From a small-scale dinner with no more than 100 attendees, Synapantema has grown into the biggest Pontian gathering in Australia and this year’s three-day event proved once more true to its reputation.

Organised by the Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia, Synapantema is a celebration of Pontian music, dancing and culture, offering opportunities for in-depth understanding and appreciation for the values espoused by the Federation.

“Unfortunately, in the beginning we didn’t have a lot of young people participating”, Mr Stefanidis recalls. Things have changed dramatically since the inaugural event, 19 years ago. Photo: Con Deves.

But above all, according to the Federation’s President Peter Stefanidis, remains “the idea that once a year it’s possible to have unity between brothers and sisters”.

Photo: Con Deves

“The meaning and message we want to convey to the next generations is that apart from the love we feel for our Federation and associations, what is particularly important is our culture”.

This year’s event was attended by members of “Akrites Tou Pontou” of Victoria, the Pontic Foundation of Australia “Panagia Soumela”, NSW’s Pontoxeniteas Society, the Pontian Society of Sydney ‘Panagia Soumela’, the Pontian Association of Wollongong ‘Diogenis’ and the Pontian Brotherhood of South Australia.

Interstate guests were treated to a warm welcomed by Victorian members of the Federation at the Cretan House. Photo: Con Deves.

The three-day convention started off with a Parakath on Friday, an informal event where members of the Federation from the host state (this year being Akrites Tou Pontou of Victoria) welcome their interstate guests.

A dance workshop for the youth kicked off activities on Saturday followed by the official gala event, hosted by George Donikian.

Saturday’s official gala event was a night of unity with all the Federation’s dance groups performing as one. Photo: Con Deves

The Federation presented its national awards to community members who exhibited outstanding service to the preservation of Pontian culture, while the night’s main event featured acclaimed musicians Alexi Parcharidis and Fanis Kourouklidis who performed live.”What we want is to pass the baton to the young people. We have a responsibility to shape the next leaders by giving them responsibilities of their own,” Mr Stefanidis said.

The three-day convention concluded on Sunday with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance and a commemoration of the sacrifices made by the women of Greece between 1915 and 1930.

“Akrites Tou Pontou” of Victoria together with the Pontic Foundation of Australia “Panagia Soumela” were the two main organisers of this year’s event. Photo: Con Deves.