email:vema@bigpond.net.au

MAY 2005 Tel. (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033

THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN

VEMAThe oldestcirculating

Greeknewspaper

outsideGreece

PAGES 8/26-9/27

In this issue... Our Primate’s ViewFROM ‘VULGARITY’

TO COMPLETE ‘CORRUPTION’

PAGE 14/32

Sydney-siderswelcome

the Benaki

PAGE 24/58

TRAVELThe wildbeauty

of Folegandros

WINDOWS TO ORTHODOXY:

THE SCRIPTURALIMAGE OF JESUSCHRIST AS GOD

PAGES 5/23-6/24

Rich to get tax cutsbut poor may have to wait!

High income earners will get a tax cutcome July 1 while people struggling onlower wages may have to wait, it emergedrecently, as the standoff between the gov-ernment and Labor intensified.

The Tax Office will give the nation's busi-nesses two separate income tax schedules ina bid to head off possible confusion causedby the impasse over the government'splanned tax cuts.

One schedule will cover the income taxcuts Treasurer Peter Costello announcedearlier this month, which includes tax cutsof up to $6 a week for people earning lessthan $50,000 a year.

The other schedule details thoseannounced in last year's budget, whichgives generous tax cuts to people earningmore than $52,000 a year but does notinclude the tax cuts for lower income earn-ers.

Which schedule will be used depends onwhether the Senate passes the government'sproposals before July 1.

Labor is insisting on its own proposals,which would deliver low income earners upto $12 a week, in a move that will delay the

tax cuts for people earning less than$52,000 until they pass the Senate.

The Tax Office said today companiescould only act on those tax cuts announcedlast year, and not those announced thismonth, unless they pass the Senate.

If Labor sticks to its position, it will meanmost people hoping to pocket the $6 a weektax cut will have to wait until the laws arepassed in early August.

Unless they go direct to the Tax Office,low income earners won't get those sixweeks of tax cuts until they fill out their2005-06 financial year tax return - some 12months after they were supposed to getthem.

And in a test of nerve for Labor, bothschedules will go to parliament. The ALPwill have to vote down the schedule thatdelivers tax cuts to average wage earners ifit is to stick to its current position.

Treasurer Peter Costello said OppositionLeader Kim Beazley should abandon hisstunt and make life easier for employers andtaxpayers.

"That stunt could not only delay all Aus-tralians receiving their tax cuts, that stunt byMr Beazley involves a great deal of confu-

sion for 850,000 employers," he said.Business groups said the fact the Tax

Office was now sending out two tax sched-ules showed the confusion Labor was caus-ing with its position.

The Australian Chamber of Commerceand Industry said up to 850,000 businesseswould face a red tape nightmare if the taxcuts were not approved before July 1.

It argued that if they are not passed thegovernment should recall the Senate on July1 and pass the new tax cuts.

"This is a ridiculous situation that shouldnot come to pass," chamber chief executivePeter Hendy said.

Australian Business Ltd chief executiveMark Bethwaite said there was nothing forLabor to now achieve.

But Labor treasury spokesman WayneSwan said the opposition would not beshifting its position."We're going to go into the parliament anduse every available means to fight for a fair-er deal for the seven million Australians thatJohn Howard's forgotten," he said."We've got a fairer proposal which willmake many more Australians better off."

AAP

Bob Carr achieves new place in NSW history The morning after the next state budget,Bob Carr will wake up the longest-serv-ing premier in NSW history.

On Wednesday 25 May, Mr Carr willovertake former Labor Premier NevilleWran’s record of 10 years, one month and20 days in office.

In 1986, Mr Wran followed a practiceadopted by so many other Australian pre-miers, stepping down before watchingfrom the sidelines as Labor was defeated atthe next election.

When he leaves office, Mr Carr wouldprobably prefer to be in a similar positionto that of one of the heroes of the NSWLabor Party, Sir William McKell, who ledthe state from 1941 to 1947.

After Mr McKell quit the premiership,Labor remained in government under pre-miers James McGirr, Joe Cahill, RobertHeffron and Jack Renshaw until 1965. MrCarr has long been an admirer of the 1941-

1965 Labor government and its focus onachieving political stability and introduc-ing reforms gradually. It had an impressivelist of achievements, including the intro-duction of the 40-hour week, the creationof Kosciuszko National Park, setting upthe housing commission, commissioningthe Opera House and presiding over a gen-erally strong economy.

Mr Carr of course has his own list ofachievements as premier: education re-form, more national parks, the success ofthe 2000 Sydney Olympics, a drop incrime rates and eliminating state govern-ment debt. He has presided over one of themost prosperous periods in the state’s his-tory. AAP

uro Funeral ServiceEëëçíéêü Ïéêïãåíåéáêü Ãñáöåßï Ôåëåôþí

Tel: (02) 9747 6604Available 24 hrs 114543

ÌÁÕ 2005The Greek Australian VEMATO BHMA2/20

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE OPENSMay 27, 1937

San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, a stun -ning technological and artistic achievement, opens to the public after five years of con- struction. On opening day-"Pedestrian Day"-some 200,000 bridge walkers marveled at the 4,200-foot-long suspension bridge, whichspans the Golden Gate Strait at the entrance to San Francisco Bay and connects San

Francisco and Marin County. On May 28, the Golden Gate Bridge opened to vehicular traffic.

MEN REACH EVEREST SUMMITMay 29, 1953

At 11:30 a.m. on May 29, 1953, EdmundHillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa of Nepal, become the first explorers to reach the summit of Mount Everest, which at 29,035 feet above sea level is the highest point on earth. The two, part of a British expedition, made their final assault on the summit after spending a fitful night at 27,900 feet. News of their achieve-ment broke around the world on June 2, the day of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, and Britons hailed it as a good omen for their country's future.

SIX-DAY WAR ENDSJune 11, 1967

The Six-Day War between Israel and its Arabneighbors ends with a United Nations-brokeredcease-fire. The outnumbered Israel DefenseForces achieved a swift and decisive victory inthe brief war, rolling over the Arab coalitionthat threatened the Jewish state and more thandoubling the amount of territory under Israel'scontrol. The greatest fruit of victory lay in seiz-ing the Old City of Jerusalem from Jordan;thousands of Jews wept while bent in prayer at

the Second Temple's Western Wall.

NAPOLEON DEFEATED ATWATERLOOJune 18, 1815

At Waterloo in Belgium, NapoleonBonaparte suffers defeat at the hands ofthe Duke of Wellington, bringing anend to the Napoleonic era of Europeanhistory.

The federal government shouldset firm targets for carbon diox-ide (CO2) emissions on the wayto a 60 per cent cut by the year2050, a Senate inquiry recom-mended recently.

In its energy white paper(EWP) last June, the govern-ment promised to establish a$500 million fund to drive atleast $1.5 billion investment innew technologies for green-house gas reduction.

The 10-year plan also forecast$134 million to make renewabletechnologies cost efficient and$75 million for solar cities trials.The environment references

committee, chaired by Austra-lian Democrats senator JohnCherry, has been looking intothe budgetary and environmen-tal implications of the EWP.

The committee recommendedthe government, in consultationwith energy interest groups andthe energy industry, develop adetailed long-term strategy forenergy.

This included specific CO2

emissions reduction targets for2010, 2020 and 2030, with theultimate goal of reducing green-house emissions by at least 60per cent by 2050.

The committee also urged the

government to increase theMandatory Renewable EnergyTarget (MRET) to at least fiveper cent by 2010, to 10 per centby 2020, and 50 per cent by2050.

It urged the government toreconsider a carbon tradingscheme and not proceed with theproposed reductions in excise ondiesel and petrol in the EWP,unless the decision to imposeexcise on biofuels and gaseousfuels by 2012 is reversed.

Its report also looked at thegovernment's favoured optionusing geosequestration, or bury-ing CO2 far underground.

It said geosequestration was oneof many options for reducingCO2 emissions and urged thatthe greater proportion of theLow Emissions TechnologyFund be made available to tech-nologies which provided emis-sion reductions in the short term.Another recommendation wasthat the Photovoltaic RebateProgram (solar electricity) beretained with new targets forstand-alone systems.

The government announcedrecently a two-year extension tothe rebate scheme in the lastbudget.

AAP

Set target of 60pc cut in emissions by 2050

ATHOC ends in the blackThe 2004 Athens Olympicsmay have been the mostexpensive Games in history,costing more than nine billioneuros ($11.56 billion), but theorganising committee, knownas ATHOC, said on May 12 ithad managed to post a profitof more than 130 million ($167million). With a budget ofabout 1.9 billion euros to stagethe Games, it said it had pro-duced revenues of 2.09 billiondue to increased profits fromtelevision rights, sponsors andticket sales.

"We have succeeded in notonly meeting the balanced bud-get (1.96 billion euros) butsecuring a surplus of over 130.6million euros," it said in a state-ment. The committee was notresponsible for the constructionof any sports complexes, accessroads or the athletes' Olympicvillage, nor did it foot the one-billion-euro Games security bill.

The committee said 123 mil-lion euros from the profits hadalready been spent on a series ofprojects ahead of the Games, asagreed with the government, in abid to speed up preparations.The government and the com-mittee repeatedly clashed beforethe Games over delays and areasof responsibility. Constructionwork was completed only daysbefore the start of the Games.

The committee said it wouldpost a final profit of about sevenmillion euros in its balancesheet, to be published soon.

ATHOC said organising com-mittee president Gianna Angelo-poulos-Daskalaki and othermembers of the board of direc-tors "offered their services with-out payment." Television rightsgenerated the biggest revenuesat 578.7 million euros ($739.06million), or 27.6 percent.

Money from international anddomestic sponsors totalled 536.7million euros ($685.42 million),or 25.6 percent. The biggest costwas technology at 338.8 millioneuros ($432.68 million), fol-lowed by operational costs -

including the accreditationprocess - at 309.6 million euros($395.39 million).

The overall cost of the Gamesseverely burdened Greece's pub-lic finances and was a major fac-tor as the country's budgetdeficit ballooned to over six per-cent of GDP in 2004.

Reuters, AP

Athens Olympic Committee posts profit from costliest Games ever

ÌÁÕ 2005 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 3/21

I was flipping through a magazine recent-ly, looking at yet another feature promotingplastic surgery and related cosmetic proce-dures for both men and women. It fasci-nates me that skills developed and perfect-ed to help heal people, are now promoted aseveryday beauty solutions. This particulararticle showed before and after photographsof celebrities, many of whom were leftquite disfigured due to multiple procedures.Whoever laid out the magazine was quiteclever, however, and used the layout of thearticles to make his or her own comments.

The article immediately following hadonly one photograph, and it was a head andshoulders snapshot of an elderly woman,complete with hair growing on her chin.Her skin, evenly wrinkled all over, showedno sun spots. Her make-up consisted onlyof a little bit of lipstick, and her white hairwas pulled back softly. Although heradvanced age was reflected in the pale blueeyes, their expression was spirited. As ordi-nary as all this may sound, this old lady,whiskers and all, looked absolutely beauti-ful; not because of the evenness of her skin-tone, or the shape of her nose, or the shapeof her eyebrows or lips, but because of theexpression on her face. Looking at the

photo of this old lady, a noted philan-thropist, it was obvious that she was awoman of great kindness; a woman wholoved deeply and was deeply loved.

The contrast between the two articlescould not have been greater. The messagewas crystal clear for anyone with eyes tosee. The old woman had lived a life of ser-vice. Possessing great material wealth, shecould very easily have spent her lifetime inmany different ways. What she chose, wasto use her wealth, and her position, to bene-fit others. The beauty she possessed couldnot be supplied by injections, creams, orsurgery.

While cosmetic surgery and proceduresmay relieve the suffering of, for example, aperson born with a physical disfigurement,or damaged through illness or an accident,the before and after photographs in the pre-ceding article were not a celebration of thehealing potential of this surgery and proce-dures. Instead, the photographs revealed theopposite was also possible. Where therewas once a face, there was now only amask.

It would be rare, I suspect, to find a per-son who is one hundred percent pleasedwith their own natural features. Our legs aretoo short, our feet too big, hips too wide ortoo narrow, hair too straight or too curly, toothick, too thin, the wrong colour, the nosetoo big, the eyes too small, fingers too stub-by, knees too knobbly … Yet somehow,without very little effort, almost all of uscan instantly name someone who loves, orhas loved us, and who thinks we are beauti-ful, despite all of our perceived shortcom-ings. Strange, isn’t it.

Talking Point

by Ann Coward

EditorialIdeological hegemony

By Stamos Zoulas (Kathimerini)

The past week was marked by three incidents that betraypsychological violence and even underlying fascistic tenden-cies, which should give Greece’s intellectuals and politiciansplenty of cause for worry.

Respected filmmaker Pantelis Voulgaris stepped down fromthe helm of the Thessaloniki International Film Festival onlya month after he was appointed its president, citing an“unprecedented war” against him, “instigated or tolerated bythe previous management of the festival” (director TheoAngelopoulos). Surprisingly, Voulgaris reacted in an apolo-getic and defeatist fashion, telling his leftist critics that he isnot a right-winger.

The day before, a few dozen young anarchists had prevent-ed some 100 people who attended a book launch at the AthensPolytechnic from leaving. Among the captives were PASOKMPs Evangelos Venizelos and Christos Verelis as well as otherpoliticians and academics. Save for a few exceptions, mosttried to put a cool face on the incident. Venizelos described themob’s swearing and threats as an “interesting” and “construc-tive” conversation - even as a fellow-politician exited thecomplex with anarchist graffiti sprayed on the back of hisjacket.

In Larissa, where the local Greek-American association helda conference on anti-Americanism in Greece, Takis Tsiogas, ayoung deputy of the Greek Communist Party (KKE), fol-lowed by a crowd of leftist supporters, invaded the premisesdemanding the cancellation of the event. For about an hour,the conversation degenerated into a KKE protest against theUS.

The three incidents variously demonstrate that a section ofthe left treats the realm of culture and the arts as its private fief.Accordingly, they deem it right to set limits on our intellectu-al freedom, control the flow of ideas and choose state sectorstaff in order to perpetuate its ideological hegemony.

A fruitful experiment The Athens 2004 Organizing Committee (ATHOC) should

be distinguished as a model to be imitated - by state-run butalso private enterprises - for its absolute success in organizinglast year’s Olympics.

The Games were staged without any hiccups despite theextremely demanding nature of the project - especially for acountry of Greece’s size - and the committee still succeeded inmaking a 7-million-euro overall profit.

The actual size of the profit is not that significant. Whatcounts is that the firm in question - a public interest enterprise- did not “go under,” and succeeded in getting its job done inan exemplary way.

Certain commentators have pointed out that the profitannounced by ATHOC is “provocatively” insignificant whencompared to the total cost of organizing the Games - just under9 billion euros, nearly double the original budget.

But such a comparison is prejudiced and completely unfair.The committee undertook the organization of the Games onthe basis of a specific budget - which it not only balanced butalso made a profit upon - and had no involvement whatsoev-er in the construction of costly sports venues and other infra-structure works, which were the sole responsibility of thestate.

And whether the government wants to accept it officially ornot, this successful “experiment” should be used as a guide forfuture activities in the public sector.

KATHIMERINI

Only skin deep?

MAY 2005The Greek Australian VEMATO BHMA4/22

Cont. from last month’s edition

Our central policy goal for 2005 is to estab-lish stability and confidence in the economy.Without embellishing the truth and hidinginformation, we intend to create a strong eco-nomic base which will permit a gradualrestructuring of public spending plans andenhance the State’s role in assisting society. Todo this requires balanced growth in all sectorsof the economy and in all areas of Greece. Itrequires increased production and the fairestpossible distribution of goods and services.

We want to set Greece off on a new coursetowards growth. We want to raise growth ratesgradually through reform and through policieswhich will enhance the country’s competitive-ness and increase the strength of those sectorswhere Greece possesses comparative advan-tages. We want to take full advantage of all oursources of wealth production. Of our humancapital, which is our greatest source of wealthcreation. Of our natural resources. Of the envi-ronment. Of investment. Of entrepreneurship.In this changing world, Greece cannot com-pete solely on labour costs. We need large-scale investment and we need

to make full use of technology. We need torevolutionise our productivity and the qualityof what we produce, and only new investmentcan make it possible for us to succeed in this.

To improve the enterprise climate, we arepushing ahead with our plans to simplifylicensing procedures, to reform bankruptcylaws, to organise planning permission lawsand to create a modern industrial infrastruc-ture. We are clarifying the rules of the gameand deregulating markets. We are drasticallyreducing the bureaucracy and the complexprocedures involved in setting up a businessand getting it off the ground. We are givingthe economy a more international dimension.We are bringing the National Export Councilinto operation, together with the Competitive-ness Council, in order to improve our exports.Over the last eight years, exports have made anegligible contribution to economic growth.Less than one tenth of In addition to the taxcuts, the 2005 budget also envisages a reduc-tion in the deficit from 5.3% in 2004 to 2.8%Trade with Greece 12 growth has been securedon the back of exports.

Our efforts to attract foreign investment havebeen even more disappointing. We are alreadybringing the State mechanisms for exploitingthe 3rd Community Support Framework and

the Operational Programme for the Informa-tion Society into play.

We are restructuring defunct programmessuch as the “Information Society” Pro-gramme. We are upping the pace and havealready examined what action to take concern-ing these programmes to ensure that any suchaction is carried out thoroughly and brings thebest possible results.

Over the last six months we have givenapproval to IT projects with a total budget inexcess of 100 million euros. The amount offunding from the programmes which has beenabsorbed has increased from 3.3 million eurosper month, which was the case up until March,to more than 15 million per month and risingfast.

By the end of 2004, new programmes will beintroduced to improve the productivity ofsmall and very small enterprises, as will pro-grammes to help them network. We arealready carrying out broadband projects at 85points all over Greece and we have scheduledthe establishment of urban fibre optic net-works in major cities all over Greece.

We have unified all our efforts to promoteGreece abroad, especially in major interna-tional markets. Attempts to promote ourexports and tourism to Greece and to attractdirect foreign investment require a joint effort.We are pushing ahead with a new programmefor denationalisation. This will generate at least 1,600 million euros

in 2005 (1% of GDP), as we have promised.We will do so with transparency and withrespect for the social welfare of working peo-ple and society as a whole. We have aban-doned the old logic that saw denationalisationpurely as a source of ready cash and we haveintroduced methods which combine denation-alisation with investment and growth. We arechoosing the right time, the right proceduresand the right methods to denationalise, inorder to maximise the benefits it brings to theeconomy and to avoid any undesirable sideeffects and disruption.

We are giving particular emphasis to high-lighting the value of public sector companiesbefore we move on to denationalisation. Wewill make use of all forms of denationalisa-tion, according to individual circumstances.

Full denationalisation, strategic alliances,share issues, concession agreements, jointventures between the State and the private sec-tor, private initiative for funding infrastructureprojects. Reducing the amount of business

activity carried out by the State, boosting com-petition, attracting direct foreign investmentand making the best possible use of publicassets are the key goals behind our denational-isation programme. We attach particularimportance to establishing trust in the State onthe part of both citizens and businesses. Our goal is to simplify the endless procedures

which lead to resources being wasted and tostagnation and under-development. We must -and we will - reduce the number of times whenit is necessary to deal with State authorities. Incomparison with the OECD average, Greecehas twice the volume of red tape involved ingetting a new business into operation. Twicethe capital is required. And it takes twice asmany working days.

This cannot be allowed to continue. We aremaking a new start in relations between theState and business. We are settling the debtscurrently owed by hospitals to suppliers andintroducing a new supply system.

We are simplifying the VAT rebate systemfor companies which export and we areaddressing the issue of debts which have accu-mulated. We acknowledge that the problemswe have been called upon to tackle are seriousand complex. Improving the country’s com-petitiveness and introducing discipline intopublic spending are the greatest challenges wewill be facing in the coming years. We aretreading carefully, but with determination.On the international economic stage, the suc-

cess of the Greek economy can only besecured if it opens up internationally. Withgood sense, moderation, social consensus,efficiency and determination, we can bring oureconomy and our country into a new age. Weare introducing a new model for our economy.A model which is based on growth via privateinvestment and sensible administration ofpublic funds.

The Greek people have shown that they canlive up to great challenges. Why? Becausethey are dynamic and inventive. Akey concernof ours is to allow these virtues to be free tocreate. We can, if we all work together, suc-cessfully tackle the problems we have faced inthe past and open up new horizons for oureconomy. And I am certain that we will suc-ceed. We are introducing a new model for oureconomy.

A model which is based on growth via pri-vate investment and sensible administration ofpublic funds.

HACCI

BBuussiinneessss BBuulllleettiinn

Prospects for the Greek Economy in 2005

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Tax Office releases two tax schedules The Tax Office today released two separate

income tax schedules to employers to headoff possible confusion caused by theimpasse over the government’s planned taxcuts.

One shows tax scales as they would be ifthe government’s proposed cuts are passedby the Senate cutting the income tax of anaverage worker on $50,000 a year by $6 aweek, and the other shows the scales if theydo not pass.The likely confusion is because a series of

tax cuts for higher income earners passedby the government last year also come intooperation from July 1.

But the latest tax cuts are in legislativelimbo, with Labor refusing to pass themthrough the Senate after opposition leaderKim Beazley proposed an alternative offer-ing more to lower wage earners and less tothose on high incomes.

The government will gain control of theSenate after July 1, but will not sit untilearly August.

Treasurer Peter Costello told MacquarieRadio one schedule would show taxationrates if they were blocked in the Senate, andthe second would show the rate if the cutspassed.“One is the schedule you will be paying if

those tax cuts don’t go through and theother is what you will be paying if they dogo through,” he said.“You won’t know which one to apply until

we can deal with Kim Beazley in the Sen-ate. If Mr Beazley is successful he can delaythose tax cuts but he will never stop them.”Tax Commissioner Michael Carmody said .

AAP

IOC’s Rogge ‘never doubted’ Athens Games International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge today said he had “never

doubted” that the Athens 2004 Games would be “unbelievable”.Rogge was speaking in Athens where he received a gold medal of merit for his contri-

bution to Greece’s successful summer Olympics.“There was a time during preparation when a part of the media and the world were

doubting about (the prospects of) success,” Rogge told a ceremony of city officials andformer Games organisers.

“The IOC and I particularly never doubted that it would be what it has become, thisunbelievable Greek Games. We knew that you would organise absolutely unbelievableGames.” Rogge said.

Also honoured with a city gold medal was Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, the pres-ident of the Athens 2004 organising committee.Angelopoulos-Daskalaki ended her acceptance speech on a sombre note, observing that

“it would be a shame for all if the goal, effort and achievement of organising the Gamesremained only as a powerful memory.”Nine months after the August 2004 Games, many of the facilities built for the Olympics

lie idle. A bill setting out rules for the venues’ post-Games management has yet to beapproved by Greece’s parliament and has attracted widespread opposition from localmunicipalities and left-wing groups.

AFP

MAÕ 2005 Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 5/23

Our Primate’s ViewWhen we were writing our previous

article ‘The Sabotage of Greeks AbroadFrom Within Greece’ (Vema, April 2005), wecould not have imagined that in the very nextissue we would have to denounce even moredeceitful and more recent wretched actions,unfortunately emanating yet again from theMotherland! This time it concerns an entiremechanism, not just of a plain ‘collusion’but ofa vulgarization of all that is sacred and right-eous as far as academic moral duty is con-cerned, by Professor G. Babiniotis who, for asecond term (!), ill-fatedly holds the position ofChancellor at the University of Athens.

The writer had the opportunity ofmeeting this ‘gentleman’, whilst he was yet anAssociate Professor, at the office of that trulyunforgettable national figure and linguist, thelate G. Kourmoulis, whose bones, togetherwith those of Stylianos Korres, another Acad-emic Teacher of unparalleled purity, would be‘turning in their graves’ on account of theentirely ‘modernistic’ frivolities of such anungrateful student nurtured under their wings!

Nonetheless, when Mr. Babiniotis vis-ited Sydney for the first time - in his capacity asPresident of the Society for the Friends of Edu-cation and as Professor of Linguistics at theUniversity of Athens - we had received him asan old-time friend, together with his wife, andwe presented him to the students of our Theo-logical College to whom he spoke modestly andaltogether constructively. However, a brief timelater when elected Chancellor, he was ‘des-tined’ to fall into the trap of that notorious ‘mir-acle-worker’ of the Antipodes Tasos Tamis(otherwise known as Anastasios Tamisoglou)who, as we have formally and consistently pub-licized over the years, will remain in the historythe Greek Australian people as the most callous‘exploiter’ and spurious Scholar!

Like a shrewd ‘illusionist’ (despite thefalse academic titles which he claimed in thepast) he managed, through his ‘studies’ in Mel-bourne, to receive a Doctorate and to establishat the University of La Trobe a scholastic teamwhich he initially named ‘Centre for Mace-donian Research’, attributing to himself theimaginary title of ‘Macedonologist’ (for aslong as the ‘Macedonian problem’ was stillheightened, with the well-known resultstoday!). Very soon, however, he was forced torename the Centre in mention ‘National Centrefor Hellenic Studies and Research’ (EKEME),when the Macedonian issue ‘no longer had cur-rency’.

In this way, with the support of theChancellor of La Trobe, Professor M. Osborne,by periodically inviting academic and econom-ic figures from Greece (a classic example wasthat other ‘illusionist’ of PASOK, MinisterPahtas!) he was able to present ‘honorary Doc-torates’ even to unapprised businessmen, inorder to secure funding for the ‘enormouswork’ and the ‘grandiose’ programmes of thisbelated ‘National Missionary’of the Antipodes!However, there still exist (e.g. in the StateLibrary of N.S.W.) the newspapers of the Th.Skalkos group where, for years, Mr Tamis sys-tematically wrote as a columnist against everyGreek institution in Australia (Archdiocese,Embassy, Consulates, etc). There, all of hisother ‘feats’ have also been immortalized,including his crowning achievement of bringingto Australia, in collaboration with the rebel for-mer Athonite monk Ierotheos Kourtessis andthe then Education Director of the ConsulateGeneral for Greece in Melbourne P. Liveriadis,the tempest of the Patriarchate of Jerusalemwhich ‘invaded’ our Archdiocese through thedocumented ‘lurid activities’ of PatriarchDiodoros’s emissaries, Bishops Timotheos of

Lydda and Isihios of Capitolia. This episodeengaged our Archdiocese in two and a halfyears of intense struggles and confrontations,and was resolved by the historic Great andSupreme Synod (July 1993) which ‘ejected’the perpetrators with the penalty of defrock-ment, even threatening Patriarch Diodoros ofJerusalem himself (!) from the Canonical juris-diction of the Ecumenical Throne.

All these events were certainly notunknown to the meddlesome and ‘shrewd’Chancellor from Athens, G. Babiniotis, when hecame invited by Mr Tamis for lectures and ‘aca-demic’ transactions (we do not mean ex-changes!). Indeed, they promoted him throughSBS radio as “the first Dean of the Universityof Athens to come to Australia” (!), eventhough barely four years had passed since thevisit here of Chancellor P. Gemtos and theVice-Chancellor K. Dimopoulos who stayedfor some time in Sydney sealing importantagreements for academic cooperation with theuniversities of NSW!

The then Consul General for Greecein Sydney, Mrs Rosa Ieremia, whom Chancel-lor Babiniotis had rung from Melbourne tosecure the permission of the Archdiocese in

order to “visit, with Mr Tamis, the Collegesand other Schools of the Church” remembersclearly with what courtesy and honesty weexplained why we had to decline the self-evi-dent and, under different circumstances, com-plimentary gesture by the Chancellor who wasconsidered a friend up until that point, as wehave already said.

The only reason for declining him wasthat he ‘not legitimize’ with his status, eitherknowingly or unknowingly, the continually andformally denounced Mr Tamis who standsaccused by the Church and by the writer for theupheaval caused so unrepentantly against theGreek Australian presence and against theArchdiocese. (We should also recall of coursethat, initially, we were naïve enough merely toadvise Mr Tamis, having succumbed to hisrequest that we entrust to him free access to theofficial archives of the Archdiocese for his sup-posedly patriotic research).

However, this dangerous personremained dauntless in his ‘Ovidian transforma-tions’with the singular purpose of approaching,like a chameleon, the Governments of Greeceand Cyprus, community Organizations (andindividual persons in every State of Australia)for the procurement of sponsorships and capi-tal with which he would promote the so-callednational causes and important ‘cultural priori-ties’ of the Greek Australian community. Theresult of that ‘research’ was primarily thedefamation of our people here in Australia witharticles (in English at that!) relating to tragicdetails of the hitherto unknown private lives ofproblematic office-bearers of our community(Clergymen and Diplomats) during the turbu-lent times of their initial arrival.

A sample of this ‘tomb-raking’mania of the tardy ‘researcher’ Mr Tamisincludes what is produced in English in theElectronic Periodical ‘Anagnostis’ (Reader)!

On this website are featured, at this moment, theschizophrenic moves for the return of the nowdeceased Archbishop Ezekiel, following hisvoluntary resignation, in which the leading rolewas played by people (encouraged by theresigned Prelate) with whom Mr Tamis latercooperated closely in plots and conspiracies farworse. Only that, now, the ‘mover’ in all thoseanomalies of the Greek community, IerotheosKourtessis, is dead. Undoubtedly, he couldhave revealed in detail the ‘culpability’, the‘involvement’ and the ‘gains’, in each case, ofthe newly-minted Academician of theAntipodes.

So then, it is precisely this fateful per-son with whom the Chancellor G. Babiniotis‘went into partnership’, with incomprehensiblezeal. Having drawn up a programme of mutualactivity both here and in Greece, he began to‘upgrade’ Mr Tamis spectacularly in prominentAthenian newspapers, in official ceremonies ofthe University of Athens, as well as in Exhibi-tions and Lectures on the life of Greek Aus-tralians, not only in the large urban cities ofGreece, but also in country towns, even inKythera. And, of course, in the first instance wemust say “no resentment”! On the contrary. We

would have been especially grateful had this‘enlightenment’ which was developed withsuch unusual zeal, reflected even the basics ofthe real image of Australia’s Greeks.

Unfortunately, though, the exactopposite and entirely unpredictable occurred.In other words, because our Archdiocese neverconformed with these strange ‘alchemies’which they resorted to systematically, theydecided quietly to provoke us frequently, think-ing that, in this way, they would ‘humiliate’ usor ‘silence’ us. So they began, every so often,sending or bringing a selection of ‘fiery patri-ots’ in order to teach and to assemble into a‘dynamic presence’ (!) the… ‘forgotten Greeksof distant Australia’.

Even recently a peculiar Organizationunder the characteristic name ‘EcumenicalHellenism-Hellenic National Line’ was dis-tributing free Flags and volumes on Macedo-nia, in the belief that they were bringing us‘emergency relief’ as though we were strandedin the Desert.

Other ‘soul saviours’, with the title‘Maestros of Byzantine Music’ (under the con-ductor G. Stathis) hastened with unprecedentedaudacity and irreverence to teach our peopleeven elements of Divine Worship (!) withoutthe blessing and permission of the CanonicalPrelate, in as many places as the Staff of MrTamis and the ‘blessings’ of Mr Babiniotiswere able to secure each time.

These ‘illusionists’ of academic wis-dom, knowing full-well that due to geographi-cal distance on the one hand, and due to theindifference on behalf of the State Authoritiesor other constituents of public life in Greece onthe other, the ‘staged’ image they had preparedwould pass without objection, they managedto project systematically and brazenly as ‘The

Cont. page 6/24

By ArchbishopStylianos

of Australia FROM ‘VULGARITY’TO COMPLETE ‘CORRUPTION’

MAY 2005The Greek Australian VEMATO BHMA6/24

40TH ANNIVERSARY RED SHIELD APPEALSALVOS CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

FOR NATIONAL DOORKNOCK WEEKEND 28-29 MAY

The Salvation Army is calling for volun-teers for the National Red Shield AppealDoorknock on the weekend of 28-29 May.

This year, The Salvation Army celebrates its125th anniversary of being a part of the Aus-tralian community. It is also the 40th anniver-sary of the annual Salvation Army Red ShieldAppeal.

The Salvos need to reach a National Door-knock goal of $6 million to maintain servicesin the year ahead. The overall Red ShieldAppeal, which also includes a business appealand direct mail campaign, has a national targetof $53 million.

Major Neil Dickson said: “Following thedevastation caused in South Asia by the tsuna-mi disaster, we are now refocusing on generat-ing support for our wide range of local pro-grams.

“Our aim this year is to mobilise a record100,000 collectors and we hope to knock on asmany doors as possible. It only involves abouttwo to three hours and we are encouragingpeople to form teams of four with a driver.Volunteers could make it a social event with abarbecue afterwards. It is very rewarding andyou will be helping to assist those less fortu-nate in our community,” Major Dickson said.

People wishing to volunteer can ring theSalvos’ National Hotline number on 13 32 30from anywhere in Australia for the cost of alocal call or by registering online atwww.salvos.org.au/home.

Last year, The Army helped over one millionAustralians, providing:l 180,000 meals every weekl 600 blankets every weekl 3,500 beds for the homeless every weekl 1,200 addicted assisted every weekl 20,000 food vouchers every weekl Refuge for 800 victims of abuse every weekl Counselling for 4,000 people every week

Donations to the Red Shield Appeal can bemade by ringing 13 32 30 or online atwww.salvos.org.au/home. Donations can alsobe made at any Westpac branch, or by postingyour cheque to PO Box 9888 in your capitalcity.

For information regarding the 40th anniver-sary of The Red Shield Appeal and the 125thanniversary of The Salvation Army in Aus-tralia, visit www.salvos.org.au/home or ring(02) 9266 9821. Also available is the very lat-est information regarding The SalvationArmy’s involvement in the South Asia recov-ery programs.

Greece expects continued

Australian support on Cyprus

Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanliscalled on visiting Australian counterpartJohn Howard for continued support on solv-ing the political deadlock that has divided theisland of Cyprus for over 30 years.

“We expect the support all countries cangive us, not on a bilateral level but on aninternational question such as Cyprus is, inorder to find a viable solution to the ongoingpolitical problem,” Mr Karamanlis said aftertalks with Mr Howard in Athens.

“Australia’s policy on this matter has beenvery constructive all these years, we hopethat it will continue in this direction,” MrKaramanlis said.

Mr Howard arrived in Athens late lastmonth on a two-day working visit followinga trip to Turkey, where he attended the 90thcommemoration of World War I Allied land-ings at Gallipoli.

During a one-hour discussion that touchedon the European Union, Turkey’s EU acces-sion and Balkan issues, Mr Karamanlis andMr Howard also raised the ongoing issue ofsocial insurance payments claimed by Aus-tralian citizens of Greek ancestry who returnto live in Greece.

“The areas where there is still differencerelates to the qualifying period,” Mr Howardsaid. “There is no lack of generosity on thepart of the Australian Government, but wehave to balance these things with our otherresponsibilities,” he said.

The Australian prime minister noted thatsome 700,000 Australians of Greek ancestryare a “treasured part” of modern Australiaand have made “a massive contribution toour country.”

Cont. from previous page

Greeks of Australia’ (!) the whole coalitionof those opposed to the Canonical Churchand Her God-fearing Faithful (who, werepeat, constitute 98% of Greek Australians).

Whoever doubts the deception andinsolence of the demonic methods they haveused to date, has only to carefully read the‘Dedication to the Greeks of Australia’ inthe ‘K’ insert of the ‘Kathimerini’ newspaperof Athens (24-4-2005) that will be recordedin History as an indelible stigma, not only onthe instigators of this deceit, but also on thereputable newspaper ‘Kathimerini’.

The writer, not having at his dis-posal the same ‘weapons’, and not having theambition ever to acquire such weapons, hadno other alternative than to send immediatelythe following Letter/Protest to the Editor-in-Chief of the ‘Kathimerini’, which he alsocommunicated officially wherever he con-sidered appropriate, for the imperativerestoration of the insulted Hellenic presencein Australia. We cite it by way of conclusion,to the disgrace of all those who continue to‘play where games should not be played’!

Mr K.I. AngelopoulosEditor-in-ChiefKathimerini newspaperEthnarchou Makariou & Falireos 2Neon Faliron 185 47

Dear Mr Angelopoulos,

First of all, I wish you the blessings of the Risen Lord in the truly high responsibility ofyour duties within a newspaper of the history and esteem of Kathimerini.

Not only have I been a regular reader of your Sunday edition for some decades now, butI have also had the honour of meeting the late Eleni Vlachou during her official visit here(with God’s help, I have been in this position since April 1975).

I therefore write to you today, not so much to protest in the strongest terms against themonstrosity of the newspaper’s magazine insert (24-4-05) in a supposed special dedica-tion to the 800,000-strong Greek community of Australia, but rather to express my dis-appointment that the ‘terrible duo’ of G. Babiniotis and A. Tamis managed to catch evenyou off guard, by deceptively not revealing the true picture of our blessed communityhere, such that it would correspond to its real scope even basically.

I enclose the pocket Calendar of our Archdiocese for the year 2005, which briefly out-lines: (a) the structure, (b) the institutions around Australia and (c) the numbers of itscanonical flock.

The so-called ‘Federation of Greek Orthodox Communities’ has been entirely politicisedfor decades and, being in schism under the banner of the ‘Autocephalous Church’ (!)which exists in name only, does not amount even to 8-10,000 people across the wholeContinent.

Sydney, May 9, 2005

With prayers in the Lord

Archbishop STYLIANOSPrimate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia

FROM ‘VULGARITY’

TO COMPLETE ‘CORRUPTION’

Our Primate’sView

ÌÁÕ 2005 Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 7/25

Facts & Stats

At least 33 Australians have beenwrongfully detained by immigration inthe past two years, the governmentrevealed recently, as it continued itshunt for a deported Australian womanwho is missing overseas.

Acting Immigration Minister PeterMcGauran confirmed there had been 33cases between July 2003 and February lastyear in which Australians had beendetained, usually only briefly, by immigra-tion officers, including the case of awoman who was deported to the countryof her birth four years ago and was miss-ing.

He said the revelation of the cases ofwrongful detention had prompted the gov-ernment to expand the terms of referenceof its inquiry - headed by former Aus-tralian Federal Police chief Mick Palmer -into the case of Cornelia Rau, a mentallyill German born, Australian resident whospent 10 months detention as an illegalimmigrant.

“Some 33 cases (exist) whereby some-body (was) being detained but (was) sub-sequently released having been deter-mined to be lawful,” Mr McGauran toldABC radio.

“Once that material was obtained it wasforwarded to Mick Palmer over the week-end.”

He said those 33 Australians involvedcould “potentially” have been locked up inimmigration detention or deported but itwas more likely they had been held foronly a short time.

“Potentially, but remember the definitionis very narrow, whereby somebody wasdetained under the Migration Act by offi-

cers and then released having been foundnot to unlawful,” Mr McGauran said.“Now, that might just be for five minutes

while somebody’s visa is upgraded orchecked.“It doesn’t mean that all of those persons

ever spent a night in a detention centre.“In fact, my estimate would be a minori-

ty of them only ever went to a detentioncentre.”Mr McGauran said Australian authorities

were making extensive efforts to locate themissing Australian resident who wasdeported four years ago and has not beenfound since.

The Immigration Department onlybecame aware of her wrongful deportationafter it was approached by a family mem-ber.

“It’s a distressing case. We know whathappened but we don’t know why it hap-pened,” Mr McGauran said.“We’ve delegated to Mr Palmer believing

he will bring an independent and forensicinvestigation to all of the circumstances.

“We’re making very extensive efforts tolocate the individual.

“If it requires a public information cam-paign, if our inquiries are unsuccessful,then we’d most certainly undertake that aswell.”Refugee advocates have called for a royalcommission to investigate Australia’simmigration detention system in the wakeof the wrongful detentions and deporta-tion.

But Mr McGauran rejected the need fora public inquiry.

“The critics of the government wouldwant a circus but there are privacy issuesand nobody doubts Mr Palmer’s compe-

tence, nor his resolve, to get to the bottomof these issues,” he said.Asked if the government would consider aroyal commission if Mr Palmer uncoversserious problems in the immigration sys-tem, Mr McGauran replied: “Let’s crossthose bridges when we come to them”.

AAP

33 Australians wrongfully detained in past two years

Three in 10 Australians fear car invasion,

survey shows

Drivers think speeding fines

are revenew raisers Most Australians believe speeding fines are mainlyrevenue-raisers and a third of drivers reckon speed-ing’s okay - as long as it’s done “safely”.

A new survey of road safety measures found whileattitudes towards driving were becoming more respon-sible, there remain some serious concerns.

It found there had been an 18 per cent reduction inthe fatality rate on Australia’s roads since the introduc-tion of a 10-year national road safety strategy in 2001and eight out of 10 Australians agreed speed limitswere set at the right levels.

Almost everyone surveyed approved of randombreath testing, nine out of 10 people agreed with themandatory carrying of licences, and almost seven outof 10 people believe 50km/h limits on local residentialstreets were appropriate.

But federal Roads Minister Jim Lloyd said the mixedsignals in the survey were worrying.

“For example, while there is overwhelming supportfor strict traffic speed regulation, a majority of peoplestill think that speeding fines are mainly intended toraise revenues and a third still believes it is okay tospeed if you are driving safely,” he said.

“I am also concerned about some of the attitudes dis-played by our youngest drivers.”

The survey found that 15 to 24-year-olds were morelikely than other drivers to admit to speeding and morelikely to have been in a crash in the past three years.

Another report into motorists’ attitudes released bythe Australian Automobile Association (AAA) foundalmost half of all drivers are now concerned about roadrage, up from about a third of drivers who were wor-ried about impatient and selfish drivers two years ago.And three out of four motorists use supermarket dock-ets for fuel discounts, up from one in four six years ago.

“This dramatic surge in docket use is further evidenceof the ongoing popularity and marketing success ofthese discount schemes, so much so that in the future itmay well be the major supermarket chains who beginto exercise overall price setting influence,” the AAAsaid.It also found almost three-quarters of motorists be-

lieve the federal government should be spending moremoney of road and transport improvements rather thanmaintaining a budget surplus.

AAP

Almost a third of Australians fear car invasion,according to new research issued recently.

A survey by insurer AAMI indicated three in 10 Aus-tralians were concerned about someone entering theirvehicle while they were driving.“Many people are concerned about this type of crime

and recent events show that it does happen,” a compa-ny spokesman said.

One in six people said they knew someone who hadbeen the victim of car invasion and one third of Aus-tralians drive with their doors locked as a precaution,according to the survey of 2,400 Australians.

Suburbs drivers avoid include Redfern, Waterloo andNewtown in Sydney’s south-west and the northernAdelaide suburbs of Elizabeth and Salisbury.Melbourne’s CBD was also nominated as an area dri-

vers steer clear of as was Woodridge in Brisbane’ssouth.

According to AAMI’s 2004 claims data, the suburbswhere drivers were most likely to have their car stolenor broken into were: Annandale in Sydney, South Mel-bourne in Melbourne, East Brisbane and KangarooPoint in Brisbane and Angle Vale in Adelaide.

AAP

Acting Immigration Minister Peter McGauran

ÏÌÉËÏÕÌÅ ÅËËÇÍÉÊÁ114574

Australia well prepared for flu pandemic: Abbott

Preparations for any potential flu pandemic were not per-fect but the federal government was doing all it could,Health Minister Tony Abbott said recently.

Speaking at an Communicable Diseases Control Conferencein Sydney, Mr Abbott said the next flu pandemic could be a“worldwide biological version of the Indian Ocean tsunami”.

Earlier this year, the World Heath Organisation warned that thethreat of the Asian bird flu mutating into an infectious human fluhad placed the world in “the gravest possible danger of a pan-demic”.

Mr Abbott said bird flu entering Australia was the latest in along list of flu outbreaks which went back as far as the Spanishflu epidemic of 1919.“We’re not perfectly prepared, no one is, but we are better pre-

pared than probably any other country in the world,” Mr Abbotttold reporters today.“We have to hope that this surge (of bird flu) does not hit us.“If it does it will be something that our nation will not forget

in a hurry, it’s not certain that it will happen but it is certainly nothypothetical or speculative and we have to take a reasonableprecautions against foreseeable contingencies and this is cer-tainly very foreseeable.”

Mr Abbott said a detailed plan for a flu pandemic would bereleased later this month while the government was adding tothe national medicines stockpile.

The minister said quarantine centres would also be established.“We are doing everything we reasonably can, we are as wellorganised as is reasonably possible,” he said. AAP

MAY2005The Greek Australian VEMATO BHMA8/26

Windows to OrthodoxyTHE SCRIPTURAL IMAGE OF JESUS CHRIST AS GOD

Introductory RemarksIn the New Testament, especially in St John’s gospel,

but also in certain writings of St Paul, Jesus is explicitlyreferred to as God. However, before examining the use of thetitle ‘God’ for Jesus Christ in the Scriptures two preliminarypoints will made regarding the general meaning of the expres-sion ‘God’. Firstly an etymological analysis highlights that theterm ‘God’ is derived from the Greek verb ‘to run’ (theein) or‘to burn’ (aithein) denoting the idea of God’s “continuousmovement and the consuming of evil qualities”.1 Not only doesthis betray God’s continuous concern (or providence) for whatHe has created but also His personal mode of existence. That isto say, insofar as God is forever ec-static (i.e moving outside ofHimself) He is also personal since a person by definition existsonly to the extent that an ‘other’ is beheld. Far from being anabstract idea, God is a personal existence - indeed three Personswho continuously move outside of their divinity to relate withthe world. In this way, God is truly experienced on a personal-ly intimate level and not simply logically accepted.

Having briefly outlined the meaning of the term‘God’ from a linguistic point of view, several considerationsmust be brought to the fore regarding the use and originalmeaning of God in general. We note that the term ‘god’ wasoriginally used as a generic noun to simply denote any deity ofthe transcendent realm. That is to say, just like the expression‘human being’ denotes all those creatures who share a set ofcommon properties, which include, amongst other attributes,reason, thought, will judgement, imagination, memory2 so toothe name ‘god’ signified a transcendent reality. There weremany ‘gods’ in the ancient world and each had their own prop-er name. And so the proper name of the God of Israel was “Iam who I am” (Ex 3:14). Such a name was used by God toproclaim to His people that He was entirely transcendent andthat not any one name could contain Him, much less defineHim - He simply was who He was.

It was later that the term ‘god’, as a generic name forthe deity, came to be used, by the Jewish nation, as the propername for ‘God’. The Israelites did this because, for them, therewas no other god except their God. This point is importantbecause it can explain the use of the term ‘god’ in its broadersense in the Scriptures. For example, all those who hear andabide by the word of God are called gods. In quoting Psalm81:6 (according to the Septuagint), Jesus said:

“I said you are gods, son of the Most High” (Jn 8:41).This is to be understood in reference to the gift of eternal lifebestowed on all those who follow Jesus, becoming ‘gods’ bygrace (cf 2Pt 1:4). It must be remembered that in the Greek lan-guage, when the term ‘god’ is used with an article as in, ‘otheos’ the title ‘God’ is reserved almost exclusively withoutexception to God the Father alone. Therefore in being namedas ‘o theos’ the Scriptures show Jesus Christ to be divine withexactly the same divinity as God the Father. And so, this detailis also an important argument for all those who, on the basis ofthis more general use of the term ‘god’ argue against the divin-ity of Jesus Christ. After these preliminary remarks about theexpression ‘god’in general, we now turn our attention to exam-ine its use in reference to Jesus Christ.

In the Gospel according to St JohnIn the New Testament one can distinguish at least three

explicit verses which refer to Jesus as God: two references inthe gospels and one in the letters of St Paul. In fact in theGospels the only application of the term God (o theos) to JesusChrist is found in the gospel according to St John - one refer-ence at the beginning of the gospel and one towards the end. Asit is well known, in the opening verses of the prologue of thegospel, the pre-existent Word is referred to as God: “In thebeginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, andthe Word was God (kai theos en o logos)” (Jn 1:1)3. This versemakes explicit the fact that Jesus Christ, the pre-existent Logosof God, whilst distinct from God the Father is also divine withexactly the same divinity as His Father - that is to say, JesusChrist, the incarnate Logos is perfect God. From this versealone, we see that in the Son of God who was made flesh, thefullness of the deity dwelt bodily (cf Col 2:9).

There are some who maintain, however that since thedefinite article before the word ‘God’ (in the third clause ofverse one) is missing in the original Greek, the verse can thenbe interpreted to mean that Jesus was a ‘god’ in the broadersense of the word but not God in the full sense. And so theyconclude that this verse in no way betrays the divinity of Jesus

Christ. By way of a reply to this assertion based on grammati-cal syntax (which is nonetheless, admittedly never entirelybinding), it can be argued that the article was not neededbecause of the fact that the word ‘theos’ appears at the begin-ning of the clause in question and predicate nouns preceding averb do not require the article. However beyond the ‘linguistic’response, the unanimous interpretation given to this verse bythe entire early Church, all testifies to the fact that this versewas understood as a declaration of Christ’s divinity. And so, thePatristic tradition argued that the articular ellipsis in the phrase‘the Word was God’ skilfully declares the consubstantiality ofthe Logos with the Father without confusing the Persons. Thatis to say, without the definite article, it can safely be concludedthat Jesus Christ, the Logos of God, whilst remaining indivisi-bly distinct from God the Father, was nonetheless of the sameessence and of the same being as God - i.e. not a lesser God.Therefore the phrase emphasises Christ’s intimate and eternalrelationship with the Father whereby the two, though distinctcannot be thought of apart - that is they are perfectly united inan unconfused manner. And being ‘God from God’, JesusChrist was able to reveal perfectly to the entire world all thatGod was, and will be, from the very beginning until the end oftime.

The next occurrence of the title ‘God’applied to JesusChrist is to be found in Thomas’ confession of faith in JesusChrist, where he professed the risen Lord as ‘my Lord and myGod’ (Jn 20:28). St John’s Gospel relates that when the disci-ples were gathered again in the house, in the evening of the firstday of the week after Christ’s resurrection, Jesus appeared to all

of His disciples (cf Jn 20:21ff) except for Thomas which thegospel notes was not there. The passage continues, that eightdays later, when the disciples were gathered together again,Jesus appeared to them again - this time Thomas was with them- and said: “Peace to you!” (Jn 20:26). The resurrected Lordthen turned to Thomas and said to him to reach out his fingerand to touch the side of Christ. The invitation extended toThomas to put his fingers on the hands and side (cf Jn 20:27)of the risen Lord, dispelled all forms of doubt that boundThomas4 and led to the proclamation of the divinity of Jesus -an affirmation that was made only by Thomas and not the otherdisciples.

It is precisely for this reason that it would be morecorrect to see in Thomas’ desire to touch Christ, not an indica-tion of doubt, but more an insatiable desire to immerse himselffully, with fingers and hands, in fact with all his senses into themystery of the resurrected Lord so as to relive to some extentthe humanity of Christ. Unlike the other disciples who simplysaw Christ and rejoiced, Thomas wanted to embrace the reali-ty of the resurrection with his entire being. And it was thisdesire which led him to his confession of faith of “my Lord andmy God!” (Jn 20:28). Furthermore, the use of the personal pro-noun ‘my’ in this declaration of faith was not an impersonal orabstract recognition of the divinity of Christ but a personalaffirmation and a total dedication of Thomas’ entire existenceto the risen Lord as God. For this reason many exegetes are cor-rect in seeing in this confession, which stands at the end of thegospel, a direct correspondence with the prologue’s declarationof Christ’s divinity.

In St Paul’s letter to the RomansThere is one passage in St Paul’s letter to the Romans

where Christ is referred to as ‘o theos’. In highlighting theunbelief of the Jews in chapter nine despite God’s continuedblessings - exemplified in His bestowal of the variouscovenants, the law, the promises and His glory - Paul also cameto affirm the divinity of Christ:

“to them [the Israelites] belong the patri-archs, and from them, according to theflesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all,God blessed forever. Amen” (Rom 9:5).“åî þí ï ×ñéóôüò ôï êáôÜ óÜñêá, ï þí åðßðÜíôùí Èåüò åõëïãçôüò åéò ôïõò áéþíáò.ÁìÞí” (Rom 9:5).

This passage belongs to that part of the letter to the Romans inwhich St Paul underline the continuity but at the same time dis-continuity between the Jewish and Christian faiths, which, atthe time, was one of the most important theological and pas-toral concerns of the early Church. Yet, for our purposes, thisimportant text also refers to Christ as ‘God’, who is to be‘blessed forever. Amen’.

At this point it must be noted that much of modernscholarship rejects the claim that Rom 9:5 is a reference to the

Questions & AnswersIsn’t true that God, through Jesus Christ,has already established His Kingdom onearth and His Second Coming will be theconsummation?

Yes, indeed. The Father does all in this createdworld through His Son Jesus Christ. In Christ theKingdom of God has been established. The king-dom is realized there where God is acknowl-

edged as Lord, where His people share in divine life, andwhere His will is obeyed. The most obvious place wherethe kingdom is realized is in the Church. But this realiza-tion is always “in process.”

That is why Christ taught us to pray “Thy kingdom come,thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” The kingdomis here, but not fully here. In the last judgement, whenChrist will return, the kingdom will be established in itsfullness and glory. As the Creed says: He (Jesus Christ)

shall come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,whose kingdom shall have no end...”Q

A******

From the Orthodox Church: 455 Questions and Answers, by Stanley S. Harakas, published by Light and Life.

If you have any questions about the Orthodox faithwhich you would like answered in the VEMA, send

them to

Vema -Q.&A.,

P.O.Box M59 Marrickville South,

NSW 2204

or e-mail them to:

vema@bigpond.net.au

MAY 2005 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 9/27

Windows to OrthodoxyCont. from previous page

divinity of Jesus, seeing it instead as a doxolo-gy to Jesus the Messiah - i.e the Son of God -and to God separately.5 The reason for this isthat the original Greek text would not have hadpunctuation marks and therefore, dependingon how one punctuates this sentence deter-mines the meaning as well. And so, the read-ing which is favoured by many biblical schol-ars today would have a full-stop placed afterthe word ‘sarka’. In this case, a distinction isintroduced between the words ‘Christ’ and‘God’, whereby Christ and God the Father areseen to be over all. That is to say they see thisverse as a reference to two different entities -to Jesus Christ as the ‘anointed One’ of God(but not God) and also to God the Father whois blessed forever. In other words, they arguethat ‘theos’ in this case is not a description ofChrist but a reference to God the Father. Suchan interpretation however has not been thewidely accepted one throughout the ages ofthe Church’s history of Biblical hermeneutics.

The claim of the Christian Orthodoxtradition, on the other hand, that the verse inquestion is a reference to the divinity of JesusChrist is reached, by having a comma, and nota full-stop placed after the Greek word‘sarka’. In this case, the phrase does notdescribe God the Father and the Son of God,but rather the expression ‘God blessed forev-er’ qualifies who the Messiah is - i.e. ‘Godover all who is blessed forever’. Read in thislight, the passage, Orthodoxy would assert,unambiguously describes Jesus as God(though not o theos who is usually God theFather in the Scriptures). That this is most like-ly reading is evidenced in the writings of thePatristic tradition, which has interpreted thisverse as a proclamation, by Paul of Christ’sdivinity. Indeed, many Fathers understood thisPauline verse to be a Trinitarian confession offaith. And so, Origen (d. 253AD) for example,upon whom many subsequent fathers reliedwrote:

“It is clear from this passage that Christ is the God who is over all. The one who is over all has nothing over him, for Christ does not come after the Father but from the Father. This Spirit is also included in this… So if the Son is God over all and the Spirit is record-ed as containing all things, it is clear that the nature and substance of the Trinity are shown to be one and over all things.”6

Clearly, in his commentary, Origen, like manyfathers, clearly believed that St Paul wasaffirming here that Christ was over all thingsas God, and therefore blessed forever.

Even though one cannot argue apo-dictically for either reading, the latter interpre-tation is more likely not only because this is inagreement with the Patristic tradition but alsofor at least the following three reasons: firstly,if the last phrase of the verse were a doxologyto God the Father and not a description ofJesus Christ, then Paul would have begun hisdoxology, as he normally did, with the word‘blessed’ and not ‘God’ as is the case in theoriginal Greek. And so the verse would read:“Blessed is God forever!” and not as it standsin the verse “God blessed forever”7. More-over another consideration rightly noted byBehr is that if the title ‘God’ were notaddressed to Jesus Christ then the participle,‘being’ (o on) would not be required.8 As itstands now, this participial phrase is in apposi-tion to the words ‘o Christos’ furthering quali-fying who Jesus Christ was - i.e. God blessedforever. A third reason favouring the Patristicunderstanding is that other Pauline letters referto Christ as God. An example is the letter toTitus in which Christ is referred to as both sav-

iour and God:“while we wait for the blessedhope and the manifestation of theglory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ” (Tit 2:13).

From all of the above it can be concluded withcertainty that the Patristic tradition was correctin seeing in Rom 9:5 a clear statement of thedivinity of Christ. Overall, then it seems mostprobable that Romans 9:5 contains the title‘God’ for Jesus Christ.

Yet it must be remembered howeverthat all these affirmations referring to JesusChrist as ‘God’ are to be kept inseparablytogether with the rest of the New Testamentwritings where the Father of Jesus is the oneGod of Israel and it is on the basis of this, thatJesus, the Son of God, is divine as His Fatheris divine. Referring to His Father, Christ Him-self said:

And this is eternal life, that theymay know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (Jn 17:3).

From this passage we see that the one true Godis distinguished from Jesus Christ and yetidentified with Him in so far as the gift of eter-nal life is granted to those who know God theFather and His Son, Jesus Christ.9 Jesus wasall that God the Father was yet without actual-ly being the Father. And so our originalremarks concerning the title ‘God’ in which itwas argued that when the expression ‘God’was used as a proper name it usually stood forGod the Father, while when used as a commonnoun it could be applied to both the Father andthe Son stand.10

Concluding RemarksFar from highlighting any human

limitations, the titles of Jesus which have beenexamined over the past few months in VEMAhave shed light upon the divinity of Jesuswithout of course discarding His humanity.Whilst much Christological scholarship todayfocuses its examination of the Bible on thoseindicators which suggest Jesus’ human limita-tions (eg His hunger, thirst, weeping, tirednessand fear), we have been able to show that theaim of the Gospel authors and traditionalChristology concentrated upon presentingChrist as the Son of God sharing in exactly thesame divinity as His Heavenly Father. Withoutdenying His humanity, the New Testamentwriters and the patristic and conciliar decreesconsistently affirmed the true divinity of Jesus,explaining that He was none other than theChrist (that is the Anointed One of God), theLord, in fact God the Logos incarnate.

Immediately following the New Tes-tament period, the Ignatian literary corpuswould constantly refer to Jesus as God11 in linewith the famous fourth century Nicene defini-tion which declared that Jesus was ‘of oneessence’ (homoousion) with the Father. How-ever as we shall see, throughout the history ofthe Church, there was always opposition to thenotion of Jesus’ divinity in one way or anoth-er. And yet there were others, who tended todeny His full humanity in their desire suppos-edly to ‘safeguard’ Jesus from corruptiblehumanity which was part of the material worldand therefore considered to be inherently evil.

Philip KariatlisAcademic Secretary and Associate LecturerSt Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological

College

1 St Gregory the Theologian, Oration 30.18. 2 Cf Christos Yannaras, Elements of Faith, trans. KeithSchram (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1991), 27.3 The original Greek is: “En arche en o Logos, kai oLogos en pros ton Theon, kai Theos en o Logos” (Jn1:1). Note the absence of the definite article in the lastphrase of the verse.

4 It is significant that Jesus does not say to Thomas “donot be faithless” but “do not become faithless”. In otherwords Jesus guards Thomas from an ensuing faithless-ness and not one which already exists. Therefore Jesusdoes not rebuke Thomas for being ‘doubtful’. I amindebted here to Harkianakis’ exegesis of this pericopewhich can be found in: Archbishop Stylianos (of Aus-tralia), ‘Thomas as Truth’, in Incarnations of Dogma, inGreek (Athens: Domos, 1996), 77-81. 5 Cf. Brendan Byrne, Romans, Sacra Pagina Series, vol6, ed. Daniel J. Harrington (Collegeville: A MichaelGlazier Book, 1996), 288. 6 Origen, Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans4:140. 7 Joseph Fitzmyer, Romans, The Anchor Bible Series,vol. 33 (New York: Doubleday, 1993), 549.8 John Behr, The Way of Nicaea, vol. 1 (Crestwood, NY:SVS Press, 2001), 59. 9 Other Johannine biblical references which desribe Godas the only true God are the following:“You are indeed doing what your father does.” They said

to him, “We are not illegitimate children; we have onefather, God himself.”” (Jn 8:41); “Jesus said to her, “Donot hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to theFather. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I amascending to my Father and your Father, to my God andyour God.’” (Jn 20:17). It must be noted that the Fathersexplain this verse as a reference to the incarnate state ofthe Son of God. That is to say, in so far as Christ identi-fied totally with humankind, except for sin, did He speakalso of God, His Father as ‘my God’. 10 John Behr, The Way to Nicaea, vol. 1, 64 11 St Ignatius of Antioch was a Christian writer in thelatter part of the New Testament period who wrote sever-al letters constantly affirming the divinity of Jesus. Forexample in his letters, stated: ‘ï ãáñ Èåüò çìþíÉçóïýò ï ×ñéóôüò’ (Eph 18.2); ‘áãÜðçí Éçóïý×ñéóôïý ôïõ Èåïý çìþí (Rom proem); ‘ôïõ ðÜèïõòôïõ Èåïý ìïõ’ (Rom 6.3); ‘Éçóïýí ×ñéóôüí ôïíÈåüí’ (Smyr 1.1); ‘åí áíèñþðù Èåü’ (Eph 7.2) etc.

MAY 2005The Greek Australian VEMATO BHMA10/28

MAY 2005 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 11/29

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of AustraliaSt Spyridon Parish & Community of South-East Sydney

Official Opening of New Technology Wing

MAY 2005The Greek Australian VEMATO BHMA12/30GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA

ST ANDREW’S GREEK ORTHODOX THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE

ENQUIRIES AND APPLICATIONS WELCOME

St Andrew’s was established in 1986 by the Greek OrthodoxArchdiocese of Australia in order to provide tertiary leveleducation and training of Christian Orthodox clergy, theolo-gians, lay teachers and ministers in order to meet the cate-chetical and pastoral needs of the Orthodox Church inAustralia. It is also intended to be a centre of ecumenicalscholarship and learning.

St Andrew’s is fully accredited through the Sydney College ofDivinity, a federation of Christian theological educationproviders. All the awards and degrees of the Sydney Collegeof Divinity are approved by the NSW Department ofEducation and Training.

St Andrew’s offers the following accredited awards:

BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY and HONOURSThe BTh degree is a primary qualification in theology and isthe basis for further study at postgraduate level. It is a com-prehensive three-year course combining both theological andpractical studies.

At present, the BTh serves as the principle means of trainingmen for ordination or active ministry within the Church andas such admission to this program is limited to persons aspir-ing to this end. Such persons are also expected to complete afourth year of study in either the Master of Arts in PastoralMinistry program (see below) or the BTh Honours programas part of their overall education and training.

Discreet units within the BTh may be available to externalnon-award students and auditors upon consultation with theRegistrar.

MASTER OF ARTS IN THEOLOGICAL STUDIESThis is a graduate level program intended for both men andwomen who wish to prepare themselves for church serviceoutside the ordained ministry in such fields as religious edu-cation, or who would benefit professionally from a formalqualification in theological studies. It is also appropriate forthose seeking personal enrichment. Men or women who holda three-year tertiary qualification in a non-theological disci-pline can formally enrol into this program.

The MATS program requires the completion of 12 units.However, students may exit with a Graduate Diploma of Artsin Theological Studies (8 units) or a Graduate Certificate inTheological Studies (4 units).

Units within the MATS are available to external non-awardstudents and auditors. Auditors may receive a CollegeTestamur after satisfactorily participating in four foundation-al units.

Units are offered by one-week intensives during summer andwinter school holidays as well as by regular weekly lecturesduring each semester. The schedule of intensives for 2005 isas follows: The Sacred Arts through the Liturgical Year (10-14 Jan) Looking Beyond Division: An Introduction toEcumenical Studies (17-22 Jan) Exploring the Patristic Mind:An Introduction to Patristic Studies (4-8 July) EarlyChristianity (11-15 July).

MASTER OF ARTS IN PASTORAL MINISTRYThe MAPM is a specialised program of graduate level studyin preparation for ordination or active ministry within theChurch, especially in the area of pastoral care for the aged. Itsprogram of study is broad enough to serve both candidates forthe priesthood as well as men and women seeking a formal

qualification in pastoral care, although the sequence ofassigned units will be distinct for each category of student.Applicants who possess a previous three-year degree or itsequivalent are eligible for admission. There are several entryand exit points for students, and each is appropriate to theneeds, interests, prior study and academic abilities of the stu-dent. The program of studies is also open to those who havecompleted an undergraduate degree in theology but with aweak or minimal pastoral component.

BASIC CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION (CPE)IN AGED CAREThis unique 30-week/400-hour course offers male and femaletrainees the opportunity to learn from their own pastoral inter-actions with residents in an aged care setting (St Basil’sHomes, Lakemba NSW), using the action-reflection methodof supervised pastoral training under the guidance andinstruction of CPE accredited mentors. It is offered throughthe Rozelle Centre for Clinical Pastoral Education and com-prises shorter CPE courses situated at Canterbury Hospitaland the Royal Rehabilitation Centre, Ryde.

MASTER OF THEOLOGYThe MTh is a degree by coursework. Eligible students mayundertake this award after the completion of the BTh. At pre-sent, St Andrew’s only offers units within the specialisationarea of Theology.

St Andrew’s is located at 242 Cleveland Street, Redfern NSW.Persons interested in obtaining more information about anyof the programs outlined above are invited to contact theRegistrar via email at sagotc@bigpond.net.au or by phoneon (02) 9319 6145 during office hours. The College’s websiteis located as www.sagotc.orthodox.nsw.edu.au.

Tasos Kalogerakis

College Library Intensive course July 2004

MAY 2005 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 13/31

Health

Men have poorer health outcomes thanwomen because men are more reluctant toconsult doctors than women. Many of thefactors that affect men’s health are pre-ventable and intervention from generalpractitioners can in fact improve healthoutcomes.

INDICATORS OF MEN’S HEALTH

Men die at a greater rate than women in allage groups. Men have higher levels of mor-bidity for all diseases. Men suffer from agreater level of mental illnesses includingdepression than women. Men are more likelyto commit suicide than women. Men are morelikely yo be seriously injured or killed in theworkplace than women.

Generally speaking, men are less likely toseek medical services than women. Men usepreventative health services less than women.This may be due to the fact that preventativehealth services for women are better promot-ed.

Not only are there differences between gen-ders, but within genders health outcomes aredifferent. The single most pertinent factoraffecting men’s health is income. Men on lowincomes have the worst health outcomes in thepopulation.

MEN AND THE GENERALPRACTITIONER

Men do not use the general practitioner well.Many men do not have a general practitioner,and many men are reluctant to attend a gener-

al practitioner. There a number of reasons forlow levels of attendance at doctors surgeries. For example, self-employed tradesmen, one ofthe main groups at risk, are time conscious andunwilling to attend a doctor for minor symp-toms .

They tend to wait until they are functionallyincapacitated, often compromising their treat-ment and recovery. Generally speaking, menwait a least a few days from the onset of symp-toms before seeking medical advice.

Unfortunately, general practitioners some-times are not able to key into the patient’sproblem. Men sometimes present with physi-cal ailments, but the main issue is of a psycho-social nature and many men are unable torecognise this and leave initiation of the dis-cussion to the general practitioner.

A good general practitioner will key into thepatient ‘s concerns. Good general practitionerswill seek opportunities for offering preventa-tive care when patients present with otherproblems or concerns. They are pro-active intargeting preventative care to high risk indi-viduals and need to reach all patients, espe-cially those least likely to seek assistance.

MALE HEALTH CHECK

All men aged 20-49 should have an annualcheck-up with their general practitioner. Thesechecks should include: a check on blood pres-sure, blood cholesterol level at least every 5years and more frequently if elevated or ontreatment. A urine test for diabetes or protein.

A skin check to exclude signs of skin dam-age or skin cancer. A review of the man’simmunisation status. Is a Tetanus booster re-quired? Is a Flu vaccine required depending onthe man’s health and work history? If there isa family history of certain conditions such as

heart disease, diabetes, bowel or prostate can-cer or melanoma, then other tests may be nec-essary.

The doctor should also discuss family rela-tionship issues, mental health issues, depres-sion, stress, or occupational health and safetyissues.

The consultations ill also include discussionwith respect to diet, exercise, smoking, alcoholand drug use.

For older adults aged 50-70 years, the healthcheck should include the above , plus a checkfor prostate disease, which involves a PSAblood test and a digital rectal examination.Again, a test for diabetes should be performedand this time should involve a blood test aswell as a urine test.

The doctor will also discuss screening forbowel cancer. The doctor will also discussissues with respect to family relationships,social support, sexual health and retirement.

For elderly men over 70 years, the check upshould involve a full health assessment, and

will include symptoms associated with arthri-tis, osteoporosis, memory loss, possible an eyecheck for glaucoma and skin checks for signsof skin cancer. Older men may have a poor uri-nary stream.

Men over 70 do not require regular digitalrectal examinations unless they are concernedabout urinary symptoms.

The doctor will discuss diet, nutrition, exer-cise and social connectedness or loneliness.The elderly male may have a ‘carer’role for anunwell spouse. Nutrition can be a real problemfor the elderly widower.

The doctor will also discuss the patient’s dri-ving ability.

GETTING MEN TO THE DOCTOR

Men need to be encouraged by their spouseor children to attend the family general practi-tioner.

Men need to find a general practitioner withwhom they feel comfortable and at ease. Somepractices have an interest in men’s health.They may have men’s health posters and infor-mation in the surgery, or books or videos relat-ed to men’s health.

Men need to be encouraged to use their gen-eral practitioner before ailments become seri-ous.

They need to attend for at least an annual andregular health checks and will return whenthey perceive that their general practitioner isinterested in their general well-being.

* The information given in this article is of a gener-al nature and readers should seek advice from theirown medical practitioner before embarking on anytreatment.

HEALTH NEWS

WITH DR. THEO PENKLIS *

MEN’S HEALTH

Understanding Depression

Depression has impacted humans for centuries and was first named as a condition by theAncient Greek doctor Hippocrates, who referred to it as melancholia.

Depression is a term that is commonly used to describe being sad or feeling down. A personhowever can feel these emotions without being clinically depressed. Clinical depression isintense, long-lasting, significantly affects daily life and a state that someone just can’t snap outof quickly. Clinical Depression can be long term, as in a Major Depressive Disorder, short termas in a Depressive Episode or seasonal. Regardless of its type, Clinical depression, can be quitedebilitating and can adversely affect day to day functioning such as energy levels, concentra-tion and sleep.

Depression affects the way people think, behave, view the world and those around them.Depressed people may experience some or many of the following:

Sadness Sleeping and appetite changes Poor concentrationNegative thinking Irritability GuiltSuicidal thoughts Loss of interest HopelessnessLow energy Worthlessness

Depression can also be linked to some physical conditions such as hypertension or heart dis-ease and it is important to consult your doctor should you have concerns in this area. At times,depression can also manifest itself as anxiety, where people may experience agitation, restless-

ness and fear, together with a loss of direction, apathy and sadness. Research has identified that depression is more common in females than males, with the

prevalence for females ranging between 5% to 9% and for males ranging between 2% to 3%.The occurrence of clinical depression appears to be unrelated to ethnicity, education, income

and marital status. A number of contributing factors such as hereditary, environmental andsocial factors, feeling a lack of control in ones life and low self esteem have been identified ascausing depression.

Psychologists can help people work through these problems by offering skills to change think-ing patterns/behaviours contributing to depression and helping people to develop long termcoping skills. Depression is therefore treatable and chances of recovery are excellent throughpsychological and/or drug treatments. It is nothing to feel ashamed or guilty about.

If people with depression are having suicidal thoughts, it is imperative that treatment is sou-ght immediately by contacting, the Area Mental Health Crisis Team, their GP then 000.

It is important not to ignore any of the above symptoms and that as soon as any of these symp-toms are acknowledged, to contact your local GP, local Psychologist or the Australian Psycho-logical Society (APS) Referral Service on 1800 333 497 for more information.

References:Davidson/Neale: Abnormal Psychology 3rd Edition. An experimental Clinical Approach. JohnWiley and Sons 1982.DSM IV, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Mood Disorders. Fourth Edi-tion, American Psychiatric Association, Washington DC. P317 -391.

Mina Candalepas is a Registered Psychologist. She is the sole director of a Clinical Private Practice inthe Campsie Professional Medical Practice, Sydney NSW. Her particular speciality is in trauma andchronic pain management and she also provides psychological therapy for, depression, anxiety, work-place issues and/or injuries, relationship issues, self esteem and grief. Therapy is conducted in either English or Greek. All services are by appointment ONLY and strictly con-fidential. Her contact details are Tel (02) 9591 7714, Mob 0410 493 806.

By Mina Candalepas*Psychologist MAPSReg NSW PS0057198

Mental Health

MAY 2005The Greek Australian VEMATO BHMA14/32

By Ann Coward

On 5 May, the Powerhouse Museum inSydney opened its doors to reveal the trea-sures of the Benaki Museum. If the reactionof the press at the media preview, and thethrong who gathered for the exhibitionopening are anything to go by, this is oneexhibition people will go back to see severaltimes over, before it leaves Sydney for Mel-bourne in September.

The Benaki chose to send to Australia someof its best examples, and for this we areextremely grateful. The exhibition speaks ofthe close bond built up over the past few yearsbetween the Director of the PowerhouseMuseum, Dr Kevin Fewster, and the Directorof the Benaki Museum, Professor AngelosDelivorrias. The roots of this relationship, forthe Powerhouse, go back to the exhibitionbrought out for the Sydney Olympics, throughthe efforts of our very own Professor ManuelAroney, Dr Nick Pappas (currently the Chair-man of the Board of Trustees of the Power-house), Nick Malaxos (of the Historic HousesTrust), Manuel Comino and TerenceMeasham (the former Director of the Power-house), Brad Baker and Paul Donnelly (bothof whom have been instrumental to this cur-rent Benaki exhibition).

Even those people who have visited manymuseums and sites in Greece, and feel theycannot face one more ancient marble statue orone more piece of pottery, will find themselvescaptivated by the selection of pieces presentedat the exhibition, Greek Treasures from theBenaki Museum in Athens. There is, for exam-ple, a small bronze figure of a creature, possi-bly a monkey, dating from the MacedonianIron Age (about 700 BC). Only about 8 cmlong and 2 cm wide, such an object was oncethought to be a jug stopper. By reading theinformation provided about this little figurine,we gain an insight into the difficulties faced byarchaeologists and historians in interpretingartefacts from bygone eras. Because itemssimilar to this little monkey have been foundattached to belts in a number of tombs, it isnow thought that they may have been pen-dants. Perhaps, of course, they may haveserved both as pendants and jug stoppers!What they are certain of is that monkeys, asso-ciated with fertility and rebirth, began toappear in Greek art during the Bronze Age andwere introduced from the Near East.

While one of the aims of the Benaki Muse-um’s exhibition, according to Dr Stavros Vli-zos (Assistant to the Benaki’s Director, Profes-sor Angelos Delivorrias) is to provide a tasteof the Museum’s collection in Greece, theother primary aim is to educate. The informa-tion given for each exhibit is fascinating, andthe curators are to be congratulated on theirability to bring to life the period to which thepieces belong, and to provide a window intothe workings of a museum. We learn, forexample, that the coins in jewellery of theOttoman occupation were “not just decorative,but had a practical value since coins were aneasy means of saving and transporting proper-ty in difficult times. After liberation in 1829,‘coin jewellery’ continued but real coins weregradually replaced by imitations.”

The jewellery on display includes necklacesfrom Cyprus, Crete and Attica, as well asexamples of kiousteki (pectoral ornaments)worn across the chest by both women and menfrom Thessaly, Saframpolis in Asia Minor andAttica, earrings from Epirus, the AegeanIslands, Lefkada and Kos, and belts and buck-les, including one made of silver filigree with

enamel and coral decoration from Saframpolisdating from the late 18th to the early 19th cen-tury. Some of the earrings, we are told, werehooked over the ears, not through them. Theyare certainly impressive.

Fish shaped perfume flasks from Egypt, clayperfume flasks from Athens, one made in the“Workshop of the Aischines and TymbosPainters” from the 5th century BC - the rangeof objects on display is wonderful. (Just imag-ine stamping you mark on an object you’vemade, and someone reading that mark overmore than two thousand years later!)

There are icons from Crete, Macedonia andCephalonia, and manuscripts of parchmentand vellum (complete with a forged name,even). A pectoral cross of gold and lapis lazuli,dating from the 13th or 14th century with thename Varangopoulos echoes the name of theVarangian guards, the Vikings who served asbodyguards to the Byzantine emperors. Smallwooden window shutters from Egypt, carvedin relief and dating from the 5th to the 7th cen-tury, as well as a bone toy rattle, similar to onesfound in the Roman cemeteries of Egypt’s cityof Fayum, transport us back through time anddistance in a way that no historical tales alonecan ever hope to do. We see the small shoesworn by a child, and the woollen tunic. Andonly a few feet away from these humble items,is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship - a goldwreath of ivy leaves, with a garnet clasp, dat-ing from the 1st century BC.

There are bridal costumes from Astypalaia(an Aegean island), and from Skopelos andAttica, plus firearms, and other weaponry,including an amazingly decorated silver platedcartridge pouch that once belonged to the

Mani freedom fighter Ilias Yatrakos, anddonated to the Benaki by King George II of theHellenes. Paintings by French, English andGerman artists of the idyllic Greek country-side, from the mid 19th century, are hangingalongside paintings and lithographs depictingthe struggles for independence. One litho-graph, by Lodovico Lipparini, dated 1850,shows Byron at Missolonghi, standing uponthe tomb of Marcos Botsaris, the popular free-dom fighter from Souli.

Take a visit to the Powerhouse Museum inSydney to see the exhibition Greek Treasuresfrom the Benaki Museum in Athens. From thehumble small pilgrim flask, dating from the6th or 7th century AD, from the monastery ofSt Menas in Egypt, to the exquisite gold, one-handled kylix from the late 15th century BC (apersonal favourite of the benefactor AntonisBenakis) there is something of fascinationthere for everyone.

For the bibliophiles...

Greek Treasures from the BenakiMuseum in Athens

Edited by Electra Georgoula (Powerhouse Publishing, 2005)

This exhibition catalogue, published by thePowerhouse Museum, Sydney, in associa-tion with the Benaki Museum, Athens, isconsidered by both museums to be thefinest catalogue either has ever produced.Each item on display is photographed, withsometimes an entire page of notes describ-ing the item, explaining its purpose, how itfits with others of its type and so on. Thecatalogue also contains four essays, cover-ing the Greek and Roman period (6th mil-lennium BC - 3rd century AD), the Byzan-tine period (4th - 15th century), Post-Byzantine period (15th - 18th century) andthe Neohellenic period (19th century), witha glossary and bibliography included at theback. This catalogue goes much furtherthan what one would normally expect of anexhibition catalogue. Worth buying andreading.Available by order through any bookstore,or by mail order from the PowerhouseMuseum, Sydney for $39.95 plus $8postage and handling. For information con-tact Powerhouse Publishing,

telephone (02) 9217 0129, fax (02) 9217 0434,

email phpub@phm.gov.au

Alexander: Child of a Dream. Book 1.

Alexander: The Sands of Ammon. Book 2.

Alexander: The Ends of theEarth. Book 3.

Written by Valerio Massimo Manfredi(Macmillan)

Translated from the Italian by Iain Halli-day, this trilogy has regained popularitysince the release of the film on the life ofAlexander. Unlike the film, which washeavily panned by the critics, Manfredi’sbooks are highly regarded and concentrateon Alexander’s achievements, rather thanon his private life. These books cover theperiod just before Alexander’s birth andfinish after his death, with a brief epiloguesummarising the fate of his family mem-bers and empire. Written as historical nov-els, the three Alexander books are suitablefor teenage readers as well as adults.

Mumma’s Kitchen: Recipes and Stories

Edited by Helen addison-Smith andGeorge Papaellinas (Australian Broad-

casting Corporation, 2004)

Recipes in this book range from pig’s trot-ters, to steak and kidney puddings, andfrom lemon sorbet to risogala. The contrib-utors include Bob Katter, Peter Conistis,Greg Malouf, AngeloLoukakis, JacquesReymond, Ian Hemphill and others, drawnfrom the arts (culinary, literary), politics,academia. An interesting mixture of remi-niscences, the emphasis is more on peoplethan recipes. In a sense, it is a collection ofshort stories.

A.C.

Sydney-siders welcome the Benaki

Head of Herakles with lion-skin, limestone,about 500 BC.

MAY 2005 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 15/33

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION)

Elevated blood pressure is a major risk fac-tor for a heart attack or a stroke. In fact it isgenerally regarded as the greatest of all riskfactors for a stroke.

The blood pressure denotes the resistanceproduced each time the heart beats and sendsblood through the arteries. If blood pressure iselevated, the heart must work harder to pumpan adequate amount of blood to all the tissuesof the body. The peak reading of the pressureexerted by this contraction is known as sys-tolic blood pressure, which is the upper read-ing in the blood pressure reading. Betweenbeats, the heart relaxes and blood pressuredrops. The lowest reading is referred to as thediastolic pressure. A normal/optimum bloodpressure for an adult is 120 (systolic)/ 80 (dias-tolic).

High blood pressure is divided into differentlevels:

R Borderline – 120-140/85 – 90R Mild – 140 – 160/ 9O – 100R Moderate – 160- 180/ 100 – 110R Severe – 180 + / 110 +

The physicians are primarily concerned withdiastolic pressure (the bottom reading), butincrease in systolic blood pressure (the upperreading) is also important.

To measure blood pressure a GP uses a de-vice (a blood pressure instrument) called asphygmomanometer.

It is impossible for a health care provider to

make a correct diagnosis of high blood pres-sure with a single reading, as anxiety, discom-fort and unfamiliar surroundings can lead to atemporary rise in blood pressure. The test mustbe repeated when the patient is resting andrelaxed. Home testing is best because itenables you to monitor your condition. It alsoenables you to see if your blood pressure ishigh only when taken during a medical visit.Patients who have a high blood pressure onfirst examination, which subsequently settleswith rest, may not require medical treatmentbut should be kept under review, as they aremore likely to develop high blood pressurelater on.

COMPLICATIONS OF LONGSTANDING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE:

D Affects brain - causing stroke(major cause of death in people withhigh blood pressure)D Affects eyes - can cause haemor-rhages leading to blindnessD Affects heart - can cause enlarge-ment of heart and heart attackD Affects kidney - can cause kidneyfailure

THERAPEUTIC CONSIDERATIONS:

Since over eighty percent of patients withhigh blood pressure are in the borderline tomoderate range, most cases of high bloodpressure can be brought under control throughchanges in diet, lifestyle, exercise, and relax-ation. These non-drug therapies have provensuperior to drugs in cases of borderline to mildhypertension.

Diet and lifestyle factors-Some of the important life style factors that

may cause high blood pressure include:D Excessive coffee consumptionD Alcohol intakeD Lack of exercise D Stress

D SmokingD ObesityD High sodium to potassium ratioD Low fibre, high sugar dietD High saturated fat and low essen-tial fatty acid intakeD Diet low in calcium, magnesiumand vitamin C

Next to attaining ideal body weight, per-haps the most important dietary recommenda-tion is to increase the consumption of plantfoods in the diet. Vegetarians generally havelower blood pressure, and lower incidence ofhigh blood pressure and other cardiovasculardiseases than non-vegetarians. Vegetarian diettypically contains more potassium, complexcarbohydrates, essential fatty acids, fibre, cal-cium, magnesium and vitamin C, and less sat-urated fat and refined carbohydrates, all ofwhich have a favourable influence on bloodpressure.

Special food for people with high blood pres-sure include: celery; garlic and onions; nutsand seeds; cold-water fish like salmon,mackerel, cod, herring and halibut; greenleafy vegetables; whole grains and legumes;broccoli and citrus fruits. A study (TheLyon Diet Heart Study) determined thatincreasing the intake of omega 3 fatty acidsform plant sources and fish offers the samedegree of protection. The diet used in thisstudy is often referred to as the Mediter-ranean or Cretan diet compared to thestandard American diet. The Cretan dietconsists of more bread, more root andgreen vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds,more fish and olive oil instead of butter.They had sixty percent reduction in overalldeath rate.

One or two glasses of red wine with yourmeals is helpful in lowering high blood pres-sure as red wine has lots of antioxidants and isalso relaxing. But remember no more than twoglasses per day!

Stress-Worrying is bad for blood pressure. Recent

research has suggested that anxiety and stressare associated with increased risk of highblood pressure, heart diseases and cancer.Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathingexercises, yoga, progressive muscle relax-ation, etc. are very effective in reducing thehigh blood pressure. Do things that make youhappy - having a good laugh, walking, danc-ing and avoiding the situation that createsstress. To have a happy heart is the most pow-

erful medicine against diseases.In addition to the recommendations given

already, a positive mental attitude is important.Some tips to help you cope include:

R Learn to and make time to give andreceive love in your life.

R Learn to listen and share feelings withthose around you.

R Avoid aggressive or passive behaviour.Learn to express your feelings in a positiveway. DON’T BOTTLE UP!

R Avoid excessive stress in your life. Besensible with work hours, nutrition and rest.

R Avoid stimulants like caffeine and nico-tine. These tend to make people more irritableand aggressive.

R Take time to perform stress-reductiontechniques, like deep breathing exercise, walkby the water, listen to music, read a good book,relaxation massages and pray!

R Accept gracefully the things in your lifeover which you don’t have any control. Saveyour energy for the things you can control.

R Accept yourself and remember that anymistakes you make are learning processes.

R Be patient and tolerant of others. Acceptthem as they are. Learn to forgive.

HERBALAND NUTRITIONALTREATMENT:

Nutrients:R High potency multivitamin and mineral

formulaR Co enzyme Q10R Vitamin C, vitamin ER Minerals - magnesium, potassium,

calciumR Essential fatty acids

Herbs:R Crategus R Allium sativa (garlic) R Coleus forskohliiR Valeriana (valerian)R Olea europea (olive leaves)R Viburnum opulus (cram bark)R Achillea millifolium (yarrow)\R Taraxacum officinale (dandelion

leaves)R Tilia (lime flowers)R Viscum album (mistletoe)

WARNING: DO NOT START ANY NUTRI-ENTS OR HERBS AND DO NOT COME OFFYOUR MEDICATION WITHOUT CONSU-LTING YOUR HEALTH PRACTITIONER.HIGH DOSES OF LICORICE CAN RAISEBLOOD PRESSURE.

CLINICAL INSIGHTS INTO HEALTH AND NATURAL SOLUTIONS

* Christina Scalone is a very experienced and successful naturopath with over 20 years experience. Sheholds a Degree in Health Science, a Diploma in Botanical Medicine, Diploma in Homoeopathy and aDiploma in Nutrition. She has maintained a full time practice, has held a position as a senior practition-er/naturopathic consultant, a clinic manager and trainer for Blackmores and is a clinic student supervisoras well as a lecturer at the Australasian College of Natural Therapies. She also maintains her own privatepractice with successful results.

BY CHRISTINA SCALONE*BHSc, Dip. Bot. Med, Dip.Hom, Dip. Nut

Health

FOODS THAT HELPTO BRING DOWN HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE:

FOOD GROUP FOODSFRUITS BANANAS, WATERMELONGRAINS OATS, WHOLEGRAINSSPICES ALLSPICE, CHILLITEA GREEN TEA, TILIAOILS OLIVE OIL, FLAX SEED OIL, FISH OILVEGETABLES CELERY, ONIONS, GARLIC, SPINACH, CHILLI,

DILL, BROCCOLI, ARTICHOKESEEDS SESAME SEEDS, TAHINIWINE RED WINEFISH ALL COLD WATER FISHLEGUMES BEANS, LENTILS, CHICK PEASNUTS ALMONDS, WALNUTS

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA

THE DIVINE LITURGY IN ENGLISHProgramme for 2005 - VICTORIA

MAY 2005The Greek Australian VEMATO BHMA16/34

Travel

Folegandros is a small and rocky island between Sikinosand Milos. Visitors will be struck by the wild beauty of thebarren landscape, where huge rocks alternate with sandybeaches.

On a flat expanse above the pretty harbour of Karavostasi isHora or Folegandros, which consists of two section. In the oldsettlement in the Kastro area, the outer walls of the houses formthe sort of defensive precinct to be found else where in theCyclades.

The new quarter is just as pretty, with narrow alleys, steppedwalls, courtyards, wooden balconies and typically Aegeanchurches. The finest church on the island, that of Our Lady,stands above a section of the ancient wall.

The small Island of Folegandros (32 km.², 600 inhabitants),has become fashionable, but it is still an untouched piece of trueGreece. On account of the simple and relaxing atmosphere thatreigns all around the island we like to distinguish it as the

“island of Peace”.Its three small villages, Karavostasi (the port), the Chora andAno Meria are connected by a paved road.

What catches the eye immediately is the endless series of“dry-placed” walls that have been erected over the centuries bythe inhabitants to create terraces on the sunny slopes of the ter-ritory to be able to raise cereals.

The Chora, closed to car and motorcycle traffic, has a unique“center” of three squares in a row, with trees under which toenjoy a drink or food in a quiet, romantic atmosphere. In thegentle breeze passing through the small streets you may feel theperfume of lime trees or of the local (exceptional) bread.Bougainvillea and hibiscus color the small wooden balconiesaround the Kastro (XIII century)The church of Panaghia , on the top of a hill, offers a nice walk

and a magnificent view of the Chora and of the west coast.The village of Ano Meria is spread over cultivated fields and

“dry-placed” walls and has typical “kafeneio” and taverns. It

has also a Folkloristic Museum, open from 10 to 18.The island has a perimeter of 40 km. with a variety of beach-

es mostly reached on foot.

THE BEACHES

As you land, get a map and read the bus schedule. To thebeaches take along water and food!

From Karavostasi you may reach (about1 km.) the beach ofLivadi, where there is a camping, the beach of Angali and thatof Agios Nikolaos. Moreover , you have small beaches aroundthe port.

From Ano Meria you may walk from 40 to 90 minutes toreach other beaches, among which Agios Georgios, on theNorth/East.

Walking this island is a joy as the nature and its perfumes, andits silence are really unique. In springtime and early summer theisland is rich with caper flowers, thyme and oregano.

The wild beauty of Folegandros

Qantas has welcomed the first flight of therevolutionary new Airbus A380 aircraft inToulouse, France."The first flight of the A380 has been highlyanticipated since Airbus revealed the new air-craft to the world earlier this year," QantasChief Executive Officer Geoff Dixon says."This is a significant milestone - for Airbus,for customer airlines such as Qantas and forthe travelling public."The size of the A380 means Qantas will beable to carry more people, further, than everbefore. It will operate its A380s in a threeclass, 501 seat configuration on internationalservices between Australia and the UnitedStates and on the Kangaroo Route to the Unit-ed Kingdom.The airline will take delivery of the first of 12A380s in October 2006.

AAP

Some great country events that are hap-pening this month and in June and Julyinclude from May 28 to June 5, the Nation-al Cutting Horse Association Futurity,Tamworth, the richest equine event of itskind in Australia with the cream of cuttinghorses on show. Details: call Tourism Tam-worth (02) 6755-4300.From June 11 to 13 - Keepit Kool SailingRegatta, Lake Keepit State Park, NSW - along weekend sailing regatta with sevenraces for all classes of boats. Sail by dayand get social in the evenings with fellowsailors. Details: call Gunnedah Tourism(02) 6740-2230.On June 21 the significance of the WinterSolstice will be unravelled at an ancientCeltic ceremony at the Australian StandingStones in the heart of Celtic Country at

Glen Innes. Details: Glen Innes Tourism(02) 6732- 2397.From July 8 to 10 - Hats off to CountryFestival at Tamworth will showcase 50artists in 60 shows over 120 hours. It's thewinter alternative to the big summerCountry Music Festival. Details: TourismTamworth (02) 6755 4300.On July 9 the Wean Picnic Races at Bog-gabri is one of the few true picnic racemeets, held on a bush racecourse, followedup with an evening BBQ and late nightdisco. Details: Call Narrabri Tourism (02)6799- 6760.

AAP

See the ancient ruined Inca city of Machu Pic-chu, explore the floating Islands of TiticacaNational Reserve and visit the famous goldmuseum in Lima on Trafalgar's Best of Peruholiday.Highlights include: sightseeing in Lima fea-turing the Plaza de Armas, the San Franciscoand Santo Domingo convents plus a visit tothe famous Gold Museum; excursions to thefamous Pisac Indian Market and the ruins ofOllantaytambo in the Urubamba Valley; anexcursion to Machu Picchu; the ruin of Sac-sayhuaman overlooking the city of Cuzco.Best of Peru is priced from $3060 per person,twin share (land only).Details: visit www.trafalgar.com.

AAP

Talpacific Holidays has a Pacific holidaythat's one of the world's more unusualones.It's a stay in a 159-year-old hotel on the rimof Hawaii's famous volcano, Mt Kilauea.Volcano House is perfect for early morningand evening volcano-watching when the

lava stream from Kilauea can be seen at itsglowing best. Hiking trips around thesteaming crater, visits to black sand beach-es and walks in forests in the surroundingHawaii Volcano National Park are alsoavailable.Details: call 1300-737-201 or visit www.tal-pacific.com.

AAP

Wollongong's Sydney to the Gong Bike Ridehas long been a favorite with hard-corecyclists, but the picturesque coastal city isnow stamping itself as Australia's holidaycycling capital with a new brochure to pro-mote its beachfront City Cycleway and otherlocal bike routes.Tourism Wollongong General Manager GregBinskin says the 15km City Cycleway's ahealthy way to explore the city and caters forcyclists of all abilities, from families to pro-fessional riders.The new brochure explains key features of theroute, which starts in the CBD and follows theshoreline north to the coastal village ofThirroul. Details: Call 1800-240-737 or visitwww.tourismwollongong.com.

AAP

Holidaymakers in Vanuatu between nowand the end of June have the opportunityto take a day's excursion to one of theSouth Pacific's most spectacular culturalevents - the death-defying Pentecost IslandLand Dive.Known by islanders as Nangol and oftenreferred to as the forerunner to the BungyJump, the Land Dive involves villagersbuilding ricketty 30m high bamboo andcane towers from which they dive with onlya cane rope tied around their ankles tobreak their fall at the last heart-stoppingmoment.The rope is so precisely measured that thedivers finish with their foreheads justbrushing the ground - a centuries-old tra-dition that's said to herald a successful yamharvest for each diver who successfullyskims the ground. Day excursions on selected dates from nowto end of June are available from IslandSafaris in Port Vila and include returnVila/Pentecost air travel, land dive entryfees, a picnic lunch, camera fees and guideservices.US television show, Stranded with CashPeters, has just filmed a program in Vanu-atu following the Survivor Vanuatu seriesthat aired in Australia.The Cash Peters program will be screenedon the Discovery Channel and shows howthe host survives being stranded some-where totally unbeknown to him, in thiscase Vanuatu's most-active volcanic island,Tanna. Details: Call (678) 23288 or emailislands@vanuatu.com or visit www.vanu-atutourism.com.

AAP

Travel news in brief

Building bridges:Food, identity and society

MAY 2005 The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA 17/35

Food & Wine

By Imogen Coward

Eating and drinking are two of the mostbasic elements of human existence. Togeth-er they form perhaps the most common andoft utilised tool for bringing together peoplefrom all ages, races, classes and profession-al backgrounds.

As social creatures we relish the opportuni-ty to feed (and be fed by) friends and family,along with the other social niceties that accom-

pany dinner such as conversation. Wining anddining is undoubtedly an integral part ofhuman society in building and maintainingrelationships with other people whether theyare family, friends or colleagues.

Perhaps one of the greatest signs of theimportance of eating to human society is thecare and attention we lavish upon the food weserve and, by extension, on whoever receivesthe food. High quality ingredients, carefulpreparation and presentation, and going touncommon effort (whether in relation to the

type of food or how it is presented) are allmarks of respect towards whoever will con-sume the food.

In reality though, the role of food and eatingin our society is much more complex than this.Food, in particularly the type of food we eat,(i.e. our cuisine) can go right to the heart of ouridentity and plays a role both in defining usand also in helping us form a stronger bondwith those around us.

Cultural culinary intolerance:We, in Australia, supposedly enjoy a multi-

cultural society which values some, thoughmost definitely not all, of the cultural nuancesof people from outside the dominant Aus-tralian (i.e. British derived) culture. Thanks tothe cultural and racial variety of people whomake up Australia’s population today ourcountry contains a most diverse range of culi-nary traditions many of which have a presencenot only in private homes but also in the pub-lic sphere of our restaurants. As much as wecan be pleased about our culinary diversitythough, our society still suffers, albeit to a less-er extent than earlier, from what I can bestdescribe as cultural culinary intolerance.

Some say ‘ignorance is bliss’ however, to my mind, when it comes to food (especially ifyou live in Australia), ignorance of foreignfood is unfortunate. A lack of culinary adven-ture is regrettable. It can also be downrightembarrassing.

Food and identity:Food itself is a means for both defining peo-

ple and joining them together (or categorising

people if you will). It is an integral part of ourindividual and socio-cultural identity and weoften take personal pride in particular types offood, associating them with who we are.

For example, an Australian of Greek back-ground would most likely have a familiarityand fondness for ‘Greek’ food whether it befasolatha, dolmades, tyropita or delectablesweets such as baklavas, kourabiedes or louk-oumades. The cuisine with which such a per-son may be ‘at home’, and would miss if it wastaken away would undoubtedly be Mediter-ranean. However, it could very well be that acurious blend of Greek and Mediterraneanfoods crossed with ‘good old’Aussie fare likepies and barbecued steak are also integral tohis or her personal identity. There is no reasonwhy that same person should not take delightin learning about other cultures and experienc-ing their approach to both food and eating, totheir cuisine and to their own culinary eti-quette.

Unfortunately some people, especially thosethat lack a sense of culinary adventure, willinevitably use food as a tool for separating outthe ‘normal’people (i.e. those like themselves)from the others with their strange food andmanners.

However, just as eating together with fami-ly, friends and colleagues is a way of formingsocial bonds, sharing in eating and preparingother people’s food (especially when differentto our own) is a pleasurable way of deepeningour own understanding of those around us andforming stronger bonds with our fellowhumans.

Lillypilly Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 1996

This dry redwas producedby winemakerRobert Fiumaraand was madeand bottled atthe Fiumara fa-mily winery lo-cated in Leetonin the NSW Ri-verina region.At almost 10years of age,this wine hasmatured into anelegant wine with flavours of sour cherriesand a hint of raspberry like acidity. Notably,the ‘kick’ and excessive tannin levels oftenassociated with Australian Cabernet Sauvi-gnon are nowhere to be found. Pleasant todrink now (or cellar for more years to come)this wine is a good accompaniment for RoastLamb. On a historical note (of particularinterest to Greek-Australians with Kytherianbackground), some bottles from the 1996vintage were especially labeled in honour ofthe Veneris family (of Lockhart, NSW) tomark the retirement of Jack & Peter Venerisfrom running the family’s Bluebird Café (see

The Greek-Australian Vema, Feb. 2002,p.7/31).

Cost: the current release (2002 vintage)retails for under $20. However, at nine yearsold you can expect to pay more (prices willvary) for the 1996 vintage.

Wright Robertson ‘Clemenston’Shiraz, 2002

Produced in Glencoe inthe New England Ta-blelands of NSW, thismedium bodied winehas a gorgeous ruby redcolour and fruity aro-mas with a slightlyminty edge. Sophisticat-ed flavours of cherries,spice and pepper areaccompanied by toastynuances. Very drinkablenow, with incredibly palatable tannin(remarkable in any young Shiraz, especiallyAustralian ones), this wine is also suitable forcellaring for several years. For details onwhere to purchase this wine visit or ‘phonethe Wright Robertson winery on 02 67333255.

Cost: under $25

Wine RReviewBy Imogen Coward

AdvertisementsFor your advertisement contact

Maria Jianni or Dimitris Ventourison (02) 9559 7022 Fax: (02) 9559 7033

E-mail: vema@bigpond.net.au

MAY 2005The Greek Australian VEMATO BHMA18/36

Settlers who came to Australia 50,000 yearsago and set fires that burned off naturalflora and fauna may have triggered a cata-clysmic weather change that turned thecountry's interior into the dry desert it istoday, US and Australian researchers saidrecently.

Their study, reported in the latest issue of thejournal Geology, supports arguments that earlysettlers literally changed the landscape of thecontinent with fire.

"The implications are that the burning prac-tices of early humans may have changed theclimate of the Australian continent by weaken-

ing the penetration of monsoon moisture intothe interior," Gifford Miller of the Universityof Colorado at Boulder, who led the study, saidin a statement. The geological record shows that the interior

of Australia was much wetter about 125,000years ago.

The last Ice Age changed the weather acrossthe planet but monsoons returned as the glaci-ers retreated 12,000 years ago- all except theAustralian Monsoon.

The Australian Monsoon now brings about39 inches (one metre) of rain annually to thenorth coast as it moves south from Asia, butonly about 13 inches (33 cm) of rain falls on

the interior each year. Miller's study suggests that large fires could

have altered the plant population enough todecrease the exchange of water vapor with theatmosphere, stopping clouds from forming. The researchers, working with John Magee of

Australian National University in Canberra,used computerized global climate simulationsto show that if there were some forest in themiddle of Australia, it would lead to a mon-soon with twice as much rain as the currentpattern.

Fossil evidence shows that birds and marsu-pials that once lived in Australia's interiorwould have browsed on trees, shrubs and

grasses rather than the desert scrub environ-ment that is there today.

It also shows large charcoal deposits mostlikely caused by widespread fires, convenient-ly dating to the arrival of people. People are also blamed for killing off 85 per-

cent of Australia's huge animals, including anostrich-sized bird, 19 species of marsupials, a25-foot-long (7.5-metre) lizard and a Volkswa-gen-sized tortoise. Some experts have suggested climate change

caused by burning killed off these species,rather than direct hunting by human.

Reuters

Did people make Australia desert?

Migration downturnInternational migration to industrialisedcountries is no longer on the rise and thenumber of people seeking asylum hasdropped almost 20 percent, according tothe latest data published by the Organisa-tion for Economic Cooperation and Devel-opment (OECD).

The Paris-based group's annual report,"Trends in International Migration" (2004 Edi-tion), released on March 22 attributes the dropin international mobility to stricter immigra-tion controls and to concern over terrorism, thewar in Iraq and the SARS epidemic.

The immigrant labour force had steadilyincreased in most OECD countries* (spanningEurope, North America and several Asiancountries) between 1998 and 2003. Accordingto the 384-page report, this growth wassharpest in Greece and the other southernEuropean countries (Spain, Italy and Portu-gal), as well as Ireland and Finland, wherelabour migration constitutes the bulk of migra-tion flows.

"After several years of increase, internation-al migration towards OECD member coun-tries has shown a tendency to stabilise in 2002-03," says the organisation's director foremployment, labour and social affairs, John PMartin. "Flows of asylum-seekers have greatly di-

minished, for example, into the United King-dom or the Netherlands, and the same is trueof family reunion migration in certain OECDcountries (for example, Denmark)," says Mar-tin. "On the other hand, migration for workpurposes, notably skilled workers, accountsfor a growing share of the international move-ment of people. The growth in the entry of for-

eign students, for example to Australia andFrance, and of seasonal workers, notably toGermany and the United Kingdom, is part ofthe same development." In general, net immigration to countries in the

European Economic Area dropped 6 percent,from 2.62 million in 2002 to 2.46 million peo-ple in 2003, the report said. Recent migration flows into Greece "indicate

an increase in the number of refugees and asy-lum-seekers as well as a growing share of fam-ily reunification migrants", according to theOECD. It also notes that a "large share ofrecent immigration flows is made up of illegal[undocumented] migrants". Professor Savvas G Robolis, scientific direc-

tor at the Labour Institute (INE) of the Gener-al Confederation of Workers in Greece, pro-vided OECD with the data for Greece. He esti-mates that several thousand more immigrantshave settled in Greece since the 2001 popula-tion census.

"Frankly, the population of Greece on 1 Jan-uary 2004 was about 11,047,000, a slightincrease (29,000 people or 0.26 percent) com-pared to the previous year, mainly due toimmigration. The number of immigrants toenter the Greek labour market is one-tenth ofthe total labour force and it is 431,3000 peo-ple," said Robolis.

Their share The share of the foreign (non-citizen) popu-

lation in the total population of EuropeanOECD member countries varies substantially.According to the OECD's report, it is veryhigh in Luxembourg (36.9 percent) andSwitzerland (20.5 percent). In other traditional

immigration countries, the share of the foreignpopulation in the total population ranges from4.4 percent in the United Kingdom to approx-imately 8.9 percent in Germany and Austria.Foreigners in Ireland account for 5.9 percentof the total population.

In the new immigrationcountries of SouthernEurope, the OECD reportsays the foreign popula-tion varies from 2.2 per-cent in Portugal to a highof 7 percent in Greece. Itestimates that Greece'sforeign-born population(including Greek citizensborn abroad) is around 10percent.

The share of foreignersin central and easternEuropean countries, aswell as in Asian OECDmember countries,remains relatively low. Itis about 1 percent inJapan and Hungary andno more than 0.5 percentin the Slovak Republic,Korea and Poland.

Fast facts * Australia, Canada, theUnited States and NewZealand are consideredthe "main settlement"countries of the OECD. * European countrieswhere foreigners ac-

count for an important percentage of thelabour force: Luxembourg (45 percent),Switzerland (21.9 percent) and to a lesserdegree Greece (9.5 percent), Austria (9.2 per-cent) and Germany (9 percent).

ATHENS NEWS

Howard seeks more trade with Greece

Australian Prime Minister John Howard,ending a 10-day tour of Asia and Europe,said on April 27 in Athens he hoped toexpand trade ties with Greece, building onthe countries' "warm and friendly" relation-ship. "We came to a very quick agreement that weneed to do as much as could be done to fos-ter the economic relationship between ourtwo countries," Howard said after talks withPremier Costas Karamanlis. Greece is only ranked in 58th place on Aus-tralia's list of trading partners, with exportsto Greece valued at 35 million euros andimports from Greece worth 83 million euros.

"We agreed there is ample room to furtherimprove our relations, mainly in the eco-nomic sector and tourism," Karamanlis said,adding that they discussed details of aplanned social security agreement. Greek-Australian business ties werestrengthened during the Athens Olympicslast year, when Australian companies signedcontracts - from design to security consult-ing - with the Athens Organising Committeeworth more than 120 million euros. Greece and Australia have traditionally closeties, after large numbers of Greeks emigrat-ed to Australia during the 1950s and 60s.

AP

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

Greek Orthodox Parish and Communityof St George, Rose Bay

90 Newcastle St., Rose Bay, NSW 2029 Tel: (02) 9371 9929

YOUTH FUNCTION - TRIVIA NIGHTStacey Kelly and Joanne Sotiropoulos are proud to be hosting

a Trivia Night at St. George Church Hall in Rose Bay, on the 27th of May at 7 p.m.

Cost is $20 per person and all proceeds go to the Church.There are lots of great prizes and lots of fun guaranteed.

Limited seats, so book fast.RSVP by Friday 13th May to:

Stacey (02) 9353 4732Joanne (02) 9422 2846

We look forward to seeing you all there 114514

MAY 2005 19/37The Greek Australian VEMA TO BHMA

SportsWhen its time to do the laundry!

By Terry Sidiratos

The under 16’s of Belmore Hercules rep-resent a group driven by passion, grit anddetermination. The young, keen andenthusiastic members of this team serve asthe pinnacle and destination for a selectedfew in the lower grades whose ambition itis to proudly wear the renowned blue andwhite.

The joy of having viewed this newly estab-lished outfit earlier this season was height-ened when they reigned victorious over anundefeated and overwhelming favourite,Ryde City.

In a match that rivals the epic HollywoodBlockbuster with its extravagant battle scenesand depictions of exaggerated valour, theyoung men of ‘Hercules’ converted a slimhope into what their competitors would nowdeem a harsh reality.

Managing a group of teenagers within asporting or social environment can be verychallenging and at times quite frustrating!However, we may all agree that the rewardsare much higher when all the challenges areconquered and all the frustrations replacedwhen team objectives are accomplished.

Soccer at the youth development level is agame where skill and technique travels a dis-tant second to intense physicality and over-whelming hunger to win every single looseball.

It is refreshing to escape into this excitingcompetition, where the higher levels of soc-cer in NSW are predominately concernedwith possession and percentages, a lessappealing mode of entertainment for theviewing audience.

With a positive forecast outlining a finalsbirth, we now look at the individuals whotogether form what they are slowly beginningto call at Belmore… a TEAM!

The captain, a young man namedMohammed Al Refaei is best known for hisability to inspire those around him. He is aplayer with a future, a sweeper with poise andan awareness mirrored only by an eaglesourcing its daily prey. Referred to as MO,his allegiance to his teammates is unques-tioned, his leadership unrivalled and hisnature warm and positive.

The unpredictable Emmanuel Dinnis, ayoung slender soccer player who alwayscomes out on top with every challenge heembarks on.

Possessing great ball skills and a sixth sensethat places him at the right place at the righttime, Emmanuel is a key component of thetight-nit defense. His season to-date has beenstrong and is continually improving at asteady rate.The well built Matthew Dunne, one of many

players flooded by an overwhelming emotionwhen beating Ryde City. Strong, fast and aknack for scoring goals, Matthew’s strengthlies in his ability to utilise all the above com-ponents together when needed most. He isalso a talented young artist, whose confi-dence on stage reflects many of the roles hehas played within a winning team…that is,the protagonist!

The midfield brilliance of Mark Ghattas, anambitious soccer player who alone canchange the outcome of any match, has dis-played game play beyond his years. Astudentof the game, his ability to learn and henceimplement instructions is evident. Mark isone of the very few who maintains completeand utter concentration throughout thegames’ duration, a factor in his dazzling ofthe opposition.

The quiet and subtle Anthony Karakostas,an imposing figure who is yet to recognisehis own abilities is a wonderful edition to theteam. As he travels through the season, hisversatility and fluency on the ball is rein-forced. A great player respected by his team-mates, Anthony has proven himself a tough,talented and tenacious individual.

The nucleus of the team, Dean Morgan hasand continues to impress senior level coach-es with his sound performances. A great dis-tributor of the ball, Dean’s promotion intosenior soccer has been met with great antici-pation, as he is often a standout amidst olderand more experienced players. A midfielderwith the endurance of a marathon runner,Dean’s season has gone from strength tostrength, seldom unable to deliver what manyexpect.The elegant (we may call it) game of Filipe

Ribeiro, a pleasure to watch if you can keepup! A ‘Beckham’ like player only quicker,

Filipe is the player who although has madeopposition teams look second rate, is perhapsthe furthest away from reaching his potential.Weaving in and out of players like there’snothing to it, the young pocket rocket willencounter a long list of playing options uponseason end.The Chicago Bulls had Michael Jordan, Bel-

more Hercules has Jonathon Schwartz. Theblond and pleasant appearance the youngman projects is squashed when the bootscome on.

Atough as nails, no holds barred player whocan’t comprehend the term defeat, Jonathonis known for his ability to leap in the air anddescend at his own leisure. The most consis-tent and result driven player in the team, thefreshly nicknamed ‘BULL’is a player to lookout for.

The youngest and most enthusiastic mem-ber, Nawaf Seoudi is the tower in goals whocommands the troops from his domain. Afantastic shot stopper and reader of the game,Nawaf has pulled off some remarkable savesto clinch victory for the 16’s. The talentedgoalkeeper has a bright future ahead of himand we only hope his noted desire for theopposite sex doesn’t serve as a distraction inthe years to come.Uncompromising, relentless and clinical are

a few words to describe the attacking natureof John Sharkey. A poacher in front of goals,John is often seen bulldozing his waythrough the opposition.

A great technique combined with a constanturgency allows John to keep everyone ontheir toes… even his own teammates. Thepossibility of John having to go overseas inthe middle of round 3 will have a definiteimpact on the team.

Jumping into tackles a little prematurely isa problem Bill Sirmanoglou no longerencounters. A tall, slim and lightning quickdefender, Bill’s strength is his ability toimmediately perfect that in which he needs towork on. The problem now, is that Bill hasbecome a complete player, a sharp and rapid-thinking defender with little if any weakness-es appearing in his game.

Perhaps one hurdle that remains is that heis still weary of heading the ball. After break-ing his nose in pre-season, his hesitation is

quite justified.Every team needs a players’ player and at

Belmore Hercules we can look no furtherthan Michael Skiladellis. Michael in knownas ‘dog’, simply because he can run-downanything within the playing perimeter.

Loved by all associated with the club,Michael has frequently put his body on theline, a decision the majority of players willthink twice before undertaking. He is a stronglittle soccer player with a resilience that’sfrightening. Every team needs a MichaelSkiladellis!

Dane Templeton, target man and vice-cap-tain. Like a disease that weakens its host,Dane manages to breakdown the oppositionwith plenty of hard work off the ball. Hisquick speed and fast reaction times coupledwith his flawless left foot make him danger-ous anywhere within the 18-yard box. Goalshave and will continue to come Dane’s way,but more importantly, his emphasis on team-work surpasses all his other attributes.

A workaholic on the park, the opinionatedyoung man expects too much from himself.Having witnessed his talents, it is fair to saythat he should have those high expectationsand not only fullill them, but rather exceedthem.

These young men are all talented soccerplayers and collectively constitute a formida-ble outfit. Every Saturday, the 16’s of Bel-more Hercules gear up and kick of at 3.00pmwith a loyal support base and proud coachingstaff. Their manger, Peter Schwartz has put alot of effort into the administration of theteam and at the right times provides the boyswith a much needed boost. His contributionto the team has helped in allowing the often-complicated communication channelsbetween club and committee to run ever sosmoothly.

Regardless of the results that may follow,this young and vibrant team must realise thattheir efforts at training and game day amountto the whole character building exercise.Such character is rare to find in a bunch ofteenagers. However, with exposure to such arigorous training regime and the simplicity ofmeeting contractual obligations, they devel-op character assets that will assist the onset ofadulthood.

Belmore Hercules U/16's

Top (L-R) Peter Schwartz (manager),Dean Morgan, Dane Templeton

(vice-captain), Mark Ghattas,Matthew Dunne,

Mohammed Al Refaei (captain),John Schwartz.

Bottom (L-R) John Sharkey,Emmanuel Dinnis, Nawaf Seoudi,

Filipe Ribeiro, Bill Sirmanoglou.Absent-Michael Skiladellis, Anthony

Karakostas

SPORTSThe Greek Australian VEMA

BELMORE HERCULES

When itstimeto do

the laundry!PAGE 19/37

New Inductees in the Greek Australian

Sports Hall of FameAt the Gala Dinner for Inductions intothe Sports Hall of Fame held onSaturday 12th February 2005 at theSofitel Wentworth Hotel in Sydney,some 40 brilliant sportspeople wereinducted.

In 2008, the next ceremony will, hopeful-ly, be held in Melbourne. In the meantimenew nominations are already being acceptedby the Sports Committee of the MillenniumHeritage Council. Here are the Inductees for2005!

INDUCTEES - 2005 HALL OF CHAMPIONS

(World record holders, Gold Medallists atthe Olympic, Paralympic or Common-wealth Games, Gold Medallists at WorldChampionships, Captains of SeniorNational Teams)Lydia Ierodiaconou Aerial SkiingMichael Katzakis Soccer (Disabled) Nick Kouflidis Weights & BasketballJason Stevens Rugby League

ROLL OF EXCELLENCE

(Silver or Bronze Medallists at the Olympic,Paralympic or Commonwealth Games,Silver or Bronze Medallists at WorldChampionships, National Record Holders,National Champions in Individual Events,National Player of the Year)

Late Jim Carkagis WeightliftingMarissa Carpadios SoftballAnthony Dimitriou Boxing, KickboxingCon Liristis KickboxingNikolaos Mavridis AthleticsHarry Mitsilias DiscusJames Nittes GolfMagdalene Paschali Boccia (Disabled)Marousa Polias GolfTheo Tasoulis Weightlifting

ROLL OF DISTINCTION

(National Representatives, Members ofState Teams which have won NationalChampionships)

Braith Anasta Rugby LeagueBill Collaros VolleyballStan Collaros VolleyballNick Harris SquashPeter Manesis BoxingJim Morakeas Indoor SoccerGeorge Parass VolleyballAlex Xeras Boccia (Disabled) Nick Zisti Rugby Union

ROLL OF HONOUR(Services to Sport, National Coaches,Services through Media)

John Basil Coach - WrestlingAndr. Demetriou Services to Sport -AFLAndr. Lazaris Services

to Sport - BasketballLou Richards Services

to Sport - Journalism

RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT

(Juniors/Youth, Masters/Veterans)

John Anastassiou TouchFootballJustin-Jon Antonas Tae Kwon DoNatalie Balafoutis TennisGeorge Capsis WeightliftingChristos Kozionas JavelinHarry Pavlidis AthleticsFotini Panselinos GymnasticsWilliam Peterson Shot PutYvonne Stefadouros GymnasticsAndrew Thomas TennisTasha Vanos WeightliftingCon Vasiliades Weightlifting

The Greek Australian Vema published lastmonth the photographs of the four sports-people inducted in the Hall of Champions.Today, we present the inductees in the Roll ofExcellence.

Late Jim Carkagis Marissa Carpadios Anthony Dimitriou (no available phto)

Con Liristis Nikolaos Mavridis Harry Mitsilias

James Nittes Magdalene Paschali

Marousa Polias Theo Tasoulis