Ohi Day, celebrated on Saturday, 30 October, at the Hellenic Function Centre drew a large crowd from the St Anna Greek Orthodox parish community, Gold Coast.

The children of the Greek Ethnic School of St Anna marched to the centre to begin the celebrations’ programme which included the song and poem recitals as well as theatrical skit performed by the students.

The parish president James Nides welcomed everyone to the event that included Father Romanos Stergiou and special guest Dr John Zakos who presented every Greek student of the school with a commemorative coin that recalled the 20th anniversary of Greek Independence from Ottoman rule.

Himself a former pupil of their school, Dr Zakos asked student to reflect on their Greek culture and maintain the traditions of the community.

READ MORE: Melbourne’s ceremony for Ohi Day celebrated despite the pandemic

Mr Nides introduced the principal of the school Vcky Giannopoulou and her fellow teachers Yiannis ZErvis and Maria Stavrinos who launched into the programme of entertainments laid out for those present at the event.

This included dances by the Junior Greek Dancing Group who were taught by Jennifer Sakeley.

The Senior Dancing Group, taught by Eleni Penelope Tsolakidou, followed after and one of their dances was “Zorba the Greek” in honour of the late Mikis Theodorakis.

DJ George Kassos from Brisbane also provided entertainment on the night.

Volunteers helped the Ladies Auxilliary to prepare the food for the event.

: Anthoula Nides, from right, with husband James Nides (president of the Greek community of St Anna), Maria Stavrinosto (teacher), Vicky Giannopoulou (principal) and Yiannis Zervis.

The President of the Greek Community of St Anna, James Nides with Fr Romanos at the head of the students as they march into the Hellenic Function Centre.

Dr John Zakos, left, with Dr Athanasios Raikos, the Assistant Professor of Anatomy at Bond University and young Aristotelis.

Penny Tsolokidou is the Greek Dancing teacher for the junior group.

Vasiliki Giannoupoulos, the principal of the Greek Ethnic School of St Anna.

School learners perform a theatrical skit during the Ohi Day celebrations.

Members of the St Anna community join in the dancing.

Playing their part to ensure the event runs smoothly are Nitsa Lillis from left, Helen Paris, Chris Sakley, Sandra Voukelatos.

Volunteers Helen Paris, from left, Michael Nides and Nitsa Lillis look after the souvlakis in the kitchen.

Fr Romanos Stergiou explains the symbollism of the Greek flag to the students.