The Pan-Macedonian Association of Melbourne and Victoria hosted a special Dimitria event on Sunday, inviting the community to “Bring the myth of the Mermaid back to life”, a timeless symbol uniting Greek history, legend and imagination across generations and across the diaspora.
Vice President of the Association, Vasiliki Laiou, and event host Maria Leftherioti, welcomed guests and especially the children, the day’s true protagonists.
Around a year ago, the Pan-Macedonian Association, through the initiative of Vice President Laiou, invited students, youth and adults of all ages to creatively engage with the myth of the Mermaid of Thessaloniki, the legendary sister of Alexander the Great.
Participants were encouraged to submit short stories, poems, essays and artworks inspired by the myth.
The goal was to cultivate creativity, foster friendly competition, and promote Hellenic culture in the diaspora.
The best submissions will form the foundation of a collective book, created in collaboration with academics and folklorists.
The winners’ presentation evening was rich with cultural and artistic moments.
Poet Kaiti Georgiou opened the program with a moving recitation, setting the tone for a journey into legend.
This was followed by a bilingual presentation of the book Vergona, the Mermaid of Veria by author Paraskevi Kotsalou, performed by Northcote High School students Melina Kiokpasoglou and Ilias Zombolas, guided by teacher Giota Stavridou, Vice President of the Greek Language Alliance “Faros”.
The audience heard striking excerpts such as:
“You looked at me, stranger, and you recognised me.
I am no longer the fearsome Medusa.
I am the Gorgona of Vergona, she who carries in her veins the salt of the seas and the dust of Macedonia.
Ask me if Alexander still lives, and I will answer you with the wave…”
The students received warm applause for a presentation that beautifully linked the Gorgona myth with the memory of Alexander the Great and the heritage of Macedonia, a land of heroes, culture and legend.
The voice of the new generation
Student Angelina Mitropoulos captivated the audience with her own work, Alexander the Great and the Mermaid (Gorgona), followed by a showcase of visual artworks submitted to the competition.
The students’ creations confirmed that the Greek language and mythology continue to inspire young people, bridging past and present.
Writer Thekla Skartsella also read an excerpt from her work, while Vice President Laiou presented renowned Greek painters and authors, including Tsarouchis, Theofilos and Myrrivilis, whose art drew from the myth.
“The Gorgona, symbol of eternal Greece, continues to travel on the waves of culture, linking Macedonia’s history with today and connecting Greeks around the world,” said Laiou.
The event was attended by:
Maria Triantafyllou, from the Education Office
Mary Lalios, representing the City of Lalor
Pharos Alliance members Theodoros Markos and Eva O’Hehir, Greek teacher at Northcote High
Nola Radiotis, President of the Anemones Association
Representatives of the Melbourne Greek Women’s Network
The Melbourne Greek Women’s Network presented a $100 honourary donation, acknowledging the students’ efforts and the importance of Greek learning in the diaspora.
Certificates of Participation and Creativity Awards followed.
Students recognised included:
Eirini Chatzimanoli (Doncaster – Friday)
Timoleon Mylonas (Doncaster – Saturday)
Kostas Georgakopoulos (Doncaster – Friday)
Olivianos Penko (Doncaster – Friday)
Evangelia Sobczysyn (Balwyn)
Kyriaki Sarantopoulou (Balwyn)
Styliani Katsanevaki (Balwyn)
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