Melbourne once again remembered the Pontian Greek Genocide and the hundreds of thousands of victims who perished between 1913-1923 with a series of commemorative events organised by the Australian Federation of Pontian Associations.
A memorial service at the monastery Axion Estin in Northcote took place earlier this morning to commemorate the unjustly lost souls of the Pontian Greeks.
Following the memorial service, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Monument of the Fallen in the monastery’s courtyard. To further honour the victims, the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria building at 168 Lonsdale Street in central Melbourne was illuminated in red on Sunday, May 19.
The evening continues with a screening of the documentary “Murderous Nationalism – The Genocide of the Greeks 1913–1923.”
The events will carry on with the exhibition “Hellenism of Anatolia – From the Aegean to Pontus,” which opens on Monday dedicated to the common historical and cultural elements that unite Hellenism of Cyprus and Pontos, Crete, Cappadocia and Asia Minor in general.
This will be a 10-day exhibition on Hellenism of Asia Minor and Cyprus titled “In the Footsteps of Digenes Akritas” – hosted by the Australian Federation of Pontian Associations
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.
Simela Stamatopoulou, former president of the Australian Federation of Pontian Associations and a member of the organising committee, expressed gratitude for the community’s support in keeping the memory of the victims alive.
To book an educational tour offered to schools and community groups please contact Yiota Stavridou on 0481 238 880.
