Lansdowne Street was transformed by the Greek Community of Melbourne over the weekend.
The event commemorated the 200th anniversary of the Greek War of Independence and the feast day of Evagelismos with Hellenes and Philhellenes, flocking to East Melbourne to help celebrate this momentous occasion.
The day started early with a church service at the neighbouring Holy Church of Evagelismos which in 2016 suffered extensive damage due to fire. Following the service, the congregation spilled out onto the street to see the re-enactment of Ypsilantis and his sacred band taking the revolutionary oath. The outdoor program started with the national anthems being sung by students from Alphington Grammar School followed by invited guest speakers addressing the gathering crowd.
READ MORE: Greece and Australia come together to celebrate 200 years of Greek Independence
Vice President of the Greek Community of Melbourne Tammy Iliou and Co-Chair of the Greek Community’s 200 year anniversary program Michael Karamitos led the proceedings before passing it on to other members of the community to give speeches.
Following the speeches, Committee Co-Chair Professor Pirpiris introduced the Community’s 200 year Anniversary Program which was interrupted by two rebels who dragged him away ushering in the much anticipated re-enactment. To a solemn tune, the re-enactors arrived on foot and horseback in splendid costumes.
Last to appear was “Ypsilantis” complete in a replica Russian military uniform where he gave a rousing call to arms and the famous pledge of “freedom or death” on his horse.
Immediately following the pledge, members of the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment took the stage to reenact the taking of Tripolitsa, one of the first major victories for the nascent Greek forces. A series of loud flintlock shots were fired to the delight of the crowd which was closely followed by two and half hours of dancing by the Greek Community of Melbourne dance ensemble, the Pancretan Association dance group, the Pan-Macedonian Association dance group and the Manasis and Pegasus dance groups.
