In commemoration of the Pontian Greek Genocide on May 19, and to honour Hellenism around the world, students from the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Schools visited an exhibition ‘In the Footsteps of Digenis Akritas’.
Organised by the educational institution “Hellenism of Anatolia – from the Aegean Sea to Pontos”, the students visited during the week of May 20-25.
This exhibition is part of a ten-day tribute to the Hellenism of Anatolia and aims to promote the common elements of history and culture that unite the Greeks of Cyprus, Pontus, Crete, Cappadocia, and Asia Minor in general, especially on the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
Some of the exhibits were creations of students who excelled in the “Stories of Asia Minor” competition held during in 2023.
An award ceremony for the competition winners, including GCM schools’ students Christoforos Nadal and Eleni Kalymniou, was also held at the exhibition on Sunday May 26.
Maria Bakalidou, the principal of GCM schools said they are trying to “transfer the experience and keep the memory alive for future generations.”
In a media release she thanked the organisers for welcoming them.
“We extend our warm congratulations for their remarkable work and plan similar visits for our other schools in the future, as we firmly support every worthwhile initiative aimed at preserving Greek culture and promoting Greek heritage.”
Students from the Mathesis, Bentleigh and City campuses were given information about the exhibition, toured the museum an took part in educational programs.
These included studying written elements, images and objects of the time to learn about tangible and intangible cultural heritage, and the visit concluded with a revival of traditional games.
