The Federation of Greek Associations of New York held their annual parade in Astoria, New York's borough of Queens, to commemorate the October 28 national holiday, as after-school centres in Greek Orthodox communities held events including speeches, recitals of poetry or singing. Ahead of the celebrations, a liturgy was held at the Astoria church of Sts Catherine and George. The parade terminated at the Stathakis Centre, where wreaths were laid and a cultural programme was presented.
In Washington, DC, the "Ochi Day Foundation" held its celebrations for the third year in a row that included World War II veterans, members of Congress and representatives of Greek communities abroad. During the commemoration, an award was presented to David Harris, American Jewish Committee executive director. The award is named after Chrysostomos, metropolitan of the island of Zakynthos, who helped save hundreds of Jews from the Nazis during the German occupation of Greece.
Meanwhile, in Montreal, Greek General Consul Thanos Kalfopoulos and Cyprus honorary consul Michalis Paidoussis attended a service at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. George, with the attendance of organisations and agencies of Greeks abroad. A commemorative lunch followed at the Community centre of Montreal Greeks, where a cultural program was performed by students, and Canadian MP of Greek descent Leo (Leonidas) Housakos presented an award to the community's leading priest, Giorgos Salatelis. Also, consul Kafopoulos presented member of the Montreal City Council Mary Deros a recognition for her contributions to the Greeks in Montreal. The luncheon was attended by regional politicians as well.
In Toronto, a Greek parade was held down Danforth Avenue on Sunday, with students braving low temperatures to commemorate the holiday. The parade was also preceded by a service at the St. Demetrius Greek Orthodox Cathedral, followed by the laying of wreaths at a statue honoring those who died at the beginning of WWII fighting at the borders with Albania. On the subject of the parade, Greek general consul in Toronto Dimitris Azemopoulos told an audience at the Pan-Macedonian Association, "We didn't do anything else but our duty...We would fall, get up, fall again, and get up again and continue. We couldn't stop, it wasn't right, it was necessary to beat the enemy. There were no differences among us, no political hate, no class distinctions, ideas, or beliefs separating us."
In Australia, the Greek community of Melbourne commemorated OXI Day with pomp and circumstance. The celebrations were held in various suburbs of the city, but the most profound events were held at Oakley. The events here were organized by the Greek Community of Oakley and the Oakleigh Grammar School in cooperation with the Municipality of Mona, while the Victorian state financed the event. Other nationalities participated as well, since they too celebrated the harmonious coexistence of the nationalities with tolerance and without racial discrimination. Similar events took place all over Australia (such as in St. Demetrios in Moonee Ponds) and in Shepparton (events here were organized by retired officers).
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