Pontian groups commemorate the Genocide with a memorial service and wreath-laying

18 May 2020 10:32am

The Coordinating Committee for the Commemoration of the Pontian Genocide hosted a memorial service at Axion Esti, Northcote, to remember the Genocide of Greeks and Pontians from 1911 through to 1923.

Since 1987, the coordinating committee of Pontian groups have worked together in Melbourne to draw attention to the plight of Greeks during the Genocide and lobby support in their honour.

This year, COVID-19 meant that the commemoration was kept small, however this did not stop the Pontian groups for gathering together to remember the bloodshed ahead of 19 May, the Pontian Greek Genocide Remembrance Day.

Following a remembrance service, representatives of Pontian groups laid wreaths while keeping social distancing rules. President of the Coordinating Committee, Roma Siachou spoke of the importance of the day.

The Pontian groups which took part in the commemoration were the Pontian Union Panagia Soumela of Whittlesea, the Central Union of Pontians of Melbourne Pontiaki Estia, the Pontian Community of Melbourne and Victoria, the Pontian Association of Melbourne Efxinos Pontos, the Pontian Brotherhood of St George of Western Australia and the Pontian Brotherhood of Tasmania.