Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney celebrates its 70th anniversary

The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney finally celebrated its 70th-anniversary in style at The Grand Roxy in Brighton-Le-Sands on Sunday afternoon after postponements throughout 2021.

Members of the Hellenic Lyceum, their family, friends and representatives of numerous Greek communities across Sydney attended.

The official guests were His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Mr Christos Karras, Mrs Jenny Morrison (First Lady), the Honourable Mark Coure MP, representing Premier Perrotet (Seniors and Multiculturism) Ma. Sophie Cotsis MP, Mr Steve Kamper MP and Mrs Magda Kamper, Mr Harry Danalis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community and Mrs Alexandra Danalis, Ms Nia Karteris, Chairperson of the Greek Festival of NSW, Fatger Gerasinos of St. George, Rose Bay, the President of HL Sydney, Mrs Liana Vertzayias and her husband, Mr Costas Vertzayias AM, Past President and now Vice President, Mrs Marina Efthimiou and Vice President, Mrs Dimitra Morakea Micos.

Other officials were Mr and Mrs Nick Varvaris, President of Kogarah Parish, Mrs Maria Sallos, Past President and her husband, Mr Nick Sallos and Mr Dimitri and Stavroula Papapetros, dancing instructors of Hellenic Lyceum dancers. In total, about 260 people were present.

The proceedings opened with the Australian and Greek National Anthems performed by Jim Tsolakis and Despina Lucas.

This was followed by the Hellenic Lyceum dancers, under the guidance of Dimitri and Stavroula Papapetrou, performing several traditional Greek dances related to Asia Minor and the Greek Revolution.

Speeches during the afternoon were from Bishop Christodoulos, Mrs Vertzayias, Mr Karras, Mr Coure, Ms Cotsis and Mrs Morrison.

Two awards were given to Marina Efthimiou for being the longest-serving President of the Hellenic Lyceum, and to Dimitri and Stavroula Papapetrou for their 30 years of service as dance instructors.

Official proceedings were concluded with the cutting of a special cake by the committee and members of the Hellenic Lyceum, followed by Greek dancing.

Photo gallary from The Hellenic Lyceum 70th-anniversary