The former Prime Minister of Greece, George Papandreou, made the following statement immediately upon learning of the passing of his fellow colleague, Christos Tsirkas.
“We mourn with great sorrow, Christos Tsirkas, an uncompromising fighter for democracy, social justice, and the rights of the Hellenic nation. Initially enlisted in the youth of the Centre Union, in PASOK with its founding, in the Movement of Democratic Socialists, in the Labor Party of Australia, as well as in its Syndicate, he was a person of national acceptance and enjoyed unlimited appreciation. He served selflessly and wholeheartedly throughout his life to his fellow human beings. His contribution and struggles will give us the strength to continue our journey. Good journey, comrade Christos.”
As we reported in Neos Kosmos, the well-known and distinguished fellow community member Tsirkas passed away on New Year’s Day at a nursing care centre (Auburn House) where he had been residing in recent years, having previously lost his daughter and his wife.
The news of his death caused sorrow in the community and dozens of fellow members rushed to express their condolences as soon as they read the news in Neos Kosmos.
Among them was the former President of the Greek Community, George Fountas, a close colleague a friend of Tsirkas for many years.
It is worth mentioning that it was thanks to Tsirkas and Fountas’ joint efforts that the Greek Community survived when it faced bankruptcy.
The President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis, also expressed his sorrow over Tsirkas’ passing.
Mr Papastergiadis told Neos Kosmos that “Christos Tsirkas developed intense community activity for decades. His life was a constant struggle for a better life. He was a man of offering. He offered a lot, to many and in different sectors. We all recognise this about him. He served both our community and helped it in particularly difficult times. Especially important is his contribution to the bilingual school of our Community, Alphington Grammar. Christos Tsirkas leaves a significant void in our community and will be missed.”
