Last Friday the museum exhibition titled ‘Asia Minor – Reflections of Everyday Life’ was launched at the monastery of Axion Estin, in Northcote, Melbourne.
The arrival of sacred relics from Pontus and Asia Minor to Australia offers a glimpse into Asia Minor Greeks’ tangible and intangible cultural heritage, featuring authentic objects, some of which were salvaged and brought by refugees during their arduous journey, along with replicas and a variety of audiovisual materials showcasing the vibrant culture, historical significance, and daily activities of the Anatolian Greeks.
The museum exhibition on show until May 29, is presented by the educational institution Hellenism of Anatolia – from the Aegean Sea to the Pontos, in collaboration with the Australian Federation of Pontian Associations, and with the assistance of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
Kostas Pataridis, the event presenter and educator, transported the audience to the ‘Ancestral Homelands’ through poems and insightful quotes from renowned writers.
The evocative introductions set the stage for the subsequent speakers on the night, among them, Bishop Evmenios of Kerasunda and the Consul General, Mr. Emmanuel Kakavelakis.
Speaker Tony Tsourdalakis noted in his speech that the Greek Armed Forces delegation, currently in Australia for the 82nd anniversary of the Battle of Crete, received permission to participate in the commemoration of the Pontian Hellenism Genocide.
This privilege was granted in response to a request from the Cretan Federation of Australia & New Zealand to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The delegation from the General Staff of the National Defence Staff in Australia includes Vice General George Kyriakou, Chief of Staff; Commander of the Navy Stylianos Mitsiotis; and Colonel Ioannis Fassianos, the Military Attaché of Greece in Canberra.
During the event on Friday, Vice Admiral George Kyriakou, the Chief of Staff, delivered a noteworthy address.
Additionally, Yannis Pilalidis, Vice President of the Australian Federation of Pontian Associations, and Yota Stavridou, Coordinator of the Pedagogical Institute ‘The Hellenism of Anatolia – from the Aegean to Pontos’, also spoke about the exhibition, its objectives, and the remaining program.
“The exhibition seeks to foster connections between generations, enabling them to explore their roots and understand the collective narrative that shaped their identity while paying tribute to the vibrant everyday life experienced in the Unforgettable Homelands of Hellenism, where our ancestors thrived for over 3000 years,” Hellenism of Anatolia – from the Aegean Sea to Pontos coordinator Yiota Stavridou told Neos Kosmos.
Ms Stavridou touched the audience when she presented an ancient house key that she had “inherited” from her grandmother in Smyrna.
Her address was followed by Pontian dirge, performed by the talented Pontian lyricist Seraphim Marmaridis, which was an essential part of the commemoration event and captivated the audience.
The highlight of the evening was Celene Coumaros presenting a personal testimony of refugees from Asia Minor, which brought tears to many eyes.
Her presentation was based on an article she had written last year in Neos Kosmos.
In addition to the museum exhibition, there is also an exhibition showcasing works by students who participated in the 2022 student competition on the 100th anniversary of the Asia Minor Catastrophe, exploring the history and culture of the Greeks of Asia Minor.
Some of the students’ works have been published in ‘Mathitofrenia’, the student newspaper insert in Saturday’s Neos Kosmos, while others will be published in the upcoming edition.
– The exhibition will remain open until May 29, 2023, at the bookshop building of Axion Esti in Northcote (7 Hartington St) with daily opening hours from 10am to 5pm. School and group visits can be accommodated with modified hours by appointment.
– The organisers invite school groups (with a maximum of 30 students per hour) to visit the exhibition and take part in the Museum Education Program, which will be conducted free of charge by experienced Educators during morning and afternoon hours.
Programme of events in the exhibition area:
SUNDAY 21 MAY at 5-6pm
CONSTANTINE AND HELEN OF BYZANTIUM – Speech by Father Philip Papagiannopoulos in English.
MONDAY 22 MAY at 11am
THE FAIRY TALES OF THE GRANDMOTHER – Narration of a Asia Minor folk tale by the teacher Vicky Petala.
TUESDAY 23 MAY at 7-8.30pm
MUSIC AND DANCES OF ASIA MINOR- Presentation of musical elements and dance lessons by Joseph Tsobanopoulos and the dance group, “Pericles”.
FRIDAY 26 MAY at 7.30-9.30pm
PARAKATH- Presentation by Serafim Marmaridis and Kostas Pataridis. This will be followed by music (Parakath) with musicians from the community.
SUNDAY 28 MAY at 6-7.30pm
STORIES OF ASIA MINOR – Tour of the museum space and personal stories told by descendants of Micronesians, residents of Melbourne.
MONDAY 29 MAY 2023 – at 6.30-7pm
STUDENT COMPETITION AWARDS CEREMONY – Presentation of prizes to the winners of the 2022 Student Competition on the theme ‘100 Years since the Asia Minor Catastrophe’.
MONDAY 29 MAY at 7-7.30pm
TAKEN – Tribute to the Fall of Constantinople with hymns and chants by the Byzantine School of Music.
