Victorian premier Daniel Andrews lauded the “strength of Melbourne’s Greek population” on Saturday 18 March, at the Shrine of Remembrance for an event marking the national anniversary of 25 March 1821, or Greek Independence Day.
Independence Day is celebrated on 25 March, the feast day of the Annunciation, and is a reference for the successful Greek War of Independence (1821–1829) fought to decolonize Greece from four centuries of Ottoman occupation.
“Athens, Thessaloniki and Melbourne are the three largest Greek cities,” said Andrews. The premier emphasised the “massive contribution of Greeks had to the development of Melbourne, Victoria and Australia.”
Andrews said that “the immortal epic of March 25, and the sacrifice of the Greek heroes for freedom impacted on the whole world.” The Greek War of Independence is one of the first national liberation wars against colonialism.
Opposition leader John Pesutto who also spoke said that the Feast of the Annunciation of our Lady, is a profound “symbol for peace and the fight for freedom, such as the one Ukraine is currently experiencing.”
Mr Pessutto also said that he knows “very well about Hellenism, and its impact in Australia, as his wife is of Greek origin.”
The speeches by the two leaders took place at the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance, and were preceded by a Trisagion (Τρισάγιο) celebrated by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, assisted by Bishops Kyriakos of Sozopol and Eumenios of Kerasunda. The Trisagion meaning Thrice Holy is a standard hymn of the Divine Liturgy of most of the Eastern Orthodox.
The Archbishop delved into the history of the day and the need to “stop all wars.”
Federal MP Maria Vamvakinou representing the prime minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to the heritage of the “Immortal 1821” anniversary.
The Consul General of Greece, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, underscored “the excellent relations between Greece and Australia”.
Chairperson of the National Anniversary Celebration Committee Antonis Tsourdalakis said that “70 years have passed since the first Greek Ambassador arrived in Canberra, and 50 years since the first Cypriot Ambassador arrived.”
He also expressed his gratitude to a “new generation that proudly participates in the celebrations as proud Hellenes and proud Australians.”
Sophia Siachou was the master of ceremonies.
