The leadership of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW used this year’s 28th October of 1940 anniversary to strongly condemn the neo-nazi Golden Dawn party.
“In the same manner that the Hellenic people resisted the fascist hordes of Mussolini and Hitler, they will condemn and resist today neo- Nazi organizations such as the Golden Dawn”, said Harry Danalis, the GOC of NSW President, during the event to honour “OXI’ Day, at the Community’s premises in Lakemba.
Mr Danalis welcomed the latest moves by Greek authorities to tackle Golden Dawn, but said that the Greek government should have taken action earlier.
The Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Stavros Kyrimis noted the great contribution of Greek Women in the second World War and made a special mention of the approximately 1600 Greek-Australians who then made the trip back to Greece to fight with The Hellenic Armed Forces.
“The Greek people, with the same determination and fortitude that they overcame the difficulties of the ’40s and the evils that followed, they will so now overcome their current financial hardships”, said Senator and Assistant Treasurer, Arthur Sinodinos, representing the Federal Government.
Federal Liberal MP Nickolas Varvaris highlighted his loyalty and pride for his Greek origin and admiration for the heroes of 1940, who gave world the opportunity to see Greece and Greeks as successors of democracy that was born in this place.
In attendance at the celebration last Monday were, Archimandrite Christodoulos Economoy, from the Archdiocese, Matt Thistlethwaite MP, from the Federal Opposition, David Clarke MLC, from the State government, John Robertson, leader of the State opposition, Sophia Cotsis MLC shadow minister in NSW, representatives from Sydney municipalities and Greek organisations.
The event included poems and dances from the Community’s Schools and dancing group. Part of the ceremony also included pupils receiving their merit Awards from the Education Ministry for excellence in the Greek language.