THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN The oldest circulating Greek newspaper outside Greece email: VEMA [email protected] MARCH 2005 Tel. (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033

In this issue... Our Primate’s View FACTIONALISM AND FAVOURITISM

IN THE CHURCH PAGE 5/23 THE AUSTRALIAN ECONOMY MYTHS AND

WINDOWS TO ORTHODOXY: Jesus Christ - The Centre of our Faith REALITY The Scriptural Image The popular view that the Australian economy is so strong GDP. the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will have to raise MYTH: Domestic demand is strong and needs to be restrained by of Christ interest rates again soon is based on series of ideas that higher interest rates. may be little more than plausible myths. REALITY: Growth in real private sector spending - the part most PAGES 8/26-9/27 responsive to interest rates - slowed to an annualised rate of 3.4 Here they are, one by one, each with a more realistic alternative: per cent through the second half of last year, hardly a breakneck MYTH: Data showing GDP growth virtually stopped late last pace compared with the 4.7 per cent average of the past decade. year underestimates the strength of the economy. Other indicators MYTH: If growth has slowed it is because of shortages of indus- are strong, suggesting GDP will be revised up. trial capacity and skilled labour. The RBA doubts the GDP figures, governor Ian Macfarlane and REALITY: Underinvestment in skills and industrial capacity is a assistant governor Malcolm Edey recently noting consumer and problem, but the present gap between moderate growth in spend- business sentiment, borrowing by businesses, profits and share ing and stalling output growth is better explained by the exchange prices at levels “normally associated” with rapid growth. rate. REALITY: The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) figures The surging Australian dollar has driven import prices down are right. sharply. Capacity constraints or not, this means spending is being Perceptions, sentiment and share market investors are often siphoned off to foreign producers. The latest NAB survey shows wrong. This is precisely why we have the ABS. capacity utilisation rates actually eased in both January and Feb- In any case, other indicators like National Australia Bank (NAB) ruary. and Bun & Bradstreet business surveys suggest the economy has MYTH: The rise in the terms of trade means a massive boost to indeed weakened. domestic spending power. MYTH: Figures showing retail turnover has stalled underestimate REALITY: Higher export prices and lower import prices have 25th Anniversary consumer spending. lifted the purchasing power of Australia’s GDP, measured by REALITY: Again, the ABS is right. “real gross domestic income”. Even so, it only grew by a so-so 3.5 of Greek Welfare Lulls in consumer spending typically follow slowdowns in hous- per cent through 2004, slowing to a dawdling 2.2 per cent rate ing activity with a delay of about a year. through the second half. Centre The NAB’s February survey showed weakness in several sectors MYTH: A fall in business inventories in the December quarter including retailing, attributed by NAB chief economist Alan Oster proves capacity constraints are preventing businesses from keep- in Adelaide to “the lagged wealth effects of slower growth in house prices.” ing up with spending. MYTH: Figures show strong employment and weak GDP REALITY: Capacity constraints facing raw materials exporters PAGES 10/28, 11/29, 16/34 growth. They can’t both be right. are well-known, but have little to do with domestic spending. REALITY: This is a normal and frequent feature of the business When businesses notice slower sales they rein in their inventories, cycle as employment responds with a lag (delay) to changes in a normal feature of the business cycle that deepens every down- output. These apparent anomalies are almost invariably resolved turn. And inventories still grew faster than GDP last year, so the by slower employment growth, and not by upward revisions to effect has barely started. AAP

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Famous Greek treasures visit Australia for the first time One of the world’s most fa- death in 1824 during a battle for of the Museum currently open in mous collections of Greek Greek independence inspired Athens, and more planned for treasures, the magnificent Be- greater European support for the the future. naki collection from Athens, Greek cause. After the Powerhouse Museum, will visit Australia for the first The Benaki collection was the exhibition will tour two fur- time. The exhibition will open founded by the Benaki family ther cities in Australia. Greek first at the Sydney Power- (mid 19th to mid 20th centuries) treasures will be exhibited at the house Museum on 5 May be- in Alexandria, Egypt, then part Immigration Museum in Mel- fore touring other State muse- of the Greek Diaspora. The col- bourne from 5 October 2005 to ums. lection was principally formed 31 January 2006 and then at the by Anthony Benaki who was a Western Australian Museum in Greek treasures: from the true patriot and whose love of Perth from February to June Benaki Museum in Athens at the Greece is reflected by the exten- 2006. Powerhouse will feature over sive and diverse range of General admission is $10 for Head of Herakles with lion-skin, 160 treasures from the collection objects. In 1931 the family’s adults, $5 for children, $6 con- limestone, about 500 BC. on loan from the Benaki Mu- collection became the Benaki cession and $25 for families. seum in Athens. The objects Museum and it continues to Powerhouse Museum members, Senior Card holders and pen- span an incredible eight thou- thrive today with three branches children under 5 years, NSW sioners are admitted free. sand years - from 6,000 BC to the early 19th century Greek CHAPLIN RECEIVES OSCAR War of Independence. Byzantine Choir to sing at inter faith concert April 10, 1972 The Benaki collection is one of the most extensive of its kind in Last year, the Byzantine Choir participated in a standing. As part of his first visit to the United the world, spanning eight mil- highly successful three-denominational choral “The Council attempts to use whatever means is States in 20 years, British film pioneer lennia of Greek history and pre- concert held at the University of Sydney by the available to it to emphasise the need to foster Charlie Chaplin accepts an honorary historic times. The collection il- NSW Council of Christians and Jews. respect for the Other. While this is more conven- Academy Award for his "incalculable" lustrates the vibrancy of Greek On April 3 the Choir will again presented the tionally articulated in debate and discussion, the contribution to the art of filmmaking. domestic, political and artistic music of the Psalms in a concert at Temple opportunity to find expression through musical Chaplin, once America's most success- life and the rich creativity of this Emanuel Woollahra alongside a Jewish choir interpretation of what is sacred to different ful movie star and director, had left the early culture. and musical groups from Chirst Church St. denominations is one which will appeal to a country under a storm of controversy in From figurines, ceramics, Laurence and St. Francis of Assisi in Padding- wide audience”, he said. 1952. embroidered textiles, gold jew- ton. The Concert, entitled “Psalms in Four Great Cantor Tolz, who is overseeing the compilation ellery and Coptic-period toys, to Traditions”, has been arranged by Temple of the program for each of the choirs stressed Byzantine painted icons and Emanuel Cantor and Musical director, Joseph that seating in the Temple Hall is limited and SALK ANNOUNCES POLIO VACCINE metal ware, architectural frag- Tolz. Council president, Rabbi Jeffrey Cohen urged bookings to be made as early as possible March 26, 1953 ments, ornate weapons, water- stated that the medium of music is probably one to ensure reserved seating. The Music of the colours and oil paintings, the of the strongest to underscore the ethos of inter Psalms concert will take place at Temple objects are truly diverse and denominational dialogue and mutual under- Emanuel, 7 Ocean Street, Woollahra. On March 26, 1953, American medical exquisite. researcher Dr. Jonas Salk announces on a “The highlights of the exhibi- national radio show that he has successfully tion are many,” said Paul Don- tested a vaccine against poliomyelitis, the virus nelly, Curator, Decorative Arts that causes the crippling disease of polio. In and Design, Powerhouse Mu- 1952-an epidemic year for polio-there were seum. 58,000 new cases reported in the United States, “The exhibition’s extensive and more than 3,000 died from the disease. chronological span and dazzling For promising eventually to eradicate the variety of media is an unrivalled disease, which is known as "infant paralysis" opportunity for Australian audi- because it mainly affects children, Dr. Salk ences to marvel over the creative was celebrated as the great doctor-benefactor riches that this beautiful region of his time. has inspired. “Such a range of Greek mater- PRESIDENT REAGAN SHOT ial has never before been seen in March 30, 1981 a single exhibition in Australia.” Some of the earliest objects in- On March 30, 1981, President Ronald clude beautiful marble sculp- Reagan is shot in the chest outside a tures (circ 2500 BC), known as Washington, D.C., hotel by a deranged drifter Cycladic idols, from the Cycla- named John Hinckley Jr. dic islands in the Aegean. These stylised human forms are famed DR. KING IS ASSASSINATED for their abstract modern appear- April 4, 1968 ance which influenced 20th cen- tury artists such as British sculp- Just after 6 p.m. on April 4, 1968, Martin tor Henry Moore. Luther King Jr. is fatally shot while standing on Byzantine art (4th-15th cen- the balcony outside his second-story room at turies) including rare textiles of the Motel Lorraine in Memphis, Tennessee. gold-wrapped thread and ornate The civil rights leader was in Memphis to sup- gold and precious stone jew- port a sanitation workers' strike and was on his ellery will be displayed, along way to dinner when a bullet struck him in the with lavish 18th and 19th centu- jaw and severed his spinal cord. King was pro- ry costumes showing the diver- nounced dead after his arrival at a Memphis sity of the cultures between the hospital. He was 39 years old. multitude of islands and regions of mainland Greece. Elaborate 19th century water- colours and oil paintings show the once remote remains of Athens such as the original Parthenon, as well as portraits of Greek people. One famous por- trait is that of Lord Byron whose MARCH 2005 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 3/21 Editorial

The outlook for US-European relations, therefore, remains Old problems persist substantively as it did before the last election. Europeans will not be strongarmed into following US policy ("alliance, not in a changing world allegiance", said Barnier), and the US by all indications con- tinues to keep its agenda hidden from European eyes. Perhaps the most alarming aspect of Rice's trip is A new emphasis on diplomacy by the US may help matters, reserved for one particular EU member, Greece but the neoconservative ideology that underpins it seems too much at odds with Europe. In a central speech to the Institut JOHN PSAROPOULOS d'Etudes Politiques de Paris, Rice told her audience of acade- mics and politicians, "Our charge is clear: We on the right side Condoleezza Rice's charm offensive across Europe at the of freedom's divide have an obligation to help those unlucky beginning of this month shows that the new Bush administra- enough to have been born on the wrong side of that divide." tion wants to build up its foreign agenda diplomatically first, That conceit encapsulates a neo-colonial way of thinking and shoot second. That would be refreshing after the unilater- Europeans have spent the twentieth century trying to shed. alism of the first term. Coming as the first major foreign poli- Perhaps the most alarming aspect of Rice's trip, however, is cy initiative of the new term, the trip demonstrated to reserved for one particular EU member, Greece. During the Europeans their centrality to US foreign policy and did some- Turkish leg of her trip, Rice said she had sought the "advice thing to restore battered pride. and counsel" of Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul on the Israeli- Rice spoke at length about shared values as an assumed Palestinian conflict. Gul had returned from a trip to the region. bedrock of transatlantic ties, and her European interlocutors A few years ago, another US secretary of state, Madeleine obliged with agreement. Rice also constantly emphasised the Condoleezza Rice Albright, used to seek the advice and counsel of another future and steered clear of commenting on past problems. Her regional foreign minister, George Papandreou. He fulfilled message of a new beginning was bolstered by the resumption that role by travelling constantly throughout the Balkans and of an Israeli-Palestinian dialogue between Mahmoud Abbas Middle East, reaching as far as Iran, India and Pakistan in and Ariel Sharon, and by the Iraqi election. Significant differences of opinion also remain on the 2001. Papandreou carried a message to those countries; he Yet alongside the noises of partnership and goodwill, there Palestinian-Israeli peace process. Europe sees the conflict as advised them to avoid superpower solutions to their conflicts, were indications of where paths continue to diverge between poison for the West's image in the Arab world and in muslim drawing on the 1999 bombing of Yugoslavia as an example of the US and Europe. communities in Europe. In the first Bush term the US gave what happens when problems are not dealt with bilaterally. Despite repeated questions on Iran, Rice did not elaborate on Sharon free rein, and faith in the peace process all but evapo- And Papandreou performed a service for Albright, decipher- what the United States might do. She said that "the Europeans rated. Rice was repeatedly asked whether Washington would ing the complex political balances of the Balkans and influ- are giving the Iranians an opportunity" to stand down. The appoint a new Middle East mediator, but accepted the idea in encing US policy here. unspoken military threat seemed deliberately preserved, and principle only. This is a role the Greek government is now allowing to slip there was little elaboration on how closely the US will confide Iraq, of course, remains a point of disagreement. Barnier into the hands of Turkey, a country with an already stronger in its European partners about when it might begin to lose expressed the strong belief that "it is not possible to get out of claim as a key US ally. Diplomacy is Greece's only weapon patience. If a military option is used, it would not only make that tragedy... through weapons, through extra soldiers". against Turkey's strategic advantage. In an age when major nonsense of the painstakingly built exchange of trade benefits France and Germany have agreed to help train Iraqi security European nations have a troubled relationship with the US, for nuclear ambitions; it could also drive a new wedge personnel as a gesture of goodwill, but no new aid was this weapon must not be discarded, for Greece's sake and between European Union members in favour of the American announced during Rice's trip, nor was there any praise for last Europe's. action and those against. month's elections in Iraq from anyone except Rice. ATHENS NEWS

TV, but here you have it! Perhaps enough people requested the Dr’s return, to change Talking Aunty’s mind. (Why is the ABC called Aunty? )

Point I sometimes wonder if encouraging my by Ann Coward children to become interested in science fic- tion was such a great idea, especially when I’m being dragged around the CBD’s book- Telling tales shop that specialises in SciFi. The interest- ing thing, though, is that these modern tales My work-space is exceedingly boring. of imagination, be they classified as science My computer equipment is completely fiction (Dr Who, Star Trek, The Matrix, Star devoid of amusing trinkets, food scraps and Wars) or as fantasy (Harry Potter, Lord of spills, and Post-it stickers. The only bit of the Rings), are recognisable Judeo- colour comes from my mug, decorated with Christian morality tales. Gone are the days blackberries, which is sitting on the desk, when troupes of wandering minstrels and silently enticing me with its aroma of fresh- players would travel around villages per- ly brewed black coffee. (Excuse me while a forming morality plays for the benefit of the take a sip. Ah, that’s better.) Now as I was locals. Today, we have books, and the cin- saying, the computer area next to mine is far ema. more interesting, with its little figurines. The cyberman model has no moveable Christianity has a long and rich history of parts, and the costume looks decidedly employing the arts to express, reveal and more wrinkled than I think the actual cyber- reinforce religious truths, and borrowing men’s ever were, but the detail is amazing. from myths or tales has been a common The little dalek, covered in bright blue practice even after Christianity was given ‘dalek bumps’ is great. Only the wheels on legal protection. Today, we may have trou- its base and the little eye-stalk move, but it’s ble recognising what earlier Christians were still a pretty snazzy replica. alluding to when they incorporated in their artforms references to symbols or tales that, What on earth is she talking about? Well, to our modern understanding, appear to if you aren’t familiar with cybermen and belong firmly in the pagan past. daleks, your education is sadly lacking. Similarly, children’s fantasy stories, espe- Turn off those commercial TV channels and cially, in the tradition of C.S.Lewis’ Narnia switch over to the ABC! My children are tales and J.K.Rowling’s Harry Potter sto- too young to have watched the original Dr ries, contain references to the Bible, lan- Who series, but several years ago were guage, mythology and history. If these are kindly given over one hundred (yes, one neither recognised nor understood, the hundred!) paperback stories from the Dr desired imparting or reinforcement of moral Who series, and they became hooked. The values may still occur, but the stories them- ABC assured us the series would never selves will come across as nothing more return as it was being broadcast on cable than rollicking good yarns. MARCH 2005 4/22 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

ner for Australia, including:- The local popu- month as part of our program we have pre- lation of Greeks in Australia,- The positioning sented a profile of the Information Communi- HACCI Comment of Greece in relation to European and Arabian cations and Technology (ICT) sector for By Sam Saltis [email protected] countries.- The considerable talent pool of bi Greece. Austrade has an extensive website for lingual speaking Greeks who have specialist information for those companies wanting to Many people talk about how we now find our- skills in all industries.AS a chamber one of export to Greece along with a new Business selves in a global economy, where trade our goals is to promote bi lateral trade Development Manager in Athens Ms Ioanna occurs seamlessly and that now more than between the two nations. We have established Gouvatsou (email ioanna.gouvatsou@aus- ever the potential for trade opportunities are networks within the local government and the trade.gov.au) we wish her the best for her new endless. Yet if we have a look at the trading Greek government to help companies exploit role and look forward to a close relationship position between Greece and Australia we trade opportunities. HACCI has been working with the chamber. Business find that there is limited trade occurring and closely with AUSTRADE and DFAT (Depart- Greece really doesn’t rank as a significant ment of Foreign Affairs and Trade) to develop Your feedback to the views expressed would be most trading partner. There are many factors that some programs and goals to help improve the welcome. For further information about HACCI Bulletin should make Greece a desirable trading part- trading position of the two countries. This please visit our website at wwwwww.hacci.com.au Greece Information Technology industry profile

Major products and servicesGreece’s ICT €370 million earmarked for projects related to of which are the regional operational centres are considered to be major players in the sector is in a growth phase as the major car- the Olympic games. The industry is expected for the Balkan region (eg. Microsoft, IBM, HP, region. OTE has involvement in the telecom- riers and the government invest in the to grow about 5.6 per cent in 2004. ICT forms Oracle, SAP, Motorola, Bull and Siemens). munications sectors in Albania, Armenia, Jor- development and improvement of the pre- the fundamental backbone of Greece’s pro- Although PC usage is low by European dan, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, Yemen, Bul- sent infrastructure in the lead up to the gram of modernisation and the Athens 2004 Union standards (23 per cent), Internet use is garia, Georgia and Lithuania. Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Olympic Games is providing the impetus for anticipated to grown by substantial 50 per cent the implementation of projects across the over the next two years creating opportunities Marketing your products and services Opportunities are opening up in many areas board in this sector. in many areas including e-commerce and edu- including: The Greek Government has identified the cation. One in three households has a personal Through alliances with local firms, Australian ICT sector at all levels of society a priority computer while 2 in 15 have an Internet con- companies can access opportunities in both the 1.land and mobile telephone systems and is investing heavily in the development nection. The use of new technology (besides Greek public and private sectors. The market- and infrastructure of its infrastructure to achieve this objective mobile telephones) is still in its infancy in ing strategy for particular products and ser- 2. optical fibre technology with €3 billion in projects planned over the Greece when compared to other Western vices will depend on the target market seg- 3. Internet services next few years. countries. Small business and education are ment. 4. ICT hardware and software hard Software development is a leading area of expected to be growth sectors in the coming Trade shows are available for marketing ware and software the industry. Products support applications in years. your products and services: banking and finance, manufacturing and the Greece’s proximity to the developing Bal- 1.Comdex (Athens, north Attica) - Characteristics and trends public sector. With respect to hardware, signif- kan markets makes it an ideal springboard to held every February icant expenditure is expected particularly in Southern Europe. Greek firms are the biggest 2.Infosystem (Thessaloniki) - held The Greek ICT sector is estimated to be the area of storage systems. Most major glob- investors in the region particularly in the every October worth around €7 billion annually with some al IT companies have offices in Greece many telecommunications sector. 3. Electromechanica (Athens) - held every March Telecommunications Distribution channels The Greek Australian VEMA Deregulation of the Greek telecommunica- tions market has spurned the growth of many Products and services are marketed in new small, medium and large sized companies Greece through business-to-business and busi- that have been active in developing the market ness-to-customer trade sectors directly or For your advertisements contact and broadening the product and service base. through wholesale/retail systems. Australian Maria Jianni or Dimitris Ventouris OTE is Greece’s major telecommunications product suppliers will need to establish a rela- provider and is a major player and investor in tionship with a distributor. Service providers on (02) 9559 7022 the telecommunications sectors of south east- can work directly with end-users or through a ern Europe. Greece’s use of telecommunica- local partner. Fax: (02) 9559 7033 tions services far outweighs its use of other IT services and products. Expenditure on How Austrade can help E-mail: [email protected] telecommunications is over six per cent of GDP and growing. The Australian Trade Commission (Aus- There are four providers of mobile tele- trade) is the Federal Government agency that phone services in Greece - Cosmote, Voda- helps Australian companies win overseas busi- Christian Dior, Gucci, Calvin Klein fone, Stet and Q-Telecom that are constantly ness for their products and services by reduc- expanding their service offerings to con- ing the time, cost and risk involved in select- Katerina + Kyriacos Mavrolefteros sumers which view their mobile phones as ing, entering and developing international Dean Psarakis & Mary Krithinakis essential social and business tools. The pene- markets. tration of mobile phones is 70 per cent, which Austrade is represented in 105 locations in has prompted growing interest in next genera- 58 countries including an extensive domestic OPTOMETRISTS tion broadband services. network throughout Australia. Austrade offers practical advice, market intelligence and ongo- Market entry strategies ing support (including financial) to Australian businesses looking to develop international Greek firms are always on the look-out for markets. Austrade also provides advice and joint venture partners, new products and ser- guidance on overseas investment and joint 874 Anzac Parade, Maroubra Junction vices, and new technologies to introduce into venture opportunities, and helps put Australian Greece and regional markets. In order for businesses in contact with potential overseas (at bus stop, on RTA block) companies to be successful in the Greek mar- investors. ket, it is essential to have a good Greek part- TEL: (02) 9314-00393 ner that is familiar with local business prac- For further information Contact Rebecca [email protected] tices and has contacts with the key decision Ball. makers. It is important to keep in mind that Greece Business Development Manager We have over 1,200 spectacle frames is the biggest international investor in the Level 31, 140 William Street, telecommunications sectors of many Balkan Melbourne VIC 3000 114624

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In recent weeks, all Greeks - whether in expect that the Celebrants – regardless of and doubted by Clergy and lay people alike. Greece or abroad - have been made to feel as rank or hierarchical position - would seek to Yet even today they do not seem to realise ‘spiritual hostages’ of sorts, in light of all the act in accordance with the fundamental that their opportunistic alliances and various extraordinary scandals of ‘corruption’ and attributes of ordinary faithful members of the spiritual children, through whom they tried ‘collusion’, primarily in the Clergy and the Church. to increase their control over the entire Justice system, at least as they are being pre- At the same time, we shall not become Church of Greece, as well as institutional sented by the so-called media of Greece. hypocrites - as the pseudo-pious do - by realms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, with Of course, we should state from the outset demanding angelic situations in an age of unbelievable audacity and ingratitude, is that we, here in Australia, belonging to a sep- general fall-out and frustrating lack of lead- not only the height of insensitivity. It may arate jurisdiction (that is the Ecumenical ership in the Church. However, who would also be ‘divine justice’ which seeks to hum- Patriarchate and not the Autocephalous not agree that, at least those who ‘bear the ble them publicly for the sake of pacifica- Church of Greece), are not entitled to take a prime responsibility’ in each local Church tion. Now that they suddenly find themselves direct position and to comment – even from (most especially the Leaders of the Auto- trapped in a state of panic, it would be infi- a distance – on matters which in the main are cephalous Churches!) should be continually nitely better for all if, instead of threatening currently under ‘investigation’ or ‘in the ‘self-censured’ by the Prayer of the Clergy one another or punishing (to appear good) courts’. and the people (with its familiar gradual cul- some of the victims who are their spiritual In any case, we are aware of the ‘fluidity’ mination!) as expressed by the commemo- children, they sought as spiritual men the of television information generally, and the ration for the Prelate of the day: “Among the sincere forgiveness of the Greek people for immunity of the private channels in particu- first remember, Lord, our Archbishop …; their failure to respond to the futile hopes lar - circumstances that impose upon every grant to your holy Churches that he remain that they inspired in anyone who at least had responsible person an acute ‘scepticism’ and in peace, safety, honour, health and length of the naivety to believe them, applaud them or, many doubts, up until the allegations are days, rightly teaching the word of your worse still, follow them! Then everyone clarified by the appropriate investigative and truth”. would certainly judge them more leniently. By Archbishop judicial authorities. Stylianos Nonetheless, on matters of principle of Australia (which pertain to all Orthodox), this column has never avoided identifying or castigating FACTIONALISM obvious provocative situations in the admin- istration and worship of contemporary Orthodoxy, at least in the Greek Orthodox AND FAVOURITISM Church which is more relevant to us. This is precisely what our current issue will attempt to do, with the only aim being to inform IN THE CHURCH those faithful who unfortunately are more easily scandalized. And such stumbling We must carefully notice in this liturgical Instead they falsely speak against notable blocks usually stem from the fact that they prayer the phrase “your holy churches”, theologians and other spiritual people who are unable to discern between institutions which indicates due universal acceptance had the courage to criticise them, and this of (which are eternal) and office-holders (who and authority of the ‘First’, not only within course does not unfortunately improve their are perishable). his local Church, but also among all Church- public image. Primarily we should recall that, in the life es of God which share the same faith and Moreover, they do not consider themselves of the Church, two fundamental areas char- confession. Only if we do this, will we as being ‘part of the problem’, but instead acteristically express the ‘phronema’ and the understand that it is impossible for anyone to wish to be the critics of colleagues in their ‘spirit’ of Christianity: Worship (first and be ‘First’ in rank without the simplest char- immediate environment, thereby displaying foremost) and administration (as a sec- acteristics such as honesty, modesty and a narrow-minded denial of reality and phari- ondary derivative). It is self-evident that, moderation - all undeniable ‘criteria’ of a saic hypocrisy. with such an internal relation between blameless life for any Orthodox! The fact that they are now turning to ‘night- administration and worship, nothing should We must unfortunately admit that - in spite time vigil services’ in order to avert the ‘dark exist in whatever activity of the Church in of any other educational or communication powers’ and the ‘evil spirits’ is simply the the world, which is not saturated by the talents they have - it is these very necessary usual combination of fiendishness and impi- spirit of ‘rational worship’. Only then can qualities of a spiritual leader that the three ety with which they have often dealt with the the social, cultural and philanthropic activi- Bishops who came from the ‘Monastery of spiritual traditions of the Greek people. For, ties of the Church be rightly characterized as Chrysopigi’ (Kallinikos of Pireaus, our Church history has always included the “a scent of spiritual fragrance”. Christodoulos of Dimitriados, and Amvro- failings of certain spiritual leaders as indi- Let us be reminded, however, given the sios of Kalavryta) are not entitled to claim viduals, regardless of rank. However, to form ‘sinfulness’ and ‘unworthiness’ of the Cele- for themselves. Even from the time of the an entire ‘school’ of a ‘Church regime’, brants of the Most High, that in ministering late Archbishop Seraphim, and indeed during inspired by your own spiritual stature - as perfectly the acts of worship and administra- his long illness, these three men had distin- expressed by the ecclesiology of ‘Chrysopi- tion, it would be impossible to find someone guished themselves for acting insolently and gi’ - goes beyond every expectation, espe- who is ‘clean from every stain’, regardless of networking in every possible way with capi- cially at the present time which is difficult how high he might be in the ecclesiastical tal and publishing houses, in an effort to for Greece, due to dangerous circumstances hierarchy. In any event, it is for this reason secure power as soon as possible. Having on the international stage. that in the mystical Prayer during the Divine succeeded - in the manner that they succeed- All that remains for us is to hope and pray Liturgy the Celebrant is required to ‘confess’ ed - to impose their dominance through the in all sincerity that the recent ‘revelations’ with contrition that “no one bound by the most relentless of the three, namely concerning rumoured ‘scandals’ may desires and pleasures of the flesh is worthy Christodoulos with his now legendary ‘dou- become a cause for repentance and improve- to approach you or draw near to you or blespeak’ (!), they have led the Church to the ment of Clergy and lay people, for the good minister to you, King of glory; for to serve present dead-end. of us all, particularly of those who are impli- you is great and fearful even for the heav- The writer would not want to elaborate cated, and above all for the actual or moral enly powers”. more fully upon his absolutely substantiated perpetrators. Then we could of course Following such a repetitious confession of viewpoint concerning each of them, at a time exclaim that there is ‘nothing bad without “unworthiness”, every pious faithful should when their public image is being questioned some dose of good’. Amen! MARCH 2005 6/24 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

OPENING OF THE 2005 ACADEMIC YEAR AT ST ANDREW’S GREEK ORTHODOX THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE

Staff members and students of St Andrew’s Theological College, with His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, Dean of the College, and Bishop Seraphim of Apollonia, outside the College The commencement of the 2005 acad- of the theologian is to relate authentical- emic year marked the beginning of the ly to the other when conveying the word twentieth year of theological education of God. and training at St Andrew’s Greek His Eminence also took the time to wel- Orthodox Theological College. The come Rev. Dr Doru Costache, parish traditional Doxology Service was held priest of the Romanian Orthodox Church on Thursday 17 February and was of St Mary’s, Enfield NSW, who will be presided over by His Eminence Arch- teaching in the area of Patristic Studies. bishop Stylianos, Dean of the Theolog- He also spoke appreciatively of the hon- ical College. Staff and the students our bestowed upon the Theological Col- joined in celebrating the commence- lege by the presence of Mr Mark Flem- ment of the academic year in the Col- ing, Church Ministries Manager of the lege Chapel of St John the Evangelist NSW Bible Society, which generously and Theologian. The student choir donates copies of the critical edition of was led by Mr Vasili Psilacos, a gradu- the Greek New Testament to all first year ate and former lecturer in Byzantine students. Music at St Andrew’s. The Doxology Service was followed by At the conclusion of the service His the traditional luncheon prepared by the Eminence welcomed everyone and tireless members of the Archdiocese spoke about the work of the Theological Ladies Philoptochos. College as a continuing manifestation of Entering the College in 2005 are First God’s grace towards the service of His Year Bachelor students Evangelos Kar- Church and the broader community here daras (Syd), George Karpouzos (Syd), in Australia. It’s entry into a twentieth Vasilios Manavas (Melb) and Christo- year of operation - considering its hum- pher Manevski (Melb). This year St ble beginnings and the various chal- Andrew’s serves seventeen students lenges over the years - is an indication of from around Australia at the undergradu- God’s abundant grace. His message to ate level of theological studies. An addi- the first year students in particular tional seventeen students are studying at reminded all present that the sacred task the graduate and postgraduate levels. Visit the Royal Easter Show for free This year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show is expected to be the biggest in its long history. And The Greek Australian Vema, is offering its readers a chance to win tickets to the Show. We have 30 passes to give away to lucky readers. All you have to do is ring our offices on (02) 9559 7022 on Friday 18th March 2005. The first 30 callers will win one ticket each! The Show will run from Friday, March 18, to Tuesday, March 31. It will be open from 9.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. The tickets are valid any one day, so don’t miss the chance to win passes to this month’s window into the rural world. MARCH 2005 Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 7/25 Facts & Stats Bush, Putin agree on restricting Five-star luxury on the ocean floor Undersea hotel planned nuclear weapons in the Bahamas US President George W Bush arrived back in the US after he and Vladimir Putin disagreed on the health of democracy in Anyone willing to pay $A1,900 a night might soon Russia at a sometimes contentious news conference. come face to face with sharks from the comfort of an undersea hotel room planned in the Bahamas by a But their summit resulted in a new deal to restrict nuclear Florida basedd entrepreneur. weapons and an agreement to maintain their political partnership. "People who are interested in experiencing something Putin - saying some lack "full knowledge" and "full understand- they can't find anywhere else in the world will find it a ing" of events in his country - said Russia remains committed to real bargain," says Bruce Jones who heads the $US40 democracy. million ($A51 million) project. But he added it "should not be accompanied by the collapse of To date, there is only one such underwater hotel, a the state and the impoverishment of the people". small refitted marine lab in somewhat murky waters off Declaring that democracies need the rule of law, protection of the coast of Key Largo, Florida. minorities, a free press, and a viable political opposition, Bush But Jones says his Poseidon resort will be one of a said: "I was able to share my concerns about Russia's commit- kind, as guests will not need to don scuba gear to reach ment in fulfilling these universal principles." their luxury suites. "I did so in a constructive and friendly way," he added. The hotel will be located 15 metres underwater off the During the somewhat testy but diploma-tic exchanges, Putin said Bahamian island of Eleuthera and connected to the he would "pay due attention" to some of Bush's suggestions. mainland by two tunnels and an escalator. The pressure "Some other ideas," he added, winking at Bush, "I will not com- will be the same as at the surface. ment on". The hotel will have its own restaurant, a bar and 20 Meeting in a medieval castle overlooking the icy Danube River, large suites with transparent acrylic walls facing coral the two presidents came together amid global worry that Putin gardens that can be lit up at night. was becoming more of an autocrat than a democrat. LEFT: US President George W. Bush. RIGHT: Russian Guests can expect to see a large variety of tropical Bush, meanwhile, is under some pressure to prove that his President, Vladimir Putin fish, tuna and turtles, and with a bit of luck, sharks, sweeping call for global liberty applies to friends like Russia and to keep nukes away from terrorists. The deal would upgrade secu- from the comfort of their rooms, or even from their pri- Saudi Arabia as much as to enemies such as Iran and North Korea. rity at Russian nuclear plants and develop new procedures for vate jacuzzis, says Jones. While the leaders of former Cold War rivals reaffirmed their responding to possible attacks. "They will enjoy five-star luxury accommodation, all friendship, signs of tension permeated the castle's ancient stone Another agreement places new restrictions on shoulder-fired with stunning views of the underwater world." and brick walls. Bush cited "frank discussions;" earlier this week, missiles. In addition, Bush said he would continue to support The Florida-based entrepreneur says he is currently a Bush aide called the term "frank" an euphemism for things not Russian entry into the World Trade Organisation, and accepted a signing on the last of the investors, most of them insti- going so well. May 9 invitation to visit Moscow for the 60th anniversary of the tutional. For example: Bush and Putin agreed that Iran should not have Soviet Union's final victory over Nazi Germany. AFP a nuclear weapon, but disagreed about the purposes of Iran's "The common ground is a lot more than those areas where we nuclear energy program - which Russia is assisting. disagree," Bush said. SARS virus behaviour The two leaders were also unable to resolve the question of Russ- Citing recent democratic developments in the former Soviet ian missile sales to Syria. Union, Bush lauded the Rose Revolution in Georgia and the Whatever their problems, however, Bush and Putin probably Orange Revolution in Ukraine. could help design won't seen a political divorce anytime soon, a variety of analysts "And now, a Purple Revolution in Iraq," he added, referring to said - they want too much from either other. the ink in which Iraqis dipped their fingers as proof of voting. treatment, vaccines "Bush has a heavy investment publicly in Putin," said Fiona There are signs the relationship is changing since their first Hill, a senior fellow in foreign policy studies at The Brookings meeting in 2001, when Bush said he looked into Putin's eyes and Scientists in Singapore have discovered the SARS Institution. "The United States has very few levers to pressure got "a sense of his soul". virus can evade the body's immune system, knowledge Russia into changing its behaviour." In recent years, the Putin government has arrested prominent which may help experts design treatments and vaccines The two men trumpeted their new security agreement designed media and business people in Russia. He and allies said they vio- against the disease, a report said recently. lated the law; sceptics see the arrests and other harassment as Researchers from the National University of Singa- efforts to silence or intimidate critics or potential rivals. pore and Tan Tock Seng Hospital carried out the study The Russian war against Chechnya has the drawn interna- on how the immune system responds to the Severe tional ire. Putin said that, like the United States, he was fighting Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus, The terrorism, including last year's school standoff that ended in the Straits Times said. deaths of hundreds of children. They found the virus has the ability to deftly evade Bush has been among those who criticised Russia for interfer- the first line of defence in the body's immune system, ing with elections in former Soviet satellites. For his part, Putin allowing the viral attack to proceed unimpeded. accused the United States and other westerners of meddling in In a normal viral infection, the immune system is sup- last year's disputed vote in The Ukraine. posed to initially trigger the so-called innate defence There are reports that Russian lawyers are studying ways to response, which is compared to the role of a police or change the law and allow Putin to seek a third term; that ques- military border patrol. tion probably won't be answered until the current term ends in If the attacking force is small, the "border patrol" can 2008. repel it by itself. But if the attack is bigger, the patrol Some analysts, including members of the Bush administra- will send an alarm to allow the immune system to tion, note Russia cannot become a successful democracy over- mount a coordinated counter-strike. night, after centuries of despotism. "In SARS, there was something that prevented the Many Russians blame democracy for glaring wealth gaps, a border patrol from sending out the alarm," said Alirio new class of super rich and rising rates of poverty. Melendez, a medical faculty member of the NUS phys- Putin is probably America's best bet for a decent transition, iology department. these analysts said. "That's what prevents the body from fighting it and Asked about his soul-gazing comments of 2001, Bush said you makes it so deadly," the newspaper quoted him as say- can disagree with friends like "Vladimir," and later added, ing. "when he tells you something he means it". The finding is important because it can help experts Putin said, "any kind of turn towards totalitarianism for Rus- design treatments and vaccines against the virus. sia would be impossible" because the people have accepted "We now realise that while SARS can have flu-like democracy - "this is our final choice, and we have no way symptoms, the responses triggered by the body are back". totally different," Melendez said. Critics have noted that regional governors in Russia will now "It gives us a better idea of how to treat SARS by be appointed, not elected. Putin said regional parliaments must activating the immune system." ratify those leaders, comparing it to the Electoral College in SARS left more than 800 people dead out of more American elections. than 8,000 infections worldwide in 2003. Most of the ÏÌÉËÏÕÌÅ ÅËËÇÍÉÊÁ "It is not considered undemocratic, is it?" he asked. fatalities were in East Asia, including 33 in Singapore. AFP 114574 KRT MARCH 2005 8/26 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Windows to Orthodoxy JESUS CHRIST – THE CENTRE OF OUR FAITH: The Scriptural Image of Christ Jesus Christ - The Word Incarnate the notion of the true incarnation is not found in the New Tes- It is in the Gospel according to St John that Jesus Christ tament does not stand since St John’s Gospel strongly empha- is encountered with the title ‘Logos’ or ‘Word’. Specifically it sized the ‘flesh’ of the Word of God. In fact the importance of is seen in two places: in John 1:1 and 1:14. In the opening lines the incarnational nature of Christ is further emphasised in the of the Gospel we see highlighted the pre-existence of the Word: first letter of John to such a degree that those who reject this “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word foundational truth are referred to as ‘antichrist’: was with God, and the Word was God” (Jn 1:1). “By this you know the Spirit of God: every Applied to Jesus, the title ‘Word’ in this case affirmed Christ to spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has be pre-existent, beyond the confines of time and space, divine, come in the flesh is from God, and every and as we shall see later in the Gospel the agent of creation and spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from the mediator between the Father and the world. In fact as the God. And this is the spirit of the antichrist, Word of God, Jesus Christ was depicted not only in an inter- of which you have heard that it is coming; cessory role but as the very revelation of God, His Father. and now it is already in the world” (1Jn 4:2- Jesus, as the Word of God is therefore both the revealer and the 3). revelation of God. As God’s revealer, Jesus made known, by The emphasis is clearly upon the historical reality of the exis- His actions, speeches, dialogues and indeed His entire life those tence of Jesus Christ, the Logos incarnate in the flesh since things that God wanted for the world. That is to say, the incar- Jesus Christ is the incarnation of the pre-existent Word. Having nated Word revealed or exegeted1 the Father thereby making looked at the biblical notion of ‘Word’ as it applied to Jesus visible and comprehensible the invisible and ineffable God. At Christ, we now turn our attention to its use in certain extra-bib- the same time, as God’s revelation, encountering Jesus meant lical literature as this will give us insights into the various other beholding God, His heavenly Father. As Word, Christ was not meanings of Christ as the Word of God. only the revealer of the Father’s revelation but the very embod- iment of that revelation as well. And so in St John’s Gospel, the In the ancient world, the notion of ‘word’ was heavily phrase ‘Word’ became a title for Jesus since His very person reflected upon by many philosophers as it conveyed important and work came to be identified completely with His proclama- and meaningful insights from which they were able to explain tion - that is, the person of Jesus became synonymously identi- the meaning and existence of the world. In its attempt today to fied with the Gospel itself. This idea of Christ as revelation of, ed to identify the Word completely with God without any dis- determine the source of the various nuances of this profoundly and revealing the Father was taken up by other New Testament tinction, he could have written o theos en o logos - God was the rich expression of the term ‘word’, much literature and debate 2 writings which describe Jesus as the ‘image’ , ‘effulgence’3 and Word. From this verse taken as a whole, one can clearly see have arisen within biblical scholarship. There is however ‘wisdom’4 of God. After examining the use of the expression what led the Church in subsequent years to conclude that the agreement that the phrase the ‘word’ originated either from ‘Word’ in the New Testament, a brief outline of the various Word was in unity with, yet distinct from, the Father and the within Hellenistic philosophy, Gnosticism8 or Jewish literature. meanings of the term will be looked at from certain extra-bib- Holy Spirit. Whilst the contention of many scholars who argue that the term lical sources to see how these shed light on Jesus Christ as the came to predominate in St John’s Gospel as a reaction to the Word of God. Now, for St John the Evangleist not only was the Gnostic frequent use of God as wisdom, is not entirely incor- Word recognized to be divine with exactly the same divinity as rect, it is more plausible, though to conclude that Christ came A careful exegesis of this opening verse of St John’s God His Father, but in total contrast to this, fully human as to be referred to in this way since He was believed to be the all Gospel (cited above) provides us with an insightful acquain- well: pervading ‘reason’ (logos) or ‘cause’ which created and sus- tance with the concept of ‘word’ in its relation to Jesus Christ. “And the Word became flesh and lived among tained the universe. Besides, this was the interpretation that Divided into three simple clauses, each however contains the us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a many fathers, such as Justin Martyr and Maximus the Confes- same imperfect form of the verb ‘to be’, yet used slightly dif- father’s only son, full of grace and truth” (Jn sor gave to the title ‘Word’ in reference to Jesus. Furthermore ferently in each case. The first part of the first verse explains 1:14). this was how Greek philosophy understood the title as this too that the Word existed from the very beginning with God the In stating that the divine Word became flesh, John wonderful- is evidenced in the ancient Greek philosophers, such as Plato, Father. In this way, it reveals that there was never a time when ly combined, in the meaning of ‘Word’, two diametrically Heraclitus, the Stoics and Philo. God was without His Word. Later, the Fathers of the Church opposed notions - those of divinity and humanity. The surpris- would speak of the co-eternity of the Father and the Son in ing unity between these two antithetical elements was now Coupled with this notion, the concept of ‘word’ implied their confrontation with Arius5 by stating that even though the incorporated into Jesus Christ the Word. In Christ the Word, much more than simply an expression of thought, but included Son (and for that matter the Holy Spirit) were from the Father, divinity became inseparably bound to humanity to such an its result, that is the analogous action or deed. Therefore beyond this did not mean that they came after Him.6 Just like the sun is extent that from now on Christ could most authentically be speech and thought the notion of ‘word’ implied the reason of not prior to its light, said St Gregory the Theologian, so too was described only in a theanthropic manner (i.e. both as fully God existence, that power which gathered together the various scat- the Father not prior to His Son.7 Ultimately the Patristic tradi- and fully human). Even though the Word dwelt with the Father tered elements of the world and put harmony into them. For tion would claim that the Word of God was begotten from the from all eternity, as the Prologue observed, in having now example Heraclitus wrote that the Logos was “the omnipresent Father in a non-temporal manner (achronos) which goes assumed the flesh of humanity, Christ was now depicted as a wisdom by which all things are steered”9 thereby attributing the beyond any logical explanations. It must be remembered that real human being. Hence those scholars who argue today that even though the Fathers spoke of the co-eternity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, they did not say that all three persons were co-unoriginate - since only the Father was the only cause and source of the Godhead. Turning now to the second clause of the opening Questions & Answers verse of St John’s Gospel, although the same verb ‘was’is used, its meaning does not describe existence, as in the first clause, but a relationship - “the Word was with God” in the sense that How does the Spirit work inside you? continued indefinitely, but the point is made. God works in us, the Word was in the presence of God or in communion with and we should respond in praise and prayer and worship, God. One can appreciate here the unity of the Word with God Q “telling with our own tongues, the wonderful words of God” yet also the Word’s distinctiveness from God. For this reason There is no answer which can capture and express (Act 2:11). the Eastern Orthodox tradition would claim that the Father and fully the workings of God’s Holy Spirit in our lives. ****** the Word are one in essence, they are united in their energies A We should first note that God’s Spirit normally does- and action towards the world, but each is a distinct, unique From the Orthodox Church: 455 Questions and Answers, n’t come where it isn’t wanted. We need to desire it, by Stanley S. Harakas, published by Light and Life. mode of existence - i.e. a unique person. Therefore the second want it and make space for God’s Spirit in our lives. St Grego- If you have any questions about the Orthodox faith clause affirms the indivisible distinction and unconfused ry of Nyssa said, “... the grace of God cannot descend upon our which you would like answered in the VEMA, send unity between the Father and the Word of God. souls which flee for their salvation,” (Read also, Roman 6:12- them to 23). When we make space in us which is hospitable to God’s Finally the third clause of the first verse of St John’s Spirit, many things happen. Here are some: “God speaks in us first chapter uses the imperfect from of the verb ‘to be’ in a (Mathew 10:20); God works in us quietly (Luke 17:20-21); the Vema -Q.&A., predication which reveals the essential characteristic of the Spirit of God brings spiritual gifts of many kinds: (Galatians P.O.Box M59 Marrickville South, word - i.e. “the word was God” (êáé Èåüò Þí ï Ëüãïò) - that 5:22-24); the Holy Spirit vivifies and intensifies our lives; giv- is, the divine quality of the Word. The word order in this case ing us “true life” (Luke 12:63); it makes us hungry for the spir- NSW 2204 if significant since it implies that the Word in His nature was itual things (Romans 8:5); it gives us inner peace (Romans or e-mail them to: truly God. If for example, the Gospel writer wanted to imply 8:6); it gives us true inner freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17); it that the Word was a lesser god he would have written o logos helps us grow spiritually (2 Corinthians 3:18). The list could be [email protected] en theos - the Word was a god. If, on the other hand, he want- MARCH 2005 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 9/27 Windows to Orthodoxy

(Cont.) Word with divine qualities. On the other hand, for the Stoics, the ‘word’ was the common law of nature, the raison d’etre of existence, immanent in the world Rich urbanites still live longer and maintaining the unity of the universe. And for Philo, the Logos was the agent of creation, the means by which God could be known. And so for St John the Evangelist than poor remote residents it is Jesus as the Word of God by whom, through whom for whom all things were made, the one in whom all Australians are living longer regardless training of doctors," Dr Sewell said. journalists. things hold together. of residential or financial status, but the Health Minister Tony Abbott said he "The government has taken some very life expectancy gap between the most would give the RACP's plan due consider- significant measures over the last nine So rich was the meaning of ‘word’ in the advantaged and disadvantaged re- ation. years to reduce health inequalities and the ancient world, that the Gospel of St John was able at mains large. "Certainly we've got to make sure that gap between the highest and lowest socio- once to convey with this title not only the divinity of A new Australian Institute of Health and people are not unfairly disadvantaged in economic groups on health outcomes is Jesus, but also His powerful action as the life-force Welfare report into the impact of health their access to health services," he told coming down." AAP behind the entire universe. This dynamic character of the inequalities on life expectancy meaning of ‘Word’, as God’s expression and accom- found the gap between the health plishing act is found everywhere in the Scriptures. And haves and have-nots was narrowing, States and commonwealth urged to abolish adoption fees so in the Old Testament it is through the mighty utterance but still remained high. State and federal governments should abolish hefty fees Australian parents have to pay of God’s word that the entire world is created from non Death rates are significantly higher when adopting children from overseas, a government backbencher said recently. being: for residents in Australia's remote Michael Ferguson (LP, Tas) said Australian families wanting to adopt children from over- “By the word of the LORD the heavens areas than for urban dwellers, report seas have to fork out between $2,052 (Tasmania) to $9,700 (NSW), depending on which were made, and all their host by the breath co-author Dr Gavin Turrell said. state or territory they live in. of his mouth” (Ps 33:6). In 1998-2000, life expectancy at They also have to pay $1,245 to the federal Immigration Department for a child migration In the Psalms of the Old Testament, the Word is even birth for boys born in urban areas visa. personified: was 77.3 years, compared with 73.1 Mr Ferguson, a devout Christian and father of three, said he feared the large costs were “he sent out his word and healed years for those born in remote areas. behind Australia's relatively low number of overseas adoptions, which were just 370 in the them, and delivered them from Girls living in highly accessible 2003/04 financial year. destruction (Ps 107:20)… [He] sends locations had a life expectancy of out his command to the earth; his 82.7 years, three years longer than word runs swiftly…He sends out his those in rural or regional areas. word, and melts them; he makes his Poverty also had an impact on life wind blow, and the waters flow (Ps expectancy - with an expectancy of 147:15;18). 75.3 years. The Patristic tradition interpreted these passages as sus- Boys born in the most socioeco- taining actions by the Son of God, the Father’s Word, nomically disadvantaged areas betraying also God’s continued care and providence for could expect to die four years earli- the world which He created out of love. Unlike the er than their more advantaged ancient use of the term, St John’s gospel never described peers. the Word as a faceless emanation overflowing out from For girls, the gap was two years. God’s divinity, but identified the Word with the person of Indigenous Australians experi- Jesus. It is this personification of the Word that the author enced the greatest inequality, Dr of the Gospel of John takes up, to begin his Gospel in Turrell said. order to affirm that it was through His Word, that God, "It is now well established that the Father brought about His entire divine purpose in his- indigenous persons have consider- tory. And so, in reference to Jesus, as the Word of God, ably poorer health than the non- this implied Christ’s identification with God whose indigenous population," he said. expression, deed and unifying cause He was. And as the "Indigenous Australians have a unique expression of God Himself, divine sonship was substantially lower life expectancy now possible for all believers. Communion with God the - approximately 20 years lower Father was only possible because Jesus Christ was ulti- than the non-indigenous in 1998- mately depicted as the Word of ‘God’, divine with the 2000 - they are more likely to expe- exactly the same divinity as His Father. In the next issue rience adverse birth outcomes..., of VEMA we will examine those landmark statements they have greater morbidity and which explicitly refer to Jesus Christ as God. disability and they have higher rates of hospitalisation." Philip Kariatlis The inequalities in death rates and Academic Secretary and Associate Lecturer healthcare should be addressed by St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological Collegee the prime minister's department, the Royal Australasian College of 1 Cf Jn 1:18 “No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, Physicians (RACP) said. who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known Federal and state governments (exegesato)”. also should make immediate strate- 2 Cf Col 1:5 ‘’He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn gic and financial commitments to of all creation” and ‘In their case the god of this world has blind- improving the quantity and quality ed the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God’ (2Cor of healthcare in disadvantaged 4:4); communities, RACP president Dr 3 Cf Heb 1:3 “He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact Jill Sewell said. imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his pow- Launching a call to action on erful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high”. health inequity in Australia, Dr 4 Cf Wis 7:26 “ For she is a reflection of eternal light, a spotless Sewell said health inequality cost mirror of the working of God, and an image of his goodness”. taxpayers more than $4 billion per 5 Arius was a pious priest from Alexandria who lived in the fourth year. century but who did not believe in the divinity of the Son of God "A practical step that can be under- believing instead that He was a creature (albeit the most exalted of all God’s creatures) begotten in time. For this reason he was con- taken... is (for those departments) to demned at the first Ecumenical Council in 325AD. Since the commission equity-focused health Scriptural Christ was depicted as co-eternal with the Father (and impact assessments for all signifi- the Spirit), then there “was never a time when the Son of God was cant developments that could affect not.” 6 Cf St Gregory the Theologian, Third Theological Oration, 29.3. health inequities," she added. 7 ibid. The RACP also called on all health 8 Gnosticism basically was a sect of the early Church which care organisations to develop believed that though Jesus was a divine figure, He nevertheless explicit plans of action to reduce was one of the many aeons and therefore not divine like the health inequities. absolute God. Their general view was that God could not assume a materially human nature since matter was considered evil and "For our own part, the RACP will therefore was not divine like God the Father who was utterly tran- ensure that equity principles and an scendent and far removed from the material world. awareness of health inequities are 9 James Adam, The Religious Teachers of Ancient Greece (Edin- included in basic and advanced burgh: T&T Clark, 1909), 216-34. MARCH 2005 10/28 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

25th Anniversary of Greek Welfare Centre Celebrated in Adelaide

On February 20th 2005, the 25th anniversary of tium, and which more than anything were creat- military societies such as those of Greece and of the final judgement where the challenge is the founding of the Greek Welfare Centre South ed to service the poor. Social Welfare includes Rome, the lot of a child whose father had died posed to feed the hungry, tend the lonely, the Australia was celebrated alongside the memory the guardianship and education of orphaned was extremely desperate. Since typically only a imprisoned and the sick and to do these even to of St. Philothei of Athens, the Patron Saint of the children, surely the most helpless members of male figure could defend the child against vio- the least of His brethren because it is the same as Greek Welfare Centre-SA. The event took place any society. But Social Welfare cannot be dis- lence, Roman law evolved to defend the right of doing it to Christ Himself. This was the measure at Prophet Elias Church hall, Norwood, Ade- cussed without also treating Social Justice. Thus male relatives to assume guardianship, even if adopted by the early Church for its philanthropic laide, with some 60 guests, both clergy and laity, we must see how land was bought and sold in the the child’s mother was still alive. In ancient work. Responsibility for tending the poor, the including His Grace Bishop Nikandros of Dory- Empire since often the difference between sur- Athens one of the nine Archons of the city was orphans and the sick quickly devolved to the laeon, the South Australian Attorney-General, vival and poverty was the ability to inherit or buy responsible among other things for supervising local bishop, even in the days of the persecu- the Hon. Mr Michael Atkinson, the State member a patch of land for farming. But ultimately we orphans, assigning them guardians (epitropoi) tions. Documents such as the third century Apos- for Norwood, the Hon. Ms Vini Cicarello, Mr must understand the impact of Christian theolo- and even ensuring that they were properly sup- tolic Constitutions attest to this. Rules from Basil Taliangis the Chairman of St. Basil’s gy in the development of an understanding of the ported until they had come of age to claim any Rome around 215 AD even oblige the bishop to Homes, the Chairman of Multiculture SA, Mr value of even the most helpless individual, the inheritance. In Rome, the Emperor Marcus Aure- seek out the sick in their homes. When plague hit John Kiosoglous QC, the chairman of the Board person whom welfare is intended to serve. My lius created a special magistrate, the praetor tute- Alexandria around 260 AD, the local Christian of Management of the Greek Welfare Centre-SA, scope is therefore wide and for my limited time larius, whose sole responsibility was supervising population went to great efforts to assist even Dr. Michael Ikonomos and present and past my brush strokes must be broad. the guardianship of orphans. when pagans were casting the sick out of their members of the board, as well as numerous other Apart from natural disasters such as famine or homes. Clearly, the persecutions generally made representatives of government departments and 2. Philanthropy and Poverty in the Greco- earthquake and of course war, the single greatest it difficult to provide welfare outside of private other philanthropic organisations in South Aus- Roman world cause of poverty was the inability of younger homes and through the collection of tithes. This tralia. After addresses by His Grace, Bishop Philanthropy is of course an ancient Greek children of families to inherit land and being thus all changed with Constantine the Great. Nikandros, Mr. Atkinson, and Dr. Michael word, coming from the words Philos - friend or forced to seek their fortune in the ever growing Ikonomos, there was a lecture on the history of lover - and Anthropos - man or human. In the cities of the Roman Empire. Thus the urban poor 4. Social welfare in the early Eastern Ro-man social welfare in the Byzantine Empire and its first instance, in Orthodox Christianity as in came to be numerous and extreme in their desti- empire relationship to the philanthropic organisations of According to biographers of Constantine the the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. Great, such as Eusebius, this first Christian The lecture was delivered by Dr. Alexander Emperor from the outset gave money to the Kalloniatis, Research Fellow in Theoretical More than 60 guests, both Clergy and Laity, celebrated the 25th anniversary Churches specifically for the establishment of Physics of the University of Adelaide and is of the Greek Welfare Centre (South Australia) charities for the poor, for orphans and for desti- reproduced in its entirety below. tute women. Though many are critical of the degree that Constantine brought the Church into Social Welfare in Byzantium Imperial affairs, the reality was that he invited Alexander Kalloniatis the local Churches to share responsibilities in precisely that area of Roman government which 1. Introduction had long since become irrelevant and powerless: On the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the the local city councils or curiae. But now, where- Greek Welfare Centre in South Australia, we as in ancient times pagan local councillors donat- honour those who have sacrificed over these ed baths, libraries, statues and theatres, the local years to enable the Centre to serve the disadvan- city Christian bishops established, beside taged in the Adelaide community. All have acted churches, hostels for poor travellers (xenones or first and foremost out of compassion for the xenodocheia), homes for children both orphaned elderly, the sick, and the poor. But in sustaining (orphanotropheia) and abandoned (brepho- the Greek Welfare Centre as an organ of the trophia), old-age homes (gerokomeia), and final- Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, all are ly hospitals which first were called nosokomeia part of a vast tradition of philanthropy that goes but eventually came to be known as xenones. back more than 1000 years to a city that lingers Constantine’s success as a philanthropic Emper- like a dream in the memories of Greek speaking or can be measured by the fact that when the peoples: Byzantium. That history of social wel- Plato, it refers to the love of God for man and tution, often sleeping on the streets or porticoes Emperor Julian the Apostate tried halting the fare and our links to it today, Greek and non- thus in turn the love this must inspire in man for of cities such as Antioch and Alexandria. In the Christianisation of the Roman Empire and a Greek alike, is the story I wish to tell. his or her fellow human being. early days of the Roman Empire, local city coun- restoration of paganism, he tried to imitate the “Byzantium” was the ancient Greek city strad- Thus in ancient Greece hospitality to the cils (curiae) had genuine political power and Christian philanthropic institutions. Writing to a dling the Bosporus Sea between Europe and Asia stranger was a virtue - witness the concern could draw upon the talents and financial pagan priest, he cursed “it is disgraceful that … which the first Christian Roman Emperor, Con- Odysseus had for what sort of people he would resources of their richest citizens as city council- the impious Galileans [as he called Christians] stantine the Great, elevated in 330 AD to be the encounter on arriving without knowing at his lors. The city (polis) was the most fundamental support not only their own poor but ours as new capital of the Empire alongside Rome. This home island of Ithaca. Such hospitality was for- extended social structure of classical Greece and well”. city was renamed New Rome, but soon became malised in the existence of guest houses or Rome. The prestige of its local council and the Let me briefly comment on changes made by “the City of Constantine”, Constantinou-polis, xenones for strangers and poor travellers run by wealth offered by its councillors enabled the city the Christian Emperors to assist orphaned chil- Constantinople, and eventually just “The City”, brotherhoods and under the patronage of gods to provide for the disadvantaged. In the third and dren in the Roman Empire. Constantine himself “h Polis”. Travellers would say they journeyed such as Apollo. fourth centuries as the Imperial government implemented laws restricting transactions on all “to the City”, “eis tin Poli” and all would know Hippocrates’s rule included that a physician increased in power and prestige and the role of the assets of the guardian of an orphaned child of which city they spoke. This city’s modern should offer service to the poor for free. In the city as source of political power and inde- until an audit could take place in the orphans name Istanbul continues to remind us of the ancient Greece, medicine was both a scientific as pendence diminished, the wealthiest or most 25th year to ensure appropriate management of uniqueness of Byzantium, the Queen of Cities. well as a religious practice. The religious com- ambitious individuals sought their futures at the the orphan’s inheritance. Constantine also imple- Above all Constantine’s intention was to make it ponent focussed on the worship of the demi-god Imperial level to the detriment of local city coun- mented penalties of banishment if a female in every respect a truly Christian city. The distil- Asklepios who like Prometheus gaining the cils. Thus cities became incapable of financially orphan loses her virginity while under a lation of all that was good in Greco-Roman cul- secret of fire, received knowledge of medicine supporting the poor and unskilled of their bur- guardian’s care. These measures in favour of ture and the fusion of this with Christianity took from the gods. Large Temples in cities like geoning populations. These demographic orphans led to a drastic drop in the numbers pre- place through the prism of Byzantium. After the Gortyn in Crete, or Epidavros in the Pelopon- changes were happening as Christianity came pared to become guardians. It was in this envi- loss of the Western Roman Empire in the fifth nese, or Pergamon in present-day Turkey were upon the historical scene. ronment that inspired legendary Church figures century, Constantinople remained the capital of dedicated to Asklepios. The priests who served such as St. Zoticus to establish an orphanage the surviving Eastern Roman Empire until its in them were also the medical practitioners, often 3. Philanthropy in the Early Christian which developed into the most prestigious phil- conquest by the Ottoman Turks in 1453. The passing knowledge from father to son. People Church anthropic institution of the Empire, surviving children of these Eastern Romans, or Romioi, are would go to these Asklepia precisely for healing. Whereas the theological principle of Philan- 900 years. Theodosius I in 390 finally removed our ancestors and only began to call themselves The sacred treasuries of these temples were thropy for Greek philosophers such as Plato was the legal barrier against women assuming Greeks in the years just before the Greek Revo- available for use in service to the poor who could abstract, with Christianity the God who loves guardianship even of their very own children. lution of 1821. Their story is therefore our story. be treated in the adjoining clinics of these tem- man and thus inspires man to love his fellow Apart from being a major legal innovation, influ- Today we would take “Social Welfare” to refer ples by the priests for free. Whether or not peo- men becomes absolutely concrete and personal, encing our inheritance and divorce laws down to to measures taken by the State to assist the unem- ple could actually reside at these centres to focussing on the historical Person of Jesus this day, these changes enabled countless num- ployed, the aged, and the destitute in society. undergo healing and thus whether these Asklepia Christ. I suspect a review of the importance of bers of orphaned children (of soldiers, for exam- However Social Welfare in the Roman Empire were truly hospitals in the modern sense is not love for the poor and disadvantaged in the teach- ple) to grow up in their natural families and not must include institutions such as hospitals, clear, but their availability to the poor is certain. ings of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is not be recipients of state social welfare. which I will argue were an invention of Byzan- How were orphaned children looked after? In necessary here. It suffices to dwell on the parable MARCH 2005 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 11/29

Cont. from previous page served both the poor and the rich alike, with rules to ensure that both received the same quality of 5. The Basileada of St. Basil the Great service. Next to the hospital was an institution for The most famous philanthropic institute of this the elderly, gerocomeio, for twenty-four people early period of the “Byzantine Empire” is of serviced by six nurses, bathed twice a month, course what we today call the Basileada of St. with access to the hospital in case of sickness. Basil the Great of the Capadoccian city of Cae- We have mentioned already the orphanage, the sarea in present day Turkey. St. Basil’s lifelong Zoticon, founded by St. Zoticus in the 4th centu- friend St. Gregory of Nazianzus called this insti- ry. Some scholars believe it eventually was iden- tution a “city of philanthropy” suggesting that it tified as the Orphanage of St. Paul due to the comprised a large number of buildings each of church within its walls. It seems that it is a which served different groups of disadvantaged: restoration of this orphanage and neighbouring the sick, the orphaned, and the elderly. St. Basil institutions that is spoken of so movingly by himself called his institution a ptochotropheion, a Anna Comnena in the Alexiad, her account of the place for the poor, above all the poor in spirit rule of her father Emperor Alexios Comnenos whom Christ designated the heirs to the King- (1081-1118), where dom of God. Of course this “city of Philan- thropy” of St. Basil is precisely the inspiration Here, inside the capital city, he [Alex- behind our own Archdiocese’ Basileada and the ios] built a second city … All round it Greek Welfare Centre whose anniversary we cel- in a circle were numerous buildings, ebrate today. houses for the poor and … dwellings Nevertheless it is enlightening to dwell on the for mutilated persons. … The most developments leading to St. Basil’s institution. extraordinary thing was that these poor As mentioned, with Constantine and its newly people had as their guardians and won freedom in the Roman Empire, the Christ- administrators the Emperor himself … ian church rapidly set up networks of philan- For wherever there was an estate thropic institutions. However soon after this [property] lying in a good situation … time, the first major theological controversy of he allotted it to these brethren, thus the Church was to impact: the heresy of Arius, ensuring them wine in abundance and who preached that Jesus Christ Himself was not bread and all the other products men of the same substance as God, but was in fact the eat with their bread. … I myself saw an first creation of the Father. This Arianism led to old woman being assisted by a young the Council of Nicea in 325, the first Ecumenical girl, a blind person being led by the Council of the Church, which in turn condemned hand of another man who had sight, a Arius and his theology and formulated that the man without feet making use of others’ Son of God was of the same substance, homo- feet, babies being nursed by foster ousion, of God the Father. Nevertheless after the mothers and the paralysed waited on death of Constantine, under the rule of his sons, by strong, healthy men. [Book 15] Arianism gained major influence at the Imperial court. Even Arianism was not a simple affair but Several of the orphanage directors became Patri- split into the homo-i-ousians, those who believed archs of Constantinople. It was even the meeting Christ was of similar substance as the Father, and Dr Alexander Kalloniatis delivering the lecture on the history of social welfare place of a conspiracy in the 9th century to over- the an-omians who simply preferred to say He in the Byzantine Empire throw the government. Directors could wield was of unlike substance. At various times each of such power that they were regarded as threaten- these groups gained influence at court. And each The resultant Christian Roman political theory ideal, glaring like an aggressive conscience over ing enough to warrant exile by Emperors. On the of these groups inherited the pre-Nicene Church saw the unity of the state as a reflection of the the brutal realities of keeping and exercising positive side, we have records that in the 900s the practice of providing for philanthropic works. To unity of the Church. In turn both mirrored the political power, drove extraordinary practical various directors of Constantinople’s philan- some extent, the innovations in these institutions unity of God. The Roman Emperor was thus the works of philanthropy by Emperors and other thropic institutions were part of Palm Sunday introduced by the Arians, such as providing for principle of this unity of the Roman state. In this senior political figures. Romanus I Lecapenus, processions through the Hippodrome before the visitations of doctors at hostels for the poor, were sense, the Emperor must exhibit the qualities of who usurped power from the legal, but still Emperor bearing standards or labara. Every a powerful propaganda tool amongst the urban God. But the key quality of the Christian God young, successor Constantine VII Porphyrogeni- Holy Thursday the Emperor would spend the masses of the Roman Empire. For example it which an Emperor must embody was nothing tus, eventually was so overcome by the guilt of day visiting every aged-care facility in Constan- was in this to-ing and fro-ing between rival Arian other than Philanthropy. This is repeated over the illegitimacy of his seizure of the throne that tinople, giving gifts to the elderly. All of these groups that the practice of medicine by trained and over, from Eusebius’ enthusiastic biography he embarked on a frenetic path of philanthropic institutions were located in prominent places in doctors was introduced into established hostels of Constantine the Great, through to Justinian the work, legislation to thwart the growing power of Constantinople, near the Cathedral Aghia Sophia for the poor. St. Basil the Great grew up in the Great of the sixth century. Justinian, who codi- the landed aristocracy in defence of the small or at the most prominently endowed monasteries midst of these upheavals. Always committed to fied and updated centuries of Roman law from its peasant farmer, and even finally paying for all of of the city. Thus social welfare institutions and Nicene Orthodoxy, and having spent time study- republican times through the early Empire up to the debts of his people directly from the Imperi- the people that led them were not at the margins ing medicine at the University of Athens and in its Christian status in his time, proclaimed as his al treasury. [Finally, tortured by illness and con- of society, but could bring enormous political living as a monk in communities both in the goal the extension of the philanthropy of the science he returned the throne to now mature pressure to bear on the system and enjoyed wilderness (in the Pontus) and on the outskirts of Roman state to all its citizens (Novel 89, 147), Constantine VII, dis-empowered his entire fami- tremendous patronage and attention by the East- cities, St. Basil became convinced the task of the and that the highest virtues of the state were Jus- ly which he had cultivated in expectation of ern Roman Emperors. true Christian monk was to serve in philanthrop- tice and Philanthropy: establishing his own dynasty, retired to a ic works for the poor close to where this need monastery, and then standing before his monas- 7. Imperial Edicts for Social Justice existed: the cities. This in fact was the form of ÌÝãéóôá ôùí åí áíèñþðåéò åóôßí áãáèÜ tic community on Holy Thursday of 946 read out Certainly there was a strong component of monasticism practised by some Arians. St. Basil äéêáéïóýíç ôå êáé öéëáíèñùðßá (Novel 163) each one of his sins to the chants of Kyrie Elei- Imperial paternalism in Byzantine political theo- founded then monasteries near cities, and son from his brother monks. Such was the power ry: the Emperor was a great father who treated attached charitable institutions to these centres of Later Emperors such as Heraclios (610-41), Leo of the ideal of the philanthropic Roman Emperor his subjects like children. Philanthropy was part prayer and ascesis. As well as defending Ortho- III the Isaurian, Basil I of the Macedonian upon the conscience of one occupant of the of this. Some argue though that the Emperors did doxy intellectually and in countless letters to all dynasty (867-86) repeated such proclamations. throne.] nothing to combat the root causes of poverty and manner of people in the Roman Empire, he won Leo IV (775-80) wrote that One of the most prominent philanthropic insti- social injustice in the Empire. As said, the great- the battle for Orthodox Christianity by precisely tutions of the late Eastern Roman Empire, in est institutionalised cause of poverty was simply out-doing the Arians in the field of philanthropy, Once the King [Basileus] loses his virtue of every way the successor of St. Basil’s Basileada, the lack of opportunities for the poor to purchase especially with his institution on the outskirts of philanthropia he adulterates his royal char- was the Xenon of the Pantocrator monastery in farm-land. With time this grew worse. This was Caesarea. Descriptions of his institution show acter [kivdilevi ton basilikon charactira]. Constantinople, established by the Emperor John partly due to conquest of territory by enemies that it served both men and women, with physi- (Epanogoge) II Comnenos in 1136. The structure still survives such as the Arabs, but also because eventually an cal diseases or crippling disabilities, including today in present day Istanbul as the Zeyrek Kile- army was maintained by donating land to sol- lepers whom St. Basil washed with his own Of course in so many respects, the behaviour of si Cami. It covered some 250 square meters, the diers, at the expense of peasant farmers. This in hands. It provided lodging for these sick and for nearly all the Emperors through the 1,123 year size of an American city block, and housed fifty turn led to the concentration of land in the hands poor travellers. Most significantly, drawing on history of the Eastern Roman Empire strayed far beds, one per person unlike institutions in the of a few wealthy families. A landed aristocracy his respect for and education in scientific medi- from this ideal with acts such as Justinian’s west for the sick where hospital beds were became more and more powerful, to the detri- cine from pagan Athens, St. Basil provided for slaughter of thousands after the infamous Nika shared. Each bed had a mattress, pillows, sheets, ment of Eastern Roman civil society. The coun- medical specialists and nurses there where the riots in Constantinople, or the mutilations and two blankets of goat’s hair for the winter, with try-side became depopulated, cities crowded sick were lodged; the Basileada arguably includ- blindings of political rivals at the orders of bedding replaced once a year. There were two with unskilled unemployed. If anything should ed the first true hospital in western history. numerous Emperors. What is significant is that physicians (iatroi), three medical assistants warn us today of the dangers of the invested this benevolent ideal went from being the excep- (hypourgoi perissoi) and servants as well as four wealth of a nation being concentrated in proper- 6. The Philanthropic Emperor tion amongst pagan Roman Emperors (for exam- physicians to service an outpatient’s clinic with ty it is the fate that befell the Byzantine Empire The example of Constantine the Great set the ple, Marcus Aurelius) to the norm of the ideal their own staff of assistants and servants. Clothes mould for the ideal Christian Roman Emperor. Christian Emperor. Quite often this Imperial were provided for the poor. The institution Cont. page 16/34 MARCH 2005 12/30 TO BHMA Greek Australian VEMA

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA ST ANDREW’S GREEK ORTHODOX THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE

ENQUIRIES AND APPLICATIONS WELCOME MASTER OF ARTS IN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES qualification in pastoral care, although the sequence of This is a graduate level program intended for both men and assigned units will be distinct for each category of student. St Andrew’s was established in 1986 by the Greek Orthodox women who wish to prepare themselves for church service Applicants who possess a previous three-year degree or its Archdiocese of Australia in order to provide tertiary level outside the ordained ministry in such fields as religious edu- equivalent are eligible for admission. There are several entry education and training of Christian Orthodox clergy, theolo- cation, or who would benefit professionally from a formal and exit points for students, and each is appropriate to the gians, lay teachers and ministers in order to meet the cate- qualification in theological studies. It is also appropriate for needs, interests, prior study and academic abilities of the stu- chetical and pastoral needs of the Orthodox Church in those seeking personal enrichment. Men or women who hold dent. The program of studies is also open to those who have Australia. It is also intended to be a centre of ecumenical a three-year tertiary qualification in a non-theological disci- completed an undergraduate degree in theology but with a scholarship and learning. pline can formally enrol into this program. weak or minimal pastoral component.

St Andrew’s is fully accredited through the Sydney College of The MATS program requires the completion of 12 units. BASIC CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION (CPE) Divinity, a federation of Christian theological education However, students may exit with a Graduate Diploma of Arts IN AGED CARE providers. All the awards and degrees of the Sydney College in Theological Studies (8 units) or a Graduate Certificate in This unique 30-week/400-hour course offers male and female of Divinity are approved by the NSW Department of Theological Studies (4 units). trainees the opportunity to learn from their own pastoral inter- Education and Training. actions with residents in an aged care setting (St Basil’s Units within the MATS are available to external non-award Homes, Lakemba NSW), using the action-reflection method St Andrew’s offers the following accredited awards: students and auditors. Auditors may receive a College of supervised pastoral training under the guidance and Testamur after satisfactorily participating in four foundation- instruction of CPE accredited mentors. It is offered through BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY and HONOURS al units. the Rozelle Centre for Clinical Pastoral Education and com- The BTh degree is a primary qualification in theology and is prises shorter CPE courses situated at Canterbury Hospital the basis for further study at postgraduate level. It is a com- Units are offered by one-week intensives during summer and and the Royal Rehabilitation Centre, Ryde. prehensive three-year course combining both theological and winter school holidays as well as by regular weekly lectures practical studies. during each semester. The schedule of intensives for 2005 is MASTER OF THEOLOGY as follows: The Sacred Arts through the Liturgical Year (10- The MTh is a degree by coursework. Eligible students may At present, the BTh serves as the principle means of training 14 Jan) Looking Beyond Division: An Introduction to undertake this award after the completion of the BTh. At pre- men for ordination or active ministry within the Church and Ecumenical Studies (17-22 Jan) Exploring the Patristic Mind: sent, St Andrew’s only offers units within the specialisation as such admission to this program is limited to persons aspir- An Introduction to Patristic Studies (4-8 July) Early area of Theology. ing to this end. Such persons are also expected to complete a Christianity (11-15 July). fourth year of study in either the Master of Arts in Pastoral St Andrew’s is located at 242 Cleveland Street, Redfern NSW. Ministry program (see below) or the BTh Honours program MASTER OF ARTS IN PASTORAL MINISTRY Persons interested in obtaining more information about any as part of their overall education and training. The MAPM is a specialised program of graduate level study of the programs outlined above are invited to contact the in preparation for ordination or active ministry within the Registrar via email at [email protected] or by phone Discreet units within the BTh may be available to external Church, especially in the area of pastoral care for the aged. Its on (02) 9319 6145 during office hours. The College’s website non-award students and auditors upon consultation with the program of study is broad enough to serve both candidates for is located as www.sagotc.orthodox.nsw.edu.au. Registrar. the priesthood as well as men and women seeking a formal Tasos Kalogerakis

College Library Intensive course July 2004 MARCH 2005 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 13/31 Health

THIS WINTER BE FULLY COVERED: HEALTH ADD PNEUMOCOCCUS VACCINATION TO YOUR ‘FLU VACCINE NEWS essary to have this vaccination once every five changes slightly so that different forms of one influenza occurs in the community. This is WITH DR. THEO PENKLIS * years. of these viruses appear every year. The health usually Autumn, but vaccination can still take Talk to your doctor about the pneumococcal authorities in this country go to great lengths to place in the first few months of winter. vaccine and if you have previously been vac- try to anticipate the change so that a vaccine Immunisation is there to protect you against Most people are aware of the benefits of cinated, remember a pneumococcal booster can be developed. disease. having a vaccination each year to protect vaccination is required after five years. Influenza is generally spread by ‘droplet Now is the time to talk to your doctor about themselves against influenza. Of course, it is well known that all Aus- infection’. That means it is spread by the both the pneumococcal vaccination and the tralians over 65 years of age are offered a free coughs and sneezes of an infected person influenza vaccination. The National Health and Medical Research flu vaccination each year. It is also well known which create little droplets which hang in the Council now recommends that all people over that influenza vaccine is strongly recommend- air. These droplets are then inhaled by other The information given in this article is of a general 65 years of age should have an additional ed for all residents of nursing homes, people people. The infection starts in the nose and nature and readers should seek advice from their vaccine known as the PNEUMOCOCCAL with chronic disorders of the heart and lungs, throat of the recipient person and may spread own medical practitioner before embarking on any VACCINE. This vaccine is now provided free or with diabetes, or kidney disorders, or blood further down into the lungs which can result in treatment. to all Australians over 65 years of age. disorders and severe asthmatics. bronchitis or pneumonia. Pneumococcal vaccine protects against a Influenza is a highly contagious infection of The patient with influenza will typically * Dr. Theo Penklis is a General Practitioner. bacterium called pneumococcus. There are the nose, throat and lungs. Its effects are rapid- complain of feeling cold shivers or a high tem- He is the Director of a group practice in Rose Bay several varieties of this germ, which causes ly felt throughout the whole body. Every year perature which may come on suddenly, aching in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. serious infections, including pneumonia, ear during the winter months, most parts of the muscles (or myalgia) and joint pains, a sore He studied Science at the University of Sydney and infections and meningitis (infection of the sur- world experience an outbreak of influenza throat and a bad cough. The person feels very then Medicine at the University of New South face of the brain). Pneumococcus is believed known as ‘flu. unwell and may be tired and lethargic for sev- Wales. He did his hospital training at The Prince of Wales Hospital and The Prince of Wales Childrens’ to be one of the world’s major causes of death. Most young and fit people will recover fair- eral days. Pneumococcal vaccine protects against many Hospital (now known as The Sydney Childrens’ ly quickly from influenza, but for others, it can The single most important preventative mea- Hospital) of the forms of pneumococcus and can prevent be a serious life-threatening illness. sure one can take is to be vaccinated against much ill-health. The vaccine can be given at He is a second generation Greek Australian. His Influenza is caused by a virus. There are two the ‘flu. The vaccine is a single injection grandparents originated from the island of Kastel- the same time as the flu vaccine, provided it is main viruses which cause the disease, influen- which can be given by your family doctor. lorizo in the Dodecanese. He is married with 2 injected in the other arm. It is usually only nec- za A and influenza B. Each year, the virus The best time to be vaccinated is before young children. Mental Health GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA

exercise. The driving element of these behav- iours being a fear of gaining weight and/or By Mina Candalepas* body fat. Individuals with Anorexia Nervosa Psychologist MAPS perceive themselves as over weight, although Reg NSW PS0057198 it is clear to others that they are excessively underweight. ANNOUNCEMENT The disorder can have fatal consequences, as Understanding Eating Disorders starving the body can cause biochemical and Re: Inter-Orthodox Vespers on Sunday of Orthodoxy Over the last few decades there has been an nerve changes which could facilitate cardiac increase in pressure for people to maintain complications and/or death through heart fail- Every year, on the evening of the Sunday of Orthodoxy, the Standing their appearance more so than ever before. ure. It is therefore imperative that immediate The market is filled with pills or procedures to medical advice is sought to treat this condi- Conference of Canonical Orthodox Churches in Australia, organises an keep people from ageing or facilitating weight tion. Inter-Orthodox Vespers Service, during which all Orthodox Christians in loss. Magazines are filled with models, which Bulimia Nervosa is characterised by uncon- Sydney and District are given the opportunity to pray together and jointly do not reflect society’s norms but are excep- trolled periods of binge eating followed by declare their Orthodox Faith with a Procession of ICONS around the tions. Yet every day people are battling to con- inappropriate compensatory behaviours such Church. form to these exceptions, regardless of their as self induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives genetic predisposition. People are starting to or other medications, or fasting. As individu- This year, the Inter-Orthodox Vespers of Orthodoxy will be held on opt for plastic surgery, not as a reconstructive als sense that they lose control over their eat- Sunday, March 20, 2005, at 7.30 p.m. at the Church of St. Nicholas, 203 measure, but as a measure to enhance appear- ing during a binging episode, the individual Livingstone Rd., Marrickville. His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos will offi- ance. This leading to the general mispercep- may gain a sense of either anxiety or anger ciate, assisted by Hierarchs and Clergy of the other Orthodox jurisdictions, tion that if you look good on the outside, you about eating which leads them to compen- with the participation of all our Sydney Clergy and faithful. will feel good on the inside. Psychological satory behaviours such as self induced vomit- and spiritual health is being left behind to out- ing. ward appearance and quick fixes. It is imperative that immediate medical Towards the end of the Vespers, a Procession of the ICONS will take place, Apart of this never ending yearning for beau- advice is sought to treat this condition and it is after which an excerpt from the Synodikon of the Seventh Ecumenical ty is the quest to stay slim, the extreme out- important to be sensitive to issues relating to Council will be read in the various languages of the Orthodox communities comes leading to eating dysfunctions such as self esteem when suggesting treatment. in Sydney. Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. In It is critical that appropriate help and treat- Australia, Anorexia Nervosa affects approxi- ment for these disorders is given sooner rather All our faithful are invited to participate in this Inter-Orthodox celebration mately 0.5% of the population and Bulimia than later. As, the longer that these disorders of the Sunday of Orthodoxy. Nervosa affects approximately 2.5%, mainly persist and remain untreated, the more diffi- impacting females, however 1 in 10 individu- cult they are to overcome, psychologically als with an eating disorder are male. and physically. In some circumstances and 114540 From the Secretariat of S.C.C.O.C.A. People experiencing eating disorders seem particularly for anorexia nervosa, long term to have significant issues pertaining to eating treatment and hospitalisation may be habits and attitudes about body weight and required. shape. They believe that slim body weight is Due to both the psychological and physio- crucial to self acceptance. These eating relat- logical impact of the disorders, treatment for Advertisements ed attitudes having significant adverse psy- eating disorders generally involves a compre- chological impacts on self esteem, anxiety hensive treatment plan that includes, General For your advertisements contact our sales representatives and depression. Practitioners, Dieticians, Psychiatrists and Anorexia Nervosa is characterised by a Clinical Psychologists. Tel: (02) 9559 7022 dangerously low body weight to a level where Call your local GP, psychologist or the Aus- the body is neither physically nor psycholog- tralian Psychological Society (APS) Referral Fax: (02) 9559 7033 ically able to function normally. This is Service on 1800 333 497 for more informa- achieved by severe dieting and excessive tion. e-mail: [email protected] MARCH 2005 14/32 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

For the Three cheers for Hugh Gilchrist! bibliophiles... By Ann Coward Highly respected historian, Hugh Gilchrist OAM, has completed his much awaited book, Australians and Greeks: Volume III: Australians and Greeks: Volume 3, The Later The Later Years Years. Booklaunches and book signings have By Hugh Gilchrist been held in Canberra and Sydney, and Mr (Halstead Press, 2004) Gilchrist has been invited to a further launch in Melbourne on 10 April. This book completes This volume covers the period 1939 - the 3-volume set of histories, beginning with 1953. It begins with the invasion of the earliest knowledge available to Greeks Greece and the immediate reaction to about Australia, and Australia’s first Greek this of the Greeks in Australia, and of the immigrants, through to 1953 when Australia Australians towards the Greeks when the established official diplomatic ties with Greece. country declared war on Italy. Gilchrist Each of the three volumes covers a range of believes that the 1941 campaign, “pro- topics. Although there are enjoyable and easy- foundly changed the way in which the to-read anecdotes regarding early immigrants two nations viewed each other”, and the and settlers, and Australian visitors and writers book is, in a sense, a celebration and Hugh Gilchrist with brothers Andrew and Charles Sourry, at the Sydney launch of the third who travelled to Greece, the emphasis leans recognition of the bonds that were forged volume of Australians and Greeks. The launch was held at the Women’s College, University very much towards official relations between in wartime, and immediately after, of Sydney, and was organised by Friends of the Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens. Australia and Greece and the activities of indi- between Australians and Greeks. While viduals who played a part in major organisa- book. “My work just evolved. It was supposed first volume of Gilchrist’s Australians and tales of wartime heroism are often tions such as the Red Cross. This emphasis to be a book to help the Australian embassy. It Greeks was published. By the third volume, the recounted, little attention to date has been reflects Gilchrist’s background. After graduat- pretty soon looked like it would run into two number of sponsors has grown and includes, focused on the postwar effort by the Red ing in law from the University of Sydney, and volumes. With the second volume, there was amongst others, the Laiki Bank, and the Migra- Cross, the Jewish medical relief team serving in the army during World War 2, he more than enough to fill the third volume.” tion Heritage Centre of NSW at the Sydney and others, under the direction of the joined the Department of External Affairs and As with the earlier two volumes, however, Powerhouse Museum. United Nations agencies in Greece. For was to spend 34 years working as a career several chapters have had to be left out of the “The first book was rejected by five leading this aspect alone, this very readable book diplomat. final book, due to size constraints. This time publishers. Finally it was taken up by Halstead is worth buying. Regarding his diplomatic postings, he said, there will be no follow up volume, so the un- Press when it was part of Angus and Robertson. The Great Commanders “My favourite post was Greece. I went there in published chapters and paperwork (covering It’s been a battle and I’m most thankful,” says By Phil Grabsky 1949 and again in 1950 with the United Nations matters such as the teaching of Ancient Greek Gilchrist, “ to those people who financially (Boxtree, a Channel 4 book) investigation team, and I went back 18 years in Australian schools, and Australian Greek have helped get it over the line.” later as Ambassador.” dramatic performances) have been placed in the When asked about how he decided to balance Alexander the Great is very much in the When addressing an audience where Greeks national archives. These, along with the exten- the information presented in each of the vol- news, due to a recent film purporting to are present, Mr Gilchrist always begins by say- sive appendices at the end of each book, will umes, Mr Gilchrist said, “I’ve never tried to show his story. This book is not related to ing in Greek - ‘I speak very little Greek, so I aid anyone who wishes to carry out further balance anything. I scoured the information to the movie, covering six commanders will be continuing the talk in English.’ research into any of the topics and issues raised find anything that was relevant. I had no pre- (Alexander, Caesar, Nelson, Napoleon, Now aged nearly 89 years, he says, “I’ve tried by Gilchrist in the histories. conceived idea about attempting to balance Grant and the Soviet, Zhukov), who to learn six languages. I speak French. Apart Although having little to do with any of the anything. It’s simply a record of what I’ve were each responsible for “having from Ancient Greek, Latin and Ancient San- local Greek communities, there has been no found; a chronicle.” changed world history as a consequence skrit, I’ve tried to learn Modern Greek. I shortage of information given to Mr Gilchrist “All I wanted to do was to record the facts. I of his command abilities.” By analysing remember a little of Afrikaans, of Swahili, a bit by Greeks about themselves and their own fam- spend 36 years looking for the facts, and the conflicts in detail, such as Alexander’s of Bahasa Indonesia, and I have a small amount ily histories. “Sometimes there was an embar- selection of the facts certainly controls the sto- defeat of Darius at the Battle of Issus, of Italian and still a little of Spanish.” rassing flood of information. In many cases I ries.” where perhaps as many as 100,00 Per- “There’s an old saying that goes, ‘If you had got far more than I wanted. Sometimes people While individual Greeks helped to find infor- sians were slain in contrast to Alexan- one expression you wanted, to take around the would send me large volumes outlining their mation, “most of the facts have been taken from der’s men who lost only several hundred, world with you, what would it be?’ And the family history, from which I could only take documentary sources.” Mr Gilchrist lives in the author aims to reveal the qualities answer is, ‘My friend will pay.’So I’ve learnt to one paragraph.” Canberra, which, he says, “gives you access to that best demonstrate each man’s genius. say that in six languages!” “People like Angelo Notaras and his family the National Library, which really didn’t have a Illustrations are taken from frescoes, Although of interest and value to Greeks, his were enormously helpful, and I have worked lot of information. But I had access to the ceramics, mosaics, sculpture, bas reliefs, three books, Australians and Greeks, Volume 1: very closely with Denis Conomos [author of National Archives. I made five visits to Mel- paintings, reconstructions, computer The Early Years (to 1914), Volume 2: The Mid- The Greeks in Queensland: A History from bourne, to the Victoria Barracks, for informa- graphics, and for the later commanders, dle Years (to1939) and Volume 3: The Later 1859 to 1945] over the years.” tion on the more than 2,000 Greeks who served photographs. Written with confidence, it Years (to 1953), weren’t originally written with It was due to the encouragement and support in the armed forces. Then all of the files were is very readable, especially for anyone a Greek audience in mind. There was no origi- of the three Notaras brothers, Angelo, John and put onto a database at the National Archives, so fascinated by people. A.C. nal intention to write more than just the one Mitchell, (originally of Grafton, NSW) that the I needn’t have bothered. But my trips to Mel- bourne weren’t entirely wasted. By cross- checking I increased the number of Greeks known to have served, from 1,400 to 2,200.” BOOK OFFER - “Greek and Australians” “There were one and a quarter million files on people who served in the Second World War. I SPECIAL DISCOUNT for Vema readers from Halstead Press For single volume, or boxed set of 3 volumes. won’t say I looked through all of them, though I went through a great number looking for Item No. ordered Cost per item Total Greek names. Misspellings are legendary. Sometimes I had to make decisions. For exam- Greeks and Australians: Vol. 3 The Later Years (rrp $69.95) @ $56.00 each Plus postage $8.00 ple, if I found a name such as Theodore, it was difficult to know if that was a Greek’s name if Boxed set, containing Volumes 1, 2 and 3 (rrp $215.00) @ $176.90 Plus postage$12.00 there were no details about the other family TOTAL: names.” PAYMENT OPTIONS Gilchrist, while not attempting to enter into Credit card number: ...... Credit card expiry date:...... any debates, provides interesting anecdotes Name:...... about some of the Greek communities’ more Signature:...... ‘colourful’ characters. He says, “I was asked Address:...... once to talk about the Greek character. I can no sooner talk about the Greek character than I can Postcode:...... OR please send cheque made payable to ‘Halstead Press’. about the Australian character. Everyone is dif- POST order form and Payment details/Cheque to: ferent. Only several times have I offered any Telephone/email:...... Halstead Press thoughts, or some views. I didn’t seek to make 300/3 Smail Street., BROADWAY NSW 2007 judgements. The books are really a series of narrative facts. They’re about people.” MARCH 2005 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 15/33 Health CLINICAL INSIGHTS INTO HEALTH AND NATURAL SOLUTIONS

Types of diabetes: exercise play an important role in the manage- in blood sugar, so are included in low GI There are two major types of diabetes: Type ment of type 2 diabetes. Genetic factors are foods. Good sources of fibre are legumes, 1 (or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus) and also important in increasing the susceptibility beans, oat bran, nuts, seeds, psyllium seed Type 2 (non-insulin dependent diabetes melli- to diabetes. husks, pears, apples and most vegetables. BY CHRISTINA SCALONE* tus). Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that Please refer to the list given below. BHSc, Dip. Bot. Med, Dip. Type 1 is associated with complete destruction develops during pregnancy. Hormonal Also avoid smoked or cured meats (e.g. Hom, Dip. Nut of the beta cells of the pancreas (cells that pro- changes during pregnancy can affect the bacon, smoked salmon, salami, etc). The duce insulin), which is thought to be the result body’s response to insulin. Most often this chemical compounds like nitrates that are used of autoimmune diseases in which the body’s condition disappears after delivery, but it in smoked meats or cured meats are linked to DIABETES MELLITUS immune system attacks and destroys the seems to a sign that the woman is more likely type 1 diabetes by damaging the cells of pan- insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Some to develop type 2 diabetes in later life. creas. Diabetes is a condition when the pancreas (a experts believe that this may be a result of Recommendations: Exercise: gland in our body) does not secrete enough immune response after viral diseases in the Diet: Regular exercise helps to lower blood sugar insulin or if the cells of the body become resis- early childhood. Exposure to a protein present Eat a low fat, high fibre diet, including plen- by lowering insulin resistance. Therefore it tant (do not respond) to the action of insulin. in cow’s milk (bovine albumin peptide) during ty of raw fruits and vegetables as well as fresh helps to prevent complication of diabetes. It is The cells need sugar to produce energy. In infancy may trigger the autoimmune process vegetable juices. important for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. people suffering from diabetes, sugar builds and subsequently lead to type 1 diabetes mel- Consume foods that have low glycemic index Nutritional supplements: up in the blood (medically known as hyper- litus. For nursing mothers (especially if there (GI). A daily dose of a multivitamin (containing glycaemia), as it cannot get into the cells. This is a history of diabetes in the family) it is What is glycemic index or factor? B group of vitamins) and minerals (containing leads to serious complications. important to breast-feed your child and if not You might have seen this sign on lots of food magnesium, chromium, zinc, potassium) is a Hyperglycaemia leads to damaged blood ves- possible, ask your health professional for an in the supermarket. The GI factor is a scientif- good choice. Vitamin C and E are also good sels, atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing alternative to cow’s milk. Type 1 diabetes ically validated tool in the dietary manage- antioxidants. of the blood vessels), heart diseases, eye dis- patients need to take injections of insulin for ment of diabetes, weight reduction and athlet- Botanical medicine: eases, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage in life-long, as their body cannot make it. ic performance. The GI refers to the effect a Some herbal medicine can also be used as the limbs) and diabetic nephropathy (kidney Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of particular food has on blood sugar levels. The supportive treatment. These are bilberry, sily- diseases). diabetes. In type 2, pancreas produces insulin foods with high GI cause rapid rise in blood marin, gymnema, ginkgo, goat’s rue, globe in small quantities, but not enough to fuel the sugar levels and excessive release of insulin, artichoke, etc. Symptoms: cells. Their insulin levels in the blood are ele- which stores excess sugar into fat. Low The classic symptoms of diabetes are fre- vated, indicating a loss of sensitivity to insulin glycemic index foods cause a slower, sus- [Before starting any supplements or herbs, quent urination, excessive thirst, and excessive by the cells of the body. Obesity is a major tained increase in the blood sugar, and please consult your health professional] appetite. These classic symptoms may not be contributing factor to this loss of insulin sensi- decreases hunger. present in all cases. Vague symptoms like tivity. Ninety percent of individuals with type However, use food that are not high in fat tiredness, lack of concentration, weight gain or 2 diabetes are obese. In most cases, achieving and have low glycemic index. Include berries, WARNING: Under no circumstances weight loss, recurrent infections can arise a ideal body weight can normalise blood sugar fish, garlic, onions, and legumes in your diet. should a patient be suddenly taken off dia- suspicion of diabetes. levels in these patients. Therefore diet and Foods that are high in fibre prevent rapid rises betic drugs, especially insulin.

Programme for 2005 - VICTORIA

* Christina Scalone is a very experienced and successful naturopath with over 20 years experience. She holds a Degree in Health Science, a Diploma in Botanical Medicine, Diploma in Homoeopathy and a Diploma in Nutrition. She has maintained a full time practice, has held a position as a senior practition- er/naturopathic consultant, a clinic manager and trainer for Blackmores and is a clinic student supervisor as well as a lecturer at the Australasian College of Natural Therapies. She also maintains her own private practice with successful results. MARCH 2005 16/34 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Travel Edessa: One of the most beautiful Greek towns Edessa is located in the Macedonian prefec- Metropolis Headquarters, The Holy Trinity from its southern side and even walk behind the waterfalls region. A short walk along the ture of Pella, 80 km west of Thessaloniki monastery, The Lower Town remains, The the water column, following the footpath to a main Vodas branch brings us to the center of and 25 km from the northern Greek bor- Jeni Tzami, The FOE restaurant. Visit by car: small cave. The park hosts some of the oldest the town, where the new 25th March park has der. The Pella region is surrounded by high The old Pella remains, The Kaymakchalan plane-trees of the town. been built in the place of the old Gymnasion mountains: Vermion in the southwest, winter complex, The Pozar spas, The Vegoritis Looking to the left side of the park, one can (high school). The park is full of interesting, Voras and Tzena in the north and Paiko in lake and a fish restaurant in Arnissa, The open see a beautiful forest surrounding the open sometimes even exotic trees, surrounding a the northeast. Edessa is located in the summer disco's nearby municipality theater and the famous FOE nice cafeteria and several small bridges over southeastern opening of this mountain ring, The beautiful Waterfalls Park is located in the restaurant, built by the Edessean Nature the local Vodas branch. The fully-covered by on a 310 m plato facing the large Thessa- edge of the precipice, crossed by the two prin- Lovers Society. It is a nice experience to tree coronas 18 October street leads to the loniki plane. cipal Vodas branches. The visitor faces, from a attend, under the shining stars, a folklore con- coquettish old Edessa railway station, almost 200 m elevation, the remains of the Lower cert in the amphitheater and to walk after that drowned under large age-old plane-trees. In the western part of Pella region lay the Town archeological site, the nearby Holy Trin- to the nearby FOE restaurant for a drink in its Another plane-tree site is the Platanakia large Vegoritis lake and the smaller Nisiou ity monastery and further - the all green village large open terraces facing the town and the square - the former market place of Edessa. On lake, where the Vodas river springs from. of Rizari and the town of Skydra. Longos valley. the way there one passes near the Small Water- Vodas crosses Edessa in many river-branches, A number of good restaurants surround the The right side of the park borders with the falls Square, with nice new and old small which reach the eastern side precipice and Waterfalls Park, while the largest hotel of the small Varosi district - a preserved region of old bridges - a beloved meeting place of the form the famous Edessa Waterfalls. town - Megas Alexandros - is 1 min walk buildings, including the Parthenagogio teenagers before visiting the nearby pubs. away. A picturesque market of local popular (female school) built in 1877, the 14th century From Platanakia one can follow the local Places to visit arts is there too. Just behind one can see the Byzantine Assumption of the Virgin Mary Vodas branch to reach the Rock place - the The Waterfalls Park, The Little Waterfalls remains of the Ano Estia spinning factory, church and a number of small private church- most southern part of the Edessa precipice, square, The Varosi district, including Parthen- which will be renovated and included in the es (parekklisia) incorporated in the houses of with a terrace restaurant providing a different agogio, The Assumption of Virgin Mary park group. As for the waterfalls, one can step well-off people of the past. view to the southern surroundings of the town. church, The St. Peter and Paul church, The St. 20 meters down to observe the main waterfall The beauties of Edessa are not restricted to 25th Anniversary of Greek Welfare Centre Celebrated in Adelaide Cont. from page 11/29 taxes that were forced on the landless poor? who hem them in, and you army offi- but on an objective principle rooted in Divine How then could an army be funded to defend the cers and those who serve you! They reality. Those who forged this principle were which in the end could not even afford to pay for Empire’s borders? How then could the numer- cannot bear the pitiless and inhuman Athanasius, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Basil of an army to defend its capital city, much less ous welfare institutions, the hospitals, the spirit of tax gatherers, and the constant Caesarea: the same figures responsible for many social infrastructure. So, did the Emperors try to orphanages, the hostels, be sustained? Finally, in violence and injustice with which you of the welfare institutions I have discussed. In combat the landed magnates? The answer is such a gathering darkness, how could even the afflict them, because you are more understanding the value of the Person of Jesus most definitely: yes. philanthropic spirit of the people survive? powerful than those who cultivate the Christ, St. Basil could wash the sores of a leper By the reign of Romanus Lecapenus (922-34) land …. [Homily 63] in his ptochotropheion and see truly that human the increased takeover of farming land by the 8. After 1204 It is commonly said that the final Fall of Con- person as the precious image of a personal God. aristocracy led to the Edict on Land Tenure Reg- The first fall of Constantinople however was at stantinople in 1453 at the hand of the Ottoman ulations (922): the hands of the Franks embarking on the fourth Turks was permitted by God to punish the sins 10. Final comments We forbid the powerful (dynatoi) to obtain crusade and saw the establishment of a Venetian of the Byzantines. If so, surely the greatest of Social welfare in Byzantium was far from per- anything belonging to the more humble controlled Latin Empire in 1204. The appalling these sins was the extinction of the philanthropy fect in some respects. Some of the Byzantine (eutelesteroi)… If any powerful person violence of 1204 also saw the destruction of that had characterised the Empire for most of the welfare institutions, such as poor houses and attempts to effect [an illegal transaction] he some of the philanthropic institutions described 1000 years of its lifetime. At the very end the orphanages, are suggestive today of 19th centu- will be deprived of the property and forfeit above. In 1268 Michael VIII Palaeologos rich were not willing to offer their wealth to sup- ry industrial squalor and child abuse. But others to the treasury the amount of the price… reclaimed Constantinople for the Eastern port the poor … much less pay even for the sol- we have today as professional places of care: In a second Edict of 934, Romanus strengthened Romans. But the cost of paying for armies to diers defending Constantinople against the hospitals, old-age homes, and hostels for the these restrictions, showing a remarkable passion keep back the mounting enemies surrounding Ottoman Turks. homeless. for the plight of the poor and desire to guarantee the tenuously restored Empire meant that many Of course 1453 was not the end of Philan- Of these, and so much more, we Greeks can be the security of their livelihood: of the philanthropic institutions in Constantino- thropy amongst the peoples who now identify proud. But this story I have told of social welfare The habitation of the common people dis- ple destroyed by the Latins were never restored. themselves as Greek. With the demise of the in Byzantium is not just the distant historical plays the great benefit derived from the The hospital or Xenon of the Pantocrator Empire, the Orthodox Church once again past. Just as St. Philothei, whom we honour people’s employment, the joint payment of Monastery is never heard of again while of the assumed a solo role in philanthropic works dur- today and who worked 100 years after the Fall taxes, the collective obligation to support Orphanage of St. Paul we only know of the ing the Turkish occupation. It is the survival of of Constantinople, is another chapter of that the army, which will be completely lost if establishment of a nearby school. A belated this spirit of welfare institutions for the sick, the story so too is the Greek Welfare Centre in South the common people die out. … For many, attempt to redistribute land to peasants was cut aged, and the orphaned that inspired St. Australia as are all the philanthropic agencies of taking as given the poverty of the poor … short by the sudden death of Andronicus III Philothei of Athens to her philanthropic work in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, when they see the poor suffering from Palaeologos in 1341 whose eldest son, John V, the fifteenth century, and for which we honour our own Basileada [St. Basil’s Homes], the hunger, they buy up cheaply … the posses- was only 9 years old. John Cantacuzene, who her as the Patron Saint of the Greek Welfare Philoptochos Societies of the Archdiocese and, sions of the wretched poor … they are, for was the dead Emperor’s most senior minister Centre in South Australia. yes, even our Greek/Orthodox schools. May the wretched people of the villages, like the and closest friend was proclaimed Emperor until your successors look back on your work and pestilential appearance of some disease or a the boy John V could come of age, an act which 9. Theological inheritance: the value of the recognise a worthy chapter of that same history. kind of gangrene, as they fasten themselves provoked civil war. Worse still, Cantacuzene human person May we all rise to the standards of the best of upon the body of the villagers and [inflict] was one of the wealthiest land owners of the Beyond the specific philanthropic institutions our ancestors and fulfil the words of Christ: complete destruction. Empire. In response, the poor began to riot in and models of justice, there is one thing far more “insofar as you do this - visit, heal and comfort - Thirty years later the Emperor Nicephorus Pho- cities of Macedonia and Thrace though the irony profound which Eastern Romanity has to the least of my brethren, you do this to me.” cas, a member of the landed military aristocracy, is that Cantacuzene more than anyone was com- bequeathed to modern society: the philosophical attempted to reduce these restrictions in favour mitted to implementing Andronicus’ land understanding of the uniqueness, inviolability 11. Bibliography of soldier landowners. In the reign of Basil II reform program and achieving social reconcilia- and absolute value of the human person, which r Byzantine Philanthropy and Social Welfare. (996) the laws were strengthened again to tion. In Thessalonika the rioters, violently is the basis of modern human rights. This Dimitrios J. Constantelos. restore the full ownership rights of peasants to destroying and occupying the property of the emerged as the Personhood of Christ and the r The Orphans of Byzantium. Timothy S. the land they occupied: aristocracy, called themselves Zealots and were Holy Spirit were defended in the theological Miller. Therefore we have promulgated the present comparable to what we would call a radical left debates of the fourth to sixth centuries where r The Birth of the Hospital in the Byzantine legislation … since they [the dynatoi] have wing political party. They succeeded in estab- Orthodox Christianity had to combat characteri- Empire. Timothy S. Miller. the knowledge that they will get no assis- lishing a virtual anarchistic independent republic sations of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit as cre- r The Alexiad. Anna Comnena. tance from this quarter. … our imperial which was to control Thessalonika from 1342- ations, or as ephemeral masks or vague projec- r The Emperor Romanus Lecapenus and his tions of God the Father. Rather, claims Ortho- majesty … takes pity on the poor and 1347. When finally the revolt was put down and reign. Steven Runciman. watches out for the common welfare … Imperial government restored, St. Gregory Pala- doxy, each of the Father, the Son and the Holy r A Study of Gregory Palamas. John Meyen- and embraces justice … we have been very mas, the last patristic voice of the East, was sent Spirit is fully God, fully Person (hypostasis), is dorff. disturbed on behalf of the poor, and we as Archbishop to Thessalonika. Though a friend absolutely real, unique, and inviolable. Yet such r have observed with our own eyes … the of Cantacuzene and critic of the Zealot’s vio- is their bond of Love that there are not three The last Centuries of Byzantium, 1261-1453. avarice and injustices every day perpetrat- lence, St. Gregory was conscious of the causes gods, but One God. Created in the image of God Donald M. Nicol. ed against the poor. of the revolution, and eloquently condemned the (eikona tou theou) we, even the weakest, inherit Byzantium - Church, Society, and Civilisation Eventually, members of the landed aristocracy self-righteousness of the now victorious aristoc- precisely this inviolable character of person- seen through contemporary eyes. Ed. Deno John became the Emperors and the battle against con- racy: hood. The obligation we have as individuals and Geanakoplos. centrated land ownership and the poverty this That is why the poor cry out against as a society to defend the welfare of everyone caused was lost. But now who could pay the you all, all you in high places, you rests not on a whim or changing social attitudes MARCH 2005 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 17/35 Food & Wine Feast your eyes: Celebrity Chefs, Cooks and their books

By Imogen Coward culinary celebrities, though perhaps not their they produce relies (at least initially) not on everything from stock and bread to risotto, recipes, spring easily to our minds, having our senses of taste and smell but largely on our mouthwatering tarts and the odd quintessen- Glance through your average week’s TV been well trained by our regular diet of TV. imagination. Is their ability to make our tially British offering such as boiled bacon guide and you’ll find a feast of programmes In her book Food: What we eat and how we mouths water actually the food they cook, or is with pease pudding. Like Delia’s, the recipes which focus on food and cooking (My eat (Ebury Press, 1999), Clarissa Dickson it more often their fantastic presentation of the in this book work and are tasty, and are sure to Restaurant Rules anybody?). It’s a curious Wright (one half of the ever-popular BBC’s dishes and their own individual personalities delight just about everyone. state of affairs. On the one hand Aus- Two Fat Ladies programmes) suggests that the that draw us to them? Indeed, how many of us If you enjoyed watching Gordon Ramsay’s tralians are increasingly interested in rise of celebrity chefs is a 20th century phe- have actually tasted food prepared by our Kitchen Nightmares, why not take a journey in ‘quick fix’meal solutions (have you seen the nomenon. That’s not to say that there weren’t favourite TV chefs? the opposite direction with his collection of ‘Greek souvlaki’ kits being sold in super- any celebrity chefs in prior ages, but rather that Even if we can’t make it to England to taste recipes Kitchen Heaven (Michael Joseph, markets?), yet at the same time we appar- there was but a tiny handful of truly great mas- Jamie’s or Gordon’s fare for ourselves, we can 2004). It is very much a collection of restau- ently can’t get enough of cooking shows. ters, praised for their skill and artistry. One of at least turn to the plethora of recipe books that rant fare recipes covering everything from sal- the most familiar of these is perhaps Carème, accompany these types of cooking pro- ads to steak, seafood and puddings. Filled with Our obsession with watching food has been a famous 19th Century French pastry chef to grammes. But where to start? It all depends on stunning photographs, this book is all about slowly growing over the last few years. Not so Tzar Alexander who invented, among other a couple of factors. Firstly, are you an experi- making the ordinary into the extraordinary. long ago you might have seen Delia Smith’s things, the charlotte russe, an uncooked dessert enced cook or a novice, taking the first tenta- Whether it is recipes, the presentation of a dish basic cooking course or perhaps Jamie Oliver made from a rich cream poured into a mould tive steps on the road to culinary delight? or the dining ambience of a room, Ramsay has speeding ‘round on his scooter searching for lined with sponge fingers. Incidentally, a For the latter, perhaps the best TV and book some excellent ideas (and interesting anec- the perfect ingredients for a dinner with his delightful modern variation ‘passionfruit and series ever done is Delia Smith’s How To Cook dotes) that apply just as much to the person mates. Then there is Gordon Ramsay whip- strawberry charlotte’, can be found in The (BBC,1998) sold on video and in a series of entertaining at home as it does to the budding ping up a storm as he brings failing restaurants Australian Women’s Weekly: for all seasons three books. A mixture of English classics chef. up to scratch and Australia’s own Kylie cookbook (ACP, 2002). (such as toad-in-the-hole) along with contem- For the more traditional at heart, who pine Kwong, bringing Eastern flavours, and culi- Today however, our appetite for cooking porary Mediterranean and Asian influenced for a time when butter, full-cream milk, eggs nary philosophy to our tables. shows and foodie trivia has opened up an dishes, are explained in careful detail as are the and double cream were acceptable and food If one was to be asked to name a handful of entirely new market; a place where, unlike the properties of various basic ingredients such as was meant to be hearty and filling, it’s hard to well known chefs or cooks of our century, I real world of cooking and dining, our appreci- rice, eggs and flour. Also, I’m yet to find a go past the Two Fat Ladies’ Obsessions (ABC doubt it would be any trouble. The names of a ation of the chef’s/cook’s skills and the food recipe in her books that does not work and is books, 1999). A selection of some of their not delicious (no mean feat, given that recipes favourite recipes interspersed with entertain- often require a little tweaking to suit our own ing anecdotes on various ingredients including tastes). fish roe, walnuts, lemons, figs and lamb make For the more experienced cook on the other this a cookbook with a difference. As well as hand, there is a much wider range of recipe the standard foodstuffs, there is a curious books to choose from. If you love contempo- selection of ingredients included, from Eels rary, fusion style dishes with a daring edge, and tripe, to Cardoons, Snails and Pheasant. why not try Jamie Oliver’s The Naked Chef Fantastic recipes for a dinner-party with a dif- (Michael Joseph, 1999). The first book by this ference this book, like the original pro- unpretentious Brit is packed with recipes for grammes, is very accessible. Wine Review By Imogen Coward Culinaria Greece: Stella Bella Greek specialties Pink Muscat, 2004 Edited by Marianthi Milona (Könemann, 2004) Produced in the Margaret River How often is it region, this wi- that Greek wines ne is a gorge- get mentioned, let ous watermel- alone discussed on pink colour in depth in big, and has very English language, delicate aromas up market books reminiscent of dealing with culi- Asti Spumante. nary delicacies? Sweet and fiz- Not very often. zy, the flavour This, however, is is uncomplicat- an exception. ed with very Divided up by mild muscat notes and a clean finish. Seri- geographic region, this book contains a ously lacking in any strength or stamina this wealth of information about Greece’s wine wine is okay if you’re after something really industry as well as individual wineries and delicate that looks attractive in the glass. tasting notes on the wines themselves. An Serve slightly chilled. interesting book.

Cost: around $60 Cost: under $20

For your advertisements Contact Maria Jianni or Dimitris Ventouris on (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 MARCH 2005 18/36 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

The function VENDOR DUTY of a funeral New charge on land - rich entities By Mina Candalepas A new vendor duty on sales of an interest holder, or had such an interest anytime with- vendor, rather than the size of the interest When many of us hear the term funeral, we in a ‘land-rich landholder’ has been in the three years preceding the sale. disposed of. shudder at the thought of having to attend imposed retrospectively from 10th No- The duty doesn’t apply if the disposal fol- Some transaction will now be subject in such an event. Some of us even avoid going vember 2004. lows an agreement entered into before the land - rich duty which were not previously. to funerals all together. Given that death is The new charge follows the introduction of date of the budget announcement last May. There are exemptions, for example where guaranteed, what is it that stops some of us vendor duty on the sale of some classes of A landholder is land - rich if they have land the transfer of land would have been exempt from facing the consequences of losing a property in NSW on 1st June last year, and is holdings in NSW with an overall value of $2 from vendor duty by virtue of an exemption loved one or accepting death as a part of life? in addition to land - rich duty already million or more, and their land holdings for farms, improved vacant land, and new or Even more so, what stops us from viewing a payable at rates of up to 5.5 per cent by a everywhere, whether inside or outside Aus- substantially new buildings. There are also funeral as a celebration of the life of the purchaser who makes a relevant acquisition tralia, total at least 60 per cent of the unen- exemptions, which correspond to those cur- deceased? in land-rich landholder. cumbered value of all their property. rently available for land-rich purchaser duty. Initially after the death of our loved one, we Vendors disposing of an interest in a land- A landholder can be in a private company, Significantly for the property industry, are in a state of shock, we may even deny rich landholder are now liable to an addi- a private unit trust scheme or a wholesale there is a lack of exemptions for the syndi- what has happened or we may feel angry. It is tional duty at 2.25 per cent. unit trust scheme. cation of interest in a unit trust scheme. a time where there is an abundance of emo- A vendor will be caught by the new duty if The relevant criterion for the imposition of The above information has been extracted from the tions, whether these be sadness, helplessness they have a significant interest in the land- duty is the size of the interest held by the journal “In touch with the Law” and/or desperation. The days leading up to the funeral is the time when we may start to deal with grief and the CHARITY’S APRIL 2005 STATE YOUTH PROGRAM - N.S.W. reality of losing our loved one, whether it be our soul mate, our parent, our sibling, child or CLEAR VISION friend. It is a time when we are able to begin accepting the reality of the loss. As painful as FOR CHILDREN’S the acceptance is, it is important to go through this experience and to accept the loss, by EYE CLINIC being present at the funeral both physically and emotionally. The development of a new child friendly eye The funeral is a time where the bereaved clinic at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Rand- person prepares him/herself to physically part wick has been boosted by a $25,000 donation with their loved one and find a meaning in from children’s charity, Radiomarathon. their life without this person. It is a time for Children from all over New South Wales come the bereaved to express their feelings in their to this facility for treatment of multiple complex own way, as best they know how and more so, eye conditions caused by trauma, abuse and gen- as much as their pain permits. It is therefore eral disease. Hundreds of seriously ill children important for the bereaved to take an active are treated every year, many of them only babies. role in the funeral proceedings. The time of The clinic currently operates in cramped condi- the funeral, or the days leading up to the tions in a shared adult clinic and is in serious funeral, is a time to say goodbye to the need of renovation. deceased, to talk about the person who has Radiomarathon is an international charity died, in your own way, to remember them, to organisation dedicated to helping children with remember the good times, the bad times, special needs. In Australia, the charity has raised regrets, to express feelings of guilt relating to and donated in excess of $1 million to a number the relationship and how much they meant to of Australian groups whose work assists and you. It may help to write a letter to the enriches the lives of children with special needs. deceased and put it in with the casket. The donation of $25,000 represents the first As we are all different, we all grieve in dif- instalment of a commitment by Radiomarathon ferent ways, there is no set process or grieving to provide the Hospital with funding each year path. Each person’s experience is individual, for the next five years. in the intensity of grief and the time it takes to “Radiomarathon wholly supports the Sydney heal. During these difficult times it is advis- Children’s Hospital’s move to establish a pur- able: pose built children’s eye clinic. Hospitals are r to seek the support of family and friends generally scary places for children so it’s impor- r not to take any kind of numbing medica- tant that as much as possible is done to make tion, unless otherwise advised by your GP them more child friendly and welcoming. For r not to make any major life decisions with- this reason, Radiomarathon is lending a helping in the 12 months from the death hand to raise funds for the clinic and ensure chil- r not to sell or get rid of any of the belong- dren with special needs are taken care of well,” ings of the deceased for at least 6 months after said Mr Miltos Michaelas, Chairman of the death Radiomarathon in Australia. r to seek professional (psychological / psy- Cypriot Bank of the Year for 2004, Laiki Bank, chiatric) assistance if it is a sudden and/or which operates eight branches in Australia, tragic death (for example death by suicide) organises and executes the Radiomarathon r to seek professional (psychological / psy- events. The Bank also covers the administrative chiatric) assistance if it is the death of a child costs of running the charity, ensuring that 100% (as this is a high risk time for marital break - of net funds raised go toward helping children up) with special needs. Radiomarathon raises funds through a number Call your local GP, psychologist or the Aus- of events each year including radio appeals, a tralian Psychological Society (APS) Referral children’s drawing competition and dinner func- Service on 1800 333 497 for more informa- tions. The charity began in Cyprus in 1990 and tion. since its creation has attracted the support and involvement of many public figures in Australia Mina Candalepas is a Registered Psychologist. She is the and abroad such as the Premier of NSW, Presi- sole director of a Clinical Private Practice in the Campsie dent of Cyprus, members of the United King- Professional Medical Practice, Sydney NSW. Therapy is conducted in either English and Greek. All services are dom’s Arsenal Football Team, entertainer Peter by appointment ONLY and strictly confidential. Her Andre and legendary athlete Carl Lewis. contact details are Tel (02) 9591 7714, Mob 0410 493 To find out more about the charity or to make 806. a donation call 1300 888 700. MARCH 2005 Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 19/37 Sports IT’S ALL GREEK TENNIS TO ME Match-fixing claims

Hellenic Tennis Association is set to build the country. to be investigated in Greece “By supporting the Hellenic-Australian Tennis on the overwhelming success of last year’s UEFA inspectors are expected to inaugural Greek-Australian tennis tourna- Championships I hope to encourage talented Greek Australians playing for the ‘Mark Philippoussis Cup’ start an investigation into allega- ment. to reach their potential and showcase their talents to tions of match-fixing in Greek soc- the sporting world,” he said. cer and a possible connection with a The Greeks are at it again. After an extremely suc- Players wishing to compete must register online on corruption scandal in Germany. cessful debut last year the Hellenic-Australian Tennis by April 6 to enter the championships on April 23 - 25, Sportime newspaper reported that Championships are back for the Anzac Day long which will boast some of the brightest up-and-coming Jacques Antenen, vice chairman of weekend at Cintra Park, Concord, with a huge cele- tennis stars Australia has to offer. UEFA's Control and Disciplinary bration of tennis and Greek culture in a festival-type The Hellenic-Australian Tennis Championships have body, and Gerhard Kapl, member of atmosphere. been sanctioned by Tennis NSW and is a National the Match Delegates Panel, would The stakes are high for this year’s championships, interview players and officials of Pan- Open Point Score Series Tier 1 Event. For more infor- ing to France's Sochaux. presented by Thomas Hotels with almost $13,000 in mation visit the website or phone 02 9559 8911. ionios Athens. prizes up for grabs including a return trip to Greece. Suspicion fell on the club following The UEFA officials are also expect- The talent will come from all over Australia and reports of suspicious betting patterns ed to meet a Greek public prosecutor Event: 2005 Hellenic Australian Tennis who is investigating reports that Ger- abroad, including players from Europe and Asia, who Championships in a UEFA Cup game against Dinamo will compete in the open events. Tbilisi. man referee Robert Hoyzer, the cen- Venue: Cintra Park Tennis Centre tral figure in a match-fixing scandal in “The talent pool at last year’s championships was Date: 23-25 April 2005 In the December 1 match, the Greek amazing, and we are looking forward to an even big- first division club trailed 1-0 at half- Germany, claimed that Greeks were Entry Forms: also involved in match fixing. ger tournament this year,” Hellenic Tennis Associa- Entries Close: 6 April 2005 time but won 5-2. Panionios was later tion president John Giavis said. eliminated from the competition, los- AP With 19 events for both male and female competi- tors of all standards, nationalities and ages, the cham- pionships have something for everyone. The main event on the program - the Men’s Singles Championship - not only carries a return trip to Greece, it is also named in the honour of Australia’s most successful and best-known player of Greek ori- gin, Mark “The Scud” Philippoussis. The Scud, whose dad Nick was born in Greece, has always worn his Greek pride on his sleeve, so to speak, with a tattoo of Alexander the Great on his shoulder. Philippoussis is a great supporter of the tournament, saying that it’s a great opportunity to bring together the best Greek-Australian tennis players from all over Greece mulls Formula One track to attract tourists Greece is considering building a Formula One track to tune up the country's vital tourism indus- try.

"There are some plans on the table about the creation of a Formula One racing track. It requires some cau- tion but it is something we could see as positive," Sports Minister Giorgos Orphanos said recently. Tourism Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos said that a possible location was the Viotia region, about 100km north of Athens. He said a final decision would be announced soon. Avramopoulos made his comments after meeting with Prime Minister Costas Caramanlis to discuss a major promotional campaign already underway. Stung by dismal bookings during the Olympics last year, Greece is spending 60 million ($A100.62 mil- lion) in 2005 to promote itself as a year-round vaca- tion destination. Tourism accounts for 18 per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product. Avramopoulos, a former mayor of Athens, visited Los Angeles at the start of March to try and woo Hol- lywood producers to make movies in Greece. "It's a shame that in the past we've missed out on major productions shooting in Greece ... we must become competitive in the international arena," he said. "Captain Corelli's Mandolin," a fictional World War II love story starring Oscar-winner Nicholas Cage, was filmed in 2000 on the Ionian island of Cephalo- nia. LIVERPOOL AP

MARCH 2005 20/38 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA