Zacharias Souris visited Sydney, where he held an official meeting with the Board of Directors of Kytherian Association of Australia, as part of his meetings with the Kythirian diaspora.
During the meeting, the Zacharias Souris was briefed on the Association’s long-standing activities; the Association is one of the oldest organizations of the Kythirian diaspora, with a continuous presence dating back to 1922, as well as about its planned, funded initiatives on Kythira. Particular emphasis was placed on the participation of the younger generations of the diaspora, as exemplified by the increased attendance at the Association’s cultural events.
The discussion also touched on issues related to the preservation of Kythirian identity and collective memory, as well as the Museum of Migration in Agia Pelagia, Kythira. The meeting concluded on a positive note, reaffirming—according to the «All Together, Kythira – Antikythira,» the importance of an organized diaspora as a steadfast partner in promoting Kythira’s outreach and its connection with the Greek diaspora.
Below is the press release.
Zacharias Souris in Sydney. Meeting with the Kythira Association of Australia
Maintaining contact with the Kythirian diaspora—and, in particular, with the younger generations of Tsirigotans living abroad—is, for me, a consistent and fundamental institutional priority. In this context, I had the opportunity to meet officially with the Board of Directors of the KytherianAssociation of Australia in Sydney, Australia, at a meeting with substantive content and a clear focus on preserving Kythirian identity and collective memory.
The Kythirian Association of Australia is one of the oldest and most active organizations of the Kythirian diaspora, with an uninterrupted presence and activity dating back to 1922. With more than a century of existence and service, it has played a decisive role in preserving the cultural identity, the traditions and customs of Kythira, contributing significantly to the cohesion and continuity of the Kythirian community in Australia.
During the meeting with the Association’s Board of Directors, I had the pleasure of speaking with the President, Ms. BarbaraZantiotis, the Vice President, Mr. SpiroCoolentianos, the Treasurer, Ms. John E. Comino, the Secretary, Mr. DennisCordato and the Director of Cultural Affairs, Ms. Mary Karedis. The discussion was substantive, candid, and focused on ensuring the Association’s continuity, as well as on connecting younger generations with the values, customs, and traditions of our region.
At the same time, I was officially informed about the Association’s future, already planned and funded initiatives of the Association in Kythira, which aim to provide substantial support to the region and to preserve the diaspora’s ties to their homeland. These initiatives demonstrate in practice that the Kythirian diaspora is investing in the strengthening of Kythira with a plan, consistency, and a long-term vision.
During the meeting, As a token of appreciation for my attendance and our meeting, I was presented with the book chronicling the first fifty years of the Association’s history (Volume I), a particularly important historical and archival document that captures the collective memory and history of the Kythirian community.
At the same time, I was informed that the second volume (Volume II) will follow, covering the Association’s more recent history and development.
Special emphasis was placed on the participation of the younger generations of Tsirigotans in Australia in the Association’s activities and events. As was notably pointed out, the Karavito Festival is consistently sold out every year, a fact that demonstrates the widespread participation of Sydney’s Kythirian community. This participation is of crucial importance, as it is through such collective events that young people learn about, experience, and keep alive the traditions, customs, and cultural heritage of Kythira.
During the meeting, there was also a discussion and exchange of views regarding the Museum of Migration in Agia Pelagia, Kythira, as an issue concerning collective memory and the connection between the place and the history of immigration.
The meeting concluded with a formal dinner at a Greek restaurant, which served as a continuation of the institutional dialogue and highlighted the high level of relations and cooperation. This dinner provided the setting and opportunity for a further exchange of views and the strengthening of ties, not only at the Association level but also more broadly with the Greek diaspora in Australia.
This overall experience confirms that the organized communities of Tsirigotans abroad, especially when they have a history dating back more than a century, are a valuable partner for any serious effort toward outreach, cultural continuity, and a meaningful connection between Kythira and the Greek diaspora in Australia.
