On Saturday and Sunday, 1st and 2nd February 2025, the heart of Greek culture beat loudly in the capital city of Tasmania, Hobart. The songs and dances of the homeland, as well as the famous Greek cuisine, had their place of honour at the two-day traditional Greek Festival of the Greek Community of Tasmania. The traditional festival was organised as part of the “Estia” Greek Festival, an annual institution with a multitude of events, which aim to maintain and strengthen the ties between the Greeks of the island State of Australia and to highlight the wealth of Greek culture and Greek Orthodox traditions to the wider community.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who visited Hobart on Sunday, 2 February 2025, had the pleasure of attending this year’s “Estia” Greek Festival, praising the Greek community and blessing their efforts. His Eminence delivered a heartfelt address, expressing his pride in the Greek Community of Tasmania, and emphasised the value of community spirit. “Community means being all together,” he emphasised, “and since we are Greek and Orthodox, being together, united around Christ and His Church. Sharing material goods, sharing our time, sharing our energy and our smiles.” His Eminence also addressed a message to the younger generations: to remain close to the traditions of their ancestors and to preserve their Greek Orthodox identity. Finally, he congratulated the organisers, the volunteers and all those involved in the successful organisation of the traditional Greek Festival.
In addition to the Archbishop of Australia, an address was delivered on behalf of the State Premier, by the Minister for Arts and Cultural Heritage, The Honourable Madeleine Ogilvie MP, who emphasised the importance of preserving and cultivating culture and Greek identity.
On behalf of the Administration of the Greek Community of Tasmania, the President Mr. Emmanuel Kalymnios expressed his enthusiasm for the dynamic participation of the youth, whose passion and dedication he considered to be a guarantee for the future of the institution. He also stated that he was overwhelmed by this year’s response from the wider community, noting that “it is clear that Greek culture continues to inspire and unite people, regardless of their origin”, while he did not fail to express his gratitude to His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia for his honorary presence.
It is noted that Archbishop Makarios, after the official opening of the festival, had the opportunity to converse with the youth of Tasmania and discuss with them issues of modern life.
