The Panarcadian Association of Melbourne and Victoria “O Kolokotronis” will honour its ancestral hero and namesake, Theodoros Kolokotronis, with an upcoming memorial day, calling on everyone young and old to share and learn about his legacy.

The Panarcadian Association of Melbourne and Victoria “Kolokotronis” and the Panarcadian Federation of Victoria will hold its annual event recognising the hero of the Greek War of Independence on Sunday 9 February.

The event will commence with a 10am service at the Holy Archdiocesan Church of Panagia “Axion Esti” in Northcote, which will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony in the church courtyard.

Following that all attendees are invited to The Arcadian, home of the Panarcadian Association, at 570 Victoria Street, North Melbourne, for small delicacies and refreshments.

The gathering will feature keynote speeches reflecting on Kolokotronis’ legacy.

The Association’s president, George Kotsirilos, stressed the need to continue recognising the famed figure in modern Greek history, spreading knowledge on his exploits during the War of Independence.

“It is important that we carry on acknowledging these significant dates,” Kotsirilos told Neos Kosmos.

“It is especially important we recognise this date, with our association bearing the name ‘Kolokotronis’ as a brand of our national hero of Greece.”

Photo from last year’s Kolokotronis Memorial Day events. Photo: Facebook/ Panarcadian Asssociation of Melbourne and Victoria “O Kolokotronis”

He reiterated that Kolokotronis’ legacy is relevant to all of Greece, not just those from the Arcadia region, and is hopeful that all Hellenes participate (including the older and younger generations).

“We are honoured and privileged to have this hero from our ancestral region. We now want to continue emphasising it and let our younger generation understand and know the importance of him,” Kotsirilos said.

The president added that the overall history of the events leading up to the War of Independence, for which Kolokotronis was a Greek General, must equally be passed on to the next generations.

“I want everyone, especially the youth, to get a better understanding of the history and a little bit more involved on the battles and how many times over the near 400 years of occupation the Greeks tried to break away.”

Kotsirilos remarked that the association will also have a stall in the Antipodes Festival where they will further honour Kolokotronis.

The Association has urged as many other community organisations to attend, requesting they register by 5 February with Panagiota Dimitropoulou at 0439 002 202, Emily Kazakos on 0408317828 or via email at info@panarcadians.com.au.

Registrations should mention the number of attendees and indicate if you will be laying a wreath (all wreaths must be arranged by the participating associations).