Two more Greek Australian artists, Maree Mamalis and Vassy, have submitted entries to represent Greece at Eurovision 2025.
They join Leea Nanos as part of the top 60 contenders for Greece’s national final, which will be held on 29 January 2025. The winner will be selected through a combination of public voting (50%), a Greek jury (25%), and an international jury (25%).
Maree Mamalis, an 18-year-old Melbourne-based singer, gained recognition as a top 7 contestant on The Voice Australia in 2023 and performed at the AFL Grand Final with the Kiss Choir. Her entry for Eurovision features a contemporary sound infused with Greek elements, including the bouzouki.
Vassy (Vasiliki Karagiorgos), a globally successful singer-songwriter from Darwin in the Northern Territory, has collaborated with music heavyweights like David Guetta, Tiësto, and KSHMR, with her songs amassing billions of streams. She became the first woman to win an ICON Award at the 2023 Electronic Dance Music Awards.
Australia has a strong track record of Cypriot Australian artists participating in Eurovision, with Andrew Lambrou and Silia Kapsis representing Cyprus in recent years.
Greek broadcaster ERT will select up to 12 finalists for the January show, with broadcast details to be announced later.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut on Monday, December 16. Mitsotakis was the first European leader to visit Lebanon since the November 27 ceasefire was announced.
During the talks, Mitsotakis expressed Greece’s commitment to supporting Lebanon’s peace and stability. He emphasised the need to implement the ceasefire, which he described as crucial for regional security.
Greece pledged to support Lebanon’s state institutions and its armed forces, which are responsible for enforcing the ceasefire.
Ευχαριστώ τον Πρωθυπουργό Najib Mikati για τη θερμή υποδοχή στον Λίβανο, μια χώρα με την οποία μοιραζόμαστε ισχυρούς δεσμούς φιλίας. H Ελλάδα θα συνεχίσει να είναι εταίρος στην επιδίωξη ειρήνης, σταθερότητας και ενός μέλλοντος ελπίδας για τον Λίβανο και για ολόκληρη την περιοχή. pic.twitter.com/jDdOR2cbdE
Mitsotakis praised international mediation efforts by the United States and France, calling the ceasefire “a significant step forward” for the region.
“It is crucial to ensure that people on both sides of the border have the right to live in peace without the threat of bombs and rockets destroying their lives,” he said.
He also called for the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701, which supports Lebanon’s sovereignty and aims to secure lasting peace.
The Greek Prime Minister discussed the broader regional impact of the Syria conflict, stressing the need to protect Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and cultural heritage. He highlighted the importance of supporting displaced Syrians, many of whom have taken refuge in Lebanon. Mitsotakis said Greece is committed to helping Lebanon manage the migration challenges linked to the conflict.
During his visit, Mitsotakis also met with religious leaders, including Patriarch John I of Antioch and Metropolitan Elias of Beirut, as well as members of the Greek community in Beirut. He reiterated Greece’s longstanding friendship with Lebanon, underscoring the historical ties and shared values between the two nations.
Mitsotakis noted that Greece had facilitated the evacuation of its citizens from Lebanon during the conflict and stands ready to offer further assistance.
Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of Greek heritage, football, and community spirit as The Greek Herald Cup makes its highly anticipated return, this time to Melbourne’s Lakeside Stadium in 2025. Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 18, as this iconic event promises a day filled with excitement, culture, and sporting excellence—and best of all, entry is free.
Following the incredible success of the inaugural Greek Herald Cup earlier this year, which saw thousands of fans gather at Sydney’s Netstrata Jubilee Stadium to celebrate the Blue and White clash of two legendary Hellenic heritage clubs, expectations are even higher for 2025. This year’s event will commemorate the historic achievements of South Melbourne and Sydney Olympic, as both clubs prepare to take their place in the National Second Tier (NST) competition, launching in 2025.
Sydney Olympic FC emerged victorious in the inaugural Greek Herald Cup, held in Sydney in January 2024.
South Melbourne FC President Nick Maikousis said, “We are ready to host our respected friends—and historic rivals—this January as we formally launch our football campaign for 2025.”
“The day will honour legendary players from both clubs, with their contributions recognised in front of our passionate supporters. This clash will set the tone and ignite anticipation for the upcoming National Second Tier, which kicks off next October. The Greek Herald Cup is a chance to showcase our ambition and strengthen our position as leaders in the next chapter of Australian football,” Maikousis added.
From day to night, Lakeside Stadium will come alive with activities for fans of all ages. Friendly mini matches will kick off the day, featuring South Melbourne Miniroos taking on community partner clubs, including South Springvale, Malvern, Darebin, Yarraville, and Middle Park. Families can look forward to meet-and-greet opportunities with players and legends, as well as savouring mouthwatering souvlakia and other delicious treats from a variety of food stalls.
Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Dance Groups will perform traditional dances, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Greek Australian community.
The pre-match entertainment will feature a special Legends Panel, where icons from South Melbourne and Sydney Olympic will share cherished memories of their storied rivalry. Fans will also have the chance to engage in an open Q&A session, making this a unique opportunity to connect with the history and passion of these two clubs.
The Greek Herald Cup will commemorate the historic achievements of South Melbourne and Sydney Olympic.
At 6:30 PM, the much-anticipated main event, The Greek Herald Cup, will kick off. South Melbourne and Sydney Olympic will reignite their fierce rivalry in a thrilling match that promises to be a showcase of skill, passion, and determination. With the backdrop of their shared Hellenic heritage and the excitement of their forthcoming NST participation, this clash is set to be a highlight of the football calendar.
Sydney Olympic FC President Damon Hanlin said, “We are excited for the return leg of this feature match. It’s a great opportunity to show what the B League will bring to the football community.”
“We are excited to showcase our new squad in action, and we’re confident in the work we’ve put in— the season ahead looks promising. We’re ready to take on South Melbourne on their home turf and look forward to their hospitality. The Greek Herald Cup is another step in solidifying the competitive respect and rivalry between our two clubs,” Hanlin added.
To round off this incredible day, fans can attend an exclusive Post-Match VIP Dinner Event. This will be a perfect opportunity to mingle with players, legends, and fans alike, while celebrating the unity and vibrancy of the Greek Australian community.
The Greek Herald Cup will be held at Lakeside Stadium on Saturday, January 18.
The Greek Herald Cup is more than just a football match—it’s a celebration of culture, community, and camaraderie. The inaugural event set a high benchmark, with thousands of passionate supporters turning out to create an electric atmosphere. With even bigger crowds expected next year, the 2025 Greek Herald Cup promises to be an event to remember.
Save the date and join us on Saturday, January 18th, 2025, at Lakeside Stadium. Let’s make this a day to honour the legacy of two legendary clubs, celebrate their future in the National Second Tier, and showcase the vibrant Greek Australian heritage.
The annual Pontoxeniteas NSW Christmas Party on Sunday, December 15, brought together three generations of community members for a festive celebration overlooking the scenic Bexley Golf Course in Sydney.
The event featured a full house of attendees who enjoyed a traditional Christmas lunch, entertainment, and activities for all ages.
A highlight of the day was a special visit from Santa Claus, who brought joy to the children and youth with Christmas gifts.
The festive atmosphere was further enhanced by a lively Pontian performance of the Momogeri, a traditional dance performed only by men, which brought laughter and cheer to the audience. The Momogeri, which is typically performed from December 15 to January 15, features various colourful characters adding a playful touch to the event.
In addition to the dance performances, attendees were treated to lively music by young local musicians, keeping the energy high throughout the event.
Children and youth participated in a range of activities, including writing letters to Santa, colouring Christmas trees and solving Christmas-themed puzzles.
The event was a wonderful display of the vibrant Pontian culture, with members of the community actively engaged in celebrating the holiday season.
The Pontoxeniteas NSW committee took a moment to express their gratitude to everyone who volunteered throughout the year, emphasising the importance of promoting their cultural heritage. They also presented gifts to dance teachers, young musicians, and the youth committee for their contributions.
A touching moment of goodwill and faith unfolded this month at one of Christianity’s holiest sites, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. A special icon gift from the St George Greek Orthodox Church in Rose Bay, Sydney was presented to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by Federal Liberal candidate for Wentworth, Ro Knox.
The icon, which depicted the Birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, was given to Ms Knox by Father Gerasimos Koutsouras, parish priest at St George Rose Bay. She was asked to deliver it to the Jerusalem church during her recent visit.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built in 326 CE by Emperor Constantine the Great, marks the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection. The Greek Orthodox section of the church, situated at the 12th station of the cross, is particularly significant to Orthodox Christians.
The small chapel inside is shared by the Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Armenian communities. The chapel also houses the Angel’s Stone, believed to have sealed Jesus’ tomb, making the site a profound symbol of Christian faith.
In a post on Instagram, Ms Ro said that despite the absence of large crowds due to current travel restrictions to Israel, her visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was deeply moving.
“It is impossible not to feel awed by the significance and history of the site to all Christians,” she wrote.
Ms Ro added that the priest at the Holy Sepulchre expressed heartfelt gratitude for the special gift, and offered blessings to the Greek community in Wentworth as they approached the holiday season.
While the handover of the gift was not filmed out of respect for the sacredness of the location, the exchange was a powerful reminder of the bond between the Greek Orthodox Church and the faithful abroad.
Come Christmas, there are celebrations galore. And yes, while you might have friendsmas at a quaint restaurant that serves martinis and kingfish, or your work parties might be held on boats serving caviar and bubbly, let me be the first to tell you – there ain’t no Christmas party like a Hellenic RSL Christmas party.
When I walked into the RSL Hall in South Melbourne, Victoria on Sunday, December 15, I was struck by a warm and fuzzy feeling of nostalgia and familiarity, and a passionate group of elderly that personify the spirit and soul of Greece.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Stamatina Notaras.
“I hope you know that as soon as the bouzouki begins, the dance floor will be full and they won’t stop dancing for hours,” someone warned me on the day.
I’ve never heard a sentence truer than that. With the first strum of the bouzouki, played by the talented and iconic Spiros Vitsentzatos, bodies flooded the dance floor and tea towels went straight above heads. Dancing tsifteteli and weaving in and out of each other as if gliding through water, rhythm took over as the elderly danced like nobody was watching.
One thing us Greeks have nailed is the ability to hold on to our youth with two hands, gripping on tight in hopes of never letting go.
In a room of people who have lived many lives, I felt more youthfulness than I have with those who are decades their junior. Looking around the room, it was quite obvious to me that at the end of the day, they’re just a group of pals who feel like they’re in their early 20s, cracking jokes at each other’s expense and living life the best they know how – with good food, enviable company, and that “I’m Greek” glow that we all know and love (and that all our grandparents possess).
Now what’s a Greek Christmas without the star of the show? As you would expect at a Greek function, I didn’t merely attend – I was offered a plate of food and a seat. La Cantina Catering was on feast duties, while my new friend Vicky – everyone’s yiayia, sister, aunty, and best friend – was there to make sure the show ran smoothly. With Vicky around, consider your thirst quenched and your vibes sky-high.
As it turns out, melt-in-your-mouth chicken and lemon-drenched potatoes with salad are the way to my heart. And lucky for me, they were offered in abundance. If I listed everything on offer, we might be here for a while (and I might get the names of a dish or two wrong), but what I did see were tables filled and mouths, even more so. With smiles on their faces as they made conversation and yelled across tables, they dug into the food they grew up on with the friends they call family.
While there were many ‘favourite parts of the day’ moments, there’s one visual, I fear, that I might never forget. At auction time, when they were bartering for bottles of grazi and the usual culprits, up comes a man holding a frozen snapper, parading it around the room like a boxing match girl would with a WWE belt.
And with that, I walked home with an aluminium-foiled plate of home-made sweets and a joyous heart, thumping with pride.
Side note – if you’re ever feeling down and out about life, just pay the Greek ladies a visit. I left the room with a big head filled with compliments, a squeezed cheek or two, and the assurance that I was young and have “still got time.” Phew!
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Stamatina Notaras.
Baritone Leon Vitogiannis has been named as one of the six artists in Opera Australia’s Young Artist Program for 2025-26.
The Young Artist Program offers professional training in the heart of Australia’s national opera company, permitting emerging artists to delve into the skills of Opera Australia’s vast community of artists, répétiteurs, directors, vocal coaches, technicians and specialists.
In a statement to The Greek Herald, Vitogiannis said “being selected as a young artist with Opera Australia is a life changing opportunity in my journey as an artist.”
“It’s inspiring to be part of a program that nurtures and develops emerging talent with a forward outlook on opera,” Vitogiannis added.
“I feel privileged to work alongside such esteemed coaches and colleagues, and I’m excited to embrace every challenge, grow as an artist, and contribute my voice to this incredible art form.”
Vitogiannis will be joined by five other young artists on the program including Chelsea Burns (soprano), Shikara Ringdahl (mezzo soprano), Elias Wilson (tenor), Jem Herbert (répétiteur), and Claudia Osborne (director).
The Great Hierarchical Vespers for the feast of Saint Eleftherios the Hieromartyr was celebrated at the Church of Saint Eleftherios in Brunswick, Melbourne on Saturday, December 14.
The service was presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, marking a historic milestone as it was the first time since its founding in 1968 that an Archbishop had visited the church.
The Archbishop was welcomed by the faithful, with youth presenting him with a bouquet of flowers at the church entrance.
Parish priest Father Kyriakos Peripetsakis and Bill Papastergiadis, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), both highlighted the significance of the Archbishop’s visit and the occasion. Mr Papastergiadis also emphasised the importance of unity and solidarity in the community, and stressed the role of past President Dimitrios Elefantis in the establishment of the church.
In his address, Archbishop Makarios spoke with deep emotion about the importance of unity for the advancement of Orthodoxy and Hellenism, offering blessings for the church and its families.
The Vespers service was attended by several dignitaries, including His Eminence Metropolitan Ezekiel of Dervis, His Eminence Metropolitan Myron of New Zealand, and His Eminence Metropolitan Prodromos of Rethymno and Avlopotamos, who delivered the sermon at the Archbishop’s request.
Their Graces Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne and Bishop Evmenios of Chora, as well as Ioannis Chrysoulakis, Greece’s former Secretary General of Greeks Abroad, were also present.
The event marked a historic and deeply emotional moment for the church and the Greek Orthodox community of Melbourne.
The Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW) recently hosted a remarkable End-of-Year celebration for its Afternoon and Saturday Greek schools at Clemton Park Public School, marking the end of a successful academic year.
This year’s event was particularly special, as it was the first of its kind in many years, bringing together students, parents, and grandparents for an evening of joy, unity, and celebration.
Held on a warm summer’s evening on Friday, December 13, the event featured a vibrant mix of food trucks, music, and lots of dancing.
It was a chance for everyone to come together, celebrate a year of hard work and success, and enjoy the festive atmosphere that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of Greek tradition.
The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) has announced that the 2025 Greek Community Cup is scheduled to commence on Friday, January 10, and the next tournament will be hosted by South Springvale Aris FC at Ross and Warner Reserve.
Defending champions Oakleigh Cannons, along with prominent NPL (National Premier League) teams such as South Melbourne Hellas, Heidelberg Alexander FC, and Kingston City, are expected to participate. They will be joined by teams like Box Hill, Keon Park, and Bentleigh Cobras, among others, in what promises to be an enthralling pre-season tournament, following the excitement of the 2024 edition.
The Greek Community Cup celebrates sporting excellence, camaraderie, and community, promoting football as a means to strengthen these connections. For many, football has been more than just a sport; it has served as a social avenue to retain cultural ties, and the Cup aims to further enhance these connections.
Designed to provide teams with a solid pre-season workout, the tournament accommodates varying competition levels with two trophies up for grabs: the coveted Cup and the Shield.
For more details and to register your team visit https://www.greekcup.com.au/. For all sponsorship opportunities, please contact: michael.profyris@greekcommunity.com.au
