With pupils and students at the forefront, the Hellenes of Sydney celebrated the 201st Anniversary of the Greek Revolution and honored the Heroes of 1821, who fought and sacrificed for the Freedom of the Greek Nation.
The official celebration of the Anniversary took place on Sunday, March 27, with a Doxology performed at the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, Presided by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, and with a Memorial Prayer and laying of wreaths, which followed, at the Cenotaph of Martin Place, in the CBD of Sydney.
In defiance of the adverse weather conditions, many expatriates were present at the ceremony, which took place in the CBD of Sydney, organized by the Inter-Community Council of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia and the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales.
Among them, in addition to the pupils and students who proudly held the flags of Greece and Australia, were representatives of expatriate organizations and associations, representatives of the diplomatic authorities of Greece and Cyprus, as well as Australian and expatriate MPs and representatives of the local government.
Among others, Konstantinos Giannakodimos, represented the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Christos Karras, Peter Antoniou, Representative of the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Martha Mavrommatis, the Federal Member of Parliament, Tony Burke, who represented the Leader of the Federal Opposition, Anthony Albanese, also the Federal MP, Matthew Thistlethwaite, the expatriate state Members of parliament Stavros Kamberogiannis and Sofia Kotsis, and the Vice President of “Saint Basil’s NSW / ACT”, Theo Penklis.
During the ceremony, short greetings were addressed by Archbishop Makarios and the President of the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales, Harry Danalis.
Archbishop Makarios referred with respect to the Heroes of 1821, noting that it was not only the great commanders who led the fight for Freedom, but it was also the common people in the villages and towns, the men and women who, in solidarity and united in a common goal, fought against all odds, with bravery and with firm confidence in the providence of God and in the protection of the Holy Theotokos.
“Today’s commemoration is a constant reminder that, at all times, we must fight for unity and the values of respect and freedom, while remaining vigilant to prevent all forms of persecution, discrimination, and oppression,” said Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
Finally, Archbishop Makarios stressed that the Anniversary of Greek Polygenesis is not only a holiday for those of Greek descent, but also for all people who share the principles of equality, democracy, and justice.
