The Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand has announced the program of events for the 83rd anniversary of the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign, which will take place in May and June throughout Australia and New Zealand.
The Diaspora acknowledges the resilience and benevolence of the Cretan people, who not only displayed unwavering bravery in defending their island but also demonstrated extraordinary self-sacrifice and unwavering support in safeguarding and accompanying the Allied forces.
The Hellenic Ministry of Defence is once again honouring the sacrifice of the Anzacs in 1941 and the continuing intergenerational friendship between Greece and Australia by sending a high-ranking delegation to Australia for the commemorations. The delegation will be led by Vice Admiral Christos Sasiakos, Deputy Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff and will be travelling to Perth, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. Sasiakos will be accompanied by Captain Pavlos Angelopoulos, Staff Officer of the Bilateral Relations Directorate of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, Commander of the Navy Stylianos Mitsiotis, and the Military Attaché from Canberra, Colonel Ioannis Fassianos will also be present for the events.
The delegation’s program includes activities and events in five Australian cities and Wellington, New Zealand. Commemorative ceremonies will be held, and olive planting ceremonies will take place at Lamia Barracks in Sydney and Melbourne. The delegation will also have the opportunity to meet Australian expatriates and honour remaining veterans of the Battle of Crete. The President of the Cretan Federation of Australia & New Zealand expressed his appreciation for the delegation’s visit and thanked the Mitsotakis government and Chief of the Greek Armed Forces for their support.
The Greek Prime Minister, addressed a message to the Greek community in Australia ahead of the main commemorative events.
“The Battle of Crete was a significant development in World War II as it weakened the invaders’ assault, affecting the course of Axis military operations in the broader region and remains one of the most representative historical examples of struggle for freedom and independence. The people of Crete, despite knowing well that hopes for victory were slim and that they were in the last free area of continental Europe, took up arms spontaneously and, with the limited resources available, defended their island with self-denial,” Mitsotakis stated in his message.
“The Battle of Crete marked a unique historical moment for New Zealanders, Australians, and Greeks, laying the foundation for the strong diplomatic relations we have today, with common ideals and goals as a reference point. It is a milestone in our history that equips us with greater determination in our daily struggles for solidarity, human dignity, democracy, and peace.
“Eighty-three years after the Battle of Crete and the struggle of the ANZAC allied forces against Nazism and fascism, the message of resistance remains relevant for the entire Greek community and for all those who strive for freedom and a better future,” he concluded.
CRETANS ALL OVER AUSTRALIA REMEMBER AND CELEBRATE THE BATTLE OF CRETE
To honour the 83 years that passed since the historic Battle of Crete, the Presidents of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand, the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria, the Battle of Crete and Greece Commemorative Council and the Pancretan Association of Melbourne all shared messages that remind and inspire, paying tribute to the heroes responsible for our freedom.
“The defenders of Crete, from Australia and New Zealand fought side by side with the local Cretan population for 12 days. The Germans faced fierce and ferocious resistance, suffering just over 30 per cent casualties. This was unheard of prior to May 1941. Yes, the Battle ended in defeat for the Allies, but the friendships forged between the ‘ANZACS’ and the Cretans have lasted – 83yrs and counting. I am extremely proud, as an Australian born Cretan, of both the brave soldiers from the country of my birth and the people of my heritage. I honour their sacrifice and will always remember what they did. Lest we forget!” said President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand, Emmanuel Mountakis.
Natasa Spanou Chair of Battle of Crete and Greece Commemorative Council stressed that the spirit of the Battle of Crete is alive and breathes through every Cretan and every Greek who venerates the memory of our ancestors who sacrificed themselves in those dark days, speaking on behalf of the Coordinating Committee of the Battle of Crete and the Rest of Greece in Victoria.
“The Battle of Crete was a period of trial for Greece and its people. It is one of the most significant chapters in the history of World War II, a symbol of heroism and resistance against oppression and Nazism,” stated Spanou.
“Let us make the Battle of Crete an eternal beacon of inspiration and cause for action for future generations. At the same time, let us strengthen our solidarity and unity, to ensure that the legacy of our heroes remains alive and continues to inspire us in the future. I express my warm congratulations to the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand for organising this year’s events for the Battle of Crete throughout Australia and New Zealand,” she said extending her heartfelt thanks to the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand Board of Directors for their cooperation in this year’s anniversary events in Melbourne.
Milton Stamatakos, President of Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria said that it is essential to delve deeper into the profound lessons that this historic event imparts to us and its enduring relevance in shaping our contemporary global landscape.
“In today’s connected world, marked by complex geopolitical dynamics and evolving security threats, the principles embodied by the Greeks and the Anzacs—unity, cooperation, and resilience—offer invaluable guidance in navigating the challenges we face,” Stamatakos added.
“In commemorating the Battle of Crete and the legacy of those who fought, let us not only pay tribute to their heroism but also recommit ourselves to the values they held dear.
Freedom, justice, and democracy.”
Lastly, Argyro Michelaki President of the Pancretan Association of Melbourne, emphasised the importance of the 20th of May as milestone for us Cretans everywhere, especially for those for whom Australia is a second homeland.
“It is the day when thousands of young Australians and New Zealanders fought side by side with our Cretan grandparents to defend our land and ideals. Despite the enemy’s superiority, these heroes fought with great courage and determination, proving that freedom is a non-negotiable value,” Michelaki said.
“Let us always keep their memory alive, as well as their courage and dedication to their homeland and freedom. Let us pass on to our children the values and ideals of our heroes, so that this struggle does not remain just in the pages of history but lives in our hearts, guides us through the challenges of our time, and inspires us for a better tomorrow,” she concluded.
83RD ANNIVERSARY OF BATTLE OF CRETE NATIONAL PROGRAM
Western Australia and Northern Territory already held Commemorative events for the Battle of Crete Anniversary on Saturday May 11 and Sunday May 12.
In Perth, the Greek Australian RSL and Battle of Crete Memorial Committee co-hosted the formal dedication of the new Battle of Crete Memorial at the Saw Avenue precinct at Kings Park, performed by the Premier Roger Cook MLA and Stavros Venizelos, Ambassador of Greece. Archbishop Makarios, co-patron of the memorial also attended and presided over the Sunday church service at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Evangelismos.
In Darwin, the Cretan Association of Northern Territory held a commemorative dinner dance at the Greek Church Hall.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
On Sunday June 2 the Cretan Association of Northern Territory will be holding a commemorative doxology and church service at the Parish of Saint Savva of Kalymnos (2 Palmerstron Cct, Palmerston) at 9.30am.
Following the church service, the Cretan Association of Northern Territory will be holding a commemorative wreath laying ceremony at the Darwin Cenotaph War Memorial at 11.30am.
NEW SOUTH WALES
On Friday May 17, the Cretan Association of Sydney in conjunction with the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney are co-hosting a presentation by author Craig Collie and commemorative cocktail party at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, Sydney at 6pm.
On Saturday May 18, the Joint Committee for the Commemoration of the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign is holding the annual commemorative wreath laying ceremony at the Martin Place Cenotaph Monument at 1.45pm. In the evening of the same day, the Cretan Association of Sydney & New South Wales is holding its annual commemorative ball, at the Grand Vaudeville (178 Eldridge Road, Condell Park) at 7pm.
On Sunday May 19 the Joint Committee for the Commemoration of the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign in conjunction with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia are holding a commemorative doxology and church service at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos (242 Cleveland Street, Redfern) at 9am.
On Sunday May 26, a commemorative will hold a 10.45am church service at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church (60 Lower Fort Street, Millers Point).
NEW ZEALAND
On Sunday May 19, the Cretans Association of New Zealand is hosting a commemorative doxology and church service at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, Hania Street, in Mount Wellington at 10.15am. Following the church service, the Cretans Association of New Zealand is hosting a commemorative wreath laying ceremony at the Greek – New Zealand Memorial, Cambridge Terrace, in Wellington.
Then, the Cretans Association of New Zealand will host a commemorative community lunch at the Greek Orthodox Community Function Centre, Hania Street, in Mount Wellington at noon.
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
On Wednesday May 22, the Cretan Association of Canberra and the Embassy of Greece in Canberra are co-hosting a commemorative wreath laying ceremony at the Australian Hellenic Memorial, in Anzac Parade, in Reid at 12pm followed by a commemorative wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the unknown soldier – Australian War Memorial, in Campbell at 1.15pm.
VICTORIA
On Friday May 24, the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and the Pancretan Association of Melbourne are co-hosting a commemorative cocktail party at the Cretan House (148 – 150 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East) at 7pm.
On Saturday May 25, the Battle of Crete and Greece Commemorative Council is holding the official commemorative wreath laying ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance at 11.30am.
At 12.30pm a secondary wreath laying ceremony at the Australian Hellenic War Memorial is set to take place.
In the evening, the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and the Pancretan Association of Melbourne are co-hosting a commemorative dinner dance at the Cretan Village (90 Cathies Lane, Wantirna South) at 7pm.
On Sunday May 26, the Battle of Crete and Greece Commemorative Council and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia are holding a commemorative church service and doxology at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord 45 Poplar Street, in Thomastown at 9am.
Then, the Battle of Crete and Greece Commemorative Council and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia are co-hosting the official opening of the ANZAC Hellenic Memorial of Northern Suburbs at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord 45 Poplar Street, Thomastown at 11.30am.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
On Sunday May 26, the Cretan Association of South Australia in conjunction with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia – District of Adelaide are hosting a commemorative doxology and church service at the Greek Orthodox Archiepiscopal Church of Saint Sophia (100 Drayton Street, Bowden) at 9am.
On Saturday June 15, the Cretan Association of South Australia is hosting it’s annual commemorative dinner dance at the Festival Centre, Adelaide City Centre at 6.30pm.
QUEENSLAND
On Saturday June 1, the Cretan Association of Queensland is hosting its annual commemorative dinner dance at St Anna’s Function Centre, 31a Crombie Avenue, Bundall at 6.30pm. On Sunday June 2, the Commemorative doxology and church service will be held at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Anna (31A Crombie Ave, Bundall) in the Gold Coast at 9.30am.
TASMANIA
On Sunday June 2, the Cretan Association of Tasmania in conjunction with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia – District of Tasmania and together with the Greek Community of Tasmania are hosting a commemorative doxology and church service at the Greek Orthodox Church of Street George Church, Antill Street in Hobart at 9am. At 1.30pm, the wreath laying Ceremony will take place at the Domain Cenotaph, ANZAC Parade with events culminating with a reception at the Hellenic Hall 67 Federal Street, North Hobart at 2.30pm.
