THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN The oldest circulating Greek newspaper outside VEMA Greece MARCH 2015 Tel. (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 E-mail: [email protected]

DIGITAL MOSAIC Where the AncientDISCIPLINE Faith + IN 21st THE century HOME media merge SPEAKPAGE 16/34

Doxology Service for the commencement GREEK of the new academic year of St Andrew’s Theological College PAGE 3/21 IN MARCH The campaign kicked off to an impressive start Official Opening of the S.A. Greek Welfare The “Speak Greek in March” campaign kicked off to an impressive start on Sunday, Centre’s new premises March 1 in Aus tralia. The campaign aims to raise awareness among Greek Diaspora Amidst an air of excitement, His Grace Bish- members on the issue of Greek language which is slowly losing ground in the country. op Nikandros of Dorylaeon of ficially blessed and opened the South Aus tralian Greek Wel- FULL STORY ON PAGE 2/20 fare Centre’s new premises on Henley Beach Road, Torrensville, on 17 February 2015. PAGE 10/28 FIVE REASONS TO GO TO GREECE THIS SUMMER! 1 A guided tour has been worked out for you 5 Join travellers who are already booking from between June 4-20, 2015, so y ou don’t have to Melbourne, Perth, Cairns and from anywhere in think of or ganising your flight with Emir ates, Australia, with the choice of s taying overseas restaurants or hotels for 2 whole weeks. for up to 6 months on the same ticket.

2 Combine travel with spirituality and e duca- For a c opy of the brochure via emai l, or f or tion as you follow the Journe y of St P aul and further information, contact: visit Classical Greek sites with pr ofessional guides to explain everything in English. TRAVEL [email protected] Diapontia Islands 3 Commence the itinerary with a blessing for or phone Katrina Maggs the group from His All Holiness Ecumenical Pa- This group northwest of Corfu, wher e Ca- on 03 8488 9696 lypso is said t o have imprisoned Odysseus, triarch Bartholomew. provides the perf ect place t o recharge your batteries. 4 This is 4-star quality. But you must be quick! PAGE 20/38 MARCH 2015 2/20 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Speak Greek in March kicks off to a great start The “Speak Greek in March” campaign braced by Greek-Australians across the kicked off to an impressive start on Sun- globe. day, March 1 in Australia. The campaign “I would like to congratulate you for aims to raise awareness among Greek Di- your collective, multifaceted action to aspora members on the issue of Greek further strengthen and support the language which is slowly losing ground in Greek language in Australia, especially the country. According to the organising on the occasion of the national celebra- committee their goal is not for Greek- tions of March, a month during which we Australians to speak the language only in celebrate our national independence. March, but always. ”I am sure that the initiative ‘Speak The first steps were really encouraging. Greek in March,’ launched by you who Facebook was flooded with “We speak actively and dynamically represent Hel- Greek” posts, while second and third lenism in the multicultural country of generation Greek-Australians made a Australia, will have great success,” the great effort to speak the language during Greek Minister said in his message. several Diaspora events, in church, as Furthermore, he added that it will also well as in the stadium. work as an example for Greeks in other The campaign aims to encourage and continents who wish to increase Greek provide opportunities for families of language use, especially in younger gen- Greek origin to start using the Greek lan- erations. This will help spread the lan- guage as much as possible under every- themselves during the weekend, while their lives thus creating the right condi- guage in local communities and cele- day life circumstances: at home, at children are encouraged to play Greek tions for the use of Greek in real commu- brate the significance of Greek culture school, in the market or social gather- games such as “mila” (apples) which re- nication situations. and Greek education over time. ings. For example the organising commit- sembles dodge ball. Meanwhile Greek Foreign Minister “You make us very proud with this ini- tee proposed that Greek-Australians All families and individuals are also en- Nikos Kotzias congratulated the Greek tiative. I wholeheartedly wish you every should greet each other in Greek, listen couraged to use their imagination and in- Diaspora of Australia for its initiative success in your endeavor,” he said, to Greek songs, or watch Greek films. spiration to think of other ways they can “Speak Greek in March.” The Minister is adding that Greece will support the ini- Families could speak in Greek amongst incorporate the Greek language into confident that the campaign will be em- tiative in any way possible. Art collector Ion Vorres passes away Acclaimed art collector Ion Vorres died earlier this month at the age of 91, leaving behind the chief oeuvre of his life, the Vorres Museum in Paiania, eastern Attica. A native of Messinia in the southern Peloponnese, Vorres fought in World War II with the OSS American intelligence agency. He later gained Canadian citizenship af- ter studying at the University of Toronto. In Canada, he worked as a journalist and columnist, mainly promoting Greek culture and heritage. He organized his first exhi- bition in Toronto in 1955 and opened the Vorres Museum in 1983 with a 6,000-item collection covering 4,000 years of Greek history. Vorres was awarded the Order of Canada in 2009 and bestowed the Greek title of Grand Commander of the Order of Honor in 2014.

A Greek among the richest of Australia

Only one Greek businessman managed to be included in the list of the richest people in Australia for 2015, issued by Forbes. Overall, the 50 richest people in Australia have total assets amounting to 89.3 billion dollars. The richest is Gina Rinehart, which is engaged in mining and her property reaches 11.7 billion dollars. On the 46th place of the list is Con Makris (pictured). He is the richest Greek of Australia for yet another year. His fortune is estimated at 640 million dollars. Con Makris emigrated from Greece in the early 1960s. He settled in Adelaide where his sister lived and worked at a series of jobs in retail. He built up a chain of chicken shops across South Australia and Victoria which he sold in the 1980s to fund the purchase of his first shopping centre. He now controls a portfolio worth more than $800 million, much of it in South Australia although his focus is shifting to the Gold Coast. MARCH 2015 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 3/21

The Americans, ISIS, Iran and Tsipras By Antonis Karakousis - Kathimerini, Athens Their army is systematically preparing to take back ports will be lifted, which will further strengthen Tikrit, the birthplace of Saddam Hussein, and Mosul. Tehran’s position in the international oil market, There are many who have wondered about the ma- In other words, Tehran’s generals and fighting forces which is currently dominated by the sheikhs of jor American interest and many comments in favor of are going to fight the hordes of al-Baghdadi and the Riyadh. the new left-wing government in Greece. Really, what blood-thirsty Jihadi John on the ground. As it would seem, the diplomatic puzzle in the re- was the purpose of the trips of American financial of- The Americans essentially came to the conclusion gion is becoming increasingly complicated and the ficers to Athens and the constant Presidential inter- that only the Iranians can assume the operation to Americans are in jeopardy of losing powerful allies in ventions in Europe for the Greek case? destroy the Islamic State and agreed, obviously with the area in their effort to tackle the revival of the Some attribute the American interest to the con- something in exchange, to give them the ability to at- harshest and most primitive version of Islam. cerns for the Eurozone and the effect a potential tempt the aforementioned counter-attack against the They are, however, aware that they do not have crack or fragmentation may have on the global and by jihadists. The question is whether the choice of the many options. They do not have the capabilities they extension the American economy. Others believe that Americans provoked other important allies of theirs once had. Washington admits that the CIA does not the constant conflict with Germany in recent years in the greater Middle E ast. The Israelis directly op- have operators in the area and the US Army is not over the observed economic policy in Europe is moti- pose the new role of Tehran in the region. They treat willing to undertake ground operations against the Is- vating the Americans. them as enemies, fearing that in exchange for fighting lamic State due to the financial, human and political The Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras himself attributed ISIS, Iran will be allowed to continue with its nuclear cost. As such, it is looking everywhere for alliances. the US interest in the geopolitical position of Greece program. In a way the Greek problem is related in this com- and the dangers of a potential financial and political This in turn will strengthen Hezbollah, which is plicated geopolitical environment. The Americans destabilization of our country for the entire region. based in Lebanon and as such, the Israelis feel that treat Greece, with all of its problems, as an oasis of The Minister of F oreign Affairs Nikos K otzias further they will be surrounded by powerful, enemy forces. stability in an absolutely problematic area. It is a dem- expanded and detailed Mr Tsipras’ opinion and de- These fears explain the profound stance of Ne- ocratic country, with western institutions and func- scribed Greece as an oasis of stability and Democracy tanyahu, who traveled to the USA to see the Republi- tions, consistently pro-West, nationally homogenous, in a greater area of instability, from Ukraine to North- cans and snubbed President Obama and the staff offi- with a cohesive society and powerful armed forces. ern Africa and the Middle East. cers of Bidden and K erry. American officials reacted Based on all this and due to the country’s proximity Truly, this version seems to be closer to reality than to Netanyahu’s provocation by showing that they will to the fire zone, in no case do they want to see any other. not change their stance on Iran being their choice to Greece become destabilized. More so when they be- According to diplomatic sources, the biggest prob- fight the Islamic State. lieve that Greece may play a balancing role and offer lem for American foreign policy these days is ISIS. The Erdogan’s Turkey was similarly frustrated, but for its good diplomatic services between rivals or oppo- Americans face the Islamic State and its offspring in different reasons. Historic reasons, as well as issues nents. Sinai, Libya, Nigeria and elsewhere, as a very serious related to Turkey’s pursuits in the greater region, do Without a doubt the Americans appreciate the threat and are seeking efficient means and capable al- not allow Turkey to support ground operations a- geopolitical value of Greece. Should it handle its fi- lies to combat them. Given that there is no chance of gainst the Islamic State, but nor can it directly accept nancial problems appropriately, then this geopolitical the direct involvement of American forces on the Iran’s involvement in the fight against the jihadist role may develop and its value will increase. ground, everything depends on the alliances in the group. All that is needed therefore is for the Tsipras ad- greater area where the ISIS fanatics operate. In the meantime, Saudi Arabia is also against ministration to proceed with the country’s financial They have also concluded that the only force capa- Tehran’s involvement, which considers Iran’s financial affairs in a rudimentary way until June and then es- ble of facing the jihadists in Raqqa and Mosul is none gains should it succeed in defeating the Islamic State. tablish the conditions to seek a more permanent so- other than the modernized mullahs of Iran. Should that occur, the restrictions on Iranian oil ex- lution to the financial problem from then on.

Left: The customary group photograph in the courtyard of St Andrew’s Theological College. Right: The Dean, His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos and His Grace Bishop Seraphim of Apollonias, with the two first-year students K. Koutoulas (left) and M. Nahas (right) Doxology Service for the commencement of the new academic year of St Andrew’s Theological College On Thursday 19 February 2015, St Andrew’s Theolog- At the conclusion of the service, His Eminence wel- time seminarian students as a tangible sign of their con- ical College commenced the new academic year with its comed the faculty members, students and guests in at- nection to the College: Michel Nahas (Sydney) and Con- annual Doxology Service in the College Chapel of St tendance. stantine Koutoulas (Melbourne). John the Evangelist and Theologian. His Eminence emphasised that the purpose of the The doxology was followed by a customary group The service was officiated by the Dean, His Eminence service was to give thanks to God for the commence- photograph and a luncheon prepared by the generous Archbishop Stylianos, together with the Sub-Dean, His ment of the thirtieth year of studies. He then presented volunteers of the Ladies Philoptohos. Grace Bishop Seraphim of Apollonias. a copy of the Greek New Testament to the new full- 4/22 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA MARCH 2015

Mystery deepens over ancient Greek tomb at Amphipolis A geologist who took part in the exca- Katerina Peristeri, the chief archaeolo- vation of the ancient burial mound in gist in the recent excavation, had ad- Amphipolis in northern Greece says the vanced the theory that a member of ancient tomb found together with a se- Alexander’s family, or one of his gener- ries of vaulted rooms wasn’t built at the als, could be buried in the tomb. But the same time, but somewhat later than the discovery of the boxy grave and the five rooms themselves. bodies cast doubt on that theory and Geologist Evangelos Kambouroglou al- Kambouroglou’s announcement appears so said Saturday that the mound inside to disprove it entirely. Some archaeolo- which the rooms and the tomb were gists present during the announcement found is not man-made, as archaeolo- criticized Peristeri’s absence and her gists had assumed, but a natural hill. methods. He also said that the Lion of Amphipo- Alexander, who built an empire stret- lis, a huge sculpture of a lion on a ching from Greece to India, died in Baby- pedestal, which is more than 25 feet (7.5 lon and was buried in the city of Alexan- meters) tall, was too heavy to have stood dria, which he founded. The precise loca- at the top of the tomb, as archaeologists tion of his tomb is one of the biggest had claimed. mysteries of archaeology. “The walls (of the tomb structure) can His generals fought over the empire for barely withstand half a ton, not 1,500 monument... the main tomb has been The vaulted rooms had been dated to years, during wars in which Alexander’s tons that the Lion sculpture is estimated destroyed by looters, who left nothing,” between 325 B.C. - two years before the mother, widow, son and half-brother to weigh,” Kambouroglou said. said Kambouroglou. “The marble doors death of ancient Greek warrior-king were all murdered - most near Amphipo- As for the box-like tomb that contained (of the monument) contain signs of Alexander the Great - and 300 B.C., al- lis. the remnants of five bodies, possibly heavy use, which means many visitors though some archaeologists had claimed more, “it is posterior to the main burial came and went.” a later date. Source: Kathimerini A museum in northern Athens is preserving the memories of Asia Minor Greeks By Ioanna Fotiadi - Kathimerini, Athens

Objects that once belonged to Greeks in Asia Minor often make their way to the Eskici Yusuf antiques store in present-day Izmir. “Many customers come here to sell Cretan divans, sculpted wood furniture, embroidery, post cards and other relics of a life that came to an abrupt halt,” the proprietor, Sadan Yusuf Durkan, whose mother hailed from K avala in northern Greece, told Kathimerini recently. A few years ago a young woman entered the store carrying a wooden suitcase which she had inherited from her grandmother, who, in turn, had been en- trusted with it by a Greek woman who taught sewing and embroidery before having to flee Smyrna. The box contained samples of students’ work as well as materials the seamstress used for wedding gowns, mostly lace and pearls. The young woman also brought a wooden chest to the store filled with the dowry of an unnamed Greek woman. “That is when I thought, with my wife who is Greek, that all these should be preserved and exhibited somewhere, as a sample of the traditions of Asia Mi- and family heirlooms,” explained the association’s an ice cream-making machine, though the real show- nor,” said Durkan. So, shortly before New Year, the president and caretaker of the museum, K yriakos stopper is a bedroom, complete with double bed, a couple donated the contents of the suitcase and the Martakis, as he showed me around the exhibits. child’s bed and a low dresser, as it was the custom for chest to the Asia Minor Folk Museum in the northern The first hall contains photographs by families from women to sit on cushions on the floor to make them- Athenian suburb of Nea Erythrea (K arastamati & 2 Asia Minor taken when they settled in various parts selves up in the morning. Driveti, tel 210.6209.814), an institution which of Attica, as well as handicrafts and old newspapers. A mirror that once belonged to Martakis’s mother opened in 2013 in a space donated by the municipal- The tribulations of these uprooted people are not is also on display in the same hall. He managed to sal- ity. the focus of the museum. Rather, it tries to present vage it from her old home, which had been turned in- “Among the small clothes, we also discovered some their daily lives and show how they expressed them- to a pension. “It took a lot of diplomacy but I was able love letters written between a couple,” said Durkan’s selves through arts and crafts. The museum, for ex- to bring it back to Greece with me,” he explained. wife, Evangelia Kaskani, as she showed me black-and- ample, boasts clothing that once belonged to Roza The 76-year-old pensioner first visited his parents’ white photographs of elegantly dressed men and Eskenazi, the quintessential voice of the Greeks of hometown, Cesme, after his father died at the ad- women. Asia Minor, as well as traditional wedding dresses vanced age of 105. Using his father’s memories of the The contents of the suitcase and chest have now and men’s suits. past as his map, Martakis eventually found his fa- been put on display among another 2,000 objects do- “We are fighting tooth and nail to preserve this ther’s family home. nated by families from Asia Minor to the association 1750 costume from Ikonio,” said Martakis. “Here we An elderly Turk opened the door and said, “Finally, that runs the museum. have an evening gown that was designed in Paris, you’re here!” “Those who were forcibly expelled could not bring launched at the Quai in Smyrna but was mostly worn “I got weak at the knees,” admitted Martakis. “It even a fraction of their belongings with them. But by its owner on Stadiou Street [in central A thens], was my grandfather’s protege who had guarded the those who came to Greece in the population ex- where she settled after the expulsions.” house and all of its contents ever since, convinced changes or abandoned their homes before the 1922 In another hall, there are rich displays of domestic that someone from the family would come back one disaster were able to bring along valuable objects life in 1800 and later, such as an oven, a mincer and day.” MARCH 2015 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 5/23 Our Primate’s View THE IMPORTANCE OF FASTING

“Let him that eats despise him essence; they emphasize with exaggeration only that eats not, and let not him the secondary detail. Because fasting is surely that eats not judge him that eats” (Rom. 14:3) useful also for the body, but this is its secondary, not its primary, aim. Fasting does not aim prima- New epochs bring with them new habits and create rily at the body; it aims at the soul and at the new customs. And a new mentality spreads noiselessly spiritual world. And yet people do not think of and influences the majority of humankind. Old customs the soul at all. They do not speak at all about the are gradually forgotten, sometimes they are despised or soul and the spirit as if these do not exist and even derided. only flesh exists - just as many look upon fasting as a medical diet and no more. Those who continue to keep and to respect them are And their error is found exactly at this point. The very often characterized as being romantic if not back- fact that fasting does not aim at the body but at ward. And if these old customs are simply folklore and the soul, appears from what St Paul says in two man-made traditions, then the harm caused by aban- basic points of his teaching about fasting. On the doning them may not be as great. But in the case of one hand he stresses that “neither if we eat are more fundamental and sacred traditions there is danger we the better, neither if we eat not are we the that we may pay dearly for their disappearance and worse.” (1 Cor.8:8) more dearly for their corruption. And on the other hand he reminds us that food and the stomach are perishable things that will Of course it is not sufficient simply to keep alive a tra- equally be abolished at some time by God: dition. It is significant that we should preserve it with “Meats are for the belly, and the belly for meats: the same spirit and the same altitude, which our forefa- but God shall destroy both it and them.” (1 Cor. thers bequeathed to us. Otherwise traditions do not 6:13). live, and if they continue to be preserved in our midst as a matter of formality or out of ancestro-mania, they ex- The conclusion is that food in itself is neither good nor ist as a ghost. bad. It can be useful or harmful to our body and soul, depending on its good or bad usage. Because food is not One of the more substantial religious traditions of our an end in itself, but only a means. And similarly fasting people is fasting. Regardless of its relation to the Great is not an end in itself but a means to achieve a purpose. By ARCHBISHOP Lent before Pascha, the Forty-day Advent before Christ- The correct teaching of our Church on fasting is to be STYLIANOS mas, the Fifteen day period of August or even the fewer found exactly in this distinction between a purpose and OF AUSTRALIA days before the F east of the Holy Apostles, fasting al- a means. The unique purpose that covers all our pres- ways has the same significance and the same sacred- ent and future life is our salvation. ness. All our efforts in this world, from the simpler and The Greek term for fasting (νηστεία) means ‘I do not spontaneous aspects to the more complicated and eat’ (νή-εσθίω). Is it then so important for one to eat or planned ones, should tend to this one unique purpose. not to eat? All these efforts are a means. They are called a means, because they are found between us and the purpose for From this simple question begins the whole problem which we aim; serving as a bridge they lead to the final of the subject of fasting. In the course of time two er- purpose. rors have been shaped among our people and it is our duty to combat them by emphasizing the correct teach- Repentance is a means, prayer is a means, confession ing of our Church. is a means, almsgiving is a means, fasting is a means, good works are a means, every bodily and spiritual ef- The one wrong attitude altogether denies whatever fort is a means. All kinds of means receive their value significance in fasting, considering it as hypocritically ir- from the degree to which they lead us nearer to our relevant to the deeper spirituality and virtue of the hu- purpose. And as we said, our unique purpose is our sal- man person. The other erroneous attitude certainly rec- vation. ognizes some value in fasting, but sees it altogether from a worldly and superficial viewpoint, without distin- If we do not make this basic distinction, if we do not guishing its deeper meaning. Let us see now these two learn how to distinguish a means from the purpose, erroneous attitudes more analytically. there is danger that we may idolize little and perishable things by looking at them as great and eternal matters. A. Those who want to find excuses and to avoid The value of fasting as a means for our salvation is that remorse when they do not keep our traditional it constitutes an exercise of our will, a kind of watchful- fast periods usually mention and always repeat ness, for it does not permit our flesh to overpower and the teaching of the Gospel that “Not what goes suffocate us. into the mouth defiles a man, but what comes out” (Mat. 15:11). There is no doubt that this is Fasting serves as a bridle to restrain unreasonable im- absolutely correct. Not only because the Gospel pulses and sinful desires. But it also creates a particular says it, but also because as a matter of common atmosphere of nobility and contrition in our soul. Al- sense we see that if one is to choose between ready our ancestors used to say that: “a fat stomach slander and eating in periods of fasting, surely it does not give rise to refined thinking,” which means is more sinful to slander, and thus preferable to that from excessive heaviness you cannot expect any eat. kind of spirituality. Yet this does not give us any answer at all regard- ing the significance of fasting, about which the Nevertheless, as a human and perishable work, fast- same Gospel frequently speaks, showing not ing should be done in a spirit of humility and without only the Apostles but also Christ Himself to be display. Otherwise we waste our effort and we lose our fasting. soul. For this purpose God’s word warns us: “Let him who eats, not become a scandal for him who fasts. And let him who fasts not judge him who eats.” God’s word B. Again there are others who see fasting only as goes even further: “And when you fast, do not put on a the doctor sees diet. You will hear them say usu- sad face, as the hypocrites do. When you fast, wash ally: “To abstain from meat for forty days is your face, so that your fasting may not be seen by men health. It purifies your body and it is a useful but by your F ather who is in secret; and your F ather thing. And surely this must have been the reason who sees in secret will reward you” (Mat. 6:16-18). why religion instituted fasting.” But those who judge things in this light do not see fasting in its Source: “Ενσαρκώσεις του Δόγματος”, Domos Publ., 1996 MARCH 2015 6/24 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

details I had been considering. I recovered slightly. He quietened a little – took me by the hand and Letter said: “Come and see where your father and mother are. Then you can choose whatever way of life you want.” He led me into a never ending garden. There were from various beautiful trees, more beautiful than any de- scription. As I was walking through, I met my father. He embraced me lovingly -“My dear child”. Engulfed by my father’s joy, I asked to stay with Maroubra him. My father answered sweetly: “It is not possible for this to happen now, but if you want to follow my way of life, then the time will pass and you will come A story of two parents here also.” As I begged to stay with him, the Angel took my hand and said: “Come now and see your mother, to and one choice… find which road is worth following in your life.” He led me to a darkened place, where one could When an elderly nun was asked why she left the hear loud disturbance and groaning. There was a world behind, she told the following story: burning furnace. E very now and then the flames When I was a child, I recalled that my father was a would burst forth. Several creatures stood in front of very good, soft-hearted man. He was weak. Much of the furnace. They were unseemly. Panic-stricken, I the time he was confined to bed through illness. saw my mother up to her neck in the flames and tor- He was plain but blameless and spoke very little. mented by countless weevils biting her. She was When he was well, he was a farmer. He brought shaking from horror. Her teeth were gnashing. home the products of his cultivation. As she raised her eyes and saw me, she started to He was so quiet that those who did not know him cry in a heart-rending way: “Alas, my child! My pain is thought he could not speak. unbearable! Pity me! I brought so many frightening My mother was entirely different. She did very lit- punishments upon myself for short-lived pleasure. tle. She was a gossip. She never stopped talking. She My child, have mercy on me. Remember that I nursed could be quarrelsome or just disrespectful in order to you and nurtured you. Give me your hand; take me be funny. from here.” She spent most of her time partying. She was Overcome by sympathy, I stretched out my arm. wasteful. She neglected her household, so that we Just as the flame touched my hand ever so slightly, I did not live adequately even though we had money. cried out loudly. My father had handed over the finances to her. Everyone who was asleep was awakened by my Even though she lived that type of lifestyle, she ne- sobbing. They brought a lamp and asked why I was ver became ill or suffered in the slightest way. She calling out in my sleep. looked after her health. As I recovered a little, I began to tell them what I One day my father died, worn out by illnesses. had seen in my vision. What happened at his death? From that day I decided to live as my father. I pray A fearful storm arose. The earth trembled. There that God will make me worthy in order to succeed was constant lightning and thunder. Torrential rains and meet with him. did not let us to go outside even for a moment. The From that event I was informed what glory has bad weather lasted for three days. Out of necessity been prepared for those who live with respect and we had our father unburied in our small house. virtue, and by contrast what torments await those Seeing all these difficulties our fellow villagers con- who waste this life solely for temporary enjoyment. demned the deceased, “My goodness, we were un- aware what a great evil lived amongst us. It’s as though the deceased was an enemy of God. That’s Should I choose the life of my father and live with why God doesn’t even allow him to be buried.” goodness, with modesty and sensibly? So that the decomposition of the body would not Even though he lived a virtuous life, he never en- I do not know how true this event is. I am happy to begin and through its stench make our house unin- joyed any good but was constantly tormented by mis- accept it at face value but if you wish, I can consider habitable, we took courage - despite the torrential fortune. His luck was so bad that even when he died it as an allegory. It is not intended to scare but rather rain - and accompanied the corpse to the cemetery he didn’t have a decent burial like others. If my father to motivate me to seek the garden in this story and to for the burial. was so pleasing to God, why did he suffer so much? leave aside anything that does not benefit me in the Now my mother had even more freedom. She gave Look at my mother. She was healthy, even if she de- long run. I shall catch up with you next time. herself over to living an immoral life. She became so voted herself to enjoyment and pleasure. That night I bold that she turned our dwelling into a house of ill- decided to follow in the footsteps of my mother. Adapted from the E vergetinos, Volume 1, Topic 9, repute. She wasted all our wealth on her incessant When I fell to sleep, a figure appeared before me. It pp 142-145.The views expressed are those of the au- luxurious life. In a short time there was nothing left was huge, frightening. It glared at me and asked with thor and not necessarily those of the VEMA . for us. a thundering voice, “Tell me, what is your heart pon- My mother died quite some time after. dering?” I was so frightened. The views expressed are those of the author and not I had passed childhood. One evening in my adoles- That fearsome figure asked again: “Tell me, what necessarily those of the VEMA. cence I was troubled. I wondered which road to fol- have you decided?” low in my life. Seeing I was paralysed by fear, he recounted all the [email protected] Ancient site of Philippi unveils candidacy for UNESCO list

The candidacy of the ancient site of Philippi in eastern Macedonia, northern Greece, for UNESCO’s World Heritage List was revealed at the B&M Theocharakis Foundation in Athens earlier this month. The international organization’s list includes 17 Greek sites, among them the Acropolis of Athens. The country’s last entry to the list was the Old Town of Corfu. The ancient city of Philippi was founded by Philip II in 356 BC. The site, located in the region of Kavala, boasts Hellenistic, Roman and early Christian periods. Ac- cording to the New Testament the city was visited by the apostle Paul in AD 49 or 50. MARCH 2015 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 7/25

Lemnos - Gallipoli Photographic Exhibition

A celebration The Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee will a vivid way. The base for the campaign, the place of be holding a major new fundraising event - the Lemnos assembly and practice prior to the landings on April 25, Gallipoli Photographic Exhibition. the location of the Australian hospitals and their 130 of Melina Mercouri The exhibition showcases forty of the most important nurses, where the great Anzac Rest camp was built as a images from the photographic record of Lemnos’ role in place of recuperation, recreation and interaction be- on Women’s Day the Anzac story. tween the young Australians and the local Greek popu- This photographic archive is located in collections lation - an interaction which continued to the waves of across the globe, including many in Australia’s war me- post-war migration to Australia. On International Women’s Day (March 8), the morials, state libraries and private collections. It con- The latter photographs are particularly poignant, re- 33rd Greek Festival of Sydney celebrated the life sists of literally thousands of images detailing the expe- vealing Australian soldiers and nurses visiting local and political pursuits of a truly spectacular wo- rience of Anzac forces and the Allies on this vital island churches and spas, villages and cafes - and having their man, Melina Mercouri. In a speech by Dr Panayota in the Aegean. photos taken with local villagers. They show local vil- Nazou, at the Greek Community Club, Lakemba. Historian and Secretary of the Lemnos Gallipoli Com- lagers helping the Allies and being tended at the Aus- Melina Mercouri was born in A thens, on Octo- memorative Committee Jim Claven has selected these tralian hospitals on the island. ber 18, 1920. An early woman activist, she was images based on his extensive research of the Lemnos “A key aim of our putting this exhibition together is to elected to the Greek Parliament in 1977. Later link to Anzac and placed them in historical context in spread the word of Lemnos’ role in Anzac. There’s no Miss Mercouri was to become the first woman to the exhibition’s accompanying booklet. better way to do this than by showing these photo- hold a Senior cabinet post "Minister of Culture" in Those selected have been sourced from various col- graphs from 1915. These pictures tell a thousand the Greek government. In 1971 she wrote her au- lections in Australia and overseas, and feature photo- words. Anyone who sees them will be surprised that tobiography titled "I Was Born Greek." She wed graphs taken by the Anzac forces themselves as well as they have rarely, if ever, been reproduced before. And actor Jules Dassin in 1966 and died of lung cancer by other famous Allied official photographers. Among the Exhibition will reinforce the need to recognize the in New York City, on March 6, 1994. others, it features the work of AW Savage, an Australian role of Lemnos in the Centenary and beyond, in our Melina Mercouri’s influence was felt around the soldier with the 3rd Australian General Hospital, Philip own public discourse on Anzac,” Claven said. world as a political and cultural force. Schuler, one of Australia’s war correspondents at Gal- The exhibition’s launch will be held at 6pm on Sun- The talk explored the changes Melina under- lipoli and Ernest Brookes, the British official war pho- day, March 22, 2015, at the Thessaloniki Association went in her development from international cine- tographer. Hall, 439 High Street Northcote in Melbourne. ma star to a symbol of the persecuted artist, and a All images are in the highest resolution and beautiful- All Exhibition attendees will receive an accompanying visionary able to implement political and cultural ly framed. booklet, telling the story of Lemnos and Gallipoli, and programs nationally and internationally. This is an important exhibition for everyone interest- containing reproductions of the selected images them- Dr Nazou teaches Greek language, contempo- ed in gaining a deeper understanding of Australia’s Cen- selves, as a memento of their attendance. rary Greek literature and culture at the University tenary of Anzac and its Hellenic links. of Sydney. The images tell the story of Lemnos’ role in Gallipoli in Source: www.greekreporter ‘One last breath’ to represent Greece at 60th Eurovision

Greece’s entry at the upcoming Eurovision song contest. Kyriakou will represent Greece at song contest in Vienna, Austria, is “One Last the first Eurovision semifinal on May 19. A sec- Breath,” a ballad performed by Cypriot vocalist ond semifinal takes place on May 21, with the fi- Maria-Elena Kyriakou. nal set for May 23. “One Last Breath” features Kyriakou was one of five performers who com- music by Efthyvoulos Theocharous and Kyriakou peted in Athens in the finals of a local contest to and lyrics by Vangelis Constantinidis and E velina determine Greece’s representative at this year’s Tziora. FEBRUARY 2015 8/26 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

A BIG THANK YOU TO ST GEORGE!

February 9 saw the first training course working Philoptochos of the parish. Par- of Scripture Teachers in New South ticipants felt grateful for the friendly re- Wales for this year. ception. Together with all the other ele- It was held at St George Greek Ortho- ments this added immensely to the suc- dox Church at Rose Bay. cess of the course. With the blessing of His Grace Bishop Many remarked that it was their first Seraphim and the warm welcome of Rev opportunity to visit the parish. Overall Fr Gerasimos, more than 35 teachers the involvement of different parishes in made their way to the easternmost the program has brought a new dimen- Greek Orthodox parish in Sydney. sion to the training of teachers. The day started with prayers in the Over 130 teachers are involvedin the church. Together with Fr Gerasimos, we voluntary special religious education pro- were blessed with the presence of Fr gram of the Archdiocese. Altogether they Constantine of the church of St Stylianos, see more children each week than any who represents the Orthodox Church on other missionary activity of our Church. the Inter-Church Commission on Reli- The special religious education program gious Education. provides a structured introduction to the A show of support was provided by the Orthodox faith. attendance of Fr Prohoros from the The teachers provide tangible evidence church of Sts Raphael, Nicholas and that the Church cares for its children and reaches out to them. Irene, Liverpool and Fr Christodoulos Participants at the Basic Accreditation Course 2015 from the church of St Nicholas, Mar- Anyone interested in being involved in rickville. Their presence added greatly to Scripture teaching should discuss this the value of the day. with their parish priest. Young university A unique aspect of the course, was a students who may act as an assistant are special request to Fr Gerasimos. He was especially welcome. asked to explain the symbolism of the A spokesperson for the Archdiocese newly erected stained-glass windows mentioned that training programs can be that decorate the church. These were a organised for small groups at a local lev- major donation from a parishioner. el if required. They are a unique feature of the It is now a formal requirement from church. Fr Gerasimos took teachers on a Reverend Fr Gerasimos, Fr Constantine, Fr Gerasimos explaining the details in each the Department of E ducation that all historical and religious tour of the win- Fr Christodoulos and Fr Prohoros stained glass window teachers receive basic training and are dows. These stained glass windows rep- group photograph, it was down to the the new illustrated worksheets that have cleared for a Working with Children resent Orthodox dogma about each of Church Hall to commence the day’s been produced as a booklet for 2015. Check. This aspect is covered in the Basic the sacraments. They combine natural training. Ms Patty Pserras introduced Mrs Kandia Taglalakis called upon two Accreditation Course. elements, Christian symbols and intricate new teachers to the arrangements and volunteers and young Miss K atzakis to The opportunity to visit the church of patterns. It was a valuable opportunity organisation of Scripture in State demonstrate how to use role play and St George and to undertake this training to experience another aspect of our Schools. other techniques in delivering a lesson. was considered a great blessing. As one faith. Participants were impressed by the Mr Louis Chambers outlined the child Mrs Evangelia Vasili took teachers participant said: “Today I really feel Or- unique Orthodox perspective. E veryone protection awareness aspects of teach- through aspects of classroom organisa- thodox. I feel part of something great. It agreed that they are a magnificent trib- ing. tion and group management. is good to be able to give back some of ute to the parish. Ms Vicky Tsomis introduced the cur- Throughout the day teachers received what I have been blessed to receive. After prayers, the guided tour and a riculum for 2015. She showed teachers the warm hospitality from the hard- Thank you to St George, Rose Bay.” University stresses benefits of donkey, goat breeding “Donkeys and goats, so overlooked in sumption once pasteurized,” says Ar- and goat milk. Experts are also on hand they were implemented, effectively de- the past few decades, are the source to- senos. to answer questions regarding the prod- stroyed Greek agriculture and livestock day of value-added products,” stresses The selling price of products containing ucts and the facilities needed to breed farming,” argues Arsenos. “A subsidy Georgios Arsenos, an associate professor donkey’s milk is a good indication of the animals. should be a tool for growth and not a of veterinary medicine and head of the their superior qualities: A simple bar of “The barn, the equipment and animals motivation for idle minds. No form of Animal Husbandry Laboratory at Thessa- soap goes for 5 euros, anti-aging soap for present an environmentally friendly and subsidy should be given out in an uncon- loniki’s Aristotle University. 6-8 euros, shower gel around 20 euros, sustainable breeding model,” explains trolled and horizontal fashion, as was the The academic firmly believes that pro- moisturizing cream at 16-20 euros, food Arsenos, urging potential breeders to re- case in the past, but only under specific moting the breeding of these two ani- supplements at 55 euros and liqueur for ly on their own strengths rather that conditions that are linked to the quantity mals provides an opportunity for innova- 20 euros. seek subsidies. and quality of the product being pro- tion in Greek livestock farming, and he is Goats are also an important resource “Subsidies, and more precisely the way duced.” doing just that at his lab and at a barn that have been overshadowed by the that has been set up right in the middle widespread breeding of sheep, cows and of the northern port city. pigs, though Greece does breed the Experts estimate that in 1950 Greece largest number in Europe. had a robust population of some 500,000 “Greece has the highest goat popula- to donkeys. By 2000 that number had nose- tion in Europe, breeding around 5 million A Ωmega Renovations dived to 15,000 and now stands ate heads. And even though Greece also has around 12,500. However, in some parts 47.6 percent of the Europe Union’s milk- HOUSE RENOVATIONS of the country, donkeys are making a ing goats, breeding goats is the least de- comeback, but not as beasts of burden, veloped area of animal husbandry in the which was their traditional use in the country,” says Arsenos. Roofs Gardening Driveways Tiles past. A number of farms are breeding To help the cause of the country’s don- Brickwork Pruning Painting Cleaning donkeys for their valuable milk and keys and goats, the Aristotle has created Asbestos Cleaning dairies are processing it for other prod- a 200-square meter barn as part of the ucts. There are currently 15 such farms Helexpo fair, where animals will be with a total of 600 jennies. milked on a daily basis. Nikolaos Tsiotsias Office: 02 9594 5379 “Donkey’s milk can be used in the cos- A small dairy attached to the barn metics industry as well as for human con- shows the potential of processed donkey 0404 67 63 66 Mobile: 0414 381 996 MARCH 2015 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 9/27

St Paul’s Bay

Elafonissi Beach Eggremni Beach Balos Beach

Four Greek beaches among the best in Europe

Trip Advisor presented, after a vote a- mong the website’s community, a list with the 25 best beaches in Europe for 2015. Four Greek beaches are included in the list. Elafonissi is on number 3, Eggremni beach in Lefkada follows at number 9. Another beautiful Cretan beach, Balos, is seen on number 12 and finally on number 13 we find St Paul’s Bay in Lindos of Rhodes. The 25 best European beaches of 2015 are: 1. Rabbit Beach Lampedusa, Islands of Sicily 2. Playa de Ses Illetes – Formentera, Balearic Islands 3. Elafonissi Beach, Greece 4. Woolacombe Beach United Kingdom 5. Iztuzu Beach Dalyan, Turkey 6. Fig Tree Bay Protaras, Cyprus 7. Cala Rossa Favignana, Aegadian Islands, Islands of Sicily 8. Weymouth Beach United Kingdom 9. Eggremni Beach Lefkada, Ionian Islands 10. Playa de Bolonia Tarifa, Spain 11. Rhossili Bay Rhossili, United Kingdom 12. Balos Beach and Lagoon Kissamos, Greece 13. St Pauls Bay Lindos, Greece 14. St. Brelade’s Bay Beach St Brelade, United Kingdom 15. Playa de las Catedrales Ribadeo, Spain 16. La Pelosa Beach Stintino, Italy 17. La Concha Beach San Sebastian - Donostia, Spain 18. Porthminster Beach St Ives, United Kingdom 19. Cala Mariolu Baunei, Italy 20. Praia Dona Ana Lagos, Portugal 21. Praia da Falesia Albufeira, Portugal 22. Kaputas Beach Kas, Turkey 23. Cala Comte Ibiza Town, Spain 24. Jurmala Beach Jurmala, Latvia 25. Cote des Basques Biarritz, France MARCH 2015 10/28 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Left: His Grace Bishop Nikandros of Dorylaeon, Hon. Ian Hunter MLC representing the Premier of South Australia and Dr Michael Ikonomos, Chairman of the Centre. Right: Guests, volunteers and members at the Of ficial Opening. Official Opening of the S.A. Greek Welfare Centre’s new premises

Amidst an air of excitement, His Grace to raise the status and profile of volun- Bishop Nikandros of Dorylaeon officially teering in the State by increasing oppor- blessed and opened the South Australian tunities for those willing to be involved Greek Welfare Centre’s new premises on in giving back to the community. Henley Beach Road, Torrensville, on 17 In addition to the new premises, the February 2015. Greek Welfare Centre launched its new The Centre, a not-for-profit organisa- and expanded website. The site now of- tion providing care programs designed to fers a one-stop information hub for all meet the needs of the Greek community, support services and information for the has been proudly serving the wider-Ade- Centre, as well as the opportunity for laide community for 36 years. The relo- people to register their interest as a vol- Matt Williams MP, Federal Member for Hindmarsh with His Grace Bishop Nikandros cation to new premises signifies the cur- unteer. rent Board of Management’s commit- It is the Centre’s ability to be flexible in ment to the strategic development and times of change that has seen it lead the growth of the Centre, which has experi- way in community services within the enced significant expansion recently in ageing sector. There is strong belief regards to its community services and among the Centre’s team that being re- client base. silient and open to change will enable Well known in the Greek Australian the continuing delivery of exceptional community, the Centre’s reputation for customer service to its clients and the a- excellence in program delivery and serv- bility to contribute positively to the com- ice was the primary driver for the reloca- munity well into the future. tion with the new, larger premises pro- Showing their support for the Centre viding greater accessibility of services and attending the launch event were the and the ability to expand its programs. Hon. Ian Hunter ML C, representing the The new centre-based day care pro- Premier of SA, along with Vincent Tarzia grams, launched last year under the ban- MP, representing the State Liberal ner of KIPSELI, aim to provide care cur- Leader, and the F ederal Member for riculums for the elderly and include a Hindmarsh, Matt Williams MP. Also in at- Above and below:Volunteers and team members at the Official Opening suite of creative activities. To date, the tendance were current and former mem- KIPSELI program has been enthusiastical- bers of Parliament and Local Govern- ly embraced by the broader community, ment together with Mr Andreas Con- and the Centre is looking to expand its stantinos Gouras, Consul General of programs further this year. Greece in South Australia, Dr Michael The Centre has been publically com- Ikonomos, Chairman of the Greek Wel- mended for its programs, which include fare Centre, as well as Volunteers and In- State and Commonwealth home and dustry Stakeholders from Multicultural community care programs along with re- Aged Care, Multicultural Communities search projects, with much of the Cen- Council of SA , and Volunteering SA/NT tre’s success attributed to the significant and others. contribution of its volunteers. For more information and contact de- The Centre is closely aligned with the tails for the Greek Welfare Centre and Volunteering Strategy for South Australia its services, please visit their new web- and, as a leading organisation, continues site at www.greekwelfaresa.org.au. MARCH 2015 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 11/29 ST SPYRIDON COLLEGE

Visit us at the Independent Schools’ Expo 7 & 8 March University of Sydney MacLaurin Hall.

Open Morning Junior School Twilight Tours Senior School

80 Gardeners Road, Kingsford 1130 Anzac Parade,Parade, Maroubra Date: Tuesday,Tuesdaysdayy,, 31st March 2015 Date: Tuesday,Tuesdayy,, 31st March 2015 TimeTime 9.15am - 11am TTimeime 5pm - 7pm

Developing the whole person - mind, body and soul

ForFor bookings or enrolment information please contact Angela Kringas on (02) 9311 3340 or [email protected]@stspyridon.nsw.edu.au.edu.au or visit wwwwww.stspyridon.nsw.edu.au.stspyridon.nsw.edu.au MARCH 2015 12/30 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA MARCH 2015 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 13/31

GreeksGreece in Melbourne awarded as impressed by Aboriginal“Destination Academic’s of Year 2013” Lecture Distinguished Aboriginal academic and activist Dr Gary Foley (pictured) called for the Parthenon Marbles’ and Australian indigenous artifacts’ return from the British Museum to their rightful place, in his lecture during a series of seminars on Greek History and Cul- ture, organized for the fifth consecutive year by the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria. The successful event took place earlier this month at Greek Diaspora the Greek Centre for Contemporary Culture and was at- tended by more than 200 people. Foley spoke about his first encounter with Greek-Australians and the support of Sydney offers he received from the community in his campaign for the indigenous artifacts’ return from the British Muse- unique artwork to um. Greek Community President Vasilis Papastergiadis NSW State Parliament made his speech in Greek, as part of the “Speak Greek in March” campaign. He stressed that the Community appreciated the significance of F oley’s participation in refusal to return the artifacts to the natives of Victoria On the occasion of the 100th anniversary since the seminar and the topic of his lecture. Furthermore, and noted that several of the items have been stored in Anzac forces arrived on the island of Lemnos, he noted that copies of the Parthenon Marbles will a British Museum closet for more than 150 years. Greece, on March 4, 1915, the Greek Diaspora of soon be placed in front of the community building. He then stressed that Greeks have a right to request Sydney offered a unique artwork by Nikolas Introducing Foley, Professor Nikos Papastergiadis the Parthenon Marbles’ return. He also commented on Foteinos to the New South Wales State Parlia- from the University of Melbourne, spoke about his ac- the fact that the marbles are often called “Elgin Mar- ment, in the presence of Australian MPs and tivities and struggles for the rights of Aboriginals. bles,” noting that it is outrageous for the statues to be Greek community members. On his part, F oley spoke about the British Museum’s called after the man who stole them from Greece. At the initiative of the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Stavros K yrimis, a painting inspired by the photo depicting the arrival of Australian nurs- es in Lemnos in August 1915 was offered to the State Parliament. In his address, Australian MP Andrew Fraser congratulated Foteinos as well as the Consul Gen- eral for his initiative. He said that the painting is a significant addition to the Parliament’s collection and it will be presented in a public space during this year’s anniversary. Liz Kaydos, a member of the “Lemnos 1915” commission, mentioned Albert William Savage, the Anzac forces’ photographer in Lemnos. His priceless heritage collection includes 140 photo- graphs of Anzac forces in the Gallipoli battlefield. Socrates retried and acquitted in Australia

The Hellenic Museum of Melbourne “resurrect- ed” Socrates for a retrial. Almost 2,400 years after the famous Greek philosopher was sentenced to death by poison, he was once again put to trial in Greek businesswoman among most Australia, in the presence of some of the country’s greatest legal minds. Socrates changed Western thinking and inspired successful in Australia some of history’s greatest minds, however, during his time, a jury of his peers found him guilty of For the second consecutive year, 30-year-old Greek ous fields, teachers, artists, people who made jewelry impiety and corrupting the youth. businesswoman Dimitra Markogiannaki (pictured) was or taught cooking. We wanted to know what the The Hellenic Museum of Melbourne hosted a re- named one of Australia’s top female entrepreneurs un- biggest problems they face in their work were, to see trial on Saturday, March 7, featuring significant der 40. how we could help them. Most of them explained that lawyers and judges from Australia, such as Julian Dimitra “Demi” Markogiannaki was born and raised in their businesses were experiencing serious financial dif- Burnside, Nicholas Papas, Ronald Merkel, Eliza- Athens, though her parents originated from K alavry- ficulties, since they were unable to meet the costs for beth King, Supreme Court of Victoria justices Emil- taand Chania. Six years ago, she arrived to Australia for staff. After a certain point they would do it all on their ios Kyrou and Lex Lasry, and District Court of Vic- her postgraduate studies at Melbourne University, and own, which was exhausting, until they were finally toria judge Felicity Hampel. The event was attend- started working in the country. Meanwhile, one of her forced to close their businesses,” noted Demi Marko- ed by 300 people who took on the role of jurors. friends said that she should create a website for people giannaki. Greek-Australian actor Tony Nikolakopoulos who wish to learn more on trades, such as cooking, The young Greek entrepreneur along with her part- took on the role of Socrates while Greek-Aus- photography and painting. ners met the need of the Australian market. “Our site tralian actor Lex Marinos played the role of Mele- For six months they worked on the project and in the hosts up to 12,000 different courses. We just bring the tus, who is mostly known for prosecuting Socrates end they created WeTeachMe, a community platform teacher in touch with the prospective students. After in the trial that led to the philosopher’s execution. which provides tips for creating and promoting new that, they arrange how and when they want to meet, This time around, Socrates was found innocent, businesses. Only a few years later, Markogiannakis was since the courses are not online. We earn 3% of the a fact that must have brought some peace to the placed 29th on the list of the top 50 female entrepre- teacher’s fee. We provide an automatic integrated elec- minds of historians and philosophers across the neurs under 40 in Australia, published by Startup Daily tronic secretarial program to businesses that offer the globe. magazine. courses and pay a monthly fee to the site,” she ex- “We talked with at least 100 professionals from vari- plained. MARCH 2015 14/32 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Google ‘s online tourism initiative reaches more Greek destinations

Google has announced the expansion of the program aimed at helping Greek tourism grow, according to a recent press conference. The ini- tiative “Grow Greek Tourism Online” s tarted early in September 2014, in Crete, where more than 650 local tourism businesses were trained in online tools to enhance their tourism growth rates throughout the year. The initiative, organ- ized by Google in c ollaboration with the Greek Greek director Ministry of Tourism, GNTO and SETE, wi ll be expanding in Peloponnese, Cyclades, the Ionian Islands, Macedonia, Dodecanese and Attica. Diagoras Chronopoulos Tourism is Greece’s most profitable. In 2014, it was estimated that tourism yielded about 17 billion euro in the Gr eek economy, accounting passes away at 76 for more than 20.5% of GDP and 20% of em- ployment. The opportunity f or further growth Famous Greek film and theatre director Diagoras Chronopoulos in the industry through online activity could in- (pictured) passed away at the age of 76 after a long battle with can- crease Greece’s GDP by 3%, gener ating up to cer. He was the Art Theatre director from 2004 to September 2014 100,000 new jobs, not ed Google’s partnership and until his death, he was the Greek Art Theatre School’s director. director in Greece, Dionysis Kolokotsas. Chronopoulos was born in 1939 in Jerusalem and s tudied law at The internet is now part of people’s everyday the University of Athens, while simultaneously studying at the Art lives, with 5 1% of EU households using it f or well as the best techniques to showcase their Theater. He participated in numerous plays as an actor but also in their travels. In Gr eece, only 10% of in terna- business on the internet. In addition, the com- Greek films. tional tourist arrivals are booked via the Inter- panies will learn how to use internet marketing In 1965, he traveled to Paris where he studied and acted at the net, because of Greek tourism businesses’ low tools to strengthen their pr e-sence in se arch People’s Theater in France. During the Greek Military Junta, he was web presence. At the same time, whi le online results and Google Maps, as well as promoting imprisoned for his p articipation in an independen t resistance searches for holidays in Gr eece remain high their offers. group. during most of the year, approximately 70% of Google is expanding the initiative with events He has directed ancient Greek and c ontemporary plays at the tourist arrivals take place during the summer in Kalamata and Mykonos on March 23 and 27, Herodion and Epidavros theaters, as well as films, TV serie s and months, allowing the possi bility of incr easing respectively, as well as in Corfu, The ssaloniki, documentaries for Greek public broadcaster ERT. arrivals beyond the main tourist season. Rhodes and Athens on April 16, 21, 24 and 29 He has been honored for his overall contribution to theater by The initiative aims to help Greek companies respectively. All local enterprises directly or in- the Cultural Events Association in Patras. As the Art Theatre direc- learn about the international search trends not directly related to the tourism industry can en- tor he always supported young artists’ efforts. only in k ey tourism markets interested in roll and a ttend the fr ee events through the Greece but in e ach individual de stination, as website g.co/GrowGreekTourism. Crete top destination for Australians

Australians placed the Greek island of Crete on the top of European island destinations. According to the country’s most popular tr avel website, traveller. com.au, a close a ssociate of TripAdvisor, the mos t beautiful island in Europe is Crete, which “is both the largest and most varied” among the Greek islands. “Historical sights are topped by the ruins of the Knossos Palace, the pinnacle of the Minoan civi lisa- tion. It’s just to the south of Crete’s capital, Iraklio (al- so called Heraklion). There are also some tremendous beaches – particularly Elafonisi in the south-w estern corner – while Samaria Gorge offers one of the conti- nent’s great canyon hikes,” noted the website. Furthermore, Crete is also lar ge enough t o have “substantial mountains, dotted with picturesque mo- nasteries such as the culturally symbolic Moni Arka- diou,” traveller.com.au added. The travel website’s “Six of the be st: European is- lands” list also include d Ibiza, Spain; Malta; Sky e, Scotland; Hvar, Croatia and Sicily, Italy. Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, and the fifth-lar gest island in the Me diter- ranean Sea. The main island and a number of sur- rounding islets constitute the r egion of Cr ete. The cultural heritage of Greece, while retaining its own lo- is currently regarded as the earliest recorded civiliza- capital and the largest city is Heraklion. cal cultural traits, such as its own poetry and music. It tion in Europe. Crete forms a significant part of the ec onomy and was once the center of the Minoan civilization, which MARCH 2015 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 15/33

ProkopisLetter Pavlopoulos sworn in as the 7th President from of the Hellenic Republic Newly elected President of the Hellenic Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos was sworn in on Friday March 13 at a ceremony in the country’s Parliament, amid heavy rain. The newMaroubra Greek President took the traditional oath administered by Archbishop Ieronymos. Pavlopoulos, who is Greece ’s former Interior Minister in Kostas Kara- manlis’ cabinet, is the seventh President of the Hellenic Republic. The Greek President recited the following religious oath before the Parliament: “I swear in the name of the Holy and consubstantial and Indivisible Trinity to safe- guard the Constitution and the laws, to care for the faithful observance thereof, to defend the national in- dependence and territorial integrity of the Country, to protect the rights and liberties of the Greeks and to serve the general interest and the progress of the Greek People.” After the ceremony, Pavlopoulos laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in downtown Athens and then went to the Presidential Mansion to assume his new responsibilities, replacing Karolos Papoulias, who headed Greece for 10 years. Newly elected President of the Hellenic Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos was sworn in on Friday March 13 at a ceremony in The former New Democracy Minister was nominated the country’s Parliament. for the Greek Presidency by newly elected Prime Minis- Athens in 1968. In addition, he studied law at Universite as New Democracy’s Press and Information Spokesman ter Alexis Tsipras last month. Pavlopoulos was elected de Paris II on a French Government scholarship and was by party President Miltiadis Evert on April 1996. In in his new post on February 18 with 233 positive votes, awarded his postgraduate studies Diplome d’ etudes 2000, 2004, 2007, 2009 and 2012, he was nominated while he needed to secure over 180 out of 300 votes in approfondies (DEA) in 1975 and his doctorate in Public and elected as MP representing the Athens First Elec- order to win the election. He was elected for a five-year Law in 1977 with honorable mention. From 1978 to toral Constituency. He became New Democracy’s Par- term. Pavlopoulos’ nomination was also supported by 1979 he served his military service in Greece. He was liamentary Spokesman in April 2000. Following the New Democracy and junior coalition partner Independ- elected a Lecturer at the University of Athens in 1980 March 2004 general elections - won by N. Democracy - ent Greeks (ANEL). The second candidate, nominated and was promoted to Reader in 1981. In 1983, he be- Pavlopoulos became Interior, Public Administration and by opposition party “To Potami” and supported by PA- came Assistant Professor and was later promoted to As- Decentralization Minister in the new government of SOK was Nicos Alivizatos. sociate Professor in 1986. In 1989, he was elected Pro- Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis on March 10, 2004. The Greek Parliament had failed to elect a new Presi- fessor of Administrative Law. Following the 2007 general elections, won again by dent three times in late 2014. The last attempt was In 1974, he was appointed as secretary of Greek Pres- New Democracy, the Interior Ministry merged with the made on December 29, 2014, and in line with the Greek ident Michail Stasinopoulos. He first served as an Alter- Public Order Ministry, of which Pavlopoulos became Constitution, a general election was held in the country nate Minister for the Presidency from November 1989 Minister. within a month of the failed vote. On January 25, leftist to April 1990 and was also the spokesperson of Pavlopoulos is a member of New Democracy’s Central SYRIZA won the snap elections. Xenophon Zolotas’ ecumenical government. From 1990 Committee and in 2004 was designated as a member of Who is Prokopis Pavlopoulos? to 1995 he was the legal adviser of President Konstanti- the party’s Political Council, as one of seven MP candi- nos Karamanlis. dates. Sixty-four-year-old Pavlopoulos was born in Kalamata He was elected as MP for the New Democracy party He is married to Vlassia Pavlopoulou-Peltsemi and has and attended the Law School of the University of in the 1996 parliamentary election. He was appointed two daughters and one son.

Top 10 Christian Dior, Gucci, Ted Baker job positions Katerina + Kyriacos Mavrolefteros young Greeks wish for

The Greek Generation Y would like to ticipated in the study that was called work for a multi-national corporation “Career and Generation Y.” They were all with good pay, job security and a good university students or graduates from balance between work and personal life. higher education institutions all over According to a survey conducted by Greece. The average pay they desired Ban Ray the Athens University of Economics and was 1,040 euros per month in the public Business in conjunction with kariera.gr, sector and 1,090 euros in the private eight out of 10 young Greeks would pre- sector. However, no public sector job fer a big international corporation as an was on the top 10 list of preference. employer. The other two would like to Specifically, young Greeks would like work for the former public telecommuni- to work for the following companies: cations company — Cosmote – OTE, now 1. Google owned by Deutsche Telekom — or the 2. Coca Cola National Bank of Greece which is partly 3. Procter & Gamble 874 Anzac Parade, Maroubra Junction (at bus stop, on RTA block) owned by the Greek state. The first 4. Microsoft (at bus stop, on RTA block) Rodenstock, choice is the Google corporation. 5. Cosmote - OTE It should be noted that unemployment 6. Unilever TTeell:: ((0022)) 99331144--00339933 Serengeti, Maui Jim, Fendi for young Greeks is almost 50 percent, 7. Mondelez (formerly Kraft) [email protected] while the latest total unemployment fig- 8. PricewaterhouseCoopers ure was 26 percent. 9. Nestle Almost 2,000 Greeks aged 18-30 par- 10 National Bank of Greece Nina Ricci, Oakley, La font MARCH 2015 16/34 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Digital Mosaic Where the Ancient Faith + 21st century media merge Where the Ancient Faith + 21st century media merge

and shortly after being chrismated, his life was now playing out to a whole new kind of soundtrack. Instru- By Chris Vlahonasios ments and computers were set aside for some years as Founder & Director Jim put all his focus into learning the music of the One, OFA blog + B yzanfest + THE MOVING Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. ICON Jim met iconographer Nick Papas late in 2011 when he also moved to Houston Texas. A fast friendship Best described as ‘Generative Soundscapes’ and formed, and something prompted Jim to suggest the idea of a “collaboration” in the mode of the artists’ sa- ‘Algorithm Music, ’Jim John Marks has devel- lons of centuries past. The collaboration came to be oped a style of sound that goes beyond main- nicknamed Cenobimono, a portmanteau of cenobitic stream, taking the listener to a place they knew and kimono. Jim liked the idea of harkening to the existed. monastic communities and their deeply international ways of living. Nick wanted to avoid an overtly Greek name for the group. Jim joked (referencing My Big F at Jim’s entire life seems to have a soundtrack playing Greek Wedding) that all words were Greek words, even along as he experiences it. His current music library fea- kimono is a Greek word. Not wanting to take them- tures music from every place except Antarctica, several Jim John Marks: now inspired by the hymns selves too seriously, the name has stuck. Little did Jim centuries of composition and over sixty genres ranging of the Church know how much the soundtrack of his life was about to from the serenely ethereal to the brutally aggressive. In change once again. fact, he can only name two genres of music with which he struggles to enjoy listening, and he is almost always Unsure at first what this would even mean in a practi- listening - unless he’s making music himself. These bands had brought another instrument into cal sense, little resulted until the middle of 2013 when Jim’s soundtrack alongside the guitar and his voice: Nick suggested a focused effort on the Western (post- His earliest memories include his parents listening to electronic sequencing. During the professional band era schism) saint Drogo the Ugly. Deeply inspired by this records while painting a room in the house and failed of his life, Jim also participated in a number of improvi- compelling life, the two produced an event, hosted in attempts at lessons on the family piano. School brought sational and collaborative electronic music projects Nick’s studio, in F ebruary of 2014 which featured a with it the recorder orchestra in fourth grade, a failed which sought to explode the stereotypical boundaries dozen large scale abstract canvases and nine sound- attempt at saxophone in fifth grade band, and choral of repetitive, straight rhythm-based music so often pro- scapes representing roughly three hours of music which singing which began in junior high. Church brought with duced by sequencers. were improvised,live, by fellow St George parishioner it the rich tradition of the Wesleyan hymns sung by Alan Richards on his rare and evocative Gittler guitar. Methodists, more singing with the choir and (in the ear- While in Chicago the second time, without collabora- After seven years of wandering, Jim’s vision for a non- ly 90’s, while in college) and a brief flirtation with non- tors for the first time in his musical life, Jim began to repetitive, live electronic music completely in sync with denominational “contemporary” worship. turn inward. He became fascinated with growing possi- improvising musicians was realized! The canvases and bilities with computer produced music that allowed for soundscapes (sadly without Alan’s amazing contribu- He was given his first guitar at age twelve and began the introduction of a random element to disrupt the tion) were exhibited a second time, in June, at Lone Star to take his progress with the instrument seriously while repetitions. With the capacity to ensure these devia- College’s Cyfair campus where both Jim and Nick were in college (Gordon College, located on The North Shore tions remained not only within a given key, but also able to speak to students about the work. A second col- of Massachusetts, class of ’91). Teenaged efforts at po- within a given set of chord progressions, Jim began to lection of work, exhibited at Nick’s studio on F ebruary etry gave way to song writing, and following in the foot- wonder if one could produce generative, algorithm-dri- 6, 2015, focused on the new theme of the vesperal steps of so many other young men, Jim’s college years ven music which could be improvised over, live, in real Psalm of creation “103/104” and features the work of were spent focusing almost as much on “the band” as time, by skilled musicians without fear of a “crash” additional collaborators. they were on studies. caused by an unexpected note. E arly experiments with developing how this would be possible resulted in cof- While there are days that his soundtrack needs a sad In 1998, Jim formed his first professional band in the fee house performances in Chicago which began with a song, an angry song, a song of triumph or a song of fail- Boston music scene. This group cut three albums over single note that was manipulated over the course of an ure, there is never a day where his soundtrack excludes the course of the next eight years, and performed hun- hour into entire song structures without the addition of the hymns of the Church which always bring peace, joy dreds of concerts, including opening for nationally tour- any new notes. Despite this, the results were not yet and hope. ing acts. Band member participation in graduate school mature enough to facilitate solos by live musicians. brought this effort to an end, and Jim formed a side You can listen & download his music at: project with the audio engineer who had recorded Circumstances again conspired to relocate Jim to jimjohnmarks.bandcamp.com those albums for the band. This produced three live in- Houston Texas in 2009. Within six months of arriving, a soundcloud.com/jimjohnmarks stallations and two albums in just three years - at which nearly 20 year journey reached its culmination when If you’re a filmmaker or artist who lives an Orthodox Christian point life circumstances found Jim moving back to Jim began attending St George Antiochian Orthodox lifestyle, feel free to contact me, Chris,on 0423 273 803 to discuss Chicago. Church. Almost immediately recruited into the choir, ways to promote your work.

Greek shipping tycoon offers to pay Amal Clooney fee for Parthenon Marbles’ return An unnamed Greek shipping tycoon has offered to The former official declined to say who approached “controversial for both sides.” The Greek shipowner pay the fees of Amal Clooney and the law firm she who. He said the government had deemed the fees said his involvement is a patriotic gesture for Greece. works for, Doughty Street Chambers, in order to help “too extravagant”. “Ever since, billing fees have been going straight to repatriate the famous Parthenon Marbles from the The official quoted by the British newspaper worked him,” the former official said. When asked, Robertson British Museum. for former Culture Minister K onstantinos Tasoulas said their fees would be paid by “a group of philan- Last October, Amal Clooney, lawyer and wife of fa- who had started a campaign to claim back the Greek thropists at no expense to the Greek people,” the mous actor George Clooney, visited Greece in order to sculptures from the British Museum and had invited newspaper reported. discuss the legal aspects of bringing back the the team of lawyers in Athens. UNESCO is the mediator in the negotiations be- Parthenon Marbles with the Greek government. “The arrangement came immediately after Mrs tween Greece and the British Museum. The museum According to a London Times report, a former Greek Clooney and her boss, Geoffrey Robertson, visited holds the sculptures since Lord Elgin sold them in the Culture Ministry official said that a shipping magnate, Athens three months ago,” the newspaper quoted early 1800s. Athens has been trying to get them back who operates in both Athens and London, and prefers him as saying. He claimed the offer of outside aide al- for years. to remain anonymous, offered to pay the legal fees lowed the Greek government to sidestep a public ten- The London lawyers are due to present a long report for the endeavor. der for the work, which he said would have been to the Greek government in the coming weeks. MARCH 2015 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 17/35

Museum shows A Greecewine lover'sawarded paradiseas there’s more “Destination of Year 2013” to Greek music on Mount Vertsikos By Tassoula Eptakili - Kathimerini, Athens

than bouzouki “The silence will hurt your ears,” master distiller Anestis Babatzimopoulos (pictured) warns me from the driver’s seat as we head from the plains of Langada up the winding roads of Mount Vertsikos in Central Mace- donia, northern Greece. As soon as I step out of the car when we reach our destination, I get what he was talk- ing about. I look out at well-tended vineyards, while be- hind me is woodland with stately oak, beech and chest- nut trees. Only the fluttering of a bird or the passage of some small animal through the leaves upsets the absolute si- lence in this 55-hectare paradise. “I have plenty of friends here: geese, wood pigeons, hares, storks, herons, deer and foxes,” my host says, laughing. “And above all, I have my vines. Look at them! Isn’t it wonderful how this plant has the power to grow more beautiful by the day? I see this and it gives me so much vigor. I know nothing of weariness and age, even Tucked away in a corner of Athens’ historic Plaka though I’m 74.” district is a small museum showing that there is It is a delight to listen to Babatzimopoulos tell his sto- more to Greek music than “Zorba’s Dance” and ries, be they of his family – which hailed from Constan- “Never on Sunday.” tinople and created a famous brand of raki – or of his In fact, the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instru- own personal journey. ments, or MELMOKE, contains barely any bou- “A few days ago a group of elementary school chil- zoukis, the quintessential Greek instrument that dren had come for a visit. We have a lot of school visits often accompanies the smashing of plates in over- all year round,” he tells me. “I gave the children a bit of seas Greek restaurants. grape must to try in a plastic cup. Then we climbed up Instead, visitors are treated to rows of wood and the hill and they filled their cups with dirt – after writing bone flutes, pottery drums called toumbeleki, and their names on them – and planted an acorn in them. gan planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardon- gaida - bagpipes made of sheep or goat skins. When they come back in the spring, we will take the nay.” On a recent Saturday, the basement was echoing shoots and plant them in the woods. That’s the only Today, beside these international varieties, he also to the sounds of students learning to sing and play way they will understand the cycle of nature, and of grows lesser-known grapes such as Ugni Blanc and Gre- old-style, including using a santouri, a type of ham- life.” co di Tufo, as well as Greek staples like Xinomavro, mer dulcimer. Babatzimopoulos came across the location of his fu- Roditis, Malagouzia, Moschofilero and Malvasia. “Traditional music was live until recently,” said ture estate while working as a delivery man for a fami- The vineyard is at an altitude of 620 meters and en- Petros Moustakas, a musicologist at MELMOKE, ly-owned distillery that made ouzo and tsipouro. joys an ideal climate: cold winters, fresh springs and which is designed to protect the heritage and keep “Most of the fields were abandoned because many of moderate summers. The grapes are grown organically the old way going. the area’s young people had emigrated to Germany. It and yield around 150,000 bottles a year. The on-site oe- Modern Greek music is very popular in Greece broke my heart,” he says. He bought his first parcels of nologists are Christos Vavatsis (Babatzimopoulos’s ne- and unlike many European countries the local fare land in 1970 and started planting his vines in 1974. phew) and Malama Giatreli, both well-educated young tends to outnumber English and American imports “From an easygoing life in Thessaloniki, dancing and scientists who love their work and the estate in particu- in music shops. hanging out with my friends, I found myself digging lar. It is more like pop and disco, but Moustakas says holes on Mount Vertsikos.” Babatzimopoulos finished building his winery in 2000 it still uses the “modes” of traditional music, albeit Babatzimopoulos was fortunate to draw the attention and then embarked on the business of wine tourism, in a far more urban way. of Stavroula Kourakou, a great lady of Greek wine. adding a restaurant-cafe to the premises. The two Other forms of Greek music do too, such as rem- “Her advice was invaluable,” he says. “With time I buildings are made of local stone sourced from the betika, nearly always called Greek blues because it learned to respect the vines. I did a lot of reading and property itself. “It gave the vines some air and I didn’t was first played by the poor around the Piraeus started discovering the wealth of foreign varieties. I be- have to pay anything,” says the entrepreneur. docks. But the MELMOKE is primarily about raw, rural sound from Greek’s mountainous mainland and scattered islands. New archaeological findings in Vergina, Most of the roughly 1,200 items owned by the museum come from the collection of critic and mu- Northern Greece sicologist Fivos Anoyanakis, who died in 2003. They date from the 18th century to the present day, al- Clay figurines and other important findings were Twenty-one graves were found in the necropolis of though there is scant sign of anything commercial - unearthed by archaeologists in the Tsakiridis section Aegae, six of which had not been looted. One of the and certainly not electric. in the centre of the ancient Greek city Aegae in most impressive findings in the necropolis was a The oldest item, according to Moustakas, is a Vergina, northern Greece. beautiful mirror, which was found in the tomb of a 1743 lyra from Crete, a small teardrop-shaped, The artifacts were presented as part of the Archae- young girl (4th century BC). Her parents had buried three-stringed instrument with a head carved with ological Conference on the 2014 excavations in Mace- her along with gold ornaments, earrings and beads, various symbols. It is played by a bow with bells on donia and Thrace, which takes place at Aristotle Uni- and a small, bronze masterpiece, a mirror with Eros it. versity of Thessaloniki. and Dionysus carved on the lid. Eros (Cupid) is depict- One of the more magnificent objects on display, According to the archaeological team statement, ed as a young child that flies to embrace the ancient meanwhile, is a 19th century laghouto, or lute, in- excavations in the Tsakiridis sector began in 2005- Greek god of lust and passion (Dionysus). laid with ivory and tortoise shell. 2006 and since then they take place in small time pe- The richest tomb in the necropolis which had unfor- It is said to have been made by luthier Manolis riods, with little financial means. “During the short ex- tunately been looted contained fragments from a fu- Venios of Constantinople (present day Istanbul), a cavation periods we have come across several inter- nerary bed which was decorated with clay carved master craftsman whose works now sell for many esting findings from the city’s late Hellenistic and Ro- plaques, depicting the ancient Greek goddess A thena thousands of dollars. man era,” noted the archaeologists. watching a battle between Greeks and barbarians. MARCH 2015 18/36 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Arts, Food & Wine Editor: Imogen Coward

Tafelmusik House of Dreams © Keith Saunders courtesy of Musica Viva

Tafelmusik: Art and Music

By Dr Imogen Coward all black, and the ‘fourth wall’ dividing the audience from the performers) the use of a narrator, projections Although ‘classical’ or art-music performances are to- of paintings and photographs of the houses, stage light- day often marked by stultifying clinical removal of any- ing, semi-theatrical stage set up, choreography to cre- thing that may distract from the music, including the ate two theatrical Acts with each act being a seamless performers talking to the audience, or clothing more unit, made for a very different experience. colourful than all black, the concept of linking the Arts The challenge of marrying elements that were not ori- to enhance the audiences’ engagement with the mate- ginally created to function together as a cohesive unit, rial being presented is one that has been recognised and are derived from different art-forms, is one which since Ancient times. It has a long and fascinating history Alison Mackay and Tafelmusik clearly relishes. It is also and the melding together of these - in particular Poetry, perhaps a natural extension of what the ensemble’s di- Music and Painting (often referred to in the 18th centu- rector, violinist Jeanne Lamon, defines as a feature of ry as Sister Arts) - lies at the core of the artforms of The- historical performance ensembles, namely their role in atre, Opera and Film, bringing together words, music contextualising the music from the Baroque period for a and visuals. modern audience. It was not uncommon for a play to have incidental While this way of presenting music is something that music, including to allow for scene changes and to en- © Glenn Davidson perhaps takes getting used to, the skill and artistry of hance the emotional impact of the drama. Opera, which the musicians was very much present in full force, a historically places music as its principle focus (over dra- St Paul’s Centre, in Toronto, Canada. particular feature of the programme being that it was ma or visuals), can be traced to 16th century experi- On the one hand, Tafelmusik is very much focused on entirely presented from memory. No music, no music ments in reviving the Greek dramatic style. These re- historically informed performance practices, utilising stands for any of the 17 performers on-stage; a feat sulted in the development of ‘stile recitativo’ and facili- the instruments (or replicas) that would have been used which, according to Lucas Harris, was both liberating tated the composition of dramatic music and the devel- in the Baroque era, and the players each being special- and, at the same time terrifying, requiring supreme opment of Opera. Film, in many ways is an inheritor of ists in historical performance practice. On the other memory skills (and as any musician can relate to, also a both of these artforms, but has visuals as its main pre- hand, their thorough engagement with research into good deal of extra rehearsal). occupation. Increasingly today, classical music ensem- the historical times also served as a basis for a concert If that wasn’t enough, the choice of music was a bles are incorporating non-musical content and art- format that is both inspired by the Baroque, but thor- rollercoaster through the late 17th and 18th centuries, forms into their concerts, such as the major Australian oughly modern in it’s use of multimedia. sampling some of the ‘best bits’ of the large composi- symphonies’ recent movie music shows, and the Aus- A far cry from your usual concert performance, Tafel- tional output from composers like Handel, Vivaldi and tralian Chamber Orchestra’s collaborative projects with musik’s House of Dreams was designed by Alison Mack- Bach. The sense of team-work, the genuinely impro- visual artists. ay (who is also Tafelmusik’s double-bass/violone play- vised embellishments (especially by Olivier F ortin - As part of Musica Viva’s international artist season for er), set around five historical houses and the artworks harpsichord, and Lucas Harris - lute) and the fact that 2015, Australian capital cities were recently treated to and music associated with them, with the title of the virtually all the performers had at least one item where performances by the premier Canadian Baroque or- concert coming from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. A selec- they took the role of soloist brought the high-calibre of chestra Tafelmusik, as they toured Australasia with tion of movements from works Baroque composers was all the members of the Tafelmusik into the spotlight. their new multi-media production House of Dreams. presented as part of a narrative constructed around art This was Musica Viva’s second invitation for Tafel- For Tafelmusik a multimedia presentation is not en- and history of the times, including the highly recognis- musik to tour Australia - the first being four years ago, tirely novel but, as lutenist Lucas Harris shared in an in- able paintings by Canaletto, Watteau, Vermeer and oth- with their initial multi-media presentation The Galileo terview for the Vema, it is a departure in many ways ers. Project. In May 2015 they will premier their next mem- from the bulk of their performance season which is pre- While some elements of a more ‘traditional’ art music orized programme designed by Alison Mackay “Bach sented more traditionally in their home venue, Trinity- concert were retained (such as the performers wearing and the Circle of Creation”, in Toronto, Canada. MARCH 2015 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 19/37

Building bridges with cheese US: 2500 years old Ancient in divided Cyprus Greek coins By Fanny Andre - Kathimerini, Athens discovered Forty years after Cyprus was divided by a bloody conflict, the island’s Greek and Turkish communities are trying to over- 2,500-year-old gold and silver come their differences and find an un- Greek and Roman coins were redis- usual common cause: halloumi cheese. covered in the University at Buffalo. Efforts to have the increasingly popular The priceless collection consists of “squeaky” cheese granted a protected 40 silver Greek coins, three gold European Union status have raised fears Greek coins, and a dozen Roman that Turkish Cypriot producers will be ex- gold coins. They range in date from cluded. the fifth century B.C. to the late first But cheese-makers on both sides are century A.D. The Greek coins were facing increasing competition from out- struck by some of the most power- side producers and are looking to set ful city-states and rulers of the an- aside their divisions to protect their busi- cient world, such as Athens, Corinth ness. and Alexander the Great. “If we collaborate, if we can come to- Classicist Philip Kiernan of The gether and find a solution for this prob- State University of New York at Buf- lem it will help to find a solution for the falo, heard a rumor that there were Cyprus problem also,” said Ali Cirali, the Greek and Roman coins housed in head of the Turkish Cypriot chamber of the archives at the school’s libraries. industry. An employee works at the Pittas Dairy Industries halloumi factory on January 15, 2015 in Three years later he found the col- “This will bring the producers together the Cypriot capital Nicosia. Forty years after Cyprus was divided by a bloody conflict, the lection. from both communities, because both island’s Greek and Turkish communities are trying to overcome their differences and find “I must have been the first person sides will win.” an unusual common cause: halloumi cheese. to touch them in almost 40 years,” Once a niche food, the rubbery hallou- coup aimed at uniting it with Greece. produced in a certain area and using cer- he said. mi has now become a staple in many k- The country is split from west to east tain methods can use the name. The coin collection, which also in- itchens outside Cyprus, especially in by a UN buffer zone known as the Green “What we are expecting is more pro- cludes coins from early America and Britain and the United States. Line and - while tensions have eased in tection on the name so that other coun- England, had been donated to the Made traditionally from a mixture of recent years - peace talks have failed to tries will not copy it - like in France they University at Buffalo Libraries Spe- milk from sheep and goats, the cheese bring the two sides to a long-term settle- have Roquefort cheese, we will hopefully cial Collections as part of a collec- has become a favorite of the barbecue ment. have halloumi,” said Yiannos Pittas, a tion of rare books in 1935. However, season, its high melting point allowing it The internationally recognised govern- Greek Cypriot whose family has pro- it wasn’t until Kiernan examined to be grilled or even fried. ment in the Greek-speaking southern duced the cheese since the 1930s. them out of curiosity that the cur- The cheese has been made in Cyprus half of Cyprus, which joined the Euro- Halloumi has already become Cyprus’s rency’s rarity and value were real- for centuries by both its Greek and Turk- pean Union in 2004, last July asked the second-largest export, bringing in 76 mil- ized. ish communities, who have been divided EU to grant halloumi its Protected Desig- lion euros to its recession-hit economy in It’s the first time the coins will be since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded nation of Origin (PDO) status. 2013, and producers hope that register- extensively studied, and Kiernan and occupied the island’s northern third As with Italian mozzarella or Greek fe- ing the name will lead to a major boost and his class will publish their find- in response to an A thens-engineered ta, this status means that only a product to foreign sales. ings. Gold for Greek Australian athletes at the NSW Wrestling Championships

The NSW Wrestling Championchips were held at Hornsby Police Citizens Youth club Sunday 15January. The Greek community was well represented with Greek Australian Athletes winning many medals. Results are: Christos Yiangou Gold 70 kg Free-style Mihalis Costantinou Gold 76 kg Freestyle Michalis Kordakis Gold 120 kg Freestyle Veterans Kostas Papaioannou Gold 74 kg Freestyle and Gold 75 kg Greco Roman Thomas Zekirias Bronze 74 kg Freestyle Kostas Papadakis Gold 87 kg Freestyle Panagiotis Zakis Gold 97 kg Freestyle and silver in Greco Roman Lazaros Papadopoulos Gold 120 kg Freestyle and Gold 120 kilos Greco Roman The winners will compete in the Australian champi- onchips to be held at the Institute of Sport in Canber- ra in April 18-19. The World Championchips for Veterans will be held at Hannia, Crete in October. The Greek Australian athletes who competed in this years NSW Wrestling Championships MARCH 2015 20/38 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Travel Diapontia Islands Simply captivating This group northwest of Corfu, where Calypso is said to have imprisoned Odysseus, provides the perfect place to recharge your batteries

BY HARIS ARGYROPOULOS

The Diapontia, comprising a cluster of three small, verdant islands and a number of rocky, uninhabited islets, fade into the haze off the northwestern coast of Corfu. Until recent decades, Erikoussa, Mathraki and Othoni - the westernmost part of Greece - were rather in- accessible and among the last areas to join the national pow- er grid. Tourist development is minimal and the islets are among the most scenic, tran- quil and relaxed places to spend a holiday in Greece, ide- al for reading and walking. Some references identify Othoni with Homer’s Ogygia, home of the nymph Calypso, who imprisoned Odysseus in a One of the trails leads to Fyki day-trippers depart. Mathraki, and Kato Panta. Mathraki is for walks with spectacular cave for seven years in the Bay in the west (formerly the the southernmost and smallest the least visited of the Diapon- views of the bea-ches, the sea, hope of making him her im- island’s port) and another to of the three, is 4.5 nautical tia, still waiting to be discov- the nearby islet of Diaplo and mortal husband. the vast sandy stretch of Bragi- miles northwest of Corfu. It ered by vacationers. Plaka, the three satellite rock islets - ac- More recently, historical re- ni on the west coast. Porto, has an area of 3.1 sq.km. and a port, has just four houses, a cording to legend, the boat cords show that the isles were which has one hotel and some population of just 300. tavernacome- grocery store for and anchor of a pirate ship first populated under Venetian rooms for rent, is a great place There is no organized settle- the entire islet and the munici- turned into stone when its rule in the 16th century. to spend the night and enjoy ment here, just small clusters pality bureau. crew attempted to pillage the During British rule, which some real peace and quiet af- of houses that are separated Mathraki is crossed by foot- Chapel of Aghios Nikolaos on ended in 1864, they were used ter the last noisy groups of into two districts, Ano Panta paths offering opportunities Diaplo. as places of exile for propaga- The nearly 2-mile-long beach tors of unification with Greece. of Portelo on the east side of Made up mostly of skilled sea- Mathraki (facing Corfu) is the farers, the population dropped highlight of the island. There is sharply with the advent of the also Fyki Bay in the west and steamship; transatlantic emi- Apidies and Arvanitiko in the gration took the biggest toll. A south. reversal of the trend in the last Othoni (population 650) lies 40 years or so, however, has 12 nautical miles northwest of breathed new life into the Corfu and covers an area of 10 community. sq.km. It has a jagged shoreline While Othoni is mostly rocky, and an impressive landscape, Erikoussa and Mathraki have with the highest peak at 393 hilly terrains, with several good m. The tiny port and pretty beaches. Pastel pink- and beach of Ammos lie on the ocher-painted houses are scat- southern coast and have most tered amid the varying green- 1 2 3 tourism facilities. Thick vegeta- ery provided by olive and cy- tion, rare rock formations and press trees. How to get there Where to eat the small, scattered clusters of Erikoussa, 6 nautical miles Where to stay houses make for rewarding from Corfu and the northern- If you’re traveling by car, head for In Othoni: New York, souvlaki, tav- In Othoni: Calypso Hotel (tel walks in the interior. Most of most of the group, owes its the port of Igoumenitsa on the ern and grill; Mikros, taverna-come 26630.71578), 60 euros for a double the shoreline is rocky and inac- name to the heather (“reiki” in mainland’s northwestern coast and grocery store serving few but tasty room; K. Katehis (tel 26630.72157), cessible. Greek) which grows on the hill- take the ferry to Corfu. Igoumenitsa classic and grilled dishes; Locanda, rooms and studios; V. K atehis (tel For swimming, head to Fyki 26630.71586) and T. K atehis (tel sides and bursts into flower in is at the western end of the Egnatia good Italian restaurant but opening in the north or Aspri Ammos in doubtful this season; K aprokios, 6976.785.763) apartments, up to springtime. It is the most popu- Highway that crosses northern the southwest. Nearby is Ca- lar and most populous of the Greece. Corfu can also be reached new taverna for fresh fish and grilled 110 euros a night. In Mathraki: by air (Olympic Air, tel 801.801 meat. In Mathraki: Dolphins (tel Christos Argyros (known locally as lypso’s cave - a 20-minute boat three, with a community of Filios, tel 26630.71652) and Anasta- ride away from the local port. 700. The local port doubles as 0101; Aegean Airlines, tel 801.11 26630.71853), on the port, where 20000). From Corfu, the Alexandros Spyros has some excellent dishes sios Kassimis (tel 26630.71.700); The charm of the place is such a splendid beach well protect- ferry (tel 26610.40002/ 26314) sails and appetizers – try the cuttlefish; free camping is allowed on the islet, as to make it sound more con- ed from westerly winds. Erik- to Othoni three or four times week- Yiannis (tel 26630.72108), on with the exception of the area of vincing that Odysseus was in oussa, with a total area of 4.5 ly, at 6.30 a.m. There are also boats Arvanitia beach, provides appetizers Portelo and on condition you don’t fact captivated by the place leave any garbage behind (Mathraki square kilometers and its high- leaving daily from the port of Aghios and fresh fish. In Erikoussa, the rather than held captive. est point at just 121 meters, is Stefanos Avlioton as well as boat hotel has homemade dishes. Ask for Municipality, tel 26630.71200). In ideal for walking. tours from Sidari. potato pie anywhere. Erikoussa: Erikoussa Hotel (tel Source: ATHENSPLUS 26630.71555/71110).