Heat, Heritage and Home: Karitsiotes Gather Beneath the Hackberries of Goodwood Park

“In 36-degree heat and deep summer shade, a small park in Goodwood became, once again, the living heart of Karitsa.”

The sun blazed with the fierce intensity only an Australian summer can bring, the mercury climbing to 36 degrees, yet Soutar Park in Goodwood was alive from early on with laughter, voices and the aroma of barbecues. Under the shade of the great hackberry trees, Karitsa folk, young and old, gathered as they do each year, continuing a tradition that stretches back decades, back to when the first villagers stood on this very spot, keeping the heart of their ancestral village alive in their new adopted home.

Karitsa itself was once a close-knit community of some 450 people, subsistence land tillers cum olive growers cum sheep and goat herders, nestled on the foothills of the Parnon mountains in Laconia, Greece. Today, the village numbers barely 220 permanent residents. Yet here in Australia, particularly in and around the suburb of Goodwood, the number of Karitsa’s descendants now far exceeds the population of the village itself, a powerful reminder of migration, resilience and the enduring pull of shared roots. 

The grills were fired up, tables laid with care, and volunteers moved among the guests, tending to every detail with patience and warmth. Children ran between the trees, laughing and chasing one another, while the oldies, with their thoughts drifting back to the village, exchanged handshakes, embraces and stories from long ago. Every smile, every gesture, every burst of laughter seemed to form a bridge between past and present, bringing the community’s shared memory vividly to life.

The event was honoured by the presence of the Mayor of Unley, Mr Michael Hewitson, accompanied by Chief Executive Officer, Mr Peter Tsokas, and his wife. Their attendance conveyed a clear message of respect and recognition for the long-standing and vibrant relationship between the local council and the Karitsa community.

In his address, the Mayor highlighted the significant contribution made by Karitsiotes and Greek migrants more broadly to the development of the area, stressing that gatherings such as this are far more than social occasions; they are living beacons of memory and culture. As his words echoed beneath the hackberries, the baton was passed to the Karitsa Community President, who linked the memory of the past with plans for the future.

Australian-born Michael Malavazos shared in the warmth of the day, holding in his hands the manuscript of a forthcoming book to be sponsored by the City of Unley.

“The Karitsa Gathering is not simply a reunion,” he said. “It is the soul of Karitsa here, so far from our ancestral village. Thanks to our volunteers, Karitsa remains united and alive. This year, with the support of the City of Unley, that spirit will take on a lasting form through the publication of a book marking the Community’s 40th anniversary, featuring profiles and photographs of the first seventy families from the village who settled in Australia.”

His words wrapped the atmosphere in a gentle nostalgia, paving the way for the forthcoming book and for the next generation of the community. Particularly heartening was the presence of third- and fourth-generation Karitsiotes, children and grandchildren of the first migrants, born and raised in Australia yet deeply rooted in their ancestral village. Alongside them were friends of the community, fond of the village, adding yet more warmth, laughter and life to the gathering.

And as the sun began to dip behind the hackberry trees, the community, descendants of a once-thriving mountain village now smaller in number at home than abroad, quietly renewed its promise: to come together, to remember, and to keep Karitsa alive, for their children, their grandchildren, and the generations still to come.

Photographs courtesy of Eleni Koutsoviti Mavraidi and Peter Katsambis

Long-Distance Conversations from Athens: Chrysoula Melissinakis and Panagiotis Mavraidis on the Voice of Greece

 “Language, memory and music: the threads that keep us connected across oceans.”

While currently in Athens, Pan-Laconian Society members Chrysoula Melissinakis and Panagiotis Mavraidis were invited to share their story on Greek national radio. On 15 December 2025, they appeared on “Kouventes Makrines” (Long-Distance Conversations), broadcast by the Voice of Greece, offering listeners a thoughtful and heartfelt account of their journey from Greece to Adelaide and their ongoing commitment to Hellenism abroad.

Broadcast from the studios of the Voice of Greece, Chrysoula and Panagiotis spoke candidly about the decision they made 14 years ago to migrate to Australia, a decision they say they have never regretted. Their reflections touched on the challenges of beginning a new life, the opportunities they encountered, and the enduring importance of Greek language and culture in their everyday lives.

A central theme of the discussion was Greek-language education in Adelaide. Chrysoula, who teaches Greek to both children and aduls, spoke about the joy and responsibility of passing on the language, and about education as a living link between generations and homelands.

They also spoke with pride about the Greek Museum of Adelaide, which they founded five years ago. The museum has become a focal point for community memory and cultural storytelling, and they shared their current efforts to secure a permanent home for the collection, an important next step in ensuring its future.

The conversation also highlighted Melodia Adelaide, the Greek-language radio station created and run by Panagiotis. Through music, interviews and community programming, Melodia Adelaide continues to connect Greek Australians with each other, with Greece, and with the wider Hellenic world.

The interview serves as a powerful reminder of the vitality of the Greek diaspora and the impact of individuals who quietly and steadily build cultural bridges across continents. We warmly congratulate Chrysoula Melissinakis and Panagiotis Mavraidis for representing our community with insight, generosity and pride.

Members and friends are encouraged to listen to the full interview online, available via the Voice of Greece on-demand platform:
https://vog.ert.gr/ondemand/kouventes-makrines-me-ti-xrysoula-melissinaki-kai-ton-panagioti-mayraeidi-apo-tin-adelaida-15-12-25/

Counting Coins by Day, Hunting History by Night: A Treasurer’s Remarkable Find

It seems that when club treasurer Stelios Hagias is not diligently counting our pennies, he takes great delight in delving into old—very old—newspapers. On this occasion, he has unearthed what he believes to be the very first recorded Orthodox baptisms in Birmingham, Alabama. The clipping comes from The Birmingham Age-Herald of Friday, June 22, 1900, and offers a fascinating glimpse into the earliest days of organised Greek Orthodox life in the city.

This 1900 newspaper article documents what appears to be the first Greek Orthodox baptisms performed in Birmingham, Alabama, marking a foundational moment for the city’s early Greek community. It highlights the role of Father Dorotheo in uniting scattered Greek immigrants, establishing organised worship, and preserving Orthodox traditions at a time when no Greek church yet existed. The report offers rare insight into early immigrant religious life, inter-church cooperation, and the cultural presence of Greeks in the American South at the turn of the 20th century.

Original Article (Reprinted in Its Entirety)

Date-Line Attribution

Source: The Birmingham Age-Herald
Date: Friday, 22 June 1900
Place of Publication: Birmingham, Alabama, USA

Editorial Note

This article is reproduced in full from The Birmingham Age-Herald and reflects the language, style, and perspectives of its time. It is presented here for its historical value, offering a rare contemporary account of the early Greek Orthodox presence in Birmingham and the establishment of communal religious life among Greek immigrants at the turn of the 20th century.

 FATHER DOROTHEO THE GREEK PRIEST
Administered Baptism to Two Children Yesterday.
AT CHURCH OF THE ADVENT

The Ceremony First Performed Here Since Eastern Priest Was Called to this CountryBaptisms Next Sunday.

The Rev. Father Dorotheo, a priest of the Greek Orthodox Church of Constantinople, is here as the guest of Mr. C. K. Caralis, and has been in charge of the Greek and Russian population in the city. Since the Rev. Father Dorotheo has been here he has succeeded in organizing the Greeks, who have been scattered over a large extent of the city, and has united them into a common brotherhood. He is administering his church work, in which he includes sermons, and has been giving to his Greek brethren religious advice, which cannot be neglected by the many from Chicago or elsewhere who are here.

The first baptismal ceremony was performed by the Rev. Father Dorotheo yesterday afternoon at the Church of the Advent. The two children were the sons of Mr. and Mrs. William Boutsick of Jackson. The father of the children is one of the substantial and wealthy Greeks of the city. He is a member of the Greek Orthodox church, most of whom were present at the ceremony, which was one of unusual interest to them. A large congregation were assembled at the Methodist church, The Rev. Father Dorotheo, who was the officiating priest, wore the peculiar vestments of the Eastern church of all silk done in fine needlework, and having on his head a crown, the same as the Russian priest wears.

Father Dorotheo wore the sacerdotal robes, which were of dark blue silk with embroidery of gold. The vestments were the same as those worn by the Russian priests, except that the Greeks wear a crown. Father Dorotheo, in administering the baptismal ceremony, used the Greek ritual. The names of the children were Emmanuel and Mary.

The custom, which is a holiday of the Greek church, is to have the ceremony in a church of the Greek church. But, in this case, on account of the Greek church being now in course of erection, the pastor had to procure a place elsewhere in which to administer the rites. As he was used to the forms of the service, he succeeded in performing the same with great ease and in the presence of the large congregation, he having been assisted by another priest.

The sponsors were Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Zannas. The priest made no mistake and performed the ceremony in the same way as if he had been in a church of his own. He spoke of the customs and usages of the Greek Orthodox church, and he promised to give those present the first information of the Greek church, and he would begin to give the sermon from next Sunday, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, in the Methodist church, in which he has been officiating.

A large dish of water, consecrated by the priest, was one of the striking features of the service. A bottle of oil, also that the priest had consecrated, was used. The priest, taking a small quantity of oil, anointed the little ones, firstly the forehead, then the mouth, the ears, the hands, the feet, and after that the back, and then again the breast, and after that the feet. The oil was put on with the end of his little finger, as it is a custom of the Greek Orthodox church.

After anointing the children and before immersing them, the priest placed a chain and a cross on the neck of each, this being the custom of the Greek church. Then he immersed them in the water and then covered them with a white cloth, and this he did in the presence of the parents and the sponsors. The ceremony was a very interesting one, and the church was well filled. Many people were present, among whom were some of the most substantial Greeks in the city. Father Dorotheo wore the priest's crown and all his sacerdotal robes and carried a prayer book, all according to the Greek Orthodox ritual.

The reception of the children into the Greek church was done by anointing them with the holy water, and the names given them were Emmanuel and Mary.

Father Dorotheo is quite scholarly, and he has a large experience in church work in Greece, after having been professor in the Greek college at Sparta.

He has been appointed by the Greek Orthodox church in Constantinople, and has power to organize and administer to his Greek brethren in the churches where he officiates. He will administer baptism next Sunday to a number of other children expected to be there, as he has been appointed by the Greek church.

Στο προσκήνιο η Σούζι Κούρλα: Ανερχόμενο αστέρι της αυστραλιανής γυμναστικής

«Στιγμές σαν κι αυτή μας θυμίζουν τι πραγματικά σημαίνει ο Σύλλογός μας — κοινότητα, προσφορά και καρδιά».

Ο Παλλακωνικός Σύλλογος έδωσε δυναμικό «παρών» στο απογευματινό γεύμα με κατσίκι και μακαρονάδα, σε μια όμορφη συνάντηση γεμάτη κόσμο, χαμόγελα και καλή διάθεση. Ήταν μια μέρα που ανέδειξε για άλλη μια φορά το πνεύμα της συλλογικότητας και της γενναιοδωρίας που μας ενώνει. Στο επίκεντρο βρέθηκε η στήριξη της 17χρονης Σούζι Κούρλα, που ετοιμάζεται να ανοίξει τα φτερά της για να εκπροσωπήσει την Αυστραλία στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες τον ερχόμενο χρόνο.

Με τη λαχειοφόρο αγορά και τις προσφορές των μελών, μαζεύτηκε το καθόλου ευκαταφρόνητο ποσό των 2.000 δολαρίων — μια έμπρακτη αγκαλιά στήριξης που φέρνει τη Σούζι ένα βήμα πιο κοντά στο μεγάλο της όνειρο.

Η Σούζι, κόρη των μελών του Συλλόγου Λάμπρου και Βίκυς Κούρλα, δεν είναι πια άγνωστη στον χώρο της Γυναικείας Ενόργανης Γυμναστικής. Από μικρό κορίτσι με πείσμα και αφοσίωση, κατάφερε να ξεχωρίσει ως ένα από τα πιο ελπιδοφόρα νέα ταλέντα της Αυστραλίας. Η προσπάθειά της ανταμείφθηκε με τη συμμετοχή της στην εθνική ομάδα της χώρας, η οποία τον επόμενο χρόνο θα περιοδεύσει στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες, με προπονήσεις και αγώνες στο Τέξας, το Σικάγο και το Λας Βέγκας.

«Είμαστε βαθιά ευγνώμονες στον Παλλακωνικό Σύλλογο Νότιας Αυστραλίας και σε όλα τα μέλη του για τη γενναιόδωρη στήριξη», δήλωσε η Βίκυ Κούρλα. «Είναι μεγάλη μας χαρά και τιμή να ανήκουμε σε αυτή την υπέροχη κοινότητα. Σας ευχαριστούμε από καρδιάς».

Όπως συμβαίνει με όλους τους αθλητές που κυνηγούν μεγάλα όνειρα, έτσι και η διαδρομή της Σούζι απαιτεί σημαντικούς πόρους. Τα χρήματα θα βοηθήσουν να καλυφθούν έξοδα μετακίνησης και διαμονής, συμμετοχές σε αγώνες, προπονήσεις, εξοπλισμός, στολές και ασφάλιση — όλα όσα χρειάζονται για να μπορεί να σταθεί στο υψηλότερο επίπεδο.

Και το ταλέντο της Σούζι μόνο απαρατήρητο δεν περνά. Έχει ήδη αναδειχθεί δύο φορές «Αθλήτρια της Χρονιάς στη Γυμναστική» στη Νότια Αυστραλία, το 2024 και το 2025, επιβεβαιώνοντας όχι μόνο τις ικανότητές της, αλλά και το ήθος, την επιμονή και τη δουλειά της — στοιχεία που προμηνύουν ένα φωτεινό μέλλον.

Η στήριξη του Παλλακωνικού Συλλόγου δείχνει τι μπορούμε να πετύχουμε όταν στεκόμαστε ο ένας δίπλα στον άλλον. Γιατί όταν το ταλέντο συναντά τη σκληρή δουλειά και την αγάπη της κοινότητας, οι μεγάλες ευκαιρίες βρίσκουν τον δρόμο τους.

«Η διαδρομή της αποτελεί έμπνευση για όλους μας», τόνισε η πρόεδρος του Παλλακωνικού Συλλόγου Ντίνα Χούσου. «Η Σούζι είναι ζωντανό παράδειγμα του τι μπορεί να καταφέρει ένα παιδί με πάθος, αφοσίωση και στήριξη».

Εμείς, από τη μεριά μας, θα την καμαρώνουμε σαν δικό μας παιδί και θα της στέλνουμε τις ευχές μας όπου κι αν αγωνίζεται, καθώς θα εκπροσωπεί με περηφάνια όχι μόνο την Αυστραλία, αλλά και το πνεύμα της δικής μας κοινότητας. Δεν μπορούμε παρά να χειροκροτήσουμε τη Σούζι, περήφανη απόγονο του ηρωικού Κοσμά, του θρυλικού Γερακίου και, ακόμη λίγη πινελιά από τη μικρή Καρίτσα.

Πάμε Σούζι, πάμε!

 

Spotlight on Suzi Kourlas: Our Rising Gymnast

“Proud moments like this remind us what our Society is all about — community, generosity and heart.”

The Pan-Laconian Society came together in full force at today’s “goat and pasta” afternoon, celebrating community spirit and generosity. The highlight of the day was supporting 17-year-old Suzi Kourlas on her journey to represent Australia in the United States next year.

Thanks to a dedicated raffle and donations from members, the event raised an impressive $2,000, helping Suzi take another step toward her dream.

Suzi, daughter of club members Lambros and Vikki Kourlas, has already made a name for herself as one of Australia’s brightest young talents in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics. Her dedication from a young age has earned her a spot on the Australian Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Tour 2026, where she will train with world-class coaches and compete in Texas, Chicago and Las Vegas.

“We are so thankful to the Pan-Laconian Society of SA and all its members for their generous support,” said Vikki Kourlas. “Proud to be part of this amazing community. Thank you!”

Like many elite athletes, Suzi’s journey requires significant support. Funds will cover travel, accommodation, competition fees, training, equipment, uniforms and insurance, all of which are essential for her to perform at her best.

Suzi’s talent is undeniable. She has been named “Levels Athlete of the Year” in South Australia twice, in 2024 and 2025, exemplifying skill, dedication and a competitive spirit that promises a bright future on the national and international stage.

The Pan-Laconian Society’s support demonstrates the power of community, showing that when talent meets hard work and generous backing, amazing opportunities become reality.

“Her journey is an inspiration to us all,” said Pan-Laconian president Dina Houssos. “Suzi is proof of what can be achieved with passion, dedication and support.”

We look forward to following Suzi as she takes on the world stage and proudly carries our community’s spirit with her.

Pan-Laconian Flashback: Memories Unearthed from Koula’s Album

“A nostalgic window into the elegant dances and tight-knit spirit that defined a generation of Pan-Laconians.”

 

A recent browse through Koula Tsin’s photo album has uncovered two terrific newspaper clippings from the late 1980s and early 1990s. They offer a nostalgic window into the formal life of the Pan-Laconian Society in those days.

The first clipping shows four families: Tasos Piliouras, George Pazios, Nikos Papadopoulos and Dimitrios Tsintziniotis. They are photographed at a “Leonidas” dance, seated at their dinner table, impeccably dressed and clearly enjoying the night. The scene reflects a long-held tradition of community celebration.

The second cutting, dated 8 July 1989, captures another dance from that era. This black-and-white treasure gem features a lively group of well-dressed guests gathered around a table, sharing conversation, drinks and good company. Together, the two clippings highlight the strong sense of camaraderie and the elegant style that defined those decades.

These small pieces of history are a lovely reminder of a vibrant social calendar and the tight-knit spirit that shaped our community. If you have your own memories of the “Leonidas” dances or any other formal events from that time, we would love to hear them.

Vale Angelis Hagias (1939-2025)

With deep sadness we announce the passing of Angelis Hagias, who departed this life in the early hours of Friday, 28 November 2025, in Adelaide, at the age of 86.

Angelis was born on 20 July 1939 in Karitsa and spent his childhood in Karitsa and Vlachioti, Laconia. At the age of 25 he migrated to Australia, arriving on 22 February 1965, where he built his life and raised his family.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of St George, Thebarton. Interment will take place at Centennial Park Cemetery.

His loss leaves a profound void in the hearts of his family, relatives, fellow villagers, and all who had the honour of knowing him.

He is survived by his wife, Alkithea, his five children, his seven cherished grandchildren, and his first great-grandchild.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.

May his memory be eternal.