Members of the Greek and wider Australian community turned out on Saturday to commemorate ‘OXI’ Day, when the Greeks said “No” to the Italian occupation during World War II in 1940.
Moving ceremonies took place throughout the country in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.
Both young and old attended Northcote’s Greek Orthodox Church, Axion Esti, where a church service was held, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.
Students of St John’s College and the Manasis Dancing School also took part in the day’s festivities with traditional dance performances.
Among those attending were Consul General of Greece Christina Simantirakis, City of Darebin Mayor Steven Tsitas, federal member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou, and Victorian Multicultural Commission deputy chairperson Ross Alatsas, alongside various others.
Consul General of Greece, Christina Simantirakis, takes part in the wreath-laying ceremony on Saturday. PHOTO: Kostas Deves.