The month that was in photos: March mayhem

March began with tributes to Greek women and ended with the death of Archibishop Stylianos. In between we had Greek Independence Day parades and controversies, including tragedies in Christchurch.

Greek Independence Day was celebrated around Australia, however there were a few glitches in Melbourne as people yelled in protest against the visit by Greek Parliamentary Deputy George Varemenos. While the right to protest was not an issue, there was debate as to whether such forms of protest should be made at sacred areas such as the Shrine of Remembrance.

Following Bill Shorten’s visit to the Lonsdale Street Greek Festival last month, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited the Greek Centre where he danced tsamikos and met with the Greek Community.

Shortly after Mr Morrison’s visit, it was announced that president of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria, Bill Papastergiadis would run as an independent in the next federal elections.

Archbishop Stylianos' coffin leaving the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady and being taken to Rookwood Cemetery. Photo: Nick Bourdo Photography

Greek Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Terens Quick poses with a Greek Australian student during his visit with the diaspora as part of NOSTOS III. Photo: K. Deves

St Johns College student, Evangelos Athanasiou prepares for Greek Independence Day. Photo: Supplied

Photo: SBS

The Sydney parade for Greek Independence Day culminated with celebrations at the steps of Sydney Opera House.

St Paisios Church is nearing completion in Adelaide.

Even those of us who aren’t survivors of breast cancer know someone who has suffered, whether this be a friend, mother, daughter. For this reason, women from all walks of life who gathered at the International Women’s Day charity luncheon organised by the Lemnian Community of Victoria’s Ladies Committee laughed, shed a tear and got a chance to be informed about breast cancer. Guests at the Merrimu Reception Hall numbered 200 women, who had the opportunity to ponder the disease and how it has developed through time, while bonding over good food and great company. They enjoyed talks by investment banker-cum-chef/cook book writer Kathy Tsaples and Dr Helen Kavnoudias that provided food for thought and messages of hope. Photo: Supplied

The Christchurch attack may have struck at two mosques, however people from all walks of life came together to support the victims and their family. Soon after the attack, Dimitris Greek Food closed for the evening in order to help donate and deliver platters of food to families of victims waiting at the hospital.