferry up the Avenue of Megalohari, the slope leading to the entrance of the church where the icon of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary is held. Beside him, Artemis walked solemnly.
The crawl took 45 minutes to complete, though Will said it felt much longer as he lost sense of time. While crawling, he thought of the miscarriages his wife had and prayed for her. He also prayed for a child.
It’s that time of the year again where Greeks across Sydney, Australia will turn up in droves to the Ken Rosewall Arena to witness as Team Greece play against other countries in a bid to be crowned champions of the United Cup.
The new-look United Cup is an innovative mixed team event in Perth and Sydney from 29 December to 7 January 2024.
All photos copyright: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos / Takis Triadafillou.
This year’s Team Greece will be captained by World No.110 Petros Tsitsipas and world No.6 Maria Sakkari. The team also consists of World No.7 Stefanos Tsitsipas, Stefanos Sakellaridis, Despina Papamichail and Valentini Grammatikopoulou.
Ahead of the team’s first match against Chile on Tuesday, January 2 at 10.30am, the Tsitsipas brothers, Sakellaridis, Papamichail and Grammatikopoulou all attended a media conference on Friday afternoon. Sakkari was not present at the time due to a delay with her international travel.
At the media conference, the Greek players all said they’re looking forward to the tournament.
“The United Cup is one of the most exciting competitions that tennis has at the moment and to be representing the Greek colours is something that you don’t see that often in tennis,” Stefanos Tsitsipas said.
“We’re here to do better, bigger, bolder things this year. We were very close last year in the semi-finals and it is important for us to get back together, unite again and make it work the way we did last year.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas added that he can’t wait to play in front of loyal Greek fans.
“Same Greeks, different city,” he said.
“All the Greeks that are here support us at any given moment I feel like and we have a great relationship with them.
“We’ve witnessed it in Melbourne, even in Brisbane and now we’re in Sydney. I feel like regardless of the player, regardless of who is on the court playing, the support is the same. The support is intense on every occasion and that for us, means a lot. It gives us a psychological advantage.”
