Sydney put on a grand display for its annual events honouring Greek Independence Day with its Hellenes once more taking over some of the city’s historic locations to celebrate the homeland’s most significant date in modern history.
The events for the 204th anniversary of Greek Independence Day on Sunday, organised by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOC NSW), began with a eulogy in the morning at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of our Lady in Redfern.
It was followed by a memorial service for the fallen at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, wherein various politicians, diplomats, and representatives of numerous community organisations, including members of Greek associations at Sydney’s universities laid wreaths.
Thousands of attendees then marched from Martin Place to the forecourt of the Opera House, with Archbishop Makarios among those leading the parade.
Following the conclusion of the parade commenced the official program at the Opera House with numerous guests delivering speeches.
Archbishop Makarios expressed sincere pleasure with the huge number of attendees that participated in the events.
“We have gathered in the thousands at the steps of the magnificent Sydney Opera House to proclaim a message of faith, freedom and unity,” he said.
“(March 25th) is a date that resonates not only in the hearts of Greeks but in the soul of every person who cherishes justice, liberty and human dignity.”
The GOC NSW President, Harry Danalis, echoed Archbishop Makarios’ sentiments, saying:
“It is very moving to see so many people here today that have come to honour the struggles of 1821 and our people who were eventually successful in establishing an independent Greek state.”
Speaking on behalf of the Hellenic Republic was Stavros Keletsis, one of four visiting MPs who participated in the events.
Keletsis stated it was an honour for him and his fellow MPs to be in Sydney to recognise Greek Independence Day.
“We are happy and deeply moved to join our compatriots here in Australia and celebrate this historic day with you,” he said.
“On behalf of the Greek state, I would also like to express my deep gratitude to the representatives of the Australian authorities for honouring us with their presence in celebrating the anniversary of our national independence.”
Stavros Venizelos, the Ambassador of Greece in Australia, noted the importance of maintaining our language which helps convey our ideas, stories and identity before concluding with the following:
“As we celebrate today, let us remember Greece is not only its past but also its future. The spirit of 1821 lives on in each of us through our achievements, values and our unwavering determination to overcome adversity.”
Antonis Sammoutis, the High Commissioner of Cyprus to Australia, highlighted the fight for independence is one that holds relevance for Cypriots as they seek to find a solution to the problem that arose from the Turkish invasion in 1974.
“Lessons learned from the past, the accumulated wisdom, will allow us this time by the end of the year to push through and maybe this time we will be successful. 51 years after the invasion, we have 51 reasons to solve the Cyprus issue to live in a reunified and free Cyprus,” he said.
Federal MP Matt Thistlethwaite, representing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, praised the contributions of the Hellenic diaspora to Australia, saying:
“The pride of Greek Australians is on full display here today and as it should be.”
Mark Speakman, the NSW Opposition Leader, further praised the diaspora for all its contributions before saying:
“Today is a great opportunity for younger Greeks to embrace their heritage and identity. It is not just the older citizens that have come today, it is the younger ones who we have seen on display.”
Kosmas Dimitriou, President of the Inter-Communities Council of NSW of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, concluded the formal proceedings with a vote of thanks to the crowd for all their support as well as participation in the day’s events.
Intermittently between all the speeches were dance performances by numerous youth dance groups as well as two poem recitals by students of the GOC NSW’s Greek language schools: «Πατρίδα μου» by Alexandros Moiralis and «25 Μαρτίου» by Lia Pappas.
There was also the singing of the Australian and Greek national anthems as well as of the song “Κλεφτική Ζωή” by the Combined Choir of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia Day Colleges of St Spyridon, All Saints Grammar and St Euphemia.
The memorial service and official program at Darling Harbour were emceed by Themi Kallos and Dimitri Kametopoulos.
Along with the aforementioned guests were numerous attendees at the day’s events, including the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, NSW minister Sophie Kotsis, Federal Minister Tony Burke, Bishops and priests of the Archdiocese, the heads of the three Greek Orthodox colleges in Sydney (St Spyridon, All Saints Grammar and St Euphemia), and numerous other political representatives and members of various community organisations.
