This year's commemorative anniversary of the Battle of Crete will be engraved in our memories forever, but unfortunately for the wrong reasons. This pandemic, that we are going through, has affected our lives, it has changed the mentality of the people and it has brought ups and downs in the global economy.
However, we will not let this pandemic derail our thoughts about what the Cretan people endured in 1941 during the Battle of Crete.
Due to the government's restrictive measures, but most importantly, for the health and safety of the people, the Cretan Federation of Australia & New Zealand in cooperation with the local Cretan Organisations across Oceania decided to cancel all events for the commemoration of the Battle of Crete.
"We will use our ancestors service and self-sacrifice as a lighthouse that beacons globally to continue to promote, enhance and educate the wider Australian Community on the events of 1941 and the Battle of Crete. We all have a sacred obligation to continue to celebrate this historical event and to present it to our children, but above all to remember those that paid the price, never returned and are buried on Cretan soil. We also have an obligation to continue to promote the close ties between the people of Australia, Greece and New Zealand that commenced as allies in 1941 and continue to today," President of the Cretan Federation of Australia & New Zealand, Tony Tsourdalakis said.
Irrespective of the cancelled events in 2020, the Cretan Federation of Australia & New Zealand would like to announce some important activities for this year's events for the Battle of Crete.
Doxology and Memorial Service
On Sunday 17th of May, at 9.30am, a Doxology and a Memorial Service will be held for the heroes of the Battle of Crete at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady, at Redfern in Sydney, by His Eminence the Archbishop of Australia Makarios, together with the Holy Clergy, without the presence of the faithful.
GCT followers will be able to watch the Doxology and the Memorial Service for the Battle of Crete live via Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
Wreath Laying Ceremony
On Sunday 24th of May, at 11:00 a.m., a Wreath Laying Ceremony will be held for the ANZACS of the Battle of Crete at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne. The wreath will be laid by the Military Guard of the Monument ( Shrine Guards ) on behalf of the Cretan Federation of Australia & New Zealand inside the cenotaph of the Shrine of Remembrance.
The Greek Flag will be while the Greek flag will wave on the central masts.
GCT followers will be able to watch the ceremony live from the Shrine of Remembrance.
Radio Broadcasts
On Friday 15th of May, at 6:00pm to 8:00pm, at SYMBAN Radio of Sydney, a tribute to Battle of Crete live during the program «Κρητικός Λαβύρινθο » with Kostas Grafanakis. (RADIO Symban)
On Saturday 16th of May, at 1:00pm to 2:30pm, at DORIFOROS Radio of Adelaide, a tribute to Battle of Crete live during the program «Λύρα και Λαγούτ » with Pantelis Fridakis. (Greek Radio Doriforos)
National Art Competition
The Cretan Youth of Australia & New Zealand have announced the Annual National Art Competition to commemorate the Battle of Crete. Participants are encouraged to research the Battle of Crete, portray a scene or an iconic image of the Battle, including the ANZAC involvement. Participants can be as creative as possible using any form of handmade art. Artworks must be anonymous. Please attach your name and details within the email but not on the artwork. Previous years entries are not permitted to be re submitted. All works need to be sent through to the email address [email protected] by the 24th May to be included in the competition. Any queries please contact the National Youth President Ms. Polina Nikolakakis.
Program for 2021
The Cretan Federation of Australia & New Zealand has already started planning the events for the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete in 2021 both here in Australia & New Zealand but also in Athens and Crete.
The events for the Battle of Crete in 2021 in Australia will take place in April. Anyone who wants to participate to the trip to Greece for the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete to contact the Federation Council through email [email protected]
*Image by Nick Bourdaniotis/Bourdo Photography (Copyright).
