The 83rd anniversary of OXI Day is set to be remembered far and wide across NSW with many initiatives planned by various organisations, all aimed at shedding light on this major moment in Greece’s history.

The events commence as early as Thursday October 26 at 6.30pm with a student-led initiative titled “Experiences of Survival: OXI Day Commemoration”, which has been organised by the Macquarie University Greek Association and Youth HEAR (Holocaust Education and Remembrance).

This initiative will feature guest speaker Dr Steven Bowman, a renowned scholar and academic specialising in Greek and Jewish relations during the Byzantine and Holocaust periods, as he addresses the plight of the Greek and Hewish communities during World War II.

Inner West Council, in partnership with Sydney University’s Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens, will hold a wreath laying ceremony on Saturday October 28 at 2pm. to commemorate the historical date.

The service will be held in the forecourt of Marrickville Town Hall in front of the Winged Victory memorial, with anyone interested in laying a wreath asked to register their interest via events@innerwest.nsw.gov.au.

Later the same day, The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW will host a Reception/Cocktail Party in recognition of OXI Day at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba (206-210 Lakemba Street) from 6pm.

A service will be held on the morning of Sunday October 29 at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady Theotokos (242 Cleveland St, Redfern), conducted by Archbishop Makarios from 6.30am, which will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony in the Cathedral’s courtyard at 10.15am.

AHEPA NSW has organised their own event to mark the occasion on Sunday October 29 from 6pm at the AHEPA NSW Hall in Rockdale.

The formal program will include speeches, poems and a traditional dance performance, accompanied by a photographic exhibition in tribute to the Anzacs of Hellas.

Dr Vasilis Adrahtas from the University of NSW will be the keynote speaker for the event, delivering an address titled “When war gives birth to the poet – Odysseas Elytis and the Epic of 1940”, with a supper also set up to follow the formalities.