The Greek Community of Tasmania hosted its annual traditional Greek festival, part of the larger ‘Estia’ Festival. Held on Saturday and Sunday, 1-2 February, the event celebrated Greek music, dance, and cuisine, drawing crowds eager to experience Hellenic traditions.
A key highlight of this year’s festivities was the presence of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who visited Hobart on Sunday, 2 February. Addressing the gathering, Archbishop Makarios expressed his pride in the Greek Community of Tasmania and emphasised the importance of unity and communal spirit.
“Community means being together,” he said.
“As Greeks and Orthodox Christians, we must remain united around Christ and His Church, sharing our resources, our time, our energy, and our smiles.”
He also delivered a heartfelt message to younger generations, urging them to stay connected to their ancestral traditions and preserve their Greek Orthodox identity.
The Archbishop also extended his congratulations to the event’s organisers, volunteers, and contributors for their efforts in making the festival a success.
Adding to the occasion, the Tasmanian Minister for the Arts and Cultural Heritage, Madeline Ogilvie, attended the festival on behalf of the State Premier.
In her speech, she underscored the significance of preserving and fostering cultural heritage and Greek identity in Australia.
President of the Greek Community of Tasmania, Emmanuel Kalymnios, expressed his enthusiasm for the strong participation of young people in the event.
He noted that their passion and dedication ensured the festival’s longevity, highlighting how the overwhelming response from the broader community reaffirmed the unifying and inspiring power of Greek culture. He also extended his gratitude to Archbishop Makarios for honoring the festival with his presence.
Following the festival’s official opening, Archbishop Makarios took the opportunity to engage in discussions with young members of the Tasmanian Greek community, addressing contemporary issues and fostering dialogue about their connection to faith and heritage.
