THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN The oldest circulating Greek newspaper outside VEMA Greece MARCH 2010 Tel. (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 E-mail: [email protected] COPING WITH TEENAGERS A scientific view of the adolescent brain PAGE 3/21 GREECE DEBT: EU AGREES BAILOUT DEAL

The eurozone has agreed to a multibillion-euro bailout for getary surveillance" of all 16 participating countries. The aim Papandreou says Greece as part of a package to shore up the single curren- is a new regime of "reinforced economic policy co-ordina- cy after weeks of crisis, the Guardian has learnt. tion" in the EU. talks with Obama Senior sources in Brussels said that Berlin had bowed to "This is the essential lesson that has to be learned from successful the bailout agreement despite huge resistance in Germany the Greek case," Olli Rehn of Finland, the new commission- and that the finance ministers of the "eurozone" - the 16 er for economic and monetary affairs, told the Guardian PAGE 12/30 member states including Greece who use the euro - were (and four other European papers). to finalise the rescue package on Monday 15 March. "The Greek case is a potential turning point for the euro- The single currency's rulebook will also be rewritten to zone," said Rehn in the interview. "If Greece fails and we enforce greater fiscal discipline among members. fail, this will do serious and maybe permanent damage to The member states have agreed on "co-ordinated bilater- the credibility of the European Union. The euro is not only a al contributions" in the form of loans or loan guarantees to monetary arrangement, but a core political project of the Eu- Greece if Athens finds itself unable to refinance its soaring ropean Union … In that sense, we are at a crossroads." debt and requests help from the EU, a senior European com- While ready to bail out the Greeks if only on terms of "rig- mission official said. orous conditionality", European leaders are hoping that the Other sources said the aid could rise to €25bn (£22.6bn), rescue will not be needed, that the draconian package of although it is estimated in European capitals that Greece austerity measures announced by Prime Minister George could need up to €55bn by the end of the year. Papandreou will be enough to calm the markets and sta- Germany, the EU's traditional paymaster, but the most re- bilise the euro. luctant to come to the rescue of a fiscal delinquent in the EU leaders are to rule on whether Papandreou is doing e- current crisis, has played the pivotal role in organising the nough to slash the 12.7% budget deficit by four percentage rescue package, the sources added. points this year, part of his ambition to cut the deficit by 10 The rules governing the operation of the single currency points over three years. proscribe a bailout for a country on the brink of insolvency. Rehn said he would unveil new proposals next month, en- Berlin, in particular, has been worried that any bailout of shrining a new single currency regime of "rigorous surveil- Greece could be challenged in its constitutional court. lance of national budgets" and that Eurostat, the EU's statis- The 2010 Sydney The senior official said the agreement - which will not in- tical agency, would need to be given formidable new audit- Royal Easter Show volve any contribution from the UK taxpayer - had been tai- ing powers over the books of eurozone member states, lored to respect the bailout ban and avoid a supreme court a demand that may be resisted by EU governments. At Sydney Showground from April 1 to 14 challenge in Germany. "That's the hard core of our proposal. [The surveillance] Alongside the financial relief package for Greece, the Eu- should be automatic," said Rehn. Held by the Royal Agricultural Society of New ropean commission is rushing through tougher rules for the "We have an immediate corrective instrument for the South Wales each year at Easter time, the Syd- eurozone, using powers conferred by the recently enacted Greek case, plus another framework to prevent new Greek ney Royal Easter Show is more than a farm fair. Lisbon treaty to try to establish a system of rigorous "bud- crises." PAGE 19/37

St Andrew’s Theological College enters th Kozani 25 year Although blighted by a large electricity plant, of teaching this prosperous district has preserved much of its impressive architecture and traditions. PAGE 2/20 PAGE 17/35 The Greek Australian VEMA MARCH 2010 2/20 TO BHMA

ST ANDREW’S THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE ENTERS 25TH YEAR OF TEACHING

The customary group photograph in the courtyard of St Andrew’s Theological College The Dean, His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos with His Grace Bishop Seraphim of Apollonias and His Grace Bishop Nikandros of Dorileou, with the four first-year students.

Thursday 18th February marked goals of the Church to come closer and to chitecture as well as Pastoral Education. time undergraduate seminarian students the official opening of the academic speak a more convincing language, be- They can lead to priesthood within the Or- as well as nineteen students engaged in year at St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox cause only out of need does the human thodox Church. They can also be a path- part-time graduate-level and elective theo- Theological College in Sydney. For being become sincere and properly pious. way for further university studies leading logical studies. For more information about the 25th consecutive year, the tradi- “I do not need to stress the importance to careers such as teaching and social Orthodox Christian theological education tional Doxology Service was celebra- of the mission which our College has in work. They are also particularly useful for please visit the College’s website on ted in the College Chapel of St John this country. I repeat this every time when enriching one’s own Orthodox Christian www.sagotc.edu.au. the Evangelist and Theologian by the we commence a new academic year. And faith. T. Kalogerakis Dean, His Eminence Archbishop Sty- yet, we know that we are not sufficient, The College currently serves twelve full- Registrar lianos of Australia, among Faculty we are not capable enough to respond to members, staff, alumni, students so many needs, and to so many responsi- and guests. bilities which are to be found in our parish- His Eminence warmly welcomed all tho- es and in society. se present, among whom was His Grace “I thank all those who are working hard Bishop Nikandros of Dorileou from Ade- to make our presence here not merely vis- laide. He further welcomed Sister (Dr) Mar- ible, but fruitful. But this is not up to us garet Beirne RSC as a permanent part-time alone; it is up to the grace of God along member of staff, teaching in the field of with the dedication we should each have New Testament Studies, as well as College both personally and collectively.” graduates Antony Papantoniou and Mario His Eminence thanked the NSW Bible So- Baghos who join the teaching staff in their ciety which each year generously donates roles as tutors and assistant teachers in copies of the critical edition of the Greek Patristics and Church History respectively. New Testament to commencing students. Not least, His Eminence wholeheartedly The establishment of evening lectures welcomed the four first-year seminarian for the first time this year was also noted students: Harry Hadjigeorgiou (Perth), An- as a further effort by the College to extend drew Laoutas (Melbourne), Dimitrios Mar- its outreach in theological education to a cou (Melbourne), and Chrysovalantis Side- broader student base, particularly at grad- ris (Adelaide). uate-level. The ongoing interest engen- After welcoming everyone His Eminence dered by the well-established summer and reflected briefly on the task of theology winter intensives is seen as an encourag- within the Church and College, mentioning ing sign too. also the following: The customary group photograph in the “We are fortunate to celebrate; actually courtyard of the College was followed by the right word is not ‘fortunate’ because a luncheon generously prepared by the only the secular world speaks of ‘fortune’. tireless ladies’ auxiliary of the Archdiocese. [Rather] we are blessed to be able to gath- St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological er and celebrate the beginning of the College is a tertiary institution established twenty-fifth year of operation.” in 1986 by the Greek Orthodox Church of- “Theology today, unfortunately, as we all fering undergraduate and postgraduate know, seems to be somehow neglected or degrees fully accredited by the NSW De- overlooked; not estimated as it should be. partment of Education and Training and And yet, the need for theology was never equivalent to those of Australian universi- so great, so deep, and so profound. Be- ties. These degrees have international va- cause the more critical the times become, lidity. They focus on Orthodox Theology the more theologically interesting they be- and its related subject areas such as Bibli- come. Danger is always a factor which can cal Studies, Church History, Liturgical Stud- bring those who would like to serve the ies, Patristic Studies, Orthodox Art and Ar-

Visit the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia website www.greekorthodox.org.au MARCH 2010 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 3/21 Editorial Back down to earth with a bang Wednesday, March 3, 2010, will go down in history was to give the disenfranchised, who formed the bulk The easy money of the past three decades had a as the day that a modern Greek government made a of PASOK’s voters, a shot at living like the middle class. devastating effect on the economy and on the Greeks conscious effort to bring the country and its economy in If this meant throwing European assistance and subsi- themselves; they now have to come to terms with the line with reality. It is most appropriate that the unprece- dies around like political favors and giving pensions to basics of finance - that you cannot spend more than dented step was taken by a PASOK government, head- people who had never contributed to social security you earn, that you should not borrow more than you ed by George Papandreou, as it was under PASOK, in (such as farmers), then so be it. At last, all those who can afford. The terrible legacy of the past years is that its first term in power under Papandreou’s father, An- had been shut out by the right-wing establishment not only is the country deep in debt but the irrationality dreas, that Greece slipped the bonds of economic real- which triumphed in the Civil War in 1946-49 - and of the borrowed, unearned funds allowed the public ity and began to live way beyond its means. But the which was thoroughly discredited by the dictatorship of sector to get away with being a drain on the country’s New Democracy party, with which PASOK has alternat- 1967-74 - would get to share in the wealth of the na- resources and a plague on its people. No one really ed in power since the restoration of democracy in tion. The fact that this new middle class was founded knows the true size of the monster. And though the flow 1974, is no less guilty of bloating the public sector and on wealth that the country was not producing meant of funds to it may be curbed by 7 or 8 percent annual- buying “social harmony” by giving workers whatever that the economy broke free from all logic and went in- ly, this will not make it any more efficient. they wanted, leading to a relentless rise in wages and to its own orbit. PASOK established the National Health Now that PASOK has finally got itself to break with the pensions irrespective of what the country produced. As System and poured money into education but it also un- past, it will have to stand firm against the rage of op- deficits and the country’s debt burden grew, govern- dermined the gains by destroying any semblance of hi- position parties and unions - and of its own supporters. ments just kept on borrowing - borrowing to meet their erarchy, accountability and recognition of merit in the George Papandreou has finally realized that running obligations in terms of wages and pensions, borrowing public sector. This meant that no one really knew how Greece does not depend only on appeasing the most to import more than Greece exported, borrowing to pay much money was being spent nor whether those who voracious sections of his own supporters - he has to off previous debts. There was no effort to break the deserved it most were getting it. Costs rose while pro- make the country more efficient and its economy viable. borrowing habit. In addition, membership of the euro- ductivity plummeted. A wasteful public sector, in turn, But the sacrifice will come to nothing if the public ad- zone brought monetary stability and historically low in- condemned the private sector to inefficiency and lack of ministration and education system are not reformed terest rates, prompting a massive boom in mortgages competitiveness. New Democracy, especially in the radically so that they can serve the needs of their coun- and consumer loans, which hid the economy’s underly- 2004-09 period, made the situation worse by doing al- try rather than narrow political interests. Wednesday’s ing weaknesses. most nothing to cut costs and increase revenues, al- measures were a good start. But only a start. The late Andreas Papandreou’s strategy in the 1980s lowing the economy to career out of control. ATHENSPLUS COPING WITH TEENAGERS A scientific view of the adolescent brain

most active periods of this kind of reorganisation occurs sible for the functions including the ability to make in early life. At approximately two years of age, a huge sound judgments, goal setting, planning, impulse inhibi- build up of neural connections occurs in a child’s brain. tion, and emotional and self control, all of those skills This is followed by a pruning which allows the strongest that teenagers seem to be lacking, is undergoing its and most competent connections to function more effi- own period of reorganisation. The teenage brain is just ciently. The erratic behaviour that children tend to dis- not ready to take on the role of CEO! By PETER play during the ‘terrible twos’ reflects the changes that Another area of the brain undergoing its final reor- MAVROMMATIS * are taking place in the brain. Until recently scientists be- ganisation is deep in the centre of the brain in a group lieved that this period of growth and winnowing away of structures called the limbic area. These structures occurred only in early-childhood and that practically all mediate emotion. One of the greater areas here is the This month’s column follows some research into the the major changes in the brain occurred before adoles- amygdala, a small almond-shaped structure that plays behavioural patterns of children which to my dismay do cence. This was likely to be based, among other things, an important role in instinctive emotional responses. not provide me with the comfort I sought. It seems that on the fact that the brain reaches its full size by puber- This structure is engaged and allows us to react quickly while I might feel that there is no communication be- ty. when we are faced with dangerous situations. It over- tween me and my children from time to time, the fact is It turns out though, that what many teachers suspect- rides thoughtful reflection, something that you don’t that this is not yet the most difficult stage that I will en- ed is true. The brain is not fully ‘installed’ until around need when you simply need to pull your hand away counter with them, and there will be some more the age of twenty and that many complex changes take from a slamming door. In the adolescent brain howev- ‘bumps’ to negotiate along the way. place during adolescence. er, there is more function in the amygdala and very lit- A common frustration among parents of adolescents It is now known that between the ages of 9-10, the tle in the frontal lobes. This results in adolescents’ in- is that, seemingly overnight, children go from being frontal lobes undergo a second wave of reorganisation ability to identify emotion, reading social signals (even cheerful, loving, obedient and communicative to surly, and growth. This growth represents millions of new though all they seem to do is socialise!) and their paying antagonistic and looking like they need a note pinned to synapses between cells to process information. At ap- little attention to adults’ warnings concerning risk be- them saying ‘what this person is wearing is not my idea proximately 11 a pruning of these connections takes haviours. Quite simply: your teenager misunderstanding of good taste’. Whilst homework was formerly done place which is not complete until early adulthood. your emotions which lead to a miscommunication in without fuss the teenager now spends countless hours Although it may seem that the more connections, the terms of what he/she thinks you are feeling. on the computer and homework is not done with any better, the fact is that the brain is actually consolidating One may wonder what hope there is given the fact enthusiasm. The child who formerly cuddled up against and facilitating further learning by pruning away the that biological changes seem to determine adolescent ‘mummy’ before going to bed no longer asks for advice least used connections, ensuring that only the most use- behaviour and practices. The truth is that while there and when you give it, you are confident that it will be ig- ful synapses are maintained in order to allow efficient are challenging changes which parents and children nored. It seems that while you were sleeping, someone brain operation. face during adolescence, a loving home environment zipped open your child and put someone else inside! The final process in developing an ‘adult’ brain is the built on the model of the Church helps both the adoles- In the past it was raging hormones that were blamed process of myelination which involves the coating of n- cent and the parents cope with these changes. A family for all the problems associated with adolescence but erves with a fatty material called myelin. The myelin built on the foundations of faith, where every member more recently, research has focused on what is hap- sheath which wraps around the axons (neurons) of understands their role in the life of the family and pening above the neck with today’s developed brain- brain cells allows electrical impulses to travel faster Church will be better prepared to navigate these wa- imaging techniques allowing us to see what is happen- and more efficiently. Myelination occurs in the more ters. The teenager who has grown to love Jesus Christ ing inside the brain and the results are astounding. primitive areas of the brain first and then moves to and is actively involved in the life of the Church will Hormones aside, the adolescent is undergoing signifi- higher level functioning areas. This is one reason that a overcome the challenges and make a quicker and cant changes in the activity, anatomy and neurochem- toddler is less coordinated than a nine-year-old and smoother transition from adolescence to adulthood. istry of the brain! why the same nine-year-old does not have the same To comment, agree or disagree, visit http://peter- We have known for a long time that the brain grows capabilities for higher order thinking as an adult. by expanding and pruning the connections (synapses) As the frontal lobes are undergoing their final period mav.livejournal.com/ between cells, keeping those used the most and getting of growth, the area immediately behind the forehead, * Peter Mavrommatis is a teacher of Orthodox Studies and Personal rid of the unused ones. We also know that one of the the pre-frontal or orbito-frontal cortex which is respon- Development at St Spyridon College Senior School, Sydney. 4/22 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA MARCH 2010

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

By Andrew Georgiadis • Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and The lesson from this Psalm however, should not stop showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their there because it is more than a prophecy. In the beginning During the Service of the Holy Passion of Our Lord Jesus splendour. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow it demonstrates Jesus suffered, felt pain and cried out just Christ, held on Thursday evening of Holy Week, we hear down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from as we would when we suffer. the priest read twelve excerpts from the Gospels. The fol- me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, The Psalm then demonstrates that, although Jesus suf- lowing phrase from the seventh Gospel excerpt has and serve him only.’“ (Matthew 4:3-4 / Deuteronomy 6:13) fered, he had hope and trust in God, just as we should: drawn attention over time. In researching the Old Testament we find “My God, my • “In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ God, why have you forsaken me?” at Psalm 22:1. delivered them. They cried to you and were saved; in you (Matthew 27:45-46 & Mark 15:34) The following are excerpts of Psalm 22 along with the they trusted and were not disappointed” (Psalm 22:4-5) New Testament Parallel: • “Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there This phrase has raised questions as to how Jesus could • “But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, is no one to help” (Psalm 22:11) be God, if He cried out to God in such a way. ‘Forsaken’ and despised by the people. All those who see Me ridi- • “But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come after all means deserted, abandoned and hints at a feel- cule Me; They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, say- quickly to help me” (Psalm 22:19) ing of desolation and despair. In the past those that at- ing, He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; Let Him Finally, it concludes with a proclamation of God: tacked Jesus used this very phrase for that purpose. We deliver Him, since He delights in Him!” (Psalm 22:6-8) • “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to know that those who attack the Church do likewise by not “Those who passed by hurled insults at him” (Matthew the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down quoting a whole passage but a small part, which is open 27:39). “He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he before him, for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules to wide interpretation. Indeed, we read the Devil did this wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God’“ (Matthew over the nations. All the rich of the earth will feast and very thing when he set out to test Jesus during His 40 27:43) worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before days and nights of fasting in the desert: • “They divide My garments among them, And for My him - those who cannot keep themselves alive. Posterity • The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son clothing they cast lots” (Psalm 22:18) will serve him; future generations will be told about the of God, tell these stones to become bread.” “Then they cast lots to share out his clothing” (Luke Lord. They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on 23:34) unborn - for he has done it” (Psalm 22:27-31) bread alone, but on every word that comes from the There are also a few lines in the Psalm which indicate It can therefore be concluded that when Jesus cried out mouth of God.’ “ (Matthew 4:3-4 / Deuteronomy 8:3) the person being referred to is being crucified, at lines 14- My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? it was a cry • Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him 15 and in particular line 16 which reads: “Dogs have sur- of abandonment, desolation and despair, but it was also stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the rounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they an example of faith, hope and love in God through the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is writ- have pierced my hands and my feet” (Psalm 22:16). complete reading of Psalm 22. ten: ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they We know that Jesus was well versed in the Old Testa- Even on the Cross Jesus continued to set an example will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike y- ment, and therefore based on the above, we can conclude for us all not to lose faith, hope and love in God. Indeed, our foot against a stone.’ Jesus answered him, “It is also that he was reciting Psalm 22 because he not only recited Psalm 22:26 states: written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’“ the first line, but was also experiencing what occurred in “The poor will eat and be satisfied; they who seek the (Matthew 4:5-7 / Psalm 91:11-12 / Deuteronomy 6:16) the Psalm. LORD will praise him - may your hearts live forever!” CERTIFICATE OF ATTAINMENT PROSITOS IN GREEK Web Development & I.T. Consulting The Education Office of the Consu- ployment in various professions late General of Greece in Sydney within Greece. The certificate al- proudlyproudly present tthehe has informed us that the deadline lows citizens of European Union to apply for the Certificate of At- member states to participate in the GreekGreek OrthodoxOrthodox ArchdioceseArchdiocese ofof Australia’sAustralia’s tainment in the Greek Language is examination of the Supreme Cou- web-site:web-site: www.greekorthodox.org.auwww.greekorthodox.org.au March 22, 2010. ncil of Personnel Selection (ΑΣΕΠ) Applications must be submitted at for civil service positions or to pur- the Education Office (Level 2, 219- sue a Masters Degree in Greece. 223 Castlereagh St, Sydney 2000) Level C allows foreign students in person. Applicants must have in or Greeks from abroad the ability hand their passport or driver’s li- to enrol in a Greek university. cense. Furthermore, Level D enables The Certificate of Attainment in European citizens to be appointed Greek is the official state certificate to Greek universities. that certifies the knowledge of The examinations are oraganized Greek as a Second/ Foreign lan- annually by the Centre for the guage. It is offered at levels A-D, Greek Language, which is over- where D is the highest and re- seen by the Greek Ministry of www.prositos.com.auw w w. p o m . a u quires exceptional knowledge of Education. This year, the examina- Greek as a second/foreign langua- tions will be held on May 11 and ee-mail:- m a i l : [email protected] q u @ p s i t o s . c o m . a u ge. 12. PhPhone:o ne: 02 8011 3939119 1 1 It is important to note that this Certificate is recognized in the la- bour market throughout the Euro- For further information visit the  Web-siteWWeeb-site ddevelopmentevelopment pean Union. It is also considered to website of the Education Office or  be a necessary condition for em- phone (02) 9283 3800. PHPPHP & PPostgreSQLostgreSQL  I.T.I.T. trainingtraining & ddocumentationocumentation Visit the website  UserUser aacceptancecceptance testingtesting ((U.A.T.)U.A.T.)  AccessibilityAccessibility & UsabilityUsability testingtesting of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia  SearchSearch EEnginengine OOptimisationptimisation  DomainDomain nnameame ppurchasingurchasing & sset-upet-up www.greekorthodox.org.au  Web-siteWWeeb-site hhostingosting andand set-upset-up MARCH 2010 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 5/23 Easter Message

S T Y L I A N O S

By the grace of God Archbishop of Australia To all the Clergy and devout faithful of our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

Brother Concelebrants and beloved children in Christ who is Risen,

The basic stages we passed through liturgically this year, before Holy Pascha, are well-known to all the faithful:

• Triodion • Holy and Great Lent • Holy and Great Week of the Passion and Resurrection

In between (for spiritual relief and consolation within the period of fasting), we experienced the ‘Salu- tations’ and the ‘Annunciation of the Mother of God’, followed by the ‘joyful sorrow’ of ‘Palm Sunday’.

The Grace of God, who loves all humankind, has once again enabled us to taste all the above in re- pentance, for the edification and salvation of our own selves and the entire world.

This year we had the pleasure of celebrating the triumph of Pascha together - that is, at the same time - with Christians of the West. And we recognize how much easier the simultaneous celebration is for the By ARCHBISHOP daily lives of working people, especially where there are minorities of faithful from various denomina- STYLIANOS tions. OF AUSTRALIA With these undoubtedly blessed presuppositions, we are called once more to continue with en- durance our strenuous journey between the harsh ‘Symplegades’ of recent times, keeping our spirit of the Resurrection upright, no matter to what extent the darkness of the present world may alarm us.

However, maintaining the ‘spirit of the Resurrection’ does not mean indifference or an underesti- mation of the new dangers that threaten all of humanity at this time.

This would be an unacceptable hypocrisy and a false triumphalism concerning the Resurrection, which would be irreconcilable with our Christian Faith. It would also be an inexcusable betrayal of the redemptive message and example of the Apostles through the centuries.

At this very point it should be mentioned that the ‘Apostles’ were not only the Twelve Disciples of Christ. Nor were they only the 500 or a multiplication of this number to whom the Risen Lord subsequent- ly appeared at various intervals. The Apostolic character of the Church (just as with all other charismata granted by the Risen Lord) cannot be ‘monopolized’ in some manner by the ‘spiritual Shepherds’ and ‘Teachers’. It is simply that these gifts are exercised by them in essence, with the ‘consent’ and ‘collaboration’ of Clergy and lay people.

Only in this manner can the whole Church be understood in an Orthodox manner (i.e. genuinely and authentically!), with Christ being its irreplaceable Head, and all the faithful - both men and women - as Members of His Sacred Body. See then, brothers and sisters, that even in times of various impasses, such as today, the Cross of Christ, who Suffered and Rose for all people, is able to transform the most tragic circumstances of the world into a ‘Resurrectional mobilisation’ of those who pray. Provided that we firmly remain believing, hoping and loving in the name of the only God-Man, who reconciled us forever with our Creator God, elevating us from children of ‘wrath’ into children of ‘adoption’.

To Him be all glory and veneration unto the ages.

Easter 2008

With fervent prayers in Christ who is Risen

Archbishop S T Y L I A N O S

[translation by DK] The Greek Australian VEMA MARCH 2010 6/24 TO BHMA

Glimpses of a Symbolic Anthropology Part Seven: People Like Trees

Revd Dr Doru Costache * metaphor in a straightforward manner, without bothering The second meaning is indirectly confirmed by Psalm to interpret it: “Even now the axe is lying at the root of the 1:3 (LXX), which refers to the righteous person as an un- The intention of this series is to prove from within the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is specified yet definitely fruitful tree: “he will be like the tree ecclesial tradition that Orthodoxy has no share in what cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 3:10; Luke that was planted by the channels of waters, which will secular people today designate as the Christian aversion 3:9). Obviously, it is not the trees that will be judged and yield its fruit in its season, and its leaf will not fall off.” to the body; furthermore, that from the viewpoint of our cut down from the face of the Lord; it is us, the withered Here, the righteous one is likened to the paradisiacal tree tradition there is more to be said about the body than any and fruitless trees that fail to undertake a virtuous life. In of life from Genesis 2, opening a very interesting her- secular mind can conceive. the same context, the prophet urged the arrogant Phar- meneutical avenue: the story of the garden ultimately rep- We walk now toward a different horizon of symbolic isees to “bear fruit worthy of repentance” (Matthew 3:8), resents a parable of the spiritual life and becoming. Fur- imagery. In a book whose reference I long forgot, Jean reinforcing the meaning of the metaphor. thermore, the same image of the tree of life is applied to Kovalevsky, that fascinating bishop and mystical theolo- On people bearing fruits, we see also the Lord exhort- Christ in Revelation 22:2 (with some echoes from John gian, rendered a definitely scriptural metaphor along these ing us to exercise our discernment by evaluating the hu- 15:1-6), where we read: “On either side of the river [or the lines: human beings are uprooted trees and the trees are man deeds in order to avoid being fooled by their plausi- “water of life,” in the previous verse] is the tree of life with rooted human beings. ble but hypocritical statements (see Matthew 7:15-20). Fur- its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and By such a beautiful association, I presume he conveyed thermore, like in the story of the dry fig tree (cf. Matthew the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” a range of meanings. First, that there is a striking physiog- 21:19), the wicked among God’s people are likened to the This final image casts a stronger light upon the metaphor nomic symmetry between the architecture of the human “autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, uprooted” (Jude under consideration, suggesting that as God’s people we body and that of the trees; this symmetry seems to be 1:12). Here, the state of being uprooted does not bear any are called to become increasingly Christ-like, bountiful best exploited by the kabbalistic Sephiroth tree represent- positive connotation (as in “attaining some measure of de- trees, lush gardens - or, to paraphrase the saintly theolo- ing the body as a tree whose parts symbolically map the tachment from the earthly things”) but rather represents gian Fr Dumitru Staniloae, “spiritual bread for others.” whole reality. Second, that there is an existential similitude the sign of a departure from tradition. Christians, at least in the Byzantine tradition, truthfully between people and trees, if we think of the expectations The source of this imagery is the Old Testament. I will follow these lines of thought, demonstrating appreciation for both trees and people to bear the appropriate fruits. provide the reader with just a few examples. Perhaps the for the multilayered structure of the human being, includ- Third, that unlike the trees that cannot free themselves most interesting use of the tree metaphor is the one re- ing the body. Embellished through virtues, the human be- from the soil and the earthly things, we do have that ca- ferring to the cedars of Lebanon. As majestic as they are, ing is ascetically reconstituted as a personal paradise, so pacity. Fourth, that beyond the fascination they exercise by the cedars of Lebanon play a double role in the Scriptures, to speak, restored to its divine vocation that was termed their splendour, trees remind us of an existential failure: on the one hand as images of the arrogant people who by the ancients Greeks as καλοκaγαθία, beauty and good- that of being reduced to our definition as earthlings (con- stand against God’s plan, and on the other hand as im- ness, the splendour of nobility. This ideal is magnificently sider the signification of the Hebrew word ‘Adam’ i.e. the ages of the righteous who are blessed by the grace of the expounded by our iconography, the ecclesial architecture relative of the earth) instead of attaining - like Jonathan Lord. The first meaning is illustrated by Psalm 28:5 (LXX), and hymnography, being practically conveyed through a Livingstone the seagull - our celestial stature. which reads: “the Lord will crush the cedars of Lebanon.” distinct ethos of balance and creativity within the parame- Are all these meanings biblical? In other words, are they Although the phrase might be taken by the environmental- ters of tradition. familiar to God’s people? I believe they are. Reading the ists as one of the ‘grey’ passages in the Bible, it definite- There is nothing “spiritualistic” with us, and no mineral passage about the healing of a blind man (Mark 8:24), we ly refers to God’s reprimanding of the arrogant sinners stillness characterise our rhythms. Even when we take a come across the statement of the man saying: “I can see and not the destruction of the Lebanese biosphere. The break, that is just in order to prepare ourselves for new people, but they look like trees, walking.” This at least in- second meaning is allegorically conveyed e.g. by Song of undertakings that will lead us to be like the fruitful trees of dicates that within the common ‘imaginal’ world of the Songs 5:15, where the beloved is presented as handsome the Kingdom. Jews the metaphor was well established. Let us check the as the cedars of Lebanon; a non-literal interpretation (like accuracy of this claim. that of Origen and St Gregory of Nyssa) might see here In a prophetic address on the divine judgment upon the the crown of beauty associated with virtue and the state * Revd Dr Doru Costache lectures in Patristics at St Andrew’s quality of human deeds, St John the Baptist employs the of being deified. Theological College, Sydney Greece does not need to sell islands: PM Prime Minister George Papandreou says Greece does was unclear if they were joking. not need to sell some of its uninhabited islands to raise "We give you cash, you give us Corfu," the mass-circu- cash and plug its gaping budget deficit, as suggested by lation daily Bild commented. some German MPs. The proposal added to tensions between the popular "I think that more creative solutions exist to tackle the press and some politicians of the two countries as Greece deficit than selling Greek islands," Papandreou told re- seeks to restore trust in financial markets in its solvency. porters in Berlin after talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel. Germany, as Europe's biggest economy, is seen as first Greece has around 6,000 islands off its coast, of which in line for any bailout but any such move would be deeply only 227 are inhabited, according to the National Tourism unpopular with voters. Office. Two allies of Merkel suggested selling some. It German newspapers have carried angry editorials about alleged Greek corruption and wasteful spending. The mass-circulation Bild wrote its own "letter" to Pa- Lenten Prayer pandreou, telling him he was visiting a country where, un- like his own, people "get up early and work the whole of St Ephraim the Syrian day". "No one here has to pay thousands of euros in bribes to Prime Minister George Papandreou with Chancellor get a hospital bed. We don't give pensions to generals' Angela Merkel O Lord and Master of my life! daughters who can't find a husband... Taxi drivers give re- "We haven't asked the German taxpayer to bail us out, ceipts and farmers don't get billions of euros in EU subsi- Take from me the spirit of sloth, to pay for our pensions and our holidays. That is not fair," dies for non-existent olive trees," the newspaper thun- faint-heartedness, lust of power, and idle talk. Papandreou told the Frankfurter Allgemeine daily in an in- dered. terview. German magazine Focus printed a cover image of the But give rather the spirit of chastity, "Nor do Greeks have corruption in their genes any more famous Venus de Milo statue making an obscene hand humility, patience, and love to Your servant. than Germans have National Socialism (the Nazi ideology) gesture. The accompanying article called Greece the "trai- in theirs. It is very dangerous when we use stereotypes tor" of the euro for its excessive deficit spending. Yes, Lord and King! Grant me to see my own errors like this." All this has irked Greek politicians and newspapers, and not to judge my brother, Merkel said that "everything to do with negative emo- with some claiming that Germany still owes Greece mon- for You are blessed unto ages of ages. tions is not helpful". ey from World War II, accusing the Germans of stealing all "We should find other solutions to our problems," she the gold from the Greek central bank. Amen. told reporters. Papandreou and Merkel both moved to soothe tensions. AFP MARCH 2010 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 7/25 Facts & Stats Theodorakis honoured with gold disc Renowned songwriter and composer Mikis Theodorakis was bestowed a gold disc by the Legend company on February 25 for his release Ta Themelia mou sta Vouna (My Foundations Up On the Mountains), which features guest appearances by Glyk- eria, Paschalis Terzis and Dimitris Bassis. The popular singers and the Mikis Theo- dorakis Orchestra performed a selection from the award-winning release at the packed P. Kyriakides Bookstore on Mitro- poleos St, where the event was hosted. The 85-year-old composer who attended the event was sharp as ever when com- menting on current affairs. ECB chief “Cretans organised the Popular Patriotic Front. Something is in the making, but I’m hails Greek afraid that people are disarmed. I don’t know how this flame will come alight and whether I’ll still be around to witness it,” he austerity said. “I’ve made an effort through the internet,” measures Theodorakis added. “I’ve pointed to three big issues that preoccupy people: Cyprus, European Central Bank head Macedonia and the deconstruction of Hel- Mikis Theodorakis (centre right) with NEP president and publisher Petros Kyriakides (l) Jean-Claude Trichet (photo above) lenism. I got thousands of emails. I was sur- praised new Greek austerity mea- prised by the feedback I got and the rich- red” representatives from Europe who visit at Vrahati, she performed “Ston Allo sures but gave short shrift to a ness of the responses. I’ll have them pub- rushed “to put us back into order. But they Kosmo Pou Tha Pas” (When You Go to the possible bid for IMF help that lished.” just show up for financial things. I don’t see Other World) for me.” Athens said it had to consider. Theodorakis was poignant in his remarks anyone coming here for our culture. Be- The event was attended by representa- "We appreciate enormously on Greece’s national heritage of “stupidity cause we do have culture.” tives of the Greek press, publisher Yiorgos what has been decided because which we carry along to this date”. Referring to the often grim content of his Kyriakides, NEP vice-president Michalis Kyr- we judge it appropriate, commen- “There is no end to corruption. We once 70s songs, he said: “Our songs are some- iakides, NEP board member Areti Sidirokas- surate to the difficulty and con- had a sense of decency. We were known how sad. Imagine that my first record was tritou, poets Michalis Ganas and Manos vincing," Trichet said after the ECB for out hospitality and sense of honesty. All entitled Epitaphios and my first song “My Eleftheriou, and author Mimis Androulakis governing council met at the this is gone now,” he said. Mother Cries on the Grave”. among others. bank's Frankfurt headquarters. He expressed his bitterness over “cultu- Even when Glykeria paid me a birthday ATHENS NEWS The Greek government has un- veiled a second set of emergency measures to slash 4.8 billion eu- Greece's Aegean, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia ros ($A7.26 billion) from its public GREEK WELFARE CENTRE budget to persuade EU peers and markets it can avert bankruptcy. Olympic "Greece today is in a much bet- ter state... than it was before," announce merger Centre Based Day Care Trichet said. The ECB president did not feel Greece's two major airlines, Olympic Air however "that it would be appro- and Aegean Airlines, are merging to create a priate to have the introduction of "national airline champion", the companies Crows Nest the IMF as a supplier of help say. through stand-by" agreements, in The two airlines together have 97 per cent what might be shaping up as a of the Greek domestic air travel market and The Greek Welfare Centre provides Day Care Centre respite for the game of poker between Athens will use the name Olympic Air after a transi- Greek speaking frail aged living in the Lane Cove, Mosman, Willoughby tion period in which the Aegean name will be and its eurozone partners. and North Sydney Local Government Areas. Earlier the Greek government used in parallel. The companies say they are combining to spokesman George Petalotis said The broad aim of the program is to provide centre based day care for the Athens "cannot exclude" seeking better compete within the European Union and preserve jobs in the industry. frail aged of Greek speaking background, so as to assist them to remain help from the International Mone- in their homes and provide respite for their carers tary Fund, a step many eurozone The combined airline is not expected to op- erate before October 2010 at the earliest, leaders would not approve. What is included in the program? An appeal to the IMF could por- sources said. tray the eurozone as unable to The merged company will have 5850 em- ployees, including Aegean's 2500, Olympic The program includes transport to and from the day care centre, meals, deal with internal problems and activities, exercises and outings, for a small cost. "we hope not to reach this point," Air's 1300, as well as 2000 in Olympic Han- dling and 50 in Olympic Engineering, which Petalotis told state radio Net. Who is it for? "But it is a possibility that nobo- will be 100 per cent subsidiaries of the new company. dy can exclude," he added, as To be eligible for the service an assessment will need to be undertaken. Greek Prime Minister George Pa- Olympic Air is the successor airline to state-owned, debt-ridden Olympic Airways, Applicants must be 65 years of age or over who are frail or have a pandreou prepared to visit Berlin disability and live in Lane Cove, Mosman, Willoughby and North Sydney and Paris for crucial talks with later Olympic Airlines, which accumulated German Chancellor Angela Merkel massive deficits for all but one of its 34 years Local Government Areas. of state ownership, from 1975 to 2009. It was and French President Nicolas How to apply: Sarkozy. sold to MIG, after several unsuccessful pri- vatisation attempts. It flies on 41 domestic Merkel will make it "very clear" For more information regarding the program contact Fiona Keene on to Papandreou that it is up to and 15 international routes, a drastic cutback Athens alone to solve its prob- from its heyday in the 1980s. (02) 9516 2188 lems, German economy minister Aegean Airlines flies to 24 domestic and 26

Rainer Bruederle said in the Ger- international destinations. It is a regional part- man capital. ner of Lufthansa and collaborates with Brus- sels Airlines, Portugal's TAP and Britain's bmi. This service is supported by Department of Human Services NSW, Ageing, Disability and AFP Home Care AP MARCH 2010 8/26 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Michael Rann: Families in fear “FYROM president as energy costs soar "Fuel poverty" may become part of Australian steals Greek history” life, with electricity prices expected to continue ris- ing. NSW Energy and Water Ombudsman Clare Petre “I do not intend to apologize and says calls from people who fear they will have I think President Gjorge Ivanov is electricity disconnected are up a third this financial stealing Greek history,” said the year. Last financial year more than 18,000 NSW Premier of the state of South Aus- households had their power cut off. tralia Michael Rann, Skopjean A1 tel- Prices shot up 18-22 per cent on July 1, adding evision station reports. about $200 to the average annual bill, and the num- The media in Australia cited FY- ber of people struggling to pay soared, The Daily ROM ambassador Pero Stojanovski Telegraph says. as saying FYROM’s support for Aus- The largest retailer, Energy Australia, has an ex- capacity to pay in the future," Ms Petre said. She tralia‘s candidacy for a non-perma- tra 36,000 customers on bill extension or payment said these increases could cause "fuel poverty". nent member of the UN Security plans - 30 per cent more than last year. The sec- Fuel poverty - a household spending more than Council would depend on Rann’s ond-largest retailer, Integral Energy, has 19,000 10 per cent of income for an adequate 21C warmth apology. more customers in assistance schemes - up 10 per - contributed to nearly 37,000 English and Welsh Mike Rann has sparked an inter- cent. But the real concern is that more big increas- deaths in 2008-09. national diplomatic furore by accus- es will be too much for many of these households In Australia, it isn't the cold, it's the heat. High ing the Former Yugoslav Republic to bear. temperatures were linked to 374 deaths in Victoria of Macedonia (FYROM) of stealing "We are already receiving complaints from peo- last year. Greek culture and its leader, Gjorge ple who can pay now but are worried about their AAP Ivanov, of “stirring up trouble in the most dangerous way”. A videotape of a speech given by the Premier in Premier of S. Australia, Jobless rate rises in February November has sparked outrage ac- M. Rann ross the globe. Washington-based ‘United Mace- history or culture,” Mr Rann said. with few new jobs created donian Diaspora’ president Metodija “We have a leader in Mr Ivanov Koloski flew to Adelaide for a confi- who is stirring up trouble in the The jobless rate edged up to 5.3 per cent in Feb- being created in February. The rise in the jobless dential meeting with Multicultural most dangerous way.” ruary from a downwardly revised 5.2 per cent in rate was led by a jump to 6.4 per cent in Tasma- Affairs Minister Michael Atkinson Mr Koloski told The Advertiser January, with the number of people employed bare- nia, from 5.3 per cent the previous month. and delivered a protest letter ad- that his people had been “slan- ly rising. The unemployment rate also rose in South Aus- dressed to Mr Rann. dered” and demanded an uncondi- This was the first rise in the jobless rate since tralia, to 4.7 per cent from 4.4 per cent, and in In the controversial speech, Mr tional apology. peaking at 5.8 per cent last October. Just 400 Queensland, to 5.7 per cent from 5.5 per cent. Rann affirms his commitment to Mr Rann said he would not be “si- jobs, seasonally adjusted, were added to the work- In the ACT, the rate rose to 3.9 per cent from Adelaide‘s Greek voters and promis- lenced or muzzled” and would “con- force in February, Australian Bureau of Statistics 3.8 per cent. However, the jobless rate in NSW fell es his Government will “remain firm tinue to speak out on issues I be- data showed on Thursday. to 5.4 per cent from 5.6 per cent and in the North- and unswerving in our support for lieve in”. There were 11,400 full-time jobs created, but ern Territory it declined to 3.2 per cent from 3.3 your cause”. these were partly offset by an 11,000 drop in part- per cent. The rates in Western Australia and Victo- “It is important because no one is Sources: FOCUS Information Agency, time workers. Economists had expected the jobless ria were both unchanged at 5.0 per cent and 5.3 The Advertiser entitled to steal another nation’s rate to edge up to 5.4 per cent with 10,000 jobs per cent, respectively.

Time to heed the words of the Lady with the Lamp Janis Tripodakis says Florence Nightingale’s legacy should be honored

BY JULIA PANAYOTOU ical role they play. Tripodakis explained, “The nurse’s role in healthcare is so fundamental that its significance is of- A century has passed since the death of Florence ten and easily overlooked, thereby making their contribu- Nightingale. The founder of modern nursing and nursing tion practically invisible.” education, also known for her work in community and so- An economist who runs her own consulting company, cial issues and human rights, Nightingale earned the title Tripodakis currently lives in Athens and has served over “Lady with the Lamp,” as she would tend to wounded sol- several decades on boards that include the Muscular Dys- diers during the Crimean War nightly, lamp in hand. trophy Association of Greece - MDA Hellas (founding mem- Created to honor her legacy, grassroots movement the ber), the American Farm School of Greece (as co-chair of Nightingale Initiative for Global Health (NIGH) is marking the Athens Development Committee), Habitat for Humani- the centennial and has designated 2010 as International ty and Krikos Zois (the Society of Patients and Friends of Year of the Nurse. Patients with Inherited Metabolic Disease). The milestone will be celebrated, organizers say, to “ac- A Red Cross volunteer who played a major role in bring- tively involve the world’s nurses in a celebration of com- ing Greece to the forefront of the Nightingale Initiative for mitment to bring health to their communities, locally and Global Health, Tripodakis negotiated for Greece “to be worldwide.” one of the five lead nations in this global campaign.” “Nightingale’s message is that we need leadership and Tripodakis sees NIGH as “a catalyst for public awareness that health is fundamental in sustaining our world,” Janis of the critical role nurses play in improving health world- Tripodakis, a member of NIGH’s International Advisory wide.” caring.” Nurses “have the privilege of accompanying vul- Board, told Athens Plus. It is also “a vehicle for engaging over 15 million nurses nerable people through health, illness and death.” “We must stand together with leadership, advocacy and around the world to stand together in support of global On a local level, ”the fundamental structures are pres- global action to ensure health so that it is possible for health.” Tripodakis urges anyone who is interested to vis- ent in Greece,” she says. But work still needs to be done. every person, in every community worldwide to have it www.nightingaledeclaration.net. “There are incredible opportunities to elevate and ex- equal access to healthcare.” She also stresses that nurses and non-nurses alike pand the role of nurses in education, awareness and re- NIGH works to empower nurses and to increase global should “continue being ambassadors in serving their fellow search. public awareness about the priority of health. human beings, in order to create a healthier and more sus- This must be done, not only in hospitals but throughout While there are over 15 million nurses worldwide, Tripo- tainable world.” all communities.” dakis says there is not enough awareness about the crit- According to Tripodakis, “nursing is about service and ATHENSPLUS MARCH 2010 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 9/27

For the bibliophiles... Australian Gourmet Traveller: The Greek issue March 2010

Okay, hands up all those who didn’t receive at least one reminder from a friend or relative to go out and purchase this month’s copy of Australian Gourmet Traveller? What do you think is the main attraction? The magazine’s editor, Anthea Loucas, is Greek-Cypriot and over the years we have come to respect her work, but why make such a fuss over this particular edition? Could it be the mouth-watering photos of grilled octopus, or the plateful of loucomades alongside that most beautiful of all fruit - fresh figs? Is the attraction due to the article on Kastellorizo by Sydney’s own Nick Pappas, or the tribute to Tess Mallos, whose recipes have instructed many young Australian Greeks who left home before being taught to cook by their mothers or yia- yias? Or could it be George Calombaris’ feature on the flavours of Cyprus, or the spectacular photograph of the Vathia towers of the Mani peninsula (don’t you just love the image of Melia Tsatsouli holding the baker’s paddle)? More than likely, it’s a mixture of all of this, and the fact that we Greek Australians, like everyone every- where, simply like to read something about ourselves once in a while. A.C.

NEW FROM ST ANDREW'S ORTHODOX PRESS Overseas tourists

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US joins fight against speculators Greek PM elicits Obama’s support for joint action at White House meeting; deal on visas also agreed

Prime Minister George Papandreou said after meeting US President Barack Obama at the White House that Washington is willing to work with the European Union to regulate the international financial system so specula- tors cannot target countries with troubled economies as they have done with Greece in recent weeks. Papandreou said that the interest shown by Obama in working together with the EU was a “positive message” that meant “order can be restored to the international markets.” The Greek premier did not go into any details about what form this joint action might take but said that the is- sue would be discussed at the G20 summits in Canada “Despite the radical reforms my government has Symposium to honour in June and South Korea in November. launched, opportunistic traders have forced interest South African Greek lawyer, Apart from economic issues, the two leaders also dis- rates on Greek bonds to record highs,” wrote the prime cussed foreign policy matters such as the reunification minister. “Some of these speculators are making a for- George Bizos SC of Cyprus, Greece’s relations with Turkey and the Mace- tune by betting on our nation’s misfortune. donia name dispute. “If global economic growth is to be sustainable, we The Attorney General of NSW, John Hatzistergos MLC However, it was in the area of bilateral relations that need better coordination and greater solidarity between (left) and Mr George Bizos SC (right) are shown enjoying Papandreou was able to announce a breakthrough as nations. If we let market forces alone dictate the terms, the Australian Lawyers Phil-Hellenic Association’s (ALPHA) he revealed that Obama had agreed to immediately al- our fragile economic recovery will almost certainly fal- symposium lunch held on Sunday 7 March 2010 to honour low Greece to join the visa waiver program, which will ter.” the renowned South African Greek lawyer who is visiting allow Greeks to travel to the US without needing a visa. Papandreou said it is vital for Washington and Brus- Australia. Greece had been the only EU country not included on the sels to work together to provide better regulation of the George Bizos SC has been practising at the Johannes- list. global financial system. “The crisis in Greece should be burg Bar since 1954 and has defended numerous accused In a bid to underline his views on the financial situa- a wake-up call for bold reforms well beyond my own against the might of the apartheid regime, including Nel- tion, Papandreou also wrote an op-ed for the Interna- country,” he wrote. “Democratic governments worldwide son Mandela and Walter Sisulu and was a counsel in the tional Herald Tribune in which he emphasizes the steps must establish a new global financial architecture, as inquest into the death of Steve Biko. More recently, he de- that his government has taken to get its public finances bold in its own way as Bretton Woods, as bold as the fended Morgan Tswangarai, leader of the Opposition in in order, but he also stressed the need for the US and creation of the European Community and European Mon- Zimbabwe, against a charge of treason. the EU to work together to combat the threat of specu- etary Union. And we need it fast.” lators. KATHIMERINI MARCH 2010 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 11/29

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Papandreou says talks with Obama successful

Greek Prime Minister George Papan- ropean countries at the next G20 summit. dreou expressed his absolute satisfaction The Greek Prime Minister said that the US over the results of his meeting with US president reassured him that he considers President Barack Obama at the White this initiative useful and positive and that House on Tuesday 9 March, since not only the US will move in the same direction so did he find understanding regarding pro- that "order is put in the international mar- posals on the joint handling of profiteers, kets." but secured the visa waiver for Greek citi- The Prime Minister made it clear that zens visiting the United States as well Greece did not request economic aid from which, as the prime minister said, Presi- the US and termed "every voice of support dent Obama decided. positive," particularly when it comes from Speaking to reporters, Papandreou ter- the biggest economy and the strongest med the visa waiver "a vote of confidence" country in the world politically, while to Greece and noted that the Greek gov- speaking of "recognition of the difficult ernment is determined to respond to its measures that we are taking." obligations and cooperate closely at inter- Papandreou also said that apart from the national level on the tackling of terrorism. economy, he discussed with President "I briefed President Obama on the state Obama Greece's initiative for the acces- of the economy in our country and on the sion of all the countries of the western determination that we showed in taking Balkans to the European Union by 2014, a difficult measures," Papandreou said, un- development that he characterised as be- derlining that with the institutional changes ing stabilising for peace in the wider re- being promoted by his government not on- gion and the solving of specific bilateral ly in the economy but in other sectors also problems. such as education, health and public ad- In regards to relations with Turkey, Pa- ministration the country is entering a pandreou briefed the US president on the course of sustainable growth and is be- visit to Athens by Turkish Prime Minister coming competitive and attractive. Tayyip Erdogan in the coming months, as The Greek Prime Minister stressed that well as on the will of the Greek side to re- he briefed the US president on his and oth- vive the procedure on the normalisation of Prime Minister George Papandreou addressing reporters after his talks with US President er European leaders' initiative such as Barack Obama at the White House. (Photo ANA-MPA) Greek-Turkish relations and the solving of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French differences, such as the case of the conti- President Nicolas Sarcozy and eurozone confronting profiteers and restoring Papandreou called on the US to con- nental shelf. president Jean Claude Juncker that aims at Greece's image in international markets. tribute to a common direction with the Eu- AFP

‘We have found the Messiah’ - Apostle Andrew (John 1:41)

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An initiative of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia MARCH 2010 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 13/31 Health

Influenza is caused by a virus. There are two main curs in the community. This is usually Autumn, but vac- viruses which cause the disease, influenza A and in- cination can still take place in the first few months of fluenza B. Each year, the virus changes slightly so that Winter. different forms of one of these viruses appear every For the 2010 influenza season the following groups year. The health authorities in this country go to great are eligible for a free influenza vaccine. HEALTH lengths to try to anticipate the change so that a vaccine • All people aged 65 years and over can be developed. • All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged The Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee have en- 15 and over NEWSNEWS dorsed the World Health Organisation recommenda- • All people aged 6 months and over who are at se- tions and approved the strains for season 2010.The vere risk of outcomes from seasonal influenza, such as 2010 influenza vaccine is a purified inactivated, split vi- those with chronic conditions, including cardiac disease WITH DR. THEO PENKLIS * ron (split virus) vaccine and each 0.5 mls contain the ,cystic fibrosis, diabetes and renal failure following virus strains: • Pregnant women • A/California/7/2009 (NYMC X-181) (A/California/ In addition, people who can transmit influenza to per- ‘FLU VACCINE : NOW IS 7/2009 (H1N1) - like) sons at an increased risk such as staff at nursing • A/Wisconsin/15/2009 (NYMC X-183) (A/Perth/16/ homes, nurses, volunteer workers and persons who THE TIME FOR YOUR 2009 (H3N2) - like) provide essential community services should consider • B/Brisbane/60/2008 (B/Brisbane/60/2008 - like) vaccination. ‘FLU SHOT! The vaccine should not be given to anyone who suf- These are the three strains expected to circulate this fers from severe egg or chicken feather allergies. The year. vaccine is a safe vaccine. It can cause redness or sore- Each year at this time I like to remind people that the Influenza is generally spread by ‘droplet infection’. ness at the injection site, but severe side effects are influenza vaccine, more commonly called the flu vaccine That means it is spread by the coughs and sneezes of extremely rare. Inactivated influenza vaccine has been is now available. The influenza virus is constantly an infected person which create little droplets which available for over fifty years. Since that time, the formu- changing so it is important to receive vaccination gainst hang in the air. These droplets are then inhaled by oth- lation has been continually improved resulting in far the flu every year in order to be protected against the er people. less adverse reactions. most common strains. The infection starts in the nose and throat of the re- Now’s the time!... Talk to your family doctor about the This year the seasonal influenza vaccine will include cipient person and may spread further down into the flu vaccine. one strain of the Influenza A (H1N1) also known as the lungs which can result in bronchitis or pneumonia. Most people are aware of the benefits of having a Pandemic strain or swine flu strain. The patient with influenza will typically complain of vaccination each year to protect themselves against in- Getting an annual flu vaccination is a very important feeling cold shivers or a high temperature which may fluenza. and effective measure in preventing the illness. And the come on suddenly, aching muscles or (myalgia) and joint The National Health and Medical Research Council al- time to be vaccinated is in March or April to ensure pains, a sore throat and a bad cough. The person feels so recommends that all people over 65 years of age maximum protection. The protection develops two very unwell and may be tired and lethargic for several should have an additional vaccine known as the PNEU- weeks after getting the injection and lasts up to a year. days. MOCOCCAL VACCINE. This vaccine is now provided Therefore every year people need to be re-vaccinated. Almost anyone can get influenza, but there are a free to all Australians over 65 years of age. This winter People who have been vaccinated for the swine flu number of ‘high risk’ groups who are likely to be af- be fully covered: add pneumococcal vaccination to your vaccine should also be vaccinated with the 2010 sea- fected. ‘flu vaccine. Talk to your doctor about the pneumococ- sonal influenza vaccine. The single most important preventative measure one cal vaccine and if you have previously been vaccinated, Influenza is a highly contagious infection of the nose, can take is to be vaccinated against the ‘flu. The vaccine remember a pneumococcal booster vaccination is re- throat and lungs. Its effects are rapidly felt throughout is a single injection which can be given by your family quired after five years. the whole body. Every year during the winter months, doctor. Immunisation is there to protect you against disease. most parts of the world experience an outbreak of in- The aim of the immunisation is to expose an individ- Now is the time to talk to your doctor about both the fluenza known as ‘flu. ual to either a dead or inactive virus so that the body pneumococcal vaccination and the seasonal influenza Most young and fit people will recover fairly quickly can mount an antibody response. The response is re- vaccination. from influenza, but for others, it can be a serious life- membered by the immune system so that if it is ex- threatening illness. In an average year it’s estimated posed to a real influenza attack, the body can mount a *The information given in this article is of a general nature and that 1500 Australians die and 20,000 to 40,000 are hos- much quicker and larger response to it. readers should seek advice from their own medical practitioner pitalised as a result of the flu. The best time to be vaccinated is before influenza oc- before embarking on any treatment. Doctors back aspects of hospital reform

By STEPHEN JOHNSON represents commonwealth public servants, said any gov- Prime Minister ernment reform needed to respect the rights and entitle- Doctors' groups have backed aspects of the federal Kevin Rudd ments of workers. government's plan to reform the nation's hospital system "Obviously, we have some industrial concerns as a but unions are concerned public health bureaucrats could union," the CPSU's national secretary Stephen Jones said. lose their jobs. "As long as they're not forcibly transferred, the majority Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has declared the shake-up of of public servants ... would get behind reforms to our na- public hospitals to be the biggest health reform since the tional health system." advent of Medicare in 1984. But the Australian Nursing Federation was less con- Under the plan, the federal government will take $90 bil- cerned about job losses, arguing health professionals lion over five years - $50 billion over the first three - in were in short supply everywhere. GST revenue from the states for a new National Health Federal secretary Ged Kearney urged state premiers and Hospital Network. not to reject the plan. In return, the commonwealth will fund 60 per cent of "It's a very worthy proposal," she said. hospital services, up from 35 per cent, and take over full Catholic Health Australia chief Martin Laverty gave Mr financial and policy responsibility for general practice and emulate a system operating in Victoria and South Aus- Rudd "full marks" for considering the use of private hospi- primary care. tralia, where hospitals are given a fixed amount for spe- tals if public beds were in short supply. Local networks would run anywhere from one to four cific medical procedures to encourage efficiency. But the Cancer Council was disappointed the federal public hospitals. Australian Medical Association president Andrew Pesce government had not committed to taking over patient trav- "For the first time, eight state-run systems would be- said the level of extra funding would determine the suc- el from the states. come part of one national network," Mr Rudd told the Na- cess or failure of the reforms. "Many benefits in a streamlined system will still bypass tional Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday. "The prime minister ... seemed to acknowledge that," he cancer patients in rural and remote areas," council chief The Rural Doctors Association supported the plan to give told reporters. executive Ian Olver said. local communities a greater say in how their hospitals Mr Rudd flagged moving health bureaucrats to areas of The federal government will put its plan to state pre- would be run, but chief executive Steve Sant said the gov- need, citing the example of shifting a position in Sydney to miers and territory chief ministers at the next Council of ernment had failed to address the shortage of general Port Macquarie, on the NSW mid-north coast, in a bid to Australian Governments (COAG) meeting in April. practitioners and medical specialists in regional areas. improve primary health services. From July 2012, federal activity-based funding would The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), which AAP MARCH 2010 14/32 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

GREECE MAY BE MARINATING BUT THE WORLD IS ON A SPIT

By Peter Souleles B. Com LLB. If Europe instead cuts Greece off without some oppor- on) took place. In 484-3 a deep, rich and seem- tunity to restore good governance, it will be Europe that is ingly inexhaustible lode of silver was discovered The hard-nosed leaders of Europe, despite much talk, in fact cast adrift. Failure to save a nation with only 2.5% in the largely marginal silver mines of Athens still remain a little unclear as to how they propose to deal of Europe’s GDP would be quite telling of Europe’s depth owned by the State in Laurion. The public debate with Greece. Should they demand further draconian meas- and commitment to the EU. The flow of funds that has that ensued was whether the profits should be ures by Greece in return for assistance or should she be been witnessed from the dollar to the Euro for both politi- distributed to the adult citizenry, or used to build expelled from the EU before she contaminates the rest of cal and economic reasons will cease and possibly re- ships for defence. The famous Themistocles won the European family and perhaps the world? verse. Such a move would also expose the fragility of Eu- the day, had the fleet built and Athens went on to Is Greece a recalcitrant child or is she really an abused rope as a whole and in particular its southern member- lead a crushing defeat over the Persians at the mother? Is she the birthplace of Western civilization and ship. Dominoes will fall in quick succession. Battle of Salamis. The approach of the Athenians the cradle of democracy or will she be the graveyard of Make no mistake, cutting Greece off and allowing her to stands in stark contrast to the stimulus handouts global economics? Has Greece been imprudent in her default may in fact be a gift to Greece in the longer run of modern day governments that achieved little borrowings or were others lax in their lending? Will despite short term chaos. Modern Greece since 1821 has other than to increase government debt, inflame Greece be saved as a matter of principal or will she be spent a great deal of its time in default so once more property prices further and encourage mindless sacrificed to protect the collective posterior of others? would not be a black mark. In any case chaos is a highly consumption. Will Europeans and the Western world wake up to the energizing atmosphere for many Greeks. larger picture or will they die a slow death whilst being “colonized” by Islam without seeking reciprocal rights from LESSONS FROM THE DISTANT PAST Islam? Will Europe take the opportunity of Greece’s per- ilous situation to display leadership and strength or will it The west must also realise that the Hellenic world and crumble as it flaunts its indecision and disagreements? If in particular Ancient Greece, have already given the world Greece is removed from the E.U. will they go on to save the formulas for economic management and success, Portugal, Italy and Spain because they are too big to fail or which the West in particular has sought to ignore. Consid- will they instead continue to disembowel their member- er briefly the following points: ship? 1. The Ancient Athenian coinage, the famous silver coin with the owl and Athena, was recognised 5. Finally, readers must be reminded that the City and used throughout the Mediterranean and Mid GREECE BEGINS HER BATTLE WITH HER HANDS TIED State of Athens kept her gold on public display by East for centuries. The strict adherence to a clean having it incorporated as detachable sections on silver coin that was not in any way adulterated by As a member of the Euro club, Greece does not have the statue of Athena in the Parthenon. The Greeks tin or lead gave Athens great status and access in the option of quantitative easing (money printing) that the knew and understood the weakness of men, so all ports of call. This was in fact the first recog- USA and Britain have availed themselves of so richly. Nor they devised this brilliant method of transparency. nizable silver standard of the world and it fulfilled does she have the option of unilaterally devaluing the Eu- When war or some other emergency required ALL of the characteristics of money including ro in the same way that Venezuela recently devalued its money, the sections were removed and used to durability, divisibility, consistency, convenience own currency. Her only options (if she was to remain in fund their requirements. Where is the transparen- and intrinsic value. This definition was given to us the EU) would be to submit to either the EU’s expectations cy in today’s finances? In fact to this day, the by Aristotle and is still in use today. It was the of expenditure cuts and tax increases or to invite the I.M.F. United States Government refuses to conduct an Romans who started the concept of fiat money into the country. Either option is fraught with danger. audit of its stated gold stockpile of 8,135 tonnes and currency debasement by eventually circulat- despite strong and persistent rumours that it has ing coins which had only a film of silver on them. DEATH AND TAXES largely disappeared through arrangements. 2. The next great coinage of the Greek world was Greeks have never had a problem with confronting The examples could go on and on, and the finer detail is the solidus or bezant of the Byzantine Empire. death but taxes are another matter. After almost 400 both didactic and cathartic. I urge readers to read the Once again this coinage was the reserve curren- years of Ottoman rule they have been left with a healthy great scholars who have brilliantly narrated the above cy of its day due to its purity and lasted for over disrespect for authority and an outright distaste for taxes. events. Unfortunately the convenience of fiat money and six centuries. In short, the Hellenic World Yet this in fact may be one of the most effective avenues the schemes it enables have instead given the world a has provided the longest periods of honest for improvement in its budgetary mess. front row seat to an unfathomable abyss. So just remem- money. Tax evasion is so endemic in Greece that even captur- ber that while Greece may be marinating in the sins of its ing 20-30% of evaded taxes may have the two-fold effect economic and political mismanagement, the world in fact of not only helping to reverse the deficit but also of boost- is on a spit with a bed of live coals beneath it. Greece’s ing the Gross Domestic Product of Greece without any ad- predicament has simply exposed the soft underbelly of ditional production. All of a sudden one would also witness corrupted and uncontrolled globalization. the deficits falling away as a percentage of GDP.

ESCAPE CLAUSE FOR EUROPE UNDIPLOMATIC DIPLOMACY The outbursts of indignation by Deputy Prime Minister Pangalos, directed at Germany for the gold and money stolen from Greece during World War I, achieved little in 3. It must also not be forgotten that the mammoth the scheme of things. Perhaps it would have been wiser debt burden of this day was also experienced by for him to remind Germany that it had received the prince- Athens more than 2,500 years ago. Debt levels ly sum of $1.4billion dollars under the Marshall Plan from had led to whole families becoming indentured the USA despite being the perpetrator of the most damag- slaves until the famous law-giver Solon decreed ing human conflict the world has seen. the write-off of such debt which in turn restored balance. This is the inevitable solution for today’s world economy, which unfortunately banks and governments believe they can solve only by issu- ing further debt. In return for making progress, Europe possibly can pro- vide itself with an escape clause and Greece with a limit- 4. Furthermore, the great lesson that investment is ed window of opportunity to reverse its position. Europe superior to consumption was also taught to us by can give a guarantee on any borrowings up to a certain Ancient Athens. In the 5th century BC it had level for the next 12 months in return for adherence to become clear that the great Persian King had certain performance indicators. If Greece performs, then every intention of invading and conquering The German press and some politicians were quick to all is well and good. If not, Europe and the world have 12 respond with their own brand of invective. The headline Greece. Athens could see the great build-up but “Sell your months to prepare the divorce and eviction papers with- was hamstrung by finances to react. But then a in the German publication Bild responded with, out allowing a domino effect to take place. miracle (which Greeks have a virtual monopoly MARCH 2010 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 15/33

Cont. from previous page interest rates as a result of joining the Euro. The invest- THE $64,000 QUESTION ment and productivity gains have thus been poor. islands, you bankrupt Greeks! And the Acropolis too!” In its Will Greece reverse its current plight? The following February issue the German magazine FOCUS also pitched THE MESS IS DEEPER THAN WE THINK need to be considered: in with a front cover showing the famous statue of • What if any tangible assistance would Europe extend Aphrodite of Milo making an obscene gesture with her The official debt level of Greece is presently around to Greece if it is needed? middle finger under the headline, “Cheats in the Euro 123% but according to research by Jagadeesh Gokhale at • Greece needs to raise 53 billion euro in debt this year Family.” the Cato Institute in Washington, the figure would blow out which will take its debt to 290 billion Euros or A$435 bil- Such outbursts rarely provide any solutions but never- to 875% if pension obligations were brought back onto the lion. Will these borrowings be achieved at reasonable theless expose the inner psyche of the respective camps. balance sheet. The nations of France (76%) and Germany rates or will some of her debt offerings fail? It was inevitable that tensions would manifest themselves (69%) would have their debt to GDP ratio blow out to 549% • Will the new taxing measures succeed in raising addi- in a “family” that wears the same uniform (the Euro) but and 418% respectively if such obligations were included. tional revenue or will they kill growth and consumption whose members march at different speeds. The current The bottom line is that EVERYWHERE retirement age will and send the black economy deeper underground? difficulties simply lay bare the inadequacies of both the rise and continue to rise and taxes will similarly rise to • Will the Greek economy become more competitive constituent agreement as well as the failures of the audit meet this challenge. and productive or will workers resist further change and and compliance regime within the EU. One must also remember that French, Swiss and Ger- will capital be reluctant to take further risks? man banks have an exposure of over 200 billion Euros to • How successful will the Government be in reining in THE ROLE OF GOLDMAN SACHS Greek debt. In any case numerous economists, analysts the black economy? and commentators are highlighting that the USA and the • How long and how disruptive and damaging will It is now no longer a secret that Greece in reality did not UK will be the ‘next Greece’. strikes and demonstrations become? meet the criteria to qualify for membership of the EU. In • Will Spain, Italy and Portugal crumble as well? 2001 the US global investment banking and securities gi- • How will the world as a whole hold up in the months ant Goldman Sachs helped Greece circumvent EU rules ahead? and gain membership by allowing her to quietly borrow There is very little doubt that no group within Greece is billions. Banks provided Greece with upfront cash in re- going to be a willing participant to either higher taxes or turn for pledging future government revenues from airport lower pay. Given that these outcomes are inevitable the landing fees and lottery proceeds. The deals were struc- real challenge will be to ensure that all sides are seen to tured in such a way so as to allow Greece to show the be making sacrifices and contributions, otherwise labour deals as sales rather than as loans. The rest is history. will erupt or capital will flee. Economics will be side-lined Goldman Sachs has been recently described by Matt A WORKERS’ PARADISE as politics takes centre-stage once again. According to Taibbi as a “great vampire squid wrapped around some estimates around 10 billion in Euros have already left the country. the face of humanity, relentlessly jamming its A great deal of resentment has also been aroused in Eu- In recent days the government reported a successful blood funnel into anything that smells like money.” rope owing to some incredible retirement arrangements auction of 10 year bonds for 5 billion Euros at 6.25%. Giv- These are strong words that may carry a great deal of that have been forged over the years by compliant gov- en that the rate was almost 3% higher than what would be truth, yet we must understand that Greece and other cus- ernments and oversized and powerful unions. For exam- paid on German bonds, it can hardly be called a success. tomer nations of investment banks, were willing partici- ple some 700,000 employees or 14% of the workforce pants in the schemes they concocted. have an early retirement age of 50 for women and 55 for IN CLOSING The consistent attacks by Prime Minster Papandreou on men if they work in any of the 580 job categories deemed the opportunistic manoeuvrings of various “bankers” con- to be hazardous. Apart from hairdressers, bomb disposal veniently omit to recognize that it is successive Greek experts and coalminers, this arrangement also includes, The world needs to remember that every great battle governments that have exposed Greece’s Achilles Heel to “radio and television presenters, who are thought fought by Greece from antiquity to World War II required the opportunistic arrows of such entities. to be at risk from bacteria on their microphones, sacrifice which she made without complaint. While others and musicians playing wind instruments, who must have received and continue to receive apologies, monu- CALLING A SPADE A SPADE contend with gastric reflux as they puff and ments and compensation for their suffering, Greece has blow.” This would all sound tremendously amusing had simply made do with polite compliments. There is no doubt that Greeks must relinquish a life-style the outcomes not been so serious. and a mentality that cannot any longer be sustained under In Greece and elsewhere, the worsening demographics, the present circumstances. It must be remembered that increased pressure on healthcare, poor investment per- beginning with the Ancient Greeks there has always been formance of retirement funds and general downturn in the an aversion to sustained physical effort. In fact the Greek economy, require a re-calibration of retirement age and word for “work” is derived from the word for “slavery”. It expectations. should also be noted that Ancient Athens had an extreme- ly large percentage of its population made up of slaves. In PROPOSED MEASURES recent times the influx of Albanian and other minorities was resented at one level but accommodated on the oth- The proposed measures by the Government will en- er as it provided a source of both willing and cheap deavour to achieve a reduction in the budget deficit from While others have taken her monuments or reproduced labour. As the old saying goes, “history does not repeat it- 12.7% of Gross Domestic Product last year to 8.7% this her designs and literature for profit, Greece has never self, but it sure does rhyme.” year. Europe of late has been applauding the austerity sought royalties. Her words form an irreplaceable founda- Charles Calomiris of Columbia University summed up measures and supplying expressions of support but no tion of the English language and her ideas and concepts the situation as follows: “cash”. Prime Minister Papandreou on the other hand is re- are the yeast of the Western world, yet she is content to “I think we need to focus on the unsustainable peating his mantra of “we are not asking for aid... we simply be a proud but often impoverished mother. Per- situation that Greece has gotten itself into, with only want to borrow on the same terms and con- haps it is time for the Western world to repay a debt of the highest consumption to GDP ratios in Europe, ditions as other European nations.” This is a noble gratitude by not allowing its birthplace to be subjected to one of the lowest labour force participation rates and dignified approach but does not answer the question the tyranny of opportunistic political and economic ma- in Europe, one of the highest government social of why anyone would rather lend to an almost “bankrupt” noeuvrings by nations, corporations and individuals with protection rates in Europe, and deficits that have nation at a preferential rate. been outsized for several years during the boom, lesser ideals than those that Greece bestowed upon and of course the fraudulent accounting. I should mankind. also note that within the Eurozone, Greece has There is no doubt that the challenge of Greece is a great the worst corruption score according to Trans- fulcrum for Europe and that the choice of either side could parency International which is a problem because prove disastrous for the world as a whole. Nevertheless, it is telling you that the institutional quality of this is the first great test for the EU and if it fails to sup- the Greek government for reforming itself is very port Greece meaningfully and fairly, it will be subjected to low.” the old Greek saying: “he who urinates in the sea will I might also add that the dismal corruption score is also find it in his salt.” what accounts for poor accountability. My late father often stated that “Greeks invented Certainly the recent history of Greece is highlighted by a democracy so they could all talk at the same mutually parasitic relationship between the government The various measures include increases in value-added time”, but perhaps the moment has arrived to heed the and the voters. Governments have indulged in much “vote tax, fuel taxes and luxury taxes. There will also be an av- words of Daphne Christodoulou, a 42 year old teacher buying” whilst the voters from their end realised that they erage of 12% cuts in the civil service entitlements of all who said, “We’re going to have to sit down and could profit from “vote selling”. As a result much of the workers in the public sector and a 7% cut for those in s- shut up at some point. There are some things that funding from the EU has been squandered by both politi- tate-owned companies. Pensions will also face certain must change.” In the meantime expect more strikes and cal parties and the mismanagement of the nation’s fi- cut-backs and restrictions. No doubt the tax evader will be demonstrations as the Greeks exercise their democratic nances was only worsened by large borrowings at cheap high on the list of targets. rights. MARCH 2010 16/34 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Making schools Students from Asquith Boys High School multilingual tour Greece and Cyprus for first time

Public schools will offer immigrant pupils language lessons in their mother tongue The Asquith Boys completing their highly successful Tour of Vietnam in 2009 with a final and emphatic win (8-0) in Hanoi. Public schools will offer immigrant Asquith Boys High School, in the north of Sydney, is sending two pupils langauge lessons in their mother Football Teams to Greece and Cyprus over the Easter period for tongue. The Education Ministry is cur- what promises to be an exceptional trip. rently hammering out a multimillion-eu- Thirty boys have been invited each year by Asquith Football ro programme to promote the integra- Head Coach George Moscos and for the past eight consecutive tion of increasingly high numbers of years they have played in countries such as New Zealand, Vanu- immigrant children in public schools. atu, Fiji, Malaysia, Thailand, China and Vietnam. Now, in their first If all goes according to plan, some foray into Europe, the Coach has drawn upon his heritage and 20 million euros in European Union background as Head of the History Department to play games funds will be invested for the creation against the likes of Olympiakos Piraeus and Olympiakos Nicosia in of new programmes this September what promise to be outstanding and competitive games. that are aimed at teaching immigrant “Over the past eight years, we have identified, invited and tak- children their mother language and en 277 boys on these tours and they have been an outstanding teaching Greek to their parents. project” he stated. The government’s intention to pro- “The boys have trained hard and many have paid for the tours mote bilingualism in public schools themselves. Boys have taken on part-time work, kept their minds was announced by Education Minister focussed on their work at school and contributed positively to the Anna Diamantopoulou during a confer- tone of the school community. This is all part of the project. Some ence on immigration in Athens recently. boys and parents have found it so worthwhile that they have ac- “The idea is that we will introduce cepted a second and third invitation to travel. Nine boys have the mother language in a project we gone four times. are now submitting to the EU for fund- “We feel that we have developed some great leaders through ing,” Thalia Dragona, the education this project and to be selected as Tour Captain is an honour equal ministry’s special secretary for inter- to being a School Captain,” he continued. cultural education, stated. George Moscos is well known to the Greek Orthodox Archdio- “We are proposing after-school les- cese of Australia. As well as being an Ancient History Head sons,” she adds. “We are not yet at the Teacher, he was also Supervisor of the Higher School Certificate stage of introducing bilingual schools Examination from 2002 until 2006 and was awarded the Premier’s like the ones in Canada or Australia. Military History Scholarship and a Federal Government Award for There’s really no tradition of bilingual Teaching Excellence in 2003. He has also been involved in the schools in Europe.” Parish Committee at St Michael’s Church at Crows Nest for most Policy initiatives - aimed at turning of his adult life. Chris Lepouris of Sun Line Holidays, Dulwich Hill being appreciated the mother tongue of immigrant pupils In 2008, he was honoured to be asked to present the Occa- by the boys from Asquith for his excellent efforts in organising into a sort of bridge between cultures - sional Address at a function for His Eminence’s Archbishop Sty- successful tours are expected be implemented in Sep- lianos’ Nameday at the Palais Lounge. together an excellent package, once again. If it wasn’t for the sup- tember in schools with an immigrant George feels that the boys will be very competitive and excel- port of people like Chris who believes passionately in the project student body of 20 percent or more, lent ambassadors for Australia as they have been in the past. “Mr and the financial support of REED Constructions, the boys would Dragona said. Chris Lepouris, our Travel Agent from Sun Line Holidays has put not be able to afford such a wonderful experience.”

ΕΛΛΗΝΑΣ ΥΔΡΑΥΛΙΚΟΣ

SPECIALISINGIN - HOT & COLD WATER - EXTENSIONS RENOVATIONS - BLOCKED DRAINS, TOILETS - LEAKY TAPS, PIPES - GAS, REPAIRS, MAINTENANCE MARCH 2010 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 17/35 Travel Kozani A powerful attraction Although blighted by a large electricity plant, this prosperous district has preserved much of its impressive architecture and traditions The district of Kozani in west- flected in the two dozen or so ern Macedonia offers some surviving mansions, like small, sharp contrasts: Its overwhelm- three-story castles with fine in- ingly mountainous terrain hosts ternal decoration featuring artful an abundance of flora and fauna woodcarved ceilings, colorful fi- but also includes one of the replaces and stained-glass win- country’s most environmentally dows. damaged areas, around the po- The 1677 Church of Aghia Pa- wer production complex near raskevi has wonderful frescoes, Ptolemaida. Plus, its rich archi- including - curiously - several tectural heritage is a far cry ancient Greeks such as Solon, from the dominance of poorly Plutarch, Thucydides and Aristot- styled urban apartment blocks, le - a reflection of contact with particularly in the town of Ko- Western classicists. Most house- zani itself, the capital of the dis- holds are still occupied in the fur trict (population 37,000). and leather industry and the tra- The Public Power Corporation ditional, sweet wine is still pro- complex in Ptolemaida is the lar- duced. A stroll around Siatista’s gest power production center in cobblestone streets takes you the country and one of Europe’s des ancient and Byzantine cities restoration work, development than 100,000 volumes, manu- back in time. most polluting - spewing thou- (Apidea, Aiane, Servia) as well and pedestrianization in the city scripts, Ottoman edicts and rare Some 43 km south of Kozani, sands of tons of carbon dioxide as churches, stone bridges and center have considerably im- publications, including a copy of at Mikrolivado, are the rare from burning lignite into the at- mansions. proved this glum picture, includ- the map (“Charta”) of the Balkans “bouharia” and “nochtaria” geo- mosphere and causing serious The landscape is marked by ing a number of surviving tradi- by 18th-century Greek patriot logical formations - first publi- health problems to the inhabi- Greece’s longest river, the Aliak- tional and neoclassical man- Rigas Velestinlis. cized only in 2004 - which are tants of surrounding villages. monas, in the western and east- sions. The town is livened by a con- clusters of pillar- and pyramid- While it is a sight, it is best avoi- ern parts, as well as the artificial It is worth seeing the 1664 siderable student population. shaped formations of red earth, ded, except perhaps in the con- Polyfyto Lake. Until about two Cathedral of Aghios Nikolaos - Siatista (population 6,000), 28 some with large stones bal- text of an educational visit. A decades ago, Kozani town, de- with excellent frescoes - and the kilometers west of Kozani, is a anced on top. South of Kozani is questionable benefit of this pre- void of character and color, pre- Municipal Library, one of the worthy destination by itself, hav- the extensive archaeological site sence of heavy industry is that sented scant reason for a visit. richest in Greece, with more ing retained much of the charm and royal necropolis of Aiane, the Kozani prefecture boasts the The dullness was best ex- of its heyday in the 18th and with finds dating back to the fourth-highest income per capita pressed by songwriter Yiannis 19th centuries, when its furs and 14th century BC. in the country after those of Kakoulidis in “Ti Lozani ti Kozani” wines were highly sought after A number of villages around Athens, Attica and Thessaloniki. - “Two coffee shops, two cine- from as far away as Venice and Kozani engage in the extensive Apart from this relatively small mas/sesame candy bar, ouzo Moscow. cultivation of Crocus sativus, the area, the district is well worth and pastrami/ girls abound, men Its traders and artisans for- flower of which is used to pro- exploring for its natural environ- are few/ and the evenings are med a wealthy community, who- duce saffron. ment and heritage, which inclu- bitterly cold.” Since then, much se prosperity and lifestyle is re- Source: ATHENSPLUS

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Where to stay Museums Where to eat What to see & do Saffron

Prices per double room include In Kozani: the Archaeological Muse- In Kozani: Trata, award-winning re- The remains of a Byzantine fort and Greek red saffron, which is grown breakfast. In Siatista (area phone um (tel 24610. 26210) is expected to staurant (2009) specializing in fish and acropolis at Servia, on the eastern si- in a number of villages around Koza- code 24650): Iberis (tel 47054), newly reopen in a new building this year; seafood, menu includes organic dish- de of Polyfyto Lake and next to a gor- ni, is considered the best in the world. built hotel on the edge of town, very the rich Historical, Folk Art and Natural es section, excellent wine list; Plata- ge with intriguing human- and animal- Saffron is the most expensive spice, good and friendly service, from 70 History Museum (tel 26713, see Page nos, very good local dishes; Kliougi, shaped rocks. The lake is crossed one that gives particular flavor and euros; Siatistino Archontariki (tel 470- 43); the Vourkas Mansion, a listed Anatolian meat dishes. In Siatista: Pe- over by the longest highway bridge in color to various dishes, beverages 20), traditional, ambient guesthouse, monument; and the Lassanis Mansion, trino, classic Greek and grilled dishes; the Balkans (1,372 meters). Other op- and cheeses. It comprises the dried from 50 euros; Siatista (tel 47047), hosting an exhibition of old maps of Gravadika, popular taverna, local and tions in the area include touring the stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower. welcoming, wonderful mountain Crete until March 14. In Siatista: the grilled dishes. Sample the fish in one lakeside, water-skiing and visiting the One kilo of saffron includes about views, mixes traditional and modern excellent Bourinos Botanical Museum of the many lakeside tavernas around pretty, leafy little town of Velvento - 150,000 stigmas. A local cooperative elements, good breakfast, from 50 (tel 24650.21353); the Paleontological Polyfyto Lake. In Ptolemaida: Tothelo, famed for its fruit orchards and as the has exclusive rights to collecting and euros. In Kozani (area code 24610): Collection (see Page 43). Ptolemaida’s modern bar-restaurant. In Siatista, birthplace of Giorgos Zorbas, who selling the product. Annual production Elena (tel 30294), quiet hotel on the Paleontological and Historical Muse- look for saliaria - sweets stuffed with provided inspiration for Nikos Kazan- varies between 6 and 8 tons. edge of town, very good service, um (tel 24630.54444) includes mam- walnuts and spices. tzakis’s “Zorba the Greek” -and the from 90 euros. moth bones and elephant tusks. waterfalls at Skepasto. MARCH 2010 18/36 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Arts, Food & Wine Editor: Imogen Coward Let the author beware

By Dr Ann Coward public via the ‘airwaves’ they control. One thing is certain: There are very few literary agents in Australia and you there’s a lot of wool being pulled over authors’ eyes by all virtually need to audition to be accepted by one. They then If the talk-jocks and media personalities are to be be- sorts of people and companies in an attempt to rob them take 20 - 25% of your earnings from any book of yours lieved, ebooks are the next ‘big thing’ in Australia. Ebooks, of their royalties. they represented for the entire time that book earns you which can be downloaded at the click of a button and In order to limit legal tussles, many of the larger, tradi- royalties. You don’t need a literary agent to have a manu- viewed on dedicated gadgets such as Kindle or the iPad tional print publishers now try to cover all possibilities by script looked at by an Australian publisher, or by most UK for less than the printed, bound version, may be attractive including in their contracts words something along the publishers. However, in the USA publishers will only ac- to consumers; especially for reading journals, newspa- lines of publishing by “all communication means known cept manuscripts from agents (and the same applies to pers and other time-sensitive, frequently updated content. now and to be developed in the future”. The Arts Law Cen- film scripts). The advent of ebooks has meant that many publishers tre warned music composers and singers/performers How important are ebooks to the future of publishing? have had to move quickly, producing a sizeable quantity of against signing contracts like these at the beginning of the The answer is quite simple: no-one really knows, although ebooks to ensure their continuing viability in this rapidly digital revolution, but of course, people are eager to get the increased availability in ebook readers should mean, changing environment. The traditional relationship be- there work ‘out there’ and artists get caught up in all the at least for a while, the ebook will be fashionable. Printing tween author and publisher is also challenged by the hoopla and enthusiasm, often generated by those trying to on demand at a booth set up in a bookstore may not be a ebook. With computers and the internet making self-pub- get their hands on the creator’s ‘product’. bad idea if the physical quality of the book is unimportant lishing easier than ever (especially if you are publishing At the present time one major Australian publisher stip- to the customer. Frequent flyers, that is, travelling busi- an ebook) authors are having to take another look at their ulates that electronic rights are covered in their contracts nessmen or women, could well do with a Kindle or and role in the publishing industry and their changing relation- with authors. As already mentioned above, Random House iPad to keep up-to-date with journals or newspapers, but ship with publishers. in America earlier tried to convince authors that electronic whether or not ebooks spell the death of traditional print In 2001 Random House in the USA sued Rossetta Books rights had been covered in previous older contracts under is doubtful, especially as the cost per ebook increases, as for publishing some of its books as ebooks. The electron- the reference to granting rights to all editions. This was it no doubt will. ic rights, which had not been covered in the authors’ con- disputed by the American Authors Guild. At the time, Ran- Computers, supposedly signally the beginning of the tracts with the print publisher, were sold directly to Ros- dom House was willing to pay 5% royalties for ebooks, paperless office, have not lived up to this forecast, with setta by the authors. Part of the issue involved the idea of which is very much on the low side in today’s standards sales of printing inks and paper increasing steadily. a book’s ‘content’ and part of it involved the reference in considering that there are very few costs associated with Books, however, are another matter as, unlike newspa- contracts to ‘other editions’. The legal battles make for in- publishing an ebook, in contrast to printed bound books. pers, which in the industry are referred to as “today’s teresting reading if you have the time, and the solutions At present, a major Australian publisher offers a maxi- news, tomorrow’s fish and chip wrappers”, can give great demonstrate clearly that big business is in the business of mum of 20% ebook royalties, while Amazon recently an- comfort on a physical level to those who treasure their making money. nounced it will offer a 70% royalty. contents. Browsing through a library or a bookstore is tru- One site dedicated to the community intent on the distri- But where does this leave the ordinary garden variety ly a treat for bibliophiles; being glued to an electronic bution and continuation of free and open source software author? Wary, hopefully. For example, major publishers in slate somehow just doesn’t have the same appeal. One (among other things) points out in one of its articles on the Australia now want authors to refer to their books as thing that is certain, however, is that when it comes to battle over Google’s ebook publishing rights, that when ‘work’ in contracts, because this refers to the content, publishing, the times are ‘a-changing’. litigants are those in control of electronic media, it is pos- rather than use the word ‘book’ so that they , the publish- To find out more about legal stoushes between tradi- sible that vital information will not be transmitted to the ers, cover themselves as newer and cheaper technologi- tional and electronic publishers you could begin with the cal advances in publishing become available to them. following website, http://news.cnet.com/Random-House- Cheaper is not necessarily a bad thing. Neither is making sues-e-book-company-overcopyrights/2100-1023_3- a profit bad in itself. Not passing on any savings to au- 253287.html thors (by increasing their royalties) or to consumers For discussion on ebook royalties go to, http://www. Écoutez! (through lower prices) is a bad thing, though. At the same thestandard.com/news/2010/01/21/amazon-boosts-e- time, we need to keep in mind that not all publishers are book-royalties-ahead-apples-tablet just in the business of making money. Many specialist or, check out the issue from both the publishers’ view- Arts Review publishers, for example, are quite aware of, and devoted point (noting that traditional publishers tend to accentuate to their authors and readers and take their responsibilities the small profit margin associated with printed books) or Catherine the Great as publishers to heart. from authors’ points of view. You could begin with, http: If you have a book you want published, the wisest step //tworavenspress.wordpress.com/2010/01/08/the- by Virginia Rounding is, firstly, to become a member of an organisation such as thorny-issue-of-e-book-royalties/ and, http:// book- (published by St Martin’s Griffin, New York, 2006) the Australian Society of Authors, which provides relative- square.com/random-house-resets-ebook-royalties- ly inexpensive legal advice for its members on publishing misses-the-point/ Empress Catherine II contracts. It is a society dedicated to Australian authors For information about legal issues on free and open of Russia, better known and their interests, and a quick look at their list of mem- source software go to, http://www.groklaw.net/index.php to us as Catherine the bers reveals that ‘anyone who is anyone’ in the Australian The website for the Australian Society of Authors is, Great, is surely one of literary scene belongs to the society. There is also The http://asauthors.org the most intriguing fig- Arts Law Centre of Australia. Navigating your way around The Arts Law Centre for Australia may be found at, ures in history. Round- the legal contracts is a minefield, so many (but not all) au- http://www.artslaw.com.au/ ing’s carefully docu- thors choose to get an agent, although this is not a simple mented research and matter. easy writing style ma- kes this book a very readable introduction to the history of Catherine the Great’s rise to pow- FFoooodd && WWiinnee er. From her betrothal to Grand Duke Peter Tamburlaine Verdelho 2008 Verdelho displays very (later Peter III), to seiz- fruity, sweet aromas. ing power to become The flavours are of ripe The past few years have seen a significant shift in empress and sole ruler her own right, the mixture of fruit with hints of limey Australian consumers’ attitudes about where and how historical biography and extracts from personal let- zest and star fruit, but their food is produced. The advent of genetically modi- ters, depict Catherine as a determined and capable the finish is quite dry fied food (GMOs) and a greater awareness of the eco- person who firmly believed in her own destiny and (more so than the logical impact of high intensity farming and the use of calling to rule Russia, letting nothing and no-one stand aromas lead you to synthetic fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides been in her way. The reader is presented with insights into believe). The finish countered with a growing interest in certified organic the woman - daughter, wife, mother and grandmoth- is smooth but could food. Indeed, organic produce certified by our main er - and the empress, and the many political and per- have a little more Australian organic bodies such as BFA, ACO and NASAA, sonal intrigues that surrounded her life. Rounding’s acidic bite and lift. has grown from a niche market to become prominent epilogue charts the fate of the imperial dynasty after Best consumed in mainstream green grocers, butcher shops and su- Catherine, contrasting the political and cultural flour- lightly chilled. ishing of Russia that occurred during her long reign, to permarkets. Now certified organic wines are also join- the fate of Russia and future tsars up to Nicholas II. ing the ranks. Produced in the Hunter Valley, and certi- I.C. fied organic (processor) by ACO, Tamburlaine 2008 Cost: under $20 MARCH 2010 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 19/37

THE 2010 SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW Let the fun begin...

The 2010 Sydney Royal Easter Show is scheduled to take Show is more than a farm fair. The Royal Easter Show is a duce and the biggest and best of them, and they are very place at Sydney Showground from April 1 to 14. national icon that celebrates all things Australian from the much a sight to behold. Held by the Royal Agricultural Society of New South bush to the latest entertainment. But, more than this, the Sydney Royal Easter Show is an Wales each year at Easter time, the Sydney Royal Easter Certainly it has massive displays of Australian farm pro- annual extravaganza including some of the latest and most heart-stopping carnival rides, rodeo events, motor- cycle and skateboarding stunts, livestock races, wood- chopping competitions, diving (if not flying) pigs, a variety of parades, fashion shows, food stalls of various kinds, and a showcase of new and popular products. Returning to Australian shores for the very first time in over a decade, all the way from the USA especially for this year, Show goers will be able to exclusively experience Robosaurus, the largest robot of this kind ever construct- ed. This Jurassic heavyweight will be unleashed as the St Andrew’sSt AnAndrew’sd rPatristicew’s PPatristicat Symposiumristic star attraction of the 2010 Sydney Royal Easter Show.

SSySymposiummposiu2010m 20201010 Robosaurus rips and roars his way into the 2010 Sydney Royal Easter Show This is larger than life entertainment and Robosaurus StStSt Gregory GGregoryregory thethe TheologianTTheologianheologian oor ror only appearance in this country. “Simply put, there is noth- TheTThehe Poetry PoetryPoetry ofof TheologyTTheologyheology ing else like him in the world,” said by the General Man- ager of the Sydney Royal Easter Show Mr Michael Collins. Robosaurus will headline the entertainment action in the Main Arena twice a day throughout the Show, roasting and feasting on cars at 12.20pm and 8.10pm

How do you get to the Royal Easter Show? All tickets to the Sydney Royal Easter Show include pub- Throughout the month of September, St Andrew’s lic transport. Greek Orthodox Theological College invites you The ShowLink tickets include entry to the show and trav- to a celebration for the heart and mind el on all CityRail trains, Sydney Olympic Park major event buses, “blue and white” Sydney buses, and Sydney ferries. (Premium bus and ferry services and travel on private buses are not included in the ShowLink ticket.) ShowLink tickets can be bought at most CityRail ticket of- fices, CityRail ticket vending machines, and on board Syd- Inaugural address by His Eminence Archbishop ney Olympic Park major event buses. Stylianos, Dean of the College. Special Theme Days and Promotion: u Opening Day Ceremony - 1st April u Opening Day Carnival Offer - 1st April (unlimited The proceedings of the 2009 St Andrew’s rides for $30 from 10am to 2pm Patristic Symposium will be launched. u School Day 1st April u Seniors Days - 6th - 7th April A series of scholarly papers, exploring the legacy u Excellence in Agriculture Day - 8th April of St Gregory the Theologian u Scouts Day - 14 April u NRL Day - 14th April u Kids Day - 14th April. $11.00 entry for kids. September 2010 Sydney Royal Easter Show fast facts: Wednesday Show dates Thursday 1 April - Wednesday 14 April, 2010. Evenings Buy your tickets and plan your day at www.easter- 242 Cleveland Street, Redfern, in the Main Hall show.com ShowLink ticket prices: Adult $33.00, Concession $26.00, Child $22.00 Pre-purchase a family ticket online and save up to 15%. If you can’t find what you are looking for on the For enquiries, please contact the Registrar at On site parking is limited. Please, website, please call one of the following numbers: (02) 9549 3100 or [email protected] consider alternatives All Easter Show ticketing enquiries 1300 730 631. General customer enquiries ring our recorded informa- tion line on: 02 9704 1000 The Greek Australian VEMA MARCH 2010 20/38 TO BHMA

Bank of Cyprus Australia, supporting Australian Peacekeeping

The Bank of Cyprus Australia recently presented a $5000 cheque to the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project (APMP) to assist in the building of a $3.5 million na- tional memorial in Canberra. The Memorial is being created to appropriately honour the sacrifice of Australian Peacekeepers in the service of international peace and security, and recognise the coura- ge and professionalism of Australian Peacekeepers in the face of the particular challenges of their operations. The presentation occurred at one of the Bank of Cyprus Australia’s branches in Sydney where Mr George Tacticos, Managing Director of the Bank of Cyprus Australia handed a $5000 cheque to Major General (Retired) Tim Ford, AO, Chairman of the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Pro- ject Committee. “All Australian Peacekeepers, military, civilian and police, past and present, will be delighted that the Bank of Cyprus has made this significant donation to the Australian Peace- keeping Memorial Project. The Bank of Cyprus is now awarded the status of being an APMP “Friend of Peace- keeping ”, said General Ford. While discussing the progress of the project Mr Tacticos told attendees he hoped more Corporations and individu- als pledged their support to this important national project. “Bank of Cyprus Australia fully supports this project, the message it conveys and the values it aims to pass on to future generations”, said Mr Tacticos Attending the presentation was His Excellency Mr Yian- nis Iacovou, Cyprus High Commissioner, Mr Christodoulou, Caption (L to R) Bank of Cyprus Australia Managing Director Mr George Tacticos, Mr Yiannis Iacovou, Cyprus High President of the Cyprus Community of New South Wales Commissioner, Mjr General Tim Ford, APMP Chairman, Mr Dennis Percy, UNPAA Representative and Maroubra’s Senior and Inspector (Retired) Denis Percy, Member of the Aus- Relationship Manager at Bank of Cyprus Australia Mr Con Pavlou tralian Peacekeeping Memorial Project Committee and Na- liths with backlit stone on their inner sides allowing the on Australian Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Day (Sep- tional President of the United Nations Police Association of passage between them to glow with light. tember 14) in 2012. Australia (UNPAA). The winning design concept for the The Memorial will be located at the southern end of AN- For more information on the APMP or to make a dona- Peacekeeping Memorial features two large stone mono- ZAC Parade in Canberra and is planned to be dedicated tion visit www.peacekeepingmemorial.org.au