On Monday, May 25, the Holy Archdiocese of Australia and the Greek Consulate in Perth celebrated the 79th anniversary of the Battle of Crete, with a simple ceremony held at the State War Memorial at Kings Park and Botanic Garden in Perth.
The ceremony was attended by a limited number of representatives, in accordance with the applicable regulations to prevent the spread of coronavirus pandemic.
More specifically, the Consul of Greece in Perth, Mrs Georgia Karasiotou and the Maritime Afairs Attache, Mrs. Katerina Argyrakopoulou, were present.
The memorial prayer was chanted by Bishop Elpidios of Kyaneon – Archiepiscopal Vicar of Perth, accompanied by father Eleftherios Gerovasilis, while wreaths were laid at the State War Memorial.
In his message, Bishop Elpidios emphasized that it was our sacred obligation to remember and honor the heroes of the historic Battle of Crete, and at the same time to pass on to future generations the values and ideals for which they fought.
He also mentioned the significant contribution of Australians who fought and shed their blood on Cretan soil, noting that the anniversary of this glorious and historic event is another occasion to reflect and reaffirm the strong bonds of friendship that unite the peoples of Greece and Australia.
