THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN The oldest circulating Greek newspaper outside VEMA Greece JUNE 2009 Tel. (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 E-mail: [email protected] OUR PRIMATE’S VIEW ERICA-IRENE A. DAES (the most heroic struggle in the heart of the United Nations) PAGESPAGES 4 /222/20 - -5 /233/21

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The readers of this column would undoubtedly juvenating friendship till today, I had the opportunity of be- have observed that, through a series of previous articles, ing informed, in somewhat broad terms, about the noble we have tried to project personalities and works of distin- aspirations undertaken by this dynamic Cretan, Mme Daes, guished women who have particularly impressed public as she cultivated relationships with personalities across all opinion as a result of their pioneering contribution to sa- the Continents. cred struggles of the 20th century. However, I must confess that, never having occu- pied myself with the specialized interest which ceaseless- We refer here to heroines of Faith and Hope ly motivated this conscientious scientist and respected who, in conjunction with the third ‘virtue’ of the Gospel friend, it would have been impossible to imagine the in- (Love), had either expressly or silently within their hearts conceivable achievement which, in the end, she would and thoughts made not just God their ‘spring-board’ and ultimately accomplish “in the heart of the U.N.”(!), as the ‘point of reference’, but also the Human Person (as an representative of a small Country such as Greece. “icon of God”), regardless of the Religion or Ideology which For this achievement, a monumental Book was they served. published in December of 2008 by the official organ IWGIA (International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs). In most cases, these slow to be recognized cru- The author of this Book, naturally, could not have saders (not necessarily ‘activists’!), did not have a direct been any other than this same indefatigable pioneer for relation to career Politics. the elevation and protection of the most ‘fundamentally’ Nonetheless, they indirectly, and perhaps for doubted human rights, which are the rights of Indige- this reason more essentially, influenced ‘Treaties’ and nous peoples across the globe. ‘Protocols’ (of governments or ‘international organiza- tions’) through which fundamental attention was finally also Here is the complete title of the Book which we given to hitherto disregarded ‘minorities’ of the global cite as it appears on the impressive cover: “INDIGENOUS community. PEOPLE, Keepers of our Past - Custodians of our Future” (IWGIA 2008, Copenhagen, Denmark). And when we speak here of ‘minorities’, we do not mean the numerically small Ethnic Communities which are distinguished from the overwhelming majority of ERICA-IRENE A. DAES the total population of a Nation. We mean precisely the opposite: the enormous ‘masses’ of Women, the Poor, the Elderly, the Sick, the (the most heroic Forsaken, the Unarmed in civil or broader conflicts By ARCHBISHOP whose first victims are Mothers and Children, Refu- struggle in the heart STYLIANOS gees, as well as Indigenous people in Lands of a Colo- OF AUSTRALIA nial past. of the United Nations) For all these ‘Under-privileged’ people (as reg- ularly referred to in the ‘slogan-speak’ of Politicians), it be- came necessary in more recent times, even if for reasons We shall not quote here even the titles from the of vote-catching propaganda, that certain fundamental ‘hu- Book’s ‘table of contents’, out of which alone emerge most man rights’ be recognized to maintain a humanitarian eloquently the deep concerns of the U.N. in the various ‘balance’, mainly for the sake of local or more general se- phases during which it was called to deal with the rights curity. of Indigenous people, within the broader framework of Human Rights. To the extent that the ‘human rights’ in mention have developed into pathways of sincere altruism we As to how many painstaking struggles needed to must recognize, in the first line of contribution, Women be organized by this watchfully foresighted wise Woman from every sphere. of Crete, armed with inexhaustible endurance, can be as- certained by the reader from the admirable comments It is not without symbolic significance that, even in about Mme Daes, from two momentous prefaces of the the predominantly ‘male controlled’ and unyielding regimes Book. of Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, and others, the now very eld- On the one hand, by Mr. Jens Dahl (IWGIA), and on erly King Abdullah (aged 84) recently dared to appoint the the other, by the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, first woman to his government, in a portfolio of analogous Mme Louise Arbour. social sensitivity. Mr. Dahl, summarizing the contribution of Mme Daes towards such unbelievable achievements as can be Immediately following the 2nd World War (1945), guaranteed only by a deep faith in God and the Human as is known, the ‘United Nations’ (U.N.) was established as Person, hastens to state: the successor organization to the former ‘League of Na- tions’ (which proved to be ineffective). Whilst the U.N. had “This book is a personal account of the fate of similar aspirations, it definitely had a broader representa- indigenous issues within the United Nations tion and more demanding and specialized requirements from 1984 to 2007. It is much more than that, than the abolished ‘League of Nations’. however, because it is written by the one The U.N. included in its membership the official person who - above all other government ex- Representatives of most governments around the world, perts - was responsible for indigenous peo- and in its Committees and Sub-Committees we find, ples’ rise from oblivion to recognition by the amongst the elected Executive officers, the discernible international community.” presence of certain significant women from various eth- nicities as well. And after these momentous words, the official in Amongst those noteworthy and sensitized mention concludes his preface with the following deductive women (especially for human rights!) there also appears, paragraph which undoubtedly constitutes an unreserved early on, a Greek woman, a legal expert, Mme Erica- Hymn, not only to the heroic stance and activity of Mme Irene Daes, nee Papastamatakis, originating from Ha- Daes, but also to the entire Hellenic civilization, from the nia, Crete but active in Athens and internationally. cradle of Knossos up to the various phases of Byzantino- Romaic and more recent Helleno-Christian Greece. * * * * Here is the concluding paragraph in mention: This exceptional compatriot, together with her un- forgettable husband Asterios Daes, President of the “To Mme Daes, indigenous peoples are the Court of Auditors (one of three Highest Courts of custodians of humankind’s cultural heritage. Greece), I had the joy and honour of meeting at the outset Mme Daes is, however, the undoubted custo- of the 1960’s. dian of a process that has led to indigenous Precisely because of this long and continually re- JUNE 2006 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 3/21

Cont. from previous page

peoples’ legitimate consideration within the United Nations system and has allowed indigenous peoples to be treated not as foot- notes but as participants in this process. She has become the affectionate keeper of a treasure, and of a process, that will always be associated with her name.”

Analogous is the accolade to Mme Daes by Mme Arbour, which we locate in the following extract of her preface:

“Erica-Irene Daes, the author of this book and recipient of the United Nations Human Rights Prize in 1993, was at the heart of these developments. As Chairperson of the Working Group on Indigenous populations from 1984 until her retirement as an active member of the Sub-Commission in 2001, she was the principal drafter and driving force behind the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, authoring numerous seminal UN studies, visiting many remote indigenous communities all over the world and encouraging them to participate actively in the United Nations. Indeed, the annual ses- sion of the Working Group, held every August in Geneva, became one of the largest human rights meetings on the UN calendar. In recog- nition of her contribution, the Sub-Commis- sion adopted an unprecedented, unanimous decision - making Dr. Daes member of the Working Group for life.

As a representative of her country, Greece, at numerous important forums including the General Assembly, Dr Daes was and contin- ues to be a strong and persuasive advocate of indigenous rights and for the adoption of progressive policies by States in regard to their indigenous communities.” moments’ from the truly dramatic evolution humbled and unjustly treated (to the of Indigenous peoples’ position within the point of cruel slavery) more than most. We, in response to the above admittedly deter- broader framework of Human Rights, pres- minative evaluations from the most qualified office bear- ent Mme Daes as having uncompromisingly ers of the U.N. on the subject of Human Rights, would not pioneered initiatives for twenty-five con- d) It is precisely this ‘escalation’ (from the dare to add anything but our justifiable pride which we secutive years until, finally, the objections most painful humiliation to the highest sov- are entitled to express as Greeks for this, our most distin- weighted against the Indigenous people ereign radiance!) which is portrayed so guished compatriot. were rescinded by the U.N. since, at one remarkably by the photograph on the Book’s stage, it also possessed its own plausible front cover, comprising the most characteris- Personally, the writer would like to draw the argument (the issue of excluding the reli- tic facial portraits, from victims to readers’ attention to just a few details of acutely ‘semeio- gious element, yet so strongly projected by Chieftains. logical’ value, as follows: the Indigenous people!). It should be espe- cially noted that the Greek champion of such a) The accolades of the U.N. are directed to causes had no particular reason to be sensi- Each of the 13 faces on the colour photograph a Greek woman, without the slightest tized or obligated to Indigenous people since (regardless of gender, race, apparel, or standing), even reservation. This, at a time when ‘Inter- tiny Greece had never involved herself with from the glance captured by the camera’s lense, express- national Organizations’, not only e.g. in the Colonial actions against Indigenous peoples. es all possible vibrations of the human soul, as the case American-controlled ‘Security Council’ but may be, from acute despair or doubt, to triumphant even in the European Union, continually criti- optimism and faith. cize Greek governments for breaches of c) The references towards Indigenous institutional obligations, indeed imposing peoples, so successfully adopted in the title Let us hope that the lifetime toils and struggles of upon them very heavy penalties. of the Book - “Keepers of our Past - this unwavering Greek woman find analogous imitators in Custodians of our Future“ express the highest all corners of the globe. b) The mass of photographs in the said possible honour and recognition to those fel- Book which have immortalized ‘historical low humans, the Indigenous, who were Translation by FSS

Plastic choking the environment Environmentalists warned that years of uncontrolled Aegean Sea, also known as Archipelagos, told Kathime- beings and ecosystems because they spread so easily,” dumping of plastic along the country’s coastlines and in rini. The nonprofit conservation group, based on the she said, noting that fish and other sea creatures are illegal landfills has resulted in a new and insidious form Aegean island of Icaria, based its conclusions on sand believed to digest a significant amount of these tiny of pollution: millions of tiny plastic fibers that are tainting samples taken from 110 beaches in different parts of the shreds of plastic. beaches and even ending up in the food chain of fish and Aegean. The group’s next project is to analyze sand from As to how the plastic ends up on coastlines and beach- other marine life. the neighboring Turkish coastline. es, Miliou laid the blame on beachgoers who thought- “We are really worried, as all the beaches we inspect- According to Miliou, the plastic fibers, which are not vis- lessly discard plastic bags and bottles but also on the ed revealed concentrations of these tiny plastic fibers to ible to the naked eye, pose a particular risk precisely due widespread scourge of illegal landfills, where thousands a greater or lesser extent,” Anastassia Miliou of the to their small size. dump their plastic and other waste. Institute of Marine & Environmental Research of the “The fibers pose a growing threat to the health of human Source: www.kathimerini.gr JUNE 2009 4/22 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Commemoration of the 68th anniversary of the Battle of Crete On the 68th anniversary of the Battle of Crete, it was a pleasure this year and an honour to welcome Lieutenant General Constantinos Kalamatas and Commander Leonidas Tsiantoulas to Sydney to assist with the Commemoration.

It was a special honour for the Joint Committee for the Commemoration of the Battle of Crete and the Cre- tan Association and the Cretan Federation to welcome a delegation of such high rank. Lieutenant General Kala- matas is the second in charge of the Hellenic Defence Forces and Commander Tsiantoulas is a public relations director of the Hellenic Defence Forces. Both are highly decorated. Because of their high ranking their visit to Sydney this year was shorter than the customary group delegation because of the pressing duties that they both had to perform and continue to perform in service of their mother country. As a result, they had a very full programme in Sydney. Lieutenant General Constantinos Kalamatas Commander Leonidas Tsiantoulas The organising committee, organised the commemora- tive functions to honour those brave fallen Australians, Branch of the RSL. noon with these delegations. New Zealanders, Cretans and Greeks generally who 14. Bill Jenkins and Vin Hallinan representing the Sixth On Monday the Delegation attended the three schools fought during the Battle of Crete and the Greek Cam- Division Association. of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Sydney, starting paign in 1941. 15. Alf Carpenter representing the 2nd Fourth Infantry with Saint Euphemia in the morning, then All Saints Bel- After arriving in the morning on Friday 15 May 2009, Battalion. more at lunch and closing with the Saint Spyridon. Lieutenant General Kalamatas and Commander T- 16. Matt Walsh representing the Sixth Division Military At each of the schools, presentations were given by siantoulas visited His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos Police Association. students in both the Greek and English languages to the and then visited the Attorney General John Hatzistergos 17. John Hitchen representing the HBTNS Association. Delegation. Lieutenant General Kalamatas and Com- on official visits. 18. Alex Peppas representing the Pan-Korinthian As- mander Tsiantoulas then spoke to the gathered children On Saturday 16 May 2009 the delegation attended at sociation. about the importance of the Battle of Crete. The chil- the official wreath laying and Commemorative Service 19. Ioannis Psomas and Greg Xeifellis representing dren were all enthralled and happy to hear of and learn at Martin Place Cenotaph. the Mytilinean Brotherhood of NSW. about their Greek heritage. The function was attended by distinguished quests 20. Constantine Kirpodianis representing the Brother- Lieutenant General Kalamatas remarked that it was from the Australian and Greek Australian communities. hood of NSW. enjoyable and heartening to see so many children of A number of wreaths were laid in honour of the fallen 21. Heather McNaughton representing the War Wid- Greek heritage with a keen awareness of the impor- and the list of wreath layers highlights the importance ows Guild of Australia. tance of maintaining their links between their country of of the ongoing commemoration, not only within the 22. Rita Barnett representing the 39ers Association. birth and their country of origin. It must be noted that Greek Australian community but also the general wider 23. Maori Womens Choir. Lieutenant General Kalamatas distributed gifts from the Australian community. 24. St Euphemia College represented by Peter The- Hellenic National Defence Forces to all the children be- ofilou, students and Mr Robert Holt whose father fought ing pens endorsed with the Hellenic National Defence Wreath Layers at the Battle of Crete in Crete. Forces symbol. The children gratefully accepted these Commemorative Service 25. All Saints Grammar School represented by Elfa Lil- gifts and they will be cherished for a long time. las and students. Monday evening was spent at an official cocktail 1. Lieutenant General Konstantinos Kalamatas - rep- 26. Mrs Colleen Donahue, daughter of Charlie Hunter function at the residence of the Consulate General for resenting the Hellenic Defence Forces. who fought in Crete. Greece, Mr Vasilios Tollios. This function was also well 2. The Honourable John Murphy MP - representing 27. George Lazaris on behalf of the Cyprus Commu- attended by members of the Greek and Cretan commu- the Prime Minister of Australia. nity. nity in Sydney. 3. The Attorney General the Honourable John Hatzis- The delegation flew from Sydney to New Zealand the tergos MLC - representing the Premier of NSW. The national anthems at the Martin Place Cenotaph following morning. 4. James Jordan - Chairman of the Joint Committee of were sung by the choirs of the Greek Orthodox Col- It must be noted that during the course of the activi- the Commemoration of the Battle of Crete and the Joint leges, St Euphenia College and All Saints College. The ties Lieutenant General Kalamatas and Commander Campaign. New Zealand Battalion song was also sung by the Tsiantoulas had the opportunity to meet two veterans 5. Vasilios Tollios, Consul General of Greece in Syd- Maori Battalion’s Women’s Choir. from the Battle of Crete in Sydney, Mr Bill Jenkins and ney. The Cretan Association held its Commemorative An- Mr Alf Garnett. It was moving for all men to meet and 6. Sara Craig, Consul General of New Zealand. nual Ball on 16 May 2009 and the delegation was en- even though Mr Jenkins and Mr Garnett are in their 7. Peter Theofilou - representing the Intercommunities tertained there by Cretan musicians flown in from Crete nineties, it was an honour for them to spend some time Council of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. directly for this event. Also performing were three with Lieutenant General Kalamatas who also consid- 8. Colonel Brian Bailey representing the Australian dancing groups of the Cretan Association of Sydney in ered it an honour to meet the veterans. Defence Forces for the Land Commander. NSW including children as young as 5 years old who Mr James Jordan, President of the Joint Committee 9. Air Vice Marshall Nick Skidmore representing the proudly danced the dances of their ancestors for Lieu- for the Commemoration of the Battle of Crete and the Air Commander of Australia. tenant General Constantinos Kalamatas and Comman- Greek Campaign asked the newspaper to especially 10. Jennifer Collins acting Director Department of Vet- der Leonidas Tsiantoulas. thank the Greek Delegation for their work during their erans Affairs. On Sunday 17 May 2009 the Delegation together with short stay in Sydney and thanks all of the people and 11. Ian Anderson - RSL State Council representing the veterans and members of the organising committees the organisations who assisted with the Commemora- President of RSL NSW. attended the Garrison Church at the Rocks in Sydney for tion. 12. John Assargiotis - President of Cretan Federation a Commemorative Service. This was followed by a He also expressed further wish that the Greek and of Australia and New Zealand and Maria Lagoudakis lunch hosted by the Greek Sub-Branch of the RSL at- Australian Governments ensure that this important com- President of the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW. tended by many Greek veterans who proudly displayed memoration and corroboration between the two coun- 13. Angelo Efstatiadis representing the Greek Sub- their medals and spent a warm and courteous after- tries continues for years to come at this high level. JUNE 2009 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 53/23/21 Editorial

Tourism council calls ning authority as a broker in a Middle Eastern failure to the negative impact of this situation," Mr Barack Obama peace once again are paying off. An annual survey Hingerty said. of Arab public opinion released last month by the The comments also come as NSW health authorities andfor the swine Muslim flu calm world come under heavy fire for letting 2,000 passengers dis- University of Maryland and Zogby International embark from the P&O ship Pacific Dawn, which berthed showed his approval rating at 45 percent, a “re- in Sydney on Monday, despite suspicions two young By JOHN PSAROPOULOS By David Barbeler markable” rate compared with previous presidents. boys were infected with swine flu. (For the sake of comparison, George W Bush won Fourteen cases have now been recorded from the US President Barack Obama demonstrated on the stakes for most disliked foreign leader in cruise ship, bringing the national tally to 50. JuneThe 3 Australianthat he intends Tourism to Council stay onhas message blasted politicalin rec- Mr Hingerty said while it was never ideal that people leaders and the media over what it says is the "hyste- 2006). It also happens to be just one point below onciling the US with the Muslim world. Speaking in Obama’s approval rating among Republicans got sick, medical experts say this was a reasonably Cairo,ria" surrounding he called thefor latestan end swine to the flu stereotypingoutbreak. that mild form of A(H1N1). Australian Tourism Export Council managing director recorded by the Pew Research Centre in April. He also said no one had died from swine flu in Aus- hasMatthew distanced Hingerty the says two. the It $26is the billion second inbound time tourism Oba- Obama can console himself that progress in the ma has delivered the message. The first was in his tralia yet, however more than 3,000 Australians die industry has already taken a hit, with a noticeable de- Middle"This Easthas now peace spilled pro-cess over to willthe likelymainstream improve Japan- his from influenza every year. address,cline in Japanese in April, touristto the groups. parliament of Turkey, one standingese markets," among he said.Arabs further, though it may do He said he hoped to put the swine flu scares into per- of "I'mthe becomingfirst countries increasingly he visited alarmed as president.over the hysteria little"We for are his already appeal feeling theamong impact some of this, Republicans. significant- spective to limit Australia's PR damage. overObama the swinealso hammeredflu business," away Mr Hingertyat the expansion said. of ly. We have been since the first outbreak." "We are appealing for everyone to be calm, factual "My members are rapidly losing business as a result Of course, 11 percent of Americans still think settlements in the West Bank as a key obstacle to BarackMr Hingerty's Hussein commentsObama is comea Muslim, as Jetstar the Pew announced centre and objective in their reporting and commentary of of an overreaction and I appeal to our political leaders they will cancel 31 Japan flights - almost one third - next swine flu," he said. an Israeli-Palestinian peace. Again, this was a mes- says. But the foreign policy payoff of not going to sageand media he had commentators delivered once to keep before this inin perspective." Israel itself month due to "significant softening" of passenger loads. "We'll work on the medical facts and leave the spin Mr Hingerty said the tourism market had already felt greatThey've lengths warned to dispelmore cutbacksa domestic may misunderstand- follow if condi- aside." justthe initiallast month.impact Thethrough US president’sa falloff in Japaneseefforts at school fos- ingtions seems don't improve.well worthwhile. teringgroups a visiting new trust Australia. with the Islamic world and win- "We don't want to add unemployment ATHENSand business NEWS AAP The Christian Family

work in this brief article, I have chosen just a few we just can’t fit another commitment into their tight quotes which I feel are most important for considera- schedule. tion. The first and possibly most important of these is The final instruction of the Saint refers to our accept- concerning the pursuit of wealth. Unfortunately, greed ance, and I would even say gladness, of watching our has always scourged society and the acquisition of rich- children take the wrong path in life. Here he writes, es characterises our times more than any other. By PETER “How many parents are there who do not want to take MAVROMMATIS * Concerning this issue, Saint John writes, among other upon themselves this labour of correcting their unsub- things, that “your children will always be sufficiently missive and unruly children. They are as if afraid to up- wealthy if they receive from you a good upbringing that set their children by reigning in with stern words, the is able to order their moral life and behaviour. Thus disobedient tendencies to which they have submitted strive not to make them rich, but rather make them pi- themselves. What is the outcome? Their disorder in- “Having children is a matter of nature; but raising them ous masters of their passions, rich in virtues. Teach creases; their disrespect leads them to criminal of- and educating them in the virtues is a matter of mind them not to think up illusory needs, reckoning their fences; they are brought to trial and the wretches die... and will” worth according to worldly standards. Attentively watch You refused your personal rights over them... you are St John Chrysostom their need, their acquaintances and their attachments, afraid to humiliate them with some light punishment in and do not expect any mercy from God if you do not ful- your presence; but what horrible dishonour will befall Two contrasting events inspired this month’s column. fill this duty.” you when your son is no longer around.” The first was my Parish Priest’s presentation to the par- ents of Sunday School students after Divine Liturgy While elsewhere he writes, “if a child learns a trade, or I can visualise some faces of the long-suffering readers where he reminded parents of our responsibility for the is highly educated for a lucrative profession, all this is of this column. “He is ranting again”, they say. How ter- Christian upbringing of our children. The second was a nothing compared to the art of detachment from riches; ribly sad that the neither the Saint, nor I (this time) are chance encounter in a bookstore where I overheard a if you want to make your child rich, teach him this.” wrong about this. Too many times we see the Church, parent telling a child that “you can have any book but Echoing the words of Jesus Himself, Saint John guides the Sacraments, the priest as the last chance, the final that”. us to teach our children, from their youth, to lay for hope. How many times do we seek out the priest for themselves “treasures in heaven” (Luke 16:20). his guidance, but too late? Where were we when the My curiosity got the better of me so I just had to see All too often we hear children and teenagers being told children wandered off the path? Why did we not try to what the child had picked up. The young child was hold- bring them back when they were not too far away? ing a Children’s Bible. A colleague had once told me that to ‘become someone’, to make lots of money, forgetting that true wealth is freedom from the uncontrolled desire Why will they listen to us, or the priest, now that they he heard a similar conversation. That time the objection- have strayed so far? able item was a Prayer Book. to have. Now more than ever, in the increasingly con- sumerist capitalism of our society, our children cry out On our wedding day, the priest prayed that we (the As I am by no means an expert, nor do I have experi- for us to stem the tide and give them true riches but we spouses) would be joined as one flesh and would be in- ence as a parent since my children are only very young, are not listening. strumental in leading our children to Heaven: “Unite I found it necessary to consult the Holy Church Fathers, them in one mind and one flesh, and grant them fair whose wisdom is truly universal and timeless. We want to send our children to exclusive institutions, to attain high positions in society to the detriment of their children for education in Your faith and fear...” Parenting Saint John Chrysostom’s work On Marriage and Family spiritual well-being. Saint John writes, “We spare nei- is a most wondrous, awesome and simultaneously Life, and especially Homily 21, ought to be a prescribed ther labours nor means in order to teach our children dreadful responsibility. We adults must come to know, text for couples intending to marry and for married cou- secular sciences, so that they can serve well the earthly love and serve God so that our children can learn from ples who try to become parents. This brief ‘handbook’ is us. So that by God’s Grace they too will share in the life th authorities. Only the knowledge of the Holy Faith, the as relevant today as it was in the 4 century context it service of the Heavenly King are a matter of indiffer- of the Church. Should we fail in our role as Christian was originally written in. ence to us... We demand an account from them of what teachers for our children, Saint John warns us, “Atten- Saint John believes that “having children is a matter of they have learned in their secular institutes - why do we tively watch their need, their acquaintances and their at- nature; but raising them and educating them in the not demand an account from them of what they have tachments, and do not expect any mercy from God if virtues is a matter of mind and will”. Most striking here learned in the Lord’s House?” you do not fulfill this duty.” Saint John Chrysostom On Marriage and Family Life (IS- is the fact that from time immemorial some (many) Again the Saint identifies a major failure on our part. We parents seem to have neglected the spiritual upbringing ISBN-10:BN-10: 0913836869) 091 3836869) can can be be purchased purchased from from are too absorbed in worldly endeavours to notice that amazon.com for $14.00 of their children, and so Saint John labels this as an we are ignoring the “one thing needed” (Luke 10:42). We issue of mind and will. Ultimately, if parents believe that fuss about every aspect of their lives, we rush them To comment, agree, or disagree, visit: http://petermav.livejournal.com/ the pursuit of virtues is important, they persist with this from school to music practice, to swimming training, to in the raising of their children. sport training, to dance and drama rehearsals, and we * Peter Mavrommatis is a teacher of Orthodox Studies and Personal As it is impossible to adequately condense Saint John’s fail to take them to Church, to the Sacraments, because Development at St Spyridon College Senior School Sydney. The Greek Australian VEMA JUNE 2009 6/24 TO BHMA

Uniting those Hotels offering rock-bottom between two lands rates TUITUI lists lists Greece Greece as as cheapest cheapest for President of Australian Panhellenic Federation Theo Katapodis foraccomodation, accommodation, foreign foreign tour tour says that the idea for the federation was born when returning operatorsoperators exert exert pressure pressure Athens Greeks found themselves with shared experiences and concerns Athenshoteliers hoteliers feeling feeling heat heat Under strong pressure from foreign tour oper- ators and facing the specter of empty rooms, Greek hoteliers in the most popular resorts are reportedly being forced to offer rock-bottom rates, despite a call by their professional associ- ations that offers should be tailored for specific targets. By way of illustration, one Rhodes hotelier is reported to have offered a daily price of 11 eu- ros for an all-inclusive package, when his official rate was 75 euros. On www.tuifly.com, the website of the world’s Department Department of largest tour operator TUI, Greece is listed as the of Immigration cheapest for hotel accommodation among 10 Immigrationphotograph ofphotograph the 5 000th of countries, with rates starting at 14 euros (on Greekthe migrant 5,000th Crete) and Turkey as second most inexpensive, Greek inmigrant 1955 at 17 euros. The corresponding rates for Spain in 1955 and Italy are 21 and 26 euros respectively. Rates for rented apartments have also ByBy JULIA PANAYOTOU in Greece With many smaller groups forming in the 1970s and 80s, following the return of migrants to their villages and towns dropped sharply, with daily rates per person of While an estimated 1 million residents of Australia have throughout Greece, the Greek-Australian presence gained 10-15 euros in the case of 160-180-day con- Greek heritage, an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 Greek Aus- a clearer identity in 1993, when groups from Patras, Naf- tracts with tour operators. tralians decided to migrate back to the villages and towns paktos, Aigion, Athens and Kalamata founded the federa- Recently, Nikos Angelopoulos, president of the of their youth beginning in the 1970s. The Panhellenic Fed- tion. Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE), eration of Greek-Australian Societies and Associations - These groups were later joined by similar associations urged caution. whose concept is rooted in the 1980s when returning from Crete, Mytilene, Kiato and Kos. Katapodis explains “In extreme cases, reduced prices do not even Greeks found themselves with shared experiences and that “the decision was made to set up the federation’s allow the enterprises to cover their basic costs concerns - comprises participants in the 20th century’s headquarters in Patras due to the significance of the first and they will eventually collapse,” he said. second major post-WWII migration wave, now retirees in Greek-Australian association having started in that city.” During the early booking season, the expiry of their 70s and 80s. What is the status today of migration between Greece which this year was extended from March 31 to Current federation president and lawyer Theo Katapodis and Australia? Katapodis says that, unlike the “first and April 30, hoteliers offered discounts of 15-20 is experienced in living between cultures. second major waves of migration to Australia following percent, free accommodation for children and Born in Australia, he moved to Greece at the age of 12 WWI and WWII, few Greeks migrate to Australia nowadays, room upgrades. The early booking period last and completed Greek middle and high school. He then while the old practice of Greeks sending remittances to year ended at the end of February. went to Britain to study sociology at university, but returned family members back home is disappearing. Families are Market players report that foreign operators to Australia to work in international business law. Like becoming more settled, according to Katapodis, rooted in are already pressing hoteliers to sign contracts many Greeks, however, memories of a childhood spent one country or the other. for next year with 10 percent discounts on this here drew him back. He recently returned to Greece, prac- MrHe Katapodis,stresses, however,stresses- thathowever- the federation’s that the federation’s upcoming year’s prices. tices law at a firm in Piraeus and has “been involved in the charity dinner, with funds going to the victims of recent “Tourism entrepreneurs that keep reducing federation for the past three years.” wildfires in Australia, is not taking place solely to help other their prices do not realize it will take many years When asked about the reasons many Greek Australians Greek Australians. “Australia has been so forthcoming with before prices return to the pre-crisis levels,” An- decided to move back, as well as common gripes, Kat- assistance - for example the restoration of the Acropolis gelopoulos quoted a foreign hotel chain execu- apodis admits many complain of “the differences in busi- and the help given to victims of forest fires in Greece. We tive as saying. ness styles” and a “complicated Greek bureaucracy.” But just want to say - in a symbolic way - that Greeks are still Holidaying Greeks often find themselves pay- that doesn’t stop many who have returned wanting to interested in Australia, their other homeland in many re- ing much more than foreign visitors for the same spend their golden years in the country in which they were spects,” says Katapodis, adding that “our message is that services at Greek resorts. This is mainly be- born. Australian Greeks are supportive of Australia.” cause they tend to be last-minute bookers, The Panhellenic Federation of Greek-Australian Societies For more information on the federation, visit www. whereas foreign tour operators buy at whole- and Associations serves as a link between the two coun- sitemaker.gr/panhellenicfedgasa. sale rates at least six months before the start of tries and the people who straddle both cultures. the season. Katapodis mentions one success in particular, namely Patras charity charity dinner dinner in aid in aid However, a large number of hotels that of- fered discounts during the Easter period were the role played by the federation in the 2007 bilateral so- of AustraliaAustralia wildlife wildfire victims victims cial security agreement. reportedly rewarded with high occupancy rates. The agreement officially recognized Greek Australians’ In collaboration with the prefecture of Achaia, the Panhel- The Panhellenic Federation of Hoteliers (POX) pension and healthcare rights, an issue that Greek Prime lenic Federation of Greek-Australian Societies and Associa- has appealed to its members to keep prices low Minister Costas Karamanlis admitted had been pending for tions held a charity dinner to raise funds for those stricken for Greek customers, but has also drawn atten- decades. by the recent fires in Australia. Held at the Astir Hotel Pa- tion to the fact that local residents can book their TheThe Federationfederation alsoalso performsperforms thethe broaderbroader task task of of bring- bring- tras on May 4, the dinner was attended by Australia’s Am- accommodation via foreign-based websites and inging togethertogether 1212 regionalregional Greek-AustralianGreek-Australian societiessocieties and bassador to Greece Jeremy Newman and federation mem- secure rates similar to those of foreign visitors. federations,and federations, allowing allowing Greek AustraliansGreek Australians residing residingin Greece in bers as well as representatives of local civic and university Such websites include: toGreece voice totheir voice concerns, their concerns, forge contacts forge andcontacts meet andup. Whilemeet authorities. www.youtravel.com, someup. While members some havemembers already have been already very activebeen forvery some active Proceeds from the event were placed in a fund to help www.expedia.com, www.hotels.com, time,for some “all Greek time, Australians“all Greek residingAustralians in Greeceresiding are in wel-Greece fire victims. The event included a lottery with a grand prize www.booking.com, www.hotelier365.com, comeare welcome to attend to the attend federation federation events events and and get getinvolved”, involved,” of two Athens-Sydney/ Melbourne round-trip business- www.lastminute.com, www.thomascook.com, sayssays Katapodis.Katapodis. class tickets. www.medhotels.com and www.thomson.co.uk. JUNE 2009 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 7/25 Facts & Stats Australians concerned about non-existent crime wave

A majority of Australians continue quarter said violence accounts for up to believe crime is soaring when it to 80 per cent of all crime, yet the isn’t, and that courts treat offenders true figure is 10 per cent. far too leniently when they don’t. Respondents also under-estimated The latest national survey of atti- the rate of conviction for those tudes to crime and justice found 71 charged with violent crime. The real per cent favoured harsher sentences conviction figure is between 91-100 for lawbreakers, a figure which has per cent, correctly nominated by just remained relatively stable for two 1.8 per cent. decades. Similarly, almost 70 per cent esti- First home buyers A majority also believe that to fight Dr Putt said the survey showed a mated that under 30 per cent of terrorism, the government should be large majority would like more spent home burglars go to jail. The real fig- allowed to detain suspects indefi- on law enforcement. ure was 31- 40 per cent. rush to build nitely, tap phone conversations and The survey showed a significant The results revealed a public scep- stop and search people in the street majority believed crime had in- tical about the criminal justice sys- dream home at random but not torture. creased during the past two years tem, the commission said. They per- Support for the death penalty con- with 41.7 per cent saying there was ceived criminal victimisation to be a tinues to fall, with backing falling to a lot more crime and 23.2 per cent much greater risk than it really was, The federal government’s more generous first 40 per cent, well down from more saying a little more. and the criminal justice system as home owners grant scheme has been a “success” than 60 per cent two decades ago. Just under three per cent said being softer than it really was. and is helping keep construction workers employed, Australian Institute of Criminology there was less crime. Actual crime “These misperceptions are gener- Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek says. research manager Judy Putt says statistics show a decrease in four ally attributable to the main source of Data released recently backed the claim, with crime researchers around the world major categories - murder, break- information respondents rely on for housing finance loans to build new homes surging are aware of the contradiction be- ins, car theft and theft - during the their picture of crime and criminal 15.4 per cent in March to a record high. tween the public view and the reality same time, the study said. justice - the popular media,” the Overall, new lending commitments for housing, of the extent of crime and what hap- Australians also over-estimated study said. personal, commercial and lease finance jumped 12 pens to offenders. the rate of violent crime. Almost a AAP per cent in March, the biggest rise in 21 months, Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed. “Vacant blocks of land are being snapped up,” Commonwealth Securities chief economist Craig James said. Gap in indigenous life expectancy “More home buyers are looking to build their dream home than buy an existing dwelling.” In just seven months, loans to build new homes have risen by 42 per cent to record highs, he said. still intolerable The boost to the first home buyers scheme, which was introduced as part of the government’s stimu- Figures showing better than expected indigenous life close Aboriginal life expectancy within a generation, the lus package announced in October, was extended expectancy cannot be used to suggest there’s been sig- gap was 17 years. in Tuesday’s budget. nificant improvements in Aboriginal health, says a peak But Aboriginal Medical Service Alliance NT executive of- “It has been one of the very important measures body. ficer John Paterson on Monday warned governments in both the stimulus packages and in the budget,“ The new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics against using the statistics as proof of major health im- Ms Plibersek told parliament. (ABS) found life expectancy for Aborigines was 67.2 provements. She said it was helping to prevent 210,000 Aus- years for men and 72.9 years for women. He said there was still “a large and intolerable gap”. tralians from joining the ranks of the unemployed. This is about ten years less than non-indigenous Aus- “The new figures should not be used to suggest there So far, 59,000 new Australians had claimed the in- tralians. have been significant improvements in Aboriginal health,” creased grant. In 2007, when Prime Minister Kevin Rudd historically he said. “Many more had signed contracts to build homes apologised to the stolen generation and promised to “The new estimates demonstrate how far we must go and would claim the boost once their home was to radically improve primary health care for Aboriginal complete,” she said. people, especially in the NT where the figures are the The grant was doubled to $14,000 for existing worst in the nation.” homes and trebled to $21,000 for new properties in Average weekly wage ABS assistant director of demography Matthew Mont- October and was initially due to end on June 30. gomery said the increase in life expectancy could also be However, the boost was extended in the budget now $1,181 attributed to a new method used to compile the figures. and will continue in its current form until the end of “ABS certainly intends to use that direct method into the September. The average weekly wage in Australia is now future because it provides us with a better estimate,” he The grants will then be lowered to $10,500 for $1,181.60, after growing by 5.6 per cent in the year told ABC radio on Monday. existing homes and $14,000 for new homes for a to February. The quarterly seasonally-adjusted pace “The previous estimates, really there was some uncer- further three months. of average weekly ordinary time earnings (AWOTE) tainty ... we had to make quite a bit of assumptions about Beyond December it will return to $7,000 for both rose 1.2 per cent in the three months to February, the method. categories. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data released “The current method allows us to stand back and let the Other gauges of housing finance show the num- recently showed. The annual rate is well above the data speak for itself.” ber of new loans written to first home buyers has Reserve Bank of Australia‘s (RBA) perceived “line in Mr Paterson welcomed the change in data methodolo- doubled to 17,700 since August last year and now the sand” at 4.5 per cent. gy but said life was still tough on the ground. make up a record 27 per cent of all home loans Still, concerns over inflation have fallen by the “The figures don’t in any way change the day-to-day granted. wayside to some extent as the central bank tries to reality of people living with chronic illnesses, especially Building approvals had also risen in the past three cushion the impact of an economic recession with those with renal failure, late-onset diabetes or babies months after a major decline in the previous year, interest rates at a 49-year low. with low birth weights who are ‘failing to thrive’,” he said. Ms Plibersek said. The composition of the AWOTE series tends to “This new ABS methodology isn’t a magic wand that will “If recent enthusiasm to buy and build is any make it volatile, which is why the RBA prefers to use fix up Aboriginal health, but it does provide better data to guide, the home construction sector will be at the the wage price index - released on Wednesday - as enable health agencies to plan and fund more effective forefront of the economic recovery,” Mr James said. one of its main guides to wages growth. That index health care.“ “The rental market has been super tight for a showed a more modest pace of growth of 0.8 per According to the ABS, the NT has the worst indigenous number of years, but finally supply is catching up to cent in the three months to March, while the annual life expectancy at 61.5 years for men and 69.2 years for the latest demand.” rate was 4.2 per cent. women, compared to NSW which recorded 69.9 years for AAP men and 75 for women. JUNE 2009 8/26 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

St Nicholas Cabasilas and the Life in Christ Part 1

By Anthony Papantoniou Although it has been argued that Cabasilas was a sues to theological, philosophical and scientific treatises. His layperson, it has now been established that Cabasilas style of writing was renowned for its liveliness and per- St Nicholas Cabasilas entered the Manganon monastery near Constantinople, suasion. His readers were mesmerized by his powerful and and his background where he became a monk and most likely ordained. The graceful expressions and especially for the authenticity of belief that Cabasilas was ordained to the priesthood is his ethos and religious phronema. This admiration by others On 20th June, the Orthodox Church commemo- strengthened through the witness of his own works, is clearly shown in a letter written to Nicholas Cabasilas by rates the feast of our Father among the Saints, St which do not simply signify liturgical knowledge, but l- Gregory Akindynos who writes: Nicholas Cabasilas. iturgical experience. His expression presupposes St Nicholas was born in the city of Thessalonika “priestly qualities” (êëçñéêÞ(klhrikή idiόthta).éäéüôçôá). It was thought that St If I, who love wisdom and virtue around 1320-23 into a prestigious family. It has been Nicholas succeeded his uncle Nilus Cabasilas as Arch- excessively, though I do not pos- thought in the past that he was born in 1300, however bishop of Thessalonika, but this is very unlikely because sess them, (if I) do not both love recent and more accurate research places his birth in there is no historical evidence to support such a position. and admire the man who pos- the early twenties of the fourteenth century, perhaps in The tradition, which affirms that St Nicholas was sesses them more than anyone 1322. This is witnessed by the fact that in 1351, a letter elected Archbishop of Thessalonika, goes back to the else and who collects them most addressed to Anna Palaeologus indicates that Cabasilas sixteenth century. It is sometimes stated that Nicholas diligently, I shall blame myself for had not yet reached the age of thirty. Similarly, the esti- was confused with his uncle Nilus, especially since Nilus unfitting character and judgment. mation of the year of his death varies - some believe was also named Nicholas before his ordination. There is Thus it is that I love and justly ad- that it took place in 1371, while others argue for 1380. one historical portrait of Cabasilas, which depicts him mire Cabasilas who possesses The year that is most probable is 1391, which means wearing hierarchical liturgical vestments. This is a fresco these (qualities), and you, the that St Nicholas would have seen the fall of his native found in the Chapel of the Forerunner in the Church of beloved, are not unaware of this Thessalonika to the Turks in 1387. Although St Nicholas’ the Protaton in Karyes on Mount Athos that dates from either. I am also enamored of your paternal name was Chamaetos (the rampant eagle), he 1526. A list of all the bishops of Thessalonika, published letters which are altogether so preferred to be known by his mother’s family name, in the Greek Encyclopaedia of Religion and Ethics volume well composed that - though I Cabasilas. The aristocratic family name of Cabasilas 6 (Athens, 1965) indicates that Cabasilas was archbish- would not say, of course, that their was well- known in both the political and ecclesiastical op. There is a slight complication with the dates. Nilus music moves stones, for I fear that life of Constantinople. Furthermore, St Nicholas’ uncle held the see between 1360-61, while St Nicholas occu- this would be contrived - a man Nilus Cabasilas, a prominent theologian, succeeded St pied the throne during 1361-63. However, the successor seems to be somehow an irra- Gregory Palamas as Archbishop of Thessalonika. There- to the see between 1363-1371 is unknown. More accu- tional animal, if he is not captivat- fore, it is easy to understand why Nicholas chose to be rate information places Nilus’ episcopate during 1361-63 ed by them, or if he does not real- called by this prestigious name, although at times he is and not 1360-1. Furthermore, the hagiologia of the Me- ize that in this case captivity is known by both names together. tropolis of Thessalonika commemorates St Nicholas quite to the advantage of the cap- St Nicholas received his early education in his na- Cabasilas as Archbishop of Thessalonika, although at his tured...1 tive city and went to Constantinople for further studies. official canonisation in 1983, this is not stated. The prob- The fourteenth century marked a turbulent era in Byzan- lem lies in the lack of historical facts to support St St Nicholas Cabasilas not only influenced his tium where cultural, intellectual and religious flourish- Nicholas’ consecration. Even his correspondence up until contemporaries, but also later generations - Symeon, the ment co-existed alongside political unrest. This is seen 1391, where Cabasilas received epistles by Manuel II Archbishop of Thessalonika (1410-29) and Georgios explicitly in the bitter social struggles and civil wars Paleologus and Joseph Vruenniou make no mention of Scholarios were among others who praised him. which raged through the Empire as a result of the con- his episcopate. Nonetheless, whether or not Cabasilas Among the theological works, St Nicholas had flict that ensued between the rightful heir of the imperial became archbishop should remain an open question. If composed a polemic treatise against Nikephoras Grego- throne - John V Palaeologus and the co-Emperor John IV this icon portrays St Nicholas as a hierarch, even though ras, who was an opponent of the hesychast movement, Cantacuzenus. In 1342, when Cabasilas returned to he may have not been consecrated, they are perhaps in which he defends the teaching of St Gregory Palamas Thessalonika, he found himself in the midst of civil war symbolic in order to honour Cabasilas as one of the and many panegyric homilies that are devoted to the between the nobility who had sided with the co-emper- greatest liturgical liturgical mystics mystics of theof theChurch. Church. Passion and Ascension of Christ, to the three Hierarchs, or John Cantacuzenus and the zealots. In 1345, Can- St Nicholas is undoubtedly the last of the greatest Sts Demetrius, Nicholas, Andrew the Neo-Martyr and tacuzenus sent Cabasilas together with his compatriot Byzantine theologians. The fourteenth century was well Theodora. He has also written sermons on the nativity, Gregory Pharmaki as envoys to his son Manuel II in the known for the movement of humanism which had be- the annunciation and the dormition of the Theotokos. The city of Veroia, in order to reach a compromise, yet an- come a prominent and dominant influence among the in- only exegetical work composed by Nicholas deals with other uprising broke out and Cabasilas narrowly es- tellectuals, attracting many personalities both in the West the vision of Ezekiel, while there are short tracts inter- caped being killed. and the East, including St Nicholas Cabasilas. Humanism preting Gospel passages and liturgical hymns. In 1347, once an agreement was finally reached, affirmed an absolute anthropocentrism where the hu- The major theological works written by St Cantacuzenus gave Cabasilas and his friend Dimitrius man person was perceived as ‘the centre of the uni- NicholasNicholas CabasilasCabasilas areare AA Commentary Commentary on on the the Divine Divine L-Li- Kydones the position of chief advisors, which indicated verse’ and ‘the measure of all things.’ This did not imply iturgyturgy and The Life in Christ.Christ. TheThe first work interprets thethe the beginning of Cabasilas’ political career. In the same that God did not exist, but rather that the divine and hu- symbolism of the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom in year, Cabasilas accompanied St Gregory Palamas to man realms were disparate, with humans being the ulti- 52 chapters. The liturgy for Cabasilas is the sacrificial Thessalonika for his enthronement, however, as Pala- mate source and principle of their own greatness, pos- body of Christ. This Eucharistic sacrifice is not a mere mas was not accepted, both Palamas and the young sessing within themselves all qualities of power and symbol but a reality; it is ‘the Body and Blood of Christ, Cabasilas went to Mount Athos, where they remained virtue. The theological tradition of the Church never de- which to the Church are true food and drink.’2Through for a year. In 1353, St Nicholas, still a layperson, was nied that human beings possessed greatness; the the initiation into the mysteries and the participation in chosen as one of three candidates for the election of the Church Fathers strongly affirmed that it was the divine the liturgy, humanity and all creation are transfigured, new Patriarch of Constantinople. Cabasilas was not Creator who sowed this seed of eminence within human they become θεοειδείς (God-like) and χριστομίμητοι - elected, possibly because of his affiliation with the Em- nature. The glory of the human person created in the im- imitators of Christ. These are the central themes in peror Cantacuzenus. Nonetheless, this shows the high age and likeness of God was ‘the crown of creation’. St Cabasilas’ masterpiece The Life in Christ. intellectual and spiritual qualities Cabasilas possessed, Nicholas Cabasilas, following the Fathers of the Church, It is important to note that St Nicholas does not even though he was just over the age of thirty. exclaimed that the human person’s true life does not es- formulate new dogmas. Rather by presupposing them, In 1354, the conflict which continued between the sentially lie within oneself, but in Jesus Christ. For he brings together the entire ecclesial tradition from St two co-ruling emperors (John V Paleologus and John Cabasilas, Christ incarnate becomes the source and cri- Paul and St John the Apostle, through to Ignatius, the Cantacuzenus), ended with the abdication of Can- terion, ‘the centre of the universe’ and ‘the measure of Alexandrians, the Cappadocians, Dionysius the Are- tacuzenus who entered a monastery. Cabasilas also re- all things.’ Humanity is joined to Christ and consequently opagite, Maximus the Confessor and Gregory Palamas tired from political life but began his ecclesiastical ca- receives an even greater and everlasting prominence in his own unique way, expressing its mystical and ex- reer, working closely with the Patriarch Philotheos Kokki- through this union; thus the life in Christ begins, where periential dimension. His theological vision is not mere nos (1353-1355, 1364-1376). In 1362, Cabasilas’ father human beings become partakers of the divine nature by abstract speculation but rather a way of life in Christ died and a year later his uncle, Nilus Cabasilas, Arch- grace. here and now within the sacramental life of the Church, bishop of Thessalonika, likewise. Cabasilas’ mother also St Nicholas Cabasilas was a gifted writer, com- entered the monastery of St Theodora. posing many works ranging from political and social is- JUNE 2009 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 9/27

Cont. from previous page the world and manifests the true nature of the human person, which has been restored to its original beauty. where Christ unites himself to us, indeed he comes ‘closer Cabasilas states: ‘From the beginning our nature has as to us than our own heart.’3 its aim immortality; but it only achieved this later in the body of the Saviour who, when he had risen from the The concept of ‘double Christ’ - dead to immortal life, became the leader of immortality Salvation through Jesus for our race.’9 However, for St Nicholas, the flesh of Christ is none other than the Church in which the life in The ultimate purpose of humanity is, according Christ is lived by the faithful and salvation becomes a to Cabasilas, union with God. The first created humans concrete and continuous reality. It is within the ecclesial were able to commune directly with their Creator, but body of Christ that humans are transfigured spiritually. with the fall this blessing was lost as a consequence of This metamorphosis of humanity is the begin- the misuse of their free will and the image and likeness ning of the life in Christ that is inaugurated through the of God within them was blurred. Thus the ultimate pur- mysteries of Baptism and Chrismation and is sustained pose of history is according to Cabasilas, the union of through the participation of the heavenly liturgy and es- human beings with God. This re-unification of God and pecially the Eucharist. ‘O wonder of wonders,’ cries humanity was achieved through the incarnation, life, pas- Cabasilas ‘that Christ’s spirit is united to our spirit, his sion and resurrection of the God-man. This divine econo- will is one with ours, his flesh becomes our flesh, his my belongs to all three persons of the Triadic Godhead, blood flows in our veins. What spirit is ours when it is for Cabasilas writes: “Even though it is by one single act possessed by his, our will when led captive by his, our of loving-kindness that the Trinity has saved our race-it is clay when set on fire by his flame!’10 According to our the Father who is reconciled, the Son who reconciles, Church Father, the sacraments function as new modes of while the Holy Spirit is bestowed as gift on those who existence in which human beings are united to Christ and have become friends”. However, it is the par excellence through Christ become Christ-like. Thus the process to work of Christ who transfigured and restored all living salvation and deification begins - it is nothing else but the beings to their original splendour - Christ became the life in Christ, which ‘originates in this life and arises from new Adam, giving the fullness of life as a potentiality it. It is perfected, however, in the life to come, when we (δυνάμει) to all. shall have reached that last day. It cannot attain perfec- tion in men’s souls in this life, nor even in that which is to According St Nicholas there are three obstacles come without already having begun here.’11 which separate God and human beings - nature, sin and (to be continued) death. The first barrier that separated the divine and hu- man is abolished through the incarnation where Christ 1 Cited in LettersLetters of Gregory Akindynos,Akindynos, trans. Angela Constantinides partakes in humanity. Thus the new Adam who possess- Hero (Washington, D.C.: Dumbarton Oaks, 1983), 61-63. 2 St Nicholas Cabasilas, A Commentary on the Divine Liturgy,Liturgy, trans. J.M. es two natures - the divine and human united within his The remaining two barriers are eliminated in Hussey and P.M. McNulty (London: S.P.C.K., 1978), 91. one Person is the ‘double Christ’ or “διπλούς Ιησούς”.4 succession by Christ’s death on the cross and by his glo- 3 St Nicholas Cabasilas, The Life in Christ, trans. Carmino J. de Catan- Cabasilas writes: rious resurrection. With these obstacles removed ‘there zaro (Crestwood, New York: SVS Press, 1998), 192. 4 Furthermore, this concept of ‘double Christ’ refers to Christ’s second is nothing’ then ‘which prevents the Holy Spirit from be- ‘birth’ within the human person, which is realized through the sacrament Our Lord not only assumed our body, ing poured out upon all flesh.’6 Therefore the distance of Baptism and Chrismation; this will be seen further on in this paper but also the soul, the intelligence, separating the divine and human realms has been when we will treat the mysteries. 5 St Nicholas Cabasilas, The Life in Christ, 122. the will, all that is proper to human bridged through the person of Christ, who inaugurates a 6 St Nicholas Cabasilas, The Life in Christ, 105. nature, in order to be able to unite new creation, ‘a new human ontology’;7 Christ as the 7 Panagiotis Nellas, Deification in Christ: The Nature of the Human Per- himself with the whole of our be- ‘first born over all creation’ (Col. 1:15) ‘constitutes the re- son, trans. Norman Russell (Crestwood, New York: SVS Press, 1987), 112. ing, and penetrate into our entire al progenitor of a new humanity.’8 8 Panagiotis Nellas, Deification in Christ, 112. 9 St Nicholas Cabasilas, The Life in Christ, 190. being... Between him and humans, It is Jesus the God-man who through his whole 10 St Nicholas Cabasilas, The Life in Christ, 23. everything is common except sin...5 life and compassionate works reveals the Godhead to 11 St Nicholas Cabasilas, The Life in Christ, 43.

THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN The oldest circulating Greek newspaper outside VEMA Greece MAY 2009 Tel. (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 E-mail: [email protected] OUR PRIMATE’S VIEW A STRANGE ‘EXHIBITION’ AND ‘AMBITION’

PAGES 5/23 - 6/24

NEW

Stitches of the Heart: An exhibition exploring Greek The Greek Australian VEMA embroidery in Queensland ACROPOLIS PAGE 18/36 MUSEUM Opens its doors June 20 The oldest circulating Greek newspaper outside Greece PAGE 14/32 A Greek oasis in the Libyan desert How a construction company magnate built a school of multicultural tolerance on the shores of Africa. PAGE 9/27 Tel: (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 Email: [email protected] ST ANDREW’S GREEK ORTHODOX THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE

TEN NEW Spetses, GRADUATES always a Sunday This historic island has built on its IN 2009 heritage to become a classy, yet affordable destination. PAGE 12/30 PAGE 17/35 10/28 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA JUNE 2009

IInn KatsidisH H iissttoorryy calls out the Pacman

Australian boxer Michael Katsidis has put "I believe a fight between me and Manny would be his head into the lion's den by travelling to the biggest fight in history to ever take place in the Philippines." Manila to challenge Filipino superstar The prospect of fighting Pacquiao in the Philippines Manny Pacquiao, the man regarded as the doesn't daunt Katsidis, whose last six bouts have all world's finest pound-for-pound fighter. been outside Australia. Former WBO interim lightweight world champion "It's something I've become quite accustomed to is Katsidis called a press conference in Manila recently fighting in people's backyards," he said. to announce his challenge. Pacquiao has yet to decide on his next opponent The 28-year-old Queenslander is already well- following his crushing second-round knockout of Eng- known to Filipino fight fans. lishman Ricky Hatton last month. He fought in Cebu City earlier this year and cap- Katsidis is still waiting to hear whether his mooted tained the Philippines against Mexico in their world match-up with Hatton will take place. cup of boxing showdown a few years ago when Pac- "What we're doing here could even lure Ricky into quiao was unavailable. fighting me," Katsidis said. Katsidis has actually fought in the Philippines more Katsidis' trainer and manager Brendon Smith said recently than multi-world title winner Pacquiao, who he couldn't imagine any of the other candidates to has had 10 of his last 11 fights in American rings. fight Pacquiao being prepared to fight in the Philip- The power punching southpaw has had his last pines. seven fights in the United States and last appeared Among the names mentioned as potential oppo- before his compatriots three years ago. nents for the Filipino fighting machine are welter- Katsidis, who is currently the number one con- weight world champions Shane Mosley and Miguel tender for the WBO lightweight title, stressed he was Cotto and multi-world title winner Floyd Mayweather, not trying to disrespect Pacquiao by calling out the who recently announced he was coming out of retire- 30-year-old superstar. ment. "What I'm pressing him to do is give something Katsidis will spend one week visiting his father's back to his people here in the Philippines," Katsidis birth place in Greece, before returning to his training told AAP from Manila. base in Thailand. AAP Michael Katsidis Blue Flag beaches

Once again, Greece has been award- According to the Denmark-based Foun- ed the second-highest number of clean dation for Environmental Education, a beaches from among the 39 countries e- nongovernmental group that operates valuated in the Blue Flag program this the Blue Flag scheme, Greece has 425 year. Greece retained its second place prime beaches, down from 430 last after Spain in an international ranking, al- year. In Greece, the program is man- though five Greek beaches lost their aged by the Hellenic Society for the Pro- blue flags. tection of Nature. Athens airport goes green

Athens International Airport has man- aged to raise the volume of garbage it recycles from 34 percent in 2007 to 43 percent last year. The airport manage- ment has begun to replace its old vehi- cles with hybrids – so far 26 have been converted from gasoline to liquid gas fu- el, while a further 24 are scheduled for the conversion. JUNE 2009 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 11/29

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Schools National Schools Event

Adelaide 2009

On Wednesday 6th May 2009 to Friday 8th May 2009 some 300 senior students from six Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Schools from across Australia competed for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Championships in Football, Basketball, Volleyball and Netball. Competing schools were St George College from South Australia as hosts, St Anagyroi— Oakleigh Greek Orthodox College and St John’s College from Victoria, All Saints Grammar, St Euphemia College and SSt t Spyridon College from New South Wales and St Andrew’s Grammar from Western Australia.

For the Spoken Arts Festival Year 10, 11 and 12 students performed poetry and prose Area Office Australia/New Zealand Suite 51, Level 10, 88 Pitt Street recitation, dialogues and theatre skits in Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Classical and Modern Greek, Italian and Phone: +61 2 9233 1119 Fax: +61 2 9233 3315 Serbian. Managing Director: Georgios Spiliotis Email: [email protected] We congratulate St Spyridon College students on their efforts and success.

We also take this opportunity to express our appreciation to all our Sports Business Supporters & Event Sponsors of this event. The Greek Australian VEMA JUNE 2009 122/20/30 TO BHMA

This Day WHO pointsFunding to Aust boostswine flu cases, IInn HHiissttoorryy for 21considers technology raising start-ups alert By Melissa Jenkins June 29, 1995 The National Pandemic Emergency Committee is preparing to meet on Fri- day, as the World Health Organisation (WHO) has shown concern about the U.S. space rapid spread of swine flu in Australia. The WHO has pointed to the spike of shuttle docks swine flu cases in Australia as a key reason why it may finally announce with Russian the first flu pandemic in 41 years. Australia has recorded 1,266 cases space station of swine flu, and WHO senior official Keiji Fukuda noted "a great deal of ac- On this day in 1995, the American tivity in Victoria at the community lev- space shuttle Atlantis docks with the el". Russian space station Mir to form Under WHO's guidelines, one of the the largest man-made satellite ever main criteria for a move to the phase six (pandemic) alert would be estab- to orbit the Earth. Dr Konstantinos Anagnostakis (left) This historic moment of coopera- lishedof Neometrics community receiving spread a TECS in a award country tion between former rival space outsidefrom Spring the Singaporefirst region chairman in which Philip the programs was also the 100th hu- diseaseYeo. The wasgrant initiallywill help reported,his firm develop in this man space mission in American his- case,a next-generation outside the firewall. Americas. tory. When asked if the situation in Aus- There are 1,011 confirmed swine flu Australian Medical Association (AMA) tralia warranted a phase change, cases in Victoria, 101 in NSW, 71 in president Andrew Pesce said the gov- July 4, 1776 ByFukuda Elizabeth said the Wilmot world was "getting Queensland, 29 in WesternManaging Australia, director Darrenernment Thomas had said:responded ‘There’s toa problemswine fluof very, very close" to a pandemic. 17 each in South Australiaillegal loggingand the where ACT, timberappropriately. is smuggled from one country to an- WHO'sIdentifying director-general the geographical Margaretorigin of timber13 toin counterTasmania ille- andother.’ seven He plans in tothe build a"There genetic have database been timesof a certain where timber (doc- galChan cross-border said that smugglingon the face and of developing it the Northerncutting-edge Territory. fire- species that is under threattors) inhad Indonesia various and problems," Papua New he Guinea told U.S. declares from illegal logging. The project’s target markets are the United wallsworld for was computer already networks: in a pandemic. These are just twoPrime of the Minister innova- Kevin Rudd said Aus- reporters in Canberra. tive projects awarded generous funding by Springtralia Singapore.has been theStates best and prepared the European "ButUnion. I think once they'd been brought "On the surface of it, I think we are ICT solutions provider Niometrics’ project was another win- independence They were among 21 winning projects selectedcountry infrom the 220 world to deal with the to the government's attention, there'd submissionsin phase six," under she the said. Technology Enterprise Commercialisation ner. It hopes to develop a next-generation firewall that helps or- threat of swine flu. been an appropriate response." In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the SchemeShe will(TECS). hold In a total,conference they were call granted with about $8 million in ganisations prevent data leaks and enforce corporate network Continental Congress adopts the fundinggovernments support. on Wednesday before Mr Rudd said sinceusage the policies.flu hit Aus- Queensland added 11 new swine flu Declaration of Independence, which makingThis isa formalthe second announcement. batch of winners undertralia TECS. last Last month, year, the governmentIts founder, hadDr Konstantinoscases to itsAnagnostakis, tally on Wednesday, said: ‘The TECS and proclaims the independence of the 17 Aprojects spokeswoman were awarded for Federala total ofHealth $6 millionacted in grants. on the best possiblegrant is advice giving fromus a rareanother edge over childcare similar centre young closed.start-ups else- United States of America from Great MinisterTECS Nicolawas launched Roxon indid April not last wish year to byhealth Spring experts. to provide where, enabling us to aimThe for jump world-class was mostly innovation due toin ana veryout- Britain and its king. technologyrespond to start-ups comments and fromenterprising WHO offi-public sector"But researchersI'd say morecompetitive broadly onmarket the forbreak IT security at thesolutions.’ Hamilton Road Early The declaration came 442 days af- withcials. early-stage funding support. It aims to providequestion $75 of swinemillion flu ... ofSpring all the Singapore coun- chairmanLearning PhilipCentre Yeo in gavenorth outBrisbane, the awards with ter the first volleys of the American in grantsThe National to about Pandemic100 projects Emergency in five years.tries in the world, yesterdaythis country at the has Swissotelfour newMerchant cases Court. emerging He said in the children down- Revolution were fired at Lexington Committee,Proposals chairedshould come by the from secretary areas such of asbeen electronics, best prepared pho- turn in couldterms be of seen the as ‘anaged opportunity between for three entrepreneurs and eight with years in- and Concord in Massachusetts and tonicsthe Department and device technologies,of the Prime and Minister biomedicalprovision sciences. of anti-virals,"novative he ideas told to re- get aheadold, onof thetop competition, of the original and be case in a goodthat position during the next upturn’. marked an ideological expansion of andThis Cabinet, year, a wasnew sectorscheduled - information to meet andporters communications in Melbourne. closed the centre. technology (ICT) - was added, and more than half the proposal Mr Yeo added that Spring will now accept applications all the conflict that would eventually en- last week. "We currently have some 10.3 million Centenary Child Care and Early submissionsVictoria is were already related in ato modified ICT. sus- doses available ... andyear because round offrom the entrepreneurs.Learning Centre, Details at canMount be Ommaney,found at courage France's intervention on be- Biotech firm Double Helix Tracking Technologies’ project was http://www.spring.gov.sg/tecsportal/. half of the Patriots. tain phase and is no longer testing early action our government has taken in Brisbane's southwest, had to close oneevery of theperson winners. who It displaysaims to identifysymptoms the geographicalwe've made origin sure of we're properly pro- following a confirmed case. July 9, 1877 woodof swine products flu. by using the DNA of trees. visioned." Source: The Straits Times (7/62009)AAP Wimbledon Jobless rate returns to five-year high tournament The jobless rate has returned to a five-year high of 5.7 them. We want to stand shoulder to shoulder with them," per cent, despite only a modest fall in total employment in Ms Gillard said. official May data released earlier this month. "We are strongly positioned compared to other countries begins The seasonally adjusted increase in the jobless rate back - we've acted here to cushion Australia from the full ef- to a level seen in March was widely expected by econo- fects." On July 9, 1877, the All England mists after the rate surprisingly fell in April. Government forecasts were revised in the May budget, Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club be- The April rate was revised upwards to 5.5 per cent after estimating an 8.25 per cent unemployment rate by mid- gins its first lawn tennis tournament originally being reported at 5.4 per cent. 2010. at Wimbledon, then an outer-suburb The 1,700 fall in the total number of people employed in Queensland saw the biggest unemployment jump in May, of London. May was well below the 30,000 forecast by economists, rising to 5.3 per cent from 4.9 per cent in April. Twenty-one amateurs showed up although full-time employment did drop by 26,200. NSW had the highest rate in the country, rising to 6.4 per to compete in the Gentlemen's Sin- Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard says the global eco- cent from 6.1 per cent, while in Western Australia it in- gles tournament, the only event at nomic recession is hitting the Australian jobs market. creased to 4.9 per cent from 4.6 per cent. the first Wimbledon. The winner was "As a result of the global recession these are tough times The jobless rate in Victoria was 5.9 per cent in May com- to take home a 25-guinea trophy. for working people right around the globe," Ms Gillard, who pared to 5.7 per cent the previous month, while it was up also holds the employment portfolio, told reporters in Syd- to 3.3 per cent in the ACT versus 3.1 per cent previously. ney. However, the Tasmanian unemployment rate fell to 5.7 She said unemployment would have been a lot worse per cent from 6.1 per cent and was down to 5.4 per cent without the government's two stimulus packages, that in- in South Australia from 5.5 per cent. cluded cash handouts. The rate was unchanged in the Northern Territory at 3.9 "For Australians hit by recession, we will be standing with per cent. MAY 2009 JUNE 2009 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 13/31 Health

The Symptoms of Anxiety peated hand washing, checking that taps are turned off, doors are locked, etc. The symptoms of anxiety can vary enormously and in- clude tiredness, fatigue, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, POST TRAUMATIC apprehension, sleep disturbance, nightmares, muscle STRESS DISORDER HEALTHHEALTH tension, headache, sweating, rapid heart rate, trembling, diarrhoea, and the flare up of other illnesses such as This is a form of anxiety where distressing events asthma or dermatitis. outside the normal range of human experience, such as NEWSNEWSNEWSNEWS Anxiety can come in a number of different forms. As war or disaster can cause anxiety. Often the traumatic we discussed earlier, anxiety is abnormal when the event is relived and recurs in dreams. WITH DR. THEO PENKLIS * amount of anxiety is inappropriate for the situations. This abnormal anxiety may manifest as one of a group of illnesses which may have similar symptoms for dif- GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER ferent reasons. These are the so called ANXIETY DISOR- DERS. This is a condition where there is an overwhelming ANXIETY and almost continuous feeling of anxiety. In investigating anxiety disorders, very often, physical DISORDERS ANXIETY DISORDERS illness will need to be excluded and many tests may need to be done to exclude disorders of the heart, di- A fifty five year old property developer came to see Conditions classified as anxiety disorders include: gestive system, endocrine or nervous system. me this week complaining of chest discomfort rather than actual chest pain. He complained of palpitations TREATMENT OF ANXIETY DISORDERS and a feeling of unease. He had not been sleeping well. PANIC DISORDER: He admitted to being quite stressed as he was facing There are several effective ways of treating anxiety some fairly major financial difficulties with respect to This produces recurrent sudden episodes of intense disorders. funding for his current development. He thought he was anxiety and fear often with no obvious cause. Panic dis- It is very important to accept the diagnosis of anxiety having a heart attack. My assessment was that he had orders can lead to AGORAPHOBIA in which the affected and to look at factors within one’s lifestyle to minimise developed symptoms of anxiety in response to his fi- person will avoid public places and crowds for fear of stress. It is important to express one’s anger and con- nancial predicament. I arranged a number of investiga- having n anxiety or ‘panic’ attack. cerns and seek to resolve personal conflicts and keep a tions to exclude a physical cause for his symptoms and positive outlook and be less intense in one’s activities. It these proved negative. I was able to reassure this man PHOBIAS: is important to learn to relax, rest, exercise and learn to that he had not had a heart attack and indeed he did not enjoy family, social and sporting activities. Time out for have a physical cause for his symptoms. I was able to This is anxiety due to illogical fears- and includes so- relaxation programmes such as yoga and meditation reassure him that he had developed these symptoms of cial phobia or social anxiety disorder where the basic and learning to breathe slowly are very important. anxiety in response to the challenging and stressful sit- symptom is the fear of being in situations where the Treatments known as behavioural and cognitive ther- uation he was facing. This is one type of anxiety. In this person may have to meet new people or be scrutinised apy are now used. These treatments help the affected article I will look at anxiety and the different ways in by others. This can include a fear of public speaking or person accept there is no serious physical illness pres- which it can present. eating in restaurants. The person with social anxiety ent and teach them how to deal with their anxiety. This disorder worries that he or she is being evaluated or may involve gradual exposure to the cause of the anxi- What is Anxiety? assessed by others and fear that they will be judged in ety with slow increasing ‘doses’. This can be particular- a negative fashion. ly helpful for those with agoraphobia, who, for example, Anxiety is defined as an uncomfortable inner feeling won’t use public transport at busy times. of fear or disaster. Anxiety can be a normal part of life. OTHER SIMPLE PHOBIAS INCLUDE: Treatment with drugs is useful short term to help People may feel anxious if facing a challenging or cope when the period of anxiety is severe. stressful situation, for example, a job interview or an Arachnophobia: excessive fear of spiders Remember, the person’s acute anxiety is real to them examination. That is, anxiety can be a normal human re- and it is important to reassure them that although they Hydrophobia: excessive fear of water seem like they may be in minimal danger, with relax- action to stress. However, some people can be consistently anxious Acrophobia: excessive fear of heights ation, slow breathing , the panic attacks will pass. If you, such that the anxiety becomes abnormal and it inter- or a friend or relative have these symptoms, talk to y- feres with their lives. OBESESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER our family doctor. Anxiety can affect the mind, making one feel worried, (OCD) interfering with concentration and sleep pattern and at * The information given in this article is of a general nature and the same time there is an effect on the body producing This is a condition where the person has recurring readers should seek advice from their own medical practitioner physical symptoms. ideas and thoughts and impulses. Examples include re- before embarking on any treatment. $15 billion in budget to prop up NSW health system

The NSW budget devotes the single beds as part of its $15 billion health spend- biggest chunk of money to health, with a ing package in the budget. The government record $15.1 billion to be spent to prop up will fund an extra 106 beds, including 70 the state's ailing health system. Medical Assessment beds for the chroni- It will aim to address burgeoning prob- cally ill, at 12 state hospitals, NSW Health lems such as bed shortages, with 106 Minister John Della Bosca said. more beds rolled out across the state, The "Emergency departments are in many Daily Telegraph says. cases the only front door to many of our The government also plans to implement great public hospitals," Mr Della Bosca told the much-needed changes to the system reporters at Sydney's Concord Hospital. as pointed out by Commissioner Peter "Medical Assessment units (MAUs) pro- Garling in his landmark inquiry into hospi- vide another way in which people can be tals last year. treated quickly and appropriately and But hospital management has been returned home. warned to spend money wisely following a "That means that resources are able to be year of financial mismanagement that has focused on the emergency department for landed area health services with millions of critical patients presenting to emergency dollars of debt. but also resources are able to be focused Health Minister John Della Bosca said the in acute care on the critically ill in general growing cost of health will continue as wards." chronic disease and an ageing population The MAUs were part of a focus on deal- impact on the system. ing with the larger number of patients pre- The NSW government will spend $17 mil- senting to hospitals with chronic and com- lion to free up emergency department plex diseases, he said. AAP JUNE 2009 14/32 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Windows to Orthodoxy TheThe ecclesialEcclesial SynaxisSynaxis Epitome of a Learning Society (Part 5)

Revd Dr Doru Costache some symbolic gestures and elements of ment of the church) at least the altar. The er with the golden background of the ritual dramatisation. Before attempting burning of incense is a powerful olfacto- icons, the eschatological glory of God’s this presentation, however, I draw the ry symbol that illustrates on the one hand people in the Kingdom to come), has a The Divine Liturgy is too intricate, some reader’s attention to the articles pub- the dissemination - through the reading very different meaning. More precisely, say; too many symbols, gestures and lished in the Vema for several years by of the scriptural texts - of the deifying the ecclesial synaxis is a paschal gather- movements - they are whinging. Others Dr Guy Freeland (under the generic title grace, and on the other hand the fact that ing par excellence and a dramatised re- complain about the Byzantine or me- of ‘Windows to Orthodoxy’), mostly the the grace not only operates on the level iteration of the paschal mystery; or, the dieval allure of our services, which they papers dedicated to the symbolic dimen- of our mind but penetrates the entire be- very idea of Pascha (from the Hebrew consider to be irrelevant to the aspira- sion of ecclesial architecture and liturgi- ing through the bodily, and transfigured, Pesach) is that of a journey and the cele- tions and expectations of contemporary cal space. Dr Freeland’s rich contribu- senses (smelling, hearing). brant’s eastward positioning illustrates it. people. Nevertheless, our way of cele- tions cannot be ignored by those aspir- brating the new life has always been ing to making sense of the complexity of Such ritual gestures, words and acts Standing in front of the congregation strange, no matter the time, culture and our way in Christ, far from any superfi- teach that the biblical message is full of and facing the east (symbol of our es- location. In the early Christian centuries, cial consumerist-like approaches to the life and grace; the sacred words do not chatological destination), the celebrant the unbelievers were incapable of spiritual life. The entire ensemble as rep- just inform, they likewise transform given embodies the ideal of a guide through grasping the meaning and purpose of resented by the ecclesial architecture, al- that they are vehicles for the Holy Spirit the spiritual journey we call Christian life, our mysteries, branding our ancestors in so the mystagogical character of the ritu- (see the second article of this series, in the way Moses guided God’s people faith as impious man-worshippers (be- als, words, gestures, movements, The Greek Australian Vema, February through the desert of this life. And in- cause of their reverence for the incar- sounds and scents - all these should be 2009, pp. 8-9). Furthermore, the under- deed, for the Orthodox the notion of nate Logos), viciously practicing anthro- taken as instruments within the whole standing of these liturgical acts emphati- guidance is crucial since no true spiritual pophagy (misunderstanding of the eu- learning/teaching strategy of the Ortho- cally indicate that our participation in the progress can be made autonomously or charistic meal) and accusing them of oth- dox Church. readings is not just intellectual but also individually: Adam and Eve have realised er licentious customs. profoundly existential. Within the eccle- too late that taking on their own the spir- To continue the line of the previous ar- sial synaxis, the experience of hearing itual adventure could not bring them to Today, for the people mentioned ticle, I will first address aspects related the sacred words becomes an event of the desired outcomes. This is why, even above, our liturgical approach to life is to the scriptural texts within the liturgical full participation in God and of holistic though in our ‘mature age’ it is a sign of allegedly outdated and incapable of sat- assembly. The reader already knows that transformation for the hearers. This ex- weakness to acknowledge the necessity isfying this ‘spiritually mature age’ of the biblical lectures are accompanied by perience culminates with the eucharistic of guidance, we still humbly acknowl- moral disorientation, hypocrisy, ingrati- a prayer through which the celebrant communion, which is the act of a con- edge our needing it and the authority of tude and selfishness, where the notion of and the congregation ask to be enlight- crete participation - through eating and those who ‘have been there and done sin as an existential failure has been lost ened from above in order to grasp the drinking - in the life of the incarnate that’ before us. Orthodoxy without guid- and people dream of progressing whilst spiritual - formative that is - message of Word of God, who is the primary source ance is as impossible as Orthodoxy ignoring their unhealed brokenness. Our the texts. This prayer, together with the of the scriptural wisdom. For the Ortho- without the liturgy. liturgical ethos indeed promotes the truth explicit educational character of the dox, the Eucharist is, indeed, the ultimate which our contemporaries ignore - that readings and the homily notwithstanding, ‘interpretation’ of the Scriptures. To cut it There is much more to speak about. we are called in Christ Jesus to walk in the same idea is been implicitly con- short, all the above confirm once more However, I do hope that even these few the newness of life and to enjoy the full- veyed through a series of words, acts the original contention of this series, that examples are sufficient for discerning ness of life, goals that cannot be and gestures. For instance, it is not with- within the liturgical gathering the educa- and good-hearted people. When correct- achieved, however, without the undertak- out reason that for the Gospel reading tional process does not exclusively refer ly understood, far from being unintelligi- ing of a radical and lifelong process of candles are lit, a delicate symbol that il- to the intellect, embracing instead the en- ble and outdated, the elements pertain- personal transformation. From this point lustrates the spirit of the ecclesial ap- tire human life. ing to the ecclesial synaxis illustrate an of view, the entire framework of the Or- proach to the Scriptures. The sacred approach to life that is rewarding and thodox Church and particularly the liturgi- words do not simply instruct: they illu- In the following, I will address just fulfilling. Perhaps I will return one day to cal assembly constitute a framework mine, guide and inspire our lifestyle - an briefly another aspect pertaining to the these and other related aspects. Till then, meant to assist God’s people along the aspect confirmed by the introductory dia- teaching/learning process as unfolding I conclude by restating that the Church is journey of their daily renewal. The ever logue to the Gospel reading. As an es- within the holy synaxis. It is about the of- in truth a learning society. Also, that misinterpreted symbols, gestures and sential part of this dialogue, the celebrant ten criticised positioning of the bishop/ learning within the ecclesial context rep- movements pertaining to the ecclesial exhorts the congregation both to stand presbyter facing the east (with very few resents more than an informative experi- synaxis contribute in various ways to the upright and rectify their lives (ρθοί) in exceptions), which presents to the con- ence, becoming a holistic and lasting ex- process of transformation undertaken by order to receive the divine wisdom gregation the back of the celebrant. For perience of transformation which those who consciously acknowledge and (σοφία) through hearing (ἀκούσωµεν) some, this positioning would indicate a crowns the initial stages of conversion walk the path. the good news. Standing up and hearing distance between clergy and laity, sign (referred to by the author in the article - these two actions indicate our physical of a clerical Church where the clergymen ‘Coming into Orthodoxy’, The Greek Aus- In the following, and at the end of this or holistic participation in the divine wis- are indifferent in regard to the congrega- tralian Vema, June 2008, p. 6). series of articles exploring the liturgy as dom. This holistic approach is also obvi- tion standing behind them. In fact, this an educational framework, I will address ous during the reading of the apostolic positioning, along with other aspects re- the implicit manners of teaching/learning pericope, when the celebrant incenses if lated to the clergy (like their sumptuous * Revd Dr Doru Costache lectures in Patristics within the ecclesial synaxis through not the whole nave (the central compart- vestments, which actually signify, togeth- at St Andrew’s Theological College, Sydney

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA Visit the new website of our Archdiocese www.greekorthodox.org.au JUNE 2009 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 15/33

Experts reassess findings at Vergina Latest interpretation of evidence at Macedonian kings’ burial site suggests tomb of Philip II might be Philip III’s

By JOHN LEONARD Andronikos’s basic tenets regarding ter and a bearded Philip III Arrhidaeus on himself. Since the third major burial in the Vergina have not been altered in the re- horseback. Great Tumulus, Tomb III, contains the re- If archaeology is something of a na- visionists’ new interpretation: Aigai, the Distinctive black-glaze pottery from At- mains of an adolescent aged 12-15, this tional religion in Greece, we should not capital of ancient Macedonia, was locat- tica found in Tomb II only demonstrates tomb must belong to Alexander the be surprised that certain artifacts, build- ed where modern Vergina now stands; that the burial may date after Philip II’s Great’s son, Alexander IV, executed by ings and entire ancient sites have come the tombs uncovered in the Great Tumu- death in 336 BC. Four unusual spool-like Cassander between 311 and 309 BC. to be considered holy relics. lus are royal Macedonian graves; Philip II salt cellars, however, can be compara- Tomb II dates to the last quarter of the Heinrich Schliemann’s gold mask of is buried at Vergina, along with other tively dated by similar discoveries at 4th century BC and almost certainly be- Agamemnon, the Parthenon Marbles and members of the Argead family. Where Alexandria and the Athenian Agora to pe- longs to Philip III Arrhidaeus, killed by the royal tombs at Vergina exemplify this the excavator’s conclusions have been riods after 331 BC and 325 BC. Of partic- Olympias in 317 BC, buried uncremated, phenomenon, in which remnants of the most challenged is primarily in the ular note are the silver wine strainer and then cremated and reinterred the follow- past are elevated to the point of becom- chronology and consequently the identifi- two silver kylikes (drinking cups) upon ing year at Aigai. ing icons of national identity. cation of the deceased in Tombs I and II. which the individual weights are in- This appears to have been a propa- Once established as icons, such promi- In January 2008, a special session of scribed, apparently in accordance with gandistic effort by Cassander to promo- nent archaeological relics may take on a the Archaeological Institute of America’s the Athenian 4.18-4.35-gram drachma, a te Philip III Arrhidaeus and new, emotionally charged meaning, usu- annual conference brought together a re- reformed metrological system installed his own credentials ally more relevant to present-day politics spected panel of Greek and American by Alexander the Great. as successor to than any scholarly understanding of the experts who presented together for the the Argead ancient world. Public perception of im- first time the overwhelmingly convincing 1981 findings dynasty. portant archaeological discoveries, espe- proof that Tomb II dates to the last quar- cially when reinforced from within ar- ter of the 3rd century BC, not 336 BC Recent re-examination of the human chaeological circles themselves, beco- when Philip II was assassinated, and bones from the main chamber in Tomb II mes difficult to amend. contains not Philip II, but Philip III Arrhi- has confirmed the original findings from Nevertheless, archaeology, like other daeus and his wife Adea Eurydike. Philip 1981. No damage is apparent to the social sciences, requires discourse, de- II, his wife Cleopatra and their infant eye area of the skull, as would be ex- bate and critical thinking to be a healthy, were buried in the adjacent, apparently pected if the remains were Philip ongoing scientific process capable of earlier Tomb I. The central conclusions of II’s. Furthermore, the remains producing accurate interpretations. Often the full detailed analysis, published re- were only cremated after some in archaeology there is no indisputable right answer.

A fresh look Public perception of important

Now, an international groundswell of archaeological discoveries carefully considered scholarly opinion suggests that a fresh, objective look must becomes difficult to amend be taken at the identification of the royal tombs at the extraordinarily important site of Vergina. Recent analyses indicate that Philip II was buried in Tomb I, not cently in the “Jahrbuch” (Yearbook) of the lengthy period of decompo- Tomb II, and that Alexander the Great’s German Archaeological Institute, can be sition, not immediately after own personal armor and royal accou- summarized as follows: The earliest- death - a finding more in ac- trements almost certainly comprise part known barrel-vault in Greece, like that of cordance with the final treat- of the Vergina Museum’s present exhibi- Tomb II, is found at Nemea leading into ment of Philip III Arrhidaeus tion. the stadium, dated to circa 320 BC. than Philip II. Controversy has surrounded the royal Macedonian barrelvaulted, decorated The best implication from the tombs at Vergina since their discovery chamber tombs seem to have appeared reassessment of Tomb II’s date by Manolis Andronikos in 1977. Scholars in Greece only after Alexander’s troops and the identity of its occupants is both Greek and foreign challenged his brought knowledge of such mortuary ar- the revelation that Alexander the swift identification of Tomb II as belong- chitecture home from Anatolia, the Near Great’s own silver diadem, gold- ing to Philip II, the father of Alexander the East and Egypt. and-wood scepter and personal ar- Great, while others accepted his findings. Also, Tomb II comprises two chambers, mor we-re buried with Philip III Arrhi- To provide a response to his detractors, with the antechamber containing an e- daeus at Vergi-na. Alexander’s royal ac- Andronikos presented a constellation of laborate burial more appropriate to Adea coutrements are known from historical evidence, none of it individually conclu- Eurydike, wife of Philip III Arrhidaeus, sources to have survived; his helmet was sive, but the sum total of which he hoped than to Cleopatra, the younger wife of distinctively iron and battle-damaged (at would convincingly prove his assertions Philip II resented by both Olympias and the Granicus River, in present-day north- Tomb to be correct. Andronikos himself ob- her son Alexander. The painting over the western Turkey), like that found in Tomb I, then, served in 1984: “I recognize that though it entrance of Tomb II constitutes the earli- II, and the ivoryand- gold shield recov- must have falls to me to have the first word, I am est known monumental representation of ered depicts Achilles slaying the Amazon contained Philip II, certainly not the person who will have a multiple- quarry hunt in Greece. Penthesilea (Photo: ANA), a subject bear- buried in 336 BC. Such the last.” His arguments for placing Philip The earliest known depiction of any ing no significance for Phillip II, but ap- well-dated contexts connected to II in Tomb II have stood for more than 30 such hunt in Macedonian art dates to the propriate to Alexander, who was an ar- known historical figures are rare in ar- years, during which much of the evi- 324 BC burial in Babylon of Hephaistion. dent admirer of the hero, also his mater- chaeology and the Vergina royal tombs dence, not fully analyzed at the time he The Tomb II painting contains both Greek nal ancestor. represent an extremely important tool drew his conclusions, has been painstak- and Asian elements, including a royal lion for dating sites and artifacts elsewhere. ingly and thoroughly examined. Special- hunt, representations of which in early Revised dating Andronikos’s discoveries at Vergina we- ists are thus able to present a large, re- Hellenistic art are mostly concocted re truly magnificent and a great contribu- markably diverse body of evidence in scenes meant to promote one of Alexan- The revised dating of Tomb II falls tion to the study of ancient Greece. support of their reassessment and re- der’s successors. In this case, the paint- within the extreme chronological limits of vised conclusions. ing seems to show Alexander in the cen- 350-310 BC accepted by Andronikos Source: AthensPlus 16/34 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA JUNE 2009

ST. ANDREW’S GRAMMAR IN HONOUR OF NATION AND FAITH Perth’s Greek Orthodox Day School Celebrates

(Centre of photo holding wreath) Principal, ReverendReverend Father Father Elpidios Elpidios (l) (L), with Student Leaders from the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools Mr Craig D’cruz, with Head Boy, Benjamin withthe the Very Very Reverend Reverend George Father Litas George Teo, and Head Girl, Delara Javat Andrew’s Grammar displayed their diverse the afternoon of that day, His Grace May is the month during which two key talents and excellent behaviour once again. departed for Adelaide. events are celebrated in the yearly The Year 3 students chanted the Hymn calendar of St. Andrew’s Grammar;: The ‘ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ’ with the professionalism Acknowledgements: Battle of Crete (May 20) and the Feast Day of a seasoned choir, while their Greek The School’s involvement in such events of Sts Constantine and Helene (May 21). Studies teacher - Mr George Anastasiadis involves a large number of people to The following commemorative events and (one of the School’s three Seconded whom thanks is owed but, in particular, celebrations took place in honour of both Teachers from Greece) played the piano thanks go to Reverend Father Elpidios for occasions: accordion. Following this recital, the Head his overall coordination in such church- Girl - Delara Javat and Senior School stu- related events, Greek Studies Coordinator Attendance at the Battle of dent leader - Pavlos Savvas, presented the of the Day School - Mr Angelo Karsakis and Attendance at The Battle bilingual address of the day in comme- the Greek Studies staff, with particular Creteof Crete Doxology Doxology and Wreath- and laying Ceremony: moration of Thet Battle of Crete. At the con- mention on this occasion of Mr George Mr George Anastasiadis Wreath-laying Ceremony: clusion of this speech, the Year 3 students Anastasiadis and Mrs Eva Tsapazi for their and the Year 3 Choir Principal - Mr Craig D’cruz, Vice Principal sang the beautiful Cretan song, ‘ΠΕΝΤΟΖΑ- role in preparing the students for their dents sacrifice their time and energy in at- - Mrs Angela Evangelinou-Yiannakis, Assi- ΛΗΣ‘.“ During this time, the remaining performance items. Special mention also . tending such events in support of the stant Principal - Mr Rowan Evans, along student leaders served Morning Tea to all needs to be made of the efforts of the Greek ethos and culture of the School andso with other members of staff accompanied of the guests present. All in all, it was a Head Boy - Benjamin Teo, Head Girl - credit must also go to them and their the student leaders of the Junior, Middle beautiful morning of reverence and cele- Delara Javat, and all of the Senior, Middle families. and Senior Schools at the doxology for Thet bration, and the students made the School and Junior School student leaders who par- Battle of Crete at St Nektarios Church on community very proud! ticipated in the above-mentioned events, Mrs Angela Evangelinou-Yiannakis Sunday 17 May. Later, the School was along with their fellow peers. These stu- Vice Principal - Teaching and Learning proudly represented at the Wreath-laying Church and and Luncheon Luncheon Ceremony at Kings Park. Attendance for for the the Feast Feast Day of Sts Constantine ChurchChurch Attendances Attendance for Dayand Helene: of Sts Constantine Christian Dior, Gucci, Calvin Klein forthe the Feast Feast Day Day ofof Sts and Helene: Sts Constantine and Helene: On Sunday 24 May, the Principal, the Vice Katerina + Kyriacos Mavrolefteros Constantine and Helene: Principal and members of the Senior George Rennie On Thursday 21 May, the School was Management Team, the Coordinators of represented once again by the student the Greek Studies Day School and Part-time OPTOMETRISTS leaders of the Junior, Middle and Senior Programme, along with other members of Schools, as well as a small group of Year staff and their spouses, attended the 3 students at the Church of Sts Constantine service at the church of Sts Constantine and Helene for the Feast Day of the and Helene. This service was presided respective saints. Once again, the Principal over by His Grace, Bishop Nikandros of and members of the Senior Management Dorylaiou. His Grace was assisted by Re- Team, the Greek Studies staff and other verend Father Thalassios from the Holy academic staff were in attendance. All of Monastery of St John of the Mountain, Re- Perth’s parish priests were present as the verend Father Elpidios and Reverend Dea- Very Reverend Father George Litas led the con Kosmas. service. St. Andrew’s Grammar students - Following the Divine Liturgy, His Grace Pavlos Savvas and Alexios Gatsoulis, were was accompanied by the Governor of given the distinct honour of carrying the Western Australia, Dr Ken Michael and Mrs icon of Sts Constantine and Helene in the Michael to the Hellenic Community Centre church procession. for the official Church Luncheon. The staff 874 Anzac Parade, Maroubra Junction of the School also attended the celebratory (at bus stop,, on RTA bllock) Presentation for the Presentation for The Battle and very successful Luncheon which was Battle of Crete: of Crete: held conjointly by the Hellenic Community TTeell:: ((0022)) 99331144--00339933 At the conclusion of the service, the of WA and the Castellorizian Association. [email protected] congregation was invited to a celebratory The following day, His Grace conducted the [email protected]

Morning Tea which was held at the Hel- liturgy at the Holy Monastery of St John of Silhouette, Carrera, Rodenstock Carrera, Silhouette, lenic Community Centre, next to the church. the Mountain, assisted by Reverend Father Serengeti, Maui Jim, Fendi, D&G It was here that the students of St. Evagrios and Reverend Father Elpidios. In Nina Ricci, Oakley, La font JUNE 2009 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 17/35

‘Dogtooth’ takes Cannes Low-profile Greek director Yiorgos Lanthimos comes home a winner

By DESPINA PAVLAKI minated on Saturday night when we won the award. Though the reviews were very Though many had their hopes set high enthusiastic after the first screening, I for Yiorgos Lanthimos’ new movie Dog- must admit it was quite unexpected.” tooth, few dared say anything aloud. Lanthimos may opt to premiere Dogtooth The man deserved to come home from at the Athens International Film Festival in Cannes a winner. And he did. September. The jury for the Prix Un Certain Regard - comprised of Italian director and screen- The Cannes awards also included: writer Paolo Sorrentino, actress Julie Gayet, Toronto Festival director Piers Han- Palme d’Or The White Ribbon, directed dling and journalists Uma Da Cunha and by Michael Haneke Marit Kapla - awarded Dogtooth the festi- Grand Prix (runner-up) The Prophet, di- val’s prize for films of “a certain outlook”. rected by Jacques Audiard Lanthimos also took home the Prix De La Prix Exceptional du Jury (Special Jury Jeunesse, awarded by a committee whose Prize) Alain Resnais, director of Wild Grass jurors were between the ages of 18 and Prix de la Mise en Scene (best director) 25. Brillante Mendoza, director of Kinatay Though initially the film was not viewed Prix du Scenario (best screenplay) Feng by as many members of the press as it Mei for Spring Fever (directed by Lou Ye) clearly deserved - no star-power and a Camera d’Or (best first feature) Samson virtually unknown director will do that and Delilah, directed by Warwick Thornton sometimes - the jury made sure every crit- Camera d’Or Special Mention Ajami ic who missed it will be frantically hunting Prix du Jury (jury prize) A tie, between for press screeners until the film resur- Fish Tank, directed by Andrea Arnold, and faces at the next festival. Thirst, directed by Park Chan-wook “We were all very moved by the warm Prix d’interpretation feminine (best ac- reception,” Lanthimos said. “The film start- tress) Charlotte Gainsbourg for Antichrist ed out very quietly but the whole thing cul- (directed by Lars von Trier) Pool with Two Figures by David Hockney, a painting strangely reminiscent of Lanthimos’ visually striking set pieces Town on list of world’s top 21 (bottom L)

Prix d’interpretation masculine (best ac- Palme d’Or (short film) Arena, directed by Internet-friendly cities tor) Christoph Waltz for Inglourious Baster- Joao Salaviza ds (directed by Quentin Tarantino) ATHENS NEWS The town of Trikala in central Greece has been voted one of the 21 most In- ternet-savvy cities in the world, according to the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), a US-based think tank. Trikala was the only Greek city included on a list Laiki Bank Australia wins right comprising seven US cities as well as four in Canada and many European towns. The ICF noted that Trikala offers free wireless Internet connection to all its resi- dents as well as a “tele-health” program offering residents medical advice at to assist Cypriot-Australian home. pensioners

Christian Dior, Gucci, Calvin Klein Laiki Bank (Australia) Ltd was recently bank servicing Greek Cypriots in Australia For the bibliophiles… awarded the tender to assist Cypriot-Aus- we were intent on providing this service.” Katerina + Kyriacos Mavrolefteros tralians in the delivery of their timely pen- Until now, Cypriot pensioners residing in Images of GreekGeorge and Rennie Greek Cypriots sion payments under the Federal Govern- Australia received their pension and other ment’s Social Security Agreement between benefit payments by cheque in US dollars, OPTOMETRISTSin Queensland 1859 to 2009 the two nations. sent by mail from Cyprus. A number of Laiki Bank was selected over major problems were associated with this Published by the Lions Club of Brisbane Hellenic Inc. (2009) banks in Australia due to its robust and se- arrangement, primarily postal delays and cure banking systems, and competitive loss. The recipients were also made to pay “During the past one hundred and fifty pricing. currency conversion fees twice, firstly years of Queensland history, the Greeks This new arrangement with the Depart- when converting funds from Euro to US have not been among the larger ethnic ment of Social Insurance Services in Dollars and then from US Dollars to Aus- groups to migrate to the state but they Cyprus, will allow Cypriot pensioners re- tralian Dollars. have exercised an influence far beyond siding in Australia to receive their pension what their numbers would suggest.” So and other benefits credited directly into About the Social Security begins the Preface, written by Denis A. their bank accounts. The new process has Agreement Conomos, author of The Greeks in eliminated the need to convert the funds Under the Social Security Agreement be- Queensland - a History from 1859 to more than once and removed unnecessary tween Cyprus and Australia, Australian cit- 1945. delays for no additional fee. izens, their family members and survivors The book (a Q150 project, to help mark Laiki Bank Australia’s General Manager, may receive Cypriot pensions under the Queensland’s874 Anzac150 years Parade,of statehood) Maroubra Junction Michalis Athanasiou said that winning the same conditions as Cypriot nationals, re- resembles a family photograph(at bus album,stop,, onExpoRT A88.b lloTheck )final page, headed Our tender was very important to the Bank, be- gardless of where they live. The agree- with the images grouped under the Future, shows a selection of prints of cause it has the right systems to ensure ment came into force on the 1st of January themes of GreeksTTee atll ::Work,((00 at22 Play,)) 9933young114 4Greek-Australian--00339933 children. The the service is delivered effectively. 1993. The purpose of this Bilateral Agree- Greeks and Religion, Greeks in Sport, at ‘album’ aims not only to serve as a [email protected] “We are pleased to be providing the new ment is to assist people who move be- War, and finishing with a selection of record of pioneering Greek settlers in streamlined system ensuring timely, effi- tween Australia and Cyprus to receive a photos relating to the sharing of Greek Queensland, but is also a celebration of

Silhouette, Carrera, Rodenstock Carrera, Silhouette, cient and the accurate provision of pension pension from each country so that both cultureSerengeti, Maui Jim, Fendi, D&G with the wider Queensland pub- community life. payments to people who have earned and Australia and Cyprus share the long-term lic through theNina annual Panigyri, Ricci, Food andOakley, La font A.C. rely on these payments. As the leading social security coverage for that person. 18/36 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA JUNE 2009 Arts, Food & Wine Editor: Imogen Coward Keep the metre running Western Music and the Legacy of Greece: part 3

By Imogen Coward plication. In essence, the pyrrhic metre, he suggested was expression of the work. In the latter, the tutti, orchestral particularly suited to fast tempi and producing an agitated sections at least (though sometimes also the solo sections) For all those who cringe when faced with poor spelling feeling, while the spondee was of a slower more sedate are played fairly strictly in tempo, giving the work a more I must begin this third and final instalment of the series on nature and was more suited to moderation and humility or solid feel. Such observations, along with those made in Western Music and the legacy of Greece with an apology supplication. These observations served as a theoretical the April and May articles on text, mode and feeling, of for the pun in the article’s heading. In the March and April basis for both his operas and also in particular his Madri- course represent merely the tip of the iceberg. 2009 editions of The Vema, we explored some of the gali guerrieri et amorosi or Madrigals of War and Love Greek philosophers’ thoughts on the use of text and published in 1638. Where does all this leave us in our understanding of the harmony in music and how these ideas have shaped the relationship between music and aesthetics and the legacy development of Western Music. This month, we turn our For both Montiverdi and the earlier Greek philosophers, Greece? attention to the third and final essential element of music it was thought that the effect of rhythm could be so great according to the Greek philosophers: rhythm, which in that it might override the dominant feeling of a piece, im- Ultimately what I would like to suggest (and I hope this today’s terms encompasses the consideration not only of parted by mode. If we consider the well-known air Danny three part series of articles has illustrated this in some metre but also tempo (or speed). Boy (referred to in part 2 of this series of articles, May small way) is that, although the Ancient modes and the 2009) we can see the powerful effects of rhythm in action. Greek philosophers’ ideas on music and aesthetics may For the Greek philosophers, ideas on rhythm in music Although Danny Boy uses the major mode (or key) gener- not have survived in their entirety, the essence of many of derive essentially from the study of poetry. Thus, the or- ally considered to impart a ‘happy’ and ‘expansive’ char- them has been transmitted and retained throughout the dered patterns philosophers such as Aristotle referred to acter, the song also utilises the slower spondee-like me- development of Western Music. When we listen to music as the rhythmic building blocks of a musical work relate to tre, which, in keeping with Montiverdi’s theories, renders today, whether it is a Mozart Quartet, Jazz improvisation a number of poetic metres, made up of long and short the tune somewhat sedate and mournful, lending the song or Byzantine Chant, we are hearing the practical expres- sounds. In essence the patterns of long and short sounds its ‘tear-jerking’ properties. sion of a number of ideas on music and aesthetics that created the following meters: iambic [ . _ ], pyrrhic [ . . ], have their origins in the distant past and that form a link trochee [ _ . ] dactyl [ _ . . ] anapest [ . . _ ] and the Well into the 20th century the distinction between various between us and the philosophers and musicians of An- spondee [ _ _ ]. These meters could be further divided into rhythms and their impact on music and feeling had been cient & Classical Greece. three species: equal (dactyls, spondees and anapests di- considered so important that it was worth fighting over, visible into even parts in a ratio of 1:1), sesquialteran literally. To give just one example, in 1910 two French mu- (cretic [ _ . _ ] divisible into parts in a ratio of 3 : 2), and sicologists, Beck and Aubrey, had an argument over the duple (iamb and trochee divisible into parts in a ratio of rhythm used in Motets of the 12th & 13th century. They 2:1). could not agree, essentially, over whether the rhythm went dum ti dum or ti dum ti dum. In the end they set- Écoutez! For Plato, it appears that the more even simple metres tled the argument with a duel. Musicology has certainly such as the pyrrhic and spondee were of greater ethical become far less exciting in our day and age! value since they promoted a “good and fair disposition of Arts Review the ethos and the mind”. (Republic pp.12-13) Rhythm in Getting back to the issue of rhythm and feeling, if we re- music, he suggested, “should not pursue complexity nor flect for a moment we too can add some further observa- great variety in the basic movements” (Republic pp.13-14) tions on the relationship between rhythm, tempo and feel- but should observe the ordered rhythms of speech. Ar- ing. In works that have a dreamy, personal quality as rhythmia is to be avoided at all costs since it is graceless though one is hearing the internal musings of another per- and the opposite of the sober and good disposition. (Re- son the music frequently has far less repetitive rhythmical public p.14) structure and more free tempo than music meant to stir us to some common, collective thought, purpose or mem- In terms of the development of Western music, such ory. ideas had an impact especially during the Baroque era; a time when the writings of both Plato and Aristotle were Consider, for example, the contrast between Massenet’s very much in vogue amongst music theorists. Meditation (a work which represents the personal trans- formation of the heroine of the Opera Thais as she makes One of the earliest composers to be influenced by Greek the transition from courtesan to pious Christian) and Vival- thought was Claudio Montiverdi, the Baroque composer di’s Spring from the Four Seasons (supposed to represent and ‘father’ of Opera. Through a study of Greek thought and bring to the audience’ mind the experience of Spring, on the different metres and their emotional impact he ‘dis- the birds, breezes etc.). In the former, a performer (most covered’ the musical means of expressing three principle often a violinist) usually bends, stretches or manipulates human passions; anger, moderation and humility or sup- the timing and tempo to his/her will to add to the personal

FFoooodd && WWiinnee Memoirs

By Nana Mouskouri with Lionel Duroy Whether it is a bowl of hearty fava, or a plate piled 2 dessertspoons melted butter Translated by Jeremy Leggatt high with pancakes, winter is definitely the time for 2 eggs Published by Phoenix (Dec 2008) comfort food. This pancake recipe produces the light- extra butter for cooking est, fluffiest pancakes you can imagine; they are sim- It’s hard to know where to begin with a book like this. ply delicious served with butter or Canadian maple Method: On one level it is a fascinating insight into the rise of syrup. Add lemon juice to milk and put to one side. Sift soda, one of the greatest singers of our time and the out- flour and salt into a large mixing bowl. Add sugar, standing artists with whom she collaborated, such as Fluffy Pancakes (makes approximately 20 small-medi- eggs, milk and melted butter stirring well until the bat- the composer Manos Hadjidakis and the poet Nikos um sized) ter is smooth and the consistency of thick honey (you Gatsos. On another level, the book is a very personal may need to add more milk). Heat a frying pan or grid- portrayal of an extraordinary woman’s life from her Ingredients: dle on low heat and brush surface with extra butter. childhood in war-torn Greece, to becoming an interna- 2 cups self-raising flour Spoon batter onto the pan and cook until surface is tional star with her own distinctive style, all the while pinch salt completely covered in bubbles (underside should be trying to maintain a balance between her passion for 4 tablespoons sugar golden brown). Flip pancake and cook other side until it music and her private life as a daughter, sister, wife ½ teaspoon baking soda is done (golden brown). Serve warm. ½ and mother. It is an inspiring, sometimes heart-wrench- 1 - 1 cups milk ing, and overall remarkable story, well told. 2 teaspoons lemon juice I.C. I.C. JUNE 2009 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 19/37 Travel Naxos The Aegean explorer’s paradise A longtime favorite with sunseekers and steeped in heritage, the largest of the Cyclades has a wealth of inland treasures

By H. ARGYROPOULOS history). It also has an exhibition of locally woven textiles and is a Naxos, the largest of the Cy- base for excellent country walks clades, with a population of and treks. One such option is to 18,000, is the type of island that the village of Danakos, hidden at is done a great deal of injustice the bottom of a gorge leading to by travel reports focusing mere- the sea, and the fortified Mo- ly on what a place has to offer nastery of Fotodotis, with fine in terms of natural attractions, views of the sea. Near the nor- food or entertainment options. thernmost fishing village of Lacking in none of these three Apollonas, outside an ancient domains, this island, with about marble quarry, lies unfinished a 40 Venetian fortified towers, the 10.5- meter-long Archaic statue medieval settlement and the of a kouros, evidently aban- castle of Hora - inhabited contin- doned around 600 BC, after it uously for eight centuries - with broke while being sculpted. Re- its monasteries and Byzantine turning to Hora from the north- churches next to prehistoric and western route the landscape Classical antiquities as well as changes, with steep drops into dozens of villages, varied land- the sea, orchards and farming scape and rich folk tradition, dif- plots. This is the least inhabited fers markedly from many moth- and visited part of Naxos - so- er island destinations. Indeed, me would say romantic and par- Naxos has a mainland feel. adisiacal, like acclaimed author Admittedly, the first sight of Nikos Kazantzakis, who lived in Hora as the boat comes into the Eggares Valley for a time. dock is a bit of a letdown. As in The holiday hub begins at a large number of other resorts, Demeter in Gyroulas, with an in- lindras lemon liqueur, Galanis’s Nestled in a hillside, lush Api- Aghios Prokopis, some 4 kilome- the development that accompa- teresting museum, and the im- syrupy custard pies (galaktobou- ranthos (or Aperathou) is a listed ters south of Hora. From here nied the 1970s tourism boom pressive, 17th-century Bazaios reko) and Yiannis’s homemade traditional settlement and per- the visitor will find a seemingly resulted in a proliferation of Tower nearby, which hosts the- jams. haps Naxos’s most beautiful vil- endless series of beaches, poorly styled concrete buildings. matic exhibitions and the annual lage. It is a must for visitors to starting with Aghia Anna, Plaka But the castle and the impres- Naxos Festival, from July to Sep- the island, if only for strolling and Kastraki, with stretches of sive medieval mansions - com- tember. Halki, the old commer- around, admiring its architectural the local cedar variety amid the plete with coats of arms - that cial center, with neoclassical heritage and its four excellent sand dunes. The area is a haven surround it above the harbor mansions and two Venetian museums (archaeological, folk for water sports. area go some way toward bal- towers, is well known for Val- history, geological and natural ATHENSPLUS ancing the picture. Once you get behind the port, it is a pleasure to explore the narrow alleyways of the original settlement, adorned with over- hanging bougainvillea at every step, up to the quaint medieval Latin quarter with the old Catho- lic Cathedral and the Archaeo- logical Museum. Excavations be- low Cathedral Square revealed the remains of a Mycenean-era settlement, from 1600-1100 BC. 1 2 3 4 The island’s emblem, the Por- tara, is the imposing entry to the How to get there Where to stay Where to eat What to see ancient Temple of Apollo, which was never finished due to nu- Naxos is 102 nautical miles from Villa Marandi, in Stelida, 5 kilome- In Hora: Elli’s (25476), excellent Visit the archaeological, Byzantine Piraeus and high-speed boats take ters from Hora, is a luxurious, tasteful Greek dishes in an antique environ- and Venetian museums in town. A merous wars. It stands on an less than five hours, but there are al- bungalow complex by the sea ment; Meltemi (22654), on the water, good buy for trekkers is the Anavasi islet on the northern side of the so slower (and cheaper) boats. There (210.804.7244); in Aghios Prokopios: excellent menu; Palatia, in the castle Touring & Hiking Map of Naxos, which port. are also connections with other Cy- Lagos Mare, four-star, good for fami- complex. Axiotissa, on the way to can be ordered from europe/rest/ The inner part of the island, cladic islands. Call Hellenic Seaways lies (42844); Naxos Palace, three-star Alyko (75107); Tzonis, in Sagri (41545), greece.htm. The N-1 trek route, with dotted with villages, offers end- (210.419.9000) or Blue Star Ferries (24709). Near Hora, an excellent near the Temple of Demeter; Xenakis yellow signposts, starts at the bus less possibilities for hiking and (210.891.9800). You can also get to budget room option in a rustic spot is and Dekes for excellent rooster dish- terminal in Hora and takes you inland exploration. Naxos from Athens by plane in about Lambrini Yiaboura (26673). In Mout- es in Melanes; Lefteris in Apiranthos; through town. Routes are combined The village of Sagri, with its half an hour. There are ample car- souna, Mandilaras-Scharlau is a quiet buy excellent local cheeses from with bus departures. Sports: Bluefind- ivers (42629), Horse Riding Club two Venetian towers, sits in the and motorbike-hire facilities and fre- agritourism complex (68258, Koufopoulos, on Hora’s main street; quent bus departures for the villages 6936.620- 180). Naxos Filoxenia, stu- East-West Asian restaurant in Hora (6948.809.142), sailing (6944-355.717), middle of a plain strewn with and the beaches. Useful phone num- dios in Galini (62100, 6977.998.034); (24641); Stella in Eggares for classic water sports (6973.051.707). Stuart small Byzantine churches. bers (area code: 22850): port authori- Venetico apartments, next to the Hora Greek dishes; Sunset and Colosseo in Thorpe organizes one-day photo There is also the restored Ar- ty: 22300, health center: 23333, police: castle (62100); Maragas Camping Aghios Prokopis. tours (6946.886.204). chaicera temple of the goddess 22100. (42599). JUNE 2009 20/38 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Experts call for calm as swine flu is declared a pandemic

By Danny Rose, Medical Writer tially feared" when first detected in Mexico, it still had the potential to cause major disruption in Australia. Swine flu is now officially a global pandem- "A pandemic could potentially cause large scale absen- teeism affecting services such as health, security, water ic but Australian experts say it's no indica- supply, garbage removal, power and transport," Prof tion the virus poses a greater threat. MacIntyre said. "It is possible that many consumer products and servic- The World Health Organisation has raised its alert level es may be in short supply because the people normally for the A(H1N1) virus to phase six, making the swine flu involved in providing them will be unable to work." outbreak the world's first influenza pandemic in 40 years. Australia's swine flu tally now stands at more than The declaration, driven in part by its rapid community- 1,400 after community-level spread was first detected on level spread within Australia, tells health authorities to re- May 22. The majority of cases have occurred in Victoria, view their containment efforts. where four people with swine flu have required intensive The government has opted to not escalate Australia's hospital care. But authorities have stressed the four cases response to the virus, which experts agree is continuing involved people with other underlying health issues. to have only a "mild" effect on those who contract it. For most, swine flu has felt like an ordinary bought of "Declaring this a pandemic is a reflection of the global seasonal flu. However, authorities remain concerned be- distribution," said Professor Chris Burrell, Emeritus Profes- cause of its potential to infect many more people. sor of Virology at the University of Adelaide. A swine flu vaccine is expected to be available in Aus- "It says nothing about the severity of it. tralia as early as August or September. Seasonal flu still "There still has not been any suggestion that it is be- claims about 2,500 lives across Australia every winter a- coming more severe and the vast majority of infections mong at-risk groups - those with chronic health condi- have not needed to go to hospital, and have not been par- tions, the young or old, pregnant women and those on im- ticularly unwell at all." munosuppressive drugs. Professor Adrian Sleigh, from the National Centre for The World Health Organisation's (WHO) criteria for de- Professor Nikolai Petrovsky, a research director at- Epidemiology and Population Health at the Australian Na- claring swine flu a global pandemic included evidence of tached to Adelaide's Flinders Medical Centre, said each of tional University, said the the virus had so far proven to sustained community transmission in one country outside the seasonal influenza strains (H1, H3 and B) that hit Aus- be "no more serious than normal seasonal flu. In the past, the region where it originated. tralia each winter started off as pandemics. He said it other pandemic flu viruses have been more serious than Professor Raina MacIntyre, Professor of Infectious Dis- was "almost certain" swine flu would now join them as an the seasonal variants they replaced," Professor Sleigh eases Epidemiology and Head of the School of Public "indefinitely circulating" seasonal flu. said. Health and Community Medicine at the University of NSW, "... which will inevitably return to cause further disease "It is too early to say this won't happen again ... but so said this criteria had been met "for a while". in the northern hemisphere when they re-enter their next flu season in six months time," he said. far this pandemic strain has been mild in its effects." While swine flu had proven to be "not as severe as ini- AAP