With an interesting final lecture given by University of Melbourne professor Nikos Papastergiadis, on the meaning of friendship, the series of GOCMV Greek History and Culture Seminars for 2013 was completed last Thursday.

The lecture that explored the contemporary phenomenon of ‘liking’ and ‘making’ friends in the age of social networking, while mapping out the complex history of the concept of friendship in philosophy, political theory and aesthetics; was followed by the cocktail reception to mark the completion of the 2013 History and Cultural Seminar Series.

In the presence of hundreds of community members and friends, certificates of participation were presented during the course of the evening to those who attended the majority of seminars.

The GOCMV president Bill Papastergiadis thanked the lecturers for their contribution to Community Seminars, and community members who attended. A special thanks was given to the members of the Seminars’ Organising Committee, for their efforts and successful organisation. Once more, Mr Papastergiadis thanked Mr Kyriakos Amanatides, on whose initiative the Greek Community Seminars Series took off.

Offered by the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria, more than 1000 people attended seminars during last three years. Only in 2013, 36 lectures were given – a number that even high educational institutions can be proud of.

The aim of the seminars, presented by notable academics and experts in their diverse fields, is the promotion of Greek history and culture not only to Greek community but to wider Australian audience.