The history of Kytherian immigrants to Australia represents a unique chapter in the collective history of the Greek community in the Antipodes. Important aspects of this chapter are highlighted in the book entitled: “EKATO: Kytherian Association of Australia 1922-2022 – The First Fifty Years”. This is the first volume of the anniversary edition of the Kytherian Brotherhood of Australia, which in 2022 celebrated 100 years since its foundation.
Archbishop Makarios of Australia welcomed Barbara Zantioti, President of the Kytherian Brotherhood, and historian Vasilios Vasilas at the headquarters of the Holy Archdiocese in Sydney. Vasilas, the author of the anniversary edition, presented the Archbishop with a copy of the recently published first volume.
The Archbishop warmly thanked Zantioti and Vasilas for their visit, congratulating Zantioti on the initiative to record the history of the Kytherian Brotherhood and Vasilas on his thorough study, which will continue with the publication of the second volume.
A cordial discussion followed, focusing on the historical journey of Kytherian immigrants in Australia, their longstanding devotion to Greek Orthodox traditions, and their significant contributions to the progress of the Greek community and the Orthodox Church in Australia.
The Archbishop also mentioned this year’s centenary anniversary of the Holy Archdiocese, inviting the Kytherian community to actively participate in the festivities. These celebrations will culminate in October with the visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
At the end of the meeting, the Archbishop expressed his hope that the anniversary edition of the Kytherian Brotherhood of Australia would be successful, allowing as many readers as possible, especially the younger generations of Kytherian expatriates, to learn about the history of their ancestors, gain valuable lessons, and find inspiration for their future.
Translated by Konstantinos Menyktas
