THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN The oldest circulating Greek newspaper outside Greece email: VEMA [email protected] JANUARY 2007 Tel. (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 In this issue... Our Primate’s View WHEN ‘PLUSES’ BECOME ‘MINUSES’ (Professor Joseph Ratzinger, as Pope Benedict XVI) PAGES 5/23 - 6/24 Housing affordability FEATURE The ageless spirit of Hellenism at record low PAGE 19/37 Dreams of buying a home are even fur- ther out of reach for many first-time buy- ers because of rising interest rates and higher prices, Australia's peak building body says.

Last year's three interest rate rises, coupled with an ongoing shortage of housing stock, has sent affordability to a record low, the Housing Industry Association (HIA) said. And for the first time in history, Perth hous- ing for first-time buyers is now less afford- able than Sydney. HIA is calling on federal and state govern- ments to take action over the housing crisis. Releasing its quarterly Housing Affordabi- lity Index, HIA's executive director of hous- ing and economics, Simon Tennent, said it had become patently obvious that the cor- rection in housing markets and improve- Greece in row with ment in affordability predicted two years ago was way off the mark. FYROM over "The combination of rising prices over the monwealth Bank Housing Affordability home buyer income, up 1.7 percentage quarter and the triple whammy of higher Index for first-time buyers fell 5.5 per cent, points on the September quarter. Alexander the Great interest rates has pushed housing out of its fourth consecutive decline, and was 15.5 The median first-home price, based on reach for an increasing number of house- per cent lower than a year earlier. loans financed by Commonwealth Bank, is PAGE 2/20 holds who are also facing sharp increases in The index at 97.9 is now below 100 for the $376,000 in the December quarter, up from private rents," Mr Tennent said. first time since the measure commenced 22 $361,500 in the previous quarter. "The case for a rethink on housing afford- years ago. Affordability fell in all metropolitan areas, ability and a targeted all-of-government The monthly loan repayment needed on a and all regional areas, except for regional approach to address the problem has never typical first-home mortgage rose to $2,332 Victoria due to a fall in house prices there. been more compelling," he said. from $2,194, an increase of 6.3 per cent, and The December quarter 2006 HIA/ Com- now accounts for 30.7 per cent of total first AAP Riddle of Homer’s Odyssey island may have been solved PAGE 15/33 ‘Let My Prayer Be uro Funeral Service Set Forth in Thy Eëëçíéêü Ïéêïãåíåéáêü Ãñáöåßï Ôåëåôþí Sight as the Incense’ Tel: (02) 9747 6604 8 PAGE /26 Available 24 hrs 114543 JANUARY 2007 2/20 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Smashed ancient statues offer clues to Greek desert island By Nicholas Paphitis

Unlike its larger, postcard-perfect Aegean Sea neighbours, Keros is a tiny rocky dump inhabited by a single goatherd. But the barren islet was of major importance to the mysterious Cycladic people, a sophisticated pre-Greek civilisation with no writ- ten language that flourished 4,500 years ago and produced strikingly modern-looking artwork. A few kilometres from the bustling resorts of Mykonos and Santorini, Keros is a vast repository of art from the seafaring culture whose flat-faced marble statues inspired the work of 20th century masters Pablo Picasso and Henry Moore. Out of all the documented statues - known as Cycladic figurines - in museums and collections worldwide, more than half were found there. The Cycladic culture - a network of small, sometimes fortified 30 JANUARY, 1948 New excavations by a Greek-British team of archaeologists have farming and fishing settlements that traded with mainland Greece, Gandhi assassinated unearthed a cache of prized prehistoric statues - all deliberately bro- Crete and Asia Minor - is best known for its elegant figurines: most- ken - that could help finally solve the Keros riddle. ly naked, elongated figures with their arms folded under their chest. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the When they were unearthed, the white marble shards were jumbled The civilisation flourished between 3200 and 2000 BC and was political and spiritual leader of the Indian close together like a pile of bleached bones - an elbow here, a leg eclipsed in the second millennium BC by Crete and Mycenaean independence movement, is assassinated there, occasionally a head. Greece. in New Delhi by a Hindu fanatic. British excavation leader Colin Renfrew now believes Keros was A group of broken figurines like that found this year is known from Born the son of an Indian official in 1869, a hugely important religious site where the smashed artwork was cer- private collections formed after the looting. But for the first time now, Gandhi's Vaishnava mother was deeply emoniously deposited. experts can try to piece a story together from the subtle clues that religious and early on exposed her son to “What we do have clearly is what must be recognised as the earli- treasure hunters destroy. Jainism, a morally rigorous Indian reli- est regional ritual centre in the Aegean,” he said. The excavation disproves theories that the artefacts came from gion that advocated nonviolence. Gandhi This could put it on a par with the sacred islet of Delos - also in the cemeteries - as no human bones were found - or were wantonly bro- was an unremarkable student but in 1888 Cyclades - revered from early antiquity until Christian times as the ken by modern vandals. was given an opportunity to study law in birthplace of Apollo, god of music and light. Only the finds on Keros “We can say that the breakages are definitely old,” Renfrew said. England. In 1891, he returned to India, date to about 1,500 years before the cult of Apollo started on Delos. “(The figurines) weren’t smashed there because (then) you’d find the but failing to find regular legal work he There is no evidence that the Cycladic culture worshipped the bits together, and there’s differential weathering which suggests that accepted in 1893 a one-year contract in Greek gods of Mount Olympus - who first appeared in the 2nd mil- not only were they broken elsewhere and brought there, but some of South Africa. lennium BC - and their beliefs are shrouded in mystery as no sanctu- them became weathered elsewhere.” aries dating to before 2000 BC have been excavated. Renfrew believes the figurines - some originally up to a metre high JANUARY 20, 1981 However, some experts believe that the islanders’ religion was - may have come from regional sanctuaries spread throughout the Iran Hostage Crisis ends probably built round a fertility cult related to the mother-goddess of Cyclades. And pottery finds indicate that the site could have attract- neolithic times, whose worship survived in various forms until ed worshippers from as far away as mainland Greece. Minutes after Ronald Reagan's inauguration Christian times in the Greco-Roman world. The Cycladic statues - “Maybe at some point in some life cycle, the figurines were ritual- as the 40th president of the United States, the many of which depict pregnant women - may have played a part in ly smashed and taken to Keros in some ceremony,” he said. “It’s 52 U.S. captives held at the U.S. embassy in such beliefs, and their deliberate destruction would have been a ritu- going to take a while to sort out what’s going on.” Teheran, Iran, are released, ending the 444- al act. Experts agree that the elegant marble figurines, which initially had day Iran Hostage Crisis. During excavations in the spring and early summer last year, details painted on in bright colours, were highly prized in the early Renfrew’s team found an undisturbed trove of figurines missed by bronze age Cyclades, but still don’t understand for what purpose they JANUARY 25, 1905 looters who ransacked the islet in the 1950s and ‘60s. They all had were made. Some 1,400 have survived, although only 40 per cent are World's largest diamond found been deliberately smashed around 2500 BC. of known origin as looters destroyed evidence on the rest. “We’ve got hundreds of marble bowl fragments and many dozens The figurines were made following a pattern that changed little over On January 25, 1905, at the Premier Mine in of figurine fragments, which don’t seem to fit together,” said 800 years. They have been variously interpreted as depicting gods or Pretoria, South Africa, a 3,106-carat dia- Renfrew, an emeritus professor of archaeology at Cambridge venerated ancestors, serving as replacements for human sacrifice, mond is discovered during a routine inspec- University and former director of the McDonald Institute for grave goods - even children’s toys. tion by the mine's superintendent. Weighing Archaeological Research. While Renfrew believes they should not be associated with the 1.33 pounds, and christened the "Cullinan," “You have a head here, a single foot here, a torso there, some thighs cemeteries in which many were found, he concedes there is little evi- it was the largest diamond ever found. here - and all very deliberately broken. Pieces have been deliberate- dence of how they were used in everyday life. ly broken again into small pieces.” AP FEBRUARY 10, 1996 Kasparov loses chess game to computer Greece in row with FYROM over Alexander the Great On this day in 1996, after three hours, world chess champion Gary Kasparov Greece reacted angrily to a decision by Greek culture across the entire known loses the first game of a six-game match the Former Yugoslav Republic of world,” Bakoyannis added. against Deep Blue, an IBM computer Macedonia (FYROM) to rename its cap- Greece is also at loggerheads with its tiny capable of evaluating 200 million moves per ital’s main airport after Alexander the northern neighbour over its name, blocking second. Man was ultimately victorious over Great, the famed warrior-king of antiq- the former Yugoslav province’s efforts to machine, however, as Kasparov bested Deep uity that Greece considers an integral gain international recognition as “Mace- Blue in the match with three wins and two part of its own cultural heritage. donia” after breaking away from Belgrade ties and took home the $400,000 prize. An “History cannot change, or be falsified, in 1991. estimated 6 million people worldwide fol- 2,000 years on,” Greek Foreign Minister Skopje wants the name Republic of lowed the action on the Internet. Dora Bakoyannis said in a statement. Macedonia, as laid down in its constitution, Kasparov had previously defeated Deep Bakoyannis was responding to an an- to be used globally. Thought, the prototype for Deep Blue devel- nouncement by her FYROM counterpart But Macedonia is also the name of a oped by IBM researchers in 1989, but he and Antonio Milososki that the Skopje interna- northern Greek region which was the seat other chess grandmasters had, on occasion, tional airport is to be renamed ‘Alexander of power of Alexander the Great, remem- (FYROM’s) obligations for good neigh- lost to computers in games that lasted an of Macedon’, the foreign ministry said. bered for his conquest of Asia as far as bourly relations... and its pledges to the EU, hour or less. “With its announcement , (FYROM) once modern-day India in the fourth century BC. and does not further its Euro-Atlantic aspi- again seeks false supports in the past,” the Athens threatens to block FYROM’s ambi- rations,” Bakoyannis said. Greek foreign minister said. tions to join the European Union and In 1994, Athens imposed an embargo “Alexander the Great is a leading figure of NATO unless it agrees to a compromise in over the issue that cost FYROM some $2.2 global appeal ...(a) Greek conqueror who a dispute over its name. billion, according to Skopje’s estimates. established himself in history by spreading “This behaviour is incompatible with AFP JANUARY 2007 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 3/21 Editorial

(of which 25.4 percent went to the UK). In 2003, 41.6 percent EU set to play 'isolation' card of Turkish-Cypriot exports went to Turkey (up from 30 per- cent in 1995). GEORGE GILSON - ATHENS NEWS Tourist arrivals jumped to 614,000 (and $271 million in net revenues) in 2004, from 470,000 ($179 million) in 2003. Aid Germany skilfully avoided having to handle the issue of from Turkey exceeds 10 percent of GDP. Turkey's failure to open its ports to Cyprus during its six- The Cypriot government has offered nearly 100 million month European Union presidency, beginning on January 1, euros in aid to the Turkish-Cypriots between 2003 and 2005. but it intends to take up the matter of opening direct EU trade The government underlines that true Turkish-Cypriots are eli- with occupied northern Cyprus. gible for Cypriot passports, which give them all the benefits of The relevant European Commission regulation has been lan- EU membership. However, the majority of residents in the guishing for nearly three years, as the Republic of Cyprus occupied north are post-1974 settlers from Turkey, who are not views the April 2004 draft as a thinly veiled attempt to inter- eligible for these privileges. nationally upgrade the occupation regime, which is recognised only by Turkey. Even in its language, the draft makes clear that it is a political response to the Greek-Cypriots' decision to Fundamentally flawed overwhelmingly reject in a referendum the UN settlement plan From the legal point of view, the Republic of Cyprus rejects that bears the name of Kofi Annan (Cypriots insist it is the the direct trade regulation as fundamentally flawed. handiwork of veteran British diplomat David Hannay). The document seeks to ground direct EU trade with the "The Turkish-Cypriot community have expressed their clear Turkish-Cypriots on an article in the treaty establishing the desire for a future within the European Union [accepting the European Community (article 133) which governs trade with Annan plan in the referendum]. The Council is determined to third countries ("overseas countries and territories"), outside put an end to the isolation of the Turkish-Cypriot community the EU. However, Cyprus' EU accession treaty stipulates that and to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging the Greek-and Turkish-Cypriots cross the Ledra Palace checkpoint the entire island (including the occupied north) acceded to the economic development of the Turkish-Cypriot community," at the UN buffer zone (Green Line) that divides the Greek- and union. the draft regulation stated, noting Annan's call after the rejec- Turkish-controlled areas of capital Nicosia. The island's divi- From Nicosia's viewpoint, any trade between the Turkish- tion of his plan for the Security Council to "give a strong lead sion, since a 1974 Turkish invasion, has proven to be one of Cypriots and the EU must be conducted with the oversight of to all states... to eliminate unnecessary restrictions and barriers the most formidable obstacles to Turkey's dreams of joining the the legal Republic of Cyprus authorities, something which the that have the effect of isolating Turkish-Cypriots". Both Annan European Union Turkey and the Turkish-Cypriots reject as undermining the and the EU at the time chose to ignore the fact that any inter- breakaway state (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) in the national isolation of the Turkish-Cypriots is a direct result of pation regime. They say that the income of the Turkish- north. Ports - and airports - in the occupied north were legally continuing occupation of northern Cyprus by 40,000 Turkish Cypriots doubled since April 2003 (nearly 30 million euros in shut down by Nicosia in October 1974, two months after the troops. Annan's May 2004 report was vetoed by Russia, but he 2005 revenues from tourism through the Green Line separat- second Turkish invasion. Hence, these could not be used for again called for easing Turkish-Cypriot isolation earlier this ing north and south), when restrictions on movement between direct trade except under the approval and terms set by the month. north and south were lifted. Republic of Cyprus. Cypriot government data show that 55 percent of Turkish- The Republic of Cyprus has proposed having Greek- and Isolation a 'myth' Cypriot exports until 1993 went to EU countries, with the Turkish-Cypriots co-administer the port of Famagusta under Cypriot diplomatic sources maintain that the so-called isola- lion's share (35 percent) ending up in the UK. In 1994, a EU oversight, as long as the legal Greek-Cypriot residents of tion of the Turkish-Cypriot community is a myth, and that the European Court decision barred the import of citrus fruit and the ghost city of Varosha are allowed to return to their homes. push for direct trade with the EU is much less about econom- potatoes without heath certificates issued by the Republic of While this would open direct trade with the EU, Ankara ic development than about the political upgrading of the occu- Cyprus, so the rate of exports to the EU dropped to 28 percent steadfastly refuses to return occupied Varosha.

out our life. The sort of years many hope Talking for. While seemingly uninspiring, it is during these years that we recover our strength, Point and make firmer our ties with loved one, by Ann Coward building the foundations to carry us through the more tumultuous years, which are, sadly, inevitable. Finding laurels Rather than looking back over the previ- Funding the critical early work of brilliant creative scientists to rest upon ous year in order to tick off our achieve- ments, it is perhaps more beneficial to take as they pursue potential breakthrough research One year is over, and another has begun. note of what lessons we have learnt; as a to solve the riddles in cancer cells. Almost inevitably, many of us will take result of our own actions, or the actions of time to ponder what has been achieved others. If mistakes have been made, as a PO Box R185 Royal Exchange NSW 1225 during the past year; what aims were friend once advised, it is a good idea to try Tel 02 9251 61 88 realised, what successes were achieved, to take some benefit from the experience. www.curecancer.org.au and what failures or losses were suffered. It’s not a matter of looking for silver-lin- The balance sheet lets us know if the year ings, but being determined to grow posi- was worthwhile, or if it should be forgot- tively from all of our experiences. A world without cancer, nothing less ten, and then we move on to the next year. Sometimes easier said than done. Another one gone, another one begun. I occasionally wish, when faced with a

I had a friend in my high school years who new challenge, that I could turn to the last THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN The oldest circulating Greek newspaper few pages of the particular chapter in my outside couldn’t bear to look back on the previous Greece email: VEMA [email protected] The Greek Australian twelve months of any year unless she story to find out the ending. Then, I reason JULY 2006 Tel. (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 In this issue... Our Primate’s View POLITICAL ‘PARTIES’ could do so with a sense of great achieve- to myself, I would have a better idea as to AND THE NATIONAL ‘WHOLE’ PAGE 5/23 ment. A year without achieving something how I should behave so as to either arrive Leaders strike VEMA momentous, she reckoned, was a year with at the given ending, or to prevent it from happening. It’s a fanciful idea, and I’m 'mammoth' no life and she enjoyed making a list of FOOD & WINE The oldest circulating Homemade any finished projects, awards won, posi- sure it would make life easier when faced chocolate delights reform deal PAGE 17/35 The Prime Minister and state and territo- Australia. ry leaders have agreed upon a national "We should not forget that this requires reform agenda to boost productivity in continued national cooperation in the area of the areas of health, education, business health," Mr Iemma said. with any dilemnas of massive proportions. regulation and infrastructure. "It's not for the next two to three years, Greek newspaper tions held and so on. No two years, these are measures that are required for the There had been dispute over funding for next 20 to 30 years." the changes and how the benefits would be measured and split between governments. World Cup bid But the deal has been finalised at today's though, are thankfully ever alike. Some However, the book of our own life is writ- Council of Australian Governments Mr Howard says he and the leaders have (COAG) meeting, which lasted for less than agreed to back a potential bid to host the three hours. 2018 soccer World Cup. The leaders have agreed to set up a nation- "All governments agreed enthusiastically al reform council to oversee the changes. that if the national body, the Football outside Greece ten as we progress along our journey. We Prime Minister John Howard says an enor- Federation of Australia, put in a bid for the years may prove to be catastrophic, espe- mous amount has been achieved at the meet- 2018 World Cup, then all governments ing. would support that bid and support that bid Prime Minister, John Howard "This has been another very constructive enthusiastically," he said. COAG meeting at which an enormous "It will deal with things that give us the Italy wins amount has been achieved in a spirit of competitive edge in the world, like skills ... Daylight saving don’t get a chance to browse the shelves, cooperation and a desire to get practical and literacy," he said. cially if we suffer the loss of loved ones. World Cup results for the Australian people," he said. The Prime Minister, John Howard, says "The major outcome has been agreement Health Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT and for the 4th time on a huge, indeed mammoth national reform Tasmania have agreed to look at synchronis- Tel: (02) 9559 7022 agenda." Mr Iemma says the reforms include a $4 ing the start of daylight saving each year. PAGE 20/38 Mr Howard says the establishment of the billion, five-year mental health national "I think a modest step can be made forward Other years may be marked by the birth of scan the chapters, flip through a few pages reform council is the most important deci- action plan for services, accommodation and towards greater uniformity in that area and sion made by the leaders. better support. Victoria has indicated its broad agreement," He says the Federal Government will dele- He says the plan looks at ways to spend Mr Howard said. gate a chair and the states will decide on a mental health funding more effectively. "New South Wales will consider it. deputy. "It is about thinking smarter about the dol- "If it is agreed that New South Wales, here and there, and read some final chap- "We will be asking the various members of lars that we have," Mr Iemma said. Victoria and the ACT will commence day- a child, success in studies or work, travel, COAG to bring forward suggestions for Mr Howard says mental health "desperate- light saving earlier, that's a matter, I empha- reform," he said. ly needed more money". sise, for them." The state and territory leaders, including "People have been crying out for money for Tasmanian Premier Paul Lennon says it is New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma, mental health for quite a long time," he said. a positive step. Fax: (02) 9559 7033 have welcomed the agreement. "It's long overdue." "With the agreement of Victoria, New ters, before choosing the storyline we "It is all about providing more opportunity The package also includes increased public South Wales and the ACT to look at getting and so on. All of these eventful years are for our citizens ... and we're very pleased health training. into the real world and joining Tasmania that we've reached a framework for that to That includes 150 extra training places for with extended daylight saving into the proceed," Mr Iemma said. doctors in Queensland, 60 more medical future, it is an important lifestyle reform," he Queensland Premier Peter Beattie says the school places in Western Australia and said. deal will bolster Australia's financial posi- another 60 to be shared by Adelaide "If you want to see a good lifestyle, just usually punctuated, however, by periods think might fit us the most comfortably. Or tion. University and Flinders University in South have a look at Tasmania." uro Funeral Service E-mail: Children beaten do we? Eëëçíéêü Ïéêïãåíåéáêü Ãñáöåßï Ôåëåôþí [email protected] of predictably slow progressions through- by loved ones Tel: (02) 9747 6604 PAGE 18/36 Available 24 hrs 114543 JANUARY 2007 4/22 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

the way that the light is bent and focused by the eye. Is the EYE only Treatment In the early stages a pterygium may not cause many problems apart from the occasional redness or irritation. At the initial stages they can simply be managed with artificial tears which the window to our soul? moisten the fleshy growth and help reduce the gritty feeling. By Kaliope Kariatlis - B.Optom (Hons) UNSW There are a number of lubricants available and it is best to con- sult your optometrist on the most suitable option. Generally though the preservative free lubricants that come in individual What is a pterygium ? tubes (pack of 28-30 tubes) are a great option - firstly due to the limited chemicals they contain and secondly because the The word pterygium is derived from the Greek language and box of individual tubes last longer than a bottle which has to means “wing shaped”. Medically the word describes the wing be disposed of a month after opening. shaped flesh of tissue that can grow on the surface of the eye over the conjunctiva (clear mucous layer that covers the sur- If the level of irritation is not able to be sufficiently controlled face of the eye) and cornea (clear tissue that overlies the with lubricants and/or vision is being affected by the growth, coloured part of our eyes ). It often looks like a thick layer of surgery to remove the growth can be considered. yellowish tissue overlying the white surface of the eye and Once removed there is a risk of regrowth occurring. Surgeons covering some of the cornea. If the yellowish tissue is only can adopt a technique where they cover the area from where over the white part of the eye and is not overlying the cornea the pterygium is removed with a piece of skin from another it is referred to as a pingeculum. part of the eye to reduce the risk of reoccurrence.

Pterygiums are thought to be caused by excessive exposure to an irritated eye especially in air conditioned environments or Prevention UV, dust and wind. Certain chemicals can also result in the smoky surroundings. The white area on the eye surface usual- Given that excessive exposure to sunlight and dry windy envi- growth of a pterygium. ly looks red and irritated. People often complain that their eyes ronments are a known precursor for pterygiums, limiting feel gritty and uncomfortable. One of the reasons the redness exposure and use of sunglasses is thought to reduce the risk of Common signs and symptoms and discomfort arises is that the fleshy growth on the eye is not their development. Most people who have a pterygium are aware of it as it is very well moistened by the tearfilm. It is exposed directly to clearly visible on the surface of the eye by simply looking in the air and as a result becomes dry. It is important to note that any visible change on the surface of the mirror. the eye should be properly diagnosed by your optometrist. A pterygium can also cause blurry vision . As it grows it dis- The most common symptom associated with the condition is torts the shape of the eyes surface (the cornea) and this affects

Anti-smoking message Mental Health doubles number of quitters too hot or too cold may impact your sleep; Reduce the noise level; Keep lights as low as possible for a few hours before By Mina Candalepas* bedtime; Psychologist MAPS Keep a regular bedtime and a regular rising time; Reg NSW PS0057198 Wind down before sleep time with activities such as reading, relaxing in a hot bath or a prayer; Establish a regular ritual before sleep, such as taking a bath, brushing teeth, washing up at the same time every Improving Your Sleep evening; Complete relaxation exercises before sleep; “How are you this morning?” Chris asks Maria, in anticipa- Avoid using the bed as a place for watching television, tion of a positive response. “I feel horrible, I didn’t sleep until eating, etc; 3am, again last night!” responds Maria in despair. If you can not sleep because you are worrying about things, write your concerns and a possible solution on a The above, is an example of a common conversation between piece of paper. Every time you think about your problem, many couples, where one of the partners is experiencing sleep- say to yourself “I have already dealt with this now, think- ing difficulties. ing further about this will NOT help me” and change your thoughts to something pleasant, for example either a Graphic health warnings and anti-smoking reforms have been credited with helping double the number of people calling Many of us have experienced difficulties in getting to sleep or pleasant scene or going on a holiday; If you have a clock in your bedroom, turn it away from Australia's national quit-smoking hotline. disrupted sleep, feeling either tired or irritable the next day. Last year 165,140 Australians rang Quitline, seeking advice Sleep related problems are common and faced by many peo- you. Looking at the time may be a source of distress, as to the amount of time that you could be missing from on the best way to give up smoking, new figures show. ple. They can be caused by a variety of factors, which can be The 2006 total is more than double the 80,000 people who either physiological or psychological. your sleep; and If you are unable to sleep after 30 minutes, get up and rang Quitline in 2005, national Quitline data shows. Quitline spokesman Todd Harper said the surge in quit It is important to consult your doctor to ensure that there are no engage in a quiet activity until sleepy again. Do not fall attempts, using the Quitline service, could be attributed to a medical reasons causing your sleep disturbance. Regardless of asleep somewhere else. Return to your bed when you are number of factors. the cause, such problems can have a debilitating impact on day sleepy. You may need to repeat this several times during "Last year has seen very significant progress in the tobacco to day living. the night. control arena, backed up with graphic campaigns spelling out Following are a number of strategies that can be used to assist A process of trial and error will assist you to determine what the health consequences of smoking," Mr Harper said. with sleep: works best for you. At times medication or herbal remedies "The combination of the introduction of new graphic warn- ings on cigarette packaging from March, the implementation of Avoid coffee, cola, tea, chocolate, alcohol, tobacco; can be used to assist with sleep. If your sleep is causing you concern, call your local GP, local psychologist or the various state-based tobacco reforms and these uncompromising Avoid sleeping during the day; quit campaigns is clearly having a dramatic impact on Get regular daytime exercise and exposure to sunlight; Australian Psychological Society (APS) Referral Service on 1800 333 497 for more information. Australian smokers." Avoid rigorous exercise before bedtime; Mr Harper said continued commitment to tobacco control in Avoid large meals just before bed. A light snack or Mina Candalepas is a Registered Psychologist. She is the sole director of a Australia could result in huge numbers of smokers kicking the warm milk before bed may assist; Clinical Private Practice in the Campsie Professional Medical Practice, habit in the years ahead. Avoid fluids in the evening, to help reduce the number Sydney NSW. Her particular speciality is in trauma and chronic pain manage- "Australia has one of the lowest smoking rates in the indus- of times you need to go to the bathroom when you have ment and she also provides psychological therapy for depression, anxiety, work-place issues and/or injuries, relationship issues, self esteem and grief. trialised world but we must be wary of being complacent, as the already fallen asleep. If you do need to drink something Therapy is conducted in either English or Greek. All services are by appoint- battle against this enormous public health problem is far from take small sips; ment ONLY and strictly confidential. Her contact details are Tel (02) 9591 won," he said. Check the bedroom temperature. Temperatures that are 7714, Mob 0410 493 806. AAP JANUARY 2007 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 5/23 Our Primate’s View We deliberately allowed the first impressions to pass, and for Besides, ‘adjomamento’ was, literally, the motto by which the the speculation and enthusiasm aroused by the almost unexpected amiable Pope John 23rd of blessed memory, dared to convene a Council election of Pope Benedict XVI to abate somewhat, before commenting of the calibre and programme of Vatican II. It was precisely the major on his subsequent ‘astonishing’ statements and actions in the interna- decisions of that Council, in relation to the urgently imperative return ‘to tional arena of Politics and Ecumenism, so as not to do injustice to his the sources of authentic Christianity’, that the new Pope was called to intentions and visions – as do they who do not know the man. ‘implement’ in the ‘structure’ and ‘function’ of all the historical institu- tions of the Roman Catholic Church. In briefly evaluating, today, the theological presence, on the Of course, his relatively advanced age (79) for a position of one hand, and the administrative activity, on the other, of the most dis- such manifold responsibilities, and his undoubtedly burdened state of tinguished Professor of Systematic Theology, Joseph Ratzinger, who health in recent years, perhaps were meant to act as a ‘constraint’. Yet, almost a year ago was elevated to Pope under the name Benedict XVI, these same ‘personal’ traits, in a more venturesome man, may have pro- the writer does not intend to infringe upon the responsibilities of any vided the impetus for the acceleration of long outstanding changes, for other contemporary Administrative Head or Theologian of the Orthodox instance, such as the canonical election of bishops by a Synod, and no Church. He simply wishes to place on record, for the sake of truth alone, longer by the Pope’s direct ‘nomination’ of their ‘appointment’ (!), a matters which he happens to know personally from first hand. And this, matter which we had personally, repeatedly and unambiguously dis- not only because of his long-standing and uninterrupted friendship with cussed together, even up until recent times when the writer was still the the current Pontiff, up until his elevation to the Papal Throne, but above Orthodox Chairman of our Official Theological Dialogue. all because of his highly responsible position as Chairman of the Orthodox delegation for 20 testing years in the Official Theological However, if one were to judge by the new leadership of the Dialogue between Orthodox and Roman Catholics, which altogether ‘Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity’, then it unjustly and shamefully capitulated into an utter ‘calamity’ at Baltimore becomes plain as daylight that, under the Presidency of Professor and in 2000. now Cardinal Walter Kasper (also from Germany) this so ‘sensitive’ function of the Vatican, instead of developing further the indisputable This essentially ‘martyric deposition’ becomes all the more achievements of Ecumenism in our day, rather inaugurated unprecedent- morally requisite also because of the statement of honour conscientious- ed Papocentric attitudes and tactics which, in the end, might possibly ly repeated by the Pontiff himself on the occasion of his first Official ‘suspend’ everything that we – the Orthodox at least – had hoped for and Visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, naming two specific persons whom, almost believed in, upon the elevation to the Papal Throne of the enlight- in a sense, he characterized as the living source from which he ‘came to know and love Orthodoxy’. That the first of those persons is the humble By Archbishop writer of this article, undoubtedly creates additional ‘demands’ and Stylianos ‘obligations’. WHEN ‘PLUSES’ of Australia In order, however, for the present ‘deposition’to satisfy the spe- BECOME ‘MINUSES’ cific, reasonable questions of the average reader, it is necessary – regard- (Professor Joseph Ratzinger, as Pope Benedict XVI) ing the positive or negative influences of the new Pontiff on the global ‘arena’ of so-called modernism – to restrict our brief assessments and observations to the three key areas which, from the vantage of Tradition, ened Ecumenist theologian Joseph Ratzinger. even today, are especially significant: This, unfortunately, appeared immediately with the unaccept- able and audacious conduct towards the most critical issue of Uniatism. a. The Vatican itself Though it had been made known internationally that we had, in our b. Islam and Christianity Official Theological Dialogue, jointly ‘condemned’ Uniatism, ‘as a c. Byzantine Orthodoxy method of rapprochement’ between our two Churches, Rome dared suddenly and unilaterally to ignore the outcomes decided in the a. The Vatican itself Dialogue with reference to this issue, as non-occurrences, resulting in the For someone, like the writer, who had the opportunity to known impasse at Baltimore. observe the academic career of the current Pope, from yet his first steps We shall not say any more here, since we will return to this sub- and publications as Associate Professor at the Theological Seminary of ject in paragraph ‘c’ below. Freising (near Munich), to his mature treatises and the wealth of litera- ture which he later produced as Professor Joseph Ratzinger at the most b. Islam and Christianity prominent universities of the then Western Germany, there was never a The new Pope, without obviously expecting it, created the doubt that this distinguished, gentle and pious Clergyman would emerge, greatest crisis to his image during his celebratory speech at the Aula during the critical years of preparation and conduct of the famous Vatican Magna of Regensburg University in Bavaria, where he had gone espe- II Council (1962-1965), as the most suitable ‘communicator’ of the cially to celebrate (9-13 Sept. 2006) the Jubilee for ‘40 years of contact Western Church with all the currents of contemporary Protestantism, for with the Churches of the East’, together with a host of colleagues and a truly ‘creative synthesis’ which would, at the same time, produce the friends of old. ‘purification’ which the Council sought, after 100 years of complete The Jubilee in mention had been organized with much enthusi- silence of the Synodal institution in the West. asm by ‘The Committee for Ecumenical Relations of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy in Germany’, known for its ‘Theological Symposia Through the ‘regenerating’ introspection of the Council in of Regensburg’, from long ago, and its exchange of scholarship holders mention (which provided important ecclesiological texts for world for a more substantial acquaintance with the National Orthodox Christianity), Professor Ratzinger had become a firm advocate for the Churches, in the first instance, but also with Copts, Syrochaldeans and ‘dynamic transcendence’ from barren Thomism and Legalism which other Ecclesiastical Communities of the East. - following the tumultuous Middle Ages, the much-divided Protestant movement and the ‘modernistic’ currents of the more modern era - had Because he found himself once again in his most beloved aca- provided the Papal-centred spirit of the Roman Church the possibility of demic environment, in a city where contemporary Dialogues of every ‘creating a dogma’for the Bishop of Rome, through the Vatican I Council nature were at the epicentre of interest for the unification of Europe, the (1870), presenting him as the absolute Monarch of global Christianity ‘Professor’ Pope saw this as a unique opportunity to state his views con- (Primacy-Infallibility). For precisely this reason, the name and the per- cerning the relations between Islam and Christianity, a subject of acute sonality of Ratzinger became a ‘pole of attraction’ for all Orthodox the- timeliness, especially for Germany, and particularly in the midst of prob- ologians undertaking post-graduate studies, especially for the Greeks. lematic ‘accession negotiations’ through which Turkey is applying pres- sure to enter the European Union under its dynamic yet contoversial It should be considered a certainty that, had there not developed Islamist Prime Minister, Tayip Erdogan. a close cooperation and mutual respect between himself and the acutely We should not forget that today’s Pontiff, while still Cardinal of politicized and dynamic Polish Pontiff, John-Paul II, who appointed Munich, had succeeded a courageous Pastor and battler, Cardinal Julius him in essence to the true ‘rudder’ of the Vatican (as Prefect of the Doepfner, who as Cardinal of Berlin previously, had personally wit- Congregatio Fidei), then his indisputable respect for the genuine tradi- nessed the most volatile conditions of pastoral problems created by the tional values of the 1st Christian Millennium would never have per- presence of millions of Turkish ‘economic immigrants’ in these two mitted the modest theologian Ratzinger to envisage himself in the role of major German cities. the Papal Office, even in its somewhat ‘simplified’ mould of today! There is no doubt that the Pope did not wish to become In any event, however, the ‘surprise’ of his unexpected election embroiled in the direct socio-political parameters of the problem. Plainly, could not but raise the hopes of all around the world who honoured the however, he desired to contribute towards a creative Dialogue which education and theological vigilance of Cardinal Ratzinger as well as his needed to be pursued on purely ‘religious’ grounds between Christianity tireless work in his capacity as Prefect of the Congregatio Fidei, that and Islam. there would prevail a more realistic ‘adaptation’ of the contemporary For this reason, even though he had not up until now concealed Roman Catholic world to the needs of modern times. Cont. page 6/24 JANUARY 2007 6/24 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Cont. from previous page the Leader of Roman Catholicism. In any Uniatism. Pope Benedict XVI, we should give recogni- event, if they wanted explanations or clarifica- This illegitimate fabrication by tion to his unshakeable stability and his great his reservations and his denial in seeing tions, these were not denied by the Pontiff Rome, which the Orthodox justifiably charac- patience. Turkey prematurely incorporated into the who, at the same time, expressed his sorrow at terized as a ‘Trojan Horse’, used against the What unfolded gradually, however, European Union, he hastened to bring to the the complete misinterpretation of his words Eastern Church in general, has left deep during his Official Visit of support to the forefront of current affairs the example of a and intentions. wounds and indelible traces in the relations Ecumenical Patriarchate, unfortunately is not historical Dialogue which had taken place dur- between Rome and the Orthodox peoples of what any objective observer would have ing the 14th century between the adventure- In the humble opinion of the writer, Eastern and Central Europe, as well as the expected. some Byzantine Emperor Michael II and a nonetheless, perhaps the mistake of the ‘infal- Middle East. His excessive submissiveness to wise Persian, a Dialogue which the Pope had lible’ Pope was that he underestimated a latent Turkish pressure did not harm only his former observed in a relevant publication by Professor centuries-old ‘psychological’ factor: That the Of course, Cardinal Ratzinger was image internationally. It might, perhaps, have Theodore Khoury in Münster, Germany. name ‘Byzantium’ and, indeed, the recogniz- well aware of these matters, as Prefect of the undermined the authority of the Papal institu- It would be impossible for an unbi- able historical personality of that region and Congregatio Fidei at the Vatican. Above all, tion with problems of wider ramifications ased reader of the text of the official Papal civilization, as is the Byzantine Emperor though, he was aware – as a member himself which we hope will not manifest themselves in Lecture (and in the original German at that) to Manuel II, would unavoidably evoke some of the Joint Committee for the Official the near future. find a remotely hostile or scornful remark not so pleasant, albeit subconscious, ‘connec- Theological Dialogue between Orthodox and against Islam or the Koran itself. tivity’, which was something dangerous and Roman Catholics – of the deep sensitivity of As for his anticipated positive accord Also, no fair-minded listener or read- unbeneficial! Whereas, had he spoken entirely all Orthodox regarding this critical and thorny towards Orthodoxy, it must be stated unequiv- er of the text in mention could possibly doubt in point of fact on the relations between the problem of Uniatism. And more so following ocally that the learned Pontiff was rather the good intention of this profound scholar of Christian Gospel and the Koran, the topic its sudden and highly militant rebirth after the ‘trapped’, either by the latent messianism of the ‘religious phenomenon’ in general, and in could perhaps have been ‘economized’ better. collapse of the vast Empire of the former the Papal office, or by the coalitional powers particular of the fundamental ‘supplications’ Soviet Union. in centres of influence which he was not able presented to the prudent person by the so- c. Byzantine Orthodoxy to control. called ‘question about God’. The distinct appreciation of the new But, even from his substantial In any event, the blatant political Precisely here, one should recall that Pontiff for Orthodoxy in its entirety – as the tenure during the preparation and conduct of game of ‘worldly diplomacy’ which was rec- the first Official Papal Encyclical issued by unaltered treasure which preserved for the the Vatican II Synod which, as is known, dared ommended he follow, that is, to demonstrate in Benedict XVI was based on one solitary whole of Christianity the authentic central to implement courageous decisions for vital the end an entirely unacceptable inconsistency theme: ‘Deus Caritas Est!’ (‘God is Love’). ‘structures’ and ‘functions’ of the 1st Christian reforms in the contemporary Roman Catholic on the subject of Uniatism, is the ‘acid test’ Millennium – was not merely acknowledged. Church, not only in liturgical regeneration which, it appears, will unfortunately stamp his Consequently, it is not without sig- It was officially and repeatedly confessed by but also in matters of genuine Ecumenism, entire Papal tenure. At any rate, this became nificance that the international turmoil evoked the Pontiff himself through the plethora of his the current Pope was duty-bound to forthright- apparent also from his wholly unprecedented almost reflexively by the lurking ‘criers’of the ecclesiological studies, as well as through his ly state two things about Orthodoxy: Firstly, decision to suddenly and inexplicably reject current political circumstances, was not caused relevant statements. that, of all the Christian Churches or the title ‘Patriarch of the West’ in order to be either by level-headed Researchers of Islam This precisely - which was and Confessions today, Orthodoxy is the closest to entitled to abandon the ecclesiological territo- nor by the contemporary Religious Leaders remains his great advantage over his the Tradition of the Undivided Church of the ry of the Traditional Pentarchy, in which of Islam. The turmoil was created immediate- Predecessors - created for him however certain first millennium. Secondly: that, precisely case, as the absolute Monarch, he will feel ly by extremely politicized ‘Activists’, not of specific and, by no means pleasant, responsi- because of its faithfulness, it constitutes the entitled, at whim, to intervene in the East and Human Rights Movements, but of immiscible bilities. Especially the advantage of his theo- most valid witness to the value of the reforms the West. Political Organizations of Europe, America logical education and maturity, enforced a endorsed by the Vatican II Synod. etc, which the more serious European and, in new order of priorities and, indeed, one in For these precise reasons, in conclu- particular, German Press did not hesitate to contrast to the so-called ‘World Ecclesiastical For all the above reasons, the new sion, the writer publicizes his letter to the ven- expose with their specific names and whom Politic’ established by his immediate Pope hastened to express his desire and readi- erable Centre in Phanar, Constantinople, in they represent. Predecessor, John-Paul II. ness to visit Constantinople expeditiously, as response to the relevant Patriarchal Letter on The dynamic Polish Cardinal of the First Throne of all the Autocephalous the occasion of the recent Papal Visit. That the above-mentioned adver- Kraków, Karol Wojtyla who, as Pope John- Orthodox Churches. As for the supposed ‘continuation’ of saries were not fair-minded ‘discussion part- Paul II, set a precedent by surpassing all other If one takes into consideration the the Theological Dialogue, we reserve our qual- ners’ or even simply ‘offended faithful of the Ecclesiastical and Political Leaders in mobili- familiar reactionary movements, as well as the ified judgment for the future because, for the Prophet’ was clearly demonstrated by the acid- ty, was nonetheless, from the beginning in ‘diplomatic’ obstructions with which the time being, there prevail absolute fluidity and ity with which they persistently sought an many ways a captive of, and in deep solidari- Turkish Government, initially, treated the total vagueness. unequivocal apology, in order to ‘humiliate’ ty with, the entire five-century history of intellectual and enthusiastically phil-Orthodox

Prot. No. 1120 To His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I Your Eminence Archbishop Stylianos of Australia, most respected Exarch of all Oceania, beloved and the Holy Synod brother in the Spirit and Concelebrant, may the grace and peace of God be with you. PHANAR

Above all people and all things is the One who is in all, the “One who is, who was and who is to Your All Holiness, come". Above our Christian dispositions is Christ, who is the One, the unifying principle and uni- fier, who said "that they may be one". In response to your letter of 30th October 2006, I seek to make known to Your All Holiness and to the members of the Holy Synod the following in relation to the forthcoming first visit of the new In this spirit, that is the spirit of Christ, we also announce to Your beloved Eminence, that His Pope Benedict XVI on the occasion of the Thronal Feast of the venerable Ecumenical Throne, to Holiness Pope Benedict XVI of Rome, responding to our Patriarchal invitation and taking the road which we all owe everything, and this is precisely why we should protect it with all our strength paved out by his dearly departed predecessors Popes Paul VI and John Paul II, expressed a wish day and night, as the apple of our eye. to personally visit the Holy Centre of Orthodoxy in the Phanar. Indeed he desired to be present not First of all, I am thankful for the kind letter inviting me to pray together on that official occasion, as has usually been the case, that is, by sending a delegation, but in person for the Divine Liturgy which has from long ago truly had a great significance for all sober-minded people, not only of of the first-called holy and glorious Apostle Andrew, and for the occasion of our related Thronal itself, but also on account of all that is continually inflicted on the suffering venerable Throne. Feast. Not withstanding this, allow me to state with all boldness in God, as I have always tried to do, that In this way he wishes to broaden the road of Christian reconciliation launched by predecessors of my sincere prayer to the Lord of Hosts for peace and stability of the holy Churches of God, espe- blessed memory, and to express the respect that he nurtures towards the Ecumenical Patriarchate cially for those who undoubtedly strive for the restoration of older and more recent transgressions, and the Eastern Orthodox Church in general. will not be at all diminished, but at the same time I respectfully request that, during the relevant statements and discussions, we no longer allow excessive courtesies which are more likely to do Having assessed this good intention of His Holiness, as Leader of the holy Roman Catholic harm than good, after which we have often found ourselves greatly compromised and even more Church, with the members of our Holy Synod in a spirit of brotherly love, but also with the nec- unjustly treated! essary and deepest attention, we have given our favourable reply for its realisation, all agreeing Related to the above, it is necessary to emphasize unreservedly to the Pontiff that, completely dis- with one voice and with the joy, love and honour that is befitting. We consider this event to be an proportionately to his just reputation up until now and the deepest respect he enjoys on behalf of expression of respect and love on the part of the See of Rome not only towards the most holy us all, he has done an injustice to us, knowingly, more so than any of his predecessors, due to his Apostolic See of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, but also towards all Orthodox people in the world. two unexpected and unacceptably audacious ‘gestures’, which he made almost immediately upon his truly worthy elevation to the Papal Throne. These are: For this reason, as a result of this forthcoming historical ecclesial event we communicate with Your Eminence, a Hierarch canonically belonging to the fellowship of this most Holy Throne, whose 1) His complete silence concerning the common rejection in the Theological Dialogue of ‘the significant participation and collaboration in the major events of Orthodoxy and the Great Church method of Uniatism’, as if nothing had occurred, and so we toiled and suffered in vain all those we especially value, as also your prayers together with those of your Eparchy for the successful years! outcome of all that relates to the unity of the Church of Christ on earth and the common Christian 2) His decision, directly related to the mentioned problem, to rid himself of the only ecclesiologi- witness to the contemporary person, and the world around. With joy we therefore seek to have your cally acceptable title of ‘Patriarch of the West’, which is of course an obvious affront to the most common prayers in spirit on those days, namely 29th and 30th November so that the Lord our God sacred institution of the Pentarchy (of the pre-Schism period), and in practical terms to be ‘enti- may advance all our steps during our meeting for the glory of His name in the truth of love. tled’ from now on to handle matters of the ‘East’ without hindrance, as he sees fit.

May the Grace of God and His ineffable Mercy be with Your Eminence. In the spirit of the above, my humble prayers will certainly accompany the honest endeavours in the mentioned areas, for the improvement wherever possible of these recent dreadful develop- ments, and I remain

30 October 2006 In Sydney, 10th November 2006 The least brother Patriarch BARTHOLOMEW of Constantinople, beloved brother in Christ Archbishop S T Y L I A N O S of Australia JANUARY 2007 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 7/25 Facts & Stats

Boost for culturally and linguistically Huge aquarium set for Athens The Development Ministry has given the green light for the construc- than that contained in HCMR’s other aquarium in Crete, east of Iraklion, diverse aged care tion of a new aquarium, described as being the biggest in the called Thalassocosmos. Older people from culturally and lin- Mediterranean area, to be built in Palaio Faliron, in southern Athens. Funds from the European Union’s Fourth Community Framework will guistically diverse communities across pay for the Athens project, estimated to cost 27 million euros. Australia now have access to more The president of the Hellenic Center for Marine Research (HCMR), It was not clear when construction of the aquarium will be completed. than 1,000 new aged care places fol- Giorgos Chronis, told Kathimerini yesterday that the marine park will be Based on approved plans, there will also be a 4,000-square-meter park lowing today’s announcement of the built along the beachside district that accommodates Olympic Games which will recreate offshore, river and sea ecosystems. results of the 2006 Aged Care venues. Officials are optimistic about the success of the water park given the Approvals Round by the Minister for “We are aiming at informing and making people more aware of the number of visitors that have attended Thalassocosmos. Ageing, Senator Santo Santoro. importance of the world of water, the dangers that it faces and the possi- Figures showed that 350,000 people have visited the aquarium in Crete The new places include more than bilities of protecting it. There will not only be sea organisms but we will since it opened in December last year. 650 residential aged care places and also reproduce ecosystems from rivers and lakes,” Chronis said. The Cretan aquarium will get a boost with the arrival in of two bull more than 340 community aged care The aquarium park will cover 6,500 square meters and will include 100 sharks, considered to be one of the most dangerous types of shark in the places that will enable older people to tanks that will contain 4 million litres of water, three times more water world. receive appropriate levels of low and high level home based aged care. “Aged care services will deliver cul- turally appropriate care to people from many language groups, including those from Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Korean, FYROM, Polish, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietna- mese communities,” Senator Santoro said. “Following a rigorous assessment, the new aged care places were allocat- ed to applicants who demonstrated ANNOUNCEMENT they could provide care that recognised the particular physical, social, spiritual and environmental care needs of indi- Dear Parishioners vidual care recipients. “Many of the successful services will provide care to people from more than It is with great joy that we communicate with you at the beginning of the new year to inform you that, with one language group and, in several the blessing of our Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, the venue where St Therapon Parish will cases, the providers have already estab- conduct the Divine Liturgy henceforth will be the old St Luke’s Anglican Church, which is situated at 323- lished strong links with the local ethnic communities. 325 Pennant Hills Road, Thornleigh, almost opposite the Thornleigh Train Station. “These new places represent more than 13 per cent of all the new places However, this particular Anglican Church and the surrounding property are up for sale and we believe that, being allocated this year. They ack- nowledge that for some special needs should the Parishioners of this area be prepared to support our endeavour both morally and financially, we groups, including those from non will be able to purchase the property in order to develop our Orthodox Parish there. English speaking backgrounds, there can be barriers that reduce the capacity For this reason, we invite all the faithful to attend a Meeting in order to discuss the purchase of the Church. of individuals or communities to have access to aged care services. “They are also an acknowledgement by the Howard Government of the sig- nificant cultural and linguistic diversity that exists across the nation,” Senator Santoro said. These places are part of a national allocation of almost 8,000 announced by the Minister. AAP Petrol prices fuel crime hike Rising petrol prices are fuelling a major rise in petrol theft in NSW, new The Meeting will be held figures show. Every 10 cent increase in the price of petrol generates another 120 incidents on Friday, 16th February, 2007 at 7.00 p.m. of petrol theft per month, the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOC- in the Anglican Church (where we conduct our Services) SAR) has found. Incidents of service station fraud rose at 323-325 Pennant Hills Road, Thornleigh by 33 per cent in the 24 months to June (there is ample room for parking). 2006. BOCSAR estimated that if petrol His Eminence our Archbishop will be present and will speak at the Meeting. prices hit $1.70, the incidence will climb to 1,600 per month. Theft has eased since petrol prices Your presence and support is necessary and crucial so that we might proceed. began to drop in May. Fuel thieves most commonly use stolen number plates to steal petrol, and BOCSAR With warm greetings found a 35 per cent increase in the 24 months to June. Father Stavros Karvelas John Manolelis and the Church Committee AAP Parish Priest Parish President JANUARY 2007 8/26 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Windows to Orthodoxy ‘Let My Prayer Be Set Forth in Thy Sight as the Incense’ By Guy Freeland * Offerings of incense were made in Jewish ritual on other occa- sions. Pure frankincense (gum-resin from trees of the genus St James the Greater Boswellia) was prescribed to accompany the grain offering in The most popular pilgrimage destination of the Western the Temple. Frankincense was, of course, one of the symbolic Middle Ages, after Jerusalem and Rome, was the shrine of St gifts presented to the infant Christ by the Magi. James the Greater at Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, at the On Sinai, God spoke to Moses through the cloud that covered north western extremity of Spain. Indeed, Cape Finisterre the mountain (Exodus 24: 15-18). Similarly, at the (Latin, Finis Terrae = the end of the earth), the most westerly Transfiguration Peter and the brothers James and John saw point of the European mainland, is only a short distance from Christ transfigured in light but the voice of the Father spoke Compostela. through the “bright cloud” which “overshadowed them” (Matthew 17:1-8). In those heady days of innocence before Columbus put the Americas on the map in 1452 (the year before Constantinople So, on the Day of Atonement, the one day of the year that he fell) Galicia was the end of the known world, the Ecumene. entered the Holy of Holies, the High Priest covered the mercy There the horizon between land and sea marked the mystic seat with a cloud of incense lest he die in confronting God’s boundary between Earth and Heaven. glory (Leviticus 16:12-13). (The mercy seat was the cover of At the heart of this bleak province, notorious for its wet and the Ark of the Covenant, which was regarded as the footstool of uncertain weather (when we were there an incredibly violent God’s throne and hence the place of the High Priest’s encounter Sydney-style hail storm descended out of a completely clear with God.) blue sky in a matter of seconds), lies the great basilica where the 100 kilometres. Still, our journey was a pilgrimage of sorts and mortal remains of the Apostle repose. (Get you behind me you like those who only join the fast of Great Lent at the eleventh Orthodox often assert that incense has been used by the sceptical historians, tradition has you miserable lot beaten every hour, of whom St John Chrysostom speaks in his Paschal ser- Church from the beginning, but this is far from certain. time!). mon, we received the blessing of the Apostle along with the References to incense in relation to the heavenly worship in first-hourers. Revelation 5:8 and 8:3 might or might not reflect liturgical use St James (Sant Iago in Spanish) the Greater is the brother of of incense. But from then on no mention of liturgical use is St John the Divine/Evangelist, as distinguished from the other We had been told that incensing with the Botafumeiro took known before the fifth century. James named as one of the Twelve Apostles, James the Son of place only on major feast days. But it was not a major feast. Incense might have been burned in bowls in some churches – Alphaeus, James the Less. However, it so happened that our visit was during Western the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders in Easter (that is Bright) Week and, by attending the midday pil- Revelation 5:8 hold golden bowls of incense – but the incensa- Actually, there is a third James mentioned in the New Testa- grim Mass, we were able to witness the extraordinary liturgical tions in the liturgy with which we are familiar probably origi- ment, James the Lord’s Brother, who some think is the same ceremony that one guidebook aptly describes as “a spectacle of nated in the late fourth to early fifth century period. It is likely person as James the Less (in which case, “brother” = cousin). unforgettable power”. that they developed from the practice of incensing during pro- Eastern tradition, however, regards them as separate individu- Incensing with the Botafumeiro traces back at least to the four- cessions in front of dignitaries, whether ecclesiastical or secu- als, with James the Lord’s Brother a son of Joseph by an earli- teenth century, although the actual thurible has been replaced lar, as a mark of honour and a way of cleansing the air of nox- er marriage. (According to the Gospel, Joseph was not, of several times. The enormous censer used today is, however, ious odours. course, the biological father of Christ.) smaller than the 6 foot (1.83 m) high solid silver one looted by Napoleon’s troops in 1801. The Holy Table, the Gospels and the Eucharistic offerings are However, our James is, along with John, a son of Zebedee. incensed in honour of Christ. The icons, the clergy and the For some reason, Christ nicknamed the brothers Boanerges, Beneath the dome at the centre of the Cathedral is an ingen- faithful are also honoured with incense as human beings are Sons of Thunder – and there was certainly thunder the day my ious pulley system from which two ropes descend. The made in the image of God. But above all, incense symbolises wife and I were in Santiago! How the bones of Sant Iago got to Botafumeiro is carefully attached to one rope, the other is used prayer. Galicia is a matter of legend (according to Acts 12:1-2, St James to swing it. This is an operation that requires the labour of a Both Revelation texts equate the rising incense smoke with was beheaded in Jerusalem by King Herod Agrippa I, c. 44). team of seven or eight traditionally vested thurifers. prayers ascending to the throne of God. At Vespers, the church There is, however, no doubt that the Spanish cultus of St The Botafumeiro having been prepared and blessed, the thu- and people are censed as Psalms 140 and 141 (LXX) are chant- James began when Theodomir, Bishop of Iria Flavia (the capi- rifers haul on the rope. At first the Botafumeiro moves jerking- ed, the key verse being: tal of Roman Galicia), certified remains found in the early ninth ly only a short distance, then with some mighty heaves it is sent century as those of the Apostle. The tradition that the Twelve flying in a rapidly expanding arc that eventually extends almost Let my prayer be set forth in thy sight as the incense: Apostles had divided the Ecumene up between them, with St the entire width of the transepts (70 m) and almost up to the and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice. James being allotted Spain, is in fact much earlier, tracing back vault, nearly 30 m above the floor. at least to late sixth-century Byzantium and to St Isidore of While the incense symbolises our prayer, it also symbolises Seville (560-636). We were seated almost directly under the Botafumeiro’s path God’s presence in our midst. As our prayer ascends with the as it hurtled through the air like a flaming meteor, leaving incense, we ask God to send down the Holy Spirit on us. A Great Bottle of Smoke clouds of incense in its wake. Was it a comfort to be told that One of the great liturgical Wonders of the World is the mighty the Botafumeiro had only come adrift from its moorings twice? Obviously, incense contributes to the atmosphere of mystery thurible (= incense-burner, censer) swung before the shrine of Perhaps, but I had a nasty suspicion that the last time was some and awe surrounding the liturgy, and its use certainly carries St James in the basilica of Santiago de Compostela. I had long centuries back and the third mishap was overdue. with it Jewish sacrificial symbolism. Nevertheless, incense wished to see the great Romanesque cathedral with its unique But slowly the length of the arc of this mighty pendulum tends to be seen as an accompaniment to the Eucharistic sacri- and “awesome” engine of devotion, popularly known as the decreased until the head thurifer was able to grab the fice or the sacrifice of prayer rather than as a sacrificial offering Botafumeiro (= bottle of smoke). Botafumeiro and bring it to a standstill with a pirouette and a in its own right. discrete bow to the applause of the congregation. Incensing also constitutes a symbolic purification of church The traditional medieval way to travel to Compostela is along and people. As our prayer of repentance for our sins ascends to one of four routes from French towns or cities: Arles (where While some believe that the Botafumeiro was devised as a God, so the sweet-smelling incense of God’s cleansing grace Italian pilgrims gathered), Le Puy, Vézelay (where German and dramatic way of honouring the Apostle, many others surmise fills the church. While incensing the altar, the icons and the peo- central European pilgrims assembled) and Paris (a convenient that its purpose was to purify the air from the odour of the hun- ple before the Great Entrance, the priest secretly recites the starting point for British pilgrims). Eventually, these routes join dreds of pilgrims who were given to sleeping in the Cathedral. great penitential prayer of the Church, Psalm 50. This is the up and cross Northern Spain. This latter theory has its sceptics who point out that the time for the faithful to recall their own sins and ask God’s for- Some years ago my wife and I decided to investigate these medieval pilgrims bathed and changed their clothes before giveness. medieval pilgrim routes (by car, not on foot) with the intention entering the city. In fact, these two theories are not contradicto- The thurible has not escaped symbolic interpretation. The of ending up at Compostela. The Freelands’ problem, however, ry. Liturgical ceremonies nearly always have both a practical censer itself has been seen as symbolic of the humanity of is that they can never tear themselves away from France, and so and a symbolic meaning, and the practical need not of necessi- Christ and the fire within it of His divinity, while the incense we were barely across the Pyrenees when we ran out of time. ty predate the symbolic. smoke has been understood as symbolic of the Holy Spirit. Not only do Orthodox use incense liturgically but also as a A few years later, we did get to Santiago de Compostela, but The Symbolism of Incense natural enhancement of private prayer. Indeed, the homes of this time from a liner bound for Southampton that stopped for Incense, which is made from gum-resin of certain trees and devout Orthodox families, blessed with the presence of icons, a day at Vigo, a port close to Compostela. So, instead of arriv- usually blended with aromatic plant oils, has been used by near- the murmur of prayer and pervaded with the fragrance of ing at the shrine of St James exhausted but morally uplifted ly all cultures both for domestic and religious purposes. incense, are truly little churches. Such homes are made in the after weeks on the pilgrim trail, we were shamefacedly deposit- image of the parish church and are served by pious Christians ed in the bus park a couple of hundred metres from the basili- In Jewish ritual, incense was burned as a sacrificial offering sealed with the Holy Chrism of the priesthood of the believer, ca. on the golden altar of the Temple twice a day (Exodus 30:1-10) as the parish church is served by those separated out by ordina- We certainly would not have qualified for the Compostellana, by rostered priests. The annunciation of the birth of John the tion to exercise the sacred ministry. the official ecclesiastical certificate declaring that you are a Forerunner/Baptist by the Archangel Gabriel standing at the bona fide pilgrim and entitled to three days worth of free meals. right of the altar of incense occurred when his father, the priest * Guy Freeland teaches hermeneutics and liturgical studies at St Andrew’s That requires walking, or riding a bike or a horse, for at least Zechariah, was making this ritual offering (Luke 1:5-23). Greek Orthodox Theological College. JANUARY 2007 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 9/27 JANUARY 2007 10/28 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 11/29 JANUARY 2007 12/30 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Health HEALTH SMOKING: CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS! IT’S TIME TO QUIT! NEWS NEGATIVE THINGS ABOUT SMOKING WEIGH UP THE PROS AND CONS ing! You will feel like a new person, free of You know the negative things about smok- So, now you know there are positive and addiction. You will smell and feel better! The WITH DR. THEO PENKLIS * ing. You know that regular smokers are negative things about smoking. It’s time for worry of smoking will be off your shoulders! hooked on their habit! Nicotine is the drug in you to weigh up in your own mind your feel- Each year at this time I like to write about tobacco that causes the addiction! If you ings about smoking. A good start is to write BECOME A NON-SMOKER smoking and remind everyone that it’s time to smoke in the first half hour of waking up, your down the ‘advantages’ and ‘disadvantages’ Now that you have considered the good and Stop Smoking!!! If you have already quit addiction to nicotine may be strong. about smoking, and in the process list every- bad things about smoking and understand the smoking, it is time to remind a friend or rela- Smokers often have cravings for a cigarette thing you like about smoking and then every- advantages of being a non smoker, your tive that it’s time to quit. Talk to your friends which increases during stress. Not only do you thing you dislike about smoking. Spend time options really are clear. There is no argument! or relatives. Show them how you did it. smoke for pleasure, but you smoke to relieve considering which side is more important to It’s time to stop smoking! Your doctor can help Support them. Show them that it can be done! the cravings; that is you smoke to relieve the you in the long term. you do it! Talk to your doctor today! To get For those who haven’t stopped smoking now unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Smoking started, you need a plan! Your doctor will dis- that the New Year has arrived, make your New can easily become quite a habit , particularly if TIME TO QUIT cuss your nicotine dependence and discuss Year’s resolution to STOP smoking ! It’s not it is strongly linked with daily activities such After weighing up the pros and cons, you your smoking pattern and habit. Think about too late…it’s not easy…but it can be done! as drinking coffee or alcohol or using the tele- may come to the decision to ‘quit’, but you your smoking! When, where and why you Talk to friends who have already stopped! phone. may have concerns about quitting. smoke? Are you an ‘automatic smoker’ ? Do Seek their advice! Seek their reassurance! You know smoking reduces your fitness. You I know you are concerned that you have tried you light cigarettes without thinking about it? Seek their support! Do you really need to be can feel breathless when climbing stairs or to quit before and failed. If this occurs, you have a well-practised habit! motivated? Now, it’s time! Time to Quit walking. Well, most people have to attempt to quit sev- But don’t worry, with hard work you too can Smoking!!! This can occur because the carbon monoxide eral times before they reach their non-smoking give up smoking! Keep a diary, writing down About 52 Australians die from smoking relat- gas in cigarette smoke reduces the oxygen goal. Treat each setback as a learning experi- every cigarette you smoke over a 24 hour peri- ed diseases every day, or about 19,000 Au- level in the body and causes you to tire more ence. Show your friends that you can do it! od. This is a good way to begin breaking your stralians per year die from tobacco related ill- easily whenever you exert yourself. If you I know that you’re concerned that you’re old habit! nesses. have a heart condition and you smoke, you are motivated, but when you are with your friends, In your diary record: Smoking is a major cause of heart disease, more likely to have chest pain (angina) and they smoke, they will make you feel like a 1. the time each cigarette is smoked stroke, several different forms of cancer, and a because of the lower oxygen level. Your cigarette as well. Be ready for your friend’s 2. your mood at the time wide variety of other health problems breathing may also be affected by the damage reactions. Some will try to undermine your 3. the situation you are in to your lungs from the tar in cigarette smoke. efforts because they have their own guilt about 4. a possible substitute for each cigarette , for SMOKING: THE CHOICE IS YOURS You know smoking ages your skin. Smokers smoking and this helps them feel better! example, a piece of fruit, a walk, a glass of It’s your choice whether to keep smoking or develop deep and shallow lines on the cheeks Others will make fun of your efforts for simi- water. not. Deciding what to do involves weighing up and lower jaw and the face develops gauntness lar reasons! Sometimes you may need to avoid If you are on the telephone and need to do both sides of the matter. You need to consider and a yellow colour. these people for the first few weeks, but alter- something with your hands, doodle on a pad the good and the not-so-good aspects of smok- You know smoking smells unpleasant. It can natively you can challenge them to join you! with a pencil. Think about what you can do ing to make an informed decision. also reduce your sense of taste and ability to Some friends will support and encourage you instead of smoking! enjoy food. Smoking can affect other people, and most will respect you when you achieve It is not easy to give up smoking. It requires THE POSITIVE THINGS ABOUT SMOKING often your relatives and friends are not happy your goal. Think about stopping with a friend! hard work. Set your ‘Quit Date’ ! Prepare be- We all know that you smoke because you about your smoking. Children, asthmatics and So, you don’t really have the willpower! Of fore you quit! Make small changes in your find it enjoyable and you find it relaxing. It allergy sufferers can be badly affected by small course you do! Willpower is the will to change smoking habit! Reduce the number of ciga- goes well with a drink. It peps you up! It helps amounts of smoke. and a measure of the strength of your desire rettes you smoke each day! Smoke only half of you keep your weight down! It calms your You know smoking harms your health. It and confidence to stop smoking! each cigarette! Start your first cigarette later in nerves when you’re under pressure or have causes coronary artery disease, strokes and cir- When you start to quit, you will get irritable the morning! Each time you feel like a ciga- deadlines to meet. Smoking keeps you awake culatory problems, and can increase your risk and feel sick as the withdrawal symptoms rette, delay having it! when you feel sleepy. Smoking stops the bore- of cancer , particularly lung cancer. Did you begin in your body as the nicotine starts to dis- Start making small changes to your smoking dom. know that smoking can also cause cancer of appear. But, all the nicotine will have left your pattern today! It simply gives you something to do to pass the throat, mouth, stomach, pancreas and kid- body within three to four days and it takes ten The decision is yours to talk to your doctor the time, for example, while you wait for a ney? On the positive side, your risk of devel- to twelve days for your body to adjust. Using today! Most doctors are keen to help their train or bus. You know smoking helps you oping lung cancer decreases greatly when you nicotine replacements, (such as tablets, patch- patients stop smoking!! think! When you’re trying to figure out a prob- stop smoking! es, lozenges or gum)increasing your exercise, lem or complete a job, a cigarette can help you Smoking can reduce fertility in both men eating fresh fruit and vegetables and drinking get over this hurdle. Smoking boosts your con- and women. Smoking when pregnant is a great plenty of water in this period, can help during * The information given in this article is of a gener- fidence. It gives you something to do with concern. It can cause miscarriage and the baby this difficult time. Your body will adjust and al nature and readers should seek advice from their your hands when you might feel a bit socially is likely to be born premature or be under- this period of readjustment is brief. own medical practitioner before embarking on any awkward! weight. Think of the advantages of stopping smok- treatment. Scientists assess bird flu threat to Australia Researchers will next month start a program to determine found in nearby Indonesia. if bird flu has reached Australian shores. The highly con- "How far it's come down the Indonesian archipelago is still a tagious H5N1 strain of bird flu has already caused the little bit unsure," Dr Burgess said. deaths of 150 people and millions of birds overseas. Birds infected with H5N1 had suffered fairly high mortality rates. Dr Graham Burgess from James Cook University's School "The thing we are hoping for is that these birds die before of Veterinary and Biomedical Science will lead a team to col- they get to places like Australia," Dr Burgess said. lect blood samples in north Queensland from around 2,000 "We are expecting not to find H5N1 but if we do find that, we waterfowl, the usual hosts of the disease. have an obligation immediately to hand it over to the CSIRO Migratory and resident populations of magpie geese, black lab in Geelong (Victoria). ducks and two whistling ducks will be targeted for the testing. "There is a plan in place of how exactly it would be handled "The black duck is most interesting to us in that there is a pos- from then on." sibility that the black duck may be capable of being infected The prevalence of influenza in ducks in some parts of the with some fairly virulent strains of influenza," Dr Burgess world is up to 50 per cent, Dr Burgess said. said. "We expect to find between one and 10 per cent of north "There's a lot of different strains of influenza and all influen- Queensland's waterfowl population to be carrying influenza za viruses essentially come from birds originally, even all of viruses." the human influenzas." The three-year study will examine if the levels of influenza in There was no evidence yet of human to human transmission waterfowl are increasing or if the patterns of infection are of bird flu. changing, Dr Burgess said. Australian scientists believed bird flu had not yet spread to our nearest neighbour, Papua New Guinea, but it has been AAP JANUARY 2007 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 13/31

PERSONS BORN IN GREECE FEATURE IN NEW HEALTH REPORT State Plan Priority S1: Improved access to a significant increase in homes with a smoke quality health care alarm detector. State Plan Priority S2: Improve survival rates and quality of life for people with potentially “As with every country of origin analysed, fatal or chronic illness through improvements Greece recorded decreased incidents of risky in health care. drinking, and showed a general marked State Plan Priority S3: Improved health increase in the number of smoke free house- through reduced obesity, smoking, illicit drug holds across NSW. use and risk drinking State Plan Priority F3: Improved outcomes “It appears that the message is getting through in mental health with people across NSW are curbing their State Plan Priority F5: Reduced avoidable alcohol consumption. While there is still more hospital admissions work to be done, these results show we are making real progress,” Mr Hatzistergos The release of the inaugural 2002-2005 Report explained. on Adult Health by Country of Birth from the New South Wales Population Survey, illus- “This survey provides us with a clear platform trates a link between people born in Greece on which to monitor health related issues, such and their health. as alcohol and tobacco consumption as well as physical activity and diet. Nearly one in three NSW residents were born overseas and around one in five speaks a lan- “Using this tool of comparison, we can imple- guage other than English at home. This new ment the most appropriate strategies to Report categorises the findings of the New respond to health issues affecting the NSW South Wales Population Health Survey accord- population.” ing to country of birth and shows that where people are born impacts on their health Mr Hatzistergos said other major findings include: “This report sheds new light on health issues A significantly higher proportion of that impact upon a wide range of ethnic people born in New Zealand (59.0 per groups,” NSW Health Minister, John ·cent) undertook adequate levels of physi- cent), Greece (33.2 per cent), and Other initiatives include: Hatzistergos said. cal activity whilst lower rates were found Lebanon (29.8 per cent). NSW Health and the Cancer Institute for people born in China (39.6 per cent), A significantly higher proportion of are currently preparing a statewide cam- people born in Greece (18.0 per cent), ·paign to improve fruit and vegetable con- “The good news for persons born in Greece is Italy (39.1 per cent), Vietnam (37.5 per ·Lebanon (15.2 per cent) and Italy (10.8 sumption to complement work underway per cent) have diabetes or high blood glu- in addressing healthy food alternatives cose compared to the State average of 6.6 and the Healthy School Canteen Strategy, per cent. including the Eat Well NSW plan. A significantly higher proportion of A new soon to be released version of people born in Italy (73.0 per cent) and the Nicotine Replacement Therapy DVD ·Greece (63.6 per cent) were overweight ·subtitled GREEK SCOUTS or obese. A significantly lower proportion in eight languages. Sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia of people born in the Philippines (29.4 per Later this year, NSW Health will cent), China (24.0 per cent), Vietnam announce plans to run another winter (17.9 per cent) and Hong Kong (15.8 per ·campaign to encourage older people to cent) were overweight or obese. This get a flu shot. In light of the Country of E n r o l l i n g N o w ! compares with the State average of 48.5 Birth report, a specific target will be made per cent. to encourage people of non-English 9 Cub Scout units are enrolling boys and girls up to 10 years speaking background to get vaccinated. Mr Hatzistergos said information from the 9 Scout units are enrolling boys and girls up to 15 years report, along with work undertaken at the The report is available as a PDF document Alcohol Summit, has been used to guide through the NSW Health website at the fol- To enrol your children contact: “Outcomes of the NSW Summit on Alcohol lowing URL: Abuse”, a four year plan for changing the cul- http:/www.health.nsw.gov.au/pubs/date/2007. Parish of St Euphemia – Bankstown ture of alcohol abuse. html Mr George Trochalis (Group Leader) ph. 9700 9788 mob. 0412 358736 Mrs Helen Pilatos (Scout Committee President) ph. 9713 1883 Fr Panayotis (Chaplain) ph. 9709 6908 mob. 0402 219214

Parish of St Stylianos – Sutherland The Parish of St Therapon invites you Mr Nicholas Depolignol (Group Leader) ph. 9579 3888 APOKRIATIKO DANCE Mrs Zeffy Delhas (Scout Committee President) ph. 9541 0582 to our Father Constantine (Chaplain) ph. 9526 6577 mob.0418 511212 Saturday 10th February 2007 at 7.00pm Till Late Cherrybrook Community Centre Also more Adult Leaders needed ! Greenway Park Shepherds Drive Cherrybrook To participate in the Scout Movement by becoming a Leader or Assistant (all training will be provided – no previous experience required): Buffet Dinner George Papadimitriou James (Commissioner for Greek Scouts) ph. 9567 1835 Best Fancy Dress Competition Email: [email protected] Great Prizes For The Best Dressed “Maskara” Raffle Prizes By participating in a Greek Orthodox Scout Group, boys and girls will benefit from the Australian Scouting program as well as the additional Greek cultural program and the opportunity to practice and improve their knowledge of the Tickets Adults $40 Students $20 Greek Orthodox faith and the Greek language. JANUARY 2007 14/32 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

CLINICAL INSIGHTS INTO HEALTH AND NATURAL SOLUTIONS

build up. Chronic stress can lead to activation produce energy for the body. This causes portant matters. This is particularly important of the glands involved depending on the indi- loss/depletion of amino acids, potassium, mag- if you have any relationship issue. Another vidual. Over activation leads to increased and nesium, calcium, phosphorus and most impor- important key in that area is to become a good, sustained levels of the stress hormone cortisol. tantly vitamin C and the B group of vitamins. active listener. BY CHRISTINA SCALONE* This in turn can result in many symptoms such Furthermore, digestion slows down decreasing • Get help for time management or anger man- BHSc, Dip. Bot. Med, Dip. as: the absorption of the nutrients from the diet. agement. Important tips on time management Hom, Dip. Nut • Anxiety Stress also promotes the formation of free rad- are: set priorities, organize your day, avoid put- • Agitation icals that can damage the body tissues. ting things off, don’t be a perfectionist. • Irritability Although eliminating stress from one’s life is • Find activities that you enjoy and set aside • Depression the most desired objective, it is not always time to participate in them on regular basis. • Lowered immune response practical. There are strategies that can be • Participate in regular physical exercise. • Altered reproductive function employed to deal with stress. Physical activity, • Maintain a positive outlook. • High cholesterol levels restful sleep, eating a well balanced diet and • Set goals and break them into easy achiev- • High triglyceride levels some natural supplementation can be effective able tasks. • High blood pressure in curbing the effects of stress. • Reward yourself for the good things that you • Insulin resistance do each day. • Fatigue Managing stress: • Impaired memory Exercise: • Central obesity – deposition of fat on trunk The first step in the process of stress manage- Tension, depression, feelings of inadequacy and face ment is to try to identify the cause of the stress and worries diminish greatly with regular exer- • Loss of muscle mass and tone if possible, such as deadlines at work or study, cise. It improves mood and the ability to han- • Bone mineral loss financial worries, relationship issues or some dle stressful life situation. • Impaired injury recovery/delayed wound event in the past (known as Post-Traumatic healing Stress Disorder). If the source of the stress is Healthy diet: Also, people under stressed emotional states difficult to identify, it is important to get out- usually have cravings for sweeter or high fat side help such as from family members, • Eliminate or restrict the intake of caffeine foods for energy. If there is no increase in friends, or some professional help from a doc- and alcohol. Caffeine produces significant physical activity or exercise, weight gain also tor, a psychologist or a naturopath. alteration of brain chemistry. One or two cups STRESS results. The following steps can be helpful in achiev- of coffee contain about 150 to 225 mg of caf- What is stress? It is a rather vague term used On the other hand, if the person experiences ing stress management: feine. Although most people can handle this to describe any kind of situation where we are under-activation (which can occur at the end of • Learning techniques to calm the mind and amount, some people are sensitive to the challenged to perform in some way. Most of us prolonged over-stimulation) of the adrenal body as well as promoting positive mental atti- effects of caffeine. People prone to feeling have accepted the fact that everyday stress is glands, symptoms they experience may tude stress and anxiety tend to be especially sensi- part of modern living: job pressures, family include: • Life-style factors (time management, rela- tive to caffeine. Alcohol increases adrenal hor- arguments, financial pressures and never hav- tionship issues) mone output, interferes with normal brain ing enough time – are just a few of the stres- • An increased risk of autoimmune disease, • Regular exercise chemistry as well as normal sleep cycles. sors most of us have daily. such as inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, etc • A healthy diet • Eliminate refined carbohydrates from the Mosby’s medical dictionary gives the follow- • An increased risk of inflammatory condi- • Supplementary measure (with herbs and diet. ing definition for stress –“an emotional, phys- tions nutritional supplementation) – to support the • Eat regular planned meals in a relaxed envi- ical, social, economic or other factor that • Apathy whole body, but especially adrenal glands. ronment. requires a response or change”. We often talk • Malaise/fatigue • Control of food allergies is also very impor- about stress at work or stress at home when we • Weakness Relaxation techniques: tant. are actually describing the trial and tribulations • Reduced libido of everyday life that place too many demands • Weight loss Relaxation techniques are designed specifical- Nutritional and herbal support: on us. These overwhelm our ability to cope • Poor, restless sleep ly to produce the ‘relaxation response’ that thus threatening our sense of control. • Chronic pain helps with repair, maintenance and restoration Nutritional and herbal support for a person These external stress factors then lead to a • Asthma of the body. The various techniques are: medi- with stress largely involves supporting the range of internal reactions within the body • Allergies tation, prayer, yoga, progressive relaxation, adrenal glands. As mentioned above persistent known as the “stress response”. It is important Furthermore, if the stress continues untreat- self-hypnosis, etc. The type of relaxation tech- stress can lead to adrenal exhaustion, where to note that not every person is affected or person suffers from chronic fatigue, anxiety, reacts in the same way to life situations and decreased resistance to allergies and infection. thus varying degrees of triggers exist. Not all It is very important to support adrenal gland stress is bad. Stress is needed for our survival, function with proper nutrients. Several nutri- commonly known as the ‘Fight/Flight’ ents are especially important in this regard: response. It is also essential for growth and • Vitamin C maturation, both physically and mentally/emo- • Vitamin B5 (Pentothenic acid) tionally. Stress helps us adapt to new situations • Vitamin B6 and enhances memory function. However, it is • Zinc the long-term chronic exposure to unrelenting • Magnesium stress, known as distress (defined as an emo- tional or physical state of pain, sorrow, misery, Herbal support: there are numerous herbal suffering or discomfort) that is damaging and remedies that can support the adrenal function, detrimental to health. e.g. Siberian and Panax ginseng, Withania In the body, stress response is controlled by somnifera (Ashwagnatha – an Ayurvedic hormone-producing glands known as the herb), Scutellaria laterifolia (Skullcap), hypothalamic, adrenal and pituitary glands Astragalus, Avena etc. Depending on individ- together with part of our nervous system ual symptoms, the herbal formula can adjusted known as the sympathetic nervous system. In with addition of other useful herbs. times of stress, the glands are responsible for the release of a hormone called cortisol, also Note: FOR PROPER DOSAGES OF NUTRI- commonly known as the stress hormone. ed the body can actually experience adrenal nique best for each person is totally individual. TIONAL SUPPLEMETATION AND HERBAL Cortisol has many diverse physiological func- fatigue, where the body can no longer deal The important thing is that at least five to ten SUPPORT PLEASE CONSULT YOUR NATUR- tions that occur throughout the body such as with the stress. This is commonly known as minutes be set aside each day for performing a OPATH. increased heart rate, increasing blood glucose burn out, and the body is unable to respond to relaxation technique. levels, suppressing immune function and any more stress. * Christina Scalone is a very experienced and successful naturopath with over 20 years experience. She holds a breaking down different body tissues. Cortisol As mentioned above, increased production of Lifestyle factors: Degree in Health Science, a Diploma in Botanical Medi- levels drop as does the activity of the sympa- adrenal hormones (adrenaline) is responsible cine, Diploma in Homoeopathy and a Diploma in Nutri- thetic nervous system and the body returns to for most of the symptoms associated with You can take steps to manage &/or prevent tion. She has maintained a full time practice, has held a its normal level of activity. stress. It is also the reason that stress can lead stress in your life. position as a senior practioner/ naturopathic consultant, a Problems begin if the perceived stress is not to various nutritional deficiencies. Increased • Set realistic goals in your life. clinic manager and trainer for Blackmores and is a clinic • student supervisor as well as a lecturer at the Australian removed. Unless the body has a chance to adrenaline production leads to increased uti- Put things into perspective and try not to get College of Natural Therapies. She also maintains her own recover, the effects of stress hormones tend to lization of proteins, fats and carbohydrates to upset about insignificant or relatively unim- private practice with successful results. JULY 2006 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 15/33

Anarchists snatch Riddle of Homer's Odyssey island holy infant’s effigy may have been solved Baby Jesus went missing from the Christmas manger of Greece's second largest city Salonika after being British history sleuths say they have snatched by a group of suspected anarchists, local uncovered new geological evidence to police said. solve one of the great riddles of ancient A previously unknown group calling itself "The Greece - pinpointing the ancient island of Mothers of Aristotelous Square" after Salonika's central Ithaca, home of Homer's legendary hero thoroughfare declared it had abducted the holy infant's Odysseus. effigy to demand the release of two presumed anarchists "We are one step closer to solving the held in pre-trial detention in Athens for the past seven age-old mystery," said management con- months. sultant Robert Bittlestone who has worked "They said that they will continue to hold Jesus as long with professors of classics and geology to as their comrades remain imprisoned," said Salonika piece together an intriguing archaeological police chief Stergios Apostolidis. jigsaw puzzle. "They also said that the infant is in good hands, better Finding Ithaca could rival the discovery than having to stay at Aristotelous Square under freezing of ancient Troy on the Turkish coast in the temperatures," he added. 1870s. This is the third time that baby Jesus has gone missing No one can be certain whether Odysseus from the city's central Christmas decorations, after simi- or his city really existed. But the discovery lar thefts in 1993 and 1997, state television Net reported. of the ruins of Troy, where Odysseus and The local municipality quickly replaced the missing effi- other legendary Greek heroes did battle, gy. has led scholars to believe there is more to "No matter how many times they take the doll symbol- Homer's tales than just legend. ising the holy infant, nothing can remove Jesus from our Until now, the kingdom of Ithaca was hearts," deputy Salonika Mayor Vassilis Gakis told thought to have been on the Ionian island isthmus (landbridge) joining Paliki to the to prove their island theory. reporters. of Ithaki. rest of Kefalonia. "There is every evidence we are on the The two suspected anarchists held in Athens were arrest- But Bittlestone's team say they believe it It met with no solid limestone bedrock, right track," he said. ed in May after incidents coinciding with the European is on Paliki, a peninsula on the island of suggesting Paliki could once have been an "For thousands of years people thought Social Forum in Athens, and have been charged with Kefalonia, west of Ithaki. island in itself. Homer was wrong in how he described the breaking Greek laws on explosives, causing explosions Bittlestone, who became intrigued by the The team say rockfalls and landslides location of Ithaca. I believe Homer was and fires, and theft. riddle while on holiday in Greece, enlisted triggered by earthquakes may have filled right but we didn't see it because the land- Both announced hunger strikes in November and the help of Cambridge classicist James in an ancient sea channel. scape has changed." December in protest against their detention. Diggle and Edinburgh geologist John Bittlestone said further tests would have Underhill to drill a 122m bore hole on the to be made along the length of the isthmus REUTERS

NO DEPOSIT

FINANCE AVAILABLE†

^ CALL Spiro Papalexandris from FOR ALL THE GREAT DEALS!

†Conditions apply, all finance to approved purchasers. ^Refers to 41306. This offer is not in conjunction with any other offers. Pictures for illustration purposes only. Conditions apply. DL01. McKenzie10352A JANUARY 2007 16/34 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA ÉÅÑÁ ÁÑ×ÉÅÐÉÓÊÏÐÇ ÁÕÓÔÑÁËÉÁÓ GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA NINTH NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE “The Responsibility of Youth in Contemporary Society” Brisbane 25th - 28th January, 2007

Professor Christoforos Haralambakis

$150 JANUARY 2007 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 17/35 Food & Wine Fruits of the season By Imogen Coward through the digestive tracts of birds and ani- her culinary secrets. How were the fillets Of course, those sitting around the table all had mals (including those of the human variety). cooked? To begin with they were placed on a an opinion to offer. After ‘gingerly’ taking our Even if people don’t take any annual holidays This is beneficial to the creatures which eat the grill plate covered with melted butter. The only first mouthfuls, the fish and accompanying sal- over Christmas, most manage to relax during fruit, as many seeds contain poisons (some- white wine was some left-over Riccadonna, ads were quickly finished off to a person. The at least the official public holidays in thing to remember next time you contemplate and this was poured over the fillets. Not the iced brewed ginger beer cordial, mixed with December and January. The wonderful thing eating apple pips). It is beneficial to the plants usual wine for cooking, but certainly not as soda water and ice cubes, made for a refresh- is, for Australians this holiday season occurs in as well, as the seeds are passed out close to unusual as the next ingredient. The hostess ing drink. “Next time”, several of the guests our summertime. their original source. This means that the seeds decided ginger would go well with the fresh offered, “how about substituting fresh grated are more likely to fall onto similar soil and in a limes, but there was none available. Instead, ginger in the fish dish, and a drier wine.” Fish The emphasis more and more is away from similar climatic area, giving the seeds a greater the refrigerator contained a bottle of fillets cooked in cordial sounds worse than it traditional northern hemisphere Christmas and chance of germinating. Bundaberg brewed ginger beer cordial. Before tasted, but in the company of kind-hearted New Year foods. Instead, seafoods, salads and continuing, it might be an idea to let you know friends, it’s wonderful to know that people feel fruit platters are to the fore. The down-side is Now, this information may bring little relief to the general consensus of opinion about this comfortable enough to take risks with tastes, that demands for these foods is up before the anyone suffering stomach pains after ingesting improvised dish – all in all, those of us sitting and experiment a little with their cooking. If holidays, and therefore, the prices behave like- the first stone fruits of the season, or after eat- around the table received it favourably. The experimental dishes turn out to be flops in wise. It’s always interesting to watch the cost ing a few too many fragrant peaches, nec- finishing touch for the fillets was seasoning summertime, there’s always a consolation: of lobsters and prawns plummet immediately tarines, plums, mangoes, cherries … but it is with salt and pepper, and the fresh limes were platters of ripe stoned fruits, big bunches of after New Year celebrations are over. Simi- something to marvel at, all the same. sliced thinly and poached in the wine and gin- fresh grapes, nuts, dried dates, figs (and even, larly, the prices of traditional treats such as ger beer. The grill pan was covered in foil, surprise, surprise at last) bananas that cost less cherries, take a sharp dive. The holiday season is also a good time to be removed from the hotplates, and the fish left to than their weight in gold! adventurous with food. Very little can go steam a little. Those who may have indulged a little too wrong with fresh, delicious ingredients that much over Christmas and New Year can take require little preparation. With any luck, there solace in the abundance and relative afford- will be plenty of visitors to try out new recipe One in two want to get fit, ability of the summer fruits throughout or menu ideas. For those who have an urge to January. There is always a price to pay for improvise, summer is an ideal time to get cre- over-indulgence, however, and stoned fruits ative. One interesting dish served up after lose weight in New Year pose no exception. There is an interesting rea- New Year featured gemfish fillets. The hostess son for this. Animals and birds often play an found she had the fillets and fresh limes, but Almost one in two people want 2007 to be The poll of 311 people showed fitness essential role in the cycle of plant production – very little else. Luckily, it’s a fish that lends the year they get fit or lose weight, according topped the list of New Year goals, Sydney not so much in the tilling of the soil and plant- itself to experimentation with a variety of sea- to a New Year resolutions poll. New Year's Eve producer Katrina Marton ing of seeds, so much as through the ingestion sonings. The fish was cooked and served up, Travel, quitting smoking, eating better and said. of the plants. Stoned fruits contain a compound but those sitting around the table we asked to helping the environment are among the other "One in four people have vowed to get fit that encourages the hasty passage of seeds eat it and comment, before the hostess revealed top aims for the New Year, according to the and one in five to lose weight," she said. City of Sydney survey. "Of the categories available, eight per cent of The council said its online poll also received respondents wanted to travel more in the more obscure personal goals for the year New Year, seven per cent wanted to quit ahead, with respondents vowing to dump smoking and six per cent resolved to eat their partner, meet more women, stop biting healthier food." their fingernails or fall in love. AAP Queensland scientists develop new super food Queensland scientists have made a break- DPIF scientist Sally Dillon said the pigeon through they believe will help feed millions pea F1 hybrids held the key to developing NEW ORTHODOX DIARY of starving people. better cultivars. St Andrew’s Orthodox Press has just brought out an A hybrid, using species of the common "We have identified 13 native pigeon pea Australian wild pigeon pea and commercial species endemic to Queensland, Northern Orthodox Diary in English for calendar year 2007. cultivated plants or cultivars, has been devel- Territory and Western Australia that thrive in It is in book form, one day to a page, with a total of 380 pages. oped by Department of Primary Industries the wild and are extremely tolerant in terms Each page contains the day, date, a colour icon of the main Saint(s) of the day, a small and Fisheries (DPIF) staff at Biloela in cen- of limited soil moisture and soil nutrients," list of the other Saints whose memories are commemorated on the day and whether it is tral Queensland. she said. a fasting day. Pigeon pea is a major food source eaten as Dr Dillon said Australian species of the crop The Diary allows people plenty of space to write their personal memories of the day, or a porridge and as a green vegetable in south- were drought tolerant, high yielding and upcoming appointments. east Asia, the Caribbean, Africa and India but palatable, as well as being disease and pest It has a decorative silver-embossed cover and a marker ribbon. most varieties of the crop are very suscepti- resistant. Pigeon pea also provides livestock Proceeds from the sale of this publication will assist the St Clement Orthodox ble to pests and diseases, Queensland DPIF fodder, is a source of fuel and its woody Primary School and feeding program in Kenya. spokesman Tim Mulherin said. stems are used as a building material. If you would like to place an order, you need only respond to this email. "The hybrid varieties emerging from the Pigeon pea is a grain legume crop that con- Each Diary will retail for $15. Group discounts are available* (please see schedule research could hold the key to developing tains amino acids and has an average 24 per below ) cultivars that are resistant to pests and dis- cent protein content. We hope that you will see the value of this publication for your friends, family, school eases," Mr Mulherin said. AAP community and faithful in general. It will be most useful for those wishing to acquaint themselves to the Orthodox cycle of feasts in the liturgical year. With appreciation in advance for your consideration, and best wishes for the Christmas Season and New Year. St Andrew's Orthodox Press 242 Cleveland St Recipes for drinks using spirits turn up in series. Redfern NSW 2016 the strangest places. The iconic drink of the James Bond films Australia You expect them to turn up in encyclope- is a martini “shaken, not stirred”. Whilst Ph. +612 9698 5066 dias on the history of alcoholic beverages, on reading Dr. No however he discovered the Fax. 612 9698 4103 the back label of a bottle and even on the side instructions for another slightly tart, but 0406 38 78 50 of a cocktail shaker, but would you expect extremely refreshing drink: a double gin and [email protected] them in the middle of a thrilling novel about tonic with half a lime on the rocks. * GROUP DISCOUNTS FOR 2007 DIARY (not inclusive of postage and spies? To mix it use two parts Gordon’s Dry Gin handling) Apparently the answer should be ‘yes’! (if its for one person you may just use the lid  After the extremely popular new James of the bottle to measure it) with two parts 1-9 diaries – standard1-9 diaries retail – pricestandard of $15 retail price of $15  Bond film “Casino Royale” revitalised an chilled tonic water, add the juice of half a 10-19 diaries – $12 per copy  interest in Ian Fleming’s 007 stories, my fresh lime, stir and pour into a tumbler half 20-49 diaries - $12 per copy, plus two complimentary copies brother started re-reading an old copy of filled with lightly crushed ice. 50-100 diaries - $10 per copy “Dr. No”, the second story of the Bond It is the perfect drink for a hot summer day. JANUARY 2007 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 18/36

Take the Eastern & Oriental express across north Thailand By Detlef Berg fresh and the balancing act between European cuisine and Asian cooking is without doubt a There may be faster and safer ways to travel success. around Thailand, but is there one more beauti- To close the evening, there are cocktails in the ful? bar carriage while passengers discuss the day's It takes three days for the Eastern & Oriental events and listen to the pianist play As Time Express, one of the most exclusive trains in the Goes By. world, to make the journey from Bangkok to Meanwhile, the discreet staff have trans- Chang Mai in northern Thailand and back. formed the cabin into a bedroom. They are the The dark green and yellow carriages are a same staff who serve breakfast in the morning dream come true for the American James B in the cabin on a silver tray with fresh coffee, Sherwood. orange juice and warm croissants. Sherwood bought the carriages in New Zea- By then, the train has arrived at its destination, land and had them redecorated with expensive Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. wood panelling, a lot of brass metal work and Passengers have only four hours to familiarise Asian decor. themselves with the Rose of the North and of Sherwood is a train fanatic and he is also the course the train sticks rigidly to the timetable. owner of the historic Orient Express in Not surprisingly, choosing one of the three Europe. The E&O is purely a product of excursions is difficult. Sherwood's imagination. One of the tours takes passengers to the city's Although the railway has not yet provided the old centre. backdrop for an Agatha Christie novel, it has There are 36 temples in one area surrounded managed to stake a place in the ranks of the by a moat filled with water. Four of the tem- world's luxury train journeys. ples are older than any in Bangkok. Chiang The train's regular route takes it from Sin- Mai has 80 temples in total to discover. gapore to Bangkok and back but several times Those interested in traditional craft making a year it makes the journey to Chiang Mai. should take the second tour. With a sudden jolt, the train's 22 carriages roll Passengers who have opted to take the tour Back aboard the train, it's time to enjoy a In the village of Bo Sang at the edge of the out of Hualampong train station in Bangkok. learn tidbits of information about the city such well-earned shower. The air-conditioned cab- city, tourists can observe silversmiths at work, At first, the guests' view is of small houses as "For 400 years Ayutthaya belonged to the ins are small and offer little space but they are see how colourful paper umbrellas are made with corrugated roofs nestled tightly along the wealthiest empire in the whole of Asia". luxuriously equipped. starting with making the paper to the painting railway line. Washing hangs from clotheslines A million people lived here during the city's There is a tiny living room with cherry wood the umbrellas. and children wave to the passengers. high point in the 17th century. panelling and intricate inlays. There's also a Other stops on the tour include a silk factory Later, that seemingly endless sea of houses Merchants came from China, Japan and sofa that converts into a bed and a shower- and a ceramic workshop where fine, green, gives way to the suburbs and half hour-an-hour Europe to found trading posts. The city was closet. Two large windows open to the coun- shimmering celadon pottery is made. later the train passes through rice paddies. built on an island and at the time was surround- tryside passing outside. However, there's not The third group visits the elephants to see ed by a 12-kilometre long wall. It was consid- much time to enjoy the view. them paint with their trunks. There is also an The last carriage in the train is an open-air ered one of the most beautiful cities in the Ulf Buchert, the train's German manager, opportunity to ride an elephant up a steep hill. viewing car designed like a verandah where world. calls the guests to diner with a reminder that The next stop on the journey is Lampang, passengers can take in the tropical air or pho- In 1767, Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese. formal dress is desired. famous for the horse drawn carriages that are tograph the Buddhist temples passing by. Today, the ruins of the temples and palace Dining is one of the highlights of the trip. The built here. Another highlight of the trip is a The first stop is Ayutthaya, about 80 kilome- complexes are still impressive, so much so that tables in the restaurant carriage have been laid stopover at the River Kwai bridge before the tres north of Bangkok. UNESCO declared them part of the world's for a festive occasion. E&O returns to Bangkok around midday. Ayutthaya was once the capital of Siam and cultural heritage. The train's chef, Kevin Cape, greets the pas- For more information, visit www.orient- passengers can take a tour of the city in air- The restored Wat Phra Si Sanphet is particu- sengers, indulges in small talk and gives express.com. conditioned buses. larly well worth visiting. advice on the menu and wines. Everything is DPA Travel News in Brief Sofitel Hotels has announced the opening of boasts over 10,000 rooms. Last year, more standing one- and two-bedroom villas, each the Grand Sopot Hotel by Sofitel Historic than 18 million visitors had made their trip with own spa bath. The complex also contains Hotel on Poland's Baltic Coast. to Genting. a restaurant, bar, lounge, resort-style swim- It follows a refurbishment of the historic 1927 The award-winning indoor and outdoor ming pool and gym plus direct beach access. building. theme parks offer more than 50 different Ningaloo is known for its whale sharks in French architect Frederic Yzermann, who rides for visitors to choose from. Games autumn, giant turtles in summer and the annu- specialises in restoring ageing historic build- include the Flying Coaster, Sky Venture al migration of humpback whales to their ings to their original splendour, created the (only two of such rides in the world) and breeding grounds in winter and return south in hotel's new look. Snow World (largest in South-East Asia). the spring. In an adjacent seaside park there's walking Also, not to be missed is the latest Mini Skywest flies direct to Exmouth from Perth and bike paths, as well as Europe's oldest and Train and Crazy Space Lap, all ready to be daily and there are also regular flights from longest wooden pier. rolled out later this year. Broome, complementing increased visitation Special opening rates are from 95 Euros Details: visit www.genting.com.my. to the west coast from both international ($A159) per night in a Deluxe Queen Room. guests and east coast travellers. Details: visit www.sofitel.com. Accor's Novotel Ningaloo Resort has opened Details: Call 1300-65-65-65 or visit just in time for one of nature's most spectacu- www.accorhotels.com. The First World Hotel at Genting, lar sights as Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill Malaysia, is now the largest hotel in the and Flatback turtles drag themselves ashore to New Caledonia has launched its first two- world after receiving the highest recogni- lay eggs and hatch their young. for-one sale, offering rock-bottom prices booked by January 28. tion from Guinness World Records. The resort has direct access to the beach. on tropical island holidays, two hours from They include: Four nights in Noumea with With 6,118 rooms it has been recognised as Special rates start from $180 per night for a Brisbane or Sydney. Talpacific Holidays, priced from $1336.36 the world's largest under the Feats of Standard King Pool View room until March They include international flights, hotels for the first person and free for the second Engineering for Big Buildings. 31. and resorts, inter-island flights, airport person (except $122.36 tax). Includes The previous title holder was MGM Grand The first international resort hotel to be built transfers and a selection of meals and return flights from Sydney, four nights at Hotel & Casino at Las Vegas with a record near Ningaloo Reef, off the coast of Exmouth activities. The sale is the most extensive the Nouvata Park Hotel, airport transfers 5,005 rooms. in Western Australia, has opened 44 of the offered by Australia's closest Pacific neigh- and bonus card. Also available from Together with five other hotels, namely planned 150 rooms, servicing the growing bour, known for its tropical beaches, Brisbane for $1320.10 first person and Genting Hotel, Highlands Hotel, Resort popularity of the nature based tourist destina- ancient Melanesian culture and cosmopol- $106.10 tax second person. Hotel, Theme Park Hotel and Awana tion. itan French lifestyle. Details: Call 1300-665-737 for other pack- Genting, seven kilometres down the hill, The $24 million development includes a Packages are available for travel between ages and to book. Genting City Of Entertainment now range of self-contained apartments, and free- February 24 and March 31 and must be AAP JANUARY 2007 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 19/37

The ageless spirit of Hellenism Vasiliki Lampidou is still going strong at 103 after a remarkable life of two husbands, four children and 40 years of service to the Greek army EFTHYMIOS TSILIOPOULOS head!” she says. Day in, day out, like the soldiers, she took to her task, seeking no remuneration and getting none. The small white cottage is almost lost in the mist that often Every day, despite her years, Vasiliki Lampidou hoists the blankets the plain near the confluence of the Evros and Greek flag outside her humble cottage. “All of Greece resides Ardas rivers next to Greece’s northeastern border with in my heart,” she says, saying that it could be no other way. Turkey. This part of the country registers some of the cold- Many women a lot younger than her face a harsh fate in their est temperatures and heaviest snowfall in Greece. twilight years on this bountiful but rugged patch of land. But The whitewashed cottage is the home of 103-year-old Vasiliki Mrs Vasiliki has a guardian angel - the Greek army. Lampidou. She would not be remarkable - save for her ripe old In recognition of her services, the army awarded her an hon- age - if it weren’t for the services she rendered to the Greek orary certificate signed by the chief of the army general staff, army for decades beginning in 1965. When Vasiliki Lampidou Lieutenant-General Dimitris Grapsas. Deputy Defence was born in the village of Megalo Zalou in eastern Thrace, it Minister Yiannis Lambropoulos on December 19 visited was part of the Ottoman Empire. Today it forms part of Turkey. Vassiliki Lampidou and presented to her the award. Soldiers At 20, Lampidou became familiar with the fate of refugees from the 16th Mechanised Infantry Division (based in nearby around the world as she and her fellow villagers were marched Didymoteicho) recently refurbished her bathroom, and officers off to Greece as part of the exchange of populations that fol- visit her regularly. She knows most of them by name and is on lowed the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923. a first-name basis with the family of the division’s commander. She settled first in the village of Sakkos and later moved to Major-General Frangoulis Frangos, who was one of the driv- Ormenio where she married Rouskis Zafiridis. He died more ing forces behind the recognition of her services, visits her than five decades ago. She remarried and also outlived her sec- often. “He’s my Paparigas,” she says, and Frangos explains that ond husband. She then moved to the village of Marasia. she alludes to him by the name of the Communist party gener- She had four children, all of whom she survived. “I buried all al secretary, because his staff car flies a crimson flag with two my children,” she recounts as her eyes become moist. Her last white stars, the emblem of a divisional commander, which at daughter died five years ago in Ormenio. Her meagre income first sight she mistook for a soviet banner. came from doing chores around the village and lodging long- The army also engaged the municipal authorities of Trigono to haul bus drivers. She hates to dwell on her past, and when provide her with a home help for cleaning and cooking. asked about the pictures in her living room she answers with But the feisty old lady will not allow anyone to actually do her tears in her eyes. “No, I have no pictures of myself or my fam- chores for her. “Not as long as my legs keep me up!” she says. ily. That’s my psyhogios [adopted son] at his wedding,” she Feisty is the word for her. Noticing that her kitten was meow- says of a photo that seems to date from the late 1950s or early ing and staggering I asked if the creature was ill or born with a 1960s. defect, to which she casually replied: “No, it was annoying me, Since the mid-1960s until just a few years ago, Lampidou so I banged it on the head with this!” shaking her cane. cooked and delivered food to three of the region’s border out- The municipal authorities still remember the row she caused posts manned by the Greek army. It was about that time that the last national elections at the polling booth, when someone army strengthened its forces on the border with Turkey after offered to help her. Perhaps General Frangos summed it up best violence between Greek- and Turkish-Cypriots in 1964-65. when he said of Vasiliki Lampidou: Asked why she did it, she replies simply: “I felt I had to do it. “She is the ageless spirit of the Greek woman, of Hellenism. Somebody had to help those young boys and bring them a She is the Lady of Evros like Despoina Ahladioti was the Lady warm meal.” She carried on even in sub-zero temperatures of Ro.” ‘All of Greece resides in my heart,’ says Vasiliki Lampidou from late October until April. “Even in snow as high as your ATHENS NEWS (inset), who every day hoists

For the Bilbiophiles…

For a study of the Fathers of the Church it is handy to have both the original documents as well as commentaries. One useful combina- tion for a study of the early Fathers is:

The Formation of Christian Theology Volume 1: The Way to Nicaea By John Behr. (St Vladimir’s Seminary Press) Behr’s writings contain no whole documents, but much discussion and analysis – volume 1 of his three part series concentrates on the writings of Ignatius of Antioch, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus of Lyons, Hippolytus, Ori- gen of Alexandria and Paul of Samosata. In his discussions he does include excerpts from the relevant documents.

The Apostolic Fathers Edited and revised by Michael W. Holmes. (BakerBooks) In comparison to Behr, Holmes limits his analyst to the documents, authenticity, style and sources. The main body of the book is taken up with the documents themselves pre- sented in both Greek and English with foot- notes on the English translation from time to time. Behr is available from the Archdiocese book- shop in Redfern, Sydney. Both books are to be found in the library of St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College, also in Redfern, ph. (02) 9698 5066. T. C. JANUARY 2007 20/38 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

School of Byzantine Music Graduation

ABOVE: Byzantine music has its own unique notation. RIGHT: Students and teachers of the School of Byzantine music. fact, it is the school’s dream that every Byzantine Music, they were able to fulfil their three-year course with lessons taking place one The School of Byzantine Music held its first Orthodox Christian Church in Australia be wish to study Byzantine Music systematically evening a week. En par with any community- graduation in the evening of the 29th graced with a Byzantine choir, imitating the and to receive a diploma recognising their college course, it currently boasts 35 enrolled November 2006 as three students received heavenly choirs of angels that sing in the pres- knowledge and skill. George Combis is cur- students, both men and women, most in their their diplomas from Archbishop Stylianos ence of God. The graduates were brought for- rently the protopsaltis of All Saints Church twenties. A fourth year enrichment course will during the Celebratory Esperinos service of ward just after the artoklasia, a special prayer Belmore, and choirmaster of the Australian commence in 2007, designed for graduates the church of St Andrew, Gladesville. was read for them, and they were then granted Byzantine Choir; Elias Bolos is currently lam- who wish to delve into more advanced study their diplomas. badarios of St Spyridon Church Kingsford; of an ancient and beautiful art that is Byzantine Two choirs of psaltes chanted the service. The three students who graduated have had and, Tony Anthony is a member of the Music. Most of these chanters were either teachers or many years of experience chanting in Church, Australian Byzantine Choir. For more information contact schoolof- students of the School of Byzantine Music. In but with their enrolment in the School of The School of Byzantine Music offers a [email protected]