The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) hosted a commemorative event for the 84th anniversary of OXI Day at the Cathedral of Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Adelaide on Sunday.
The event, honouring Greece’s historic stand against fascism, drew a large crowd and included a doxology, a wreath-laying ceremony, and poems recited by students from GOCSA’s Greek Language Schools.
GOCSA Vice President and Master of Ceremonies, Peter Gonis, highlighted the significance of OXI Day, describing it as “a day of profound significance in Greek history; a day that symbolises resilience, courage, and the unwavering spirit of a nation, as well as the ties that connect our two countries in their quest for freedom and democracy.”
GOCSA President Peter Gardiakos also read a message from Premier Peter Malinauskas, noting that OXI Day “holds a special place in our hearts as a symbol of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to freedom”.
Gardiakos urged those present to draw inspiration from their ancestors to protect these values, saying, “Let us stand together, just as our ancestors did, and say ‘No’ to any threat that challenges our sovereignty and our way of life.”
The event was attended by various community representatives and distinguished guests, including Matthew Marozzi, representing Minister for Multicultural Affairs Hon. Zoe Bettison MP; Adelaide Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith; Mayor of West Torrens Michael Coxon and Councillor George Demetriou; Councillor Peter Ppiros on behalf of Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans; Trian Gonis on behalf of Federal Member for Adelaide Steve Georganas MP; Able Seaman Irene Charalampakis from the Royal Australian Navy; Unley Councillor Stephen Finos; and Bernadette Belej from the South Australian Multicultural Commission.
The commemoration concluded with students from GOCSA’s Greek Language Schools reciting poems, followed by the singing of the Australian and Greek National Anthems.
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