THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN The oldest circulating Greek newspaper outside Greece email: VEMA [email protected] MAY 2008 Tel. (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 In this issue... Our Primate’s View THE ‘UNDERMINING’ OF THE SYNODAL INSTITUTION (Part 1) PAGE 5/23

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan, while delivering Labor’s first Budget

WINDOWS TO ORTHODOXY The Earthly Heaven

PAGES 8/26 - 9/27

Voters undecided

ABS reveals snapshot on Budget of work and family Many voters, including families, appear to be undecided Just 17 per cent of voters believed welfare payments should not about Labor’s first Budget, a new opinion poll shows. be means tested. PAGE 7/25 According to the Galaxy poll taken for News Limited The $150,000-a-year household income threshold introduced in newspapers at the weekend, 44 per cent of voters were unsure the budget was endorsed by 34 per cent of voters, although 22 about the effects of the budget, while 33 per cent said they per cent supported an even lower level of $100,000. would be worse off and 23 per cent believed they would benefit. Nearly 70 per cent of households with children feared they The $150,000 threshold was also supported by 37 per cent of would end up worse off, or were undecided, despite being a key those it would likely affect - workers earning $70,000 or more. target of the budget handed down last week. In the preferred economic manager stakes, Treasurer Wayne Swan had turned the tables on his rival, gleaning the support of The most concerned group was the over-50s, with 41 per cent 36 per cent of voters, ahead of opposition treasury spokesman worried they would suffer, a sentiment shared by more than a Malcolm Turnbull on 25 per cent. third of voters earning under $70,000 a year, News Ltd reported. In good news for the federal government, 49 per cent of voters A Newspoll before the budget had Mr Turnbull on 35 per cent supported the tax cuts and the majority of Australians supported compared to Mr Swan on 29 per cent. means testing of the baby bonus and other family welfare AAP payments.

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA Vouliagmeni’s secret New Website The untamed treasure of Faskomilia is a haven for the busy capital’s nature lovers www.greekorthodox.org.au PAGE 16/34 ANOTHER WEBSITE BY PROSITOS.COM.AU The Greek Australian VEMA MAY 2008 2/20 TO BHMA

‘Selling an American Dream: Australia’s Greek Café’ A Nationally Touring Social History Exhibition

Photographer Effy Alexakis and historian Leonard Janiszewski have once again Effy Alejxakis joined forces to produce a major social and Leonard Janiszewski May 25, 1977 history exhibition that portrays the Star Wars opens significance of Greek settlement in Australia.

On 11 July 2008, the National Museum of Australia in Canberra will proudly launch their exhibition as the first venue of a projected 7 year national tour.

The new exhibition, entitled Selling an American Dream: Australia’s Greek Café, On this day in 1977, Memorial Day puts forward the view that Greek cafés in weekend opens with an intergalactic Australia were a ‘Trojan Horse’ for the bang as the first of George Lucas' Americanisation of this nation’s eating blockbuster Star Wars movies hits and social habits from the very start of the American theaters. twentieth century. The incredible success of Star Wars-- seven Oscars, $461 million in U.S. For Alexakis and Janiszewski, Greek ticket sales and a gross of close to $800 cafés initially introduced American com- million worldwide- began with an mercial food-catering ideas, technology extensive, coordinated marketing push and products and later influenced the by Lucas and his studio, 20th Century development of cinema and popular Fox, months before the movie's release music. The Greek café they say, helped date. "It wasn’t like a movie opening," ‘transform’ Australian popular culture. actress Carrie Fisher, who played rebel leader Princess Leia, later told Time Their new exhibition not only looks at magazine. "It was like an earthquake." how this was done, but also the personal Beginning with- in Fisher’s words-"a stories of those involved. clearly reveals significant cross-cultural Selling an American Dream: Australia’s new order of geeks, enthusiastic young transmissions and transformations affect- Greek Café will be on display at the people with sleeping bags," the antici- The exhibition brings together historical ed by Greeks upon mainstream Australian National Museum of Australia in the pation of a revolutionary movie-watch- and contemporary photographs, oral his- culture. National Focus Gallery from 11 July to 16 ing experience spread like wildfire, tories and café memorabilia gathered over For its Australian audience, the message is November 2008. The exhibition is part of causing long lines in front of movie the 26 years that the couple have been clear: Every time you drink a Coke, enjoy the Vivid National Photography Festival. theaters across the country and around researching Australia’s Greek past. an ice cream or sweet chocolate treat, go the world. to the cinema, or listen to the latest popu- The curators are grateful to the exhibi- For both Alexakis and Janiszewski, this is lar music hit, you can thank Australia’s tion’s major sponsor, The Nicholas June 5, 1968 their most important display to date as it Robert F. Kennedy shot Greek settlers. Aroney Trust.

At

12:50 a.m. PDT, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, a presidential candidate, is shot three times in a hail of gunfire in the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Five others were wounded. The senator had just completed a speech celebrating his victory in the California presiden- tial primary. The shooter, Palestinian Sirhan Sirhan, had a smoking .22 revolver wrested from his grip and was promptly arrested. Kennedy, critically wounded, was rushed to the hospital, where he fought for his life for the next 24 hours. On the morning of June 6, he died. He was 42 years old. On June 8, Kennedy was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, also the final rest- ing place of his assassinated older brother, President John F. Kennedy. MAY 2008 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 3/21 Editorial

The prices we deserve appetite and reality clash: We cannot have what we want the market depends either on ministers’ largess (with nor can we pay the prices they ask. It’s time for everyone, taxpayers’ money) or the generosity of truck owners. This By Nikos Konstandaras - Kathimerini especially consumers, to act. When we show just how explains why one must pay about a million euros for a PSV much we are prepared to pay, when we demand quality at license. These documents do not only allow their holders When Calvin Klein was young, his father had a grocery lower prices, then we will have the products and services to transport goods but also to blackmail society in order to store in Harlem. There the designer learned his first lesson we deserve. increase their income. in marketing. Closed professions and closed minds There are more closed professions. There are notaries public, drug store owners, taxi drivers and many others “I would see grapefruits in the fruit-and-vegetable By P. Mandravelis Kathimerini department, and some of them were 29 cents a pound and - that enjoy monopolies in their provision of services. Even others were 49 cents,” he recalls in a recent issue of Vanity university education has become a closed sector (thanks to Fair. “What’s the difference between the two?” he asked Fortunately Greece has not been hit by a major natural the much-debated Article 16 of the Constitution). his father. “Some people like to pay 29 cents and some like disaster. It has not been struck by an earthquake on the to pay 49 cents,” his father replied. Leo Klein satisfied the scale of the one that rocked China, nor has it been swept Critics claim that market liberalization causes problems. broadest possible clientele by offering the same goods at by a cyclone like the one that has devastated Burma. That is true, sometimes. In a competitive market, there are different prices. good and there are bad products; there are expensive and Nevertheless, it is in a state of constant crisis. A series of there are cheap products. Clearly, not everything is a political decisions, legislative provisions, social contracts success in a free market, but one person’s flop is somebody In Greece, it seems that bitter experience of endemic and economic deals have spun a thick web that impedes else’s success. A bad or an expensive product that doesn’t poverty and the proverbial cunning of our merchants have any response to the changing international environment. sell well will inevitably be replaced by another. No one can made everyone wary of cheap goods. “Cheap meat goes to The latest example is the strike by public service vehicle prevent another entrepreneur from offering a better the dogs,” old-timers would say. Only the desperate would (PSV) drivers. A small group of people have the power to alternative. buy cheap things, knowing they were being cheated by cause a major crisis, causing long queues at fuel stations. buying overpriced rubbish. When the Greeks finally got The country has no other option: It will either yield to the State intervention breeds failure, both on a social level (see some money they went after “good things” with a demands of a small group of vested interests or it will end communism) but also on a sectoral level. Bad and vengeance. And the “good” was also expensive, be it food, up in deadlock. expensive transport cannot be substituted because clothing, cars, houses or loans. Traditional generosity and competition is prohibited by law. Holders of the costly the memory of hunger resulted in Greeks being amazed at Many commentators have lashed out against what they see licenses exploit their monopoly to strangle the market. citizens of richer countries buying a slice of cheese rather as a strong group of vested interests. This may be the case, than a whole pound, or asking for just a watermelon slice. but it’s only because we allowed it to become so. With a What we are experiencing now is not the work of some series of legislative provisions, the state created a evil truck owners. It’s just that a class of people is used to Merchants – from multinationals to neighborhood grocers monopoly that has a tight grip on society. Instead of living under the state umbrella. The law protects their – invested in this largess. We reached the point where deregulating commercial transport, instead of allowing profession as well as income. Why should they become multinationals closed their factories here and then sold us anyone that fulfills the necessary qualifications to haul more productive when they can just raise the pressure? their goods at higher prices than they do elsewhere. And products and fuel, it introduced legislation that has Why should they make any effort when they can simply we, with lower salaries than other Europeans, bought rendered society hostage to the whims of a small minority. earn money by virtue of a minister’s signature? They will everything, without a second thought. But today our There are no alternative solutions. The smooth supply of just go on strike and prevent others from working. Greece’s suspension from Kyoto

By J. Psaropoulos - Athens News finances under supervision. Finance Minister George country has in abundance, producing 55 percent of its Alogoskoufis triggered a lack of confidence by upwardly electricity from lignite instead. On April 17, the United Nations suspended Greece for revising post-1996 deficit and debt figures - not once but Under Souflias, though, Greece has taken spectacular three months from the emissions-trading scheme formed twice - revealing that Greece did not technically qualify to steps backwards, even as Europe has moved forwards. under the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. The unprecedented enter the eurozone. Souflias has never attended a European council of suspension, punishment for inaccurate reporting of carbon The revisions were justified as an exercise in bringing environment ministers. He was not only absent from emissions, combines two of Greece’s international Greece into line with international accounting standards, December’s round of UN climate talks in Bali, but failed hallmarks: lack of transparency in reporting and an but they were oversold politically. to organise a representation under the deputy minister for apparently complete lack of concern for the environment. The commission’s 2004 warning to Greece bears an eerie the environment. The immediate problem with emissions reporting stems resemblance to the UN’s: it demanded “concrete measures His plan to convert the former Elliniko airport to a in part from the fact that the National Observatory of to ensure the credibility of the entire statistical system, greenfield site involves construction for 20,000 inha- Athens, which until March last year was responsible for namely through the adoption of the highest standards as bitants - a mistaken priority in a city already concentrating atmospheric measurements on the environment ministry’s regards the independence, integrity and accountability of half the country’s population. behalf, overestimated the emissions for 2004 by 37,000 the national statistical service [NSS] and the reinforcement Souflias’ latest environmental initiative was to agree tonnes. That alerted UN inspectors to a faulty algorithm, of the control and inspection capacities of Eurostat, the earlier this month to subsidise recycling in the country’s which, the ministry says, was corrected. EU’s statistical body.” two most populous municipalities - Athens and Piraeus - But since then, the UN remains unsatisfied as to the The suspension is, more ominously, another result of the because their mayors say that running a separate collection transparency of the method. In a December 2007 report, singular contempt in which Public Works Minister George service for recyclables will cost too much. the UN Compliance Committee, which enforces the Souflias holds the environment. The subsidy now threatens to bring 446 municipalities protocol, said its inspectors requested additional In another area of deliberate and gross opacity, the into open revolt against the agreements they have signed information “to determine whether the national system has environment ministry credited itself with recycling 90,000 with the Hellenic Recycling Corporation, under which the capacity to fulfil the mandatory function” of measuring tonnes worth of paper and plastic as refuse-derived fuel in they are provided with blue bins, trucks and publicity in emissions. By this time, measuring responsibility had 2004 and 2005, which, in fact, ended up being landfilled return for running the parallel collection services. moved to the National Technical University of Athens. because the material did not qualify for industrial furnaces. This newspaper called for Souflias’ resignation almost The report concluded that “the maintenance of the Souflias has also doggedly pursued the diversion of the two years ago, when he revived the Aheloos diversion. In institutional and procedural arrangements, the Aheloos river into the Thessaly plain; 600 million tonnes the past two years Souflias has vindicated our position. arrangements for the technical competence of the staff and of fresh water a year will presumably buy the conservative He has failed to report honestly about recycling, the capacity for timely performance of Greece’s national government votes and keep farmers in the environmentally doctoring the figures his ministry receives from the system is an unresolved problem.” self-destructive breadbasket of Greece in the subsidised Hellenic Recycling Corporation and sending them up to No international body embarrasses its members need- cotton trade until 2013. Brussels inflated. lessly. The suspension suggests that, since December, The diversion has been turned down for funding from the He has failed to provide any initiative for renewable Greece has simply ignored inspectors’ concerns. European Union and stopped four times by Greece’s energy in collaboration with the finance and development Practically, the suspension may not mean much at the Council of State on environmental grounds; but its ministries, meaning that Greece is on track to contravene moment, because European carbon trading for the 2008-12 component parts have been repackaged into new its generous Kyoto allowance of a 25 percent increase in period does not begin until the end of the year - so Greece initiatives that must be legally reassaulted. Souflias emissions since 1990. has some time to correct its reporting deficiencies. revived the project for the fifth time by placing it as a rider On his watch the country has suffered its worst single- Politically and symbolically, however, the suspension on an unrelated land registry bill in July 2006. year loss of forest cover ever (297,000 hectares), leaving means a great deal. It is another demonstration of Greece’s environmental record was poor before Souflias. carbon sinks to the mercy of natural regeneration. Souflias untrustworthy numbers and lack of transparency of the Greece was the last European Union member to ratify the does not need to be proven unfit to serve as the head of this Karamanlis administration. Kyoto Protocol in 2002, and it did so within 24 hours of a country’s environmental monitoring and policymaking. The first international opprobrium came from the May 31 deadline. It has taken a backseat approach to He has proven it himself. European Commission in 2004, when it put Greek public renewable solar, wind and geothermal energy, which the MAY 2008 4/22 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE CITY YOU COME FROM, YOU WILL NEVER FIND THE CITY YOU ARE GOING TO…

Unfortunately, some Greek Orthodox assumptions about the state of mind of individual limitations, this behaviour and people in Australia have not only failed to such people. attitude would be unforgivable were it not embrace this mission, this service (in the so misguided. Rather, we feel pity for Greek meaning of the word λειτούργημα), Everyone has the right to choose a school them because, in denying themselves the but at times have even actively rebelled they believe best serves the needs of their richness of their heritage, it is unlikely they against the Church by their absence, and children. None of these comments are will ever be accepted as equal members of consciously fight against her mission! directed at those who for one reason or that hegemony as they do not approach that By P. MAVROMMATIS* another choose to send their children to a hegemony with strength of character, It is sad that we as teachers of the Greek non-Orthodox school. They are, however, confidence or integrity. They’re the ones Orthodox Day Schools have to hear from directly pointed at those who expend an hanging on the edges of the B-B-Qs and our Anglo-Saxon colleagues their defense incomprehensible amount of energy and gatherings of which they are not quite a “Give instruction to a wise man, and he of our schools’ credibility from attacks by venom attacking our schools, our priests part, laughing heartily at ethnic jokes will be still wiser; so-called Greek Orthodox faithful. What and bishops, our families and consequently which are made at their expense. Contrast teach a just man, and he will increase in they find shocking to them is the vicious- our Church. Words such as ‘γενίτσαροι’ this with the students of the Greek learning” (Prov. 11:9) ness of these attacks, given our schools’ come to mind. Orthodox Colleges who enter every forum proven track record, quality of teachers, and any university on their own terms as academic achievement, spiritual education One can only assume that they are proud Australians of Greek Orthodox faith. The Church in the Antipodes from its and co-curricular enrichment. As one col- motivated by the fear of non-acceptance by Their success in the fields of medicine, establishment, and particularly under the league said to me, “don’t these people the Anglo-Saxon hegemony, and jealousy politics, law, education and business has guidance of His Eminence Archbishop know that your students have represented of those of us who are not afraid to already been established in the relatively Stylianos, has been the guardian of our the Independent Sector at National and embrace our sense of identity and our faith. short history of the schools. And this is Hellenic heritage and our Orthodox faith, International Forums? How is it that they The pride, dignity and strength of because they have very strong foundations values and ideals. The establishment of have failed to see the fine caliber of young character that our students demonstrate at in a long and illustrious history of 4,000 over one hundred churches and parishes, a people that your schools produce to the every public event is clearly a provocation years! world-renowned Theological College, benefit of all Australian society?” and challenge to those who are ashamed of welfare centres, nursing homes, a home for the great civilisation that has given them children with special needs, respite care I have to say that in being challenged with and the whole of humanity inspiration and * Peter Mavrommatis is a teacher centres, bi-lingual Orthodox Day Schools these questions I have come to some con- leadership. of Orthodox Studies and Personal and many, many other institutions across clusions which bring me to the point of Development at St Spyridon College this vast land bear testimony to this fact. making what I believe are reasonable For those who live our faith, with whatever Senior School Sydney. And They Marched On…

By Terry Sidiratos Turkish ‘slain train’.

The 19th May commemorates a day of sys- Coupled with the violation of Pontic temic extermination upon the Pontic Greek woman regardless of age, the mass march population of Asia Minor by the occupying toward Greece in 1923 endured further loss Turkish government. Mass genocide com- of life. Mothers and fathers buried their mitted upon a flourishing and affluent children, husbands and wives buried their Hellenic group living outside of Greece has partners’ and famine struck thousands of been recognised by the International asso- helpless Greeks fighting for survival, only ciation of genocide scholars yet denied by to fall drastically short… an undignified its perpetrators. death. Their belongings resorting to only what they could carry, bodies scattered The Pontic Greeks were first mentioned by with engaging signs of disease and infesta- Xenophon around 400 BC and in Greek Mustafa Kemal tion clearly evident. mythology, Pontus is the land in where and his Kurdish allies. Irrespective of the Young Turks domestic Jason and the Argonauts ventured to find After the Armenians, accomplishments post wartime, there must the Golden Fleece. The word Pontus Assyrians be acknowledgement followed by account- denotes ‘of the sea’ and is geographically and Hellenes, ability of the catastrophe that occurred in positioned along the Black Sea in modern his allies would be killed. Asia Minor. Over 350000 Pontic Greeks day Northern Turkey. For over 3000 years and an estimated 550000 of combined the Pontic Greeks, the Greeks of Smyrna Greeks were unaccounted for between and Asia Minor as a whole mirrored a strategy requires years of planning and the outcome of the eventual forced evacua- 1915 – 1933 at the order and execution of vibrant culture of strong Hellenistic influ- implementation which suggests that the tion of the Greeks from Turkey. Forced out the Turkish Government. ence. Even during times of rule from the pillars for this strategic obliteration may with the absence of bare essentials, it was Ottomans, they continually grew and have been set well prior to WW1. the ‘final solution’ to what was considered A church service will be held at Saint evolved into a prosperous economic entity the Greek problem prior, at the commence- Stephens Church, Hurlstone Park located with self governing principals likened to It was not only the Pontic Greeks who were ment and during WW1. In 1915, Turkish at 650 New Canterbury Road, Hurlstone the Greek city states. slaughtered by the ruthless Turkish occupa- Minister Ismail Envern considered the Park. The ceremony will commence at tion, but many more Greeks from Asia ‘Greek’ solution to be equivalent to the 11.00am. At the conclusion of the service, History has shown that mass killings are Minor sent on a march to Greece that col- way he believed he solved the Armenian attendees are invited to 604 New usually predetermined for the advancement lectively, manufactured the Turkish objec- problem…mass murder! Able Pontic war- Canterbury Road, Hurlstone Park – a short of wealth, land and the ethnic unification tive...death and extermination. It was riors were forced to enlist in the military, stroll to the headquarters of Panagia of one particular race. Turkey’s solution for however the Pontic Greeks who gathered primarily working on the construction of Soumela of Pan – Pontians NSW. The a unified Turkey was put in place when their weapons and fought for a land settled railroads whilst simultaneously being committee has managed to collate many invading Russians who of the same reli- by a Hellenistic accord many years before starved to death. Survivors of this attempt- guest speakers over recent months and gion to the Pontic and other Greeks of Asia the formulation of any such Islamic nation- ed annihilation were subsequently forced again have been successful in attaining the Minor (Orthodoxy) were considered a mas- alistic agenda. The 19th of May, 1919 is into labour camps where prisoners of time of Anastasia Psomiachis. A prominent sive threat by Turkish military advisors - held as the Pontic commemoration day. It WW1 including the Anzacs documented lecturer from Greece with ties well the Germans! Mustafa Kemal, the leader of is the day Kemal entered the Pontus region the ruthless treatment and eventual eradica- entrenched within the global federation of the Young Turks is credited as the man who at the port of Samsouda with a propelled tion of the Pontic brave. Alone and now Pontic Greeks, Anastasia will talk about proclaimed Turkey for the Turks and set objective of shear tyranny and guile. pregnable to attack were many elderly, the events that constituted Pontic Greek motion to the horror that would transpire children and handicapped who were unable remembrance day and on issues the Pontic into what we now define as genocide. Such Disease, famine and mercy killings were to defend themselves against the steaming Greeks worldwide are faced with today. MAY 2008 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 5/23 Our Primate’s View

THE ‘UNDERMINING’ OF THE SYNODAL INSTITUTION (Part 1)

The decision of the writer to dedicate his to such a ‘burning’ and fundamental issue on which entire ‘Keynote Address’ (at the 10th Clergy-Laity are directly dependent - not just theoretically - the Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of peace and unity of the People of God who are being Australia) to what is, for the Church, an absolutely tried diversely, but also - in everyday practice - the ef- irreplaceable institution, namely the SYNOD, was fectiveness of the honourable struggles of each certainly a move and a ‘gesture’ adequately declara- individual for truth and justice. tive of a denounced imminent danger. In other words, And because, in the ‘Keynote Address’, there it expressed, so to speak, an ultimate S.O.S. to those was a brief intimation that the Synodal institution is ‘in the courtyard of the Church’ who are either being undermined in particular times and ‘vigilant’ or ‘indifferent’, if not even to those who circumstances, ‘internally’ and ‘externally’, it was ‘transact’ with her, or are merely ‘neighbourly’. appropriate and needful for a more extensive analysis on the matter, both for the allaying of misinterpre- By Archbishop However, the denunciative character of the tations, and for the more essential edification of the Stylianos of Australia ‘Opening Address’ in mention would definitely have faithful. been less effective had the same agonizing Theolo- gian and Shepherd not presented long ago, and At any rate, the concise information imparted through authoritative systematic writings, the neces- to a great extent through the ‘Keynote Address’ was sary ecclesiological foundation in relation to this subsequently supplemented and developed by the contentious problem. writer with a related specific article as to how the Furthermore, this is an issue regarding the challenging yet highly significant 10th Clergy-Laity ‘stability’ of the entire Church of God, always Congress was predicated as a historic watershed in ‘militant’ i.e. struggling (both regionally and global- the entire life of the Archdiocese of Australia. ly), in the midst of a world that “lies under the sway of From that ‘subsidiary’ article, published the wicked one” (see 1 John 5:19). together with the ‘Keynote Address’ in the same edition of our newspaper (the ‘VEMA of the Church’, It should be stated immediately, nonetheless, February 2008), every interested person is able to that the time allocated for a ‘Keynote Address’ is ascertain the main ‘parameters’ that dictated - as always limited, as much as the speaker is obliged to essential factors - the entire framework and agenda adequately expound the reasons which led him to the of the 10th Clergy-Laity Congress which was specific choice of his central theme. conducted in a truly ‘Synodal’ mode. Even so, as is understandable, it was not possible for the large and diverse plenary of the 10th Returning today for a further deliberation on Clergy-Laity Congress to be informed ‘equally’ as to the enormous problems created from time to time by the most expedient need to protect the Synodal the circumstantial weakening or complete discre- institution of the Church. diting of the institution of the Synod, as appears In any event, with today’s increasingly across the entire breadth of the Christian ‘Churches’ common induction of mainly ‘celibate’ Clergy to the or ‘Confessions’, we shall attempt to demonstrate ‘Courts’ of various ‘Prelates’, and without ‘merito- briefly how the undermining of the institution of the rious criteria’ at that, we have arrived at a situation Synod is perpetrated historically from ‘within’ and where candidates with nothing more than un- from ‘without’. enlightenment are ‘rising’ to the rank of Bishop through sheer favouritism. As a result of this historical analysis, it will This is the main reason why the Bishops become indeed more realistic as to the apportioning of themselves, who comprise the most sacred institution responsibilities not only to those who bear “the first of the SYNOD, have not adequately comprehended responsibilities”, whenever and wherever, but also to how frightful is their responsibility, when they show every Bishop who is answerable to the Holy Canons, disregard for the latent ‘derogation’ or for the flagrant the lifelong observance of which he undertook ‘oppression’ of the collective Body of Bishops. through proportionate oaths, during the frightful hour Nonetheless, following all that was put of his ordination. forward by way of ‘recommendation’, albeit briefly, at our 10th Clergy-Laity Congress, conducted with a (to be continued) pre-eminently Orthodox phronema and spirit, none of the ‘ample’ Delegates could have remained indifferent Translation by FSS MAY 2008 6/24 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

THE PASCHAL REVOLUTION: Forty Days with the Risen Lord

Revd Dr Doru Costache * Lord of life gives hope of personal renewal to all who accept to cooperate with him toward their own transforma- tion. In other words, healing the mind from the wounds pro- Contemplating year after year the splendid architecture of duced by sinfulness (a spiritual resurrection), the Lord pre- the Pentikostarion (liturgical period of fifty days, between pares the final defeat of bodily death. The best, yet implic- Pascha and the Pentecost), one cannot escape the sense of it, exegesis of the two resurrections, of the mind and of the witnessing something tremendously meaningful. body, is perhaps the word of Christ as related in John 5:24- 25 (spiritual resurrection) & 5:28-29 (physical resurrec- Indeed, this third – or is it, actually, the first? – section of tion). the liturgical year displays the features of an eschatological The Fifth Sunday scenery, being symbolically structured on an eight Sunday scheme which reflects the mystical number eight, of the age Summary of the readings: (Acts 11:19-30) banished from to come. Cosmologically speaking, eight is the number des- Judea, many Christians went to Antioch, preaching to and ignating the eschatological state of universe, the kingdom converting pagans; (John 4:5-42) Christ tells the Samaritan of heaven or the unending day (cf. Paschal Canon, Ode 9), woman that true believers are no longer localised; faith is crowning the aeons of creation (encapsulated by the num- atopic, and only those transcending the problems of percep- ber of six days) and providence (indicated by the seventh tion concerning otherness can worship God reverently. day). Eschatologically shaped, the Pentikostarion plays Wisdom: the paschal revolution of human relations entails therefore the role of a foretaste, an anticipatory experience, the overcoming of the otherness of cultures and ethnicity – of the fulfilment of God’s creative project, revealing the a dimension illustrated powerfully by the message of the essence of the Orthodox understanding of life and convey- Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit grants to all nations charis- ing a message for the spiritually mature faithful. matic unity in the truth revealed by the exalted Christ. Indeed, the one willing to transcend the barrier of alterity At the very core of Pentikostarion lays the period of forty has to undertake personal renewal and therefore to embrace days between Pascha and the feast of the Lord’s Ascension, Christ, the source of renewed life, by drinking the ‘living as an annual reiteration of the intense experience of the dis- water’ of the Holy Spirit of the Lord and becoming a ‘foun- ciples with the risen Lord: ‘being seen by them during forty tain of water springing up into everlasting life’. The pur- days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom pose of the whole imagery evoked here finds its ultimate of God’ (Acts 1:3). The Scripture tells nothing explicitly as disclosure in Revelation 21-22, with the procession of the to the content of this mystical instruction, perhaps for the nations toward the New Jerusalem (symbol of the Church), reasons indicated by the Lord in John 16:12; we could the tree of life (symbol of Christ) and the river of life (sym- assume therefore that, within the symbolic framework of The Second Sunday: Antipascha bol of the Holy Spirit). the forty days of paschal celebration, the Church, in its Summary of the readings: (Acts 5:12-20) arrested by the The Sixth Sunday Spirit-guided journey toward the fullness of truth (cf. John Sadducees, the apostles are freed by an angel who exhorts 16:13), aims precisely at the reconstitution of this culminat- them to courageously proclaim the Gospel or ‘all the words Summary of the readings: (Acts 16:16-34) aspects of the ing teaching. In line with this assumption, the following of this [new] life’; (John 20:19-31) Thomas experiences the activity of St Paul – freeing the young slave possessed by a exploration of the biblical texts read in the six Sundays spiritual awakening, playing the role of a forerunner of divination spirit and baptising the house of the Philippian between Pascha and the Ascension will endeavour to give a those who, believing in Christ, ‘may have life in his name’. jailer; (John 9:1-38) Jesus, the light of the world, gives sight glimpse of the content of what one might call the paschal Wisdom: Thomas’ awakening, indicated by the acknowl- to a blind man, who acknowledges the Son of God/Man (the revolution inaugurated with the Gospel delivered by the edgment of the risen Lord as God, represents a positive various manuscript traditions give different solutions to the risen Christ. I hope the term ‘revolution’ will not seem an symmetry to the opening of the earthly eyes of Adam and name of Christ in John 9:35). exaggeration here; after all, etymologically the word means Eve, who typify the loss of spiritual sight. Celebrating the Wisdom: being far from the Light of the world due to reit- ‘return’. Or, from the very first moment till the end, during new life inaugurated by Christ, the paschal revolution erating the irrational choice of Adam and Eve, humanity is the paschal season we proclaim our passing from death to invites spiritual awakening, as a prerequisite of the self’s spiritually myopic; the blind man and the possessed young life and from the earth to heaven together with our Lord (cf. spiritual transformation; in turn, spiritual transformation is slave represent metaphors of our deplorable state of alien- Paschal Canon, Ode 1); in other words, we chant about our the only way to attain the fullness of life. ation from God and our very nature; yet, in Christ and in his return to the beauty to which God has called us from the name we are granted the chance to recover spiritual sight establishment of the world. The Third Sunday and maturity. Celebrating the paschal season we are taught Summary of the readings: (Acts 6:1-7) compelled by the concerning what we have forgotten about ourselves, what The worshipping Church explores – and anticipatively growing number of the faithful, the Church institutes the we mystically already are in Christ and what our call is: to tastes – the mystery of our renewal through the six Sundays rank of deacons, clergymen dedicated to the social service become seers of God (‘we have beheld his glory’, states the of the paschal season. Each of the six Sundays represents a of the community; (Mark 15:43 - 16:8) the pious myrrh- Gospel of the Pascha), as the completion of our destiny. gate to the mystery of Christ’s final instruction, the key to bearer women are sent by the angel to tell the apostles the decipher this code being the intersection point of the apos- good news of Christ’s resurrection. Recapitulating the revolutionary message of the paschal tolic and gospel readings. Wisdom: the paschal revolution of the self makes possible Hexaemeron (six days, here Sundays), we may note that: the transformation of social relations, the overcoming of the (the first Sunday) since Christ is God and Logos incarnate, The First Sunday: Holy Pascha gender issue, according to the Christological paradigm of those who acknowledge him are granted to become sons Summary of the readings: (Acts 1:1-8) before his the communication of characteristics (as suggested in and daughters of God, reborn spiritually; (the second Ascension, the risen Lord teaches his disciples, initiating Galatians 3:27-8): thus, through the deacons the men are Sunday) those who acknowledge Christ through the open- them into the mysteries of the kingdom of God; (John 1:1- called to partake in the ‘feminine’ charisma of serving, ing of spiritual eyes, with Thomas, are the inheritors of the 17) the divine Logos, creator of the cosmos who is every- comprising the gifts of humility and compassion, whilst new – or the newness of – life; (the third Sunday) living where present, became flesh to make those who believe in with the myrrh-bearers the women are called to the ‘mascu- Christ-like or walking the path of virtue, which transcends him children of God. line’ charisma of speaking in public, acquiring social digni- gender, the inheritors of the new life experience the rich- Wisdom: reiteration of the apostolic conviviality with the ty. We fully celebrate Pascha by learning to give and receive ness of sharing all the charismata bestowed by God on risen Christ, the forty days of celebration represent an expe- from each other, in Christ and his Church. humanity; (the fourth Sunday) the newness of life consists rience of the kingdom of God, the content of which is in the inner transformation, fully experienced by the saints revealed as a double movement – of the Son of God becom- The Fourth Sunday who – overcoming the prejudices related to otherness – can- ing the Son of Man to make the faithful sons and daughters Summary of the readings: (Acts 9:32-42) aspects of the not only worship God reverently but also become life-bear- of God. With this, it becomes evident that the paschal sea- activity of St Peter – healing of Aeneas and resurrection of ers and givers of life; (the fifth Sunday) the newness of life son is a period of contemplation of the consequences deriv- Tabitha in the name of Christ; (John 5:1-15) Jesus healed brings inner healing from the paralysis of sin, like a second ing from the inauguration of the kingdom of God by the the paralytic of Bethesda, asking him to sin no more. elevation from the dust of the earth (cf. Genesis 2:7) and risen Lord. The ultimate consequence is the full participa- Wisdom: the paralytic, and the two beneficiaries of Peter’s recovery of our spiritual verticality; (the sixth Sunday) the tion of God in humanity and of humanity in God, an expe- miracles, play the role of metaphors of the entire fallen newness of life is radical healing of spiritual blindness pro- rience anticipated by the incarnation (cf. John 1:14), medi- humanity, corrupted, weak and, without the power of the duced by sin, the regaining of our spiritual sight. ated by the liturgical life of the Church (cf. Luke 22:30) and creator Logos, hopeless in the face of death; in turn, unveil- consummated eschatologically (cf. Revelation 21:3). ing sin as the spiritual cause of our decaying nature, the MAY 2008 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 7/25 Facts & Stats

Cont. from previous page The paschal revolution is further intensified and amplified ABS reveals snapshot by the remaining Sundays of the Pentikostarion. After con- templating the difference between Christ and those in Christ, a difference becoming obvious with the Lord’s ascent, we witness in the seventh Sunday (symbol of this of work and family life world), together with the holy fathers, i.e. traditionally, the One who is our door to eternal life. The entire process of Mothers in full-time employment spend twice as spiritual awakening and transformation is possible with, in long as fathers on domestic duties, statistics show. and through Christ, by knowing and acknowledging him as the Son of his Father (cf. John 17:3), an idea already main- And nearly two-thirds of parents with children under 15 tained by the first Sunday (cf. John 1:14). Further on, those say they are "always" or "often" pressed for time. renewed in Christ receive – on the eighth Sunday (symbol The figures are part of the Australian Bureau Statistics' of the eschaton) – the Holy Spirit, the gift of living in God, snapshot of family life, prepared for National Families through which one partakes both in the fullness of divine Week. life and the charismata bestowed upon God’s people by the The statistics, which cover parents with children under Father, through the incarnate, crucified and risen Son, in the 15, reveal about 60 per cent of mothers are currently Holy Spirit. Beyond the paschal Hexaemeron and the employed and of those 60 per cent are in part-time work. Pentecost, the mystery of renewal is concretely manifested About 93 per cent of fathers are in work, but just one per in the ninth Sunday, of All Saints – known and unknown, cent are part time. dead and alive (typified in the ritual of prothesis by the nine Mothers in part-time work spend, on average, 19 hours a saintly ranks) –, in truth the people of God who bear all the week working, 19 hours caring for children and 23 hours signs of the paschal revolution. on domestic activities. Mothers in full-time work spend, on average, 18 hours It is more than likely that, to trace with absolute certainty per week on domestic activities - twice as much their male the unheard words of the risen Lord, the way they were partners. delivered for forty days to his disciples, remains for the And nearly two-thirds of all parents said they 'always or time being an utter impossibility. In the framework of the often' felt rushed or pressed for time. liturgical celebration, however, we can contemplate at least Families Australia CEO Brian Babington says the statis- the approximation of those words… tics demonstrate the difficulties in balancing work and family life. Less explored by contemporary authors, if not simply "It's increasingly clear that Australian families are under fundamental solutions need to be found." ignored, the spiritual message of the Pentikostarion repre- pressure to balance work and family life," Mr Babington Families Australia is running activities around the coun- sents the natural following and completion of the journey of told AAP. try as part of National Families Week. the Great Lent. Moreover, it reveals the core of Christian "We welcome developments such as the inquiry into paid About 120,000 people are expected to take part in the kerygma – a powerful message of renewal and transforma- maternity leave as a way of addressing some of these event, under the theme Work and Family - Getting the bal- tion whose concrete manifestations are the innumerable imbalances, particularly for women who are still doing the ance right. witnesses of the paschal revolution, Christ’s saints. lion's share of housework. "But these figures do demonstrate, yet again, that more AAP * Revd Dr Doru Costache lectures in Patristics at St Andrew’s Theological College, Sydney Average weekly Cigarettes put Aussies wage now $1,124 $300,000 out of pocket Cigarettes cost the average Australian smoker about "In my three decades of experience, I have noted that an It may be a struggle to make ends meet at a time of high $300,000 in their lifetime, a new calculation shows. accumulated intake of a quarter of a million cigarettes usu- interest rates, but average wages are actually growing at a A South Australian infectious disease physician, Dr Ross ally results in at least some cough, breathlessness and faster pace than inflation. Philpot, has run new statistics on the physical and finan- wheeze and decreased exercise tolerance," he wrote in the New government data released recently shows wages cial cost of smoking. latest Medical Journal of Australia. grew at 4.8 per cent in the year to February, compared with By 65, the average 20-a-day smoker will have puffed on "Half a million cigarettes generally causes chronic smok- the consumer price index (CPI) running at an annual pace 400,000 cigarettes, and by the time they die 500,000 will er's bronchitis, with or without some degree of emphyse- of 4.2 per cent as of the March quarter. have been smoked. ma .. while three-quarters of a million cigarettes makes However, the breakdown of the CPI released last month This costs each smoker about $300,000, a "sobering" fig- cancer a distinct possibility." shows that everyday items such as food and housing are ure that all doctors should remind their patients of to help He said telling smokers these statistics was a "simple and growing at a much faster rate of 5.7 per cent on an annual them quit, he said. effective" method doctors could use to coerce patients into basis, while transportation is up 6.8 per cent. The physical consequences can also illustrated, said Dr cutting back or giving up all together. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says relief is on the way, but Philpot, from the state's infectious diseases services. AAP Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson says the government's "high-taxing budget" failed to take any action to deal with groceries, petrol and mortgage stress. People who fall into the average wage bracket will be get- House prices grew by a slim ting about $20 a week from July 1 from the tax cuts announced in this week's budget. Mr Rudd said dealing with the financial stress being suf- 1.1 pct in March quarter fered by working families was the "essential focus" of his government's first budget. House prices on average grew at their slowest quarter- The RBA has raised the official cash rate four times He said working families were under financial pressure ly pace in a year in the March quarter - a disappointment since August while retail banks topped-up the increases through rents and increased mortgage rates, and through for homebuyers struggling with 12-year high mortgage with several independent hikes. the impact of grocery and fuel prices. rates. The TD Securities-Melbourne Institute monthly infla- The budget brought down a $55 billion "working families The Australian Bureau of Statistics house price index - tion gauge jumped 0.5 per cent in April, lifting the annu- support package" delivering tax cuts, an increased child- which calculates the average for the country's eight cap- al rate to 4.3 per cent, the highest level in the series' five- care tax rebate, a new education tax refund and measures itals - rose just 1.1 per cent in the March quarter. year history. on housing affordability. This kept the annual rate at 13.8 per cent. However, the Even more worrying was a 0.6 per cent increase in the "When you put them together they add to a significant result was stronger than the 0.1 per cent increase econo- gauge of underlying inflation, also lifting the annual rate additional benefit for many working families across the mists had forecast for the three months to March. to 4.3 per cent. country," Mr Rudd told parliament. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) left interest rates These are higher than last month's official readings of "It is the aggregation of these price pressures on working unchanged in the last monthly board meeting. inflation for the March quarter, and way above the families on which the government has been keen to act." But a new inflation survey suggests another rate rise RBA's preferred two-to-three per cent target range. Data shows average weekly ordinary time earnings cannot be ruled out in coming months, while a separate At the same time, a survey shows job advertisements in (AWOTE) rose 1.1 per cent in the three months to report showed a modest recovery in business hiring major newspapers and on the internet rebounded 3.1 per February, taking the weekly wage to $1,124 or $58,448 a intentions. cent in April, ending two straight months of decline. year, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said. MAY 2008 8/26 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Windows to Orthodoxy The Earthly Heaven

By Guy Freeland* St Nicholas Rhodes Let us who mystically represent the Cherubim, and who sing the thrice-holy hymn to the life-giving Trinity, now lay aside all earthly care, that we may receive the King of all; invisibly attended by the angelic orders.

(The Cherubic Hymn, from The Divine Liturgy, St Andrew’s Orthodox Press.)

So we sing at the Great Entrance at every celebration of the Divine Liturgy, except the Liturgy of the Last Supper on Holy Thursday and the Paschal Vigil Liturgy. Our worship is at one with the unceasing worship of the celestial choirs. The Domus Ecclesiae

Before Constantine, churches existed only in a few isolated places. Nearly all Christians worshipped in an ordinary house, a domus ecclesiae (= house church). The very first Eucharist, the Last Supper, was itself celebrated in the upper room of a house that can still be visited today.

With the freedom of the Church, house churches were fre- quently demolished and replaced by a purpose-built church. The locations of the house churches, also known as tituli, The Cosmic Temple realms. Secrets known to the gods could by this means be still largely define the parishes of the City of Rome and, revealed through signs. interestingly, the Liturgy uses the word house (oikos) in It is not only Christians who have constructed temples. The preference to church/temple. Jews had the Temple in Jerusalem, the house of God, and The augur created his temple by mapping the heavens in the before that the tent housing the Ark of the Covenant, the form of a diagram on the surface of the earth. First, he In 1971, I was attached to a university in Southern England. Tabernacle, which they transported from place to place. The would trace out the most basic astronomical alignments, the The Orthodox chaplain, who was both a university lecturer Ancient Greeks and Romans also, of course, had temples, E-W and N-S axes, with his staff. Then he would inscribe a and priest of the Moscow Patriarchate, lived out in the architecturally beautiful houses for the cult images of their boundary around the axes thus creating a space divided into countryside and served Orthodox from the surrounding dis- deities. four quarters. (This procedure is still basically how the trict. foundations for a church should be marked out.). Each of But before ever human beings built temples, there were these four quarters was called a templum. Out in his rural retreat, this priest used to celebrate the temples without walls where the people gathered to offer Divine Liturgy by simply spreading an antimension (a cloth sacrifices and worship. Thus in the Old Testament we read He would then relate the boundaries of the templa, each of into which relics of saints are sown) over his study desk, of the pagan “high places” on mountains and hills. That the which would have had astrological associations, to the sur- where on weekdays he wrote articles and marked student Jews themselves in earliest times had open-air temples is rounding countryside, so that the terrain would be divided assignments. A couple of icons would be propped up, and clear from the account of the dream in which Jacob saw into the four bounded quarters represented in the diagram. that was it. angels ascending and descending. On waking, Jacob declared: In the next stage he would examine his surroundings, quar- Of course, vestments, incense and candles were used and ter by quarter, noting features which could be of potential rich Russian voices sang the Liturgy. After the Liturgy the “Surely the Lord is in this place; and I did not know oracular significance. This done, he could unify the templa tiny congregation would repair to the kitchen for brunch. it. … How awesome is this place! This is none into a single templum and pronounce the legem dixit, the These celebrations captured for me the feel of what those other than the house of God, and this is the gate of formal statement of the question to be answered. early Liturgies in a domus ecclesiae would have been like, heaven.” (Genesis 28:16-17 RSV.) right down to the “love feast”, the agape, which would have Finally, came the wait for signs (such as the flight pattern of followed the Liturgy. And with the stone that he had used as a pillow he set up an birds) and then their interpretation in accordance with altar and consecrated it by pouring oil over it (the Church established principles. We even attended midnight Paschal Mattins and Liturgy in today still consecrates Holy Tables and churches by anoint- that domus ecclesiae deep in the Sussex countryside. That ing them with chrism). Both the Jewish Temple and pagan temples were houses for Easter Sunday it happened to be my daughter’s second God/the gods. Christianity, however, dispensed with the birthday, so the Paschal breakfast which followed the So Jacob’s “house of God” was not a building or even a tent notion that sacrifices and ritual worship could only be Liturgy doubled as a Birthday party. but simply a conceptual temple revealed through a dream; a offered at a temple. God can be worshipped anywhere, the sacred place where the heavens bent down and touched the Eucharist can be celebrated in any place. A church is sim- One thing that strongly impressed me from my very first earth, the gate of heaven. To fix this revelation in the place ply a building designed for the celebration of the Liturgy contacts with Orthodoxy as an undergraduate was its strong of that revelation, Jacob set up an altar. and other services. domestic ethos; but those desk-top Liturgies transported me right back to the primitive roots of the liturgical life of the Underlying such open-air temples is the conception of the The Jewish Temple and its priesthood came under attack by Church. cosmos itself as a temple. Under this conception God is not Christians from the beginning. In the sermon which led to contained, imprisoned so-to-speak, within a building. his martyrdom, St Stephen argued that, while Moses had We were not celebrating in a church but, for as long as the been commanded by God to construct the Tabernacle, the Liturgy lasted, that study was transformed into a church. To understand these temples-without-walls, it is helpful to building of the Temple was contrary to the will of God That is, into an image of the transfigured cosmos in which consider the Ancient temple of the augurs. Augurs were (Acts 7:47-50): the wall of partition between earth and heaven was broken pagan priests who had the duty of seeking out and interpret- down and the hidden intrinsic unity of all things in God was ing signs or portents in order to foresee future events or It was Solomon who built a house for [God]. Yet mystically, but truly, manifested. For a little while, ordinary determine the most favourable course of action. The the Most High does not dwell in houses made with astronomical time stood in suspense, swept up into the eter- augur’s temple was a ritually created conceptual space hands;as the prophet says, nal now of the Kingdom of God. within which portents could be observed. ‘Heaven is my throne, and earth my footstool. In fact, not even that academic study was needed. Were the The Ancients believed that there were exact correspondenc- What house will you build for me, says the Lord, Liturgy celebrated in the paddock beside the house, where es between the macrocosm, the heavens, and the micro- or what is the place of my rest? Did not my hand the children’s horse lived, still the space would be trans- cosm, the earth, particularly the human person. The heav- make all these things? (Isaiah 66:1-2)’ formed into a temple. (The words “temple” and “church” ens, it was believed, could be mapped onto the earth are approximate synonyms.) through ritual, thus achieving a unification of the two MAY 2008 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 9/27

Cont. from previous page the people stand, signifies the earth and time. Originally, the sanctuary penetrated into the space of the nave - being sep- The Temple of God is the cosmos itself; God cannot be con- arated from it only by a low wall - signifying the transfigu- tained within a building. The writer of Hebrews (8 & 9) also ration of the faithful, and indeed the whole creation, by the looks to the Tabernacle as a type of the Christian place of Liturgy. Needless to say, this powerful symbolism is worship, not the Temple. destroyed by cutting the nave off from the sanctuary with a solid icon screen. The Earthly Heaven The third space, the narthex or porch, is not a true part of Christians might speak of a church as “God’s house”, but the body of the church but symbolically marks the bound- clearly the expression has quite a different meaning than it ary between the fallen world outside and Paradise being does when applied to a pagan temple or the Jewish Temple. restored, signified by the nave. A Christian church/temple is built and adorned to the glory of God but is not fashioned as a vessel in which God can be The church is thus an image of the cosmic temple, but it is bottled and where alone sacrificial worship is to be offered. also an image of the human person, the microcosm in the strict sense. It thus mediates between the macrocosm and God is everywhere and fills all things, and therefore can be microcosm; in other words, it can be said to be a mesocosm. worshipped anywhere. Great care must, therefore, be exer- cised in interpreting such famous descriptions of the Not only does the sanctuary signify the mind/soul and the Christian temple as those of St Germanus (the quotation nave the body, the Byzantine temple is built to human pro- gives us our title): portions. This is more readily experienced in a small church such as St Nicholas Foundoukli. The church is an earthly heaven in which the super- celestial God dwells and walks about. Since Christ is the prototype and perfection of humanity, the church, structured around a three-dimensional cross, is (St Germanus of Constantinople on the Divine Liturgy, an image of Christ. St Vladimir’s Seminary Press.) Over the central doorway from the narthex into the nave an Germanus does not mean that a church is a place where we Ground plan of San Marco icon of the head and shoulders of Christ is often placed. can contain God; the cosmos (and every human being) is Walking through the doorway, we symbolically enter into God’s dwelling place. The church, however, is (like the geometric figures, Byzantine architects sought to fill the the body of Christ. augur’s temple) an image of the cosmic temple, and hence volume of the temple with a three-dimensional cross. can be described as an “earthly heaven”. Finally, the iconography completes the symbolic unifica- In its simplest form, geometrically the Byzantine church tion of heaven and earth, with Christ Pantocrator depicted There is an allusion in the quotation to Genesis 3:8, which comprises an equal-armed three-dimensional cross, the at the apex of the central dome. (Though in some churches, tells how Adam and Eve “heard the sound of the Lord God Greek Cross, with a central hemispherical dome supported such as St Mark’s, the Pantocrator, rather than the more walking in the garden in the cool of the day”. The Fathers by four columns or piers which form the central square of common image of the Theotokos, is placed in the eastern identify “the Lord” as the Logos, Christ. However, the cross. apse and the Ascension in the central dome.) Germanus refers to the earthly Paradise, Eden, only as the type of the heavenly Paradise to which we aspire, and the These features can readily be traced in the plan of St Mark’s Angels, the heavenly liturgy, and symbols of the superce- heavenly Paradise equates with the supercelestial (equally (though the church has many additional domes) and lestial heavens and the heavenly Paradise typically appear “supersensible”) heavens. observed in the exterior of St Nicholas (though it is slight- on the upper vaulting, festival icons follow on the next level ly extended to the east by the apse). The octagon is not so down, and saints, who join with the angels and us in the cel- For Germanus, the church is an earthly heaven because it is obvious, but can be traced by inscribing straight lines ebration of the Liturgy, appear on the walls. Sometimes Old in the church that we celebrate the Liturgy, that our worship across the corners of the square. Testament icons, as at St Mark’s, adorn the narthex. becomes at one with that of the angels before the throne of God in the supercelestial heavens/heavenly Paradise. And it Most Byzantine churches enclose the three-dimensional But while the singing will end, and the priest and people is in the Liturgy that Christ becomes present and moves cross within square or rounded walls. However, in the case depart, the temple, an “earthly heaven in which the super- amongst us. of St Mark’s, the cross is not enclosed, although the narthex celestial God dwells and walks about”, perpetuates the cel- and baptistery are wrapped around the western end of the ebration of the Mysteries through iconography and archi- The apparent duality of the two realms, heaven and earth, is church. (The plan should make this clear.) tecture for anyone who, at any time, prayerfully enters into dissolved and we get a glimpse from our cleft in the rock of its stillness. the underlying reality, the unity of all things in God. The division of the church into three liturgical spaces effects the same symbolic unification of heaven and earth: * Guy Freeland teaches Hermeneutics and aspects of Liturgical With the development of church architecture and iconogra- the sanctuary, within which the Holy Mysteries are con- Studies at St Andrews Greek Orthodox Theological College, phy it became possible to freeze in concrete form what is summated, signifies heaven and eternity; the nave, where Sydney. expressed through poetry, music and ceremonial in the Liturgy. The Byzantine Temple For the bibliophiles… Byzantine churches range in size from small single-domed churches, such as the delightful fourteenth-century (?) St St Andrew’s Theological College: Nicholas Foundoukli on Rhodes (illustrated), to large the First Two Decades. Greek Monastery Cookery many-domed churches, such as the eleventh-century Italo- (St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Press, 2007) By Archimandrite Dositheos (Eptalofos, n.d.) Byzantine St Mark’s, Venice. This great church, formerly the palace chapel of the Doges, is known to have been mod- The first thing that strikes one about this book is the qual- No meat recipes are given in this ‘best-seller’ as meat is elled on the Apostoleion in Constantinople, built by ity of its presentation: of the binding, the typeface, and the not eaten in monasteries. The recipes each cater for 10 Justinian but destroyed in 1459. But whatever the size and photographs. The second is its bilingual nature; with people, but it is not difficult to scale down the ingredients grandeur, the unification of heaven and earth is achieved by Greek on one page and English on the opposite, this book to family-sized proportions. The recipes cover vegetables the same means: sacred geometry, deployment of architec- caters to everyone interested in the College. Following the and legumes (including 8 recipes for spinach), fish and tural space and iconography. introduction of Orthodoxy into Australia, and then the other seafood (including 8 recipes for octopus), miscella- introduction of English into the Liturgy, the establishment neous dishes (from recipes for pasta to rarities such as In sacred geometry the circle/sphere represents the eternal of St Andrew’s Theological College must surely rate as snails/escargots!), and sweets and pastries (fasting and supercelestial heavens. Circles and spheres have no corners, the third most significant step in the establishment of a non-fasting). The ingredients are all familiar, and straight- beginnings or endings and all points on the what will eventually be viewed as a Church truly relevant forward. A book worth adding to one’s collection. circumference/surface are equidistant from the centre. to Australia as the Church outgrows its status of a purely Moreover, we experience the heavens as a hemisphere arch- migrant (and therefore ‘exotic’) Church. Along with lists Both books are available from the Book Centre of the ing over the earth. On the other hand, the square symbolis- of administrators and faculty members, and graduation Australian Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, 242 Cleveland es the earth and time. As in the augur’s temple, it signifies photos, a little over half the pages is devoted to sermons St., Redfern Sydney, NSW 2016. The Book Centre may the four quarters of the earth. given by the Dean of the College, his Eminence, be contacted via mail, ‘phone (02) 96985066, and email at Archbishop Stylianos. These short sermons have a greater [email protected] The octagon is also considered important as it represents immediacy than what one would expect from, say, a jour- the eighth day, Sunday, the day of the Lord’s Resurrection, nal article and, as a result, make for exciting reading. A.C. signifying the eternal Kingdom of God. In addition to these MAY 2008 10/28 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College GRADUATION St Andrew’s was represented in the official academic procession by Dr Guy Freeland, Lecturer in Hermeneutics and Liturgical Studies; and Mr Tasos Kalogerakis, Registrar. Also in attendance were Mr Dimitri Kepreotes, College Lecturer and Director of St Andrew’s Orthodox Press, as well as family members of the graduates.

The following students from St Andrew’s were conferred with degrees by the Acting President of the Sydney College of Divinity, Assoc. Prof. Rev. Gerard Kelly:

Master of Theology (with Honours) Anthony Papantoniou (NSW)

Master of Arts Rev. Evmenios Vasilopoulos (Assistant Parish Priest at the Greek Orthodox Church of our Lord’s Transfiguration, Thomastown VIC – in absentia); John Athanasiou (WA); Andrew Kapos (NSW - in absentia); Demos Nicolaou (VIC – in absentia); Dimitri Papaikonomou (NSW – in absentia); and Anthony Picardi (NSW) St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College University. In a memorable way he spoke passionately Bachelor of Theology took part in the twenty-fourth award conferring about his two heroes: the man born blind from the Gospel John Kirkis (NSW – in absentia) ceremony of the Sydney College of Divinity in the of John (chp.9), and Nicholas Saunderson (1682-1739), Great Hall, University of Sydney, on Saturday 26 English scientist and Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Diploma of Theology April. A huge attendance of over six hundred people Cambridge University – both blind from or soon after birth, Peter Anastasiadis (NSW) gathered within the Great Hall to celebrate the like Prof. McCallum himself. academic achievement of one hundred and fifty Since 1990, eighty-seven students of St Andrew’s have The first hero, “unnamed but not unknown” was a reminder graduated with awards (primarily the Bachelor of graduates from across the eleven member institutions to all that we are on this earth to be a manifestation of God’s Theology) from the Sydney College of Divinity. To date, of the Sydney College of Divinity. work, irrespective of our health and physical condition. The thirty-three serve as priests or deacons within the Orthodox second was an inspiration to all that a person can overcome Church and a number are employed within positions of The Occasional Address was delivered by Prof. Ron physical disability and pursue high and “useful” education, administration, chaplaincy and welfare. McCallum AO, Professor of Industrial Law at Sydney aspirations. MAY 2008 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 11/29

SKYNEWS HOST JOHN MANGOS RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS 2008 AWARD Since 1993 the Kastellorizian Association of Victoria In 1979 John commenced work at GTV9 as an “on air” has awarded a member of the Kastellorizian reporter. As a result, John made TV history as the first community with the Kastellorizian of the Year “Greek” journalist reporting on “mainstream” Australian Award. The award acknowledges the contribution television. In his 14 year career at the Nine Network, John that the recipient has made to the local, Australian worked as a “newscaster” in the Federal Parliamentary and/or international community in the areas such as Press Gallery. During this period, he travelled with the then academic, business, social, community or cultural Prime Ministers (Fraser, Hawke, Keating) reporting on the development. It is with great pleasure that Kastel- political situation at the time. John also worked as a NSW lorizian Association of Victoria announces that this State Political Correspondent (1984-1986) before he year’s recipient of the Kastellorizian of the Year became the network’s United States correspondent based in Award is John Mangos. John will receive the award Los Angeles in 1987 and1988. The highlights of his overseas experience include an at the annual Sts Constantine and Helen’s Day ongoing series on the Primary election campaign and celebrations that will be held on the 25th of May, nomination for Presidential candidate of Michael Dukakis, 2008. the Inauguration in 1989 of President George Bush, the Iran Contra hearings, the Americas Cup campaign in San Diego John Mangos is the 16th recipient of the award and is in in 1987, Academy Awards in ’87 and ’88, whales trapped in the company of former Senator, Nick Bolkus (1993, SA); Alaska (1988) and a health special on 38 year old Siamese the late Michael G Kailis (1994, WA); Professor Byron twins. Celebrity interviews included Elizabeth Taylor, Kakulas (1995 WA), Associate Professor Katherine Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jane Fonda, Bette Middler, Faye Georgouras (1996, NSW), Jack Bisas (1997 Vic), John promoted Greek culture and actively participated in the Dunaway, Danny DeVito, Sylvester Stallone, Timothy Kiosoglou (1998 SA); Nick Patiniotis (1999 Vic), Jacob Australian and Greek communities. As a media journalist Dalton, Don Johnson and Sidney Poitier and Sting. Fronistas (2000, Vic), Angelo Hatsatouris (2001 NSW); and personality, John has interacted with people from all In 2001, John moved to Network Ten to present the Kenneth Michael – current WA Governor (2002 WA), Dr walks of life and has been deeply affected by those less Eyewitness news. A year later he was returned Nine to as Spiro Moraitis (2003 Vic), Dr Nick Lolagis (2004 Vic); Dr fortunate. As a result, John has donated his time to many the “international roving” reporter for the “Midday show”. Ernest Hondros (2005, London), Theo Conos (2006, Vic) charities and non-profit organisations. John took up an offer from Seven Network to host his own and Marika Bisas (2007; Vic), all whom have previously As you read John’s CV you will find that John has many morning chat show, “At Home with John Mangos”, which received the Kastellorizian of the Year Award. attributes that makes him an ideal role model and aired nationally for two years. John is a popular news journalist, charismatic presenter inspiration to the younger members of Greek and Australian John diversified into “Radio Media” where he was a and a familiar face on Australian television screens. His communities. breakfast announcer on Sydney radio station 2KY (1991- career on national TV extends over approximately thirty John attended University High where he developed an 1993). John continues to work in radio and at present, he years. However his endeavours extend beyond the interest in journalism. He completed his HSC in 1975 and regularly presents a top rating afternoon program on boundaries of his career. John was the first “Greek face” on the following year he undertook studies in Journalism at Sydney talkback radio station 2UE. In 1993 John launched “mainstream” Australian television and used this to his RMIT. Whilst completing his tertiary education, John his own media consultancy company “Megisti Media” and advantage to encourage Greek culture throughout Australia. worked as a cadet for then Melbourne afternoon newspaper, is available for media training, facilitating, as a Master of He proudly acknowledges that he heritage and has “The Herald”. ceremonies and after dinner speaking.

St Euphemia CllCollege

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MAY 2008 12/30 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

China aware of terror threat Thessaloniki's to Olympic Games says Australian expert bloody May of 1936

Chinese authorities would be well aware population in the Sinkiang region. of the potential threat to the Olympics posed by terror groups associated with al- "There are over 100 members of ETIM Qaeda, an Australian terror expert says. trained by al-Qaeda in Afghanistan prior to Al-Qaeda and affiliated groups had a long the invasion of Afghanistan, so there is no standing interest in targeting the Olympics, question about the links. The links are very said Neil Fergus, a consultant to the Sydney strong." and other Olympic games. China critics have dismissed the security Mr Fergus, head of the security firm crackdown as an exercise to target dissident Intelligent Risks, says al-Qaeda regards the elements. Olympic principles of bringing together dif- But Mr Fergus says ETIM has an opera- ferent cultures, races and creeds as an tional capability within China and a number anathema to their philosophy. of cells have been interdicted. The terror mastermind Hambali, who One shootout in January in the Sinkiang played a key role in the 2002 Bali bombing capital city Urumqi resulted in 15 arrests, which killed 202 including 88 Australians, the death of two ETIM operatives and five had instructed some of his people to view police being wounded. EFTHYMIOS TSILIOPOULOS the Sydney Olympics as a possible target, "This cell had a significant capability in barricades. The authorities panicked and he said. terms of weapons and explosives," he said. called in the army. After three-and-a-half On 9 May 1936, thousands of Thessa- "We also know that al-Qaeda looked at the "Mind you, Sinkiang province is a long hours of fighting, the strikers and their loniki workers, students, shopkeepers Athens Olympics, and Chinese officials are way from Beijing, and Urumqi is well away supporters retreated, but that same night a and tobacco farmers took to the streets. very cognisant of this background," Mr from there. host of other unions joined their cause. After the clashes with police that fol- Fergus told ABC radio. "I don't believe there is any evidence of a By Saturday 9 May the strike had taken lowed, at least ten people - communist "There is a group called the East Turkistan direct and current threat to the games. But, on a general character. Students, small sources say 20 - lay dead and 300 more Islamic Movement (ETIM). nevertheless these cells and their capabili- businessmen, and shopowners joined were wounded. The photograph of a "It is a terrorist entity largely based in ties have to be taken seriously." industrial workers on the streets. They mother over the body of her son (photo) China because its roots are in the Uighur AAP now totalled an estimated 25,000. From inspired leftist poet Yannis Ritsos to dawn the city was turned into a war zone write his long poem, Epitafios. with hand-to-hand skirmishes. The first fatality was Tasos Tousis, a professional The 1936 elections are what sparked the motorist shot at the junction of Egnatia violence. They had resulted in a political and Venizelou Streets (a monument was deadlock between conservative leader erected on the site by the Thessaloniki Panagis Tsaldaris and liberal Themistoklis Workers' Centre in 1997). Sofoulis, with the Communist Party gar- The scenes that followed are chilling. A nering 15 seats with the help of the photographer captured the moment when Agrarian Party and trying to play a king- Tousis' mother saw her son lying dead and making role in support of Sofoulis. fell to her knees (photo). The crowd grew King George II, who distrusted the com- angry and placing the body on a makeshift munists and liberals, appointed bier made from an unhinged door they Kostantinos Demertzis as a caretaker began a procession towards the General prime minister; but Demertzis' death Directorate - by now vacated but defend- paved the way for the appointment of ed by a large and well-armed police force. General Ioannis Metaxas, then minister of To the alarms of church bells people con- war, on April 13. It was the match that lit tinued to join the crowd. Apprehensive the flame. Metaxas moved to fetter the policemen began firing into the crowd worker and trade union movement at a causing most of the casualties of the day, time when the communists had Comintern but the crowd did not scatter. In response, instructions to foment large-scale industri- the authorities declared martial law, but al action. even this seemed to have little effect. The trouble began on April 29 when the The morning's demonstration scattered Panhellenic Tobacco Workers' Federation but regrouped at five in the afternoon at decided on a general strike requesting that the spot where Tousis was shot. Unionists sector lowest daily wages be raised to 120 held the streets overnight but the next day drachmas. On that day 12,000 tobacco Army Corps C mustered all available workers filled the streets of Thessaloniki, resources near the city and swamped which had a long history of trade union- Thessaloniki, arresting anyone looking ism, while similar demonstrations broke remotely suspicious. The enforcement of out in Volos, Serres, and the following day martial law did not dampen attendance at in Drama and Kavala. On May 2, unions the funerals of the victims, which pro- in many other Greek cities joined the duced processions from the cemetery strike. (beside the current university campus) all Industrial action reached its peak on May the way to the Vardaris district - a distance 5 when in Thessaloniki, papermill work- of several kilometres. There were sporadic ers, weavers, rubber workers, and cob- outbursts of violence on May 12 and 13, blers joined the strike. On May 8, seven but the wave had crested. thousand tobacco workers began march- Metaxas used the troubles in Thessa- ing on the General Directorate of Northern loniki to raise the spectre of a communist Greece (as the Ministry of Macedonia and revolt and abolish parliament on 4 August Thrace was then known). 1936. The last known major figure of the The strikers were greeted by mounted May 9 events died on January 4 this year, police and foot patrols, who began to beat just shy of 100 years old. He was veteran and shoot at them. News of the clashes trade unionist Yannis Tamtakos, and one spread through the city, causing sympa- of the first Greek anarchists. thisers to rush to the support of strikers, who entrenched themselves behind hasty ATHENS NEWS MAY 2008 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 13/31

HEALTH MEN’S HEALTH heart disease, diabetes, bowel or prostate cancer or The doctor will discuss diet, nutrition, exercise and social melanoma, then other tests may be necessary. connectedness or loneliness. The elderly male may have a NEWS ‘carer’ role for an unwell spouse. Nutrition can be a real The doctor should also discuss family relationship issues, problem for the elderly widower. The doctor will also dis- mental health issues, depression, stress, or occupational cuss the patient’s driving ability. WITH DR. THEO PENKLIS * health and safety issues. The consultations ill also include discussion with respect to Getting men to the Doctor diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol and drug use. Men need to be encouraged by their spouse or children to For older adults aged 50-70 years, the health check should attend the family general practitioner. Men need to find a Men are more reluctant than women to consult doctors and include the above , plus a check for prostate disease, which general practitioner with whom they feel comfortable and at therefore men have poorer health outcomes than women. involves a PSA blood test and a digital rectal examination. ease. Some practices have an interest in men’s health. They Many of the factors that affect men’s health are preventable Again, a test for diabetes should be performed and this time may have men’s health posters and information in the sur- and intervention from general practitioners can in fact should involve a blood test as well as a urine test. The doc- gery, or books or videos related to men’s health. improve health outcomes. tor will also discuss screening for bowel cancer. The doctor Men need to be encouraged more to see their doctor. Many will also discuss issues with respect to family relationships, Men need to be encouraged to use their general practition- men do not have a general practitioner or see the need to social support, sexual health and retirement. er before ailments become serious. They need to attend for have one. Many men do not see the need for a check up or at least an annual and regular health checks and will return do not understand the benefit of preventative health servic- For elderly men over 70 years, the check up should involve when they perceive that their general practitioner is inter- es. a full health assessment, and will include symptoms associ- ested in their general well-being. ated with arthritis, osteoporosis, memory loss, possible an Indicators of men’s health eye check for glaucoma and skin checks for signs of skin cancer. Older men may have a poor urinary stream. Men * The information given in this article is of a general nature and Men die at a greater rate than women in all age groups. Men over 70 do not require regular digital rectal examinations readers should seek advice from their own medical practitioner have higher levels of morbidity for all diseases. Men suffer unless they are concerned about urinary symptoms. before embarking on any treatment. from a greater level of mental illnesses including depres- sion than women. Men are more likely to commit suicide than women. Men are more likely yo be seriously injured or killed in the workplace than women.

Generally speaking, men are less likely to seek medical services than women. Men use preventative health services less than women. This may be due to the fact that preventa- ANNOUNCEMENT tive health services for women are better promoted. St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College is pleased to announce the continuation of Not only are there differences between genders, but within its successful and highly informative intensive course units during January and July. These genders health outcomes are different. The single most per- five-day intensives commenced in January 2004 as part of the establishment of fully accredited graduate level programs: Graduate Certificate of Arts, Graduate Diploma of Arts tinent factor affecting men’s health is income. Men on low and the Master of Arts. incomes have the worst health outcomes in the population. The schedule for July 2008 will be: Men and the General Practitioner CHRISTIAN INITIATION AND THE DIVINE LITURGY (7-11 JULY 2008) Men do not use the general practitioner well. Many men do Coordinator: Dr Guy Freeland not have a general practitioner, and many men are reluctant to attend a general practitioner. There a number of reasons This unit traces the origins and development of rites of Christian initiation and of the Divine Liturgy, with particular reference to the fourth century Church, and analyses the theology of for low levels of attendance at doctors surgeries. the mysteries. The unit provides a solid foundation for further study of liturgics. For example, self-employed tradesmen, one of the main groups at risk, are time conscious and unwilling to attend a Themes include: doctor for minor symptoms . They tend to wait until they x The roots of the Christian mysteries and liturgy within Judaism and parallels with pagan are functionally incapacitated, often compromising their mystery religion x The development and meaning of Christian rites of initiation and their relationships to the treatment and recovery. Generally speaking, men wait a Paschal Mystery; fourth-century catechetical homilies least a few days from the onset of symptoms before seeking x The development of the Eucharistic Anaphora and the nature of the Eucharistic medical advice. transformation x The structure and component elements of the Liturgies of St Basil and of St John Unfortunately, general practitioners sometimes are not able Chrysostom to key into the patient’s problem. Men sometimes present x The origins and development of the Christian temple and the liturgical use of architectural spaces with physical ailments, but the main issue is of a psycho- x The celebration of the Liturgy and the mysteries today, and the challenge of liturgical social nature and many men are unable to recognise this and reform leave initiation of the discussion to the general practitioner. HYMNOLOGY AND HYMNOGRAPHY (14-18 JULY 2008) A good general practitioner will key into the patient ‘s con- Coordinator: Rev. Gerasimos Koutsouras cerns. Good general practitioners will seek opportunities This unit provides a detailed study of various aspects of Orthodox Christian hymnology for offering preventative care when patients present with including its history, theology, musical structure and poetical forms. other problems or concerns. They are pro-active in target- ing preventative care to high risk individuals and need to Themes include: reach all patients, especially those least likely to seek assis- x The historical development of hymnology: early Christian origins, Byzantine creativity, tance. post-Byzantine consolidation x The diachronic importance of the Psalter x Patristic commentary on the ethos and theology of hymnology Male health check x Logos and melos: the interplay of words and music x Poetical forms: antiphons, kontakia, canons and other troparia All men aged 20-49 should have an annual check-up with x The invention of the Byzantine musical system and the stages in its development their general practitioner. These checks should include: a x Personalities: St Romanos the Melodist, St John of Damascus, and the Studites check on blood pressure, blood cholesterol level at least The course units are conducted on campus at Redfern NSW and are open to men and every 5 years and more frequently if elevated or on treat- women, Orthodox and non-Orthodox alike. They may be credited towards a degree ment. A urine test (admissions criteria apply) or undertaken by university students as electives towards their for diabetes or protein. A skin check to exclude signs of skin own awards (e.g. Bachelor of Arts). Limited places may also be available to auditors. damage or skin cancer. A review of the man’s immunisation Applications for July 2008 should be lodged by Friday 30 May 2008. status. Is a Tetanus booster required? Is a Flu vaccine For more information about theological education at St Andrew’s please contact the Registrar HappyHappy EasterEaster required depending on the man’s health and work history? by telephone on (02) 9319 6145 / 9698 5066 or via email at [email protected]. If there is a family history of certain conditions such as MAY 2008 14/32 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Principles of Biblical Interpretation in Orthodox Theology

By Anthony Papantoniou The purpose of all of these types of exeget- Graduate of St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox ical methods within Orthodox hermeneutics Theological College was to explain through the medium of Scri- pture the significance of the Christ event. As John Behr has characteristically re- Christianity emerged with the experience of marked it is “not scripture itself that is exe- the person and event of Jesus. geted; the object is not to understand the “original meaning” of an ancient text, as in The gospels are the primary interpretation modern historical-critical scholarship, but of the experience of Jesus who is interpret- to understand Christ, who by being ed by the early apostolic community in explained “according to the scriptures” accordance with the Hebrew Scriptures. becomes the sole subject of Scripture – the Jesus is perceived as the fulfillment of the Law, the Psalms and the Prophets.”7 The Law, the Psalms and the Prophets. meaning of Scripture is the most important Apostolic eyewitness as testimony to the aspect of orthodox hermeneutics, but it is historicity of the event and person of Jesus important to understand that both exegetical is integral to the formation of understanding traditions acknowledged the historical who Jesus was, however it is the Old dimension inherent within the gospels, Testament Scriptures which predominately because “the ultimate meaning of any event fashion this understanding. Jesus is inter- or reality must be grounded in the event preted “according to the scriptures”, and it itself, that is, grounded in history.”8 With all is precisely this image of Jesus that this in mind, we may now ask what is the becomes the normative interpretation, and importance of Orthodox hermeneutics? is finally expressed in the Gospels, and the other books of the canonical New The importance of Orthodox Biblical Testament. The Gospels are primarily theo- Interpretation logical writings that attempt to bear witness to Jesus and the Church’s faith. In Orthodox biblical interpretation, Scripture is understood as both a historical Principles of Orthodox and theological document. It is historical Biblical Interpretation because it is grounded in the events that have taken place in history. However, it is In Orthodox theology, an important distinc- also theological, as these events have been expressed theologically. The primary pur- tion is maintained between the truth and exposition”2 but rather as the Person of the aged, Orthodox exegetes accept the integral pose of Scripture is theological, as it reality of God and the conceptual and lin- eternal Logos, the Second Person of the conformity to the phronema and ethos of attempts to express the theological signifi- guistic expression of this truth. The divine Holy Trinity, Scripture needs to be under- the Church. It is the doctrinal teachings of cance of the particular event it relates. For mystery is revealed to humanity, who expe- stood from a Trinitarian perspective. Thus, the Church, as witness to the truth of God this reason, the Church has interpreted rience and participate in this truth, and a fundamental principle of Orthodox exege- revealed in Christ, which guide the exegetes Scripture spiritually, that is, the purpose of finally articulate it conceptually and lin- sis is its Trinitarian approach. The reason in expressing the soteriological dimension exegesis was to seek as far as possible the guistically. There is thus a distinction for this is that Scripture which is inspired by of the divine mystery. So far we have estab- meaning of the mystery of Christ. Scripture between the reality of God which has been the Spirit reveals the person and work of the lished an understanding of the nature of is a theological work which seeks to express revealed, and our attempt to express this Son of God, whose mission in turn is to Scripture and the Gospels and the principles the meaning and significance of the person reality in concepts and language. However, reveal to us the “face of God the Father and of biblical interpretation in Orthodox theol- and event of Jesus, rather than to relate lit- our conceptual expression of the divine to open the way towards our eternal com- ogy. However, what are the hermeneutical 3 eral history. The Gospels are fundamentally mystery is an authentic interpretation and munion with him.” methods (i.e. methods of interpretation) a testimony to the event of Jesus which is expression in so far as it reflects what has used by the Orthodox Church when Another principle of interpretation in expressed theologically. been revealed and experienced. Thus, in approaching the Holy Scriptures? Orthodox theology, Scripture is understood Orthodox exegesis is the foundational as a witness and testimony to the reality of nature of Scripture as a theandric or divine- Many modern hermeneutical methods of human reality. Scripture contains “elements Hermeneutical methods the divine mystery revealed in the person of biblical exegesis biblical interpretation acknowledge both the and event of Jesus Christ. that are historically, culturally and linguisti- historical and theological aspects of cally conditioned.”4 Thus, “Scripture is the Orthodox hermeneutics has interpreted Scripture through the use of the historical- Scripture, while either affirming or unfortu- For this reason, in Orthodox theology, the fruit of synergy or cooperation between nately discrediting the mystery of Christ 5 literal, allegorical and typological methods. “Word of God” is ultimately the eternal God and the human author,” and as such, based on the principles of modern reason- Logos, who became incarnate as Jesus of Scripture must be received in every genera- The historical-literal and typological meth- ing, the illusion of historical objectivity and Narazeth. Scripture is therefore, the witness tion of the Church’s life, under the inspira- ods were prominent within the Antiochene scientific certainty. Orthodox hermeneutics to the “Word of God” who is the Incarnate tion of the Holy Spirit. A fourth defining tradition. These methods sought a literary understands the Scriptures as proclaiming Christ. The expression “Word of God” re- characteristic of Orthodox interpretation is understanding of the biblical texts. In typol- the mystery of Christ crucified and risen. fers to three distinct but ultimately related the fact that the interpretation of the Word ogy, persons and events described within realities: “the Person of the divine Logos, of God is properly ecclesial. The Church is the Old Testament Scriptures were seen as the written witness to him in the form of the “the proper locus for the interpretation as types which prefigured events in the life of apostolic writings, and proclamation of him well as for the proclamation and liturgical Jesus as narrated in the Gospels. The me- 1 John Breck, “Principles of Patristic Hermeneutics,” 6 in Scripture in Tradition: The Bible and its as an invitation to faith and life in him.”1 celebration of the Word of God.” Exegesis thod of allegory, prominent in Alexandrian is a function of the worshipping, witnessing Interpretation in the Orthodox Church (Crestwood, biblical exegesis, sought to express the New York: SVS Press, 2001), p. 38. If the “Word of God” is ultimately under- community of faith, and although personal deeper meaning of the Scriptures. 2 Breck, “Examples of Patristic Exegesis,” in Scripture stood as neither the “biblical text nor its interpretations are welcome and encour- in Tradition: The Bible and its Interpretation in the Orthodox Church (Crestwood, New York: SVS Press, 2001), p. 45. 3 Breck, “Examples of Patristic Exegesis,” p. 45. GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA 4 Breck, “Examples of Patristic Exegesis,” p. 45. 5 Breck, “Examples of Patristic Exegesis,” p. 45. 6 Breck, “Principles of Patristic Hermeneutics,” p. 39. New Website 7 John Behr, “Faithfulness and Creativity” in John Behr, Andrew Louth, Dimitri Conomos (eds.) Abba: The Tradition of Orthodoxy in the West (Crestwood, New York: SVS Press, 2003), p. 163 8 John Breck, “The Bible in the Orthodox Church,” in www.greekorthodox.org.au Scripture in Tradition: The Bible and its Interpretation in the Orthodox Church (Crestwood, New York: SVS ANOTHER WEBSITE BY PROSITOS.COM.AU Press, 2001), p. 23. MAY 2008 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 15/33

Waiting for a Greek-Aussie pension An outline of the bilateral agreement which iscurrently before parliament for ratification

KATHY TZILIVAKIS changes to medical insurance coverage in either country. One year has passed since Greece and Australia signed the long-await- What does it mean for someone who has ed social security deal, but tens of worked in both countries? thousands of Greeks have yet to ben- Upon reaching the pension age, people efit from the new measures. who have lived and worked in both coun- tries may be eligible for two pensions - one The bilateral social security agreement is from each country. still pending ratification by the Greek par- liament. But officials at the labour and For the Australian pension, a person does social protection ministry told the Athens not need to prove periods of work in News they expect parliament to ratify the Australia. Eligibility is based on periods of agreement as early as next month. residence in Australia. A period of insur- ance in Greece can be added to a period of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis sealed residence in Australia for the purpose of the deal during his official visit to Sydney qualifying for a pension from either, or on 23 May 2007, completing nearly 30 both, countries. People already living permanently in Greece without Australian pensions will, for the first years of high-level negotiation. He had time, be able to claim an Australian pension when the agreement takes effect said that more than 60,000 Greek- How is the Australian pension worked out Australians are expected to benefit imme- for permanent residents of Greece? ples), your Australian pension will not be coordinates the national social insurance diately. affected. legislation of EU member states. Council The agreement offers all Australian resi- regulation 574/72 lays down the frame- The Athens News has obtained a copy of dents who return to live permanently in Amounts over this will reduce the work for the implementation of the above the agreement, which is aimed at making it Greece after the agreement takes effect, the Australian pension by 40 cents (or 20 cents regulation. easier for Greeks residing in Australia and same formula for calculating their pension for each member of a couple) for each dol- for Australians residing in Greece to claim as applies to most of Australia’s other lar of income (including Greek old-age The 1408/71 regulation was passed by the old-age pension benefits in the other coun- agreements and its portability laws. It will pension). European Council in June 1971. It ensures try. Here is an outline of the most impor- be based on their working life residence in that people moving within the EU do not tant features of the agreement in question- Australia over a denominator of 25 years. Australia has a 10-year qualifying period lose their social security rights, including and-answer form. of residence for an old-age pension. A per- healthcare coverage and social security People already living permanently in son who lives in Australia with less than 10 contributions. Under EU law, periods of What does the agreement do? Greece without Australian pensions when years of Australian residence may qualify social insurance cover in different coun- the agreement starts will, for the first time, for an Australian pension after the agree- tries are added together to allow you to Both countries will share responsibility be able to claim an Australian pension. It ment starts by adding periods of insurance acquire and keep rights to benefits and and costs for the social security coverage will be based on the proportion of their in Greece. pensions and also to calculate the amounts of eligible old-age pensioners in their total working life (for this purpose consid- of these benefits and/or pensions. This retirement years, according to their period ered to be 44 years) that was spent in However, until these people have lived in means that periods of time you have spent of residence/insurance. The agreement will Australia. Australia for 10 years, one dollar will be living with social insurance cover in one provide improved access to the old-age deducted from their Australian pension for country can be taken into account, if need- pension for people in Australia and Greece, The question of whether a person is a resi- each dollar of Greek pension received. ed, to determine your entitlement to bene- allowing people who live in either country dent of Australia at a particular time is fits in another country, provided the nation- How many people are expected to benefit to claim their entitlement to pensions from decided on the basis of a person’s circum- al rules permit this. The advantage of this from the agreement? both countries. It will also reduce costs for stances. system is that even if you have lived and/or businesses operating in Australia and worked in more than one country, you will Why are there two different calculations Greece (because they won’t be required to Approximately 60,000 people living in not lose any periods of cover or contribu- for permanent residents of Greece? pay compulsory contributions into both Australia and Greece are expected to claim tions. countries’ systems when they send an old-age pension from either, or both, employees to work in the other country Australia’s social security system is a non- countries after the agreement commences. * For more information, visit the Euro- temporarily). The agreement only covers contributory system, which does not More people will benefit over time as there pean Commission’s special website Greek and Australian old-age pensions. require a person to have worked or paid are around 125,000 Greek-born residents (http://ec.europa.eu/eulisses) taxes in Australia. It is based on the con- of Australia and other Australians are How will the agreement help people? cepts of residence and need and is paid out increasingly spending part of their working Greek migration of general revenue/taxes. The formula for lives overseas. to Australia The agreement will help people in Greece calculating Australian pensions was dis- Fast facts and Australia to satisfy the minimum qual- cussed for many years and formally Greek ifying residence period for an Australian accepted by the Greek government in migration to Australia dates back to pension and the minimum qualifying insur- 2005. Greece is bound by bilateral social insur- 1827. The majority of Greeks, however, ance period for a Greek pension. ance agreements with 14 countries outside made the long journey after World War II. How will my Greek pension affect my the European Union: Argentina (since Some 240,000 Greek-born settlers were re- Periods of residence in Australia and peri- Australian pension? 1998), Brazil (1988), Canada (1983 - gistered by Australian authorities between ods of insurance in Greece can be added including the City of Quebec, which has its 1945 and 1982. Since the 1950s, the together to qualify for Australian and Australian old-age pensions are subject to own, separate pension scheme), Cyprus Greeks in Australia have been and contin- Greek pensions. income and assets tests, whether you live (1991), Egypt (1986), Libya (1991), New ue to be the second largest immigrant pop- in Australia or another country. You must Zealand (1994), Poland (1986), Romania ulation, after the Italian. Some 67,000 When the agreement finally takes effect, tell the Australian authorities about all (1997), Switzerland (1975), Syria (2001), Greeks went to Australia to live and work claims for the Greek old-age pension may income you receive from sources in the United States (1994), Uruguay (1997) during the period 1965-69, making up 9.3 be lodged in Australia. Similarly, claims Australia or any other country and about and Venezuela (1995). percent of the immigrants there. Between for Australian old-age pensions may be assets you hold in any country. 1975 and 1979, an additional 10,500 lodged in Greece (with the Social Similar bilateral agreements will soon be Greeks embarked on the long journey. Insurance Institute, IKA-ETAM). If you have a partner, you must also tell ratified with Chile, Ireland, Morocco, the Over the past 40 years, the size of the Australian authorities about your partner’s United Kingdom and Tunisia, while agree- Greek community in Australia has steadily The agreement will also eliminate the need income and assets. If your Greek pension ments with Russia and the Philippines are risen with the number of second- and third- for double contributions when Australians and any other income you have is less than on the table. generaton Greeks adding another 30 per- are sent to work temporarily in Greece or the “free area” (currently 3,432 Australian cent when Greek employees are sent to work dollars or 2,031 euros per annum for single In the meantime, an EU regulation coordi- temporarily in Australia. The agreement pensioners and 6,032 Australian dollars or nates systems in all member states. does not cover healthcare and makes no 3,571 euros per annum combined for cou- European Council regulation 1408/71 ATHENS NEWS MAY 2008 16/34 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Vouliagmeni’s secret The untamed treasure of Faskomilia is a haven for the busy capital’s nature lovers

SOFKA ZINOVIEFF Wild olives as well Faskomilia (or Sage Bush) is one of as pine and cypress trees have been outer Athens’ loveliest places and recently added to one of its best-kept secrets. Around Faskomilia’s 1,000 stremmata of wild, unblem- vegetation ished hillside, it is a peninsular stretching between Vouliagmeni’s lake and the neighbourhood of Varkiza.

You can walk along its 10 kilometres of meandering tracks, gazing across the Saronic Gulf to Aigina and the Peloponnese on one side and all the way down the coast to Sounio on the other. Hawks circle overhead, partridges cluck in the undergrowth and you can sit under eucalyptus trees, on banks of drowsy- Water channels scented camomile, looking down on the for the local partridges small fishing boats returning to port. Faskomilia, a well-kept secret For many years, the fate of Faskomilia hung in the balance. It would have been all too easy for its rocky slopes to be plun- dered for building projects, transforming it into yet more urban seaside sprawl. However, its future is now guaranteed, and the last two years have seen an extensive forestation programme. There are even hopes that it could become a much-needed park for Athens’ southern suburbs.

Vouliagmeni’s colourful and sometimes controversial mayor, Grigoris Kasido- kostas, has fought many battles to save Faskomilia during his two decades in office.

“We’ve been planting trees there for the last 20 years, but we’ve faced endless problems,” he admitted. “In 1992, the gov- Beautiful rock pools at Faskomilia ernment [of Constantine Mitsotakis’ New Democracy] tried to make bonds [ktimati- ka omologa] so that three hundred MPs Normally, there are few people on the hills, tion of the saplings, but these were underway with the water board - EYDAP. could build houses on Faskomilia. We though I’ve come to recognise the regulars replaced in the autumn. managed to stop that, but then there was - some joggers and dog-walkers, the occa- What Kasidokostas would really like to see pressure from the church and from various sional hunter training his hounds and, more “We only lost about five percent, “ com- is the declaration of Faskomilia as a metro- businesspeople. The church owned 300 rarely, a mountain biker. We are few mented Litsos. “Considering some of the politan park, like “there are in all civilised stremmata and wanted to develop hotels, enough to say hello, though the subtext area’s older trees were badly affected by countries”. but we changed the local building regula- written all over our faces is: “Surely we are the summer, that’s very good. We planted tions, so they were unable to go ahead.” the luckiest people in Athens, having about 70 percent conifers, like pines and “It should be a place for all Athenians, not access to such an unspoilt and beautiful cypress, and about 30 percent of other trees just a few locals who know about it. There It was not until 2003 that the legal backup place.” and shrubs including Acacias, Oleanders should be proper parking, some benches to save Faskomilia finally went through and wild olives.” and good management and protection. And and a presidential decree was made, ensur- Going greener that’s not something we can afford at the ing the preservation of the whole area, Though the estimate for the forestation of municipality,” he said. including Vouliagmeni’s thermal lake. One autumn morning in 2006, I arrived at 500 stremmata was originally over one Faskomilia to see digging machines goug- million euros (75 percent funded by the Perhaps this is something that could be I have to declare a personal interest in Sage ing holes out of the hillside and gangs of EU), Litsos’ project has actually only cost paid for by independent MP Stephanos Bush. I live close by and, during the cool- workmen with picks. My first fearful about 400,000 euros. Manos’ scheme for creating parks through- er parts of the year, I visit the area most thought was that the developers finally got out Athens, funded by developing some of days to walk or run. I mark the seasons by their hands on it. Happily, however, this Mayor Kasidokostas is delighted with the the land at the old airport in Elliniko. For the flowers and animals I find there. I theory was quickly scotched by the direc- developments, but he is also critical. “We those of us in the know, it’s tempting to know spring has arrived when the hills are tor of works and forester Ilias Litsos. have put gates to prevent people driving want to keep Faskomilia a private pleasure dotted with lime-green Euphorbia tuffets, Actually, he explained, they were planting around the tracks any more, but the agri- - an untamed reserve with good walking and tortoises and snakes emerge from trees. culture ministry needs to look into fire pro- tracks lying within minutes of urban streets under the ubiquitous yellow Jerusalem tection. They’ve put lots of money into the would be an extraordinary luxury in any Sage bushes. Summer turns the place into a Each day when I returned, more and more planting, but it could all burn down if we city. However, it is also glaringly obvious dry, baked wilderness, while the first rains craters had been dug in the rocky land - an don’t have fire corridors and other that such a stunning place should be avail- of October coax delicate little cyclamen extremely tough job that in earlier planting schemes.” able for anyone who appreciates Greece’s and crocuses from the rocks. In winter, programmes had been achieved with dyna- uniquely beautiful landscape and has seen swathes of pink and mauve anemones give mite. Then soil, water tanks and pipes were Litsos believes that it’s more a question of how it can be all too easily destroyed and way to gangly asphodels and carpets of brought in, and by spring the trees were keeping an eye on the place and having forgotten by the busy capital. miniature orange marigolds, purple grape planted. Around 47,000 of them. The terri- water available in the case of a conflagra- hyacinths and white Stars of Bethlehem. ble heatwaves of 2007 destroyed a propor- tion. As yet, inconclusive conversations are ATHENS NEWS MAY 2008 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 17/35 Food & Wine The first date By Imogen Coward best you can – the mixture will be quite to bring the ingredients together into a thick Dried Dates: The best sticky date pudding thick rather than fluffy). Fold in date mix- dough. Knead in softened butter. Turn out We all have foods and particular flavours ever. ture (it doesn’t matter if it’s still quite dough onto a lightly floured board and we remember (whether fondly or not) from (makes three puddings that each serve 8) warm), vanilla and flour. Spoon mixture in knead until the dough becomes elastic, with childhood. Amongst my favourite treats even amounts (i.e. even depths) into three a smooth surface. Return dough to a clean when I was very young were fresh dates. The following is an adaptation of Karen large Pyrex baking dishes (rectangular bowl. Cover with a damp tea-towel and Nothing, not even dried dates could com- Martini’s recipe. The quantities are quite 20cm x 27cm x 7cm deep OR round 22cm leave dough in a warm place to rise until it pare to the super-sweet exotic fresh date large so as to accommodate typical packag- diameter x 7.5cm deep). Place dishes in a has doubled in size. Turn the dough out onto flavour, the delight of splitting the skin of ing sizes of ingredients (and not leave 180C oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or a lightly floured board and knead again. the date, removing the stone and eating the behind small amounts of cream etc at the until springy. While puddings are cooking, Roll into a rectangular shape then roll the soft sticky flesh starting from the very cen- end of making the recipe). The left-over combine all the ingredients for the caramel rectangle tightly into a sausage shape and ter of the date and working my way to the pudding can be frozen and later defrosted in a small saucepan and stir over medium place it seam down on a greased baking skin, peeling the flesh into layers and eating and eaten as a light date cake. heat until they boil. Simmer until they are tray. Be sure to tuck the ends of the them oh so slowly just to make the experi- combined and glossy (around 10 mins). ‘sausage’ under to give a smooth outer ence last that little bit longer! As you can Ingredients: Serve pudding in slices with ice cream or appearance. Slice the top of the loaf diago- probably imagine though, fresh dates were a for the pudding cream and a generous drizzle of caramel nally with a sharp knife. Cover loaf and particular treat since they were prohibitive- 900ml water sauce. allow to double in size again. Brush loaf ly expensive and sold only occasionally. 450g dried dates, pitted and roughly with a little milk and bake in a 210 Celsius chopped Correction: oven for 30-35mins or until golden brown A few weeks ago I discovered the local 1 tbsp bi-carb soda Oven temperatures for the following recipes and hollow sounding when tapped on the greengrocer is now selling 1kg boxes of 180g unsalted butter, softened were omitted in last month’s Vema. The full base. Remove from the tray and cool on a fresh Californian medjool dates (the extra 425g castor sugar recipes are re-printed below for your con- wire rack. juicy variety) for a good $4 less/kg than if 6 large eggs venience. bought loose. At last, I can cite ‘economic 2 tspn vanilla extract Crusty white bread (makes one 750g loaf) sense’ as a reason to indulge in my child- 450g SR flour, sifted Soft-textured white bread (makes one 750g Preparation time: around ½ hr PLUS prov- hood delight! (I jest of course…) loaf) ing time (up to 5 hours) for the sauce Preparation time: around ½ hr PLUS prov- At $25-$30/kg however, dates are still most 300ml single cream (pouring cream) ing time (up to 5 hours) Ingredients: definitely in the ‘expensive treat’ bracket of 240g unsalted butter chopped 500g bakers flour the weekly food shopping bill, but they add 180g brown sugar Ingredients: 1 1/2 tbsp dried yeast an extra special something. Here are two 500g bakers flour 1 tbsp sugar recipe suggestions, one for fresh dates; one Method: 1 tbsp dried yeast 3 tsp salt for dried. Place dates and water in a small sauce pan 1 tbsp sugar 3 cups tepid water and cook over medium heat for only a cou- 1 tsp salt Fresh Dates: For something just a little ple of minutes until dates are very soft. Take 30g softened butter Method: Follow the method for the soft-tex- sophisticated, split open the dates length- off heat and stir in bi-carb soda and leave to 2 cups tepid water tured white bread, leaving out the butter (as wise and remove the seed then stuff with one side (yes, it’s supposed to bubble and milk to glaze a result, you will probably need slightly cream cheese. Serve slightly chilled. frizz!). Cream butter and sugar in a bowl (as more water). Instead of the milk glaze, rub Mix the flour, yeast, sugar and salt together a small quantity of flour over the surface of in a large bowl. Make a well in the middle the loaf before placing it in the oven. and mix in enough water (approx 300mls) GREEK SCOUTS Sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

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Mr Nicholas Depolignol (Group Leader) ph. 9570 1075 - 9579 3888 Father Constantine (Chaplain) ph. 9526 6577 mob.0418 511212 www.cure.org.au ThanksFundingFunding to the thethe critical criticalgenerosity early early workof workthe of brilliantcommunity of young creative Cureand Also more Adult Leaders needed! Cancerinnovativescientists Australia’s as researchers they pursuemission as potential is theypossible: pursue breakthrough to findpotential a cure by supporting young scientists to deliver break- breakthroughresearch to solve research the riddles to solve on cancer the complexities cells. To participate in the Scout Movement by becoming a Leader or Assistant throughin cancer cancer cells. research. (all training will be provided – no previous experience required) Contribute to the Cure & send your tax phone: The Group Leaders or the Coordinator Miss Katherine Kevgas 0411 525 244 deductiblePO Box giftR185 to: Royal Exchange NSW 1225 Authorised by Mr George Papadimitriou James PhC,MPS,JP (Commissioner for Greek Scouts) PO Box R185 RoyalTel 02 Exchange 9251 61 88 NSW 1225 16, Crewe St. Bardwell Park 2207 Tel 02 9251 61 88www.cure.org.au Email: [email protected] MAY 2008 18/36 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

‘Inflexible’ UN shuns Greece The scientist in charge of the country’s greenhouse gas emission measurements tells the Athens News that Greece was unjustly suspended from the Kyoto Protocol’s carbon trading scheme

OK or KO? what it said at the last meeting - that, prac- tically, everything is OK but that legally Greenhouse gas emissions must be everything is not until the new group [of capped within the next four years if “It is not a matter of whether the UN has UN inspectors] makes an in-country evalu- Greece is to avoid being suspended faith in Greece’s measuring system. It is a again from the Kyoto Protocol’s matter of bureaucracy,” Ziomas said. “The ation.” carbon trading scheme problem arose last year because we had the In its final decision on Greece’s suspen- UN expert committee visit the country in sion, the Compliance Committee wrote: April 2007. After that, no other expert “After full consideration... the enforcement group has visited Greece, despite our branch concludes that the information sub- requests. They said they were too busy. The mitted is insufficient to alter the preliminary present system is working and has produced finding. The branch notes that the timely very good results. And there is no question provision of the annual inventory submis- of the quality of the technical report that sion for Greece by itself does not demon- Greece has submitted.” strate compliance with the guidelines for He added: “I have experienced the whole national systems.” situation, almost from the beginning. It was silly for [the Compliance Committee] to say ATHENS NEWS

Cost of living THRASY PETROPOULOS 37,000 tonnes, thereby affecting the coun- try’s 1990 emissions recordings that are hits European high Greece would not have suffered its used as a Kyoto Protocol baseline. unprecedented suspension from the so- Ziomas insists that the country’s annual called flexible mechanisms of the Kyoto emissions report submitted to the Compli- in Greece, particularly Protocol had the UN heeded a request ance Committee of the United Nations for its inspectors to assess the country’s Framework Convention on Climate Change recently revamped emissions measur- (UNFCCC) on 7 April 2008 underlined the for food items ing system, the scientist in charge of competence of the body of scientists at the that body has told the Athens News. Athens Polytechnic. By Spyros Karalis - Kathimerini France 7 and Italy 6.4 percent.) However, the committee, which is an inde- Yannis Ziomas, professor of chemical pendent legal entity established by the What goes into a shopping basket in Today the percentage of the population engineering at the Athens Polytechnic, UNFCCC to assess signatories’ compliance Greece costs up to 66 percent more than that lives on the poverty line stands at 20 insists that the flaws in the system of meas- with the terms of the Kyoto Protocol, pro- in Germany or the Netherlands. Greek percent, with most of the burden being uring the country’s carbon emissions - first ceeded to suspend Greece from - among families are now being forced to cut down borne by pensioners, single-parent fami- outlined in a report by the UN’s Compli- other aspects of the protocol - the carbon on food – for the first time since 1974, lies, the unemployed, young people and ance Committee in December last year - trading scheme ten days later. food sales are steadily falling. immigrants. A fifth cannot afford to buy a have since been rectified. Greece has been given three months to personal computer, 11.31 percent cannot It emerged at the time that an Athens submit a ‘compliance action plan’ and will The richest 20 percent of the Greek popu- afford a washing machine and 22.3 per- Observatory-affiliated group of scientists, have its emissions recording system lation consumes 5.90 times more than the cent a car. Meanwhile two-thirds who until early 2007 were entrusted with reassessed by external inspectors, where- poorest 20 percent. Continuing price rises (523,122 people) say they cannot afford calculating greenhouse gas emissions, had upon its reintroduction into the so-called of basic goods are causing heightened extraordinary expenses and 79.3 percent overestimated CO2 output in 2004 by flexible mechanisms will be reconsidered. concern. The high cost of living is now don’t have the money for a week’s holi- threatening the daily lives of people who day. About 400,000 people say they have are forced to cut costs in all areas, even not been able to afford a visit to a doctor. food, in order to make ends meet. Christian Dior, Gucci, Calvin Klein Telling comparisons The National Statistics Service’s retail Katerina + Kyriacos Mavrolefteros sales index figures indicate a new poverty Greece also has the highest cost of living Dean Psarakis & Mary Krithinakis level. Since December, there has been a in Europe, according to a recent survey by steady reduction in food sales (5 percent the Consumer Protection Center in December and 6.6 percent in January). (KEPKA) on supermarket prices. Greeks OPTOMETRISTS pay –215.70 for 86 of the basic goods, for According to the latest report by the which Germans pay –162.71. For exam- European Commission, 49 percent of ple, a kilo of yoghurt costs –0.93 in Greeks say they have already reduced Germany but –2.49 in Greece. Fresh milk purchases of various goods, 73 percent costs –0.66 in Germany but –0.94 in are no longer planning to buy a new car, Greece. Local farm products such as feta 82 percent have decided against buying a cheese and red (Florina) peppers cost 874 Anzac Parade, Maroubra Junction home and 74 percent against having more in Greece than in any other repairs done to their homes. European country. (at bus stop, on RTA block) One in three Greeks has difficulty in pay- “Consumers look for discounts, buy less TEL: (02) 9314-0393 ing the rent or mortgage installment, hav- and mend their shoes instead of buying ing meat or fish on the table every two new ones. They cut costs wherever they [email protected] days or heating their homes adequately. can. But there is a large sector of the pop- ulation that has no more margin for econ- We have over 1,200 spectacle frames Nearly half of those with low incomes say omizing – thousands of Greeks that are they are pessimistic about the future and struggling to put food on the table every are expecting more price rises over the day,” said KEPKA’s president Nikos 114624

and sunglasses on display! Silhouette, Adidas, Carrera next few months. (In Spain the correspon- Tsemberlidis. ding percentage is just 9 percent, in

Serengeti, Dolce & Gabbana, YSL Polo Ralph Lauren, Oakley, La font ÌÁÕ 2008 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 19/37

Father knows best…

By Peter Souleles in this country and the dismal savings record we have as a tions of Australian assets by overseas interests such as nation? Or do we have to be reminded that our current China. About 10 years ago I became involved in a business venture account deficit at 5.7% of GDP is amongst the highest in with a friend. At that time I remember asking my father if the western world? As already mentioned, the feeling of prosperity generated he wanted to participate, as we expected our venture to be by booming home values has either been badly tarnished by profitable. His answer was: “Your mother and I are at a On March 6, 2008 the Trade Minister Simon Crean said that current developments or fritted away by the over consump- stage of our lives when more does not have the meaning the trade deficit for the month of January at $2.7 billion tion of recent years that was financed by home equity loans. it once had. If we all borrow and do the same thing, who (seasonally adjusted) was the 70th consecutive monthly If things sour what will go first? The leased car? The holi- will come to our rescue if something goes wrong? You of deficit and the second largest on record. Well in February days? The private schooling of our children or the Pay TV course are free to borrow as much as you like but that figure went to $3.289 billion. “Australia’s trade per- subscription and the pre-school fees? Once these things remember to put at least one year’s living and interest formance over the past decade has been a disappoint- start to reduce, the industries and employment that sprout expenses to the side. If something goes wrong you will ment,” were his exact words and how true. Add to that the around them will also suffer. Perhaps you should ask have the time to respond without panicking and without fact that our net external debt is around $600 billion. friends who run beauty salons how their businesses are far- the bank telling you what to do.” ing. The low interest rate environment of recent years coupled Last year my father passed away but his words live on and with a love for the property market, spending binges and You would have no doubt noticed over the years how retail- have taken on even more meaning in the current economic low savings rates, required a massive injection of borrowed ers have increasingly come to advertise their goods with a climate. funds from overseas by banks to meet the demand for new weekly repayment amount rather than the purchase price. loans. At the same time, the strengthening dollar has shield- All this is meant to soften the transaction costs and to make On April 22, the Sydney Morning Herald reported a study ed Australia from a larger dose of inflation. In the the whole deal quite reasonable in the eyes of the consumer. prepared by Fujitsu Consulting which indicated that by December quarter however Australia’s net foreign June this year 750,000 households in Australia would be in exchange reserves plummeted by more than 50% in an While you have the time and the means, it is advisable to some form of mortgage stress, with about 300,000 of these effort by the Reserve Bank to defend the dollar. shore up your savings and your emergency funds. The story in severe stress. of Joseph in the Bible may well be worth reading. It’s not What does this all mean? Well, a falling dollar could make just for children. Perhaps the alchemists of the financial In the United States a recent report estimates that one in 33 it harder and more expensive for banks to borrow and to world should also read it lest they become totally convinced current homeowners will be in foreclosure in the next two renew borrowings from overseas. Imports become more of their invincibility. If you think that I am being a little years. That translates to over 2 million households. expensive. Smaller banks may be swallowed up as they harsh then consider the words of Mike Arnold as he struggle to compete. That’s right, higher inflation and high- describes the world’s financial architecture: The stress is now flowing on to renters as well, with vacan- er interest rates. This translates into misery on all fronts for “We’ve built this monstrosity of a machine, and there are cies falling markedly and rentals increasing well ahead of the general population. The Reserve Bank and the banks tons of architects always working on it. The problem is no the inflation rate. Anecdotal evidence from agents suggests will replay the current scenario we have witnessed whereby one knows what is going on in the entirety. Nothing this that renters are also having difficulties meeting higher interest rate increases by the Reserve Bank will be met with complex has ever existed in history. I believe what we are rentals. further increases by the banks. watching is an exercise in the folly of human ego.” Don’t be beguiled by the seeming upward trend in the value Note that we are supposedly sitting in a situation of full Let us hope that this financial wizardry does not destroy too of the Australian dollar. Galloping oil and food prices as employment and a booming commodities market. Can much of the real economy and too many real people. someone tell me what will happen if jobs and overtime start well as a sudden burst of bad news from New York can to fall away? change things very suddenly. Much of the short term Or do we need to dwell on the high level of credit card debt upward movement may be related to the proposed acquisi- St Basil’s Aged Care Services - Western Australia

St Basil’s Aged Care Services and Alzheimer’s Australia Οι Υπηρεσίες Φροντίδας Ηλικιωμένων Αγίου Βασιλείου WA provide a free and confidential information, και το Αλτζχάιμερ Αυστραλίας ΔΑ (St Basil’s Aged Care support and counselling service. Services and Alzheimer’s Australia WA) παρέχουν μια δωρεάν και εμπιστευτική υπηρεσία πληροφοριών, WHO CAN USE THE SERVICE? υποστήριξης και συμβουλευτικής (counselling). • People who have concerns about dementia or Ποιος μπορεί να χρησιμοποιεί την υπηρεσία; memory loss (in regards to themselves, a family • Άτομα που έχουν ανησυχίες σχετικά με άνοια ή member or a friend); This service is provided in partnership with απώλεια μνήμης (αναφορικά με τον εαυτό τους, • Health professionals; and ένα μέλος της οικογένειάς τους ή ένα φίλο τους)• • Students, volunteers and neighbours. • Επαγγελματίες υγείας• και • Σπουδαστές, εθελοντές και γείτονες. WHAT DOES THE SERVICE PROVIDE? We provide information on: Τι παρέχει η υπηρεσία; Παρέχουμε πληροφορίες για: This service is funded by the Commonwealth • Dementia and memory loss; Government’s Community Partners Program • Understanding changing behaviours; • Άνοια και απώλεια μνήμης• • Residential care issues; • Κατανόηση μεταβαλλόμενων συμπεριφορών• • Θέματα ιδρυματικής φροντίδας• • Family concerns; • Οικογενειακές ανησυχίες• • Stress and coping strategies; • Στρες και στρατηγικές αντιμετώπισής του• • Legal concerns for people with dementia; and • Νομικές ανησυχίες για άτομα με άνοια• και • Services available in the community. • Υπηρεσίες που διατίθενται μέσα στην κοινότητα. Greek Dementia Helpline HOW IS THE SERVICE PROVIDED? Πώς παρέχεται η υπηρεσία; The Service is provided through: Η Υπηρεσία παρέχεται μέσω: • Trained Greek helpline advisors • Εκπαιδευμένων Ελλήνων συμβούλων γραμμής • Telephone (local and STD) on Mondays, 9am to βοήθειας 5pm (excluding public holidays); and • Tηλεφώνου [τοπικές και υπεραστικές (STD) κλήσεις] Δευτέρες, 9π.μ. ως 5μ.μ. (εξαιρουμένων • Pre-arranged office and home visits. των δημόσιων αργιών)• και • Προκαθορισμένων επισκέψεων γραφείου και TOLL FREE: 1800 445 922 κατοικίας. Ατελώς (TOLL FREE): 1800 445 922 The Greek Australian VEMA MAY 2008 20/38 TO BHMA

Dialects put up battle against test of time

Dances, ‘mantinades’ and their dialect are all part of the Seventh-generation Cretans in Lebanon still speak the In Hamidie, Syria, grecophone people sing ‘mantinades,’ Cretans’ identity, without which they would feel that they language of their Islamic forefathers, who were expelled the traditional songs of the island of Crete. had lost a large part of their lives, according to university from the island. researchers.

Cretan, Pontic and Cypriot Greek are still spoken according to the survey. rector of Thessaloniki University’s teaching college by significantly large populations in Greece and Sophronis Hatzisavvidis in his survey “The Pontic Dialect Cyprus, but they are also used abroad “If they didn’t, they would feel they had lost a large part in Greece Today.” of their lives,” claims researcher Tsokalidou, assistant professor at the university’s Department of Preschool Although modern Greek is now spoken within Pontic By Yiota Myrtsioti - Kathimerini Education. communities, the language of communication at weddings, baptisms and in storytelling is still Pontic, the The community of Hamidie lies on the border between In Syria and Lebanon, fifth- and sixth-generation Cretans lingua franca among young and old in some 50 villages Syria and Lebanon. At the end of the 1990s, Professor whose ancestors had converted to Islam and were exiled inhabited solely by Pontic Greeks. A further bulwark Roula Tsokalidou of Thessaloniki University went there to from the island, still speak Greek and improvise traditional against extinction was the influx of ethnic Greek refugees study the grecophone peoples of the Middle East. On Cretan “mantinades” (short songs) although they have from the former Soviet states. arrival, and before she could finish her question, in broken never visited the island itself, and do not have a Greek Arabic, as to where to start looking, a cafe owner turned to language school. Three thousand residents of Hamidie (of The language spoken today by some 800,000 Greek a youth and called out in perfect Greek, “Where is your the 5,000 in Syria) and another 7,000 in Lebanon are Cypriots is not the old dialect but a “Pan-Cypriot common father, young man?” nevertheless passing on the Greek language, highlighting variety” developed over the past 50 years and which has the interdependency of language, society and identity. gradually eliminated about 18 linguistic idioms on the It is easier to hear pure Cretan in this part of the Middle island. It is a new dialect which includes many elements of East than on the island of Crete itself. The Cretan dialect, “When our ancestors came here, they didn’t known any modern Greek and which began to take shape around the along with Pontic and Cypriot, are the three purely Greek other language but Cretan,” Talb, a 50-year-old Cretan end of the colonial period in the 1960s but developed more out of the total five (including Cappadocian and Vlach) from Lebanon told Tsokalidou. rapidly after 1974 with the movement of populations, and which include dozens of other local linguistic idioms, particularly from the northern sector of the island. that have withstood the test of time throughout the The Pontic dialect spoken by ethnic Greeks of the Black “‘Common Cypriot’ is quite distinct with regard to accent Hellenic world. Sea coast has survived for the past 80 years in Greece and and syntax but mainly in its morphology,” said Stavroula today is spoken by about 500,000 residents of 300 Tsiplakou, who teaches in the Science Education Although dialects, whether geographical or ethnic, are villages, most of them in northern Greece. It is the dialect Department at the University of Cyprus, in her study on dwindling, they have managed to survive in environments that has been studied the most and has survived as the linguistic changes on Cyprus. where they are in constant contact with other languages refugees who flooded into Greece from Turkey in the 1922 and cultures, according to three university surveys on the population exchange defended themselves against Old Cypriot, although still spoken by the elderly in Greek language and its dialects, published last week by hostility from locals and strove to maintain their own Cyprus, by bilingual Turkish Cypriots (230,000 of them) Thessaloniki University. identity. and Cypriot emigrants to Britain and elsewhere, is gradually disappearing. The survival of Cretan in Hamidie derives from the Today it is spoken by a sizable segment of the Greek people’s need to preserve their particular identity, population, along with modern Greek, according to the Only in Greece

STEVE MILLS - Athens News striking birds in Europe, is globally endangered, with a individuals left, all in northern Greece. Subject to world population estimated at fewer than 14,000 birds. persecution, and suffering from a lack of food because the “So, why are you writing articles on birds for a Greek This species has undergone massive global declines over gradual reduction in the nomadic summer-grazing of newspaper?” is a question I’ve been asked several times the past couple of centuries, a result of wetland drainage sheep and goats in the hills meant fewer dead animals to over the past few weeks. The answer is easy. I have a and disturbance during the breeding season. Greece eat, these birds were on the way out. passion for birds and for Greek birds in particular. This already has the largest breeding colony of these birds in inevitably brings the next question, “Why Greek birds?” the world, at Lake Mikri Prespa. But there’s more. Since then a feeding programme, in the form of ‘vulture The answer is still easy. restaurants’ where carcasses of animals are placed on Dalmatian Pelicans were frequent visitors to Lake hillsides, has come to their rescue by supplementing their Greece has a richness and diversity of birdlife that is hard Kerkini, near Serres, but, because of a complete lack of the diet. As a result, the population has slowly recovered and to beat in the whole of Europe. Where else in Europe can secluded islands they require for nesting, none had done now numbers around 100 birds, which even show signs of you see hundreds of White and Dalmatian Pelicans, so. As the funds necessary to construct an island weren’t expanding into neighbouring countries. several thousand Pygmy Cormorants, Flamingos, eight available, in 2002 a small wooden platform was built in species of eagle and four species of vulture? The answer the lake and this was used by a few birds as a substitute In addition to all this there are several birds for which is, “nowhere!” island in the following spring. Greece is at the extreme western edge of their breeding range and so occur virtually nowhere else in Europe, A staggering 36 species of birds of prey have been Since then more platforms have been made and now including the wonderfully-named Isabelline Wheatear, recorded at Dadia Forest in the northeast of the country, around 50 pairs nest each year. Where else in Europe had Cinereous Bunting and Spur-winged Plover. and 20 species breed there. In what other small area in this majestic species expanded its breeding range during So, as I said, the answer to “Why Greek birds?” is easy to Europe does that happen? Once again, the answer is the last century? That’s right, “nowhere!” answer. From Schinias National Park, close to Athens, to “nowhere!” In the 1980s the Black Vulture population of eastern Lake Kerkini, to Dadia Forest, to the Evros Delta, there The Dalmatian Pelican, one of the largest and most Europe was sliding to extinction with fewer than 30 are some great places to watch birds in Greece.