The two-day folk festival held on Australia Day at Panagia Kamariani exceeded all expectations with its remarkable turnout. This sacred place of worship, cherished by the devout, also serves as a vibrant centre for social interaction and community gatherings.
Organised by the Holy Archdiocese of Australia in partnership with the Diocese of Melbourne, the festival was a heartfelt tribute to the Greek community, uniting generations—young and old. It was a resounding success, beautifully balancing the spiritual and social dimensions of human life.
The event was an invitation to come together—to pray, reconnect with family and friends, and meet both familiar faces and newcomers. It was a time for conversation, reminiscing, setting aside differences, rekindling bonds, and sharing food and drink in joyful fellowship. The festival offered a lively and uplifting start to the new year.
3XY Radio Hellas was key in promoting the event, spreading the message with enthusiasm, and highlighting its many positive aspects. The community responded wholeheartedly, with thousands of people—young and old, families and individuals—filling the open-air grounds of Panagia Kamariani over the two days. Under the bright sun and welcoming blue sky, the scene was a colourful mosaic of tables, chairs, blankets, and rugs. The air was filled with the sounds of Greek music, as 20 to 30 dancers at a time filled the dance floor, moving to melodies from across Greece. A feast of souvlaki, gyros, pies, doughnuts, sweets, coffee, frappés, and ice cream delighted even the most discerning palates.
On the spiritual side, the esteemed High Priests—Theophilos, Kyriakos, and Eumenios—were joined by His Eminence Metropolitan James of Ireland and His All-Holiness Archimandrite Ireneo, Priestly Superior of the Holy Virgin Mary of Kamariani, along with several Melbourne priests. Together, they elevated the Holy Mass and Divine Liturgy, offering a profound spiritual experience. The thousands in attendance were deeply moved and left feeling nourished in both body and soul.
3XY Radio Hellas, with Nikos Lupos and Angel Kalodoukas, provided live coverage of the festival, extending warm wishes to the Hellenic community for health, love, unity, and continued prosperity.
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