Culture

The Greek diaspora are the communities of Greeks living outside of Greece and Cyprus.  Australia has established a very large and strong Greek diaspora with many organisations and communities.  Throughout the year, all Greek organisations and communities organise events dedicated to special religious, historical and cultural celebrations.  Oakleigh Grammar students have the privilege to be invited and attend many of these events representing our whole school community.

On Sunday 30 October, Oakleigh Grammar was invited to attend the Divine Liturgy and Doxology at the Greek Orthodox Parish of The Presentation of our Lord in Coburg celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Lefcadian Brotherhood.  Select Year 9 students accompanied by Mr Dickinson and Mrs Patsaris attended this special church service.  Students met with the committee members of the Lefcadian Brotherhood and learned about their beautiful island and the history of their association.

On the same day, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia’s annual celebration of “OXI” Day was held.  This event was organised by the United Association of Greek Orthodox Parishes and Communities of Melbourne and Victoria for the recognition of the 1940 Commemoration Day and it took place at Holy Monastery of “Axion Estin” in Northcote.  Select students from Years 5, 8 and 9 accompanied by Mrs Spanos, Mr Panagopoulos and Mrs Katseli and represented the School community at the Doxology Service, followed by a Memorial Service and a wreath-laying ceremony. Eva Bakali from Year 5 recited the poem ‘October 1940’ and Nathanael Anastasia presented a speech about the history of 28 October 1940. Nicola Psaras and George Zikas laid a wreath on behalf of the School.  Eva Bakali and Sotiris Bakalis impressed the guests with the recitation of the ode in Greek and English!

On Sunday 13 November, the Pancretan Association of Melbourne organised a memorial service to commemorate the 156th Anniversary of the Holocaust of the Arkadi Monastery.  The event took place at the Holy Monastery of “Axion Estin” in Northcote.  Select Year 9 students attended the event.  Middle School Leader Michaela Millar and Mary Alexopoulos laid a wreath showing their respect to those who lost their lives.  

Natasha Spanos

Hellenic Culture Coordinator