On Sunday, 14th of February, the Archdiocesan District of Adelaide held its first event celebrating the 200 year anniversary of the beginning of the Greek Revolution.
The event was promoted as a “High Tea” (an English tradition) but given a distinctly Greek flavour (literally!) by the choice of menu, with souvlakia, baklava and Greek coffee supplementing the more traditional sandwiches, scones and English breakfast tea.
The highlight of the afternoon was a wonderful and edifying speech by Mrs Matina Ravelo (nee Kouvoussis), entitled “Women in the Revolution”. She eloquently – in both Greek and English – spoke about the role certain prominent women played in the Revolution (such as Laskarina Bouboulina and Mando Mavrogenos), but also importantly highlighted the way so many women of simple faith worked towards the Revolution on the home front, by keeping the Faith alive in their children and grandchildren. Her words carried a particular relevance to our own times, where increasingly our Faith is coming under attack, and emboldened us to put our own Faith into action.
The event was attended by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Sinope, who spoke briefly about freedom and its importance in the spiritual life – freedom that came as a result of the Revolution. Local parish priest, Fr Nicholas Pavlou, also spoke spontaneously, drawing attention to the fact that the High Tea coincided with the Sunday of the Syro-Phonecian woman, and using that opportunity to remind people of signing the petition against abortion, due to be voted on in parliament the following week.
Though not the primary focus of the event, it also turned out to be quite a successful fundraiser for the Central Philoptochos – raising on $6,000 to be put towards the ministry of the Archdiocesan District of Adelaide. We thank God for His rich blessings and for the freedom that He grants each and every one of us to worship Him.
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia – Archdiocesan District of Adelaide
