Greek Community book launch at Ithaca House
On Sunday 27 October members and friends gathered at Ithaca House for the Australian launch of the English edition of the Greek Orthodox Community’s “The Embodiment of a Distant Homeland”
The publication examines the period since the establishment of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) through to 1972, shedding light on the intrigues and turmoil associated with this often-tumultuous period of the GCMs history.
IHS president, Spyridoula Digaletou-Coutsouveli welcomed guests and highlighted the significance of holding the launch at Ithaca House given the role played by early Ithacans in the establishment of the GCM.
In his introduction, GCM president, Mr Bill Papastergiadis highlighted the importance of the English edition for future generations and for researchers of diaspora communities. He also spoke of the role of the Ithacans in the establishment of the GCM and expressed gratitude to Ithacan Philanthropic Society for hosting the event and for their continued support.
The author Georgia Charapantidou spoke about aspects of her research which have deepened her interest in the history of Melbourne’s Greek community and her aim to research the period beyond 1972 into the 21st century. Charapantidou also said that the English edition was an improved and more complete publication with the inclusion of an index and changes suggested by the Petros Alexiou, the translator.
Nick Dallas, GOCVM board member and the publication project coordinator, and Dr Andonis Piperoglou, inaugural Hellenic Senior Lecturer in Global Diasporas, University of Melbourne, also spoke of the importance of the publication in documenting the Community’s history for younger generations, in particular the less well-known aspects of its development. They also spoke of the relevance in integrating the GCM into the general context of other Greek diaspora organisations.
The publication is available for purchase through the GCMs online bookshop https://bookshop.greekcommunity.com.au/product/the-embodiment-of-a-distant-homeland/
