On Sunday 27 October 2019, the Greek Community of St Anna celebrated it’s annual ‘Ohi’ Day celebrations.

Father Romanos conducted the Divine Liturgy followed by a wreath-laying ceremony . Wreaths were laid by the President of the Greek Community, Mr James Nides, Ms Helen Zahos representing AHEPA (Qld) and Chapter Defkalion Gold Coast, as well as by two students from the Greek Ethnic School of St Anna, Pavlos Tsiros and Ireni Bachlinzanakis.

A crowd of around 130 people descended to the Hellenic Centre where the the Ladies Auxiliary provided a beautiful lunch.

Three dancing groups of the Greek Community of St Anna entertained those present: the Junior Dance Group with dancing teachers Sofia Cominos-Dakin and Jenny Sakley; the Intermediate Dancing group taught by Mrs Sally Cominos-Dakin; and the Senior Dance Group taught by Klea Petridis-Alvanos.

A program by the Greek Ethnic School of St Anna paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, with students from prep to Year 12 presenting poems, songs, and a play.

We thank all the students who participated and thank their parents for encouraging them to learn their mother tongue and keep alive their rich heritage of their family. We thank the teachers including the Principal Vicki Giannopoulou, Effie Bachlinzanakis, Katerina Kalogeropoulos and Mariza Tambaleopoulos for putting together the program and providing guidance in reading, writing and speaking Greek. Congratulations to all. We also thank Vasili Giannoulis.

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This was followed by Ms Helen Zahos, representing AHEPA (Qld), presented nine prizes to winners of the AHEPA competition. There were three prizes given in each category of Junior, Intermediate and the Senior Section.

The theme this year focused on the Greek Islands.

Ms Zahos also presented a $1,000-cheque to President James Nides on behalf of AHEPA (Qld). The Greek Community are very grateful for the continued support that AHEPA (Qld) offers, especially to the Greek School.

A big thank you to AHEPA (Qld) and to Mr Sam Koutsoukos who leads the Education Committee.

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Ms Zahos, as President of the Gold Coast Defkalion Chapter, also presented cheques to Mrs Anthoulla Nides ($500) for the Greek School of St Anna; to Ms Sandra Volukelatos ($500) for the Greek Orthodox Church of St Anna; and to Thalia Zakos ($500) for her work as President of the Ladies Philoptohos/Ladies Auxiliary.

We are deeply thankful to Ms Zahos and local Chapter for their generous donations to our community and also assisting our community for improving our services. Big thank you to AHEPA (Qld) and Chapter Defkalion.

Greek Community of St Anna Gold Coast