A rather optimistic message for the future, comes always from the youngest, who carry on the traditions and the flame of the Hellenic spirit. Two days prior to the Oxi Day national holiday, the Greek Community and Parish of St Anna’s Church in the Gold Coast of Queensland, paid tribute to the day on October 28 1940, when Greece refused to let the Italian forces step on its ground during WWII.

The church celebrated the memory of St Dimitrios on Sunday 26 October, with a liturgy followed by a service commemorating Oxi Day.

The Greek Orthodox Community of St Anna, welcomed a strong crowd, including Queensland officials; Greek Consul General Jim Raptis with his wife Eleni, priests and dignitaries, as well as representatives of the Gold Coast AHEPA.

In blue and white attire, the pupils of the Greek National School of St Anna danced, recited poems and sung the National Anthem, showing their respect for the thousands of Greeks who fought and died to protect Europe. The event included dances from the Community’s and Parish’s dancing groups, while part of the ceremony was dedicated to awarding top achieving students.