The Greek Orthodox community of Oakleigh welcomed the New Year with faith, festivity and a sense of cautious optimism, as church services, family gatherings and community celebrations marked the arrival of 2026 across Melbourne.
On New Year’s Day, the traditional cutting of the vasilopita took place at the Church of Agioi Anargyroi in Oakleigh, following the Divine Liturgy and the doxology for the new year. Parishioners, members of the parish council and representatives of local Greek organisations gathered in an atmosphere of reverence and hope.
The parish priest blessed the vasilopita, conveying wishes of health, peace, and spiritual well-being to those present and their families, while stressing the importance of unity, solidarity, and the preservation of faith and traditions within the Greek diaspora. One of Oakleigh’s key spiritual centres, Agioi Anargyroi, once again served as a meeting point for the community on a day rich in symbolism. A short social gathering followed in the parish grounds, allowing attendees to exchange thoughts and New Year wishes.
Across Melbourne, Greeks welcomed the New Year in a variety of ways — from intimate family dinners and friendly get-togethers to organised revellers and large public celebrations in restaurants and entertainment venues.
Many homes were filled with light and familiar faces, as relatives, friends and neighbours gathered around the New Year’s table. The cutting of the vasilopita, heartfelt wishes for health and prosperity, and reflections on the year gone by shaped these private celebrations.
Greek presence was strong at organised New Year’s events hosted by community organisations, injecting festive energy into different parts of the city. Among the highlights was the large New Year’s party at “Axion Esti” in Northcote, where live music, Greek dancing and a strong sense of collective joy kept spirits high well into the early hours.
Community organisations once again played a central role. New Year’s events were held by, like EEAMA, the Lefkadian Association and at the House of the Nafpaktians, reaffirming the vital place of associations as living hubs of social and cultural life.
These events brought together older and newer migrants, as well as second- and third-generation Greek Australians, all contributing to the continuation of Greek tradition. The New Year’s celebration at Melissa in the heart of Greek Oakleigh included music, dancing and set the tone for a hopeful start to 2026.
EEAMA and the dedicated team at Stars International delivered a memorable New Year’s event, worthy of their long-standing contribution to Greek life in Australia. The celebration unfolded as more than just a reveller. It was a vibrant, well-organised and welcoming gathering that brought together members, friends and families in a spirit of togetherness. From the outset, the attention to detail and high standard of organisation were evident, reinforcing why EEAMA events continue to enjoy the trust and respect of the community.
With a rich program, strong Greek musical flavour, modern touches and a dancefloor that stayed full until the early hours, the night became a living expression of joy and companionship. Special mention is owed to the venue staff, whose professionalism and warm service ensured a positive experience for all.
Of course, some chose to welcome the New Year quietly, or even alone, away from the noise and large gatherings — a reminder that New Year’s Day carries different meanings for different people. For many, particularly among the first generation, the season also brings an undercurrent of reflection.
