Lady... of Yellow Rock

THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN The oldest circulating Greek newspaper outside VEMA Greece AUGUST 2011 Tel. (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 E-mail: [email protected] A CAUSECCAALLLL FOREEDD T T GREATOO B B EE S S AAREJOICINGIINNTTSS!!

Celebrating 10 Years of our newspaper in the Church PAGE 3/31 WORLD BANK HEAD WARNS: DEBT CRISIS

Media’s impact on our children: ENTERING Video Games

Parents have an uphill battle in working out how to limit the exposure of their children to inappropriate or excessive video games, especially when their friends are playing them. The technology is moving so fast that many parents struggle to keep up and provide adequate DANGER ZONE responses to such material. PAGE 7/35 World Bank president Robert Zoellick has warned that the deepening economic woes in the United States and Africa famine Europe have pushed the ‘a major crisis’ world into a new World Vision CEO Tim Costello says the Horn of Africa famine is among the worst humanitarian disasters he has ever seen. "danger zone" PAGE 22/50 FULL REPORT ON PAGE 11/39

Paros The best of both worlds When it comes to tourist infrastructure and Responsible Gambling Awareness Week 2011 amenities, the Cycladic island of Paros has PAGE 3/31 got it all. PAGE 19/47 The Greek Australian VEMA AUGUST 2011 2/30 TO BHMA

Australia will get its very own Mobilising “Lady... of Yellow Rock” powerful Greeks abroad Australia’s Orthodox faithful will have reason to cele- the specific dry, bush landscape at Springwood, which brate in 2012, after the Monastery of St George in Yellow Eleni Federikou had whilst living in England. Upon reaching Rock, has commissioned the creation of the icon of “Our Australia she found herself in Yellow Rock where the mo- Parliamentary Speaker Filippos Petsalnikos wel- Lady of Yellow Rock” to coincide also with its 50th an- nastery stands today, and immediately identified it as that comed 32 lawmakers, senators and politicians from niversary. which she had ‘seen’. around the world - all sons, daughters and grandchil- The initiative authorised and made possible with the The purchase went ahead with the support of other dren of Greek immigrants - to the opening of the 8th blessings of the primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in faithful and the blessings of the Archbishop at the time. biennial assembly of the World Hellenic Inter-Parlia- Australia, Archbishop Stylianos, is a first in this country and Construction of the monastery was initiated and it was mentary Association (WHIA), held in Athens on July 17. bears much religious significance. dedicated to Saint George. In his speech, Petsalnikos took the opportunity to Usually such blessings are given and sanctified by the The monastery will hold a national celebration for its stress the powerful bonds that unite Greece’s dias- Church after repeated miraculous events have been asso- 50th anniversary next year in 2012, and finds the abbot of pora members with their homeland. He said Greeks ciated with a given icon. Following the establishment of the monastery Father Kyriakos overjoyed that it will coin- abroad can help Greece overcome the economic cri- evidence, the icon is usually given an epithet that links it to cide with the inauguration of the icon of Our Lady of Yel- sis by “contributing in every way towards overcom- the geographical location. low Rock. ing the crisis and creating a new perspective”. Of course geographical epithets (eg “Ierosolimitissa”, “This is the miracle. Nothing happens unless it has been Petsalnikos called on WHIA members to make the “Tinou”, etc) are not the only ones ascribed to icons, but blessed from above. Yet another holy icon of Panayia will most of their visit to Greece by mobilising Greeks also dogmatic ones and those highlighting a spiritual char- be in our midst very soon. Our very own Lady of Yellow abroad to assist the country. “The entire dynamic of acteristic: “the merciful”, “the consoling one”. Rock” said Father Kyriakos, who expect parishes and faith- diaspora Greeks - entrepreneurship, opportunities In the Australian case, although no specific miracle has fully from all around Australia to attend the event. for public and political intervention, international net- been ascribed as such, the actual foundation of the said The iconographer appointed to create the icon is Peter working, know-how - can contribute to the recovery monastery in Yellow Rock has its beginnings in the visions Stefanovic, and upon completion, the icon of Our Lady will from the economic crisis,” he said. of a Greek Orthodox immigrant who purchased the prop- be housed in a small chapel specifically built for this pur- According to John Pandazopoulos, the president of erty and brought it to life. pose. WHIA, the four-day assembly was “productive”. When the Greek couple, Eleni and Dimitrianos Federikou, Orthodox faithful are invited to participate in the creation “We will carefully study the conclusions and build immigrated to Australia from England they decided in 1962 of the chapel and support related activities for Our Lady, in on the contacts with our fellow Greek MPs,” he said. to purchase a property for the purposes of building a whichever way they desire. “Now Greece needs us more than ever before and monastery. To contact the monastery for further information please we will do what we can to help.” The purchase was prompted by dreams and visions of call: (02) 4754 1382

SIGNATURE BRASSERIE | SABIA | SABIA PRIVATE | LE SANDS FUNCTIONS | BRIGHTON KIOSK Happy 10th Anniversary VEMA! AUGUST 2011 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 3/31 Editorial

A CAUSE FOR GREAT REJOICING Celebrating 10 Years of our newspaper in the Church

administration of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Insti- sion and tenacity. At a time when more and more theo- tutions as well as the supplementary avenues of Ortho- logical institutions are experiencing crises, Saint An- dox religious instruction such as Catechisms, Sunday drew’s stands as a pillar of the Church here in the An- Schools, Short Courses and Public School Scripture Les- tipodes preparing the next generation of clergy and sons. teachers who will serve our children for generations to By Deacon PETER There is no need to outline individual programs or come. MAVROMMATIS * schools, people or places. My purpose is to remind Going back, then, to the gifts for such anniversaries, it everyone of the need to acknowledge the significance is clear that the nominated items are clearly inappropri- of these initiatives and the need for all of us to support ate. The aim of The Vema has been to offer responsi- them. The reality is that in the 36 years since His Emi- ble news coverage and provide opportunities for spiri- nence was called to work in this ‘vineyard’, one of his tual growth through articles and commentaries tailored Looking at a number of sources, seeking an appropri- key concerns and focus was the implementation of pro- to the needs of Greek Orthodox people of all ages. Tin ate ‘gift’ or ‘hymn of praise’ for the Tenth Anniversary grams whereby students could be taught the Faith of and aluminium (which will give way with the first appli- since the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia em- our Holy Church and the sacred language and traditions cation of pressure) do not stand the test of time. The braced The Vema as an official Archdiocesan Publica- of our Forefathers. These institutions which have be- teachings and values presented in the pages of this tion, I discovered that the traditional gift for tenth an- come sanctuaries and will become increasingly indis- publication are tried and tested as its truth and mes- niversaries is tin, while the contemporary gift is alu- pensible for the future of the Church in the Antipodes sage will resound in time. minium. Both of these fall short for this occasion behave been made accessible to all. Truly, responding to Like countless others, I have been fortunate to have s- cause of the fact that as light and weaker metals they the Lord’s call, His Eminence has cast a great net (Matt tudied Scripture in the Public School system as a child. I both tend to rattle and make a lot of unnecessary and 4:19) wherein the souls of those entrusted to him have have been fortunate to have attended Sunday School distracting noise whilst The Vema, adopted by the Arch- been safely gathered (Heb 13:17). lessons. I have been fortunate to study at Saint An- diocese through the initiative of our beloved Primate, The establishment of the Orthodox Day Schools Sys- drew’s Theological College, I have had the blessing to His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, is a bastion of truth tem, the organisation of Scripture Teaching in Public teach at Saint Spyridon College and my children are b- which stands the test of time against the continual as- Schools and the development of the Sunday Schools lessed to be students of All Saints Grammar. All of these sault of cacophony and distraction in a society which programs means that all children are blessed with the blessings were made possible only by the foresight, ini- tries to take our attention away from our Lord and His opportunity to learn about and experience their faith. tiative and care of His Eminence who has ‘manned the Holy Church. Despite his many responsibilities as Primate of the walls’ of these bastions like a tireless soldier. In the very short time that I have had the opportunity Church in Australia, despite the many demands of his I know that I speak on behalf of all those who have to contribute to the work of this publication, I have fo- office, His Eminence has not neglected the educational been touched, inspired and edified in these institutions cussed on the field of education given my background needs of his flock. The establishment of Orthodox Day of the Church when I offer my congratulations to His in this area. I would like to dedicate this month’s column Schools in most States of this nation where students not Eminence and proclaim a resounding AXIOS! Εις πολλά to the contribution of His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos only receive a good education, but one grounded in the έτη, Δέσποτα! to the field of Orthodox education in this continent, faith and traditions of the Church, is testimony to his vi- something generally overlooked given his status as a sion. Let us not forget that there are not many nations To comment, agree or disagree, visit senior hierarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and his that can boast such a well-structured and successful http://petermav.livejournal.com/ many years of service as the head of the Orthodox del- system. egation in the theological dialogue with the Roman The establishment and development of Saint An- * Deacon Peter Mavrommatis is a teacher Catholic Church. It is a timely reminder of the significant drew’s Theological College, the only one of its kind in of Orthodox Studies and Personal Development role of our Primate in the inspiration, organisation and the Southern Hemisphere, is further testimony to his vi- at St Spyridon College Senior School Sydney. Responsible Gambling Awareness Week 2011

Responsible Gambling Awareness Week An Open Day took 2011 was held across Australia during 23- place on Wednesday 29 May. This is an annual event which has 25th May 2011 been running since 2006. at Auburn The Greek Welfare Centre of the Greek community centre Orthodox Archdiocese worked in collabo- attracting more ration with other ethnic communities during than 300 people. Responsible Gambling Awareness Week this year. During this week people were asked to think about their gambling and to ask themselves if they are in control of their gambling behaviour. The aim is to raise community awareness of problem gambling and highlight the free services and resources available to help those in our community who are struggling to keep gambling under control. An Open Day took place on Wednesday 25th May 2011 at Auburn community centre with a BBQ and entertainment attracting opened the event, emphasising the impor- ship issues and family breakdown. Physi- lem gambling. It is difficult to encourage more than 300 people. tance of responsible gambling practices at cal and mental health problems such as people from a Greek speaking background The Greek Welfare Centre, the Arab a personal and community level and he sleeplessness, anxiety, depression and to seek help for themselves or family. This Council of Australia, Auburn Asian Welfare highlighted the importance for the commu- suicide are also evident. was a great opportunity to take the mes- Centre, Co. As. It Italian Association of As- nity to work together. Counsellors (dressed in Gambling Help sage inside the venue and reach people in sistance, the Vietnamese Community in Australians spend around $18 billion a shirts) addressed their communities about a non threatening way. Australia and Multicultural Problem Gam- year on gambling. In addition more than gambling problems and promoted the free The more we talk about problem gambling Service for NSW joined together to 500.000 Australians suffer significant prob- services and resources that are available. bling, the more we can reduce the stigma celebrate the awareness week. lems from their gambling or are at risk of They highlighted the importance of seeking that still surrounds it and enable people Rev. Harry Herbert, Chairperson of the developing problems. help before problems become too great. who need help to get help. Responsible Gambling Fund Trustees This includes financial distress, relation- Due to the stigma associated with prob- 4/32 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA AUGUST 2011

EDEN awards presented in a special event at the European Cultural Centre of Delphi The winners in the European Commission's European Des- coastal town of Amfissa, south-central Greece. tinations of Excellence (EDEN) competition were honored in a Prizes were also presented to the four runner-up destina- special event at the European Cultural Centre of Delphi (EC- tions, namely, the Attica (greater Athens) Region, the munici- CD). A total of eight municipalities and administrative regions palities of Minoa and Agios Nikolaos on Crete and the re- took part in this year's competition under the theme "Tourism gional entity of Thesprotia, extreme northwest Greece. and Regeneration of Physical Sites", rewarding those desti- The "European Destinations of Excellence" - EDEN project, nations that have regenerated a physical site of their local launched in 2007, promotes sustainable tourism develop- heritage and converted it into a tourism attraction to be used ment models across the European Union. The project is as a catalyst for wider local regeneration. based on national competitions that take place every year Tourism General Secretary Dina Bei presented the first and result in the selection of a tourist "destination of excel- prize to Delphi Mayor Nikolaos Foussekis for the regenera- lence" for each participating country. tion project in the old quarter district of Harmena in the ANA Santorini, Parthenon in list of 'must-see' destinations The Parthenon temple on the Athens Acropolis and the island of Santorini have been included in the Smithsonian magazine's 'bucket list' of 43 "places to see". Detailed descriptions of both destinations are posted on the Smithsonian's website, along side those for the temples of Angkor Wat, the Pyramids of Giza, Ephesus, the Galapagos islands and another few dozens destinations that every traveller should visit at least once. Women in Europe are living longer than men, EU-wide survey finds

Europe is getting greyer and greyer each year. The population of Europe is becoming older, according to the 27-member bloc’s latest Demogra- phy Report published by the European Commission in April. The report notes a “decline in the number of deaths” or, in more positive terms, an “increase in life expectancy”. In 2009, for instance, the median age of the population was 40.6. It’s projected to reach 47.9 years by 2060. “Not only are people living longer lives, they may be living longer healthy lives,” the commission reports. “There is evidence that the process of ageing, during which people become progressively dis- abled until they die, is not becoming slower, rather, it is progressively delayed.” While life expectancy is rising in all member states, there are significant differences. For men, the lowest life expectancy in 2009 was recorded in Lithuania (67.5 years) and the highest in Sweden (79.4 years). For women, the range was narrower, from a low of 77.4 years in Bulgaria and Romania, to a high of 85.0 years in France. In Greece, it’s 77.8 years for men and 82.7 years for women. What’s common among all Europeans is that women live longer. In 2009, the gender gap in life expectancy at birth varied from four years in the United Kingdom, Greece and Sweden to over 11 years in Lithuania. In the Baltic States, women can expect to live more than 10 years longer than men. AUGUST 2011 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 5/33 Our Primate’s View

BROADER THAN THE HEAVENS

August is the month of Panagia (the Virgin Mary)! blessed, All-seeing, Dexiokratousa, Heptavematizousa, Despite the fact that this month also includes a great feast Our Lady of Myrtles, Valoukliotissa, Kamariani, Lambini, of our Saviour - the Transfiguration of Christ - August is Portaitissa” etc. From all this wealth of names and epi- par excellence the Marian month of the year. Even more thets which show how living and deep the veneration of so than March, the month of the Annunciation. For it is not the Virgin ever remains in our popular piety, we shall only one feast, the Dormition of the Mother of God on the briefly analyse here only one of her characterisations 15 August that colours the whole month. It is above all the which seems to express and simultaneously to sum- entire fortnight preceding the Dormition: the daily marise all the others together - the characterisation Paraclesis Services sung with contrition and humility “Broader than the Heavens”. before the icon of our Lady. It is the fasting which is more What then do we mean by this appellation of the Mo- loving-kind than any other throughout the year, since fruit ther of God? Is it simply an exaggeration of the believing and vegetables of all kinds are aplenty. It is the north- soul? Is it rhetorical pomp characteristic of Byzantine lit- winds which warn us of the coming winter and make the erature? Or perhaps does it also have a concrete theo- motherly embrace still more desired, I can still hear the logical centent? There is no doubt whatsoever that evening supplication of the Christian poet M. Moundes Panagia was called “Broader than the Heavens” because echoing mournfully in my ears: she contained in her womb “the uncontainable God”. The By ARCHBISHOP heavens did not contain Him and yet the womb of the STYLIANOS “Come to me like the north-wind in August Virgin did. This is why the hymn-writer asks in wonder: OF AUSTRALIA before the seven scourges seal the end....”. “He who is not contained in anything, how was he contained in the womb?” It is precisely this period of fifteen days - “dekapenti- This, however, is only one side of the coin, and only one smos”, as they call it at the Monastery of Myrtidiotissa in side of the story. There is the other side, too, which also Kythera that makes August exclusively the month of the is significant and especially of moving interest because it Virgin Mary. Similarly, Mount Athos is exclusively her gar- concerns us humans and not God. Panagia is called den! “Broader than the Heavens” not only because she con- Yet, what is one month or one peninsula when we are tained “the uncontainable God” but because she also con- speaking of her whose “grace is great”, “the Queen of all”, tains others, who for other reasons the heavens do not “broader than the Heavens”? contain! In heaven, that is in the Kingdom of Heaven, not No other person in the Church has come to know so all are contained. There, only the saints, the chosen, have much grace from God. But then, no other person dedicat- any position or any right. The sinful and impious have no ed herself so early and so unreservedly to the will of God. place. She entered the temple “like a three-year old heifer”, and Nevertheless, in the refuge and protection of Panagia, upon hearing the - unheard of - good news of the they, too, dare to approach and ask for mercy and Annunciation, she replied: “Behold the handmaid of the prayers and intercession. The sinful know that Panagia is Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). This from earth, and they recognise her as mother of the is why God graced her and “all the generations” bless her whole world: “and I have you as my intercessor to the lov- and call her “full of grace”. This is why the Church too, did ing-kind God...”, we chant during Paraclesis. Panagia, then, not suffice in proclaiming her holy but called her “All-holy” contains more than heaven, even in relation to us humans. (Panagia). And because she received in her womb “all the And so, even in this respect, she is broader than the heav- fullness of divinity in body”, it was only natural for one ens. characterisation not to suffice for the expression of the Let us prey that no faithful and no person will be entire mystery of Panagia. This is why our people gave deprived of her salvatory intercession towards her Son her countless names, whether in relation to her attributes, and Word and Saviour of the world. or in relation to the local places of her pilgrimages. And so they called her: “Swift to respond, Swift to listen, Sweet-kissing, Guide, Leader of people, Merciful, All- Source: «Ἐνσαρκώσεις τοῦ Δόγματος», Athens 1996.

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

www.standrewsorthodoxpress.com.au AUGUST 2011 6/34 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

August0002 Earning a living ing, like a trade, is about determining your life and giv- But merely to recommend to someone that a trade is ing it some meaningful direction compared to many oth- Letter a worthwhile career nowadays is to invite scorn. These er careers. Remember all those bank workers, those in are seen as jobs of the past: dirty work, low paid, large- middle management and the many government employ- ly unskilled and easy to master. Blue collar work as it is ees who were made redundant. Someone came along from called has given way in our thinking to the prestige of one day and said that the rules have changed and they the white collar occupations. These are viewed as of- were no longer needed. fering higher rewards and a more comfortable exist- The Wall Street Journal indicated that in the modern Maroubra ence. world the trades are one of the few secure paths to By and large it is true that the professions earn more. earning a decent living. Using the official statistics, I compared the average Maroubra was established largely as a working class weekly earnings of all trades and professions in Aus- Worthwhile careers area. It served the Holden plant at Pagewood, the oil re- tralia (a copy is available on request). These are all em- The trades do not offer careers that are utopian but finery at Matraville, the chemical plants, tanneries and ployees; not self-employed. As expected, professions they can be fulfilling in their essence. The trades offer many factories in Botany or the inner-city. It was on the occupied the top 24 spots out of the 137 occupations. your children the opportunity to deal with a variety of rim of Sydney and not too far away was the Long Bay Aircraft engineers ranked 25th but wait for it, occupa- tasks free from the routine boredom of factory process Gaol and theInfectious Diseases Unit of the Prince Hen- tions like metal fitters and machinists earned more than work and the monotony of office procedures. ry Hospital. accountants, primary school teachers, cartographers, We are setting our children up for a lifetime of misery But with the passage of time there has been a gentri- social workers, librarians, speech therapists and others. if the only view that we have of careers is a university fication of the area. The post-war families of workers It is true that most trades were quite poorly paid which degree or a white collar job. In the book, Shop Class as gave way to aspiring migrants, to shopkeepers and is unfair given the years of training and expertise re- Soulcraft. An inquiry into the value of work (NY: The Pen- business owners; now these are being replaced by quired; but the lowest paid occupation of all was still a guin Press, 2009) by Matthew Crawford - from which I young families of professionals purchasing the semi- profession. Which one? Minister of Religion! I thought have taken these ideas - it is argued that everyone detached cottages and converting them into two-storey you’d like that. should have some practical skills. Crawford had a doc- palaces. torate, worked for a think tank for a while but found work as a motor bike mechanic more rewarding. Manual work Seriously, only the trades and maybe a handful of As a result, there is a view around Maroubra that professions really offer young people some security in manual occupations, especially the trades, are for those perilous times. I recall the advice given to a Jew sent to who are dumber or, to put it more nicely, not so scho- a concentration camp: “Don’t tell them you’re a teacher lastic. as they will send you to the gas chamber. Say that Maybe this has come about because we live in a so- you’re a carpenter - they need workers!” ciety where most of us are not called upon to use man- What sort of world are we creating when we expect ual skills very much, and for this reason the trades are Engaging mind and body young people to sit still for twelve years at school and looked down upon as a calling. I have always found this The trades are not mindless, although admittedly then for a lifetime in an office chair? Help young people attitude to be incongruent amongst Christians. some tradespersons do the best to give that impres- find work that satisfies their natural talents and interests There are many reasons for my opposition. Let me sion. There is a great deal of thinking going on; as much rather than the stereotypes of a blinkered community. start with the most obvious - Jesus was a carpenter, not as in most offices and even some university depart- -oOo- a lawyer or doctor or scribe. Most of his followers were ments. manual workers, such as fishermen. There were many But there are other reasons for advocating the trades. It would be remiss of me not to congratulate the exceptions, such as St Luke the physician and St Manual work is probably more engaging than much of- VEMA on this 10th anniversary and to wish it every suc- Matthew the tax collector. Even those trained as a Phar- fice work and probably as challenging as most profes- cess for the future. It was a bold step by our Church to isee, like St Paul, pursued a trade - in his case, a tent- sions. It can be far more important than most profes- take a newspaper on board and communicate directly maker. sions. Why? Try living without power for a while. Have with people in this way. His Eminence Archbishop In my experience, the real truths in life are better fun when your car does not start next time! Just re- Stylianos likened it to someone giving the Church a jum- known by those without degrees than those who think member that plumbers have saved more lives through bo jet before it even had a pilot’s licence. Over time it themselves to be educated. They have fewer airs or hygiene and sanitation than the entire medical profes- has been transformed into an airline. graces. There is a genuineness of character. sion. Overstating it a little, am I? Your computer is very I am not saying that those in the trades are all saints nice but it is of little use fixing a leaking tap, providing a [email protected] - far from it! It is not your occupation that defines who place to live, sewing your clothes or growing your food. you are but how you undertake it. Almost every occupa- Honouring the trades is about the value we place on The views expressed are those of the author and not necessari- tion is necessary in our society. ourselves and others. Nowadays responding to a call- ly those of the VEMA

Top awards for Greek designers

A shared Greek heritage coupled with a ipating in the Texmedin network is Nafplio’s strong sense of individuality earned two lo- Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation. cal designers top distinctions in two sepa- In France, Samanidou was singled out for rate European competitions recently. a series of interior fabrics inspired by vin- On July 9 in Rome, 33-year-old designer tage Greek motifs. A Royal College of Art Angelos Bratis won the much coveted weaving graduate, the designer has taught ready-to-wear prize at Who Is On Next, at University College Falmouth in Cornwall, Italy’s premier talent-scouting competition. while her work was recently on display at The brainchild of Vogue Italia editor Franca the Jerwood Space in London. Sozzani, the award was accompanied by a Back in Rome, at Who Is On Next, Bratis 5,000-euro bonus. Meanwhile, in the French focused on his signature fluid silhouettes city of Lyon in late June, Ismini Samanidou and inspired handmade draping. was the recipient of the first prize at the Born in Athens, Bratis grew up in his Texmedin Design Challenge, a competition mother’s atelier before embarking on stud- which brought together 60 designers from ies at the ArtEZ Institute of the Arts, former- Greece, Italy, Spain and France. ly known as the Arnhem Fashion Institute, in The largest full moon of the year on Saturday, August 13 was celebrated with Texmedin is a European Union program Amsterdam. theatrical performances and other cultural events that took place in 75 archaeo- focusing on the textiles and garments lega- His collections have, over the years, logical sites and museums across the country which remained open for the pub- cy of the European and broader Mediter- graced catwalks in Athens, Paris, Amster- lic until the early morning hours. ranean region. The project involves a net- dam and New York, while the designer also The archaeological sites of the Acropolis and Sounio were closed due to work of so-called “Inspiring Labs,” which concluded a two-year stint at Italian brand restoration works and people in Athens watched the full moon from the Acropo- sees designers and other fashion profes- Gattinoni. lis Museum. A music concert by composer Mimis Plessas took place at Dionyssiou sionals gaining access to the archives of In October last year, Bratis closed down Areopagitou street. various museums, documentation centers his Athenian atelier and returned to Rome, as well as Texmedin’s online library. Partic- where he had lived a few years ago. AUGUST 2011 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 7/35

Growing up fast and furious Media’s impact on our children: Video Games

By Fr George Liangas Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

It’s hard to believe they are bored if you judge only by the form and it’s true that each one of them is another type of archangel; as they reverie uprightly with neither wearied eyelids nor the least impairments in movement. But they know that they are bored, bored fatally with all around them and the worst thing for them, that they know but cannot say it because nobody will believe them. . (Translated poem of Archbishop Stylianos «H πλήξη των εφήβων»,1998)

Consider the following scenario: you come home from work and your teenage son is doing his assignment. At one point you notice the screen flick from the plain colours of a text document to a dazzle of colour. When your son’s eyes meet yours, the screen flicks miraculously back to the assignment. On closer inspec- tion you see a window with Call of Duty playing. You in- sist on having a closer look at it, and reluctantly your son manoeuvres the controls so that the character is shooting at his surroundings, with disturbingly graphic detail of blood squirting and bodies being dismem- bered. Video games have evolved dramatically since the introduction of Pong in the 1970s. They can now be played on dedicated console-type systems (e.g. Xbox, PS3, Wii), on personal computers, on hand-held systems (e.g. the DS), on the internet and on mobile phones. Advancements in graphics and game acces- community sample supported the R18+ rating. However, Comment sories and promotion of violent video games have it is unclear how the new classification system is going made children targets of a lucrative multimillion dollar to protect children. As Biggins, a children’s advocate has Parents have an uphill battle in working out how to industry1. written, “many of the insertions into the proposed limit the exposure of their children to inappropriate or Children and teenagers spend an average of 1¼ hours guidelines are merely transfers of phrases... and don’t excessive video games, especially when their friends per day on video games, which is a 280% increase of add any new levels of protection”7. The guidelines do are playing them. The technology is moving so fast that daily use in the last 10 years2. Boys spend about twice not ensure that MA15+ games are reclassified into R18+ many parents struggle to keep up and provide adequate as much time on video games as girls, and the peak age as has been frequently cited. Biggins continues, “None responses to such material. of video game use is the end of primary school and of the [Attorney Generals] have yet acknowledged how These responses are not easy and require open com- beginning of high school. One in five teenagers play hard it is for even responsible parents to keep portable munication, firm limits, creativity, empathy, discernment, computer games in a way resembling an addiction3. R18+ items such as DVDs and games out of the hands self-cultivation and prayer. The basic rule of thumb is to There is a strong preference amongst both boys and of children”. She argues that adult rights appear to com- consider non-violent video games as a bad habit (like girls for violent games; girls preferring cartoon and fan- pletely overtake the welfare of children “in an increas- fast food) and consider all violent video games as tasy violence, and boys preferring more realistic, human ingly toxic media environment”. She also considers how drugs, like cigarettes and ‘speed’. After all, the similari- violent games1. the “relentless push by gamers and the industry” is in- ties are remarkable. Research shows clearly that violent video games are fluencing the Federal Government. Wouldn’t it be good if our lawmakers saw them that harmful to children and teenagers. They lead to a loss of The gaming industry argues that violent games ac- way too. normal positive feelings for one another, increased count for only a small proportion of sales that that the feelings of hostility, increased aggression and fights, ultra-violent games are only bought by adults. However, 1 Funk JB. Video games. In: Strasburger VC, Wilson BJ, Jordan AB. Children, nightmares, fear of being harmed, and decrease in pro- a Federal Trade Commission investigation in 2000 found adolescents, and the media. 2nd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage; 2009; social behaviour4. that children were targeted consumers for violent video pp.435-470. Aggressive behaviour includes violence towards games, as well as for other violent media. 2 Rideout V, Foehr UG, Roberts DF. Generation M2: Media in the Lives of 8- women, since these games portray such violence in The Australian Council for Children and the Media to 18-Year-Olds. Menlo Park, CA: Kaiser Family Foundation, 2010. 3 Griffiths MD, Hunt N. Dependence on computer games on adolescents. a humorous and glamorous way. The relationship be- concludes that introducing an R18+ category for games Psychological reports 1998; 82(2); 475-480. tween media violence and real-life aggressive be- “will allow into the hire and sale system games with 4 Sacks DP, Bushman BJ, Anderson CA. Do violent video games harm chil- haviour is nearly as strong as the relationship be- more extreme violence and with more impactful depic- dren? Comparing scientific amicus curiae “experts” in Brown v. entertain- tween smoking and lung cancer5. tions of sexual and drug taking activity than are permit- ment merchants association. Northwestern University Law Review 2011; 106; 1-12. Australia is currently on the verge on getting an ted now”. http://www.law.northwestern.edu/lawreview/colloquy/2011/15/LRColl20 adults-only rating for video games. Until now, if a game There are some video games that are not as harmful. 11n15PollardSacks.pdf. Accessed 23-7-2011. was too inappropriate to fit an MA15+ rating, they were There is the growing Serious Game Initiative that in- 5 Strasburger VC, Jordan AB, Donnerstein E. Health effects of media on banned in this country. Some people argue that R18+ cludes games with health and mental health applica- children and adolescents. Pediatrics 2010; 125; 756-767. 6 Sydney Morning Herald. ‘Historic agreement’ on R18+ video games. 22- classification allows for “more mature themes to be tions, educational appeal and games to address social 7-2011. canvassed in games” and “equips parents to manage change. Admittedly, these games attract much less fund- 7 Biggins B. R18+ for games?: proposals and counter proposals. Small their children’s access to appropriate content” 6. In a ing and are not often preferred by children or adoles- Screen 2011; 275; 2. http://www.youngmedia.org.au/mediachildren/ government-commissioned survey, 80% of an Australian cents. 05_12_R18+_games.htm . Accessed 23-7-2011. AUGUST 2011 8/36 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

‘The College’

and spiritual learning. Without doubt, its purpose continues I recently attended to be of utmost importance, preparing and educating a vespers service at priests and lay people for the ongoing mission of the a particular parish in Church. Melbourne. The serv- The first time I ever heard about Saint Andrew’s Greek ice was beautiful for By DIONYSIOS Orthodox Theological College was in the early 90’s when the many usual rea- A. KRINAS * I met some of its students who were discussing their sons one appreciates studies there. At the time I found it most peculiar that they when attending serv- continued to refer to Saint Andrew’s Greek Orthodox The- ices in the Orthodox Saint Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College ed- ological College as ‘the College’. Years later, after having Church; stimulation all ucates and trains Christian Orthodox clergy and lay peo- the great privilege to study there, I understood why. of the senses, allow- ple. Its purpose is to prepare them to fulfill various roles While it might be easier to actually say ‘the College’ as ing us to appreciate a which will meet the needs of the Orthodox Church in Aus- opposed to saying ‘Saint Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theo- glimpse of the Grace tralia. This article will briefly discuss a few reflections and logical College’, this is certainly not the reason. Anyone of God, through the recent experiences regarding Saint Andrew’s Greek Or- who has a strong affiliation with the College, would agree signs, symbols, ac- thodox Theological College. that it becomes so endear to one’s life and leaves such a tions and words of After formally opening in 1986, Saint Andrew’s Greek positive and indelible mark, that it is forever perceived as our Church. Orthodox Theological College is now in its 25th year of the par excellence College of one’s life. For this reason, What struck me the operation, having celebrated this anniversary in February whether current students or graduates, we refer to Saint most though, was the this year. It is the only Greek Orthodox Theological College Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College as the Col- College graduates in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a centre for academic lege. present and serving the Church at this particular service. It left a lasting impres- sion in the same way a beautiful photo becomes a permanent reminder of a fond memory. Firstly, the bishop presiding was a graduate of the College; a sign of the bright future and of the maturi- ty of the Orthodox Church here in Australia. Second- ly, there were graduate priests serving and a recently graduated deacon. Furthermore, one of the main chanters in the choir was a College graduate and there were two young men assisting in the altar, one a graduate and the other a current student on his Semester Studies hol- iday. This image described, is a small indication of the ongoing success of the College here in Australia. Australia wide, there are over 100 churches and it is quite reassuring to know that almost a third of these churches are serviced by graduates of the College as priests and deacons. We also have many others working as chaplains, lecturers, teachers of Religious Education, and other supportive roles for our Church. 336 Pitt St, Sydney | Tel: 9267 8956 / 9283 5749 It is fully accredited through the Sydney College of Divinity and is approved by the NSW Department of Education and Training. It holds strong academic standards and requirements as an institution of higher learning. With a successful team of lecturers, which includes His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, students are challenged and inspired to their academic best. The College Chapel of Saint John the Evangelist and Theologian is the central place of prayer and worship for the students at the College. It is also an es- sential and fundamental part of College life. Every day of lectures and studies begins and ends with prayer in this chapel. This allows the students to live OPEN HOURS CONTACT the studies from day to day as something more than just an academic experience. It becomes a way of Lunch 12 - 3pm t 9267 8956 / 9283 5749 life. Hence all students are expected to participate mon - sat and share in the liturgical life of the College under f 9283 5832 the guidance of a Spiritual Father. As a result, prayer Dinner 5.30 - 9.30pm and veneration play a vital and imperative role that is a 336 Pitt Street, Sydney directly linked to their studies. In the words of Eva- mon - wed grios the Solitary ‘If you are a theologian, you will 5.30 - 10pm e [email protected] pray truly. And if you pray truly, you are a theologian.’ For those who wish to study at the College, I’d en- thurs - sat w www.diethnes.com.au courage them to consult their Spiritual Father and contact the College Registrar for more information. I can certainly say that the College has done so much for me and I appreciate the fact that the College not only provided me with my undergraduate degree, but more importantly with the Orthodox education that currently and forever will shape my life. God Bless * Graduate of Saint Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological Colege and High School Teacher AUGUST 2011 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 9/37

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ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱSt.ȱBasil’sȱHomesȱ(S.A.)ȱcongratulatesȱtheȱVEMAȱonȱitsȱ

ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ10ȱYearȱAnniversaryȱ

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ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱSt.St. ȱBasil’sBasil’sȱHomes Homesȱ(S.A.)ȱcongratulates (S.A.) congratulateȱtheȱVEMAȱonȱitsȱ The VEMA on its 10 Year Anniversary ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ10ȱYearȱAnniversaryȱ 10/38 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA AUGUST 2011

Greek diplomats to the rescue St John’s College Foreign Minister Stavros Lambrinidis has that the Greek people are united in the called on Greek ambassadors to help biggest battle in recent history.” Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia change the world’s perception of Greece. Lambrinidis also said the foreign ministry “You will convey the huge sacrifices of the is on the front line in the country’s battle to Greek people ... so that all these sacrifices address the soaring budget deficit. $,(1$5,67(8(,1 will not have been in vain,” he said. “We must place a greater emphasis on ‘Forever Excelling’ “So that public opinion in the country in financial diplomacy,” he noted. which you are posted will reflect the ef- “We must promote our country’s com- forts and the achievements of our people mercial interests, offering even more sup- ... so that the slanderous remarks that we port to Greek investments abroad. We sometimes hear in reference to our coun- have to present Greece as an attractive in- try will be refuted. vestment destination.” Confidence “We must make everyone understand Dutch honour Greek biochemist Anastasia Papadopoulou (photo), a biochemist at Aristotle University in Thessa- loniki, was recently named the 2011 recipient of the Young Investigator Award in the Excellence Netherlands. Her paper won the international distinction as a part of her doctoral thesis, com- pleted in May 2011. Her research is paving the way for the treatment of rheumatoid Caring Opportunity arthritis. “It’s a new treatment and it’s shown positive results in animal trials,” Pa- padopoulou says, who received the award during the 17th International Society for Cellular Therapy annual meeting, which took place May 18-21. Talented The experiments conducted in Pa- padopoulou’s research were used by a tional level, however, her proposal failed team of researchers as preliminary results to win a funding grant from the Greek gov- for the submission of an inter-university ernment. “It’s quite sad and disappointing,” research proposal. Despite the recogni- Papadopoulou says. “We were cut at the tion of her research effort on an interna- preliminary stage.” Pasok flyer targets Greek diaspora The causes of the financial crisis, the government’s initiatives to solve it and how Greeks abroad can help the situation: all this is outlined in a new leaflet currently being distributed in Europe by ruling Pasok party’s special department for Greeks Enrolling P – 12, 20112 abroad. Costas Tatsis, Pasok party secretary for Greeks abroad, said the brochure is be- Contact: (03) 9480 5300 ing sent to foreign journalists, politicians and analysts. He said the leaflet has been

Email: [email protected] translated into English and several other languages. Email: [email protected] “It’s a titanic struggle our homeland is engaged in to exit the crisis,” Tatsis said, www.stjohnspreston.vic.edu.auwww.stjohnspreston.vic.edu.au stressing the flyer is also aimed at setting the record straight and shattering many of the myths about the financial crisis. It also makes reference to those “speculating 21 Railway St West, Preston Victoria 3072 at the expense of Greece”.

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World Bank head warns debt crisis entering 'danger zone'

its economy, given rising inflation, and a there are going to be some bad loans from than other developed countries in part be- possibly overheating property market. the investment stimulation. I don't think it's cause Australia undertook a lot of the The intervention of the Chinese govern- got the same freedom of that degree." Mr structural reforms," he said. ment in 2008 and 2009 insulated China Zoellick said. "Whatever the policy decisions, and polit- from the global downturn and in turn stim- But he highlighted the strengths of the ical decisions in Australia, it's in a better ulated demand for Australian resources. Australian economy, which avoided the position along with the fact it's continued "China is totally capable of managing this 2009 global recession because of structur- to pursue an open trade policy and take but I think one of the side effects of the al reforms. advantage of its position in the Asia-Pacif- policy implemented a few years is that "Australia is in a much better position ic."

Mr Zoellick says spread of the crisis means it is likely to continue for some time to come.

World Bank president Robert Zoellick has warned that the deepening economic woes in the United States and Europe have pushed the world into a new "danger zone". Mr Zoellick also says a lack of confidence in America's economic leadership during the debt ceiling impasse with the US Congress was largely responsible the recent heavy falls on global share markets. And he urged international leaders to move quickly to restore the crisis in global confidence after Standard & Poor's re- moved America's AAA credit rating. "I think we are entering a new danger zone and I think that confidence in economic leadership has been slipping and it will be important that the primary economic actors take steps both short and long term to restore that," Mr Zoellick told reporters after addressing the Asia Society in Sydney on Sunday 14 August. "The challenge has been for understand- able political reasons, the European deci- sion mechanism has continued to muddle along and put together packages that while are significant in their political difficulty, have not matched the test of the economic need and that, I think, contributed to the weakening of confidence." Mr Zoellick also warned policy makers to continue foster free and open markets to ensure that protectionism does not re- emerge. "In the short term it will primarily be de- pendent on actions such as that from the European Central Bank but over time it will require attention to some of the fundamentals and those fundamentals not only deal with sovereign debt and the challenges of basic competitiveness but they also deal with putting in effective growth strategies," he said. "Given the phase that we are now moving into we could face increased tempta- tions of protectionism and the best de- fence against protectionism is to be on of- fence by opening markets." The world bank chief said while he ex- pects the world to move toward a system of multiple reserve currencies, the US dollar will probably remain the principal one despite the Standard & Poor's downgrade. And he signalled that China might not be prepared to pump additional stimulus into AUGUST 2011 12/40 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Australian Religious History Fellowship The Australian Religious History Fellow- criteria of the Fellowship, as given below: The Fellowship is awarded by the Library public lecture. The Fellow may also be ship was established in 2010 with a gen- • Fellowships will not be awarded for Council of New South Wales through the Li- asked to contribute, as part of their acquit- erous endowment from an anonymous research resulting in a work of creative brary Council Fellowships Committee. It tal of the Fellowship, an article (maximum benefactor. non-fiction or fiction with an historical ba- will be managed by the office of the length 1000 words) about their project to The specific focus of the Australian His- sis. Mitchell Librarian, and is judged by the Fel- the Library’s SL Magazine. tory Religious Fellowship is for the study • Fellowship awards may not be utilised lowships Committee. It is also expected that the fellow will and research of any aspect of Australian to cover publication costs. The award for 2011 will be $20,000. It is provide a summary of the project - be it a religious history of any faith. • Applications will not be considered for envisaged that the Fellowship will extend textual description, a bibliography, a pod- The successful Fellow will be based at Fellowships from persons concurrently over a twelve month period. cast, an e-resource, or whatever format is the State Library of NSW, and is expected holding another major or equivalent award The successful applicant will be paid in considered appropriate - to be loaded on- to be based there, although it is under- for the proposed topic or project or whose two instalments: the first on taking up the to the Library’s Fellowship pages on its stood that it may be necessary to also work is part of their regular paid employ- fellowship; and the second on the produc- website. work within other institutions and archives, ment. tion of a progress report at mid-term. This will provide a permanent and en- and use resources outside the Library. • Preference will normally be given to It is expected that at the conclusion of during record of the legacy of the Library’s The award may be used to supplement applications which support research on a the Fellowship, the fellow will make two p- Fellowship program. income while working on the project or to topic or project that is not being pursued resentations about their project. One will The Fellow will be given an initial orien- meet research and travel costs within the as part of a higher degree program. be to Library staff, and the other will be a tation and introduction to the Library and its facilities and will be allocated certain access rights and privileges to assist in their research at the Library. The Fellow will be provided with a com- GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA – PARISH & COMMUNITY OF BELMORE & DISTRICTS puter, a desk in the Fellows Room, and wider access to Library facilities. They will report to the Mitchell Librarian and/or the Senior Curator, Mitchell Library with designated Library Services staff available to assist with their day-to-day needs and enquiries while using the Li- brary’s collections. Applications for the Australian Religious History Fellowship should be made on forms available from the State Library or on the website http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au /about/awards/index.html.

Applications should be sent to The Mitchell Office, State Library of New South Wales, Macquarie Street, Sydney, 2000. The closing date for receipt of applications is 5 September 2011.

Dr Alex Byrne State Librarian & Chief Executive

Global bid to translate

Researchers around the world are ALL SAINTS GRAMMAR asking the public to help translate hundreds of thousands of ancient A Greek Orthodox Christian school for boys and girls texts. The new project, entitled Ancient th Lives, was launched by Oxford Uni- Congratulations to THE VEMA on their 10 versity and the Egypt Exploration Soci- ety, in collaboration with the Universi- ty of Minnesota. Oxford has a collec- Anniversary under the auspices of the Greek tion of ancient Egyptian papyri excavated more than 100 years ago but Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia only a small number of them have been translated. For an Enrolment Pack or general enquiries, feel free to contact our The collection has been named Enrolment Officer on 9718 7715. Oxyrhynchus Papyri and is written in Greek. Hundreds of thousands of images of these fragments have been Our Principal and Heads of Campus would be more than happy to speak uploaded online and volunteers have been recruited by researchers to look with you on enrolment enquiries, or to arrange a suitable time to view our through the images and catalogue facilities at either campus. them, or transcribe the text using a computer programme. Junior School Campus Website: www.allsaints.nsw.edu.au Senior School “Towers” Campus Members of the public can help Cnr Cecilia & Isabel Streets E-mail: [email protected] 31 Forsyth Street read the texts by matching shapes of BELMORE NSW 2192 Postal Address: SOUTH BELMORE NSW 2192 letters to create words that the com- Tel: (02) 9704 6400 PO Box 5, Belmore, NSW, 2192. Tel: (02) 9718 7715 puter algorithms can translate. Fax: (02) 9789 2260 Fax: (02) 9718 7392 •For more information about the project, visit www.ancientlives.org AUGUST 2011 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 13/41 14/42 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA AUGUST 2011

StS Andrew’sAndrew’ss PatristicPatristic SymposiumSymposium 2011 Stt GGregoryregory ofof nyssanyssa

ProgramProgram

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OpeningOpening WWelcomeelcome by HISIS EMINENCEMI NEN CE ARCHBISHOPRCHBISHOP STYLIANOSTYYLIANOS CollegeCollege DDeanean

DR ANNANNA SILVASILLVAS, FAHAFAHA (UNE,(UNE, ArmidaleArmidale NSW):NSW): RecoveringRecovering GregoryGregory ofof Nyssa’sNyssa’s LostLost LetterLetter toto thethe MonkMonk PPhilip:hilip: TThreadinghreading tthehe WWayay bbeettweenween tthehe GGreek,reek, tthehe LLatinatin anandd thethe SyriacSyriac (keynote(keynote paper)paper) BoBookok Launch:Launch: DR PHILIPHILIP KARIATLISARIATLIS, TThehe ChurchChuurch as Koinonia:Koinonia: GGiftifftt aandnd GGoalooal of CCommunionommunion (Adelaide(Adelaide & SSydney:ydney: AATFTF PPressress aandnd St AAnAndrew’sdrew’s Press,PPress, 2011)2011)

07 / 09 / 11 SR DR MARGARETARGARET BEIRNEEIR EN (St(St Andrew’s):Andr ’sew ): SpiritualSSpiritual EEnrichmentnrichment tthroughhrough Exegesis:Exegesis: St GGregoryregory ofof NNyssayssa andand thethe ScripturesScriptures DR KEN PARRYARRY (Macquarie(Macquarie & StSt& Andrew’s):Andrew’s): GregoryGregory ooff NyssaNyssa aandnd thethe LLegacyegacy ooff UUnivniversalersal SalvationSalvation inin thethe ChristianChristian EastEast

14 / 09 / 11 CAPTAPT. ADAMDAM COUCHMANOUCHMAN (Booth(BBooth College,College, SydneySSydney NSW):NSW): ‘No‘No LongerLonger SlaveSlave NorNor Free’:Free’: TThehe TTheologicalheological FoundatiFoundatioonsns ofof GGregoryregory ooff NNyssa’yssa’ss PPolemicolemic AgainstAgainst SlaverySlavery DR NICKICK TRRAKAKISAKAKIS (ACU,(ACU, MelbourneMelbourne VIC):VIC): St GregoryGregory ofof NyssaNyssa andand thethe InfinityInfinity ofof GodGod

21 / 09 / 11 REVDEVD ALANLAN GALTALT ((StSt Andrew’s):Andreww’s): WhatWhat itit MeMeansans toto BeBe Human:Human: StSt GregorGregory ooff NNyssayssa andand PastoralPastoral MinistryMinistry TTodayoday REVDEVD DR DORUORU COSTACHEOSTACHE (St(St Andrew’s):Andrew’s): Nyssen’sNNyssen’s AApApologyologgyy, tthehe BasilianBasilian HHeHexaemeronxaemeron anandd theirtheiir RRespectiveespective AApproachpproaches toto thethe CreationCreation Narrative:Narrative: CoContinuitiesntinuities aandnd DiscontinuitiesDiscontinuities

28 / 09 / 11 DR BRONWENRONWEN NEILEIL (ACU,(ACU, BrisbaneBrisbane QLD):QLD): DivineDivine ProvidenceProvidence inin GregoryGregory ofof NNyssayssa andand HisHis ForbearsForbears (keynote(keynote paper)paper) DR PHILIPHILIP KARIATLISARIATLIS (St(St Andrew’s):Andrew’s): ‘Dazzling‘Dazzling Darkness’:Darkness’:: TheThe MysticalMystical TTheologyheology ofof StSt GregoryGregory ofof NNyssayssa

AugustAugust & SSeptembereptember 22011011 VVisitisit oourur FFacebookacebook GroupGroup WeWednesdaydnesday EveningsEvenings St AAndrew’snddrew’s PaPatristictristic SySymposiummposium On sitesite parkingparking isis limited.limited. 20201111 Please,Please, considerconsider alternativesalternatives 242242 ClevelandCleveland Street,Street, Redfern,Redfern,

MaMainin Hall,Hall, startingstarting aatt 77.00pm.00pm For enquiries,enquiries, ppleaselease contactcontact – NNo registrationregistration nneededeeded – thethe RRegistraregistrar oonn 99549549 33100100 www.sagotc.edu.auwww.sagotc.edu.au or [email protected]@sagotc.edu.au AUGUST 2011 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 15/43

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Calling all Greeks abroad

By Kathy Tzilivakis How do you plan to do this? As many as seven million people of Meet the new head of the foreign min- We can use bilateral agreements to Greek descent reside istry’s general secretariat for Greeks make sure that second-generation Greeks permanently abroad abroad. Petros Panayiotopoulos, a veteran are the ones employed to teach the lan- (photo: Garryknight) diplomat, is now in charge of bolstering guage. The Greek Language Centre based ties between Greece and Greeks living in Thessaloniki could grant certification to and working abroad. the teachers. Amid an economic crisis, this is probably In the past, former education ministers - one of the toughest jobs ever assigned to all victims of the clientelist state - sent head this office since it was established Greek teachers abroad to teach in coun- some 28 years ago. tries where they did not even speak the An optimistic Panayio-topoulos is certain language of that country. the economic crisis won’t stand in his way. As regards the Greek schools abroad, It is the first time that a diplomat has these should become bilingual. The mono- been appointed to this general secretariat, lingual [Greek] schools in Germany, for in- he said. stance, have been producing students who Up to now, a political figure was always do not fit in anywhere - not in Germany appointed. The importance of appointing a and not even in Greece. diplomat is something that the current gov- Australia took a big step recently and ernment understands very well. made Greek one of the official foreign lan- Foreign Minister Stavros Lambrinidis guages being taught at public schools. We once served as the general secretariat for are grateful to the Australian government serve their Greek heritage and want the reason cited by 49 percent of respondents Greeks abroad, as has Deputy Foreign for this and also the Greek Australian as- same for their children. What’s more, the who said they would probably never con- Minister Dimitris Dollis, a Greek Australian. sociations and organisations, as well as ties to Greece go beyond an emotional sider investing in Greece. And let’s not forget our prime minister, the Greek Orthodox Church, which worked connection. Two-thirds of respondents About 20 percent said they believe in- George Papandreou, has lived abroad and very hard to achieve this. The result was said they own property in Greece. vesting in their country of residence is has experienced the life of the Greek dias- extraordinary. And we want this to be re- However, only a quarter said they have safer, while 18 percent said they are not pora, Panayiotopoulos added. peated in other countries. thought about investing their money here, aware of the investment opportunities He estimates that as many as seven mainly due to Greece‘s reputation for hav- Greece has to offer. million people of Greek descent reside What about the long awaited ing a grinding bureaucracy. Red tape is the ATHENSNEWS permanently abroad. The number includes overseas ballot bill sunk in parlia- second- and third-generation immigrants. ment back in 2009?

What is the role of the Greek The government is looking for the right diaspora? formula. We can always find ways for Greeks abroad to gain a voice. No new bill I think it should be to contribute, assist is in the works. Believe me, it is so compli- and support the country in difficult times. cated. It needs time. And this is exactly what is going on. The general secretariat for Greeks abroad of- Apart from selling the so-called fers grants to diaspora organisations. The diaspora bonds, how else can response this year has been that organisa- Greeks abroad help the country tions are requesting very small amounts to out of the financial crisis? continue with their work to promote Greek culture abroad. There is the solidarity fund opened by They should serve as our country’s top the parliament for the repayment of the ambassadors. They should be ready to country’s debt. This is something em- promote our country’s national interest - I braced by Greeks abroad. There are also am not talking about party politics. We re- plans - based on a proposal by members cently welcomed Greeks who are govern- of the Greek diaspora - to air an adver- ment ministers, senators and other leading tisement on Greek satellite television sta- politicians around the world during the tions abroad. This announcement will say meeting of the World Hellenic Inter-Parlia- something like Give five dollars for Greece. mentarian Association here in Athens. They Money can be raised. What’s five dollars? are prime examples of Greeks who have If this were to happen once a month, be- integrated into their new homeland. And lieve me we could raise a significant believe me, there is no better advocate for amount of money. Greek interests abroad than politicians It’s not a charity collection. It’s more like who are of Greek descent. a show of solidarity and assistance.

What’s the biggest issue today? Few Greeks would There are many issues that we are ad- consider investing in Greece, dressing. One of the most important ones survey says has to do with Greek language education abroad. Our alternate education minister, A majority of Greeks in the United States, Fofi Yennimata, recently tabled a new bill Canada, Australia and across Europe say which we also helped draft. The aim of the they love Greece but wouldn’t ever consid- new law is for the Greek language to fi- er living here, according to the findings of nally attain the status it deserves abroad. It a global survey commissioned by the for- would be a shame if we did not do this. eign ministry in 2009. Billed as the biggest We can’t rely on others. There are some poll of its kind, the research conducted by small Greek associations abroad who are Athens-based Kapa Research and Harvard trying to sell this to members of the com- University’s Centre for Hellenic Studies munity. found that 78 percent of first- and second- This is something we should change. generation Greeks abroad consider them- Why not train the children of the diaspora selves to be Greek above all else. to teach the language in mainstream Two-thirds said they are proud to be schools. This is what we want. Greek and 67 percent said they try to pre- AUGUST 2011 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 17/45

What is gastroenteritis? children die each year from rotavirus gas- Rotavirus vaccines are administered ral- \ troenteritis. Worldwide rotavirus causes ly at the same time with the other vaccines Gastroenteritis is an infection of the gas- two million hospitalisations each year. on the childhood immunisation schedule at trointestinal tract that causes diarrhoea either 2, 4, and 6 months of age (RotaTeq) HEALTH and vomiting. It is very common in young What are the symptoms or 2 and 4 months of age (Rotarix). The in- children. Viruses are the main cause of of acute rotavirus terval separating the doses should be no gastroenteritis in young children and the less than four weeks and there are upper gastroenteritis? NEWSNEWS most common virus to cause gastroenteri- limits for the administration of the first and tis in this age group is rotavirus . final doses of the vaccine. WITH DR. THEO PENKLIS * Like any type of infective gastroenteritis, Gastroenteritis can also be caused by At this stage the Australian Government children with rotavirus gastroenteritis de- bacteria. This is usually due to the inges- has placed strict age limits for the admin- velop acute vomiting, diarrhoea and fever. tion of contaminated food. istration of the oral rotavirus vaccines. The The symptoms can develop very quickly reason for this is that with a previous type and this may lead to babies and children of rotavirus vaccine NOT available in this What are the symptoms becoming dehydrated. The diarrhoea can GASTROENTERITIS country, there were significant adverse of gastroenteritis? last for five to seven days. effects; a type of bowel obstruction,intus- IN CHILDREN susception, which was thought to be asso- Children with acute gastroenteritis may How is rotavirus experience fever and abdominal pain. ciated with the first dose being given to gastroenteritis treated? AND They will have diarrhoea with frequent children over three months of age. For this loose, watery, green motions which may reason, the clinical trials on the new vac- Rotavirus infection is treated with oral ROTAVIRUS be blood-stained. The child may experi- cines limited the administration of the first rehydration therapy. That is, the child is ence vomiting early in the illness.They dose to children under three months of given fluids orally to maintain hydration. If VACCINES may be hungry and thirsty and may be- age, and did not give subsequent doses to the infection is severe and the child is become dehydrated due to decreased fluid children past a certain age. Rotavirus vaccines protect children from coming dehydrated, then admission to hos- intake or increased fluid loss from the The main reasons that catch-up immuni- rotavirus. Rotavirus is the leading cause of pital may be required for rehydration via vomiting and diarrhoea. sation or the immunisation of older chil- severe diarrhoea among infants and an intranasal tube or intravenous drip. dren is not recommended is because of young children. Each year more than six There is no specific medication given to the theoretical concerns regarding intus- What are rotaviruses? hundred thousand children die from ro- treat the virus. The virus passes through susceptions and the lack of data in infants tavirus infection and more than two million the gastrointestinal tract. and older children; and the fact that the are hospitalised. Rotaviruses are RNA viruses. They have a characteristic ‘wheel like’ appearance main burden of the rotavirus disease is in Nearly every child in the world will suf- How is rotavirus infection when viewed under an electron micro- children less than three years of age. fer an episode of diarrhoea caused by ro- transmitted? Older children are usually protected tavirus before age three. Although the scope. In 1973, an Australian researcher Ruth Bishop and her colleagues described from developing severe disease due to ro- severity of rotavirus infections differs be- Rotavirus is highly contagious. It passes tavirus because they have Rotavirus is tween children living in developed and de- these viruses as the cause of infant gastroenteritis. through the gastrointestinal tract .The live found in all countries in the world and al- veloping countries, the rates of infection is virus can therefore pass from infected in- most every child in the world will suffer at similar in both settings. fants via the child’s faeces to other infants least one infection by the time they are Safe and effective vaccines are available What is rotavirus and adults. three years of age. Worldwide an estimat- and especially needed in poorer countries gastroenteritis? Even with high standards in sanitation ed six hundred thousand children die each where most deaths from the disease oc- and hygiene, infection with rotavirus is dif- year from rotavirus gastroenteritis. World- cur. As we have discussed already, rotavirus ficult to avoid. The virus can be spread wide rotavirus causes nearly two million On June 5, 2009, the World Health Or- gastroenteritis is the most common cause from an infant’s nappy to contaminated hospitalisations each year. ganization (WHO) recommended that ro- of serious gastroenteritis in infants and toys, baby play areas and food prepara- Similarly, vaccination of adults is not rec- tavirus vaccine be included in all national young children, and it accounts for at least tion areas. ommended because it is likely that they immunization programs. fifty percent of all hospitalised cases of Children in close communities such as have partial pre-existing immunity and are Two rotavirus vaccines have been avail- gastroenteritis in children less than five child care centres are at an increased rate not likely to experience severe rotavirus able in Australia since May 2006. years of age. of infection. disease. In March 2007, the Australian Govern- Rotavirus is found in all countries in the Rotavirus is a seasonal disease. In Aus- If given correctly at the recommended ment announced that rotavirus vaccines world and almost every child in the world tralia, the peak incidence occurs over the age, the rotavirus vaccine is the best way would be funded under the National Immu- will suffer at least one infection by the winter period. to protect children against rotavirus dis- nisation Programme commencing in July time they are three years of age. World- ease. The vaccine will not prevent diar- 2007 for babies born after 1st May 2007. wide an estimated six hundred thousand Rotavirus vaccine rhoea and vomiting caused by other infectious agents, such as bacteria and other Two rotavirus vaccines are available in viruses, but it is very good at preventing Christian Dior, Gucci, Ted Baker Australia. The Australian Government funds severe diarrhoea and vomiting caused by Rotavirus vaccination under the National rotavirus which causes approximately half Katerina + Kyriacos Mavrolefteros Immunisation Programme for all new born of all episodes of hospitalised gastroen- babies. teritis in infants and young children. Different states and territories may choose to offer one or other of the two available vaccines: RotaTeq or Rotarix. * The information given in this article is of a There are differences in the composition general nature and readers should seek advice and number of doses required of each from their own medical practitioner before em- vaccine. barking on any treatment.

Ray Ban Ray O'Farrell backs naming poor NSW hospitals NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell says he is determined to reduce infectious diseases in NSW hospitals after leading medics won a battle to name and shame the worst offenders. Up to 13 patients a month die in NSW hospitals because of poor hygiene, News 874 Anzac Parade, Maroubra Junction Limited reported earlier this month. (at bus stop, on RTA block) (at bus stop, on RTA block) Rodenstock, Offending hospitals will now be published on the federal government's My hospi- TTeell:: ((0022)) 99331144--00339933 tal website, after health ministers agreed to it recently.

Serengeti, Maui Jim, Fendi "One of the reasons you want greater transparency is so that you can tackle the [email protected] problem," Mr O'Farrell told reporters . According to NSW Health infections data, an average of 45 patients a month ac- quire a preventable staphylococcus aurous bloodstream infection in NSW hospitals. Nina Ricci, Oakley, La font A quarter of those will not survive the infection. AUGUST 2011 18/46 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

A young Turk helps save a Greek Lost Hitchcock community newspaper film found in By Ioanna Fotiadi - Kathimerini plained Vasiliadis, “it seemed there was no New Zealand way out and I had decided to publish the Efe Kerem Sozeri, a 26-year-old Turk paper until its birthday, on July 12.” A lost 1920s Alfred Hitchcock film Apoyevmatini currently pursuing a PhD in political sci- Sozeri heard about ’s trou- that provides clues on the legendary ence in Amsterdam, is one of a group of bles during a conference in June, when director’s early working style has young people who helped save Apoyev- Vasiliadis announced that he would be been discovered in New Zealand. matini, a Greek community newspaper in closing it down in a few weeks’ time. Recently uncovered film The White Constantinople. “I felt sad and also a sense of responsi- Shadow features a 24-year-old Hitch- Sozeri led a campaign to raise aware- bility for future generations,” Sozeri told cock’s work as a writer, assistant di- Kathimerini ness about the struggling 87-year-old daily . “I know about the persecution rector, art director and editor. The film and helped raise support and subscrip- Mihail Vasiliadis was astounded at the inter- suffered by the Greek community and I was first released in 1924. tions through social networking websites. est shown by young Turks to help save the feel the weight of all these events on my It is considered to be the earliest A month into the campaign, the group Greek community newspaper Apoyevmatini, shoulders. I also recognize the cultural surviving feature film in which Hitch- was not only able to raise funds for the which has been in his family since 1925 and contribution of the Greeks,” he said. “Fur- came very near to closure this summer. cock received a credit, according to newspaper, which has seen advertising thermore,” Sozeri added, “as a Turk living the US-based National Film Preserva- and sales plunge due to the Greek finan- abroad, I can see the problems faced by tion Foundation. cial crisis, but they also raised its profile phone the office to get their daily updates minorities, as well as the importance of Only the first three of the movie’s among intellectuals and other young Turks of news. them having their own newspaper.” six reels survive. That adds to the interested in building bridges with the “The newspaper is a window onto the After hearing Vasiliadis speak, the young movie’s mystery, which some film small Greek community that still remains in community,” Haris Theodorelis-Rigas, a Turk initially sent a slew of e-mails to his buffs see as fitting for Hitchcock, be- Constantinople. PhD candidate at the University of the professors and friends in an effort to drum cause he was famous for creating “Mihail is a hero,” said Sozeri of Apoyev- Bosporus - where Sozeri also did his un- up some support for Apoyevmatini, later Kathimerini mysterious stories full of suspense. matini’s owner and sole employee Mihail dergraduate degree - told . “It taking his campaign to social networking “Who knows, maybe someday the Vasiliadis. “I know how hard it is to be a provides a link between Greeks who live websites and reaching out to journalists rest of it will turn up, (and) we can put Greek living in Turkey, and especially one here, as well as a platform for dialogue on around the world. the pieces together,” said Randy trying to publish a newspaper.” issues that concern the community.” “All of the Turkish media had a story Apoyevmatini Haberkamp, director of educational The Greek newspaper has been in circu- has always been tossed about us,” said Vasiliadis. “But we were al- programmes for the Academy of Mo- lation since 1925. Mihail Vasiliadis and his about in the storms of history, seeing its so contacted by international media, such tion Picture Arts and Sciences. “Per- son, Minas, took over the management of circulation dwindle along with the popula- as Agence France-Presse, Al Jazeera, fect for Hitchcock.” the newspaper in 2002, and until recently tion of Greeks in Turkey. Yet the owners Deutsche Welle and ZDF, which spread the The three reels of The White Shad- printed 600 issues daily (down from were determined to keep it going and one news.” ow, which was directed by British 30,000 in its heyday), which are delivered even went asso far as to sell his own pri- Within a few days of the launch of the filmmaker Graham Cutts, were donat- Apoyevmatini by seven distributors to both the eastern vate property in order to do so. campaign, had 300 new sub- ed in the 1980s to the New Zealand and the western sides of the sprawling The Greek financial crisis, however, al- scribers, some of whom do not even read Apoyevmatini Film Archive by the family of late metropolis. Apoyevmatini is also sent by most dealt the fatal blow. Greek. In honor of these new subscribers, movie projectionist and collector Jack e-mail in PDF format to 1,000 readers, “From January 2011, when almost all of the July 12 paper circulated for the first Murtagh. while there are others who like to tele- our ads from Greece disappeared,” ex- time in its history with a title in Turkish.

St Andrew’s Orthodox Press

is pleased to announce the release FUNERAL SERVICE of its latest publication ǹȀȅȁȅȊĬǿǹ ȃǼȀȇȍȈǿȂȅȈ

THE FUNERAL SERVICE

in Greek and English, using the translation

of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

(Hardback, gold stamping, 188 pages, 110mm by 170mm, $12) St Andrew’s Orthodox Press SYDNEY 2011 “Not only the Priest, but all the congregation should follow the words of the deeply significant prayers and hymns of this Service” CONTENTS

Funeral Service: In the Home - In the Church - At the Grave - For Priests Enquiries and orders: Funeral Service in Renewal Week: In the Home - In the Church - At the Grave www.standrewsorthodoxpress.com.au Funeral Service for Children: In the Home - In the Church - At the Grave - In Renewal Week ph: (612) 9549 3103 e: [email protected] For an Unbaptised Child Funeral of a Non-Orthodox Christian AUGUST 2011 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 19/47 Travel The best of both worlds

By Thodoris Athanasiadis Where to stay and Germaine Alexakis Parikia •Yria, phone 22840-24154, www.yriahotel.gr When it comes to tourist infrastructure and amenities, •Μinois Village, phone 22840-22435, www.minois-vil- the Cycladic island of Paros has got it all. But the abun- lage.gr dance of rooms for rent, hotels and villas is not what this •Fragoulis Village, phone 22840-23491, www.fragoulis idyllic island is all about. village.gr Apart from its golden beaches and exuberant nightlife, Paros (a four-hour ferry trip from Piraeus) also a boasts a Naoussa long history. It has been a steady supplier of the precious •Astir Paros, phone 22840-51976, www.astirofparos.gr Paria lithos (Parian stone or marble). The transparent, •Heaven Naoussa, phone 22840-51549, www.heaven- white marble was chiselled and carved by the greatest naoussa.com sculptors of antiquity with the statues of the Nike of •Antirides, phone 22840-51592, www.antirides.gr Samothrace and the Venus de Milo, on display at Paris’ Louvre Museum, serving as the most famous examples. Where to eat Visitors may bemoan the sense of lost authenticity of In Parikia at the restaurants Porphyra, Happy Green this fully organised summer resort yet many of its natural Cows, Levantis and Tamarisco in the old town for its charms have survived the onslaught of mass tourism. And Mediterranean cuisine. In Naoussa you’ll find the taverns if the cosmopolitan hustle and bustle of Paros is too much Mario, Mediterraneo, Barbarossa, and Pervolaria where to handle, the tiny island of Antiparos, just a few hundred you can taste mezedes (appetisers, here mainly seafood) yards to the east, is the ideal retreat. Calm and tranquil, and tasty gouna (sun-dried fish). Antiparos is a veritable paradise with long stretches of Naoussa: despite intense building activity, the truly Cycladic sandy beaches and a peaceful village where locals and Antiparos quay is a favourite of photo-snapping visitors tourists can sit back and drop a gear. Forget what you’ve seen in Paros up till now - Antiparos best known for their traditional Greek cuisine, as well as Paros will soon help you attune to a slow pace of living. All ac- for fresh fish. Enjoy ouzo on the rocks - the national aper- tivity on the island is concentrated at the small harbour, itif - with grilled sun-dried octopus and you’ll remember Parikia: The harbour and showcase of the island. It which is also the only village on the island. the experience greets you bustling with life, thronged with people and full Antiparos’ jagged coastline discloses incredible sandy ATHENSNEWS of noise. Nevertheless, the old village will make an im- beaches which, due to the orientation of the island, pression: whitewashed paved alleys lead you to the heart are protected from the summer northern winds of the settlement. Here is the 13th century castle, with ru- (meltemia). ins of the ancient temple of Demetra built in its walls. At Hora, the capital, you won’t find the fortress of Antiparos perched on a steep rock as is usual- Naoussa: A good tarred road from Parikia leads to ly the case in the Aegean, but hidden in the heart Naoussa (10km), the second tourist resort on the island. In- of the town. There are no discernible towers or tense construction has covered the surrounding hills with surrounding walls, as the defences of the mediae- tourist accommodation. Its strong point is around the pic- val village were formed by the outer walls of the turesque quay where the often photographed scenery is houses themselves. still truly Cycladic. On the nearby islet of Saliagos, traces of the most ancient known dwelling in the Cyclades were Quick sightseeing found. The island was the trading centre of obsid- •Panayia Katapoliani: This cathedral in Parikia, one of ian excavated from Milos island during the Neolith- the most important early-Christian monuments in the ic era. country and constructed in the years of Constantine the •The beaches: Psaraliki, Glyfa, Plaka and Great, is a cross-shaped basilica with a dome. It is built on Akrotiri stretch out a few kilometres south of the ruins of classical years and its formal name, Ekaton- harbour. The bright sandy beach of Sorou stands tapyliani, indicates it has a hundred doorways, the last of out. Soon after it, going south, is the twin beach of which is yet to be revealed, according to a legend. Agios Sostis. North of the harbour there is Theolo- •Museums: In Parikia, visit the Archaeological Museum gos beach, with fine white sand. From here you with exhibits from all historical periods of Paros, tele- can cross the sea on foot to the facing islet Diplo, phone 22840-21231. In the village of Marpissa you’ll find as waters are less than a metre deep. The sea a collection of Byzantine icons and the Folklore Museum, caves and the tropical waters will impress you on but also the Sculpture Museum, housing works of the Par- the islet of Despotiko. You can reach it by using ian sculptor Nikos Perantinos, who was responsible for one of the tourist boats that run daily excursions restoring sculptures at the national museum in Athens. around Antiparos. •South of Parikia (8km) lies the valley of butterflies, home to a huge number of wonderful night butterflies Do not miss: (Panaxia guadripunctaria or Jersey tiger moths) worth vis- The cave Katafygi, known from ancient times, a iting. shelter for people in times of crisis. This is where •The main beaches: North of Parikia the fully organised the Macedonians who plotted against Alexander beach of Livadia has shallow waters while to the south the the Great hid. small Delfinia is usually crowded. Lying next to it is the wonderful sandy beach of Parasporos, where there is a Getting there camping site. On the east coast, Chrysi Akti (Golden Beach) Only by ferry, a short ride (10 minutes) from the is popular with young people and windsurfers. port of Pounta on Paros (8km south of Parikia), Also popular, Kolimbithres near Naoussa is in a class of sailings every hour. its own with its tropical nature of white rock and azure For information telephone Parikia Port Authority waters. To the northeast, Santa Maria, Alyki, Filitzi - replete on 22840-21240. with dunes and cedar trees - are considered among the best beaches on the island. Where to stay •Kouros, phone 22840-61084, www.kouros-vil- Do not miss: lage.gr An excursion to whitewashed Lefkes, 10km from Parikia, •Kastro, phone 22840-61423, www.kastro.net a charming inland village with intact old houses. •Big Blue, ph. 22840-61627, www.bigblue4u. com Getting there •Paros is linked to Piraeus with a daily ferry service. Where to eat For information, phone 210-459-3000. There are also 30- In Antiparos harbour the taverns Stella’s Garden, minute flights from Eleftherios Venizelos Airport. Sousourada Klimatari and Yiorgos are among the AUGUST 2011 20/48 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Arts, Food & Wine Editor: Imogen Coward Films: a history Part 9

By Leon Coward and Dr Ann Coward employment, only to find his bicycle - the key to his get- only to be let off by the owner of the bicycle - an older ting a job - is stolen. His attempted solution - to steal a bi- and more compassionate man - the relationship between In this second article on Neo-Realism, an outline of one cycle near a sports stadium - is almost immaterial. What the father and son alters but not before one final re- film is given to demonstrate the way in which concern for matters is the way in which poverty has reduced him to minder of their deep connection. When Bruno sees his fa- the human condition is brought to the fore and which, as behave in a manner ‘beneath himself’ and for which he ther being escorted away initially, he picks up Antonio’s mentioned in the previous article, is perhaps the greatest feels shame, and the changing relationship with his son. hat, dusts it off and sobs. When he gives the hat to his fa- feature of this particular group of film-makers and their What follows is an observation on the ways in which de ther, Antonio hits it to clean it with exactly the same mo- films. Sica uses subtle actions, rather than words, to express tion Bruno had used a few seconds earlier. One of the first Neo-Realist films to gain world-wide complex relationships and emotions. The son, still sobbing, for the first time in the film now recognition was Vittorio de Sica’s Ladri di Biciclette (Bicy- From the beginning, Bruno mimics his father’s behavi- walks in front of his father. Bruno wipes his face and cle Thieves/The Bicycle Thief, 1948), written by Cesare our and the similarity between them is emphasised by looks up at Antonio, who looks straight ahead. Gradual- Zavattini. De Sica had been one of the most popular ac- shots such as when they both place their packages of ly Bruno and Antonio walk side by side. Antonio looks tors and singers in Fascist Italy,(1) who went on to direct, frittata in their pockets at the same time, and turn to down at Bruno, sees him, and begins to sob also. Bruno as he says, “because I needed to express this small inner Maria (the wife/mother) to say ‘ciao’. Although Bruno takes his father’s hand and both cry - humiliated, fright- world of mine and allow me to call it a poetic world as resembles his mother in that he tends to immediately ened and defeated - but together. They then disappear well”.(2) seek to act upon a problem, physically he has obvious- into the indifferent crowd as they walk away from the The post-war period presented its own problems - ly modelled himself on his father. camera, the indifference being an example of what de For most of the film, Bruno walks beside his father. poverty, unemployment, and dramas - but the one which Sica refers to as “ the sad, daily phenomenon” of the attracted de Sica was the human solidarity experienced When he sits down in the gutter near the sports stadium post-war period.(5) immediately after the end of WWII and it was this which and wipes his face, this action is then mimicked by his fa- inspired him to make films.(3) According to de Sica, ther and once again the similarity and solidarity of the two is emphasised, but it is now the father mimicking the son. References Prowling, like a distressed and caged animal, Antonio de- Neo-Realism is a certain kind of filmmaking, a 1. Peter Bondanella, ‘Italian Cinema’ in Zygmund G, Baranski and way of feeling. Unjustly Charlie Chaplin and even cides to steal a bicycle and attempts to get Bruno away so Rebecca J. West (eds), The Cambridge Companion to Modern Italian [Rene] Clair put our cinema on a level with reali- that he won’t witness this act. When this fails, and Antonio Culture. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2011, p. 217 ty and truth. That’s not it; it’s an altered reality - a is captured by a group of younger men, all dressed in bet- 2. - 5. That’s Life. A Documentary on Vittorio de Sica, a DVD extra, transposition on a lyric, poetic level, on a higher ter quality jackets than his (which emphasises his plight), The Bicycle Thief dir. Vittorio de Sica (1948). DVD DAVID155 level. It must never be reality! (4)

Perhaps the best example of this ‘altered reality’ or constructed reality and lyricism is in the treatment of the relationship between the main characters in Ladri di Bici- FFoooodd && WWiinnee clette, Antonio Ricci and his son Bruno. The storyline is not complicated, revolving around Antonio’s attempts to find Elliot Rocke Estate, Mudgee Semillon Ice Wine 2010

Aromas of citrus fruit reminiscent of cumquat and mandarin with a hint of honey give way Écoutez! to a luscious, palate of ripe, sweet citrus and fresh apricot jam. The finish is sweet but fresh with velvety smoothness. Best served slightly chilled, this wine is drinking well now, but can also be cellared for 5-10 years. To purchase this wine, or locate a retailer, contact Arts Review www.elliotrockeestate.com.au 02 6372 7722

Australian World Orchestra Plaka: Athens’ oldest historical neighbourhood The talent drain from Australia to Europe and the Americas is a phenomenon well known to everyone Athens’ oldest historical neighbourhood, developed involved in the Arts in Australia. This month however, mostly around the ruins of the Ancient Agora in an area sees the return of some of our brightest and best mu- that has been continuously inhabited since antiquity, sicians to take part in the Australian World Orchestra Plaka is built atop the residential areas of the ancient [AWO] inaugural season being held at the Sydney town of Athens and its narrow labyrinthine streets are Opera House on August 26-28, and Paramatta River- lined with neoclassical buildings. side Theatre on August 29. The AWO, headed by Chief It is known as the “Neighbourhood of the Ancient Conductor and Artistic Director Alexander Briger (the Gods” due to its proximity to the Acropolis and plethora nephew of Sir Charles Mackerras), has managed to of archaeological sites, but the area is also dotted with bring together almost 100 of Australia’s best expat little churches, most of them built in the 11th century and locally based musicians to present a series of with impressive hagiographies, where services contin- concerts as well as an education programme includ- ue to be held, and a number of museums. ing masterclasses and ‘open’ rehearsals. The diverse During the Ottoman rule of Greece, Plaka was the concert programmes comprise symphonic favourites seat of the Turkish ‘voevode’ (governor). In the 1821 including Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, works by Aus- Greek War of Independence, Plaka, like the rest of tralian composers Sculthorpe and Brett Dean, and Athens, was temporarily abandoned by its inhabitants works especially for children in a matinee (28 August), due to the heavy battles that took place, mostly in 1826, and special after-school performance (29 August). but was later repopulated. Hundreds of thousands of tourists swarm to Plaka all- The enthusiastic and inclusive approach taken by A massive fire in 1884 burned down a large section year-round. The aura of the old neighbourhood remains the AWO organisers has created a truly unique se- of the neighbourhood and archaeologists conducted ex- unchanged, as Plaka is under strict zoning and conser- ries of events sure to inspire every Australian. cavations in the Roman Market and Hadrian’s library. vation regulations. Indeed, excavations have proven that Plaka’s main It is the only area in Athens where utilities (water, For more details or to book tickets visit www. Adrianou Street is the oldest street in Athens that is still electricity, cable TV, telephone, internet and sewage) lie awo.com.au or call the Sydney Opera House box of- in continuous use with precisely the same layout since underground in fully accessible, custom-made tunneling, fice on 9250 7777 antiquity. while motor vehicles are totally banned. AUGUST 2011 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 21/49

Ecumenical "Kingdom of Alexander the Great" Patriarch officiated at exhibition at the Louvre The Louvre will host an exhibition entitled "Ancient Macedonia: In Soumela the Kingdom of Alexander the Great" from October 13, 2011 until January 16, 2012. monastery The exhibition will include more than 600 artifacts and is the product of cooperation between Greek and French experts. Its in Trabzon main purpose is to introduce the archaeological wealth of northern Greece to the French and international visitors of one of the Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos greatest museums in the world. (Bartholomew), accompanied by Arch- The artifacts to be exhibited are findings of archaeological ex- bishop of America Demetrios, offici- cavations in the pro-vince of Macedonia in northern Greece over ated at this year's Dormition of Virgin the past 30 years. religious service at the historic Pa- The exhibits will include artifacts that will be loaned by the naghia Soumela Monastery in Trab- Greek ministry of culture as well as Macedonian antiquities that zon province, on Turkey's Black Sea belong to Louvre collections since the 19th century. In return, the coast. Louvre will loan to the northern city of Thessaloniki a number of The occasion marked the second extraordinary masterpieces that belong to its collections, to be ex- consecutive year that the Patriarch hibited in the city's five museums in 2012. will officiate at a service on August 15 at the specific monastery, the second such event since the 1923 popu- Final applause for ‘Zorba’ director Cacoyannis lation exchange between Greece and Turkey. Cyprus-born filmmaker and self-pro- Back in Athens in 1953 he made his direc- Cacoyannis’ sole documentary, Attilas In June 2010, the Turkish govern- fessed philhellene Michael Cacoyannis, the torial debut with Windfall in Athens (1954), 1974, was a personal account of the Turk- ment accepted the Patriarchate’s re- director of Academy Award-winning black- starring Dimitris Horn and Lambeti. ish invasion in Cyprus. quest to hold mass in the monastery, and-white classic Zorba the Greek, passed The film’s screening in Cannes and its He received numerous awards for life- which was converted into a museum away on July 25, aged 90. He had been ad- selection as the opening film at the Edin- time achievement, including the Greek and has not operated as a Christian mitted to Evangelismos hospital in mid-July burgh Festival paved the way for the glob- Academy’s highest distinction and France’s place of worship since 1923. due to respiratory and heart complications. al recognition of post-war Greek cinema, Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres. Ca- “His movies received awards at the most ensuring Cacoyannis’ regular participation coyannis is survived by his sisters Stella important film festivals in the world,” Cul- in the Cannes Film Festival. Soulioti and Yannoula Wakefield. ture Minister Pavlos Yeroulanos noted. State Theatre of Northern Greece artistic director Sotiris Hatzakis said: “Through his personality and talent he became a member of the international community of artists and an ambassador of Greece abroad. The void he leaves behind is irre- placeable.” The multi-awarded director, who worked with acclaimed actors including Vanessa Redgrave, Katharine Hepburn and Irene Papas, was best known for the 1964 adap- tation of Nikos Kazantzakis’ 1946 novel about a young, uptight British intellectual - played in the film by Psycho‘s Alan Bates - Fortress who sets out to escape his bookish life with the help of a mysterious chef and miner. of Larissa With Anthony Quinn playing the title role and Mikis Theodorakis composing the to be restored film’s popular score, Zorba the Greek won three Oscars (including that of Lila Kedrova The Fortress of Larissa, one of the for best supporting actress) but lost the most important monuments of Argos, best picture of the year award to My Fair designated a Byzantine monument Lady, starring Audrey Hepburn. since 1922, is currently being re- Yet another international success, Stella stored, after falling into disarray from (1956), featuring future culture minister extensive excavations that began in Melina Mercouri in her cinema debut, won the middle of the 20th century. Cacoyannis a Golden Globe in the best for- The fortress, named after the eign language film category. He garnered nymph Larissa, daughter of the myth- the same prize the following year for A Girl ical Pelasgus, is situated at the top of in Black, starring Ellie Lambeti. Fortress Hill, at an elevation of 287 Born in Limassol in 1921, M. Cacoyannis meters, west of the city. studied law in London before his love for Although not an organised archaeo- theatre won him over. For most of his Lon- logical site, the citadel attracts a large don stay he worked at the BBC’s Greek number of visitors annually. service as a translator and producer. That, however, is about to change, A graduate of the prestigious Old Vic the- as the 25th Ephorate of Byzantine An- atre, Cacoyannis began his stage career tiquities aims to reorganise the Fort- as an actor. In 1947 he played Herod in ress as an "archaeological site and Oscar Wilde’s Salome but his most memo- monument". rable role - for which he was handpicked The interventions have been de- by French author Albert Camus - was the signed so as to enable the site to re- title role in Caligula. main open to visitors. Before long Cacoyannis turned to direction, which developed into his true passion. AUGUST 2011 22/50 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Africa famine ‘a major crisis’

By Adam Gartrell

World Vision CEO Tim Costello says 1.2 million children are the Horn of Africa famine is among the in need of urgent assistance worst humanitarian disasters he has in Somalia ever seen and he has urged Australians to overcome their compassion fatigue and dig deep. Up to 13 million people are at risk of starvation in Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Djibouti as a result of the region's worst drought in 60 years. Two million children are said to be malnour- ished and at risk of death. Mr Costello last week visited what is now believed to be the world's biggest refugee camp - built to house 90,000 people but now home to 400,000 - at Dadaab in the Kenyan desert. "Australians feel that they are in reces- Bragg said 1.2 million children need "It's the size of it that gets you," Mr sion so the idea that charity begins at urgent assistance. "Tens of thousands of Costello stated. "There's this huge tent home - with the subtext it also ends at children have already died and many and mudbrick city the size of Canberra, home - has been out there in the com- more will die in the coming days unless with 400,000 people. That shocks you." munity." aid is provided to them." Mr Costello witnessed first-hand the Mr Costello has called on Australians The UN considers the famine the appalling conditions in the camp and to keep perspective about their own worst in Africa since about 500,000 peo- heard extraordinary tales of human suf- troubles. ple died from food shortages in Somalia fering: "It's as bad as what I've seen." "We are blessed," he said. in 1991-92. But the slow nature of the disaster - "And if we give, we know we can save More regions of southern and central as opposed to the immediate drama of lives. With your generosity we are Somalia are expected to be designated an earthquake or tsunami - means the reaching these people and keeping them famine zones in coming days and world has not yet fully comprehended its alive." weeks, UN officials and diplomats said. scale, he says. And usually generous Caritas Australia's Africa-based repre- The famine has become a critical new Australians have been slow to help, he sentative Scott Martin has also pleaded problem for Somalia's transitional gov- says. for generosity. ernment which is battling for control of "It's been hard to raise funds. It's tak- "This is the worst humanitarian disas- the country with the Shebab Islamic in- ing time. I think just now Australians are ter on the planet today," Mr Martin said. surgency. starting to put it on their radar," Mr "We have to treat it accordingly or this Mahiga told the UN Security Council Costello said. will be a great humanitarian tragedy." that a UN-backed African Union force The federal government has pledged a desperately needs extra resources to little over $80 million in emergency sup- help it establish government control in port. But help from the debt-strapped US areas of Mogadishu that Shebab aban- and Europe has been less forthcoming. doned. The transitional government must Alarming child toll quickly stamp its authority, he said. in Somali famine: UN "Without the immediate action to fill this gap, a real danger exists that the Ten per cent of Somali children aged warlords and their militia groups will under five are dying every 11 weeks in move forward to fill the vacuum created the country's devastating famine, which by Shebab's departure," Mahiga said. is spreading faster than aid agencies Diplomats said that while Shebab's can cope with, UN officials warned. withdrawal was good for the transitional The UN representative to Somalia also government, they recalled how the insur- told the UN Security Council that war- gent's hardline predecessor, the Islamic lords will take control of areas of Mo- Courts, withdrew from Mogadishu in gadishu abandoned by Islamist insur- 2006 but returned one month later. gents last weekend unless the transitional government quickly gets a grip. US urges more aid to The envoy, Augustine Mahiga, said famine-hit Africa about half the Somali population, about 3.7 million people, are now at risk from US officials called on other countries to famine. The UN estimates that more than sharply increase aid to famine and 12 million are affected across East drought-hit east Africa, warning that the Africa. needs of the starving outstrip the pace Across the famine zone, more than 13 of assistance. children out of every 10,000 aged under US officials made the appeal after re- five die each day, Mahiga said. "This turning from a visit to Kenya with Jill means that 10 per cent of children under Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, five are dying every 11 weeks. These which included a tour of refugee camps figures are truly heart-wrenching," the and meetings with top government fig- envoy told the council, appealing for ures. greater international assistance. Gayle Smith, a special assistant to The UN has asked for one billion dol- President Barack Obama, said the United lars for Somalia, but Catherine Bragg, States was already the lead donor, hav- the deputy UN emergency relief coordi- ing contributed $US560 million. nator, said less than half the sum has Around 12.4 million people in the re- been raised. gion currently face acute food shortages "We have not yet seen the peak of the and 3.2 million in Somalia need "immedi- crisis as further deterioration is consid- ate lifesaving assistance," the UN said. ered likely," she told the council. ABC News AUGUST 2011 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 23/51

HAPPY 10TH

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