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PEACE TO YOU Part 1 PAGE 5/21 Donald Trump announces US pulling out of Iran nuclear deal Tension surges
Good deeds in the streets of Athens across the rewarded by THI Australia
The Hellenic Initiative Australia, a chapter of the global nonprofit institution formed by members of the Greek diaspora to provide support to Greece during the crisis, announ- ced a donation of 23,000 euros (35,000 Aus- Middle East tralian dollars) for the Emfasis Foundation. PAGE 2/18 US President Donald Trump has announced he is pulling the United States out of the Iran nuclear deal, in a move set to upset America’s Euro- pean allies and disrupt global oil sup- plies. Mr Trump said the nuclear agree- ment was a “horrible, one-sided deal” that “didn’t bring peace” and “never will”. “I am announcing today that the United States will withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal,” Mr Trump said at the White House. The main points in the 2015 deal aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear ‘Greece is in my blood’, program in exchange for sanctions says Prince Charles relief. The move to withdraw is a snub to the three nations, “In a few moments, I will sign a presidential memoran- who had tried hard to convince Mr Trump to preserve The heir to Britain’s throne has spoken of his dum to begin reinstating US nuclear sanctions on the Ira- the deal. Russia’s envoy to the European Union said love for Greece during his official visit to the nian regime. Moscow would also continue its efforts to keep the deal country on Wednesday May 9. “Greece is in “We will be instituting the highest level of economic functioning. my blood and I have long had a fascination for sanctions.” her ancient culture and history,” said Charles, Renewing sanctions would make it much harder for UN chief ‘deeply concerned’ the Prince of Wales. Iran to sell its oil abroad or use the international banking PAGE 11/27 system. In a statement released shortly after Mr Trump’s an- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said there was a nouncement, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio short time to negotiate with other world powers, but if Guterres said he was “deeply concerned” by the decision talks failed Tehran was ready to resume its nuclear work. to drop the deal and reinstate sanctions. “I have ordered Iran’s atomic organisation that when- “I have consistently reiterated that the JCPOA repre- ever it is needed, we will start enriching uranium more sents a major achievement in nuclear non-proliferation than before,” Mr Rouhani said. and diplomacy and has contributed to regional and inter- He said Iran would start this “in the next weeks”. national peace and security,” Mr Guterres said. Iranian state television said the US decision was “ille- He urged all other parties to the deal to abide by the gal, illegitimate and undermines international agree- commitments they made and to fully support the agree- ments”. ment. European countries said they remained committed to Earlier this month, the International Atomic Energy the deal and called on Washington not to prevent other Agency (IAEA) reiterated that it had seen “no credible in- countries from implementing it. dications of activities in Iran” relevant to nuclear “We urge the US to ensure that the structures of the weapons development after 2009. ÏÏJCPOA 1 1 can33 ïremainïòò intact,Å Å ðð andßßóó toç çavoidìì ïïtakingòò action× × ïïññThatüü findingòò D D cameee frombbu ua 2015ttaa reportnntt intoee Iran’s nucle- Ithaca which obstructs its full implementation by all other par- ar activities. The agency made the comments after Israel ôïõtiesÊ to theï ëdeal,”ë aå statementãßï providedõ “Á by Britishãßù Primeí claimedÐÜ ití hadô evidenceùí” Iran, defiedÓý theä termsíå of theû 2015 Odysseu’s native island is as appealing to ôïõMinister Ê ï Theresaëë May’såã officeßï said.õ “ Áãßùí nuclear Ð Ü deal.íôùí”, Ó ýäíåû travelers as his wanderings are symbolic to The statement followed a phone call between Ms May, The IAEA maintains Iran is still abiding by the deal, and tho-se seeking the meaning of life. French President Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s that its inspectors have been given access to all nuclear Chancellor Angela Merkel. sites. PAGE 16/32 MAY 2018 2/18 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA
Good deeds in the streets of Athens rewarded by THI Australia
By Lina Giannarou - Kathimerini, Athens
The Emfasis Foundation is not well-known, even though it has been helping street people for the past five years – under the radar, in the city’s nooks and crannies, far from the public eye. Imagine the surprise of founding member Maria Kar- ra when she recently received a phone call from Nicho- las Pappas, president of The Hellenic Initiative Australia, a chapter of the global nonprofit institution formed by members of the Greek diaspora to provide support to Greece during the crisis. The phone call led to a meeting, where THI Australia announced a donation of 23,000 euros (35,000 Aus- tralian dollars) for Emfasis. “To be honest, well done to THI for even finding us,” says Karra. “We are the epito- Emfasis founding member Maria Karra, THI me of a grassroots organization.” Australia president Nicholas Pappas, THI It all fits in quite nicely. Emfasis was founded in 2013 director in Greece Michael Printzos and two by a group of Greeks here and abroad. “We had tried to volunteers are seen in this recent photo. send aid to Greece through donations to organizations but we weren’t happy with the rate that assistance reached the final recipient,” explains Karra, who lives in ries directly, without unnecessary delay. We also had a given to people who ask for it. We wanted to do the op- Dubai. “We wanted the money to reach the beneficia- moral issue. The usual practice is for assistance to be posite. We wanted to reach out to people in need, with- out having to subject them to the ordeal of waiting in line or reporting to social workers. Not forcing them to ask for help was a matter of respect for these people.” The concept of street work was adopted from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia get-go. “With two social workers, two psychologists and Missionary Committee two sociologists, we scoured the neighborhoods of Athens looking for street people. This is not just home- SHARE WITH AFRICA less people, but also those who spend a large part of their day in the streets because life at home is hard and Fifth Annual Charity Dinner they need to get away, because they may be unem- ployed and haven’t admitted it to their families, or be- Pentecost Day 2018 cause they are truants from school,” says Karra. Over time, the Emfasis volunteers forged bonds of trust with the people they reached out to. “We wanted to get our information from them. The fact that some- The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia is once again holding a major one isn’t wearing shoes doesn’t mean that is their biggest problem. We wanted them to express them- fund-raising Dinner in Sydney to assist our African brothers and sisters. selves. They were suspicious at first, but started open- ing up as the relationship strengthened,” Karras ex- This year’s event will once again be held in the hall of St Spyridon Church, plains. “Many told us that the fact anyone was paying Kingsford on Pentecost, 27th May, 2018 at 5 pm. attention to them was the most important thing.” Emfasis street work teams have been providing sup- With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, all funds raised will port and counseling in central Athens for more than four years, while its mobile units distribute basic sur- be distributed equally for missionary and humanitarian work across the vival goods around the capital and Piraeus. growing Orthodox Churches of: “One of the biggest issues we see is people who want to be reintegrated into society but can’t get any form of 1. Kenya (an English-speaking country where there are already over a identification. We solved that. A lot of people also had million Orthodox faithful, three Dioceses, and over 300 priests) problems with their teeth so we found volunteer den- tists and dental technicians to help them and to im- 2. The Democratic Republic of Congo (a French-speaking country that prove their appearance. Many were scared to get blood needs support for its new Orthodox University as a part of a vibrant tests, so we went to Interamerican and got them an Emfasis insurance card and, in cooperation with a cer- Church in Central Africa) tain clinic, gave them access to medical checkups,” adds Karra. 3. Sierra Leone (which has some of the greatest humanitarian needs The THI Australia donation will cover the costs of the following a devastating civil war just over a decade ago and more mobile units for a year. recently the Ebola virus and massive floods devastations). The Greek Australian Your attendance will in itself be a great message of support. VEMA The first prize of the raffle is a return trip to Greece! Tickets are $70 per adult, $50 for pensioners and students, and $20 for The oldest circulating Greek children under 12 years of age. newspaper outside Greece For Tickets contact your local Parish in the first instance or: Mrs Mary Stathos (Mob 0409 522 413) or Kyriacos Mavrolefteros (Mob 0425 Tel: (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 222 012). Email: [email protected] MAY 2018 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 3/19
Erdogan gone rogue
By Tom Ellis ‐ Kathimerini, Athens revised or updated, this outbreak of nationalism is cre- would have extended over a full 18 months. ating an extremely dangerous situation in the Aegean. In either case, Greece’s only reaction to the volatile Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan clearly sees It is telling that even third countries, the United environment that will take shape during the pre-elec- himself as the leader of a regional superpower and as a States among them, are publicly voicing concern over tion period in Turkey can be none other than keeping hegemon of the Islamic world. As a result, the Turkish the danger of an “accident.” the international community briefed on all develop- strongman feels that he can do and say whatever he On the other hand, one could also argue that if the ments, maintaining close cooperation with its partners wants. This attitude is not confined to the domestic elections were to take place on November 3, 2019, as and allies abroad, and, on the domestic scene, keeping front, where he has repeatedly extended the state of e- originally planned, the situation could become even the armed forces in a state of operational readiness, mergency, brutally violated all sorts of freedoms and more perilous in that this spike in tensions, in the while the political leadership must behave in a calm and rights, ordered the arrest of political rivals and threat- Aegean as well as in Cyprus’s exclusive economic zone, responsible manner. ened the detention of even more. This behavior also ex- tends beyond his country’s borders, as Turkey has in- vaded neighboring countries and threatened to invade GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA others, and Erdogan has called for the revision, or “up- date,” of international treaties so that the country’s of- ficial borders can coincide with, as he put it, “the bor- GREEK ORTHODOX PARISH & COMMUNITY ders of our hearts.” Acting as a modern-day sultan, Erdogan does not hes- OF “STS CONSTANINE & HELEN”, WA itate to attack the leaders of other countries. Cnr Parker & Francis Streets, Northbridge WA 6003 Tel. & Fax: (08) 9328 7452 After accusing German Chancellor Angela Merkel of using “Nazi practices,” after describing Europe as “fas- cist,” after threatening US forces in Syria with an “Ot- toman slap,” and after regularly criticizing Israel (his known anti-Semitism led to the infamous clash with Is- raeli President Shimon Peres at Davos in 2009), Erdogan recently targeted Ramush Haradinaj, the prime minister of Kosovo, a state which he clearly views as a Turkish protectorate. Erdogan slammed Haradinaj after the latter dismissed Kosovo’s chief of intelligence and its interior minister following the deportation of six Turkish citizens with ties to the Fethullah Gulen movement (which Erdogan blames for the attempted 2016 putsch), without his permission. “Since when have you begun to protect those who work to stage a coup against the Turkish Re- public?... You will pay for this. Your career is over,” said Erdogan, who in essence regards Kosovo as a Turkish province. The behavior of the Turkish president – given the expansionist tendencies that are fed by his collabo- ration with far-right nationalists and his aggressive infil- tration in the Balkans, which has strong religious char- acteristics – mandates that Greece be on the alert and prioritize the handling of its other unresolved issues. Erdogan’s unpredictable character and authoritarian drift, combined with his strong influence and efforts to export the Islamic element, create an explosive mix – and Greece finds itself right on the front line. Early elections
Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s decision to call for snap elec- tions on June 24 is of direct consequence to Greece, more than at any other time, as the Turkish president increasingly espouses a nationalist stance and invests in the political gains this brings him. His convergence with the far-right Nationalist Move- ment Party of Devlet Bahceli confirms that this explo- sion of nationalist fervor is a strategic decision made by Erdogan. There is good reason why Athens and Nicosia are troubled by the extreme stance he has adopted in recent months, which is not restricted to rhetoric but is also reflected in the military operation he initiated in Syria, as well as in the aggressive behavior in the Aegean and toward Cyprus. More so as a pre-election period offers itself for nationalist posturing and public proclamations, and also moves of exaggerated patrio- tism by both the government and the opposition. The stance that has so far been adopted by the Ke- malist opposition – which often raps Erdogan for being too soft toward Athens and accuses him of “giving up” too many Aegean islands to Greece – is exacerbating the situation and confirms the fears of the Greek and Cypriot leaderships. Regardless of whether all this is for domestic consumption – as Erdogan sees it strengthen- * FOOD AND SOFT DRINKS PROVIDED ing him politically – or whether the Turkish leader truly * TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED believes that Turkey is a regional superpower that is “trapped” in the confines of its present borders be- FROM THE CHURCH PANGARI cause of past international treaties that do not corre- spond to the “borders of his heart” and thus need to be MAY 2018 4/20 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA
Letter from Maroubra
True story ‐ I’ve been waiting forever for you! A few years ago, there lived a Yianni and Katina in a beautiful large town of Epirus. Their three boys left for America to be near their rel- atives who helped them, and they soon prospered. They were hard-working and careful in their living. With the help of their relatives they married Greek girls and had good families. They contacted their par- ents quite often and sent photographs of their wed- dings and baptisms of their children. Little Katerinoula listened attentively and her dark Yiayia prepared as best she could and for the first eyes were opened wide as something passed through time in her life confessed and lightened her soul from Their daughter Irene stayed with them in the village her mind. all its burdens. With this opportunity, Costas and and she looked after them as best she could. Irene also went to Confession. And the next day, the When she came home at lunchtime, her grandmoth- Pappou also went. Irene was married and her husband Costas, a cabinet- er asked, “How was school? What did you learn from maker, respected her aged parents as though they your new teacher?” That next Sunday, they all received Holy Communion were his own. And they loved him as their own child. together in the village church. They felt their heart “Some wonderful things, yiayia! She told us about The years passed peacefully. One after another the lightened and jumping with joy. Their faces were Holy Communion and Confession. You know how glowing. grandchildren were born. Twins at first, and two beautifully she speaks! I want to ask you - do you more later after three years. Yiayia Katina was filled know what Confession is yiayia? From what I learnt, At the dinner table the children were staring again with joy when she hugged the children tightly, and Confession and Holy Communion go together. Do you and again at the bright faces of their elders and were especially Katerinoula! Tears of joy. go to confession yiayia?” not content with what they were seeing. Time rolled on.. The children grew and were going to “Let’s leave all this talk because it is time for lunch. At one point, their mother said, “Come on, eat your school. Every Sunday, all together, grandfather, We can talk about it later.” lunch before it gets cold.” grandmother, mother, father and the four children dressed in their Sunday best went to the church of St That night, yiayia experienced something miraculous. “It doesn’t matter, mum”, said Katerinoula. “What we Kosma that was in their neighbourhood. From time- Panagia appeared to her in her sleep. “I love you Ka- have seen today is better than anything. I will tell my to time they had Communion. At the end of the litur- terina”, Panagia said to her. “It was I who made your teacher tomorrow. But I can see that yiayia is not eat- gy they received the antidoron from the blessed hand grandchild speak to you about Confession. I have ing. Why yiayia, on such a great day?” of their priest and bidding farewell to friends and rel- been waiting for you lovingly for almost 100 years! atives, returned happily to their homes. Take care to repent for whatever wrong you have “I am thinking how much I wronged myself for so done and to confess. There are not that many more many years, when I went to Communion without ever This happened every Sunday until something oc- years of life.” Confessing.” curred that completely changed their lives. She woke from fear and was shaking. She rose, made Forget most of this mother. Isn’t this what your Con- That autumn, a very faithful teacher had been posted the sign of the cross, kissed the icon of the Panagia, fessor told you? And remember what Panagia said to to their school. She spoke to the children with enthu- even sipped a little agiasmo and calmed herself. you. She wants to be near you in that eternal happi- siasm about our faith, about Christ, about Panagia, ness. As we say, prepare for Paradise!” about the Martyrs and the Saints. The children lis- The next morning, she told her daughter all that had tened intently. She spoke to them about Holy Com- happened and asked her to ask where one could go Yiayia did prepare. That next week, she departed munion and Confession. She said that with Confes- to confess. She said the same to her husband. ready for that eternal journey! sion, the soul is cleansed from every sin and can then receive Christ in Holy Communion. Her daughter learnt form the parish priest that there Source: Adapted from Sotir, Issue 2173, pp. 141‐142. was a good spiritual father in Ioannina. They organ- Her simple and persuasive words took root in the in- ised things and the next afternoon, Costas and Irene nocent souls of the children. took yiayia in the work vehicle to the Spiritual Father. [email protected]
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PEACE TO YOU Part 1
The first word of Christ to the assembled Disciples after sions of the Apostles and of the Saints. This is why the the Resurrection was not “rejoice” but “peace be unto hymn says “thou renewest through them a right spirit”: you”! Because peace includes joy, whereas every joy this condition is precisely set in order to make it clear does not include peace. “Peace be unto you” is, then, that it is a matter of grace and of a favour of which we the first greeting of the Risen Lord. are no longer worthy, yet we become worthy on account of the “intercession” of the Saints. But such These words encapsulate, as it were, and convey all the charismatic nature offered by the right“ spirit” is power of the theandric presence to the disturbed expressed in even stronger terms by the final words of human nature, which lives in insecurity since the time the above Apolytikion, wherein the measure and con- when it lost its heavenly orientation. At this point only dition for the granting of such gift cannot be any the greeting ‘’peace be unto you” could remove the human effort or worthiness but only the “mercy” of fears and hesitations that beset people, opening their God. eyes to the horizon of the Resurrection that is forever affirmed by the death of death through His Death. It is most characteristic that the right“ spirit”, as charis- matic gift and presupposition of peace, is mentioned in Peace is, then, “the opening of the gates of paradise”. our worship also at the moment when the Bishop, And as long as peace will remain the rarest gift in this Liturgist par excellence, is dressed with his archpas- world, paradise will also be transferred eschatological- toral vestments in order to officiate. After having said ly in time. To know correctly the truth, the mind does for each vestment the appropriate verse of the psalm not need sagacity or wisdom. And to feel what is really as a prayer and invocation, when he wears the pectoral good, the heart does not necessarily need particular image that has the shape of the heart, he says: “Create sensitivity and cultivation. Peace “which transcends all in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit understanding” is sufficient for both these things. within me”. Whoever has peace internally, also has a guileless look and a pure heart. Peace is the power that constitutes If the officiating priest does not have a clean heart and By ARCHBISHOP an unbreakable coherence out of the division of creat- a right spirit, it is impossible for him to feel the full STYLIANOS ed things, gathering together anew the divided parts measure of peace, and it is still harder for him to con- OF AUSTRALIA into the straight line of God’s will. Only thus are the vey peace to others with the known blessing of “peace crooked lines and evasions of the world are abolished, be to you,” and “peace be to all”. removing the obstacles to confusion and disorder. We could perhaps see better the meaning of peace, if we From all that has been said so far, it becomes clear that recall the etymological relation of the Greek words the “right spirit” is the first and main presupposition of “coherence”, “peace”, ‘“joint”, “harmony”. peace. In other words, it means that the straight line is the only blessed way, the unique way of salvation. I! is The first and supreme gift that the Church admits to precisely for this reason that the greatest of the have received from the Risen Lord through the eyewit- Prophets of the Old Testament, St John the Forerun- nesses of the Resurrection is the “right spirit”. In the ner, in order to prepare the coming of the Messiah, apolytikion of the New Sunday we chant very charac- who is the “prince of peace” par excellence, explicitly teristically the following words: commands: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths” (Mat. 3, 3). The straight path, how- “Whilst the monument was sea‐ ever, as a moral command, is primarily justice and fear led, thou didst as the life arise of God. Nevertheless, man cannot judge by himself from the grave, O Christ our God; what is right and what is wrong, because justice is and whilst the doors were closed, essentially the balance of powers and the harmony of thou didst appear to they Disci‐ the moral world which reflects nature and the sanctity ples as the Resurrection of all, and of God’s will. And man, who with his disobedience through them renewest a right offended His will, damaged God’s order and conse- spirit within us, according to thy quently disturbed the moral balance by becoming great mercy”. unjust and transgressor. Precisely for this reason, God’s command through the mouth of the prophet In this doxological confession of the Church, we should Isaiah is more a censure than a mere moral command: pay attention particularly to two points that decisively “Learn righteousness, ye that dwell upon the earth” (Is. characterise what kind of nature the “right spirit” has, 26, 9). since we have already said that it is the most essential element of peace. These points are: It is not only God, through the mouth of the prophets, that emphasises this lack of righteousness in the (a) that one cannot expect the “right spirit” as the obvi- thought and life of the natural man - where after the ous fruit of natural man. After his fall and disobedi- disobedience what was natural became unnatural. It is ence, the natural man does not have an incorruptible, also man himself that admits it in moments of humility but a corruptible nature. For this reason, if one regains and prayer, when one of his primary requests is: “teach the grace of having a “right spirit”, this will happen only me your statutes” (Ps. 118, 12). as a renewal, as the beginning and inauguration of new life. This truth is clearly indicated by the participle (To be continued) of “renewing” in the hymn. (b) This “inauguration” and the renewal of the corrupt Source: “Voice of Orthodoxy” man does not occur directly, but through the interces- (June 1990, Vol. II, No. 6) MAY 2018 6/22 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA
Returning to the paths of faith on Mount Athos
By Athos Dimoulas ‐ Kathimerini to the historic monastic community in The photographer was drawn back sweetness, or the eldest of the monks northern Greece. again last year, spending two consecu- whose faces are marked by the signs of “What do I like about Mount Athos? Kalafatis found something different: tive weeks on Mount Athos and captur- an ascetic life. All were willing subjects The people, to begin with. There’s the the inspiration for an ambitious artistic ing new images that have been included and went along with the photographer’s landscape, of course, which is unique. project. Starting in 2008, he spent 5 in a revised publication of the book, giv- guidelines as he staged the ideal photo- And the smells. Like the smell of the re- years photographing the place and its ing it more variety and a more complete graph. fectory, which I remember from my first people for “Athos: The Colors of Faith,” feel. In this project, Kalafatis depicts Then and now visit as a child. The formality also fasci- which was presented at the time in the monastic life on Athos through shadows, A show he organized on the project in nates me, the way things are done, the northern port city of Thessaloniki by the symbols, nature and faces. His portraits Halkidiki last year was attended by way the monks enter the church, and National Bank Educational Foundation exude a strange sense of familiarity, 30,000 visitors, while the 16 shows to how they eat all together,” says photog- and released as a coffee-table book by whe-ther they be of young students at date of “Athos: The Colors of Faith” both rapher Stratos Kalafatis, a regular visitor Agra. the Athonite Academy, all unaffected in and outside Greece have drawn more than 200,000 in total. “It’s a subject that intrigues people and one that has been photographed by some great photogra- phers in the past,” says Kalafatis, adding that he is a propagator of this tradition, showing the community, “the Mount “To sin and not Issue 15 Athos of the 21st century,” in a more repent is blasphemy modern way. How much has it changed since his first against the Lord”, visit in 1979, when he was a 13-year-old Anon y mous living in Kavala? “It was completely dif- ferent back then,” says Kalafatis. “They had a huge drought. Portion 15.1 The Sixth Commandment. Most of the monasteries were in a Or perhaps you are happy for the evils and state of decline in terms of infrastructure The Sixth of the Ten Commandments, misfortunes of your brother? Perhaps you have and most of the monks you met were el- combining the Old and New Testaments, can towards someone enmity and rancor and derly and stuck in a different age. Still, it desire to take revenge? Perhaps you had its charm. be stated in summary as follows: “On Mount Athos today, most of the slandered someone and betrayed them to the monks are young and educated – and Sixth Commandment: Do not kill. rulers? Perhaps you gave herbs to a pregnant that is something very good – the mona- woman to effect an abortion? Perhaps you steries have been repaired and restored, Portion 15.2 Transgressions of the Sixth became angry with someone and struck them? and there are proper streets so distances Commandment. Perhaps knowing that you are infected you are covered much more easily. On the other hand, of course, the authenticity spread your disease to others?” has been lost in places,” he adds. According to Saint Nicodemus: “In this Sixth Kalafatis is currently in the process of Commandment transgressors are those who wrapping up a new project on Philippi, kill the body of someone by hand, or by some Portion 15.4 Further points for the Sixth an archaeological site in eastern Mace- other means, or by advice, or by help and Commandment. donia that was inducted into UNESCO’s assistance. Also, those who kill someone in list of World Heritage Sites in 2016. He According to Monk Agapius: “If you advise your has been taking photographs at the site soul, as are the heretics, the false teachers, for the past three years in an effort to and those Christians who cause a scandal to neighbor to fornicate, or to kill, or to do some link the past to the present. others by the example of their evil life. Also, other sin you are a spiritual murderer of your Last year, meanwhile, he published those who at a time of epidemic, knowing that brother.” “Archipelagos” (also Agra), a beautiful they are infected, contact others and infect coffee-table book of photographs of the them. Also, those who kill themselves, and According to Monk Damaskinus: “Nor have Aegean that had been commissioned by simply all those who become reckless. In this enmity or rancor towards some Christian, the Venice Biennale. commandment are also related the vices of because this is also murder. If you love your anger, envy, and the other vices that cause friends only what credit is that to you? But if murder.” you love your enemies you have much reward from God.” Portion 15.3 Reference points for the Sixth Written by Metaphrastis Commandment.
According to Saint Nicodemus: “Perhaps my child you killed someone willfully or by accident? Perhaps you were envious and saddened by the goods your brother has?
* This article first appeared in the magazine “K,” Kathimerini’s Sunday supplement. MAY 2018 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 7/23
Taking Greece into the space age
By Sakis Ioannidis ‐ Kathimerini
If there is one thing that Stamatios Krimigis yearns to do, it’s travel to the icy Europa. “I would love to sit there looking out at the colors of Jupiter and its moons orbiting around it,” says the esteemed scientist and academic. “It is our solar system’s most spectacular planet,” he adds as we gaze out at the rather mun- dane view of the city from the window of his Athens home. Obligations as head emeritus of the Space Department Applied Physics Labo- ratory at Johns Hopkins University in the United States and at NASA usually keep Krimigis away from his native Greece, ‘Excellence, meritocracy, performance and but the next two years will see him ethos are our guiding principles,’ Stamatios spending a lot more time in Athens after Krimigis says, noting that it took him some he was appointed at the head of the time to agree to the invitation from the Greek government to head the country’s first newly established Hellenic Space Agen- space agency. cy. The task at hand is to “build an agen- cy from the bottom up” by uniting dis- parate state agencies under one new Today, every spaceship has thousands equipment that would be used on the went off to the Red Planet.” body, he explains. of microchips conducting a constant digi- Mariner 4 spaceship to Mars. “I finished Success in this field, stresses Krimigis, “Excellence, meritocracy, performance tal dialogue. Does all this technology it just a month before the launch,” he re- is not just about skill but also the result and ethos are our guiding principles,” help? “There is always a huge possibility members. of cooperation, an esprit de corps. says Krimigis, noting that it took him not of error but of unforeseen circum- “Back then we always built two space- “Space is collaborative,” he says, explain- some time to agree to the invitation stances, so we always use the first few ships because one usually ended up in ing that it is important for the public to from the Greek government. “I wanted months of a space mission to see how the Gulf of Mexico,” says Krimigis, ex- understand that these teams working certain assurances that the principles I the spaceship is going,” he says. Voy- plaining the fate of Mariner 3. “I was ter- day and night for years on end are not have described will be respected and ap- agers which have been transmitting data ribly disappointed, but the engineering doing so just because this is the job, but plied. Another reason I agreed was that to Earth for the past 40 years, he adds, team spotted the mistake and built a because “they are making history and many of my colleagues here asked me to operate with simple commands and just new spaceship within three weeks that generating future knowledge.” help in this new endeavor and I felt it 70KB of memory. was something I had to do. This is not an Krimigis remembers the start of the opportunity that comes around again.” space age and the West’s shock at the Since the 1980s, when he served as a USSR’s launch of the Sputnik in 1957. He business consultant, and as a member of firmly believes that the space race saved at least five different committees, Krim- the world from a certain war and be- igis has been championing Greece’s en- lieves that all future space missions will try into the burgeoning space science be the product of international partner- market – one in which several Greek ships, mainly because of their enormous companies are involved. cost. A planned 500 billion dollar man- “It is everyone’s duty to the nation, the ned mission to Mars is no exception. duty of all political parties, to support “We will be stepping foot on Mars as this effort,” he says, stressing that explorers, not as colonizers,” the expert Greece is a member of the European stresses, explaining that the possibility of Space Agency (ESA) and needs to make inhabiting a planet that has almost no at- advances in the field. “We’re not trying mosphere and radiation levels that are to build a spaceship,” he says, adding lethal to man are zero. “Who wants to that the focus is on scientific instru- live below ground in order to be shielded ments. “It is technology that is also im- from the radiation and to have to learn portant to the country’s security and this to grow crops on that surface in order to is the only way that we can acquire it. survive?” he asks. Our eastern neighbors figured this out 20 The solar system is a frontier that has years ago.” not been sufficiently explored, says Krim- In his recent book “Taxidi sto iliako sys- igis, adding that the space community’s tima” (“Traveling in the solar system,” focus is now on the quest for planets published by Papadopoulos), Krimigis de- that are friendly to man and on closer ex- scribes his experience as the only scien- ploration of worlds that have water, such tist in the world who has “traveled” to as Europa, Titan and Enceladus. every planet in the Earth’s solar system Krimigis was born on the eastern thanks to instruments he has designed. Aegean island of Chios in 1938, growing His first successful mission was the up into an A-plus student thanks to his launch to Mars of the Mariner 4 space- mother’s insistence for high grades. He ship for flyby exploration in 1964, but his started studying at the University of Min- 50-year career hasn’t always been full of nesota in the US in 1956, where a chance high notes. He remembers, for example, encounter with Professor James Van “24 hours of anxiety and terror” when Allen changed his life. The world-renow- the New Horizons space probe, launched ned academic saw something in the in 2006, “went missing” on its long way young student and invited him to his to Pluto, or how the Near Earth Asteroid postgraduate program at the University Rendezvous (NEAR) mission came close of Iowa, where Krimigis also went on to to failing back in the 1990s because of a do his PhD. Among other tasks, Van Allen technical glitch. asked him to build a special piece of MAY 2018 8/24 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA MAY 2018 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 9/25
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Greek city transforms bus stops into libraries
A Thessaloniki municipal authority has installed libraries in bus stops to improve local residents’ daily commute. Bookcases were built inside the stone bus shelters along the number 64 bus route which connects Filyro with the centre of Greece’s second city. The idea originated with the Pylaia-Hortiati municipality and was implemented with the Filyro Citizens’ Com- munication Movement. Initially, four ‘library’ bus stops were created in Filyro and one in Panorama. “The most important thing is that the citizens have embraced the initiative and keep it alive. They have adopted the spaces and try to keep them filled with books. We started off with one stop and managed to increase this to five,” Pylaia-Hortiati Mayor Ignatios Kaitezidis told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA). The idea was launched about two years ago, with the first bus stop starting with about 100 books. Later versions also had benches to sit on, spaces for newspapers and magazines plus no- tice boards for municipality events and activities. When they return the book they have borrowed, users are also encouraged to bring another from their own collection to “keep it company” and bring joy to other passengers. According to organisers, not everyone is conscientious about re- turning books and some are actively destructive, but a balance is struck by the many people that actively support them and fill them with books again and again. The municipality received a Best City Award for the idea in 2016, and it has since been adopted by many municipalities in Greece.
The Greek Australian Bribie Island Retreat and Recreation Centre
VEMA
The oldest circulating Greek newspaper An Activity of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia outside Greece Bribie OPA Greek Festival – Sunday 1 July 2018 The Bribie OPA Greek Festival is scheduled for Sunday 1 July 2018, and we would love to (Est. 1913) see as many visitors as possible! Preparations are well under way & we are currently in need of volunteers who may be able to assist prior to & on the day. We would greatly Tel: (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 Email: [email protected] appreciate if you can help – Please contact Emanuel per details below, or I to find out more: Emanuel Kallinicos – 0418 196 904, [email protected] Christian Dior, Gucci, Ted Baker
Katerina + Kyriacos Mavrolefteros Ray Ban Ray
Donations
We are extremely grateful for donations and bequests which have been received to date. If you would like to contribute, please feel welcome to contact the Board of Management 874 Anzac Parade, Maroubra Junction President - Mr Emanuel Kallinicos on 07 3391 1202, or the Coordinator - Matt Bender on (at bus stop, on RTA block) 0419 509 935. In particular we are currently seeking donations & funding to contribute
(at bus stop, on RTA block) Rodenstock, towards building of a Shower Block ($40,000 estimate), Multi-purpose sports court ($80,000 TTeell:: ((0022)) 99331144--00339933 estimate) & upgrade to commercial kitchen ($25,000 estimate). These projects are crucial in Serengeti, Maui Jim, Fendi [email protected] future development of the Retreat & will rely on funding & donations to proceed. Matt Bender, Coordinator – April 2018 Nina Ricci, Oakley, La font Bribie Island Retreat and Recreation Centre - www.gobribieisland.org MAY 2018 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 11/27
‘Greece is in my blood’, says Prince Charles The heir to Britain’s throne has spoken of his love for Greece during his official visit to the country on Wednesday May 9. “Greece is in my blood and I have long had a fascination for her ancient culture and history,” said Charles, the Prince of Wales in a Kathimerini newspaper inter- view. The Prince of Wales and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall arrived to Greece on Wednesday (9/5) for a three-day visit. The Prince of Wales spoke to Kathimeri‐ ni, praising Greece and explaining the reasons why he is fascinated with the country. “Apart from anything else, Greece is in my blood and I have long had a fascina- tion for her ancient culture and history, not to mention the fact that I have been so fortunate to have visited some of Greece’s many beautiful and unique places,” the British royal said. Charles’ father, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was born in Corfu in 1921. The three-day visit by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall came as Prince’s Trust International expands its operations to Greece. “Knowing that Greece, and so many Greeks, have been going through such a very difficult time in recent years, I want- last 42 years, and so, feeling deeply for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in cen- Later on Thursday, Prince Charles at- ed to find a way – however small and in- the predicament facing the Greek peo- tral Athens. After that they met with tended a meeting of the British Council adequate – to help the young people of ple, I wanted to see if the experience we President Prokopis Pavlopoulos and later for the International Higher Education Greece achieve their full potential, have developed over all these years with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. Program at the Stavros Niarchos Founda- whether through skills training or assist- might be of some assistance in overcom- On Thursday (10/5), Prince Charles met tion. ing them to set up their own enterpris- ing the challenges confronting such a with Archbishop Ieronymos and later On Friday (11/5), the Prince of Wales es,” he told Kathimerini. very special country,” Prince Charles that day he visited Piraeus port for a tour and the Duchess of Cornwall travelled to “This is something my Prince’s Trust added. of the HMS Echo and the HMC Valiant, Crete and visited the archaeological site has been doing in the United Kingdom – The royal couple’s visit started on which cooperate with the Hellenic Coast of Knossos and then visitet NGO offices and now, increasingly, overseas – for the Wednesday (9/5) with laying a wreath at Guard in search-and-rescue exercises. for refugees. US ambassador Pyatt visits Mount Athos monastery
Drought ended Mycenean era, research shows
The Bronze Age civilization of the Mycenaeans collapsed due to an extended drought in the western Peloponnese, according to a study conducted by re- “Mt. Athos is a truly spiritual place,” US “I was also impressed by the Mona- searchers Martin Finne and Karin Holmgren of the Navarino Environmental Ob- Ambassador to Athens Geoffrey Pyatt stery’s innovative research and ideas on servatory in collaboration with archaeologist Shari Stocker. tweeted earlier this month, commenting its organic herbal products,” he added. The researchers drew their conclusions after examining a stalactite from a on his first visit to the historic monastic Pyatt also said that he met with cave on the uninhabited the islet of Schiza off the southwestern coast of the community’s Vatopedi Monastery. Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos Peloponnese which yielded precise information on the weather conditions that “I profoundly thank Abbot Ephraim for during the visit. prevailed in the region from around 1200 to 1180 BC. introducing me to the rich history of “We had an important discussion on The Mycenaean civilization spanned the period from approximately 1600- Vatopedi on my first stop here,” Pyatt Orthodoxy worldwide and US support 1100 BC. said on his visit to the UNESCO World for the Ecumenical Patriarchate,” the US Heritage site in northern Greece. ambassador said. MAY 2018 12/28 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA
Why the Greek diet is the world’s healthiest
The Greek diet is regarded as one of the healthiest in the world because it’s based largely around fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, fish and a small amount of cheese and yoghurt. When many people think of Greek food, pastitso, moussaka, souvlaki and baklava come to mind. However, a traditional Greek diet is packed with greens, such as xorta (wild greens) fasolakia (green string beans), bamies (okra), legumes including fakes (lentils), fasolada (beans), revithia (chickpeas), veg- etable dishes, fish and small portions of meat. This array of foods looks a lot like what is regarded as a healthy, balanced diet. Greeks are also famous for their love of olive oil, which is lower in saturated fat than butter, and there- fore a good choice for cooking. The Seven Countries Study was the first to evaluate the links between diet, lifestyle and the risk of heart at- tack. From 1958 to 1970, the study observed men living in countries as diverse as Finland, Japan, Greece and America. Dr. Ancel Keys and his team found that coun- tries with a varied diet based on monounsaturated fats, fruits, vegetables and legumes had a lower risk of heart disease than countries whose diets were based on wheat, meat and sugar. And the best of the bunch? Crete, where 40 percent the journal Neurology, demonstrated that those living Greek diet for just seven days can have a visible effect of the diet came from healthy fats. on a Mediterranean diet have more active and alert on your skin. Recent evidence published by the PNAS (Proceedings brains. In fact, the diet reduces the amount the brain “Nutrition is the best place to start when you want to of the National Academy of Sciences) journal shows usually shrinks over time by five years. look more youthful,” says Tonia. that the combination of olive oil and leafy salad or veg- Celebrity chef Cat Cora said of the Greek diet: “You She would spend three months each year in Greece etables is what gives the Mediterranean diet its healthy don’t have to take a lot of supplements, you don’t have eating mainly seasonal vegetables, fruit, pulses and edge, because the formation of nitro fatty acids be- to be on any yo-yo diets and things; you just eat a lashings of olive oil. tween the two food groups lowers blood pressure. lifestyle that promotes health naturally.” “Each time I went I noticed how great I felt and how If you’re more concerned about your brain than your British nutritionist and author Tonia Buxton is sug- much my skin glowed. So with my mum’s help I began body: well, olive oil helps with that, too. gesting that the Greek diet could have anti-ageing prop- to cook my own Greek-inspired meals,” Buxton, author A study by Columbia University, published in 2015 in erties too. In an interview she claimed following the of the book Eat Greek For A Week said. Greece getting its first English undergrad program
Higher education in Greece is entering a new era with the introduction of the country’s first English- taught four-year undergraduate program at a state university, which will be organized by the University of Athens and the International Hellenic University in Thessaloniki, northern Greece. The program will be dedicated to the study of the country’s greatest assets – archaeology, history, the Greek language and literature – and the aim is to at- tract students from beyond the European Union. The BA Program in the Archaeology, History and Lit- erature of Ancient Greece will be offered as of the next academic year at Athens University’s School of Philosophy. It will run for eight semesters over four years and be equal to all other bachelor’s degrees in Greece and elsewhere. Classes will be specially de- signed, while the professors will include Philosophy School educators, as well as distinguished academics from other institutions. The curriculum will also include seminars, educa- tional activities and fields trips to archaeological sites grees in English. Eleni Karamalengou. “The core of the program was and other locations of interest, as well as student par- “Archaeology and Greek culture is the most impor- designed by exceptional scientists from our school... ticipation in excavations. tant scientific field where we need an English-lan- and we look forward to a constructive collaboration The program will take up to 100 students a year, guage program addressed to foreign students,” with the International Hellenic University.” with annual tuition fees set at 8,000 euros. Athens University Rector Thanos Dimopoulos told The program will soon be presented to the em- The participation of the International Hellenic Uni- Kathimerini. bassies of China, the United States and India, among versity is also considered significant as it is the first “The program is a very important and innovative others, while it is also expected to attract interest time this institution will branch into an English-taught educational, scientific and cultural initiative for this from other universities in Greece with a view to de- bachelor’s degree; it currently offers master’s de- country,” adds Athens School of Philosophy Dean signing similar degrees. MAY 2018 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 13/29
Distribution of Red Eggs and Koulourakia (Easter Biscuits) at St Andrew’s Grammar (WA)
Every student and teacher at St Andrew’s Grammar were welcomed by Fr Elpidios with the paschal greeting (Christos Anesti - Alithos Anesti) as they returned from their well deserved Easter Vacation Break. Fr Elpidios and the Head of both the Primary and Secondary Schools visited every student in all classrooms throughout the entire school and gave a brief explanation on the symbolic meaning of the red egg. At the conclusion the traditional red egg competition took place in each class and every student received a koulouraki. It was a great day for all. Thanks to our Greek school teacher, Mrs Katerina Reklitis, for baking over 400 koulourakia. Greece expects an extra 2 million tourists in 2018
Perth Glendi 2018 a great success Greece is expecting an additional 2 million visitors ing Crete as an example “where a huge rise of 800 per- this year, Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura estimated cent has been recorded in the year to end-March, with Perth Glendi offered two days of Greek fun, mu- on Friday, as the Greek Orthodox Easter sees the more than 50,000 tourists visiting the island.” sic, dance and food, as thousands of Greek Aus- tourism season begin in earnest. She also pointed out that Greece can respond to the tralians and people who love Greek culture joined The minister told the Athens‐Macedonian News Agen‐ hugh demand and the increased flow of tourists, claim- the event on Saturday and Sunday. cy that the excellent course of the last three years, with ing that the country managed to attract new invest- Organized by Live Lighter and held at Elizabeth historic highs in all tourism statistics as she claimed, ments of high added value in the period from 2015 to Quay, this year’s Perth Glendi included singing by continues into 2018, with the trend being for a greater 2017. Maria Stavropoulou and her band, mouthwatering growth than any other year. Kountoura specifically said that more than 25,000 creations by pastry chef George Diakomichalis and “In the first quarter of the year there was a 20 per- new beds were added to major four- and five-star units dancing by the Hellenic Dancers of Brisbane. cent increase in international arrivals. In many areas of of over 300 beds each, according to the data of the min- Most of all it was fun for all the family and a joy- Greece that had never had any winter tourism we have istry’s Special Agency for the Promotion and Licensing ous celebration of all things Greek. achieved an impressive increase,” the minister said, cit- of Tourism Investments. MAY 2018 14/30 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Arts, Food & Wine Editor: Imogen Coward Mint Condition Part II: Shining examples
By Dr Taliesin Coward
There are small, commonplace artworks all around us. We carry and handle them almost everyday, and yet they are so ubiquitous they often escape our notice: coins. As noted in part one of this series, beautiful coins are prized by collectors the world over, and mints today specifically strike coins as objets d’art. Part two of this series takes a brief overview of these specially minted coins.
Beyond the mass produced coins for circulation or as simple bullion, coins struck at a mint come in several different standards, depending on manufacturing pro- cess, and the finish of the coin. The two main types are brilliant uncirculated, and proof.
Brilliant uncirculated (sometimes listed as BU or B. Unc), refers to any coin which has not been circulated, and possess a ‘brilliant’ finish: the mirror-like shine of a freshly minted coin. Though higher quality than circula- tion coins, they can still posses minor flaws where they haven’t been handled quite so carefully, with a scuff mark here, and a little nick there. Regardless, these can be quite impressive coins, particularly where a design takes advantage of the mirror-like finish. Fine examples of these are the fine silver £20 coins minted by the Roy- al Mint.
Proof coins are the cream of the crop, aimed at those who collect coins for their beauty. These coins are mint- ed from flawless blanks, and each die (sometimes hand tooled) strikes a limited number of coins, with the die being regularly re-polished, ensuring the details on the coin remain crisp and sharp. The dies are cleaned be- tween each coin, and each coin may also be struck sev- eral times at low pressure, so that maximum detail is imparted onto the blank. In addition, the dies are also often specially polished so as to produce different fin- ishes. Perhaps the most common is where the back- ground of the design (called the ‘table’) is kept smooth, whilst the design itself is blasted with sand and glass to produce a frosted finish. In the right lighting conditions and viewed from the correct angle, this can create the striking effect that the design is hovering over a black- ened background. The time and care put into making proofs means that far fewer are manufactured com- pared to other types of coins: England’s Royal Mint notes that 3,000 bullion coins can be minted in the same time it takes them to mint 50 proof coins.
Mints may also produce a number of novel effects and finishes. For example, some silver coins are deliber- ately tarnished, to produce an ‘antiqued’ effect. Others may be struck in ‘high relief’, allowing the design to be raised higher from the coin and carry more detail. Some come in novelty shapes (triangular, rectangular, convex, Australia-shaped, the list goes on). Others may boast an unusually high purity of metal content. Some are set with precious gems or struck from a combination of dif- ferent metals. Others still may be coloured. these is that no dyes or inks are used. Rather, an ex- everyday circulation coinage we see, as well as some This last process can be done a few different ways. tremely thin and transparent layer of niobium oxide special coins (including proofs versions of the circula- One way is colour printing, with the blank having a de- covers the centre of the coin. This oxide layer, depend- tion coins struck in precious metal). The Perth Mint, sign printed onto it. This has started to become com- ing on how it is made, reflects different colours of light along with striking the currency for many Pacific islands, mon in commemorative $2 coins which one might be (rather like a butterfly’s wings or a bird’s feathers), re- produces bullion and collector coins, ranging from lucky enough to find in one’s change (for example, the sulting in everything from pink and green, through to colour-printed novelties (such as Star Wars coins) and coloured Olympic coins, or the recent $2 coins featuring gold and vibrant blue. proofs, to coins with centres of inlaid opal. Whilst these a delicately printed boarder of multi-coloured stars, special coins never enter normal circulation, one does framing characters from Mem Fox’s beloved children’s Whilst one can get collectible coins from all over the find the occasional coloured $2 coin released for nor- book, Possum Magic). Perhaps one of the most fasci- world, either from dealers (such as Downies) or directly mal circulation (and even the occasional one which was nating and innovative ways of colouring a coin can be from the mints themselves, within Australia (and not not intended to be released). So next time someone seen in the Austrian Mint’s ‘Silver-Niobium’ coin series. counting the privately run mints) collectible coins are hands you some change, don’t just put it in your purse These silver coins feature a coloured (and sometimes minted by the Royal Australian Mint and the Perth or wallet, have a look: they mightn’t have given you just multi-coloured) centre. What is so fascinating about Mint. The Royal Australian Mint is responsible for the money, but a small work of art. MAY 2018 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 15/31
Ancient Greek city in Turkey to host special Orthodox Service
A special Orthodox religious service is to be held on Tuesday in the ancient The Basilica of St. John, Ephesus Greek city of Ephesus, in modern-day Turkey. The liturgy in remembrance of Saint John; who is believed to have been buried at the site in Aegean Turkey in 100 AD, will be attended by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and Theodore II, Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria in Egypt. The Basilica of St. John in Ephesus was constructed by Justinian I in the 6th cen- tury and was modeled after the former Church of the Holy Apostles in Istanbul. Before the service, a series of cultural events took place in Smyrna, highlight- ing the region’s Greek heritage; a stu- dents’ choir from Istanbul’s Zografeion Lyceum gave a performance in Greek and Turkish at the Izmir Sanat cultural centre. Late last month, a Turkish town heard its first Orthodox liturgy in 96 years at a special religious service also attended by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The special service took place in a for- mer Orthodox Church in the town of Moudania (Mudanya) situated in to- day’s north-western Turkey. Moudania was a thriving, predomi- nantly Greek, town before the exchange of populations between Greece and Turkey in 1923. All roads lead to Brisbane’s biggest Greek Festival
It’s that time of year again in Queensland, where thousands of Greeks, Greek-Aus- bration of all things Greek and the state’s largest cultural festival as well as the coun- tralians or just friends of Greece gather for the famous Paniyiri Greek Festival. try’s longest-running Greek festival. Scheduled for May 19 and 20 in Musgrave Park and The Greek Club, Edmondstone It is a success story which began in 1976 when a group of passionate Greek Aus- St, South Brisbane, organizers describe Paniyiri as a “kaleidoscopic cultural explosion tralians wanted to share their cultural traditions with Brisbane. that is now legendary with over 50,000 Greeks and honorary Greeks”. Fast forward to 2018 and more than 60,000 are expected to celebrate with a range This year’s festival will mark 42 years – a landmark cultural and celebratory mile- of celebratory events in the lead up, and over the weekend of May 19 and 20. stone. Over four decades Paniyiri has grown to become Queensland’s signature cele- MAY 2018 16/32 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Travel
ATHENSPLUS • SATURDAY, JULY 10, 2010 TRAVEL
Ithaca Ithaca Take the long journey home Odysseus’ native island is as appealing to travelers as his wanderings are symbolic to those seeking the meaning of life
BY HARIS ARGYROPOULOS arated by narrow alleyways, against the background of the green Mt Nerovoulo, “Keep Ithaca always in your mind. adds to the charm. A stroll along the sea- Arriving there is what you are destined side promenade before sunset is a for. must if you wish to fully appreciate the But do not hurry the journey at all. tranquillity that Ithaca offers. Better if it lasts for years, The nearby Cave of the Nymphs So you are old by the time you reach the with multicolored stalactites is where island, the Homeric hero was said to have hid- Wealthy with all you have gained on the den the gifts of the Phaeacians, who way, dropped him off at the bay asleep. The Not expecting Ithaca to make you rich. island’s longest road, 25 km, linking Ithaca gave you the marvelous journey. Vathy with Kioni, in the north, will bring Without her you would not have set you to Ai-Yiannis, the island’s most beau- out.” tiful beach, strewn with thick pebbles and with crystal-clear waters. Be sure The journey of Odysseus, or Ulysses, the to take enough fresh water with you. Homeric hero and king of Ithaca, who Make a small detour to see the Katharon took 10 years to return home after the Monastery and stop for coffee at the Trojan War, and his many misadven- shaded square in Stavros, further north. tures inspired thus Alexandrine poet Another small detour in a northwesterly Constantine Cavafy. The theme of the direction will bring you to Exogi, which poem is that what people should seek offers absolutely superb views of the sur- is enjoyment of the journey of life as well rounding islands and the Ionian Sea. as increasing maturity of the soul. If such Kioni is one of Ithaca’s most attrac- an attitude toward life can be consid- tive settlements, rebuilt after the 1953 ered characteristic of cultured souls, the Ithaca comprises two small pieces of earthquake. Its small harbor, once a pi- visitor to this Ionian island will notice Quietly refined land of about equal size and linked by rate hideout and now lined with cafes, that this is exactly what Odysseus’ de- Ithaca is one of the most a narrow isthmus. The main village of restaurants and bars, hosts dozens of scendants are – strongly inclined to the civilized places to spend a Vathy is in the southern part, built yachts during the summer months. arts and letters. holiday, away from the noise around a fjord-like bay, and leaves vis- Finally, east of Vathy, the winding It is therefore not surprising that Itha- and madding crowds itors with a lasting impression as the road will bring you to two very attrac- ca – known to Greeks as Ithaki – is one boat enters or leaves. It is not hard to tive beaches, Filiatro – with amazing of the most civilized places to spend a imagine that this is where Odysseus deep turquoise waters and a mobile can- holiday, away from the noise and longed to return to. The view of the tra- teen selling refreshments – and madding crowds. ditional one- or two-floor houses, sep- Sarakiniko, a small picturesque harbor. Despite its relatively small size (96 square kilometers), Ithaca in its heyday – around 1000 BC – was the center of a kingdom which included all the Ion- ian islands off Greece’s western coast. Discoveries of Linear A script testify to the inhabitation of the island since pre- historic times. In more recent cen- turies, Ithaca’s trajectory followed that of neighboring Cephalonia, with suc- cessive Byzantine, Venetian, Turkish, French and British occupations until the Ionian Islands joined free Greece in 1864. Despite extensive archaeological ex- cavations, Odysseus’ Homeric capital has not been found. This may be due to the many catastrophic earthquakes How to get there & about Where to stay Where to eat What to see & do that have repeatedly razed man-made Some people fly to Cephalonia and In Vathy: Perantzada Art Hotel (tel In Vathy: Paliokaravo, for fresh fish and The best way to see the island is by its structures on the island through the cen- travel to Ithaca by boat; from 33496, www.arthotel.gr), boutique traditional dishes; Hani, for superb many footpaths. Ithaca is also turies. The terrain is craggy, verdant and Cephalonia airport to Sami port it is 35 facility with superb, elegant design in a views and menu variety; Kantouni, excellent for diving and climbing; spectacular, ideal for trekkers and for km (35 euros by taxi); ferries take four restored 19th-century mansion; simple taverna at the port, with there are also watersports facilities exploring archaeological sites and hours from Patra (twice a day, 12.30 and Omirikon Hotel (tel 33596, mainstream Greek dishes and fresh fish and tennis courts as well as excursions caves. The beaches are typical of the Ion- 8.30 p.m.), two hours from the mainland www.omirikonhotel.com), on the bay – try their chicken in the oven; Kochyli, to neighboring islands. In August, ian Islands, with picturesque bays and port of Astakos and one hour from opposite the village (10 mins on foot), right on the water off the coastal road – there is a cultural festival with artists azure waters. The difference on Ithaca, Lefkada. There are also other attractive rooms, very good service. In the meat pie, meatballs and roast lamb and orchestras from around the world. however, is that they are all quiet. Even connections with Cephalonia. Patra Kioni: Captain’s Apartments (tel 31481, are recommended. In Kioni: Kalypso, at The Archaeological Museum has those considered developed are not port: tel 26103.41002, Astakos port: tel www.captains-apartments.gr), rooms the marina – excellent fresh fish, grilled mostly pre-Classical collections, with packed with sunbeds and umbrellas 26460.41052, Cephalonia airport: tel with a view and good service. In Frikes: meats and mainstream dishes, don’t ceramic and bronze items dating to hogging all the best places. Here, they 26710.29900. Area phone code: 26740. Aristotelis Apartments (tel 31079, miss the cod pie with rice. In the Geometric period, as well as coins; let you pick your own spot before Health center: tel 32222; travel agencies: www.aristotelis-ithaca.gr), attractive, Platreithias: Gefyri (tel 31131), the Cultural Center’s library houses bringing you an umbrella and setting tel 33103/33120; car rental: tel 32840. fully equipped suites, 50 meters from international cuisine and charming rare books, including “The Iliad” and it up for you. There is a local bus, taxis and sea taxis. the sea. decor by Andy and Mark – a must. “The Odyssey” in Japanese.