THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN The oldest circulating Greek newspaper outside VEMA Greece DECEMBER 2013 Tel. (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 E-mail: [email protected] OUR ARCHBISHOP’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE PAGE 5/33

Cutting a fine figure

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Turkey and Greece feud over Hagia Sophia PAGE 10/38

TRAVEL To all our readers we extend our sincere Naousa - Bask in Town’s unique good wishes for a Merry Christmas diversity and a Happy New Year 2014 PAGE 24/52 DECEMBER 2013 2/30 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

The Nativity of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ

the ass his master's crib" (Isaiah 1: 3). But while the December 25 earth gave the new-born Saviour such a humble recep- tion, Heaven on high celebrated majestically His world- The incomprehensible and inexplicable Nativity of saving coming. Christ came to pass when Herod the Great was reign- A wondrous star, shining with uncommon brightness ing in Judea; the latter was an Ascalonite on his fa- and following a strange course, led Magi from the East ther's side and an Idumean on his mother's. He was in to Bethlehem to worship the new-born King. Certain every way foreign to the royal line of David; rather, he shepherds who were in the area of Bethlehem, who had received his authority from the Roman emperors, kept watch while tending their sheep, were suddenly and had ruled tyrannically over the Jewish people for surrounded by an extraordinary light, and they saw be- some thirty-three years. fore them an Angel who proclaimed to them the good The tribe of Judah, which had reigned of old, was de- tidings of the Lord's joyous Nativity. And straightway, prived of its rights and stripped of all rule and authori- together with this Angel, they beheld and heard a w- ty. Such was the condition of the Jews when the await- hole host of the Heavenly Powers praising God and ed Messiah was born, and truly thus was fulfilled the saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth prophecy which the Patriarch Jacob had spoken 1,807 peace, good will towards men" (Luke 2:8-14). years before: "A ruler shall not fail from Judah, nor a prince from Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone his loins, until there come the things stored up for him; and he is the expectation of the nations" (Gen.49:10). Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath shined the light of Thus, our Saviour was born in Bethlehem, a city of knowledge upon the world; for thereby they that wor- Judea, whither Joseph had come from Nazareth of shipped the stars were instructed by a star to worship Galilee, taking Mary his betrothed, who was with child, Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, the that, according to the decree issued in those days by Dayspring from on high. O Lord, glory be to Thee. the Emperor Augustus, they might be registered in the census of those subject to Rome. Kontakion in the Third Tone Therefore, when the time came for the Virgin to give birth, and since because of the great multitude there Today, the Virgin bears Him who is transcendent, and was no place in the inn, the Virgin's circumstace con- the earth presents the cave to Him who is beyond strained them to enter a cave which was near Bethle- reach. Angels, along with shepherds glorify Him. The hem. Having as shelter a stable of irrational beasts, she tween two animals, an ox and an ass, that the words of Magi make their way to Him by a star. For a new child gave birth there, and swaddled the Infant and laid Him the Prophets might be fulfilled: has been born for us, the God before all ages. in the manger (Luke 2:1-7). From this, the tradition has "Between two living creatures shalt Thou be known" come down to us that when Christ was born He lay be- (Abbacum 3:2), and "The ox knoweth his owner and Source: www.goarch.org

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Dr Stavros Kyrimis NSW Premier meets Greek Consul General

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell met with the newly-appointed Con- sul General of Greece in Sydney, Dr Stavros Kyrimis, at NSW Parlia- ment House on Tuesday, 26 November and welcomed him to Syd- ney. Mr O’Farrell said, “I look forward to working with Dr Kyrimis to discuss issues affecting the Greek community in NSW.” DECEMBER 2013 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 3/31

Protecting Greece's Ottoman monuments By Iota Sykka - Kathimerini, of Chios, in the eastern Aegean, which Athens has been renovated and now operates as a museum. Works are also under way Greek Culture Ministry officials have to restore Ottoman monuments on the mostly shunned recent comments by Dodecanese islands, the Imaret Monu- Bulent Arinc, Turkey's deputy prime ment in Komotini, which is one of the minister, who called for Istanbul's Hagia oldest in Thrace, and the Ottoman baths Sophia, now a museum, to be converted on the island of Lesvos. into a mosque. And currently authorities are also car- Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip rying out restoration works on the Ner- Erdogan has in the past said that the atze Mosque in Rethymno, Crete - also world-famous monument, designed as a known as Gazi Hussein Pasha or Odeio Christian basilica in the 6th century, (conservatory), as the young locals call it should stay as it is. After all, any plan to - with its impressive doorframe and im- modify it would meet with opposition posing minaret. from the global scientific community. Moreover, Greek authorities have giv- If Arinc's statements have caused en the green light for restoration work some degree of frustration, it is because on the Ottoman mausoleum (Tourbes) of his purported lecturing to the Greek of the Muslim saint Musa Baba in Thes- side: “It is widely known that Greece has saloniki's Terpsithea Square, as well as ignored its Ottoman temples and cultur- the Fethiye (Conqueror) Mosque, an Ot- al monuments,” he said. toman mosque built on the ruins of a However, actions speak louder than Byzantine basilica in central Athens. words. Since the years of the Communi- True, it took 15 years, but this too will ty Support Framework (CSF) up until open to the public in the Roman Agora those of the more recent National Stra- at some point. tegic Reference Framework (NSRF), These are not the only projects, but Greece's Culture Ministry has planned they are enough to show that there is a the restoration of at least 33 Ottoman- great deal of respect for a civilization era monuments across the country, at a euro restoration of the Bayezid scribed as the most important Islamic and history that is in part shared be- cost of over 30 million euros. (Mehmed I) Mosque in Didymoteicho, monument on the European continent. tween the two neighboring states. A key project is the 4.156-million- northern Greece, which has been de- There is also a mosque on the island

est. 1985 Morea Architects has established a reputation for excellence in service and procurement of wonderful and beautiful buildings

Greek hotel distinguished in international competition World Travel Awards distinguished the best tourism companies globally for 2013. The 20th jubilee awards organization was held in Doha, Qatar. It was a prestigious ceremony, in the presence of important strains of the global travel industry. The 20th World Travel Awards awarded hotels, airlines and touristic destinations. Greece was distinguished with one award that went to the luxurious hotel Alde- mar, in Crete. The Aldemar Royal Mare was presented with the “World’s Leading Thalasso Resort 2013,” winning over strong competition with other hotels. Among the international winners, the chain Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts won the award for “Best Hotel Brand,” hotel JW Marriott Marquis Dubai excelled as the “Top New Hotel” and in Dubai, the Burj Al Arab was awarded the premier hotel of the world. In the “best destinations” category, Kenya came first as “Safari Destination,” Peru Cnr Hurstmon St & Clynden Ave t + 61 3 9885 8999 as the first gastronomic destination and Portugal emerged as a leading golf destina- Malvern East VIC 3145 Australia f + 61 3 9885 6622 tion. The leading airline in 2013, was awarded to Etihad, while the category of low- PO Box 115, Darling VIC 3145 e [email protected] cost companies went to AirAsia. 4/32 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA DECEMBER 2013 DECEMBER 2013 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 5/33 Our Primate’s View CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2013

It is unfortunately true that, neither the public nor + S T Y L I A N O S private lives of Christians could be an example for non- By the grace of God Archbishop Christians to follow, as they rightly evaluate us based of Australia on the criterion of the Gospel of Christ. to all the Reverend Clergy and devout faithful of our holy Archdiocese. If we take into account how many ‘treaties’ and ‘pro- tocols’ of peace have been agreed to internationally, introduced mainly by Christian peoples, we will admit Brother Concelebrants and beloved children of the that the dream of “peace on earth” still remains dis- Church, tant and unfulfilled. Since, of course, true peace is not simply the absence of war, but respect for the human By ARCHBISHOP Once again, we are preparing to celebrate Christmas person, which is an image of the invisible God. And in STYLIANOS and the other Feasts of the sacred Twelve Days follow- saying the ‘human person’, we do so regardless of OF AUSTRALIA ing. race, gender, colour, religion or age.

Yet, the phenomena of international violence, toge- With the Birth of Christ, God becomes our neighbour ther with crime of every kind and materialistic hyste- and our neighbour becomes God. And all of this is not ria, do not allow us to experience the joy of the Incar- due to some blind necessity of nature, but rather to nation in a sincere and God-pleasing manner. We can- God’s immeasurable mercy and love for humankind. not even chant the angelic hymn of peace with ‘un- tainted lips’ and with a clear conscience. To Him be the glory and power and veneration unto all ages. Amen! If, after the passage of so many centuries, the Incar- nation of God has not made our world more loving, this is due not so much to the non-Christians as per- haps to the Christians of East and West, whose con- With fervent prayers to Him duct not only fails to provide a good example, but in- stead provokes the non-Christians in particular.

When Mahatma Gandhi - that renowned pacifist po- Archbishop S T Y L I A N O S litical leader of India - was asked why he did not adopt Christianity, his reply was overwhelming: “I would have become a Christian long ago, if so-called Chris- tians followed the teaching of Christ 24 hours a day”! [translation from the original Greek by DK]

Australian Labor Union Medical students do their bit opposed to tourist visa for Wikipedia with rights to work The deal between Greece and Australia for the tourist An innovative approach to teaching at the Health visa which also provides the right to work seems to be un- Science Department of Thessaloniki’s Aristotle Uni- done. The Australian Council of Trade Unions is already versity Medical School has students learning medical asking the government to once again examine the visas terms and definitions by updating the worldwide which provide the right to work temporarily due to the electronic encyclopedia Wikipedia as part of their high rate of youth unemployment. coursework. This visa can be provided for 12 months and allow only “This method is being applied for the third consec- a limited amount and type of work or study in a Universi- utive year and is aimed at helping students learn ty. Australia has already signed this deal with other coun- their terms and analyze definitions while at the tries (including Cyprus) but not yet with Greece, despite same time enriching the entries on Wikipedia,” pressure by the expatriates and the assurance of both Panayiotis Bamidis, assistant professor at the Med- sides that the papers are ready to be signed. ical School’s lab of medical informatics, told the Now, the president of ACTU Ged Kearny supports that Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA). the rate of youth unemployment is 25% and the govern- According to the academic, this method also helps ment has to rethink its policy. students become better acquainted with new tech- Dr Bob Birrell, who has focused on demographic issues nologies and their applications. He argues that tradi- in the University of Monash, supports that in recent years tional print encyclopedias are becoming almost ob- there was an increase of 30% in arrivals. solete since the emergence of collaborative digital “People aged 18-30 years are coming to Australia with efforts such as Wikipedia. a tourist visa and they have the right to stay and work Students at the Aristotle University Medical here for one year,” said Dr Bob Birrell, adding also that School’s Health Science Department have already “they take jobs from the Australians.” posted more than 70 articles on the site, while a He strongly supports that it’s better for Australia not to project to translate the terms and definitions into make any deal with Greece or Spain since they have a Greek is also under way in order to include them in have been applying this method, 250 students have high unemployment rate. the Greek version of Wikipedia. been able to leave their on mark on Wikipedia,” At the same time, the Executive Director of YHA sup- “The students work in groups of two or three in or- Bamidis said, adding that this is a popular method at ports that studies have shown that people who came to der to achieve the best possible result in their trans- other institutions around the world, most notably at Australia as tourists, create jobs. “Every 100 arrivals cre- lations of the definitions. In the three years that we the University of California. ate six new jobs, because they spend money on goods and services.” DECEMBER 2013 6/34 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Letter from Maroubra

WHAT DO YOU SEE IN A DAY? the patterns in nature that will never be repeated. ture of Orthodox spirituality. It is an indispensable el- Louie Schwartzberg produces some beautiful time- He prompts us to study the wonderful faces of the ement of Christian identity. lapse cinematography. It reveals the wonders of na- people who make up our life. He wants us to discover But for me the message of Steindl-Rast appears ture. He wants people to celebrate life. the story behind each one of them. lacking in other ways. The first problem is that some- In Nature, Beauty, Gratitude, Schwartzberg used We are asked to value the advantages of our devel- times Brother Steindl-Rast omits any reference to the voice of an elderly man. This was Brother David oped world. Many of these we take for granted, such God. Steindl-Rast. as electricity at the flick of a switch or pure, clean, And his message? Well it is not all that much of a Brother David is a monk of Mount Saviour Benedic- drinkable water through a tap. Quite rightly, he remarkable insight. tine monastery in New York. He is also a founder of recognises that millions in the world will never have Moreover, it is presented as part of a Buddhist- gratefulness.org this privilege. Christian dialogue. For a more detailed statement on Brother David preaches the message of grateful- These are many of the gifts to which we can re- Buddhism, see Dr George C. Papademetriou, An Or- ness. He says that this world overlooks the blessings spond with gratitude. thodox Christian view of non-Christian religions at of life. For the most part he is correct. Here are his Of course, gratitude (ευγνωμοσύνη) is part and par- http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith8089 words: cel of the Orthodox faith. This is not new. Yes, it is important to be thankful for all the gifts You think this is just another day in your life? It’s Our gratitude is not merely for the material bene- that God has given us. Yes, by all means be nice to not just another day. It’s the one day that is given fits of this life or the wonders of nature. Ultimately everyone. Respect other traditions. Make allowances to you today. It’s given to you. It’s a gift. It’s the our gratitude is for what cannot be seen. for different faiths. Treat everyone fairly and honest- only gift that you have right now, and the only If you don’t believe me then just look at the open- ly. But do not be fooled. appropriate response is gratefulness. If you do ing words of this daily Prayer of Saint Basil: In the meantime - have a good day and certainly be nothing else but to cultivate that response to the We bless you, O God, most high and Lord of mercy. grateful to God for whatever it brings! great gift that this unique day is, if you learn to You are always doing great and inscrutable things respond as if it were the first day in your life and with us, glorious and wonderful, and without num- Photo sources: Wikimedia Commons. The views expres- the very last day, then you will have spent this ber. sed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the day very well. Just in case you missed it, look at our liturgy (eu- VEMA. May I wish all our readers every blessing for Christ- charist). Gratitude and ingratitude pervade the New mas and the coming New Year. Brother Steindl-Rast encourages us to enjoy the vi- Testament and the Old Testament. sual world. This includes the myriad of colours and One might say that gratitude is a fundamental fea- [email protected] US Secretary of State Kerry  meets Patriarch Vartholomaios, COULDYOUTEACHTHISLESSON? urges Turkey to re-open Halki Seminary

US Secretary of State John Kerry urged Turkey to re-open Orthodox clergy schools near Istanbul that authorities have kept closed for more than 40 years. “It is our hope that the Halki seminary will open”, Kerry said during a press conference in Is- tanbul after two days of talks on the Syrian crisis and the Mideast peace process. Kerry said he discussed religious freedom in overwhelmingly Muslim Turkey and the possible re-opening of the theological schools in talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. The Halki seminary, where Orthodox clergy used to train, is located on an island off Istanbul and was closed in 1971, after Turkey fell out with Greece over Cyprus. Vartholomaios told Kerry that the Turkish gov- Kerry also met the Ecumenical Patriarch Vartho- ernment had improved its treatment of the Ecu- lo-maios, the spiritual leader of Orthodox Chris- menical Patriarchate recently. tians. “Over the last few months and years, there has Both the United States and the European Union, been progress in the government’s behaviour to- which Turkey aspires to join, have increased pres- wards the Patriarchate and more generally to-

 sure on Ankara to re-open the seminary as well as wards minorities”, he said. introducing further rights for religious minorities in “Of course, within this framework, we expect so- VOLUNTEERTOTEACHSCRIPTURE,NOW! the new constitution it is currently drafting. lutions to our existing problems, such as the re- Ankara says it is also in favour of such a move opening of the Halki Seminary, which is a great SEE YOUR PARISH PRIEST but cites procedural issues for the delay in imple- need for our Patriarchate, for its present and fu-     menting it. ture.” DECEMBER 2013 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 7/35

CHRIST IN OUR MIDST ‘Christ in our Midst’ was the theme of the Advanced The Monastery embraced this work with zeal. They Course for Scripture Teachers held at St Euphemia, saw it as a responsibility and as a spiritual gift to the Bankstown, in December. Church. Over 85 teachers were welcomed by parish priest, Fr The Monastery brought together experts in design. It Panagiotis Protopsaltis, following the opening prayers consulted curriculum specialists from Australia and in- in the church. ternationally to guide its efforts. Fr Constantine Varipatis chaired the meeting. He ex- The most difficult and time consuming task according tended the best wishes of His Eminence Archbishop to Fr Eusebios, Abbot of the Pantanassa Monastery, is Stylianos. that of developing the lesson plans. He said that this re- Fr Constantine said that religious education and espe- quires deep spiritual insight to discern the key theme of cially Scripture is one of the most important challenges each lesson. There needs to be coherence and consis- for the Orthodox Church in Australia. tency. The meeting thanked the Monastery for its ef- Our way of life in Australia is leading us in a direction forts and dedication to religious education. that is well away from God. Against this modern background, teachers come The new worksheets every week to fulfil their duty, to do their best, to teach what they believe and to share their love. Participants were told that the Department of Educa- tion expects us to have a standard State-wide curricu- A new Scripture program lum. This work now goes a long way to satisfying this demand. Participants were introduced to the work that has The worksheets continue to be based on a three-year been undertaken to revise the Scripture program. The program for Infants (K-2), a four-year cycle for Primary program has the title “Christ in our Midst”. (3-6) and separate units for high school. It is planned to This task was undertaken by the Pantanassa revise them continuously. Monastery at the request of the Advisory Committee Each stage of the infants sheets will be revised every for Teaching Religion in State Schools. three years; each stage of the primary will be revised every fourth year. Teachers were reminded that they are not obligated to use the worksheets but the topics in the curriculum are mandatory. GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA . A vote of thanks The meeting closed with Fr Varipatis thanking Ms Asi- mi-na Salvartsis from the Department of Education for

   her session on Behaviour Management and Ms Tracey Chapman for her introduction to Emergency Proce- dures. There were also specialist presentations on child nd protection from Mr Louis Chambers and on using maps Sunday 22 December, 7pm by Mrs Kandia Tagalakis. Fr Constantine thanked Fr Panagiotis and the hard- working philoptochos for all their efforts. He acknowl- In the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos of Australia edged the presence of Fr Loukas Kordonouris from the parish of Earlwood and Fr Andrew Ioannou from Wol- longong. A special vote of thanks was extended to Mr Con Pavlou of Delphi Bank for their promotional sup- port.                 Dr James Athanasou       [email protected]


   
       Ambassador of Greece visits St John’s College       !  On Wednesday 27 November, his Excellency the "#   # $% Ambassador of Greece Mr Dafaranos and his wife Eva, accompanied by the Co-ordinator of the Greek Education Office in Melbourne Mr Gokas, visited St John’s College. & '(& '(& '( & '( After welcoming Mr and Mrs Dafaranos, the Prin- cipal of the College Dr Ladopoulos conducted a tour  )   )   )    )   of the school grounds. Later the Ambassador spoke to the senior school students. Mr Dafaranos promised every possible help and assistance in improving the Greek-Australian rela- * $ $ " "  * $ $ " "   tions in regards to Education and the future growth of Hellenism. #  #   ! Mrs Eva Dafaranos, poet and writer herself, spoke with great sensitivity to the senior students. She said     $#   $#    that today’s intellectual should be distinguished by their kindness, sensitivity, dignity and tolerance. The Ambassador and his wife engaged in a lively dialogue with students and spent the better part of The Christmas Carols will be held in the courtyard of our Cathedral the afternoon getting to know them. Students dis- cussed their hopes for the future in terms of pros- pective careers. 8/36 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA DECEMBER 2013

Feast of the Nativity of our Lord

December 25 travels to all parts of the world. It teach- es that this bright star is an astronomical Biblical Story happening, and is a messenger from heaven announcing the birth of Jesus. The story of the Nativity of Christ is On the left hand side of the icon is an- beautifully told in the Holy Scriptures. No other scene. The Wise Men (3), who matter how often the Birth of Jesus is were led by the star, are riding horses to told, we realize that it is an important bring their gifts of gold, frankincense, event. and myrrh to Jesus. The Wise Men are of As the story is told by the Apostles, the 1. The icon of the Nativity stresses the impor- 2. The Christ Child, seen here in swaddling various ages. One is without a beard. In Roman Empire was powerful. The Ro- those days, young men did not wear mans had conquered much of the then tance of the Theotokos, the Mother of Jesus. clothes, lies in a manger guarded by the ox and donkey. beards. The other Wise Man has long known world. Judea and Samaria, what hair and a long beard, which indicates we know today as Israel, were included that he is much older. These details in their conquests. Emperor Augustus or- teach that regardless of age and appear- dered that a census be taken in all his ance, the Good News was given to each lands. He needed to know how many and everyone. people lived in the empire so he could Opposite the Wise Men is the scene tax them. Everyone had to go to the with the humble shepherds. An angel town of their family’s origin to register proclaims the glad tidings. A young shep- for the census. This meant that Mary and herd plays a reed instrument (4). This Joseph had to go to Bethlehem. They scene reveals that the music of the hu- were descendants of King David and 3. The Wise Men, are seen in the icon riding 4. Opposite from the Wise Men sits a young mans was added to the hymn of the an- Bethlehem was the City of David. towards the light from the star. shepherd boy plays music for his flock. gels. Across from the shepherd’s scene is Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth and the heavenly choir of angels (5). They are it was a great distance from Bethlehem. giving glory to God. The angels serve two It was about 100 miles over very rugged purposes in the Nativity of Christ. They roads. Moreover, Mary was expecting give glory to God and announce the good the baby and it was almost time for her news to all mankind. to give birth. Bethlehem was a small The background shows a very rugged town and there were many descendants terrain. This is not a true representation of David who had come to register for of the land in this area. Joseph could not the census. By the time Mary and Joseph find room in Bethlehem, so they went arrived in Bethlehem there was no place outside of Bethlehem to a cave. This for them to stay. Joseph tried very hard 5. An angel gives glory to God and announces 6. Satan is depicted as an old man who is rocky mountain formation only serves as to find a place to sleep that evening. the good news of His birth. tempting Joseph not to believe in the virgin a background for the event. birth of Jesus. There was no room at the inn. Finally, In the lower part of the icon are two Joseph found a cave-like place where Icon of the Nativity more scenes. In the right hand corner are they could rest. This place was used by the two women Joseph brought to take The icon of the Nativity tells the story shepherds to protect their sheep in care of the Christ child (6). They are of Christ’s birth from the Scriptures. It al- stormy weather. It was here that Mary bathing Him just as any baby is bathed. so shows that all creation is taking part in gave birth to Jesus. The baby was wrap- The humanity of Jesus is clearly shown in Christ’s birth. The angels give thanks ped in swaddling clothes and laid in the this setting. with their song; the heavens give the s- straw in the manger. Opposite the bathing of Jesus scene tar; the Wise Men give their gifts of gold, Now, that night the shepherds were sits a sad and worried Joseph (7). He is frankincense, and myrrh. The poor, hum- out in the fields guarding their sheep. not part of the central group the Christ ble shepherds give their praise and a- Suddenly, there was a bright light which 7. In the right hand corner are the two women Child and the Theotokos. Joseph is not mazement; the earth gives the cave, and startled the shepherds. The light was so Joseph brought to take care of the Christ the natural father. Joseph is troubled child. humanity gives the Virgin. bright that it turned the night into day- and despondent. There is an old man knees and adored Jesus. This Holy Icon is an icon with many light. Of course, the shepherds were talking to Joseph. The old man is Satan. Some Wise Men came from the East scenes. See the front cover for the full frightened. Nothing such as this had ever Satan can appear in many forms. Here he for they knew of the coming of Jesus. icon of the Nativity. First, it stresses the happened. Soon an angel appeared and is as an old man who is tempting Joseph They had seen a star that told them that importance of the Theotokos, the Moth- calmed them. The angel said: and disturbing him. Satan is telling Jo- a new king had been born to the Jews. er of Jesus (1). She is placed in the center “Fear not for behold, I bring you good seph that virgin birth is impossible. He’s They followed the star and were looking and is the largest figure in the icon. In tidings of great joy, which shall be to all telling Joseph that he’s a fool if he be- for the child. At this time the governor of this icon, she is kneeling with crossed people. For unto you is born this day in lieves this. This story comes to us from Judea was King Herod. He was a wicked arms, looking at the Christ child. The the city of David a Savior; which is Christ Holy Tradition. The sad Joseph shows us man and was feared and hated by the three stars, denoting her virginity before, the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto not only his personal predicament but people. during, and after the Nativity, are on her you: You shall find the babe wrapped in the dilemma of all mankind the difficulty When Herod heard about the Wise garments. The Christ Child (2), in the cen- swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” of accepting that which is “beyond words Men looking for the child, he invited ter of the icon, is in swaddling clothes (Luke 2:11-12). or reason.” them to his palace. Herod asked the and is lying in the manger. In the back- Then a larger group of angels ap- The tree, which is in the middle of the Wise Men to find the child so that he, ground is the dark cave where He was peared. They praised and glorified God lower part of the icon, is a symbol of the too, could worship Him. But Herod was born. In the cave are an ox and a donkey and sang, “Glory to God in the highest, Tree of Jesse. This tree refers to , “But a lying. He did not want anyone to take his guarding the newborn Babe. Even and on earth peace, and good will to- shoot shall sprout from the stump of place. though the Gospels say nothing of the ward men” (Luke 2:14). When the angels Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blos- The Wise Men went on to look for Je- cave, this information is from Holy Tradi- finished singing, they disappeared and som. The spirit of the Lord shall rest up- sus. The Star led them to Jesus and Mary. tion. Neither do the Gospels speak of the the light began to fade. It became dim- on Him.” King David was often men- When the Wise Men found Jesus, they ox and the donkey, but all cons of the mer and dimmer until it was dark again. tioned as the son of Jesse and Jesus was fell to their knees and worshipped Him. Nativity include these animals. Including The shepherds were awed. They didn’t from the House of David. They gave Jesus gifts of gold, frankin- the animals in the icon fulfills the know what to do. Finally, they decided to The Holy Icon of the Nativity reminds cense, and myrrh. The Wise Men left but prophecy of “The ox knows his master, leave their flocks of sheep and go to one to praise and glorify the Birth of did not return to Herod. They had a and the donkey his master’s crib; but Is- Bethlehem. They decided that they Christ. The celebration of Christmas each dream that warned them that Herod rael does not know me, and the people wanted to see for themselves what the year serves to remind each and everyone wanted to harm Jesus. Instead, they re- have not regarded me.” The long ray of angels had told them. When they got to of us that Christ came for you and me. Bethlehem, they found Mary, Joseph, turned to their native country by a differ- light from the star points directly to the and the infant Jesus. They fell to their ent route. cave. This ray comes from the star and Source: www.goarch.org DECEMBER 2013 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 9/37

Father George Litas - 30 Years of Service The Very Reverend Father George Litas migrated to Western Australia from the Kozani prefecture of northwest Greece during February 1963. George Litas would eventually make his way east; first to Adelaide and then Melbourne, where he worked for the Post Master General’s Office. During this time he served as a chanter at the Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Parkdale. He also became re- acquainted with a girl from his village, and they eventually married. Sidera Litas was crucial to his work with the Church. Several years later, Archbishop Stylia- nos approached George Litas about fur- Left: Blessing of land, for St Nektarios Church, 15 October 1986. Right: The completed Church of St Nektarios, late 1989 ther serving the Church and in April 1977 (Source: Reverend Father G Litas) he was ordained a priest. He was then during that time that he began the task tions had been laid and at an approxi- ioners, he also served as the Archdioce- given the task of constructing a church of organising the construction of a mate cost of $405,000. The church bless- san representative (Vicar General) in WA and building the associated thriving church on land in Dianella. ing occurred in January 1990 and the for many years. As such, Father George parish in Clayton. In 1986 Father George Litas assembled consecration a decade later in 2000. was the Archdiocesan representative on The Church of the Three Hierarchs was a committee to assist with the fundrais- During his time as a rector in Perth, Fa- the St Andrew’s Grammar School Board completed in 1978 but, a few years later, ing and then construction of the Saint ther George worked hard to adorn and for a number of years whilst also teach- before the finishing touches, such as Nektarios Church. With the help of many maintain St Nektarios. He created a dis- ing Greek Orthodox Studies classes for 7 chandeliers, could be installed, Father volunteers, and the moral and financial tinctive religious edifice in Perth, nurtur- years at the school. His near 30 years as George was transferred, appointed to support garnered from Perth’s Greek ing a dedicated congregation at the same a Greek Orthodox cleric in Perth makes Saint John of the Mountain in Forrest- community, sufficient funds were pled- time. Father George has been the priest him the second longest serving priest (af- field, WA. He and his family moved to ged to allow work to commence. at St Nektarios for 24 years. While raising ter Father Christopher Manessis) to have Perth in early 1984. Father George ser- The Church was opened on 5 Novem- his two daughters, Vicki and Thomai, and attended to the local Greek Orthodox ved nearly six years at Forrestfield. It was ber 1989, three years after the founda- offering spiritual guidance to his parish- community. DECEMBER 2013 10/38 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

‘Greece well prepared for EU presidency’ Greece is “well prepared” for its tenure at the helm Europe of competitiveness and social cohesion,” Sa- of the European Union’s Council starting in upcoming maras said on his part, outlining the targets of January, visiting EU Parliament chief Martin Schulz Greece’s EU presidency. (pictured) said in Athens. Over the next six months, The Greek premier expressed confidence that during one of the top priorities for European counterparts the Greek presidency, there will be tangible signs that will be the formation of a comprehensive strategy to Greece is exiting the economic crisis. combat youth unemployment, he stressed after talks “We proved that Europe works. The hopeful mes- with Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras in Athens. sage Europe sends to the world in the cases of Greece “Our goal is to bring Europe closer to the European and other countries which were hit by the crisis, is that citizen, to create a Europe who will give solutions to Europe can overcome difficulties. The crisis made his problems, a Europe of balance between fiscal ad- Greece stronger and it will make Europe stronger,” justment and development, a Europe of solidarity, a Samaras said. Turkey and Greece feud over Hagia Sophia

Turkey and Greece were locked in a war of words over the possible conversion of Hagia Sophia, one of Constantinople most stunning landmarks, into a mosque. The feud over the 1,476-year-old World Heritage site is the latest to erupt between the two neighbours over religion. Greece reacted furiously to remarks by Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc that he hoped to change the status of Hagia Sophia, which is now a museum. “We are looking at a sad Hagia Sophia, but hopefully we will see it smiling again soon,” Arinc said earlier this month, de- scribing the complex in Istanbul’s historic quarter as the “Hagia Sophia Mosque”. Hagia Sophia, which dates back to 537, was a church for centuries - and the seat of the Patriarchate of Constantinople - before being converted to a mosque under the Ot- toman empire in 1453. It opened as a museum in 1935 after the founding of modern Turkey. “Recurrent statements made by high ranking Turkish officials about converting Byzantine Christian churches into mosques are offending the religious feeling of mil- lions of Christians,” the Greek foreign min- istry said in a statement. But Turkey bluntly retorted that it has “nothing to learn” from Greece about free- dom of religion. “Unfavourable treatment of Ottoman era cultural artifacts and places of worship by Greece is well-known by all,“ the foreign ministry said in a statement. Greece whose territory was once part of the Ottoman empire and Turkey share a his- tory marred by bitter territorial disputes and Christian-Muslim feuds. Mosques have been a thorny issue in Greece. Athens is one of the few European capitals without an official mosque. Arinc, a member of the ruling Islamist- rooted Justice and Development Party (AKP) had said that two other religious sites in Turkey, also named Hagia Sophia, would be turned into mosques. The government is often accused by its secular opponents of forcing Islamic values on the predominantly Muslim but strictly secular country. DECEMBER 2013 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 11/39 ST SPYSPYRIDONRIDO N CCOLLEGEO LLEGE

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ForFor enrolmentenrolment informationinformation pleaseplease contact the EnrolmentEnrolment Officer:Officer: AngelaAngela KringasKringas byby emailemail at [email protected]@stspyridon.nsw.edu.au DECEMBER 2013 12/40 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA DECEMBER 2013 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 13/41 DECEMBER 2013 14/42 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

A Greek village with zero unemployment Milia, is a Greek village located in the ditions were passed down from one gen- basements of houses. They worked as chines and our job is a little easier,” said mountain of Pindus. It is 12 kilometers eration to another, “from father to the technicians many years, giving shape to Anastasios Koutelidas. He continued by away from the city of Metsovo and really son,” said Anastasios Koutelidas, the wood, making barrels and a variety of saying, “they used to sell their products close to the Pindus National Park Valia president of the Municipal District. The household utensils. Some of them are al- across the country and their best time Calda. Milia is known as the Greek village economy of the village is based on the so inspired by nature and animals like was in the summer.” with no unemployment. wood. They use the beech for the folk art wolves and bears. Even though the village has zero unem- “The wood processing and the folk art and the black pine for the creation of “Our fathers worked without any ma- ployment, the economic crisis is leaving are a tradition for our village. These tra- columns. The laboratories are located in chines. Now we are lucky to have ma- its mark. Their sales reduced to 40% be- cause their customers can find their products from the Chinese market at a lower price, albeit lower in quality. They are now asking for support from the AUTHENTICAUTHENTIC GREEKGREEK CUISINECUIS INE Greek State. They also mentioned that they try to keep their village alive even though its population is reduced. Milia in the local Vlach dialect is called Amerou. The settlement with the stone houses is characterized as traditional. The local Folklore Museum showcases the local tradition over the years.

Source: www.greekreporter.com

Coca-Cola, Nokia and Delhaize invest in Greece

Three multinational companies will be investing in Greece, thus helping the growth of the Greek economy and open- ing new job positions. The decision for Coca Cola to establish a Consumer Interaction Network was taken after an event organized by the Hellenic Initiative in New York, where Coca-Cola Chairman, Muhtar Kent, met with Prime Minister, Antonis Samaras. Coca Cola is planning to make a 1-mil- lion-euro investment toward the Con- sumer Interaction Center in Athens. It is estimated to be completed in 2015, cov- ering 23 countries in Central and South- ern Europe, and is expected to create 100 to 150 job positions. They chose Greece, because of the Greeks’ language skills and know-how. On the other hand the Belgian group Delhaize (which owns the AB Vassilopou- los supermarket chain in Greece) is cre- ating a Center of Excellence in Greece, one of only two in the world. The com- pany chose Greece because it was the first country to implement SAP Retail, and adjustment proved rapid. Last but not least, NSN (Nokia), is also expanding its operations in Greece, and HELLENICHELLHELLENNIC RESTRESRESTAURANTSTTAAUURAURANT as a result creating an additional 150 AUTHENTICAUTHENTENTICC GREGREEKEK CUCUISCUISINESINE new jobs, making it one of the multina- tional company’s biggest software cen- ters in the world. TRADINGTRADDINGG HOURSHOU EVERYEVVERY FRIDAY FRIDAAY&Y & SATURDAYSATURDARDADAY Although these companies produce MONMONDAMONDAYAY – SATURDAY:SATURDTURDAY: LIVE GREEK MUSICMUSUSSISICICC different kinds of products and serve dif- LunchL h1 12:00pm 122:00pm - 3:00pm 3:0 ferent things for our daily needs, they FUNCTIONFUNCTNCTIOON BOOKINGSGS FORFFOR UP TOTO 160160 have one common focal point: they re- DDinnerinner 5:30pm5:30pm till late (Weddings,(Weddingss, Christening,ing,g, BuckBBucks NigNightsghts & BirtBirthdays)hdays) quire highly skilled human resources from the Information and Communica- Level 5, 251251 Elizabeth Street,Street,, Sydney,SydSydney, NSW,NSW, 200020000 l PhonePPho 02 926192661 4910 tions Technology (ICT) and Marketing sectors, for the development of high quality products and services. DECEMBER 2013 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 15/43

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Windows to Orthodoxy (eBook) $5 For a full catalogue of CHILDREN’S BOOKS visit www.standrewsorthodoxpress.com.au TOTAL AMOUNT and click Potamitis Publishing on the left column. DECEMBER 2013 16/44 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Feast of the Holy Theophany of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ

ence to Christ (3). They are prepared to January 6 receive Him as He comes out of the wa- ter (4). Introduction The Orthodox Celebration The Feast of the Holy Theophany of the Feast of Epiphany (Epiphany) of our Lord God and Savior Je- sus Christ is celebrated each year on Jan- The celebration of this Feast of our uary 6. The Feast commemorates the Lord begins on January 5, a day known as Baptism of Christ and the divine revela- the Forefeast of Theophany. Depending tion of the Holy Trinity. At the Baptism of on the day of the week, this could be an Christ, all three Persons of the Holy Trin- evening service with Vespers followed by ity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - were the Liturgy of Saint Basil or a morning made manifest. Thus, the name of the service with Matins and the Liturgy of Feast is Epiphany, meaning manifesta- Saint John Chrysostom. tion, or Theophany, meaning manifesta- Following the service on January 5, the tion of God. service of the Blessing of the Waters is conducted. Prior to the evening or morn- Biblical Story ing service the Royal Hours with the Typi- ka are said. The Biblical story of the Baptism of On January 6, the day of the Feast, the Christ is recorded in all four of the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom Gospels: Matthew 3, Mark 1:1-9, Luke is conducted preceded by Matins and fol- 3:21-22, and John 1:31-34. lowed by the second Blessing of the Wa- John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus ters. and the one chosen by God to proclaim The Blessing of the Waters is conduct- His coming, was preaching in the wilder- ed in the church; however in many ness and was baptizing all who would re- places throughout the world services are spond to his message calling for repen- conducted near open bodies of water. As tance. As he was doing this, John was di- a sign of blessing as Christ blessed the recting the people toward the one who Jordan, holy water is poured into the would baptize them with the Holy Spirit body of water. (Matthew 3:11). An associated tradition has been the The Scriptures tell us that Jesus came tossing of a cross into the water to be re- from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be trieved by divers. baptized by him. Initially, John would not The holy water from the church is giv- do this, saying that Jesus should baptize en to the faithful to consume and to use him. Jesus said to John, “Let it be so now; in blessing their homes. In the weeks fol- for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill lowing the Feast, clergy visit the homes all righteousness (3:15). John consented of parishioners and conduct a service of and baptized Jesus. blessing using the holy water that was When Jesus came up from the water, blessed on the Feast of Theophany. the heavens opened suddenly, and the 1 2 Holy Spirit descended upon Him. The Source: www.goarch.org Bible records that the Spirit descended like a dove and alighted on him. Hymns of the Feast When this happened, a voice came from heaven and said, “This is my Son, Apolytikion: (First Tone) the Beloved, with whom I am well Lord, when You were baptized in the pleased.” This was the voice of God the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was Father. made manifest. For the voice of the Fa- Christ’s baptism in the Jordan was ther gave witness to You, calling You “theophany,” a manifestation of God to Beloved; and the Spirit, in the form of a the world, because it was the beginning 3 4 dove, confirmed the certainty of His of our Lord’s public ministry. It was also a words. Glory to You, Christ our God, who “theophany” in that the world was grant- appeared and enlightened the world. ed a revelation of the Holy Trinity. All Icon of the feast form of a dove descends upon Christ (de- Kontakion: (Fourth Tone) three Persons were made manifest to- tail). In the center of the icon is Christ be- Today You appeared to the world, and gether: the Father testified from on high The Icon of the Feast of Theophany ing baptized in the Jordan. He is standing Your light, O Lord, has left its mark upon to the divine Sonship of Jesus; the Son tells the story from the Gospels in images in the water wearing a waistcloth, and us as in fuller understanding we sing to received His Father’s testimony; and the and color. On the left side of the icon we with His right hand He is blessing the wa- You: “You came, You were made mani- Spirit was seen in the form of a dove, de- see John the Baptist (1) who is dressed in ters of the Jordan. Above His head is the fest, the unapproachable light.” scending from the Father and resting up- camel’s hair and has the appearance of Holy Spirit descending as a dove upon on the Son. one who lives in the wilderness. His arms Him (2). At the top of the icon, a semicir- Resources The theme of “manifestation” or “rev- are outstretched, showing an attitude of cle depicts the opening of the Heavens The Festal Menaion. Translated by Mother elation” is also expressed in Scripture prayer and reverence, but also directing and the voice of the Father. Mary (South Canaan, PA: St. Tikhon’s Seminary with the symbolism of light. In the hymn others to Christ. With his right hand he is 3. Angels of the Lord gathered on the Press, 1969) pp. 55-59. of the Feast we sing, “Christ has ap- conducting the baptism. shore of the Jordan River give praises to The Incarnate God: The Feasts of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, Catherine Aslanoff, editor peared and enlightened the world.” 1. Saint John the Baptist conducts the Christ (detail). 4. An angel of the Lord receives Christ and Paul Meyendorff, translator (Crestwood, Thus, January 6 is also known as the Baptism of our Lord and Savior Jesus NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1995). Feast of Lights. The Church celebrates on Christ (detail). as He comes out of the water (detail). On Festival Icons for the Christian Year by John this day the illumination of the world by 2. The Heavens open, the voice of the the right side of the icon angels are Baggley (Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary the light of Christ. Father is heard, and the Holy Spirit in the shown with their heads bowed in rever- Press, 2000). DECEMBER 2013 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 17/45 Health

tive layer made up of millions of nerve cells. Inheritance of Retinitis These cells are the rods and cones. The rods are Pigmentosa HEALTH more numerous and spread over the entire retina with more towards the outer edge and respond to It is thought that the incidence of Retinitis Pigmen- low levels of light. The cones are far fewer and are tosa in Australia is one case in every three thousand concentrated around the retina’s centre and respond live births. NEWSNEWS to colour and detail. While it is usually an inherited condition it should WITH DR. THEO PENKLIS * be noted that Retinitis Pigmentosa can occur in fami- How the Eye Functions lies with no known history of the condition. The type of inheritance can vary, it may be autoso- When an object is seen light travels from that ob- mal recessive, autosomal dominant or x-linked and ject to the cornea. The light then passes through the sometimes it may be difficult to determine which RETINITIS aqueous humour, pupil, lens and vitreous humour to type of inheritance applies especially if only one fam- reach the retina. During this passage light becomes ily member is affected. PIGMENTOSA focused on to the macula. At the macula light causes chemical reactions in the cones which then send elec- Diagnosis of Retinitis Retinitis Pigmentosa is a degenerative inherited eye trical messages from the eye to the brain. The brain Pigmentosa condition which affects the retina characterized by a recognises these messages and indicates that the ob- progressive loss of night vision, side vision and some- ject is seen . The diagnosis is made by the ophthalmologist on times central or reading vision. The cones are responsible for recognising colours the basis of the patient’s symptoms and the finding of Historically the term Retinitis Pigmentosa dates and being able to read. The rods allow sight in the the signs in the eye along with abnormal studies of vi- from the 19th Century when the condition was first dark and to detect objects to the sides and above and sual fields which are often confirmed with electro- identified. “Retinitis” refers to what was thought to below an object which is being focussed on. physiology studies. be inflammation in the retina and “pigmentosa” Retinitis Pigmentosa can sometimes be associated refers to this discoloration seen in the retina which is with other serious medical or ocular conditions in- visible on examination. cluding cataracts, glaucoma, macular oedema and other refractive condition. What is the retina? Treatment of Retinitis The retina is located at the back of the eye and is con- nected to the brain. The retina is made up of millions Pigmentosa of light sensitive cells known as photoreceptors cells. These photoreceptor cells consist of two main Treatment involves establishing an accurate diagno- groups, called rods and cones named after their ap- sis and excluding any other possible associated med- pearance under the microscope. The rods and cones ical conditions. have the function of transmitting electrical impulses Genetic counselling is important in establishing the to the brain to enable one to see. type of inheritance as this may have an impact on Retinitis Pigmentosa, sometimes termed RP and is other family members and on decisions about future also known as rod cone dystrophy and is caused by children. the gradual breakdown of these photoreceptors. This Attempts will be made to maximize vision, so any leads to progressive sight loss. coexistent ocular conditions should be addressed for example: correction of any refractive problems of the eyes that is correction of poor focus with glasses or How is sight affected? treatment of associated glaucoma or cataracts if these problems coexist. As we have discussed the loss of rods and cones, Symptoms of Retinitis Pigmentosa For many people with Retinitis Pigmentosa low vi- causes a loss in function in the region of the loss, for sion aids may be required. People will benefit from in- example in some cases people experience tunnel vi- Symptoms of Retinitis Pigmentosa are frequently structional techniques to cope with tunnel vision or sion this is because the rods at the outer edge of the magnification devices to assist in reading. retina have begun to die. Vision loss can sometimes experienced in childhood and the most common ear- be central reflecting dysfunction at the centre of the ly symptom is difficulty seeing in the dark or adapting retina and preserved peripheral or side vision. to a suddenly darkened environment. Future directions In other case poor night vision may occur and this is This difficulty seeing in the dark may precede the often the first warning sign of Retinitis Pigmentosa. other symptoms and signs by many years and a diag- A great deal of research is continuing in the treat- In some cases people affected may experience diffi- nosis may not be made for quite some time. Later ment of Retinitis Pigmentosa but there is still a long culty with glare. side vision is likely to be lost and in severe cases the way to go. Future treatments may involve retinal individual may be left with “tunnel vision”. transplants, artificial retinal implants, implantation of The rate of progression and degree of individual a bionic eye, gene therapy, stem cells, and drug and Eye Anatomy loss may vary highly however based on age of onset, nutritional therapies. type of inheritance and the experience of other af- The eye consists of several parts that resemble a * The information given in this article is of a general nature camera. The diagram below shows these parts. The fected members in the family some broad predictions and readers should seek advice from their own medical prac- retina is at the back of the eye and is the light sensi- may be made. titioner before embarking on any treatment. Greek lawyer, defender of Aborigines passes away The Greek lawyer, Stavros Komninos, recently passed He was the first lawyer in Queensland who spoke away. Komninos was the first Greek lawyer in Queens- Greek and was able to defend people whose mother land. He was a revolutionary man, fighting for the rights language was Greek. He devoted his whole life helping of Aborigines and the protection of the environment. the weak and defending their rights, often without prof- According to his son Thanassis, he genuinely loved it. people and proved it with his actions. He was always One of the cases that made him stand out was the trying to get to know his clients. Something he used to case of the actor Norm Stainer. In 1969, the actor was say was “only when you know the character of the oth- accused of using offensive phrases on stage and not ad- er can you help him. Only then, you know what is best hering to public decency. The case reached the Supreme for him. ” Court and then the Court of Appeal, where the defen- Komninos was a lover of nature and a passionate pro- dant was acquitted. tector of the environment. Wildlife Protection Society The defense of the right of free speech in the field of of Queensland, named him as “the lawyer who used the arts, established a precedent. legal system to protect wildlife.” In 1994, he was awarded with the Australian Medal. DECEMBER 2013 18/46 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Windows to Orthodoxy Ding! Dong! Merrily on High

By Guy Freeland*

Ding-a-Dong Ding Even if it is those lovely Greek Christmas carols that you are into, you must have heard, if only at your local shopping arcade, that splendid English carol, “Ding! Dong! Merrily on High”, which simulates bells descend- ing down the scale: Glor-or-or-or-or-or-or-or-or-or-or-or-or-or-or-or-or-or- ria! Hosannna in excelsis! (Apologies if I have the wrong number of “or”s.) Written in a combination of “Olde Tea Shoppe” pseu- do-medieval English and Church Latin, the carol is a Two of the five bells of the Greek Cathedral of the twentieth-century composition by a certain G.R.Wood- Annunciation, Sydney prior to hanging in 1994. ward: Photo: Fr John Grillis. “E’en so here below, below, / Let steeple bells be swungen, / And ‘Io,io,io!’ / By priest and people sungen. / Gloria! Hosanna in excelsis!” (Verse 2.) (Actually, G.R.Woodward combines the song of the Christmas angels, Gloria in excelsis Deo, with words from the Trisagion in the Eucharistic prayer, Hosanna in excelsis, Hosanna in the Highest.). The said G.R.Woodward wrote another, less well known, “bell” carol in like vein, “Ding-Dong Ding”: “Born of mother, / Blest o’er other, / Ex Maria Vir- gine, / In a stable / (T’is no fable) / Christus natus hodie. / Ding-dong ding! Ding-a-dong-a-ding! / Ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-a-dong ding!” (Verse 3.) Now, there is no mention of bells in the Gospel story Bellringing demonstration, Transfiguration Monastery, of the appearance of the angel to the shepherds on that Yaroslavl, Russia. The Tsar Bell, Moscow Kremlin. first Christmas night telling them of the birth of Christ. ments on the transmission of the sound across the wa- the case with the bells of Sydney’s Greek Cathedral.) The angel having delivered his message, “suddenly”, ter. Church-bells have often been regarded as living be- Luke tells us (2:13 RSV), “there was with the angel a If your church has a proper “Ring O’ Bells” (the name ings, and so in the Orthodox Order for the Consecration multitude of the heavenly host praising God and say- of a pub I know well in Cornwall) you are indeed b- of Bells, having censed the bells inside as well as out- ing” the words familiar to all devout Orthodox from the lessed. Sadly, mine doesn’t, but the Greek Cathedral of side, the celebrant gives an individual name to each Great Doxology sung at the end of Mattins/Orthros the Annunciation in Sydney has a ring of five bells (cast bell. Next, the top, outside and inside of the bells are (ideally as first light breaks): at the Piraeus foundry of John Bouras) and their sound sprinkled with Holy Water. Finally, having again been “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, always lifts my heart as I hear them, often while cross- censed, the bells are anointed with Holy Chrism. good will to all people.” ing the park next door. What a wondrous difference, It is interesting that the rite lays considerable stress (The Divine Liturgy, St Andrew’s Orthodox Press.) what a profound supra-linguistic contrast of meaning, not only on the power of the bells to move people to does the slow, slow funereal descent down the scale of prayer and repel evil forces but also, by their sound, to No bells in the biblical text, but at this point in Mat- the bells on Good Friday have compared with the over- calm storms. tins the church-bells are rung joyously. flowing cornucopia of joyous sound of the clashing dox- Typologically, church-bells are associated with the ological bells of Easter Sunday. two silver trumpets God commanded Moses to make to The Mystique of the Bells But if bells induce a state of exhilaration and joyous- assemble the people, sound alarms and signal the time ness, they also have the capacity to confront. And, of to break camp. The trumpets were also to be sounded G.R.Woodward was right, heavenly bells must have course, it is this property of the bells that renders them to mark festivals and New Moons, to accompany sacri- rung on that first Christmas night! Now, it is an interest- so effective in fulfilling their primary function of calling fices and in battle (remember the walls of Jericho). The ing question why, almost universally, Christians have the faithful away from daily preoccupations to prayer. relevant passage in the Old Testament book of Num- associated the hymn of the heavenly host with bells. Perhaps, also, it is this capacity to pull one up and bers (10:1-10) is read at the end of the order of Conse- Can bells really enhance the sublime hymn of the an- turn the mind to higher things that partially accounts cration. gels? Well, I think they can and do. Let me explain. for why there is almost invariably strong opposition to It is also interesting that included in the half dozen To classify church-bells as “musical instruments” is the installation of church-bells by a vociferous minority psalms recited during the service is Psalm 28 (29 MT) like classifying icons as “religious pictures”; they are, of local residents. The challenge of the bells can be pre- which speaks throughout of the workings of “the voice but to classify them as such is so to belittle the pow- cisely what they fear and on which they wish to turn of the Lord”. Clearly, we are to draw the inference that er/energy of these sacred artefacts as to border on their backs. the voice of God can be heard through the ringing of blasphemy. As with the wordless words of icons, the It is highly desirable that liturgical bellringing be per- the bells. voice of ringing church-bells transcends the limits of formed manually as an offering to God. Today, sadly, An odd aspect of our topic is the sewing of miniature what can be expressed in words and lifts us from the church-bells are sometimes rung automatically by a bells on to vestments, particularly the sakkos worn by earthly to the heavenly domain. Bells, like icons, can ut- computerised system, as is the case with Sydney’s bishops. The usual explanation is that this was done to ter the unutterable and have indeed been described as Greek Cathedral. One good thing about computerised ward off demons - are bishops particularly prone to de- “singing icons”. Bells are special. One writer, Brian Co- systems, however, is that they catalogue the range of monic attack? - but perhaps their function is simply to man, puts it like this: rhythms proper to different services and different days warn wary clergy of the whereabouts of the bishop! “[T]he sound of bells … contains within it some inde- and seasons of the Church year. The Cathedral’s system Under the Ottoman Empire the ringing of church-bells scribable feeling of ‘otherness’ … Here, in metal dug provides for no fewer than 57 traditional rhythms. was forbidden and so the bells were replaced by the se- from the earth, resonates some powerful quality that is How far back church-bells go is not really known, but mandron (= a wooden or iron board struck rhythmically able to strike awe and reach to the furthermost point of in the Celtic world modest bells possessed by early with a hammer or mallet). This had the consequence of our mind.” saints have always been regarded as amongst the most a widespread loss of knowledge of the art of bellringing. (Australian Catholic Record, July 2001.) sacred of relics. The fifth-century bronze-coated bell of The same problem occurred in Russia in Soviet times. St Patrick - “the Bell of the Will” - together with its or- In the 1930s, under Stalin, thousands of bells were Indeed, bells have remarkable properties. They can nate shrine (c.1100) is reckoned as one of the greatest melted down and the intricate art of bellringing was give expression to profound spiritual realities. Their treasures of Ireland. From the early Middle Ages on very nearly extinguished, since details of the practice sound spreads out across city, paddock and bush filling bells became revered possessions of churches and were seldom committed to writing. the heart with joy. The atmosphere in fact influences monasteries across Christendom. Today, there has been an explosion of interest in re- the sound of bells as the wind changes direction and In both East and West, traditionally bells are conse- covering the art of bellringing in Russia. In 2002 two fluctuates in intensity. Anyone who has heard the caril- crated, usually before they are hung, in a rite popularly huge bells, to replace those removed in 1930, were lon on Aspen Island in Canberra from the shores of Lake known as their “Christening” or “Baptism”. (Regret- Burley Griffin will be aware of subtle effects of the ele- tably, this ceremony is not always performed, as was DECEMBER 2013 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 19/47 Windows to Orthodoxy

Cont. from previous page Anglican Cathedral. Currently, they are rung for the Or- thodox Liturgy every third Sunday, as well as on special “baptised” by the Patriarch of Moscow at Sergiev Posad. occasions. Interestingly, the bells have Vladimir Putin’s name The traditional Orthodox mode of ringing is quite dif- moulded on them. ferent from change ringing. The bells are fixed, not The size of these bells, however, pales into insignifi- swung. Usually the ends of the ropes are attached to cance compared with the Tsar Bell in the Kremlin, which the clappers and secured so that the rope is held in ten- at over 200 tons is the heaviest bell in the world. During sion. This means that the bell can be rung by pressing a fire in 1737, while it was still in its casting pit, a por- the rope rather than pulling. Larger bells are often rung tion of the bell broke off when the still red-hot bell was with the legs rather than hands. The ropes are usually doused in cold water. gathered together in one spot so that they can be rung by a single ringer. With certain exceptions, the bells are Way Down Upon the Swanee River rung simultaneously to a melodious rhythm rather than in sequence. Or rather the River Swan. Recently, my wife and I had Two very different methods of bellringing; is one the great joy of watching and listening to the old bells clearly superior to the other? of the London church of St Martin’s-in-the-Fields. The Traditional Orthodox bellringing is organic and seem- bells are famous for their inclusion in the nursery song, ingly spontaneous. As the bells are not normally tuned “Oranges and Lemons”, which refers to bells of London to a specific note and are rung simultaneously, sound of parish churches. It begins: an incredible richness and vibrancy is generated. The ““Oranges and lemons”, say the bells of St Clement’s, different rhythms are expressive of the “feel” of the dif- / “You owe me five farthings”, say the bells of St Mar- Belltower of the “Swan Bells”, Perth, WA. ferent liturgical moments and festivals and seasons of tin’s”. tower is designed so that visitors can actually see the the Church. Orthodox bellringing addresses the heart However, it was not in Trafalgar Square that we were bells ringing in the belfry, while a television screen en- more than the head. destined to hear the bells but in Barrack Square, on the ables them simultaneously to watch the ringers in the Change ringing is cerebral more than somatic. It is foreshore of the Swan in Perth, WA. bellringing chamber below. mathematical, assigning each bell a number. The se- The story of what are now known as the “Swan Bells” The bells are set up for change ringing. This is a form quence of the numbers is then varied with each started with a proposal that a major ring of bells be ac- of ringing which developed in England in the sixteenth “change”, a set of changes constituting a unique quired as a Bicentennial project. It so happened that and seventeenth centuries. A number of bells are rung method. By means of this mathematical manipulation, just at this time St Martin’s decided they needed to one after another, the sequence is then changed as the music of great purity and beauty is produced. This have their peal of twelve bells, which dated from 1725- bells are rung again; and so on. The different patterns mathematical mode of creation mimics perfectly God’s 27, melted down and recast. All Hell broke loose as the of sequences are called “methods” and each has its continuous creation of the cosmos and its creatures. bells were the only surviving 12-bell ring of the Geor- proper name, the name also indicating the number of “All things”, says Wisdom 11:20, have been ordered by gian period. bells rung; for example, “Plain Bob Maximus” is a 12 God “by measure and number and weight.” In the event, it was agreed that the bells be saved bell method. The bells are rung full circle from a bottom No, the one tradition is not superior to the other; and, having been retuned, be given to Perth as a Bicen- up resting position, each bell having its own rope pulled they complement one another. tennial gift, while a new ring of 13 bells would be cast by a single bellringer. To see the great Swan Bells turn- for St Martin’s from Australian metal. Subsequently, ing through 360 degrees is an awe-inspiring sight. *A selection of 33 of Guy Freeland’s Vema articles has been Western Australia decided to redevelop Barrack Square Holy Trinity Church in Hobart has the oldest ring of published by St Andrew’s Orthodox Press under the title, Win­ and build a belltower for the St Martin’s bells as the bells in the Southern Hemisphere still in situ in their dows to Orthodoxy and can be purchased from the Arch- diocesan Bookcentre. E-book versions are also available. See tower, where they have been since 1847. Holy Trinity is State’s principal Millennium project. Six new bells have order form on page 15/43. been added to the “Georgian twelve”. now a parish church of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese The author is grateful to Fr John Grillis and Fr Timothy Evan- The belltower is an impressive structure flanked by of Australia, cherished and lovingly maintained by its gelinidis for supplying information on the bells of the Cathe- architectural copper sails and capped with a translucent priest and people. The bells are hung for change ringing dral of the Annunciation, Sydney and Holy Trinity, Hobart re- spire, rising to 82.2m, which is illuminated at night. The and rung by a band of bellringers who also ring for the spectively.

Istanbul monastery Christian Dior, Gucci, Ted Baker may become mosque Katerina + Kyriacos Mavrolefteros

A ruined fifth-century monastery in Istanbul is to be turned into a mosque, local media reports, amid a row with Greece over possible similar moves for the ancient Hagia Sophia complex. The plans for the Monastery of Studios, which was dedicated to St John the Baptist and was considered the most important of Con- stantinople, were revealed by the Hurriyet Daily News on Tuesday. Religious authorities in the city could not immediately be reached for comment on the report, which comes amid increasing criticism of the government over its attempts to impose Islamic values on sec- Ban Ray ular society in Turkey. Last week, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc angered Greece when he voiced hope that Hagia Sophia, a stunning Byzantine mon- ument that dates almost 1500 years, would be converted into a Muslim place of worship. Two churches of the same name in other parts of Turkey have re- cently been turned into mosques, adding to the estimated 83,000 across the country. Hurriyet said the monastery, which has been left in ruins by fire and earthquakes with only part of the church remaining, would be restored in 2014 and then converted. 874 Anzac Parade, Maroubra Junction Hagia Sophia, now one of Istanbul’s most popular tourist attrac- (at bus stop, on RTA block)

(at bus stop, on RTA block) Rodenstock, tions, was a church for centuries - and the seat of the Patriarchate of Istanbul - before the Ottomans turned it into a mosque in the 15th TTeell:: ((0022)) 99331144--00339933 century. Serengeti, Maui Jim, Fendi Both Hagia Sofia and the Monastery of Studios were turned into [email protected] museums after the founding of modern Turkey by Mustafa Kamal Ataturk in 1923. Debate about the role of religion in Turkish society has intensified in the run-up to a highly charged election period, kicking off next March with local polls. Nina Ricci, Oakley, La font DECEMBER 2013 20/48 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Nelson Mandela, anti-apartheid icon and father of modern South Africa The prisoner-turned-president who reconciled South Africa after the end of apartheid, died on Thursday, December 5. He was 95.

Freedom fighter, prisoner, moral com- ply Madiba, his traditional clan name. pass and South Africa’s symbol of the Others affectionately called him Tata, struggle against racial oppression. That the word for father in his Xhosa tribe. was Nelson Mandela, who emerged from prison after 27 years to lead his country A nation on edge out of decades of apartheid. Mandela last appeared in public during His message of reconciliation, not the 2010 World Cup hosted by South vengeance, inspired the world after he Africa. His absences from the limelight negotiated a peaceful end to segregation and frequent hospitalizations left the na- and urged forgiveness for the white gov- tion on edge, prompting Zuma to reas- ernment that imprisoned him. sure citizens every time he fell sick. “As I walked out the door toward the “Mandela is woven into the fabric of gate that would lead to my freedom, I the country and the world,” said Ayo knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and Johnson, director of Viewpoint Africa, hatred behind, I’d still be in prison,” which sells content about the continent Mandela said after he was freed in 1990. to media outlets. Mandela, a former president, battled When he was around, South Africans health issues in recent years, including a had faith that their leaders would live up recurring lung infection that led to nu- to the nation’s ideals, according to John- merous hospitalizations. son. Despite rare public appearances, he African President Jacob Zuma said. echoed the same sentiment. “He was a father figure, elder states- held a special place in the consciousness “What made Nelson Mandela great was “We’ve lost one of the most influential, man and global ambassador,” Johnson of the nation and the world. precisely what made him human. We courageous and profoundly good human said. “He was the guarantee, almost like “Our nation has lost its greatest son. saw in him what we seek in ourselves.” beings that any of us will share time with an insurance policy, that South Africa’s Our people have lost a father,” South His U.S. counterpart, Barack Obama, on this Earth,” Obama said. “He no young democracy and its leaders will longer belongs to us - he belongs to the pursue the nation’s best interests.” ages.” There are telling nuggets of Mandela’s character in the many autobiographies A hero to blacks and whites about him. Mandela became the nation’s con- An unmovable stubbornness. A quick, Nelson Mandela science as it healed from the scars of easy smile. An even quicker frown when and George Bizos apartheid. accosted with a discussion he wanted no His defiance of white minority rule and part of. long incarceration for fighting against segregation focused the world’s atten- War averted tion on apartheid, the legalized racial se- Despite chronic political violence be- gregation enforced by the South African fore the vote that put him in office in government until 1994. 1994, South Africa avoided a full-fledged TThhee GGrreeeekk wwhhoo ssaavveedd In his lifetime, he was a man of com- civil war in its transition from apartheid plexities. He went from a militant free- to multiparty democracy. The peace was dom fighter, to a prisoner, to a unifying due in large part to the leadership and vi- NNeellssoonn MMaannddeellaa figure, to an elder statesman. sion of Mandela and de Klerk. Years after his 1999 retirement from “We were expected by the world to the presidency, Mandela was considered self-destruct in the bloodiest civil war George Bizos, the Greek lawyer and notorious trial of Rivonia in 1963-1964, the ideal head of state. He became a along racial grounds,” Mandela said dur- good friend of Nelson Mandela, during while Bizos was in the group of lawyers yardstick for African leaders, who consis- ing a 2004 celebration to mark a decade a past visit to Athens revealed details that defended Mandela and his com- tently fell short when measured against of democracy in South Africa. of his life and his relationship with rades. Bizos was among the men who him. “Not only did we avert such racial con- Mandela. saved Mandela from a death sentence. Warm, lanky and charismatic in his silk, flagration, we created amongst our- Bizos, was born in 1928 in the village Originally the death penalty had been earth-toned dashikis, he was quick to ad- selves one of the most exemplary and Vasilitsi, in Messinia. In 1941, at just 13 requested, but changed due to world- mit to his shortcomings, endearing him progressive nonracial and nonsexist de- years old, he was forced to abandon wide protests and the skilled legal ma- further in a culture in which leaders ra- mocratic orders in the contemporary his home during the German occupa- neuvers of the defence team. Mandela rely do. His steely gaze disarmed oppo- world.” Mandela represented a new tion of World War II. was sentenced to 28 years in prison. nents. So did his flashy smile. breed of African liberation leaders, brea- He then immigrated to Johannes- Mandela was never afraid to die for Former South African President F.W. king from others of his era such as Ro- burg, South Africa, penniless and what he believed in. However, George de Klerk, who was awarded the Nobel bert Mugabe by serving one term. didn’t speak any English. After he Bizos urged him not to provoke the Peace Prize with Mandela in 1993 for In neighboring Zimbabwe, Mugabe has found a job, he stayed there without judges: “I consulted him to say, that he transitioning the nation from a system of been president since 1987. A lot of Afri- seeing his family for 20 years. was hoping to live and realize his racial segregation, described their first can leaders overstayed their welcomes His life was full of difficulties, but he ideals and that if needed, he was ready meeting. and remained in office for years, some- had the chance to meet and collabo- to die. We agreed on this.” said Bizos. “I had read, of course, everything I times decades, making Mandela an ano- rate with a legendary man, Nelson Bizos, whenever speaking of Man- could read about him beforehand. I was maly. Mandela. The two men met in 1948 at dela is overcome with emotion. Man- well-briefed,” he said. But he was not always popular in world the university where Mandela gave dela always told him that it is easier to “I was impressed, however, by how tall capitals. Until 2008, the United States daily lectures on human rights. Man- love people and that no one is born to he was. By the ramrod straightness of his had placed him and other members of dela was 10 years older than Bizos and be a racist. He never abandoned his stature, and realized that this is a very the African National Congress on its ter- was helping him make a living by as- people nor did he consider himself as a special man. He had an aura around him. ror list because of their militant fight signing him cases. As Bizos said, they savior; he considered himself a faithful He’s truly a very dignified and a very ad- against the apartheid regime. became friends in the courts. servant of both native and white peo- mirable person.” They became inseparable during the ple. For many South Africans, he was sim- Source: CNN DECEMBER 2013 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 21/49

Residents of Thessaloniki embrace their newly renovated waterfront promenade

No amount of rain or wind could have stopped the Tourism ministry The newly people of Thessaloniki from heading down to the newly reconstructed reconstructed waterfront on Sunday, December 1, and waterfront presents priorities especially the stretch from the White Tower to the of Thessaloniki Yacht Club, which had been closed since August 2011 for extensive renovations. for regional tourism A veritable wave of humanity surged from the early morning that Sunday to enjoy a revamp the likes of development which the northern port city hadn’t seen since the 1960s, when the seafront was first shored up. Nikis Av- Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and tourism enue, which runs along the coast, was also closed to ministry general secretaries presented the min- traffic on inauguration day, making it seem that even istry’s priorities for regional development of tou- though the skies were overcast, the people of Thessa- rism in the country, during a workshop with deputy loniki were having a big, spontaneous party. heads of Greek regional authorities held at the The waterfront revamp includes a long stretch of Greek National Tourism Organisation’s (GNTO) of- parkland totaling some 30 hectares, starting from the fices. White Tower and ending at the Concert Hall. The deci- Kefalogianni asked for cooperation between sion to open the green area to the public before all the Greek regions in order to achieve the common goal work was completed was driven by municipal authori- of improving the quality of Greek tourism and en- ties wanting to show that they could keep to schedule suring the balanced growth of Greek regions. even if that meant that some of the work would be the small gardens that once graced the detached hous- The tourism minister stressed that “this year’s completed later. es that occupied this part of the city. tourist season went well, as the data show [the ar- For all the inauguration’s success, however, the proj- The promenade itself has been repaved and is easier rivals] of over 17.5 million tourists and some 12.5 ect, which was started under Thessaloniki’s former to walk or cycle along after the removal of the cobble- billion euros in revenue, creating the expectation Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos, has not been warmly stones, while trees and benches line the entire route that things are changing.” embraced by his successor, Yiannis Boutaris, who was from the Makedonia Palace hotel to the Thessaloniki “We can now look ahead with optimism, as the not present at the inauguration. In fact, in earlier state- Concert Hall. tourism sector, which represents a 18-20 pct of the ments to the press, Boutaris had clearly stated that the The entire renovation project is expected to end in Gross Domestic Product and a 20 pct of jobs, is de- aesthetic concept of the revamp was the work of the March, with the completion of two remaining little cisive for the Greek regional development,” Kefalo- previous mayor and not his own. parks - dedicated to Alexander the Great and the Four gianni added. Whether he intended to or not, Boutaris paid a com- Seasons - and the installation of water features. One of pliment to his predecessor with his statement because the issues that is still pending is whether the regional there is no doubt that the award-winning design by the authority will allow the municipality to run the seven or Greece to open architectural firm of Prodromos Nikiforidis and Bernard eight planned refreshment stands. So far, it has put for- Cuomo has set the bar for similar interventions in pub- ward the rather ludicrous argument that the area is archaeological lic spaces very high indeed. supposed to be used for activities aimed at residents Along the promenade, the architects designed a suc- and not as a means for the municipality to make money cession of 15 separate green spaces, each of which has - even though it is the municipality’s job to maintain the diving parks been assigned a theme. These are like mini-parks, each green areas, which cost 32.1 million euros in funds from Located near Pylos in the south-western Pelopon- about the size of a large living room, which resemble the National Strategic Reference Framework. nese, the two parks will allow visitors to explore an- cient shipwrecks and underwater archaeology. Among the sites are the remains of ancient trad- ing vessels dating to the Roman, Byzantine and me- dieval periods, discovered by archaeologists around Remains of dead Greek soldier the island of Sapienza. Though the hulls of the ships have long since disintegrated, their cargoes, which include granite pillars from the middle-east, am- phorae and stone sarcophagi, can still be found, back home after 65 years scattered across the sea bed. To the north, in the Bay of Navarino are a number In a modest yet moving ceremony, a military contin- in memory of the unburied Charalambos. of 19th century shipwrecks. These include the re- gent paid tribute to 23-year-old soldier, Charalambos However, in the Chapel of Agios Dimitrios near mains of three Turkish ships sunk by allied British, Korkovis, who was killed in 1948 in the Greek region Souli, there was a grave with an inscription that read: Russian and French forces during the Battle of of Souli. The military contingent delivered the bones “Charalambos Korkovis, soldier.” Navarino. The battle, which took place in 1827, was of the soldier to his family, 65 years after his death. Fifteen days ago, the grave was exposed due to ero- a key engagement in the Greek War of Independ- His 89-year old sister, Agathi, couldn’t believe that sion of the ground caused by restoration works in the ence and was the last major naval engagement to she would live long enough to receive the bones of area and it was then that the bones were revealed. A be fought entirely with sailing ships. her brother, who was killed in 1948 fighting for the priest, Ioannis Giokas, decided to keep the bones in an In addition to underwater archaeology, divers will Hellenic Army. ossuary. With the assistance of the local community, be able to enjoy the marine life of the Mediter- “Today we are both happy and sad”, said Agathi on he managed to find the soldier’s family. ranean. Underwater caves and reefs home to the Athens News Agency. She explained that the fam- According to the records of the Hellenic Army, Char- grouper and sea turtles can all be found within the ily of the young soldier knew that he had been killed alambos Korkovis was born in Kerasochori in Evrytania parks, while dolphins are a common sight in Pylos somewhere in the mountains of Souli. However, they and had 5 brothers and one sister. Today only his sis- Bay. were unable to find enough information to begin a ter Agathi is alive. According to Marketing Greece, a representative search for his remains. For 65 years, in Kerasochori in Charalambos Korkovis’ remains will be placed in the for the Greek tourism industry, the parks are due to Evrytania, Korkovis’ family have been lighting a candle family’s grave. be open by the summer of 2014. DECEMBER 2013 22/50 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Arts, Food & Wine Editor: Imogen Coward Cutting a fine figure

By Dr Ann Coward on long-term affects of dietary supple- ments. There is no use in telling a young It’s almost Christmas which means Painting man that, for example, one supplement, sending and/or receiving cards with im- of Louis XIV tribulus (or water chestnut) when given ages of snowmen, and stockings placed to sheep renders their hind legs useless. on mantelpieces above blazing fires. They know they’re not sheep, and any- Hams are ordered, turkeys cooked and way, the mirror tells them that they’re puddings and mince pies baked or looking good. Many believe, truly be- bought. More and more, though, as we lieve, that they are actually looking after come to terms with the fact that we their health. After all, that’s what the lit- DON’T live in the northern hemisphere, erature, and the labels, tell them. The many opt for salads, prawns, and for fact that the cult of body sculpting dessert, fruit (albeit on top of pavlovas), amongst men is right up there with un- as more summer-appropriate fare. After necessary plastic surgery amongst wo- Christmas come the inevitable deluge of men does not occur to them. magazine articles on diets, or worse. Women, we are told, need to focus on As I write this, my mind goes back to a regaining their bikini figures, while we young ballet teacher I met years ago. We tut-tut over the images of starved star- talked about the pressure placed on lets. young teenage ballet dancers to starve themselves, and she said - wisely I Sadly, body ‘sculpting’ appears to be thought - that we should all learn to finding more social acceptability, with work with the shape we’ve been given. women, young and old, being encour- Then, she pulled from her bag a small aged to have injections or surgery to Mars bar, which, it transpired, was her achieve a currently fashionable ‘shape’. dinner. So much for her words of wis- Men’s and women’s shape, and how dom! What her common sense knew to they have suffered to achieve a particu- be true, did not match up with the image lar aesthetic, is the topic of a fascinating she had in her mind of what constituted book I’ve recently purchased. It’s a small an ideal figure shape. That these two Dover publication, entitled The History of could easily be in conflict is, according to Underclothes by C. Willett and Phillis historians Willett and Cunnington, amply Cunnington. If I had my way, it would be demonstrated by the many quotes compulsory reading for all school stu- Despite the amount of media space poor appetite, and consuming a high in- throughout their book which poke fun at dents, as it shows quite clearly that our given over to the current fad of artificial- take of protein but little fresh fruit, veg- the absurdities displayed by both men ideas on figure shape are the result of ly sculpting women’s bodies, little atten- etables and whole grains in their diet. and women when attempting to alter subtle and not so subtle conditioning. tion is drawn to what has become a mul- Nor will you easily find research warning the appearance of their shape in line Put simply, we grow used to what we see ti-million dollar industry and extraordi- of the stress being placed on kidneys and with earlier fashion and fads, although and begin to view this as ‘normal’, re- narily time consuming preoccupation hormone levels, although anyone living today it is more the actual shape of the gardless of how outlandish the shape aimed at reshaping men’s and teenage with a young man whose moods are er- body itself that fashion dictates should may be. Bottoms, for example, have boys’ bodies. While for many males the ratic and whose temper flares up, won’t be changed. gone in and out of fashion, with women idea of pectoral implants might appear need proof. The effects are there for all willing to undergo extraordinary discom- extreme, there is a widespread, and so- to see. fort to achieve a fashionable shape - al- cially acceptable range of nutrition defi- Ref: The History of Underclothes, by C. though our era appears to be the first to cient, cheaply made yet expensively While the health risks of, for example, Willet and Phillis Cunnington. A modest- expect both sexes to undergo radical sur- priced, so-called dietary supplements breast implants, may now be well-docu- ly priced paperback, by Dover publica- gery in pursuit of the body beautiful. readily available through chemist stores, mented, there appears to be no research tions, 1992. Shaving off ones eyebrows and plucking health food shops and specialist ‘vita- hair off the hairline to create an illusion min’ stores, aimed at sculpting or ‘cut- of a high forehead appear mild in com- ting’ the body. Yet anyone with an ounce parison, although wearing steel-rein- of mathematical sense can work out that The Greek Australian Vema forced corsets to achieve a pigeon chest the hundreds of dollars being spent on

the range of powders and capsules could THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN must have been extremely uncomfort- The oldest circulating Greek newspaper outside able. be better spent on fresh food. As I over- VEMA Greece NOVEMBER 2013 Tel. (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 E-mail: [email protected] OUR ARCHBISHOP’S VIEW heard one woman say to a young male TIME AND SPACE AS “SUNDAY” - Part 1

PAGE 5/23 Women have not been alone in ex- whose meagre wages had been frittered hibiting tendencies to go to extraordi- on bottles of supplements, the same

fashion amount of money could have allowed Archbishop Ieronymos nary lengths for fashion - and is announces aid to Greek hospitals the correct term. While padding out him to eat scotch fillet every night for PAGE 6/24 INTERNATIONAL one’s breasts may have continued to be dinner over the same period of time as COLLOQUY he was drinking his protein shakes. on Parthenon Marbles fashionable since the 1790s - 1820s, a Schulz: Greece is a country of opportunities Three organizations devoted to the reunification of the create opportunities for open discussion between all par- Parthenon Marbles have gathered in Sydney, for the ties involved not only in relation to the repatriation of yearly “Parthenon: An Icon of Global Citizenship” confer- the Parthenon Marbles, but also to the relevance of the The President of the European Parliament, ence. The International Organizing Committee - Australia Parthenon Marbles and the Parthenon as an icon of good Martin Schulz, stated that Greece is the coun- - for the Restitution of the Parthenon Marbles (IOC-A- global citizenship.” try of opportunities not the country of crisis, RPM) hosted its British and American counterparts from Notable conference speakers included Greek Ambassa- fashion amongst men to strap on false and the same is true about the rest of the November 15-17 for the joint conference, which attract- dor to Australia Haralambos Dafaranos and Yannis Iacov- countries of southern Europe. ed campaigners, scholars and philhellenes from around ou, the Cypriot High Commissioner to Australia. The IOC- PAGE 14/32 the world. A-RPM, founded in 1981, is the first committee devoted The event concentrated on four themes: education, to returning all Parthenon fragments to Athens, their economy, activism and litigation. Event coordinator Den- place of origin. calf muscles in the late 18th century, to Swallow this or that, before and after nis Tritaris noted that “this event will leave a legacy and Cont. page 7/25 ‘60 Minutes’ in Ikaria

A journalist from the Australian TV show ‘60 Minu- etables or fresh goat’s milk. Furthermore, the moun- tes’ visited Ikaria to see how the islanders manage to tainous terrain is also a factor seeing as moving from exercising, go the ads and the bombard- beat time and live for so many years. The story men- one place to another helps residents maintain their “accentuate the shapeliness of the leg.” tions that “there is an idyllic island, where the resi- good physique. It may also be due to natural radiation dents party until morning, they don’t take pills, don’t from the granite rocks, and the slow pace of lifestyle go to the gym but somehow they manage to live well for example the siesta certainly contribute to their into their hundreds, are healthy and have sex even in longevity. The reporter was surprised when she saw a their old age.” The crew of the show visited the Aegean 96 year-old man run behind kids in an especially rocky island of Ikaria and recorded cases of people who have and mountainous place, as well as another 90 year-old ment of internet blogs, and articles from Nafplion lived more than a hundred years - their lives and their men drinking a few glasses of red wine. soon passed out of fashion along with diet. All evidence shows that Ikarians live an average of Finally what impressed her most, was the fact every- Greece’s first capital, with its three imposing ten years longer than other Europeans and Americans. one goes to the celebrations and social gatherings. fortresses, still exudes history and tradition, According to scientists, the secret of longevity in “Old people and infants. People of all ages. Nobody matched by superb views. Ikaria may be the clean air, friendly lifestyle, fresh veg- feels excluded and everyone feels useful,” she said. tight breeches. The difference today is supposed fitness journals, and you too PAGE 20/38 that the emphasis is on reshaping one- can end up with rippling muscles well self, whereas in times gone by there was displayed thanks to the lack of a fat over- more emphasis on using undergarments lay, with bulging veins due to the va- The oldest circulating to create an illusion of shapes. This is not sodilatory properties of some supple- to say that dreadful distortions did not ments, and feel great into the bargain occur due to fashionable practices. We with energy to burn. You won’t easily newspaper outside Greece all know, for example - in the West - of find commentary on the risks involved in figures being distorted by the wearing of taking these supplements - the research corsets from a young age, and - in the is drowned out by the bullish tones of Tel: (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 East - of feet being distorted by the prac- men who, while believing they appear Email: [email protected] tice of binding. ‘toned’ are actually starving, having a DECEMBER 2013 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 23/51

Questionable tourist development in Corfu

According to a Presidential Decree that was published earlier this month, the first “Special Scheme for Devel- opment of Public Property” of the Kassiopi in Kerkyra, has been approved and includes many provisions re- garding construction and the use of the land. The de- velopment project, which is handled by TAIPED, has been condemned by the Municipality of Kerkyra, the Regional Administration of Ionian Islands, environmen- tal groups and citizens for its detrimental impact on the environment. The development plans provide 36,400 square meters of construction in about 500 acres of largely untouched, pristine land, with 7,280 square me- ters reserved for a hotel complex, summer homes, sports facilities, restaurants etc. The hotel will be con- structed at least 50 meters from the shore, while the Australia seems summer homes will be allowed within 30 meters. willing to grant visas to Greeks Will Kostakis: A new rising

Greece’s ambassador in Canberra, Haris Dafara- nos had a meeting with Australian Minister for Im- talent in literature migration, Scott Morrison (pictured) in the Aus- tralian parliament. 24-year-old Greek from Sydney, Will Kostakis (pictu- According to sources from the Ministry of Immi- red), is one of the up-and-coming young writers in Aus- gration, the meeting was “warm and genuine.” It tralia and is destined to leave his mark. was found, among other things, that there is “a In 2005, Will Kostakis won Sydney Morning Herald common ground between Greece and Australia Young Writer of the Year, for a collection of short-sto- concerning an interstate agreement about tourist ries that he had written. visas with the right to work.” A short time after, his first novel, titled “Loathing Lo- These granted visas will last for 12 months and la,” was published. Recently, his second book “The First concern 18-30 year-old Greeks, who during this Third” was released. time have the right to work and study in Australia. His latest book is a portrait of a broken Greek family However, the Australian Council of Trade Unions and the efforts of the son to help his family cope with (ACTU), recently called on the government to re- difficulties and build strong family ties. The book ad- vise visas with the right to work, because of the dresses young people aged 15 and older. It tackles is- high rate of unemployment among the youth. sues of identity, immortality and of the pressure that is Finally, the Australian Ministry of Immigration put on young children while growing up. said that the agreement with Greece will be signed Critics speak of Kostakis as a “huge talent” that will in the first semester of 2014. flourish outside the Australian borders.

St John’s Greek Orthodox College – Saturday Greek Language School A Productive School Year

Once again another school year has come to an end. our children Greek history, our traditions, values, mo- We believe that the past year has been a fruitful A school year that has safely unfolded for our children rals, customs, songs, dances, our faith and our culture. school year. The Greek Saturday School students fol- in the Saturday School of Saint John. Where the teach- In other words, the study of the Greek language will low their Greek lessons with genuine interest, they ers, students and the parents worked closely and co- cultivate what we call the simple identity of our chil- participate in Greek dance lessons and celebrations of operatively together to place an additional stepping dren, and apart from the advantages that come from our national anniversaries with due respect. They at- stone in the process of learning our language. knowledge of a second language they become aware tend church during our major religious festivals such The diversity and identity of the individual is a hu- of their cultural roots, which are the roots of what we as Easter and Christmas. Our year 12 VCE students did man right and fortunately, the welcoming country in call European civilization. very well in their examinations and we all await with which we live in not only respects this right but en- Apart from our mission to teach our children the optimism that the New School Year that begins on the courages and supports us, by actively helping finan- Greek language and culture, our Greek school cares 1st of February 2014, will be as safe and fruitful for cially those who wish to cultivate it. for their safety and well-being whilst at school. our children. Therefore it is up to us to help our children, with Our teachers continuously monitor the school Before closing our thoughts on our Greek school, we some small sacrifices, so as not to lose this particular grounds during breaks. As we have already men- would like to thank first and foremost the parents who identity, which enhances their character and personal- tioned, we believe that school is an extension of our trusted us with their children once again this year, the ity. children’s home, so this is how we wish both the stu- teachers themselves that have outdone themselves in We have always said that the Greek School in Aus- dents and parents to feel. Moreover, with the care their duties, Ms Katerina Papakonstantinou for her tralia is not just a school where another language is and sustained interest of the Principal, Dr Harry support, the VCE teacher of the Day College, Mrs An- taught. It is a school that teaches one of the oldest Ladopoulos, the School Council and the College Board droulla Papakonstantinou for her unceasing concern languages in the world, a language which has enriched of Directors, in addition to cooperation in the curricu- and help and finally, the children themselves for the almost all languages of the world and especially the lum, teachers are invited to attend Professional effort and dedication they have shown all year. European languages. Teaching training and First Aid courses for anaphylax- One great spiritual man of this country said “Learn is, asthma and many other medical conditions. In this P. Gogidis Greek to improve your English”. In addition, however, way we can better care for our students whilst at Head through this language we will imbed in the souls of school. Saturday Greek Language School DECEMBER 2013 24/52 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Travel Naousa Bask in town’s unique diversity This northern hub has known more prosperous days but still offers irresistible natural, architectural and historical attractions BY H. ARGYROPOULOS oldest. The 6-hectare park, which is watered by the Arapit- The Macedonian town of Na- sa source, is a popular recre- ousa (population 22,000) mi- ation area and features an arti- ght be known primarily as a ski ficial lake, picnic facilities, destination, on account of the sports grounds, an environ- two ski centers in its vicinity, mental information center and but the area is endowed with a a hotel (Vermion). You can also great deal more to distract enjoy rides on ponies or a even diehard fans of the sport. small train that traverses the It can also be recommended park. The park is especially for its general natural endow- good for picnics in summer ments - abundant waters - as (tip: leave a watermelon to well as its rich historical and ar- cool in the stream). Try deli- chitectural heritage or even cious trout in nearby tavernas. simply for its culinary and vini- Also a few kilometers out- cultural tradition. side Naousa, in the idyllic loca- Situated on the eastern slo- tion of Isvoria near the village pes of Mt Vermio, 90 kms west of Kopanos, is the site of the of Thessaloniki, Naousa has famous School of Aristotle, strong historical and industrial where the ancient philosopher credentials. It is one of four lo- taught Alexander the Great. A cations in the country officially short distance from there is an declared “heroic” (along with windows were small and some waterfall to avoid being cap- os Georgios, Panaghia and ancient Macedonian theater. the town of Mesolongi in west- houses even had bastions to tured by the Turks in April Timiou Prodromou. Scattered Near Lefkadia village there are ern Greece, the Souli village ensure better security. 1822. Naousa has three inter- around the town are also a a number of ancient Macedon- district in Epirus and the Arkadi Heading in the direction of esting old churches notable for number of interesting public ian tombs, notably the Kinch monastery on Crete) for acts of the plain, you come to the their frescoes, icons and or- 19th-century buildings, mostly Tomb - named after the Danish resistance against Ottoman town’s municipal park - in an nate woodwork, namely Aghi- schools, church bell towers architect who discovered it in rule. And it has been variously area resembling a natural bal- and the clock tower, in contin- 1877, and those of Lyson and dubbed as Greece’s “Manches- cony overlooking the plain - uous operation since 1896. Kallikles. ter,” for its flourishing textile which, via the paths on the Do not leave Naousa without Finally, Naousa is also well- industry for about a century banks of the Arapitsa River, is visiting the wonderful Aghios known for Boules, a unique (roughly 1890-1990), or “Cali- connected with the landmark Nikolaos Park, 4 kms south- carnival group dance event fornia,” on account of the Sacrifice Monument, on the west up the mountain slope, that attracts large numbers of area’s extensive fruit produc- spot where local women plun- with the forest of plane trees visitors annually. tion and peach-canning indus- ged to their deaths over the believed to be among Greece’s ATHENSPLUS try. The textile industry, which exported most of its produc- tion, has been in a process of decline in recent decades, lea- ding to a steep rise in local un- employment, and hopes of a revival largely rest on the tou- rism industry. A tour of the town best be- gins with a stroll around the 1 2 3 4 old quarters of Alonia, Poulia- na and Batania, perched on hi- gher ground. The houses here, Where to stay Where to eat What to see Transport built in the traditional style of western Macedonia with the In Naousa: Palaia Poli a restored In Naousa you will find plenty of Visit the Historical and Folk Muse- Naousa is 510 km from Athens. protruding first floor, are all 1900 mansion (52520/1), Hayiati excellent meat-based dishes and ap- um (Aghiou Dimitriou Street, 217- On the highway to Thessaloniki fol- 13). Skiers head for the Tria-Pente low the exit to Veria once you cross large, two-story buildings with (gym, sauna, 52120), Dellagio (242- petizers, as well as pies. Stuffed vine 42/3). In Aghios Nikolaos: Am- and cabbage leaves are a must. Pigadia sports complex (18 km, at al- the Aliakmonas River. Once in Veria, inner courtyards paved with pelonas Valtadorou (20 rooms, 10 Spondi (Karatasou Sq in the center) titudes of 1,430- 2,000 m, tel 449- via the Egnatia Highway, take the pebbles in geometrical de- suites, 52300), Vermion (29311), is one of the best propositions. Also, 81/5) or Seli (Greece’s first ski cen- exit toward Naousa from the Veria signs, plus a garden and even Nisi Margaritas (52600), Xenonas Arapitsa (3 Dimokratias), Naouseiko ter, founded in 1934 – 20 km, at ring road (20 km). There are three stables. Nikolas (21594). In Aghios Pavlos: (16 Hatzigrigoriadi), Oinomagirema- 1,530 m, tel 23310.49226), crossed intercity bus connections from Some also included large sto- Pleiades Resort (brand-new, fire- ta (1 Dragoumi), Spilaio (34 Spi- by European Walking Route E4. Athens daily (8.30 a.m., 3 p.m. and rage areas, evidence of the places, 44415), Akrorion (52732), laiou), Kioski (in the municipal park), Naousa has a vibrant cultural life: 8.30 p.m., tel 210.512.0887), and Achilleion (44111), Naousa (44777). Paradosiako (28 Meg. Alexandrou) the Municipal Cultural Organization about one every hour from Thessa- town’s waterpowered small loniki and Veria. There are also di- manufacturing and handicraft Near School of Aristotle: Villa An- and Fagopoti (9 Constantinidi). The (17 Hatzimalousi, tel 29800, fax themia (43480). On the Veria road: recommended hotels Palaia Poli, 29801) runs a conservatory, orches- rect train connections with Thessa- workshops that predated the Asteras (52332/4/5), Esperides (spa, Akrorion, Vermion and 3-5 Pigadia tra and choir, and holds regular per- loniki and via Platy with Athens (Hel- industrial heyday. jacuzzi, suites with fireplace, 202- also offer good food. Thomas’s pud- formances. Oinotour (1 Papaflessa, lenic Railways: 1110). The train sta- The gates were of heavy 50). Dryades (20009), 3-5 Pigadia (in dings (8 Baganou) are a must. tel 25217) organizes a wide variety tion is 7 km from town. Αrea phone wood and metal work, while the ski resort, 44981). of tours and activities in the area. code: 23320; taxi: 22522/22636.