SYDNEY, October 2026 — Sydney’s Greek community is invited to support the Hellenic Presidential Guard at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park at 1:30 pm on Sunday 25 October 2026. This is the Hellenic Presidential Guard’s flagship event during its OXI Day visit to Australia. Additionally, a contingent of Evzones is traveling from Greece for the visit.
On the day, the Evzones will march from Elizabeth Street to the ANZAC Memorial. They will then hold a ceremonial flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony, honouring shared Greek-Australian military heritage. The Kalymnian Association of NSW will host the ceremony.
Bring your Greek flags. All welcome.
Before Hyde Park, however, the visit opens with a Guard of Honour at the Martin Place Cenotaph at 1 pm on Thursday 22 October. Hellenic Club Sydney presents it.
In Athens, the Evzones guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square and the Presidential Mansion. They also represent Greece at national commemorations at home and abroad.
Importantly, their Sydney ceremonies carry a strong Anzac link. In 1941, some 34,000 Australians and New Zealanders fought alongside Hellenic forces at Vevi, Tempe, Thermopylae/Brallos and on Crete. Additionally, 1,686 Anzacs from both world wars rest in Greece.
This year also marks the 86th anniversary of OXI Day and the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete.
For that reason, families can come together at Hyde Park to honour that shared sacrifice, bring Greek flags and watch the Hellenic Presidential Guard OXI Day march to the ANZAC Memorial.
Finally, after Sydney, the Hellenic Presidential Guard OXI Day tour will make its first official visit to Canberra on Wednesday 28 October. The Hellenic Club of Canberra is also sponsoring the visit. Canberra landmarks will also be lit in blue that evening, the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra said.
Hellenic Presidential Guard OXI Day program in Sydney
The Hellenic Presidential Guard (Evzones) will also participate in the following public events in Sydney. Greek City Times first published the full visit program on 2 October.
- Thursday, 22 October (1:00 pm) – Guard of Honour Ceremony, Martin Place Cenotaph
A formal tribute at the Martin Place Cenotaph recognising the sacrifices of Australian and Greek servicemen and women. In particular, it honours those in the Greek and Cretan campaigns. All welcome, event time: one hour. - Saturday, 24 October (6:00 pm) — “Centenary Celebrations” Gala Ball.
Meanwhile, Hellenic Club Sydney celebrates its centenary—a milestone year of renewal and celebration at the Hyatt Regency. For enquiries, contact events@hellenicclub.net.au - Sunday, 25 October (9:30 am) Divine Liturgy at St Spyridon Church, Kingsford
A Divine Liturgy service will also be held at the Greek Orthodox Parish of St Spyridon, Sydney. All welcome. - Sunday, 25 October (1:30 pm) – ANZAC Memorial Ceremony at Hyde Park, Sydney
The week’s flagship event features a ceremonial march and flag-raising at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park. It also honours shared Greek-Australian military heritage. Evzones of the Hellenic Presidential Guard will march from Elizabeth Street to the ANZAC Memorial.
Event Host: The Kalymnian Association of NSW
Bring your Greek Flags. All welcome - Sunday, 25 October (6:30 pm) – Mediterranean Magic – Greek restaurant, OXI Day Taverna Night.
Afterward, traditional Greek-style live music at Jones Bay Wharf, Sydney. Event Host: The Kalymnian Association of NSW. For enquiries, contact +6129360 5555 or www.mediterraneanmagic.com.au - Thursday, 29 October (11:00 am) – Doxology Service
A memorial service will be held at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern. His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia will officiate, followed by a wreath-laying. All welcome
Canberra visit on OXI Day
- Wednesday, 28 October (8:30 am) – Divine Liturgy at the St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Canberra.
The Hellenic Presidential Guard will attend the OXI Day Divine Liturgy hosted by St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Canberra. His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia will officiate. All welcome. - Wednesday, 28 October (10:40 am) – Australian Parliament House.
- Wednesday, 28 October (2:00 pm) Australian War Memorial – wreath-laying
The Guard will then attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Australian War Memorial. All welcome. - Wednesday, 28 October (6:30 pm) – OXI Day Hellenic Club Canberra March
The Guard will march into the Hellenic Club Canberra carpark from Matilda St. Then it will stand a guard of honour outside the club entrance for about half an hour. Bring your Greek Flags. All welcome. - Wednesday, 28 October – OXI Day dinner
Following the Hellenic Presidential Guard march and guard of honour, an OXI Day dinner will afterwards be held inside the Hellenic Club. For enquiries, contact postbox@hellenicclub.com.au
Sponsors and partners
Acknowledgment of Sponsors and Partners, Sydney: The Hellenic Club Sydney sincerely thanks the New South Wales Government for its invaluable support and investment in making the Sydney events possible. We also extend our deepest gratitude to our partners, whose generous contributions helped create truly memorable experiences during our visit to Sydney.
- NSW Government (Event Sponsor)
- Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
- Kalymnian Association of NSW
- Oscars Group
- Dedes Group
- St Basils Aged Care Home
- Business Sydney
- Mars Projects
- Bank Of Sydney
- Greek City Times
Acknowledgment of Sponsors and Partners, Canberra: The Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra (GOCCC) sincerely thanks the Hellenic Club Canberra for its invaluable support and investment in making the Canberra events possible. We also extend our deepest gratitude to our partners, whose generous contributions helped create truly memorable experiences during our visit to Canberra.
- Hellenic Club Canberra (Event Sponsor)
- Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
- Greek City Times
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