Nine Evzones’- soldiers of the Presidential Guard- are set to land in Australia today, marking the anniversary of Anzac Day and the 77th anniversary of the Battle of Crete. After obtaining special permission from the Greek government, the nine Evzones’ along with their Captain and Chief Master Sergeant will visit Adelaide and Sydney to commemorate the serving soldiers of Greece and Crete, often known as the ‘forgotten Anzacs.’
By tremendously popular demand, the Hellenic Presidential Guard return to Adelaide for five days of activities hosted by the Foundation for Hellenic Studies with the proud support of the Government of South Australia.
As part of their official visit, the members of the Presidential Guard, dressed in their official uniform, will pay their respects to the Anzacs who fought in Greece and Crete by marching to the National War Memorial on North Terrace, Adelaide and taking part in a commemorative wreath-laying ceremony there on Saturday 21stof April.
“We have been incredibly fortunate to have the Evzones visit South Australia for the second time in history,” said Chair of the host organisation, the Foundation for Hellenic Studies, Mr Greg Crafter AO.
“This year’s public program of events will offer many opportunities for South Australians to participate in the visit of the Guard. When attired and on duty, the Evzones are a sight to behold.
“There is no guarantee that they will return next year. I urge all South Australians to witness the Evzones and acknowledge the significant historical relationship between Australians and the Guards – it stretches back generations.”
During their stay in Adelaide, the Evzones will also visit the St George Orthodox Church for a Vespers and Divine Liturgy Service on St George’s Day, and an Anzac Day memorial service. On Sunday the 23rd they will also attend the St George Paniyiri.
Other planned visits include St Basil’s Homes (SA) and St George College where students will have an opportunity to meet with the Evzones and ask questions about their role in the military of Greece.
The Evzones’ will stay in Adelaide until Monday the 23rdof April and will then fly in to Sydney to participate in ceremonies, marking Anzac Day and the 77th anniversary of the Battle of Crete.
The Hellenic Club of Sydney is set to welcome a record-sized contingent of the Greek Presidential Guard, to the city next week in honour of ANZAC Day. The visit will mark the third consecutive year that the Club has hosted the elite ceremonial contingent, travelling from Greece to mark this important day of remembrance for both countries.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for Greek Australians to honour the ANZACS and for all Australians to discover more on the historical significance of the ANZACS in Greece,” Arthur Balayannis, CEO of the Hellenic Club said.
“The Evzones have made a tremendous impact with their participation in ANZAC Day events around Sydney over the last two years, and we look forward to hosting them in Sydney for the third consecutive year.”
This year the Evzones’ will also be making their way to iconic Bondi, where they will participate in a march and they will also be visiting Camden and Campsie.
The visit comes under the auspices of the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, and is proudly supported by the Joint Committee for the Commemoration of the Battle of Crete and The Greek Campaign, the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), and other benefactors.
They will stay in Australia until Monday, 3oth of April before returning back to Athens.
Adelaide Public Program- Presidential Guard 2018
Thursday, 19/4: Evening lecture Festival Hellenika lecture: “The meaning behind the Evzones’ attire of the Presidential Guard of Greece” at Adelaide High School
Saturday 21/4: 9:45am -2:15pm: Evzones march from the Intercontinental Hotel along North Terrace to the War Memorial on the corner of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue. A Wreath Laying Ceremony will take place after the arrival of the Hellenic Presidential Guard. Changing of the Guard will occur at 11am, 12noon, 1pm and 2pm
Sunday 22/4: 9:45am: Evzones’ march from St George College along Rose Street to
St George Church, 60 Rose Street, Thebarton
10am-11am: Evzones in attendance at the Official Liturgy for St George’s Day at St George Church, 60 Rose Street Thebarton
11:15am: Ceremonial procession from St George Church to St George College to attend the St George’s Paniyiri (Fete)
12noon till 8pm: St George Paniyiri commences with food, live music and entertainment throughout the day (Free entry)
Sydney Public Program- Presidential Guard 2018
Monday: 23/4- 5:50pm: arrive at Domestic Terminal- Virgin Flight VA 427
Wednesday: 25/4- 6am: Bondi Beach ANZAC Day Dawn Service
6:30am: ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Anzac Mall (adjacent to Campsie Cenotaph)
11:30am: ANZAC Day march
Friday: 12pm: Martin Place Cenotaph (1 hour)
3pm: Visit to St. Basils
Saturday 28/4: 9:30am: St Spyridon Church War Memorial Service
1pm: Martin Place Cenotaph (1 hour)
3pm: Macarthur park Ceremonial Friendship Wreath Laying in Camden
Sunday: 29/4 at 8:30am: St George Rose Bay Church War Memorial Service
2pm: North Bondi RSL Bondi Pavilion march including presentation at Bondi Pavilion
Monday: 30/4 at 9pm: Depart for Athens from Kingsford Smith International Airport
