THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN VEMA

Transcription

1 THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN VEMA The oldest circulating Greek newspaper outside Greece OCTOBER 2011 Tel. (02) Fax: (02) Media s impact on our children: CYBERBULLYING PAGE 5/23 NEW ATTACKS ON COPTIC CHRISTIANS CAIRO RIOTS Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis conducts his first ordination PAGE 2/20 A SETBACK The Australian Government has called for calm in Egypt and for religious freedoms to be respected after 25 people died in riots. In a joint release by Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd, the pair expressed their deep concern over the violence and sent their condolences to those affected. The government calls for calm and for clear respect for religious freedoms, human rights and the rule of law, the statement reads. As Egypt s historical transition to democracy continues, now more than ever is a critical time for peace and stability. PAGE 3/21 Sydney voted world s No. 1 city Sydney has beaten Paris and New York to be voted the world s number one city by readers of a luxury travel magazine. PAGE 3/21 2nd EPISCOPAL Enthronement of new Abbot of Holy Pantanassa Monastery by His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos PAGE 9/27 ASSEMBLY OF OCEANIA The members of the 2nd Episcopal Assembly of all canonical Orthodox Bishops of Oceania welcomed once again the opportunity to meet in Sydney from October 16-17, 2011, under the chairmanship ex officio of His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos of Australia. The Assembly commenced with prayer at the central offices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, Redfern. PAGE 4/22

2 2/20 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA OCTOBER 2011 Greek Orthodox Australian Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis On Sunday 9th October and with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, His ordained Deacon Peter Mavrommatis to the Holy Priesthood, at the Parish of St Stylianos, Gymea. Concelebrating with His Grace in the Divine Liturgy were Fr Constantine Varipatis and Fr (Dr) George Liangas. Especially noteworthy was the fact that all the celebrants were graduates or students of St Andrew s Theological College, as were many of Theological College in the life of the Church. In his address, His Grace Bishop Iakovos referred to Deacon Peter s service thus far as a teacher at Saint Spyridon College, emphasising that the Priest must teach through word and deed. In attendance was the Principal, Mrs Stefanou and many staff members and students of Saint Spyridon College, who together with many faithful from around Sydney gathered to pray and support the Parish s sponsorship of missionary work in Africa. We pray that God grants many years to His Grace Bishop Iakovos who was consecrated in February of this year, and that He blesses the newly ordained Father Peter as he begins his new ministry. May they always be worthy! May the founder and inspiration of the College, His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, and all those who teach or are associated with the College, continue to enjoy the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Fundraising for Africa at St Stylianos Parish, Gymea, Sydney On Sunday 9th October the Parish of St Stylianos had the blessing of not but also its 9th annual fundraiser for Africa, and especially, St Clements School in Kenya. The Parish sponsors a feeding program in St Clements where 300 children come to the School from the slums and not only receive an education, but also two meals a day, breakfast and lunch. It is this feeding program that the Parish sponsors by sending $2,500 a month, through the blessing of Archbishop Stylianos, Primate of the Greek Orthodox of Church Australia. of Australia. Eleni Vlahos, recently married to Chris Bukalan, worked in the Mission School. Firstly, let us congratulate Eleni and Chris for their Marriage! She helped inspire the feeding program. At the function Eleni spoke by presenting letters from the children who have been recipients of our funding. They all express their profound appreciation. Archbishop Stylianos of Australia blessed the fundraising lunch with his presence. Also present was the new Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis who matis and his his family. Also present were Professor Anthony and Mr Mr Theo- mmatis A great thank you to our Sponsors, Church Committee, Ladies Auxiliary and Youth for working so hard to make the day a great success. A big thank you to all who attended. We raised $24,000! This is still not enough for the year s sponsorship so if someone would like to help please contact: Fr Constantine Ph or you can make a direct deposit to Beirut Hellenic Bank: Parish of Sutherland Kenya - Africa A/C, BSB , A/C no: Let us keep the children of Africa in our prayers and continue our small but willing contribution.

3 OCTOBER 2011 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 3/21 Editorial Funerals have been held for victims of Egypt s deadly sectarian violence, as military rulers ordered a speedy probe into the clashes which killed 25 people, mostly Coptic Christians. Thousands of people attended a service at the Copt cathedral in Cairo late on Monday (October 11) for the funerals of 17 demonstrators. Live television showed the coffins being brought in a procession from the Copt hospital in downtown Cairo where autopsies were carried out. The coffins, each bearing the victim s name and flowers arranged in a cross, were lined up in the cathedral for the funeral service before being taken out for burial. Both the ruling military council and the cabinet held crisis talks on Monday, a day after the clashes in Cairo left 25 dead and more than 300 people injured, according to health ministry figures. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) tasked the government with quickly forming a fact-finding committee to determine what happened, in a statement read on state television on Monday as world leaders urged restraint. It called for all measures against all those proven to have been involved, either directly or by incitement. The SCAF, which took power when president Hosni Mubarak was ousted in February, stressed it continues to bear national responsibility to protect the people until it hands over to an elected civilian authority. White House spokesman Jay Carney said US President Barack Obama was deeply concerned about the violence. Now is a time for restraint on all sides so that Egyptians can move forward together to forge a strong and united Egypt, he said. As the Egyptian people shape their future, the United States continues to believe that the rights of minorities - including Copts - must be respected, and that all people have the universal rights of peaceful protest and religious freedom. These tragic events should not stand in the way of timely elections and a continued transition to democracy that is peaceful, just and inclusive. A deeply saddened UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon urged the Egyptian military authorities to defend all faiths in the country. The Congregation for Eastern Churches at the Vatican slammed the senseless violence, with Cardinal Cairo riots a setback Leonardo Sandri telling Vatican Radio he hoped it would not lead as well to a climate of precariousness and difficulty for Copts. Egyptian military prosecutors began questioning 25 people accused of involvement in the clashes, state news agency MENA reported, after a security official said 40 were arrested overnight. Copts had been protesting against an attack earlier this month on a church in the southern city of Aswan when the violence erupted. Egypt s Coptic Orthodox Church led by Pope Shenuda III accused infiltrators of triggering the street battle on the Nile waterfront. The Christian faith denounces violence. Strangers infiltrated the demonstration and committed the crimes for which the Copts have been blamed, a Church statement said after Shenuda met 70 Church leaders. Copts have suffered repeated problems without accountability for the aggressors, it said, calling on authorities to solve the root causes of the problems. European leaders in Luxembourg expressed alarm at the Cairo clashes. It is very important that the Egyptian authorities reaffirm the freedom of worship, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said. We can only call on the Egyptian government to get to the bottom of these incidents as soon as possible and bring those responsible to justice, Chancellor Angela Merkel s spokesman Steffen Seibert told journalists. A curfew was imposed overnight Sunday-Monday in parts of the Egyptian capital. In a late-night address, Prime Minister Essam Sharaf appealed to Egyptians not to give in to sedition and warned the country was in danger. At least five of the dead were mown down by a speeding army vehicle which swerved to hit protesters, a Coptic priest said. The grand imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Tayyeb, the Sunni religious head, called for crisis talks between Muslim and Christian leaders in a bid to contain the crisis, state television said. Some commentators warned of civil religious strife, but others said the clashes were fuelled not only by sectarian strife but also by anger towards the security services and the military council which succeeded Mubarak. Government-backed provocation was also blamed. Users of social networking sites such as Twitter said the initial clashes outside the state television building on the Nile were provoked by thugs at the scene, while the broadcaster was accused of fanning anti-coptic sentiment. Copts complain of systematic discrimination, but since Mubarak s fall, tensions have also mounted between the military - initially hailed for not siding with Mubarak - and groups which spearheaded the revolt. Australia calls for calm The federal government has called for calm in Egypt and for religious freedoms to be respected after 25 people died in riots. In a joint release by Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd, the pair expressed their deep concern over the violence and sent their condolences to those affected. The government calls for calm and for clear respect for religious freedoms, human rights and the rule of law, the statement reads. As Egypt s historical transition to democracy continues, now more than ever is a critical time for peace and stability. KATHIMERINI Sydney voted No.1 city in The Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards Sydney has beaten Paris and New York to be voted the world s number one city by readers of a luxury travel magazine. The Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards, held recently in New York, voted the harbour city their favourite spot. New South Wales Tourism Minister George Souris said it was the second major international award for Sydney, which was named the world s best festival and major events city by the International Festival and Events Association last week. Winning this latest award demonstrates Sydney s position as a world leading destination and the gateway to Australia, Mr Souris said. It s a vote of confidence not by travel writers or agents, but by ordinary travellers. By definition, this makes us Australia s leading tourism and events city and will help the Government in its quest to restore NSW to its position as the nations premiere state. More than eight million votes were cast in the awards with readers rating cities according to ambience, friendliness, lodging, restaurants, culture, sight-seeing and shopping. The readers of Conde Nast Traveler gave Sydney a score of 85.1, ahead of the next highest scoring city, Florence at 85. Conde Nast Traveler readers are mostly based in North America. Sydney came out top with Conde Nast Traveler reader s in the best city category. Picture: Tourism New South Wales Source: The Australian

4 4/22 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA OCTOBER nd Episcopal Assembly of Oceania COMMUNIQUE The members of the 2nd Episcopal Assembly of all canonical Orthodox Bishops of Oceania welcomed once again the opportunity to meet in Sydney from October 16-17, 2011, under the chairmanship ex officio of His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos of Australia. The Assembly commenced with prayer at the central offices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, Redfern. Present were: His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos (Ecumenical Patriarchate - Australia), His Eminence Metropolitan Paul (Antiochian Patriarchate),His Grace Bishop Irinej (Serbian Church), His Grace Bishop Mihail (Romanian Church), His Eminence Metropolitan Amphilochios (Ecumenical Patriarchate - New Zealand), His Grace Bishop Ezekiel (Assistant Bishop), His Grace Bishop Seraphim (Assistant Bishop), His Grace Bishop Nikandros (Assistant Bishop), His Grace Bishop Iakovos (Assistant Bishop), the Very Rev. Father Michael Protopopov (representing His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of the Russian Orthodox Church, who read a letter of greeting from His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion) and Rev. Father Michael Smolynec (representing His Eminence Archbishop Ioan of Parnassou of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the Diaspora). The Assembly received a Report on the draft Act of Parliament for the recognition of all canonical Orthodox Churches in New Zealand, and specifically with regard to the registration of Marriage Celebrants. Another Report was received from the Committee on Campus Ministry, which met under the co-chairmanship of His Grace Bishop Irinej and His Grace Bishop Ezekiel, the primary focus of which was to develop Orthodox Chaplaincy in tertiary educational institutions. The Assembly confirmed the proposal of the Committee to appoint His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis to Chair the Committee. The Assembly reaffirms its unity in our Lord Jesus Christ, and in brotherly love, committing ourselves to work together for the good of the holy Orthodox Church and its children in Australia and throughout Oceania. The Bishops continued the work of the first Assembly, held in Sydney in October last year, and heard the Reports of the respective Committees. It was unanimously agreed: 1. To arrange an annual Synaxis meeting of Clergy of all canonical jurisdictions for the purpose of forming brotherly relations and to have collaboration in carrying out the decisions of the Assembly on a local level; 2. To launch an official website of the Assembly that will inform our faithful of its work and provide a source of information, that would include a catalogue of canonical Clergy and thereby knowledge of schismatic groups; 3. To seek legal opinion with regard to the suggested promulgation of a Statute for the Episcopal Assembly of Oceania; 4. To organise a common celebration to mark the 1,700 th anniversary of the Edict of Milan in 2013; 5. To respond formally to the Healthcare Chaplaincy Council of Victoria affirming the position of the canonical Churches in relation to Hospital Chaplaincy, without ignoring the pastoral dimension of ministering to all infirm Orthodox, irrespective of national backgrounds; and 6. To bring together prominent Orthodox theologians, medical doctors, psychologists, ethicists, legal and public policy experts to enable the Hierarchs of Oceania to issue responsible joint statements with regard to the ethical dimensions of proposed Government legislation.

5 OCTOBER 2011 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 5/23 2ND EPISCOPAL ASSEMBLY OF OCEANIA ADDRESS OF ARCHBISHOP STYLIANOS Your Eminences and Your Graces, beloved Brothers in the Lord, Just prior to the commencement of our 2 nd Episcopal Assembly, we (the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Oceania region) were obliged for technical reasons to avoid the otherwise customary Hierarchical Concelebration, so that we can concentrate our attention mainly on the theological proceedings of the Assembly which, in any case, open and close each time with brief petitions and prayers, in the spirit always of our Eucharistic Unity with one another. Allow me, then, dear Brothers, to welcome you all wholeheartedly once again to the see of our Holy Archdiocese of Australia in Sydney, and indeed in the name of His All Holiness our Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, on behalf of my humble person, joined by Their Graces, my four Assistant Bishops, other reverend Clergy, the Monastic Brotherhoods and Sisterhoods around Australia, together with all the faithful. It is obvious and self-evident to each of us that we need to recall in our memory all that we had stated last year by way of introduction, regarding the thorny problem of the Orthodox Diaspora which, instead of presenting improved brotherly relations between us over time, unfortunately appears to become even thornier, and this because the 4 th Pre-Synodical Pan- Orthodox Meeting did not properly appreciate from the outset the extensive Pastoral experience of the spiritual Shepherds who honorably make every effort in each region of the Diaspora. Consequently, for the sake of truth, but also on account of the brotherly love that is due to each of you, I must observe that at least those vital ecclesiological remarks that I had submitted to the Venerable Centre in Phanar (concerning the mission of the Episcopal Assemblies and their Regulations), were indeed read in the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate and conveyed via the appropriate Synodical Committee to the 4 th Pre-Synodical Pan- Orthodox Meeting for the purpose of further evaluation and utilization, but we have heard nothing about this since then. In this way, we have all remained within the atmosphere of a well-intentioned optimism and, at the same time, we have been exposed to the dangers of a peculiar and unnecessary activism, to the point unfortunately of witnessing, often through the events themselves, that the self-evident honesty and support between Brothers in Christ of the same Orthodox Faith is cast into doubt. Yet, how would it be possible for the temptations and scandals of Nationalism not to arise in the unprotected realm of the Diaspora which is without ballast in general? Although we all boast that it has been condemned synodically from long ago, we see in practice that this accursed disease is raging even in the heartlands of senior Autocephalous Churches. For these reasons precisely, I hope and trust that each of us, taking into account the enormous responsibilities involved, will make every effort to avoid thoughts and actions which are not only capable of depriving us of the warmth of the brotherly love between us, but also of giving a completely mistaken image of our common Holy Mother, Orthodoxy, in the broader Diaspora. With the certainty that the other Brother participants in our Assembly will always be bearers - in spite of any difficulties - of the truly obligatory brotherly and peaceful disposition, I call for and await the same honesty from each of us, so that we may hope that God of the heavenly Powers and Mercy will crown our every honest endeavor with success accordingly. [translation from the original Greek DK]

6 6/24 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA OCTOBER 2011 LETTER FROM MAROUBRA Letter from Maroubra An umbrella, a liturgy book and don t sit near the front It was the Sunday morning when daylight saving was introduced, a wet and windy day most unlike springtime and it was school holidays to boot. No wonder I was able to find a parking spot so close to church; three spaces from the main road. The church was not packed that morning. My son made his way to the Sunday School and I climbed the stairs of the church, my umbrella buffeted by the wind. As I made it to cover, I looked at the notice board. Even the number of names for the memorial service was reduced this Sunday. I cannot remember how many, maybe, just seven. I think the record one Sunday was 31! On that day there might have even been a point in the matins when there were more kolyva than churchgoers. Like the lady in front of me, I scanned the list of names and there was no-one that I knew. I nodded to the faithful epitropoi, lit my candle, and placed my umbrella in the corner. I no longer leave it outside as on two occasions some churchgoers have left me umbrella-less. I kissed the holy icons and entered just as the doxology had started. Well, anyway, this Sunday it was easy to find my regular spot. It s funny isn t it how we all have our regular spots? I first noticed this phenomenon with my students at university - for instance, take a photo of where they are sitting in the first class and then come back for the last class of the semester and pretty much they will be in the same places. Maybe it says a bit about how insecure humans are deep down; and how we are creatures of habit. Around me were all the regulars. Some nod or smile in acknowledgement, respecting the presence of another soul. There are some pretty faithful people in that congregation - dare I say, earthly angels. I tend to sit about half-way and in the middle of the row, even when there are spaces toward the front. This is because those who have come for the memorial services like to sit in the front few rows and there is always too much commotion on the sides. Also of late I have also noted that those who sit towards the front half seem to die a lot sooner than those who sit further back. Sure it s because they are older - but I do not feel like taking a chance right now. I bring along a Liturgy book because it gives me a focus. It really helps one to concentrate and pray. It s quite easy to follow the service and fortunately the Greek- English versions have been around since 1959 in Australia. You probably know, that of late, we have our own Australian edition. I m not sure why more don t use one and then complain that they do not understand. I think I have a fairly good idea why many attend on Sunday and my guess is that sometimes it is for the wrong reasons. Anyway no matter what their motivation - they are always welcome; we are all sisters and brothers travelling the same journey. But more importantly, I m not as sure why many more people don t attend. I know their stated reasons but on closer examination these do not stack up. Don t they realise that it is really a great privilege? It is not an imposition. We are able to enter the house of God. We re-enact the life of Christ. We pray for some of the most desirable things in life. We listen to the most wonderful hymns one could ever hope to hear. There is a reading from the Scripture. There is always one valuable word of advice in the kerygma. For an hour or so one has the chance to be with oneself without interruption but also to pray with others. We may partake in the sacrament of Holy Communion if suitably prepared or receive the antidoron. Many people go to great expense and trouble to witness dramatic performances and cultural events. Yet here, before your very eyes, you can see and be part of the greatest drama of all time. You are not a mere spectator. Of course, it is not the coming to church that automatically makes one a better person. But it is a public declaration of faith and an expression of one s commitment to be a better person. It is not possible to be part of the Christian community and not participate in the Divine Liturgy (health excepted and for other valid reasons). I know that you are busy and do not have much time for reading but may I recommend a book for a layperson that I have heard others speak about highly and just recently ordered for myself - it is: Experiences During the Divine Liturgy (Protopresbyter Stephanos K. Anagnostopoulos). It describes some astounding occurrences during the Divine Liturgy. These are actual events and experiences of holy priests, monks and lay people of our times. The Greek edition of this book is now available in English. It has taken me the best part of a lifetime to realise the value of this treasure that our faith provides. It is not about going to church but more about what Ecumenical Patriarch Batholomew outlined during the Divine Liturgy on the feast of St Andrew in November 2006: We are convinced that during this Divine Liturgy, we have once again been transferred spiritually in three directions: toward the kingdom of heaven where the angels celebrate; toward the celebration of the liturgy through the centuries; and toward the heavenly kingdom to come. Now that I am getting older, my sincerest wish - like St Symeon - is to spend as much time as possible in such worship, to see the glory of the Lord, and my friend, I would urge you to act now, before it is too late. So next Sunday, before the bell tolls - awaken your heart; put on your Sunday best. Be yourself for once - not what the world wants you to be. Climb the stairs and leave your problems behind; light your candle and become part of the most wonderful event one can imagine. Encounter the divine. Join this Christian community; feel truly human; say a kalimera to others and recharge your batteries for the coming week. A word or two of advice, however; remember to buy a liturgy book, don t forget to leave your umbrella in the corner and don t ever sit too far towards the front! letterfrommaroubra@gmail.com The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the VEMA or St Andrew s Greek Orthodox Theological College Mycenaean tomb discovered Findings unearthed by archaeologists in the southern half of the Ionian islet of Meganissi, southeast of the holiday island of Lefkada, are of major scientific, historical and cultural value. Excavations in the region of Kefali over the past two years brought to light an untouched Mycenaeanera tomb. According to reports, there is evidence that archaeologists have in fact discovered a complex of Mycenaean tombs. The Teleboans island complex, where Meganissi belongs, are the remnants of a larger peninsula that existed in pre-classical antiquity, according to archaeologists. The area where the excavations are taking place belongs to a British company, the majority shares of which are owned by banker Lord Rothschild. (AMNA) Social media users in Greece exceed 1.5 million, survey shows More than one in ten Greeks is an active user of social media such as Facebook or Twitter, according to a survey unveiled by the firm InNews SA. According to this, there are 1.5 million active Facebook users - out of a population of just under 11 million based on a 2011 census. Another 340,000 are active users of Youtube while roughly 85,000 have Twitter accounts. The figures were based on measurements conducted in the second and third trimester of 2011, using a special platform (Intelligent Social Network Platform) that allows InNews to monitor and analyse the freely available information posted by Greeks on social network sites. Active users are considered those who post information or comments and allow open access to at least part of their account. The survey showed that Greek Twitter users are the most active and post roughly 180,000 tweets a day, or more than two posts a day per user. On other networks, users post comments or information about once a week. Specifically, Greek Facebook users post 240,000 status updates and comments a day, while there are 50,000 daily comments and videos by Youtube users.

7 OCTOBER 2011 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 7/25 Growing up fast and furious Media s impact on our children: Cyberbullying By Fr George Liangas Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist School Chaplain, All Saints Grammar, Sydney While bullying is nothing new, when it takes place in the digital world, it s like public humiliation on steroids. Liz Perle, parent of a 17- and 19-year-old 1 Cyberbullying (or online bullying) is using modern communication technology to deliberately and repeatedly harass, humiliate, embarrass, torment, threaten, pick on or intimidate someone 2. Cyberbullying has become a major problem for young people. Somewhere between 15% and 35% of teens report being bullied online and 10-20% admit to bullying others 3. In one study, 23% of children who used a mobile phone have reported receiving a threatening or abusive text, and 14% reported sending one. Cyberbullying can take many forms, including: Sending unwanted or threatening , or encouraging others to do the same. Spreading rumours. Making slanderous, abusive or embarrassing comments about the victim in public discussion areas. Impersonating the victim online by sending a rude message that offends others, who then retaliate to the victim. Harassing the victim during a live chat. Sending the victim pornography or other offensive material. Creating a Web page that depicts the victim in negative ways. Being a victim of cyberbullying can affect young people s grades at school, their school attendance, their self-esteem or confidence, and may contribute to a deep sense of loneliness or to mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Cyberbullying can be more severe than traditional bullying, for the following reasons: It occurs in the child s home. The place the child or adolescent often sees as secure is now a place of being a victim. It can be harsher and more threatening when the bully is anonymous, and it may be harder for the bully to be caught. Many young people may be involved in a cyberbullying scenario. It can be far reaching in that once posted on a website it is forever in cyberspace. It may seem inescapable since being online is one of the major places children and adolescents socialise. Parents can help their children to avoid cyberbullying by: Discussing cyberbullying with their child when they first start to use the internet or mobile phone. They can discuss how cyberbullying happens, its consequence, and that it s best never to spread or reply to the bullying material. Discussing the need to be careful with adding any person to a messaging friend list, as someone can use personal information to bully them. Teaching children not to give out passwords to friends. A password gives other people the power to pose as the child online. Teaching children to think before posting. Young people who post personal information online can attract unwanted attention, negative comments of ridicule. Cyberbullying can be hard to spot because young people who are bullied do not want to tell the parents or teachers, feeling ashamed or fearing that they are going to get in trouble. Any worrying change in the young person s behaviour, especially when it involves the computer or internet, may be a sign of cyberbullying. For young people affected, these six steps are a good way for them to G.E.T. R.I.D. of the bully 2 : 1. Go block or delete the person engaging in cyberbullying. Blocking from friend lists helps stop the person engaging in cyberbullying from posting or uploading offensive content about your child. If it s a text message or call, you can call the service provider and have the calls/texts monitored. If necessary, the service provider can even contact the sender, since mobile phone holders breech their contract if they use their phone to bully. If necessary, you can change the phone number. 2. Ensure you keep evidence of bullying. Save and print out any bullying messages. 3. Tell someone. Sharing feelings with a parent, older sibling, relative, teacher or close friend will help keep your child from feeling isolated. 4. Report abuse. Reporting bullying to web administrators is usually as easy as clicking on a report abuse link on a website. The website will remove the offensive content. There could also be consequences for the person engaging in bullying. If your child has been threatened, he should also report it to the local police. 5. Ignore bullying behaviour. This means not responding aggressively to taunts. It s OK for your child to tell the person engaging in bullying to stop, but they shouldn t try to fight fire with fire. 6. Delete the bullying message (after saving a copy), and don t forward via text or send chat logs to others. It is important to be supportive of the child being bullied. Encourage a conversation about it, avoid being critical, and stay calm. 1. Perle, Liz. Bullying is everybody s business. Accessed September 27, Raising Children Network. Cyberbullying. net.au/entertainment_technology/pre-teens_entertainment.html. Accessed September 27, Donnerstein, E. The internet as fast and furious content. In: Australian Council on Children and the Media. Conference: Growing up fast and furious, March , Sydney. Multicultural Health Week celebrated in Sydney On Thursday 8 September Community groups united at Yagoona Senior Citizen s Centre for a free public event to celebrate Multicultural Health Week (5th-12th September 2011). Highlighting the importance of NSW Health Services providing equitable access to information and resources, the event attracted culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities from across NSW. Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Greek and Vietnamese communities along with members from the Turkish, Serbian, Bosnian, Croatian and Korean communities participated in the event. The open day was launched by Rev. Harry Herbert, Chairperson of the Responsible Gambling Fund Trustees, who welcomed the audience and spoke about the range of Gambling Help materials available within the community. This was followed by a presentation from Pino Migliorino, Chair of the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia (FECCA), who talked about promoting good mental and physical health and discussed some of the risks to health, family and community. A representative from the six CALD organisations briefly introduced their services to the public and handed out resources and promotional materials. The successful community event showcased performances of traditional dance and music which included Vietnamese and Chinese dancers, singers and musicians from the Italian and Turkish communities, Greek singers and an accordionist and a traditional Arabic drummer. Following the performances there was a sausage sizzle and healthy salads provided for lunch. The day was full of energy sparked by both the performers and the audience who helped to make it a success. More than 41% of callers to the Gambling Helpline ( ) speak a language other than English which highlights a community need for resources to be available in a variety of languages. Many CALD communities suffer significant problems from gambling or are at risk of developing problems including financial distress, relationship issues and family breakdown, as well as physical and mental health problem such as sleeplessness, anxiety, depression and suicide. The Responsible Gambling Fund provides more than $1.28 million for gambling counselling, research, education and awareness programs within the CALD communities.

8 8/26 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA OCTOBER 2011 HELLENICREPUBLIC MINISTRYOFEDUCATION LIFELONGLEARNINGANDRELIGIOUSAFFAIRS STATESCHOLARSHIPSFOUNDATION (...) DIRECTORATEOFSPECIALPROGRAMMES FORINTERNATIONALSCHOLARSHIPS UNITFORFOREIGNERS Address:Makri1&D.Areopagitou, 11742Athens,Greece Website: ANNOUNCEMENT SCHOLARSHIPSOFFEREDTOFOREIGNERS TOATTENDCOURSESANDSEMINARSINGREECE INTHEMODERNGREEKLANGUAGEANDCULTURE (20thProgramme, ) The State Scholarships Foundation (...) announces that it will offer up to sixty (60) scholarshipstoforeigners(orforeignnationalsofgreekdescent)fromcountriesworldwidein ordertoattendcoursesandseminarsinthemoderngreeklanguageandculture. REQUIREMENTSFORELIGIBILITY Applicantsmust: 1. BenationalsofanycountryoftheworldexceptGreece. 2. Hold a graduate degree from a foreign University in Humanities, Social and Political Sciences.EligibletoapplyarealsouniversitygraduateswhoteachtheGreekasaforeign language. 3. Notexceedthefortieth(40 th )yearofage(dateofbirthafter1971). 4. HaveatleastabasicknowledgeoftheGreeklanguage. Applicantsmustmeettheaboverequirementsbytheapplicationdeadline. DOCUMENTSTOBESUBMITTED 1. Anapplicationformwith(onerecentphotograph ifany). 2. Acurriculumvitae. 3. CertifiedcopiesofUniversityDiplomas Degrees. 4. CertificatesindicatingtheknowledgeofGreekandEnglishorFrenchlanguage. 5. Two(2)lettersofreference. 6. AwrittenevidenceofemploymentasateacherofGreek,ifany. 7. Abirthcertificate. 8. Arecenthealthcertificatebyastatehospital. 9. Acopyofthepassport/identitycard(whereapplicable). ApplicantsshouldsubmittheirapplicationformandtheirCVviaourelectronicapplication system( reason the electronic submission is not possible, then the application form with all documentation requested will be submitted through the Greek Diplomatic Authorities or by post. All the documentation submitted must be written or translated into Greek, English or French. In addition, documents numbered 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9 must be certified by the Greek DiplomaticAuthorities(theGreekEmbassyorConsulate)onlyincaseswherethecandidate s state of origin is not a member of the Hague Convention (Apostille) of 5 October 1961 abolishingtherequirementoflegalisationforforeignpublicdocuments. Applicantsmustsubmitonlycertifiedcopiesoftheoriginaldocumentsasthesewillnotbe returned. Incomplete, inaccurate or illegible application files will not be taken into consideration. ApplicantswhoareorhavebeenonascholarshipbytheI.K.Y.willbeexcludedfromthe programme. ApplicationsbyundergraduateswhohavenotyetobtainedtheirUniversitydegreewillnot beconsidered. APPLICATIONDEADLINE The electronic application deadline is 15 November The remaining documentation requiredhastobesentby30november2011bypost. ApplicantswillbenotifiedoftheoutcomeinlateDecember2011. DURATIONOFTHESCHOLARSHIP Thedurationofthisscholarshipisfive(5)monthsandisofferedonlyforaspecialcoursein the Modern Greek Language and Culture organized mainly at one of the following Greek Universities:AthensUniversity,ThessalonikiUniversity,IoanninnaUniversity,PatrasUniversity, CreteUniversity.TheUniversity,whichwillholdthiscourse,willbedecidedbytheI.K.Yafter theselectionprocess. Thecoursesstarton9 th January2012andendon8 th June2012. After completion oftheprogrammeofstudiesthegreekuniversitywillprovidestudents withacertificateofattendance. FINANCIALSUPPORT Thescholarshipcoversthefollowing: a.freemealsandaccommodation(inuniversityresidenceorinpurposebuiltflatsprovided bytheuniversitywhichwillundertaketheprogramme). b.tuitionfeesandotherrelevantcosts. c.freemedicalcare(underthenationalhealthservice)incaseofemergency. d.amonthlyallowanceof 150,00(netamount)forpersonalexpenses. e. 200,00forinitialexpenses. OBLIGATIONSOFTHESCHOLARS Scholarshipholdersmustregularlyattendthecoursesandparticipateinallactivitiesofthe programmeofstudies. Athens,29/09/2011 Enthronement ceremony at Pantanassa Monastery By James Cowan The new Abbot addresses His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos The recent enthronement of Geronta Abbot Eusebius by His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos as the second abbot of Pantanassa Monastery at Mangrove Mountain is the culmination of a vital and important monastic impetus in Australia. Once again the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese has planted its ascetical feet firmly in the soil of this country. Numerous members of the clergy, together with laypersons who have supported the vision of Father Stephanos these many years, attended the ceremony, held after Vespers in the catholicon of the monastery. They gathered to honour the old and the new abbot in their quest to celebrate the importance of the ascetical life in Australia in a way that does justice to its inheritance, derived as it is from such places as Mount Athos, Meteora and Patmos. Geronta (Elder) Stefanos vision has finally been realized. During Vespers, and the subsequent enthronement of Geronta Abbot Eusebius, the chapel was filled with the chanting of monks and priests. For those who observed the event it became evident how moving this moment really was. Men of faith had gathered to partake of an ancient ritual that ensured the continuity of a rich and enduring tradition. This tradition, many felt, was now safely implanted on Australian soil at last. Pantanassa Monastery is alight and in competent hands. The new energy displayed by Father Eusebius and his fellow monks will take the monastic life into the future. The baton has been passed to a new generation. For those who have followed this journey of thebirth of a monastery, however, there will always be the memory of the struggle and the miracle of realization. All the Orthodox faithful of Australia will wish the monastery well in its great undertaking. It is hoped that thespirit of the Queen of Heaven, our holy Pantanassa, will spread throughout the land in the years to come, bestowing her blessings upon us all.

9 OCTOBER 2011 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 9/27 ENTHRONEMENT OF NEW ABBOT OF THE HOLY MONASTERY PANTANASSA BY HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP STYLIANOS In a contrite and spiritually moving atmosphere, in the catholicon of Pantanassa Monastery at Mangrove Creek, NSW, on 17 September 2011, His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos officiated at Vespers and then formally enthroned the newly-elected Abbot of Pantanassa Monastery, Geronta Eusebios, in the presence of His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, the Former-Abbot Elder Fr Stephanos, reverend Clergy, monastic fathers and many faithful. Upon arrival of His Eminence to Pantanassa Monastery, the new monastic complex and the nearby mountains were filled with the ringing of bells, as if angels were heralding the good news. Soon the semi-complete Pantanassa catholicon was filled with beautiful byzantine chanting accompanied by wavering candles and the smell of incense which added the sense of a calm yet emotive atmosphere as the church slowly immersed itself in an evening darkness, further highlighting the light of the flickering oil lamps. The newly-elected Abbot, Geronta Eusebios, was led by two monastic fathers before the icon of our Lady Pantanassa where he prostrated before her icon and was then led by the Former-Abbot, Geronta Stephanos and the visiting Archimandrite, Abbot Silouan, of the Monastery of St Nektarios, South Australia, before His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos who movingly read the prayers for the Enthronement service. His Eminence then addressed the newly-enthroned Abbot and all those present with the following moving words (which are translated here from the Greek for the benefit of our readers): Very Reverend Abbot Eusebios, Archimandrite of this Holy Monastery of Panagia Pantanassa, Very Reverend Former-Abbot, Geronta Stephanos, founder of this most venerable Monastery, Reverend fellow presbyters, brothers in Christ, Tonight God has deemed us worthy to live a most striking scene. No one knew, when the Former-Abbot and the new Abbot bowed before each other, who was seeking or who was giving the blessing! In the presence of His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, our first Australian-born Bishop, a graduate of our Theological College as well as my beloved former student and deacon, God deemed us worthy, in the p- resence of many members of the Greek Orthodox Christian Society and other faithful, to witness this magnificent enthronement, which I should call holy, because this soul-stirring day is full of meaning and symbolism. Firstly, the Abbot s name, Eusebios, denotes a state of piety and godliness. An Orthodox who is not pious cannot be Orthodox. Also the Former-Abbot s name, once called Stamatis, changed to Stephanos. And in this he is first. That is, he had taken the name of the first Deacon and first Martyr of the Christian Faith. I lived very closely with geronta Stephanos for so many years when he was the Administrator - Vicar General of our Archdiocese and he is in my heart an invaluable co-worker and a very dear friend. Tonight we have witnessed both of them exchanging blessings, the one kneeling before the other, the one bowing and paying honour and respect to the other, showing gratitude for what he has received and for all the blessings given to the people of God. I will never forget a phrase the Former-Abbot Stephanos said to me when we were discussing the upcoming enthronement. He has the charisma of exact speech. With one word he gives you a whole lesson. I asked him When did your enthronement take place? And his response was, to be enthroned as what? And to be enthroned where? God has given us everything in one go. What can I say for what has happened! I look at Eusebios and say, God has sent us a registered letter. How could I possibly expect anything more! I praise Above: His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, venerates the Gospel presented by newly elected Abbot Geronta Eusebios. Below: From the Enthronement service God and feel ever grateful to Him. So, both myself and Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, and all the faithful spiritual brothers present, also feel grateful to God, who has made it possible for us to live these unforgettable days. I pray that God sustain and support all of you, especially this Holy Monastery of Panagia Pantanassa, and that our Lady Pantanassa will remain forever our hope, our prayer and our intercessor. So far, we have not mentioned what the Church celebrates today - that is, the feast of St Sophia and her three daughters,faith, Hope and Love. I will not repeat what I have said many times before regarding the feast of these Saints - as I hope that the qualities they represent will never disappear from our Greek Orthodox community, and our sorely - tormented contemporary world. Amen. The new Abbot, Geronta Eusebios, immediately expressed his deep gratitude towards His Eminence with the following address: Your Eminence and beloved father, At this moment I feel deeply moved and with all my heart I turn with gratitude towards our Great and Most- Merciful Lord, who despite my unworthiness, has appointed me through your blessed and honoured hands, Abbot of this small flock of the Holy Monastery of Panagia Pantanassa. Therefore, Your Eminence I turn to you at this moment to thank you with all my heart and feelings of indebtedness, as it was Your Eminence who not only admitted me to the monastic life with the recommendation of our Geronda, but also to the two degrees ofpriesthood, as a deacon and priest, and generally to the life of our Church. I wish to thank you also for the fatherly love with which you have embraced our small brotherhood and especially the love extended toward our most respected Geronda, Archimandrite Stephanos, Former- Abbot and founder of our monastery. Your Eminence, I feel a holy obligation at this moment to express my deepest gratitude toward my venerable Geronda, who gave birth to me spiritually and my comonastic brothers, and who as a loving father has nourished us with the milk of faith and lovetowards God but also with love towards the monastic life, becoming a model of monastic life, spiritual life and sanctification. I thank the Lord for my brothers whom He deemed me worthy to have, who for me constitute a great support in my spiritual life as well as for all the issues of the monastery. Especially I thank them for the trust which they have extended towards my unworthy self, by expressing their canonical desire for me to stand here before you today at this holy moment. Pray that I appear worthy of their trust. Your Eminence, at this blessed hour, I humbly ask for your hierarchical prayers and for the prayers of our most respected Geronda, Former-Abbot, Archimandrite Stephanos. Lastly, pray that the all-powerful grace of the All-Holy Spirit have mercy on me and enable me tobring to a God-pleasing end this heavy diaconia as Abbot. Pray that I be led to sanctification, in order that those around me might also be sanctified. Pray that this Holy Monastery become a dwelling place of God and a spiritual hive for the cultivation of the honey of hesychia and for the living out of the monastic and spiritual life. Finally, pray for me, Your Eminence, Father and Master, and please pray for me, Former-Abbot and our Geronda, that God grant to me the two-fold grace just as He granted it to the Prophet Elisha when he asked for it from his Geronda, the Prophet Elijah. I humbly ask this for my progress in Christ, because when the Monastic Life and Rule is truly lived, the friends of our Monastery are edified, and so also are the faithful people of God.

10 10/28 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA OCTOBER 2011 GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA ST EUPHEMIA COLLEGE K Stacey St., Bankstown 2200 NSW PO Box 747 Bankstown 1885 NSW School Mission Statement That within a dynamic Orthodox Christian framework, a student may strive to achieve academic excellence, a love for learning, social responsibility, spiritual growth and respect for a healthy mind and body. ENROLLING NOW NOW FOR FOR KINDERGARTEN (02)

11 OCTOBER 2011 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 11/29

12 12/30 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA OCTOBER 2011 A Celebration for the Heart and Mind: Symposium on St Gregory of Nyssa By Mario Baghos Associate Teacher, Church History St Andrew s Greek Orthodox Theological College Convened by Revd Dr Doru Costache, senior lecturer in patristics at St Andrew s Greek Orthodox Theological College, Sydney, and Dr Philip Kariatlis, the college s academic secretary and lecturer in theology, this year s patristic symposium on St Gregory of Nyssa - younger brother to St Basil the Great and celebrated mystical theologian in the Churches of both East and West - was a tremendous success. Officially opened by His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos of Australia and college dean on August 31 st, the symposium lasted for five weeks. Gifted scholars from amongst both the faculty of St Andrew s and the broader academic community were given the opportunity to contribute fresh insights into Nyssen s thought and legacy. Indeed, for the third year in a row, St Andrew s patristic symposium has demonstrated just how relevant the key figures of the Christian faith - saints of the Orthodox tradition - continue to be for both contemporary scholarship and the Christian faithful. The first night of the symposium, inaugurated by His Eminence, began with a presentation by the first keynote speaker, Dr Anna Silvas FAHA (UNE, Armidale), who has published extensively on the Cappadocians. Dr Silvas gave an insightful paper entitled: Recovering Gregory of Nyssa s Lost Letter to the Monk Philip: Threading the Way between the Greek, the Latin and the Syriac. Focusing on the reception and redaction of the letter, the paper demonstrated the remarkable consistency of the Christological formulations both in this text and within the broader framework of the Church s tradition. This was followed by the launch of Dr Philip Kariatlis long anticipated book, Church as Communion: The Gift and Goal of Koinonia, based on his doctoral dissertation. Dr Kariatlis former supervisor, Assoc. Professor Revd Gerard Kelly (Catholic Institute Sydney), highlighted the significance of the book not only for the Orthodox but for all Christians. This was followed by a heartfelt response by Dr Kariatlis, who thanked those to whom he was indebted for the work. Finally, the fruit of last year s symposium on St Gregory the Theologian, published in Phronema 26:2, was advertised and placed on display throughout the duration of the symposium. Containing articles by members of the faculty and peer reviewed by an international board of referees, this edition of Phronema is a testament to the high standard of scholarship produced by St Andrew s. On the second evening of the symposium (07/09/11), Sr Dr Margaret Beirne (senior lecturer in biblical studies, SAGOTC) gave a wonderful presentation entitled Spiritual Enrichment through Exegesis: St Gregory of Nyssa and the Scriptures. Dr Beirne aptly demonstrated the formative dimension of St Gregory s interpretation of the scriptures, which, for him, consisted of a transfiguring experience, anchored in the person of Jesus Christ, that leads us to union with God. Dr Ken Parry (Macquarie Faculty and friends at the final session, from left to right: Professor Ray Nobbs (Macquarie), Revd Dr Doru Costache, Professor Alana Nobbs (Macquarie), Dr Ken Parry (Macquarie), Sr Dr Margaret Beirne, His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, Professor Diane Speed (SCD), Dr Philip Kariatlis, Assoc. Professor Revd Gerard Kelly (CIS), Capt. Adam Couchman (Booth College), His Grace Bishop Iakovos, Revd Alan Galt and Dr Bronwen Neil (ACU). The conveners, Dr Philip Kariatlis and Revd Dr Doru Costache University) also presented on Gregory of Nyssa and the Legacy of Universal Salvation in the Christian East. Dr Parry gave an outline of the development and reception of universal salvation or apokatastasis in both East and West, touching upon related themes such as the eternity of hell and the doctrine of purgatory. He also encouraged modern Orthodox scholarship to re-address this notion, which, he suggested, has often been neglected. The symposium continued in full force for the third evening (14/09/11), with Capt. Adam Couchman s (Booth College) presentation, No Longer Slave Nor Free: The Theological Foundations of Gregory of Nyssa s Polemic Against Slavery. In this remarkable paper, Capt. Couchman deftly presented St Gregory s opposition to slavery as reflected in his Homily IV on Ecclesiastes. He then went on to demonstrate that this opposition is founded on the Christological and anthropological aspects of the saint s theology, namely, that all of humanity shares in the dignity of being created in the image of God, Jesus Christ. Capt. Couchman contended that, for St Gregory, created in God s image, human beings must strive to conform to that image by imitating Christ in the path of virtue, in light of which slavery remains an abomination. The second presenter for this evening, co-convener Dr Philip Kariatlis, offered a paper entitled Dazzling Darkness: The Mystical Theology of St Gregory of Nyssa. In this important contribution, Dr Kariatlis highlighted the nature of theology in the saint s writings - particularly the Life of Moses - as a mystagogical tool, progressing in stages commensurable to the inexhaustible encounter with God. As a holistic corrective to the scholarly overemphasis of the darkness in the mystical encounter, Dr Kariatlis employed some of St Gregory s light motifs in order to show that the ineffable experience of God can be paradoxically described as a dazzling darkness. The fourth night of the symposium (21/09/11) began with an insightful presentation by Revd Alan Galt OAM (SAGOTC) entitled What it Means to Be Human: St Gregory of Nyssa and Pastoral Ministry Today. Revd Galt drew on his personal experiences as a pastor in the Uniting Church in order to elucidate how St Gregory s teaching of life after death, expressed in terms of an apokatastasis or restoration of all things, can be of important use in contemporary pastoral ministry. This was followed by my own presentation, Apokatastasis in the Catechetical Oration of St Gregory of Nyssa: from Incarnation to Baptism and Beyond. In this paper, I asserted that, although all things have already been transfigured or restored by the incarnation of the Son and Logos in Jesus Christ, nevertheless this does not mean that all things will automatically be restored at the eschaton or in the age to come. In other words, for St Gregory those who have been baptised and have imitated Christ - having experienced a foretaste of the eschaton - will begin to be restored in this very life, a process which will continue indefinitely in the ages to come. Those who have not will, by God s mercy, be given an opportunity to do so in the age to come, but this will depend on their free acceptance and pursuit of Christ. The final night of the symposium (28/09/11) was truly momentous. The second keynote speaker, Dr Bronwen Neil (ACU, Brisbane), gave a presentation entitled Divine Providence in St Gregory of Nyssa and his Theological Milieu. Dr Neil gave great outline of the way divine providence was envisaged not only by St Gregory but by his immediate forbears, such as Origen, and those who came after, such as Theodoret of Cyrus. Significantly, Dr Neil pinpointed the major differences between the pagan and Christian approaches, namely that amongst the pagans, fate preconditions the human endeavour, whereas for the Church providence functions in tandem with our free will. The final presentation, by co-convener Rev Dr Doru Costache (SAGOTC), was entitled Approaching St Gregory of Nyssa s Apology of the Hexaemeron: Furthering the Cappadocian Views of Creation. In a fascinating exposition of St Gregory s motivations and methods in his Apology, Revd Dr Costache demonstrated that this text, almost completely ignored by contemporary scholarship and even Church tradition, manifests the saint s desire to match or even outdo the legacy of his late brother St Basil. Nevertheless, Revd Dr Costache affirmed that the Apology offers us important insights for the dialogue between science and theology, concluding that St Gregory s interpretation of the cosmos through both Genesis (i.e. the theological lens), and the Greek science of his day shows forth the universe as an epiphany of God, leading to God. His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos concluded the proceedings, accompanied by His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, proud college graduate and first Orthodox bishop born in the Antipodes. His Eminence warmly thanked the faculty of St Andrew s, the guest speakers and the members of the audience for their support and encouragement, before announcing the Church Father that will be the focus of next year s Symposium: St Athanasius the Great. Having completed an inspiring - if not groundbreaking - tour of the Cappadocians, next year, God willing, St Andrew s patristic symposium will begin a new journey, exploring the thought and significance of the Alexandrian Fathers.

13 OCTOBER 2011 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 13/31 Health HEALTH NEWS WITH DR. THEO PENKLIS * Pneumococcal Disease and Prevenar 13 Pneumococcal Disease is a serious disease caused by the bacterium pneumococcus, also known as streptococcus pneumoniae. There are several varieties of this germ, which causes serious infections, including pneumonia, ear infections and meningitis (infection of the surface of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia. The bacteria pneumococcus is thought to be one of the world s major causes of death. Prevenar 13 is a new vaccine. It replaces the previous pneumococcal vaccine, Prevenar. The new vaccine Prevenar 13 provides protection against 13 strains of pneumococcal disease and replaces the existing pneumococcal vaccine that provides protection against only 7 strains of pneumococcal disease. The National Immunisation Programme from 1 July 2011 provided for administration of Prevenar 13 for infants aged 2 months, 4 months and 6 months of age. Children who commenced their primary pneumococcal vaccination with Prevenar are given Prevenar 13 for their remaining doses. It is not yet known whether infants and children who receive a partial schedule of Prevenar 13 will have adequate immunogenicity for the new 6 serotypes. The time limited programme for a supplementary pneumococcal vaccination (Prevenar 13) The Australian Government is providing time-limited programme under the National Immunisation Programme to enable children who have previously completed being vaccinated with Prevenar to receive a free supplementary dose of Prevenar 13. This supplementary dose provides protection against an additional 6 serotypes, including the particular strain of pneumococcal bacteria (called 19a) that is responsible for the majority of invasive pneumococcal disease in children under three years of age and can cause pneumonia and meningitis. The free supplementary dose of Prevenar 13 will be available for children aged between 12 months and 35 months for a 12 month period from 1 October 2011 until 30 September Children will only be eligible for the free supplementary dose of Prevenar 13 if he or she is aged between 12 months and 35 months of age on the day the vaccine is given. What is pneumococcal disease? As we have said in the introduction, pneumococcal disease is the term for a group of diseases caused by the bacterium pneumococcus, also known as streptococcus pneumoniae. Pneumococcal disease can be divided into Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD) and Non- Invasive Pneumococcal Disease. What is the difference between invasive and non-invasive pneumococcal disease? Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD) is caused by bacteria that has entered the blood stream or central nervous system, and is associated with more serious diseases. Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) includes: Meningitis: Infection of the lining of the brain Sepsis: System-wide infection due to tissue infection Septicaemia: Infection in the bloodstream Bacteraemic Pneumonia: Lung infection in which the bacteria enters the bloodstream Pneumonia with empyema: Lung infection in which the bacteria enters the pleural space Non-Invasive Pneumococcal Disease occurs when the infection is in the upper respiratory tract, middle ear or sinuses. These infections are more common, but less serious than invasive pneumococcal disease. They nevertheless result in significant illness. Non-invasive pneumococcal disease includes: Pneumonia: Lung infection in which there is no entry of the bacteria into the bloodstream Otitis media: A middle-ear infection How common is Pneumococcal Disease in Australia? Despite the success of universal vaccination programmes, World Health Organisation has reported that pneumococcal disease remains a serious concern and is the number one vaccine-preventable cause of death in children under 5 years of age worldwide. The most recent notification data for pneumococcal disease in Australia shows that invasive pneumococcal disease is most common in children under 2 years of age, followed by adults over 65 years of age and children aged 2-4 years. What are the consequences of Pneumococcal Disease? Most children with invasive pneumococcal disease will be hospitalised, and serious pneumococcal disease takes a number of young lives each year. Infections can also result in permanent disabilities including brain damage, physical handicaps, deafness and blindness. How does Pneumococcus spread? Pneumococcus is carried in the nose and throat of healthy children and adults. Through sneezing or coughing, droplets of bacteria can become airborne. These are easily inhaled by people nearby, so close regular contact amongst people provides ample opportunity for pneumococcal bacteria to spread. What can be done to prevent Pneumococcal Disease? Pneumococcus is commonly carried and easily spread, so it is difficult to avoid contact with the bacterium. However, pneumococcal disease is now largely preventable through routine vaccination with Prevenar 13. Talk to your doctor today about vaccination with Prevenar 13 for your child! * The information given in this article is of a general nature and readers should seek advice from their own medical practitioner before embarking on any treatment. Simple checks 'help boost stroke survival' Simple checks on a stroke patient's temperature, blood sugar levels and ability to swallow can boost their survival chances. The finding was based on a study of more than 1000 Australians, half of whom received extra care in the first 72 hours after their stroke to manage their fevers, blood sugar (hyperglycaemic) levels and swallowing problems. Those who received the extra nursing care in hospital acute stroke units were more likely to be alive and in better physical shape 90 days later than those given standard treatment. Lead researcher Professor Sandy Middleton said the monitoring of fever, sugar and swallowing was a simple, cheap and effective way of improving the lives of thousands of stroke patients. "We think it would likely benefit all stroke patients and even those in local hospitals without stroke units," said Prof Middleton, director of the Nursing Research Institute at St Vincent's and Mater Health, Sydney. "So this could be easily replicated and form part of basic stroke care." High temperatures and blood sugar levels as well as problems swallowing are common complications in the first days after someone has a stroke and can increase their chance of dying. International guidelines recommend fever and high blood glucose levels are monitored and patients have their swallowing ability evaluated before being given food, fluids and medication. However Prof Middleton's paper, published online by The Lancet medical journal on Wednesday, noted the guidelines were not always followed in practice. Her study aimed to show whether relatively simple checks on fever, sugar levels and swallowing were carried out by nurses, stroke patients would be better off. Each of the participants in the trial were admitted within 48 hours of having a stroke to one of 19 acute stroke units in NSW between 2007 and Those who were chosen at random to receive extra care were treated by nurses trained to manage their fevers and hyperglycaemia and assess their swallowing during the first 72 hours after their admission. The patients had their fevers monitored every four hours and received paracetamol if their temperatures rose above 37.5 degrees. They also had regular blood glucose checks and were given insulin if their blood sugar levels rose. Nurses or speech pathologists also checked them within 24 hours to see if they could swallow properly. After 90 days, less than half of the patients who had received the extra checks had died compared to 58 per cent of patients who received standard care. They were also more likely to be in better physical shape. "We are confident that future interventions to change behaviour could still further raise the quality of care received by stroke patients in Australian hospitals," Prof Middleton found. (AAP)

14 14/32 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA OCTOBER FREE BIBLES FOR SCRIPTURE TEACHERS Last minute arrangements were needed to cope with more than 90 participants attending the Advanced Course for Scripture Teachers. Even the newly built, large, multi-purpose function room at St Spyridon parish was not large enough. With the help of the parish administration, the venue was moved to the main hall of the parish. On behalf of Archbishop Stylianos, His Grace Bishop Iakovos opened the meeting. Bishop Iakovos welcomed teachers from the entire Sydney region. He thanked all the participants for their personal efforts in teaching over 3500 Greek Orthodox children throughout State Schools. He emphasised the relevance of this course, which was focused solely on the New Testament. Six key presentations were provided. Teachers responded enthusiastically to the varied input and many said that it was inspirational. The first presentation was from Rev Abbot Fr Eusebios Pantanassiotis on The importance of Scripture in our lives. The contribution of the Pantanassa Monastery in developing the religious education curriculum and in making it freely available was acknowledged at the course. An ecumenical perspective was added by Sister Dr Margaret Beirne, who lectures in New Testament at St Andrew s Greek Orthodox Theological College. She provided an overview and background to the Gospels. She was introduced as a long-term friend of the Orthodox Church. Deacon Fr Peter Mavrommatis, has been associated with the training and curriculum for special religious education. He spoke on The Book of Acts as a Guide for the Scripture Teacher. Mr Tasos Kalogerakis, who is the Registrar of St Andrew s Greek Orthodox Theological College provided valuable examples of The use of the New Testament in our Church. Mr Rick George from the Bible Society provided a brief presentation on the use of the 500 free Bibles offered for use with our 5th and 6th class students. Finally Mr Vasilis Psilacos encouraged the entire group to chant some of the hymns from the Program of hymns for primary school. Lunch and morning tea offered the opportunity to meet others and to view the exhibits of St Andrew s Orthodox Press and the Bible Society. The sessions from the meeting were recorded on video and it is hoped these will be available together with the papers from the meeting for future training sessions. The next basic accreditation course for teachers will be held in March 2012, followed by some short in-service courses and the next advanced course will be Bishop Iakovos Fr Eusebios Sister Dr Beirne Deacon Peter Mavrommatis Tasos Kalogerakis Vasili Psilacos Rick George held in September The locations will be varied to enable greater participation. Despite his busy schedule, His Grace remained for the entire program and in closing the day, His Grace mentioned how he valued the opportunity to be present. He emphasised the importance of continuing such efforts for the glory of God. He mentioned that hopefully similar efforts would be taking place in other States. GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA Visit our website

15 OCTOBER 2011 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 15/33 Quest for a new beginning Australian ambassador explains the trends behind the flight of Greeks By Margarita Pournara - Kathimerini On the right-hand side stood the Acropolis at sunset. On the other, a Greek flag waved at eye level in front of Parliament. The top floor of a central Athenian hotel proved an ideal venue for a conversation with the newly appointed Australian ambassador in Athens, Greek-Australian Jenny Bloomfield. It was a chance to enjoy a rare, calm view of Syntagma Square, without Indignants and demonstrators, people who to a large extent would respond in the affirmative to the following question: Are you thinking of leaving Greece and emigrating to a foreign land? Well before she presented her credentials to President of the Greek Republic Karolos Papoulias, well-spoken and fluent in Greek, Ambassador Bloomfield had to face a sensitive media matter. Dozens of articles in the local press started portraying Australia as the new El Dorado for Greeks in search of a better future. Given the high interest, the Australian government s Department of Immigration & Citizenship organised a two-day event on Athens on October 8 and 9. Promised land? All of a sudden, the country which had in the past turned into a new homeland for thousands of Greeks was back in the spotlight. The question of course remains: Is the fifth continent truly the new promised land? I read stories highlighting the fact that there is a large immigrant wave, said Bloomfield. Nevertheless, the number of Greek applications forwarded to the Australian Department of Immigration & Citizenship does not reflect this, so far at least. Australia is a country which was created by immigrants who came from different countries, since the only original natives were the Aboriginals. Consequently, it is only normal that the country is open to foreigners, respects different characters and provides mechanisms to help newcomers integrate into society in the best possible way, she noted, adding: The existing legislation, which has not been amended in recent years, states that the country may accept immigrants as long as the latter fulfill certain conditions. The main condition is for them to belong to professional sectors which are key to the Australian economy s growth. Anyone who is interested can look for more relevant information and check out the conditions on both the embassy s and the Immigration Department s websites. Some people think that the legal framework has changed as a result of the crisis. However this is not the case; the criteria are still the same. Greeks began discovering this distant land in the 1950s. It was a time when many were leaving their homeland, with the United States, Canada, Germany and Australia as the final destinations. Today there are Dodecanese islands - such as Kastellorizo - whose permanent residents are fewer in number than their fellow village communities in Melbourne. A special agreement facilitating the process for those who wished to emigrate to the country following World War II was signed in Australia in Again, this was an organized immigration scheme with an emphasis on manual laborers. I believe it would be wrong to compare that massive immigration wave with that of today s. Back then, Greece was trying to recover from the German occupation and the ensuing civil war, while today the country is a member state of the European Union facing a harsh economic reality, but with developed infrastructure and resources which could contribute to growth, such as tourism. At this point in time, Australia is in search of skilled workers who will contribute to the country s growth. As a Greek Australian I have firsthand experience of exactly how different the situation of the 1950s is compared to today. Born in Thessaloniki in 1969, Bloomfield and her family departed for Australia in A distinguished member of the Australian diplomatic corps, the multilingual Bloomfield has served in difficult parts of the world including Iran and Argentina. Besides Greece, Bloomfield is also serving as Australian ambassador in Athens, Greek-Australian Jenny Bloomfield ambassador with nonresident accreditation to Albania and Bulgaria. She came to Greece with her husband and their four children. In recent decades the number of Greeks immigrating to Australia has remained fairly low. What does anyone interested in immigrating to the country today have to do to secure a place among the 168,000 immigrants welcomed by Australia every year? The key is professional specialization, age, the level of education and a good level of English. Anyone with these qualifications is welcome. Priority is given to those who have already received work proposals from Australian employers, noted Bloomfield. A private matter Some believe that Greece is currently being drained of valuable manpower, a fact which will delay the country s economic recovery to a considerable extent. How does the ambassador regard this fear of the socalled brain drain, when society loses its most gifted minds? We live in a globalized society, which involves a great deal of activity and movement. In any case, I think that the decision to emigrate is a private matter. It has to do with how the person in question feels about leaving, what kind of ties they have to their family and their society. It depends on their personal values and dreams. Australians are known for living and working abroad. Experience gained in a foreign country is considered a plus back home. This could be a result of the country s singular geographical framework. You have to take into account that our closest neighbors are Asian countries. We are close to India, which is part of the Commonwealth, and traditionally we have close ties with Britain. On a political level, we are allied to the United States and Japan. China is a commercial partner. Many Australians choose to live in these countries. Meanwhile, the majority of the 168,000 foreigners who arrived in Australia last year came from China, Britain and India, added Bloomfield. Seeking closer ties through business and education Did you know that more than 95,000 Australian citizens live in Greece? Ambassador Bloomfield asked. Some of them are Greeks who returned to the homeland after getting Australian nationality, while others are younger - born in Australia - citizens who wished to discover the land of their ancestors. But there are others as well, Australians who love Greece and chose it as their country of residence. While I do believe that the immigration issue is a major one, the importance it has taken on recently casts a shadow over a series of other sectors which ought to be developed as part of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Before coming to Athens I made dozens of contacts with Australian institutions and companies which have ties to Greece. One of my goals is to set up a Greek-Australian chamber of commerce. I would also like to help Greece make some of its highest-quality products known in Australia and to encourage investment. Also, for greater access to information regarding the possibility of Greek students enrolling at Australian universities, said Bloomfield. Australia is an open, peaceful and deeply democratic, tolerant society. Four million Australians don t speak English at home, while 30 percent of the population was born outside of the country. We have many different nationalities and religions, all coming together within a harmonious cohabitation framework. Besides the 168,000 foreigners who settle in the country officially every year, we also take in another 14,000 per year, people who flee their countries due to war and political reasons, among others. Australians share common values and a profound belief that besides rights, citizens also have obligations. Everybody tries to do their best as they believe that society will reciprocate. Citizen behavior is a very important matter. We are a Western country situated in Asia, with a dynamic presence at international institutions and a multicultural environment. Thousands of immigrants were incorporated in an exemplary way in Australia, a country whose current economy is showing positive levels of growth. We have made provisions for programs aimed at helping immigrants. These include further education, special arrangements for them to bring their children and spouses over, along with a functional procedure for them to acquire nationality. Let me stress something, however: If someone is thinking of leaving the country, they have to bear in mind that this is not a decision they should make lightly. Making such a move requires organization, seriousness, information and certainty, said Bloomfield. Greek society must realize the need for change One of the reasons why many Greeks have such a positive opinion about Australia is the country s Greek element. According to censuses we have conducted, the Greek community stands at over half a million people. This means that a large number of Greek families have relatives living in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and other cities, so they have an idea of what daily life in Australia is like. The Greeks of Australia are enterprising people who managed small miracles thanks to their hard work and moral standards. How do do those Greek Australians view Greece during these hard times? There is little doubt that the country s image abroad has to improve. As a Greek Australian I am aware of how much courage, strength and resourcefulness we have when faced with obstacles. These are the kinds of qualities we should not underestimate. Greece has friends and allies all around the globe, and I m not only referring to members of Greek communities around the world. I genuinely believe that there are foreigners who wish to see the country get back on its feet again and for all of us to be proud of Greece s accomplishments. All countries go through crises. Two decades ago Australia had a different economic model. Gradually reforms were made, freeing up a number of sectors, paving the way for today s strong, competitive economy. Nothing can be achieved without hard work. The most important thing - and I m talking about Greece in this case - is for society itself to realize the need for change. This is the only way for things to change in a positive direction. All Australians contributed in order for us today to have political responsibility, transparency, meritocracy and positive exploitation of resources.

16 16/34 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA OCTOBER 2011 Serengeti, Maui Jim, Fendi 'Looking for Athena' at New Acropolis Museum A visit to the New Acropolis Museum in Athens is enough for visitors to realise the splendour of its exhibits, however, digital applications can provide more details about the objects on display. The digital application Athena, Goddess of the Acropolis, available at the address gr, provides important information on the mythical goddess of wisdom, culture and the arts. A virtual tour of the Acropolis Museum with the help of a beam of light leads the visitor to exhibits that depict the goddess Athena, including dedications and offerings. (AMNA) Christian Dior, Gucci, Ted Baker Katerina + Kyriacos Mavrolefteros 874 Anzac Parade, Maroubra Junction (at bus stop, on RTA block) Tel: (02) service@maroubraoptoms.com.au Nina Ricci, Oakley, La font MUTUAL SPIRITUAL STRENGTHENING AND NURTURE Following the example of the Theotokos By Fr PETER MAVROMMATIS * Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth, (Luke 1:39). Very soon after receiving the archangelic message and becoming a partaker of the will of God, the All-Holy Theotokos feels the need to come into contact with another person. The reason for her visit is two-fold. Firstly, she wants to see and experience firsthand the phenomenon of her seedless conception and the conception of her relative in her old age (Luke 1:36) so that her faith in the angelic meeting can be contextualised. Secondly, because she herself was experiencing the same circumstances, both conceived as a result of God s promise, Elizabeth was most likely the most suitable person with whom she could share news of her annunciation. We know from the Gospel account that both Elizabeth and Zacharias were righteous before God, and because Elizabeth was holy and worthy of respect, it was only logical that the Theotokos would approach her to speak to her about the word and will of God. From this scenario we can conclude just how useful and beneficial it is for people in whom Divine Grace has begun to operate, to visit, to socialise and to come into contact with others who are on the path of Grace and strive under the same spiritual circumstances. Conformity of spirit and, mutual effort, inspiration and stimulation are essential. Every faithful Orthodox Christian soul which has received and accepted the mercy and Grace of God and begins to experience spiritual uplifting or spiritual exaltations must not confront this situation, although a good one, in isolation because a person cannot make worthwhile progress alone. This is idea is found in both the Old and New Testaments. In Ecclesiastes we read, Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up (Eccl 4:9-10). The isolation referred to here is not separation from parents or friends, but isolation in the Rodenstock, Ray Ban spiritual arena and the spiritual struggle where there will be no fellow competitors (in the true, positive sense of the word meaning to compete with as opposed to compete against), to provide strength and support. Saint Paul says, comfort each other and edify one another (1 Thess 5:11), while the wisdom of God observed that a brother supported by a brother is like a fortified city (Prov 18:19). The faithful feel stronger when they know that they can learn from and be supported by their fellow faithful. In order to better understand this idea we need to recall our approach when helping someone in times of trouble they are overcome with fear. The best thing we can say and do is reassure and let them know that they are not alone in facing their trials. Indeed when one is sure of guidance and support in the life of Christ, one can develop courage and boldness, and can develop and progress as a worker in God s Kingdom, knowing ipso facto the significance of being surrounded, of being in the presence of faithful Christians. One helps the other and one s example serves as an influence for all. Those further advanced can share experiences and show the path for those less experienced in the faith. Let us recall the words of Saint Paul, a little leaven leavens the whole lump (Gal 5:9; 1 Cor 5:6). We are called to be that leaven, that example. Like the Theotokos made haste to be in the presence of a likeminded person under the same circumstances as her, so too we must make haste so that those who share the same beliefs and values as us. Let us take advantage of the opportunities for spiritual growth and Christian fellowship that are offered by our Holy Church. In this way we will be encouraged, strengthened and guided in the life in Christ, and avoid the temptations that distract us from our aim, the experience of God s Kingdom. But let us remember that as faithful members of God s Holy Church, we are called to be apostles, to bear witness to Him (Acts 1:8) to those who do not know Him and are far from Him, to accept our calling with joy and proclaim Christ to them (Acts 8:5), thus doing the work of an evangelist, fulfilling our ministry (2 Tim 4:5). We can do this by being the positive influence and example for those around us. To comment, agree or disagree, visit * Fr Peter Mavrommatis is a teacher of Orthodox Studies and Personal Development at St Spyridon College Senior School Sydney. US vice-president to visit Athens Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou will meet Vice-President Joe Biden in Athens on December 5. Biden is also expected to meet the President Karolos Papoulias and possibly other officials. President Barack Obama has urged European leaders to act faster to tackle a sovereign debt crisis that threatens global economic recovery.

17 OCTOBER 2011 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 17/35 From grassroots action to vibrant city By Constantine Callaghan Three years ago, residents and volunteers launched a grassroots initiative to occupy a disused parking lot in Athens. The objective was to transform the derelict asphalt patch into a communal space right in the heart of the capital. Today Navarinou Park has become a popular attraction in the downtown neighborhood of Exarchia and is an example of how Athenians can combat the negativity surrounding the city. Athens s image, which Mayor Giorgos Kaminis has described as deplorable, has taken repeated knocks over the last few years and is a far cry from the glory days of the Athens Olympics in 2004, when the city basked in praise from around the world. However, pockets of resistance to this decay have been created throughout the capital and the initiative in Exarchia has proved one of the most successful undertaken by concerned citizens. In a city where green spaces are limited, it is little surprise that residents have welcomed the flourishing of Navarinou Park. Ellie Papadopoulou, who has lived in Exarchia for several years, explains that back in 2009 it was the new place where communal creativity was expressed and a chance to snatch public spaces back from the Athenian chaos. Now it continues to be an inspiring place. It blooms literally and culturally every day. From 1907 to 1972 the site was the location of a clinic named the Geroulaneion Institute. In 1972 the clinic closed down and the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE) bought the building intending to develop its headquarters on the plot of land. TEE s plans never materialized and after demolishing the old clinic the land was used as a parking lot until 2008, when the lease expired. The expiry of the lease stoked fear that TEE was going to build on the land. So, in March 2009, residents of Exarchia seized the land and within hours work had begun on creating a green urban space among the gray apartment blocks that surround the square. KATHIMERINI Oia children send message of hope from Santorini Elementary school pays tribute to longstanding benefactor Aristides Alafouzos At a time when the entire country is in the grips of gloom, coming across a kind of Greece that still holds promise of a different future is more than welcome. This is the kind of spirit one comes across at the elementary school of Oia, on the Cycladic island of Santorini, which faces the caldera. At the specially designed, childrenfriendly classrooms, pupils sit and read on colorful cushions, and learn in a fun way at interactive blackboards. The elementary school s parents association, pupils and teachers recently organized a celebration, on the day of the Raising of the Holy Cross (Ypsosi tou Timiou Stavrou), in order to pay tribute to Aristides Alafouzos, president of Kathimerini SA. Alafouzos, an Oia native, has long supported the educational establishment in a variety of ways. At the school s premises, the low-key affair drew a huge crowd which gathered in the school courtyard. Antonis Boundolas, the school s principal, opened the event and thanked Alafouzos for his contribution and ongoing support. Vikentia Passari, president of the school s parents association, paid homage to Oia, Mouskouri goes back to her roots International singing legend Nana Mouskouri (photo R) signalled a return to her roots with the release of a new CD entitled Nana Mouskouri & Friends: Songs from the Greek Islands, launched on October 10 in Athens. Following a five-year absence from the recording studio, Mouskouri decided to create an album of traditional Greek island songs together with fellow singers Haris Alexiou, Manolis Mitsias, Natasa Theodoridou and Elena Paparizou (photo L), as well as Greek French TV personality Nikos Aliagas, among others. Mouskouri, whose singing career spans over 50 years, celebrated both her 77th birthday and release of the CD in stores and online (through Universal Music) on October 13. I dedicate this album to my homeland, to its beautiful islands which overflow with the Greek spirit and soul. I dedicate it to the country which gave me an identity that I respect and a history and culture to honour and of which I feel proud, she said. The album cover, created by French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier who presented it to the singer as a gift, depicts Greek island scenes and Mouskouri s eyes framed by her trademark glasses. Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Kogarah Belgrave St, Kogarah NSW 2217 P.O. Box 260 Kogarah NSW 2217 Church Rector Fax kogarah-goc@bigpond.com The president of Kathimerini, Aristides Alafouzos, continues to provide generous support to Oia's elementary school We would like to announce the winners of the 2011 Raffle. We sincerely congratulate the winners!! 1st Prize Ticket nd Prize Ticket rd 3rd Prize Ticket th 4th Prize Ticket th Prize Ticket th Prize Ticket th Prize Ticket referring to it as the world s most popular destination. Everyone wants to come here, from all the corners of the earth, to admire the niqueness, the sunset, the architecture and the island s able seamen. During the frenzied high-tourist season, however, they are unable to admire and discover the unique qualities of its residents, who are proud of their origins wherever they may be. People who will do anything for their homeland. Amongst them, one man stands out, both for the pride he feels for the land and for his contribution; this man is Aristides Alafouzos, said Passari. Besides having earned recognition worldwide, Alafouzos is a fellow villager who has always stood by the village of Oia, helping its people, noted Passari. At Christmas he wins over children s hearts with his generous presents, though, that is not the whole story, she said. As parents and children we are proud of this man who serves as an example of selfless giving, noted Passari, who presented Alafouzos with an honorary plaque. Speeches were also delivered by Epifanios, Metropolitan of Thira, Amorgos and the islands and Santorini Mayor Anastasios Zorzos. Visibly moved, Alafouzos talked about Oia as well as the school s progress. The highlight of the event was when a group of children surrounded him and presented him with small bouquets of lillies. A pure and honest act of love at a time of great pessimism.

18 18/36 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA OCTOBER 2011 Arts, Food & Wine Editor: Imogen Coward Films: a history Part 11 By Leon Coward and Dr Ann Coward What became of Neo-Realism in films? The 1950s was a period of transition, a crisis of Neo-Realism (1) saw the rise of auteurs such as Michelangelo Antonioni, ( ), Fellini ( ), as well as the continuation of film-making by de Sica, Rossellini and Visconti. Italian comedies, the commedia all italiana, and spaghetti Westerns dominated the Italian market, with many commedia all italiana films often containing more trenchant social criticism than the more acceptable, ideologically oriented art films of the period.(2) Post 1968 examples include Padre Padrone (Father Boss, 1977) and La Notte di San Lorenzo (The Night of the Shooting Stars, Écoutez! Arts Review Natural Dyes by Gwen Fereday Published by The British Museum Press Generally speaking, if a person is interested in dyeing fabrics or yarns using natural dyes, it makes sense to refer to a book that is native to one s own country. Although this beautiful book has been written for a British audience, it still provides a wealth of information for those of us living down-under especially as most of the traditional dyestuffs tend to be native to the tropical regions of the world. The first section deals with the techniques of dyeing both animal and vegetable fibres: the equipment, preparation (scouring) of yarns, use of mordants to fix the dyes, recipes, and most importantly, a number of safety issues, each page illustrated with step-by-step photographs. The second section contains colour charts. All too often, dyeing with natural dyes tends to be a bit of a hit and miss affair with dyers taking the attitude that they ll just wait and see what colours eventuate. However, these charts (beautifully presented) show the range of colours possible with particular combinations of mordants (where necessary) and a range of natural dyes and overdyes, using animal (wool) or vegetable (cotton) yarns. Although some of the colours are brilliant, they do not display the harshness of commercial dyes. Standing over a pot, watching yarn take on a hue that, more often than not, bears little resemblance to the source of the dyestuff, is a source of endless - and rewarding - fascination. The book s presentation makes it a delight for anyone interested in the possibilities and unpredictabilities of dyeing with natural yarns and natural dyes. Available in bookstores. Approx. cost: $ ) by the Taviani brothers (Paolo b and Vittorio b. 1929) who are perhaps the most interesting of the socalled political directors, (3) with La Notte di San Lorenzo being described as a post-modern reinterpretation of Italian Neo-Realism. (4) The multiple award winning film, Cinema Paradiso (1988) directed by Guiseppe Tornatore (b. 1956) appeals on a number of levels. For example, the child, Toto, reminds one of de Sica s children s movies (The Children are Watching Us 1944, Shoeshine 1946, The Bicycle Thieves 1948), while the documentary-style treatment of the history of cinema and the audience s reactions to films (including the priest s role as censor) is a reminder of the documentary style of photography of the Neo-Realists. Cinema Paradiso is clever in its use of symbolism (the knitting unravelling, the blind projectionist giving forth with words of wisdom, the ringing of bells linking scenes - recalling the ringing of bells in the opening scene of Umberto D.), and the creative intercutting of film sequences with the action. However, it possibly excels most in its depiction of the audience: their collective responses to the films (laughing, crying), their hunger for seeing films over and over again (saying the lines before the actors), the influence on people s thoughts and actions, the cinema s importance in the life of the people (the courtship and then taking the children of the subsequent marriage to the cinema) and the changes that were taking place in the society which included the desertion of the cinema by the audience after the introduction of television. Gabriele Salvatores (b. 1950) Mediterraneo (Mediterranean, 1991), employs the old formula of the commedia all italiana, (5) which, as already noted, like Neo-Realism before it did not shy away from social criticism. The character, Lorusso, the sergeant-major, becomes the mouthpiece for Italians hopes for the Second World War and then for the rebuilding of Italy after the War: We have to rebuild Italy from scratch. It s an excellent opportunity. We ll rebuild a great country to live in...it s also your duty, he tells Farina the batman who s in the process of deserting by hiding in a barrel. Finally, Lorusso also becomes the face of disillusioned Italy: Life wasn t that good in Italy. They didn t let us change anything. So...I told them, you win...but I won t be your accomplice. That s what I said and I came here, in a speech he makes to his former lieutenant, Montini, when they re back on Meghisti (Castellorizo) years later. In scenes reminiscent of Renoir s La Grande Illusion, the men imprisoned in a sense on the island of Meghisti for several years, are treated well by the locals. They begin to fit into the local way of life (although the coffee takes some getting used to), but the idea of a common humanity - the theme of La Grande Illusion - is stressed repeatedly by the lines One face, one race whether in relation to Greeks and Italians, or (more cynically) to Turks and Italians. The shifting allegiances, from the Axis to the Allies, also brings home the message that war based on nationalism is a temporary and flawed concept. Neo-Realism, however, has not only influenced Italian films over the years. Warwick Thornton s (n.d.), Samson and Delilah, made in Australia in 2009, contains many elements identifiable with Neo-Realism. These include shooting on-location (in this instance, Central Australia), the depiction of poverty, the use of non-actors, documentary style photography, non-judgement on the human condition but criticism of those in positions of authority and of the social system, the indifference of people towards others, and the slice-of-life open-ended storyline. As Thornton says, Pretty well everything I wrote in this film, I ve seen personally... I don t think there has been any feature films about aboriginal communities...in Central Australia and I was interested in showing this perspective of indigenous life to the world. You know, the beauty and the suffering. It s a love story. (6) Interestingly, as with some of de Sica s films, the older women prove to be particularly vicious. In the case of this film, they are physically vicious. Also, in scenes similar of Bicycle Thieves, there is great importance placed upon the way in which the main characters walk together, or not, as the case may be. For example, it is when Delilah walks behind Samson that she is abducted, or she is hit by a car as Samson walks on unaware of what is going on. This is reminiscent of Bruno almost being run over twice as his father Antonio Ricci walks ahead, totally absorbed in his own thoughts, although with Samson it is due to his drugged condition. Although promoted as an important Australian film, anecdotal evidence gleaned from talking to people who have seen Samson and Delilah would indicate that - just as with the Neo-Realist films of the 1940s and 1950s that dealt with the realities of the post-war era - people do not necessarily want to view films that point out social problems unless, like the commedia all italiana, they can be wrapped up in humour References 1. Peter Bondanella, Italian Cinema in Zygmund G, Baranski and Rebecca J. West (eds), The Cambridge Companion to Modern Italian Culture. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2011, pp. 224, ibid., p & 4. ibid., p ibid., pp. 240, Making Samson and Delilah. Director, Beck Cole. Australia Food & Wine Kailis Organic Dolce Blood Orange Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil On every level, from flavour to environmental credentials and presentation Kailis Dolce ticks all the boxes. Produced in Western Australia and certified organic by leading Australian and International bodies NASAA, ACO and IFOAM, the bouquet is overwhelmingly of orange blossom and fruit. Used sparingly as a flavouring ingredient, rather than as a substitute for regular olive oil, Kailis Dolce works particularly well in a salad of grated carrot with a light dressing of dolce, lemon juice and a drop of honey, and some raisins added. A fantastic addition to any larder, the stylish bottle and label also make this a lovely gift. For details of your nearest retailer, visit Kailis website or contact them on

19 OCTOBER 2011 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 19/37 Greek film sweeps awards at San Sebastian film fest Director Filippos Tsitos (r) and actor Antonis Kafetzopoulos shake hands during a photocall to promote the Greek feature film 'Adikos Kosmos' (Unfair World) at the 59th San Sebastian Film Festival. Greek filmmaker Filippos Tsitos was awarded best director for his thriller Adikos Kosmos (Unfair World) at Spain s San Sebastian Film Festival over the weekend. The film s star, Antonis Kafetzopoulos, picked up the prize for best actor. The film tells the story of a policeman who helps delinquents until the day he finds himself implicated in a murder case and starts reconsidering his ideas of justice.

20 20/38 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA OCTOBER 2011 Travel BY H. ARGYROPOULOS Pavliani is a beautiful village crowned by fir forest on Mount Oiti - one of the country s most accessible mountains, just two hours by car northwest of thens. At an altitude of about 1,050 meters, it marks the entrance to Oiti National Park. Pavliani s hospitable inhabitants, mainly occupied with farming and logging, have built their houses of wood and stone, with steep roofs to withstand the weight of snow in winter. Logs are piled on the side of streets and the smooth mountain slopes in the wider area are ideal for cross-country skiing. In spring, the blooming apple orchards that adorn the lower approaches to the village are a sight to behold. The area has been known since antiquity. The remains of the 3rd-century BC Doric temple dedicated to mythical hero Hercules can be found at Pyra (altitude 1,800 m) - this is the location where Hercules supposedly made a pyre to rid himself of the poisoned shirt of Nessus, which his wife Deianira was tricked into giving him. Taking pity on him, Zeus made him a Pavliani Are you ready, boots? This hospitable village in central Greece is a good base for exploring ancient mountain routes demigod. The entrance to Pavliani, which is divided into lower (Kato) and upper (Ano) districts, is marked with a monument to those who fell during a fierce battle with the Germans in June A first-time visitor starting on the path connecting the two communities may be caught unprepared by the wonder that follows. At the beginning there is a spot where locals used to wash their clothes and which has now been restored. After a few minutes walk you come to the stunning natural park where the Asopos River begins, with magnificent old trees and a large recreation area constructed with a great deal of imagination and inspiration. On the left is the forest, on the right the river. For the daring visitor, tree logs connect the two banks of the river (it may be advisable to leave valuables behind). Alternatively, a seat rolling along two ropes is also available. There are sports installations, picnic benches, swings and barbecue areas - it is a truly wonderful spot not to be missed. Ano Pavliani has evident signs of rapid growth in recent years, thanks to the Habitat Agenda, an EU-funded pilot program that provides for sustainable development projects. If the walk through the park has not whetted your appetite enough to sample the fare in one of the several tavernas, you can continue on any of a variety of walking routes for which Pavliani is an ideal base. One of the best is the hike to Katavothra cave - a sinkhole into which the waters disappear with an eerie roar only to reappear at the waterfalls in the steep Gorgopotamos river gorge much further away. From here, the views to the neighboring mountains of Vardousia to the west and Giona to the south are superb. The walks to Pyra and to Katavothra from Ano Pavliani both take about two hours but care is called for as signposting is poor. Other routes lead to the summits of Kouvellos and Gre-veno as well as to the alpine refuge in the National Park. Those of frailer form will enjoy the walks to the meadows above the village, which become spectacularly colorful in spring - and to the Chapel of Profitis Ilias - about half an hour away and offering fine views. ATHENSPLUS OUT NOW! St Basil the Great's Address to Youth has been released by St Andrew's Orthodox Press This is a beautifully compact 64-page hardback edition, with map and graphics that will attract every reader. How does a Church Father approach the writings of the pre-christian era? What value do they have for spiritual progress? The answer is here. Just $12. sapress@greekorthodox.org.au