Evzones Welcome at St Ioannis Greek Orthodox Church in Parramatta, Australia in 2025

Sydney, Australia – May 2, 2025
By Nick Bourdaniotis

On May 2, 2025, the Parish of St. Ioannis Greek Orthodox Church in Parramatta buzzed excitedly as it hosted the Hellenic Presidential Guard, the Evzones. This historic visit, part of their 12-day tour across Adelaide and Sydney for ANZAC Day 2025, united the Greek-Australian community in a vibrant celebration of heritage and pride.

The evening began with a National anthem and speeches at 7:30 pm in the beautifully adorned St Ioannis Church, setting a solemn yet festive tone. Following the service, attendees gathered in the church hall to meet the Evzones, resplendent in their traditional foustanella kilts and tsarouchia. Their iconic uniforms and synchronized movements captivated the crowd, symbolizing Greece’s military history and national dignity.

A memorable highlight was the presence of students from the Aristotelian Academy of Traditional Greek Dance and the Greek afternoon school at St Ioannis. Dressed in vibrant traditional costumes, the children watched in awe as the Evzones marched into and out of the church with precision. The afternoon school students, many waving Greek flags and wearing traditional attire, greeted the guards with infectious excitement. Their enthusiastic participation added a joyful, intergenerational spirit to the event, reflecting the vitality of Greek culture among younger generations. The school’s dedication to preserving the Greek language and heritage shone through in the students’ evident pride.

The Hellenic Club Sydney, in collaboration with The Joint Committee for the Commemoration of the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign, and with the support of the NSW Government, hosted the Evzones coming to Sydney in 2025. This visit commemorates almost 125 years of Australians and Hellenes standing together to defend shared ideals and homelands. Additionally, 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, making this visit a cornerstone of the Australian Hellenic community’s tributes to those who sacrificed so much for our present and future.

The warm reception reflected the strength of Parramatta’s Greek community. Parishioners, dignitaries, and Greek-Australian families filled the hall, creating an atmosphere of unity. The visit was part of a broader Sydney itinerary, including a ceremonial march at the ANZAC Memorial and services at other Greek Orthodox parishes. St Ioannis, a cultural hub known for events like the “Let's Go Greek Festival Parramatta,” solidified its role as a beacon of Hellenism with this event.

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The Evzones’ presence left a lasting impact, reminding attendees of the enduring Greek-Australian bond. For the students and community, it was a night of faith, patriotism, and cultural pride, ensuring Greek traditions thrive in Parramatta.

Photos Copyright greekcitytimes.com / Nick Bourdaniotis