Greek National Day Celebrations within Melbourne: “A Testament to Hellenic Faith and Heritage”
From Sunday, the 23rd to Tuesday, the 25th of March, the City of Melbourne was beautifully adorned in the vibrant national colours of Greece – blue and white – in celebration of Greek National Day. With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne formally represented His Eminence at various events organised by the Victorian Council for Greek National Day and the Consulate General of the Hellenic Republic in Melbourne. These festivities provided a powerful reminder of the enduring connection between Greek identity, Orthodox Christian faith, and the legacy of resilience within the Hellenic community.
The celebrations commenced on Sunday, 23 March 2025, with a solemn Trisagion Service, taking place at the Shrine of Remembrance, and was presided over by His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne who was joined by several clergy from the Holy Diocese of Melbourne. The service provided a reverent moment for the faithful to pray and reflect on the 204th anniversary of the Greek War of Independence. Following the service, His Grace addressed the thousands of Greek Australians who had gathered to honor the occasion. In his address, he conveyed the paternal blessings and love of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, emphasizing the significance of this momentous day.
In his powerful speech, His Grace Bishop Kyriakos remarked: “March 25th marks both the anniversary of Greece’s declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1821 and the Feast of the Annunciation in the Orthodox Church. This day intertwines the nation’s struggle for freedom with its deep-rooted Orthodox Christian faith, symbolising the strength of Greek identity, resilience, and spirituality.” He continued, highlighting how the triumph of the Greek Revolution is a testament to the determination of a people fighting for self-determination, while the Feast of the Annunciation celebrates the divine message of hope and salvation. The convergence of these two monumental events reflects the profound connection between Greece’s historical journey and its Orthodox Christian values, reinforcing the unity of faith and national pride.
His Grace’s address deeply resonated with the crowd, underscoring the lasting power of faith and the sacrifices that have ensured both the liberty and the cultural heritage of Greece. The event, marked by emotion, history, and cultural pride, saw dignitaries, families, students, and community leaders come together to honor the sacrifices made for Greece’s freedom while celebrating the thriving Hellenic spirit in Australia. As a display of brotherly love and unity, His Grace invited His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora to join him in laying a wreath at the monument of the Eternal Flame, representing the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
Following the solemn ceremony, the National Day Parade commenced, offering a vibrant reflection of Hellenic unity and patriotism, as community members marched proudly in commemoration of their rich heritage and historical triumphs.
The following day, 24 March, the Consulate General of the Hellenic Republic in Melbourne hosted a cocktail reception at the Hellenic Museum, with His Grace Bishop Kyriakos once again representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. During the event, His Grace read aloud Archbishop Makarios’ Encyclical, conveying the love and blessings of the Archbishop to all present. His Grace also took a moment to commend the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Ms. Dimitra Georgantzoglou, for her tireless work in such a short time and the impeccable organization of Mrs. Sophia Siachos from the Victorian Greek National Day Council.
The reception was attended by a number of eminent guests, including His Eminence Metropolitan Ezekiel of Dervis, His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora, Premier of Victoria, The Hon. Jacinta Allan MP, members of the Victorian Parliament, and representatives from the diplomatic corps in Melbourne. The celebration of Greek National Day in Melbourne stands as a reminder of the unwavering spirit of the Greek community, whose faith and patriotism continue to shape their identity, both in Australia and beyond. This vibrant display of unity and pride fosters a deep connection to both Greek Orthodox traditions and national history, ensuring that the rich legacy of Greece remains alive for generations to come.
On 25 March 2025, after the Divine Liturgy, His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, joined by members of the Victorian Hellenic Subbranch of the Royal Service League of Australia, His Excellency Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Mr Stavros Venizelos, Consul General Dimitra Georgantzoglou, and students from Oakleigh Grammar and St. John’s College, visited both the Hellenic War Memorial and the Shrine of Remembrance. At these solemn sites, His Grace, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, presided over the Trisagion Service, remembering the fallen heroes of the Greek War of Independence and those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. This sacred moment of reflection and remembrance highlighted the deep connection between the Greek Orthodox faith and the rich history of Greece’s fight for liberty, reaffirming the enduring spirit of sacrifice and devotion that continues to inspire the Greek-Australian community.
