With a simple, yet emotional ceremony, Melbourne’s Greek Community celebrated the anniversary of 201 years since the start of Greece’s War of Independence on 25 March 1821 at the Shrine of Remembrance.
Hundreds of Melbournians attended the event, which included a wreath laying ceremony, a liturgy and speeches – among the officials that paid their respects to the fallen heroes of Greece, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, Leader of the Opposition Matthew Guy and for the first time, Archbishop Makarios who was accompanied by Bishops of Sozopolis Kyriakos and of Kerasounta Evmenios.
Many community representatives and students with their teachers attended this year’s ceremony- a crowd much smaller than the 2019 attendance when some members of the crowd booed politicians for supporting the controversial Prespes Agreement on Northern Macedonia. As a result of that incident, this year’s parade was not allowed to take place.
For the first time since the pandemic, there was significant attendance and meaningful speeches stressing the strength and resilience of the wider community during such challenging times. A lot of emphasis was also put on the Russian invasion in Ukraine and Greece’s role throughout the centuries, always standing on the right side of history.
Traditional costumes were back for this years ceremony. Photo: Kostas Deves
This year saw the return of children in traditional costume to commemorate and remember the heroes of the Greek Revolution:. Photo: Kostas Deves
Federal Labor MP MAria Vamvakinou lays a wreath with a little help from a friend. Photo: Kostas Deves
Among those that attended were the Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen, Greek Community President Bill Papastergiadis OAM, Ms Maria Vamvakinou MP, Steve Dimopoulos MP, Nick Staikos MP, Kat Theophanous MP, Lee Tarlamis MLC representing Minister for Multicultural Affairs the Ros Spence, Theo Zographos and more.
Unfortunately, Greece’s Consul General Emmanuel Kakavelakis, could not attend the event as he is self-isolating due COVID-19. Mr Kakavelakis, who assured Neos Kosmos that he is doing well health-wise was represented by Vice Counsel Mrs Georgia Botsiou. High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Martha Mavromatis, was also in attendance.
Mr. Tony Tsourdalakis, Chairman, Victorian Council for Greek National Day told Neos Kosmos that “We are totally satisfied with the attendance, but also the vibe that prevailed. It was an appropriate atmosphere suiting an event honouring the heroes of 1821”.
All photos: Kostas Deves
All photos: Kostas Deves
All photos: Kostas Deves
All photos: Kostas Deves
All photos: Kostas Deves
All photos: Kostas Deves
All photos: Kostas Deves
All photos: Kostas Deves
All photos: Kostas Deves
All photos: Kostas Deves
All photos: Kostas Deves
All photos: Kostas Deves
The list of state and local government officials and dignitaries who attended included:
– The Hon. Jane Hume MP, Senator for Victoria, Federal Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy, representing the Prime Minister of Australia the Hon. Scott Morrison
– The Hon. Richard Marles MP, Deputy Leader of the Federal Opposition, representing the Leader of the Federal Opposition the Hon. Anthony Albanese
– Ms Nina Taylor MP, Member of the Legislative Council Southern Metropolitan Region
– Shrine Governor, Squadron Leader Mr. Steve Campbell-Wright
– Mr Andrew Crisp APM, Emergency Management Commissioner for Victoria
– Mr. Raegan Stewart, Commander, Australian Federal Police accompanied by Detective Inspector Mr. Spiros Drossos
– Mr. Mark Galliott, Commander, Victoria Police
– Mr. Andrew Markakis, Inspector, Victoria Police, President of the Victorian Hellenic Police Association
– Mr. Eftihios Anastasiadis, Senior Sergeant, Victoria Police, Vice President of the Victorian Hellenic Police Association
– Ms Jenny Mikakos, Former State Minister of Health & Ambulance Services
– Mr. John Pandazopoulos, Secretary General of the World Hellenic Inter Parliamentary Association & Former State Minister for Major Projects, Tourism, Employment, Gaming
– Cr. Steve Staikos, Mayor, City of Kingston
– Cr. Lambros Tapinos, Deputy Mayor, City of Moreland
– Cr. Theo Zografos, City of Monash
– Cr. Virginia Tachos, City of Brimbank
– Cr. Emily Dimitriadis, City of Darebin
– Cr. Tony Athanasopoulos, City of Glen Eira
