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

DIGITAL MOSAIC Capturing theDISCIPLINE True Woman: IN THE Tori HOME Ava Photography

PAGE 16/34 GREEK PM HOPES TO VISIT Opening of the Law Term Service in NSW On Tuesday 10 F ebruary 2015, a t the Ca- thedral of the Annuncia tion of the Theot o- kos, His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos con- ducted the Service of the Opening of the Law Term 2015 in NSW. PAGE 14/32 He is particularly interested in the Greek Diaspora Greece's new Prime Minis ter, , met with the Australian Ambas- sador in Gr eece John Grif fin and e x- pressed his in terest in visiting the land down under. Official Opening The Prime Minis ter and Mr Grif fin of the Taigum were said t o have discussed the strengthening of bi lateral cooperation Child Care Centre between Greece and Aus tralia, namely On Sunday 8 February 2015, His Grace Bish- in the economic sector. op Seraphim officially opened the St Paraskevi Mr Tsipras showed particular interest Child Care Centre and unveiled the Friendship in the Greek diaspora of Australia, stat- Garden plaque at the Parish of St Paraskevi in ing that he hoped to visit "as soon as the Taigum, Queensland. conditions [in Greece] allowed for it". The two discussed the Greek diaspora PAGE 13/31 and the support such a community pres- ence abroad provides for Greece, acting as a connecting bridge between the two countries.

Educational Tour of Greece, June 2015 Follow the Journey of St Paul With the ble ssing of H is Eminence Ar chbishop The tour is open t o all in terested people, whe ther Stylianos, a guided tour titled Journey of St P aul and Greek Orthodox or not. Classical Greece will be departing Australia on June 4, While the r eturn date is June 20, member s of the 2015. group are free to extend their stay in Greece or Europe TRAVEL The group will commence their journey with a pr e- if they choose to. scheduled audience with H is All Holiness Ecumenical Wind-swept beauty Patriarch Bartholomew, before travelling to the places Bookings close March 2, so be quick! This isolated Dodecanese island surprise s where the Apostle Paul first proclaimed the Christian the visitor with it s variety of br eathtaking message in Greece. To see the full itinerar y, go to the News & Events section of landscapes and rich cultural tradition. Professional guides will explain all the major sites in the website of our Archdioc ese (www.greekorthodox.org.au) English. and click on the relevant download. PAGE 20/38 FEBRUARY 2015 2/20 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Australians and New Zealanders travelling to Lemnos in April In April the Greek island of Lemnos will be flooded the wounded during the unfortunate campaign. with visitors from Australia and New Zealand, including The battle of Gallipoli took place between April 1915 several Australian politicians. and January 1916 during World War I. Its aim was for Navy ships from both countries will sail to Lemnos, the Allies to seize the Dardanelles, thus weakening the along with cruise ships and private yachts for the 100 Ottoman Empire. Lemnos played a significant role in year celebration since the Australian troops (ANZAC), this campaign. Greek Prime Minister at the time, Eleft- disembarked in Gallipoli, Asia Minor during World herios Venizelos, gave his permission to the British gov- War I. ernment to use Lemnos as their base in order to take The event coordinator, Greek-Australian politician control of the Dardanelles. and former Victoria Minister John Pandazopoulos re- The Greek island was also used as a supply station. leased information regarding the celebrations, taking During the war several infrastructure projects were place from April 18 to 21. completed, such as docks, roads, water pumps and a Australian MPs will also visit other locations across rudimentary railroad network, as well as the construc- Greece where Australian troops fought during the First tion of two Australian military hospitals, with surgery and Second World War. Furthermore, in order to show and X-ray equipment. their appreciation for Lemnos’ contribution to the war, Around 4,000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers Australians are planning to organise a cruise ship carry- were hospitalized in Lemnos, while another 150 Aus- ing 100 nurses to arrive on the island in September tralian soldiers were buried in the two war cemeteries 2015, in memory of the arrival of nurses that treated located on the island. Portianou Military Cemetery, Lemnos, Campaign to promote Greek Australian scientist Greek language fights obesity

A campaign entitled “Speak Greek in March” will be launched next month in Australia with the participation of Diaspora organisations, schools, mass media and all interested parties. The campaign’s purpose is to preserve and promote the Greek language in the country and establish March as the month of Greek language. The organisers aim to see Greek spoken at homes, schools, businesses and Diaspora organisations during the month of March. It is the month all Greek festivals take place in Aus- tralia in celebrating the Greek National Day of March 25, 1821, when the Greek war of independence started. The original idea belongs to Sakis Zafeiropoulos, President of “Fronditha” Aged Care Center and Channel 31. President of the Greek Community of Melbourne Vasilis Papastergiadis immediately adopted the idea. Director of Melbourne’s Homer College Tassos Douvartzides and Community Schools director Manos Tzimpragos, will also be key figures in the campaign.

Greek-Australian scientist and resear- studies on mice to suggest that this cher Tony Tiganis (pictured) may hold process may actually be the cause of the key in the fight against obesity. Tiga- weight gain and obesity. “We believe nis is a professor and Deputy Head (Re- that one potential reason for why we search) of the Department of Biochem- may get fat is that this mechanism of en- istry and Molecular Biology at Monash ergy balance is altered because the brain University. He is in charge of the Tiganis does not respond to insulin and lepton Laboratory which is a Cellullar signalling and does not effectively promote the and human disease laboratory. conversion of white fat to brown fat. In Tiganis and his team have been re- mice we’ve been able to show that if we searching the connection between two instruct the brain to convert white fat to naturally occurring hormones, which he brown fat, mice don’t put on weight says has given scientists new insights in- when they are fed a high fat diet and are to how the brain regulates body fat. The metabolically healthy” Tiganis stated. process conjured by Tiganis relates to Whilst conclusive evidence is still years leptin, a hormone produced by fat acting away, early signs of a ‘cure’ are positive. to suppress hunger and insulin, pro- Prof. Tony Tiganis was educated at The duced by the pancreas in response to the University of Melbourne. He established levels of glucose in the blood after a an independent laboratory in the De- meal. Both of these hormones convey to partment of Biochemistry and Molecular the brain the amount of energy stored in Biology, Monash University in 2000. the body and how much more is likely to His general research interest is in un- be stored as a result of consumption. derstanding cellular signaling networks Once the energy levels are received by in human disease, with a specific focus the brain the body converts white fat on the roles of protein tyrosine phos- storage into brown fat (energy burn). phatases in metabolism, adaptive immu- Tiganis has seen effective results in nity and cancer. FEBRUARY 2015 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 3/21

A landmark opportunity after elections By Alexis Papachelas - Kathimerini, Athens

Good and bad dreams come in equal portions these days, as deep and fright- ening divisions are reawakening in the Greek collective psyche. We see the clash of the classes every day, the ten- sion between those who are pro-Eu- rope and those who are not, we see anger and passion. Greeks are, after all, very passionate people. This has led them to being manipulat- ed by blind nationalism and extreme populism, behavior that created trou- ble both domestically and abroad. And when extreme passions are stirred, the strangest things can happen: the ex- treme right can shake hands with the left, politicians become consumed by their passions and the country becomes blind to how the rest of the world per- Greece has suffered a lot in the past Tsipras could do the following: Sup- win over a large majority and our part- ceives it. five years and its politicians have failed port those who are suffering most. De- ners’ respect. Why this referencing to past trou- to rise to the occasion. Worst of all they stroy vested interests and corruption. The nightmare scenario is that he will bles? Because I see the need for a na- refused to take on the cost of major re- Persuade the truly rich to contribute. be carried away by the powers preach- tional negotiation with our partners forms, transferring the responsibility Break the barriers to entrepreneurship. ing hatred, revenge and conflict with and lenders. We should all support it onto the nasty foreigners, leaving the Learn from China and explain to peo- our partners, and find himself in a posi- and if it succeeds, we should all salute - average Greek feeling poorer and hu- ple, and above all to his own support- tion from which he cannot retreat; that at least those of us placing the country miliated - a terrible predicament for a ers, that privatizations are good for the fear of the cost of battle with entangled above parties - whoever manages to proud nation. country. Focus on real scandals and interests will create more oligarchs; carry it through. But let’s be sure of Here’s where the tough part begins. waste. Restructure the public sector that foreign investors will pack up and what we’re dealing with: Rome, Paris In my opinion, Prime Minister Alexis with the help of a young generation of go. and Washington are allies in words but Tsipras faces a golden opportunity. He civil servants. Reform education, but The nightmare is a geopolitically iso- when push comes to shove they will ei- could lead the negotiation to the brink, not to the benefit of the free-loaders. lated Greece using the drachma. ther back down or act like the UN did before agreeing to a historic compro- Can he do all this? Yes. He risks losing It must be avoided and we must help over the Cyprus issue. mise that would save the country. the support of his hardliners but he will Tsipras do so.

Teachers of our schools come together

On Tuesday 27 January, 2015, St Andrew’s Theologi- Studies), Dr Guy Freeland (Senior Lecturer in Liturgics sise academic and spiritual formation. cal College hosted its second professional development and Hermeneutics), and the Very Revd F ather Sophro- Father Doru highlighted the traditional values of Or- day for the teachers and staff of the Greek Orthodox nios Konidaris (College Chaplain). thodoxy, affirming that proper study of both ancient schools in : St Spyridon College (Kingsford), All All speakers were introduced by the Registrar of the and modern saints is essential for teacher shopping to Saints Grammar (Belmore) and St Euphemia College College, Mr Anastasios Kalogerakis. accomplish their duties more wisely. (Bankstown). His Grace began the day with prayer, and by thanking Dr Freeland in turn examined the Orthodox venera- In front of an audience of around 150 teachers, the the schools on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop tion of the Theotokos, commenting on her depiction event was opened by the College’s Sub-Dean, His Grace Stylianos of Australia (College Dean) for their atten- within the Gospels, iconography and the church build- Bishop Seraphim of Apollonias. It featured presenta- dance. ing. Finally, F ather Sophronios assessed the dramatic tions by the Very Revd Father Eusebios (Abbot of Panta- Father Eusebios subsequently identified the chal- ‘dialogue’ that takes place between the faithful and nassa Monastery, Mangrove Mountain), the Very Revd lenges posed by secularism to teachers and students God, on the one hand, and the deceased and God, on Father Dr Doru Costache (Senior Lecturer in Patristic who profess the Christian faith, and the need to synthe- the other, during an Orthodox funeral service. 4/22 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA FEBRUARY 2015

Telegraph: The best Greek islands

The Telegraph newspaper pres- holiday brochures for years and never ents the best islands in Greece. quite hit the big-time. As a result, it’s a haven for peace-seekers, with pretty These islands made the cut and beaches and coves (some accessible only each one is chosen for its best fea- by boat), good walking in dramatic tures: Beaches, sports, family ac- scenery, and quirky villages. tivities, history, culture, food, ho- 10. Best for villas (and monasteries) – tels are only few of the reasons Skopelos On a Greek island holiday, cool, stone- these islands stand out. floored villas are infinitely preferable to hotels. Skopelos, the setting for the film 1. Best for beaches – Zakynthos adaptation of Mamma Mia, has some The Ionian Islands can’t be beaten for wonderful options. sandy beaches backed by dramatic 11. Best for views – Santorini coastlines. Myrtos Beach on K efalonia Kastellorizo, Greece’s easternmost is- and Porto Katsiki on Lefkada are among land, is utterly gorgeous, but it’s hard to the most photogenic, but Shipwreck Bay look beyond Santorini on Zakythos, only accessible by boat, 12. Best for nightlife – Rhodes trumps them both – even if it does get a Kos, Corfu and Mykonos all stand out bit crowded There’s wonderful wine to be quaffed 7. Best for eco-warriors – Hydra in this regard, but we’ll plump for 2. Best for families – Corfu in Crete and Santorini, but we’re plump- Hydra, which shot to fame in 1957 as Rhodes. The resort of F aliraki has a bad It is a cosmopolitan city that exudes a ing for Kefalonia, whose Robola winery is location for Boy on a Dolphin, starring reputation, but things are infinitely more sense of nobility, with main attractions responsible for the tipple of choice of Sophia Loren, remains endearingly time- refined in Rhodes Town. the big square Esplanade, which is the drunken Father Arsenios in Louis de warped. As a listed architectural reserve, 13. Best for watersports – Lefkada largest square in the Balkans, K anoni, Bernières’ classic novel Captain Corelli’s all new construction is (theoretically) Large bays and consistently blustery Mon Repos and the Museums of B yzan- Mandolin. banned, and it’s blissfully free of motor winds attract droves of sailors and wind- tine and Post-Byzantine History. 6. Best for peace & quiet – Koufonissia vehicles except for a few miniature rub- surfers to Lefkada, with the coastal 3. Best for history and culture – Delos Koufonissia are hidden away between bish trucks - photogenic donkeys (or towns of Vassiliki and Nydri popular The birthplace of Apollo, according to the larger Cycladic islands of Naxos and mules) do most of the haulage. The clip- spots for hiring boats and boards. mythology, Delos boasts some of the Amorgos. Koufonissia (plural) is made up clop of the beasts’ hooves on marble 14. Best for hiking – Andros most extensive remains from the golden of two tiny islets, Ano K oufonissi (Upper pavement and their drovers’ cries are There are wonderful walks all over Hellenistic age (and earlier) of classical Koufonissi) and K ato Koufonissi (Lower very much part of the soundtrack here. mountainous Andros, the most northerly Greece. The entire island - a UNE SCO Koufonissi), which are separated by a 8. Best for couples – Symi of the Cyclades. World Heritage Site - consists of ruins, 200-metre sea channel. While K ato Kou- Santorini is a strong contender, but Sy- 15. Best for religious history – Patmos which have been systematically un- fonissi remains uninhabited, Ano K ou- mi gets our vote. It has one of the most Tradition (and Friedrich Hölderlin’s fa- earthed since 1872, including temples, fonissi, with its whitewashed Cycladic picturesque harbours in the country, mous 1802 poem “Patmos”) asserts that statues, mosaics and a theatre. cottages, has a buzzing little community crowded with pastel-coloured houses, St John the E vangelist (O Theologos in 4. Best for food – Crete of 366. There are no real roads and hard- bars, tavernas and chic boutiques, and Greek) penned the New Testament’s Crete’s southerly location gives it the ly any cars, so everyone either walks or dozens of tiny beaches accessible only by Book of Revelations on Pátmos just after longest growing season in Greece. It pro- cycles. It is only over the last decade that boat. 95AD. Though lately scholars reckon he duces a surfeit of edible goods - you’ll Koufonissi has become a popular escape 9. Best for traditional life – Karpathos was a completely different individual even find avocados and bananas. with Athenians in search of an unpreten- Karpathos - midway between Rhodes than the author of one of the four 5. Best for wine - Kefalonia tious and inexpensive summer holiday. and Crete - has been in and out of the Gospels.

Fr Emmanuel Lykopandis with Socceroos head coach , and right, his children with forward T im Cahill. THE ASIAN CUP CHAMPIONS

On January 31 a momentous and joyous celebration took place in Sydney when He knew that the head coach Ange Postecoglou was of Greek Orthodox back- the Soccerroos defeated South Korea in the final of the Asian Cup. ground but to his surprise three players who lined up for the soccerroos are also Australia is now the champion of Asia but to get there a few Greeks also played of Greek Orthodox heritage: defender , whose mother Effie is from a major role. Melbourne, Terry Antonis from Sydney, and the goal-scorer in the final, James Fr Emmanuel Lykopandis, parish priest of St Dimitrios in Moonee Ponds, had Troisi. the opportunity to meet the Australian side with his children after a training ses- Father Emmanuel said to The Vema that it was a humble experience meeting sion in Melbourne. the players and the welcoming the Australian squad. FEBRUARY 2015 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 5/23 Our Primate’s View LIFE AND RHYTHM

Now that the Church year has completed a cycle of the article “Life and rhythm”? The answer is that and we have entered once again the period of Great deep and organic relationships are not apparent at Lent, we have a rare opportunity to turn inwards, to first sight. They are discovered after much thought contemplate and, especially, to reflect upon things and careful study. Whoever has thought deeply divine. about human affairs must have noticed that our life - which is limited and runs like water until it reaches Not that we do not think or reflect throughout the the ocean of the next life - is one common and sa- rest of the year. But because most of our time is tak- cred tragedy in which everyone, regardless of the pe- en up by worldly thoughts and cares. In other words, riod or place in which he or she lives, has a substan- concerns which have to do with the present and per- tial and non-transferable ‘role’ to play. By ARCHBISHOP ishable things, rather than with the eternal . Com- STYLIANOS pared to perishable things, we all feel as though we The flow of human life in this world is not a mean- OF AUSTRALIA are capable and important, which is why we become ingless passage of time. The distinctive word proud. Compared to eternal things, we feel afraid “rhythm” (which is in fact derived from the Greek and worthless. Our reflection, however, becomes sa- word for ‘flow’) clearly signifies regularity, musicali- cred only from the moment that it comes from hu- ty and harmony. All three of these words reveal a mility. kind of discipline leading towards the fulfilment of a ‘pre-established’ purpose. And the first sign of true humility is not to try and present yourself on the basis of originality, but Our life, then, is a ‘rhythm’ and ‘current’ which rather to imitate as faithfully as possible those you brings together all occurrences into one harmonic have admired before you. To enter the rhythm of life symphony. If we do not submit ourselves with humil- which their words and example taught you. To find ity to the current and rhythm which leads to our shelter by their side in order to enjoy the tranquillity common salvation, then we become heretics and and coolness of their continuous benefaction. schismatics, because we would thereby be doing our own will (this is what ‘heresy’ means), and ‘tearing’ It appears that a mistaken view of the great mys- the unity of common rhythm. The purpose of Great tery of imitation has unfortunately prevailed . Most Lent, the period of prayer and fasting each year, is to people superficially consider imitation as being a s- ‘gather’ the ‘scattered mind’ of each of us, in order traight out copy of something . That is why it is justi- to see that, by imitating creatively these two “great” fiably detested, unless it is used for humour and a and “perfect” acts of “those who seek the Lord” one cheap form of recreation, like a theatrical review . is made worthy to commune with the spring of Or- True imitation, however, for which all the saints thodox Tradition. struggled and which the Apostle Paul recommends to us when he states “be imitators of me as I am of At this point, we should emphasise that fasting and Christ” (1 Cor 2:1), is not of course blind imitation, prayer cannot be imitated without endangering but rather precise, successful and, one could say, ab- one’s soul. If one considers fasting to simply be the solute imitation. abstinence from certain foods, the words of the A - postle Paul assure us that “foods are for the stomach Blind imitation simply copies the words and ac- and the stomach is for foods, but God will destroy tions of those who have gone before us, thus creat- both it and them” (I Cor. 6: 13) . Again, if one thinks ing illusions or masquerades . True and living imita- that prayer is merely the mechanical repetition of tion forms a person, that is to say it gives new form certain words used in the services, without the self- to tested and given values which we creatively as- reproach of the Tax Collector who knew to say noth- similate. In essence, therefore, true imitation is the ing except “Lord have mercy on me a sinner,” one most ambitious and creative act. then inevitably falls into the demonic attitude of the Pharisee who made the impious boast about so- It is no coincidence that Aristotle defined “trage- called ‘virtues’ before the all-knowing and just God. dy”(the greatest achievement of the ancients which still educates all of humanity) as “ an imitation of a Fasting and prayer of the Orthodox faithful should great and perfect act .” If it was just a case of imita- therefore be corresponding actions of the deepest tion and an external representation of theatrical contrition and repentance for anything, whether ma- hypocrisy, tragedy would have died and been long terial or spiritual, which separates us from commun- ago forgotten. This is what happens to reviews ion with God and true communication with our fel- known as “variety shows” (because they are indeed a low human beings. variety of contemporary jokes). Fasting and prayer are two channels which aim to Tragedy however, as Aristotle clearly says, does ba-lance our disturbed relationship with God and the not imitate ordinary actions, but something which is world. They are a kind of spiritual bypass operation “great and perfect” containing within it the message which we undergo in order to allow our blocked cir- of divine enquiry and adequate education. For this culation to function and our heart to become revi- reason, tragedies were not “played” but “taught.” talised and remain alive in the current and rhythm of life. One may justifiably ask how we went from the top- ic of Great Lent to the topic of tragedy. And what re- Source: “Παρόντα και Επιούσια”, lation is there between these two topics and the title Domos Publ., Athens 1999 FEBRUARY 2015 6/24 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

There was also the impending election in Greece not terrorists in the true definition of the word. They which aroused some concern about its financial fu- even spared some lives. To their way of thinking, this Letter ture. There are deeper issues at risk, however, for deed probably made absolute sense. It ignited a dan- Greece. They are social, political and more important- gerous cocktail of values, beliefs and archetypes. ly religious. The outcome was not known at the time We have taken secularism to a new level when we of writing. poke fun at other people’s sacred tokens. Charlie from The attack on the offices of the periodical Charlie Hebdo showed no regard for the sensitivity of Muslim Hebdo, however, attracted the most attention world- culture. It looked at the world through the rose- wide. coloured glasses of lampooning that which it did not I believe that the writing was on the wall for the respect. Maroubra French satirical, Charlie Hebdo many years ago. I am not Muslim but I respect their right to worship. For instance, in September 2012, security through- Tolerance is a virtue that is in short supply nowa- out France was increased after the magazine pub- days. Mind you, it is also a two-way street. I am not lished provocative cartoons of the Prophet Muham- asking people to believe, but I am asking us to respect mad. At that time, Le Monde supported it and argued the religions of Catholics, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, that freedom of expression overshadows any reli- Muslims or other faiths. It should be unimpeded by gious distress. I do not agree. sarcasm, hatred or ridicule. While one laments the loss of innocent lives, Char- In many communities these faiths lived peacefully lie Hebdo was engaged in prolonged and quite vicious side-by-side for hundreds of years but our recent ac- hostility against Muslims. tions have made a right mess of things. We failed to Cartoons of a naked Muhammad - let alone some understand. We treated some as uncouth, unintelli- of the other illustrations - are quite inflammatory. gent or uncivilised. We underestimated traditions. They are designed to humiliate. They would infuriate We applied the rationalism of Europe to Asian, a large proportion of the 475,000 Muslims in our Aus- Mediterranean and Middle East cultures. tralian population. If you don’t believe me then just And to add insult to injury, we in the West have Google images for Charlie Hebdo cartoons. plundered. We have re-drawn national borders. We To the best of my knowledge, no major Australian inflicted death and destruction on innocents. We sub- paper has dared to reproduce any of its illustrations jected its peoples to all sorts of humiliations such as in the last month. the Abu Ghraib abuse. Then on top of all that we Even a cursory glance at some of its cartoons would make fun of its religion. This is no way to win friends arouse disgust. I am not talking only about Muslims. and influence people. Jews and Christians would be offended. To say that The violent attack on Charlie Hebdo is not con- The beginning of each year is a quiet time around they blaspheme these faiths is an understatement. doned. It was cowardly. The origins, though, may lie Maroubra. The world moves at a different pace. Of course, “blaspheme” would not make sense to in the power of the press to propagate contempt, to It is a chance to catch up on some unfinished work some. That is the point – some pursue an egocentric inflict mockery or pillory what is considered sacred. and then maybe take a one-week break away from view of the world, with no concern for others. the city. Yes, it is appropriate to mourn the deaths of the Well, this year is different. The peacefulness of this twelve staff of Charlie Hebdo. Murder is not the solu- The views expressed are those of the author and not neces- summer period was broken with the sad news of an- tion to disagreements. sarily those of the VEMA. other airline crash - this time in Indonesia with the The world is entirely wrong, however, if it views this loss of 162 lives. solely as an assault on liberty. These attackers were [email protected] Ancient Greek papyrus scrolls damaged by Vesuvius eruption were deciphered with X-ray Ancient classical texts written on pa- 320C. The heat pulse carbonised the pa- pyrus scrolls blackened by the intense pyri leaving the scrolls charred and too heat of being buried in volcanic ash have fragile to unroll without destroying been read for the first time without them them. The papyri sheets could reach 15 Christian Dior, Gucci, Ted Baker being unrolled and destroyed. metres long and were tightly rolled right- The researchers have used a sophisti- to-left, so they could be read left-to- Katerina + Kyriacos Mavrolefteros cated X-ray machine called the European right. For centuries, their contents were Synchotron in Grenoble to peer inside a mystery because of the difficulty of de- two rolled-up scrolls and see the individ- ciphering the words, written in ink made ual letters of a segment of text written in from blackened soot, from the surround- ancient Greek. Scientists at the National ing papyrus, which was the same colour Research Council in Naples found they and texture having been incinerated by could read some of the scrolls without the volcanic fallout. opening them by peering inside with x- An added difficulty was being able to rays. They used a powerful x-ray proce- see the words of the text within the in- Ban Ray dure to read out the first words from two ner layers of the rolled-up scroll. Unfurl- of the Roman scrolls, which belong to ing them flat often destroyed them be- the only library to have survived from cause they are so brittle, the scientists the ancient world. The papyrus scrolls said. “After several trials to select the are mong hundreds discovered in 1754 most readable samples from the scanned that made up an entire library in a small images, there is no longer any doubt. The room of a huge villa in Herculaneum, a dark curves cannot be confused with the Roman city that was destroyed alongside papyrus fibres,” said Daniel Delattre Pompeii when the volcano erupted. The from the Institut de Recherche et d’His- 874 Anzac Parade, Maroubra Junction villa and its lavish library of Epicurean toire des Textes in Paris. (at bus stop, on RTA block)

(at bus stop, on RTA block) Rodenstock, philosophical texts is thought to have be- “We were able to decipher letters from longed to a wealthy Roman statesman, several layers from inside the rolled-up TTeell:: ((0022)) 99331144--00339933 perhaps Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, the scroll without destroying it. Naples and Serengeti, Maui Jim, Fendi father-in-law of Julius Caesar. the surrounding area was populated by [email protected] During the eruption in AD79, the Her- people speaking Greek so it is not very culaneum scrolls were burned by a fur- surprising that we found many Greek nace-like blast of hot gas that reached scrolls” Dr Delattre said. Nina Ricci, Oakley, La font FEBRUARY 2015 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 7/25

Who is who in the new Greek Government

After the January 25 national election, the Greece’s new Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras rushed to form the country’s cabinet as soon as possible in order to start working on the reforms he prom- ised during the pre-election campaign. The new cabinet was sworn in on Tues- day morning, January 27. Below is a breakdown of some of its most impor- tant members.

Prime Minister - Alexis Tsipras The 40 year-old charismatic leader of is credited with bringing opposing factions within the party together and making it a credible force in Greek poli- tics. His origins are in Synaspismos, the largest party of the Syriza coalition, and he has spent recent years touring Europe and the US in an attempt to warm for- eign leaders to the prospect of his pre- miership.

Vice President - Giannis Dragasakis Dragasakis takes the number two post in the cabinet with his main competency this post is a highly symbolic message to 1974 and served as minister of health be- istry of defence is seen as one of the being the economy. He is an economist Brussels. tween 1993 and 1996. He voted in favour more corrupt arms of the government, and one of the founding members of of the first memorandum in 2009 but ab- one former Pasok defence minister is in Syriza. His origins are in the Greek com- Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs - stained on extending the memorandum jail on corruption charges. munist party (KKE). Nadia Valavani in 2011 and became independent and Valavani was prominent in the resist- then joined Syriza shortly after in 2012. Minister of Justice - Minister of Finance - ance against the military dictatorship He is seen as both a moderate and pop- Nikos Paraskevopoulos Yanis Varoufakis received his doctorate and was imprisoned and tortured at the ulist. A famous academic and Dean of the at the University of Essex and has time making her a hero of the resistance faculty of Law, E conomic and Political worked as a lecturer in the UK, US, Aus- among the left. She is a translator and is Minister of Productive Science at A thens University. He was a tralia and Greece. Well-respected as an more eurosceptic than Kotzias. Reconstruction, Environment mediator during the prisoner riots of the economist - he describes himself a “liber- and Energy - Panagiotis Lafazanis 1990s and a vocal supporter of criminal tarian Marxist” - he has written several Deputy Minister of European Affairs- A leader of the Left Platform, the com- law reform. books on economic recovery and regu- Nikoloas Chountis munist opposition within Syriza. He is an larly appears as a pundit on international A former Syriza member of the Euro- important appointment for the far-left Deputy Minister for Justice, news channels. The dual Greek-Aus- pean Parliament who was vocally anti- and anti-EU wing of the party. He is a- Transparency, and Human Rights - tralian citizen is seen as a pragmatic euro and eurosceptic. His position has gainst the common currency. Panagiotis Nikoloudis choice for the role of finance minister, become slightly more pro-European dur- A lawyer who studied corruption, mon- aimed at calming financial concerns in ing his stint in Strasbourg. Deputy Minister of Environment ey laundering and organised crime in the Brussels and Berlin. He is known for be- and Climate Change - Giannis Tsironis US. In 2011 he was appointed president ing outspoken, referring to the austerity Deputy Minister of Financial Foreign A chemistry professor and founding of the independent Anti-Corruption and Greece has had to endure as “fiscal wa- Affairs - Euclidis Tsakalotos member of the Green party back in 1983. Anti-Money Laundering Commission. A terboarding”. Born in Rotterdam and raised in Lon- His party has since joined the Syriza clear signal to both the Greek public and don, he is one of the main economic coalition, making up the environmental- Brussels that the new government in- Minister of Foreign Affairs - thinkers within Syriza. Seen as slightly ist side of the party. tends to address the systemic corruption Nikos Kotzias radical but from a middle class back- in Greece. A pro-European and German-friendly ground, he was tipped to head the min- Minister of Defence - choice, Kotzias has a doctorate from Ger- istry of economy. Instead will be in Panos Kammenos Deputy Minister for Tourism - many on “European Completion”. charge of renegotiating the terms of the A former member of the right wing of Elena Koudoura He has lectured at Harvard, O xford, Memorandum and Greek debt. New Democracy, who left to form the In- A former model, long jump athlete and and Marburg. Until 2008 he was working dependent Greeks. The Independent publicist of Vogue magazine from the In- as an ambassador to the ministry of for- Minister of Health and Social Greeks were very keen on this post, hav- dependent Greeks. She was a former eign affairs with Pasok (the centre-left Solidarity - Panagiotis Kourouplis ing featured defence strongly in their New Democracy MP. Her portfolio will social-democratic party). He was impris- Blind from the age of of ten, very pop- manifesto. In the past Syriza have been cover one of the most vital areas to the oned twice during the military dictator- ular with non Syriza members and a for- keen on a Greek withdrawal from Nato, Greek economy. ship (1967-1974). mer member of the left wing of Pasok. A this aim will certainly be mitigated with The choice of a very pro-European for lawyer who was politically active since the appointment of Kammenos. The min- Greek-owned fleet extends its global lead

The Greek-owned merchant fleet remains a world leader in terms of value, with Coming a distant second behind Greece is Japan, whose fleet is valued at $89.75 assets whose worth is estimated at $105.65 billion, above the combined fleets of billion (up 0.7 percent from last year). China comes in third with a value of $72.67 the United Kingdom, Germany and Norway, according to data compiled by Ves- billion (down 2.6 percent). The combined value of the global fleet is estimated at selsValue.com, which specialises in ocean-going ship valuations. $680.4 billion, up 3.2 percent from last year. The figures show that the Greek fleet’s value has increased by 4.5 percent com- Among the traditional European shipping powers, the Greek-owned fleet ap- pared to last year, indicating that efforts to enlarge and modernize Greek shipping pears to have more than twice the value of German-owned ships, which add up to are paying off. They also reflect the fleet’s increased market shares, which are also $49.7 billion (posting a decline of 6.6 percent from last year), three times that of global frontrunners. the Norwegian-controlled fleet and five times that of British-owned ships. FEBRUARY 2015 8/26 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Pictured with the Member for Strathfield are Chris Syrios (President), Penny Kioussis (T reasurer), George Wright (President of the Greek School Committee) and other members of the Parish and Community. $45,000 grant secured for St Nectarios Burwood (NSW)

The Member for Strathfield Mr Charles Casuscelli visited St Nectarios Burwood NSW , earlier this month, to present a cheque for $45,000 for a grant Christina Efthymiades had voluntarily applied for to replace the shade awning in the Church courtyard. This is in addition to the $43,000 previously rece ived to replace the paving in the Church courtyard and repair the seating which Mrs Efthymiades secured in 2013 and the previous grant she secured to replace the air-conditioning in our Hall. All three grants were under the State Government’s Community Building Partnership’s program. Five people buried The first ‘free’ Greek woman in tomb in Australia The Australian Hellenic E ducational Katherine Progressive Association (AHEPA) orga- Crummer nised a special event at Tempe House at Ancient Amphipolis in New South Wales in order to com- memorate two important anniver- A new report from the Greek Ministry will be studied by a special Zooarchaeol- saries in Australian history. of Culture revealed that five remains ogist. The scientists of the Aristotle Uni- The main speaker, Greek historian were found in the tomb at Casta Hill. In versity of Thessaloniki and Democritos Panagiotis Diamandis, noted that 180 the special announcement it is being University of Thrace have specified the years have passed since the comple- stated that the five occupants are a age of the occupants. The woman is 60- tion of Tempe House in 1835 and stat- woman, two men, an infant and the re- year-old and the two adult men are in ed that the second historical event mains of a burnt person. their 30s. that needed to be commemorated The skeletal remains of the funerary One of the five occupants of the tomb was the arrival of the first free Greek Tempe House belonged to Scotsman monument, are approximately 550 bo- had been burnt at an earlier time. The woman in Australia. Alexander Spark, who visited Greece in nes, crushed as well as intact and a skull remains of the person burnt had proba- Katherine Crummer (née Aikaterini 1818 and was so impressed by the in good condition, from which the bones bly preceded the rest, as this had ceased Plessa) arrived in Australia in 1835 as Vale of Tempe that he ordered an ar- are missing. being used as a burial means in the 2nd- the wife of a British army officer, Cap- chitect to build him a mansion with From the 550 bones, approximately 3rd century BC. tain James Henry Crummer, who went Greek “colors” in a large area where 157, which emer-ged after careful repair, Scientists are currently looking at the on to hold various important positions he planted 50 different vine varieties were recorded systematically in a data- DNA of the skeletal remains to see if the in the colony of New South Wales. and created an impressive garden base. occupants are related. Katherine is the first confirmed “free” called Olympus. Moreover, animal bones were also i- They are seeking family profiles to Greek to settle in Australia and the Tempe House still remains intact and dentified, some of which seem to belong match the occupants with historical per- first confirmed Greek woman. was used for the AHEPA event. to equine long bones. The animal bones sonalities they may belong to. Two Greek-Australians among 50 to most important artists in the country A Ωmega Renovations Two Greek-Australian artists were included on “The Power Trip 2015” list of “The 50 Most Powerful People in Australian Art.” HOUSE RENOVATIONS Barry Keldoulis, a Sydney gallery owner, curator and Sydney Contemporary Art Fair and Melbourne Art Fair director, took the 7th place. Roofs Gardening Driveways Tiles Meanwhile, Michael Zavros, is placed 41st on the list. The young Greek-Aus- tralian award-winning artist has been greatly inspired by ancient Greek mytholo- Brickwork Pruning Painting Cleaning gy and the modern fashion world. Asbestos Cleaning Mr Zavros was born in 1974 in Queensland, and he studied at Queensland Col- lege of Art. Since 2001, he has been organizing exhibitions to showcase his work, Nikolaos Tsiotsias Office: 02 9594 5379 on a yearly basis, while several of his art pieces are exhibited in the National Gallery of Australia and some of the country’s top galleries. His works have also 0404 67 63 66 Mobile: 0414 381 996 been exhibited worldwide. FEBRUARY 2015 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 9/27

Greek-Australians Andrew Lazaris honoured on Australia Day

Eight Greek-Australians were included recently but was awarded the medal for in the hundreds of people who received his contribution to the South Queensland the Medal of the Order of Australia on Greek community. the occasion of Australia Day. Arthur Diakos from New South Wales. The Medal of the Order of Australia is He was honoured as one of the top civil the state’s highest distinction for citizens servants for his services in the state’s who have offered their profession or vol- public transport. unteer services to the wider community, since 1975. They are a way to acknowl- edge the outstanding contributions and performance of citizens. This year, the following Greek-Austra- lians received medals: Mark Bouris from New South Wales. He was awarded the medal for his servic- es in the field of mortgage loans, educa- tion and charities. Paul Mavroudis from Victoria. He re- ceived the medal for his services to the Greek community. Evangeline Galletis from New South Wales. She was awarded the medal for her services to the community, especial- ly in regards to educational institutions. Efthymia (Effy) Kleanthi from South Australia. She was honoured for her serv- ices to women and social welfare organi- zations. Steven Kyritsis from Victoria. He was honoured for his services to veteran sol- diers and their families, as well as his contribution toward the Greek Commu- nity. Andrew Lazaris from New South Wa- les. He was honoured for his contribution to sports and particularly basketball. Thomas Paradissis who passed away

Greek-Australian publishes book after struggling with depression

Maria Katsonis is a 52-year-old au- thor who suffered from depression throughout a large part of her life. Her book entitled “The Good Greek Girl” is a memoir of her battle with depression and her experiences living in a Greek Orthodox family. Living in a strict and conservative family of Greek migrants in Australia can be difficult for any child. “I wanted to give voice to that Aus- tralian Greek female who doesn’t conform to expectations and stereo- types,” she added in her interview. Her parents moved to Australia in the ’50s. Her father was a strict man who never showed emotions, he came from a small Greek village, while her mother, a cultured woman, originated from Athens. Katsonis works as an ambassador for “beyondblue,” a mental health charity, where she gives regular spee- ches. She is also a strategic policy ad- viser for the Department of Premier and Cabinet. FEBRUARY 2015 10/28 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Greek OrOrthodox rthodox Archdiocese Archddiocese of Australia Auustralia STST EUPHEMIAEUPHEMIA COLLEGECOLLLEGGE

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

Open Morning Junior School Twilight Tours Senior School

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Developing the whole person - mind, body and soul

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

Greece awarded as “Destination of Year 2013”

His Grace Bishop Seraphim of Apollonias performing the Agiasmo at the St Paraskevi His Grace Officially Opening the new St Paraskevi Child Care Centre with Brisbane City Child Care Centre Council Lord Mayor Cr. Graham Quirk A not-for-profit activity of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia Official Opening of the Taigum Child Care Centre On Sunday 8th F ebruary 2015, His Grace The Friendship Garden is a landscaped gar- Bishop Seraphim officially opened the St den between the Parish and the Child Care Paraskevi Child Care Centre and unveiled the Centre where people of all ages can sit and en- Friendship Garden plaque at the Parish of St joy the beautiful surroundings of the Parish. Paraskevi in Taigum, Queensland. It is an eternal reminder that the activities of The Child Care Centre is a not-for-profit ac- the Archdiocese link the wider community with tivity of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of one another. Australia and has capacity to hold up to 94 chil- Not since the completion of the Church in dren. 1995, have the Parishioners been gripped with The Centre opened its doors to the Taigum a euphoria that has been manifested by the ad- and wider community on Monday 12th January vent of the official opening of the newly-con- 2015 after starting construction in June the structed Child Care Centre. This significant mi- previous year. The Official Opening was per- lestone follows on from the establishment of St formed by His Grace Bishop Seraphim and Lord John’s Community Care Brisbane North in Mayor of Brisbane City Council, Cr. Graham March 2014 which provides support to the frail Quirk. aged and younger people with a disability. Currently over 120 families have enrolled In addition, the Philoptohos conducts many their children for child care at our Centre. social activities through the year. Last year the The Centre is very modern and includes tech- highlight was the ‘Greek Affair’ which attracted nology that is based on early learning. The web thousands of people on the day. site for the centre is www.taigumchildcarecen- The St Paraskevi Child Care Centre is commit- tre.com.au. ted to serving the families and children of the The occasion also commemorated the official North Brisbane area and through the guidance unveiling of the St\ Paraskevi Friendship Gar- of His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos and sup- den. The Friendship Garden was unveiled by port of His Grace Bishop Seraphim, the Parish His Grace officially unveiling the new St Paraskevi Friendship Garden with His Grace Bishop Seraphim and Councillor for of St Paraskevi will continue to forge ahead in member of Deagon Ward Cr. Victoria Newton and below, with the Cypriot Deagon Ward Cr. Victoria Newton. serving the needs of the wider community. Dancers (left) and the St Paraskevi Greek Dancing Group (right) FEBRUARY 2015 14/32 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Opening of the Law Term Service in NSW Service conducted by Archbishop Stylianos at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos

Left: Chief Justice of NSW the Hon. Tom Bathurst, His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, His Grace Bishop Seraphim and Judges during their entry to the Cathedral. Right: His Eminence during his address on the occasion of the beginning of the Law Term 20115 in NSW. On Tuesday 10 February 2015, at the Cathedral of ers of the law, without understanding either what generally. If we now wish to make more concrete the the “Annunciation of our La dy”, His Eminence Arch- they are saying or the things about which the y make significance of Law for the individual person in every- bishop Stylianos conducted the Service for the Open- assertions.Now we know that the law is good, if one day life, it is suf ficient to recall the f ollowing basic ing of the Law Term 2015 in NSW. uses it legitimately.This means understanding that thoughts: Dignitaries present were His Eminence Archbishop the law is laid down not for the innocent but for the 1. We know from personal experience that the pur- Stylianos, Primate of the Gr eek Orthodox Church of lawless and disobedient, for the godless and sinful, suit of individual and social pr ogress presupposes Australia, a representative of His Eminence Metropol- for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their love and enthusiasm. itan Archbishop Paul Saliba of the An tiochian Ortho- father or mother, for murderers, 2. Love and enthusiasm presuppose trust and opti- dox Church of Australia and New Ze aland, His Grace fornicators, sodomites, slave traders, liars, perjur- mism (as no one would dare start something that was Bishop Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Aus- ers, and whatever else is contrary to the sound expected to end in failure). tralia and New Zealand, His Grace Bishop Seraphim of teaching that conforms to the glorious gospel of the 3. Trust and optimism however presuppose security the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, the Hon. Tom blessed God, which he entrusted to me. and stability. Bathurst AC, Chief Justice of NSW, From the Supreme 4) Finally, security and stability presuppose Justice. Court of NSW The Hon Jus tice Margaret Beazley AO, With the abov e thoughts, our soul is fi lled with President, Court of Appe al, Justice Julie Ward, Judge gratitude and admiration for all that the Law has of- of Appeal, Justice Stephen Rothman AM, Jus tice Your Honour, the Chief Justice, fered until today within developed societies. Michael Slattery and Jus tice Francois Kunc. Present other distinguished Justices, We therefore take this opportunity t o wish ev ery from the Land and En vironment Court w ere Justice Judges, Members of the Judiciary strength from above to all Legal and Judicial Ser vices Brian Preston, Chief Judge and Justice Terry Sheahan and various Servants of the Law Profession, of our State and Commonwealth, on behalf of all Or- AO, from the Dis trict Court of NS W Justice Derek Reverend Clergy, sisters and brothers, thodox jurisdictions in Australia. Price AM, Judge John Ha tzistergos and Judge Dina The custom of ha ving a La w Term Ser vice is not May God bless once again, a t the commencement Yehia, from the Local Court of NS W Judge Gr aeme merely a social event. It is rather a just recognition of of this Law Term, not only those who are present, but Henson, Chief Magistrate and Magistrate Theo Tsav- the significance of Law in our lives, both as individuals also all who were unable to attend the special Prayer daridis, from the Law Society of NSW Mr John Eades, and as a society. For the Church, a fundamental start- Services of the various Churches and Denominations. President, from the NSW Bar Association Mr Gregory ing point in this regard is the teaching concerning the We pray fervently that God may enlighten all who Antipas representing Jane Needham, President. ancestral fall, according to the biblical verse that “the work within this pr ofession, in fulfi llment of the Also present were Dr Stavros Kyrimis, Consul-Gen- law is not laid down for the innocent” (1Tim. 1:9). Prophet Isaiah’s great exhortation: eral of Greece and Mr Branko Radosevic, Consul Gen- The human person rejected the divine will through “The inhabitants of the world le arn righteousness” eral of the Republic of Serbia and Mr Jack Passaris, of love of self. Law therefore exists in order to reverse (Is. 26:9). the Ethnic Communitie s Council of NS W, and man y the cause of the pr oblem of self-love. This in turn Amen. others. highlights the r ole of La w in upholding moral order

In his address, His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos Chief Justice of NSW, Tom Bathurst AC, during his speech based the message on the f ollowing scriptural read- ing:

Epistle Reading: 1Timothy 1:3-11

I urge you, as I did when I was on m y way to Macedonia, to remain in Ephesus so that you may in- struct certain people not to teach any different doc- trine, and not to occupy themselves with myths and endless genealogies that promote speculations rather than the divine training[a] that is known by faith. But the aim of such instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sin- cere faith. Some people have deviated from these and turned to meaningless talk, desiring to be teach- FEBRUARY 2015 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 15/33

Top 10 experiences for a first time tourist in Greece

One of the world’s leading travel guides, Lonely Plan- et, guides its readers to discover what Greece has to of- fer by presenting 10 experiences that every tourist must have when visiting Greece for the first time. With its sparkling beaches, crystalline water and ven- erable ancient sites, Greece lives up to all the hype. Most first-time visitors will arrive and depart through Athens, which makes an excellent jumping-off point or punctuation at the end of the trip, but beyond that it’s time to explore.

1. A visit in Ancient Athens

An absolute must, of course, is the Acropolis, with its iconic Parthenon and the demure robed maidens (Cary- atids) supporting the roof of the Erechtheion temple alongside. The modern, vast Acropolis Museum sits just below, and beautifully protects the site’s artefacts while plac- ing them in context. Any initiation to ancient Greece should also include the easy walk from the Acropolis down to the Ancient Agora - once the focal point of administrative, commer- cial, political and social activity, and the spot where Socrates expounded his philosophy. It’s also a snap to loop in other top sites, such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus - its colossal columns reminding us it was the largest temple in Greece - and the Panathenaic Stadi- um, still in use today. Roman sites include Hadrian’s Arch and the Roman Agora with its evocative Tower of the Winds. 5. The glam of Mykonos and the historic Delos 8. Festivals

2. A walk to Monastiraki and Plaka Mykonos is the land of glitz, glam and 24-hour par- Throughout the year festivals dot the Greek calendar. ties. Whether bronzing at one of the chic beach clubs Ubiquitous Saints Days occur year-round from small vil- An easy add-on to the walk around ancient A thens is such as aptly named Paradise and Super Paradise, lage to big city. Carnival (also known as Apokreas) is a a browse through the bric-a-brac in the daily Monasti- promenading through the maze-like streets of Mykonos time for dress-up and parades; Patras Carnival is the raki Flea Market. Shoulder-to-shoulder shops and Town (Hora) dressed to the nines, or dancing the night most famous. kiosks hawk a riot of souvenirs, clothes, leather goods, away at places like open-air Cavo Paradiso, come ready The fabulous, suitably famous Greek Easter is a week- jewelry and burnished antiques. to party, and bring a bankroll to match. Ironically, one long springtime celebration. And the main summertime Head to one of the squares buried in the midst of the of Greece’s most treasured ancient sites, Delos, sits on event is the Hellenic F estival, when the exquisite an- market, Plateia Avyssinias. It’s perfect for a quick break a small island offshore. cient Theatre of Epidavros and A thens’ Odeon of at bistro-like Café Avyssinia, which is tucked amid heaps The mythical birthplace of twins Apollo and Artemis Herodes Atticus (right by the Acropolis) are the head- of restored furniture and fascinating baubles and has (two of the most important ancient Greek gods), An- line venues of this cultural feast with a top line-up of lo- Acropolis views from its top floors. Nearby Plaka offers cient Delos is a shrine turned sacred treasury and com- cal and international music, dance and theatre. a warren of historic streets jammed with souvenir mercial centre. shops. A little dose of serious history to leaven the non-stop 9. The long lunch romp on Mykonos. 3. The Coffee culture You haven’t lived the Greek life, and certainly not had 6. Island hopping in the Cyclades a full summer experience, until you’ve partaken in the When in Greece, make like the Greeks and have a ‘long lunch’. Ideally, you’d have a table-full of friends long, lazy, lingering and chat-filled kafedaki. In the cafes The super-famous islands draw visitors from far and and family, but even with a smaller group, while you’re of Athens - try popular Tailor Made, on picturesque wide every year, but it’s well worth adding at least one in Greece be sure to head to a seafood taverna and dine Plateia Agia Irini with its small flower market and Greek other island to the mix…pick one that takes your fancy. al fresco. Sip endless afternoon ouzo accompanied by a Orthodox church - or the central squares of towns Or better yet, island-hop around the Cyclades for a clas- continuous parade of mezedhes (small dishes): meat- throughout the islands and countryside, sitting for a sic adventure! balls, zucchini balls, grilled octopus, taramasalata (fish coffee and a long round of people-watching and gossip Each island has its own character, and a visit to places roe dip) and more. Lazy laughter with a continuous is a pastime not to be missed. like the wonderful, volcanic Milos, precious, princess- feast in the beauty of the Greek outdoors, ideally Order a Greek coffee, either plain (sketo), with some like Sifnos, raw, countrified Serifos or fertile, mountain- beachside… nothing compares. sugar (metrio) or super-sweet (glyko), and watch the ous Naxos (to name just a few) adds enormous breadth Top food islands are Lesvos (Mytilini), Corfu, Crete world go by. to a first-time trip. and Tinos. But really, you can’t go wrong!

4. The sunset in Santorini (Thira) 7. The magical and nearby Hydra 10. The unique Greek beaches

Ravishing Santorini lives up to the postcard-perfect If time is short, and you don’t have the luxury of ex- What would a trip to Greece be without some serious photos you’ve seen, perhaps calling you to Greece in tended island hopping, head straight from A thens to beach time? An embarrassment of riches, Greek beach- the first place. Beauty and fame have a price: Santorini tiny Hydra, the catwalk queen of the Saronics. Hydra is es range from Santorini and Milos’ multihued volcanic is jammed with visitors in high season. But the rest of a delight that awaits just an hour and a half from the rocks to Kefallonia and Lefkada’s broad, vast sweeps of the year it’s much more peaceful, so it’s easier to get an main port of Piraeus. soft sand or small white stones. unobstructed view of the striated ochre cliffs cradling Its picturesque horseshoe-shaped harbour town with The waters of Sifnos sparkle like rainbows. Paros is the caldera. gracious stone mansions stacked up the rocky hillsides known for world-class kite surfing. Little K ythnos has a Find a spot on one of the multihued volcanic beaches is known as a retreat for artists, writers and celebrities. double-sided beach. Greece is a land for beach connois- (black, red, white!) or grab a seat for one of its glorious There are no motorised vehicles (apart from sanitation seurs - sample broadly, and form your own opinions. sunsets, ideally in the little town of Oia, the white frost- trucks), leading to unspoilt trails along the coast and in- ing on the tip of the island. to the mountains. Source: www.ellines.com FEBRUARY 2015 16/34 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA

Digital Mosaic Where the Ancient Faith + 21st century media merge Capturing the True Woman: Tori Ava Photography

Presbytera By Chris Vlahonasios Victoria Pavlatos Founder & Director OFA blog + B yzanfest + THE MOVING ICON

Victoria Pavlatos is a presbytera, mother and professional portrait photographer in Portland (Ore- gon, USA). What makes Presbytera Victoria unique is that she specialises in giving women, especially moth- ers, confidence and proper self-esteem through pho- tography. I sat down with Presbytera Victoria to hear her thoughts about society’s unhealthy expectations of women yet how, through photography, they can see their true selves as individual images of God’s beauty. Here is her refreshing perspective:

I never intended on being a working mum nor ever talked with over the years had lost their sense of wom- daughter to do hair & makeup as well. God willing my could have imagined owning my own business. We live anhood. They had been caught up in the idea that in or- blog will be up and running before the end of the year. a fairly conservative life and I homeschooled our chil- der to be a pious Orthodox woman, they couldn’t pos- I still shoot families and occasionally weddings for dren for 10 years. sess any earthly beauty. They had stopped taking care friends, but my focus is primarily on women. A typical It wasn’t until the last few years that we began to re- of themselves because they were now mummies and session runs about 3 hours. You come in with no hair or alise that we needed to make some changes in order to didn’t have time for such things. I didn’t agree. makeup on and you are pampered from the time you financially survive. Father already had a Masters in Pas- I felt like our children should see feminine beauty in walk in until the time you leave. My incredible beauty toral counseling so he decided to go back and get his li- their mothers. Women should be lovely... not super- team and I will go through the clothing they have cense in Marriage & Family therapy so he could counsel models but lovely. Our husbands are off all day at work brought as well as my collection of couture clothes to at a private practice in addition to being a parish priest. surrounded by the world’s bombardment of distorted pick outfits for the session. Then you will have your I never finished my degree because we started a family beauty. What happens then when they come home to makeover tailored to your taste. We have lots of fun right away. I didn’t know what I was going to do. A retail their wife who is in sweat pants, an old t-shirt, hair in a during this time, enjoying appetizers and getting to job wouldn’t work with our family and church schedule. mess piled on top of her head? The other issue was that know each other. I had always loved photography as my hobby and it the women I knew were no longer wanting their pic- I would say about 99.9% of women hate having their seemed logical that I should explore that avenue. F a- tures taken. They were avoiding the camera like the pictures taken. One of the main reasons is that they ther bought me a nice DSLR camera and registered me plague. Most had a very low sense of self-worth be- don’t know what to do in front of the camera. Unless for some digital photography classes at the local com- cause they didn’t feel like they were beautiful any- you are a professional model, no one knows what to do munity college. I contacted a local photographer that I more...they had gained too much weight, too many - that’s my job! I pose every client, down to their hand greatly admired and she agreed to have me intern with wrinkles, too grey, too old etc. I knew I was just as position. I know what looks good for every body-type her for a year. I learned so much from her in regards to guilty. I also knew it was imperative as women that we and I pride myself on making women look their best by running a studio, how to handle clients and definitely exist in photographs for our children. posing not by photo-shopping the heck out of them. I improved my shooting skills. Before my mother passed away from cancer 10 years always show my client the back of the camera to show We were transferred to Oregon in 2010 and I started ago, she booked a photographer to have family por- how absolutely beautiful they look - this is where most my business, Tori Ava Photography. It was a huge traits done. These photographs are treasures to me and women break down. Then we have to stop and touch learning curve for me and a time of great adjustment. my whole family. I thank God that my mum understood up makeup because all of us are usually crying! During Managing 9 children and being a Presbytera was al- the importance of existing in photographs for us. the last 20 minutes of the shoot we invite the hubby ready a full time job...now I was trying to start a busi- I knew this is where I wanted to put my focus. I had and children to come for one beautiful portrait. And ness in a new state, while still managing my family life. modeled throughout my youth and never liked the ac- typically they go out for a date because mum is looking Initially I started shooting everyone and everything ba- tual modeling aspect of the industry. During those years absolutely beautiful! sically for free. I needed to build a portfolio and really I did love watching the photographers and crew. I was It’s very rewarding for me to give women a little piece improve on my shooting. I found myself burnt out from fascinated at all the behind-the-scenes of what was tak- of something that they thought was gone or maybe shooting families and I also noticed that I always was fo- ing place to create a final image. I learned many things they believed it was never even there to begin with. I’m cused on the mummy. I wanted the mother to shine about hair and makeup, posing and lighting. I wanted to not advocating that women need to put curlers in and create a beautiful portrait for her children to cher- merge those worlds and help everyday normal women everyday and wear false eyelashes - this is a special day, ish. I also was getting consistent feedback from women feel more beautiful than she could ever imagine - just a special experience - that results in an heirloom por- about their photos and how beautiful I made them look for a day. I know that any woman can look like a “su- trait for their children & family to have forever. and feel. When I showed women the back of the cam- permodel” with the right hair styling, makeup and prop- It has been a very overwhelming road, but it’s also era they would be moved to tears and all say the same er posing. I didn’t however want to create the taboo been full of growth and blessings. I have had to com- thing “is that really me?” This is where my heart was “glamour shots”. pletely surrender myself into God’s hands. He is my on- being moved. I wanted to work with women. I wanted I prayed for God to show me what to do with all that ly strength. There is no way I could be doing any of what to photograph mothers, sisters, grandmothers etc. I was going on in my mind. I wanted to bless others, I I am doing on my own. My schedule is insane. I do most wanted to give them back whatever it was that they wanted to provide for my family all for the glory of God. of my editing and business work from midnight to 2am had seemed to lose sight of. I wanted to make them feel He answered my prayer and has opened doors that I and then we’re up and 6am to make breakfast and like a princess for one day. could not have dreamt of. I was blessed to meet one of lunches for the kids to leave for school by 7am. God has I also felt a bit conflicted. How could I help women the most renowned portrait photographers in all the been so good to me and my family and I am so thankful feel beautiful and yet still promote modesty and humil- world Miss Sue Bryce. She was someone I had admired for this crazy, beautiful chaotic life that He has given ity? It took much prayer and many conversations with for years. Her work is known for its beauty of capturing me! my spiritual father and other pious people for me to re- the grace that pours forth from all women. Not only did To see more of Presvytera Victoria’s work alise that God is the creator of beauty. I get to meet her, I got to be photographed by her, then www.toriavaphotography.com I think beauty has become something very distorted my daughter, then I began being mentored by her. She in our day and age, but I also don’t think that being has taught me just about everything I know in regards If you’re a filmmaker or artist living the Orthodox frumpy is the definition “Godly” beauty. There had to to photographing women and how to run a business. I life, contact Chris 0423 273 803 be a balance. So many of the young mums that I had have now hired 2 makeup artists and have trained my Photo reproduced with permission. JANUARY 2015 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 17/35

DemisDemisGreece awarded as “Destination of Year 2013” RoussosRoussos deaddead atat 6868

Greek singer Demis Roussos, whose often high- groups. He first came to prominence in the late 1960s pitched pop serenades won him household recognition with the band Aphrodite's Child, formed together with in the 1970s and 1980s across Europe and beyond and Vangelis Papathanassiou - the Greek composer best who sold more than 60 million records, has died recent- known by his first name whose score for the film "Char- ly in Athens at the age of 68. iots of Fire" won him an Oscar in 1982. The hospital said the singer died following a lengthy His career launched, Roussos moved out of Greece to hospitalization, but did not give an exact cause of continue as a solo artist, recording hits such as "Forever death. and Ever," ''My Friend The Wind," ''Velvet Mornings," Mikis Theodorakis’ For many an iconic presence with a colorful dress ''Someday Somewhere," and "Lovely Lady Of Arcadia." sense - Roussos was once dubbed the Kaftan King - and He listed Mozart and Sting among his favorite com- ‘Axion Esti’ rotund, bearded appearance, he enjoyed the respect of posers. his colleagues and a steady global following. In 1985, Roussos was among 153 people taken "He had a superb voice, he traveled in the world... he hostage when two Shiite Muslim militiamen hijacked a performed loved what he was doing," singer Nana Mouskouri told TWA Boeing 727 on a flight from A thens to Rome, and French radio RTL in a tribute. "He was an artist, a friend. he spent his 39th birthday on the plane. He was re- I hope he is in a better world." leased unharmed five days later, and at a press confer- in Australia for the Artemis (shortened to Demis) Roussos was born in ence thanked his captors for giving him a birthday cake. June 1946 in Alexandria, Egypt, which had a large Greek Roussos enjoyed good food, which created problems first time community. His formative years in the ancient port with his weight that at one point reached 319 pounds city's cosmopolitan atmosphere were influenced by (145 kilograms). He managed to reduce that by a third jazz, but also traditional Arab and Greek Orthodox mu- in nine months and went on to co-write a book about The works of composer Mikis Theodorakis and sic. losing weight. Nobel Prize-winning poet Odysseas Elytis will be The family moved in the early 1960s to Greece, where He lived in Los Angeles, Paris, Monte Carlo, London celebrated on April 17 as part of the Greek Festival Roussos took music lessons and played in amateur and Athens. of Sydney. This stunning collaboration features in- ternational vocalist Vasilis Lekkas, celebrated Greek-Australian conductor George Ellis, the Mille- nium Choir and narration by Greek-Australian ac- Plans afoot in Athens to revive tor Tony Nikolakopoulos. Elytis’ (1911- 1996) landmark work Axion Esti (1959) was set to music by Theodorakis and be- came a widely-celebrated anthem. Combining suf- Pikionis's ‘pilgrimage’ fering and passion, spiritual lessons and poetic power, Axion Esti - widely considered to be Elytis’ Acclaimed Greek architect Dimitris Pikionis (1887- winners of an international architectural competition masterpiece - won the National Book Award for 1968) had envisaged the path leading to the Acropolis for the redesign of Acropolis entrance area. Poetry in 1960. as a kind of “pilgrimage.” The original idea was based Set to be announced by the Ministry of Culture as Theodorakis - creator of the legendary Zorba’s on the notion that as visitors approached the archaeo- soon as certain procedures are completed, the compe- Dance - is Greece’s most celebrated composer. He logical site’s entrance, a change in the “frame” would tition aims to solve issues regarding the area’s accessi- has written more than 1,000 songs and song-cycles reveal different facets of the various monuments. bility and operations. At the same time, experts will ex- whose melodies have become intrinsically linked Nowadays tour guides tend to take their groups plore options for improving the area’s overall look with the heritage of Greek music. through the shortcuts, a move which may saving time through the removal of certain constructions as well as This unique event honours his 90th birthday and but also deprives visitors of sensational views while by changing the usage of others, including the old celebrates the sheer musical beauty and timeless- adding to the general overcrowding at the entrance cloakroom, the post office and the guides’ building, ness of his masterwork compositions. area. The restoration of Pikionis’s original planning is among others, in an effort to maintain a sense of ho- As part of the Axion Esti concert, Theodorakis’ expected to be one of the main challenges facing the mogeneity. most famous melodies, including Ena To Helidoni (A Solitary Swallow) and Tis Dikeosinis Ilie (Sun of Justice) will be performed as an Australian pre- Get Greek: New study shows Mediterranean diet miere in a special collaboration between the Syd- ney-based Millennium Choir, a symphony orches- tra and an array of musicians performing on tradi- can reduce risk of stroke tional Greek instruments. National Monitor newspaper urges its readers to get Greek, changing their eating habits, as new study shows Don’t miss this Australian premiere as part of the that Mediterranean diet can reduce risk of stroke. 33rd Greek Festival of Sydney, celebrating the en- Adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet can lower the risk of ischemic stroke by as much as 18%. The new during presence of Greek culture in Australia. study conducted by researchers at the Columbia University Medical Center has revealed a correlation between Axion Esti will be presented by City Recital Hall eating traditional Mediterranean foods and a lower risk of ischemic strokes - that is, strokes caused by a lack and the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW on of oxygen-rich blood in the brain. Friday, April 17, at 8pm at City Recital Hall in Syd- The study was conducted in order to analyse relationships between dietary habits and various health issues, ney. including heart disease and mental degeneration. FEBRUARY 2015 18/36 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Arts, Food & Wine Editor: Imogen Coward Of words and music

By Dr Imogen Coward * been seen as expressing very specific ideas through it’s with an expression marking such as ‘Grave’, ‘Allegro’, capacity to “arouse the same feeling, in everyone”, ‘Pastorale’ (pastoral) and so forth. I was recently at a community drama workshop in feeling that can’t easily be expressed in words. Regard- which the teacher (an experienced high-school drama less of one’s viewpoint on the topic, it is interesting to Today, many of these words are erroneously attached teacher) put forward the concept that words provide note that even here, where words and music are sepa- to nothing more than a tempo (how fast or slowly the detail when we communicate, and that it is how we de- rated, the connection between words and music, in music should be played); perhaps a legacy of examina- liver words that conveys meaning or the intent behind pursuit of a clear meaning and communication, often tion bodies’ influence on music knowledge, where most the words; that is, the musical components of speech remains. I don’t mean through the explanatory ‘blurbs’ people never go further than grade 5 theory. In reality (e.g. intonation, inflection, articulation, tone quality) in concert programmes, but rather in a more effective though, these brief words are less restrictive, and con- and the use of gesture (body language). The significance albeit abstract form which often (though not always) vey much more nuanced meaning to the musician as of this is likewise highlighted by the contemporary Aus- only the musician is aware of (not the listener). they are in fact ‘character’ markings. For example, ‘Alle- tralian researcher into body-language, Alan Pease, who gro’ as any music student learns is ‘fast’ or even more notes Mehrabian’s research that the total impact of a One of the most famous instrumental works, Vivaldi’s restrictively 100-120 beats per minute. However, it in message was 7% verbal (words only), 38% vocal (tone, Four Seasons includes a set of four poems (one for each fact more correctly implies a joyful, cheerful sentiment inflection etc, i.e. the ‘musical’ components of speech), season). Within the actual score (printed music), differ- and thus directs the performer to determine the neces- and 55% non-verbal. Also, of course, as the drama ent sections typically have a line of the poem printed on sary speed required as well as the implications of this teacher suggested, words without their musical ele- top of the music, giving added emphasis as to what type sentiment for the articulation, inflection, and ornamen- ments become monotonous and boring; we can under- of feeling and idea is intended to be conveyed in the tation to be employed to achieve this character for the stand the words, but not easily access their meaning. music at that point. Of course, it is reliant upon the mu- specific piece of music.

We only have to consider how much our interpreta- tion of the meaning of a word or sentence can be al- tered by tone of voice and gesture of the person utter- ing it to recognise the potential impact. Indeed, at a somewhat basic level, in many languages this is the very stuff that distinguishes a statement from a question (al- though, as English linguists delight in pointing out, rising intonation at the end of a sentence can simply indicate being Australian, rather than the speaker being in a per- petual state of questioning). The deliberate use of the musical elements of speech to influence how a word will be interpreted is also readily observed within many forms of humour, for example, in the creation of double entendres.

Historically, the idea that words and music are inti- mately connected is a very ancient one, and is, of course one of the key aspects of poetry. Last year, the Vema presented a series of articles on Byzantine chant. Among other aspects, Dr Ann Coward (a graduate of St Andrews Theological College) highlighted the connec- tion and interaction between words and music, includ- ing the interesting point that there can be no discussion of Byzantine music without reference to words, and the interesting aspect of how musical modes help the sician, their skill, knowledge and that hotly debated The effects of this way of conveying meaning can be hymnographer to impart meaning to words. Even with- concept ‘taste’, to create an organic unity out of the quite radical and often reinforce further the link be- out the subtleties of interpretation the music imparts in music and words. tween music and words. For example, in the 18th cen- combination with the words, one only has to stand in tury Italian composer Corelli’s Concerto Grosso Opus 6 an echo-y church and speak normally, to appreciate Likewise, a little diversion into music history reveals No.7, the opening Vivace (meaning ‘lively’) is in fact how necessary the use of chant - of pitch, duration, that, until very recently, Western Art Music scores al- played at a slower beat-per-minute tempo than the Al- melismas (often described as ornamental flourishes to most always came with a very brief set of words legro which immediately follows, but the vivace indica- emphasise a word or syllable) and so on - is to make the penned/printed on the music itself to give greater accu- tion causes a knowledgeable musician to radically alter words understandable. racy about the character/meaning of or intention be- the way in which the notes are articulated, to make hind the music, beyond what is implied by the them lighter, more energetic, just as one would if one In Western Art Music (which usually, though erro- key/mode and time-signature/meter. Sometimes this is was speaking with words and wanted to convey a lively neously, gets tagged as ‘Classical’ music in popular cul- inherent in the title of a piece, sometimes it is in the im- feeling. ture), there are of course many styles which overtly link plications of the ‘expressive’ markings, or a combina- music and words such as opera and art song (lieder, tion of both. A good example is Corelli’s Concerto fatto Such observations are the tip of a very fascinating ice- chanson and so on), with differing emphases on per la notte di Natale, often, but erroneously translated berg indeed, of the relationship between music and whether music or words takes precedence. Purely in- as “Christmas Concerto” (the literal translation is ‘Con- words which has intrigued great minds for millennia. strumental music has been seen, throughout history, as certo made for Christmas night”). This concerto, written For children, or people of any age when first encounter- ambiguous because of it’s lack of words and thus defin- for two solo violins, solo cello and other string instru- ing musical concepts, there is a point in keeping things able meaning. At the same time though, as the famous ments (plus continuo - which is usually a simple. However, as one matures (and this applies to all composer Felix Mendelssohn challenged, it has also harpsichord/lute or organ), has several sections, each areas of knowledge) to keep matters simple is to rob the mind of a glimpse into the amazing intricacies that exist within that field, in this istance the character, de- THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN The oldest circulating Greek velopment and potential inherent in the relationship newspaper VEMA outside Greece

JANUARY 2015 Tel. (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 E-mail: [email protected] ANGELICA SOTIRIOU The Greek Australian VEMA between music and words. Painting with the colours of Creation PAGES 16/34 - 17/35

The oldest circulating References: Archbishop Stylianos visits new Greek Community building in Melbourne His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, made a Pease, A. The Definitive Book of Body Language (Pease Inter- historic visit to the new building of the Greek Community of Melbourne, on Thursday De- cember 31, 2014. PAGE 15/33 Greek newspaper national, Buderim, 2004) ELDER PAISIOS CANONIZED Coward, A. “Byzantine chant: words and meaning, Part 3”

Elder Paisios was canonized on 13 January 2015 by Cappadocia. He is famous for his spiritual teachings. outside Greece Big increase in the number the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Saint Many people worldwide, especially in Greece and in of students opting for Paisios of Mount Athos (Greek: Όσιος Παΐσιος ο Αγιο- Russia, highly venerate Elder Paisios. Greek-Australian Vema Newspaper, May 2014, p.18/36 Ancient Greek in Australia ρείτης), born Arsenios Eznepidis (1924–1994), was a Students studying Ancient Greek at the Uni- well-known Eastern Orthodox monk from Farasa, Cont. page 5/23 versity of Melbourne have doubled since 2010. It is indicative that the interest in An- cient Greek and Latin language studies is growing in Australia, Asia and worldwide. Grant off $9,,950 to the Holly www.dolmetsch.com/theoryindex.htm PAGE 4/22 Monastery off St George at Yellllow Rock PAGE 2/20 Tel: (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 * Imogen Coward holds a PhD in Musicology and is the director

90th Anniversary Celebrations in Perth Official celebrations took place in Perth to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Email: [email protected] laying of the Foundation Stone of the Church & performer for the chamber orchestra Camerata Academica of of Sts Constantine and Helene. PAGE 6/24 the Antipodes FEBRUARY 2014 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 19/37

The five most important ancient Greek exhibits abroad

Ancient Greece is a culture When the statue was brought to Paris the Giants and the Olympian gods known compass for all the world. The from the Greek island of Samothrace, n- as the Gigantomachy. In 1878, the Ger- ear Turkey’s Dardanelles Straits, the stat- man engineer Carl Humann began offi- ancient exhibits attract millions ue was broken in several pieces. Muse- cial excavations on the acropolis of Perg- of tourists every year in Greece, um experts in the late 19th century cov- amon, an effort that lasted until 1886. but many pieces of ancient ered the joints with plaster and painted The excavation was undertaken in order Greek art can be found in muse- over it. The restoration team replaced to rescue the altar friezes and expose the ums around the world. the plaster with a marble-base binder so foundation of the edifice. Later, other that no paint would be needed. The ancient structures on the acropolis were Winged Victory originally stood in brought to light. Upon negotiating with Samothrace on a cliff towering over the the Turkish government (a participant in esplanade of the Sanctuary of the Great the excavation), it was agreed that all 3. Winged Victory Gods, a complex of a dozen temples ded- frieze fragments found at the time would of Samothrace – icated to different deities popular in An- become the property of the Berlin muse- Louvre Museum tiquity. ums.

The Winged Victory is one of the five most popular works at the Louvre Muse- um, which attracts almost 10 million visi- tors a year.This exceptional monument was unearthed in 1863 on the small is- 1. The Parthenon Marbles – land of Samothrace in the northwest British Museum Aegean. It was discovered by Charles Champoiseau, French Vice-Consul to The Parthenon Marbles, a group of Adrianople (Turkey). The goddess of Vic- sculptures, statues, inscriptions and ar- tory (Nike, in Greek) is shown in the form chitectural elements depicting scenes of a winged woman standing on the from Greek mythology, were once part prow of a ship, braced against the strong of the Parthenon. wind blowing through her garments. Giv- 4. The Pergamon Altar – 5. The Harp player – MET Built in 5th century BC to honor A the- en its importance and its weight, it was Pergamon Museum Berlin na, the temple has become one of the the first time since World War II the stat- The best-known art of Cycladic Art are most recognized symbols of Western cul- ue was moved and the first time it was The Pergamon Altar is a monumental the marble figures usually called “idols” ture and is regarded as the highest archi- restored since it was installed in the construction built during the reign of K - or “figurines” and especially known are tectural achievement of the Ancient staircase. Restoring old, stained marble ing Eumenes II in the first half of the 2nd the harp-player and the pipe-player. A Greeks. About half of the marbles were is complicated and delicate work. The century BC on one of the terraces of the male figure playing a stringed instrument torn from the temple between 1801 and conservationists cleaned the white mar- acropolis of the ancient city of Pergamon sits on a high-backed chair. This work is 1802 by the E arl of Elgin while A thens ble with compresses soaked in water to in Asia Minor. The structure is 35.64 me- one of the earliest of the small number was under Ottoman occupation. protect the old stone and erase the lay- tres wide and 33.4 metres deep; the of known representations of musicians. ers of grime. The work on the Winged front stairway alone is almost 20 metres It is distinguished by the sensitive model- Victory was made more complex by re- wide. The base is decorated with a frieze ing of the arms and hands. constitutions in the 19th century. in high relief showing the battle between Source: www.ellines.com

2. Aphrodite of Milos – Louvre Museum A Taste of Harmony is a fun, free The Venus de Milo was discovered in and delicious way to celebrate your 1820 on the island of Melos (Milo in modern Greek) in the south-western Cy- workplace’s cultural diversity. Just clades. The Marquis de Rivière presented register your workplace, choose a day it to Louis XVIII, who donated it to the that suits and tell your workmates to Louvre the following year. The statue won instant and lasting bring a plate of food to share. fame. Essentially two blocks of marble, it is comprised of several parts which were sculpted separately (bust, legs, left arm and foot) then fixed with vertical pegs, a technique which was fairly common in the Greek world (especially in the Cy- clades, where this work was produced around 100 BC). The goddess originally wore metal jew- elry - bracelet, earrings, and headband - of which only the fixation holes remain. The marble may have been embellished with (now faded) polychromy. The arms were never found. FEBRUARY 2015 20/38 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA Travel Karpathos Wind-swept beauty This isolated Dodecanese island surprises the visitor with its variety of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural tradition BY H. ARGYROPOULOS the folk museum to get an idea of the internal decor of houses. Εven though it is the second Back on the main road north, largest of the Dodecanese is- toward Mesohori, you will en- lands after Rhodes, at 301 sq. joy one of the most scenic kilometers, Karpathos has long coastal routes. Mesohori is the been something of an isolated best village to stroll around secret, unaffected by mass and observe the local architec- tourism. It is among the most ture, especially the wooden extraordinary of Greek islands, decor and pebbled mosaics. special not only for its variety But Karpathos’s highlight is of sharply contrasting land- Olympos, or Elympos. The vil- scapes but also its rich cultural lage lies 65 km from Pigadia, in tradition. the north, and is the epitome Nature has endowed K arpa- of tradition - a true time cap- thos with an otherworldly and sule. It is evident that the local rugged beauty in the north, a people have for centuries been lush center and tranquil ma- in tough negotiations with the jesty in the mostly flat and bar- rugged terrain. From a dis- ren south. tance, Olympos appears to be The mountains rise to nearly literally perched atop Mount 1,200 meters, while their slo- Profitis Ilias. It was the only or- pes are pineclad right down to ganized settlement in the the sea, where they meet so- north of the island until the me of the best sandy beaches 19th century, out of sight from in the Mediterranean. the sea for the fear of pirates. This is no sedated island ste- In this isolated spot, with the reotype: There are no small acropolis with its widely scat- church. Aperi, north of Pigadia, you will come to Othos, famed continuous sound of windmills whitewashed houses nestled tered ruins is impressive, par- is the island’s cultural center for its tavernas. in the background, women still in the valleys among trees bent ticularly the mosaics in the re- and one of its wealthiest vil- If the local architecture has wear traditional dress and by the relentless wind. The oc- mains of the 4th-6th-century lages. Ascending the mountain, attracted your interest, visit craftsmen work the leather in casional kitsch villa adds color. the centuries-old way. Described as “wind-swept” Their art has attracted inter- by Homer, K arpathos still en- est from around the world, as joys a reputation as “Europe’s far afield as the United States windiest place” and is especial- and Japan. Most houses have ly valued by surfers. It is also their own livestock, wheat and highly recommended for trek- windmill. But the people here kers and those seeking the qui- don’t just know how to be self- et life. sufficient - they also know how Isolation has helped K arpa- to celebrate. A visit on August thos retain one of the richest 29, feast day of Aghios Ioannis, cultural traditions in the Greek is a must. It is one of Greece’s islands, evident in the customs most genuinely traditional fes- and festivals organized to mark tivals, characterized by the social occasions, saints’ feast hearty hospitality for which days and the now-rare home- Karpathos has become well coming of its many emigrants. 1 2 3 known. It has also helped it escape If tradition is K arpathos’s the unsightly excesses of tou- Getting there Activities Where to stay & eat strongest point, its beaches rist development elsewhere. certainly come a close second, Tourism seems to have stem- Τhere are flights from Athens and August and September on Nisia Apartments (tel. 22450-29 many with an unmistakable el- Karpathos is a time of religious festi- 128, www.hotelnisia.com), 2 kms med a decline in the popula- Rhodes - but flights via Rhodes are ement of the exotic. much more expensive. There are vals and traditional celebrations to from the port, very near the beach; tion (5,700), which is widely boat connections from Piraeus and which visitors are most welcome. Electra Beach Hotel (tel 224-50.23- Near Pigadia are Ammos, dispersed among settlements Rhodes as well as Siteia and Aghios Major religious festival on August 15 256, www.electrabeachhotel.gr), on Afoti and Vrontis - three organ- across the island. From Piga- Nikolaos on Crete. Overall, roads are at Menetes; the biggest event is on the beach near the port; K yra Pana- ized beaches. Next, Pouliou dia, the built-up port capital on not satisfactory and so getting August 29, at Aghios Ioannis Vryk- gia (tel 22450.23026, www.kyra- Potami, more authentic, offers the eastern coast where many about is best achieved with hardy ountas near Olympos – a church be- panagiahotel.gr), 15 km from the shade under its oddly shaped traditional stone houses sur- vehicles or motorcycles. However, low ground resembling a catacomb. port, comfortable apartments. E at- rocks. Damatria - in the south vive, head west for Menetes - a there is an adequate network of bus Celebrations start on the eve of the ing out: Pine Tree (tel 22450.29065) before the airport - and a num- village with a strong musical routes that connect Pigadia with feast day and continue into the af- at Adeia, 25 km from the port, sim- ternoon. September 7 at Panaghia ple taverna serving dishes made ber of successive coves on the tradition that is also known for many villages and beaches. A bus and a ferry will take you to Olympos. Larniotisa in Pigadia; September 14 with homegrown ingredients - some left are much more isolated. its stately residences. There are car and motorcycle at Pyles and September 17 at Aghia rooms available for rent; Mylos, in Kato Lakkos and Hai are the Next stop, on the western rentals as well as small boats to take Sophia in Arkasa. The beaches of Olympos, traditional taverna with most exotic beaches, best coast, is Arkasa, which has the you to beaches and villages. Taxis Valias and Makrys Gialos are best superb views; Anoixis, at Diafani (70 reached by boat from Pigadia. appearance of an open-air ar- are also available. More information for surfing. Another popular pas- km from port), picturesque taverna Κarpathos chaeological site. The ancient is available at www.karpathos.gr. time is fishing. with excellent local dishes. Source: ATHENSPLUS