The Greek Orthodox Community (GOC) of Sydney celebrated 120 years since its foundation back in 1898 at their Community Centre in Brighton.
President of the GOC, Harry Danalis spoke of the significance of the community and pointed out that its goals are still in effect to this day, as they were when it was first founded.
He also noted that they will continue to strive so that the Greek language is more widely used in Australia and that Greeks are able to maintain all their traditions and way of life, while also adapting more easily to their new environment.
It was pointed out that more events such as this will occur so that the younger generation of Greeks can have a better feel for their heritage, in addition to the Sydney Greek Festival and the Greek Film Festival.
A congratulatory word for the work of the GOC over the years was given by the State Minister of Multicultural Affairs, Ray Williams, State Opposition leader Luke Foley, and MP Linda Burney. Also present at the event was the representative of the Greek Embassy in Sydney, Eleni Karapanagou and members of the State Parliament Mark Joseph Coure and Jihad Dib, among others.
The event was focused on Greek traditional dances that were performed by the GOC’s dance group, led by Paroula Galleli-Thurban and Nicole Thurban-Egglezou.
The presentation of the event was hosted by Samantha Danalis, a member of the GOC’s committee.
All attendees were given a special commemorative album honouring the GOC’s history, with special messages from Mr Danalis, the Greek Ambassador in Canberra Katerina Xagoraris, and the General Ambassador of Greece in Sydney, Mr Karras, along with other political figures.