Sydney’s Greek Australian youth gathered to meet Greece’s Presidential Guard, the Evzones, during a special event celebrating Hellenic history, tradition and national identity.
More than 100 people attended the youth evening and question-and-answer session on Friday, October 23, at Events by Alpha, organised by the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney in collaboration with Hellenic Club Sydney and the Combined Universities Greek Association (CUGA). The event was sponsored by the NSW Government.
The gathering offered younger members of the Greek Australian community a rare opportunity to learn about the history, duties and traditions of one of Greece’s most recognisable national symbols.
Greek Consul General in Sydney Georgios Skemperis opened the proceedings, welcoming attendees before Hellenic Club Sydney President Nick Hatzistergos spoke about the efforts to bring the Evzones to Australia.
The visit coincides with the Hellenic Club’s centenary celebrations and the commemorations marking Greece’s historic OXI Day.
“The Evzones, along with the Parthenon, are the two most iconic symbols of Hellenism all around the world,” Hatzistergos said.
Maria Kakali, president of the Sydney University Greek Society, addressed the gathering on behalf of CUGA, highlighting the importance of maintaining connections between young Greek Australians and their ancestral homeland.
“The Evzones represent not only Greece’s history and traditions, but also the sacrifice, resilience and national pride that they unite Greeks around the world,” Kakali said.
She also welcomed the delegation in Greek, saying: “Σας ευχαριστούμε θερμά και καλώς ήρθατε στην Αυστραλία” (Thank you very much, and welcome to Australia).
Major Panagiotis Mimikos, Deputy Commander of the Hellenic Presidential Guard, then delivered a presentation explaining the history of the Evzones, their role and the significance of their distinctive uniform.
The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session led by Consul General Skemperis, who spoke with two members of the Guard about their decision to volunteer, their daily responsibilities and the challenges associated with serving as an Evzone.
The soldiers also answered questions from the audience, giving young Greek Australians a closer insight into the discipline, commitment and national pride behind the ceremonial role.
The evening formed part of the visiting delegation’s program in Sydney, bringing Greece’s living traditions directly to a new generation of Greek Australians.
For many of those in attendance, the event offered more than an introduction to the Presidential Guard. It was an opportunity to strengthen their connection to Greece’s history and heritage while celebrating the traditions that continue to unite Hellenism across generations and around the world.
Earlier in the day, the visiting Evzones met with Greek Consul General in Sydney Georgios Skemperis at his office, ahead of their scheduled community engagements in Sydney.
The meeting provided an opportunity to welcome the delegation and recognise the significance of their visit to the Greek Australian community, as Greece’s Presidential Guard brought its centuries-old traditions and national symbolism to Australia.
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