The Panhellenic Association of Retired Reservists in Australia celebrated the anniversary of Greece’s War of Independence with a commemoration event on Sunday, March 26 at the Holy Monastery of Axion Esti, in Northcote.
In the morning, a commemorative service was held by Bishop Evmenios Vassilopoulos, followed by a memorial service at the Memorial of the Fallen and a wreath-laying ceremony by the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, attended by representatives of the state and members of the Greek community.
On behalf of the Retired Servicemen’s Association, a wreath was laid by President Panagiotis Dourios, together with Greek Korea War veteran and member of the Board of Directors of the Association Dimitrios Saratsiotis.
During the ceremony, Mr Dourios, read a message from the Chief of the General Staff, General Konstantinos Floros: “We are proud of you, our expatriate compatriots of Australia, because you are progressing and growing, each in his own field, because you keep our national identity alive, because you never forget our beloved Greece, because you ‘feel for the Homeland in your innermost being’ and even though you are far away.”
The day ended with a light meal offered to the attendees in the main Axion Esti monastery Hall.
Similarly, the Greek Community of Whittlesea gathered to commemorate the 202nd year anniversary for Hellenic Independence. Former mayor Kris Pavlidis joined President Yianni Kariyioti and the Women’s Group president Helen Koukoulas alongside several committee members.
“As former Mayor it is an honour to join these significant celebrations of our Hellenic heritage and ensure that we continue our tradition with the forthcoming generations. The 100 or so members echoed these sentiments with a unified cry: Zito Ellas, Zito Australia, Zito Greek Community Whittlesea!,” Ms Pavlidis told Neos Kosmos.
The school community of St Panteleimon also gathered in honour of Greek Independence Day with parents and teachers supporting students of all ages. The day started with attending a liturgy for the fallen heroes and the Annunciation of Our Lady followed by a parade and a wreath laying ceremony. At the school students recited poems and sang celebratory songs before performing traditional Greek dances for their parents and educators.
Finally, in Geelong students from the Hellenic Orthodox community school and the Pegasus dance academy took part at the church service and wreath laying ceremony commemorating the Hellenic National Day, 25 March, and the struggle for freedom in Cyprus (1st of April 1955 – 1959).
