The grand traditional Feast of Apostle Andrew, hosted by the Cypriot Hellenic Community of Sunshine, was once again celebrated in magnificent style last Sunday, 30 November 2025, at the community’s state-of-the-art centre at 100 Forrest Street, Ardeer.
The event brought great joy and liveliness to Melbourne’s Greek Orthodox faithful, who gathered to enjoy a wonderful day filled with abundant, delicious traditional Cypriot food and sweets, along with refreshing drinks and beverages.
The day’s rich cultural and entertainment program offered unforgettable moments to those in attendance, featuring the “Aetos” Orchestra led by Sotiris Stylianou. The Pontian Dance Group “Panagia Soumela” with lyra player Kostas Xanthopoulos, the Manasis Dance Group, and the Dance Group of the Cypriot Community of Melbourne and Victoria all added their own vibrant colour to the celebration, filling the audience with emotion and national pride.
The festival also included numerous stalls offering gifts, products, and fun activities for children, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere throughout the day.
The festive spirit was captured live on air by 3XY Radio Hellas, with the station’s popular Saturday hosts Angelis Kalodoukas and the ever-energetic Nikos Lupos broadcasting directly from the venue.
Many interviews were conducted with members of the Community Board and Youth Committee, whose presence was particularly strong, as well as with performers, sponsors, attendees, and dignitaries — including the High Commissioner of Cyprus, Mr Antonis Sammoutis, who honoured the event with his attendance.
Warm congratulations are due to the dynamic President, Mrs Eleni Christodoulou, and all members of the Board, who devoted countless hours of work to ensure this year’s festival was a resounding success. Equal praise goes to the many volunteers of the Cypriot Hellenic Community of Sunshine, whose enthusiasm, teamwork, and community spirit made the event possible.
As everyone agreed:
“At the Apostle Andrew’s panayiri — we had a truly wonderful time!”
Until next year — with health and joy!
By Angelis Kalodoukas
