Hellenic Presidential Guard to Visit Australia for Anzac Day and Cultural Celebrations in Adelaide and Sydney – April 2025

The highly esteemed Hellenic Presidential Guard will visit Australia from 23 April to 4 May 2025, participating in Anzac Day commemorations and a series of cultural events celebrating the enduring bond between Greece and Australia. This historic visit is hosted by the Hellenic Studies Foundation (Adelaide), the Hellenic Club Sydney, and the Joint Committee for the Commemoration of the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign. The tour provides a rare opportunity for Australians to witness the ceremonial precision and cultural significance of the Evzones.

Adelaide Itinerary: 23-28 April 2025

The Hellenic Presidential Guard (the Guard) will participate in the following public events in Adelaide:

• Friday, 25 April – Anzac Day formalities
  The Guard will participate in the Dawn Service at the Memorial Gardens, adjacent to the West Torrens Council Chamber, commencing at 5:30 a.m., and will march along Sir Donald Bradman Drive. Later that day, they will join the official Anzac Day March through Adelaide city, concluding with a Service of Remembrance at the Cross of Sacrifice in Pennington Gardens. All welcome.

• Saturday, 26 April St Basil’s Nursing Home (10:00 am)

The Guard will visit St Basil’s Nursing Home for the Aged, sharing morning tea with residents and invited guests.

• Sunday, 27 April – Divine Liturgy at the Greek Orthodox Community and Parish of Saint George (9:30 am)

The Guard will attend the Divine Liturgy hosted by the Greek Orthodox Community and Parish of Saint George, Thebarton and Western Suburbs.) All welcome.

• Sunday, 27 April – Thebarton Hellenic Festival (Lunchtime)

Following the Divine Liturgy, the Guard will join the Thebarton Hellenic Festival, featuring traditional Greek music, dance, and cuisine. Attendees are encouraged to meet the Guard and take photographs. All welcome. 

Sydney Itinerary: 28 April – 4 May 2025

After their Adelaide visit, the Guard will travel to Sydney for the first time since 2018, participating in the following events:

• Monday, 28 April (4:00 pm) – Doxology Service
  A solemn opening ceremony at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. All welcome.
  
  
• Thursday, 1 May (12:30 pm) — “The ANZACs of Greece” Luncheon.
  Held at Beta Grand, Level 2, 238 Castlereagh Street, Sydney. This luncheon honours Greek Australians’ contributions to the ANZAC legacy. Bookings: hcaccinsw@gmail.com

• Thursday, 1 May (6:15 pm) – Visit to St Basil’s NSW/ACT Randwick
  This includes a chapel service and presentation, followed by a photo exhibition of The Evzones Collection by Nick Bourdaniotis. Previously exhibited at the Athens War Museum, the collection has been permanently installed at the Presidential Palace and the Guards’ headquarters (Garrison). All welcome.

• Friday, 2 May (1:30 pm) – Guard of Honour Ceremony, Martin Place Cenotaph
  A formal tribute at the Martin Place Cenotaph, recognising the sacrifices of Australian and Greek servicemen and women, especially those in the Greek and Cretan campaigns. All welcome.
  
  
• Friday, 2 May (7:30 pm) – Doxology and Community Gathering, Parramatta
  A Doxology service at St. Ioannis Greek Orthodox Church, Parramatta, followed by a meet-and-greet in the church hall. All welcome.
  
  
• Saturday, 3 May 3 (1:30 pm) – ANZAC Memorial Ceremony at Hyde Park, Sydney
  The week’s flagship event features a ceremonial march and flag-raising at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park, honouring shared Greek-Australian military heritage. Fourteen Evzones will be marching to the ANZAC Memorial from Elizabeth Street. Bring your Greek Flags. All welcome.
  
  
• Sunday, 4 May (9:30 am) Church Service and Wreath-Laying at ANZAC Memorial, Kogarah
  A memorial servicewill be heldat the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Kogarah, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Kogarah ANZAC Memorial, located in Town Square.

All welcome.

• Sunday, 4 May (9:30 am) Church Service at the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Belmore and District “All Saints”

A memorial serviceand wreath-laying at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, Belmore.

All welcome.

• Sunday, 4 May (12:30 pm) Tribute Luncheon at Hermes Lounge, Kogarah
  Hosted by the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) NSW, to honour the Presidential Guard. Bookings: George +61 466 237 707

Note: The Guard will also visit several schools and aged care facilities, including All Saints Grammar, St Spyridon College, St Euphemia College, and the Greek Community of Sydney nursing home. These events are closed to the public.

Statements from Organisers

“We are incredibly honoured to welcome the Hellenic Presidential Guard to Australia for these historic events,” said Harry Patsouris, spokesperson for the Hellenic Studies Foundation. “Their visit underscores the deep bond between our two nations, particularly as we commemorate the sacrifices made by Greek and Australian soldiers during the World Wars. This is a unique opportunity for all Australians to engage with Greek culture and heritage while paying tribute to the brave men and women who fought for our freedom.”

Nick Hatzistergos, President of the Hellenic Club Sydney, added, “This visit provides a momentous opportunity for reflection and celebration. It unites the Greek and Australian communities in honouring our shared history and the contributions of Greek Australians to our national story.”

Acknowledgment of Sponsors and Partners

The Hellenic Studies Foundation would like to express its sincere gratitude to the sponsors whose generous support made the events in Adelaide possible. Similarly, the Hellenic Club of Sydney and the Joint Committee for the Commemoration of the Battle of Crete and the Hellenic Campaign express their grateful thanks to the sponsors and supporters of the events in Sydney, including the Government of New South Wales and the Holy Archdiocese of Australia.