In an atmosphere of reflection, Melbourne's Greek community mark 25 March

In what was an atmosphere of national reflection, this weekend’s celebrations on the anniversary of the 1821 Greek War of Independence saw a number of events organised by community bodies.

Among others, a Greek flag was raised in Federation Square, the heart of Melbourne, by students from our community’s Greek Schools; the blue and white flying proudly above the city.

The Hellenic Museum held its own commemorations for the date, while observances were held at Melbourne’s first Greek Orthodox Church, ‘Evangelismos’, the Holy Church of “The Annunciation of Our Lady” on Victoria Parade.

The Hellenic Branch of the RSL held a number of events to honour the historic day.

Beginning at 9:30 am with a Doxology at St Eustathios in South Melbourne, the service was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Australian Hellenic Memorial at noon, and at the Shrine of Remembrance at 1 pm.

In attendance were Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Mr Emmanuel Kakavelakis, Steve Dimopoulos MP, Victorian Council for Greek National Day, Tony Tsourdalakis, students of our community’s schools’ veterans among many others.

The proceedings concluded with a lunch held in the hall of the RSL’s Greek Branch, at 14A Ferrars Place, South Melbourne.