The Australian Greek Ex-Servicemen’s Association commemorated the anniversary of 25 March 1821

The Australian Greek Ex-Servicemen’s Association Inc. held an event celebrating Greek Independence Day (25th of March) on 17 March 2024 at the Orthodox Monastery of “Axion Esti”, in Northcote.

The event was honoured with a wreath laying ceremony by distinguished guests:

1. On behalf of the Archdiocese of Australia and the Archdiocesan region of Northcote, the Most Reverend Bishop of Cherasoundos, Evmenios
2. Ms Kat Theophanous, Member of State Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary for Women’s Health
3. On behalf of the Hellenic Republic, the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Mr Emmanuel Kakavelakis
4. On behalf of Australian Greek Ex-Servicemen’s Association Inc., Mr Nikolaos Makridis
5. From the Greek Branch of the RSL, President Mr. Karvelas and Athanasios Baoustanos
6. From the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne, Mrs. Anthea Sidiropoulous
7. The President of the Multicultural Community Council and Director of Public Relations of the Whittlesea Greek Orthodox Community, Ms Kris Pavlidis
8. The President of the Pan-Macedonian Association, Mr. Peter Stefanidis
9. Mr. Ioannis Papas, for the Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia
10. Mr. Ioannis Kostoulias, for the Federation of Greek Senior Citizens Clubs of Melbourne and Victoria
11. Mr Paul Mavroudis OAM, President of the Association of Thessaloniki “The White Tower”
12. Mr Theo Theofanous, for the Cyprus Community of Melbourne & Victoria
13. For the National Anniversary Organising Committee, the President Mr. Tony Tsouredalakis
14. Mrs. Kati Georgiou and Mr. Dimaras, for the Coordinating Committee of the Cypriot Struggle-SEKA
15. The President Mr. Haris Tsairis, for the Akrites of Pontus
16. Mr. Miltos Stamatakos, for the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne & Victoria
17. Mrs Angie Michelaki, for the Pancretan Community of Melbourne.
18. Mrs. Syremo Papaioannou, Secretary of the Panarcadian Federation and the Panarcadian Community of Melbourne & Victoria “O Kolokotronis”
19. The President of the Barley Association, Mrs. Chris Stamboulidis
20. For the Medical Society of Australia, Mr Phillipopoulos
21. The President Mrs. Roma Siachou, for the Association of Greek Writers and Authors of Australia, with the Treasurer Mr. Ioannis Sachinidis
22. There was no lack of youth, with the presence of a delegation of students from Oakleigh Grammar School and the Greek Evening School of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia “Agios Kosmas the Aetolian”, accompanied by the always active teacher and active member of our Greek community, Mrs. Natasha Spanou.

After the wreath-laying ceremony, the national anthems of Greece and Australia were played, honouring both countries. The officials and the members of the Panhellenic Union of Retired Reservists in Australia were greeted in the reception hall, where the speeches were made, commencing with a blessing by Bishop Evmenios before the meal and then with a message by the Consul General, Mr. Kakavelakis.

Mr. Kakavelakis referred to the Greek Revolution from a different perspective and a different approach. Mrs. Anthea Sidiropoulou, representing the Greek Orthodox Community, gave a short greeting and made a short reference to the Greek Revolution. Finally, after the outgoing President and honorary member Mr. Ntourios thanked the attendees and the new board of directors, the President Mr. Nikolaos Makridis spoke, who made a more detailed reference to some of the 123 attempts of revolution of the Greeks during the 400 years of slavery, stressing that the Greeks have nothing to separate them. “They have only one purpose, the defence and interests of our Motherland and our Nation, which they have always, through all these attempts, managed to realise united as one.”

Ζήτω η Ελληνική Επανάσταση του 1821!