While Greek National Day fell mid-week in Australia, thousands flocked to mark the day over the weekend, participating in a number of parades, memorial services and church services.
Melbourne hosted it’s annual parade at the Shrine of Remembrance on Sunday, with hundreds of Greek students marching to the steps of the Memorial greeted by both sides of politics and our community’s church leaders.
Greece’s Ambassador to Australia, Haris Dafaranos and Melbourne’s Greek Consul General Christina Simantiraki laid a wreath together at the Eternal Flame,
as did Victoria’s premier, Daniel Andrews.
Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria president, Bill Papastergiadis stood alongside Bishop Ezekiel Dervis and Bishop Iakovos of Militoupolis marking the sombre occasion.
The main event was preceded by a church service at St Efstathios and a smaller memorial service held by the Hellenic RSL in Melbourne.
Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide also held memorial services, with the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia hosting hundreds of Greek Australians at the The Cenotaph of Heroes.
It was followed by a school celebration at the Olympic Hall with poem recitals, short theatrical plays, traditional songs and dances performed by the students.
Read more in this Saturday’s English edition of Neos Kosmos.