Saint Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College in Sydney officially launched its new Master’s Programme in Greek Philosophy on Sunday, January 18, with His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia highlighting the spiritual as well as academic significance of the initiative.
“For us, Greek philosophy is not simply a cultural achievement, it is a spiritual inheritance… Wisdom is Christ Himself. That is why theology and philosophy were never enemies in the Orthodox tradition,” Archbishop Makarios said, emphasising the harmony between theology and philosophy in Orthodox thought.
The Archbishop explained that the program addresses a gap in Australian higher education: “It is inconceivable for Greek philosophy to be taught at all the universities of Australia, while we… do not offer a corresponding program.”
He described the initiative as a bold effort that will attract students seeking authentic engagement with Greek philosophy at its cultural and spiritual source.
Archbishop Makarios expressed hope that the program will bear academic, spiritual, cultural, and pastoral fruit, nurturing “leaders who are not only intelligent, but discerning, virtuous, and just, true lovers of wisdom within society.”
He also thanked the College staff for their work in developing the curriculum.
The launch featured addresses from Associate Professor Dr Philip Kariatlis, Sub-Dean of the College, and Professor Vrasidas Karalis, principal lecturer of the program.
Greetings were offered by the Greek Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Mr Stavros Venizelos.
The ceremony, held in the College’s Main Hall, was attended by senior clergy including Metropolitans Myron, Iakovos, and Eirinaios, members of the Holy Eparchial Synod, assistant bishops, clergy, Archons of the Great Church of Constantinople, academic staff, and students.
Archbishop Makarios also noted that the College’s academic programs will be further enriched next year with the introduction of a programme in Canon Law.
Bestselling Australian author Shelley Dark has returned with Son of Hydra, a sweeping historical novel centred on one of the most improbable figures in Australia’s early convict history: The Hydriot pirate Ghikas Voulgaris.
The origins of the book lie in a family revelation that reshaped Dark’s understanding of her own history. More than two decades ago, her son returned from filming in the Snowy Mountains and casually asked a question that would spark a seven-year journey across continents and archives: “Dad, are we Greek?”
That question led Dark to uncover that she was married to the great-great-grandson of a real pirate.
She began her research in Sydney before travelling to Hydra on her first visit to Greece, with no knowledge of the language and only fragments of information to guide her. From there, her search took her to Athens, Malta, England and Ireland, tracing the life of Voulgaris and that of Mary Lyons, the Irish orphan who later became his wife in New South Wales.
“To begin with, all I wanted to know was who this man was, who his parents were, what had driven him to piracy,” Dark said. “But the more I found out, the more I wanted to know.”
The research proved complex and often contradictory. Even Voulgaris’ name appeared in multiple forms across records, as did the name of his ship. While some accounts claimed his pirate crew numbered nine, Dark uncovered British records listing forty-three men.
Faced with gaps that could never be fully resolved, Dark chose to bring the story to life through historical fiction rather than confining it to a limited set of verifiable facts.
More recent discoveries helped clarify parts of the historical record, including confirmation that crew members not charged with piracy were returned to Hydra aboard the same British vessel carrying Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias back to Greece. Dark also received confirmation from a genealogist in Athens that Voulgaris was almost certainly her husband’s great-great-grandfather.
Son of Hydra follows Ghikas Voulgaris from his privileged youth on Hydra to his conviction for piracy during the Greek War of Independence and subsequent transportation to the penal colony of New South Wales. In Australia, the son of a powerful seafaring family becomes a shepherd, stripped of name and status, forced to rebuild his life from nothing.
The novel is told entirely from Ghikas’ point of view, proud, stubborn and often infuriating, yet gradually shaped by hardship, labour and love. Central to the story is his relationship with Mary Lyons, whose resilience and independence challenge everything he once believed about power and identity.
Asked what Ghikas himself might think if he could read the novel, Dark laughed.
“The young Ghikas might have been fascinated by how he was portrayed,” she said. “But the man he became? I suspect he’d wipe the sweat from his brow, grunt ‘what a load of rubbish’, and go back to mending his fence.”
Early praise for Son of Hydra has highlighted its storytelling and historical depth, with commentators describing it as compelling, immersive and emotionally grounded.
Part Greek saga and part Australian frontier novel, Son of Hydra explores pride, punishment, identity and the forces that shape a life across two worlds.
Australian Porsche racer Aaron Zerefos delivered an impressive performance in New Zealand over the weekend of 18–19 January, securing pole position for the feature race and finishing on the podium at the Taupō Historic Grand Prix.
Competing at the technically demanding Taupō Historic Grand Prix, Zerefos was immediately on pace aboard his #94 Porsche, crediting both the car and his local team for a strong weekend on track.
“The weekend went very well – the #94 Porsche was fast as soon as we rolled it off the truck,” Zerefos said. “The NZ LG Motorsport crew were great to work with all weekend.”
Sunday morning racing on 19 January presented additional challenges, with wet conditions greeting drivers at the Taupō International Circuit. Zerefos adapted quickly, managing tyre strategy and changing track conditions as the race unfolded.
“We had a wet track on Sunday morning, which was challenging, but the wet tyres did their job nicely,” he said. “Taupō is quite technical and hard on the tyres, so I had to manage the rears and be smooth on the throttle. Luckily, it all worked out and the track dried nicely.”
A pivotal moment came following a late safety car restart, where Zerefos executed a tactical move to gain the advantage heading into the closing stages of the feature race.
“On the safety car restart, I tried to stack the field and get a good jump out of the last chicane, which gave me a good lead going into Turn 1,” he explained.
Despite sustained pressure from GT3 Cup competitors late in the race, Zerefos held firm to secure a top-three finish, rounding out a highly successful New Zealand return.
“I had some pressure from the GT3 Cups towards the end of the race and was happy to bring it home on the podium.”
Zerefos’ performance has not gone unnoticed, with the Australian driver receiving an invitation to return to New Zealand to compete in the Porsche NZ Pirelli Series on 24–25 April. The invitation comes amid an already demanding international racing schedule.
His focus now turns to the Bathurst 12 Hour, to be held from 13–15 February, followed by a busy stretch that includes the Bathurst 6 Hour and the Melbourne Grand Prix in March.
Off the track, Zerefos also highlighted the strong connection with the Greek diaspora during the Taupō weekend.
“It was great to meet some Greeks from New Zealand over the weekend in Taupō and grow my fan base,” he said.
With momentum building early in the season, Zerefos’ New Zealand podium performance adds another strong result to his growing international racing profile.
The Mayor of Florina, Vasilios Giannakis, and Metropolitan Irinaios of Florina, Prespes and Eordaia were warmly welcomed in Sydney by the Greek community as part of their official visit to Australia, which continues until 31 January.
The visit forms part of a broader program of engagement with the Greek diaspora, involving meetings with community, ecclesiastical and institutional representatives across several Australian states. From the outset, the tour has been positioned not as a series of formal courtesy calls, but as a meaningful effort to strengthen ties with the diaspora during a significant period for the Municipality of Florina and its future direction.
Luncheon hosted by Pan-Macedonian and regional organisations
As part of their Sydney program, a luncheon was hosted on 17 January by the Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW, in collaboration with the International Pan-Macedonian Federation and with the participation of the Greek Brotherhood of Chalkidiki ‘Aristotelis’ of NSW.
Held at the Boatshed Restaurant in La Perouse, the luncheon brought together delegates, members and friends of the community in a warm and collegial atmosphere. The event was hosted under the leadership of Anastasia Karakominakis, President of the Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW, alongside International Pan-Macedonian Federation President George Kosmidis.
Also present were representatives of the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, including Consul General George Skemperis, as well as members of Macedonian and regional organisations. Attendees included representatives of the Greek Brotherhood of Chalkidiki ‘Aristotelis’ of NSW, with Costa Dantos among those present.
The luncheon provided an opportunity for open discussion and connection, reaffirming the enduring cultural and historical ties between Florina and the Greek-Australian Macedonian community, and highlighting the importance of continued engagement and cooperation with the diaspora.
Olympiacos delivered a commanding 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the 7th matchday of the Champions League at Karaiskakis Stadium, keeping their hopes alive for playoff qualification.
Costinia opened the scoring in the 2nd minute from a Rodinei corner, while Mehdi Taremi doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time, also assisted by Rodinei.
Goalkeeper Tzolakis starred with a series of crucial saves, helping Olympiacos maintain their clean sheet despite sustained pressure from the Germans.
The win moves the red and whites to eight points and sets up a decisive clash against Ajax in Amsterdam on January 28, with qualification for the top European club competition at stake.
Olympiacos’ disciplined defence and high pressing in the first half, combined with clinical finishing, proved decisive as Leverkusen struggled to convert key chances.
In the second half, Olympiacos focused on protecting their lead, with Tzolakis continuing to deny multiple efforts from the visitors.
Momentum continues to build for Melbourne’s World Greek Language Day, with Australian mainstream media now also highlighting the event as a leading global initiative.
Melbourne plans entered their final phase this week as the organising committee met at Alphington Grammar to confirm last details for the public event at RMIT’s Capitol Theatre on Monday, February 9th.
The event is free and open to the public, with more than 450 people already confirming their attendance through the event’s website. Organisers said demand continues to rise, with attendance capped at approximately 550 in line with the Capitol Theatre’s seating capacity.
From classroom to the Capitol
Professor Anastasios Tamis, who initiated the UNESCO-recognised celebration in Australia, said priority access has been given to students, particularly VCE candidates, who represent the future of Greek language education nationwide.
“If we want Greek to thrive at university level, we must first engage students at school,” he said. “That is where the future is decided.”
Professor Tamis said the program was deliberately designed to strengthen education by making Greek visible, contemporary and culturally compelling, following sustained outreach to schools and universities across Victoria. “By placing students, educators and universities at the centre of the program, and by showing Greek as a value proposition, we are creating long-term demand for Greek studies across both secondary and tertiary education,” he said.
Committee member Mike Zafiropoulos has previously noted that language uptake grows when it moves beyond the classroom. “Students are far more likely to embrace Greek when their Australian peers see it as relevant and respected,” he said.
When language is alive, you celebrate it
The committee confirmed a two-hour program combining education and performance to honour the Greek language’s global influence. The evening will be presented by Konstantinos Kalymnios and Helen Kapalos, with an artistic program featuring the Psaltries Choir of Melbourne and the 45-member Camerata Chorus of Melbourne performing excerpts from Manolis Kalomiris’ Symphony Leventia amongst other highlights.
Musical Director Andreas Koikas will lead a 12-membered ensemble, guiding performances that draw on the works of Vangelis, Manolis Kalomiris, Mikis Theodorakis, Manos Hatzidakis and Stavros Xarchakos. There will also be narrated excerpts from Odysseas Elytis’ Nobel Prize address to the Swedish Academy and selected stanzas from Dionysios Solomos’ Hymn to Freedom, reinforcing the enduring link between language, poetry and national identity.
The keynote address will be delivered by The Hon. Professor Anthe Philippides, former Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland. Her address will explore Themis, the goddess of divine law, and the Greek language, examining how Greek legal terminology shaped the foundations of jurisprudence. She will appear on stage alongside her daughter, Lilly. Her keynote is expected to bridge antiquity and modernity, reinforcing why Greek remains a living language.
Discussion was robust when it came to the selection of Philhellenes to be honoured for their contribution to Greek language and culture. While names remain confidential, discussions included advocacy from The Greek Herald for the inclusion of at least one female Philhellene among the five award recipients.
Not a gala, but a gateway
Tuesday’s meeting also emphasised outward engagement, with invitations extended to ministers, academics, jurists, and diplomats across Victoria. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has responded with a letter praising the Greek language and its contribution to democratic thought. Committee member Christina Despoteris of Sister Cities Australia, who worked alongside Mike Zafiropoulos on outreach, said the response has been strong.
“Consuls from more than 70 countries have been approached, alongside peak multicultural bodies, legal and medical associations and universities,” she said. Responding to a query from Theo Theofanous, President of the Cypriot Community of Melbourne and Victoria, Despoteris confirmed invitations had been extended to all embassies, including Turkey and North Macedonia. She noted the breadth of the guest list reflects an effort to position Greek as a foundational pillar of Western civilization and law.
Beyond the gateways of Melbourne, a video professionally filmed by Platon Denezakis will be shared with other countries, extending its reach to national and international audiences.
NUGAS Co-President Demi Bourdopoulos is assisting with the event’s digital organisation and social media presence. “World Greek Language Day speaks directly to young people who care about culture, philosophy and where modern thinking comes from,” she said. “That’s why students want to be part of this.”
The atmosphere on Tuesday was palpable as the team discussed the event’s position as the first in an ongoing national continuum with plans already being discussed for next year. Organisers look beyond February 9th to establish UNESCO’s World Greek Language Day celebration as an annual fixture with an impact that stretches throughout the year.
Much of the event’s momentum is credited to the persistent advocacy of Professor Tamis, whose decades of scholarly work and community leadership have been instrumental in elevating the profile of the Greek language in the Australian diaspora.
Professor Tamis described the meeting as a decisive moment for the committee. “We are now on the final straight,” he said. “The response has been deeply encouraging. This is not an event for one community, it is a celebration that belongs to everyone.”
UNESCO’s World Greek Language Day tribute takes place at the Capitol Theatre on Swanston Street at 8pm, doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are limited due to venue capacity. To enquire about tickets or to join the waiting list, leave your contact details on the event’s website.
*Mary Sinanidis is a member of the digital communications subcommittee of the UNESCO World Greek Language Day.
The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has postponed two OFC Pro League matches at North Harbour Stadium due to heavy rain and severe weather warnings in Auckland.
South Melbourne FC’s clash with Solomon Kings FC, originally scheduled for 7:00pm NZT, and Tahiti United’s match against PNG Hekari FC, set for 3:00pm NZT, will be rescheduled to later dates.
Auckland is under a Heavy Rain Warning (Orange Alert) from Wednesday 9:00am until Thursday 2:00am.
The OFC said the decision was made in the interests of player safety, match officials, and supporters, with further details on revised fixtures to be communicated in due course.
The Consul General of Greece in Sydney, George Skemperis, met with Zacharias Souris, Head of the Major Minority of the Municipality of Kythera and Antikythera and President of the municipal group All Together, Kythera – Antikythera, during Mr Souris’ visit to Australia on 15 January.
The meeting took place at the Greek Consulate General in Sydney and focused on the long-standing and active presence of the Kytherian community in New South Wales.
Discussions centred on the strong historical and cultural ties between Kytherians in Australia and their homeland, as well as ways to further strengthen those connections through continued engagement and cooperation.
Mr Skemperis acknowledged the significant contribution of the Kytherian diaspora to Greek community life in NSW and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining close links between local communities and Kythera and Antikythera.
Mr Souris’ visit forms part of broader efforts to maintain dialogue between local government representatives in Greece and Greek communities abroad, recognising the enduring role of the diaspora in preserving cultural identity and supporting their places of origin.
Athens is weighing whether to join a proposed Peace Council promoted by US President Donald Trump, with the Greek government leaning against participation as it consults closely with EU partners.
Trump has invited around 60 countries, including Cyprus and Australia, to sign on to the initiative, originally framed as a mechanism to maintain peace in Gaza, but Greek officials are concerned the proposal goes beyond UN Security Council Resolution 2803, expanding its scope beyond Gaza and lacking a defined timeframe.
Athens is examining the plan from political and legal perspectives, also factoring in Greece’s role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Within the EU, Germany and France are inclined to reject the invitation, while Hungary and Albania have signalled they will participate.
Trump is reported to have secured the backing of at least 10 countries.
Greek officials face a dilemma, as declining the invitation could strain relations with Washington, while accepting it could undermine the role of the United Nations.
Greece and Israel have agreed to step up defence cooperation, with Israel set to help Greece develop technology to counter military drone swarms, Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said following talks in Athens with Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz.
Στο πλαίσιο της επίσημης επίσκεψής του στην #Αθήνα, υποδέχτηκα σήμερα, με ιδιαίτερη χαρά, στο Υπουργείο Εθνικής Άμυνας, τον Υπουργό Άμυνας του Κράτους του #Ισραήλ, @Israel_katz, με τον οποίο συζητήσαμε για τις στρατηγικές αμυντικές σχέσεις 🇬🇷-🇮🇱 και τις προοπτικές για την… pic.twitter.com/A457V5R5SB
Dendias said the discussions focused on sharing expertise to confront unmanned threats, including coordinated groups of aerial and underwater drones, as well as cooperation in countering cyber threats.
Katz described the bilateral partnership as “an anchor of stability in the Mediterranean.”
The move builds on a defence agreement signed in December by Greece, Israel and Cyprus, under which Israel is already supporting Greece’s efforts to strengthen its air defence capabilities.
One of the most important pillars of 🇬🇷-🇮🇱 cooperation is our defence ecosystem.
Our goal is for #Greece to transition from being a "customer” and “buyer” of defence systems only, to a country co-producing – producing relatively low cost and dual-use innovative products. The… pic.twitter.com/7DMCXuBUiP
Dendias said Greece is seeking to follow Israel’s model by expanding its domestic defence industry, shifting from a buyer of systems to a co-producer of innovative, lower-cost technologies.
The agreement also provides for joint military exercises, special operations training and regular strategic consultations, against the backdrop of heightened regional instability and Greece’s ongoing maritime dispute with Turkey.
