THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN The oldest circulating Greek newspaper outside Greece email: VEMA [email protected] FEBRUARY 2006 Tel. (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033

Our Primate’s View In this issue... The so-called ‘Catharsis’ in the Church of Greece PAGE 5/23

WINDOWS TO ORTHODOXY: Fasting in the Orthodox Church PAGES 8/26-9/27

Opening of the Law Term

TRAVEL: Lefkada’s local colour Service in NSW FULL REPORT ON PAGE 4/22 PAGE 18/36 Federer wins Open but... Marcos Baghdatis won the hearts

PAGE 20/38 Dr Ken Michael uro Funeral Service sworn in as Governor Eëëçíéêü Ïéêïãåíåéáêü Ãñáöåßï Ôåëåôþí of W.A. Tel: (02) 9747 6604 PAGE 11/29 Available 24 hrs 114543 FEBRUARY 2006 2/20 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Australia, Greece offer helping hands in Beijing Olympics Previous Olympic hosts are lendingtheir hands to the organizers of the 2008 Games as experts from Australia and Greece came to share their experience with their Chinese counterparts.

Led by Major General Sotirios Tsenes, a group of four security experts from Athens, the host city of the 2004 Olympics, opened a three-day seminar with Beijing’s Olympic Security Coordination Group, coinciding with the launch of the representative office of the Sydney-Beijing Olympic Secretariat. “The foundation of successful security On March 10, 1876, the first dis- work during the Olympic Games is to pre- cernible speech is transmitted over a dict all the potential dangers and make Greece spent a record 1.5 billion US dol- of SBOS and also the chief executive officer telephone system when inventor beforehand preparations,” Tsenes told the se- lars on security for the 2004 Olympics, the of the Sydney Olympics organizing commit- Alexander Graham Bell (photo) sum- minar. first summer games since the September 11, tee. mons his assistant in another room by “Strengthening cooperation with experi- 2001 terror attacks. The Greeks also received “The work of SBOS since 2001 has been saying, "Mr. Watson, come here; I want enced international organizations is also regular security advice from several coun- of great mutual benefit to Australia and to you." Bell had received a comprehen- important.” tries, including the United States and Britain. Beijing. Our office in China will be a contin- sive telephone patent just three days Last November, the coordination group for Besides security issues, the Beijing organ- uous channel of communication and a con- before. the Beijing Olympic Games signed the izers will get more support from Australia as tinuous mechanism force operation between “Memorandum of Understanding on 2008 the permanent China representative office of Australia and Beijing.” CLAY TKOS LISTON Beijing Olympics and Paralympics Security Sydney-Beijing Olympic Secretariat was set Sydney 2000 was dubbed the “best-ever” February 25, 1964 Cooperation” with the Ministry of Public up recently. Olympics by former International Olympic Order of the Hellenic Republic, in a bid to “Australia’s support for Beijing has a long Committee president Juan Antonio Sama- On February 25, 1964, 22-year-old Cassius enhance cooperation between the two sides. history,” said Sandy Hollway, senior adviser ranch. Clay shocks the odds-makers by dethroning world heavyweight boxing champ Sonny Liston in a seventh-round technical knock- out. The dreaded Liston, who had twice A Greek odyssey demolished former champ Floyd Patterson in one round, was an 8-to-1 favorite. However, By TONY RAGGATT Clay predicted victory, boasting that he would "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" Bogiatzis who operates long-time family drycleaning and and knock out Liston in the eighth round. laundry business Great Northern Laundry has won the covet- The fleet-footed and loquacious youngster ed Overseas Study Award run by the Textile Rental and needed less time to make good on his claim- Launderers Association in conjunction with the Hospital -Liston, complaining of an injured shoulder, Laundry Managers Association. failed to answer the seventh-round bell. A few moments later, a new heavyweight The award, sponsored by international laundry industry suppli- champion was proclaimed. er Filterfab, funds a round-the-world trip which will take Bogiatzis to the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States and just about POLICE BRUTALITY any place in between he cares to name. CAUGHT ON VIDEO Apart from visiting the world’s biggest laundry operations and March 3, 1991 laundry equipment manufacturing centres, Bogiatzis will use the trip to visit the former family homeland he has never seen - the At 12:45 a.m. on March 3, 1991, robbery small Greek island of Kastellorizo. parolee Rodney G. King stops his car after His family emigrated to Australia in 1920s. His grandfather leading police on a nearly 8-mile pursuit George Bogiatzis started the family laundry business in Townsville through the streets of Los Angeles, in 1928. California. The chase began after King, “I went to New Zealand when I was still going to school but apart who was intoxicated, was caught speeding from that I have never been overseas,” Townsville-born Bogiatzis on a freeway by a California Highway said. Patrol cruiser but refused to pull over. Los Filterfab national sales manager Bernard Fazakerley said the Angeles Police Department (LAPD) cruisers Overseas Study Award was effectively the industry’s laundry oper- and a police helicopter joined the pursuit, and ator of the year title. when King was finally stopped by Hansen The list of winners of the award read like a who’s who of the Dam Park, several police cars descended on laundry industry and the coveted title had been dominated by large Townsville launderer Mark Bogiatzis is set for the trip of a lifetime his white Hyundai. public companies and the healthcare sector, he said. after cleaning up in the industry’s national laundry awards. “Mark has developed his business over the last three or four years destination of Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays and last week THE BOSTON MASSACRE and is running it very well,” Mr Fazakerley said. also took on Townsville’s Mater Hospital as a customer. March 5, 1770 “He has a good grasp of the issues facing the industry and is well regarded by his peers.” “The business is growing and I think there is more room for growth,” he said. On the cold, snowy night of March 5, 1770, Bogiatzis bought the business from his father, Michael, seven “By June we will have the most modern equipment of any laun- a mob of American colonists gathers at the years ago and has been building up trade servicing centres dry in country Queensland including Cairns. Customs House in Boston and begins taunt- throughout North Queensland. “It will be a big thing for us.” ing the British soldiers guarding the building. The company, which employs 60 people, has just acquired a new However some of the laundries he will visit as part of the study The protesters, who called themselves $500,000 ironing machine and is set to take delivery of a new tour will dwarf the Townsville operation. Patriots, were protesting the occupation of $600,000 washing machine in March. He said the Sunlight Laundry in London washed 2000 tonnes a their city by British troops, who were sent to Bogiatzis said business was booming and believed the tourist week, and a laundry business in Las Vegas transported the linen Boston in 1768 to enforce unpopular taxation industry must be doing particularly well at present. and garments in semi-trailers. measures passed by a British parliament “Normally January is a quiet time ... but now it’s like peak sea- “That is something I’d like to see,” he said. that lacked American representation. son,” he said. “Last year we were doing 30 tonnes a week but now we are push- No doubt he and his wife Samatha will be more than interested ing through over 65 tonnes.” to visit the Greek isle which his family left amid the chaos of the He believed Australians holidaying close to home may be behind times so many years ago before embarking on an Australian the surge in activity. odyssey. The company has picked up the laundry contract for the resort Townsville Bulletin (11-1-2006) FEBRUARY 2006 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 3/21 Editorial

Scandal leaves state in a mess A seminal liberalisation beginning of the twenty-first century, however, our problem is the creation of a privileged class of workers by a group of It’s quite a relief to see that the investigation into Vodafone, Across-the-board wage agreements have been the norm in unions. These overprivileged workers, chiefly in the public sec- whose network hosted the controversial spy software that Greece for decades. They hold particularly strongly for manu- tor and banking, work short hours, often making time for second allowed eavesdroppers to tap top government phones, is far facturing industries like textiles and metallurgy. In banking, they jobs, and retire early, often in their fifties. In the process, they are stricter than the initial praise by the public order minister of the started well before the Second World War and were formalised stifling the rest of the economy. (Only last month the finance firm’s CEO would have it. Indeed, evidence is growing that in 1955. The socialists under Andreas Papandreou strengthened minister raised the proportion of tax banks must advance on the Vodafone executives are also involved in the case - and that will the hand of federal unions in the process, but never was the following year’s taxes to 80 percent, in order to help pay a bloat- be hard to deny if the alleged suicide of Vodafone technician negotiation process between employers and such federal unions, ed public payroll). To boot, they try to form block votes in Costas Tsalikidis is found to be connected to the case. The cul- comprising entire professions, mandated by law. It has been the national elections, hijacking the democratic process in which cit- prits must be brought to justice and be held accountable for their practice of habit, under threat of prolonged strikes. izens are meant to vote individually. actions. The Hellenic Federation of Bank Employee Unions has now The government of Costas Karamanlis, to its credit, is living Nevertheless, the debate should not be limited to Vodafone and been told by the nation’s six biggest banks that they will no up to its electoral promises to reform the economy. It has already the possible guilt of Vodafone officials. When the people realize longer feel obliged to sit at the same negotiating table. Instead, begun to distance itself from public sector companies by legis- that Greece’s national security is at the mercy of a powerful firm the banks will negotiate directly with their own employees. lating, last year, to offer newly hired employees in listed public they have every right to ask what the government intends to do The concerted nature of the announcement - six letters to the companies private sector contracts, not tenured positions. It also to rectify this unacceptable situation. federation dated January 31 - and its confidence strongly suggest amalgamated the auxiliary pension schemes of banks in order to It is not so much the irresponsibility or corruption of private that while the government has been silent on the matter, it has render their benefits less excessive and the funds viable. firm officials which worries people as the inability of Greece’s given bankers the nod they have been waiting for. If nothing Now it is preparing for the full privatisation of the banking sec- intelligence service to protect the privacy of the prime minis- else, the three publicly-controlled banks would have had to pro- tor, in which it will divest itself of the last remaining publicly- ter’s, cabinet leaders’ and security officials’ communications. ceed with political approval. controlled banks, Emporiki and Agricultural, by allowing banks As with the 1999 fiasco concerning Kurdish rebel leader There is also a commonality of argument between the letters, to free themselves from sectoral minimum wage and working Abdullah Ocalan, state officials once again have done a poor job as if they were the products of a meeting. The country’s top hours agreements. These freedoms are not just important to the of handling a serious political crisis that could have major inter- bankers all cite differing business plans, a demanding public and national economy; consumers demand them, too, fed up with national repercussions. The state is a mess. It failed to realize that a competitive international environment. The letters share a tone being locked out of banks at 2.30pm. the premier’s communications were being tapped for months or of exasperation best expressed by Nikos Nanopoulos, CEO of The completion of banking privatisation will mean that the even years, and the private company actually notified state offi- Eurobank: “We have decided that the matters you put forward state will retain control of utilities and network industries - cials about the misdeed. Senior government officials are in the for discussion are a far cry from the issues that concern us most, power, whose liberalisation is moving ahead slowly, OTE, dark about the eavesdropping while ministers are at odds over while some of your demands are unrealistic. As examples I note which is grudgingly becoming more competitive, and transport the post-revelation procedure. The judicial investigation reflects the excessive pay rise of more than 10 percent, which would companies such as Olympic, whose privatisation has proven a a state of paralysis or failure to grasp the seriousness of the burden operating costs...” struggle. Beyond these, the national railway company, OSE, and crime. Independent authorities are dragging their feet. The president of the federation, Dimitris Tsoukalas, warns that urban transport may follow. But these are much trickier proposi- This is not an image of a smoothly functioning state. It would banks’ ultimate aim is to break the power of their own unions as tions since the viability of transport in the private sector in any be some sort of comfort to the Greek public if the apparent dis- well, and end up negotiating with individual employees. economy in the world has never been decisively demonstrated. integration of the state apparatus prompted the government to The day may come when the hand of labour needs to be For the time being, there is both political and financial capital to take drastic measures to fix it. strengthened because capital has come to dictate the conditions be made from pulling the state out of a profitable industry. of the job market without humanity, as it did towards the end of KATHIMERINI (10-2-2006) the nineteenth century and early twentieth. In Greece at the ATHENS NEWS , 03/02/2006

amount of printed paper on my desk is NEWS CONCERNING Talking quite impressive. Talking about doing the weekly shop- ST ANDREW'S ORTHODOX PRESS ping, have you noticed the chocolate Point Easter eggs in the supermarkets? Hot FIRST BOOK IS RELEASED by Ann Coward cross buns seem to have been around for a few weeks, but the eggs are now out in full force. My local supermarket had a Making an impression huge display of chocolate Easter bun- nies, right in front of the check-outs Computers are a disaster. How many tonight. There were bags of little eggs, kettles have boiled dry, or saucepans some solid, and others filled with burnt, because the person responsible caramel, decorating the aisles, but the for switching the stove off has all their bunnies, covered in gold foil, with red attention focused on the computer ribbons around their necks, were most screen? I once managed to almost boil impressive. dry a ten litre saucepan of water, which Dear friends, was no mean feat. It was quite impres- We know that Christmas is well and sive, actually, with water running down truly over once Easter eggs appear in You may have recently seen a statement in the Voice of Orthodoxy and Vema publications the kitchen walls as the steam con- the stores, although sales must have about the three immediate priorities of St Andrew’s Orthodox Press. densed. I don’t remember what I was slumped a bit this year, as there still doing at the time, but it probably had seems to be the odd Christmas decora- It is with much pleasure that we announce that one of those goals has already come to something to do with the internet. tion on sale. As soon as Easter is over, I fruition. guess stores will fill up with items for What an amazing thing the internet is! Mother’s Day. Then, of course, comes The bi-lingual edition of the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom has just arrived from the I remember when I was a child, asking Father’s Day. And so the year continues printers. It is the product of the Committee for the Translation of Liturgical Texts under the my mother what a word meant, or what – each the same as the year before, with chairmanship of Dr John Lee, within our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. something was, and she’d direct me to a official public holidays punctuated by dictionary or the set of encyclopaedias. individual and family anniversaries. This is a tastefully produced hardback publication which also includes Dismissal Hymns of Today, we just look up the internet. It’s The list, if we stop and think about it, is the Resurrection and major Feasts, Prayers of Preparation and Thanksgiving for Holy so instant. We can get the information very impressive. Communion, the Service for the Blessing of Loaves as well as the Memorial Service. we need, and either save it, print it off, or forget it, all in the space of a few From beer and BBQ’s for Anzac Day, Anyone can easily follow these Services in prayer as the Greek text is mirrored by an accu- minutes. Now, that’s impressive! to chocolate, and fluffy toys for Easter, rate English translation on each opposite page. every occasion has its signature sales I don’t know what happened to the promotion. How successful the season It is fitting that the first book of St Andrew’s Orthodox Press has to do with the very heart idea of a paperless office, though. or event, is measured by the credit card of Orthodox life. Buying a ream of paper never used to be debt. It’s a marketer’s world, as the on my weekly shopping list in the past, annual round of celebrations blur into The price of the Liturgy book is only $12. but it seems to be a regular feature now. one another, leaving behind only super- And where does all this information go? ficial impressions. For orders write to [email protected] or call 02 9698 5066 Well, in my case, it seems to go into my head, and then out again. Still, the For enquiries write to [email protected] 12982 FEBRUARY 2006 4/22 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Opening of the Law Term Service in NSW On Tuesday 7 February 2006, at the Cathe- unexpectedly in a period when all Australians dral of the “Annunciation of our Lady”, His were proud of being mature enough to celebrate Eminence Archbishop Stylianos conducted harmoniously our diversity as an important com- the Service for the Opening of the Law Term ponent of our contemporary culture. 2006 in NSW. Thank God, the prompt and necessary response Dignitaries present were His Grace Bishop of the State Government – together with the relat- Seraphim of Apollonias, the Hon Jim Spigelman ed wise comments of Prime Minister John AC, Chief Justice of NSW, from the Supreme Howard himself and the new Premier Morris Court the Hon Jim Spigelman AC, Chief Justice Iemma, which were fully appreciated by His of NSW, the Hon Justice J P Bryson, JA, the Hon Honour, our Chief Justice Jim Spigelman – gave Justice Mason, President, JA, the Hon P W the most edifying reply to such provocations. Young AO, Chief Judge in Equity, the Hon But, sister and brothers, let us return to the Holy Justices T J Studdert & Mrs Studdert, the Hon Bible. Justice D Kirby and the Hon Justice R W White. Today’s reading of the Holy Gospel according to Present from the Federal Court were the Hon St John helps us to concentrate on the two main Justice J Allsop, the Hon Justice A Emmett & factors of our social stability and personal fulfil- Magistrate Sylvia Emmett, the Hon Justice A ment. Siopis and the Hon Justice Brian J Tamberlin. that we could meet each other again in good Strong faith and confidence in God has proven to On the one hand, we were reminded of the Law, From the District Court, his Honour Judge R health, determined to face the challenges and be, throughout all centuries, the most consistent which was given from above through Moses to Coolahan, and his Honour Judge M J Finnane problems which the New Year may bring to each foundation of happiness and peace, even in peri- the people. On the other hand, St John the RFD QC. of us as responsible servants of the community at ods of natural disasters or sociopolitical crisis. Evangelist draws our attention to the divine Also poresent were Mr Ioannis Raptakis, Consul large. But the main purpose of course of our Especially in our recent times, having been trou- Incarnation of the Lord, which was the most General for Greece, Mr George Toloraya, Consul praying today remains, as usual, the well-being bled very often by unexpected developments in unheard expression of God’s grace, for His peo- General of the Russian Federation and Mr of all office-bearers and servants of the judiciary world politics, economy and human tragedy of ple. Bozidar Obradovic, Consul General for Serbia and the legal profession in general. all kinds, we may have received the necessary ‘Law’ and ‘grace’ are the permanent sources of and Montenegro. However, to face challenges or resolve problems lessons to become wiser in God. all our aspirations, activities and hopes. Others present were from the Land and requires of course not only professional qualifi- For example, when one reads what Harold However, one should generally keep in mind that Environment Court, Chief Judge, the Honourable cations, but rather – and more importantly – Pinter, the great contemporary playwright, had even the most perfect codex of law – whether Justice B J Preston, the Hon Justice R N Talbot moral principles. the courage to say in his speech while receiving divine or secular – would not be sufficient to pro- and the Hon Justice J Jagot, Mr M G Sexton SC, Quite often people erroneously believe that only the Nobel Prize for Literature, one can only feel vide for the necessary consolation to human Solicitor General of NSW, Mr Steve Karas ‘learning’ and ‘education’ enable people to embarrassment and pain. beings, particularly in cases of moral conflicts, Principal Member of the Migration Review acknowledge and implement moral principles In talking about the injustices committed against as presented, for example, in the classical Greek Tribunal and Refugee Review Tribunal, Mr and qualities. defenseless people by military force and brutali- tragedies. Michael Slattery, QC, President Bar Association Yet, in reality, we can very often be surprised ty over the past five decades, Pinter states verba- Precisely in such critical situations, the human of NSW, Ms June McPhie, President, Law about how many of our fellow citizens – who had tim: person experiences the limits of both its nobility Society of NSW, Mr Charles Xuereb not the privilege to receive any kind of formal “What has happened to our moral sensibility? and misery at the same time. This is actually the (Councillor) Law Society of NSW, Mr Stepan education – are spontaneously ready to always Did we ever have any? What do these words very place to remember God’s grace, which Kerkyesharian, Chairperson, Community do the right thing in their personal, social or pub- mean? Do they refer to a term very rarely always remains the inexhaustible deposit of the Relations Commission, Mr S Kerkyasharian, lic life. employed these days – conscience? A conscience divine love. Chairperson, Community Relations Commission By stating these simple thoughts on such an aus- to do not only with our own acts, but to do with Only such love can truly help in restoring the of NSW, Father Doru Costache, St Mary's picious occasion, I have not the least intention to our shared responsibility in the acts of others? Is morally bankrupt person or persons, under the Romanian Orthodox Church, Arch Priest underestimate the professional and cultural level all this dead?” condition of nothing other than repentance. Vladimir Makeev, Patriarchate of Russia, many of all present. Without underestimating the moral weight of Hopefully, all the mentioned traditional values Solicitors and Barristers and others. On the contrary, I am just trying to remind our- such words of a Nobel Laureate, we should now will strengthen, particularly in our times of In his address His Eminence Archbishop selves that the most important guarantee of a remind ourselves also of some unpleasant events increasing globalisation, the necessary confi- Stylianos stated the following: harmonious and peaceful co-existence in our which occurred closer to home, and relate to dence in God, and in the dignified institutions of As every year, we have gathered today in this his- present society, remains always the image of racism. world civilisation, for a better present and future toric Cathedral to pray together on the occasion God, hidden within every human person, regard- I refer to the riots that occurred at the end of last of us all. of the new Law Term. less of religious, ethnic or ideological back- year at Cronulla, Maroubra and Brighton-le- I wish you all a truly blessed, peaceful and salvif- First and foremost, we feel grateful and honored ground. Sands here in Sydney. Especially as these came ic new Law Term.

identify the causes of the anxiety and to work through their By Mina Candalepas* problems. More importantly, psychologists help people Psychologist MAPS Mental Health develop the necessary skills - such as exercise, breathing Reg NSW PS0057198 skills, relaxation, good nutritional habits and developing · Muscle tension and/or headaches; long-term coping skills - to change their thinking patterns Generalised Anxiety Disorder · Disrupted sleep, in that a person may find it difficult and behaviours contributing to anxiety. to get to sleep and once they do fall asleep the sleep is Call your local psychologist, the Australian Psychological At some point in our lives we have all worried about a par- restless; · Difficulty in concentrating; Society (APS) Referral Service on 1800 333 497, or ask your ticular situation or life event such as making a decision to GP for more information. change a career or live overseas. A certain level of worry is · Heart racing; and normal, as it can facilitate action and help in the long term. For · The worry causes significant stress that interferes with social and/or occupational functioning. Mina Candalepas instance, if a university student did not worry about passing Psychologist MAPS exams, then he/she would not study and therefore possibly fail. A diagnosis of GAD will rule out organic causes relating to Reg NSW PS0057198 Excessive worry however, that interferes with a person’s anxiety, such as thyroid problems or physiological effects of ability to function with day to day life and that lasts for more drug and/or alcohol abuse. Your General Practitioner must be consulted to rule out organic pathology. References: than 6 months, can be a problem. This type of worry can be Davidson/Neale: Abnormal Psychology 3rd Edition. An experimen- classed as anxiety, namely, Generalised Anxiety Disorder tal Clinical Approach. John Wiley and Sons 1982. (GAD). GAD differs from specific types of anxiety such as Who suffers from GAD? DSM IV, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: phobias or obsessions, as there is no specific trigger for the Anxiety Disorders. Fourth Edition, American Psychiatric anxiety. GAD impacts approximately 3% of the population and most Association, Washington DC. P432-439. people experience the anxiety in late adolescence, early adult- What are the signs of GAD? hood. If not treated GAD will continue to be prevalent their Mina Candalepas is a Registered Psychologist. She is the sole direc- whole lives and may become worse during significant and/or tor of a Clinical Private Practice in the Campsie Professional Medical stressful life events. Practice, Sydney NSW. Her particular speciality is in trauma and GAD interferes with normal life, as people tend to be pre occu- chronic pain management and she also provides psychological thera- pied with a fear and/or worry of something going wrong. How is GAD treated? py for depression, anxiety, work-place issues and/or injuries, relation- Some indicators of GAD include: ship issues, self esteem and grief. · Excessive worry that occurs for most days of the week over a 6 month period; GAD is treated through psychological and/or drug treatment. Therapy is conducted in either English or Greek. All services are by · Inability to stop/manage the worry; Most forms of anxiety are highly treatable and the chances of appointment ONLY and strictly confidential. Her contact details are · Difficulty in concentrating; complete recovery are excellent. Psychologists help people to Tel (02) 9591 7714, Mob 0410 493 806. FEBRUARY 2006 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 5/23 Our Primate’s View

Following the various ‘scandals’ We have testified about him as ‘implicated’ us – taking advantage of our in Greece over which there was much Archbishop of Athens through official altogether caring disposition and philan- outrage for months, not only in the memoranda to the Holy Synod of the thropic leniency towards those younger media, but also following responsible Ecumenical Patriarchate - due to his than ourselves. We refer to certain ‘sharp- investigations conducted by the compe- megalomania and impiety - in the hope sighted’ and ‘office-seeking’ Clerics who, tent instrumentalities and Courts, one that we might avert the damage which we while presenting themselves as persons would have hoped that at least those mat- foretold with certainty would befall the of ‘overflowing piety’ and ‘missionary ters relating to the immediate sphere of whole of Orthodoxy, Hellenism and the zeal’, dared to profanely ‘snatch’ the the Church, and especially to hierarchs in Ecumenical Throne more specifically. All highest and most sacred office and min- prominent positions, would have been the material relating to him could com- istry of the Church - that of Bishop - so addressed ‘in repentance’ and with grea- prise the contents of an entire volume that they might then debase it and turn ter ‘fear of God’. which undoubtedly should see the light of out to be, as sometimes occurs, our ‘abu- Unfortunately, nothing of the publicity in the near future. sers’ and ‘slanderers’. sort happened, except the initial panic, If today we are compelled to We refer here to the altogether followed by the grandiose promises and return to the matter through brief com- unexpected and inexplicable ascent to the public commitments regarding ‘cathar- ments in this article, censuring selective- position of Chief Secretary of the Arch- sis’ (in the Church of Greece) made by ly certain highly destructive and infuriat- diocese of Athens, Bishop Seraphim Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens, for- ing actions of Archbishop Christodoulos Mentzelopoulos of Christianoupolis, and ever speaking and engaging provocative- of Athens, with regard to three particu- to the former Metropolitan of New ly in ‘double speak’. larly sensitive spheres, we do so for rea- Zealand Joseph Harkiolakis, ‘protected’ Indeed, as it turns out, the insti- sons of acute ecclesiastical and ‘national and ‘promoted’ adroitly by the former. tutional servants of the Judicial Corps, of interest’ which cannot leave indifferent As both of these hypocritical, the State and of the other areas of public anyone respecting the oaths of a Greek desperate and, at the same time, mel- administration, turned out to be more sin- hierarch. lifluous flatterers are seeking appoint- cere, more sensitive and more coura- ment to prime Metropolitanates in By Archbishop geous than he. The three key spheres to which Greece, fishing undisturbed in ‘murky Stylianos In essence, this constitutes the we refer are the following: waters’, since this suits the unrepentant of Australia most provocative scandal, greater even than the infamous financial and sexual scandals perpetrated by some of his more recent executive collaborators. THE SO-CALLED And let us not forget in the final analysis that some of the more scan- dalous and, until now, still scandalizing ‘CATHARSIS’ (!) Clerics and lay people of his favour, were once individuals whom the then IN THE CHURCH Metropolitan Christodoulos of Volos ‘nurtured’ from a very young age in his immediate environment. As a conse- OF GREECE quence, all of these people could justifi- ably be considered not simply guilty, to a lesser degree, but also eminent ‘victims’ a) The sphere of immediate and establishment of ‘Chrysopigi’, we are to- of Christodoulos who, as a dangerous broader spiritual responsibili- day obliged to make public our Pastoral ‘custodian’, promised them or, for a time, ties, and the extensive, though Report (see pages 4,5) to the Ecumenical even granted them worldly honours! thorny, jurisdiction of the Ecu- Pa-triarchate with regard to Metzelopou- However, if we judge from the menical Throne which Moscow los, forwarded more than three years ago general conduct of his spiritual father, the alone, together with some of her in Greek, since we have already written founder and Abbot of the ‘Chrysopigi’ satellites, have systematically about and made public matters pertaining Monastery, Kallinikos Karousos, up until undermined at all times. to Harkiolakis. his recent sudden resignation from the celebrated Metropolis of Piraeus, who b) The sphere of official Bila- Of course, the question is quite was unquestionably the first to teach the teral Theological Dialogues – natural. Why did the Synod of the Ecu- methods of factionalism and hypocrisy with that between Rome and the menical Patriarchate not confront these not only to his favoured Christodoulos, Orthodox being especially dan- two with due severity? The answer cer- but also to that other member of the gerous. tainly does not involve the writer, since ‘Triumvirate’ at ‘Chrysopigi’, Ambrosios he bears no responsibility, having protest- Lenis, (later elevated to Metropolitan of c) The sphere of our immediate ed appropriately. Kalavryta) we literally enter a ‘vicious pastoral responsibility (for the circle’ in determining who is the ‘cor- past 31 years consecutively!) wi- Aware, however, that the hatred rupter’ and who the ‘victim’ among them thin the Greek Orthodox Arch- and hypocrisy of impious Bishops have and, by extension, among their favoured diocese of Australia which lays been stigmatized throughout centuries, group. claim to the most vigorous and even from the days of the great and saint- We had referred to these three united Greek presence outside ly Bishops and Teachers of the Church, as Clerics collectively and in brief just of Greece (5% of the total popu- for example St Gregory the Theologian recently (‘Vema of the Church’, Sydney, lation of this nation!) and St John Chrysostom, we are obliged April 2005). As for Christodoulos, how- to declare unequivocally that the official ever, after we were unjustly, profanely It is self-understood that – correspondence in our Archives are able and repeatedly defamed by him, we though it appears inverted in order – we to shed light on many more issues, if wrote extensively and promptly when he are obliged to prefix the matters pertain- required. was still Metropolitan of Dimitrias in ing to sphere (c) which concern our own We hope that we will not be pro- Volos (see Archbishop Stylianos of Canonical and non-negotiable jurisdic- voked any further, because (as we say in Australia ‘At the Periphery of the tion. We shall, therefore, deal with certain Greek) ‘Plato might be a friend, but the Dialogue’ (1980-1990), ‘Domos’ edi- extraordinary and rather mischievous truth is an even greater friend’. tions, Athens, 1991, p. 61 fwd). ‘ploys’ of Athens in which they have FEBRUARY 2006 6/24 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA FEBRUARY 2006 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 7/25 Facts & Stats Records shatter as arctic weather grips Europe Vienna’s subway tracks cracked, German Vienna’s subway system operator said morn- authorities shut a key canal to ships after it ing rush-hour service was interrupted in some iced up and a zoo moved its penguins areas of the capital because the severe cold - indoors as a deadly deep freeze tightened its which hit a low of -18 C - caused small tears arctic grip on much of Europe. in the welds on sections of track. Austria’s largest automobile club, the The killer cold wave, which has been blamed OEAMTC, said it responded to hundreds of for more than 50 deaths in Russia, claimed at calls from motorists whose cars wouldn’t start least 13 lives in the former Soviet republic of because of dead batteries - along with dozens Moldova, where authorities said another 30 from drivers who could not pry their way into people - many of them homeless - were hospi- their vehicles to begin with because the doors talised with hypothermia. were frozen shut. Poland reported 11 deaths raising number of In southern Germany, officials closed the deaths from the cold to 38, police said. Rhine-Main-Danube canal to shipping for the Officers were patrolling streets to round up first time in five years after it iced over. the homeless or inebriated and bring them Thick sheets of ice stretching about 80 kilo- indoors, as temperatures plunged to -35 celsius metresposed a danger to ship propellers and in some places, and -25 C in the capital, lock systems, said Leonhard Hummel of the Warsaw. Office of Water and Navigation in Nuremberg. Romanian authorities reported 15 deaths of An icebreaker had to help six ships in the canal the past few days, five of them homeless peo- - which links waterway systems between the ple, after temperatures dropped as low as -30 North Sea and the Black Sea - reach their des- celsius in parts of the country. tinations. Parts of Austria felt more like Siberia, with At the zoo in Dresden, Germany, 21 returned to full operation, but record-breaking but the city’s death toll rose to at least 28. the mercury plunging well below zero on both Humboldt penguins were moved from their - electricity consumption continued to strain the Snow fell on Greece’s ancient Acropolis and Celsius and Fahrenheit thermometers. 21 C outdoor environment and into a building Soviet-era power system. covered much of Athens and its outlying sub- The bitter cold hit an all-time low of -31 where the temperature was a more comfort- The Russian capital “warmed” to -14 C, urbs. degrees C in the Lower Austria town of Gross able zero C to ensure their feet didn’t freeze, balmy compared with the previous days -31 C, AP Gerungs, and it was the chilliest January 24 zoo director Karl Ukena said. since 1929 at -24.5 C in the beer-making town In Moscow, which was held in an icy grip for of Zwettl. the past nine days, trolley buses and trams Related disease “huge” health burden Obesity is associated with a broad range of had an increased risk of a variety of cardiovas- fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events, cular problems compared with normal weight Waiting list for community housing grows Scottish and Australian researchers report. subjects, according to the report in the European Journal of Cardiology. The waiting list of disadvantaged to be “moderately” overcrowded, but by 2005 “That’s a potentially huge public health prob- Compared with the normal-weight subjects, Australians trying to get a place in com- this number had grown to 995. lem and burden on the health care system,” obese subjects had 1.6-times the risk of death munity housing grew by almost 6,000 to Overall, there were almost 29,000 commu- senior investigator Dr John J V McMurray or hospital admission; 2.0-times the risk of more than 37,000 in 2005. nity housing households and most of the ten- said. heart failure; 1.4-times the risk of stroke; 2.3- Community housing makes up around eight ants - 85 per cent - were satisfied or very sat- “Of course, our focus was just on cardiovas- times the risk a blood clot; and 1.8-times the per cent of the public housing sector in isfied with their living arrangements. cular disease and not the other problems also risk of developing an abnormal heart rhythm. Australia. Community housing tenants are some of the associated with obesity - including cancer.” Over the follow-up period, the researchers cal- Unlike most public housing directly con- most disadvantaged people in Australia. The whole spectrum of cardiovascular prob- culate, for every 100 middle-age obese men trolled by government, community housing is Twenty-seven per cent of households con- lems related to obesity has not been evaluated there were 9 additional cardiovascular deaths administered by community groups but fund- tained a person with a disability, 15 per cent in a single population-based cohort, Murray of and 36 cardiovascular hospitalisations. The ed by the taxpayer. were from non-English speaking back- the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, and col- corresponding figures in women were 7 deaths According to a new Australian Institute of grounds and nine per cent had a tenant aged leagues note. and 28 admissions. Health and Welfare (AIHW) report, the de- over 75. To do so, starting in the early 1970s, the The investigators note that obesity was meas- mand for community housing is growing. Almost one third of new community hous- researchers followed more than 15,000 people, ured at study entry only and participants may In 2004, 31,719 people were on the waiting ing placements in 2004-05 were indigenous ages 45 to 64 years, from two towns in the have become obese later, leading to underesti- list. people. Glasgow area. At the beginning of the study, mation of the effects. A year later, the waiting list had ballooned to The AIHW report, released recently, is the less than half of the subjects had a body mass The team also found that there were 3- or 4- 37,384. The number of overcrowded house- first of six reports looking at the Common- index (BMI) of 18.5 to 24.9, which is consid- times as many hospital admissions as deaths holds also has increased. wealth-State Housing Agreement. ered to be within a normal weight range. Over related to obesity, noting that the rising rates of In 2004, there were 813 households thought AAP 2,000 had a BMI of 30 or higher, which is con- obesity may have a very large impact “not only sidered to be obese. on individual health but on the hospital sector.” Newspaper lets readers choose front-page stories In the subsequent 20 years, the obese subjects Reuters Wisconsin’s second-largest newspaper is “The smart editors of America ... all under- letting readers help decide what to put on stand that interactivity is part of our future,” the front page. she said. “Doing that in a credible way and in a trans- In an experiment designed to boost reader parent way is the trick. This particular feature interest, the Wisconsin State Journal allows is appealing because it combines both of readers to go on its website every weekday those values.” from 11am to 4pm and vote for their favourite The paper, which has a daily circulation of END OF YEAR TAX RETURNS out of five story ideas. 90,000 and 147,000 on Sunday, launched the Barring late-breaking news, the winning effort recently after explaining the move in a MOBILE ACCOUNTANTS story typically will appear on Page 1 the next previous edition in a note to readers from ma- PERSONAL TAX RETURNS FROM $50 day. naging editor Tim Kelley. The front page included the first “reader’s Kelley hinted that more sports and columns COMPANY/ TRUST TAX RETURNS choice,” a look at Ford’s plant closings and could wind up on the front page because they FROM $300 job cuts. generally are the most popular stories on the The wire story, which received 41 per cent website, www.madison.com/wsj. BAS/ BOOKEEPING of the 192 votes cast, beat out stories on ex- In a test run a few weeks earlier, readers FROM $50 convicts who return to Madison and President favoured a story about two backup University Bush’s eavesdropping program. of Wisconsin-Madison football players who (Prices GST excl) Ellen Foley, editor of the paper, said it was were arrested on marijuana charges over not shirking its responsibility to judge news news that Osama bin Laden had issued a new because editors provide the choices and do warning of attacks in the US. CALL JOHN ON: (03) 9808 0386 / 0414 521 972

not have to follow the readers’ pick. AP HIGHEST QUALITY SERVICE AT REASONABLE RATES 114500 FEBRUARY 2006 8/26 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Windows to Orthodoxy Fasting in the Orthodox Church

Introductory Remarks pleasure in the good words of the Until recently the opinion has been that these practice in most parts of The Orthodox Church has now Spirit, that we may be granted to see fasts were established in opposition to the Christendom... Lent as wee know it entered a new Liturgical period of time, which the holy passion of Christ our God Hebrew fast days which were Monday and ... is the result of a convergence is known as the Triodion and Great Lent. The and His holy Pascha spiritually Thursday. Modern scholarship, however - between... two elements - between season of Great Lent is an opportunity for all rejoicing”. after the discovery of the Qumran documents the six day pre- Nicene fast, which faithful to prepare for the great feast of the It is precisely within this context, that fasting is – has claimed that the fast held on these days was directly in preparation for Resurrection of Christ. Just like any great to be properly understood and experienced – by the early Christians originated from the Easter and the forty day post- event requires a time of preparation, so too the that is, as a means of renewing our relationship ancient sacred calendar which the Essences Nicene fast, which originally season of Great Lent is that time of the year with God assured of the joy of His loving observed and which, in all probability was formed part of the training of candi- where all Christians seek to renew and restore kindness and mercy. Accordingly, fasting has accepted by the early Judeo- Christian com- dates for Baptism...[but] came to their communion with God. In this sense, to be observed with a sense of resurrectional munities in Palestine. Later on, the Christians evolve the whole body of the faith Great Lent is that period of time, offered by the joy knowing that the victory of life has already would add a new meaning to these days - as ful, and not just those preparing for Church to remind her faithful to seek to do and been granted through Christ’s resurrection commemorations of the days of Christ’s Baptism.”3 be all that they should do and be throughout from the dead. Before looking specifically at betrayal and death. These days came to be It is in this prototypic period of the Church’s the entire year. In this way it is a time of the historical evolution of the Lenten fast as a known as days of fasting or station days. This history that fasting came to be marked by a renewed devotion to prayer, fasting, repen- means for preparing to encounter the risen implies that originally fasting indicated the restriction in the types and quantity of food tance and giving to those in need – that is, Lord, we will briefly examine the place of fast- people of God standing ready and awaiting for eaten. And it is this latter meaning that serves freely deciding to follow Christ and His com- ing in the life of the Church in general. Only the Parousia of the Lord. Hence, fasting had as the model for the present day Lenten period mandment of loving God and neighbour. then will we be in a position to approach the an eschatological meaning to it and the of fasting in the Orthodox Church today. true meaning of fasting. emphasis was not on the ascetical value of Far from being a time of morbidity, fasting. That is to say, the early Christians fast- It becomes clear that the Lenten fast, gloominess or dreariness, as many might sup- Historical Evolution of Fasting in General ed precisely because they were looking for- which is observed today, was originally a pose, it is a time of joyful expectation. Indeed, As early as the second century, in ward, into the future, at the second coming of monastic fast which crept into the life of the it is a time of eager expectation for the bestow- early Christian texts such as the Didache and the Lord. It becomes clear that the pre - whole Church. That is to say that this fast was al, by God, of His greatest gift to the world – The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles one finds Constantine and pre- monastic tradition under- ascetical, a mortification of the flesh whose that is, the gift of eternal life by the death and references to Wednesdays and Fridays as days stood fasting primarily as a one day fast which purpose it was to assist the monk in his spiri- resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ. The of fast. In the eighth chapter of the Didache, involved the complete abstinence from food tual ascent to theosis. Asceticism, of which hymns of Great Lent begin with this air of fes- the faithful are advised as follows: and not the abstinence from certain foods as it fasting is a form, is not something optional but tivity: “Let not your fasts be with the hyp- understood today. is a necessary tool for the successful attain- “Let us begin the Lenten time with ocrites, for they fast on Mondays ment of salvation. A contemporary monk of delight… let us fast from the pas- and Thursdays, but fast on Development of the Lenten Fast Mount Athos, Father Tickon wrote: “whoever sions as we fast from food, taking Wednesdays and Fridays.”1 Fasting, in preparation for Pascha fasts shows that he has started to transcend was universal in the Early Church, both in the earthly and temporal things and longs for the East and in the West, as evidenced by various heavenly and eternal things.”4 However, one second and third century references to the must be careful not to make fasting an end in practice. Eusebius, in his Ecclesiastical it self, a law or an obligation. Rather, an hon- History makes reference to St Irenaeus who est attempt must be made to empty ourselves, had written on the debate regarding the date to become transparent and allow the grace of for Pascha and on the nature of the period of God to permeate within us. Fasting, in this abstinence preceding it: sense is a means, which the Church offers its “For the controversy is not only faithful members as an opportunity for them to concerning the day, but also con- transform their hunger and thirst for food into cerning the very manner of the fast. hunger and thirst for God Himself. For some think that they should fast one day, others two, yet others Biblical Basis for Fasting more; some moreover, count their The practice of fasting is clearly evi- day as consisting of forty hours day dent in the Scriptures and is indeed attested to and night. And this variety in its by Jesus Himself, who fasted and taught His observance has not originated in disciples to fast. our time; but long before in that of ““And when you fast, do not look our ancestors.”2 dismal, like the hypocrites, for they Not only does this reference establish that fast- disfigure their faces so as to show ing before Pascha was already a custom in the others that they are fasting. Truly I lifetime of St Irenaeus but that it was of even tell you, they have received their earlier, if not of Apostolic origin. By the fourth reward. But when you fast, put oil on century, this pre - Paschal fast had undergone your head and wash your face, so a transformation, both in its form and length. It that your fasting may be seen not by had evolved into a forty day fast and became others but by your Father who is in centred, as a result of its long duration, more in secret; and your Father who sees in the restriction of certain kinds of foods rather secret will reward you.” (Mt. 6: 16- than total abstinence from food. The first 18). explicit reference to a forty day fast is in the Firstly, the above passage, by Jesus clearly Council of Nicaea (325) in Canon 5. By the underlines the importance of fasting. It does end of the fourth century Bishop Kallistos not say, for example ‘and if you fast’, that is to (Ware) concluded that: say, it does make fasting an option for “the observance of a forty day fast Christians but a prerequisite for their spiritual seems to have been the standard life: Jesus said, ‘and when you fast’. So impor-

The Greek Australian Vema The oldest circulating Greek newspaper outside Greece Tel: (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 E-mail: [email protected] FEBRUARY 2006 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 9/27 Windows to Orthodoxy

Cont. from previous page body.” (1 Cor 6:12-13) were, are very clear in their teaching about tant is fasting that even Jesus said that without From all the above not only is fasting stressed We can see that the Church, in all its fasting. They insisted with the Lord and the it some forms of evil could not be conquered but also the way the fast should be carried out wisdom has placed fasting at the disposal of its Scriptures that people are to fast in order to and overcome (cf. Mt. 17: 21). – that is, in secret and not making it publicly faithful members so as to give them the oppor- become free from passions and lust. But they known to others. tunity to gain mastery over themselves by insist as well that the most important thing is to Secondly, the passage clearly under- becoming liberated in God. As one of the be free from all sin, including the pride, vanity scores that Christians are not to be ostentatious The True Meaning of Fasting many tools given by the Church, fasting is also and hypocrisy, which comes through foolish to, or Pharisaic about, their fasting, but rather The whole purpose of fasting is to a means which can help us to liberate our- and sinful fasting. to do it in secret, not drawing attention to enable the Christian to commune with fervour selves from a mere dependence on the things “Thus a man who strives for salva- themselves. With such a principle given by and desire with Jesus Christ. That is to say, the of this world in order to concentrate on the tion... must not allow himself to eat Jesus Himself, perhaps it would be better, for whole rationale behind fasting is to make things of the Kingdom of God. It is to give to fullness... but should still eat all example, when going to somebody’s house human persons aware of their dependence power to the soul so that it will not yield to kinds of food so that on the one during Great Lent, who may not know that it is upon God. In our fallen state, it is only by self- temptation and sin. It is precisely for this rea- hand he might avoid boastful pride a fasting period, to eat what is put in front of denial, such as the real physical hunger or son that St Seraphim underline the importance and on the other hand not show dis- you thereby not drawing attention to yourself. tiredness involved in not eating, that we can be of fasting in terms of an “indispensable dain for God’s creation...”6 However, a bishop once said in his sermon: led to remember both our broken and created means” of gaining the fruit of the Holy Spirit “now, there is a difference between eating state, and therefore our total reliance on the in one’s life. Just as Adam’s tasting of the forbidden fruit what is put before you and putting yourself uncreated God without whom we would not enslaved humanity to food so ascetical fasting before what is eaten.” It is not wise to put other even exist. It is true that when we have eaten Humanity does not fast because it has its purpose to return humanity to freedom. Christians down, who may not fast, because well and filled our stomachs with sustenance, pleases God for His servants not to eat, for, as We end this brief reflection with the point that their health may not allow. It has to be stated a false sense of over-confidence and self- the Lenten hymns of the Church remind us, unless fasting is accompanied with prayer and that Jesus Christ was extremely gentle and lov- assurance can easily overcome us with the “the devil also never eats.” Neither do the love for neighbour then it is utterly valueless. ing to the tax collectors but was severe to the renewed energy gained. And so, just like a lit- faithful fast with the belief that somehow their Pharisees and to the hypocrites. tle hunger can lead us to a desire to eat, so as physical hunger and thirst can serve as a ‘repa- Philip Kariatlis to be nourished, in precisely the same way can ration’ for their sins. Such an understanding is Academic Secretary and Associate Lecturer Saint Paul himself fasted, and in his we be lead to a thirst and hunger for ‘spiritual never given in the Scriptures nor in the writ- St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological teaching on food insisted that men and women food’ which is Jesus Christ Himself. ings of the Fathers. Rather, people fast so that fast and do so in secret, without mutual inspec- they might more effectively serve God who 1 Didache, 1: 321. tion and judgement. Divorced, however, from this desire loves them and has saved them in Christ and 2 Eusebius, History of the Church 5, 24, 18 3 Triodion, 30, taken from Archimandrite Akakios, “Brothers and sisters, join in imitat- to commune with God, fasting can lead to a the Spirit. From this, it follows that fasting Fasting in the Orthodox Church, pp.9-10. ing me, and observe those who live heightened irritable disposition of the person without a conscious desire to live a virtuous 4 Archimandrite Tickon, The Land of the Living, 63 according to the example you have in fasting or it can lead to an over-emphasis of the life is to miss the whole point of the meaning 5 St Abba Dorotheus, Directions on Spiritual Training, us. For many live as enemies of the external rules associated with the fast. This of the fast. That is to say, fasting without effort cited in T. Hopko, The Orthodox Faith: Spirituality, vol. 4, 148. cross of Christ; I have often told you inevitably reduces the practice of fasting to a in virtue is wholly in vain. According to abba 6 St Gregory of Sinai, Instruction to the Hesychasts, of them, and now I tell you even with form of legalism, that is simply to rules regard- Dorotheos: cited in T. Hopko, Spirituality, 149. tears. Their end is destruction; their ing what can be eaten and what cannot be “... in fasting one must not only god is the belly; and their glory is in eaten. In this way we miss entirely the inward obey the rule against gluttony in their shame; their minds are set on goal of the fast. And without the inner under- regard to food, but refrain from For the earthly things.”(Phil 3:17-19). standing of the nature of fasting, the outward every sin so that, while fasting, the And elsewhere he wrote: form loses all its meaning. tongue may also fast, refraining ““All things are lawful for me,” but Then the words of Christ, ‘without from slander, lies, evil talking, Bibliophiles… not all things are beneficial. “All me you can do nothing’ (Jn 15:5) lose all their degrading one’s brother, anger and Biblical interpretation then and now: things are lawful for me,” but I will significance because as long as we think we every sin committed by the tongue. Contemporary hermeneutics in the not be dominated by anything. are abiding by the external rules of fasting then One should also fast with the eyes, light of the Early Church “Food is meant for the stomach and we do not need God. Already we can see that not looking at vain things...A man the stomach for food,” and God will fasting is the sacred pretext for all Christian that fasts wisely... wins purity and By David S. Dockery destroy both one and the other. The persons to break the monologue, autonomy comes to humility... and proves him (Baker House Book) body is meant not for fornication but and their false sense of security inside their self a skilful builder.”5 for the Lord, and the Lord for the ego. The spiritual fathers, as strictly ascetic as they Although used as a reference text at St Andrew’s Theological College, this paperback is easy to read, and will inter- est anyone who wants to know more about the early history of Biblical inter- uestions & Answers pretation. As well as discussing the dif- Q ferent approaches taken by the Alexandrians and the Antiochians, this To XYZ (Anonymous) be speaking especially to you and others like you who have had more book also looks at more recent views. It Q than their share of suffering: includes a glossary of terms, and an What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who is against us? extensive bibliography. I read your letter and was deeply moved. You have had He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he unusually difficult and painful experiences in life. So you not also give us all things with him? ... Who shall not separate us from On the cosmic mystery of Jesus A ask if life is worth living and are tempted not to seek med- the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or Christ: Select writings from St ical assistance for your chronic medical condition. You feel famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ... No, in all these things we Maximus the Confessor that nothing much can change anymore. And as a result, you are are more than conquerors through him who loved us (Romans 8:31 - depressed. You may be right that the events of the past are beyond 37). Translated by Paul M. Blowers and repair and that even the future of your external circumstances will not God wants you to be a conqueror. I suggest you find a priest or a Robert Louis Wilken change too much. But the key is our own inner spiritual stance. There counsellor to talk over your problems. Do continue medical therapy. (St Vladimir’s Seminary Press) are three basic things that can change it all around for you. The first is Look for someone to help who needs loving care. And be sure that God to believe that even in your most difficult circumstances you can find makes life worth living. St Maximus lived in the 6th-7th cen- some good for yourself and for others. Think about these words from turies, and this paperback contains con- the Bible: “... all things work together for good to them who love God” ****** versations and responses to problems or Romans (8:28). From the Orthodox Church: 455 Questions and Answers, questions that had been put to him to The second is to know no mater what has happened to you at the by Stanley S. Harakas, published by Light and Life. counteract false teachings of the day, as hands of other people, you only hurt yourself more if you allow the well as Maximus’ thoughts on a number memory of what they have done to you to eat at you and to fester like If you have any questions about the Orthodox faith which of theological issues that occupied him poison in your mind and heart. Pray the Lord’s prayer frequently and you would like answered in the VEMA, send them to throughout his life. These issues includ- with commitment: “... and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive ed, for example, whether the soul exists those who trespass against us.” Vema -Q.&A., before the body as Origen’s supporters Find ways to bring love into your life by caring for people with even believed. This is definitely not light greater burdens than those you bear. We need to love. In loving God P.O.Box M59 Marrickville South, reading, although the text contains and our fellows there is healing for us as well. We can achieve a meas- detailed footnotes throughout. Worth ure of victory for ourselves in life when we love. It’s an inner thing; but NSW 2204 reading, and is available from the it can affect our external circumstances, too. And you can love when or e-mail them to: Sydney bookshop of the Archdiocese, you know that God loves you. St. Paul knew how you feel. He, too, phone (02) 9698 5066. suffered much I his life. This is what he taught us al, but he seems to [email protected] A.C. FEBRUARY 2006 10/28 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

University assessment ahead

Quality is the name of the game, according to Education Minister Marietta Yannakou. She says the government is determined to ensure high educational standards at public universities KATHY TZILIVAKIS mixed reactions by the academic communi- have borrowed extensively from the European ty. Network of Quality Assurance in Higher Greek universities can expect to be put Education (ENQA) - an independent organisa- under the microscope of quality assessment, “The [new] law for assessment will be imple- tion established six years ago to promote just as soon as the government establishes mented,” she said. “Universities exist for the European cooperation in the field of quality the criteria it will apply to ensure high stan- students and that is why there is assessment, assurance. dards of education. Greece is the only coun- for there to be better quality of education and The criteria Yannakou referred to are laid out try in Europe without a quality assurance not for some who for reasons I do not know do in ENQA’s latest report titled “The standards system. Education Minister Marietta not want to be assessed.” and guidelines for quality assurance in the Yannakou told journalists on February 8 As regards the criteria that will be applied in European higher education area”. The 41-page that the government is determined to go the quality assessment of public higher educa- report, which was published in February 2005, ahead with formal assessment, despite tion in Greece, Yannakou said that legislators is directed at education ministers. Education In an exclusive interview last month with the Minister president of ENQA, Peter Williams, he recom- Marietta Yannakou mended that Greece use the standards and guidelines adopted by European education Open University. ministers in Bergen in May 2005 as a starting Asked to comment on the prime minister’s point. recent proposal for a constitutional amend- “Quality assurance is not about finding ment that would allow for non-state and non- faults,” said Williams in the January 27 inter- profit universities under state supervision, view. “It’s about celebrating success. It is also Yannakou stressed that the government’s top about providing ways of helping them to do priority is to improve the quality of education better.” at public universities. According to ENQA, quality assurance “From then on the private universities will should include the assessment of the academic have to fulfil the same criteria as the public programmes, the students and teaching staff universities,” she added. “This will not be and the learning resources. something easy... Someone will not be allowed “There will be internal quality assessment to set up shop and declare it a university. That [self-evaluation] and external assessment,” is clear and approved by all political parties in said Yannakou. “Everything will be secured so the parliament.” as to prevent any secretive arrangements and Degrees awarded by private colleges (inde- so that no university feels that the ministry is pendent colleges, fully-owned subsidiaries and intervening. franchises) are not recognised in Greece. “I will tell you that the only role of the min- The government is planning to extend the istry in this is that it nominated the president of quality assurance system to private higher edu- the quality assurance agency.” cation. Once such a system is established, the Currently, the government-appointed presi- degrees offered by these private colleges will dent of Greece’s first quality assurance agency eventually be recognised by the Greek state. (the Tertiary Education Quality Assurance This will mean that thousands of these gradu- Authority), Spyros Amourgis, is preparing to ates will no longer be denied access to jobs in send letters to all public universities and tech- the public sector. nical colleges in order to inform them about Home Study Courses the assessment process as it stands now. Amourgis is the vice-president of the Hellenic ATHENS NEWS 2006 Hellenic Festival focuses Learn at your own pace at your own home on quality, not quantity

By Vassilis Angelikopoulos

This year heralds in a new era for Greece’s two major summer festivals and most impor- tant artistic institutions, those of Athens and Epidaurus. A long overdue renewal will actual- ly become a reality in contrast to the mere “brightening up” that occurred in previous years when there was no more content, just an extension of the festivals’ duration (in 2005 the Epidaurus Festival ran for 10 weeks and the Athens Festival for five months). www.lexikon.com.au This brave break with tradition, calling for boldness and know-how, is to be undertaken Giorgos Loukos has decided to break with entrenched practices that have drained the Yes! Please send me free information about learning at home with by the new head of the Hellenic Festival (the Lexikon Institute. I understand that I am under no obligation. firm which organizes the Athens and HellenicFestival’s financesand creativity in Epidaurus festivals), Giorgos Loukos, but is recent years. xikon Institute of xikon Institute Education Beginners Greek Iconography Art and Design also credited to the government and the prime financial and political), the embracing of new Name and Address: minister himself, who has provided full sup- cultural forces and links with the most impor- ……………………………………………………………………………………………… port for reform and renewal. This is a clearly tant cultural centers abroad are some of the …………………………………………………………………………………… Age: …. political decision that takes on particular main features of the new festival, promising

Lexikon Institute of Education, PO Box 5018, Clayton 3168, Melbourne weight in that it is the only commitment at not only rebirth for the festival itself but also a Vic. Australia present that gives “priority to culture,” which new lease on life for artistic creativity in (Courses not generally suitable if under 14) the PM and his government have pledged. Greece in general. A break with decades of stagnation (artistic, Kathimerini Le FEBRUARY 2006 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 11/29

A Blessed Christmas and Dodekaimeron (12 days of Christmas) Period in South Australia

LEFT: Members and friends of the Central Youth Committee visiting the elderly at the St Basils Nursing Home at St Peters. RIGHT: His Grace Bishop Nikandros of Dorylaeon cutting the Vasilopita cake. By Matthew Rologas, Adelaide Panteleimon, officiated by his Grace, Bishop produced and distributed free of charge to the Blessing of the Waters Nikandros of Dorylaeon, with all the members Greek Orthodox Youth of South Australia. Central Youth Committee of the Central Youth Committee, past and pres- The Diary is a most valuable resource to use The Blessing of the Waters ceremony was of South Australia ent, being commemorated with an artoklasia. as an organiser on a daily basis, as well provid- held on Sunday 8th January, 2006, at Glenelg Later that evening a Vespers service took ing information about the service and youth jetty, officiated by his Grace, Bishop The St Stephan Central Youth Committee of place, which was followed by a talk at the activities of each parish in South Australia. In Nikandros of Doryleaon presiding, together South Australia will look back on the monastery of St Nectarios, Croydon Park, addition, the Diary details the saints commem- with the clergy of the Greek Orthodox Christmas and Dodekaimeron period with delivered by a visiting lay preacher, Dr John orated each day, as well as the fasting periods. Archdiocese and the non-Greek Orthodox some memorable moments. Psarommatis. Dr Psarommatis delivered an Many thanks must go to the printer, Kosta jurisdictions. enlightening talk about the life of St Stephan Stylianou from K-Stylz Graphics, as well as to Over 40 young men jumped into the water Christmas visit to St Basil’s Nursing Home and his meaning for the youth of today. everyone who helped out, be it through spon- with 20 year old Kosta Tsekouras retrieving After the talk, the 90-odd people who had shorship or binding, especially to the Cynthia the cross. The Central Youth Committee organised a gathered were served supper at the hall of the Psorakis and Angelo Karagiannis who co- The celebrations continued into day with the visit to the St Basil’s nursing home at St Peters St Basil’s Home for the Aged next to the ordinated the project and spent countless hours 26th Greek “panigiri”, organised by the Inter- on Friday 23rd December, 2005. The members church, with the opportunity to ask questions preparing everything from start to finish. Communities Council of South Australia, and fiends of the Committee that came along of Dr Psarommatis relating to the topic of his which took place at the Glenelg Foreshore. gave out Christmas cards and chatted to the talk. Cutting of the Vasilopita Dancing groups from St Demetrios, residents. The Central Youth Committee would like to Salisbury; St Spyridon, Unley; Nativity of The visit brought delight to the residents, as thank, especially, Dr John Psarommatis for the The annual blessing and cutting of the Christ, Port Adelaide; and the Pontian well as the members and friends of the time and effort he put in for delivering his talk; Vasilopita cake took place on Monday 2nd Brotherhood provided entertainment for the Committee that attended, proving the saying to as well as the parish priest, the committee and January, 2006, outside the church of St people gathered, as well as the Greek band be true, that there is joy in giving as well as philoptochos of the St Nectarios Monastery for Panteleimon, Glenelg, on the premises of the Enigma which played on the day. receiving. hosting the function and for assisting enor- Archdiocese in Adelaide. The day was made a success by the help of mously with the supper. His Grace Bishop Nikandros officiated, with all the volunteers, young and old, from Feast Day of the Central Youth Dr John Psarommatis delivering a talk to the Adelaide’s Greek Orthodox parish/communi- Committee’s patron saint, Stephan 2006 Diary faithful of Adelaide. Clergy of the Greek ties. the Archdeacon and First Martyr Orthodox Archdiocese, priests from other Many people attended the day, Greek and This period also marked the completion of a jurisdictions, Attorney General Hon Michael non-Greek Orthodox, as well as people from The feast day of our patron saint, Stephan, special project for the Central Youth Atkinson, Presidents and members of GOAA the wider community, among them Premier was celebrated on the 27th of December, 2005. Committee with the release of the 2006 Diary organizations and parish/communities and col- Hon. Mike Rann; Leader of the Opposition The day consisted of a Divine Liturgy at St published fully in English. 500 copies were leges, were in attendance as well. Hon. Rob Kerin, and other invited guests.

LEFT: Dr John Psarommatis delivering a talk at the cutting and blessing of the Vasilopita cake. CENTRE: The faithful gathered for the blessing and cutting of the Vasilopita cake. RIGHT: The youth who gathered for the talk on the life of St Stephan share supper together. FEBRUARY 2006 12/30 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Health HEALTH SMOKING: NEWS CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS! WITH DR. THEO PENKLIS * IT’S TIME TO QUIT!

So, the New Year has arrived and you have causes coronary artery disease, strokes and cir- made that New Year’s resolution to STOP culatory problems, and can increase your risk smoking ! Well! It’s not too late…it’s not of cancer , particularly lung cancer. Did you easy…but it can be done. So reconsider… know that smoking can also cause cancer of you need to be motivated. Now, it’s time! the throat, mouth, stomach, pancreas and kid- Time to Quit Smoking!!! ney? On the positive side, your risk of devel- oping lung cancer decreases greatly when you SMOKING: THE CHOICE IS YOURS stop smoking! Smoking can reduce fertility in both men It’s your choice whether to keep smoking or and women. Smoking when pregnant is a great not. Deciding what to do involves weighing up concern. It can cause miscarriage and the baby both sides of the matter. You need to consider is likely to be born premature or be under- the good and the not-so-good aspects of smok- weight. ing to make an informed decision. WEIGH UP THE PROS AND CONS THE GOOD THINGS ABOUT SMOKING So, now you know there are good ad not-so- good things about smoking. It’s time for you to We all know that you smoke because you weigh up in your own mind your feelings find it enjoyable and you find it relaxing. It about smoking. A good start is to write down goes well with a drink. It peps you up! It helps the ‘advantages’ and ‘disadvantages’ about you keep your weight down! It calms your smoking, and in the process list everything you nerves when you’re under pressure or have like about smoking and then everything you deadlines to meet. Smoking keeps you awake dislike about smoking. Spend time consider- when you feel sleepy. Smoking stops the bore- ing which side is more important to you in the BECOME A NON-SMOKER 4. a possible substitute for each cigarette, for dom. It simply gives you something to do to long term. example, a piece of fruit, a walk, a glass of pass the time, for example, while you wait for Now that you have considered the good and water. a train or bus. You know smoking helps you TIME TO QUIT bad things about smoking and understand the If you are on the telephone and need to do think! When you’re trying to figure out a prob- advantages of being a non smoker, your something with your hands, doodle on a pad lem or complete a job, a cigarette can help you After weighing up the pros and cons, you may options really are clear. There is no argument! with a pencil. Think about what you can do get over this hurdle. Smoking boosts your con- come to the decision to ‘quit’, but you may It’s time to stop smoking! Your doctor can help instead of smoking! fidence. It gives you something to do with have concerns about quitting. you do it! Talk to your doctor today! To get It is not easy to give up smoking. It requires your hands when you might feel a bit socially I know you are concerned that you have tried started, you need a plan! Your doctor will dis- hard work. Set your ‘Quit Date’ ! Prepare awkward! to quit before and failed. cuss your nicotine dependence and discuss before you quit! Make small changes in your Well, most people have to attempt to quit your smoking pattern and habit. Think about smoking habit! Reduce the number of ciga- THE NOT-SO-GOOD THINGS several times before they reach their non- your smoking! When, where and why you rettes you smoke each day! Smoke only half of ABOUT SMOKING smoking goal. Treat each setback as a learning smoke? Are you an ‘automatic smoker’ ? Do each cigarette! Start your first cigarette later in experience. Show your friends that you can do you light cigarettes without thinking about it? the morning! Each time you feel like a ciga- You know the not-so-good things about it! If this occurs, you have a well-practised habit! rette, delay having it! smoking. You know that regular smokers are I know that you’re concerned that you’re But don’t worry, with hard work you too can Start making small changes to your smoking hooked on their habit! Nicotine is the drug in motivated , but when you are with your give up smoking ! Keep a diary, writing down pattern today! tobacco that causes the addiction! If you friends, and they smoke, they will make you every cigarette you smoke over a 24 hour peri- The decision is yours to talk to your doctor smoke in the first half hour of waking up, your feel like a cigarette as well. Be ready for your od. This is a good way to begin breaking your today! Most doctors are keen to help their addiction to nicotine may be strong. friends reactions. old habit! patients stop smoking!! Smokers often have cravings for a cigarette Some will try to undermine your efforts In your diary record: 1. the time each cigarette is smoked * The information given in this article is of a gener- which increases during stress. Not only do you because they have their own guilt about smok- al nature and readers should seek advice from their smoke for pleasure, but you smoke to relieve ing and this helps them feel better! Others will 2. your mood at the time own medical practitioner before embarking on any the cravings; that is you smoke to relieve the make fun of your efforts for similar reasons! 3. the situation you are in treatment. unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Smoking Sometimes you may need to avoid these peo- can easily become quite a habit , particularly if ple for the first few weeks, but alternatively it is strongly linked with daily activities such you can challenge them to join you! It’s good Christian Dior, Gucci, Calvin Klein as drinking coffee or alcohol or using the tele- to stop smoking with a friend! Some people phone. will be very supportive and most will respect Katerina + Kyriacos Mavrolefteros You know smoking reduces your fitness. You you in the long run when you achieve your Dean Psarakis & Mary Krithinakis can feel breathless when climbing stairs or goal. walking. This can occur because the carbon So, you don’t really have the willpower! Of monoxide gas in cigarette smoke reduces the course you do! Willpower is the will to change OPTOMETRISTS oxygen level in the body and causes you to tire and a measure of the strength of your desire more easily whenever you exert yourself. If and confidence to stop smoking! you have a heart condition and you smoke, you are more likely to have chest pain (angina) When you start to quit, you will get irritable because of the lower oxygen level. Your and feel sick as the withdrawal symptoms breathing may also be affected by the damage begin in your body as the nicotine starts to dis- to your lungs from the tar in cigarette smoke. appear. But, all the nicotine will have left your 874 Anzac Parade, Maroubra Junction You know smoking ages your skin. Smokers body within three to four days and it takes ten develop deep and shallow lines on the cheeks to twelve days for your body to adjust. Using (at bus stop, on RTA block) and lower jaw and the face develops gauntness nicotine replacements, (such as tablets, patch- and a yellow colour. es,lozenges or gum)increasing your exercise, TEL: (02) 9314-0393 You know smoking smells unpleasant. It can eating fresh fruit and vegetables and drinking [email protected] also reduce your sense of taste and ability to plenty of water in this period, can help during enjoy food. Smoking can affect other people, this difficult time. Your body will adjust and often your relatives and friends are not happy this period of readjustment is brief. We have over 1,200 spectacle frames about your smoking. Children, asthmatics and Think of the advantages of stopping smok- 114624

and sunglasses on display! Silhouette, Adidas, Carrera allergy sufferers can be badly affected by small ing! You will feel like a new person, free of amounts of smoke. addiction. You will smell and feel better! The You know smoking harms your health. It worry of smoking will be off your shoulders!

Serengeti, Dolce & Gabbana, YSL Polo Ralph Lauren, Oakley, La font FEBRUARY 2006 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 13/31

Dr Ken Michael sworn in as Governor of W.A.

On the 18th January 2006, at Government bilities facing us. House, Perth, His Excellency the In general, the Governor has three funda- Honourable D K Malcolm, AC, Lieute- mental roles – a constitutional role, a ceremo- nant-Governor and Chief Justice swore in nial role and a community role. Dr Ken Michael, AM as Governor of Each is significant and important in its own Western Australia. Following this, His right. Excellency Dr Ken Michael, and Mrs The constitutional role is the business of gov- Michael attended a Reception hosted by ernment and reflects the very nature of the Hon. E Ripper, MLA, Acting Premier. parliamentary system that we have. I appre- ciate even more the need to represent the peo- In his address, Dr Ken Michael, AM, stated ple in administering the government of the the following: State to the best of my ability. The ceremonial role is self-evident and there Hon. Eric Ripper, MLA, Acting Premier of are many occasions where this takes place. It Western Australia, and Hon. Ljiljanna is an important role and one which provides Ravlich, MLC, Minister for Education and the opportunity to acknowledge, to pay trib- Training ute, to express appreciation and, indeed, to The Honourable David Malcolm, AC, celebrate as the occasion demands. Lieutenant-Governor and Chief Justice, and The community is the remaining significant Mrs Kaaren Malcolm role, and it’s one that we are very much look- Ministers of the Crown ing forward to “adding some value”. There President of the Legislative Council are numerous patronages of very worthy Former Premiers causes that, in themselves, demonstrate the Leader of the Opposition valuable support provided by volunteers in Distinguished Guests this State, and indeed in Australia. Our family and friends, some of whom have It is our intention to provide our strong sup- travelled to Perth for the occasion port to these groups. We are very keen to visit Ladies and Gentlemen The new Governor of W. Australia, Dr Ken MIchael, with his wife Mrs Julie Michael all regional centres, where we can engage directly with local communities, including I also would like to begin by acknowledging Australia has a rich indigenous culture, each of you has a role to play. indigenous communities. the traditional owners of this land – the which fortunately we have come to appreciate For me, it reflects a microcosm of my life We are hopeful of visiting each of the region- Nyoongar people – where Government House more and more in recent years. and gives cause, from my perspective in any al centres throughout the State early in our was built 143 years ago. I would like to thank Kim Collard who has case, to make a remark or two on the person- term. reflected this so well in his Nyoongar al relationships this creates. Working closely with these communities in Thank you all for attending this ceremony. I “Welcome to Country”. My main career has been as a public servant this way will, I believe, help us enormously to am very touched by your response and appre- Thank you, Kim, for such a warm welcome. – a proud one at that. I also have been privi- gain an understanding of the way in which we ciate your time and support being here. I think it is of great importance to our strong leged to have had a number of other public can offer our support. I would especially like to thank the Acting future as a State that we must continue to service type roles that have given me the I am optimistic about the future of our State Premier, Hon. Eric Ripper for hosting this work at showing better respect and under- opportunity to serve the community and the and its people. very special occasion. standing of Western Australia’s Indigenous State. Its richness and its diversity add value to the I would also like to express my appreciation people and their culture and their history. As has been said, I am the son of Greek quality of life. to the Lieutenant Governor, Hon. David I look forward to meeting and talking with migrants. I am a proud Australian, indeed We are a State with a strong community spir- Malcolm for officiating at this swearing in Aboriginal Western Australians, and learning Western Australian, and I am proud of my cul- it, on which we can reflect with some pride. ceremony in his capacity as Chief Justice and more about their views on the way forward for tural background. My story would not be very We are a land of opportunity. Although also for undertaking the role as Administrator reconciliation. different from many others here today, what- opportunities invariably lie before us, it is up since the departure of the previous Governor The various cultures from the many countries ever community or culture they represent. to each of us to recognise those opportunities Lieutenant General John Sanderson. represented by the people who came here I was born and educated in Perth. I am and to grasp them enthusiastically. I would particularly like to pay tribute to our after European settlement have added their pleased that two key institutions that played a We never stop learning – nor should we – previous Governor and Mrs Sanderson. They own special elements and touches, and significant part in my fundamental education and opportunities can often arise through this enthusiastically went about their tasks through good times and bad, we can claim to are represented here today, not only through learning process. throughout the State and left a warm and gen- have a rich multicultural society. individual colleagues of mine, but by being an As I reflect on the particular opportunity to erous spirit wherever they went. The out- In recognition of the nature of this occasion, integral part of this ceremony with their musi- take up the role of Governor, I cannot begin to standing contribution they made in their and in view of these comments, my response cal performances. express the pride and excitement this presents respective roles and the support they gave will will inevitably prompt a personal reflection. Of course, I refer to the School of Music of to us both. leave a lasting impression on us all. I would like to make reference to some par- The University of Western Australia and We will earnestly endeavour to undertake Before responding to the Acting Premier’s ticular words from the moving poem by His Perth Modern School. I would like to express our respective roles with dignity, with com- comments, I would like to say a few words Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, presented so my appreciation to them both. mitment, with dedication and with great about Dr Geoff Gallop. capably by Professor Haskell. I would also I have had many opportunities in the devel- humility. I would like to express my deepest appreci- like to thank His Eminence for travelling from opment of my career along the way; many This privileged position gives us the oppor- ation to Dr Gallop for entrusting me with the Sydney to be with us today. have been hard-fought, but nonetheless added tunity to make a positive contribution to the significant and important role of Governor of The words in the poem: “Because here the another dimension to my life. I am indebted people and to the State of Western Australia. my home State, and for the support he has first dreams were cradled”, have special sig- to many for their support – to my family, to my We will grasp this opportunity with great given to me and to my wife, Julie. It is indeed nificance to me as, I am sure, to many of you colleagues and to my friends. enthusiasm as we look forward to the journey a great privilege and honour. also. Whenever I have the opportunity, and today before us. We were very saddened to hear of his ill They cause me to remember how fortunate is a special case in point, I acknowledge the health, which caused him to feel he could no we all are to live in a country that offers so support of Perth Legacy and the then On 22 January, at Government House, His longer continue as Premier and as a member many opportunities; in a State that is so Repatriation Department during my early Excellency Dr Ken Michael, AM, Governor of Parliament. dynamic and offers such a high quality of life years, particularly in respect of the education- of Western Australia, received His Eminence I did not want this moment to pass by with- through its range of culture, beauty and cli- al support and encouragement I received. Archbishop Stylianos, Primate of the Greek out acknowledging the great contribution Dr mate. From my perspective, it was through this Orthodox Church in Australia, accompanied Gallop has made to this State, ably supported My wife, Julie, will, of course, play a key part invaluable initial support that “the first by Bishop Nikandros of Dorylaeon, by his wife Bev, and to express our apprecia- in this role and it will be very much a team dreams were cradled”, which in turn gave me Archdeacon Sophronios Konidaris and Mr S tion to them both. effort – which is not a strange concept to her the personal opportunity to embark on a Palassis, Vice President of the Archdiocesan We wish him a speedy recovery to enjoy a as she has been my support and encourage- career. Council of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese healthy life with his family, and a future filled ment for more than 40 years. Julie and I now find ourselves in a new situ- of Australia with promise. The poem, and these words in particular, ation and we have been busily preparing for it At the luncheon, which followed, Dr Again, may I express my appreciation to the caused me also to reflect on my past, the pres- for some months. There certainly has been Michael thanked His Eminence Archbishop Acting Premier for his kind words and for his ent and what lies before us. some excitement in the air for us both – and a Stylianos for conducting a very moving warm response to Julie and me and to my All of you collectively represent a cross sec- keen sense of anticipation – as we began to Church Service that morning and for hosting family. tion of the community of this great State and appreciate, more and more, the new responsi- this very special lunch. FEBRUARY 2006 14/32 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

CLINICAL INSIGHTS INTO HEALTH AND NATURAL SOLUTIONS

Depression a positive event in woman’s life. In fact, in Good sources of phytoestrogens: Lack of energy many cultures of the world, most women do not · Legumes: chick peas, soy beans, lentils Joint pains experience the symptoms associated with · Soy products: soy beans, soy flour, soy milk, Hair loss menopause. In a study of rural Mayan Indians, tofu, soy bread, soya sprouts BY CHRISTINA SCALONE* Osteoporosis no woman experienced hot flashes or any other · Vegetables and herbs: parsley, aniseed, BHSc, Dip. Bot. Med, Dip. symptom and no woman showed evidence of sage, fennel, French beans, celery Hom, Dip. Nut Some of the above symptoms are also just a osteoporosis. Mayan women saw menopause · Seeds and grains: linseed/flaxseed meal, natural part of the ageing process and can affect as a positive event, providing acceptance as a corn, oats, barley, rye and buckwheat middle-aged men just as much as they affect respected elder as well as relief from child-bear- women. It is therefore important not to blame ing. Weaker sources of phytoestrogens include: everything on the menopause. · Vegetables: red beans, slit peas, olives, carrots, There are also some women who sail through Exercise: Studies indicate that regular physical cabbage, broccoli, potato, pumpkin, beetroot, the menopause. They do not experience any exercise decreases frequency and severity of squash and garlic symptoms and all that happens is their period hot flashes; women exercising can pass through · Grains and seeds: sunflower seeds, sesame stop. a natural menopause without hormone replace- seeds, wheat and rice A surgical or artificial menopause may be ment therapy (HRT). Regular exercise is also · Fruit: cherries, plums, and apples induced by a radical hysterectectomy or bilater- beneficial to mood, bone health and cardiovas- al oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries). cular wellness. Possible nutritional supplements: Obviously in this type of menopause the symp- · Vitamins – vitamin C, vitamin E, beta toms occur more suddenly and are often more Health benefits of regular exercise during carotene, vitamin B complex severe. Twice as many women who have expe- menopause: · Coenzyme Q10 Menopause rienced a surgical menopause seek medical Reduced hot flashes · Minerals- calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium assistance to treat the symptoms when com- Reduced blood pressure · Essential fatty acids (GLA from evening prim- For several decades, there has been a tenden- pared to women with a natural menopause. Decreased blood cholesterol levels rose oil) cy to view the menopause not as a natural tran- Women who have a hysterectomy but do not Decreased bone loss sition in women’s lives but as a medical prob- have both ovaries removed are still likely to Improved ability to deal with stress Botanical medicines: lem that needs to be managed. Menopause is a experience menopause at an earlier age. Improved circulation · Uterine tonics are beneficial. Their effects are natural step in the process of ageing and every Improved heart function from phytoestrogens and their ability to woman experiences this transition in a unique What treatments are available? Improved oxygen and nutrient utilization improve blood flow to female organs and there- and individual way. By understanding the The menopause is often seen as a deficiency Increased endurance and energy levels by nourish and tone these organs. menopause and the treatment options available, disease in that we reach a certain age and our Increased self esteem, and mood · Angelica sinensis (Dong Quai) – Historical women can make the best health decisions for hormones decline. So by replacing hormones use in Asia for hot flashes; a good uterine tonic; their lives as they adapt to their own changes with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), Cigarette smoking: greatly increases the risk has oestrogenic activity. It improves liver and and continue to live healthily through the tran- we have a treatment for the menopause. HRT of early menopause. uterine function. sitions. was originally introduced in 1930s and med- Diet: · Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) - It has oestro- ically become a popular treatment for The most important dietary recommendation gen-like activity. What is menopause? menopausal symptoms. However, in the last may be to increase the amount of plant foods · Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree) – The berries Menopause denotes the cessation of menstru- few years a number of good clinical trials have especially those high in phytoestrogens, while have been used historically for female com- ation in woman. It is important to emphasise shown that the risks of taking HRT, in terms of reducing the amount of animal foods in the diet. plaints. It has profound effect on pituitary gland that the menopause is a natural event, not an ill- higher risks of breast cancer, heart disease, There is also a protective effect that comes from (that controls other hormone levels in our ness. It usually occurs when a woman reaches strokes and thrombosis (clots) do not outweigh eating fruit and vegetables against chronic body). the age of fifty but may occur as early as 40 and the benefits. degenerative disease like breast cancer, arthritis, · Cimicifuga racemosa (Black cohosh) - Widely as late as 55 years of age. Six to twelve months We also know that research into other cultures heart disease and cataracts. used by American Indians for menstrual cramps without a menstrual period is the commonly shows that menopause is not experienced in the and menopause. It helps to relieve symptoms accepted rule for diagnosing menopause. same way by all women. Research has also Phytoestrogen containing foods: like hot flashes and depression. It is a suitable Often the term menopause is used incorrectly shown that in those cultures the women have a Phytoestrogens (‘Phyto’ means plant) are nat- alternative to hormone replacement therapy to describe the time in a woman’s life where the lower risk of breast cancer, heart disease and urally occurring substances in food that have a (HRT) for menopause, especially in cases menstrual cycle has begun to slow down. osteoporosis, which are long-term health risks hormone like action. They have a balancing where HRT may be contraindicated (e.g. in his- However, this time signals that menopause is to women. effect on oestrogen. For example, if oestrogen tory of cancer, unexplained uterine bleeding, approaching and is more correctly referred to as The key to a healthy menopause is to be levels are low, phytoestrogens will cause an liver and gall bladder disease, pancreatitis, the climacteric (from Greek “klimacter” for accomplished through diet, nutritional supple- increase in oestrogen and if oestrogen levels are endometriosis, uterine fibroids or fibrocystic ‘critical time’) or, more commonly ‘peri- mentation, the use of botanical medicines and high, phytoestrogens will cause a decrease in breast disease. menopause’, which literally means ‘around exercise. oestrogen effects since they bind to oestrogen- · Ginkgo biloba – It is helpful in improving the menopause’. The time period after menopause Because menopause is such an important time receptor sites thereby competing with oestro- blood circulation to extremities and brain. is referred as ‘postmenopausal’. in a woman’s life we recommend consulting a gen. Because of the balancing action of phytoe- Therefore helps with the symptoms like cold It is generally believed that a daughter will physician to perform the following: strogens on oestrogen effects, it is common to hands and feet as well as forgetfulness and experience menopause at a similar age to her · Detailed personal and family medical history find the same plant or food recommended for memory. mother, the same applies for the menarche (the · Breast exam (yearly) and instruction on breast conditions of oestrogen excess (such as pre- beginning of menstrual periods). self-examination menstrual syndrome) as well as conditions of Homoeopathic medicines: Menopause does not mean that there is a total · Pelvic examination oestrogen deficiencies (such as menopause and Homoeopathic remedies can help to improve lack of oestrogen (female hormone). Instead the · The following laboratory tests- menstrual irregularities). the symptoms of menopause. Depending upon levels of oestrogen decline and become insuffi- o Complete blood count A high intake of phytoestrogens is thought to the individual’s symptoms these remedies are cient to support fertility and the menstrual o Cholesterol evaluation, including explain why hot flashes and other menopausal chosen by a qualified homoeopath. cycle. HDL, LDL and VLDL symptoms rarely occur in cultures in which As discussed above, many natural measures o Thyroid function panel, including people consume a predominantly plant based can help alleviate the most common symptoms What symptoms could you experience in T3, T4 and TSH diet. Increasing the intake of dietary phytoestro- of menopause. However in women at high risk menopause? o Mammography gens help decrease hot flashes, inhibit osteo- for osteoporosis and women who have already The most common complaints of menopause o Baseline bone densitometry porosis and other menopausal complications. A experienced significant bone loss, hormone are hot flashes, which can be accompanied by diet rich in phytoestrogens results in a replacement therapy (HRT) may be appropri- increased heart rate, headaches, dizziness, After the initial evaluation, these tests should decreased frequency of breast, colon, and ate. Therefore it is important to seek proper pro- weight gain, fatigue and insomnia. be repeated every year. The bone density stud- prostate cancer. fessional advice so that a specific treatment plan About 65 - 80 % of menopausal women expe- ies can be used as a gauge of whether hormone Phytoestrogen containing foods and herbs can be tailored to suit your individual needs. rience hot flashes that can be the first sign that replacement therapy is necessary. offer significant advantages over the use of menopause is approaching and may begin prior oestrogens in the treatment of menopausal to cessation of menses. In most cases, hot flash- Lifestyle considerations: symptoms. While synthetic oestrogens may * Christina Scalone is a very experienced and successful es are most uncomfortable in first couple of Social and cultural factors contribute greatly pose significant health risks, including years of menopause. As body adapts to naturopath with over 20 years experience. She holds a to how women react to menopause. Modern increased risk of cancer, gall bladder disease, Degree in Health Science, a Diploma in Botanical Medi- decreased oestrogen, hot flashes subside. society values everlasting youth, along with strokes and heart disease (due to clots), phytoe- cine, Diploma in Homoeopathy and a Diploma in Nutri- Other symptoms may also include- tion. She has maintained a full time practice, has held a devaluing of older women. Cultural view of strogens have not been associated with these Night sweats menopause is directly related to symptoms of position as a senior practioner/ naturopathic consultant, a side effects. In fact, experimental studies with clinic manager and trainer for Blackmores and is a clinic Irritability menopause; if the view is negative, symptoms animals have demonstrated that phytoestrogens Mood swings student supervisor as well as a lecturer at the Australian are common. In many cultures, menopause is are extremely effective in inhibiting breast College of Natural Therapies. She also maintains her own Vaginal dryness viewed as a natural part of the life process and tumours. private practice with successful results. Ageing skin FEBRUARY 2006 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 15/33 FEBRUARY 2006 16/34 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA FEBRUARY 2006 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 17/35 Food & Wine Lay the table... By Imogen Coward Choose your vegetables: green vegetables with either red, orange or yel- Cutlery and Glassware: Meat, fish and poultry are, from a visual per- low ones. Also, be sure to slightly undercook Balance is the key. Cutlery and glassware have They say that with any food, the first bite spective, rather boring as they only come in vegetables such as spinach, broccoli or aspara- to not only look good and be practical, they is taken with the eyes. Ask any chef and various shades of brown, pink-ish brown and gus as it retains not only the flavour and nutri- also have to feel good in the hands. Choose they’ll tell you that, along with fresh, high white. Vegetables on the other hand offer a ents, but it also their vibrant green colour. pieces/sets that have a nice weight, balance quality ingredients, careful preparation veritable kaleidoscope of colours. One of the and finish. As expensive as it may be, you sim- and cooking, artistic and stylish presenta- reasons Mediterranean food often looks so Crockery: ply can’t go past crystal for visually stunning tion of food is an integral part of a good appetising is that it combines red, green and White crockery is a fantastic. It shows off all glasses and decanters. Plain crystal offers dish. With a little care, thought, and a few white ingredients (think of pizza with the the vivid colours of food and serves as a blank unparalleled clarity while cut crystal offers a essential, aesthetically pleasing pieces of tomato/salami, basil and mozzarella or per- canvas for the artistic arrangement of food. unique charm of its own. If your meal involves crockery, cutlery and glassware even the haps a Greek salad with greens, tomatoes and The only disadvantage is that once the food wine and you or your guests like to ‘inspect’ most simple dishes can become restaurant fetta). To bring a plate alive, search for colour- has been consumed the table can look rather the wine before drinking (looking, sniffing, class fare. ful and unusual ingredients and try to serve plain and empty. To keep it looking impres- slurping etc.) then be sure to use plain crystal sive, try using decorated and coloured/pat- glasses. terned serving bowls and dishes. Blue and white bowls and platters are particularly good Table setting: as they show off all types of food without Once all the bits and pieces are assembled, the detracting or competing visually with the food last element is to bring them together success- or with plain white crockery. Also, while fully. If you’re using white or two-coloured round plates are useful, why not experiment plainly patterned crockery it’s often good to with some more unusual shaped dinner plates. use a coloured table cloth and serviette rings so A N N O U N C E M E N T Square plates are particularly useful for entrees the table is still interesting after the food has and deserts while oval or rectangular plates are been consumed. More highly patterned crock- GREEK SCOUTING especially good for a main meal. ery though needs a plain background and white tablecloths work well. E n r o l m e n t s To make an impressive setting it’s not essential that all the crockery is the same design, rather, Last but not least, they say that beauty increas- With the blessing of our Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos who is match the plates with the food that will be es in the candle-light. So too does the aesthet- also the President of the Greek Orthodox Scout Committee of the served on them and so long the crockery has a ic appeal of food. Dimmed lights and flicker- Archdiocese, the members of the Greek Orthodox Parishes are encouraged to common colour theme and, if applicable, a ing candles not only add a cosy ambience to a establish Greek Scout Groups. similar style of patterning you can mix and meal but perhaps they also sharpen our olfac- match. Also, be sure to choose good quality tory senses by cutting down on the visual The aim of Scouting is to encourage the physical, intellectual, social, emo- crockery that is well made, not overly thick or information we can receive. tional and spiritual development of young people so that they take a con- heavy and has a good, even glaze, especially if structive place in society as responsible and successful citizens. you’re using plain white crockery. Bon apetit! By participating in a Greek Orthodox Scout Group, boys and girls will bene- fit from the additional Greek cultural program and the opportunity to prac- tice and improve their knowledge of the Greek Orthodox faith and the Greek language. Towards this goal, adult Leaders are available and have been trained for the Wine Review function of Cub Scout units (7 to 10 ½ yrs) at the Parishes of St.Euphemia - By Imogen Coward Bankstown, All Saints – Belmore, and St Stylianos – Sutherland. Quiz time! It is celebrated and notorious tip- ple drunk by some of history’s most colourful You are invited to participate in the Scouting Movement either by enrolling bohemian characters including Mata Hari and your children or becoming a Leader or an Assistant. Currently more adults the artist Vincent Van Gogh. Guessed what it are needed to be trained as Leaders. Can you help? is yet? No? It was, for a time, banned, has hal- lucinatory powers if drunk habitually or to To enrol your children, please contact: excess and featured prominently in Baz Luhrmann’s film “Moulin Rouge”. The For the Parish of St Euphemia – Bankstown answer... Mr Chris Koliris, Chairman of the Scout Committee Fax 95920301 Mr Mathew Andrews, Group Leader tel.96740154 Absinth Famous for its association with the bohemian Miss Catherine Kevgas, Cub Scout Leader tel. 95696692 lifestyle of Parisian artists in the 19th century Father Panayiotis, tel. 87096908 absinth is the only drink to have the distinc- tion of becoming extinct worldwide after it For the Parish of All Saints – BELMORE was banned, first by the French government Mr. A. Tsoutsa, Principal of the School and Chairman of the Scout 1915, following its association with the poi- soning of the brains of those who habitually Committee tel. 97187715 drank it. The mental illness associated with Mr. George Trochalis, Group Leader Fax 95920301 absinth consumption is almost certainly Mr. Elia Keranis, Cub Scout Leader tel. 87041813 linked to the use of wormwood (which con- Father Christo tel. 97891659 tains a toxic oil “thujone”) as a flavouring agent. Absinth however has recently enjoyed something of a revival and modern versions For the Parish of St Stylianos - SUTHERLAND containing a carefully controlled amount of Mr. H. Exikanas, Chairman of the Scout Committee, Fax 95920301 wormwood have found their way back onto Mr. Louis Soravias, Group Leader tel. 95893099 liquor store shelves. Absinth is a Pastis and, Mrs. Litsa Zikidis, Cub Scout Leader tel. 95809002 like its tame cousins Pernod and Ouzo, it is Father Constantine tel.95266577 flavoured primarily with liquorice or anise. Not dissimilar to ouzo in taste it has a more medicinal, herb-like flavour, less sweetness Also, for enrolments, general information and to participate as an adult and a significantly higher alcohol content Leader or Assistant, after training, (usually about 60%). The traditional way to well as being a aperitif, absinth also makes an serve absinth is to balance a sugar cube on a Contact the Commissioner for Greek Scouts, unusual and surprisingly good flavouring slotted spoon (a tea-strainer will do) suspend- with plain ice-cream. You only need a few Mr. George Papadimitriou James PhC, MPS, JP ed above a glass containing absinth and then drops over the top though to flavour a scoop! Tel 95671835, Fax 95920301 Email: pour very cold water (an equal amount to the Correspondence: 16 Crewe Street, Bardwell Park 2207 absinth) over the cube and into the glass. As Cost: around $12 for a small 40ml bottle FEBRUARY 2006 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 18/36 Travel Lefkada’s local colour An island of many facets, Lefkada surprises even the most demanding traveller Its name means white (leukos in Greek), but it could just as easily have been named Prasinada (or Green). The northern tip is so flat it barely skims the sea while the south- ern point soars dizzyingly above the waves and several peaks between them rise higher than a thousand metres. It’s an island and yet you can drive there. This is Lefkada, a place full of contradictions, that refuses to be pigeon-holed.

Lefkada, or more formally Lefkas, belongs to the Ionian chain, called in Greek the Eptanisa after the seven largest of them. This is another misnomer because there are at least seventeen The marina at Nydri A Venetian bell tower is an emblem of the Italian other inhabited islands and dozens more A beach at Agios Nikitas influence on the island deserted ones in the archipelago, many of them spattering the sea between Lefkada, the main- tened some of the prettiest towns in the coun- size meccano set contraption. Standing next to Sappho’s Leap, otherwise known as Cape land and Ithaki and Kefalonia to the south. The try. Under Venetian rule for four hundred 17th-century stone churches, they could not be Doukato, at the southernmost tip of Lefkada. proximity of their almost infinite coves and years, their architecture reflected Italy and the more incongruous. Sadly, the churches them- How did the renowned poetess get there? Did sheltered bays has made Lefkada the sailing Renaissance; their churches were baroque not selves are usually locked. Although many of she have to travel so far from Lesvos to find a capital of the Ionian, if not Greece - one label Byzantine, and no minarets needled their skies. them survived the ‘48 earthquake, another cliff dramatic enough to throw herself over? that actually fits. The islanders faced rebuilding in various strong quake in 2003 severely cracked walls The story goes that she was rejected by a man, Unless you’re on a yacht, you approach ways. The Zantiots reconstructed their town and ceilings, and they have yet to be repaired. that a temple of Apollo stood at the site of Lefkada via a straight road that cuts through a stone by stone; the army corps of engineers But one was open, so I stepped in for a look at today’s abandoned lighthouse, that young lagoon. On one side an amorphous hump of bulldozed Argostoli into even greater rubble the elaborate iconstasis and Italianate icons Romans used to emulate her but hedged their grey stone - one of the area’s four forts - inter- and erected boring but functional houses as that are so typically Ionian. bets by donning feathers and having a friend rupts the tangled green of the swamp; on the fast as they could. The people of Lefkada, on Inside, a little old lady was fussing with the with a boat wait below. other, low islets ride like half-sunken barges on the other hand, thought the solution lay in candles. Instead of casting the malevolent eye Legends abound but the panoramic vista is the glassy surface of the water, as they do on making their houses light and flexible. Thus, usually thrown at a foreign woman wearing its own reward. Ithaki and Kefalonia look the outer reaches of the Venetian Lido. Here the ground floors consist of a wooden frame shorts, she smiled and said, “Italia”? close enough to swim to, the white cliffs of and there egrets peck at delicacies in the mud. filled with stones and bricks sealed by a thin Half an hour later, after listening to her dissect Meganisi a scimitar slash against the eastern Most of the time, you cross onto the island coat of plaster while the upper floor is all international politics, the Greek Church and horizon. with barely a pause to glance at the castle of wood, covered with corrugated metal to pro- the state of the economy, peppered with hilari- We bumped back over 15 minutes of bad Santa Maura, which guards the 20-metre-wide tect the wood from the Ionian’s heavy rains. ous observations and anecdotes, F and I reluc- road, past the honey stands and fir forests and canal that severs Lefkada from the mainland. The result might have been a shanty town, but tantly dragged ourselves away. “You’ll find, “ took the turn down to Vassiliki, the windsurf- The first trench was dug by colonists from for an imaginative coat of paint. Paying no said F “that Lefkadans don’t fit the mould. ing mecca of the Ionian if not all of Greece. Corinth in the 7th century BC. The castle itself heed to conventions governing matching and They’re hard-working, tremendous teasers and The place had changed enormously since we is a vestige of later conquerors - Venetians and clashing, each homeowner painted his walls deep thinkers.” were last there fifteen years ago. Catamarans, Turks - while the saint, who gave her name to the shade he wanted. No house is the same; I realised she was right. None of the people dinghies and windsurfers were wallowing in the entire island when the Venetians ruled, was violet, orange, yellow, red, green, pink, apricot we had talked to in the previous three days of the shallows on that windless day. Broad quays a virgin martyr revered by Lefkada’s first and brown may all coexist in the same block. exploring the island had been ordinary. Take lined the waterfront, four-storey hotels Christians. Talk about local colour, the effect is charming. Yerasimos Filippas, who owned the hotel we climbed the hill opposite. Strangest of all was But sometimes, you have to wait while the “It’s cheerful, counteracts their tendency to stayed in at Agios Nikitas. His Ostria was the the Slavic language adorning the menus out- floating bridge swings open to allow a proces- melancholy,” said F, who grew up in Athens. first pension in the fishing port that is now side every taverna. sion of yachts to file through. When I first went “We don’t have the brightness and openness of Lefkada’s nicest west coast tourist enclave. “It’s Czech”, explained Nasia, our young to Lefkada in 1969, sailboats congregated at the Cyclades. On the other hand, Lefkada has He’d gone fishing himself the morning we waitress. “We built too many rooms after the Nydri, halfway down the east coast. Not only more than its share of university professors, arrived and invited us to join his feast. We’d English started up the windsurfing schools, was it safe and lush but it also faced Skorpios, writers (like Sikelianos, Karyotakis and chatted on his terrace until 2am. and now we can’t fill all of them. So people which had hit the headlines the year before Valaoritis), and creative people, like Agni From him we learned that all Lefkada’s toma- started working with Czech agencies and even when Onassis made Jackie Kennedy his wife Baltsa, whose father was a taxi driver here.” to red roofs are being gradually resurfaced though the rents are minimal, the rooms are there. Now the celebrities have vanished, As we plunged deeper into the back streets, with pale terracotta tiles, that the villages in the full for six months a year. The Czechs stuff Nydri has succumbed to honky-tonk tourism, F dipped into every shop like a hummingbird. interior have revived and that we would still their suitcases with food - tins, even spaghetti and the yachts have a brand new marina at She introduced us to Sideris, a watercolourist see women wearing the long brown skirts, - so they don’t eat out often but when they do, Lefkada town. surrounded by his paintings of the island; to grey aprons, beige chemises and black or we’re ready for them.” Here a forest of masts fences in the elegant one of the Regnantos boys, whose family run brown tasselled shawls of earlier generations. Was this the island’s future? Tourism on the post-modern buildings that house facilities, Lefkada’s best known taverna; to It’s at Agios Nikitas that you get your first taste cheap. “We should have used Pelion as a restaurants and spiffy hotels. The quay oppo- Papadopoulos the baker, who “makes the best of ‘white Lefkada.’ The road climbs above the model,” said a woman who ran an embroidery site hums as buses and taxis unload flotilla pastries in Greece,” until we came to the main town through olive groves of the Corfu variety shop in Karyes, the biggest mountain village. crews, traffic comes to a standstill, and gor- square, where her grandfather’s house still - tall and unruly - until it suddenly bursts out “We let people get away with doing what they geous guys languidly flirt on cellphones from stands opposite the turquoise prefectural hall. above a long white beach. Beyond the village, wanted instead of setting standards.” a few well-placed benches. “He was in the wine business. Lefkada’s where colonial-looking pastel buildings front- Up here amidst the walnut trees, a few kilo- What had happened to the town I remem- grapes are not ‘grand cru’ material but its wine ed with wooden balconies still outnumber anti- metres and an ocean of olives away from the bered? The drowsy, slightly shabby capital of was in great demand in France and Italy. Not seismic cement constructions, the coast is a madness of Nydri, Lefkada’s beauty has bare- the past seemed to have disappeared behind a for its taste but for its colour. It’s such a deep series of white beaches sliced from the base of ly been touched by tourism. As we drove down wall of fastfoodadika and cafes crammed with red they use it for vermouth and for tinting increasingly precipitous limestone cliffs. the mountain, a flock of bright parachutes frappe-sippers. To balance the smart marina, a their own paler wines. Pappou was the first to I had never seen these beaches before. On caught our eye. large white theatre was being added to a new sell them the idea and export it.” previous visits the road south of Agios Nikitas Like huge butterflies, about a dozen surfers cultural centre on the northern waterfront. As we walked down the main street, it was was prohibitively atrocious, but now it is 95 had harnessed the air to ride the waves off the Were it not for a dear friend, I doubt we would my turn to dive into the shops. Instead of sou- percent asphalted. Yira, the spit of sand that encircles the lagoon have ventured behind this facade. venirs, they sold traditional sweets, cheeses, The only deterrent is the number of steps you northwest of the town. With F as guide, we parked at the Cultural honey, sausages and embroideries. These last have to go down and then up if you want a There was nothing else along the miles of Centre, which also contains a fine little archae- feature delicate gold thread sewn into small swim. We decided to admire them from above: beach except four armless windmills and a tav- ological museum, and slipped into the back geometric patterns on a cream fabric, but the milky sands hundreds of feet below toe-curl- erna or two. streets. Immediately, we entered what may be pastelli (sesame bars), nougat and almond con- ing sheer rocks, swirling azure water arranging Lefkada wears a coat of many colours, and it the most unusual village in Greece. Except for fections proved harder to resist. itself in hypnotic patterns around boulders and shouldn’t be hard to find a hue that suits you. Corfu and Paxi, the four main islands in the Munching on delectable and more nourishing bathers. And a word to the wise. If you want to enjoy Ionian have suffered tremendously from earth- wedges of spinach pie, we passed other exam- After sampling bird’s eye views of Kathisma, Lefkada, do not go there in August. quakes. The worst, in 1948 in Lefkada and ples of Lefkadan idiosyncratic architecture: Yialos (from a leafy terrace at Athani), 1953 in Ithaki, Kefalonia and Zakynthos, flat- bell towers made of girders like a child’s over- Egremini and Porto Katsiki, we set off for ATHENS NEWS FEBRUARY 2006 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 19/37

Many of these born, educated Karamanlis Is the EYEIs the only EYE only and communic demands our community government thethe windowwindow to to our our soul? soul?The Year 2006 Theological C unity y Kaliope Kariatlis - B.Optom (Hons) How to protect your eyes from UV. cant achievem UNSW) tinue the good A CLOSER LOOK AT MYOPIA surface layer of the eye (the cornea) is reshaped with the use of a laser. The cornea is flattened and this allows the light entering Myopia, also referred to as short-sightedness, is a condition the eye not to be bent as much. Again this causes light to focus which makes distant objects look blurred. People with myopia on the retina making distant objects clear once more. have problems with seeing things such as the television clearly Many people often ask: “am I suitable for laser surgery if I have or road signs when driving (especially at night). myopia?”; “is it safe?”; “will I be able to throw away my glass- It is important to realise that there are other conditions that can es for ever?”. The answers to these questions are so varied that also affect distance vision, such as astigmatism (which results no one answer can satisfy everyone. from uneven curvature of the cornea) and larger degrees of People should keep in mind that there are risks involved with hyperopia (long-sightedness) - these conditions will be discussed any form of surgery. Therefore, from my point of view, it makes in the following months. It is best for any person experiencing sense that any one considering the option of laser surgery consid- blurry vision to seek the advice of an Optometrist in order to ers this carefully and has adequate reasons to undertake such sur- have their condition properly diagnosed. gery (eg: frustration over having to wear glasses all the time; allergies to contact lenses; or, somebody, for example, who is a What causes myopia? professional sportsman, has an allergy to contact lenses and can- In a ‘normal’ eye, when light enters the front of the eye it is not see without glasses). The long term effects of laser surgery Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis bent by the cornea and the lens, so it is focussed on the retina. are still unknown and the procedure is continually being refined to improve its safety and precision. As to the need for no glasses ORESTIS PANAGIOTOU/ANA after surgery, this cannot be guaranteed for everyone (it is best to seek individual advice from your Optometrist or As the new Cabinet was sworn in, Prime Minister Ophthalmologist). Costas Karamanlis immediately called for his ministers to stick together and push on with the reforms the con- Can myopia cause blindness? servatives have already begun. Yes! High levels of myopia can cause certain complications «Understanding, coordination and togetherness on the within the eyeball which can result in blindness. In many cases, path of reforms,» Karamanlis said as he addressed his people with a large degree of myopia have a longer than average Cabinet. «We are moving forward together and in step eyeball. As a result, the layers which make up the eyeball, includ- with each other, with a joint political aim.» In a myopic eye, the light entering the front of the eye is bent ing the inner most layer, the retina, become very stretched. The premier admitted there had been some problems too much by the cornea and falls short of the retina. The light is with his government. «There have been some weakness- therefore focussed in front of the retina causing blurry vision (see es in the past,» he said. «I accept that some of my deci- diagram below). sions were not pleasant, either for citizens or for us.» New Democracy's reforms in the labor and public sec- tors have met with opposition, especially from unions, but Karamanlis told his new Cabinet that it was vital they continued the same policies. The prime minister asked that reforms, such as privati- zation of public companies, be speeded up and that the law ending jobs for life at public utilities be put into A good analogy which can explain this clearer is to imagine an effect immediately. One or more of the following can causes light to focus in front elastic band being stretched between two hands: you can see and Karamanlis, however, asked that changes be achieved of the retina: feel the strain being placed on the elastic band; if you continue to with the broadest consensus possible, aware that his a) Firstly, the cornea may be too curved causing light stretch it, you may even snap it! party will go to the polls in general elections at some to be bent more than average; A similar scenario can occur to the layers of the eyeball in an point during the next 25 months. b) Secondly, light may be bent too much by the lens in elongated eye. This is why it is important that people with high- Initial indications are that the reshuffle, in the short- the eye; er levels of myopia, have the retina checked at least every two term at least, will boost the government's popularity, c) Thirdly the eyeball may be too long. years to ensure that no tears or holes are forming from the which has been flagging lately. According to an opinion Each of these factors, causes light to focus short of the retina. stretching. poll conducted by VPRC on behalf of Skai Radio yester- As a result, the brain registers distant objects as being blurred Blindness can result if a retinal detachment (a process where day, 44 percent of respondents said they had a positive Moreover, genetic and environmental factors, such as exces- the retina tears and collapses within the eye ball, much like when impression of the reshuffle compared to 13 percent who sive reading or computer work coupled with poor lighting, an the elastic band snaps in our analogy) occurs. said they felt negative. unhealthy diet and bad posture are also thought to make some However, the survey also suggested that 47 percent of people more susceptible to myopia than others. Symptoms of a retinal detachment voters believe the reshuffle would not change anything. - Flashes of light-more noticeable at night and usually in the Seven in 10 of those questioned felt the changes in the How is myopia corrected? periphery; Cabinet were necessary and Dora Bakoyannis, the new The good news is that a person with myopia can have this con- - Sudden onset of black floating particles in your vision; foreign minister, was the most popular newcomer with dition put right. Myopia can be corrected by: a) glasses; b) con- - A shadow moving over your vision; 82 percent approving her appointment. tact lenses or c) laser surgery. In the case of glasses and contact - A permanent loss of vision. Karamanlis made it clear that he wants Bakoyannis to lenses, a lens is placed in front of the eye, to make light bend less. In some cases, a number of the above symptoms can occur continue in the footsteps of her predecessor, Petros This makes the light focus further back in order to meet the reti- without any serious consequence. If any of the above symptoms Molyviatis, especially in Greece's support of Cyprus. na. And in this way, the brain registers distant objects as being are experienced, it is strongly recommended that you seek med- Bakoyannis accompanied Karamanlis on a trip to clear. (See diagram). ical advice immediately. Berlin, where the prime minister met with German Lastly, it is important for people with high levels of myopia to Chancellor Angela Merkel. exercise caution with physical activity. For example, activities Thanks to a last-minute arrangement, Bako-yannis also such as sky diving, bungee jumping, boxing and tackle rugby held talks with her counterpart, Franz-Walter Steinmeier. can cause added stress/strain to the retina and increase the risk of In Athens, meanwhile, ministers took up the reins at retinal detachments. their new posts. A tearful Nikitas Kaklamanis gave up his seat at the Health Ministry to Dimitris Avramopoulos, who admitted he had a tough task on his hands. «It seems that it is my political fate that I be cho- sen to take on difficult tasks,» Avramopoulos said. * The information given in this article is of a Giorgos Voulgarakis, who has moved to the Culture Laser surgery can also correct myopia and is a permanent solu- general nature and readers should Ministry from Public Order after coming under fire, rec- tion which cannot be reversed. There are various laser proce- seek advice from their own Optometrist ognized the pressure he had been under. «There were dures, the most common being LASIK. In this procedure, the before embarking on any treatment. exceptionally good moments but difficult ones as well,» he said. Thorpe plans to quit after 2008 Olympics

Australia’s most successful Olympian Ian Thorpe says he will retire from competitive swimming after the 2008 Beijing Games at the age of 25. The five-time Olympic gold medallist has told The Australian newspaper a new seven-year, multi-million-dollar deal with sportswear company SPORTS Adidas is unlikely to mean he will extend his career to the London 2012 Games. “It’s not out of the question, but at the moment I intend to retire in Beijing,” Thorpe is quoted as saying. The Greek Australian VEMA “It (the Adidas deal) is there if I want to go on, but if I decide that I don’t want to, I can become an ambassador for Adidas.” Federer wins Open but... Marcos Baghdatis won the hearts

An hour into the Australian Open final, Marcos Baghdatis dashed across the base- line to hunt down a Roger Federer forehand and came face-to-face with the cham- pionship trophy sitting at the side of the court.

The man from Cyprus who had illuminated the championships, and who was taking apart the world No.1, would have been able to see his reflection in it. He probably should have looked away immediately. Baghdatis had won the first set, was up a break in the second and had Federer scrambling and scurrying. That accidental encounter was as close as Baghdatis got to putting his hands on the Norman Brookes Cup and causing one of the greatest upsets in grand slam history. The record will show that Federer won his second Australian Open and his seventh grand slam title 5-7 7-5 6-0 6-2. But a simple scoreline doesn’t relate anything of what has happened in a championship that will be remembered more than anything else for passion and joy of the runner-up. Baghdatis arrived in Melbourne as a 20-year-old novice ranked 54th in the world. He played a similarly credentialed Justin Gimelstob in round one and beat him in straight sets. Then he went on a rampage. With his band of Cypriot supporters roaring for every point, Baghdatis hijacked the championship. First he bumped 17th seed Radek Stepanek out of the way, then the unseeded Denis Gremelmayr and then the big one - second seed Andy Roddick. Two more seeds, including No.4 David Nalbandian, fell to the youngster who had never beaten anyone of note and never won a tournament. And out of nowhere, he was in the final and had anyone with a heart in his corner and cheering wildly. Baghdatis gave them plenty to cheer about. He broke Federer’s serve in the fifth game of the first set, was broken himself in the next game and just as everyone was preparing to pat him on the back for trying so hard, he put the Swiss champ on the canvas. Then he did it again in the second game of the second set, causing Federer’s coach, Australian Tony Roche, to drop his head into his hands. In the end, the efforts of the night and of the fortnight eventually told, and Baghdatis ran out of gas. But he didn’t run out of support or passion though. Federer got the trophy, but Baghdatis got their hearts - and $610,000. AAP

In Japan’s World Basketball Championship Greek Basketball Team In 3rd Group The Greek National Men’s Basketball Groups and Schedule Schedule: Tuesday, August 22 team was drawn in the third group of the Lithuania – Qatar FIBA World Basketball Championship, Group A (Sendai City, Miyagi): Saturday, August 19 Turkey – Brazil which will take place in Japan from Argentina, Venezuela, France, Serbia Greece – Qatar Greece – Australia August 19 to September 3. Montenegro, Lebanon, Nigeria Brazil – Australia he reigning European Champion is Group B (Hiroshima City, Hiroshima): Turkey – Lithuania Wednesday, August 23 called to face Brazil, Turkey, Australia, Spain, Panama, Germany, Japan, New Qatar – Turkey Lithuania and Qatar at the city of Zealand, Angola Sunday, August 20 Australia – Lithuania Hamamatsu. The first four teams will Qatar – Brazil Brazil – Greece qualify straight to the “16” round. All Group C (Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka): Lithuania – Greece games from the “16” round to the final Australia, Turkey, Brazil, Lithuania, Qatar Australia – Turkey Thursday, August 24 will be knock-out, while the World Group D (Sapporo City, Hokkaido): Australia – Qatar Champion will ensure its participation to USA, Puerto Rico, Slovenia, Italy, China, Monday, August 21 Greece – Turkey the 2008 Peking Olympics. Senegal DAY OFF Lithuania – Brazil