With Christmas Day just around the corner, who better to ask for their much-loved festive menu than the social media sensation behind YiaYia’s Greek Kitchen, Helen Dedes.
From refreshing Prawn and Salmon Cocktails to traditional baklava for dessert, Yiayia Helen’s Christmas Day menu has it all.
Entrée – Shrimp with Smoked Salmon Cocktail
Five shrimps.
Two pieces of smoked salmon.
A nut in the bottom of the glass.
Decorate them nicely and add whatever seafood sauce you prefer.
Main – Stuffed turkey
1 turkey about 4-5 kg.
1 cup of butter.
Two medium chopped onions.
250 grams of chopped mushrooms.
Three quarters of a cup of rice.
Four quarters of chopped parsley.
Two glasses of cognac liqueur or good white wine.
Sauté the onions and mushrooms in three tablespoons of butter until they are wilted. Add enough parsley, rice, cognac, salt and pepper, and 1 cup of turkey (or chicken) stock.
Let the liquid drain out and stuff the turkey. Put the turkey in the oven for one hour at 200 degrees and then 180 for another two hours.
Serve with mashed potatoes and vegetables of your choice.
Dessert – Baklava
500 grams of coarsely ground carrots.
3 spoonfulls of sugar and 3 cinnamon (mix them all together in a cup of 500 grams of buttermilk (melted).
500 grams of baklava pastry.
Dip the baking tray, put one filo (pastry sheet) on it, fill it with butter and add another filo on top.
Pour walnuts on the filo with a thin stick, roll it up like a cigar when all the friends are finished, brush it with butter and bake well at 180 degrees for an hour.
For the syrup:
Two and a half cups of water.
Three cups of sugar.
One cinnamonstick.
Three quarters of a cup of honey.
Boil for seven minutes. Cold baklava, hot syrup.
Want more recipes from Helen Dedes? You can follow her on
Visual artist James Pasakos has found a profound connection between his art and his personal experiences.
The Docklands, Melbourne’s historical precinct from the Victorian Gold Rush era, has served as a powerful backdrop in his exploration of identity, belonging, and the intricate interplay between cultural heritage and upbringing. For Pasakos, these docklands symbolise more than a maritime landscape; they are a mirror reflecting his quest to fathom the essence of belonging and the complexities of cultural identity.
Drawing from his Australian upbringing and Greek heritage, he intertwines these diverse worlds, creating a narrative that celebrates the blending of cultural values and the evolution of personal identity.
Employing Printmaking, Drawing, and Mixed Media, Pasakos crafts works that exude a surreal yet atmospheric quality, drenched in hues that evoke a sense of mystery and personal introspection. His artistic journey extends beyond solitary creation, engaging in collaborative projects, exhibitions, and print exchanges that enrich both his techniques and narrative.
Windmill at Antimachia, Kos, Monotype, 2018, 49.5 x 64cm, Edition 1/1
While rooted in Melbourne, Pasakos now calls Ballarat home, where he serves as a Visual Arts Lecturer at Federation University Australia, sharing his expertise in Printmaking, Drawing, and Studio Practice. His academic journey boasts a Master of Fine Art and an array of Visual Arts qualifications.
Since 1991, Pasakos has exhibited extensively across Australia and globally, featuring in solo and group exhibitions, with his works finding residence in public, private, and university collections, and participated in global conferences and exhibitions like IMPACT in Spain, China and Scotland.
Ntomates, Silkscreen, 2022, 59 x 42cm, Edition 12
Pasakos founded the regional collective ‘Goldfields Printmakers’ in 2012, a concept brought to fruition from an international Printmaking conference held at Monash University, Melbourne in 2011. The collective has exhibited and participated in projects throughout Victoria and internationally. Pasakos is also co-founder of the international collective ‘Thinking of Place.’ A collective beginnings at an international Printmaking conference in Scotland, Dundee 2012. Various initiated international projects have seen the collective embrace and included many other cities across the globe. Projects have travelled through Germany, USA, Serbia, England, New Zealand, Canada and many other international cities.
Merging Metamorphosis (part of), Monotype – Ceramic Printed Plate / Work on Paper, 2022, Edition 1/1
Beyond artworks, Pasakos’ art is a testament to the migrant stories he cherishes, serving as touching reminders of the fragility and resilience of human identity. His ongoing projects, ‘Thinking of Place’ and ‘Parallel Prints NZ&AU’ transcend geographical boundaries with diverse narratives and collective experiences.
Pasakos’ artistic journey embodies not only personal introspection but also a celebration of cultural diversity, inviting viewers to traverse landscapes of identity, belonging, and the ever-evolving human experience.
Links to projects, exhibitions, and achievements can be found in the artist’s profile at Federation University Australia and various exhibition websites:
James is amongst many Greek Australian artists who have participated in the GAAD (Greek Australian Artist Directory). An initiative by the Greek Australian Cultural League (GACL), the GAAD celebrates Greek Australian visual and performing artists by showcasing their works and contributions to the Australian arts landscape. By preserving and promoting the artistic legacy of Greek Australian artists, the directory ensures that their talents are duly acknowledged and cherished, cementing their place in Australia’s artistic narrative.
Interested artists can register their profiles by visiting www.gacl.com.au and clicking on the dedicated GAAD section. For any inquiries related to the GAAD, individuals can either email GACL President Cathy Alexopoulos infogaclm@gmail.com or contact GAAD Co-ordinator Vasy Petros on 0412 242557
*Written by Vasy Petros. This is a Greek Australian Cultural League Initiative supported by The Greek Herald.
George Andonaros and his 9-year-old son Hugo have been gathering Christmas gifts to give to the less fortunate for the last four years.
“Every year for the last four years, Hugo loves to give back to people who aren’t as fortunate as he is,” George told The Greek Herald.
“At Easter time, we had bought a box of 30 chocolate Easter bunnies to distribute, and this year for Christmas, Hugo chose gifts for three boys and three girls.”
Hugo.Hugo with gifts.Hugo.Gifts.
The gifts included Hot Wheels cars, Barbie dolls, and arts and crafts supplies including pencils, texters, erasers and colouring books.
George said after going through a divorce a few years ago, he wanted to show his son the importance of giving back to others and teaching him that there are other kids worse off than him.
George (L) and son Hugo.
“Hugo has all the luxuries a child could want and more, and I wanted to show him how something so small can mean so much to someone who has nothing,” George said.
“Buying and giving these gifts I think also teaches Hugo to be grateful for what he has and it shows him how much of a difference it makes to even one child by donating something or purchasing them a gift to open on Christmas Day.”
George said he hopes to continue this tradition of gift giving with his son for many more years to come.
“It’s something I love to do with Hugo,” he said.
Hugo with gifts.
“This year, he actually reminded me and asked me himself when we were going to go shopping for the kids for Christmas.
“He just loves it. And it makes me so proud to see him want to help other kids.”
George and Hugo dropped off the presents to the domestic violence shelter on Friday, December 8.
The Ambassador was accompanied by his wife Gohar Badalyan, and the Consul General of Greece in Adelaide, George Psiachas.
In his first-ever visit to South Australia since he assumed his diplomatic duties in February 2020, the Ambassador was met by several members of the Administrative Council, including President Peter Gardiakos and the new General Manager, Con Dalagiorgos.
Mr Papacostas took the opportunity to learn about GOCSA’s Greek Language Schools and Dance Academy, as well as the Ridleyton Greek Home for the Aged (RGHA). He was also proud to hear about the organisation’s numerous cultural initiatives and its commitment to preserve and further advance the Greek language and culture by engaging in constructive intercultural dialogue with the state’s diverse communities.
Mr Gardiakos emphasised the importance of the Ambassador’s visit as a way to enhance ties with the motherland and boost the morale of the state’s Greek community.
“I am very pleased with what I see here, at the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia. Hellenism here grows and prospers. It’s an organisation where the older generation of Greeks pass on the knowledge of their ancestors to the younger generation, which is very encouraging for the future,” Mr Papacostas said.
“I am sure this good work will continue with the current President and Administrative Council.”
Mr Psiachas stated, “It is a great pleasure to have the Ambassador here in Adelaide, where he got to see the city, meet with community stakeholders and discuss issues that concern them in person.”
Two books detailing the rich history and journey of the GOCSA were presented to the Ambassador, as well as a white orchid plant as a token of appreciation on his first visit to Adelaide and to GOCSA’s head offices.
The Ambassador also took time to sign and write a message in the official visitors’ book of GOCSA, which interestingly was first signed by the 35th Premier of South Australia, Don Dunstan, in 1975.
Councillor for Oakleigh Ward, Theo Zographos was officially endorsed as Chisolm’s Liberal candidate on Tuesday for the upcoming Federal election.
The Liberal candidate expressed his gratitude via Facebook, taking pride in representing the Liberals for Chisolm.
“I’m very much looking forward to a spirited contest about Australia’s future and meeting as many local Chisholm residents in this community that I was born and raised in and love,” Cr Zographos wrote.
“We need politicians with real world experience in our economy which is what I will bring to the fore in this campaign.”
According to the City of Monash, Cr Zographos was born and raised in Monash, Melbourne and is one of 11 Monash councillors dedicated to improving municipal services for all residents and ratepayers.
On this day in 2013, the popular Greek Christmas almond biscuit, a ‘kourabie,’ earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
The Christmas biscuit was created by Greek pastry chef, Aggelos Ipokamisas, and his team. Various sponsors helped Ipokamisas create the dessert by providing both the ingredients and the machinery needed to assemble it.
The recipe included 150 eggs, 100kg of sugar, 150kg of flour, 70kg of butter, 4L of cognac and 30kg of almonds. The kourabie was created separately in certain sections, and was put together after completion into a half moon shape.
On this day, the popular Greek Christmas almond biscuit, a ‘kourabie,’ earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Thessaloniki. Photo: GTP News.
The kourabie was presented to the Guinness World Records on December 22 and was consumed at Thessaloniki’s largest Christmas Park, ‘Asterokosmos.’
The kourabie weighed in at over 300kg, smashing the previous world record of 200kg.
Asterokosmos, located in the fairgrounds of the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre, was created in 2013 as a way for the city of Thessaloniki to become a Christmas tourism destination.
Archbishop Makarios of Australia was in Constantinople this week for the launch of his new book The Ecumenical Patriarchate – The Preeminent and Suffering Church.
The presentation, which took place at the Sismanoglio Megaro in Constantinople, saw many in attendance including Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
On the day, Archbishop Makarios, the former Vice President of the Greek Government, Evangelos Venizelos, Professor Theodoros Yagou of the AristotleUniversityofThessaloniki and the Secretary General of the Interparliamentary Assembly of Orthodoxy, Maximos Charakopoulos spoke in depth about the book.
The Ecumenical Patriarch also spoke and expressed his Patriarchal satisfaction towards Archbishop Makarios for his book.
The event concluded with sacred songs performed by the choir of the Pera Association of Musicophiles.
Archbishop Makarios’ visit to Constantinople comes amid other overseas trips last year. They included a visit to Athens to participate in roundtable discussions about the current war in Ukraine, as well as Constantinople in early April after attending a Lenten Vespers liturgy at the Holy Church of the Holy Trinity in Stavrodromi.
The swarms of visitors and pilgrims who join costumed Santas and marching bands outside Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity in the Palestinian West Bank are missing this year amid the Israel-Hamas war.
As the war between Israel and Hamas rages approximately 100 kilometers away in Gaza, Christmas will be a “muted affair” in the occupied West Bank as there will be no commemoration for the event that Christians believe occurred here 2,000 years ago: the birth of Jesus Christ.
According to news.com.au, Jerusalem’s church leaders and the Bethlehem municipal council decided last month to avoid “any unnecessarily festive” Christmas celebrations to showcase solidarity with Gazans.
Outside Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity in the #Palestinian West Bank, the throngs of tourists and pilgrims who normally rub shoulders with costumed Santas and marching bands are missing this year.
The war could not have come at a worse moment also for communities who rely on the Christmas tourism trade.
“Suddenly, in October, tourists disappeared from the streets. And now Bethlehem is completely closed from all directions”, Christmas House souvenir shop’s, Jack Giacaman said.
Greek Orthodox priest, Issa Thaljieh expressed regret for pilgrims would not see the reality of life for Palestinians this year as Bethlehem was “grieving” the violence in Gaza.
Visiting holy sites is important, he said, “but the most important is to know how Palestinians are living, how they are passing through the difficult situation daily, with the walls around, like living in a prison.”
Calling all football enthusiasts and members of the Greek community! We have some thrilling news for you. The highly anticipated match between Sydney Olympic FC (SOFC) and South Melbourne FC (SMFC), two iconic Greek heritage football clubs, is just around the corner. And the best part? You can now pre-purchase your tickets online via Ticketek!
On January 13, 2024 from 5pm, Jubilee Stadium in Kogarah, Sydney, will be the stage for The Greek Herald Cup. This match, named after the esteemed newspaper, promises to be an electrifying encounter between two historic clubs.
But before that, they are eager to showcase their immense talent and rich heritage in this historic clash. The Greek Herald Cup will see old rivals face off once again, as they strive for new successes on the national stage.
Tickets are now available online for pre-purchase to The Greek Herald Cup 2024.
The name of the cup is a tribute to The Greek Herald, a newspaper that has played a crucial role in the history of both Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne. As the tournament’s namesake, The Greek Herald Cup acknowledges the unwavering support of the newspaper for both clubs and its significant role in connecting the Greek community.
Jubilee Stadium will be a sea of blue and white, the colours that have become synonymous with both Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne. Attendees are encouraged to proudly wear these colours, further enhancing the electric atmosphere at the Kogarah venue.
So mark your calendars for January 13, 2024, and make sure to pre-purchase your tickets online now via Ticketek. Don’t miss out on this historic clash and the opportunity to show your unwavering support for these esteemed clubs. Witness history in the making at The Greek Herald Cup!
