THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN The oldest circulating Greek newspaper outside VEMA Greece JUNE 2014 Tel. (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 E-mail: [email protected]

OUR ARCHBISHOP’S VIEW Obedience andDISCIPLINE Discipline - CharacteristicsIN THE HOME of the Faithful

PAGE 5/23 DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION: THOUSANDS

EXHIBITION: OF GREEKS Greek treasures travel in Australia PAGE 4/22 arriving in Australia

According to statistics of the Department of Immigra- tion 33,951 Australians, Greek Australians and Greek mi- grants and visitors arrived in Australia during the 2012- 2013 financial year. The majority of the arrivals were short-term residents with the intention to stay less than a year rather than to settle. Many came with the intention to scan the situa- tion in Australia and stay here until the crisis in Greece is over. Only 501 Greeks arrived in Australia as migrants, com- pared to 1,023 Australian residents of Greek origin, who returned to the country for a long-term stay. Visitors arrived in large numbers, too, with 9,286 Greeks entering Australia in 2012-2013, most of them for a short-term stay. Among them were those on temporary Samaras: ‘New cabinet resident visas, students and tourists-visitors. will be one In addition, the Department of Immigration data showed an important number of arrivals from Cyprus. In to oversee recovery’ fact, 10,004 Cypriots arrived in Australia over the last fi- 2,417 as visitors, including students and those holding nancial year, with 7,372 as short-term residents and temporary residence visas. Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras de- scribed his new cabinet of 45 ministers and deputy ministers, as one that will be able to “plan for Greece’s future”. Queensland visit by His Grace PAGE 13 31 / Bishop Seraphim

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Poros: Sailing toward a dream Praised by literary giants, this Saronic island is a charming place of great historical interest.

PAGE 20/38 JUNE 2014 2/20 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR THEOLOGICAL STUDENTS St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College took part in the thirtieth graduation ceremony of the Sydney College of Divinity (SCD) on 10 May. On a beautiful Syd- ney morning, around 600 people attended the Great Hall of the University of Sydney to celebrate the aca- demic achievements of 172 graduates from the seven member institutions of the SCD and its affiliates. The various degrees and awards were presented by the President of the SCD Council, Mr Peter King. A distinct honour for St Andrew’s in particular was the presentation of two academic prizes to one of its own graduating students, Stefan Mastilovic from New Zea- land. He was the recipient of the Dianne Feeney Memo- rial Prize for gaining the highest level of achievement in the Bachelor of Theology pass degree among all of this year’s graduates, and well as the recipient of the Rev. Dr Brian Murray Memorial Prize for the highest level of achievement in the discipline of theology specifically. Stefan is the fourth recipient of the Dianne Feeney Prize to have studied at St Andrew’s since the prize was es- tablished by the SCD more than two decades ago. The graduates from St Andrew’s were Archdeacon Siluan Mrakic (Master of Theology), George Tsikritsakis (Master of Arts), Theodoros Dimitrios (Graduate Certifi- cate in Arts in absentia), Rev. Prohoros Anastasiadis (Bachelor of Theology), Stefan Mastilovic (Bachelor of Theology), Rev. Evangelos Thiani (Bachelor of Theology in absentia), Deacon George Vrionis (Assoc. Degree of Christian Thought and Practice), Con Farrugia (Diploma of Christian Studies) and Chrysovalantis Sideris (Diplo- Back row (l to r): G. Tsikritsakis, C. Farrugia, Rev. P. Anastasiadis, Rev. G. Vrionis, S. Mastilovic, Rev. S. Mrakic. ma of Christian Studies in absentia). Front row: Prof. A. Karantonis, His Grace Bishop Seraphim, Dr P. Kariatlis, Dr G. Fox. The Occasional Address was delivered by Prof. Anne Cummins, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students, Learning with Rev. Constantine Varipatis and Mr Dimitri Kepreo- of Theology - since St Andrew’s opened in 1986. and Teaching) of the Australian Catholic University. St tes also in attendance. For more information regarding courses, news, publi- Andrew’s was represented in the academic procession The latest group of graduates brought to 126 the to- cations and events, visit www.sagotc.edu.au where by His Grace Bishop Seraphim of Apollonias, Prof. Ange- tal number of graduates - receiving 154 SCD degrees you can also link to the College’s YouTube channel and lo Karantonis, Dr Gregory Fox and Dr Philip Kariatlis, and awards at various levels, but primarily the Bachelor Facebook page.

Huffington Post: Archimedes was the greatest scientist who ever lived

Huffington Post this time pays tribute to Archimedes, naming him the greatest scientist who ever lived. The scientist who personifies the greatest achievements of Greek and Western science was Archimedes. He applied mathematics for the under- standing of the natural world and the cosmos. In one of his books, ‘Ψαμμίτης’ (Psam- mites), or The Sand-Reckoner, Archime- des attempted to measure the size of the universe by calculating the number of the grains of sand necessary to fill the cosmos (sphere of the fixed stars). Archimedes correctly measured the angle of seeing the sun in the sky: 32 to 27 sixtieths of a degree. “The diameter of the sun,” he said in The Sand-Reckoner, “is about 30 times greater than the diameter of the moon and not greater…. The diameter of the sun is greater than the side of the chil- iagon [a thousand-sided polygon] in- gineer and an inventor. scribed in the greatest circle in the In fact, like Aristotle before him, he set [sphere of the] universe.” the foundations of Greek and Western Archimedes was born in Syracuse, Sici- science. In a metaphorical sense, all ly, in 287 B.C.E. He was also a philo-so- Western science is a series of footnotes pher, an astronomer, a physicist, an en- to Archimedes. JUNE 2014 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 3/21

D-Day and the battle for Europe

By Nikos Konstandaras Today, 10 years later, the European Union is in crisis. (Kathimerini, Athens) Many member states are in great economic difficulty; deflation, unemployment and debt (public and private) Seventy years ago, 156,000 Allied soldiers began their threaten the eurozone; widening inequality between battle for a beachhead on the coast of Normandy, set- member states and between social groups is reawaken- ting off a sequence of events which, along with the ad- ing tensions that were dormant in the years of growth vance of Soviet forces in the east, would result in the and prosperity, threatening the cohesion of the bloc defeat of German forces which occupied Europe from and of many of its members. Looking for ways to ensure France to Greece. June 6, 1944, is one of the most im- their peoples’ welfare even as debt makes this impossi- portant days in the history of our blood-soaked conti- ble, the EU’s leaders are trapped: On the one hand, nent. 17 heads of state took part in memorial services they understand the need to strengthen the Union in on one of the beaches where thousands of young men order to save it, on the other, greater numbers of vot- died in the effort to turn the tide of war. ers are being seduced by calls for isolationism. Besides What no one could predict in 1944 was that D-Day these “domestic” issues, the EU is also losing ground on would lead to the longest period of peace, stability and the geostrategic level. The United States’ military and prosperity that Europe has known. Nor could they ima- technological hegemony, the economic rise of China gine that the devotion to peace that was born in the and Russia’s hardball politics all contribute to a feeling flames of war would be in danger 70 years later - not that the EU is continually losing influence. Its political because of some new military threat but because of the West Germany, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg and the forces are fragmenting - as is the vision of a Union that carelessness of leaders who themselves never knew Netherlands had agreed to join in peace and put an end can keep improving the lives of its citizens. war. to endless war. The six former enemies were the nucle- The few surviving veterans of Normandy today can be After D-Day, the most important date on the Euro- us of today’s European Union with its 28 member proud of the part they played in what led to a great po- pean calendar is July 23, 1952, when the European Coal states. Another monumental year was 1989, when the litical, economic and social triumph. Will heads of state and Steel Community was established. One year earlier Soviet Bloc collapsed, leading to the accession of eight understand that the battle which began then has not - just six years after the end of World War II - France, former Soviet satellites to the EU in May 2004. ended?

Huffington Post: Two Greek cave churches in the Top 20 of the world

Though many of the world’s most impressive churches feature high ceilings and soaring spires, sometimes you have to go underground to find the real gems. Jesus called the apostle Peter, the rock on which “I will build my church,” but these churches are built inside the rock or carved into it. Cave churches and monasteries have been around since the beginning of the church, often as a way to seek out spiritual succor in a remote and solitary place. Carved into the rock, or located inside caves, they have a raw appeal that often contrasts with urban cathedrals with stained glass windows. See below the list of the 20 most impressive cave churches: 1. Μonastery of Saint Simon (St Samaans) in Cairo, Egypt, is also known as the Cave Church in the Mokattam village, nicknamed as ‘Garbage City’. The Monastery of St Simon the Tanner is the largest and it has an amphitheater with a seating capacity of 20,000 making it the largest church in the Middle The St Stephanos East. cave church in 2. Coober Pedy church - Australia Syros 3. Saint Stephanos cave church - Syros Greece 4. Panagia Hrysospiliotissa cave church - Athens Greece The Panagia Hrysospiliotissa (Chapel of Our Lady of the Cavern) is in a grotto under the Temple of Dionyso, in Greece. 5. Zipaquira - The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is an underground Roman Catholic church built within the tunnels of a salt mine 200 meters underground in a Monastery complex in Armenia. Halite mountain near the town of Zipaquirá, in Cund- 14. Monastery of Temptations - The monastery of inamarca, Colombia. the Temptation was built during the 6th century CE 6. Troglodyte Sainte-Marie Madeleine cave church above the cave traditionally said to be that where Je- - France. sus spent forty days and forty nights fasting and med- 7. Church Goreme - Turkey itating during the temptation of Satan. 8. Piedigrotta cave church - Italy 15. Mihalich church - Bulgaria 9. Callao Cave, Philippines 16. Chapel of the Blessed King - Chapel Of the 10. Hermitage Saint Antoine cave church - France Blessed King, Wieliczka Salt Mine, UNESCO World The Hermitage Saint Antoine and his troglodyte Heritage Site, Krakow, Poland chapel, located at the bottom of the Gorges Galamus. 17. St Stephen’s cave church - Hungary The gorge is the border between the Aude and Pyre- 18. Jonas cave church - France nees-Orientales, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, Eu- 19. Barranco cave chapel - Small underground rope chapel carved into the rock of the Barranco de 11. St Peter cave church - Turkey Guayadeque valley, Spain. 12. Agioi Saranta cave church - Cyprus 20. Cave Chapel - Cave Chapel at Modderpoort Pri- The Coober Pedy church 13. Geghard Monastery - Tomb at back of Geghard or, near Ladybrand, Free State, South Africa in Australia 4/22 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA JUNE 2014 Letter Exhibition:from ‘Greek Gods, Myths and Mortals’ Maroubra travel in Australia

Gods, Myths and Mortals: Greek Treas- ures across the Millennia brings the past to Australia. Experience the evolution of identity, as it interweaves through ob- jects, pieces and artworks from the Pre- Historic to the Neo-Hellenic period. The exhibition commences the collabo- ration between the Benaki in Athens and the Hellenic Museum in Melbourne. It will commence in 2014 and will continue for an unprecedented ten years. The Hel- lenic Museum plays host to a magnifi- cent permanent collection from Greece’s most iconic cultural institution, the Bena- ki Museum. This unique joint venture brings treas- ures spanning 8,000 years, from pre-his- toric times through to modern day. Over the next decade, the collabora- tion between the Hellenic Museum and the Benaki will bring to Melbourne: Ne- olithic pottery, Cycladic statues, Minoan figurines, Mycenaean jewelry, Hellenistic sculptures, Byzantine icons and manu- scripts, Post Byzantine secular art and costumes, and Neo-Hellenic art and wea- ponry, including ornate swords and pis- tols belonging to Greek revolutionary he- roes Kolokotronis and Mavromichalis. These antiquities recognize and celebra- te the development of history, when dy- nasties reined, kings conquered, and cities fell. who benefited from trade to the Myce- ceptions and misconceptions of observa- are fundamental to the makeup of mod- Through the exploration of the cul- neans who took by force; from the estab- tion, and the benefit of time on forming ern day culture. Special events around tures and technologies of the past, visi- lishment of legends such as the defeat of knowledge and understanding. In addi- the collections further establish dialogue tors are provided the opportunity to im- Troy, to the cyclical nature of beauty as tion to the vast collection of Greek antiq- between contemporary Melbourne and merse themselves in history while gain- shown through the striking resemblance uities, the partnership also includes ac- ancient cultures, in exploration of Aus- ing new perspectives on today. The Be- of Cycaldic statues to modern depictions cess to the Benaki’s collections of Coptic, tralia’s diverse cultural identity and naki and Hellenic Museum collaboration of the female form in art and media. Chinese, Indian, and African works, as makeup. allows visitors to experience the history This vital partnership allows visitors to well as one of the world’s most signifi- The partnership also provides students of civilization. engage in a sensorial and experiential cant Islamic art collections. with access to Benaki’s extensive educa- The collections move from mythology manner the foundations of our society These collections allow visitors to ex- tion resources, offering an invaluable to representation; from the Minoans and culture, while investigating the con- perience civilisations and histories that tool for schools and universities.

Christian Dior, Gucci, Ted Baker German museum returns two Katerina + Kyriacos Mavrolefteros ancient artifacts to Greece

Baden state museum in Karlsruhe was forced to return two treasures of ancient Cycladic art, a female figurine 88 cm tall and a copper dish, that were illegally ob- tained. Succumbing to pressure from the Ministry of Culture, Harald Siebenbor- gen, Director of the German museum, fi- Ray Ban Ray nally agreed to return the ancient arti- facts, worth 4 million euros. The truth regarding the artifacts was revealed when Sir Colin Renfrew, Profes- sor at the University of Cambridge, dis- covered that the specific treasures had been obtained by the Karlsruhe Museum after 1975, i.e. after the signing of the UNESCO Treaty in 1970, according to 874 Anzac Parade, Maroubra Junction which the trafficking of ancient artifacts (at bus stop, on RTA block)

(at bus stop, on RTA block) Rodenstock, of unknown origin from that year on- TTeell:: ((0022)) 99331144--00339933 wards is illegal. Serengeti, Maui Jim, Fendi The Ministry of Culture submitted an [email protected] official request for the return of the arti- has no legal claim to them. Fortunately, facts, which was initially rejected. Harald his efforts to keep the artifacts were un- Siebenborgen accused the Greek Min- successful, and the statue along with the Nina Ricci, Oakley, La font istry of extortion and said that Greece dish were returned. JUNE 2014 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 5/23 Our Primate’s View Obedience and Discipline - Characteristics of the Faithful

It frequently happens that the fundamental truths of the or with the honorable effort towards something uplifting, faithful appear foolish to faithless people. Such are those but with an even deeper quality, that is discernment, conspicuous cases which the Gospel characterises with the which enables one to distinguish “a“ from “b” and to simplicity of an impasse: “And they thought that what the choose the better option, according to its value. Again, women said was nonsense, and they did not believe them” analysing a little more carefully the Greek term “discipline” (Luke 24:11). (πειθαρχία), we see that the main root of the verb is “to persuade” (πείθω), which means that one addresses one- The difference between the faithful and the faithless is self to intelligent persons, whose intelligence one honours not always simply that the former believe and the latter do with “persuasion” and does not dishonour with deceit, not. Such a division is too simplistic and naive. For there is force or necessity. not, nor was there, nor will there be anyone who does not have any basic faith in a certain way, no matter how scep- Therefore in the case of discipline, I am persuaded to fol- tical or agnostic one is. At least in matters of justice, in low these or those principles, and to the degree that I am which one takes this or that attitude to life, even the most persuaded and do not follow blindly, “I rule” (άρχω), I am faithless person surely shows faith. Therefore faithlessness “not ruled by others” (άρχομαι), that is I am the lord and is a kind of faith, an attitude and a viewpoint based on cer- not the servant (hence the term πειθ-αρχώ). tain convictions. From what we said so far, it appears clearly that discipline Thus we must say that the difference between one per- and obedience, as characteristic qualities of the faithful son who has faith and one who has no faith is that the for- and not the faithless person, show not only piety and mer accepts a criterion for all truth outside and beyond goodness of character, which are moral qualifications, but himself, whereas the latter accepts himself as the final and also intelligence and high understanding. infallible criterion for every evaluation. Therefore the faith- lessness of the faithless person does not consist in the fact Yet the masses of people in our contemporary society of- that one is indifferent or negative in life, but the fact that ten think that discipline and obedience are characteristics one “worshipped the creation rather than the Creator” of a weak and servile person. For this reason we must un- (Rom. 1:25) This is the insolence and blasphemy, this is cover also this gross error, not only to the shame of those faithlessness and impiety. It is a kind of faith that is re- who deny truth, but mainly for the enlightenment of their versed, distorted and demonic. victims.

In characterising thus the difference between the faithful It is very simple to prove that obedience and discipline By ARCHBISHOP and the faithless, we must confess that recent times have are characteristics of the strong, not the weak person; of STYLIANOS given great occasion for faithlessness, while faithlessness the vigilant, not the dormant one; of the brave, not the OF AUSTRALIA found it possible to show all its sides. Thus in the moral and coward or servile person. Let us think very simply about religious field, authorities and principles are openly ques- the meaning of the verbs discipline and obey: primarily it tioned even by the most ignorant person in the name of his means to gather, to enlist all my powers (intellectual, intelligence! moral, spiritual and generally psychosomatic), in order to put them under a concrete programme with some definite Again, in social and public life, there is on the one hand aim in mind. Therefore I draw up all my powers in order to the single-reigning power of the impersonal State revels, be able to supervise them, to have them under my control. and on the other the violence on the state within the State controlled by many persons skilfully masqueraded. Further, I must put into an order all these powers, which sometimes may be opposing or contradictory, assessing Therefore, in the midst of this confusion, in which our them according to their value. Thus I arrange my powers in people so expressively say that “the mother loses her child, order to get to know them well and to subject them. After and the child his mother”, the faithful person today is this arrangement and assessment, after becoming con- called to exercise two of the most characteristic qualities, scious of my various powers, I am in a position to control namely obedience and discipline. Exactly at the point them. Thus I subject my powers and my final and supreme where others are led astray or deride as a result of corrup- achievement is that I am in a position, as “lord of myself” tion, the faithful obey and show discipline to principles and (as our wise people characteristically say) to direct my tried values out of self-respect. They may become a scan- powers to whatever direction and in whatever manner I dal for many others, but they know that “It is better to want. Then I can command my powers to serve this or that obey God rather than people” (Acts 5, 29). purpose and programme.

However let us analyse a little more the deeper spiritual These four significant and essential verbs (to gather to- quality betrayed by obedience and discipline. First of all we gether (συντάσσω), to arrange (κατατάσσω), to subject must clarify that obedience and discipline as notions are (υποτάσσω) and to command (διατάσσω)) of our mother neither identical nor synonymous. Of course they are re- tongue create such vigilance and such strength for the lated notions, but they do not absolutely coincide. faithful that people who lack faith would not only never be able to exercise, but not even suspect it. Discipline is the exact preservation of an established or- der in general, while obedience is listening and accepting Because it is of course easier to shout and to destroy as the voice of one superior. Further, if we remember that the an irresponsible crowd, whose ambition is only to fill the word discipline in Latin and other related languages is stomach, than to silently work out your perfection in the called disciplina (discipline) and that it derives from the fear of God, as a responsible person, on the foundations of word discipulus (student), then we know again that disci- the sacred values of our forefathers and of the Church; val- pline and obedience basically characterise the conduct of a ues that unite all people as brothers and sisters and offer pupil, namely of the person who places himself in the posi- them deliverance. tion of learning, in order to experience the benefits of an education that transcends him. Source: “Ενσαρκώσεις But in this way, we not only meet with a noble ambition του Δόγματος” JUNE 2014 6/24 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

in Town of Greece v Galloway. It came about in 1952 during the period of the Cold In 2010, the United States District Court ruled in War. Some say that it was a reaction to the atheism Letter favour of the town. of the Soviet regime. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals overturned It is surprising to see how many Americans say they that ruling in 2012. pray daily. It is 55%. Another 23% said that they from The matter then went to the Supreme Court of the prayed weekly or monthly. United States. In various polls about three-quarters of Americans You may have missed it but a May 2014 decision by agreed that “prayer is an important part of my life”. the Supreme Court of the United States decided in This opinion has remained fairly stable over some 25 Maroubra favour of the town. years. The Court ruled that the American tradition of pub- Of course, the concept of prayer varies across reli- lic prayer does not violate the Constitution. gions. It has some common elements but is not nec- essarily the same as the Orthodox Christian view. Greece is not always where you think it is. We do not have comparable figures on prayer for It is also a town in Monroe County, New York with a Australia. Most likely, the proportion is far less. population of around 100,000. Incidentally, Greece is One guide was the official Time Use Survey in 1997. rated as one of the 10 safest cities in America. On an average day only 4% of males and 6% of fe- The town’s name comes from the heroic war of males in Australians aged 15 years and over spent Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire. time on a religious activity or ceremony as a main ac- tivity. This included prayer. In the 1998 Australian Community survey of 8,500 Australians, only 33% said that they prayed or medi- tated at least weekly. There may be some more recent figures but I have missed them. The fact is that if you pray daily in Australia you are almost assuredly in a minority. Anyway for the last six years there has been anoth- So there you are - most Americans pray; most Aus- er almighty struggle underway in this town. It is a coincidence but the National Day of Prayer in tralians won’t! The town is governed by a town board. Since 1999, the United States is on May 7. This Day of Prayer I have to take my hat off to the example from they opened each meeting with a Christian prayer. forms part of the US Code - Section 119. Greece. Local residents Susan Galloway, who is Jewish, and The Code says: “The President shall issue each year Linda Stephens, an atheist, protested. a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May * The views expressed are those of the author and not nec- They complained that the Christian prayers at the as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of essarily those of the VEMA. town board meetings made them uncomfortable. the United States may turn to God in prayer and med- Eventually this practice was challenged legally in 2008 itation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.” [email protected]

Plans Ten years of CGL Examinations in Perth

2014 marks the 10th anniversary of the Centre for the Greek for Greek Language (CGL) Examinations in Perth, Western Australia. In 2004, St Andrew’s Grammar signed up to be a CGL Examination China Centre. We were granted this right and, in 2005, the first candi- dates sat for these examinations. Every year since then, we have had a regular stream of candidates sitting for the various levels Town on offer (originally four levels but now there are seven). This year, eight candidates sat for the CGL Examinations (two Greek investors and Chinese for Level A1, one for Level A2, four for Level B1, and one for Lev- real estate companies are gear- el B2). Levels A1, A2 and B1 were held on Tuesday 20 May and ing up to build the Greek China Level B2 was held on Wednesday 21 May, as mandated by Town next to Athens Internation- Greece. The examinations took place in the Harmanis Building of al Airport. the School, as has been the tradition for many years. A new property of 120 hectares The total of candidates who have sat for CGL Examinations in will be added to the city plan, WA since 2005 is 123. As an officially-recognised CGL Examina- paving the way for large-scale in- tion Centre, we have also experienced a very strong success rate, vestments. indicating that the teaching and learning of Modern Greek in this Representatives of a large real state is effective. Candidates have varied in age and educational estate company from China who background, and they have also been inclusive of non-Greek per- recently visited Greece have ex- sons. pressed their interest in purchas- The majority of candidates over the years have been students ing a large piece of land in Mar- of St Andrew’s Grammar; however, more recently, many candi- kopoulos, Athens. dates are students of the Centre for Hellenic Studies, WA (the They plan on building a China Hellenic Community’s after-hours Greek Language Program). Town in Athens, where Chinese In the first three years of operation, the CGL Examinations in people who love Greece will have WA were run solely by Mr Pavlos Iosifidis and me. After having the opportunity to buy holiday proved that we could carry such a venture, a CGL Committee, to- I would like to thank all of the 123 candidates over the ten houses. talling five people, was formed. years for sitting for these examinations, supporting our efforts in According to the local munici- However, Mr Iosifidis and I remain the key persons involved, this way to bring an additional level of officialdom to the teach- pality of Markopoulos, it is an with some assistance on examination days provided by Commit- ing and learning of Modern Greek in WA aside from the Western area of approximately 10 hecta- tee members. An entirely voluntary service, we are proud to be Australian Certificate of Education (WACE). res which will be added to the the annual facilitators of the CGL Examinations for Western Aus- Successful CGL Examination candidates are issued with a Cer- city plan in 6-8 months, paving tralian candidates. tificate of Attainment in Greek from Greece’s Ministry of Educa- the way for investments in the In 2013, the CGL in Greece trialled an electronic enrolment sys- tion and Religious Affairs, and the CGL in Thessaloniki. We now surrounding area. tem for candidates and we were one of only two CGL Centres look forward to the results of this year’s examinations when they Mayor Sotiris Methenitis sees world-wide to be invited to trial this new system! This year, we are announced later in the year. this as a huge opportunity to cre- launched fully into the electronic enrolment system with a glitch- ate a large residential project es-free outcome. This will also help to ease the workload in fu- Dr Angela Evangelinou-Yiannakis that will change the area. ture years. Director of the CGL at St Andrew’s Grammar JUNE 2014 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 7/25

Greek-Australian baby born 395gr survives!

11-year old Greek boy co-stars with Russell Crowe

An 11-year old Greek boy will co-star with Russell Crow in his new movie “The Water Divine,” which was shot in Turkey. His name is Dylan Geogriadis (pictured) and he is a fifth-grade elementary school pupil from Melbourne. Dylan was required to take some Turkish courses to play the role of a young Turkish boy. He put school on hold for about a month and a half and Parents Con and Paula Metaxiotis cuddle their baby, John. (Picture: David Caird) traveled to Sydney for four weeks after which he jetted off to Istanbul for another two weeks. Australian scientists are calling the birth and survival for him to have a happy and healthy life,” Mrs Metaxio- Young Dylan Georgiades said Russel Crow’s be- of a Greek-Australian infant who was born prematurely tis said. havior towards him was absolutely perfect. “He at 395gr as a “scientific miracle.” He is one of the small- Source: www.greekreporter.com mentored me and I learned so much. We worked est infants ever to be born and survive in Victoria. really hard, but he always made it fun. He was re- The case of baby John Metaxiotis became a headline ally relaxed and made jokes and we were singing at the “Herald Sun.” John was born at 26 weeks, weigh- quite a bit.” Dylan said, adding “We would both ing 395g - no heavier than a can of Coke - and just the Andrew Demetriou sing opera. I’m not really a big fan of opera, but length of a ballpoint pen. he’d start singing and I’d sing along with him and it “From the first scans we saw, we thought we weren’t leaves AFL was kind of like a little sing-off.” going to be able to salvage a baby out of this situation. The film is directed by Russel Crowe and the There is so much more growth and maturation to do,” screenplay is written by Greek-Australian Andrew Professor Walker said.. after 11 years Anastasios and Andrew Knight . The infant was born through IVF. The baby’s mother, The story takes place in 1919 and is based on an Paula, went through 15 failed IVF attempts and three Greek Australian An- Australian father - played by Crowe - who travels miscarriages in the past. The 16th attempt was the last drew Demetriou (pic- to Turkey to find his three sons who went missing one, bringing little John into the world. tured), who was the after the Battle of Gallipoli in 1915. “He looked as small as a newborn kitten. It felt like CEO of the Australian The film includes scenes from the Greek landing you were holding nothing. We were petrified”, Mrs Football League for the in Minor Asia in 1919 and an attack the Greeks Metaxiotis said. last 11 years handed seem to have carried out on a train containing This week baby John went home to his happy par- the company over to Turkish soldiers. ents, Kostas and Paula. Gillon McLachlan. “He has proved everyone wrong. We now just wish “No final clips. I am going out without hav- ing any enemies,” he said while handing the league over to his suc- cessor. “It’s been a long farewell [...] I can’t keep going to lunches and having nice things said about me continuously,” he joked. After 11 years of working as AFL’s CEO, Demetriou is leaving it in much better shape than before. Despite the scandals that may have occurred over the years, Demetriou helped make the sport popular and prof- itable. During his farewell, Demetriou even dedicated time toward some courses of action that he thinks Gillon McLachlan should follow. “There is certainly something going on around a com- bination of variable pricing, affordability, the schedule, the start times. We have trialled some start times ag- gressively this year as part of our broadcast rights and we are starting to learn about what is working and what is not working. All of those things will be factored in. I know Gill is committed to tackling this issue of af- fordability for our supporters.” JUNE 2014 8/26 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

The Food of Ancient Cretans

‘The Slap’ by Tsiolkas American anthropologist and archaeolo- they bred or hunted such as goat, sheep, we have limited knowledge of what the turns gist, Jerolyn Morrison, (pictured above) hare, pigs and cattle, while in later Mi- social habits were or the customs in rela- claims that 100 years ago, Cretans used to noan periods they also ate wild deer. Ex- tion to food and organizing the house. For eat food that was more similar to the food cavations have brought to light the fact example, we know that they cooked and into NBC of Minoan Crete than to the food of mod- that they used to eat many legumes, such ate both inside and outside of their ern Greece. as lentils and beans, cereals such as barley homes, while they set up their tables in Furthermore, in order to demonstrate and zea, fruits and nuts, such as figs and specific locations on the roof of their TV series the Minoan and Byzantine cuisine of almonds and of course there was evi- homes, but we have no data yet on how Crete, Morrison organized a symposium dence for producing olive oil and wine! I many different dishes were offered during Lisa Cholodenko, director of the which was held last weekend at the Amer- believe that the Cretan diet from 100 dinner, the amount of food that was movie “The Kids Are All Right,” has ican Farm School. The attendees had the years ago was more like that of the Mi- served at diners, or how many times per undertaken the task of directing chance to taste the food of ancient Cre- noan era than modern Greece. day or week they used to cook. We don’t the first episodes of the TV mini-se- tans, which had been cooked in replicas of “This is a result of the lack of refrigera- know if they preferred savory, sweet or ries “The Slap,” based on the the utensils used during that era. The tors, forcing inhabitants to use various sour flavors” said Morrison. award-winning book by Greek-Aus- menu consisted of lentils with coriander forms of traditional food preservation and Jerolyn Morrison has been looking into tralian, Christos Tsiolkas, released and honey, snails sautéed with rosemary also the small-scale vegetable crops the ancient Minoan cooks for a few years in 2008. and black pig fillet with carob, cooked in a formed their eating habits which may re- and based on current scientific knowl- The book was turned into a TV clay replica of the Minoan grill. semble those of the Minoan civilization,” edge, she creates culinary experiences series on Australia’s ABC channel. “There are many foods that we eat to- she noted. which “translate” the ancient language of The show was very successful and day, that they used to eat in Minoan “This is the exciting and creative side of food for modern people around the it also aired in other countries. Crete” she says. During both the Minoan archaeological studies! The Minoan civi- world. However, it was decided that in era, and in modern Crete, people con- lization was prehistoric and we don’t have According to the archeologist, Minoan the U.S. the series would be shot sume food from the sea, such as small and any written evidence concerning their cooking is not only about good products, re-shot in order for it to be adapted large fish, barnacles, cuttlefish and sea food habits. Whilst we can learn what Mi- one must also prepare the food with the to American culture. snails. They also ate meat from animals noans used to eat and how they cooked, same utensils used by ancient Cretans. Like Australia, the U.S. version will consist of eight episodes for the network NBC. In Australia the book by Tsiolkas has swept the in- Mount Athos through the eyes of two Muslims ternational literary awards selling over 700,000 copies. Two Muslims from Turkey, journalist Ertuğrul Özkök (pic- Several Greek Australian actors tured) and architect Ali Esad Göksel, decided to visit the Holy were part of the show’s Australian Mountain or Mount Athos in Northern Greece, called Agio version, such as Alex Dimitriades, Oros. Ertuğrul Özkök and Ali Esad Göksel describe their experi- Lex Marinos, Toula Yianni, Aris ence in detail revealing information about the everyday life of Gounaris, Dimitri Baveas, Steve Mount Athos. What made their visit unique was their nation- Mouzakis, Caitlin Tsiolka, and Euge- ality and religion. nia Fragos. Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew, granted them permis- The book, as well as the TV se- sion to enter the “Garden of the Virgin Mary” and to spend ries, reflect the modern Australian three days in its monasteries. When they returned to Turkey, family in a sarcastic manner. During they wrote an article which was published in the Turkish news- a family celebration, a Greek man paper, Hurriyet, describing their stay. slaps a child. According to the article, it had been a dream for both of This divides the guests, as some them to visit Mount Athos. They were well aware that they can excuse the man’s actions, while would be isolated there for three days and that they would ex- others demand for him to be pun- perience the ascetic life of the monks. ished. They were impressed from the very beginning of their jour- salad and orange for dessert. At half past six in the evening, The slap initiates an unintention- ney as they were approaching Agio Oros by boat and admired everyone returned to their chambers and went to sleep. “Life al series of events that will force the picturesque landscape. They were warmly welcomed by in the monastery ends early in the evening but starts very ear- everyone to reconsider their own the monks, who offered them a glass of raki and a meal. Their ly in the morning. We had to wake up at 3 a.m. every morning,” lives, desires, aspirations and be- first meal included potatoes with eggs, olives, bread, tomato reported the journalist. liefs. JUNE 2014 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 9/27

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Crusader-era Athens and Santorini most popular Greek monastery seal tourist destinations

Predictions made by leading tour operators con- found in Jerusalem cerning this year’s tourist arrivals in Greece are coming true. This summer Greece is expected to welcome about 20 million tourists. Approximately Dr Yuval Baruch, the Israel Antiq- 187,000 more tourists visited Greece via airplane uities Authority’s regional archaeol- this May compared to May 2013. Greek towns of ogist responsible for Jerusalem and Kalamata, Corfu, Skiathos, Samos and Zakynthos its environs, presented the unique Crusader-era monastery seal found in Jerusalem showed an increase of 20 percent. find to the Greek Orthodox Patriarch The Mar Saba seal According to data released by the Association of of Jerusalem, Theo-philos III, who [Credit: Clara Amit, Greek Tourism Enterprises SETE, tourist arrivals in noted its importance for the history Israel Antiquities most Greek airports has increased this month com- of Christianity in the Holy Land and Authority] pared to the same month last year. its significance for archaeological re- A big rise was also observed in Athens since search. St Sabas, or according to his 76,446 more tourists arrived this year at Athens In- Syriac name, Mar Saba, was one of ed since its foundation, and even his name appears among the list of ternational airport. A total of 331,000 tourists ar- the most important and influential today there are around ten Greek Christian saints. rived in Athens, indicating a 30 percent increase. leaders of the Christian monastic monks who reside in the monastery, The seal, shows a bearded bust of himation Macedonia Airport in Thessaloniki also showed a movement developing in the Judean which belongs to the Greek Ortho- a saint wearing a and hold- 7 percent increase, since 145,565 more tourists Desert during the Byzantine period. dox Church. ing a cross in his right hand and landed in the airport in comparison to last year. Sabas established several monaster- Sabas was greatly involved in the what may be the Gospel in his left Santorini island may be considered among the ies, but his crowning achievement local political and religious affairs of hand. Surrounding it is a Greek in- most expensive Greek destinations, but tourists still was the construction of the Byzantine-period province of scription naming the saint: “Saint S- bulla go for it. The island’s airport welcomed 32,003 Monastery of St Sabas. The “Palestina,” and twice he traveled abas”. On the back of the ap- tourists this May; 27.2 percent more than last year. monastery, situated on a cliff over- on foot to the empire’s capital, Con- pears another longer Greek inscrip- Travelers seem to have a special preference to- looking Nahal Kid-ron, was home to stantinople, in order to request as- tion “This is the seal of the Laura of wards Ionian islands as well. The arrivals in Corfu, several hundred monks. sistance from the emperor for the the Holy Sabas.” Zakynthos and Kefalonia airports showed an in- This is the only monastery in the country’s inhabitants. Sabas was crease of 11.2, 18.1 and 11.4 percent respectively. Judean Desert continuously inhabit- canonized following his death and Source: Israel National News (27/5/2014)

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Artist’s impression of the St Paraskevi Child Care Centre which will have a capacity for 92 children and will commence operations in January 2015 Queensland visit by His Grace Bishop Seraphim

On the weekend of 31st May - 1st half of the Spathis Foundation. Also, the June His Grace Bishop Seraphim travel- Parish of St John, Cairns, donated led to Brisbane to lead the celebrations $10,000 which was presented by its of two significant milestones in Queens- President Mr Theo Bacalakis (who also land for the Greek Orthodox Archdio- gave $5,000 as a personal donation), cese of Australia. while $2,500 was donated by the On Sunday 1st June His Grace cele- Parish-Community of St George, Bris- brated the Divine Liturgy at St Paraske- bane. vi, Taigum. Following the Divine Liturgy During the visit to Queensland His His Grace conducted the Blessing of the Grace took the opportunity of visiting laying of the foundations for the new St the St Andrew’s Theological College Re- Paraskevi Child Care Centre which sig- treat and Recreation Centre. His Grace naled the commencement of construc- Bishop Seraphim, following a successful tion of this new facility. submission to the Department of Em- The Centre has a capacity for 92 chil- ployment, Education and Workplace re- dren and will commence operations in lations, officially opened the Retreat January 2015. last year. His Grace conducted the Blessing of the laying of the foundations for the new St Paraskevi His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos As part of the celebrations His Grace Child Care Centre also auctioned, with the assistance of and the Hon Anthony Albanese worked Mr Costa Stratikopoulos (Member of stone His Grace together with the State John’s for their commitment and out- collaboratively to secure $1,900,000 the Board of the Child Care Centre) the Minister for Communities, Disability and standing delivery of services in North funding for this project. three symbolic Gold, Silver and Bronze Child Safety, the Honourable Tracy Da- Queensland and was looking forward to His Grace met with the Board of Gov- Trowels. A total of $21,600 was donated vis and State Member for Sandgate, Ms the positive outcomes that St John’s ernors and Members of the Manage- for the trowels. Kerry Millard unveiled the commemora- Community Care would bring to Bris- ment Committee. The President of the The Gold trowel was donated by Mr tive plaque on behalf of His Eminence bane. Board Mr Emanuel Kallinicos welcomed Michael Charalambous, The Silver Tro- Archbishop Stylianos. The President of St Paraskevi, Dr Peter His Grace before the newly appointed wel by Mr & Mrs Andrew Tanos, The His Grace then led the procession of Marendy, welcomed His Grace and Coordinator Mr Matt Bender updated Bronze Trowel was donated by Mr Ale- dignitaries and visitors to the new St asked him to convey the sincere appre- His Grace on the operations of the Re- xandre Ivory and following the auction John’s Community Care Centre which is ciation of the Parish to His Eminence for treat. Mrs Sia Coveos donated the sum of an activity of the Greek Orthodox Arch- the support and confidence he has ex- The Centre has already commenced $10,000 for the original trowel used by diocese of Australia. pressed toward the Parish. with groups visiting and forward book- His Grace Bishop Seraphim in the foun- St John’s Community Care has been Also present for the celebrations was ings continue. The Chairperson of the dation laying ceremony. The generosity providing support services in North Mr Jim Raptis, Honorary Greek Consul management committee Mr Stathis Efs- of these donors continued on with a to- Queensland since 1998 and is consid- for Queensland, and his wife Helen, tathis thanked His Grace for visiting but tal of $95,000 raised on the day. ered to be a leading agency with a repu- with a donation of $10,000. Mr Theo above all for the opportunity for the His Grace was moved by this generos- tation for delivering quality care to the Bacalakis as Chairperson represented St committee members to meet with His ity and thanked all who have supported frail aged and younger people with a John’s Community Care. Grace. and continue to support this worthy disability. During the lunch the Very Reverend His Grace thanked all members of the project. In her address the Hon Tracy Davis ac- Gregory Sakellariou presented Dr Ma- committee and acknowledged their Following the laying of the foundation knowledged the Archdiocese and St rendy with a cheque for $10,000 on be- roles as volunteers.

Left: His Grace laying the foundation stone and right with the State Minister for Communities, Disability and Child Safety the Honourable Tracy Davis, State Member for Sandgate, Ms Kerry Millard, and Song Woman Maroochy Barambah of the Turrabai tribe, after unveiling the commemorative plaque. JUNE 2014 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 13/31

Commemorative photo of the Board of Governors and the Management Committee of Bribie Island Retreat and Recreation Centre with His Grace Bishop Seraphim (above), and their meeting in progress (right) (31-5-14)

Samaras: ‘New cabinet will be one to oversee recovery’

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras described his new cabinet of 45 ministers and deputy ministers as one that would be able to “plan for Greece’s future” after the group of ministers were sworn in and held their first meeting. “This is a new day for Greece but the target remains the same: to complete the effort to exit the crisis and to speed up the recovery on solid foundations,” Samaras told his cabinet, which includes eight new ministers. Nine new deputy ministers have joined the govern- ment. Overall, the government has four more members than the previous one. Samaras stressed the need for further reforms, par- ticularly in the area of taxation, and said one of the gov- ernment’s main targets should be ensuring the return of growth and new jobs to Greece. “Unemployment has been falling over the past few months but we need to succeed in creating new jobs,” he said. “This government’s aim must be to do even better than the last.” Greece’s new finance minister, Eurobank’s former nated as the next Bank of Greece governor by the cen- at the deputy ministerial level. head of economic research Gikas Hardouvelis, also fo- tral lender’s general council. The party’s parliamentary spokesman Paris Kouk- cused on the need to increase employment in his first Venizelos, who remains as foreign minister, is one of oulopoulos was appointed at the Agricultural Develop- comments since taking on his new role. “We have to four PASOK officials who will be in charge of depart- ment Ministry, while PASOK’s spokesman Odysseas take care of the problems faced by families and busi- ments if one includes new Education Minister Andreas Constantinopoulos took up a post at the Development nesses,” he said. Loverdos, who quit the party but is expected to return. Ministry. This means that Socialists will now have to His predecessor, Yannis Stournaras, was later nomi- There were two significant appointments for PASOK pick new MPs to fulfill these roles for the party. JUNE 2014 14/32 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

The destruction of Cyprus’ culturalGreece heritage awarded as by Turkey presented in Paris The Committee of Occupied Municipalities in Cyprus “Destination of Year 2013” organized an event in Paris with a view to raise aware- ness on the destruction of the cultural heritage in Cyprus` Turkish occupied areas. The event took place at the “House of Greece” on June 3, in cooperation with the Greek and Cypriot com- munities in France and the Embassy of Cyprus in Paris. The Committee was represented by the Mayor of Kythrea Petros Kareklas and the Mayor of Akanthou Savas Savides who addressed the event. According to a press release issued by the Committee, the “House of Greece” hosted a photo exhibition enti- Samaras requests tled “The destruction of European culture in Cyprus by Turkey. The tragedy goes on...”. According to a press release issued by the Committee, the “House of Greece” hosted a photo exhibition entitled “The Moreover, prominent Cypriot academic Andreas Had- destruction of European culture in Cyprus by Turkey. The a drop in prices jisavas from occupied Lapithos, who lives and works in tragedy goes on...”. France, spoke about the destruction of the cultural her- itage in Cyprus` occupied areas, while a film entitled Mediterranean Department at the French Foreign Min- on Greek Islands “The destruction of our cultural heritage by Turkey” istry Pascal Vagogne, and informed him about the situ- was projected. ation of the monuments in the occupied areas and ef- After the publication of many articles and surveys On the occasion of their stay in Paris, the two Mayors forts made by the bicommunal technical committee concerning an increase in prices on Greek islands had the opportunity to meet with the Mayor and the and the nine occupied municipalities to protect reli- and other popular tourist destinations, Prime Minis- Vice-Mayor of the 9th arrondissement of Paris Delphine gious and archaeological sites which are ready to col- ter Antonis Samaras, decided to personally inter- Burkli and Alexi Govciyan, whom they briefed about the lapse. vene, via a phone call. situation in Cyprus, focusing on the destruction of its They also referred to the environmental destruction According to Greek news, the Greek Prime Minis- cultural heritage. of the occupied Pentadaktylos mountain and the occu- ter contacted the President of SETE (Association of They also had a meeting with the Head of the pied areas in general. Greek Tourist Enterprises), Andreas Andreadis and asked him to immediately take all necessary actions in order to bring down prices in tourist destinations. Samaras stressed that tourism in Greece is doing UN: We need women peacekeepers to obtain Peace well and therefore we should try to preserve its high Obtaining stability and security in conflict zones security and comfort. quality levels this, as well as next year. Furthermore, could be as simple as getting more women involved in “[Women] need to be integrated into rebuilding he asked Andreadis to make the necessary inspec- the peace process, according to the United Nations. community so that you have really inclusive peace tions to find violators on our islands. Admittedly, the U.N. has been a slow to appoint and security,” Clare Hutchinson, U.N. gender affairs A survey recently published shows a sharp in- women to peacekeeping positions, but the organiza- officer, said in an interview in 2011. “If women aren’t crease in prices, at the same time that tourism in tion recently set an ambitious goal. It wants women included in the restoration… then you don’t have Greece is also rising, as millions of tourists choose to make up 20 percent of police officers around the peace and security. It’s very simple.” Greece for their holidays, both for its beauty as well world by the end of this year. While 20 percent may still sound like a paltry figure, as for its reasonable prices. Experts say that it’s critical for women to take on it will still mark a major improvement. For example, Santorini island, one of the greatest such roles for a number of reasons. Women and men In 1993, women made up just 1 percent of deployed tourist destinations in Greece showed a 100% in- “experience” conflict differently, which means both military personnel. Two years ago, of 125,000 peace- crease in hotel prices, compared to last year. More- genders need to offer their input for the resolution. keepers, women constituted 3 percent of military per- over, Mykonos, which is also one of the most fa- Having females take on such authoritative positions sonnel and 10 percent of police personnel, according mous Greek islands, showed an increase of 46% in will also give local women and girls a greater sense of to the U.N. hotel prices compared to 2013. 51% of Greeks Four young Greeks speak English and a great business idea English is the first foreign language Greek students learn from an early age. Official data released by the A few years back, a group of four friends from Eurobarometer Special Surveys shows that, when it Greece came up with an innovative business idea. Fol- comes to people being able to speak English, Greece lowing the motto, “even though there’s no money reaches 51 percent. this isn’t an excuse to stop ideas from becoming a re- Greece stands in the middle of the list of countries ality, the only obstacle is laziness,” - the four pals de- included in this survey. cided to implement their new business idea in the Greece also stands quite higher than Italy, which tourism industry and offer something different that reaches 34 percent. In Spain only 22 percent of the had not been previously seen before in Greece and population speaks English, while in Portugal 27 per- especially Athens. cent. Andreas, Antonis, Vassilis and Barnabas were un- From this survey, we can conclude that almost employed when they started considering various every European can say at least a word or two in Eng- business possibilities. One of their ideas was to rent lish, but this doesn’t mean he can speak well enough apartments for short periods of time so that people their offer particularly attractive to customers, is that in order to be able to communicate in an adequate could opt to stay there instead of booking a hotel. the young men form a more personal relationship level, or to hold a decent conversation. This is how their project, “Live in Athens” was born with their customers, compared to the impersonal in- For political and historical reasons however, Cypri- and implemented. At the moment, they have fixed up teractions of big businesses such as hotels. ots, speak better English than Greeks, with their rat- and prepared four apartments which are available for They don’t just offer the apartment key to their ing reaching 73 percent. Surprisingly enough, the rent. guests. Their services go far beyond that. The four same survey reveals that 5 percent of Great Britain’s According to the four men, many people, especially young businessmen play the role of tour guide for population and 6 percent of Ireland’s population young people, newlyweds, families and groups of their customers, giving them ideas about what places doesn’t speak English at all. friends prefer to spend their vacation in a cozy apart- to visit, where to eat and of course where they can go ment rather than a small hotel room. What makes to have a little fun. JUNE 2014 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 15/33 Health

People eligible to participate in the program receive Iron deficiency anaemia may also be a sign of bowel an invitation through the mail to complete a simple a cancer and unexplained iron deficiency anaemia re- faecal occult blood test (FOBT) in the privacy of their quires full investigation. HEALTH own home and mail it to a pathology laboratory for analysis. There is no cost involved in completing the Bowel cancer risk NEWSNEWS FOBT. These screening tests have been shown in over- seas clinical trials and in the Bowel Cancer Screening Pi- Some people are at greater risk of developing bowel lot Program to be simple to use and highly effective. cancer. People who are at greater risk are those who WITH DR. THEO PENKLIS * Participants with a positive FOBT result are advised to have a first degree relative (i.e. mother, father, sibling discuss the result with their doctor, who will generally or child) who have had large bowel cancer or polyps. Or refer them for further investigations, usually a colono- people who have already had bowel cancer or polyps, scopy. or people who have had a history of extensive ulcera- Screening for tive colitis over many years. What is bowel cancer? Of course bowel cancer or polyps can occur in people Colorectal (Bowel) who are not high risk, and any symptoms of bowel can- The bowel is a part of the digestive tract whose func- cer should be investigated by the doctor. tion it is to finish digesting food. It is divided into small Cancer and large bowel. Tests and investigations The small bowel mainly absorbs nutrients from bro- for bowel cancer This month is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. This is ken down food. The large bowel can be divided into the an annual public education initiative of Bowel Cancer colon (which mainly absorbs water) and the rectum Australia to raise awareness of bowel cancer. Bowel The faecal occult blood test (FOBT) in the National Cancer Awareness Month has a positive message: “sav- Bowel Cancer Screening program is used to screen the ing lives through early detection” as bowel cancer is population of average risk people and commences at one of the most curable types of cancer if found early. 50 years of age. This test detects hidden blood in the bowel motion, however not all cancers bleed and a How common is Colorectal (Bowel) negative test therefore does not necessarily exclude bowel cancer. Cancer? This test should not be used for people in the high risk group. These individuals require a colonoscopy, Bowel or colorectal cancer is currently the second once they reach the age of forty or earlier if they have most common internal malignancy affecting one in symptoms or a first degree relative developed bowel twenty Australians. (Only prostate cancer is more com- cancer at an early age. mon in men and breast cancer more common in A colonoscopy should be performed on any individual women.) Bowel cancer is the second most common who has a positive faecal occult blood test. cause of cancer death in Australians after lung cancer. A colonoscopy requires a day admission to a hospital Around eighty Australians die each week from the or day procedure centre. The patient is given sedation bowel cancer. Bowel cancer, however, can be treated to make them feel drowsy to minimise discomfort dur- successfully if detected in its early stages, but currently ing the procedure. It involves inserting a long, flexible fewer than forty per cent of bowel cancers are detect- tube with a small lens through the anus and into the ed early. rectum, then around the colon to its beginning at the More than ten thousand new cases of colorectal can- small bowel. cer are diagnosed each year resulting in four thousand The doctor can see and remove polyps and remove five hundred deaths each year. The risk of colorectal tissue (a biopsy) to test for cancer. A colonos-copy is cancer increases with age in that approximately eight not without risk. per cent of cancers develop under the age of fifty, and There is a small chance of perforation of the bowel the incidence doubles each decade after fifty. and these risks will normally be discussed with the pa- tient prior to the procedure. Screening for bowel cancer Depending on the result of the colonoscopy, the doc- tor will then advise the appropriate timing of the next Screening involves testing for bowel cancer in people colonoscopy, or another procedure should a colorectal who do not have any obvious symptoms of the disease. cancer be found. The aim is to find any polyps, or to find cancer early The major tests used to detect and screen for bowel when they are easier to treat and cure. cancer or polyps have been outlined. Regular screening is important because bowel cancer Other tests include: a rectal examination by the doc- can develop without any early warning signs. The can- tor, a sigmoidoscopy (putting a rigid or flexible tube in- cer can grow on the inside wall of the bowel for several (which stores waste material until it is passed from the to the anus to examine the rectum and lower colon, years before spreading to other parts of the body. Of- body). this test has a limited role in screening for bowel cancer ten very small amounts of blood leak from these When we talk of bowel cancer, we mainly refer to as it only examines part of the bowel), a barium enema growths and pass into the bowel motion before any cancer of the colon and rectum, because cancer of the (a type of X-Ray), ultrasound or CAT scan of the ab- symptoms are noticed. small bowel is very rare. domen and blood tests may sometimes also be used to A screening test, called a faecal occult blood test Bowel cancer can start in two ways. It can start direct- assess and investigate for bowel cancer. (FOBT) can detect these small amounts of blood in the ly from the inner bowel or from small raised growths bowel motion. The FOBT looks for blood in the bowel called polyps. Polyps are usually harmless but have the Future Directions for Screening potential to become cancerous. motion, but not for bowel cancer itself. for bowel cancer Screening for bowel cancer using a FOBT is a simple non-invasive process that can be done in the privacy of Symptoms of bowel cancer While there is a nationally funded program for bowel your own home. Although no screening test is one hun- cancer screening The Gut Foundation has the view that dred per cent accurate, the FOBT is currently the most Bowel cancer may be present without any symptoms screening for bowel cancer should begin at forty with well researched screening test for bowel cancer. and indeed polyps may also be present without any an annual FOBT. Completing a FOBT every two years, can reduce the symptoms. Further The Gut Foundation supports colonoscopy as risk of dying from bowel cancer by up to one third. The most common symptom of bowel cancer is a more effective tool for diagnosing bowel cancer be- The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program pre- bleeding from the bowel, and therefore it is always ad- cause the whole colon is visualised and cancers can be sently invites people turning 50, 55, 60 and 65 years of visable to look in the toilet bowl after a bowel action. A seen. But of course a colonoscopy is a more complex age to participate and will be extended in 2015 to in- persistent change in bowel habit, diarrhoea or consti- procedure and with greater risk. However in many de- clude 70 and 74 year olds. pation or abdominal pain may also be a symptom of veloped countries colonoscopy is regarded as the most Research shows that the risk of developing bowel bowel cancer. cost effective screening tool. cancer rises significantly from the age of 50 therefore The diagnostic dilemma, however is that these symp- the National Health and Medical Research Council rec- toms also appear frequently in the population and may ommends that organised faecal occult blood screening not necessarily be symptoms of bowel cancer. These * The information given in this article is of a general nature of average risk people should commence at 50 years of symptoms can in fact occur in well individuals and may and readers should seek advice from their own medical practi- age. not be related to a disease process. tioner before embarking on any treatment. JUNE 2014 16/34 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

New Athens metro trains are ready to roll New trains that promise to be smarter and safer than previous ones are to roll out on the Athens metro over the next few days. STASY, the company that manages fixed-track forms of public transport in Athens, received the trains from Attiko Metro after they underwent a series of safety tests over the last few months. This is the third genera- tion of trains that will be used on the Athens metro Greece, Kuwait mark since it opened in 2000. The South Korean-manufactured trains were bought at a cost of 155 million euros to cope with the increase 50 years of friendship in the number of passengers following the Aghios Dim- itrios to Elliniko extension, which was opened in July with deals 2013, and for when the upcoming ones toward Haidari, Peristeri and Piraeus are completed. The latter is not detection system and CCTV cameras that will allow driv- Greece and Kuwait marked 50 years of diplomatic due until 2017, when six new stations will open. ers to observe passengers getting on and off the trains. relations earlier this month, by signing two agree- The Hyundai Rotem-Hanwha trains have a smart start Crucially for commuters traveling to work during the ments, one regarding investments and the other and stop system that is designed to save energy. The al- summer months, as well as tourists visiting the Greek tourism. so have LCD screens and electronic maps showing all capital, the new trains will have a stronger climate con- The deals were signed by Greek Foreign Minister the metro stations in each wagon. There are extra secu- trol system than the second generation of trains. They Evangelos Venizelos and his Kuwaiti counterpart rity features on the trains, such as an improved smoke also promise easier access for disabled passengers. Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah (pictured above), who also met President Karolos Papoulias and Prime Minister Antonis Samaras. The two foreign ministers also inaugurated the Free Wi-Fi at seven metro and rail Kuwaiti Embassy’s new offices in Athens. “The business environment is improving and the Commuters using Athens public transport can now country is becoming an attractive destination for in- benefit from free wireless Internet access at seven key vestments and cooperation in privatizations,” said stations on the metro and urban electric railway (ISAP) Venizelos. as part of a scheme that is to be extended across the Al-Sabah said there was “great potential” for eco- network from the middle of next month. nomic cooperation between the two countries. WiFi will be available in ticket issuing areas and on the Venizelos also condemned the seizure of the platforms at Syntagma, Panepistimio, Acropolis, Omo- Turkish consul general in Mosul and called for the nia, Piraeus, Neratziotissa and Doukissis Plakentias. rapid and safe release of all the hostages. STASY, the company that manages fixed-track forms of public transport in Athens, is understood to be plan- ning the gradual extension of the WiFi network to all Greek Cypriot stations on the metro and rail from July 15. population decreases

According to a research conducted by the Insti- Russian couples choose Crete to get married tute of Demographics and Migration Policies, Greek Cypriots are decreasing in Cyprus. The Greek Cypriot population was 572,000 in 2011 with declining tendencies. Demographics re- searcher Penelope Christoforidou indicated that de- mographic changes in Cyprus’ population has grad- ually led to a decrease of birth rates, the ageing of the population and migration. Birth rates have decreased to 11.3% in 2011 from 18.6% in 1992 and the percentage of those under 15 years has also decreased to 16.4% in 2012 from 25.4% in 1992. As for the ageing population, it is adding a burden on the state budget for pension funds, thus putting more stress on the working pop- ulation. The significant number of person migrating to and from Cyprus has caused rapid changes to the demographics of the island. In 2011, 20% of the population consisted of immigrants, while by 2012 Following in the steps of Chinese couples, Russian indicated that there has been a reported increase of a large number of Greek Cypriots (18,105 persons) couples are also choosing to exchange their vows and interest for weddings in Greece. “The number of the had left the island to migrate in other countries. celebrate the most beautiful day of their lives on the tour packages that have already been booked in- Christoforidou stated that the government should island of Crete. creased by 30% compared to 2013. During May develop new policies for controlling this migration Travel agencies, after contacting public and private alone, 23 wedding ceremonies were organized in tendency, especially for young people. authorities, show an interest in organizing Russian Crete, Rhodes, Santorini and Kos by our agency,” he She further suggested a number of support meas- weddings in Chania. Leading Greek tour operator stated. More than 40 journalists and 20 travel agents ures that could lead to an increase of birth rates, “Beleon Tours” chose Crete as the perfect place to from abroad attended every wedding ceremony. This such as longer paid maternity leaves and state fund- organize Russian and Ukrainian weddings. Five wed- is a great way for Greece to promote and strengthen ed child births. ding ceremonies were the grand prize of the compe- the country’s tourism potential. In conclusion, Ioannis Matsis, the chairman of the tition called “My Greek Wedding” for couples from The online competition “My Greek Wedding” was Institute, said that Cypriot President Nikos Anastasi- Russia and Ukraine. The ceremonies took place at held for the second consecutive year and is the ades should deal with this problem as a priority, be- the end of May 2014 in Rethimno, one of the biggest biggest international competition that promotes cause its solution could contribute to the solution of cities in Crete. Greece as a wedding destination for couples from the Cyprus issue as well. Leonidas Dimitriadis, president of “Beleon Tours” Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan. JUNE 2014 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 17/35

3 eMatins.org female Monastery of Panagia Gorgoepikoos, based in Geelong, Victoria, which can be accessed via their • Who runs this site? website www.gorgoepikoos.org.au. It is good to Searching Father Seraphim Dedes, from the United States. He support the Australian monasteries in this small has merged with another site recently, which is eas- way. ily navigated via the instructions on the transitional the homepage. 6 myocn.net • What can I learn from it? • Who runs this site? Every Sunday, the Divine Liturgy Service is preceded The Orthodox Christian Network Spiritual by the Orthros (Matins) Service. This Service is quite beautiful if you can attend it from about 8am in • What can I learn from it? most churches! It lasts for approximately one hour, Here is a wealth of information through both video and marks the liturgical period of the year with new and audio means. The categories in the banner of on the hymns every time. Trying to follow the Service used this site say it all: ‘Listen’, ‘Read’, ‘Watch’ and to be a difficult task. Until, that is, this magnificent ‘Learn’. Examples of things to listen to are ‘Journeys web resource came along. You can choose from to Orthodoxy’ and ‘Orthodoxy Explained’; things to several Sundays (and some mid-week feast days) in read include ‘Orthodox News’ and you can watch Internet advance, and view the whole Service. In some ‘Orthodox Study Classes’, among many other cases, you can even click on the audio button to things. hear the hymns and read the music in both Byzantine and western musical notation. There are some excellent websites out there 7 orthodoxyouth.org about what the Orthodox Church believes and does. I recall a lecturer once saying “the wise person is 4 sagotc.edu.au not the one who has all the knowledge, but the one who knows where to find it.” While one cannot guarantee that every single • Who runs this site? page of these large websites is perfect, they certain- The Department of Youth Ministry - Antiochian ly have much to give us that is spiritually beneficial. Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America Here are some recommended websites, then, list- • Who runs this site? ed in no particular order: St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College, • What can I learn from it? Sydney As the site itself states, it provides: “Free, Multi- 1 goarch.org media Bible Studies for Orthodox Christian Teens • What can I learn from it? and Adults formed by the Holy Tradition of the First of all, see the range of courses offered. Our Orthodox Church. With our Bible studies you can Theological College has really grown and diversified plunge into a book of the New Testament, looking in the last few years. You may want to study at the biblical text and its historical background, and Orthodoxy in an ‘academic’ way. Apart from the learn how the biblical truths can transform your Bachelor of Theology degree, the College also has a life. Each Bible study also includes full-colour hand- range of postgraduate courses, which are the outs you can download to use in your church study Diploma of Christian Studies, Graduate Certificate in group.” Arts, Graduate Diploma of Arts, Master of Arts and Master of Theology. Part time options are available, 8 orthodoxmission.org.gr and several subjects can be taken in distance mode. Alternatively, you may get involved with what the • Who runs this site? College has to offer in other ways mentioned on the The ever-generous Orthodox Missionary Fraternity, • Who runs this site? site, such as its library, conferences and publica- based in Thessaloniki The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America tions. • What can I learn from it? • What can I learn from it? 5 pantanassamonastery.org See all the missionary work of the Orthodox Church Click the extensive new ‘Discovering Orthodox around the world in English. You will see Africans, Christianity’ series of video interviews designed to Chinese, Indians, Singaporeans, Koreans and faith- introduce and explain the basic teaching of ful of many other nationalities who are Orthodox Orthodox Christianity, covering stimulating topics Christian. Click the ‘Magazine’ button on the right such as Music in the Orthodox Church, Orthodoxy hand side to read it page by page. You will be and other Faith Traditions, Faith in Action, Moral amazed at the breadth of the evangelical, philan- and Social Issues, the Changing Orthodox Family, thropic and educational work that is being done in Orthodoxy and our Youth, Ministering to our 22 developing countries. Elderly, Orthodoxy in the New Media Age, Faith and You can also go to their YouTube station from the Pop Culture, The Fathers of the Church. home page and see an abundance of amateur clips on the various projects. Most of these are with Greek commentary, but even if you don’t speak 2 greekorthodox.org.au Greek, the images will speak to you. (However, for those who are Greek speakers, www. agiazoni.gr is • Who runs this site? a great resource, with articles and videos added The Holy Monastery of the Mother of God ‘Panta- daily). nassa’, located on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia. After all the above, could the regular catch-cries with regard to the Orthodox faith that “I cannot understand • Who runs this site? • What can I learn from it? all the mumbo-jumbo” or “no one ever explains any- The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia Or more specifically, what can our children learn thing” or “our kids are leaving for other denominations” from it? You have access to some wonderful mate- be, in the age of the internet, an outdated excuse of the • What can I learn from it? rial for the teaching of Orthodoxy in school situa- past? And yet, none of this electronic communication Although content is still being added to this site, tions. Go to ‘Resources’ and click on ’Scripture from the virtual world is meant to replace the interac- you can read about news and events of the Lessons’ to see two beautiful books in colour, one tion of real persons in real time, meeting in one place, Archdiocese nationwide, as well as about the saint for infants and one for primary school. There is also with one accord, around the altar table of Christ’s love. of the day, or find contact details for priests, local an online store at this monastery if you would like churches and other institutions of the Church to obtain icons, prayer ropes, books, greeting cards, Prepared by Dimitri Kepreotes throughout Australia. incense and candles. Another online store is the ([email protected]) JUNE 2014 18/36 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Arts, Food & Wine Editor: Imogen Coward A Tale of Two Kitchens

By Taliesin Coward

Imagine Kitchen A: a cake is being made. The cook cracks eggs, gently whisking them. Butter is softened and creamed with sugar. In goes the flour, maybe some baking powder, milk, eggs and a few drops of vanilla ex- tract, or the seeds of a vanilla pod. After this, the batter is duly placed into a tin - the tin having been carefully greased with more butter, then lined with paper, and greased again - before going into the oven to cook. Imagine Kitchen B: here too, a cake is being made. The cook opens up the carton of pasteurised egg whites, measures out the desired amount, and adds to it the correct ratio of reconstituted dried egg yolks. Margarine is ‘creamed’ with sweetener. In go the eggs, re-hydrated milk powder and the cake mixture: a spe- cial blend of chlorinated flour, raising agents and ingre- dients bearing only a number as identification, guaran- teed to produce the ‘ideal’ cake texture every time (al- so using less flour in total). To finish off the flavour, a few drops of vanillin, or perhaps even a pinch of vanilla powder (ground-up vanilla pods to give the appearance of vanilla seeds) are added. This is then placed into a non-stick tin lightly sprayed with ‘releasing’ oil/grease and baked. But what are Kitchen A and Kitchen B? By now the in- ference has probably been drawn that Kitchen A repre- sents someone baking a cake in their own home, or per- delicacies and is, today, one of the most expensive WWII, these desperation measures have remained in haps at an expensive artisan bakery, while Kitchen B meats you can purchase in France. The Napoleonic place, and largely become ‘standard practice’. For ex- represents an extreme example of a so-called ‘typical’ wars, apart from shortening the height of the average ample, in one grocery I visited which proudly an- commercial bakery. If you think this, sadly you’ll be Frenchman by sacrificing many of the tall ones in battle, nounced its own bakery with fresh produce baked every wrong. Both, in fact, represent extremes found today in is remembered in food history for the invention of day, I tried to find a loaf of ‘old-fashioned’ bread, the home kitchens. canned food which largely replaced more traditional p- sort that smells fabulous when hot, and goes stale after This split in the basic approach to home-cooking is ex- reserving methods such as pickling, confit and ferment- just one day, and lists just four ingredients; flour, water, emplified by two recent cookbooks from the kitchens of ing (although these are seeing a resurgence in popular- yeast and salt. As sourdoughs and baguettes were on Philippa’s Bakery and Gelato Messina, aimed at the ity in Australia). display, I thought this wouldn’t prove too difficult. A home cook: Philippa Grogan’s & Richard Chornish’s A more interesting example though is margarine. It quick perusal of the ingredients, though, revealed a Phillipa’s Home Baking, and Nick Palumbo’s Gelato owes its origins to a shortage of edible animal fats in Eu- heady mix of vegetable fats, soy flour to ‘complement’ Messina: The Recipes. Philippa’s approach is essentially rope during the 1860s, and Napoleon III’s search for a the more expensive wheat flour, emulsifiers and addi- old-fashioned home cooking, to which she brings pro- cheap butter substitute. In 1869, the French chemist tives. A quick sniff around the baking area failed to re- fessional tips and tricks. No margarine, chlorinated flour Hippolyte Mège-Mouriès found he could turn suet into veal the pleasant aroma of freshly baked bread. In- or ‘easy-pour-pre-cracked-eggs’. Only the best quality an oil by ‘digesting’ it using chopped up cattle stom- stead, there was a mix of ‘cake’ margarine, chlorinated ingredients are used - she even recommends making achs. The oil was then emulsified with chopped up ud- flour (for that extra-light texture and pure white crumb) your own butter for the best results. Palumbo’s book, ders and bicarb of soda, resulting in a spreadable but- and more ‘release agent’ than reasonable (one spray on the other hand reflects a curious blend of traditional ter-substitute: oleomargarine (oil of pearl). Mmmm... can last several bakings and ensure a loaf doesn’t stick recipes (using only eggs, cream, milk and sugar), and (eurgh). Fortunately today’s margarine is not the origi- to the baking container/tray-but by the smell they must more commercial style recipes drawing upon high-tech nal recipe but rather basically consists of emulsified have sprayed once for every loaf cooked). ingredients to help emulsify, give consistent textures, vegetable oils (soy, canola, cotton-seed) which is an in- Alarmingly, many of the commercial practices are longer shelf-life, and turn out a product which will be teresting issue in its own right. gradually finding their way out of the bakeries and into more predictable. We need only look at the Second World War, and the our humble Aussie home kitchens. Convenient maybe, These raise the questions of how and why this is hap- dietary changes forced upon the British, to find the but ultimately dissatisfying. Where the Italian cucina pening. Partly, no doubt, it’s down to industrial style in- roots of much of the food found in many of our bakeries povera (lit. food of the poor) offers fresh and vibrant gredients (such as dried egg yolks, cartons of egg whites today: how the food’s prepared, the ingredients used. flavours, as do most ‘rustic’ food traditions whether and ‘releasing agents’) becoming readily available in su- According to a baking instructor, Australian commercial Mediterranean or not, the trend towards adopting permarkets. But it’s also tied to the history of how and baking practices are the descendants of British baking commercialised practices in bakery, and cooking in gen- why cooking traditions start or finish. methods from WWII. Due to food shortages and in- eral, can only offer an impoverished food experience. As Adulterating food or trying to find modern alterna- creased prices, bakers were forced to find the cheapest one well regarded chef remarked, nothing can possibly tives is not uncommon. In times of war or other catas- way of making their product: margarine replaced but- beat home cooking. True, but only if what and how we trophes, societies have had to resort to eating what ter, vegetable shortening replaced animal shortening, cook is truly ‘home style’ and we make sure we inspire they can. Take for example connection between need gelling and thickening agents got added to pies to cut others to cook and pass on skills to keep home cooking for cheap meat and Parisians eating horse in the 19th down on the amount of filling needed. just that. century. Horse meat entered onto their list of culinary Though nearly 70 years have passed since the end of Theo Spyropoulos in the finals of the World Class Bartender 2014

For the sixth consecutive year, the World Class Bar- first five best bartenders of the world have been nom- tender - an international training program that ele- inated. Aristotle Papadopoulos from Greece is one of vates the craft of the bartending profession - will them and was the big winner of the 2009 competition. choose the best bartender among all the countries of This year Theo Spyropoulos (pictured) was one of the world. Greece has already won once and this year the 150 Greek bartenders who participated in the it is time for Theo Spyropoulos to compete for the first competition, standing out due to his innovative cock- place. tails and winning at the National Finals. Theo will go The biggest internationally known competition has on to represent Greece and compete on a global scale already trained more than 17,000 bartenders from 50 at the World Class finals that will take place July in different countries in the last 6 years. Until now the Great Britain. JUNE 2014 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 19/37

Statue honours Lemnos and the Aegean Sea A bronze statue (pictured) that depicts striking image of healing and care during a nurse and a soldier in Lemnos Island war. will be set up in the seaside district of Al- The statue will rest on a stone plinth or bert Park, Melbourne. Its purpose is to catafalque, which will be adorned with highlight and remind the young genera- images representing Lemnos, including tions of the important role of the island the names in Greek and English of the vil- in the war history of Australia. lages that became so well-known and The Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative welcoming to the Anzacs all those years Committee in cooperation with the Re- ago. turned Services League (RSL) have initiat- The Gallipoli landing was the first mili- ed the whole matter. The statue key fea- tary campaign of the Australian Army tures the most endearing aspect of Lem- during World War I. Almost 50,000 Aus- nos’ role in the Anzac story, the nurses tralian soldiers took part. Around 8,700 and the sick and wounded soldiers. In- of them died and 19,000 were wounded. spired by the many moving images taken The importance of this campaign for Aus- on the Island in 1915, the sculptor Peter tralia and its impact on Australian history Corlett has created a wonderful and were recognized many years ago.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia Parish of St. Stylianos, Sutherland Shire would like to invite you to a Fundraising BBQ for Central Africa & Kenya Feeding Program Sunday 29th June 12pm 808 The Kingsway, Gymea Celebrating the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul

Greek Paniyiri in Brisbane attracts 60,000 people

All proceeds go to St Clements Orthodox School Feeding Program The annual Greek Paniyiri, held May 24 and 25 at & missions in Cameroon & Central Africa as well. Musgrave Park, Brisbane, attracted more than 60,000 people who had the chance to get to know the Greek Tickets for Adults: $40 and Children under 12: $20 culture and tradition. The visitors tasted the traditional Greek dishes sold by For all other donations, account details are: the 30 kiosks that took part in the festival and admired Bank of Sydney Greek dance groups while several recognized musical Name of Account: Parish of Sutherland - Kenya- Africa A/C groups showed their skills performing live and present- ed music from the islands and mainland of Greece to BSB: 942-202 Acc. 194480 the audience. The Greek community center hosted photography ex- For information or to reserve a table call: hibitions, cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, Father Constatine Varipatis 0418 511 212 or Eleni Vlahos 0438 618 204 screening of Greek films, lectures (mainly in English) on www.saintstylianos.org.au Greece and its culture, as well as an exhibition of Byzan- tine books and holy vessels. This year’s Paniyiri festival was crowned with success and one of the main reasons was the sunny weather. “It’s just a gloriously summer day and people have flocked in early,” stated Paniyiri organizing committee chairman, Chris Kazonis. According to Kazonis another key to success is that the festival isn’t just addressing Greek Australians. “Our focus is on the people of south-east Queensland, not just the Greek community, and I think that’s why we’ve been so successful,” he said. JUNE 2014 20/38 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Travel Poros Sailing toward a dream Praised by literary giants, this Saronic island is a charming place of great historical interest BY H. ARGYROPOULOS

Poros “has something of Venice: canal, communication between the houses by boats, glamour, leisureliness, sensual temptation - a place for inter- national notable lovers...” (“Kichli” [The Thrush], 1947, George Seferis) Nobel Prize-winning poet Se- feris, who wrote these words about the Saronic island, 32 nautical miles from Piraeus, was certainly one of a large number of distinguished peo- ple of letters, Greek and for- eign, who were truly enchant- ed by it. They included - to name but a few - Lawrence Durrell, Hen- ry Miller, Jacques Lacarriere, Costis Palamas, Yiannis Ritsos, Miltos Sachtouris, Kimon Friar cosmopolitan air seems to orator Demosthenes took church, while several promi- mention of the olfactory won- and Ioulia Dragoumi. have blown south to the island refuge, hoping that the Mace- nent figures are buried there. der of the Lemonodasos (“Le- It seems likely that no other of Hydra in the last few donians would not dare to des- The cosmopolitan beach of mon Forest”), a huge orchard place in Greece has received decades, Poros undoubtedly ecrate such a venerable spot. Askeli ends the tour before the expanding southeast from such high praise for its natural retains an overwhelming sense When his hopes proved to be road returns to town. Galatas, across the canal. attributes from so many liter- of charm - a place for quiet hol- vain, he poisoned himself at Any account about Poros A source of inspiration for ary giants as Poros. idays with much historical in- the altar. seems impossible without a many writers, the Lemonoda- Many stayed in Villa Galini, terest. Turning south, the next stop sos has suffered damage by an emblematic neoclassical Poros is actually two islands, is the 1720 Monastery of storms but is still worth explor- house by the sea - owned by Sferia and the much larger Zoodochos Pigi, in a lovely spot ing at this time of year, when the Dragoumis family - which Kalavria, separated by a nar- with sea views. It has an attrac- the blooming trees fill the air was also visited by such row channel. Sferia, of volcanic tive courtyard and a fine with their fragrance. celebrities as Greta Garbo and origin, hosts the largest part of wooden iconostasis in the old Marc Chagall. the town of about 4,400. Kala- ATHENSPLUS “Suddenly I realized that we vria, covered with dense pine were sailing through the forest, derives its ancient na- streets... coming into Poros me from the “benign breeze” gives the illusion of the deep of the Saronic Gulf. dream... ” wrote Henry Miller. Starting from town in a The boat sails into what may clockwise direction, you will be the most picturesque wa- first run into modern Greece’s terway in the Mediterranean, first naval base - the island’s with the verdant coast of the other landmark - which is now Peloponnese on one side and a navy cadet center. Further pine-clad coves on the other - on, Villa Galini stands largely scenery that resembles the fa- stripped of its former luster. 1 mous Backwaters of Kerala, In- Next, Neorio Bay has a pic- 2 3 dia. It was also used as a shoot- turesque beach that lost some ing location for several Greek of its attraction in a forest fire What to see Where to stay Where to eat films in the 1960s and 70s. a few years ago. The next char- “You have the illusion that, ming cove is the Russian naval The beautiful sunset from the Poros Image (tel 22980.22216, At the port: Poseidon, Oasis Tav- without getting off the ship, base - more accurately an old clock tower; the Archaeological Mu- www.porosimage.gr), super views; ern, Kathestos, Caravella. In town: seum hosts interesting finds from Sto Roloi (22980.25808, www.sto Dimitris Family, fine grill, worth the you can lean over the rail and resupply station and now a his- torical monument largely in ru- the Temple of Poseidon and other roloi-poros.gr), elegant; Sirene Blue ascent up the hill; Elsa Tavern, next order an ouzo,” wrote Lawren- sites on the Peloponnesian main- (22980.22741, www.sirenebluere- to the cathedral; Pasta Piena, in ce Durrell with a good dose of ins. land (tel 23276.); the collection of sort.gr); Golden View (22980.22277, Iroon Square, has good Italian food. humour. The road then turns north seashells at the Hatzopoulios Li- www.goldenview.gr), one of the In Perlia, on the water with excel- A cluster of small neoclassi- and east, crossing hills covered brary; the dome of the Cathedral of oldest, fully refurbished, scuba div- lent views: Theano (fine classic cal houses painted in white in pine, holm oak, olive trees St Georgios, painted by distingui- ing; Niki’s Village and Ninetta Stu- Greek dishes), Matina’s Tavern. In and pastel colours cling to the and vines before reaching the shed artist C. Parthenis; beaches are dios (22980.23423, www.nikisvil- Pounta: Apagio, Maistrali, Spiliada. hillside with its landmark clock site of an ancient sanctuary to few but fine by most tastes: Askeli, lage.gr), lush gardens, pool; Aegean In Askeli: Panorama and Olga both Villas (22980.24800, www.saron- have excellent cuisine. In Neorio: tower, above the fishing and Poseidon - with superb views Kanali, Megalo Neorio, Lima-naki tis of the Saronic Gulf. Little re- Agapis, Vagionia and Monastiri. Ne- icgulftravel.gr); Manessi Hotel (229 Vasilis, excellent snail stifado. Fish is sailing boats. It has been re- orio Bay has watersports facilities 8022273); Pavlou (22980.22734). generally priced by the kilo - ask be- ferred to as the “small Bos- mains of it today but Plutarch but not always the best waters. fore you order. porus.” Although some of its says this is where the ancient