To mark the centenary of the Kastellorizian Association of Victoria (KAV), a memorial service was held on April 27 at the Australian Hellenic Memorial in Kings Domain – the Shrine of Remembrance.
The event honoured the bravery and service of Kastellorizian veterans who served in Australia’s armed forces.
A large crowd gathered under sunny skies for the ceremony, which was organised by KAV committee member Peter Coates and Vice President of Kazzie Seniors, George Verginis.
The service opened with prayers and blessings in both Greek and English, led by Father Panteleimon.
KAV President Nik Spartels paid tribute to the Kastellorizians who served their country.
He was followed by speeches from Ms Georgantzoglou and Ms Sidiropoulos.
Dignitaries laid wreaths, including Allan Cresswell for the Castellorizian Association of Western Australia and Tony Drake from the Ithacan Philanthropic Society.
Dignitaries pay homage
The event ended with Steve Kyritsis OAM, President of the Australian Hellenic Memorial, reciting the Ode in both Greek and English.
This was followed by the playing of the Rouse and the national anthems of Greece and Australia.
The event drew several notable guests, including, Dimitra Georgantzoglou, Consul General of Greece in Victoria, Anthea Sidiropoulos, Vice President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Steve Kyritsis OAM, President of the Australian Hellenic Memorial, Major Peter Mercoulia (Rtd), Vice President of the Australian Hellenic RSL, -Captain Kiaran Burns, a fourth-generation Kazzie Australian and many others.
After the service, about 70 guests attended a luncheon at the Hellenic RSL in South Melbourne. Guest speaker George Petrou OAM talked about sacrifice, bravery, and honour.
Copies of his books, The Art of Sacrifice and Humanity, were available on the day and sold well.
Several people spoke at the event, including Spartels and descendants of Kazzie veterans.
Allan Cresswell spoke about the surprisingly large number of Kazzies from Western Australia who served, many of whom had family ties to Victoria.
Two memorial plaques were unveiled and blessed by Father Panteleimon, in honour of the Kastellorizians who served in the armed forces.
One will stay at the KAV premises as a permanent tribute, and a replica was given to the Hellenic RSL for display.
The event was made even more meaningful by the presence of both younger members of the community and many elders.
Attendees included Christine Dimer, Peter Christofas, former KAV Presidents John Adgemis and Justin Mastores, and former Vice President Mike Zervos OAM.
It was a day filled with pride and emotion, and a reminder of the contributions and sacrifices made by Kastellorizian Australians in times of war.
Upcoming events for KAV’s centenary
The memorial service was one of several special events marking the 100th anniversary of the KAV.
Further events planned as part of the centenary program include:
-May 18 – Church service and luncheon honouring KAV’s patron saints, Sts Constantine and Helen, with performances by the KAV choir
-August 29 – Historical and cultural exhibition on Kastellorizian heritage
-September 7–21 – KAV Centenary Tour
-October 11 – Gala event at the Park Hyatt Melbourne, including a special program for interstate guests.
