Deputy Foreign Minister Kyriakos Gerontopoulos attended the Greek Independence Day parade in Melbourne today, 23 March, and had a series of meetings with local Greek Australian associations and clubs, within the framework of his four-day visit to Australia, which will last through 26 March.
Mr. Gerontopoulos attended the mass celebrated at the Archdiocese church of St. Eustathios and then, at the Australian War Memorial, watched the parade of Greek schools and associations.
With the Prime Minister of the State of Victoria, Denis Napthine, and thousands of Greek Australians in attendance, Mr. Gerontopoulos laid a wreath at the Australian city’s War Memorial and then delivered the day’s panegyric. Among other things, he stressed that “the Revolution of 1821 was the most important event of its time and, at the same time, is a great challenge for Greeks today, because it showed that the struggle and powerful will of a people can change their historical destiny. Free today, thanks to the sacrifices of our forebears, we are now struggling to overcome other challenges.
“But we must sustain our historical memory and pay appropriate tribute, honoring those we should. And you, the Greeks of the Diaspora, know this better than anyone, as you have made abundantly clear, once again, with today’s parade here in Melbourne, as well as with your sensitivity and your love for our homeland. You make us proud with your presence, your accomplishments in all walks of life, and you are the best advertisement for Greece here in this distant, friendly country of Australia.”
Subsequently, Mr. Gerontopoulos visited the 15-storey building – currently under construction – of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria. He met with the Community board, was briefed on the whole project, and thanked them for everything they have done throughout the years for the Greek community they serve. He then met with the boards of the Greek Australian Council and the Pan-Macedonian association, at the latter’s offices, where he heard their requests, discussed the problems they are facing, and expressed the homeland’s gratitude for the work they carry out for Hellenism. Finally, Mr. Gerontopoulos met with the Pan-Thracian Union of Melbourne.
On Monday, 24 March, Mr. Gerontopoulos will meet with Bishop Ezekiel of Dervis and visit the Greek community school, Alphington Grammar. He will then meet at the State Parliament with Greek Australian State MPs, after which he will visit the Hellenic Museum and meet with the board of Melbourne’s Greek-Australian Chamber of Commerce.
March 23, 2014