Many of us hold stereotypical views about Pontians and their rich culture. However, the power of Pontian songs is profound, offering endless inspiration to artists across all musical genres.
We’ve heard Pontian songs in their traditional form and with modern musical instruments. But did you know that Trabzon once had its own opera?
And did you know that legendary composers like Mozart and Vivaldi wrote operas inspired by iconic Pontian figures?
Dean Kalymniou shed light on these lesser-known aspects of Pontian Hellenism in a captivating and well-researched speech on Thursday evening, kicking off the series of commemorative events organised by the Melbourne community in honour of the heroic Pontians.
His presentation, filled with fascinating unknown facts and delivered with his signature unique humour and impressive slides, captivated the audience.
The enlightening talk was part of the Greek History and Culture Seminar series and the events commemorating May 19.
The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), in collaboration with the Pontian Association of Melbourne ‘Pontiaki Estia’ organised the Annual Seminar in Memory of the Genocide of the Greeks of Pontus at the Greek Centre.
Kalymniou, a lawyer, poet, and short story writer in the Greek community, explored how Pontus has influenced Western spirituality and creativity, inspiring the composition of classical music and opera.
His speech, titled ‘Pontus: The Opera’, delved into the significant impact of Pontian culture on the arts.
As part of the main commemorative events the Pontian associations of Melbourne under the auspices of the Australian Federation of Pontian Associations, held a Memorial Service for the lives lost during the Genocide of Hellenes in the region of Pontos at the Holy Monastery of Axion Estin, (7 Hartington St, Northcote).
The liturgy was followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the ‘Monument of the Fallen’ situated at the rear of the Holy Monastery of Axion Estin.
Commemorative events coming up:
- Sunday May 19
Those interested to attend the Australian premier of the award-winning film, ‘Lethal Nationalism – Genocide of the Greeks 1913-1923’ can do so today, Sunday, May 19 at Palace Cinema Pentridge ( 1 Champ St, Coburg) at 4.30pm.
The documentary ‘chronicles the genocide of the Greeks, and other indigenous Christians, at the hands of the Ottoman and Nationalist Turks’. The film was funded by the ‘Asia Minor and Pontos Research Centre’ (USA) and directed by Peter Lambrinatos, written by John McCarthy and narrated by known American news anchor, Bill Kurtis.
The Melbourne screening has been organised in close collaboration with the Food for Thought Network, the Australian Institute of Macedonian Studies, the Greek Community of Melbourne and the Australian Federation of Pontian Associations and sponsored by Elite Custom Pluming and Moka Foods.
The film will be in the English language.
For further information contact Simela Stamatopoulos via email: ausfedpontianassoc@gmail.com
Monday May 20 to Wednesday May 29
The educational institution “Hellenism of Anatolia – from the Aegean Sea to Pontos”, of the Australian Federation of Pontian Associations will be hosting a ten day exhibition on Hellenism of Asia Minor and Cyprus titled “In the Footsteps of Digenes Akritas” – an exhibition on the common historical and cultural elements that unite Hellenism of Cyprus and Pontos, Crete, Cappadocia and Asia Minor in general.
The display will be located at the Community House of The Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh and District (62 Willesden Rd Hughesdale), from 12pm to 6pm daily.
The official opening of the exhibition will take place on Monday, May 20 at Oakleigh Grammar, (77/81 Willesden Rd, Oakleigh, entrance via Clapham Rd) at 7pm.
For the full program of events that will be held at the premises and to book an educational tour offered to schools and community groups contact Yiota Stavridou on 0481 238 880.
