Melbourne’s Greek community marked the national anniversary of October 28, commemorating Greece’s historic defiance against fascism in 1940.
The event, organised by the Greek Sub-Branch of the Returned and Services League (RSL), took place at the Hellenic-Australian Memorial and brought together a large gathering of community leaders, organisation representatives, and members of the public.
The ceremony began with a memorial prayer led by Archimandrite Kyrillos, honouring the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for freedom and national dignity.
The message from Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Greeks Abroad, Ioannis Michail Loverdos, was read by Greece’s Consul General in Melbourne, Dimitra Georgatzoglou. In his address, Loverdos highlighted the courage, unity, and self-sacrifice of the Greek people in the face of tyranny, noting that the historic “OXI” continues to stand as a universal symbol of liberty and human dignity.
Major Terry Kanellos served as Master of Ceremonies, offering a detailed account of the events of October 28, 1940, and emphasising the shared struggle and enduring friendship between Greek and Australian forces during the Second World War.
Representatives from Greek and Australian organisations, schools, and associations then laid wreaths at the Memorial, followed by a minute of silence in remembrance of the fallen.
The proceedings concluded with the National Anthems of Greece and Australia, after which attendees gathered at the RSL clubrooms for a light meal and coffee, sharing stories and memories in a spirit of community and pride.
