THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN The oldest circulating Greek newspaper outside VEMA Greece SEPTEMBER 2009 Tel. (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 E-mail: [email protected] OUR PRIMATE’S VIEW MR G. BABINIOTIS AND THE ‘DIALOGUE’ ON GREEK EDUCATION PAGE 5/23 CRUCIALGREEKS GO TO THE POLLS ON OCTOBER 4 ELECTIONS Fantasy islands Owning your own island is a dream Greece’s main parties started pre- that has long attracted the surplus paring for a brief but intense election campaign in the count- millions of the rich. down to snap polls next month. PAGE 15/33 Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and the head of the main opposition PASOK party, George Papandreou, in- creased their public appearances and intensified their rhetoric in a bid to se- cure the votes of disenchanted sup- porters of their respective parties. They, as well as the three leaders of the other parties with representatives in Parliament, agreed to participate in George two televised debates in the count- Papandreou down to the October 4 polls. Karamanlis continued with the straight talk that earned him praise af- Costas ter his speech at the launch of the Karamanlis Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) ear- Canberra’s lier this month, appealing to New Democracy supporters at an Athens PASOK leader George Papandreou Meanwhile, the electoral committees Byzantine Secret rally to vote for the ruling party “in the gave as good as he got. Addressing a of New Democracy and PASOK started national interest,” even if the party has large crowd in Neo Faliro, he de- unveiling their respective lists of candi- One of the finest surviving Byzantine disappointed them in the past. He scribed the current economic and so- dates for next month’s polls. church floor mosaics resides in the stressed that ND has a plan for bring- cial problems as an “insult to the Greek Australian War Memorial in Canberra. ing the country out of the financial cri- people” and gave voters his “word of sis and accused PASOK of lacking sub- honor” that “all this will change on Oc- *** More on the Greek elections stantial proposals. tober 4.” on p. 7/25 PAGES 8/26 - 9/27 Visit of His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos to St Andrew’s Astypalaia Authentic and unspoiled Grammar, This Aegean island has sacrificed Perth neither its character nor its natural assets at the altar of tourism. PAGE 4/22 PAGE 17/35 The Greek Australian VEMA SEPTEMBER 2009 2/20 TO BHMA

This Day A day with the WA Governor! On Tuesday 25 August, the In History Year Nine cohort from St An- In History drew’s Grammar (Perth), em- barked on an elaborate ex- cursion to State Parliament, October 7, 2003 the Greek Consulate Office and Government House as Arnold Schwarzenegger part of the Society and Envi- ronment programme of Law becomes California and Government. governor It was a day of learning many interesting and histori- cal facts about the develop- On this day in 2003, actor Arnold ment of Western Australian Schwarzenegger is elected gover- politics. We were also greet- nor of California, the most populous ed by our local MLA for Nolla- WA Governor state in the nation with the world's mara, Ms Janine Freeman. Dr Michael fifth-largest economy. Despite his in- Visiting the Greek Consul with staff experience, Schwarzenegger came Office was an inaugural event and students out on top in the 11-week campaign for both the Honourable to replace Gray Davis, who had ear- Greek Consul Mrs Despina lier become the first United States Tzanakaki, as well as for St ment. The remaining after- spent in the company of the orable one. The excursion governor to be recalled by the peo- Andrew’s Grammar, as so noon was spent touring Gov- Governor of Western Aus- was extremely worthwhile ple since 1921. Schwarzenegger many students had never be- ernment House in all its tralia, His Excellency Dr Ken and thoroughly enjoyed by all was one of 135 candidates on the fore visited the Perth Office in grandness alongside special- Michael and Mrs Michael. It in attendance, including Mrs ballot, which included career politi- such a large group. We were ist guides who informed us of was a visit of regal propor- Reklitis and Reverend Father briefed on the importance of the lavish history of the home tions with the generous hos- Elpidios. cians, other actors, and one adult- the diplomatic roles and rela- and its equally significant oc- pitality by His Excellency, as film star. tions between the Western cupants over the decades. well as from all his personal Mrs Hiotis Educator (St. Andrew’s October 9, 1967 Australian Greek community Notably, the highlight of the staff, who ensured our visit with that of Greece’s Govern- day was our afternoon tea was a truly special and mem- Grammar) Che Guevara is executed Jobless rate On this day in 1967, socialist stays at 5.8 % revolutionary The jobless rate unexpect- and guerilla edly held at 5.8 per cent for a leader Che third straight month in August, Guevara, age despite the number of people 39, is killed by in work declining, new data the Bolivian shows. army. The U.S.- The Australian Bureau of military-backed Statistics said 27,100 jobs, Bolivian forces seasonally adjusted, were captured Guevara on October 8 lost in August, larger than the while battling his band of guerillas in 15,000 predicted by econo- Bolivia and assassinated him the fol- mists. lowing day. His hands were cut off The number of people in as proof of death and his body was full-time work dropped by a buried in an unmarked grave. In hefty 30,800. 1997, Guevara's remains were Economists' forecasts had found and sent back to Cuba, where also centred on the unem- they were reburied in a ceremony ployment rate edging up to 5.9 per cent. attended by President Fidel Castro The federal government in and thousands of Cubans. the May budget had forecast October 11, 2002 a jobless rate of 8.25 per cent by June next year. Jimmy Carter The jobless rate in NSW was unchanged at 6.1 per wins Nobel Prize cent, and was also static in the Northern Territory at 4.2 On this day in 2002, former Presi- per cent and the ACT at 3.6 dent Jimmy Carter wins the Nobel per cent. However, it jumped Peace Prize "for his decades of un- to 5.1 per cent in Tasmania tiring effort to find peaceful solu- from 4.1 per cent the previ- tions to international conflicts, to ad- ous month, and increased to vance democracy and human rights, 6.3 per cent from 5.9 per cent and to promote economic and social in Victoria. The unemployment development." rate also rose to 5.8 per cent from 5.7 per cent in South Australia. In Western Australia the jobless rate fell to 5.4 per cent from 5.7 per cent and in Queensland it declined to 5.5 per cent from 5.7 per cent. AAP SEPTEMBER 2009 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 3/21 Editorial

180 votes in the 300-member Parliament or elections Thessaloniki’s Prime will be called, so TIF presented an obstacle that had to Minister be overcome by the prime minister. He had two op- bell tolls Costas Karamanlis tions: Announce tough measures or call elections. Announcing that he would ask the president to dis- for Karamanlis solve Parliament and call early elections, Karamanlis spoke of the need for painful structural reforms. But he did not specify what those reforms would be. PASOK Thessaloniki's International Fair (TIF) has been the leader George Papandreou, responding to the call for a subject of much lamentation in the past few years, as a snap election, was just as vague. This evasiveness - changing world has made such expensive showcases this fear of the political cost - is what prevented the of goods and equipment redundant. In the era of glob- necessary measures from being taken over so many alization and the Internet, who needs to set up expen- years. If the parties that hope to govern Greece after sive pavilions and who needs to visit them, when every- October 4 do not have the policies or are too scared of thing is on display online, and purchases are just a click announcing them, then they will do nothing to instill con- away? fidence in the public and these elections will be just an- The fair kept on going mainly out of the momentum of other step in Greece's long decline. its long history and because it gave Thessaloniki a brief moment each year in which it became the center of the Leaving out the failures Greek world. But, in the past two years, TIF has proven bility and absolute authority in the party that he had led to be a catalyst for major political developments. The out of the political wilderness with its electoral victory in In the coming days and weeks, Prime Minister Costas annual migration of Athens's political and economic elite 2004. Karamanlis will have to convince the country’s increas- each September has taken on the power of a ritual that His blunder provoked angry muttering and insults ingly doubtful voters that he can govern in a different cannot be evaded, prompting decisions that might not from ministers and lower ranking party officials who manner and with the help of different people should he otherwise have been made. felt that he would lead them to inevitable defeat when- win the October 4 general elections against the socia- We saw this last year when, after a long silence, ever elections were held. lists of George Papandreou. Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis was forced to take a This year, with the international economic crisis exac- It goes without saying that the conservative leader stand on claims that senior members of his government erbating all the weaknesses of the Greek econo-mic will have to exclude from New Democracy’s ticket any were involved in dubious wheeling and dealing. system, which New Democracy has not managed to of those politicians who have been implicated in the There was no way he could sidestep the policy deal with in its five years in power, Karamanlis knew various scandals in the past. speeches and news conferences that are part of the that he would have to announce measures to curb d- However, it would be of great service to the nation if opening of the fair and so he was forced to stop pre- eficits and increase productivity, because, by tradition, the prime minister also left out those conservative tending that there was no crisis. Friday night's speech in Thessaloniki sets out the fol- members who failed to fulfil their obligations such as, He came out in support of his embattled ministers, lowing year's economic policy. With the EU watching to for example, those who were supposed to be in charge seeming oblivious to the scandals that preoccupied the see how Greece will bring its public deficit under 3 per- of the country’s fiscal affairs ahead of the last Cabinet public. cent next year (from the current 5-6 percent), the shake-up. The magnitude of Karamanlis's miscalculation be- speech would have to contain painful measures. Doing so would be a strong sign of self-criticism. came evident shortly afterwards, when Merchant Ma- As the opposition PASOK party had already declared At the same time, Karamanlis would convey a clear rine Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis was forced to resign that it would block the re-election of President Karolos message to the electorate, that those who have failed to and was followed by Karamanlis's closest aide, gov- Papoulias next Spring - a stalemate that would force live up to the demands and expectations of the voting ernment spokesman and State Minister Theodoros early elections - Karamanlis knew that it would be polit- public will not take part in any future government. Roussopoulos. ical suicide to enforce unpopular measures in the few months before elections. Just as the Constitution de- This mistake was not only a huge public embarrass- KATHIMERINI ment but it also punctured Karamanlis's aura of infalli- mands that a candidate for president must get at least A true cause for excitement Orthodox Curriculum Development Update

for use in Australian classrooms. With the blessing and Archbishop Stylianos, a number of teachers set about prayers of His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, whose the mammoth task of producing a series of textbooks care for the spiritual nurture and religious education of for students of Orthodox Studies in an Australian con- the youth in particular is second to none “as one who text. Many options were explored in order to ensure must give account” (Heb 13:17), that initial group of that students receive the best possible resource and it teachers met on many occasions, often in their own was decided that the development of a new resource, By PETER time, to realise the aims of the committee. rather than a translation or adaptation of existing mate- MAVROMMATIS * Within six months of the initial meeting, a common syl- rials, be undertaken. labus for Years 7-10 (Stages 4 & 5) was developed for With God’s Grace, despite the many time constraints implementation in Orthodox Day Schools in New South and challenges involved in this sacred task, I am Wales on a trial basis. To the lay reader, this may seem pleased to announce that the first textbook, an Orthodox On a drizzly Friday afternoon back in August 2005, a insignificant and unspectacular but the reality is that a Introduction to the Holy Bible and Old Testament for stu- group of teachers of Orthodox Studies and Religious Ed- handful of teachers with families, commitments at the dents of Year 7 is in its final stages of preparation and ucation gathered at the central offices of our Archdio- Day Schools of our Archdiocese and many other profes- will, God-willing, be trialed in 2010. This again shows cese in Sydney in response to the initiative and invitation sional and administrative responsibilities, volunteered that όπου Θεός βούλεται, νικάται φύσεως τάξις. The of His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, the founder of the their time and efforts for the betterment of Orthodox Re- committee anticipates that the second volume will be Orthodox Education System in Australia. While the ligious Education in this great land, all the time putting ready for publication by 2012. weather that day could be described as miserable, the the ultimate aim - the teaching of God’s children - ahead As this task has been undertaken on a volunteer ba- selfless and hardworking teachers who had gathered in of personal ambition and working for the common good. sis, for the Glory of God and the service of His people, a spirit of mutual respect, professionalism and Christian It must be noted that although teachers generally tend to we ask only for your prayers that this work which has friendship created an atmosphere of warmth, enthusi- be very possessive of their work (programs and re- begun in God’s name draws to a good close. asm and excitement. sources), all of the teachers involved in the syllabus Many issues were discussed on the agenda of that writing happily disseminated their own materials for To comment, agree, or disagree, visit: historic meeting. The key items included the formulation which they had worked so hard to prepare. http://petermav.livejournal.com/ of a common program of studies, the formation of an As the new common syllabus was trialed, the need Orthodox Curriculum Development Committee, and the for support material and resources became necessary. * Peter Mavrommatis is a teacher of Orthodox Studies and Per- dream of one day developing resources and textbooks Again, with the prayers and blessing of His Eminence sonal Development at St Spyridon College Senior School Sydney. 4/22 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA SEPTEMBER 2009

Glimpses of a Symbolic Anthropology Part Two: Flesh and the Body

By Revd Dr Doru Costache is the Logos incarnate who ‘taking flesh from the holy with the previous quote, the entire human being, soul Theotokos and ever virgin Mary’, has become one of us and body, is the beneficiary of God’s sanctifying grace Do we, Christians, really hate the body? More pre- without ceasing to be what he eternally is (cf. The Only and called to maintain a holy course of life. Together cisely, are we, the Orthodox, body haters? Our detrac- Begotten Hymn). Thus, far from representing an inferior with the body, the present life is not hated or rejected. tors allege that we do, that we maintain a deep aversion side of human nature, the body is as much an object of This life, together with the body, can be redeemed and toward the body as indicated, for instance, by our God’s mercy as any other human feature. For that mat- sanctified. What we cannot accept is, nevertheless, the derogatory use of the word ‘flesh’. In the following, I ter, we ask for ‘an angel of peace’ as ‘a guardian of our contemporary idea that the irrational way of life called shall consider the meaning of the ‘flesh’ (σάρξ) and its souls and bodies’ (litany after the Cherubic Hymn). sin is part of our nature and therefore normal. rapport with the ‘body’ (σώμα) as illustrated by the most This aspect is endorsed, within a consistent soterio- These aspects are obvious in the prayer silently recit- sacred and fundamental witness of our tradition, the logical perspective, by many liturgical texts. ed by the celebrant during the Cherubic Hymn, where he Divine Liturgy. Why is the liturgy the first to be consid- ‘Cleanse our souls (τας ψυχάς) and bodies (τα σώμα- asks God to cleanse his ‘soul and heart’ not of body or ered within this series? Because of a principle illustrat- τα) from every defilement of flesh (σαρκός) and spirit this life but ‘from an evil conscience’ (συνειδήσεως ed in the early third century by St Irenaeus, who stated: (πνεύματος), and grant that we may stand at your holy πονηράς). The body is subject to the mind; the choices, ‘our opinion is in accordance with the eucharist and the altar without guilt or condemnation’ - reads the second good or evil, belong to the mind, not to the body. This is eucharist confirms our opinion’ (Against the Heresies prayer for the faithful (silently recited by the celebrant, why the ‘pleasures of the flesh’ (mentioned earlier), 4.18.5). The Divine Liturgy remains our framework, the just before the Cherubic Hymn). We note that the terms most commonly known as passions, do not refer to the expression of our φρόνημα (mindset), our system of cri- ‘soul’ and ‘spirit’ are equivalent and so are ‘flesh’ and body itself. This conclusion is supported by the famous teria and the very context of our questions and answers. ‘body’. Furthermore, we see how our psychosomatic statement of Abba Poemen (a fourth century desert In the most common form of the Divine Liturgy, that of being in its entirety is corrupted through the sinful choice father) that ‘we have not learned to kill our bodies but the order attributed to St John Chrysostom, we make a in life, not by the presence of the body. Thus, the enemy our passions’. remarkable finding: neither of the two terms, i.e. flesh is not the body/flesh, or our biological side; the obstacle In addition, the Divine Liturgy illustrates how the body and body, are taken to designate an evil object, some- against perfection is the sinful state, an irrational and becomes - within the divine salvific economy - an thing that is by nature worthy to despise or the enemy anti-natural τρόπος or existential mode, an abuse of our important instrument of salvation, mediating our union of the soul. Indeed, the two terms are consistently used freedom. Moreover, given that the whole human being with God. Symptomatically, the long prayer of the as synonyms but there is no permanent negative con- is wounded by sin, and consequently we ask for the anaphora (offering of gifts) contains the words pro- notation attached to them even when (in the prayer purification of the entire being, it is obvious that we do nounced by Christ at the mystical supper: ‘take, eat, this recited by the celebrant during the Cherubic Hymn) the not identify human nature with the soul. Our anthropolo- is my body which is broken for you for the forgiveness ‘pleasures of the flesh’ (σαρκικαίς επιθυμίαις) are gy is holistic. We are called to stand before God with of sins’. As appropriated by the Lord, the body becomes evoked as an obstacle against dignified worship. It will dignity as complete human beings or psychosomatic life-giving, ‘precious’ (τίμιον) and ‘pure’ (αχράντου), a soon become clear that the ‘pleasures of the flesh’ do entities, restored to a normality that is threatened not by vehicle of our deification. No trace of Manichean hate in not refer to the flesh itself but rather to a way of our biology but by our sinful life. this eucharistic approach to the body. approaching the body. The same message of holistic anthropology and salva- Considering the teaching of the Divine Liturgy, it is obvi- As an integral part of the human constitution, the tion is conveyed by the prayer of the Trisagion: ‘forgive ous that any underestimation of the body does not have body/flesh is as much us as the soul or the mystical our voluntary and involuntary transgressions, sanctify much to do with the spirit of the Orthodox tradition. This inner self termed as the ‘heart’ and the mind. Christ, the our souls and bodies, and grant that we may worship is, precisely, the starting point of a genuinely traditional ‘Physician of our souls and bodies’ (according to the and serve you in holiness all the days of our lives’. Our restitution of the body. prayer of the bowing of the heads), is indeed ‘the light problem consists in our sins, not in the presence of the of our souls and bodies’ (the prayer that accompanies body in our constitution. The Orthodox tradition does not the scriptural readings). The entire human being needs share in the negative views of the body, still cultivated * Revd Dr Doru Costache lectures in Patristics at St Andrew’s healing and illumination from the same source - which by some Christian denominations. Here again, in line Theological College, Sydney

Visit of His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos to St Andrew’s Grammar, Perth

St Andrew’s Grammar School in Perth was honoured to welcome His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia on a visit to the school on Friday 4 September 2009, He was greeted on his arrival by the Reverend Fathers, members of the School Board, the Principal and Senior Management Staff and the children of our Kindergarten Class. As His Eminence stepped through the doorway into the classroom he was met by an excited and slightly awe- struck group of children who regaled him with two special songs that they had learned in honour of his visit. His Eminence was then taken on a brief tour of the School and was clearly impressed with the amount of growth and development that has taken place on the cam- pus since his last visit to the School in January of 2006. The tour ended in the School’s recently completed un- dercover assembly area with a whole school assembly in honour of His Eminence’s visit. He was treated to a spe- cial performance of songs from the Year One students and was then honoured by the chanting of his Pheme by the Year Five Class. His Eminence spoke to the School community and re- minded us all of our close affinity to the Church and es- pecially to him. He spoke about his belief in how important the day. The School was privileged to have His Eminence it is that St Andrew’s is a school for all students from all join us for this occasion and we look forward to return backgrounds and how proud he was to see the students visits and our continued close relationship with him and speaking in Greek and to note how the Orthodox faith is the Church. being shared with so many students of differing faiths. His Eminence then met with some of the staff and stu- Mr Craig D’cruz dent leaders for a brief afternoon tea before departing for Principal SEPTEMBER 2009 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 5/23 Our Primate’s View

Having had a long and bitter experience here in Aus- solved, leaving exposed not only its tragic protagonist tralia of the ‘abilities’ and ‘tactics’ by which the Linguist Mr T. Tamis, but also the Governments of Greece and Lexicographer, Mr. G. Babiniotis, today an emeritus and Cyprus? Should not the enormous sums of money Professor of the University of Athens, from many years which literally ‘disappeared into thin air’ despite enjoy- ago ‘manages’ affairs regarding Education and Civics ing the protective ‘Patronage’ even of the Presi- both inside and outside of Greece, it came as no dents of Greece and Cyprus, have attracted the inter- surprise that he is not absent even from the recently est of so many eponymous supporters (not excluding a announced new process of Educational Reform in number of Ambassadors) who paraded through the Greece. relevant ‘fiestas’ in Melbourne and Athens? However, we felt a genuine disheartenment upon Indeed, it should have been needless to return to the learning that the gentleman in mention, always accord- issue today since the directly affected persons from all ing to his personal aspirations, does not miss an op- spheres of Greek society are not at all disturbed by his portunity to take advantage of the long-standing confu- disgracefully pompous and populist ‘exhortations’ for a sion (if not irrelevance!) of successive Greek govern- radical reformation of Greece’s National Education: ments on educational matters, so that in the most re- “WE SHALL JOLT POLITICIANS, TEACHERS AND cent project of the National Education Council PARENTS”! (Kathimerini 14/6/09). (E.S.P.) not only does he participate but he also re- tains the first word. Thus, we have reached the point In order to be more clear and just, we do not deny where the special Committee for the upgrading of Pri- that, with his manifold experience in the Academic mary and Secondary education, convened by the field, Mr Babiniotis could truly be an invaluable execu- E.S.P., is called the ‘Babiniotis Committee’ (see Kathi- tive and a genuine ‘guide’ and ‘aide’ in every noble merini newspaper, Athens, 14/6/09). struggle of persons and Institutions both inside and outside of Greece. Of course, as far as names and issues are con- cerned, if they remained merely in the framework of the known blasé approach of the Media, leniently as- MR G. BABINIOTIS sessing all these matters, they could possibly be ‘for- given’ as not constituting ‘mortal sins’! AND THE ‘DIALOGUE’

By ARCHBISHOP When, however, Mr Babiniotis, two weeks earlier, ON GREEK EDUCATION STYLIANOS was unequivocally stating to the same newspaper of OF AUSTRALIA Athens - with regard to the task of the Committee un- der his chairmanship - the immediately following, we That, however, which he does not possess is the pri- have every reason to be wary. Because it is not in- mary ideal from which true Education emanates and to significant that the specific and well ‘tried’(!) academic, which it is obliged to aspire: sincerity. in the midst of so many irregularities would declare: “We are conducting an honourable, fruitful, manifold For precisely this reason, in any event, the wise Fore- and sincere dialogue. Especially a dialogue of es- fathers and Teachers of the Hellenic people and of our sence”. Church (Mr Babiniotis rhetorically always boasts about both!) stereotypically repeated in every generation: Well then, whoever these ‘deluding and deluded’ peo- “that which is good is not good, if it is not done well”. ple might be, we at least who know (with irrefutable evidence) by which means this honey-tongued and Nonetheless, our article today will simply remind unrestrained in promises former Chancellor ‘domi- readers of how many key positions Mr Babiniotis has nates’ every assignment, are entitled not simply to ‘be held over many years (together with his strictly and wary’ but indeed to be concerned. personally devoted Staff) in order to highlight that, if the inexhaustible wisdom of the Professor had some- The callous game surrounding the National Educa- thing new and creative to say, he would have put it tion of Greece has gone on for far too long with the in writing long ago and, above all, would have imple- complicity of many who know well but meticulous- mented it. ly keep silent for reasons of... mutual ‘interest’. Here, then, are the key positions which, if not ‘mo- However, because just a few months ago we had re- nopolized’ almost for life(!), have in any case been in- peatedly denounced in writing through our own news- fluenced decisively from long ago by the ‘reformist’ paper ‘The Vema of the Church’, specific actions of our days, Mr Babiniotis, who is denounced at least and unacceptable activities of Mr Babiniotis in the for his ‘impudence’ and ‘callousness’. broad cultural affairs of the Greek Australian commu- nity, revisiting the case in point and puzzled at the 1. The Chancellery of the University of Athens. same time, we are entitled to ask ourselves how does Filek- he dare with such self-confidence to declare a cam- 2. The Presidency of the old and famous paideftiki Eteria paign summoning everyone in Education: “ALL MUST (Educational Society). ASSUME OUR RESPONSIBILITIES”! (Kathimerini 3/5/09). 3. The Presidency of the Foundation for Hellenic At least, the much-maligned and diversely ‘deceived’ Culture. Greeks of Australia, with their martyric and canonically In conclusion, it would be unnecessary to state that organized Church at the forefront, may justifiably ask: on account of his Presidential position in these up- How is it that these denunciations did not reach the permost Spiritual Institutions of Greece, there is hardly ears of the authorities in Greece (Government and a cultural Organization, Association or Awards Commit- non-government)? Furthermore, how is it that the tee to whose Administrative Committee this voracious Greek authorities did not hear about the real failures multi-positioned Academician is not invited or on which of the disastrous initiatives undertaken by this man for he does not participate (almost ex officio), following years, with all the means available to him as Chancel- pre-emptive efforts on his behalf. lor of Athens University, in his desperate attempt to make the ‘National Centre for Greek Studies and Here we may repeat that which our wise people jus- Research’ at La Trobe University in Melbourne (E.K.E.- tifiably say: ‘May we not be jinxed’! M.E.) globally known and respected, but which more than two years ago has already been formally dis- Translated by FSS The Greek Australian VEMA SEPTEMBER 2009 6/24 TO BHMA

A LETTER FROM A ST ANDREW’S GRAMMAR STUDENT Perth students visit Rhodes

Perth Students standing at the front of the Cathedral in Rhodes Rev. Elpidios Karalis, Parish Priest of Sts. Constantine & Helene, Perth, together with Perth students that visited Rhodes To our delight, July 1 2009 had finally sites I had previously attended in Perth. Rhodes is a historic island filled with un- Dance group as well as participating in rolled along. Twenty seven students of During our stay in Rhodes we took ad- precedented natural beauty, numerous ar- Greek dancing ourselves. We also enjoyed Greek heritage headed off for a sun-field venturous bush walking, played basketball, chaeological sites, and picturesque vil- the buffet of sweets and food that Apollo Summer Camp Tour in Rhodes. This tour swam in the beaches and engaged in a lages, with lots of character. During the Beach provided. was sponsored by the Municipality of soccer match. The staff at the camp site two and a half weeks we spent on the is- On 19 July we attended the Vesper serv- Rhodes (via Greek Government funding) in were absolutely fantastic; they were great land, we had many opportunities to expe- ice at the church of Prophet Elias, located collaboration with the Greek Orthodox Hel- team leaders, participating in all our activi- rience all these great attractions. We visit- close to the camp site. Fr Elpidios, one of lenic Community of WA, via The Centre for ties. I will definitely miss them. ed the Medieval Town of Rhodes, the Cas- the three supervisors accompanying the Hellenic Studies of WA (Part time Greek We also attended Greek language and tle, the Palace, Lindos, the Cathedral, the group, took part in this service together language programme). dance classes with the camp manager, Archaeological Museums, the Aquarium, with two other local priests. The service I and my brother Manios, were both Mrs Maria Antzele, where all my Greek Council House, the Monasteries and much was followed by a typical Greek Panygyri. thrilled and privileged to be given the op- was refreshed with lots of laughs; this was more. One monastery that really stood out This was no small Panygyri; the Greeks portunity to visit Greece as we had never a great learning curve for us all. Every was the Monastery of Panagia Tzambika. sure know how to celebrate, with bands, visited the country before. At the beginning evening, prior to dinner, all students sang This monastery was famous for its mirac- Greek dancing, lots of food and other of the trip I only knew a few students, but the Greek National Anthem as the Greek ulous icon of the Virgin Mary that was stalls. it did not take long before I started making flag was being lowered. This made me found at the top of a mountain by shep- I would like to thank the Greek Govern- new friends. feel proud of my Greek heritage and Or- herds many years ago. Many couples who ment and the Hellenic Community of WA We spent 2 days in Athens touring thodox faith. Once the flag was lowered, cannot have children visit this monastery for giving us the opportunity to participate places like the Acropolis, Panathinaiko Sta- we were given the opportunity to sing our and seek the help of the Virgin Mary. If in this camp tour of Rhodes. This was cer- dium, The Temple of Apollo, Parliament and own song. On one occasion we sang the God allows, and the woman conceives, tainly an educational and cultural tour al- the list goes on. We arrived in Rhodes on Australian National Anthem which remind- then the infants are brought back to the lowing the Greek youth of Perth to visit, for Saturday 4 July, where we were taken to ed all the students from Perth that we monastery and baptised. They are given the first time, the country of their heritage. the Camp Site of Prophet Elias, which I were truly Greek Australians, and greatly the name Tzambiko (if a male) or Tzambika Also a big thank you to all the organisers, must say was very similar to the camp proud of this. (if a female). especially Mrs Maria Antzele, Mrs Lee Mi- One great thing about Rhodes was that it naidis, Mrs Sophia Sipsas and Mr Pavlos was so colourful and lively. One could walk Iosifidis (Co-ordinator of the Part-time Christian Dior, Gucci, Calvin Klein for hours through the old city hopping from Greek language programme in Perth). We one shop to another. My staple diet on the were also extremely fortunate to have Katerina + Kyriacos Mavrolefteros island of Rhodes was souvlaki and Frappe; been given a grant of $1000 from George Rennie this I greatly enjoyed and will certainly Purslowe Funerals which helped our trip. miss. To date the students that attended the OPTOMETRISTS We also visited the springs of Kallithea tour have kept in contact. We have had a where thousands of people every year couple of outings, as most of us come would visit these legendary spa waters. from various schools around Perth, such Many people hoped to be cured of ail- as Chisholm Catholic College, John Septi- ments by the healing water that sprang mes Roe, St Andrews Grammar, Sacred from the rocks surrounding the bay of Heart Primary School, Hale and many Kallithea. We ended the Kallithea visit with more. a swim on the beach. Thank you once again to all the organis- Thanks to Mrs Lee Minaidis, the pro- ers of the tour for giving my brother and I gramme organiser in Rhodes, we had a this superb cultural experience. couple of Greek nights at the Apollo Beach I will always be proud of my Greek an- Hotel in Faliraki which is a coastal resort. cestry. This was an experience never to be for- Evan Papadopoulos (Year 9 Student) gotten, as we were entertained by a Greek Perth W.A

THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN 874 Anzac Parade, Maroubra Junction The oldest circulating Greek newspaper outside VEMA Greece (at bus stop,, on RTA bllock) JULY 2009 Tel. (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 E-mail: [email protected] OUR PRIMATE’S VIEW THE IMMUNITY OF THE PRIVATELY-OWNED MEDIA (Part 1) PAGES 4/22 - 5/23 The Greek Australian TTeell:: ((0022)) 99331144--00339933 Greek quest for Marbles New Acropolis Museum VEMA is the embodiment of many Greek hopes for the return of the Parthenon Marbles. PAGE 10/28 [email protected] New Acropolis Museum is a ‘treasure house’

From the heart; for locals and tourists made by the hands The opening of the New Acropolis Mu- exhibition hall will rank in importance The Stitches of the Heart exhibition held in seum heralded the beginning of a major alongside other great European muse- Brisbane in June, was a huge success. new era in Greece’s presentation of the ums, including the British Museum, the PAGES 18/36 - 19/37 ancient Acropolis and its monuments. Louvre and the Capitoline Museums.

Make no mistake, this magnificent new PAGE 16/34 The oldest circulating Greek newspaper Silhouette, Carrera, Rodenstock Carrera, Silhouette, Serengeti, Maui Jim, Fendi, D&G outside Greece

Mani: Rugged land of towering spirits This southern Peloponnesian region adheres strongly to tradition and keeps alive the memories of centuries past. PAGE 9/27 Nina Ricci, Oakley, La font PAGE 17/35

OPTOMETRISTS

(at bus stop,, on RTA bllock) TTeell:: ((0022)) 99331144--00339933 [email protected] SEPTEMBER 2009 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 7/25 Facts & Stats

Australia's competitiveness Greek Prime Minister announces ranked 15th in the world October 4 election Australia's competitiveness ranking has improved three places in the past year thanks to its macroeconomic sta- bility and sophisticated financial markets, to stand 15th in Costas the world. Karamanlis The World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Competitive- ness Index for 2009/10, which surveys 133 nations, puts Australia ahead of other developed countries such as France, Belgium, Austria, New Zealand and Italy. The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group), a partner insti- tute of the WEF's Global Competitiveness Program, said Australia's improved position to 15 from 18 was under- pinned by an improvement in its relative macroeconomic stability. Australia's macroeconomic stability - one of the "12 pil- lars" that make up the index - rose 10 positions to 18. Australia's ranking in financial market sophistication also rose two positions to be fourth highest in the world. "These areas have together provided the support neces- sary for Australia to negotiate its way through the global e- conomic downturn," Ai Group's chief executive Heather Ridout said. George The country's efficiency in goods and labour markets Papandreou were both ranked ninth. But Australia continued to underperform in key areas of Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis has called The son of longtime prime minister and PASOK party business sophistication with a ranking of 26, infrastructure early elections on October 4, ending weeks of specula- founder Andreas Papandreou noted that the conserva- (25), innovation (20), and technological readiness (20). tion about his hard-pressed government's political fu- tive New Democracy party had been entrusted with "The relatively poor ranking in the 'pillar' of infrastructure ture amid a looming economic crisis. power in 2004 and 2007 and had failed. - which slipped four positions from 21st in 2008/09 - un- "I asked President Karolos Papoulias to disband par- Several ministers and high-profile ruling party cadres derlines the importance of the commitments by state and liament on Monday so that elections can be held on Oc- had opposed the early ballot, among them the PM's federal governments to increase investment in economic tober 4," Karamanlis said in a televised address. own cousin, Michalis Liapis, who said the party had and social infrastructure," Ms Ridout said. "We have two difficult years ahead of us, 2010 in par- failed its voters. "The low ranking Australia receives for the quality of our ticular will be crucial for the course of the economy." "With what arguments can we ask for the peoples' port infrastructure - 50th - is of major concern for an is- Expected for weeks, the PM's move brings the curtain vote again after appearing to confess that we failed?" land continent so dependent on global trade." down on an embattled conservative administration the former minister publicly wondered on Thursday. Switzerland was ranked first in the index, followed by barely halfway through its four-year term, hobbled by Opposition newspapers were scathing on Thursday, the United States, Singapore and Sweden. scandals and restricted by a majority of just one deputy while welcoming Karamanlis's decision to put his head in parliament. on the electoral block. AAP The coming months were expected to be harder still - "I failed: but vote for me again," was the withering - Greece has barely escaped recession in the global headline in the socialist daily Ta Nea. Indigenous population economic downturn but with unemployment rising and The neo-liberal Kathimerini was also critical. income sources drying up, international observers say "Mr Karamanlis did not take the necessary (economic) growing rapidly: ABS this is unlikely to continue for long. decisions when he had a strong majority," it said. Greece's public deficit is expected to reach 5.7 per That majority is down to just one vote after Karaman- Australia's indigenous population is expected to grow cent next year, according to European forecasts, along- lis was forced to axe a dissident lawmaker in a scandal rapidly over the next decade and at a much faster rate side a debt of more than 100 per cent of GDP, prompt- over a property deal that also sparked the resignation than the rest of the population, according to the Australian ing both the International Monetary Fund and the Euro- of two ministers politically close to the PM. Bureau of Statistics (ABS). pean Union to push for structural reforms. "Social discontent is on the rise, the unions have al- Queensland is also expected to overtake NSW as the "Public revenue is considerably reduced, borrowing ready announced a major mobilisation and the right state with the largest indigenous population by 2016, while has increased sharply to 60 billion euros ($A102.7 bil- looks set to take more blows," said political analyst the Northern Territory is projected to have the lowest av- lion), there is a real problem of liquidity and the govern- Thomas Gerakis. erage growth rate. ment is having trouble drawing up the 2010 budget," Karamanlis, who first became premier in March 2004 Matthew Montgomery, assistant director of demography economist George Pagoulatos told AFP. and was re-elected in September 2007, has seen his at the ABS, said Australia's indigenous population was pre- Karamanlis, 52, noted an early election was likely in popularity dive. dicted to jump by almost 50 per cent by 2021. March anyway as the socialist opposition, led by former In December he faced criticism as rioting erupted na- "The fact that the indigenous population is growing at a foreign minister George Papandreou, did not intend to tionwide over the police killing of an Athens teenager. much faster rate than the rest of the Australian population support Papoulias' election to a new presidential man- In June's European elections, his New Democracy is one of the most interesting findings," he told AAP. date. Party garnered the second worst EU vote tally in its his- At the 2006 census there were estimated to be about The president, elected by the single-chamber parlia- tory, while Papandreou's socialists registered their first 517,000 indigenous people in Australia. ment, needs the votes of at least 200 out of 300 law- victory in five years. Within the next 12 years, the ABS predicts there could be makers or new elections must be called. The most recent opinion polls suggest that PASOK as many as 720,000 - representing an overall growth rate Papandreou, 57, responded later in an Athens rally leads New Democracy by around six percentage points. of 2.2 per cent each year. A similar increase in the overall celebrating the party's 35th anniversary. AFP Australia population would be "outrageous and unheard of", according to Mr Montgomery, who said it's expected to grow by only 1.2 to 1.7 per cent. Millions of Australians drink before age 10: survey The ABS data also found Queensland would have the largest indigenous population in Australia within the next Millions of Australians have been put at risk of developing alcohol problems later in life by drinking before seven years, with an average growth rate of up to 2.7 per the age of 10, a prominent church-based welfare organisation says. cent. Research commissioned by The Salvation Army shows more than two million Australians were under 10 Victoria is projected to have a growth rate of up to 2.5 years old when they first tried alcohol. per cent, while the Australian Capital Territory and Tasma- The Roy Morgan research also showed that 12 million Australians were unaware of new national guidelines nia will track at about 2.4 per cent. which advise the safest option for teenagers is to delay drinking for as long as possible. According to the ABS figures, NSW has about 152,700 The Salvos said the research was alarming, adding it was concerned the message that children under 18 Aboriginal people compared to 144,900 in the sunshine should not drink is not getting through. They released the research recently as part of a campaign to educate state. Queensland is projected to have up to 215,000 in- the community about the national guidelines, developed by the National Health and Medical Research Council, digenous people by 2021, when NSW will have up to and the dangers of youth drinking. 210,000. SEPTEMBER 2009 8/26 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Windows to Orthodoxy Canberra’s Byzantine Secret

By Guy Freeland *

Which is the greater mystery, that one of the finest surviving Byzantine church floor mosaics resides in the Australian War Memorial (AWM) in Canberra or that, by my casual sampling, only 3-4% of Australian Greek Orthodox know that it does? Yet there it is, the Shellal Mosaic, for all to see for the price of a “gold coin” donation at the door. Byzantine Floor Mosaics

Think Byzantine mosaics and you probably think of acres of golden tesserae shimmering in shafts of light on domes, apses, vaulting and walls of such mighty churches as Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, Hosios Loukas in main- land Greece, the Nea Moni on Chios, San Marco in Venice, or the great churches of Ravenna or Sicily. But did visions The inscription The birdcage of floor mosaics flash across your interior TV screen? Probably not. For floor mosaics one needs to go to the everyday life, particularly agricultural tasks, and objects year 622 according to the era of Gaza, in the tenth remains of small Byzantine churches, not famous whop- such as amphorae and baskets of fruit. year of the indiction. pers. Yet a third common theme is the stylised depiction of True, mosaics are sometimes to be found on the floors cities and other sites. Unique is the famous mosaic map at 622 of the era of Gaza corresponds to 561/2, at the end of great churches, but usually marble paving was used, Madaba dating to around the 560s. Originally around 5m of the reign of Justinian (d.565). A human burial uncovered sometimes with the marble segments arranged in cosmo- longer than today, the map probably covered the whole beneath the inscription was shipped to Australia and the logical geometrical patterns. In a small church, a mosaic Old and New Testament worlds. Greatest detail is offered remains reinterred at St Anne’s Anglican Church, Strath- pavement could effect an impact which would be lost in Jerusalem, while other pilgrimage sites are highlighted field. They might or might not be the remains of the “most the expanses of some great cathedral or monastic katho- and in some instances accompanied by biblical quotations. pious George” (though definitely not of St George!). likon. In short, the map is an exercise in sacred cosmography, After the war a dastardly move was made to have the An extraordinary number of, largely Byzantine-era, floor identifying the episodes of salvation history with their ter- mosaic transported to London. Following strong protest mosaics have been found in Palestine and Jordan. The restrial locations. from the Australian Government, however, the scheme patterns and figurative motifs of these mosaics have All three of these common themes of nave mosaics are was abandoned and the mosaic shipped to Australia. It Hellenistic roots, but the mosaics that concern us date combined in the remarkable eighth-century pavement of now resides in the AWM mounted on a wall. from the early third century through the eighth, long after the Church of St Stephen at Kastron Mefaa (Umm al-Ra- the Muslim conquests of the seventh century. sas). This comprises an inhabited vine-trellis bounded by The Mosaic and its Symbolism Though rich in geometric patterning, the three mosaics of a Nilotic frieze interspersed with depictions of Egyptian what is possibly the earliest purpose-built church yet cities. On the north and south sides of an outer border The mosaic is of the vine-trellis form comprising 9 rows found anywhere, that at Megiddo in Israel, which dates to there are depictions of further sites, 8 each from Palestine and 5 columns of medallions, which would have made a the early third century, contain only one figurative compo- and Transjordan. The Palestinian sites were all important total of 45 roundels when the mosaic was complete. The nent. This is a roundel depicting two fish. As most readers episcopal cities, while those of Transjordan include Mada- top three rows are now almost entirely missing. will know, the fish is a symbol of Christ, the reason being ba and Kastron Mefaa itself. The trellis is bounded by a meander/Greek key pattern that the initial letters of the title, Ιησούς Χριστός Θεού Υιός interspersed by small squares. The meander, which is of Σωτήρ (Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour) spell out the The Extraordinary Tale of the Shellal Mosaic the swastika form, accentuates the cross in each of its Greek word for fish, ιχθύς. segments. While a number of the early mosaics are geometric, an During the First World War, British and Empire forces The vine is remarkable in that it not only has bunches of impressive number of figurative mosaics have been were engaged in driving the Turks out of Palestine. On grapes suspended from it but what seem to be heads of found, not only in the remains of churches but also syna- April 17, 1917, in the course of the Second Battle of Gaza, grain (see the photo of the birdcage), thereby denoting the gogues and secular buildings. Their presence in syna- troops of the Australian and New Zealand Mounted Divi- bread of the Eucharist as well as the wine. (However, it is gogues might seem surprising, but, even if attitudes hard- sion were sent to set up a signal station on a small hill at just possible that what are depicted are two different vari- ened later, during our period many rabbis (as Orthodox Shellal, near Gaza. On the top of the hill, where the enemy eties of grape.) today) interpreted the Second Commandment as a prohi- had established a machine-gun position, they discovered Issuing from an amphora, the vine symbolises both bition on idols not the depiction of human beings and other the remains of a mosaic. Fortunately, they in-formed an Christ - “I am the true vine” (John 15:1) - and the Tree of living creatures as such. Anglican chaplain who, realising the significance of the Life. Obviously, we should understand the amphora as The themes of the Christian church pavements of the mosaic, was able to arrange its removal to Egypt. containing the water of life which sustains all creation. Palestine and Transjordan region give expression to the What the diggers had discovered was the pavement of Similarly, the water symbolises the Holy Spirit, “the giver understanding of the nave as symbolic of the earth and the nave of a small sixth-century Byzantine church. of life”, and the sanctified water of the baptismal font. This creation, or the earthly Paradise, while the sanctuary sym- Although damaged by erosion and by the Turks having dug is confirmed by the small cross above the amphora. bolises heaven. two trenches through it, around half of the mosaic was In the medallions of the central column, which follow the Thus in a number of churches there are scenes of the intact. Soldiers being soldiers, some portions were subse- E-W axis of the church, can be seen (from bottom to top): Nile. In the transepts of the church on the traditional site of quently souvenired, but fortunately not before an excellent the amphora; a pannier (a basket designed for a pack ani- Christ’s miracle of the Multiplication of the Loaves and drawing of the pavement was made. Originally measuring mal) containing fruit (probably apples) at which two birds Fishes at et-Tabgha above the Sea of Galilee are charm- 8.23 X 5.49m, the mosaic is of the finest quality. are pecking; a basket of fruit; a chalice (presumably for ing Nilotic scenes, dating to the second half of the fifth No other remains of the church were found except for wine); a bird in a cage, and another basket. century, with plants, birds and even a Nilometer (used for the base of a column. However, we can be reasonably The bird in the cage, found also in non-Christian mosaics, measuring the height of the river). Where the Holy Table sure that the church was a basilica with a central nave usually symbolises the human soul imprisoned within the stood are two fish flanking a basket of bread, recalling the bounded by an aisle each side. The mosaic can be assu- body yearning for release, but here could perhaps sym- miracle (John 6:1-14 & parallels) and probably explaining med to have covered the entire area of the nave up to the bolise the catechumen desiring to be released from the why there are two fish at Megiddo. The miracle has low ornamental wall which would have separated the prison of sin by baptism. The other central medallions sig- always been understood to have a eucharistic meaning nave from the sanctuary area, within which the Holy Table nify the richness of God’s bounty and probably also the The Ancient Egyptians believed that the new life which would have stood (this was centuries before Orthodox Eucharist. could be seen arising from hillocks of mud in the midst of churches acquired an icon screen). The pairs of medallions either side of the central column the Nile, as the waters of the annual inundation receded, As is usual with such mosaics, there were inscriptions at contain birds and other animals facing inwards. In the bot- was an echo of the original creation. The mosaicists could the west and east ends. Little of the western inscription tom row is a pair of peacocks. It was believed that the well have seen in these Nilotic scenes a metaphor for the survives, but the eastern inscription (see photo) is largely flesh of the peacock did not putrefy, and hence that the Creation according to Genesis. intact and can be reconstructed as follows: bird signified immortality. In a Christian context, the pea- Very common are what are known as inhabited vine-trel- cock symbolised Christ, whose crucified body did not cor- lis and acanthus-scroll mosaic patterns. These comprise This temple with rich mosaics did decorate our most rupt but was raised up on the third day. various motifs or scenes set in medallions formed by ten- holy bishop [name missing] and the most pious drils of vine or acanthus leaves: birds, animals, scenes of George, priest and sacristan [paramonarius] in the SEPTEMBER 2009 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 9/27 Windows to Orthodoxy

Cont. from previous page

Above the tail of the intact peacock is a partridge. Partridges had a very bad reputation and could be used as a symbol for the Devil, in contrast to the peacock/Christ. According to Jeremiah 17:7:

“A partridge coos and collects eggs she did not lay. So is a man who obtains his wealth, but not with judgment ... ”

St Athanasius Academy Septuagint (SAAS).

So the bird symbolises deceit, and hence the Deceiver, Satan. In the second row are a ram and ewe, and a billy-goat. The tiger In the third row are opposing pheasants, and a purple The bottom with the peacocks coot (symbolic of chastity and piety) and another wading bird (judging by the surviving leg). The fourth row has a lion and tigress. The lion can be either a positive or negative symbol. It can symbolise Christ, as the Lion of Judah, but also the Devil (1 Peter 5:8). As the tigress (see photo) has a decidedly menacing appearance, it seems likely that the opposing lion is Christ, good opposing evil. In the fifth row are opposing flamingoes and a guinea- fowl (symbolic of mourning). The sixth row has a hound chasing a hare on the north side (see photo) while on the heavily souvenired south a dog chased a gazelle. Scenes of the hunt or chase are common in Christian mosaics which usually represent the individual fleeing temptation and seeking the waters of life and might well have their source in the Psalms:

As the deer longs for the springs of waters, The hound chasing the hare The detail from the sampler So my soul longs for You, O God. (Psalm 41 SAAS.)

However, the hare being chased by the hound could All the animals and birds probably had a moral mean- The Shellal mosaic, both in its form and content, is so have the reverse meaning, evil being chased off by good, ing. A theme of the battle of the virtues and vices (think similar to a number of other church and synagogue since dogs symbolised faithfulness but hares, in negative Christ’s Parable of the Sheep and the Goats) could possi- mosaics of the region, most notably that of the contempo- mode, lust. bly have determined the selection and placement of the raneous Ma‘on-Nirim synagogue, that scholars have con- It would be a mistake to ascribe a single over-arching creatures; although, overall, the pavement could, in posi- cluded that a school of mosaicists was active in Gaza at meaning to the pavement other than that the creatures tive mode, simultaneously have represented the peace- the time. Many of the motifs found within the medallions surrounded with tendrils of the Tree of Life clearly consti- able kingdom foretold by the prophet Isaiah. seem, however, to have persisted from Egyptian through tute an image of the Garden of Eden/Paradise; of Paradise Many of the squares within the border are missing. It is to modern times - see the detail of a sampler sewn by an lost through the Fall being restored through the Mysteries likely that the top of the head seen at the bottom is that of eight year old girl, a Freeland ancestor, in 1812. celebrated in the altar. a donor. On the north side is a pomegranate. The pome- A passage which probably influenced the mosaicists is granate has a complicated mythological symbolism. Most (Readers hungry for more should seek out A.D.Trendall’s, that of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel. The King importantly, as the emblem of Persephone who returns The Shellal Mosaic and Other Classical Antiquities in the dreamt that: from Hades in the spring for a third of the year, the fruit Australian War Memorial, AWM and/or Priscilla Hender- is seen as symbolic of the Resurrection of Christ. son’s, ‘The Shellal Mosaic: A Reappraisal’, in the Journal of ... in the midst of the earth there was a very tall tree In squares at the top, below the inscription, are a bowl the Australian War Memorial for April 1988.) ... Its height reached to heaven, and its extent to the of bread and a fish which has been divided in the middle. ends of all the earth. Its leaves were beautiful and These motifs are eucharistic. Not only is the fish symbolic * Guy Freeland is a lecturer at St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox its fruit abundant ... The wild animals lived beneath of Christ, but the fact that it is severed recalls Christ’s Theological College, Sydney and the author of Canberra Cosmos: it, and the birds of heaven dwelled in its branches. words: “Take eat, this is my body, which is broken for you The Pilgrim’s Guidebook to Sacred Sites and Symbols of Australia’s All flesh was fed from it (4:10b-12 SAAS). for the remission of sins.” Capital, Primavera. SEPTEMBER 2009 10/28 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College

A MEMBER INSTITUTION OF THE SYDNEY COLLEGE OF DIVINITY

Announcement of Intensive Units

St Andrew’s Theological College is pleased to announce the continuation of its successful and highly informative intensive units during January and July. These five-day intensive units are credited towards graduate level programs of the Sydney College of Divinity: the Gradu- ate Certificate in Arts, the Graduate Diploma of Arts and the Master of Arts (admissions criteria apply)

The schedule for January 2010 will be:

TH104A/404A INTRODUCTION TO BB403A HERMENEUTICS ORTHODOX THEOLOGY * (18-22 JANUARY 2010) (11-15 JANUARY 2010)

His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos Coordinator: Dr Guy Freeland and Mr Philip Kariatlis

This unit introduces the student to the nature This unit aims to introduce students to the and tasks of theology with emphasis on its Or- history, goals and general principles of biblical thodox Patristic features and its creative links interpretation and to those that are specific to with other subject areas. This unit is fundamen- the various literary genres in the Old and New tal and a pre-requisite for all other theology Testaments. units.

Themes include: Themes include:

The nature and subject of Christian theology. The need for biblical hermeneutics. Portrait of a theologian. The history of biblical interpretation. Characteristics and features of Orthodox the- Key issues in biblical interpretation. ology. General hermeneutical principles. Name, definition, limit and purpose of Hermeneutical principles for specific genres of theology. Scripture. General presupposition for theologising. Application of hermeneutics to life and Ontological and moral presuppositions for ministry issues. doing theology. The Septuagint, and principles of translation. Dogmatic presuppositions for doing Hermeneutics, liturgy and iconography. theology.

Classes are conducted each day between 9:00am-4:30pm. Tuition fee per unit: Graduate Students ($920); Auditors ($430). Fees include all materials and full catering each day, but not accommodation or travel expenses. FEE-HELP government loan scheme is available, subject to eligibility criteria. Graduate Students should enquire with the Registrar about the Campus: scholarship by St Andrew’s which pays for up to 40% of the tuition fee. Units are conducted 242 Cleveland St on campus at Redfern NSW and are open to qualified men and women irrespective of reli- Redfern NSW 2016 gious affiliation. They may also be undertaken by university students as electives towards their own degrees, subject to approval by their Faculty. Applications for January 2010 should Website: be lodged by Friday 11 December 2009. www.sagotc.edu.au For more information about theological education please contact the Registrar by telephone on (02) 9549 3101 or via email at [email protected].

* TH104A is also available to undergraduate students 090901 SEPTEMBER 2009 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 11/29 ST SPYRIDON COLLEGE

Invitation Fantastic P&F Spring Fair at the Junior School.

Think fun.

Live Music. Dance. Rides. Pony Rides. Animal BBQ Octopus. Sizzling sausages. Greek cakes. Farm. Christmas Novelties. Face Painting. Stalls Homemade jams. Fairy floss. Homemade with great gift ideas and much more. lemonade. Gourmet Coffee. This is a Fair with a distinctive Greek flavour. See just what a great College you have Great food. Great music. Lamb souvlakia. here, right in the heart of Kingsford.

For more information call 9663 5363 or visit www.stspyridon.nsw.edu.au

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sunday 25th, October 2009 – 80 Gardeners Road, Kingsford NSW 2032 11 am – 5 pm The Greek Australian VEMA SEPTEMBER 2009 12/30 TO BHMA

Dementia Awareness

The Greek Welfare Centre is the welfare arm of the dementia Other types of dementia include those associat- elsewhere and heart rhythm problems. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (with established ed with Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, (Alzheimer’s Australia July 2005) regional and sessional offices). For more than 30 years, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Alcohol related dementia: Kor- the centre has provided many services and programs to sakoff’s syndrome, Pick’s disease and Huntington’s dis- What are the risk factors for Alzheimer’s dis- meet the needs of the Greek Speaking Community. ease. ease and Vascular dementia? This article aims to raise awareness on the impact of The two most substantiated risk factors for developing Dementia among the Greek speaking community. What is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease is old age and genetic factors. Other Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of de- factors include head injury, a fatty diet possibly low oe- What is dementia? mentia accounting for between 50-70% of all cases. It is a strogen in women and low education. (Draper B 2004) Dementia is a term used to describe the symptoms of a group of conditions that all gradually destroy brain cells Vascular risk factors include such things as smoking, large group of illnesses, which cause a progressive de- and lead to progressive decline in mental function. high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. cline in a person’s mental functioning. It is a broad term, (Alzheimer’s Australia July 2005) (Alzheimers Australia July 2005) which describes a loss of memory, intellect, rationality, so- cial skills and normal emotional reactions. (Alzheimer’s What is vascular dementia? What are some ways to reduce the risk or pre- Australia July 2005) Vascular dementia, another common form of dementia vent Alzheimer’s disease and Vascular dementia? results from reduced blood flow to the brain’s nerve cells. Eliminating or finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and What causes dementia? Risk factors associated with Vascular dementia are high vascular dementia and other types of dementia is current- There are different forms of dementia and each has its blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, history of mild ly not a realistic option. Preventing Alzheimer’s disease own causes. These include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular warning strokes, diabetes, evidence of disease in arteries and vascular dementia currently involves the scenario of delaying these types of dementia by reducing the risk fac- tors. (Draper B 2004)

We can reduce our risk or protect ourselves from developing dementia by controlling: What we eat and drink, more specifically a healthly diet; CHANGE by keeping mentally, socially and physically active; by avoiding smoking; and by having regular check-ups with OF your GP to monitor health and medications. (Alzheimer’s Australia 2006 Mind Your Mind booklet)

VENUE What is important to diagnose dementia early and intervene? It is important to recognise the early signs of dementia. By ruling out other conditions and determining that a per- son has dementia, early treatment and planning can take place. The diagnosis of dementia involves initially consult- ing with the local doctor who may run some tests and then make a referral to the appropriate specialist. (www.helpguide.org/alzheimers 2007)

What services are available to carers and fami- lies who have been affected by dementia? Our experience at the Greek Welfare Centre in working with Greek people affected by dementia indicates that families and carers need assistance in a variety of ways. It is important that people are well informed of the nature of this condition in the Greek community and to be aware of the services that are available to them. Carers are usually family members or friends and may care for a few hours a day or all day everyday. Caring can be physically and emotionally exhausting, and it is impor- tant that carers have regular breaks to relieve the stress and exhaustion they may experience. The following serv- ices may be beneficial to any carers who would like some assistance: Alzheimer’s Australia offers support, information, educa- tion and counselling through the National Dementia Helpline. To speak to someone at the National Dementia Helpline please call 1800 100 500. Help sheets about dementia in Greek or English can al- so be obtained by visiting the Alzheimer’s Australia web- site at www.alzheimers.org.au. There are other services, which are particularly sup- portive to carers. The Commonwealth carelink Centres is a service that provides carers with information on a range of topics which help support them in their caring role This service can also assist carers take breaks by organising respite for the person they care for. The Commonwealth Carelink Centres can be contacted on 1800 052 222.

The Translating and Interpreting Service can help you if you need assistance with Greek. They can be contacted on 13 14 50. The Greek Welfare centre has dementia day care cen- tres in the East, South West and West. This service also of- fers carers an opportunity to have a break while their loved one attends a day care group.

The Greek Welfare Centre as part of its October educa- tion month will be running a Greek information session on dementia 22nd of October at Liverpool. SEPTEMBER 2009 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 13/31 Health

other parvo viruses that can affect dogs and cats, and with joint pain may need to rest, restrict activities and do not affect humans. A child can only catch parvovirus take medicines such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory from an infected human and a cat or dog cannot catch medication. parvovirus from an infected child. In people with disorders of the blood, such as sickle- Adults can be infected with parvovirus B19. They cell disease or some chronic anaemia, parvovirus 19 HEALTH either have no symptoms or develop the typical rash of can trigger a severe acute anaemia such that some- fifth disease. They may also get joint pain and swelling, times a blood transfusion is required. or both. NEWSNEWS PARVOVIRUS B19 AND PREGNANCY FIFTH DISEASE IS CONTAGIOUS Usually there is no serious complication for a preg- A person infected with parvovirus B19 is contagious nant woman or her baby following exposure to a per- WITH DR. THEO PENKLIS * during the early part of the illness before the rash ap- son with fifth disease. About fifty percent of women are pears. By the time a child has the characteristic already immune to parvovirus B19, and these women ‘slapped cheek’ rash of fifth disease, he or she will no and their babies are protected from infection and ill- FIFTH DISEASE longer be contagious and may return to school. This is ness. Even if a pregnant woman becomes infected with different from most other childhood illnesses where the parvovirus B19, she usually only experiences a mild ill- (‘SLAPPED CHEEK child is contagious while he or she has the rash, as with ness. Likewise, her unborn baby usually does not have measles. any problems attributable to parvovirus B19 infection. SYNDROME’) Sometimes, however, parvovirus B19 infection will INFECTIVITY OF PARVOVIRUS B19 cause the unborn baby to have severe anaemia and the I have written about Slapped Cheek Syndrome before Parvovirus B19 has been found in the respiratory se- woman may have a miscarriage. but as I have seen a number of cases over the past two cretions (eg: saliva, sputum or nasal mucous) of infect- A pregnant woman who has been in contact with weeks I thought I should write again about this common ed persons, and spreads through breathing in tiny someone who has fifth disease or who has symptoms condition which affects young children which is also droplets present in the air as a result of coughs and consistent with fifth disease should discuss her situation known as Fifth Disease. sneezes from infected people. It can also spread from with her doctor. The doctor may perform a blood test to In this curious disease in which children are often not blood transfusions and from mother to baby. establish if the patient has become infected. If so, the unwell, the children usually present with a rash on their In a household, as many as fifty percent of suscepti- doctor may increase the frequency of visits and per- face. The children often look as though they are sun- ble persons exposed to a family member who has fifth form blood tests and ultrasound examinations to moni- burnt and this week a young mother brought her four disease may become infected. A person usually be- tor the health of the unborn baby. If the unborn baby year old child to see me concerned that she looked comes ill four to twelve days after being infected with appears to be ill, there are a number of special diag- “sunburnt in the face”. The child was not unwell, she the virus. They may be ill for usually seven to twelve nostic and treatment options available. had a mild cold the preceding few days, she did not days, but sometimes up to twenty days. have a fever. When the child came into the consulting As mentioned previously, the illness takes the form of PREVENTING PARVOVIRUS room it was immediately obvious that her cheeks were a bright red rash on the face, often referred to as the B19 INFECTION flushed and when she was examined she had a rash ‘slapped cheek’ rash. A fainter rash, which is lacy in ap- There is no vaccine or medicine that prevents par- like fine lace on her trunk and limbs. pearance, may follow on the arms and legs. Sore throat, vovirus B19 infection. Frequent hand washing is recom- This child was suffering from ‘FIFTH DISEASE’ or swollen glands and fever may also occur. About twenty mended as a practical and effective method to reduce ‘SLAPPED CHEEK SYNDROME’. percent of adults and children who are infected with the spread of the virus. Excluding persons with fifth dis- parvovirus B19 do not develop any symptoms at all. ease from work, child care centres and schools is not WHAT IS FIFTH DISEASE? Other people who are infected may have a non-speci- required as persons are contagious before they devel- Fifth disease is a mild rash illness that occurs most fic illness that is not characteristic of fifth disease. Peo- op the characteristic rash. Pregnant women should not commonly in children. The ill child typically has a ple who are infected develop long lasting immunity that routinely be excluded from a workplace where a fifth ‘slapped cheek’ rash on the face and a lacy red rash on protects them against infection in the future. disease outbreak is occurring. Rather, the decision to the trunk and limbs. Occasionally, the rash may itch. An stay away from a workplace where there are cases of ill child may have a low grade fever, malaise or a ‘cold’ TREATMENT OF PARVOVIRUS fifth disease is a personal decision for a woman to a few days before the rash breaks out. The child is not B19 INFECTIONS make, after consultation with her family doctor and em- very ill and the rash resolves in seven to twelve days. Fifth disease is usually a mild illness that resolves on ployer. its own among children and adults who are otherwise WHAT CAUSES FIFTH DISEASE? healthy. Treatment of symptoms such as fever or pain * The information given in this article is of a general nature and Fifth disease is due to a virus known as human Par- with paracetamol or itch with anti-histamines is usually readers should seek advice from their own medical practitioner vovirus B19. The virus only infects humans. There are all that is needed to treat fifth disease in children. Adults before embarking on any treatment. It's bread, but not as we know it

By Danny Rose, Medical Writer expected to stop almost 50 children - more than a class- The second wave of the bread revolution involves iodine room - from developing these disabilities every year. - and it is hoped to help address a deficiency that has Beneath the crust, a quiet revolution is underway in Aus- Women intending to fall pregnant are still encouraged to emerged in Australia over the past 15 years. tralia's bread business and health experts say it will reap take folic acid supplements well before they start trying to Australia's soils are very low in the mineral but, in the benefits for generations to come. conceive, but fortified bread will provide a benefit for Aus- past, this was offset by the use of iodine-based solutions From September 13, it is illegal for bakers to sell bread tralia's many cases of unplanned pregnancy. to clean the nation's dairy trucks and milking equipment. in Australia that does not contain an added, but minuscule, Women need about 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. This inadvertent injection of iodine into the Australian dose of the vitamin folic acid. Flour millers must add the vitamin at the stage before it food chain was not replaced when the dairy industry up- Then, from October 9, another Food Standards Australia is sent to the nation's bakeries and bread manufacturers. dated to use different cleaning solutions. New Zealand (FSANZ) edict will come into force requiring The resulting loaves will contain an average of 120 mi- Iodine deficiency is the single most common cause of all bread to contain iodised rather than ordinary salt. crograms of folic acid for about every three slices of preventable mental retardation and brain damage in the The moves are meant to go largely unnoticed by the bread. world. consuming public - it won't change how bread tastes - but The change is the result of a collective agreement of Soon, whenever salt is added to bread in Australia, it it is expected to have a dramatic effect on two long- state health ministers, and it brings Australia into line with must be iodised salt (which has 25 to 65 milligrams of io- standing nutritional deficiencies. other western countries including the US and Canada. dine per kilogram of salt). Folic acid, or folate, is a driver of rapid cell division in The lack of folic acid in the diet is not a modern phe- Pregnant women need a daily intake of 150 micrograms the body. Women who don't have enough of it face a nomenon, explains Dr Carolyn West who is staff special- of the mineral, which is used by the thyroid to create a heightened risk of developmental problems in their un- ist in the spina bifida unit at Sydney's The Children's Hos- hormone which controls metabolism and digestion. born child. pital at Westmead. A lack of it also has a particular effect on the brain, says A lack during the first weeks of pregnancy can slow de- Children born with spina bifida have an exposed section Beverley Garside, president of the Australian Thyroid velopment of the "neural tube" - the earliest form of the of spine which needs to be covered with skin, and they al- Foundation. baby's brain, nervous system and spine - when the foetus so require surgery to insert a shunt which prevents a Iodine is found in dairy foods, seafood and in iodised measures just millimetres. build-up of fluid in their skull. salt. Common neural tube defects include spina bifida and These kids face mobility and incontinence problems, Australia's move to fortify its bread with the folic acid is and learning difficulties. AAP SEPTEMBER 2009 14/32 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

CLINICAL INSIGHTS INTO HEALTH AND NATURAL SOLUTIONS

Some of the most common allergenic foods in adults • Puffiness under the eyes are shrimp, lobster, crab, strawberries, chocolate, shell- • Fluid retention fish, peanuts, walnuts and other tree nuts, fish and eggs. • Chronic swelling of glands BY CHRISTINA SCALONE* In children, eggs, milk, peanuts, soy, wheat are the main • Bloating, flatulence, burping BHSc, Dip. Bot. Med, Dip. culprits. Children typically outgrow allergies to milk, egg, • Diarrhoea and constipation Hom, Dip. Nut soy and wheat, but allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish • Depression and shrimp persist. Adults do not normally lose an aller- • Weight gain gy once they have it. • Development of autoimmune conditions - Food allergies are the leading cause of undiagnosed such as lupus, Crohn’s disease, sclerosis, etc symptoms. The primary causes for the increased fre- • Behavioural problems such as ADHD and oth- ALLERGIES quency of food allergy appears to be excessive or reg- er ular consumption of a number of foods, often hidden as PART: 2 ingredients (not put in the list) or preservatives, stabilis- These symptoms can be caused by many other ers, artificial colourings and flavouring now added to conditions. How can we find out what is causing foods. Some researchers and clinicians believe that the those symptoms? increased chemical pollution in our air, water and food is to blame. • There are many ways to test for allergies or For example, foods can easily become contaminated sensitivities. Blood tests and skin prick tests following the use of pesticides in farming. Other possi- can be performed to check for various aller- ble reasons for the increased occurrence of food aller- gens. The elimination diet or rotation diet can gy include: earlier weaning and non-breast fed kids and be useful, but for that your naturopath can earlier introduction of solid foods to infants; genetic ma- guide you in the whole process. nipulation of plants resulting in food components with greater allergic properties; and impaired digestion es- What can we do around the home to reduce the pecially lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. risk of allergies? It is well documented that food allergy is often inherit- ed. When both parents have allergies, there is a sixty- • As a mother we can find a balance between letting seven percent chance that the children will also have al- our children play in the dirt and making sure that they lergies. Where only one parent is allergic, the chance of wash their hands. The best thing is use common sense. • When you hear the word, ‘allergies’, what comes to developing allergy drops to thirty-three percent. Try swapping chemical based cleaning products for your mind? I think most people will immediately think of There is a difference between food allergies and food more natural ones. They not only reduce the sensitivi- intolerances. A person with food intolerance is unable to ties, they are also good for environment. pollen, dust mites, grasses and so on. But did you know • that there are a big number of people are suffering al- digest and process that food correctly due to lack of a Use of antibiotics should be restricted for bacterial in- lergic responses not only to these environmental aller- certain enzyme or enzymes (these are the substances fections only as antibiotics have no effect on viral infec- that help to digest our food). A food allergy, on the oth- tions. gens, but also to certain food and everyday household • products such as detergents and soaps. er hand, occurs when a person’s immune system gen- If you need antibiotics, follow up with a course of pro- Let’s have a look why these allergies are on rise. There erates an antibody response to the ingested food. Food biotics (supplementation with acidophilus bacteria) once intolerance can lead to allergy, however, if particles of the course of antibiotics is complete. is no one single cause for this, but some theories have • been put forward to explain it. undigested food manage to enter the blood stream and Keep rooms free from dust, use cotton bed-sheets. cause a reaction. Get rid of carpets if possible. One of such theory is called ‘Hygiene hypothesis’. • This hypothesis suggests that increased incidence of al- Leaky gut syndrome is a term used to describe a con- Air filters can help to clean pollen, moulds and dust dition in which the lining of the intestinal track becomes form your house or office. lergies, e.g., asthma, eczema and hay fever, in children • in the western world could be linked to extreme cleanli- perforated and irritated and tiny particles of partially di- On windy days, when more pollen is blown through ness (using lots of chemicals), possibly immunisation gested food enter the blood causing allergic response. air, try to avoid going outside if your allergies are se- and excess of antibiotic use. Our ultra clean life styles Stress: During stressful times, food allergies tend to vere. develop or become worse • Use plants around the home to keep the air clean. mean our children’s body no longer need to fight germs • as much as they did in the past. Therefore it appears Leave a window open during the day to improve air Most common allergens: flow. that if a child’s nutritional status is good, fighting some • of those childhood infections can help to strengthen Pollen, dust, certain metals (esp. nickel), some cosmet- Change carpeted surfaces to hard surfaces like floor their immune system. ics, lanolin, dust mites, animal hair, insect venom, some boards or tiles. common drugs (such as penicillin and aspirin), some • Use a damp cloth to clean surfaces around the house food additives (such as benzoic acid and sulphur diox- instead of using a dry duster Antibiotics and their overuse: • Our gastrointestinal tract is one of the largest compo- ide), animal dander, and chemical found in soap, wash- Reduce the allergy load in your diet. This can be done nent of our immune system of our body. We have a ing powder, cleaning supplies and many other chemi- by using a variety of different foods (varying foods re- cals. duces common food allergies), e.g. unique mix of bacteria and fungi living in our intestines, • known as intestinal microflora. Some of our white blood Many people are allergic to mould. Moulds are micro- Try rye bread instead of wheat all the time scopic living organisms that can thrive where no other • Try buckwheat pasta instead of wheat pasta cells (our immune cells that are important for fighting • foreign invasion) routinely keep a check on these mi- life form can. Moulds live throughout the house - under Try goat’s milk or A2 milk instead of regular the sink and in the bathroom, basement, refrigerator cow’s milk. croflora to find out how they should respond and act in • our body. Antibiotics not only kill off the bad bacteria, and nay other damp, dark place. They also flourish in the Avoid any food products that contain artificial but also kill off our good beneficial bacteria as well. So air, in the soil, on the dead leaves and on other organic colour, like yellow dye, mono-sodium glutamate if all the good bacteria are killed, the body’s immune material. (MSG), benzoates; food additives. Read label carefully. cells will induce inflammation, which is the beginning of • an allergic response. So what kind of symptoms people can experi- Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and ence? They can be: sugar as they reduce the effectiveness of im- • Food allergies: Nasal congestion mune system. • Coughing Food allergies occur in people who overreact to foods • that are generally regarded as harmless. Allergic re- Wheezing • Shortness of breath FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND ADVICE PLEASE sponses to foods occur when the body’s immune sys- • SEE A QUALIFIED NATUROPATH. tem identifies a food protein or allergen as a ‘foreign Headache • Fatigue body’. Food allergies can be mild or severe. They can be • transient or can last a life time. Itching • Hives and other skin rashes * Christina Scalone is a very experienced and successful naturopath with over According to the Australian Society of Clinical Immunol- • 20 years experience. She holds a Degree in Health Sciences, a Diploma in ogy and Allergy (ASCIA), food allergies occur in around 1 Drowsiness Botanical Medicine, Diploma in Homoeopathy and a Diploma in Nutrition. She • Difficulty in concentration has maintained a full time practice, has held a position as a senior practition- in 20 children and 1 in 100 adults in Australia and New • er/ naturopathic consultant, a clinic manager and trainer for Blackmores and Zealand. Majority of food allergies in children are not Nervousness • Muscle and joint aches is a clinic student supervisor as well as a lecturer at the Australian College of severe and disappear over time, but for some children • Natural Therapies. She also maintains her own private practice with success- food allergies can be life-threatening. Dark circles around the eyes ful results. SEPTEMBER 2009 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 15/33

Fantasy islands

By Damian Mac Con Uladh Athina Onassis Owning your own island is a dream that has long Roussel attracted the surplus millions of the rich - from film stars to shipping tycoons, celebrity athletes to rock stars. Private islands are “a slice of paradise where we can set our own rules and create a vision of the world as it should be”, says Farhad Vladi of Vladi Private Islands, an international broker. Almost everyone, adds Vladi, has dreamed of owning an island. With a seemingly infinite number of much-sought-after Any takers? Trinity Island, in the and exclusive real estate, coupled with its months of glo- southern Gulf of Evia, comes with rious weather, Greece is the prime market for private is- a price tag of 18 million euros lands in Europe. According to the Greek National Tourism Organisation (EOT), the Greek state comprises 6,000 islands and islets, St Athanasios Island scattered across the Aegean and Ionian seas. Of these, only 227 are inhabited, 78 of which have more than a hundred inhabitants each. According to the Greek finance ministry, about 60 islands and islets are in the pri- vate hands of companies, groups or individuals. Island ownership in Greece among the super-rich was glamorised after shipping billionaire Aristotle Onassis bought Skorpios in 1961. Even the Beetles considered buy- cipality’s authority, this mountainous and wooded island is ing Greek islands - one for each band member - in the described by brokers Private Island Inc as one of the last 1960s. undeveloped spots in the Ionian Sea and perfectly suited Island selling is now an international, multimillion-euro for those who treasure their privacy. The largest on sale business and a number of international property firms in Greece, the island boasts sheltered bays, three large specialise in the field. natural ports, high vantage points with 360-degree views According to the listings of two international island bro- and craggy outcrops kers and one Greek property agent, there are more than Argironisos Ayios Thomas (St Thomas) two-dozen Greek islands currently on the market. Island Price 15 million euros. Size 1.21km2. Ayios Thomas is the They range in size from the tiny, knoll-like St Athanasios middle island in the Diapori chain. It is a 20-minute water (10,811m2) in the Gulf of Corinth to the massive Ionian is- taxi ride from Corinth and 45 minutes from Athens land of Nafika, whose almost 5km2 make it larger than Argironisos Monaco or the Vatican. Price on request. Size 0.24km2. If you own an island, you Where provided, island price tags range just as broadly can afford a helicopter, which will get you to this island - and are extremely overinflated according to some in the from Athens in 40 minutes. Located between Evia and the industry - from 560,000 euros for Ligia Island, just off Itha- mainland, it consists of rolling hills, small coves and age- ca, to 15 million euros for the Saronic Gulf island of Ayios old olive groves, and is accessible via a wharf and net- Thomas to a staggering 180 million for an undisclosed Ion- work of paths. It has two homes in need of repair ian island. Atokos 2 Drawbacks Price on request. Size 4.45km . This scenic and relative- ly large island in the Ionian is located 6.5km east of Ithaca However, according to Chris Krolow, CEO of Toronto- and south of Lefkada and consists of high cliffs, caves, based Private Island Inc, there are few people around four pebble beaches and many natural harbours. It rises these days with the financial wherewithal to buy an island, ities. Nevertheless, the islands of Greece still attract the to 334m in height. At present it hosts a herd of goats tend- particularly a Greek island. interest of serious European businesspeople, whose ed by a shepherd. The island has a house and a church “One of the drawbacks is that the Greek islands that presence in the country would bring “prestige, jobs and Ligia come on the market are usually very large, quite expen- capital”. Price 562,000 euros. Size 0.13km2 sive and out of the reach for most people who are look- The Greek archaeological service must also certify that This Ionian island, seemingly the cheapest on the mar- ing for a second home, or even for a resort development, the island has no ancient remains, while the forestry serv- Athens News ket, is located 50m from the southeastern end of Ithaca. for that matter,” Krolow told the . ice may also become involved if the island is wooded. Nicely elevated, it is covered in pine, poplar and wild flow- Regardless of an island’s size, once you get over the And, islands on the eastern extremity of the Aegean may ers. A concrete pier on its western side provides anchor- 1.75 million euro price tag, the pool of potential buyers be out of bounds for foreign owners, as legal restrictions age dries up, said Krolow, whose company lists 16 Greek is- exist on foreigners owning property in the frontier border lands on its website. From his experience, Vladi finds that areas with Turkey. Not for sale: Onassis’ island most island shoppers buy for “emotional rather than eco- Ayios Athanasios With his purchase of Skorpios in 1961, shipping billion- nomic reasons”. Since he made his first deal in 1971, Vla- Price 1.5 million euros. Size 0.01km2. Situated in the Gulf di, whose private island firm is based in Hamburg, has aire Aristotle Onassis kicked off the super-rich island- of Corinth, about 2.5km from the city of Itea - and a short owning craze. sold well over 2,000 islands. As he says, “the great major- distance from Delphi, the ski resort of Parnassos and the ity” of island transactions has been between about The Ionian island was the location of the 1968 marriage port of Galaxidi. This tiny island consists of pine and olive of the Smyrna-born magnate to Jacqueline Kennedy, wid- 140,000 and 560,000 euros, with the average price being trees and a small sandy beach on its northwestern side. about 210,000 euros. ow of assassinated US President John F Kennedy. The is- Ayios Ioannis (St John’s) land is 2km long and up to 900m wide, and rises to a Price on request. Size 3.03km2. Located in the Saronic Restrictions height of 57m. According to the 2001 census, it has a pop- Gulf, Ayios Ioannis is the most northerly island in the ulation of two. While Krolow pointed out that smaller islands do tend to three-island Diapori chain currently up for sale. It takes Skorpios recently made international headlines after an be bought by people looking for a second home, having two hours to reach from Athens, which includes a 15- unsubstantiated report in a British newspaper suggested the financial wherewithal to buy an island is one thing, but minute boat ride from the fishing village of Korfos. It is that its current owner, Athina Onassis Roussel, 24, plans to constructing the necessary infrastructure for it is quite an- currently home to a herd of goats. Described by its bro- sell it. However, a reliable source dismissed the rumours. other. And, as he pointed out, the more vacant and unde- kers as “untouched and raw”, about half of the island’s “If it were for sale, we’d definitely know about it,” the veloped an island is, the more attractive it is to buyers. surface is flatland, making it suitable for residential devel- source told the Athens News. Other obstacles also exist in Greece where any island opment The Greek media’s obsession with Onassis Roussel is in development requires the authorisation from the min- Tragonisi part fuelled by the indignation over her failure to visit the istries of defence, environment and culture. As Pedro Arez, Price on request. Size 0.36km2. The smallest and south- Ionian island - and the graves of her mother, grandfather a senior island broker at Vladi’s company, told the Athens ernmost of the Diapori triplet of islands News and other relatives - on her recent but rare trips to , island purchasers face the daunting task of secur- Nafsika Greece. ing anything from 25 to 30 permits from the Greek author- Price 8 million euros. Size 5km2. Under the Ithaca muni- ATHENS NEWS 24/08/2009 The Greek Australian VEMA AUGUST 2009 16/34 TO BHMA Archaelogy Restoration, a work in progress As restorers work their magic on sites around Greece, there are still questions about how far they should go

By JOHN LEONARD restoration, the site of Knossos stands as an important, instructive example of a typ- Recent visitors to Greek archaeologi- ical Minoan palace. Others suggest that the cal sites may have noticed that excavator’s highly invasive, largely irre- restoration of ancient ruins seems to versible methodology, which called for sig- be going on these days almost every- nificant amounts of poured concrete, was where. Works are apparent at the a mistake. Over the past year, work has also start- Athens Acropolis, the Acropolis’ ed on the Temple of Asclepius and the southern slope, Hadrian’s Library in north side of the stadium. In recent weeks, Plaka, the Temple of Zeus at Nemea, the propylon restoration has been com- the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidau- pleted and its veil of scaffolding has been rus and the Macedonian centers of moved to the tholos. Pella and Vergina, to name just a few. This latter monument in particular ap- pears overwhelmed by its restored foun- Why are so many ancient sites or build- dations of new, gleaming white marble. ings being reconstructed? Raising fallen Comparisons with archival photographs or columns or rebuilding a wall might seem even the illustrated panel that stands be- on the surface a simple, straightforward fore the building show that the fascinating procedure, but, as a wise person once original remains have now been complete- said, still waters run deep. ly buried and lost from view. There are many reasons behind, and re- The recent erection of scaffolding makes Reconstruction work is taking place at Hadrian’s Library in Plaka actions to, the restorationof ancient monu- one wonder where this restoration will ments because archaeological sites mean more discernable, to raise visitors’ levels stop? different things to different people. of understanding, interest and apprecia- Already the peaceful, undisturbed atmos- To history enthusiasts and specialists, an tion, to increase its stature (literally to ele- phere for which the delightfully ruinous site archaeological site offers a direct connec- vate its profile) as a respected, recogniza- of Epidaurus was once so distinguished tion to the past. Ancient ruins, artifacts and ble monument and - as a subsequent ef- has been indelibly marred. Limited restora- other material traces represent physical fect of the site’s greater popularity - to en- tion is appropriate and welcome but evidence - tangible proof - of previous life hance ticket sales and the site’s overall in- something has to be left to the visitors’ and times. Archaeological sites should come. imagination. Extensive, invasive restoration thus be examined, their information Restorations in Greece began as early usually pushes the limits of science. gleaned and their fragile remains protect- as the 1834 replacement by King Otto of a They are also damaging, expensive and ed and preserved for the appreciation and single column drum in the Parthenon’s eventually misleading. After so many years perhaps improved analytical investigations north colonnade on the Athens Acropolis. of reconstructive work at Epidaurus, resto- of future generations. Once studied, an ar- Since this humble beginning, they have ration there seems to have become institu- chaeological site becomes essentially a ranged in scale from extensive works such tionalized. storehouse, an archive and, if particularly as those by Sir Arthur Evans at the Minoan One has to wonder if the authorities - by distinctive, an open-air museum. Palace of Knossos to the single standing moving from one monument to the next - To the more casual visitor, an archaeo- column more recently erected by Greek have not become embroiled in reviving the logical site is a place that can capture and German archaeologists at the early ancient site’s architectural environment at one’s imagination, stir amazement or, con- Classical Temple of Zeus at Olympia. any cost. versely, flatten the feet and the spirit. Today, judging by comments from ar- If true, their plan will be accomplished Without any preparation or formal train- and administrators charged with the actual chaeology students and lay visitors, the ju- with a loss to historical preservation and ing, visitors tramping through sites filled preservation and management of histori- ry seems still to be out concerning the future understanding of a unique collection with low, undiscernable walls will naturally cally significant archaeological remains, vast, frequently subjective restoration of of ancient monuments that once disturbed become bored and disheartened by seem- questions of conservation, public access, Late Bronze Age Knossos. will never be the same again. ingly homogeneous piles of rocks. local and international scientific interest Many observers agree that thanks to If an archaeological site is groomed for and sufficient budgetary support are pri- Evans’s elaborate, if not wholly accurate, ATHENSPLUS visitors, however, with pleasant paths laid mary concerns that must all be weighed. out, illustrated informational panels erected To this group in general, an archaeological beside key features and perhaps some of site represents a public monument, often a Greek archaeological sites under threat the more interesting architectural remains national symbol of culture, a valued histo- rebuilt, then the site becomes like a park, rical and scientific object, and a potential enjoyable, even educational. source of revenue for public coffers. A small column capital belonging to an at Olympia to create the colossal chryse- For the official caretakers of an archaeo- Restorations, then, are undertaken to pre- early Christian basilica of the 6th century lephantine cult statue of Zeus for the logical site, the governmental specialists serve an ancient monument and make it AD was reported stolen from the archae- nearby temple. ological site of Ancient Olympia during He also produced a magnificent statue the evening hours of Saturday, Septem- of Athena for the Parthenon in Athens ber 5, according to a press release is- and oversaw the temple’s elaborate For the bibliophiles… sued the following day by the Greek Min- sculptural decoration. Pheidias’ work- istry of Culture. shop later became a storeroom and a Mediterranean Kitchen The alarm was raised shortly before Roman shrine but eventually was con- Published in Australia by Murdoch Books midnight when guards reported to Geor- verted into a church in the 6th century gia Hatzi, head of the 7th Ephorate of AD, when a community of Christians set- Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities in tled among Ancient Olympia’s ruins. For Australians, this is a handy addition to the bookshelf. Common ingredients Ancient Olympia, that the archaeological A search of the archaeological site af- found in Mediterranean cookbooks are described, the information including details piece was missing from its place in the ter first light on Sunday failed to turn up about freshness, processing, and uses. Recipes are included for the most well- ruins of the early Christian church locat- any sign of the missing capital, at which known dishes, especially those found in delicatessens, along with their main ingredi- ed inside the former workshop of the point the police were summoned and an ents. The photography enables people unfamiliar with spices, shellfish, fruits such as master mid- 5th-century BC sculptor investigation launched. Hatzi has been quinces, and so on, to clearly identify them. Pheidias. suspended as director of the 7th Ephor- Archaeological discoveries have sug- ate pending the outcome of the investi- A.C. gested that Pheidias used the workshop gation. SEPTEMBER 2009 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 17/35 Travel Astypalaia Authentic and unspoiled This Aegean island has sacrificed neither its character nor its natural assets at the altar of tourism

By TASOULA EPTAKILI tained some dirt tracks, because what’s the point in just coming Composer Giorgos Andreou is out of the car and diving?” says director of the annual summer our guide. Music Festival on Astypalaia, a “The harsh stony landscape, if butterfly-shaped island in the you go in a westerly direction, center of the Aegean. gives you the illusion of great After a cursory first visit in the height, whereas in reality you 90s, he was back in January are very near the sea.” 2000, at the time of the religious “From Maltezana Bay, you can fete of Panaghia Flevariotissa - take a boat to Kounoupi and a monastery built on a mountain Koutsomytis, two small islets. slope full of caves. You are in the middle of the “I was enchanted and it was Aegean and it’s as exotic as it so heartening to see so many gets,” Andreou goes on. “But Astypalaians from Athens and what is really not be missed is abroad coming back to their the beach of Ai-Giannis, easiest roots,” he recalls. approached by boat.” He recom- Andreou went on to put down mends a trek inland of about an roots of his own on the island, hour, through a gorge with run- and no surprise: Officially a ning waters and thick vegeta- member of the Dodecanese tion. group, geographically Astypalaia “It’s really the experience of a is more like a Cycladic island cularly sensitive as regards aes- “My favorite walk is cyclical,” taitissa and the old Italian school lifetime,” he insists. and is noted for its wild beauty, thetics. Since the municipality re- says Andreou. “I go up with the and I descend on the other side, The northern part of the island magnificent beaches and 365 cently completed a program for castle on my left and the sea on with a view of Naxos island in is still virgin. Pachia Ammos churches and chapels. putting all utility grids under- my right. The path takes me up the distance and many fine tra- beach is very rewarding for the Astypalaia loathes anything ground, you will see neither TV to the Church of Panaghia Por- ditional houses on the way.” two hours of trekking it takes to that is affected or pretentious, antennas nor electricity trans- With a total area of 96 square reach it. In Giofyri, cliffs about Andreou stresses. formers.” kilometers and a coastline of 80 meters high create a unique, “It doesn’t have the frenzied Eight Byzantine windmills do- 128 kilometers, Astypalaia is though not easily acessible, nat- tourist business of the ‘glam- minate the square in Hora. Their ideal for those who like to get ural cistern. And last but not orous’ islands but it doesn’t lack peculiarity lies in the fact that their feet wet. least is Panormos, a UNESCO- nightlife either,” he says. their roofs were designed to ro- “The coastline is impressively protected wild beach and The town of Hora is the centre tate depending on the direction lined with beaches for all tastes, stopover for migratory birds. of life on the island. All tours of the wind. Today, they are sand or pebble, for loners or start from here, either for the used as exhibition areas. sociable types. We have also re- ATHENSPLUS eastern half (Mesa Nisi, or “inner island”) or the western half (Exo Nisi, “outer island”). “It took me some time to learn to distinguish between this ‘inner’ and ‘outer’ of the locals - the two wings of the butterfly,” Andreou says, smiling. Picturesque Hora is crowned by an impressive fort. “It be- longed to the Venetian Querini 1 2 3 4 family and was built in the 13th century on the ruins of a Byzan- tine castle, which had in turn Where to stay Gastronomy Attractions Transport been built on the ruins of an an- cient acropolis,” Andreou says. According to Giorgios Andreou: “You’ll find excellent food at “Hora has an open-air cinema Βlue Star Ferries (21Ο.891.9800, Up to 4,000 people lived in the “You’ll find small hotels with high- reasonable prices,” Andreou says. on the roof of its bioclimatic www.bluestarferries.gr) sails to fort until the massive 7.8 Richter quality services and aesthetics all The local honey may be the best school. The Astypalaia Music Fes- Astypalaia from Piraeus daily and earthquake which hit Santorini in over the island. You won’t find big in Greece and the fresh fish are tival this year will last until Sep- the trip takes 9-12 hours. There 1956 and also rattled Astypalaia. resort complexes. Hora has a recommended - in antiquity the is- tember 5 and features interesting are also connections with Rhodes, wide range of accommodation - land was called “Ichthyoessa,” concerts with free entry,” says Kos, Nisyros, Naxos and Paros. Al- Today, it is an important monu- which means “the one abounding ment - a model medieval town. with very good views to the castle Andreou. “The white Church of ternatively, Olympic ( 210.926.91- and the sea, including a camp site. in fish.” Also, try “chlori” - a fresh Panaghia Portaitissa, below the 11) has five flights weekly from “Astypalaia was lucky in that it cheese - and the homemade tan- castle, is one of the important pil- largely managed to avoid the Livadi is a more budget-friendly thens and three from Rhodes. option. There are also many small gerine preserve. A selection of grimage sites on August 15, the building eyesores and kitsch Αstypalaia area phone code: 224- hotels with views to Hora toward restaurants: Maistrali, in Pera Gia- feast day of the Dormition of the constructions which proliferated 30; port: 22430.61208; airport: 61- Aghios Constantinos. Those seek- los, which offers moussaka and Virgin. It is a big fete and the lo- 410; Municipal Tourist Office 61- on many island during the 1967- ing serious tranquillity should goat in the oven; Gerani, for fish cals prepare lamb or goat stuffed 74 junta period,” Andreou says. 412; police: 61210; health center: head to Maltezana.” soup; Astropelos, in Livadi, for lo- with rice and herbs and offer it to 61222. “The people here remain parti- cal dishes and fish. visitors.” SEPTEMBER 2009 18/36 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Arts, Food & Wine Editor: Imogen Coward Food for thought

Twelve years ago the publication of the Harry Potter going to attempt to explain; another book had a vampire responsibility. To ignore this responsibility reflects badly books initially brought with it a spate of complaints and mouth with blood running across its chin pictured on the on children’s literature, the authors, and the publishers. To concerns, particularly from Christian groups, that the cover; one was about a teenage girl who has her first in- focus on well written literature, and to encourage commu- books would encourage their young readers to have an timate relationship (that’s pretty much the plot); stories set nity activities and enjoyment from reading are worthwhile, unhealthy interest in witchcraft and wizardry. Some of in wars which were filled with romanticised depictions of however when one receives an advance copy of a book these objections were based on a lack of knowledge violence and pain; and lots of books by middle-aged Cal- about a 15-year-old mortician who has an obsession with about many of the references or allusions made in the ifornian women writing about teenagers meeting vam- serial killers... well, something needs to be said.” books. For example, the name of one character ‘Cassan- pires, cults, werewolves, witches and prophecies. That The importance of works of imagination, craftsmanship dra Vablatsky’ - whose role of Seer is portrayed as sums up the latest releases, not to mention the books that and beauty must never be undervalued, for they have the something often dangerously misleading to the people already exist on the shelves. There was even a children’s capacity to nurture us as bright, creative, happy, positive, around her - is clearly a reference not only to the mythi- picture book that showed a cat holding a limp bird in it’s sensitive and healthy individuals. cal Cassandra but also to the founder of Theosophy mouth, followed a page or two later by a picture of a Madam Blavlatsky, who was tried for heresy in England. crimson cat, claws, teeth and eyes everywhere, and red * The Online Book Group is a free email-newsletter for Seven books and six films later, rather than being a splotches of blood sprayed across the page. I took these children, parents, teachers, publishers, bookshops and li- source of moral or spiritual confusion, the Harry Potter se- bags of books to the second-hand bookstore, and even brarians. It contains reviews of the best in children’s liter- ries has been widely recognised in educational and liter- they refused to take them. ature, news about forthcoming books and films for chil- ary circles as a classic inspirational tale of good triumph- Being thrilling, scary, supposedly empowering or ex- dren and young-adults, interviews with authors and give- ing over evil, in a similar fashion to Christian authors C.S. ploring/exploiting social issues is not an adequate excuse aways. The newsletter is sent directly to subscribers Lewis’ Narnia series and J.R.R. Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings. for poor literature. What is so wrong about these books? nominated email address, the original idea being to dis- However, there is a current trend in young-adult fiction Well, a bad book can kill a love of literature for a long courage children from having to surf the web; a decision that should be of great concern to everyone responsible time, but more to the point these books encourage read- that has proved popular with parents. For enquiries/sub- for the physical, spiritual and mental well-being of chil- ers to feel that it is not unhealthy to have such preoccu- scription contact the editor [email protected] dren and young adults, yet which goes largely unnoticed pations, and inspire people to imagine and write about and un-remarked; a trend that is illustrated, and has been being converted to cults, walls running with blood, being fed, in particular by the disturbing Twilight series. The ed- infected through intimate relations with vampires, seeing itor of Australia’s Online Book Group*, an e-newsletter or even raising the dead, committing self-harm and sui- dedicated to bringing its readers the best in current and cide, and experiencing domestic abuse. past literature for children and young adults, describes the These books are not exciting, or edgy, or empowering. Écoutez! current state of literature this way: They’re simply created, or deformed, by market research, Recently I was carrying around three bags of 50 or and reflect a culture that takes fascination in, but no actu- more books published in late 2008 and during 2009 that al responsibility for, the younger generations. At best, Arts Review were sent to me by the publishers. Aimed at the general these books are fostering generations of pulp celebrity public audience of children and young adults, the books magazine consumers - not readers with a lifelong passion included: poetry about a girl whose boyfriend died; a nov- for fine literature who will then share this love with their el about a girl whose boyfriend died and she is now see- own children in the future. ing his ghost but he has angel wings; some I’m not even Anybody who creates works for the public has a moral FFoooodd && WWiinnee

somewhere between the fresh Moroccan flavours of Mediterranean food, the exotic delicacies of the Middle East Modern and the spicey curries of Asia. M’Souli, a Sydney-based chef, and by Hassan M’Souli owner of the restaurant ‘Out of (Published by New Holland, 2004) Africa’ presents a range of recipes Traditional Lullabies covering almost everything from There is something deliciously dips to mains and deserts, all beau- with Savina Yannatou exotic about the heady, spicey aro- tifully photographed in full-colour. If Νανουρίσματα με τη Σαβίνα Γιαννάτου mas of a Moroccan tagine. From you sometimes find Chicken a little olives and preserved lemons to or- on the bland side, M’Souli’s Chicken ange blossom water, cumin, saf- tagine with preserved lemon and Savina Yannatou - vocals fron and paprika the recipes in this olives (using free-range chicken Nikos Kypourgos - conductor/arranger book offer a beguiling combination thighs) will be guaranteed to of Moroccan flavours that lies change your views. Delicious! LYRA ML 3396

The lullabies on this CD come mainly from the Greek

THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN The oldest circulating Islands but there are also some from Southern Italy, Greek newspaper The Greek Australian outside VEMA Greece Smyrna and by composers Mikis Theodorakis and AUGUST 2009 Tel. (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 E-mail: [email protected] OUR PRIMATE’S VIEW THE IMMUNITY OF THE PRIVATELY-OWNED MEDIA Manos Hadjidakis. The arrangements by Kypourgos (Part 2) PAGES 5/27 - 6/28 VEMA join the etherial quality of Savina Yannatou’s voice with GREEKS an enthralling variety of western and non-western OF THE WORLD The oldest circulating Greek newspaper instruments including viola, guitar, oud, Pan-flute, lute Man is what he eats and percussion. Savina’s delivery is quite different A few steps in tackling UNITE “childhood obesity”. PAGE 3/25 Even though parliament is closed for the summer recess, its ordinarily quiet corridors were filled earlier this month from song to song, with her voice sometimes lyrical, with the multicultural sights and sounds of some of the world’s leading lawmakers - all the sons, daughters and grandchildren of Greek immigrants. outside Greece More than 100 foreign parliamentarians and ministers of Greek origin attended the high-profile general assembly of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association, held be- sometimes more textured. The air of charming sim- tween July 29 and August 2. Coming from as far away as North America, Australia and Zimbabwe, members of this association, established in 1996, were welcomed by Greek parliamentarians, including Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and Culture Minister Anto- nis Samaras. plicity that she cultivates in Theodorakis’ Κοιμήσου During the general assembly’s opening session on July 30, parliament became a virtual turnstile of Greek politicians paying tribute to the accomplishments of Greeks abroad The opening session of the World Hellenic Music Alive 2009 and the diaspora’s role in bolstering Greece’s image on the Inter-Parliamentary Association’s general assembly world stage. The Greek Experience “It is with great emotion and high expectations that we re- The most important concerns the return of the Parthenon αγγελούδι μου (Sleep my Angel) contrasts in particular ceive the worthy members of the Greek community from Marbles. The Greek Orthodox Youth Orchestra abroad who have been elected in the parliaments of their Other resolutions focused on helping the Greek minority in of Brisbane will present their second countries,” Bakoyannis said. “There is no doubt that the Albania gain the “appropriate” recognition from the Albanian Music Alive concert - The Greek expe- Greek community abroad has a major multiplier effect for government, while another resolution focused on efforts to Greece. There is no doubt that you have been building solve the Fyrom name issue with the help of the United Na- rience - on 10 October 2009. tions. where her extensive strong bridges of friendship and cooperation between our with the Smyrna lullaby Άϊντε, PAGE 18/40 country and other states.” The general assembly also called on Greece’s neighbour Tel: (02) 9559 7022 The next general assembly will be held in 2011. Turkey to admit to the Pontian genocide during Ottoman rule. The general assembly adopted a number of resolutions. ATHENS NEWS 10/08/2009 The New Acropolis Museum vocal ornamentation and colouring adds an exotic tex- Raising the bar on cultural morality Fax: (02) 95597033 ture over the simple beauty of the melody itself. As an added bonus, the CD booklet includes the lyrics of Rhodes Living up the romantic dream This longtime destination offers Email: [email protected] abundant natural beauty and each lullaby in the original Greek as well as in English an impressive heritage. PAGES 10/32 - 11/33 PAGE 17/39 and French translations. SEPTEMBER 2009 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 19/37

Can Exercise and Prayer be Compatible?

By Theo Dimitriou ise for both the present life and the life to come’ (1 Timo- be unclouded if we were to answer St Paul’s call to pray thy 4:8). If we truly seek the truth that Christ taught, and without ceasing, and truly be on the way to “hit the mark”, Orthodox spiritual life calls us to travel through life walk- we believe that He is the truth, the life and the way, then (the opposite of amartia) which would enable us to truly ing the “middle road”, avoiding all extremes, but fully inte- we will seek to walk His narrow path - in everything and bear witness to Christ. grating our faith and way of life into every corner of our at all times! Then again, sometimes we may just need to switch off existence. And, if we continue to examine and critique ourselves we and say “thanks be to God”. In modern times people are becoming more health con- will discover the imperfect sinners that we are and cry out scious. Yet in the Orthodox life this is nothing new. Ascet- at every moment from deep within, ‘Lord Jesus Christ, Son icism - the practice of spiritual and physical self-discipline of God, have mercy on me, the sinner.’ Within God’s Di- References: - has been part of the Christian way of life since St John vine Economy and our synergy (our response and co-op- 1. George C. Papademetriou, “Introduction to St Gregory Palamas”, the Forerunner and Baptist. eration with Him) we can become purified of all that (Massachusetts: Holy Orthodox Press, 2004 ), p. 48 In modern day physical activities there is often a focus clouds our vision from perceiving the clarity of heaven 2. Acevedo and Ekkekakis, “Psychobiology of Physical Activity” on the body without a spiritual connection for most prac- whilst still living in this life. Our perception would instead (Windsor: Ont. And Campaign III, 2006) tising Orthodox. Unless one engages with Far East prac- tices of yoga or martial art disciplines, practising Orthodox may find that a complete integration of the whole person in exercise routines is lacking. This need not be the case, since in monastic life (the core of spiritual life in the East- ern Christian faith) prayer and asceticism (askesis) are completely complimentary. The question as to whether it is necessary to have this level of integration of our prayer with other areas of life, including sports and recreation, is answered by St Paul, who calls all Christians to “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thes- salonians 5:17). We may have also read this message in ST. ANDREW’S GRAMMAR “The Way of a Pilgrim” or some other spiritually edifying GREAT RESULTS FOR THE ‘CENTRE FOR THE GREEK LANGUAGE’ source. For example, George Papademetriou writes: The unceasing prayer of the hesychasts is very useful even for people with cardiac problems. Dr. For the fifth year in a row, the ‘Centre for the Greek Language at St. Andrew’s Grammar’ (CGL) can applaud the Herbert Benson of Beth Israel Hospital in Boston success of 9 of its candidates in this year’s examinations. makes the following important observation, “Prayer has usefulness for patients in many other disease The CGL Examinations were held at the School in May. There were successful candidates in each of the four states such as extra heartbeats, or arrhythmias. levels offered. One of my fellow physicians, a Greek Orthodox, was given the number one to repeat in prayer over Level 1 (ΕΠΙΠΕΔΟ Α): again and his extra heartbeat - which in this case Anthony KOMNINOS Excellent was quite serious, something called ventricular Yanni RAGOUSIS Good tachycardia, actually got worse. Observing this, the Sky CROESER Very Good physician asked, ‘what’s going on?’ the patient replied, ‘well this is like voo-doo to me. Is there Nicky GIOVKOS Excellent something more compatible that I might use instead Samantha PITSONIS Very Good of the number one?’ So he was wisely given Kyrie Eleison and with that his condition markedly im- Level 2 (ΕΠΙΠΕΔΟ Β): proved. The physician used the patient’s belief sys- Andria EVANGEL Good tem. [1] Nicolina Catherine YIANNAKIS Very Good So the question remains - how do we accomplish this? That is, how do we integrate physical activity with spiritu- Level 3 (ΕΠΙΠΕΔΟ Γ): al practice? Nicola ROZAKIS Excellent The easiest way to integrate prayer into tasks, especial- ly repetitive physical movements, is to use a short, recur- Level 4 (ΕΠΙΠΕΔΟ Δ): ring prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on Kerika ROZAKIS Very Good me, the sinner” (Note: The Jesus Prayer isn’t the only prayer that can be used but its repetitive nature centres the individual’s thoughts on Christ and is cathartic as well Congratulations to all the successful candidates listed above, especially to our very own current St. Andrew’s Gram- as edifying.) mar students. A number of the other candidates are also past students of the School. Through all activities and most importantly in the “me time”, like at the gym or in any other non tactical sports All of the successful candidates will receive a certificate from Greece’s Ministry of National Education and Reli- (which I class here as individual activities that don’t involve gious Affairs (YP.E.P.TH). This certificate is recognized by Greece’s educational authorities and institutions, open- strategic interaction or require thought), this prayer is eas- ing up opportunities for study and employment in Greece for those who might be interested. ily integrated and in turn raises our entire self and efforts towards the glorification of God. In doing so, the unoccu- On behalf of the CGL Committee, I thank all of this year’s candidates for participating in the 2009 CGL Exami- pied mind, which usually wanders during these actions nations and I look forward to their continued involvement as they work through the respective levels on offer. (especially after the first 6 months of commencement when we enter the “maintenance” stage of that activity), is turned towards higher levels. Successful St. Andrew’s Grammar Candidates The CGL Committee In elevating one’s thoughts into prayer we elevate our entire being, as we are in communion with the source of life that permeates all reality and existence. Even if one was to disregard the Patristic teachings that follow from scriptural indicators as to the benefits of prayer, psy- chobiological studies have also proven that a relaxed mind during any activity lowers the heart rate - thus improving energy expenditure and performance.[2] There remains, however, one question to determine whether we may even want to adhere to such practices: it boils down to the ultimate question of our “faith”. The L to R: Anthony Komninos, Nicola Rozakis, Yanni Ragousis L to R: Mrs Eva Tsapazi, Mrs Evridiki Politi, Mr Pavlos Iosifidis, Apostle Paul writes, ‘For physical training is of some Mrs Angela Evangelinou-Yiannakis, Mrs Katerina Reklitis value, but godliness has value for all things, holding prom- The Greek Australian VEMA SEPTEMBER 2009 20/38 TO BHMA

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