Greek Independence Day Celebrations in Sydney

March 25 is the anniversary of Greece’s struggle for Independence in 1821 after some 400 years of Ottoman occupation.
The Inter-Communities Council of NSW of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia is organizing a large-scale celebration in honour of Greece’s Independence this Sunday March 21, 2010.
It is anticipated that between 8,000 and 10,000 people will attend this event, including around 3,000 students of Orthodox Day Colleges and afternoon Greek language schools.
March 25 was chosen as the official date to commemorate the Revolution for its religious significance, as it coincides with the Feast of the Annunciation, which symbolizes birth.

The program will include:
1.30pm Memorial Service and laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph at Martin Place.
2.00pm Procession of schools and other community organisations led by Police escort, the Greek RSL Sub Branch and Greek Australian Scouts of Sydney from Martin Place, down George St and around Circular Quay to the Opera House.
2.50pm Formal program in the Sydney Opera House Forecourt featuring:
• Performance of national anthems and traditional songs by the Combined Choir of the three bilingual Greek Orthodox Day Colleges of St Spyridon (Kingsford), St Euphemia (Bankstown) and All Saints (Belmore).

• Performance of traditional Greek dances.

• Brief addresses by dignitaries.

Dignitaries will include:
• His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia;
• Representatives of the Australian Federal Government and Opposition;
• Representatives of the New South Wales Government and Opposition;
• Greek & Cypriot Diplomatic Officials;
• Other federal, state and local government representatives.

For further details please contact Event Coordinator Mr Jack Passaris on 0418 284 773.