Sydney: Battle of Crete – 84th Anniversary Commemorations at St Spyridon College
On Thursday 15 May 2025, a special Assembly was held at St Spyridon College to commemorate the 84th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign – ANZAC Battles of Greece and Crete, April – May 1941.
Mrs Amelia Katsogiannis, Head of College and Mr Elia Economou, Parish President and Chairman of the Board of Governors warmly welcomed Vice Admiral Theodoros Mikropoulos HN, Deputy Chief of Defence Hellenic Navy and his wife Mrs Pagona Zeibeki (The Admiral’s wife), Commander Dimitrios Lekkakos, Section Officer of Deputy Chief of Defence (The Admiral’s Aide), Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos (Defense Attache of the Embassy of Greece in Canberra), Consul General of Greece in NSW, Mr Ioannis Mallikourtis, and Terry Saviolakis (Treasurer – Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW Limited) and organizer of the morning’s visit.
Following a brief tour of the College facilities, Mrs. Katsogiannis shared a few words about the College’s history and the significance of its motto, ΑΙΕΝ ΑΡΙΣΤΕΥΕΙΝ – Forever Excelling—a motto shared with the Hellenic Defence Force. She reflected on how it “inspires and encourages us every day and every moment to be the best we can be… to give students the opportunity to develop character and conscience.”
The Deputy Chief, visibly moved to be addressing a hall full of students, delivered a presentation on the Battle of Crete, highlighting the powerful bond forged between the Anzacs and the Greeks who fought side by side—an enduring connection that continues to this day. He concluded with a short video showcasing the work of the Greek armed forces, including their life-saving missions and humanitarian contributions.
The ceremony was further enriched by a moving musical tribute performed by our talented Year 11 and 12 students, whose performance added a heartfelt and memorable dimension to the occasion.
