The significance of OXI Day was recognised all across NSW with the Greek community and wider Australian society reflecting on and commemorating one of the most important historical dates in modern Greek history.

Numerous initiatives were held in honour of the 84th anniversary of OXI Day, acknowledging the significant date in various ways.

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW commemorated the event on its specific date, 28 October, with a special reception and cocktail party event at its premises in Lakemba last night (Monday).

The evening featured numerous speeches and many notable attendees, all of whom recognised the importance of the date, with it concluding with music and a dance performance.

The weekend past also featured significant commemorative events, including a doxology on Sunday morning (27 October) at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of our Lady in Redfern, as organised by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.

The service was followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the memorial located outside the church, with delegations from the orthodox colleges that operate in Sydney as well as other dignitaries attending the events.

Inner West Council organised their own wreath laying ceremony the previous day (Saturday) in the forecourt of Marrickville Town Hall in front of the Winged Victory memorial.

The area is synonymous with the Greek community, something which the council has been considerate of as they have now made a tradition of commemorating OXI Day.

The events will continue as AHEPA NSW hosts an event to mark the occasion on Wednesday 30 October from 7.30pm at the AHEPA NSW Hall in Rockdale.

The Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, in collaboration with the Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens (AAIA), is also set to hold a seminar next month on 27 November that is in line with the commemorative events for OXI Day.

The talk, titled ”The Fate of the Antiquities of Greece During World War II’, will be given by AAIA Deputy Director Dr Stavros Paspalas and will be held at NSW Parliament House (3-5pm).

More photos below: