THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN The oldest circulating Greek newspaper outside VEMA Greece AUGUST 2010 Tel. (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 E-mail: [email protected] MOTIVATION

Discussing child and adolescent motivation strategies PAGE 3/19 HISTORIC PILGRIMAGE

A Commanding Position John Stavridis, 41, reached a big milestone for himself and Sydney’s Greek community. He TO PONTUS took command of HMAS Arunta, a warship in the frontline of Australia’s naval defence. When Pontian Greeks left Turkey in 1922-23, they took the few painted by the Evangelist Luke, is the cradle of Pon- nothing with them but the scars from the deaths of tens of tic Greek religious belief and national identity, and a point of PAGE 2/18 thousands of their number during their forceful eviction and reference for all Pontians. Its construction began in AD 385. forced labour, carried out over the previous seven years by Under a 1930 agreement between Greek Prime Minister the Young Turks and Kemalist forces. The deaths were Eleftherios Venizelos and Turkish leader Ismet Inonu, Turkey recognised by the Greek parliament as a genocide in 1994. allowed the legendary icon, the monastery’s chalice from On August 15, the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Emperor Manuel Komnenos, and its Holy Bible to be trans- Mary, thousands of their descendants from several coun- ported to Greece, after two aged monks revealed the crypt tries made the pilgrimage to the Panagia Soumela in which they hid the objects in 1922. They are now at the monastery in the Turkish region of Trebizond for the first new Panagia Soumela Monastery on Mt Vermio, southwest liturgy in 88 years, conducted by Ecumenical Patriarch of the town of Veria in Macedonia, where thousands of pil- Vartholomeos in a highly moving atmosphere. grims flock each year. Thousands of people from Greece and all parts of the The historic liturgy was proposed by Vartholomeos and fi- world arrived at the monastery early in the morning to at- nally approved in June by a joint decision of the Turkish min- tend the mass officiated by Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholo- istries of culture and tourism, the interior and foreign affairs; meos, Metropolitan of Drama Pavlos and Bishop of Tyhonas. it will be an annual event. Ankara’s move is widely consid- However, only 600 people could finally attend the mass that ered a significant good-will gesture towards both the patri- was held outdoors. All others watched the service on giant archate and the estimated 1.5 to 2 million Pontian refugees screens. in Greece. But it is also intended to burnish Turkey’s Euro- The monastery, which was once home to the famed icon pean image, and the economic windfall from the religious PANAGIA SOUMELA - AUGUST 15 of the Virgin Mary that bears its name, by tradition one of tourism is considered significant. An icon’s sacred journey Travels

PAGE 4/20 with a Nissan Note in the Troödos Mountains of Cyprus

Mosaic of St Nicholas, Church of St Nicholas of the Cats, Akrotiri, Cyprus. PAGES 6/22-7/23 TRAVEL Karpathos: Wind-swept beauty www.standrewsorthodoxpress.com.au PAGE 16/32 The Greek Australian VEMA AUGUST 2010 2/18 TO BHMA

A Commanding Position Last month, Sydney’s John Stavridis, 41, reached a big milestone for himself and Sydney’s Greek community. He Commander John took command of HMAS Arunta, a warship in the frontline Stavridis, Royal of Australia’s naval defence. Australian Navy, taking Command With the rank of Commander in the Royal Australian of HMAS Arunta Navy, John has had his eye on the Captain’s chair for some time. “I always wanted to join the Navy and, with a family his- tory of naval service, it only seemed natural. “Twenty three years ago my parents were very sup- portive of my career choice and I have never looked back.” CMDR Stavridis was born in Sydney, the son of Iordanis and Kaliopi who emigrated to Australia from the islands of Lemnos and Samos in the 1960s. He joined the Navy in 1988 straight out of Sydney’s Trin- ity Grammar School. He attended the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra for a university degree, and graduated with honours in 1991. After navigation training he specialised as a maritime warfare officer and began to travel the world. “I have been to a lot of places with the Navy; Asia, the Americas, the Pacific and the Middle East, although I am secondly Kastellorizian history. He has had bitohs) ry, the Law and rebetika. still waiting for the opportunity to take my ship to Europe - and one day hopefully Greece.” Commander Stavridis considers the Royal Australian Navy an employer of choice. “I could not think a better employer in Australia today,” he said. “It is the range of job opportunities, adventure and travel, job security and world-class training that make this career so rewarding.” “To give an example the Navy has sponsored me through two masters’ degrees.” Commander Stavridis could be the first Australian of St Andrew’sSt Andrew’sAnd rPatristicew’s PPatristicat Symposiumristic Greek heritage to command an Australian warship, but he is not sure. SSySymposiummposiu2010m 20201010 “What I do know is that all us Greek-Australians in the Navy today are serving with pride.” “The Navy is very supportive and accepting of my cul- StStSt Gregory GGregoryregory thethe TheologianTTheologianheologian oor ror tural heritage and I personally hold close the Greek cus- TThehe PoetryPoetry ofof TheologyTheology toms, language and traditions. My faith is also important to The Poetry of Theology me and the Navy is also very supportive of that.” CMDR Stavridis has now moved to Perth, WA, where HMAS Arunta is based but his travels are continuing. He and his crew will be deploying to Darwin and South-East Asia in August to take part in multi-national naval exercis- es. Throughout the month of September, St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College invites you to a celebration for the heart and mind

Inaugural address by His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, Dean of the College.

The proceedings of the 2009 St Andrew’s Patristic Symposium will be launched.

A series of scholarly papers, exploring the legacy of St Gregory the Theologian

September 2010 Wednesday Evenings 242 Cleveland Street, Redfern, in the Main Hall

For enquiries, please contact the Registrar at On site parking is limited. Please, (02) 9549 3100 or [email protected] consider alternatives AUGUST 2010 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 3/19 Editorial

Greek society six years ago. This would allow museums to operate The increase in visitor numbers, how- Reviving Different people have come up with outside the standard time schedule. It ever, is not just the result of chance nor various ideas, but all aspire to draw on would also be a breath of fresh air for can it simply be attributed to the fact that the 2004 spirit the patriotism of that sector of Greek so- the aging state apparatus. These volun- August is the peak tourist season. On the ciety that is outside the loop, as it were. teers would become the ambassadors of one hand, local businesses on both of “Why don’t we revive the volunteer It’s not just those within the 18-24 age a new ethos that would elevate the na- these islands had responded to the omi- movement that made us proud during the group but also a large number of people tion above private interests. nous signs of the economic crisis by low- 2004 Olympic Games?” over 50 - mostly women with grown chil- Then, perhaps, we could hold a fresh ering their prices and offering special The conversation began with a discus- dren and fewer commitments who would debate about the many key issues con- cut-price deals. sion about volunteer forest rangers but be willing to work part-time for the com- cerning culture and cultural promotion in In addition, the tourism organizations soon wandered into other fields such as mon good. the tourism-oriented country that is on these two islands launched low-cost the operation of the country’s archaeo- Following a brief training session, vol- Greece. but clever advertising campaigns to pro- logical sites outside of normal opening unteers could be used to help out during mote local attractions. hours. The discussion among friends museums’ and archaeological sites’ ex- The example of Rhodes and Kos indi- was sparked by recent news reports tended opening hours, to work at re- When we work cates that there is much to be gained that the Culture Ministry would be unable freshment stands and souvenir shops, to from cooperation between local authori- to cover overtime pay for the security provide information or clean up gardens together ties and businesses when they work to- staff employed at the temples of the and paths. gether according to a plan for the bene- Acropolis and Sounio, two of the archae- A badge saying “I am a volunteer and The significant increase in international fit of all. ological sites that were scheduled to stay am helping my country” would be enough arrivals to the islands of Rhodes and Kos, Despite the crisis, there are still many open late on the night of the August full for these people. They could be given a in the southeastern Aegean, provides a things we can do to help lift the country moon. It was not the first time that ordi- discount for all public archaeological glimmer of optimism for a sector that is out of the doldrums - as long as we all nary people were feeling nostalgic for sites and museums, and they would be without doubt the driving force of the join forces and make use of them. the dynamism and discipline shown by employed for a specific period of time. Greek economy. KATHIMERINI MOTIVATION Discussing child and adolescent motivation strategies

dren to choose which book to read before bed-time or, These views are in direct contrast to the classical if discussing the lives of the saints with older children, conditioning views of Pavlov and the operant condition- allowing them to choose the saint, category of saint etc. ing views of Skinner. While elements of classical and Finally, children must be encouraged to strive for excel- operant conditioning are applied in every learning envi- lence, using their God-given abilities to succeed. ronment (making a sound such as a clap/bang/whistle By PETER Inherently meaningful learning and instruction are the to draw attention or using positive and negative conse- MAVROMMATIS * most effective forms of motivation. One Christian edu- quences to strengthen or weaken voluntary behaviour), cational theorist writes that “intrinsic motivation comes these must only be used until students are ready to re- about largely when teachers (and parents) deal with spond autonomously. what children believe to be important and relate it to It is clearly evident that the cognitive approach to mo- The ancient Greek word for education (paideia - their sense of purpose and values... They want their tivation and discipline is more effective than the behav- παιδεία) and the verb for discipline (paideuo - παιδεύω) learning to relate to the meaning they have experienced iourist approach. The Christian parent/teacher would al- share the same root as the word for child (pais - παίς). and to deepen and broaden their perspective”3. so be cautious of overemphasising behaviourist ap- The classical education model therefore recognised the Intrinsic motivation is more effective than extrinsic proaches which are strongly embedded in many envi- interrelationship of education and discipline and their motivation in the long run because children and adoles- ronments. While helping students develop autonomous central role in pedagogy (παιδαγωγία - the leading of cents are more likely to persevere when they encounter discipline and motivation is challenging, coercive re- children to the ideal). The aim of this month’s article is to difficulties as they recognise the value of the task at wards and punishments are ineffective because one discuss effective engagement and motivation strategies hand. Extrinsic motivators ought not be ignored alto- can never know why a student behaves in a particular that incorporate classic and Christian ideas into con- gether but must not be the sole motivator for applica- way. Is it because it is truly virtuous to do so or is the temporary models. tion or discipline. rewards/fear too great? Homes, societies and classrooms cannot function as Positive learning occurs in environments where stu- Christianity is about the freedom to choose, to carry effective communities unless harmonious relationships dents value learning as opposed to competition or com- one’s cross and to follow Christ (Mark 8:34). One does exist. The key to effective pedagogy lies in positive re- parison. Mastery goals, those focussed on the intrinsic not follow Christ as a result of fear of punishment or for lationships. One’s first aim is therefore the development value of learning are oriented towards learning and ap- any reward, but out of love for Him. The prayer of Eld- and maintenance of such relationships in order to es- plying new skills and knowledge, improving understand- er Porphyrios, where he prayed that he would happily tablish a positive environment where “through educa- ing, level of competence and achieving a sense of mas- go even to hell if that was God’s will, immediately tion and learning, one is led to a world where the true tery. Students with such goals experience success comes to mind. and the beautiful and the holy... are found to be the re- when they feel they have improved or learnt something There is no doubt that setting limits is important. It al values of this life, beyond any pragmatic expedien- new. must be remembered however, that these rules are cies in daily experiences”1. Such effective relationships Performance goals, on the other hand are focussed simply guidelines to help children grow in such a way can only be built on love for God, the other and self on ability and self-worth and referenced according to that will eventually lead to the ideal. To achieve this, we (Matt 22:37-39, Luke 10:27). extrinsic motivators. Success here is measured accord- must be well prepared and explicit in modelling behav- Closely tied to discipline (the theme of last month’s ing to performance against others. iours expected of those God has entrusted to our care. column) is motivation, a key aspect of any environment. Ultimately, the aim for parents, teachers and coaches In this way they will recognise that which is proper and Helping children or students appreciate their learning is to promote autonomous discipline and motivation. right for what it is, and not seek reward for expected activities, formal or informal, and enabling them to Students must be disciplined and motivated because of acceptable behaviours. achieve success through the application of the required the virtue in these as opposed to being conditioned by effort have been identified by many educational theo- rewards or punishments. Structures ought to be in place To comment, agree or disagree, visit http://peter- rists as the basic guidelines for motivating children to only as long as they empower children and adolescents mav.livejournal.com/ learn. to become self-disciplined and autonomous. Token eco- The challenge for parents, teachers and coaches who nomies, points systems and/or conditioning thus not on- * Peter Mavrommatis is a teacher of Orthodox Studies and wish to promote mastery of tasks through intrinsic mo- ly become harmful to the development of autonomous Personal Development at St Spyridon College Senior School, tivation is the provision of stimulating “tasks of optimal thinking and behaviour, but result in students losing inte- Sydney. novelty and difficulty, relevant to personal interests, and rest in whatever it was they were rewarded for. Inter- providing for personal choice and control”2. Parents, estingly, while the overwhelming majority of research teachers and coaches themselves must be enthusiastic highlights this, many parents, teachers and schools per- 1 Harkianakis, S., ‘Fear of God as an integrating Factor of Education’, in about learning and treat their children or pupils as if sist with token economies or similar awards/points sys- Phronema, XVI (2001):30 2 McInerney, D.M. & McInerney, V., Educational Psychology: Constructing they too, are eager to learn. Negotiating content or ac- tems. Research has also identified that approaches em- Learning, (2nd ed.), (1998):172 tivities allows children to take ownership of their learn- phasising reinforcement as a primary means of motiva- 3 Van Brummelen, H., Walking with God in the classroom: Christian ap- ing and development. This is as simple as allowing chil- tion deny students opportunities to be self-directed. proaches to learning and teaching, (2nd ed.), (1998):105 AUGUST 2010 4/20 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

PANAGIA SOUMELA – AUGUST 15 An icon’s sacred journey

By Kon Bouzikos, Melbourne Turkish soldiers and Greeks helped, including Father Ambrosios. Soon the hidden icon was unearthed along At Trapezunta in Pontus, built on a high rock, is the with the other sacred objects. They were all returned to Holy Monastery of Panagia Soumela. Athens and deposited at the Benaki Museum in Athens Etymologically, the name of the monastery is derived for 20 years. from the name of the mountain it is built on, which is In 1950, Dr Philon Ktenides encouraged fellow Pontic called Mela. In Greek, ‘stou mela ‘ means ‘at Mela ‘, and Greeks in Greece to build a new church for Panagia in the Pontic dialect it is pronounced ‘sou Mela ‘. Hence, Soumela. The church was built on a site amid the Mace- Panagia at Mt Mela. The original icon of Panagia donian mountains in Greece. This sight was Kastania of Soumela is believed to have been iconographed by the Vermio. It was chosen because it reminded Dr Ktenides Evangelist Luke who was both a physician and an of the wild and natural beauty of the heights of Mt Mela iconographer. According to tradition, whenever Luke in Turkey. drew icons of Panagia, the Holy Mother was very In 1951 the icon was transferred from the Benaki Mu- pleased and blessed his works. seum to Kastania in Macedonia. The miraculous icon Furthermore, she encouraged him to draw more was enthroned at Kastania on 15th August 1952. Even icons. After St Luke’s repose, his disciple Ananias took though the new home of the icon is called the the icon and transferred it to Athens. The icon was ven- Monastery of Soumela, there are no monks or nuns liv- erated as Panagia Athiniotissa. ing in this remote mountain site. The Church of the Dor- Two Athenian monks were called by the Virgin to fol- mition may be visited by pilgrims and tourists. Every low Panagia Athiniotissa from the Church in Athens to year on 15th August (the feast day of the Dormition of Mount Mela in Pontus of Asia Minor, a region in current the Theotokos), thousands of pilgrims from around the day Turkey. Their names were Barnabas and his acolyte world travel to this Monastery at Mt Vermion to vener- Sophronios. At Mt Mela, the icon was found at the end ate the holy icon. of the fourth century A.D. in a cave, and the monastery The original Soumela monastery in Turkey is also ac- was built at this place to the glory of God. The icon was cessible to the pilgrim and tourist. The monastery’s four renamed ‘Panagia Soumela‘. storey façade remains in good condition, although the The monastery was inaugurated by the Bishop of rear portion is destroyed. Located at an altitude of 1,200 Trapezunta in 386 A.D. During the decline of the Byzan- metres, it is a magnificent structure. It clings to sheer tine Empire, the monastery was a centre of education. It basalt wall, high above green forests and a mountain was pillaged many times but was always rebuilt, with stream. Many of the sacred icons have suffered as tar- the latest construction occurring around 644 A.D. gets from desecrators and graffiti scribblers. The Trapezunta was occupied by the Turks in 1461 and so monastery once housed 72 cells, guest quarters, an was the monastery. aqueduct, small chapels, icon room, library and dormito- Despite these difficult times, the monks remained in Panagia Soumeliotissa ries. the monastery unshaken in their faith and tradition. They tic Greeks and the Greek Prime Minister, Eleftherios Many Pontians in Greece have migrated to Australia. were finally forced to flee in 1923 following the barbar- Venizelos (1864- 1936). Metropolitan Polycarp of Xanthe In Victoria alone there are 35,000 Greeks of Pontic de- ic period of the genocide of all Greeks in Asia Minor in- mentioned the hidden icon of Panagia Soumela to the scent. In 1972, the President of the association Panagia cluding Pontus. Before fleeing the monastery, certain Greek Prime Minister. Upon hearing this account, Soumela in Melbourne, George Papadopoulos travelled items were buried in the front yard of the Church of St Venizelos was touched and made a promise that he to Kastania in Macedonia. He met the Executive Com- Barbara which was built at a short distance from the would do whatever was possible to retrieve the icon. mittee of the Panhellenic Holy Foundation of Kastania monastery by St Sophronios. These items were the icon During the same year, Venizelos met the Turkish Prime Veroias. He expressed to them the long heartfelt desire of Panagia Soumela, the handwritten Gospel copied on Minister Ismet Inonu, and asked for his permission to of Australian Pontic Greeks to have a copy of the holy parchment by St Christopher, and the honourable wood send monks to the Mt Mela monastery to retrieve the icon of Panagia Soumela to venerate. This noble request donated by Emperor Manuel Comnenos. This event took icon and the other sacred treasures. was met by the Greek authorities and a copy of the place in August of 1923. Father Ambrosios, who was one of the monks of icon was presented to George Papadopoulos on Octo- In 1931, on the great feast day of the Dormition of the Panagia Soumela, was chosen by Metropolitan ber 1972 in Thessaloniki, Greece. Theotokos at Mega Spelion (the Great Cave) of Kalavry- Chrysanthos of Trapezunta to undertake this special On 8th June 1982, the copy of this historic icon was ta, Peloponnesos in Greece, many people gathered. journey. Father Ambrosios set out to go to Turkey on Oc- presented to His Grace Bishop Panteleimon of Theoupo- They prayed before another icon of the Evangelist Luke, tober 22, 1931. Upon arriving at the sacred site, he was lis (the Greek Orthodox Bishop of Melbourne at that Panagia Speliotissa. Amidst the crowds were many Pon- moved to tears. The laborious task of excavating began. time). Every year on 15th August, the icon of Panagia Soumela was brought for veneration by all Greeks in Melbourne to the Greek Orthodox parish of St Nicholas in Yarraville. The late Father Antonios Amanatidis, the founding parish priest of St Nicholas, was a Pontic Greek by descent. In 1992, a new Greek Orthodox parish was being built in East Keilor, Melbourne. His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos (Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Aus- tralia), wanted this church to be named the ‘Dormition of the Theotokos Panagia Soumela’ due to the fact that many Pontic Greeks lived in the area. The icon of Pana- gia Soumela was enthroned (placed) in the newly built Church of Panagia Soumela, East Keilor, on Sunday 4th May 1997. The Church was also officially opened on that day. The Church also has two chapels, one dedicat- ed to St John the Theologian, and the other to our holy God-bearing Father David of Euboea).

References 1.Rev Fr. Anthony G. Krinas, Panagia, Theotokos 110 icons, 40 feasts and Paraklisis, Melbourne, Australia, 1998 2. The Lives of the Monastery Builders of Soumela , A translation from the Greek of THE GREAT SYNAXARISTES OF THE ORTHODOX The Holy Monastery of Panagia Soumela in Pontus CHURCH, Holy Apostles Convent , Colorado, 1991. AUGUST 2010 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 5/21 Our Primate’s View

The traditional fast of the Fifteen Days of Au- Catholics resemble one another to such an extent, gust would be merely another ‘religious discipline’ or you would be entitled to think for a moment that they a kind of secular ‘diet’, if it did not have as its un- are no different in this regard, even though there are shakeable foundation the daily services of the Sup- differences in many other areas. We refer to Poland plication to the Panagia (All-holy Mother of God), to- and its famous ‘Black Madonna’ in Tsestochova. We gether of course with certain thoughts - even if frag- once visited that Polish national site of pilgrimage, mentary - concerning Orthodox prayerfulness and when all Orthodox present (both clergy and lay peo- repentance. ple) had the distinct impression that we were in our own Tinos, or in Smolensk of Russia! Within the context of such fragmentary thoughts we sketch these simple lines, as if lighting a Let us first of all take a look at the icon itself. humble candle for Panagia, who is “more pure than It is a genuinely byzantine icon, which according to the rays of sun” (as we chant in the Supplication tradition dates from the 6th or even the 5th century. It service). depicts the Virgin Mary as an elegant and sorrowful One need not be pessimistic or gloomy or figure, her lips tight with such fortitude and decisive- lacking in faith to admit - based on personal and col- ness on account of her pain, just as her stole is lective experience - that there is not a phenomenon wrapped around her dignified head. This particular in this world that is more constant or more concrete icon has had an adventurous history. On various oc- than pain. Physical pain and spiritual pain; chronic casions it was stolen from the Poles, and at other pain and intermittent pain; small pain and great pain; times the Poles took it back. All of these troubles silent pain and piercing pain. have left a noticeably dark layer on the entire sur- face of the sacred icon, and that is apparently why it The reality of pain is so common and wide- is called the ‘Black Madonna’. That which astonishes spread in our lives here, that we might say someone was perhaps justified in reversing the well-known dictum of Descartes from ‘I think, therefore I am’ to ‘I hurt, therefore I am’! And yet, our wise people do not PANAGIA cease to confess enduringly that: ‘in spite of all its By ARCHBISHOP troubles, life is still sweet’! STYLIANOS AND OF AUSTRALIA However, one may ask: What is the power which enables us to maintain our courage and love HUMAN PAIN for life? To this we reply: It is certainly not derived from our egoism or love of self. For, to live - espe- cially beyond a certain age - is not always pleasant. At times it is a humbling experience on a daily basis, us even more is the great number of faithful who a trial. At other times it is indeed a true humiliation. continually flock there to venerate and receive sanc- This humbling, hardship and humiliation is precisely tification. We witnessed thousands of people in end- what cannot be tolerated by those who are weak in less queues, and as soon as they arrived in the faith or courage, and for this reason they sometimes courtyard of the Church they would crawl on their take their own lives. On the other hand, the majority knees towards the holy canopy, upon which the of people have what might be considered the innate ‘Queen of the Polish people’, as they call her icon, optimism that after any bitter hour, another happier stood in resplendent light. Men and women of every hour will follow. This unspoken optimism is deep age and profession, either in work clothes or more down a form of faith and confidence in the goodness formally attired, boys and girls with modern appear- and omnipotence of God. Regardless of whether it is ance, blue jeans and woven shoulder bags, arrive always expressed in prayer or not, the depth of this daily on their knees seeking protection and respite sentiment is purely religious. That is why it has the amidst the uncertainties and misfortunes of life. power to withstand so many storms! We can therefore state that, above and be- Yet while other people have a faint religious yond the differences between Christians of East and feeling of optimism, Christians have the radiant fig- West, the Panagia is for the faithful a rainbow which ure of a Mother in whom to entrust their fears, like ‘unites the divergent’. As a most compassionate helpless children: the Panagia. She herself felt pain to Mother, she accepts the supplications even of the greatest degree, without however yielding to it, Moslem Turkish women when they have no more which is why every Christian can call upon her com- breast milk to give, and she returns it to them passion and intercessions. In the case of Christ Him- through her fervent prayer to God. And all of these self, Christians in the West emphasise His human simple or wondrous occurrences take place with the side and give greater attention to Christmas than to same spontaneity and genuineness, regardless of Easter. So it is for Panagia - the West places greater whether it is in Tinos or Kythera, Tsestochova or Fa- emphasis on what Panagia suffered rather than on tima, Lourdes or Smolensk. Because Panagia was the what she can do. And so they called her Mater Do- earth’s noblest blossom, which is why God, who lorosa (Mother of Suffering) and Mater Lacrimosa was pleased even before her lifetime with her ab- (Mother of Tears). The Orthodox however, by com- solute obedience and humility - which were known mencing precisely from what Panagia suffered and to Him in advance according to His eternal fore- how she suffered, deduce and appreciate what she knowledge - abundantly blessed humankind through may do at every moment through her intercessions. her. This astounding truth and teaching was succinct- This is why they call her ‘Eleousa’ (the one who ly given to us by the great Theologian and Father of shows mercy), ‘Glykofilousa’ (sweet-kissing), ‘Odigi- the Church, St Gregory Palamas, in stating that the in- tria’ (showing the way), ‘Parigoritria’ (who consoles), tercessions of the All-holy Mother of God cover all ‘Gorgoepikoos’ (swift to hear), ‘Eleftherotria’ periods of time, from the beginning of Creation, as (provider of freedom), ‘Pantanassa’ (Queen of all) etc. she is “the cause of those who went before her, and the protector of those who came after.” There is nonetheless one country and one Panagia, where the devotion of Orthodox and Roman Translation by DK The Greek Australian VEMA AUGUST 2010 6/22 TO BHMA

Travels with a Nissan Note in the Troödos Mountains of Cyprus

By Guy Freeland* street. This manoeuvre proves successful and we park next to the museum. Look- Episkopi ing across the road I suddenly realise that the cowshed is actually the church and, First, some apology must be made to what is more, the door is now open. I Robert Louis Stevenson, the author of aught to have had more faith. Archangels Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes, don’t let you down. for “massaging” the title of his celebrated We were to see many, many churches in travelogue (1879). Our Nissan Note, the Troödos like this one. They have mas- which we picked up at Larnaka airport, sive steep-pitched wooden tiled roofs was certainly a more comfortable way to covering the entire building. The earlier explore the mountainous region of central buildings were constructed as vaulted sin- southern Cyprus, the Troödos, than Ste- gle-aisled or cross-and-square Byzantine venson’s temperamental donkey, Modes- churches. However, obviously problems tine, which accompanied him across the were encountered with the severe moun- mountains of the Cévennes in central tain weather and someone somewhere de- southern France. cided to wrap the entire temple in a sec- Before we head off to the mountains, we ond, outer roof. This is the case, for ex- are going to spend three nights at Episko- ample, with the very odd looking domed pi, near Limassol/Lemesos. We need to cross-and-square church (some of whose recover a bit from the murderous flight frescoes date from the late eleventh cen- from Sydney and we have a couple of vis- Church of the Archangel Michael, Pedoulas, Cyprus. tury) that came to be known as Agios its to make. My first cousin and his wife Nikolaos tis Stegis (St Nicholas of the are staying with her nephew who lives at don’t). Next morning, we enjoy breakfast Roof). nearby Kolossi and we have arranged to in the courtyard; that is, until I manage to It is also the case with Panagia Phorvio- spend a day with them. And then I have snap off one of my front teeth just above tissa, Asinou (1099-1105). Here, whilst undertaken to visit the grandfather of one the gum on the homemade marmalade. the earliest frescoes date from 1105/6, of our seminarian students at St Andrew’s Oh, the joys of travel! perhaps the most intriguing iconography who is a monk in the monastery of Christ Nothing daunting, we set off to explore is that of the Second Coming in the of Symvoulas at Episkopi. (I have a pho- the area and visit the monastery, which narthex of the fourteenth century (the ear- tograph of the monastery’s miraculous proves to lie up a valley. We are most gra- ly churches were originally built without icon of St George propped up beside me ciously received by Grandfather. The a narthex). An extraordinary set of panels as I write.) But first we must drive to small monastery has a deeply spiritual at- detail the specific punishments which Episkopi. mosphere - I even begin to feel better will be meted out to those who commit All along the route from Larnaka to Li- about my phantom tooth. The community such sins as diverting water from their massol there are massive tourist develop- has just built a large new monastic build- neighbour’s land or refusing the breast to ments; hundreds upon hundreds of bijou ing up the hill, but if I were a monk I infants. villas, most owned by absentee foreigners would much prefer to remain in the old It was at Asinou that we encountered the (many apparently Russian) who spend at monastery. We leave spiritually refreshed East end, Church of the Archangel Michael. traffic jam to end all traffic jams. A cou- most two to three months a year in amidst promises that we will make sure ple of dozen buses had all converged on Cyprus. It is soul destroying. Every so of- that Grandfather gets a photograph of his rounding Cyprus’ highest mountain, Mt the one spot and created such a tangle of ten, however, one passes an enormous grandson. Olympos (1952m). However, the name is vehicles blocking and spilling over the Orthodox church, usually brand new or Most of the rest of the day we spend ex- also commonly applied to the whole cen- sides of the road that the drivers couldn’t still under construction. Some of these ploring the outstanding archaeological tral mountainous region across which the work out how to unravel the knot. churches are architecturally quite attrac- sites of the Ancient city of Kourion. The World Heritage churches are scattered. Later churches in the Troödos have only tive. But why do Greek parishes insist on scenery, unlike that along the route from We arrive at the pleasant resort village a single roof but these are of the same de- such enormous buildings? For my book, Larnaka to Limassol, is beautiful and the of Platres in the Troödos where we will sign as those covering the entire vaulting small is beautiful; and you might even views along the coast impressive. “Mine be staying for the next five nights. Next of earlier churches. The church of the have space for an atrium (= colonnaded Host” at the hotel recommends a restau- morning we discover that almost every- Archangelos at Pedoulas belongs to this courtyard) with a fountain and garden. rant for dinner and we have what is prob- thing is closed as it is Pentecost Monday, later group. It has a massive roof which As we drive on our depression deepens. ably the best meal that we were to have in a public holiday in Cyprus. This could on the south side comes almost down to What are we doing here? Perhaps it Cyprus, together with a bottle of the real- cause some complications (and did) as we the ground, thus creating a L-shaped would be best to turn round and see if we ly excellent wine of the region. set off for our first World Heritage narthex. The church has an eastern apse, can get a flight on to Crete or Rhodes. Our second day at Episkopi we spend church, Archangelos Michael at Pedoulas which like the nave is covered by the But we pass the outskirts of Limassol and very pleasantly with my relations at near- in the Marathasa Valley. wooden roof. things look up. by Kolossi. Before we head off to the Most churches in these days of sacrile- I enter the well-lit church. It is an ab- Episkopi turns out to be a pleasant hig- Troödos on our final day, we drive up the gious thefts and vandalism are kept solute gem. The church and recently re- gledy-piggledy village climbing up the coast as far as Palaipaphos where we in- locked, not only in Cyprus but right stored frescoes date from 1474, early hills behind the Akrotiri Peninsula and spect the poorly preserved ruins of the across Europe. Contacting a key holder is enough by a whisker to have avoided centred on the minaret of what used to be renowned temple of Aphrodite. En route, often difficult and time consuming. This (save for a very few minor details) the the mosque in happier days before the we stop at Petra tou Romiou, a legendary church, however, should be easy as the Renaissance influence which followed tragic division of Cyprus. Turkish also is site where Aphrodite/Venus is said to instructions are to pick the key up from the Venetian conquest of Cyprus in 1489. the mansion converted into an agro- have been born from the sea in the foam the museum. The road down to the muse- The iconographer, Menas, had a charm- tourism hotel where we will be staying. created from the genitals of Ouranos, se- um is very steep and narrow so we leave ing primitive style of composition based We drive up, heave out the luggage, and vered by his son, Kronos. Thoroughly un- the car at the top and I walk down to in- on geometrical lines. Faces almost reduce push open the solid front door. Very steep pleasant myth but a lovely spot, even if vestigate. The museum, of course, is to triangles topped by semicircles. He al- steps ascend to the bar/reception desk overrun by tourists like ourselves. closed for the public holiday. I look so had a great love for red, which gives through a high pointed arch. I know what around but cannot see the church, just the temple a warm feeling. all this is about as some years ago we The Troödos and its Churches some small houses and what looks like a The church being small, the worshipper stayed in a converted caravanserai in Ku- cowshed. I climb back up the hill. is very close to the iconography. This cre- sadasi/Ephesus. The steps are designed Episkopi is a good place to stay, but We decide to come back next day as ates a powerful sense of intimacy with the for camels to walk up, not suitcase-laden what has really brought us to Cyprus is there are other churches in the area we prototypes of the images. The walls are tourists. my recent discovery that the Troödos wish to visit. My wife then suggests that totally covered with iconography, largely The guestrooms form one side of a Massif is home to no less than ten World we drive down to the bottom of the vil- of the festivals of the Church year. How- charming garden courtyard (like the atria Heritage listed painted churches. Strictly lage to see if we can reach the museum ever, two enormous powerful frescoes, Orthodox churches should have but speaking, the Troödos is just the area sur- and the church from the lower end of the AUGUST 2010 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 7/23

Church of St Nicholas of the Roof, Kakopetria, Cyprus. Mosaic of St Nicholas, Church of St Nicholas of the Cats, Akrotiri, Cyprus. Cont. from previous page infant Christ wears an earring in this and uniform in body build. Could all plague of snakes terrorising the island. As Cypriot church to signify that He is the these sleek pussies have a common ances- a consequence, she sent a shipload of cats one each side of the east end of the nave, only begotten Son of the Father. try? Could, indeed, the story of St Helena to deal with the problem. The monks fed seemingly fill the whole church with their At breakfast on the morning after our and the cats be based on fact? the cats and in return the cats reported for presence: one of the patron of the Church, visit to the church I noticed that our When we were at Episkopi, we made an duty to do battle with the reptiles when Michael the Archangel, the other of St young waiter was wearing an earring, so I excursion to a monastery (founded in the monks rang a bell. George. We were to see finer iconogra- asked him if he was an only son. Since he 325) on the Akrotiri Peninsula, Agios But it is time to say farewell to the phy, from a technical point of view, in the looked extremely puzzled I told him of Nikolaos ton Gaton (St Nicholas of the Troödos and the cats of Platres and let our Troödos, but this rustic little church is the the custom. He went back to the kitchen Cats). The story is that returning from the Modestine lead us to pastures new. one I would most like to pack up in my and in a few minutes returned wreathed in Holy Land St Helena, the mother of suitcase and take back to Oz. smiles, obviously having consulted one of Constantine the Great (and for long * Guy Freeland is an Honorary Lecturer at Beyond reasonable doubt, the finest of the elderly ladies, to tell us that there was believed to have been a Pom) stopped off St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox all the World Heritage churches is that of indeed such a tradition. Presumably, he in Cyprus where she was horrified by the Theological College, Sydney. Panagia tou Araka, near the village of had received a good deal of flack con- Lagoudera in what, to my mind, is the cerning his earring and I had just made most beautiful region of the Troödos, his day. Pitsilia. A vaulted single-aisled domed Apart from the sheer loveliness of the church with a cross-shaped roof, Panagia iconography, another good reason to visit tou Araka was later covered by a wooden the World Heritage churches of the second roof which was extended on the Troödos is that one can trace the whole east, north and south sides to create a con- development of Cypriot iconography tinuous narthex or ambulatory. In this from the end of the eleventh century to case, however, a separate wooden roof the sixteenth. was constructed to cover the dome. The later iconography, such as that of Painted in 1192 in the Comnenian style Panagia Podithou at Galata, although of and attributed to Theodoros Apsevdis, the great beauty, has been deeply influenced iconography is of a very high standard by the Renaissance. The traditional icono- and deeply spiritual. There is consider- graphic images are indeed preserved, but able theological subtlety in the placement through the extensive use of linear, as of, and relations between, images. Thus, opposed to reverse, perspective, the on the piers to the left and right of the depiction of emotional reactions, rather sanctuary are striking icons of the than dispassion, and the more realistic Theotokos Eleousa (the merciful) and portrayal of facial features, these images Christ Antiphonetes (the responder). A deviate significantly from the Byzantine scroll held by the Theotokos records an tradition and lack the profound spirituali- interchange between Mother and Son in ty of the earlier iconography. which the Theotokos pleads for the salva- Well, we managed to see the exteriors of tion of sinners. Eventually Christ is all ten World Heritage listed churches and moved by her tender entreaties: seven and a quarter interiors. In two instances we failed in our attempts to Theotokos. “Show leniency, my son, track down the key holder and in one, St be sympathetic to them.” John Lampadistis, only a portion of the Christ. “But they do not return.” iconography could be viewed as the Theotokos. “Save them as a favour to church was undergoing conservation and me and them.” was choked with scaffolding. Christ. “They will be given deliver- ance from their sins.” The Tale of the Cats

An interesting detail, noted by the At the end of each day, our Nissan Note Metropolitan of Morphou in the church returned us to Platres for dinner. As we set guide, is that the infant Christ is, in two about the kleftiko and stifado in the instances, depicted as wearing an earring. restaurants along the main street our The Metropolitan recalls his grandmother entertainment was provided by the gang telling him that it was an old Cypriot cus- of cats which takes over the street in the tom to place a gold ring in the ear of an evening awaiting the scraps thrown to only son, signifying that he required spe- them by the restaurateurs. Clusters of cial care and attention. On his marriage, semi-wild cats are seen all over the place with a wife to care for him, the earring in Cyprus. Although the cats have a vari- was removed. So obviously, then, the ety of coats, they are all remarkably small AUGUST 2010 8/24 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

International Year of Youth Feast Day of St Panteleimon Young people in Africa are proving to be Adelaide S.A. a powerful force for change, ChildFund Australia CEO Nigel Spence said ahead of With the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we were once again the distinguished guests was also Mr John Kiosoglous. the launch of the United Nations Interna- blessed to celebrate the Feast Day of St Panteleimon on the For those who may not be aware, we are equally blessed to tional Year of Youth on 12 August. Tuesday 27th July at the very small but very welcoming parish have with us a small relic of the saint to venerate and reinforce The latest UNAIDS report shows young at Glenelg in Adelaide. Despite it being a weekday, the event our living faith with the wonderful fragrance which is ever-pre- Africans are turning the tide against HIV was well attended, with Bishop Nikandros of Dorileon officiating sent. This overwhelming expression of God’s mercy takes us and AIDS, with HIV prevalence falling the Divine Liturgy and being assisted by Fr Peter Photakis, Fr back to the 3rd century, connecting us to the past and remind- among young people in 16 of the 21 coun- Spiridon Vounassis and Fr Constatine Skoumbourdis. Amongst ing us that God is truly “wondrous in His Saints”. tries most affected by the disease. Young people are also tackling other major is- sues affecting youth in their communities, from domestic violence to drug and alcohol   abuse, through initiatives such as peer ed- ucation, youth advocacy and youth repre- sentation in decision-making.  Leading the charge are young women Premier’sAwards like 16-year-old Cynthia, who has been FirstPlaceInModernGreekVCE2009 participating in ChildFund Australia’s HIV  and AIDS program in Kenya. Cynthia was st devastated after losing both her parents to OurSchoolCaptain,RaphaelPapaspyropouloswasawarded1 placeinthe AIDS-related illnesses but now educates VictorianCertificateofEducation,inModernGreek.Thisisamagnificent and supports other young people in her achievementandawellͲdeservedawardforayoungmanwhoisdiligentinhis community. “Even if my parents died of HIV and AIDS, studiesandisanoutstandingstudent.AtthisspecialpresentationRaphaelwas I can still teach my family members and awardedwithhiscertificatebyHisExcellencytheGovernorofVictoria,Professor the community at large so that they cannot ProfessorDaviddeKretsDaviderdeandKretserhiswifeandJanice.hiswife Janice. die of that disease again, they be careful,” she says. “Right now I can stand firm in CongratulationstoRaphaelandhisfamily. front of people, even the elders, talk to  them about the dangers in life, the dangers of HIV and AIDS, talk to my fellow teen- agers and girls about issues that are af-   fecting them and how to control them.” Empowering young people like Cynthia  to speak out about issues affecting their lives has been transformational in the communities where ChildFund Australia  works. It is also the theme of the Interna- tional Year of Youth: Dialogue and Mutual  Understanding. 

A Uruguayan St John’s College is a school with a great tradition and has made an enormous impact on the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne over the past 30 years. It has a wonderful reputation and its Alumni have attained a in Athens tertiary education at some of the most prestigious universities. Our VCE results have been outstanding due to the commitment of our caring staff and hardworking students.  I came to Greece on a scholarship to The College offers a broad curriculum which includes: conduct research at - Greek language and cultural programmes the University of Athens. I had cho- - Religious Education sen Greece for my - Inter-School sports research - on an- cient mythology - - Co-curricular and extra curricular activities because I really · Active After School Programme wanted to experi- ence personally the · A structured welfare programme within a House system that encourages a safe and caring environment archaeological sites Just to name a few…. where the myths were born and whose spirit they still emanate. I also wanted to  see what of antiquity has survived in  Greeks today.  From the very first moment in Athens, I felt something I had never felt before: a re-  markable cosmic harmony. And since that day I say Greece is a big gift the gods gave to the Greeks.  I fell in love with Greece. I also ended up falling in love with a Greek. I got married to ContactDetails both! MsAthanasiou Today, I am a professor of Spanish Ame- Phone:(03)94805300 rican literature. I continue to conduct re- search, give lectures and write articles. 21RailwayPlaceWest,PrestonVictoria I believe that the “eternal Greece” knows Email:[email protected]@stjohnspreston.vic.edu.au how to use its 4,000 years of experience Website:www.stjohnpreston.vic.edu.au to find a way out of today’s problems.  ATHENS NEWS  AUGUST 2010 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 9/25

Breaking through the Wall of Adversity Speech by St Spyridon College Vice Captain – Aleksandra Djordjevic

As a Year 12 student, etching ever closer to the end of my scholastic journey, I cannot help but reflect on my 12 years worth of memories. The good and the not so good intertwine to form my individual and amazing experience at St Spyridon College.

An aspect of our school which constantly permeates my reminiscing is the resilience and core strength of our col- lege, not only as a whole community but the strength I see in each individual honoured to call themselves a St Spyri- don student. This vigour not only comes from the school’s foundation of faith, culture and compassion but its un- breakable spirit in moments of hardship.

There come times when we are propelled into situa- tions head first and forced to endure circumstances that dare to shatter our fortitude. We may think that the only possible consequences are failure, disappointment and grief but whether these hurdles are as a school or indi- vidually, St Spyridon College lifts us up and we as a fami- ly break through the walls of adversity, emerging from the other side triumphant and more unshakeable than before.

We cannot let these moments conquer our courage; we cannot let ourselves become overwhelmed with the cir- cumstances we find ourselves in. They say “many hands is easier said than done, but remember that the difficulties year. During a time when obstacles are inevitable and in make light work” for this reason we must grab the reigns in life are intended to make us better. Fear will always be moments when the pressure causes you to doubt your of misfortune with a combined strength and guide each there, a danger to our progress but how can we progress own abilities, they were each other’s safety nets and pil- other onto a steady path. As a collective unit we can if we do not tackle objectives we think we cannot lars of support. Merging into a single driving force they achieve things that may seem impossible at this point in achieve? achieved outstanding HSC results but more importantly, time, but our school has been characterised as an institu- Patience is essential, be prepared to fall, but be pre- they were an inspiration to the whole school community to tion that punches well above its own weight and our ex- pared to say that your attempts are not futile. When you fulfil our potential and to never back down from anything pectations of ourselves and each other should never miss a goal in soccer you do not give up and stop playing, we undertake. Engraving their legacy in our memories we, cease to become greater and greater. Whenever we feel you try harder, you run faster; you endure the whole 90 their successors, have been left great expectations. the burden is too heavy, or the bar set too high we must minutes for the satisfaction of one goal. turn to the core of our existence; our religion, our tradi- Never have an “if only”, seize the opportunities you have Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “What lies behind us and tions but especially our principles. been given and each obstacle should be thought of as a what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what player to dribble around. Use this determination; endure lies within us.” Therefore, we should ask of ourselves to School Principle Number 9 states, “We respond to the the falls for the satisfaction of the accomplishment be- have faith, to trust in ourselves and in each other, to unite difficulties of life with patience, dignity and faith, never cause the blood, sweat and tears will be worth it. as brothers in arms and rise to every occasion because fearing to start again”. No regrets, only lessons learned. only through this act of individual and collective leadership can we weather any storm. As one, we will respond to the This principle, one of many on which this college is Year 12 of 2009 encompassed this principle in every difficulties of life with patience, dignity and faith, and as founded upon, should resonate in each and every heart. It facet of their St Spyridon lives especially during their HSC one we will never fear to start again. ST SPYSPYRIDONRIDO N CCOLLEGEO LLEG E

Discover what makes our children shine. St. Spyridon College Junior School Open Day.

Come andand see! ThursdayThursday 23rd23rd SeptemberSeptember 20102010 – 8080 GardenersGardeners Road,Road, KingsfordKingsford NSWNSW 20352035 11.0011.00 amam – 2.302.30 pmpm SSCWCR

ForFor bookingsbookings or enrolmentenrolment information pleaseplease contact MrsMMrs SophieSophie BalayannisBalayannis on (02)(02) 9311 33403340 or [email protected]@stsspyridon.nsw.edu.au or visit www.stspyridon.nsw.edu.au wwww.stspyridon.nsw.edu.au The Greek Australian VEMA AUGUST 2010 10/26 TO BHMA

Growing up fast and furious: Media’s impact on our children: Violence and aggression

By Deacon George Liangas, powerful message to children that it is OK to use violence Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow when the other person ‘deserves’ it - the ‘good guys ver- sus bad guys’ scenario. The effect of media violence ap- True, media violence is not likely to turn an otherwise pears to be strongest when the perpetrators are attrac- fine child into a violent criminal. But, just as every cig- tive and go unpunished, when they see no harm done to arette one smokes increases a little bit the likelihood of the victims, or when the violence is carried out in a realis- a lung tumour someday, every violent show one watch- tic or a humorous way. es increases just a little bit the likelihood of behaving A more recent problem is that the media allow youth to more aggressively in some situation. behave aggressively through internet bullying and harass- - Psychologists Brad Bushman and L. Rowell Huesmann1 ment. Estimates of the incidence of cyber-bullying vary and range from 23 - 72%5. More common forms of cyber- Children and adolescents are exposed to alarming lev- The problem appears to be even greater for video bullying include name-calling and gossiping. Other behav- els of violence through electronic media. By the age of 18, games. More than half of all games contain violence, iours include spreading rumours, making threats or send- the average adolescent will have seen an estimated >90% of these being rated as appropriate for children. ing other malicious messages. This phenomenon can be 200,000 acts of violence on television alone. Much of this The most worrisome are the first-person shooter games, very distressing to the victims and has been linked to in- violence is presented in an acceptable and glamorised i.e. the player playing the game through the eyes of the creased social anxiety; and can lead perpetrators to more fashion, and in children’s programming it is often present- shooter. These games often show the effects of the severe aggression and violence. The negative effects for ed as humorous2. A US study has shown that more than shooting in a very graphic and gruesome way. After a par- the victims appear to be diminished when they feel sup- 6 10% of 10- to 14-year-olds saw 40 of the most violent ticular school shooting in the US, it was discovered that the ported by their parents . movies in a given year (2003), with the most popular shooter had never fired a real gun in his life before that movie, ‘Scary Movie’ being seen by 48.1% of children in day, yet his marksmanship was both accurate and lethal. this age group3. The exposure to violence was greater for A most important question is: what sort of effect does 1 Bushman BJ, Huesmann LR. Effects of televised violence on aggression. adolescents who had a television in their bedroom and for this degree of exposure to violence have? Studies have In: Singer DG, Singer JL, eds. Handbook of Children and the Media. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage; 2001:2231254 those who reported that their parents allowed them to shown that the impact of media violence on real-life ag- 2 Strasburger VC, Jordan AB, Donnerstein E. Health effects of media on watch adult-only movies. gressive behaviour is stronger than many commonly ac- children and adolescents. Pediatrics 2010; 125; 756-767. Music videos, a popular form of entertainment for chil- cepted public health risks (eg. the link between asbestos 3 Worth KA, Gibson Chambers J, Nassau DH, Rakhra BK, Sargent JD. Ex- dren and adolescents, also contain a high level of vio- exposure and cancer), and is nearly as strong as the link posure of US adolescents to extremely violent movies. Pediatrics 2008; 122; 306-312. lence. In one study in 1997, 41% of a selection of video between smoking and lung cancer. In other words, there 4 Jones K. Are rap videos more violent? Style differences and the preva- clips showed some level of violence4. In one analysis of is a good chance that repeated exposure to violence in- lence of sex and violence in the age of MTV. Howard Journal of Communi- rap music videos, there was frequent talking about guns creases the viewers’ chances of being violent themselves. cations 1997; 8; 343-356. (59%), drug use (49%), profanity (73%), grabbing (69%), al- Researchers believe that repeated exposure to violence 5 Guan SS, Subrahmanyam K. Youth internet use: risks and opportunities. Current Opinion in Psychiatry. 2009; 22; 351-356. cohol use (42%), and explicit violence (36%). When violence can lead to anxiety and fear, acceptance of violence as an 6 Wang J, Iannotti RJ, Nansel TR. School bullying among adolescents in the was depicted, it was usually the attractive lead singer/role appropriate means of solving conflict, desensitisation and United States: physical, verbal, relational and cyber. Journal of Adolescent model who was involved. decrease in doing good. In particular, many movies send a Health 2009; 45; 368-375. AUGUST 2010 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 11/27 Health

There are several types of glaucoma, each having a er for the damage in the other eye and the person may different cause and requiring different treatment. remain unaware that a large part of their vision is be- ing damaged. This damage is irreversible and the dam- How is glaucoma detected? age is usually very progressive. Treatment of chronic glaucoma cannot reverse the HEALTH Regular eye examinations are the best way to detect problem, but can slow down the rate of damage. glaucoma. People in the high risk groups should have Hence, it is very important to detect the problem early an eye test no later than 35 years of age, and for most and start treatment early when there is as little damage NEWSNEWS people it is recommended that an eye check be per- as possible to the vision. Chronic glaucoma is usually formed by 40 years of age. This check should include a initially treated with eye drops. Sometimes tablets may visual acuity assessment, an optic nerve check with an help. At a later stage, laser trabeculoplasty may assist. WITH DR. THEO PENKLIS * ophthalmoscope, an eye pressure check, and a visual When eye drops and laser surgery have failed to con- field assessment. The visual field test checks the sensi- trol the eye pressure, surgery may be required to save tivity of the side or peripheral vision where the glauco- vision, but not improve sight once sight is lost. ma strikes first. Acute glaucoma (also called angle closure glauco- Glaucoma…. Become ma) is when the pressure inside the eye rapidly in- The warning signs for glaucoma: creases due to the iris blocking the drain. This attack of aware of the warning acute glaucoma is often severe. The symptoms include Warning signs for glaucoma include a suddenly a painful red eye, nausea and blurred vision. Early treat- signs during National painful red eye with disturbed vision. Gradual worsen- ment is essential to avoid permanent visual damage. ing or foggy vision or difficult with side or peripheral vi- Usually laser surgery performed quickly can protect Glaucoma Week sion or the appearance of coloured rings around a light against visual impairment. when the light is looked at may be a warning sign for Low-tension or normal tension glaucoma occurs This year National Glaucoma Week is from glaucoma. when people with normal eye pressure suffer optic 15th to 21st August. This week seeks to raise Although there is no cure for glaucoma, it can usually nerve damage. The treatment in this case is the same awareness of the “silent” eye condition - glau- be controlled and further loss of sight either prevented as for chronic glaucoma. coma. or at least slowed down. Secondary glaucoma occurs when optic nerve damage occurs because there is increased optic pres- Glaucoma is a condition in which there is an increase sure due to other eye disorders such as cataracts, eye How is glaucoma treated? in the pressure of the fluid which circulates in our eyes. injuries or eye inflammation. Some medications such as This increase in fluid causes damage to the optic cortisone can raise eye pressure and cause a second- Treatments generally include medication in the form nerve. The role of the optic nerve is to carry the ‘pic- ary glaucoma. of eye drops. This is the most common form of treat- ture’ we see to the brain. If this nerve is damaged by Congenital glaucoma is a rare form of glaucoma ment and the drops must be used regularly. Sometimes glaucoma, the image is blurred. caused by an abnormal drainage system. It can exist at tablets may be prescribed. Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of birth or develop later. The child usually has enlarged Laser treatment in a procedure called Laser Trabecu- blindness. Over three hundred thousand people in Aus- cloudy eyes which often water. The child may be sensi- loplasty is performed when the eye drops do not stop tralia have glaucoma. Glaucoma can occur at any age, tive to light and surgery is usually required. but it is more common with increasing age and there- deterioration in the field of vision. In many cases the fore as Australia’s population ages, so too does the in- drops will need to be continued after laser treatment. Surgery in a procedure called trabeculoplasty is a Risk factors for developing glaucoma cidence of glaucoma. Anyone can get glaucoma, and glaucoma is more About three percent of Australians over forty have process where a new channel for fluid to leave the eye is created. Surgery is performed when treatment with common with increasing age. But certain factors are as- glaucoma, but because there are generally no warning sociated with an increased risk for getting glaucoma. signs only about half of them have both eye drops and laser have failed to slow the pro- gression of the loss of vision. These include having a family history of glaucoma, dia- been diagnosed. During National Glaucoma Week all betes, high blood pressure, a history of migraine, a his- Australians are encouraged to undertake a comprehen- tory of using cortisone. Having myopia (short-sighted- Different types of glaucoma and their sive eye check and to do so every two years once they ness) or a previous eye injury can lead to the develop- reach the age of forty and not to take their sight for symptoms: ment of glaucoma. granted. Talk to your doctor today about having a formal eye The eye has two chambers, separated by the lens. The most common type of glaucoma is chronic glau- check for glaucoma. Fluid is made in the posterior (rear) chamber. It circu- coma (also called primary open angle glaucoma). It usu- lates around the lens and passes through the pupil into ally has no symptoms until eye sight is lost at a late * The information given in this article is of a general nature and read- the anterior (front) chamber from where it drains away. stage. The loss of sight is gradual, and begins with the ers should seek advice from their own medical practitioner before em- A blockage in the flow of this fluid results in glaucoma. peripheral vision. In this disease, the good eye will cov- barking on any treatment. Christian Dior, Gucci, Ted Baker For the bibliophiles… Katerina + Kyriacos Mavrolefteros The Rise and Fall of Australian Socialism

Written and published by Joshua Smith

(Printed by Hippo Books a division of Centatime pub- lishing, Rosebery NSW, revised edition, 2006.

ISBN 0-9775586-0-6) Ray Ban Ray This is a timely publication, written by Sydney resident, Joshua Smith (or, as he is known in Orthodox circles by his baptismal name, ‘Timothy’ Smith). The paperback, aimed at the general reader, is an explo- political science and economics, but for all ration of socialism in Australia. It is not Australians. about the political party system, although (Tim is well-known amongst Orthodox 874 Anzac Parade, Maroubra Junction this does come into his discussion, but Christians, being responsible for a number (at bus stop, on RTA block) about the uniqueness of socialism in the of initiatives, including the recording of the

(at bus stop, on RTA block) Rodenstock, Australian setting (and how and why it col- Liturgy in English, a project undertaken with TTeell:: ((0022)) 99331144--00339933 lapsed) and the impact the philosophies Protopresbyter, the Very Reverend Father Serengeti, Maui Jim, Fendi and ideas have on our lives, whether or not Miltiades Chryssavgis.) [email protected] we are aware of it, and regardless of Tim’s book is available from a number of where our political sentiments may reside. bookstores, including Beecroft, Sydney, Nina Ricci, Oakley, La font An important book, not only for students of phone (02) 9481 8811. AUGUST 2010 12/28 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Christian Readings in Classical Literature Reflections on Hesiod’s Theogony and Works and Days, Part 1

By Mario Baghos is not dependent upon the human beings that he has freely and lovingly created in “We too, if we are wise, shall take any sense. However, it is precisely on ac- from this literature whatever is suitable count of his love for his creatures, espe- for us and is allied to the truth, cially those blessed with his image and and shall pass over the rest.”1 called to attain his likeness, that God en- - St Basil the Great ters into conversation with human persons in various ways and in various contexts. Having briefly explored some themes in both Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid God communicates (and hence, enters in- which can be interpreted from a Christian to communion) with humanity, and one of perspective, I thought it would be prudent the most significant ways in which human- if we now turned to the foundational myths ity responds is through the medium of of antiquity as expounded by the poet He- writing. This is especially the case with the siod. Hesiod was a native farmer of Boetia divinely inspired Scriptures and the writ- dwelling beneath mount Helicon (near the ings of the saints and fathers of the modern day gulf of Corinth) in the 8th cen- Church. I am reluctant to demarcate too tury BC. It is his Theogony, which literally sharply between the two. The Scriptures, means “the birth of the gods” (Θεογονία), because of their direct testimony to the and his Works and Days (Έργα και Ημέραι), Christ experience, are indeed central to with which we will be principally con- Christian worship, but there is a tendency, cerned. Both of these texts - but especial- especially amongst evangelicals, to abso- ly the former - delineate a surprisingly lutise their function at the expense of the comprehensive genealogy of the pagan multifarious experience of the Church gods and the ancient Greek conception of through its tradition, sacraments, etc. The the cosmos in poetic verse. In so doing, reality is that the Church experienced the they give us a profound insight into some God-man Jesus Christ well before the tes- of the major beliefs that conditioned the timonies concerning him were written and Hellenic mindset before the rise of classi- collated into the New Testament, and it cal philosophy and the advent of Christian- continues to mystically participate in him ity. through its liturgical cycles and sacraments or mysteries.7 This experiential participa- Whereas Homer’s epics presuppose a tion in God is intimately connected with di- fixed worldview within which all the action vine inspiration. The saints and fathers are takes place, Hesiod endeavours to give an those persons whose experience of Christ account of that worldview from its very in- in the Church has transfigured them by ception. Entreating the Muses for inspira- grace. Hence, their writings are to be con- tion - a literary device which we saw inau- sidered eye-witness accounts of the same gurated both Homer’s and later Virgil’s Lord and Saviour who disclosed the mys- epics - Hesiod relates that the goddesses teries of God’s kingdom to the Apostles as will use him as a sort of vessel through recorded in the New Testament and who which the gods will be praised. Switching paradoxically revealed himself even be- from first to third person he affirms that fore his incarnation to the prophets of the the Muses “taught Hesiod fine singing, as Old Testament; it is the very same Christ he tended his lambs below holy Helicon.”2 experience which is inaugurated in their A little later, he continues, “and they persons as they respond to his call. In breathed into me wondrous voice, so that I short, God reveals himself to (and is re- should celebrate the things of the future vealed within) his saints and the saints re- and the things that were aforetime.”3 The spond in action, deed and word - both Muses, therefore, are to be considered spoken and written. The writings of the fa- catalysts of divine inspiration, able to dis- thers therefore take on a divinely-inspired close the events of the past, present and A Muse reading a scroll from a 5th century BC lekythos (clay pot) character, and, just as in the case of the future in direct contiguity (presumably the Scriptures, the process of divine participa- poet is also given this ability by the inspi- miliar names as Kronos (Κρόνος in Latin ambiguous. At times the poet portrays him- tion (or experience) is related to divine in- ration of the Muses). In fact, in a verse Cronus, meaning Time) and Prometheus self as a passive instrument in the articula- spiration - but both are the result of God’s closely following the one just quoted, Hes- (Προμηθεύς, meaning ‘forethought’), the tion of the message of the goddesses, grace. iod states that the Muses will give a three great rebel concerning whom we have though his occasional use of the first per- stage account of the generation of the more to say a little later. The third genera- son (i.e. “grant me delightful singing”)6 im- In the Theogony, Hesiod claims that the gods beginning with Chaos (Χάος - pre- tion consists of the ‘younger gods’ with plies that he is in fact conscious of re- purpose of the singing of the Muses that sumably a primordial inchoate matter) whom we are already familiar, the sponding actively to their ordinances he has transcribed is to “delight the great from which emerged Gaia (Γαία), and from Olympians headed by the so-called “father through the medium of poetry and song mind of Zeus the father in Olympus” who Gaia Ouranos (Ουρανός).4 Here we come of gods and men”5 (not necessarily by (which is inevitably recorded, whether he will “rejoice at the goddesses’ clear voice across two types of deity; the first is a progeny), Zeus. believes goddesses are inspiring him or spread abroad.”8 Drawing another parallel personified abstraction or concept, and the not). with the ecclesial experience, it should be second a personified element of nature. Just how Zeus came to be a called ‘fa- noted that the written texts of the Church For this reason, the Theogony should be ther’ without in fact being the originator of Here we can draw parallels with Christi- also take on a doxological character. God understood as putting forward a detailed all of the gods has to do with the amplified anity. Without embarking upon a refutation reveals himself, and humanity, finding its cosmogony on account of the fact that the degree of sovereignty and hence priority of polytheistic paganism from the perspec- greatest advocates in the saints, responds many facets of the universe are personi- he accrued to himself after defeating Kro- tive of Christian monotheism (we covered accordingly, whether in written form or fied as deities therein. The birth of the nos, an event that we’ll return to in part this in my first article), we can safely say otherwise. But this response has a twofold gods and the birth of the universe can two of this article. Suffice it to say that his that the Church has always acknowledged objective - the salvation of the world and therefore be considered as one and the monarchical position is reinforced by the that God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit the glory of God. Glory to God is not an same, especially in this first stage of cre- fact that the hymns of the Muses (who are mediates his revelation through the com- end in itself, because the very process of ation. The second stage consists of the his daughters) - and hence almost all of plex web of circumstances and events giving glory to him is a work acceptable to birth of the first ‘gods’ in a personified Hesiod’s poetry - is undertaken predomi- which nevertheless are contingent upon God and, as such, can potentially result in sense. These are the ‘older gods,’ the Ti- nantly for Zeus’ pleasure. Hesiod’s role as the persons involved in them and respon- the salvation of those who give him glory. tans, who include in their number such fa- a divine conduit, however, remains rather sible for them. This must be clarified; God AUGUST 2010 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 13/29

CONT. FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Returning to the Theogony, it is made abundantly clear that the pagan gods are not as concerned with humanity’s salvation FROM ST ANDREW'S as they are with their own preservation in NEW the face of threats from their kin. This is ORTHODOX PRESS reflected by the fact that Hesiod’s geneal- ogy progresses from one great revolt to another. Kronos, for example, attacks his father Ouranos, and Zeus rebels against CD-BOOK: LEARNING GREEK ORTHODOX HYMNS Kronos and eventually does away with the A great new tool to learn the exact words and meaning of the most popular Titans altogether. The most pertinent hymns of the Orthodox Church. example of the gods’ antagonism not only Why use it? Because Orthodox hymns express the depth of Christian faith for one another, but also for humanity, can be found in the tale of Prometheus which in musical form. They are worth knowing by heart! appears for the first time in Hesiod’s works. As the gods and humanity were This 100-page book contains the inspired words of 40 coming to a settlement (no other informa- major hymns with accompanying CD in Greek by Basilios tion is given) in the region of Mekone in the northern Peloponnese, Prometheus, Psilacos, lecturer in Byzantine Music at St Andrew's Imaginative bust of the Greek poet, Hesiod. described as a “subtle, shifting-scheming”9 Greek Orthodox Theological College and Chanter at figure, plays a trick on Zeus. Hesiod St Andrew's Parish, Gladesville. explains: In Genesis, however, the consecutive Hymns of the Resurrection, the 12 Major Feast Days, the stages of creation by God are an ordered Patron Saints of Day Schools in Australia and segments pleasure to behold: “God saw everything For him [Zeus] he laid out meat of various Services, are all included in the book's three and entrails rich with fat in the that he had made, and indeed, it was very categories: hide, covering it in the ox’s stom- good [Gen 1:31].” Moreover, humanity isn’t ach, while for men he laid out the punished whimsically for the crimes of 1. Greek lyrics 1. Greek lyrics ox’s white bones, which he external agents; God does not punish 2. English translation 2. English translation humans for the serpent’s trickery in the arranged carefully for a cunning trick by covering them in glisten- way that Zeus punishes humanity for the 3. Transliteration 3. Transliteration ing fat.10 rebelliousness of Prometheus. I do not 'I am certain that, among the faithful, there will be many interested listeners want to stretch the analogy between the who will benefit from this devoted effort of our beloved co-worker' Titan and the devil any further here. Zeus, displeased with the unfair division - Archbishop Stylianos of Australia of the portions, admonishes Prometheus, Instead, what I would like to draw your upon which the Titan responds: attention to is the traditional interpretation To order, go to: www.standrewsorthodoxpress.com.au of Adam and Eve’s expulsion from para- Zeus greatest and most glorious dise as a result of their personal trans- To order, go to: www.standrewsorthodoxpress.com.au of the eternal fathers, choose gression of the ordinance of God. The devil then whichever of them the spirit could in fact tempt them, but it was ulti- in your breast bids you.11 mately their wilful assent which con- demned them to toil and hard labour. On a Zeus takes up the meagre portion con- final note, the views of Christianity and GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA sisting of the fat and bones. Infuriated, paganism concerning females could not be ParishandCommunityofSaintsConstantineandHelene instead of punishing the Titan, he revokes any more incommensurable. Whereas in Northbridge(W.A.) from “the ash-trees the power of untiring Hesiod, woman is created as a punishment fire for mortal men who live on earth12 (in for man (later to be revealed as Pandora, ancient myths, fire was considered as whose box or jar unleashes many forms of being stored within trees).”13 Prometheus, misery onto her fellow gender),17 in Ge- SHORT COURSE IN ORTHODOX STUDIES however, steals “the far-beaconing flare of nesis, the creation of Eve, taken symboli-

untiring fire in the tube of a fennel14 (the cally from the rib of Adam, is depicted in A Short Course in Orthodox Studies will be held every Sunday evening from stalk of a fennel plant contains a dry pith the utmost positive and egalitarian terms: 22 August until 26 September at the Church of Sts. Constantine & Helene from making it a convenient vessel for carrying ‘Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that 6.00 – 8.00pm. All are welcome to attend. fire).”15 As punishment, Zeus creates the the man should be alone; I will make him a first woman, and Hesiod describes the helper as his partner [Gen 2:18].” To be Sunday 22 August female gender as “a bane for mortal continued. The Influence and Rejection of Evil in our lives men.”16 Fr. Emmanuel Stamatiou * Associate Teacher Early Byzantine History St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College Sunday 29 August Leaving the obvious misogynist sentiment Parenting & Raising Children in a Christian family aside (it was, after all, a patriarchal socie- Fr. Dimitrios Tsakas ty), interesting parallels can be drawn 1 Taken from the forthcoming publication by St An- Vicar-General of the Fourth Archdiocesan District of Queensland & New Guinea between this myth and the creation story in drew’s Orthodox Press, St Basil the Great’s Address to

the book of Genesis, especially in light of Youth: On How they might benefit from Classical Greek Literature. Sunday 5 September Hesiod’s cosmogony. In Hesiod, the uni- 2 Hesiod, Theogony and Works and Days, trans. M.L. Your Body; Your Choice; Your Gift from God; Disease Prevention verse is born out of a primeval chaos, a West (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008), 4. Dr. Paul Boyatzis chaos which conditions the relations of the 3 Ibid, 5. 4 Many other deities are named including Night, Day and gods with both each other and with Sunday 12 September Oceanus. Cf. Ibid, 6-7. Akriveia and Ecclesiastical Economy humans. This is not restricted to Greek 5 Ibid, 4. Fr. Elpidios Karalis mythology, but is a recurrent theme in the Ibid, 6. 6 worldviews of many ancient societies 7 After all, was he not made known to the disciples on the way to Emmaus “in the breaking of the bread”? (Lk (Egyptians, Mesopotamians, etc.). From this Sunday 19 September 24:35), which is the Eucharist. we can infer that the ancients had a tangi- Standing up for the real Christ: Orthodoxy versus Heresy 8 Hesiod, Theogony, 4. Dr. Philip Kariatlis ble insight into the chaos effectuated by 9 Ibid, 18. Academic Secretary &Lecturer in Theology at St Andrew's Greek Orthodox Theological College(NSW) such phenomena as the rapid migration of 10 Ibid, 19. tribal peoples, the general ambivalence of 11 Ibid, 19. maritime and agrarian undertakings, and 12 Ibid, 20. Sunday 26 September 13 Hesiod, Theogony and Works and Days, notes by Power Point Presentation on The Holy Land followed by an Open Panel inviting audience to ask the primitive protection from the elements trans. M.L. West (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008), questions so characteristic of their immediate con- 70. texts. It comes as no surprise therefore 14 Hesiod, Theogony, 20. 15 Hesiod, Theogony and Works and Days, notes by All talks delivered in English that this experience of the chaotic rhythms trans. M.L. West, 70. During the mid-session break coffee & tea will be provided and books will be available for purchasing of life was projected onto their mythologi- 16 Hesiod, Theogony, 21. For more information contact Fr Elpidios at [email protected] or cal beliefs. 17 Cf. Hesiod, Works and Days, 39. On 0407 260 071 AUGUST 2010 14/30 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Arts, Food & Wine Editor: Imogen Coward Films: a history Écoutez! Part 3

Arts Review By Leon Coward and Dr Ann Coward Eisenstein formulated complex theories on how and why montage worked in films, that is, whether a film se- Welcome to the third article in our occasional series on quence should be cut and spliced so as to create con- the history of film. The study of film is fascinating and trasts between the pace, emotions, events and so on. By may be approached from many angles. For example, we placing images next to each other, he was able to quick- could look at film as a study in genres, or from the point ly and boldly create links throughout an entire film, un- of view of the star-system. Instead, we have chosen to like the more classical Hollywood continuity style with loosely base our series on a part of the introductory only perhaps occasional short montage sequences being framework devised for students of screen studies at the incorporated into the films. A theorist first and a film- Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, devised by maker second, Eisenstein went on to put his ideas into Dr Stephen Vagg in 2005 and revised by Fred practice in such a way that his black and white silent Goldsworthy in 2009,1 looking at film via the films and films, such as Battleship Potemkin made in 1925, still film-makers of various countries and times, each of have the power to grip audiences today. We are fortunate which helped set in motion (all puns intended) the tech- today to be able to obtain remastered editions of his nological advances and ‘language’ used by later film- films. 6 makers to convey visually, or to enhance by visual Battleship Potemkin was based on the 1905 Russian means, certain themes or narratives. Sadly, too often Revolution uprising of the crew of the battleship of the film courses concentrate only on the text, and pay no at- Imperial Russian Navy’s Black Sea fleet, a precursor to tention to the visual aspect, which is rather strange espe- the Russian Revolution of 1917. The film was a run- cially if we compare it to a study of music. While a away success throughout the USSR but heavily cen- printed musical score may be analysed as a text, it is not sored outside Soviet Russia. It is impossible to mistake Kassia: Byzantine Hymns until it is given voice that it can be truly classified as be- the symbolism of the sailors asleep in their hammocks, VocaMe / Michael Popp ing music. like dead men awakened by the call to rebel by one of Christophorus Records CHR 77308 In the last article we had a brief look at George Meliès the sailors. Nor could the anger behind the smashing of (1861 - 1938). Before we leave Meliès, it’s interesting to the plate by a sailor, with the words from the Lord’s Subtitled ‘Byzantine hymns from the first female note that his fascination was not so much driven by film Prayer, “give us this day our daily bread,” be misunder- composer of the Occident,’ this CD presents an in- for its own sake, but by his pre-occupation with illusion stood. The intercutting of items associated with power teresting and engaging selection of hymns by the 9th and its power to entertain and intrigue. Another French- (the bugle, sword), of religious condemnation (the Century composer, Kassia, performed by the Ger- man, Robert-Houdin (1805 – 1879) was the founder of monk, played by Eisenstein, tapping the Cross repeated- man-based ensemble VocaMe: Sigrid Hausen (mez- modern magic or illusion. Houdini (‘little Houdin’) took ly), and symbolism of death (crew members being cov- zo-soprano), Natalia Lincoln (alto), Sabine Lutzen- his name from this man, whom the French government ered with a tarpaulin as though wrapped in a shroud), berger (soprano), Sarah M. Newman (soprano), used at one time to prevent an uprising in Algiers by and the kneeling of those condemned, whose faces are Elisabeth Pawelke (mezzo-soprano), Gerlinde Sä- convincing the rebels of France’s superior magical pow- unseen - all thus becoming ‘types’- in combination is mann (soprano), Michael Popp (musical direction ers.2 The magic tricks performed in the 2005 film, The very powerful and builds not only suspense, but carries and various instruments), and Johann Bengen (san- Illusionist,3 , although enhanced via CGI (Computer with it many layers of meaning due to the mixture of tur). Kassia, perhaps better known as Kassiani, is Generated Imagery), are replicas of Robert-Houdin’s references. well-known illusions, including the ‘Orange Tree’ While on the surface the style, outlawed as heresy in most widely known as a composer of the famous 6 “Hymn of Kassiani” (track 10 on this CD) sung on which appears to grow leaves and produce real oranges. Russia in the 1930s, may be described as ‘realistic but Holy Tuesday (Matins of Holy Wednesday sung on It comes as no surprise to learn that Houdin’s original melodramatic,’ it is the ability to build meaning, through Holy Tuesday evening by anticipation). This CD al- trade was as a clock-maker. When Robert- Houdin died, manipulation of images understood by the viewer, that so presents 17 other hymns, out of approximately it was Georges Meliès who bought his theatre with the gives the film its presence, one, however, that - while fifty preserved liturgical musical compositions at- intention of showing films (‘actualities’) made by the important - is not meant to entertain. An extra point of tributed to Kassia. From a music performance per- Lumière brothers, Louis (1864-1948) and Auguste interest for film historians, is the fact that it was women spective, VocaMe’s performance utilises a drone ac- (1862-1954), before he went on to make his own films. employed in the studio of Georges Meliès who supplied companiment, and also draws on modern Western By editing film, Georges Meliès was able to make the the one bit of colour to Eisenstein’s film; using a stencil, ideas on historically informed performance for ‘ear- impossible appear possible. His intention was to enter- they painted the red flag flying from the battleship when it docked at the port of Odessa onto each frame of the ly’ music, particularly in the use of vibrato-less tain, but it was not long before it became obvious that 7 voice production, with convincing results. film could be used to not only trick but to indoctrinate scene. Film-making was clearly a very small world in people. By cutting up existing film stock, re-editing the early days of its history. with intercuts in the process, Russian film-makers were able to construct entirely new but unified film narra- Notes.

THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN The oldest circulating tives. In this Formalist approach, montage was used to Greek newspaper outside 4 VEMA Greece 1.Charles Sturt University, English and Communication studies. JULY 2010 Tel. (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 E-mail: [email protected] “support narrative rather than to alter it”. DISCIPLINE IN THE HOME 2. Milbourne and Maurine Christopher, The Illustrated History A discussion of behaviour management strategies 3 PAGE /19 Formalism was initially a term of derision and was re- GILLARD of Magic. (2006) New York: Carroll and Graf, pp. 131-154. jected by its proponents, who were concerned with liter- 3. The Illusionist ( 2005), directed by Neil Burger. Starring Ed- CALLS SNAP ature and more specifically with devices that ‘distin- ward Norton, Rufus Sewell, Jessica Biel and Paul Giamatti. Meet the Greek thrillionaire 5 Nick Halik is not your average millionaire. The 29-year old businessman and former ELECTION Hollywood rock band musician is the son of guished literary language from language’ per se. How- 4. James Monaco, How to read a film: movies, media, multime- Greek immigrant workers living his dreams. PAGE 15/31 Australia’s first female Prime Minister says 21 August election will be dominated by the economy rd Julia Gillard, Australia‘s Prime Minister of three weeks, year over its failure to introduce a carbon trading ever, for Russian film-maker, Sergei Eisenstein (1898 – dia. (2000) 3 edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press, p. 402 called a snap election for 21 August - with the economy scheme. likely to be a major issue. A final key issue will be immigration. Gillard has re- The country’s first female Prime Minister, Welsh-born versed her party’s opposition to a third country process- Gillard was appointed by the ruling Labor party as the ing refugee claims, and approached East Timor about es- government faced what seemed like certain electoral de- tablishing a regional refugee processing centre. East Tim- feat, and a party coup saw Kevin Rudd ousted. Since then, or’s parliament quickly voted to reject her plan. 5. ‘Russian Formalism’ however, Gillard has been credited with rebuilding sup- The election will be a competition between two very port for her party. different personalities - Abbott is a pugnacious and so- 1948), montage became a way of creating a new reality, The election will pit the 48-year-old against the conser- cially conservative Catholic who once trained for the vative Liberal party leader Tony Abbott, who needs to win priesthood, and is opposed to same-sex marriages and only nine seats to form a government. abortions, while agnostic Gillard is unmarried but has a Another key battleground in a country already suffering long-time partner, and is childless. 6. ‘Russian Battleship Potemkin’ the effects of global warming will be climate change. They go into the election after an unprecedented peri- St Andrew’s Greek Gillard will argue that a carbon tax is inevitable, while Ab- od of leadership instability. bott rejects it. It is an issue on which Labor has been par- Neither leader has faced an election campaign as a system quite separate to reality, just as literary lan- Orthodox Theological ticularly vulnerable, losing key Green support in the past leader of their party before. College Courses 7. ‘Tracing Battleship Potemkin’ a 42-minute documentary on PAGE 12/28 ‘Brighter guage was different to language; meaning being than the making and restoration of the film. Battleship Potemkin with a Thousand achieved in the viewer him/herself, with the viewer’s the original Meisel orchestral score. (1925) Director, Sergei Suns’

PAGES 6/22-7/23 active participation. Eisenstien. (a 2007 Kino International restoration.) SWIMMING Martha among Australia’s very best www.standrewsorthodoxpress.com.au PAGE 15/31 The Greek Australian FFoooodd && WWiinnee VEMA By Taliesin Coward Stanton and Killeen: Classic Rutherglen Muscat The oldest circulating Greek Produced by the family owned and operated Stanton and Killeen winery in Rutherglen, Vic- newspaper outside Greece toria, this dessert wine is a blend of vintages to achieve an average age of 12 years. Full bod- ied with luscious flavours of raisins, plenty of honey-like sweetness, a hint of oak and a s- Tel: (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 mooth mouth-feel, it is well matched with high-quality, fresh, handmade dark chocolate truf- Email: [email protected] fles coated in cocoa powder. Cost: around $30 for 500ml bottle AUGUST 2010 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 15/31

Greek Student Organisations – More than just a pretty face By Harry Mavrolefteros accord and read a Greek language or history book, or be- Through these university organisations there have been come involved in their local Greek organisation. dancing groups, language programs, poetry evenings, the- “Whoso neglects learning in his youth, loses the past There are some 20 universities around Australia who atre productions completely in Greek, radio programs and is dead for the future” - Euripides. have Greek societies, and for over 50 years these organ- specifically seeking audience with the Greek youth, cook- isations have been a hub of young Greek energy. These ing classes, and the list goes on. It is likely that Euripides was speaking here about learn- organisations hold regular social events (usually with a I would encourage any and all young Greek university ing the arts, mathematics and gymnastics, and how this Greek twist) but their main accolade has been simply to students to get involved in their university Greek organisa- would affect the development of a person. Euripides was build relationships between young Greek Australians. tion; we have ample means (facebook, google, etc) to find no son or grandson of a Greek immigrant living in Aus- I have been fortunate enough to have been involved in and contact the right people involved. tralia in the 21st century, but the same is true today of the such organisations for some time now, and it is clear that Also, I would encourage any of the businesses and or- Greek youth of Australia. they are more than simply a group of people getting to- ganisations out there who are interested in maintaining One aspect of this learning is an understanding of one’s gether and having a good time. Individuals are invited to the Greek identity among the youth of Australia to support heritage and culture that he or she may be lucky enough look at what they have in common with all these other these very organisations. Often young Australians of to be a part of. For Greek Australians, it is hard to argue young Greeks, to see the value in the language and culture Greek descent have the passion and the desire to do that our history and culture isn’t one of the richest in the that has had such an important role not only in their up- great things but are lacking in the resources and experi- world, and that learning about it and having it be a part of bringing, but also in their day to day lives today. ence that is abundant in the wider Greek community. If we our lives would give anyone vast insight into his past and While socialising does little by way of actual ‘learning’ could bring these two elements together, I believe young open possibilities in the future. as Euripides would have it, socialising with people of sim- Greek Australians in one or two generations will have the In this increasingly postmodern hedonistic society, it is ilar cultural background becomes a very appropriate foun- education and means to both know their past and enlight- rare to find young Greek Australians who go on their own dation for discovering more about our Greek heritage. en their future. Greece to stake its claim to Karagiozis show Gov’t to challenge UNESCO linking shadow puppet tradition exclusively to Turkey

Greece is planning to press its claims to Karagiozis, a shadowpuppet theater char- acter that the United Nations cultural watchdog UNESCO has deemed to be part of Turkey’s cultural heritage, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Wednesday. “Karagiozis is an inextrica- The late Evgenios Spatharis, ble part of our culture,” Grig- seen here in the 1980s, oris Delavekouras told a me- was Greece’s most famous shadow-puppet master dia briefing. “UNESCO’s con- vention on intangible cultural of Karagiozis, noting that UN- heritage allows neighboring ESCO had placed Karagoz on countries to access the same its list of intangible cultural el- commodity,” Delavekouras re- ements, associating it with marked. He added that a dis- Turkey, last September. cussion on the issue was to “We wrote to the Culture take place in the Kenyan cap- Ministry last year, describing ital of Nairobi in October. the matter as one of national Karagiozis - Greek for the importance and seeking the Turkish “Karagoz,” which ministry’s support,” the asso- means “black-eyed” - is the ciation said in a press re- main character of a popular lease. shadow-puppet theater show “Instead of sensitivity and featuring a cast of social interest, we were faced with stereotypes. total indifference,” the state- In the show, which was set ment added. during the Ottoman occupa- The association has asked tion of Greece and was very the government to make up popular here until a few for its lack of previous action decades ago, Karagiozis is a by subsidizing performances deformed con man who of Karagiozis theater and makes a living swindling promoting Greek shows, and Turkish officials. Karagiozis is their history, to foreign tou- also a common byword for rists. “clown” in Greek slang. “The arts belong to the peo- The Greek Theater of Shad- ple. They are neither feta nor ows, one of the few forums baklava, that they should be for enthusiasts who still stage stamped with a country of Karagiozis performances, on origin. The Turks have Kara- Wednesday condemned the goz and the Greeks have government for its delayed Karagiozis,” the association’s reaction to the “Turkification” statement added. AUGUST 2010 16/32 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Travel Karpathos Wind-swept beauty This isolated Dodecanese island surprises the visitor with its variety of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural tradition BY H. ARGYROPOULOS tracted your interest, visit the folk museum to get an idea of Even though it is the second the internal decor of houses. largest of the Dodecanese is- Back on the main road north, lands after Rhodes, at 301 toward Mesohori, you will enjoy square kilometers, Karpathos one of the most scenic coastal has long been something of an routes. Mesohori is the best vil- isolated secret, unaffected by lage to stroll around and ob- mass tourism. It is among the serve the local architecture, es- most extraordinary of Greek is- pecially the wooden décor and lands, special not only for its va- pebbled mosaics. riety of sharply contrasting land- But Karpathos’s highlight is scapes but also its richcultural Olympos, or Elympos. The village tradition. lies 65 km from Pigadia, in the Nature has endowed Karpa- north, and is the epitome of tra- thos with an otherworldly and dition - a true time capsule. It is rugged beauty in the north, a evident that the local people lush center and tranquil majesty have for centuries been in tough in the mostly flat and barren negotiations with the rugged ter- south. rain. The mountains rise to nearly From a distance, Olympos ap- 1,200 meters, while their slopes pears to be literally perched are pineclad right down to the atop Mount Profitis Ilias. It was sea, where they meet some of the only organized settlement in the best sandy beaches in the the north of the island until the Mediterranean. 19th century, out of sight from This is no sedated island ste- the sea for the fear of pirates. reotype: There are no small whi- In this isolated spot, with the tewashed houses nestled in the continuous sound of windmills in valleys among trees bent by the the background, women still relentless wind. The occasional wear traditional dress and kitsch villa adds color. Described craftsmen work the leather in as “wind-swept” by Homer, Kar- the centuries-old way. pathos still enjoys a reputation Their art has attracted interest as “Europe’s windiest place” and from around the world, as far is especially valued by surfers. It afield as the United States and is also highly recommended for Japan. Most houses have their trekkers and those seeking the own livestock, wheat and wind- quiet life. mill. But the people here don’t Isolation has helped Karpa- just know how to be self-suffi- thos retain one of the richest cient - they also know how to cultural traditions in the Greek celebrate. islands, evident in the customs A visit on August 29, feast day ularly the mosaics in the re- the island’s cultural center and and festivals organized to mark come to Othos, famed for its of Aghios Ioannis, is a must. It is mains of the 4th-6th century one of its wealthiest villages. social occasions, saints’ feast tavernas. one of Greece’s most genuinely church. Aperi, north of Pigadia, is Ascending the mountain, you will days and the now-rare home- If the local architecture has at- traditional festivals, character- coming of its many emigrants. ized by the hearty hospitality for It has also helped it escape 1 2 3 which Karpathos has become the unsightly excesses of tourist well known. development elsewhere. Tou- If tradition is Karpathos’s rism seems to have stemmed a Getting there What to see & do Where to stay strongest point, its beaches cer- decline in the population (5,700), tainly come a close second, which is widely dispersed There are flights from Athens and August and September on Karpa- Nisia Apartments (tel 22450.29128, many with an unmistakable ele- among settlements across the Rhodes - but flights via Rhodes are thos is a time of religious festivals www.hotelnisia.com), 2 kilometers ment of the exotic. island. From Pigadia, the built-up much more expensive. There are and traditional celebrations to which from the port, very near the beach; Near Pigadia are Ammos, Afoti port capital on the eastern coast boat connections from Piraeus and visitors are most welcome. Major re- Electra Beach Hotel (tel 22450.23256, and Vrontis - three organized where many traditional stone Rhodes as well as Siteia and Aghios ligious festival on August 15 at www.electrabeachhotel.gr), on the beaches. houses survive, head west for Nikolaos on Crete. Overall, roads are Menetes; the biggest event is on Au- beach near the port; Kyra Panagia Next, Pouliou Potami, more au- not satisfactory and so getting about gust 29, at Aghios Ioannis Vrykountas (tel 22450.23026, www.kyrapanagia- Menetes - a village with a is best achieved with hardy vehicles near Olympos - a church below hotel.gr), 15 km from the port, com- thentic, offers shade under its strong musical tradition that is or motorcycles. However, there is an ground resembling a catacomb. Cel- fortable apartments. Eating out: Pine oddly shaped rocks. Damatria - also known for its stately resi- adequate network of bus routes that ebrations start on the eve of the Tree (tel 22450.29065) at Adeia, 25 in the south before the airport - dences. connect Pigadia with many villages feast day and continue into the after- km from the port, simple taverna and a number of successive Next stop, on the western and beaches. A bus and a ferry will noon. September 7 at Panaghia Larni- serving dishes made with home- coves on the left are much more coast, is Arkasa, which has the take you to Olympos. There are car otisa in Pigadia; September 14 at grown ingredients - some rooms isolated. Kato Lakkos and Hai appearance of an open-air ar- and motorcycle rentals as well as Pyles and September 17 at Aghia available for rent; Mylos, in Olympos, are the most exotic beaches, small boats to take you to beaches Sophia in Arkasa. The beaches of traditional taverna with superb chaeological site. The ancient and villages. Taxis are also available. Valias and Makrys Gialos are best views; Anoixis, at Diafani (70 km best reached by boat from Piga- acropolis with its widely scat- More information is available at for surfing. Another popular pastime from port), picturesque taverna with dia. tered ruins is impressive, partic- www.karpathos.gr. is fishing. excellent local dishes. ATHENSPLUS