THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN The oldest

circulating

OCTOBER 2010
VEMA Tel. (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033 E-mail: vema@bigpond.net.au
Greek
newspaper
outside
Greece

A CHRISTIAN APPROACH TO DISCIPLINE

Raising of children in the training of the Lord PAGE 3/21

Reflections at the Close of

the St Andrew’s Pastristic
Symposium 2010
PAGE 7/25

ORTHODOX
Julia Gillard invites
Papandreou to Australia
Newly elected Australian Prime Minister Julia
CHRISTIAN UNITY
Gillard has invited Greek Prime Minister
George Papandreou to pay an official visit to
Australia.
PAGE 6/24
ACROSS ALL
JURISDICTIONS
Orthodox Bishops of Australia & New Zealand region
speak with one voice
Following the proposal of the 4th Pre-Conciliar Pan-Ortho- On Sunday 17th October, the Divine Liturgy was concele-
dox Meeting held in Chambesy, Geneva last year, and in brated by all Bishops in the Cathedral of the Annunciation of
continuation of the guidance of Ecumenical Patriarch the Theotokos, Redfern, after which a reception was held for
Bartholomew and the Holy Synod, the 1st Assembly of all all the faithful in the adjacent Main Hall of St Andrew’s The-
Canonical Orthodox Bishops of Oceania took place in Sydney ological College, followed by an official meal for the Hierar-
between 16th-18th October, 2010, under the ex-officio chair- chs.
TRAVEL manship of His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos of Australia. Cont. p. 2-20
Antiparos:
Declaration of independence
www.standrewsorthodoxpress.com.au
PAGE 16/34
 2 /20 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA OCTOBER 2010

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN UNITY

ACROSS ALL JURISDICTIONS
Orthodox Bishops of Australia & New Zealand region speak with one voice
Cont. from page 1/19
Communiqué
On the evening of the same day, the Assembly commenced at the Millennium Centre The members of the First Episcopal Assembly of all canonical Orthodox Bishops of
of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese (Brighton-le-Sands, Sydney), with proceedings taking Oceania welcomed the opportunity to meet in Sydney from 16-18 October, 2010 un-
place according to the following programme: der the chairmanship ex officio of His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos of Australia.
The Assembly commenced with a Divine Liturgy manifesting our essential eucharis-
SUNDAY 17-10-2010 tic unity at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, Redfern, Sydney.
6pm Opening - Prayer In accordance with the decisions of the pre-conciliar Pan-Orthodox Conference
Welcome and Address given by His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos convened in Chambésy, Switzerland from 6 - 13 June, 2009, the canonical Orthodox
of Australia Bishops met in a brotherly spirit, and after lengthy and edifying discussion centered
on issues of mutual concern, such as pastoral care, catechesis and liturgical life, reaf-
Following the brief Address by Archbishop Stylianos, Their Eminences firmed the unity of all canonical Orthodox Churches.
and Their Graces each spoke for 5-7minutes, according to the order of Consequently, we strongly condemn all of those who attempt to destroy the pre-
the Diptychs. cious unity of our Church through adherence to new or existing schismatic groups
and sects in our region.
Discussion regarding the speeches. In order to safeguard and contribute to the unity of the Orthodox Church in Ocea-
nia, the members of the Assembly unanimously agreed upon the formation of the fol-
8pm Dinner lowing three Committees relating to:
1) Campus Ministry: cultivating the Orthodox faith amongst our University students
MONDAY 18-10-2010 and shielding them from the effects of proselytism, co-chaired by Their Graces Bish-
9.30am Prayer op Irinej of the Serbian Church and Bishop Ezekiel of the Greek Archdiocese.
The meeting continued in the same manner. Namely, Their Eminences 2) Inter-Orthodox Liturgical Services: embracing common Pan-Orthodox services
and Their Graces each had the opportunity to speak for 5-10 minutes and adopting a unified approach to pastoral and liturgical issues, co-chaired by Their
initially, according to the order of the Diptychs, and of course were Graces Bishop Mihail of the Romanian Church and Bishop Seraphim of the Greek
able to make comments wherever necessary. Archdiocese.
3) Canonical Issues: compiling a list of all canonical bishops and other clergy of
11.00am Morning tea - coffee Oceania and a secondary list of schismatic groups and sects which attempt to pro-
mote themselves as being canonical Orthodox. This Committee is chaired by His Em-
11.30am Continuation of proceedings inence Archbishop Stylianos and consists of representatives from each Orthodox
Church.
1pm Lunch The Assembly looks forward to meeting in years to come to continue working for
the good of Orthodoxy in our region.
2.30pm Continuation of proceedings, and election of the Secretary
of the Executive Committee

4.00pm Afternoon tea - coffee

4.30pm Conclusions - Communiqué of the Assembly

5pm Official closing of the Proceedings of the Assembly by its Presi-
dent, His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos of Australia

The Communiqué produced and published by the Assembly reads as follows:

Their Eminences and Their Graces during dinner after the first day of the proceedings

On Sunday 17th October, the Divine Liturgy was concelebrated by all Bishops in the Cathedral
of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, Redfern.
OCTOBER 2010 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 3 /21

Meritocracy is the key
For decades Greek governments have stressed the
importance of decentralisation and local government.
The ambitious Kallikratis plan - passed into law ear-
lier this year - was an important step as it did away
with the 76 prefectures that spanned the country and
replaced them with 13 larger regions. Similarly, 1,034
municipalities were reduced to less than 370. The
plan’s goal is simple: to streamline and thus empow-
er local government.
Prime Minister George Papandreou said this would
bring about fundamental and much-needed reforms
to public sector administrative structures. Calling it a
“new start”, he said it would allow Greece to shed its
reputation as the European Union’s most centralised
state.
The stakes are high, given that a centralised and in-
Editorial
efficient state has been a major cause of Greece’s
problems. The government appeared so serious
about decentralising the state that it even formed a
ministry of decentralisation, headed by one of Pa-
pandreou’s closest aides, Yiannis Ragousis.
Local elections on November 14 will be a litmus
test of sorts. However, for all the government’s good
intentions, the plan will amount to a drop in the ocean
if political parties do not ensure that candidates run-
ning for office are selected on the grounds of merit
and not just on party colours.
Nepotism and rampant partisanship have been a
bane of the political system for generations. Given
that most local authorities are heavily in debt - Athens
and Piraeus between them have a debt of more than
a quarter of a billion euros - it is blatantly obvious
that bad management and incompetence have tend-
ed to be the norm rather than the exception.
Opposition leader Antonis Samaras’ decision to
force Thessaloniki Prefect Panayiotis Psomiadis to
drop his brother from his election ticket on the
grounds of nepotism is indeed encouraging. But there
still appears to be a long way to go.
For a country to rid itself of a highly centralised
system of government is a daunting task. Ridding it-
self of a political culture bred on partisanship and
nepotism will take a generation, at least.
No matter how good the ship, if its crew can’t nav-
igate rough waters, it is bound to founder.
ATHENSNEWS

A CHRISTIAN APPROACH TO DISCIPLINE

Raising of children in the training of the Lord
By PETER
MAVROMMATIS
The Bible gives parents the responsi-
bility of bringing up their children in the
training and admonition of the Lord
(Deut 6:6-9; Eph 4:6). The aim of this
month’s column is not to provide an ex-
haustive list of things to do and avoid.
Rather, it sets out to explore some ba-
sic principles derived from Ephesians
chapter 6 where Saint Paul explains the
relationship between parents and their
children.
“Children, obey your parents in the
Lord, for this is right. ‘Honour your fa-
ther and mother’ which is the first com-
mandment with a promise: ‘that it may
be well with you and you may live long
on the earth’. And you, fathers, do not
provoke your children to wrath, but
bring them up in the training and admo-
nition of the Lord” (Eph 6:1-4).
Principle No. 1: Children must obey
their parents. Obedience is not a favour
children do for their parents but some-
thing God has commanded them to do
because it is right for them to do it.
Children must be made aware of this
responsibility. Parents (or anyone in au-
thority over children) who allow their
children to be badly behaved are not
doing what God expects them to do.
They are failing to exercise their God-
given authority and role. They fear that
discipline might break down the rela-
tionship they strive to develop and that,
since God is a God of love, they must
show grace and mercy. But God is
righteous as well as loving and so a
correct balance needs to be main-
tained. There should be neither legal-
ism nor permissiveness. Parents are
placed over children for their own good
and must not renege on this responsi-
bility.
Principle No. 2: Children have a re-
sponsibility to honour and respect their
parents through both their attitudes and
acts. The fact that this was one of the
Ten Commandments reminds us that it
is foundational to a stable society and
to proper relationships with others and
towards those in authority over us.
Without this, society would tend to-
wards anarchy. Disrespect would un-
dermine every home. Respect is not
based on fear and dread but on the
commandment of God. Parents must
expect and demand respect from their
children. Not to do so goes against the
will of God.
Principle No. 3: Parents are not to
exasperate their children in the exer-
cise of their authority. Children are like-
ly to feel exasperated:
•If they are treated arbitrarily.
•If the reasons for rules and expecta-
tions are not correctly explained to
them.
•If they feel that they are being disci-
plined for our own convenience and/or
pleasure.
•If they believe that they are being
treated unjustly. God is just, and as a
consequence, we as Christians need to
reflect this justice. Any punishment
must therefore be just.
•When we seem to be harsh and un-
remitting and lack the quality of mercy.
God is merciful to us and, by extension,
we must show mercy (see the Parable
of the Unforgiving Servant - Matt 18:23-
35).
•If we seem to care more about our
rules than we do for them as people,
i.e. if we fail to show real love in our
discipline. Children pick up as much
from the tone of our voice and expres-
sion as they do from our words.
Principle No. 4: Parents are to dis-
cipline in love. God is love (1 John 4:8)
and in our discipline, more than ever,
we must show love. We read in the
Epistle to the Hebrews that “whom the
Lord loves He chastens, and scourges
every son whom He receives” (12:6;
Prov 3:11-12). Because we love our
children, we sometimes need to disci-
pline them. In order for this discipline to
be effective - and not hurtful because
this would only cause resentment - we
must discipline in a loving way, all the
time being models of the love de-
scribed in the First Epistle to the Co-
rinthians (13). Some implications of this
are listed below:
•Parents must demonstrate patience
and kindness, without becoming irrita-
ble or resentful, despite the severity of
the situation or level of frustration. Do
not discipline in a hurry, in the heat of
the moment. If you feel you are losing
your temper, give yourself some time
before you discipline a child. By the
same token, do not discipline a child
who is angry. Any punishment must
recognise the age and maturity of the
child, not belittling him/her in word or
deed. Needless to say, the punishment
must fit the crime.
•Parents must display good manners.
Do not attack the dignity or self-worth
of the child. Remember, it is the sin that
you hate, not the sinner! Any discipline
should be aimed at helping the child im-
prove behaviour.
•Parents must not show satisfaction
when their children are caught out do-
ing something wrong, as if to say, “I
knew you would let me down again”.
As soon as possible, after disciplining a
child, make the opportunity to interact
with the child in a positive way.
•Parents must show joy when children
who had done wrong, begin to do
good. In other words, try to catch your
child doing something right!
•Parents retain optimism without bring-
ing up past wrongs continually.
Principle No. 5: Children are to be
brought up in the training and admoni-
tion of the Lord. The word training in
Ephesians 6:4 refers to the whole edu-
cation of a child, while the word for ad-
monition, νουθεσία, means to set in the
mind. Training in the Lord can be de-
scribed as what Saint Paul says, “Imi-
tate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1
Cor 11:1).
Here we see, as was written in last
month’s column, that our own example
is most important. Values are best
learnt when there is a good example to
follow. This was further elaborated by
St John Chrysostom in his First Homily
on Hannah, where the saint emphasis-
es the need for parents to set the stan-
dard, to become the example for chil-
dren. Interestingly, we are often con-
cerned about the people our children
may mix with, even when we ourselves
are not the ideal example!
Children are of course impression-
able, so we need to be very careful
that we ourselves do not lead them
astray and cause them to stumble (Matt
18:5-7).
All parents want what is best for their
children. Sometimes however, we may
not be aware of our own responsibili-
ties as parents, believing that our role
is simply to show love and provide for
the needs of our children, forgetting
that we are also charged with their
spiritual formation.
It is the role of each and every Chris-
tian to encourage family, friends and
colleagues to fulfil their responsibilities.
Let us encourage and support each oth-
er to draw nearer to God and His Holy
Church, and in so doing empower one
another to fulfil our spiritual obligations
towards all children.
To comment, agree or disagree, visit
http://petermav.livejournal.com/
Peter Mavrommatis is a teacher of Orthodox
Studies and Personal Development at St Spyri-
don College Senior School, Sydney.
4 /22 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA OCTOBER 2010

Charity through education

Letter But why are bicycles important for education? Bicy-
cles increase access to school for children in rural ar-
from eas. Some walk 20km to and from school in rural areas.
In some regions less than half of all primary school

Maroubra
By JAMES
ATHANASOU
THE POWER
OF BICYCLES
If Australians ever think of bikes they see them as a
cheap way of commuting and as a way to minimise pol-
lution. Like me, quite a few cycle for some exercise or
for leisure.
But I had never thought about the capacity of bicycles
to provide an access to education. Neither did I consid-
er the potential for bicycles to liberate people through-
out the world.
The fact is that bicycles are a simple technology
which is vastly underestimated. Who could imagine that
bicycle programs would be used to provide poverty re-
lief throughout developing nations? An excellent exam-
ple is World Bicycle Relief.
World Bicycle Relief
This organisation has given 24,400 bicycles for tsuna-
mi relief in Sri Lanka, 23,000 bicycles to health workers
and health educators in Zambia and around 50,000 bi-
cycles are proposed for children in rural Zambia to help
them get to school.
Why bicycles? For a start they give women and girls
in particular a safer way to travel. They are inexpensive
to run and maintain. They provide mobility.
World Bicycle Relief indicated that bicycles can in-
crease carrying capacity five times as much when com-
www.worldbicyclerelief.org
pared with walking; or increase the distance a person
can travel by four times; and save around three hours
for every 15 kilometres travelled.
This charity is the brainchild of Chicago businessman
Frederick Day and was founded by SRAM Corporation
and Trek Bicycles in 2005 (http://www.worldbicyclere-
lief.org)
They started by improving bicycle design because
most bicycles imported into Africa were not strong
enough. They fell apart on the rough roads and tracks.
So they designed a 25kg one-speed bicycle that needed
little tinkering.
Each bicycle costs around A$140 to place in the field.
This includes the manufacturing costs, delivery and
transport plus training one bicycle mechanic for every
50 bicycles. They actually train mechanics in the villages
and townships to repair the bikes.
www.saintstylianos.org.au
pupils will go on to complete high school. Girls in these
remote areas have even less opportunity for schooling
right from the start. And as every Greek-Australian im-
migrant knows, schooling has been important to over-
come poverty.
Philanthropic Orphan School
Last Sunday a lunch was held at Sydney’s St Stylianos
parish in aid of St Clements Primary School in Nairobi,
Kenya. The funds raised support the meal program. For
many children the free meal provided through St Stylia-
nos is their only meal for the day.
The school was founded by the local Orthodox Me-
tropolis in September 2002 and it caters for orphans,
refugees, children from single-parent families and HIV /
AIDS victims. The aim of the school is to give freedom
from poverty through education. It provides schooling to
approximately 125 children who otherwise would not
have been able to afford education in Kenya.
It is described as a unique school in Kenya: there are
no fees charged whatsoever; writing material, uniforms,
educational resources, are all offered freely; and enrol-
ment is based on socio-economic need. By all accounts
it is worthy of support.
The students of the school come from the villages on
the outskirts of Nairobi. Some children walk up to 50
minutes to get to school each morning. A bike would al-
so be great!
James Athanasou
athanasou@gmail.com
For all donations to St Clements Primary School - the
account details are: LAIKI BANK, Parish of Sutherland
KENYA Account, BSB: 942 202 Account number: 194480
The views expressed in Letter From Maroubra are those of the
contributor and not those of the VEMA or St Andrew’s Press.

Greece plans diaspora bonds

The Greek Government plans to sell
bonds to the millions of Greeks resident
abroad as it eyes a return to international
bond markets some time next year, the fi-
nance minister said recently.
Greece is keen to return to markets after
plunging into a debt crisis last year, when
its budget deficit hit 13.6 percent of GDP,
driving borrowing costs to prohibitive lev-
els and prompting a three-year 110 billion
euro rescue plan from the International
Monetary Fund and European Union.
“We are talking at the moment and de-
signing what is called a ‘diaspora bond’ to
tap Greek money that is abroad and we
feel that we will be quite successful,” Fi-
nance Minister Yiorgos Papakonstantinou
told Reuters Insider TV.
Analysts said details were needed to
see what amount Greece could raise from
a diaspora bond and what would make it
more attractive than other Greek debt of-
ferings.
“It would need to be made clear what
benefit Greek expats would gain by buying
these bonds as opposed to existing Greek
government paper in the secondary mar-
ket,” said Miranda Xafa, senior strategist at
IJ Partners, an asset management firm
based in Geneva. “Will they be trying to ap-
peal to their patriotism or will there be a
tax advantage?”
Government officials said the diaspora
bond was still in the planning stage and
details had not been decided yet. “Every lit-
tle thing helps,” said Kornelius Purps, an
analyst at Unicredit in Munich. “(But) with
Greek debt we are always talking of bil-
lions; it is more important to convince
those who really have the money, Euro-
pean institutional investors, to purchase
Greek debt instead of individuals.”
Papakonstantinou said financial markets
remained cautious on Greece and were
just beginning to believe it would stay the
course of fiscal consolidation and continue
to implement reforms after seeing some
first results.
He again ruled out default and vowed to
stay the course on the big changes in the
Greek economy - pension and labour mar-
kets, opening up closed professions, re-
forming the tax system, cracking down on
tax evasion.
Papakonstantinou said public protests,
although sometimes violent, have been
smaller than in other countries as people
realise tough measures are necessary.
“The Greek public understands perfectly
well that what is being done is absolutely
needed. It is difficult, it is often harsh, peo-
ple are hurting, however, in the situation
that we were in and to avoid bankruptcy
we have to take the decisions we are tak-
ing,” he said.
Reuters
OCTOBER 2010 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 5 /23

"Power of Attorney" is a phrase that

many of us know but may not fully under-
stand. In this edition of Investment News
we will be providing some answers to the
common questions regarding Powers of
Attorney. It is important to keep in mind
that this paper is only a brief outline of
powers of attorney in Australia and that
slight differences can occur from state to
state. Please note that this newsletter is
not legal advice. You should seek your
own advice before entering any Power of
Attorney.
What is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney is a legal document
that is made by one person, (known as the
"principal") which permits another person
(known as the "attorney") to do things on
the principal's behalf during the principal's
lifetime. A principal is sometimes also re-
ferred to as a "donor" and an attorney as
the "donee".
The purpose of a Power of Attorney is to
provide proof of an attorney's powers.
The Power of Attorney allows the attorney
to sign any document or do anything which
the principal can do legally, subject to any
conditions or limitations stated in the docu-
ment.
Why would I want to have a
Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney enables your affairs
to be managed by a person of your choice
in instances where you are unable to con-
duct your affairs, for example if you are
travelling overseas, are ill or become men-
tally incapacitated (enduring Powers of At-
torney only).
Powers of Attorney may be used for al-
most any purpose, including authorising
the attorney to collect debts, vote at meet-
ings, operate a financial institution account
or to carry out any other function which
can be lawfully delegated.
Can anyone make a Power of
Attorney?
To make a valid Power of Attorney you
must be at least 18 years old and must un-
derstand the nature and effect of the doc-
ument creating the power.
HEALTH
A Power of Attorney
NEWS
that the person appointed is a solicitor. The
person appointed as your attorney can be
any person over the age of 18 who is able
to assist you. It can easily be a friend, fam-
ily member, the Public Trustee or a trustee
company or a trusted professional such as
your Accountant or Solicitor.
What types of Powers of
Attorney are there?
Powers of Attorney can be specific or
general with the authority conferred by the
Power of Attorney being limited to specific
acts or unlimited.
The circumstances relating to why the
Power of Attorney has been created often
dictates the structure. For example, if you
are going overseas, you may wish to make
a Power of Attorney so someone can look
after your finances during the period you
are away.
As noted earlier, Powers of Attorney can
vary from state to state. Broadly speaking,
however, they can be categorised into four
types:
1. General Powers of Attorney - which
allow you to choose someone who will
make specified financial and legal deci-
sions on your behalf, keeping in mind that
the power ceases if you lose the capacity
to make your own decisions;
2. Enduring Powers of Attorney (financial)
- which allow you to choose someone to
make financial and legal decisions for you
if you become unable to make these deci-
sions;
3. Enduring Powers of Attorney (medical
treatment) - which allow you to choose
someone to make decisions about your
medical treatment if you become unable to
make these decisions; and
4. Enduring Powers of Guardianship -
which allow you to choose someone who
can make lifestyle decisions for you.
It is important to remember that if you
want to choose someone to make deci-
sions for you in case you lose your capac-
ity to make your own decisions you may
need to make one or more enduring pow-
ers of attorney.
Enduring powers are an option all peo-
ple should consider because anyone can
become ill or have an accident that may
affect their ability to make decisions.
How do I make a Power of
Attorney?
To make a Power of Attorney you can ei-
ther engage a solicitor or use a trustee
company to draw up the Power of Attor-
ney document. You may also able to pur-
chase forms from your local newsagency,
Australia Post shops or specialised station-
ers. Where a trustee company is used you
will need to nominate the company as the
attorney.
Do I have to register my Power
of Attorney?
It may not be necessary to register a
Power of Attorney, however, by registering
a Power of Attorney it will be:
• On record as a public document;
• Safe from loss or destruction; and
• More easily accepted as evidence
that the attorney is allowed to deal with
your assets.
It is important to note that where the
Power of Attorney permits the sale, mort-
gage, lease or other such dealing with re-
al estate it will usually be required to be
registered before it becomes effective.
Can I cancel a Power of
Attorney?
Generally, a Power of Attorney remains
in force until it is terminated by the death,
bankruptcy or insolvency of the principal
or the purpose or time for which it was
created has been fulfilled or has passed.
However, a Power of Attorney can be
cancelled at any time as long as the princi-
pal still has mental capacity to do so. If the
Power of Attorney has been registered it is
advisable that its cancellation also be reg-
istered. If third parties have been provided
details of the Power of Attorney they
should also be notified of its cancellation.
What are my Attorney's obliga-
tions?
An attorney must not exceed the author-
ity given under the Power of Attorney. If
Christian Dior, Gucci, Ted Baker
Katerina + Kyriacos Mavrolefteros
Serengeti, Maui Jim, Fendi
the attorney does exceed their authority,
he or she may be liable for any damages
suffered by the principal or others. An at-
torney is under a duty to act in the best in-
terests of the principal at all times.
An attorney may pass on his or her
powers and duties to another person only
if authorised to do so by the Power of At-
torney document.
Do I have to pay my Attorney?
Except where the Power of Attorney
document states otherwise, the attorney is
not paid for his or her work as your attor-
ney. However, they can claim any reason-
able out of pocket expenses directly con-
nected with carrying out the Power of At-
torney duties. If the Public Trustee, Trustee
Company or professional is your attorney,
the Power of Attorney document will usual-
ly contain a clause allowing them to charge
a fee for their services.
Can I use my Power of Attorney
if it was made interstate or
overseas?
Generally speaking, Powers of Attorney
from overseas or other states may be able
to be used. You should make your own en-
quiries in relation to this, however at mini-
mum your Power of Attorney document
must have certain basic features such as
being in English (or translated by a quali-
fied translator), show the date it was
made, detail the name of the principal and
attorney, include a statement that the attor-
ney has the power to act for the principal
and be signed by the principal and wit-
nessed by an appropriate person.
For more information:
JORDAN & DJUNDJA LAWYERS
SUITE 1, 23A REGENT STREET,
KOGARAH, N.S.W. 2217
TEL: (02) 9553 9166
FAX: (02) 9588 3223

Who can be my Power of If you only want someone to make fi-

Attorney? nancial and legal decisions for a limited
Rodenstock, Ray Ban

The word "attorney", when used in rela- time such as when you are travelling you
tion to "Power of Attorney", does not mean will need a general Power of Attorney.

No further bailout
needed for Greece
Greek finance minister George Papaconstantinou says that there will be no need
for a new emergency bailout loan when the current one expires in 2013 but refus-
es to rule out extending the repayment period.
Papaconstantinou says in an interview published in newspaper Real News that ex-
tending the repayment period of 110 billion euros ($A156 billion) in loans provided by
the EU and the IMF "if it is ever decided, will be a proof of trust and a recompense 874 Anzac Parade, Maroubra Junction
for our current efforts". (at bus stop, on RTA block)
He adds that it would be premature to say if an extension is necessary. He says
that "by 2013, Greece will be a country with better public finances and a stronger
economy".
Te l : ( 0 2 ) 9 3 1 4 - 0 3 9 3
He says "we will not need further (bailouts) but to preserve what we will have ac- service@maroubraoptoms.com.au
complished by then".
AP Nina Ricci, Oakley, La font
6 /24 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA
Greek PM George Papandreou with Australian PM
Julia Gillard at the ASEM Summit
Julia Gillard
invites
Papandreou
to Australia
Newly elected Australian Prime Minister Julia
Gillard has invited Greek Prime Minister George
Papandreou to pay an official visit to Australia.
In statements to Australian media, Gillard ex-
pressed her pleasure over her first meeting
with the Greek premier in the framework of the
Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and noted her de-
sire boost trade ties between the two countries.
“There is much room for improvement” she said.
“I invited the Greek Prime Minister to visit
Australia, where 600,000 Greeks live. In Mel-
bourne, which is my home town, and in Aus-
tralia generally, there is a very strong Greek
community, and I’m sure that he (Papandreou)
would be given a very, very enthusiastic recep-
tion if he was able to visit,” said Gillard
The last Greek Prime Minister to visit Australia
was Costas Karamanlis in 2007.
She further said that Australia could contribute
with its knowhow in many sectors in Greece.
(ANA-MPA)
Australian tourism
to Greece up 15%
in Jan-July
Defying forecasts, tourism from Australia to
Greece marked an impressive rise in the first
seven months (January-July) of the year, accord-
ing to Greek National Tourism Organisation (GN-
TO) Australia director Christina Kalogera, citing
data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
More specifically, the number of Australian
visitors to Greece in the first seven months of
2010 rose by 15 percent against the correspon-
ding period last year, she said, noting that a to-
tal of 600,000 Australians visited foreign desti-
nations in August. Kalogera also said that, ac-
cording to forecasts, Australian passenger
movement to Europe will increase by 4 percent
in 2011, “which also means an increase to-
wards Greece, too”.
Greece, she continued, “offers many kinds of
tourism year-round and for everyone”.
Kalogera attributed the rise in travelers to
Greece to the high parity of the Australian cur-
rency and the availability of airline seats and af-
fordable ticket prices, given the heavy competi-
tion in recent years among the various airlines
that carry out Australia-Greece itineraries. She
also noted the large Greek community in Aus-
tralia.
(ANA/MPA)
OCTOBER 2010
Facts & Stats
A new Greece emerging
By Joanna Papadimitropoulou duced by economic insecurity, the de- The findings at Aiges prove that
valuation of politics and the rubbish Macedonia has been Greek since the
The breeze of optimism that blew served as the new television season’s Geometric Age. They also prove that
during the past few days concerning programming. the Macedonian kingdom was just an-
the upturn of the Greek economy was Aiges is of course the birthplace of other one of the many Greek states of
helped even further by the recent an- the royal Macedonian dynasty, since the Geometric Age, one that maintained
nouncement of a venture of great his- the times they settled in the northern Homeric political and societal struc-
torical and diplomatic importance. edges of Olympus. tures while Athens and other city-states
The preparations for holding, next As for the undisputed leader of this were establishing democracy.
spring, at the renowned Ashmolean bold initiative, it is the excavator Ange- Let’s hope that, until April, when the
museum of the University of Oxford - liki Kottaridi, a lone scientist, for whom exhibition is set to open in Oxford, the
the world’s largest centre of classical the constant querulousness about the climate change regarding the Greek e-
studies- the exhibition “From Hercules crisis and insufficient funding wouldn’t conomy will have been completed. The
to Alexander: the legend of Macedonia”
is the last thing we expected in such
cut it.
At the same time that contract work-
recent scaling down of loaning spreads
is clearly an effect of the positive opin-
hard times and moving in itself.
In the context of the exhibition, 550
ers of the Ministry of Culture were
blocking access to the Acropolis de-
ion that starts to spread in the world
markets about the prospects of the
items found in the excavations of the manding to get paid, Kottaridi was ex- Greek economy. This means that, if all
Aiges palace during the last 20 years
will make their public debut in the ren-
plaining in what ways this exhibition, in goes well, sometime in 2011 Greece
a time of insecurity and uncertainty, will will be able to return to the global mar-
ovated halls of the university museum.
Along with them, we look forward to
try to establish on an international level
the scientific truth, invoking a global
kets and foreign investors will take a
rekindled interest in Greek bonds.
freeing ourselves from the misery in- discussion. ATHENSNEWS
Search in Greece for legendary treasure
A Greek-Australian treasure hunter has begun a search in A drill has been brought from Athens for the purpose and
the mountains of central Greece for the treasure of a noto- cameras will be inserted to help locate the chamber be-
rious 19th century Ottoman pasha believed to be enough to lieved to hold the treasure.
plug the country’s vast debts, state TV says. Ali Pasha was an Albanian-born potentate who ruled the
Vangelis Dimas is financing the excavation to locate the area for the Ottoman Empire in the early 19th century, short-
hoard of Ali Pasha near the village of Vassiliki, 352km north- ly before the Greek revolution that ended the country’s four-
west of Athens. century Turkish occupation.
“The sensors show me that there is great treasure hidden He was killed in 1822 in an unsuccessful revolt against the
below,” Dimas told state television NET on Friday as a crew Ottoman Sultan but his treasure was never found.
manned a heavy drill on a small hill a few metres from the Prior attempts to locate it near his stronghold in the north-
local road. western city of Ioannina have been fruitless.
Advertisement: Story continues below According to Dimas, The village of Vassiliki is named after the pasha’s Greek-
the treasure could be worth millions of euros, NET said. born wife who hailed from the area, and lies on his old tax
Vassiliki mayor Vaios Ziakas told AFP the state-approved caravan route to Ioannina.
operation is proceeding slowly and would likely extend into The Greek state is entitled to 50 per cent of the finds and
next week. the municipality will also be given a percentage, officials
“So far we have drilled to a depth of 23 metres but the say. Greece is battling a debt crisis and growing recession
rock is very tough,” he said. after coming close to bankruptcy earlier this year. The Greek
“If at 30 metres we have a breakthrough, it will mean that debt stands at more than 300 billion euros ($A426 billion).
there is an underground chamber below.” SMH
Turks to return Prinkipo
orphanage to Patriarchate
According to a newspaper report,
the Turkish state organisation just
barely met a three-month European
Court of Human Rights (ECHR) dead-
line to re-register the property, fol-
lowing a relevant ECHR ruling last
June.
If confirmed, the development
would mark the first time that such a
property has been returned to a
recognised religious minority by the
Turkish foundation.
According to the same report by
the Haberturk newspaper, registra- Prinkipo
tion of the property at the Turkish
cadastre office in the name of the Pa-
triarchate is expected to take place tre for dialogue and peace. The or- Zarifi, a banker to then Ottoman Sul-
next week. phanage was originally built as a ho- tan Abdul Hamid ll, with the stipulation
Ecumenical Patriarchate Vartholo- tel by renowned French architect that it be used as an orphanage for
meos has previously stated that the Alexandre Vallaury in the 1890s; it ethnic Greek children. The orphanage
orphanage - billed as the world’s was subsequently bought in 1903 and was closed in 1964 at the height of
second-largest wooden structure - donated to the Patriarchate by Helene tensions over Cyprus.
will be turned into an inter-faith cen- Zafiropoulo-Zarifi, the wife of Ioannis (ANA-MPA / A. Abatzis)
OCTOBER 2010
LEFT: Visiting scholar from the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, Emeritus Professor Georgios Mantzaridis during his speech. RIGHT: Part of the audience.
Reflections at the Close of the
St Andrew’s Patristic Symposium 2010
Doru Costache
Philip Kariatlis
St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological
College, a member institute of the Sydney
College of Divinity, hosted for the second
year in a row a patristic symposium, be-
tween 1 September and 6 October 2010.
This new celebration for the heart and
mind, as the logo of our Symposia goes,
was dedicated to the personality and
ecclesial significance of St Gregory the
Theologian. The theme of the event was
“The Poetry of Theology”, which allowed
for a wide range of viewpoints on the cru-
cial contributions brought by the fourth
century Cappadocian Father. Indeed, the
papers offered throughout the six nights
addressed the saint’s contributions in a
cross-disciplinary manner, in light of the
expertise and interests of the presenters.
Along with the presentations by members
of the Faculty and a number of our gradu-
ates, this year’s Patristic Symposium host-
ed three keynote papers, marking an obvi-
ous progress from the last year’s event.
The Symposium was inaugurated on
Wednesday, 1 September, by the first key-
note paper, offered by the College’s Dean,
His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos of
Australia, who addressed various aspects
pertaining to the personality of the great
“ecumenical teacher” under the title Spiri-
tual Portrait of St Gregory the Theologian.
On the same night, Dr Anna Silvas (Fellow
of the Australian Academy of the Huma-
nities; University of New England, Armidale
NSW) offered the second keynote paper,
Expeditions to Sites Connected with Sts
Basil the Great, Macrina and Gregory the
Theologian.
The second night, Wednesday, 8 Septem-
ber, hosted the papers presented by Revd
Gerasimos Koutsouras, lecturer in Church
history (Sermon to Song: Transforming St
Gregory’s Orations into Hymn) and Revd Dr
Doru Costache, senior lecturer in Patristic
studies and co-convenor of the event (See-
king Out the Antecedents of the Maximian
Theory of Everything: St Gregory the Theo-
logian’s Oration 38).
On the third night, Wednesday, 15 Sep-
tember, two more papers were presented,
by Sister Dr Margaret Beirne, senior lectur-
er in Biblical studies (Scripture in the Works
The Greek Australian VEMA
of St Gregory the Theologian), and Mario
Baghos, graduate of the College and assis-
tant lecturer in Church history (Working
towards an Existential Metanarrative of
History in the Writings of St Gregory the
Theologian).
Wednesday, 22 September, hosted the
third keynote paper offered by a visiting
scholar from the Aristotle University of
Thessaloniki, Emeritus Professor Georgios
Mantzaridis. This paper was presented in
Greek, under the title Aνθρωπογνωσία καί
Θεογνωσία εiς Aγ. Γρηγόριον τόν Θεολό-
γον (Knowledge of the Human Person and
God according to St Gregory the Theolo-
gian), with a simultaneous English transla-
The College’s Dean, His Eminence
Archbishop Stylianos of Australia
His Eminence presented Professor Mantzaridis a memento for his visit to Australia
tion by Dimitri Kepreotes (lecturer in Canon
Law).
On Wednesday, 29 September, Revd Alan
Galt, lecturer in Pastoral Care and Coun-
selling (Comparing Wesley’s ‘Christian Per-
fection’ and Gregory’s ‘Theosis’), and An-
thony Papantoniou, graduate of the Colle-
ge and assistant lecturer in Patristic stud-
ies (Christological Insights from St Gregory
the Theologian’s Letters to Cledonius) pre-
sented.
The last night of the Symposium, Wed-
nesday, 6 October, hosted the papers of-
fered by Peter Mavrommatis, graduate of
the College and teacher at St Spyridon’s
College in Maroubra NSW (Beyond Rhe-
Professor Mantzaridis answered many ques-
tions from students of St Andrew’s
Theological College
TO BHMA 7 /25
toric: Elements of Pedagogy in the Works of
St Gregory the Theologian), and Dr Philip
Kariatlis, lecturer in Systematic theology
and co-convenor of the event (“What then?
Is the Spirit God? Certainly!” St Gregory’s
Teaching on the Holy Spirit as the Basis of
the World’s Deification).
The sessions were well attended by a
broad public, comprising academics from
various Universities in Sydney, the Sydney
College of Divinity and other member insti-
tutions of the consortium, clergy from var-
ious Orthodox jurisdictions and other Chri-
stian denominations, monks, students and
lovers of the Church Fathers. The wide at-
tendance pointed out once again the rele-
vance of the St Andrew’s Patristic Sympo-
sia to both Church and the academia.
All the podcasts of the papers offered
have been promptly uploaded on the Col-
lege’s website (http://www.sagotc. edu.au/
downloads.html) by the Registrar, Anasta-
sios Kalogerakis, where from they can be
freely downloaded or listened to. The event
has been advertised through a variety of
channels, including the Facebook Group “St
Andrew’s Patristic Symposium 2010”. Like
for the last year’s Symposium, a number of
papers will be published in a special edi-
tion of our theological journal, Phronema, in
2011. After the next year’s Symposium,
which will explore the personality and con-
tributions of St Gregory of Nyssa, the
College intends to publish a collective vol-
ume reuniting the contributions presented
at the first three Symposia (2009, 2010 and
2011), dedicated to the Cappadocian Fa-
thers.
We are delighted to announce that for the
St Andrew’s Patristic Symposium 2011
there are already confirmed two keynote
papers, which will be offered by two emi-
nent Australian scholars and friends of the
College, Dr Anna Silvas (University of New
England, Armidale NSW) and Dr Bronwen
Neil (Catholic University of Australia, Bris-
bane QLD). Dr Silvas will present the paper
entitled “Revisiting St Gregory’s Letter to
the monk Philip: Christological considera-
tions from the Syriac version”. Dr Neil’s
paper will be entitled “Gregory of Nyssa on
Divine Providence”. We hope to see you all
next year!
8 /26 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA OCTOBER 2010

AMAZING DINGO RESEARCH

Contrary to people’s negative percep-
tions about Dingos, the research shows
otherwise. Professor Robert Mulley
from the University of Western Sydney
gave a fascinating talk at All Saints
Grammar’s annual Science Fair. His re-
search work on the numbers and be-
haviour of Dingos in the Blue Mountains
World Heritage area was received with
great interest by the school’s top Sci-
ence students, who asked a consider-
able number of questions.
Dingos are the apex predators in this
ecosystem. They eat swamp wallabies,
brushtail possums, Eastern Grey kanga-
roos, rabbits, wombats and Ringtail pos-
sums.
They tend to eat the smaller dietary
items during months when they are
training their pups in predatory skills
during the months of September and
October. They are highly territorial and
regularly patrol the perimeter of their
territory. Very few were found to have
predated domestic animals.
Professor Mulley was impressed with
the scientific literacy of the students and
the strength of All Saint Grammar’s Sci-
ence Faculty who encourage students to
apply the scientific method in their think-
ing and research. “Students are doing
some excellent project work and show
great maturity in their presentations,”
stated Professor Mulley.
Mr Bill Sofatzis, Head of the Science
Department, agreed. “I tell students to
look for the extraordinary in the ordi-
nary: a leaf, a raindrop, a spec of dust
may hold the answer to one of life’s
mysteries. Stop and wonder why and
don’t let the world pass you by.”
This year’s finalists impressed the au-
dience for the breadth of their research
from the Social Sciences to Physics:
false memory syndrome, mental health
among youth, the effect of musical vi-
brations on plant growth, aerodynamics
and the science of spherical objects, the
power produced by a solar collector,
and the effect of magnetism on mobile
phones and i-pods.
Elly Paxinos, Coordinator of Gifted &
Talented Programs at All Saints Gram-
mar stated that it was important for gift-
ed and talented Science students to
have a real audience for their independ-
ent research. Each year she invites a
visiting scientist to address the finalists
at the Science Fair.
She praised the school’s Science
teachers for mentoring students in their
scientific research.

Nobel Prize
for Economics
awarded to
Christopher Pissarides
The award of the Nobel Prize in Economics to
Professor Christopher Pissarides (photo) consti-
tutes the highest possible honour for Cyprus and
its people, President of the Republic Demetris
Christofias stressed in a written statement.
The President praised the Cypriot born Nobel
Laureate saying the award of the Nobel Prize
translates to international recognition both for his
excellent scientific work as well as for his life-
time achievements in the demanding area of
Economics.
President Chirstofias extended “his heartfelt
congratulations” to Pissarides, “who has truly
made us all proud”.
The Economy Nobel Prize for 2010 was award-
ed jointly to Professors Peter Diamond, Dale
Mortensen and Christopher Pissarides for work
focusing on problems like unemployment.
Pissarides who is currently a Professor of Eco-
nomics and Norman Sosnow Chair in Economics,
at London School of Economics is due to hold the
Marfin Laiki Chair at the University of Cyprus
starting January 2011.
The prize amount is approximately one million
euro and will be shared equally between the
Laureates.
OCTOBER 2010 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 9 /27

ST SPYRIDON COLLEGE

Invitation
Celebrate the P&F Spring Fair
at the Junior School.
Think
k fun.
Live Musi
Music.
ic. Dance. Rides. Po
Pony
ony Rides. Animal BBQ Octopus. Sizzling
S sausages. Gr
G eek cakes.
Greek
Farm. Christm
mas Novelties. Face
Christmas e Painting. Stalls Homemade jam
ms. Fairy floss. Hom
jams. memade
Homemade
with great gi
great ft ideas and much mor
gift e.
more. lemonade. Gou
urmet Cof
Gourmet fee.
Coffee.
This is a Fair
F with a distinctiv
ve Gr
distinctive eek flavour.
Greek flavour. See just wh
hat a gr
what eat College
great e you have
Great food. Gr
Great eat music. Lam
Great mb souvlakia.
Lamb here,
here, right in th
the Kingsford.
he heart of Kingsfo
ord.

For mor
m
more
e information call
c 9663 5363 or
o visit
www.stspyrido
on.nsw.edu.au
www.stspyridon.nsw.edu.au

SSunday
u n d a y 31st,
3 1 s t , Oc
O c tober
t o b e r 2010
2 0 1 0 – 80
8 0 Gardeners
G a r d e n e r s Road,
Road,
K i n g s f o r d NSW
Kingsford NS W 2032
2 0 3 2 11
11 am
a m – 5 pm pm
10 /28 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA OCTOBER 2010

Longer living on a Greek Island

Dan Buettner, holder of three separate
world Guiness World Records for distance
biking: a 15,500-mile ride from Alaska to
Argentina in 1987, when he was 27; a
12,888-mile journey across the Soviet
Union in 1990; and a 12,172-mile jaunt
through Africa completed in 1992, an
American explorer from Minnesota, per-
formed a study on longevity with his team
of scientists, after a series of journeys
worldwide, including the Greek island of
Ikaria, first published in National Geo-
graphic.
Dan Buettner and his associates studied
the way of life in areas known for the
longevity of their natives (i.e. the percent-
age of locals who live up to the age of 100
is greater than in other areas around the
world, combined with a low rate of hear
diseases and cancer).
These areas became the subject of his
book “The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living
Longer from the People who Lived the
Longest” (National Geographic).
Among the “Blue Zones” are Sardinia,
Okinawa, Costa Rica, Loma Linda, Califor-
nia and Ikaria. Despite the tremendous cul-
tural and geographic differences between
these distant lands, Buettner has identified
common practices that seem to aid in ex-
treme longevity. He calls these “The Power
Nine,” or the nine rules any person can fol-
Ikarians have an afternoon habit of picking fistfuls of garden herbs and steeping them in boiled
water for an evening beverage
low in the hopes of emulating the world’s tions to regions I call Blue Zones, places
longest-living humans. around the world where people are living
measurably longer.
“Grecian formula” for longevity Contrary to popular opinion, genes dic-
tate as little as 2 percent of our life ex-
More specifically, Dan Buettner in a Na- pectancy, so studying the lifestyles in these
tional Geographic article referring to the spots offers clues as to what we can do to
“Grecian formula” for longevity stated that live better, longer. Since 2008, with funding
“for the past eight years, I’ve led expedi- from National Geographic and AARP, my
team has been investigating the Greek is-
land of Ikaria, some 35 miles off the coast
of Turkey, where more than a third of the
residents reach age 90. The locals here
suffer 20 percent less cancer than Ameri-
cans, half the rate of heart disease, and,
most surprisingly, none of the dementia.”
The author continues that “Long-living
Ikarians, we discovered, observe about
150 days of religious fasting a year, stay
up past 2a.m., sleep late, and nap. They eat
mostly leafy greens, potatoes, and beans.
All of these factors, by varying degrees,
add years to life. But there is another
shared trait, one we hadn’t seen in other
Blue Zones.
Ikarians have an afternoon habit of pick-
ing fistfuls of garden herbs and steeping
them in boiled water for an evening bev-
erage; at breakfast, they drink tea from
other dried herbs. This was an important
lead. I immediately contacted pharmacolo-
gist Ioanna Chinou, Ph.D., at the University
of Athens, who agreed to unleash her lab’s
resources to help. I sent her several Ikari-
an herbs commonly used as teas: wild
mint, spleenwort, rosemary, and purple
sage.” It is also important to note that, as
the author points out, some Ikarian herbs
can be hard to find outside of Greece, but
other healthy herbs are readily available in
the U.S.

BOTANY CEMETERY OPEN DAY

EASTERN SUBURBS MEMORIAL PARK

11am to 2pm - Saturday, 30th October 2010

ALL WELCOME!
You are invited to our Open Day where you can meet our friendly team, join our Park tours and learn about the many
services we provide to families and friends throughout our community. Here are some examples:

Free flower arranging workshop See our new Funeral Home

Our on-site florist will be running a free workshop teaching You can also join our tours of our new funeral home where
you how to create beautiful flower arrangements which you you can inspect all of its modern facilities including the
can then enter in our “best bouquet” competition! beautiful chapel, condolence and arrangement rooms,
mortuary and hearse.

Free sausage sizzle Relax at our new café and condolence centre
Enjoy a free sausage sizzle provided by our local 1st Little Enjoy a relaxing cup of tea or coffee or a refreshing drink
Bay Scout Group. served by the friendly staff at our new café and condolence
centre.

Pioneer Memorial Park History Tours See the displays

We will be conducting bus tours of our beautiful Park where
you can stop at Centenary Park and enjoy a walk through its
tranquil watercourse or continue on to Pioneer Park where
you can explore Sydney’s history with members of The Cape
Banks Family History.
We have organised interesting displays of headstones, urns,
caskets and coffins which demonstrate a large variety of
designs and options. The suppliers will be able to provide you
with a wide range of information.

The Park is set in peaceful surrounds overlooking Botany Bay and we are close to
major transport links with frequent public bus services (routes 309, 391 and L09).

We hope you can visit us on our Open Day! Bring your family, bring your friends! Everyone is welcome!

12 Military Road Matraville NSW 2036

T. (02) 9661 5655 F. (02) 9311 3654 E. enquiries@esmp.net.au www.esmp.net.au
OCTOBER 2010 The Greek Australian VEMA
HEALTH
NEWS
NEWS
WITH DR. THEO PENKLIS *
ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
This week a 74 year old patient of mine with a histo-
ry of high blood pressure was found to have an irregu-
lar heart beat on a routine check up. This man was sur-
prised because he felt very well. Clinically, he was in
atrial fibrillation and this was confirmed on an ECG
(electrocardiograph).
Last week I saw a 65 year old lady with symptoms of
weight loss, diarrhoea and palpitations (an awareness
of her heart beating or racing). An ECG confirmed she
was in atrial fibrillation. This lady was diagnosed with
hyperthyroid disease (i.e she had an overactive thyroid)
which was the cause of her atrial fibrillation.
Here are two entirely different presentations of the
same medical condition. Both these patients had an ir-
regular heart beat or problem with their heart rhythm. In
medical terminology we call this an arrhythmia.
Atrial fibrillation is one of a number disorders com-
monly referred to as ‘arrhythmias’.
Atrial fibrillation occurs because there is a distur-
bance of the heart’s electrical system. And the heart’s
upper chambers or atria do not beat normally. The dis-
turbance causes the atria to fibrillate or ‘quiver’, rather
than pump the blood regularly between the atria and
the heart’s lower chambers, the ventricles. The heart
still pumps blood, but not as efficiently as normal.
The symptoms of atrial fibrillation
The most common symptom of atrial fibrillation is pal-
pitations. That is, an awareness of the heart beating or
racing as with the lady, the second patient that I men-
tioned above. Sometimes people may have atrial fibril-
lation and have no symptoms as with the first man I
mentioned above who was noted by the doctor at the
time of a routine check up to have an irregular heart
World holding its breath on stem cells
By Danny Rose, Medical Writer
The world is holding its breath, Australian experts say,
as the first major embryonic stem cell trial in humans, ap-
proved by the US government, is underway.
A US biotech firm has announced the enrolment of its
first spinal injury patient, in a trial that could show whether
a stem cell-based therapy can restore lost feeling or
movement in paralysed limbs.
The initial phase of the study will primarily assess its
safety but, as Australia's Professor Andrew Elefanty ex-
plained, it signalled an important shift from "laboratory to
the clinic".
It should also show whether embryonic stem cells,
which show promise for treating a range of human dis-
ease and injury, can live up to the hype.
"The world will now watch with bated breath to see the
outcome ... will the cells be safe? Will we see a hint of
clinical benefit?" said Prof Elefanty, who is Group Leader
of the Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation Group at Mo-
nash University in Melbourne.
"The commencement of this trial marks the transition of
human embryonic stem cells from laboratory to the clinic.
"Whatever the outcome, other trials for different condi-
tions will probably quickly follow."
Health
rhythm. Palpitations are not the only symptoms of atrial
fibrillation. Sometimes the patient may complain of
dizziness, weakness, tiredness, chest pain and tight-
ness, shortness of breath or even feeling faint. These
symptoms occur because the heart is not pumping effi-
ciently as it should.
Incidence of atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation occurs in about 2% of the general
population and can affect about 10% of people over 75
years.
Causes of atrial fibrillation
The common conditions that lead to a patient devel-
oping atrial fibrillation are: coronary artery disease (re-
duced blood flow to the heart due to narrowing of the
arteries of the heart) with or without a previous history
of heart attack; hypertension or high blood pressure;
valvular heart disease (ie due to disease of the valves
in the chambers in the heart) and hyperthyroidism
(which is due to an overactive thyroid gland). This is the
cause in the lady mentioned above.
Other less common conditions associated with atrial
fibrillation include chest trauma, chest surgery, exces-
sive caffeine intake, excessive consumption of alcohol,
some medications. Other diseases such as pneumonia
can cause atrial fibrillation.
Sometimes atrial fibrillation can occur without an ob-
vious cause. Some people may have a one off episode
of atrial fibrillation. Some people may get recurrent
episodes. We call this ‘paroxysmal atrial fibrillation’ and
in most people the condition persists.
The risks of not recognising and treating
atrial fibrillation
When the atria fibrillate, the blood does not flow nor-
mally through the heart allowing the blood to collect or
‘pool’ in the atria which leads to an increase risk of clot
forming. If a clot forms, then a piece of it can break off
and travel through the blood vessels, through smaller
and smaller vessels until they get stuck and block the
blood supply to important organs. If the blockage oc-
curs in a blood vessel supplying the brain, it can cause
a stroke.
So it is important to recognise and treat atrial fibrilla-
tion in order to prevent strokes.
If atrial fibrillation is suspected and it is usually first
suspected if the patient’s pulse is irregular, atrial fibril-
lation is confirmed by performing an ECG. The presence
Stem cells are the equivalent of cellular blanks, as they
are capable of developing into any of the roughly 200
types of cell which make up the body's tissues.
Around 10 patients with recent spinal injury will take
part in the trial by the US's Geron Corporation, which is
hoped to show how they can be used to safely regener-
ate nerve cells and repair damage in a spinal cord.
The first patient is receiving hospital treatment in At-
lanta, Georgia, it was announced this week, and more
people who have suffered a severe spinal injury are to be
recruited. They will start treatment with a single injection
of Geron's stem cell-based product, called GRNOPC1,
within seven to 14 days of their injury.
TO BHMA 11 /29
of thrombus or clot in the heart can be confirmed with
a cardiac echo or ultrasound of the heart.
The treatment of atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation will sometimes resolve on its own.
That is, the heart will return to a normal rhythm without
treatment. On many occasions, the patient will be given
medications to try to control the heart rate, as well as
the heart rhythm. Sometimes a decision may be made
to perform an electrical cardioversion. In this case, an
electrical direct current shock is given under a light
anaesthetic.
Ablation is another procedure which involves the
physical interruption of the electrical circuits that sustain
atrial fibrillation and ablation of these circuits will help
people remain in a normal rhythm.
Sometimes atrial fibrillation can be fixed by correcting
the underlying problem. For example, if the patient has
an overactive thyroid, treating the thyroid problem may
resolve the atrial fibrillation.
However, in many cases atrial fibrillation may recur,
or may not respond to medication or electrical car-
dioversion or ablation, thus placing the patient at risk of
having a stroke.
Preventing strokes in people with atrial
fibrillation
Most people with atrial fibrillation will be prescribed
medication to ‘thin’ the blood in order to prevent clot-
ting. This will decrease the risk of stroke. The most
common medications used for this purpose are war-
farin and aspirin. The decision to prescribe these med-
ications will be based on a balance between reducing
the risk of blood clots and emboli forming, and the like-
lihood of excessive bleeding in an individual patient,
which can be assessed by the person’s doctor.
People taking warfarin need to be careful about tak-
ing the dose they are prescribed at the same time each
day, and regular blood tests are done to make sure the
dose is correct. This means that the recommended
dose may change. The frequency of blood tests will be
high initially until the dose is stabilised; but even after
this, blood tests will need to continue at regular inter-
vals (usually monthly) indefinitely to ensure that the
dosage is effective without unduly increasing the risk of
side effects.
* The information given in this article is of a general nature and
readers should seek advice from their own medical practitioner
before embarking on any treatment.
The patients will be followed up for a year to monitor
safety and also to watch for any return of lost feeling or
limb movement.
US regulators approved the trial in early 2009 but it was
delayed until the end of legal challenges to the overturning
of the US's 1996 ban on federal funding for such re-
search.
"The fact that this trial is taking place under full ethical
and medical supervision in top American hospitals, run by
recognised experts, is very important," said Professor Bob
Williamson, Professor of Medical Genetics at the Universi-
ty of Melbourne.
The huge potential of stem cells has seen private clinics
offering related therapies in countries with less regulation.
There are reports of Indian clinics offering a starting
round of stem cell injections for $US20,000 to $US30,000.
"Until now, some people have gone to expensive pri-
vate clinics where the cells were not prepared properly
and there were no ethical controls," Prof Williamson said.
"Everyone who works on stem cells hopes (Geron's)
very preliminary research will not only show that the cells
are safe to use, but also may give help to those who have
suffered severe spinal injuries."
AAP
12 /30 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA OCTOBER 2010

RELIGIOUS LESSON FOR MINISTER

For more than 130 years, religious denominations in
New South Wales have the right to teach special religious
education (or Scripture as it is better known) in State
Schools. This was honoured at a special function organ-
ised by the Inter Church Commission on Religious Educa-
tion.
Ann Maree Whenman, Chair of the Commission wel-
comed the gathering of around 500. Ms Wenman de-
scribed the occasion as a true celebration.
It brought together Orthodox Christians, Catholics, Pro-
testants, Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists in a com-
mon cause. It was held at the Department of Education in
Sydney in September and was also attended by the Min-
ister for Education, the Hon. Verity Firth.
Father Constanine Varipatis represented His Eminence
Archbishop Stylianos and the Orthodox Church. Speaking
privately to the VEMA after the ceremony, he paid tribute
to the dedicated teams of Orthodox volunteers that have
visited schools throughout Sydney each week for over half
a century.
Father Constantine is also the representative of the
Archdiocese on the Director-General’s Consultative Com-
mittee and a Board Member of the Inter-Church Commis-
sion on Religious Education in Schools.
Father Constantine said that all religious faiths were
united in their support for Scripture classes. He referred to
the Education Act 1990 which states that: “In every gov-
ernment school, time is to be allowed for the religious
Hon. Verity Firth, Ann Maree Whenman, Rev Fr Constantine
Varipatis
education of children of any religious persuasion.”
Mr Yair Miller, who represented the Jewish Board of
Deputies, left no doubt about the importance of these
classes for the Jewish community. He pointed out that they
paid their teachers and had organised their program un-
der a Jewish Board of Education. He argued coherently for
special religious education as a key factor in maintaining
Jewish identity. He said that it was important for those
students who could not attend a Jewish day school.
Cardinal Pell also spoke and noted that more than 40
percent of Catholic Youth are in State Schools. He de-
scribed the special service held each year to acknowl-
edge the efforts of the estimated 6000 Catholic volun-
teers. Cardinal Pell also referred indirectly to the contro-
versial trial of ethics classes in some schools. He referred
to the agreement for special religious education which
does not allow for any other form of instruction in ethics
or values at the same time as scripture classes.
The audience responded positively to the presentation
of the Honourable Verity Firth. She described her own
family’s religious background. To the surprise of many,
she recalled the names of her scripture teachers in pri-
mary and high school.
She said that there would always be a place for Scrip-
ture Teaching in government schools and that it was nev-
er under threat. At the same time she hinted that the eval-
uation of the trial ethics classes would guide any govern-
ment decision.
On this special occasion all faiths were united in a show
of strength to remind the Minister for Education of the val-
ue of these religious classes throughout New South Wales.
At the conclusion, the Minister was presented with 6000
bound letters from students emphasising how Scripture
classes had affected their lives. In one sense it ended as
an occasion when the Minister received some religious in-
struction.
James Athanasou
St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College
athanasou@gmail.com
The views expressed are those of the author and not those of
the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, St Andrew’s Greek
Orthodox Theological College or the VEMA Newspaper.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

The CENTRAL PHILOPTOCHOS (Welfare)
NEW FROM ST ANDREW'S in conjunction with
NEW FROM
ORTHODOX ST ANDREW'S
PRESS The Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of
‘St Euphemia’ Bankstown
ORTHODOX PRESS in aid of the
CD-BOOK: LEARNING GREEK ORTHODOX HYMNS
CD-BOOK:
A great new tool toLEARNING
learn the exactGREEK
words andORTHODOX
meaning of theHYMNS
most popular
GREEK WELFARE CENTRE
A great
hymns new
of the tool to learn
Orthodox the exact words and meaning of the most popular
Church.
hymns of the Orthodox Church.
Why use it? Because Orthodox hymns express the depth of Christian faith
Why use it? Because Orthodox hymns express the depth of Christian faith
34th Walk-A-Thon
in musical form. They are worth knowing by heart!
in musical form. They are worth knowing by heart! Sunday, 31st December 2010
This 100-page
This 100-pagebookbookcontains theinspired
contains the inspiredwords
words of 40
of 40
major hymns with accompanying CD in Greek
major hymns with accompanying CD in Greek by Basiliosby Basilios Registration: 11:00 a.m.
Psilacos,
Psilacos,lecturer
lecturerininByzantine MusicatatStStAndrew's
Byzantine Music Andrew's ‘St Euphemia’ Church
Greek
GreekOrthodox
OrthodoxTheological Collegeand
Theological College andChanter
Chanter
at at
St St Andrew'sParish,
Andrew's Parish,Gladesville.
Gladesville. Starting Time: 1:00 p.m.
Hymns
Hymns ofofthe
theResurrection,
Resurrection, the
the1212Major
MajorFeast Days
Feast , the
Days , the
Patron Saints of Day Schools in Australia and segments Finishing Line: ‘St Euphemia’ Church
Patron Saints of Day Schools in Australia and segments
of various Services, are all included in the book's three 6-12 East Terrace, Bankstown
of various Services, are all included in the book's three
categories: Terrace, Bankstown
categories:
1. Greek lyrics 1. Greek lyrics
1. Greek lyrics 1. Greek lyrics
2. English translation 2. English translation
2. English translation 2.3.English
3. Transliteration
translation
Transliteration WIN LOTS OF PRIZES!!!
3. Transliteration 3. Transliteration
'I am certain that, among the faithful, there will be many interested listeners Travel Voucher (valued at $2000)
'I amwho will benefit
certain from thisthe
that, among devoted effort
faithful, of our
there willbeloved
be manyco-worker'
interested listeners
- Archbishop Stylianos of Australia
who will benefit from this devoted effort of our beloved co-worker' Jewellery
To order, Stylianos
- Archbishop go to: www.standrewsorthodoxpress.com.au
of Australia Works of Art, Games, Toys, Books
To order, go to: www.standrewsorthodoxpress.com.au
To order, go to: www.standrewsorthodoxpress.com.au
FOR RAFFLE TICKETS & FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
To order, go to: www.standrewsorthodoxpress.com.au
Greek Welfare Centre Ph: (02) 9516 2188, 9687 8955, 9602 2779, 4228 1609

www.greekorthodox.org.au
OCTOBER 2010 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 13 /31

GROWING UP Media’s impact on our children:

FAST Sexual content
shows, and 6.7 sex-related scenes per hour of the top people around them. Critical choices are often made by
teen programs. Of all types of TV shows, movies were going along and drifting. People learn when they are

AND FURIOUS
By Deacon George Liangas
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow
I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her
has already committed adultery with her in his heart
(Matt 5:28).
The media has become one of the most powerful
gents in educating and influencing young people about
sex. One noted researcher has observed that “long be-
fore many parents begin to discuss sex with their chil-
dren, answers to questions such as ‘When is it OK to
have sex?’ and ‘With whom does one have sexual rela-
tions?’ are provided by messages delivered on televi-
sion”1.
Modern media “bombard the viewer with countless
jokes and innuendoes about all aspects of human sex-
uality”2, without ever discussing the moral and ethical di-
mensions of sex. It is used to sell “everything from
shampoo, office machinery, hotel rooms, and beer, to
prime-time series and made-for-TV movies”, and with
celebrities engaging in increasingly outrageous and
provocative behaviour to maintain popularity3.
Research has shown that the amount of sexual con-
tent on television has increased significantly in the last
few years. Seventy percent of all shows in 2005 had
sexual content, up from 56% in 19984. This proportion
was greater for prime-time television, with 77% of
prime-time shows having sexual content. This propor-
tion is even greater for the top teen programs. Consid-
ering the number of sex-related scenes per hour of tel-
evision viewing, there was an average of 5.0 sex-relat-
ed scenes per hour overall, 5.9 per hour in prime-time
the worst offenders, with 92% of movies shown on TV
having sexual content. The most common types of sex-
ual content were talking about sex (68% of shows), fol-
lowed by sexual behaviours (35%) and sexual inter-
course (11%).
At the extreme end of sexual content is pornography,
and the internet has become the mode by which young
people can gain easy, and often inadvertent access to
pornography. In one random sample of 1500 youth
aged 10 to 17, 42% had viewed pornographic material,
66% of whom viewed it by accident5. The risk was in-
creased with the use of file-sharing programs to down-
load images, with those who were being bullied or ha-
rassed, and with those who were depressed. The risk
decreased with the use of filtering and blocking soft-
ware.
Teenagers being exposed to sex in the media are
more likely to perpetrate sexual harassment (in the
case of males), have more lax sexual norms, be more
sexually active while in high school, be more likely to
have an unplanned pregnancy as a teenager, and to ac-
quire sexually transmitted diseases6. The media appear
to give a consistent message to adolescents that sex is
normal for them, risk-free, and associated with being
popular. It also shapes their beliefs about how males
and females should behave in personal relationships.
In a national American survey of teenagers, the media
outranked parents or schools as sources of information
about issues such as pregnancy and birth control.
The greatest danger of this constant exposure to the
current sex-soaked media is that children grow up with
distorted views about relationships, sexual urges, sex,
and marriage. As one social science researcher has
written,
In any given society, at any given moment in history,
people become sexual the same way they become
anything else. Without much reflection, they pick up di-
rections from their social environment. They acquire
and assemble meanings, skills, and values from the
quite young the few things they are expected to be, and
continue slowly to accumulate a belief in who they are
and ought to be throughout the rest of childhood, ado-
lescence, and adulthood7.
These distorted views affect the quality and nature of
relationships, and these altered relationships affect in-
dividual well-being, communities, and ultimately, the
way that society functions. The media themselves are
showing increasing rates of sexual scandals affecting
celebrities, often also showing their consequent de-
mise. These increasing rates of problematic sexual be-
haviours are following the same trajectory as the over-
all increasing rate of sexual content that electronic me-
dia show to our children.
All this shows that media have become a dangerous
teacher of sexual behaviour. One can safely say that
classification ratings systems have become much less
helpful in guiding parents and children to determine
‘safe’ media exposure.
It is imperative to replace heavy exposure to the me-
dia with more meaningful pursuits, and to be more
proactive about infusing our children with more healthy
and edifying perspectives about sex.
1 Kunkel D, Cope KM, Biely E. Sexual messages on television: Com-
paring findings from three studies. Journal of sex research 1999; 36;
230.
2 Strasburger VC, Wolson BJ, Jordan AB. Children, adolescents, and
the media. 2nd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage; 2009.
3 Deveny K, Kelley R. Girls gone wild: what are celebs teaching kids?
Newsweek 2007; February 12; 40-47.
4 Kunkel D, Eyal K, Finnerty K, Biely E, Donnerstein E. Sex on TV 4: A Bi-
ennial Report to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Menlo Park, CA: Kaiser
Family Foundation; 2005. Available at: http://www.kff.org/ent-
media/7399.cfm. Accessed August 25, 2010:4-5.
5 Wolak J, Mitchell K, Finkelhor D. Unwanted and wanted exposure to
online pornography in a national sample of youth Internet users. Pedi-
atrics 2007; 119; 247-257.
6 Strasburger VC, Jordan AB, Donnerstein E. Health effects of media
on children and adolescents. Pediatrics 2010; 125; 756-767.
7 Roberts, E. Teens, sexuality and sex: our mixed messages. Televi-
sion and Children 1983; 6; 9-12.

British library posts Greek manuscripts to web

One of the world’s most important caches of Greek
manuscripts is going online, part of a growing number of
ancient documents to hit the Web in recent years.
The British Library said that it was making more than a
quarter of its 1,000 volume-strong collection of handwrit-
ten Greek texts available online free of charge, something
curators there hope will be a boon to historians, biblical
scholars and students of classical Greece alike.
Although the manuscripts - highlights of which include a
famous collection of Aesopic fables discovered on Mount
Athos in 1842 - have long been available to scholars who
made the trip to the British Library’s reading rooms, cura-
tor Scot McKendrick said their posting to the web was
opening antiquity to the entire world.
McKendrick said that London could be an expensive
place to spend time poring over the Greek texts’ tiny, fad-
ed script or picking through hundreds of pages of parch-
ment.
“Not every scholar can afford to come here weeks and
months on end,” he said.
The big attraction of browsing the texts online “is the
ability to do it at your own desk whenever you wish to do
it - and do it for free as well.”
Although millions of books have been made available
online in recent years- notably through Google Books’
mass scanning program- ancient texts have taken much
longer to emerge from the archives. They don’t suffer
from the copyright issues complicating efforts to post con-
temporary works to the Web, but their fragility makes
them tough to handle. They have to be carefully cracked
open and photographed one page at a time, a process the
British Library said typically costs about 1 pound ($1.50)
per page.
John Franklin, an associate professor of classics at the
University of Vermont, said that the British Library’s efforts
were “part of a quite general move to making manuscripts
available online.”
“Hundreds of institutions have done or are doing the
same,” he said, including his university.
Franklin said it was “wonderful that the general public
can have an intimate view of so many manuscripts,” but
stressed the material’s academic applications, noting that
it could serve as a teaching aid for students learning to
unravel medieval Greek handwriting, for example.
The British Library has worked aggressively to put much
of its collection on the Internet, from 19th-century news-
papers to the jewels of its collection - The Lindisfarne
Gospels, a selection of Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches and
the Codex Sinaiticus, the oldest surviving complete copy
of the Christian Bible.
The library’s Greek manuscript project was funded by
the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, which supports Greek-
related initiatives in arts and culture. Another batch of
about 250 documents is due to be published online in
2012.
SOURCE: AP
14 /32 TO BHMA The Greek Australian VEMA
Dame Joan Sutherland OM AC DBE (1926 – 2010)
By Dr Ann Coward
This week I was fortunate enough to attend the Sydney
Opera House for a performance of Verdi’s Rigoletto, with
the role of Gilda being sung by Australian coloratura so-
prano, Emma Matthews. The Opera Theatre was almost
filled to capacity, or so it seemed from our lofty seats high
up in ‘the gods’, but the mood was initially subdued; infor-
mation having been released in the press that day that
one of the 20th century’s greatest singers, our very own
Dame Joan Sutherland, had died. Dame Joan who was 83
years old, had first performed the role of Gilda for an in-
ternational audience back in 1957 in London, although it
was her role as Lucia in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor,
which she first performed in London in 1959, that was to
bring her the greatest acclaim. The 1959 performance
was directed by Franco Zeffirelli, and it was this particu-
lar performance at the Royal Opera House which estab-
lished Joan as an international star. Franco Zeffirelli went
on to direct Joan in a number of opera’s and to design
some of her costumes. Another name, usually associated
with film is Luchino Visconti who directed Joan Sutherland
in Bellini’s La Sonnambula in La Scala Milan in 1962.
Between 1952 and her retirement in 1991, Dame Joan
performed in opera theatres throughout Australia, the
United Kingdom, the U.S., Italy, Austria, Canada, Holland,
Germany, Spain, New Zealand, Sweden, Japan, South
Africa and Denmark. Her roles, which required her to sing
in German, Italian, English and French, were drawn from
all the great operas: Norma, from Bellini’s opera Norma,
Leonora from Verdi’s Il Trovatore, Violetta from Verdi’s La
Traviata, Desdemona from Verdi’s Otello, Euridice from
Haydn’s Orfeo and Euridice, Micaela from Bizet’s Carmen,
to name but a few.
Écoutez!
Arts Review
Joan Sutherland
Recordings
Opera is, by its nature larger-than-life from the cha-
racters, plots and lavish costumes sets to the mag-
nificent music. The sheer breadth of components that
go into opera and music theatre are equalled perhaps
only by films. While nothing can come close to the
thrill of a live performance of an opera we are fortu-
nate today to be able to look back at the legacy of
great singers of the recent past recorded in music
and film.
Although Joan Sutherland was famed, in particular,
for her performances of the ‘mad scene’ from
Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, it is perhaps some-
thing which needs to be seen as well as heard. The
audio recording, which stands out to my mind, as ex-
emplifying her extraordinary abilities as a singer, her
bell-like tone, amazing agility and accuracy, is her
recording of the doll’s song ‘Les oiseaux’ from Offen-
bach’s Tales of Hoffman, 1972. Re-released in 1999
as part of a compilation of Tales of Hoffmann high-
lights (DECCA 458 2342 3),* which includes perform-
ances by Placido Domingo and others, Sutherland’s
performances on this entire CD in particular are a
wonderful reminder of the beauty of opera sung by
magnificent singers. Well worth adding to any collec-
tion.
I.C.
* Offenbach: Les Contes d’Hoffmann - Highlights DECCA 458 2342 3,
released 1999 or download from DECCA <http://www.deccaclas-
sics.com/cat/single?PRODUCT_NR=4582342>
Arts, Food & Wine Editor: Imogen Coward
La Stupenda
Dame Joan was born in 1926, and when she perfor-
med at concerts after leaving school at the age of 16, she
was sometimes accompanied by a young pianist, a stu-
dent at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, by the name
of Richard Bonynge. Joan left for London in 1951, after
winning the Sun Aria competition. In 1954 she married
Richard who was to make his mark in the world of con-
ducting from 1962 onwards, and their careers became
entwined; careers which were recognized with the
awarding of many honours from not only the British and
Australian governments but others also, including the
French who created them Commandeurs des arts et des
letters. In 1956 their only child, Adam, was born.
It was in 1952, after becoming a member of the Com-
pany of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, that Joan
first sang with that other great 20th century diva, Maria
Callas, when they appeared together in Norma in London.
Later they were to appear together in a Gala performance
in 1958. As Moffatt Oxenbould notes in his Tribute to Joan
Sutherland, ”Callas was the world’s reigning prima donna,
Sutherland about to become the leading contender for her
throne”.* Unlike with Callas, however, we are fortunate to
have recordings of the young Sutherland. Sadly, the earli-
est recordings of Callas do not do Callas justice and often
we need to rely on the reports of those who attended her
performances to grasp the extent of her mastery.
In Venice, in1960, after performing the role of Alcina in
Handel’s opera of the same name, Dame Joan was ac-
claimed as La Stupenda, a title which was to remain with
her throughout the rest of her career. Like the woman her-
self, and her voice, the costumes worn by Joan were
breath-taking, and members of the public are fortunate to
be able to view the costumes gifted to Opera Australia
Food & Wine
The ultimate flourless chocolate cake
50g cocoa powder
120ml hot water
225g dark couveture chocolate, cut into blocks
225g butter
6 eggs separated
2 ½ cups brown sugar
200g almond meal
150g whole, dry-roasted hazelnuts
extra cocoa for dusting
Preheat oven to 1800C.* Grease a deep 22cm spring-
form tin and line base and sides with paper. Melt the
butter in a small pan and set to one side. In a large
bowl, blend the cocoa with the hot water, stirring con-
stantly until smooth - set to one side. Melt the couve-
ture chocolate over low heat (set the bowl over warm
water), then add chocolate to the cocoa-water mixture.
Add the melted butter, sugar, almond meal stirring well,
OCTOBER 2010
which are housed in Sydney. Opera Australia is well
aware that it owes a lot more to both Dame Joan and her
husband Richard Bonynge. In 1965 they appeared in sev-
en operas, co-produced by the Sutherland - Williamson In-
ternational Grand Opera Company. This followed in the
tradition of Melba-Williamson Opera seasons, with our
other ‘great’, Dame Nellie Melba. The Elizabethan Theatre
Trust was a partner of J.C. Williamson’s Theatres in pre-
senting the season of Sutherland’s operas, and the opera
audience grew noticeably as a result of the opera tour. As
one of those who took part in the productions remem-
bered, “The response of the general public, that came to
see and hear the return of a “local girl made good,” but
enjoyed the complete operatic experience, swelled the
ranks of the young Elizabethan Trust Opera Company’s
audiences in subsequent seasons.”** The Elizabethan
Trust Opera Company was the beginning of what is now
Opera Australia.
Some readers may also remember that it was the Eliz-
abethan Trust which was responsible for bringing profes-
sional Greek dance groups to perform at their theatre in
Newtown (since demolished) in the 1960s and early
1970s.
Although the Sydney Opera House was opened in 1973,
Joan, accompanied by Richard, could not appear there un-
til 1974 due to other commitments. Members of what was
then The Australian Opera recall how both ‘visitors’, al-
though by then world-renowned, were generous in their
encouragement of young members of the company, as
they had been during their tour in 1965. The connection
with Australia and the Australian opera-going public was
never to be broken, and Richard Bonynge, even after his
wife’s retirement, has continued to conduct in Australia.
This week’s performance of Rigoletto at the Sydney
Opera House was dedicated to the memory of Dame Joan
Sutherland. No doubt, there will be many tributes paid to
her over the coming weeks and months. The opera world
mourns her passing, as do all of those who have mar-
veled at the beauty of her singing. Her voice was a gift,
and we have had the privilege of hearing her sing, if not
in person then at least through recordings.
References:
** The Joan Sutherland Society of Sydney website,
http://www.joansutherlandsociety.com
Opera Australia
http://www.opera-australia.org.au
*Moffatt Oxenbould, Joan Sutherland: a Tribute. Pub’d by the Art
Gallery of NSW, 1989.
then add the egg yolks. In a separate bowl beat the
egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold egg
whites into the chocolate mixture, then fold in the dry-
roasted hazelnuts. Spoon the mixture into the prepared
tin and bake for 1 hour at 1800C,* and then turn the
oven down to 1650C* and bake for a further 30-
45mins. The cake is finished when the top of the cake
is firm to the touch and once a skewer inserted into the
middle comes out with crumbs of cake attached rather
than runny cake mixture (it is a moist cake - be careful
not to overcook). Remove cake from oven and allow to
cool in the tin for approximately 20 minutes. Turn cake
out onto a wire rack and cool. Dust top of the cake
lightly with cocoa before serving. May be served warm
or at room temperature. Serves approximately 12 peo-
ple.
*for fan-forced ovens reduce temperature by 200C.
OCTOBER 2010 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 15 /33

Roy and Diana Vagelos have donated $50 million 23-24 OCTOBER 2010

to Columbia University Medical Center The 7th annual

Roy and Diana Vagelos (photo)
have taken their donation efforts
“The new medical education
building will ensure that Columbia
Australian Hellenic
further uptown with a $50 million
gift to the Columbia University Med-
continues to produce superior doc-
tors and researchers trained in the
Golf Open
ical Center to support the construc- latest techniques, as medicine con-
tion of a new building for medical tinues to evolve rapidly throughout The Australian Hellenic Golf Federation (AHGF) is orga-
and graduate education. The major the 21st century,” said University nising the seventh annual Australian Hellenic Golf Open
gift is the largest received for President Lee Bollinger in an email (AHGO) to be held at Moonah Links on 23rd and 24th of
CUMC’s fundraising campaign.. announcing the gift. October 2010.
Greek Roy Vagelos, an alumnus “Roy and Diana’s generosity of The tournament will be a handicap stroke format
of the College of Physicians and spirit is truly inspirational. Genera- staged over two days. The winner will be the player
Surgeons, and Diana Vagelos, are tions of future medical and graduate with the best total handicap stroke score over the two
known in Morningside for their $15 students will benefit from their sup- rounds of the tournament.
m. donation to Barnard’s new stu- port and vision for Columbia,” the
dent center, now called the Diana University President said in the
Moonah Links is the home of Australian Golf, and con-
Center. email. sists of two magnificent courses, designed by Peter
Thomson and Ross Perrett. The Open Course measuring
6,783 metres in championship set up is the first ever 18
NSW Parliamentary Friends of Greece Group now established holes built and prepared for a national championship.
The Legends Course at 6,135 metres stands in con-
The special relationship of Greece with Australia has been formalised with the formation of a New South trast to the Open Course as a more friendly golfing ex-
Wales Parliamentary Friends of Greece Group. Co-President of the group, John Turner MP said that New perience. The course follows the valleys through a
South Wales had a Greek population of about 190,000 and that the Greek culture has very much been part range of landscapes from ancient Moonah woodlands
of Australian culture. The New South Wales Parliamentary Friends of Greece Group was officially formed on to open links land. Both courses will be played during
Tuesday 21st September 2010 at a function in the New South Wales Parliament. In attendance at the inau- the event. Moonah Links is located in Melbourne’s
gural meeting was the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Mr Vassilios Tolios and Mr John Pandazopou- Mornington Peninsula, a renowned golfing destination,
los MP, President of The World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association, who both addressed the group. just over an hour from Melbourne’s CBD.
The Consul General spoke of the special relationship between Australia and Greece during World Wars. The entry fee for the tournament is $310 for adults,
The elected committee is: Co-Presidents - John Turner MP, Member for Myall Lakes and Matthew Morris
$280 for adult AHGF members, $165 for juniors (under
MP, Member for Charlestown. Secretary/Treasurer - Andrew Fraser MP, Member for Coffs Harbour. Com-
mittee Members - The Hon. Sophie Cotsis, MLC and The Hon. Lynda Voltz, MLC 18 years). This includes all green fees with shared golf
The group consists of 34 charter members from the NSW Parliament with many other Members of Parlia- cart, light meals on course each day and gift pack. For
ment indicating they wish to become members of the newly formed group. bookings and more information visit www.ahgf.com.au

Peppers Moonah Links resort

Peninsula Signature Package
Includes:
* Luxury Overnight accommodation
* Breakfast for 2 in Pebbles Restaurant
* Public Access Bathing Passes at Peninsula
Hot Springs
* Wine Tasting with our neighboring vineyard -
‘The Cups Estate’

$395.00 per room based on Twin Share

Indulge in the best the Peninsula has to offer all in
one place... Stay in luxury at Peppers Moonah Links
resort, with a full buffet breakfast in Pebbles
Restaurant. Visit our neighbors at The Cups Estate
for your complimentary wine tasting or sample their
daily Tappas style menu and finally immerse your-
self in the therapeutically warm waters of the
bathing areas at Peninsula Hot Springs.
Weekends will never be the same...
16 /34 TO BHMA
Antiparos
Declaration of independence
As opposed to its trendy neighbors, this small island retains
the originality of the days before tourist development
BY H. ARGYROPOULOS
The name Antiparos, one of
the smallest inhabited Cycladic
islands and just a stone’s throw
away from Paros, the third
largest in the group, could not
be more descriptive of the con-
trast in holiday styles with its
trendier neighbor.
Nightlife, for a start, is not An-
tiparos’s strongest point. Not
that Paros on the whole rivals
Myconos in terms of hordes of
reveling, raving wannabes (al-
though a couple of its nightspots
do), but, quite simply, Antiparos
can be described as the alterna-
tive, indie Greek scene. Here,
you won’t meet or hear about
celebrities and you can pay rea-
sonable prices for drinks; you’re
more likely to run into old hip-
pies or the kitesurfers whose
colorful sails cloud the air over
the seven-minute crossing from
Pounta beach on Paros like
parachutes.
This low-key island of 37 sq.
kilometers retains the archetypal
Cycladic atmosphere - a sedate
and idyllic coastline, including
golden beaches, scattered cha-
pels, farm dwellings and white
houses. But this is being eroded
rather fast. Recent years have
seen the proliferation of private
villas - many of which, stringed
along “privileged” stretches of
the coastline, block access to
swimmers - as well as commer-
cial accommodation facilities.
Architectural specifications,
however, have prevented un-
sightly developments.
The Greek Australian VEMA
Antiparos has diehard fans
who love the ambience of the
self-contained, laid-back and yet
1 2
Where to stay
Area phone code: 22840. Book lux-
ury villas at www.antiparosrentals.com.
More economical options include
Mantalena (tel 61206) and Galini (tel
61420) at the port, as well as a num-
ber of rented rooms, studios and a-
partments which are certain to have
ample availability and more reason-
able prices this month. Most accom-
modation facilities close after the end
of September. Traveling options to
Paros include airplane (Olympic Air,
tel 801.801.0101) and ferry (Blue Star
Ferries, tel 210.891.9800; Hellenic
Seaways, tel 210.419.9000, Aegean
Speed Lines, tel 13855, 211.770.0000).
Travel
bustling port village of Hora,
with 1,000 permanent inhabi-
tants, where you are likely to
bump into most of the people
you met the night before.
A stone-paved alleyway leads
from the port to Kastro - a Ve-
netian fort built in 1440 to pro-
tect against pirate raids. Today,
only parts of the central tower
Where to eat
Kapetan Pipinos, Aghios Georgios
(tel 21823), is an excellent fish taver-
na, supplied by a family-owned boat;
for meat dishes go to Giorgis (tel
61362) in Hora, or Peramataki (tel
61211) in Soros, which also has good
Greek dishes and pies; the traditional
dishes at Pavlo’s Place, at the Galini
hotel, are probably the island’s best-
kept secret; Kappari (tel 61616) on the
main street, has good Mediterranean
cuisine made with local produce and
serves breakfast; the menu at Still
Waters (tel 24537), on Apantima
beach, includes Indian cuisine; also
Apanemo, on the main street.
and the base of the walls re-
main. The entrance to Kastro,
which is out of bounds to vehi-
cles, is on the central square,
next to the Cathedral of Aghios
Nikolaos.
Stroll around the whitewashed
alleyways with geraniums and
hanging bougainvillas, and con-
tinue along the pedestrian way
to Sifneikos Yalos to watch the
sunset.
Antiparos has been inhabited
since prehistoric times and its
ancient name was Oliaros -
meaning “forested mountain.”
Significant finds are housed in
the National Archaeological Mu-
seum in Athens.
Work in recent years on the
adjacent uninhabited islet of
Despotiko (8 sq. km) has re-
vealed an ancient complex built
around a temple to Apollo and
much earlier Cycladic remains.
Despotiko, reached by small
boat from the scenic beach of
Aghios Georgios, has some
lovely beaches of its own and
can be explored by boat. How-
ever, Antiparos’s main highlight
OCTOBER 2010
is its famous cave, located 9 km
south of Hora, at an elevation of
175 meters.
The island’s beaches are
mostly on the western coast.
The only one with organized fa-
cilities is Psaralyki - the nearest
to Hora, with shade-providing
trees, beach bars and some
sports facilities. The most scenic
is Soros, on the southeastern
coast. Apantima is less impres-
sive but has a great advantage:
the Still Waters cafe-restaurant -
shaded and ideal after an after-
noon dip.
Another option well worth
considering is taking a boat for
a trip around the island, which
will include a long stop on the
southern side of Despotiko for
swimming and a lunch of barbe-
cued octopus and souvlaki.
It’s also an ideal way to see
the impressive rugged southern
promontory of Antiparos. Other
beach options are Aghios Sostis,
with turquoise waters, as well
as pristine Glyfa and the small
but sandy Livadi, with juniper
trees, on the western side.
There is another beach called Li-
vadi next to Aghios Sostis.
Evening options on laid-back
Antiparos include an open-air
cinema.
Alternatively, the more ener-
getic can head to the legendary
La Luna disco, near the camp-
site, which may still dispel the
view that Antiparos’s night-life
leaves something to be desired:
Closing time is around 8am.
ATHENSPLUS