March is without a doubt the most exciting month of the year in South Australia, thanks to a series of cultural events that take place all around the city.
For those of us who ‘breathe and speak Greek’, Festival Hellenika continues the inspiring journey of exploration that has enriched Australian society, with activities that broaden our horizons, break down stereotypes, build links and foster greater harmony and understanding of our origins.

The Adelaide Festival Centre came alive last Friday night, filled with music presented by musical director Tsambika DeGeorge, four vocalists and an eight piece band.

Presented by the South Australian Council for the Greek Cultural Month Inc. (SACGCM), the sold out event Greece, Mother of Mine was a tribute to the amazing and talented composer Stavros Xarhakos.

Also part of Festival Hellenika, the Hellenic Symphonic Choir and Orchestra presented a lecture dedicated to inspirational scientist Professor George Kallistratos.

Entitled ‘A Greek Scientist from Egypt Who Changed the Direction of Our Planet’, the lecture took place on Sunday in the Norwood Town Hall with guest speaker Professor Dinos Grous.

Professor Grous personally knew Professor Kallistratos, having had the honour of working alongside him at various universities abroad.

With Greece’s National Day celebrated on March 25, no doubt it gives this month even greater meaning for all Hellenes.

Dating back to 1821, the Greek Revolution, also know as the Greek Declaration of Independence, saw the armed uprising of the Greeks against the Ottoman Empire.

The Greek people were forced to live under Ottoman rule following the fall of Constantinople in 1453, lasting almost four centuries.

As has been the case in previous years, the Inter-Communities Council of the Holy Archdiocese of South Australia honoured those heroes who gave their lives for the independence of Greece, with a celebration that took place on Sunday 22 March.

The official doxology was conducted by His Grace Bishop Nikandros of Dorileou at the Greek Orthodox Church of St Spyridon, followed by a moving memorial service and laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

This was followed by a student parade, with the attendance of a number of Greek schools of South Australia taking part to show their respects.

Similarly, the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia also commemorates this historic day on Sunday 29 March.

A celebratory doxology was conducted in the Church of the Archangels in the presence of the executive committee and students of the community’s Greek schools.

The Cenotaph of Heroes holds official proceedings, where the official speeches took place, wreaths were laid and the national anthem was heard.

It was followed by a school celebration at the Olympic Hall with poem recitals, short theatrical plays, traditional songs and dances performed by the students.