Commemorations for the 113th anniversary of the liberation of Lemnos (8 October 1912) began in Sydney on Sunday, with solemn and celebratory events hosted by the Lemnian Association of Sydney & NSW “Maroula.”
Members and friends of the Lemnian community gathered at the Greek Orthodox Church of St Euphemia, Bankstown, for a Doxology and the Blessing of the Five Loaves (Artoklasia), officiated by Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane, assisted by parish priest Fr Panagiotis Protopsaltis.
Following the service, attendees assembled at the War Memorial in the church courtyard for a memorial tribute. The Greek national anthem was sung, a minute’s silence observed, and wreaths laid in honour of the Lemnians and all Greeks who fought to free Lemnos and secure its union with the Hellenic state.
Welcoming remarks on behalf of the Association were offered by former president Konstantinos Havas, Christos Spyropoulos, president of the St Euphemia parish-community, and Elisavet Kaydou, film director and active Lemnian member. Each highlighted the historic significance of 8 October 1912, noting that Lemnos was the first Aegean island to be liberated, sending “waves of optimism” across the Aegean at the time.
The day concluded with a community luncheon for Lemnians and friends in the adjacent school hall.
Festivities now move to the grand official dinner dance of the Lemnian Association, to be held on Saturday evening, 11 October 2025, at The Lemnos reception venue in Belmore.
For information and bookings: Konstantinos Havas via 0410 421 943 or (02) 9533 2942.
More photos below:
