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SAE'S SECRETARIES
STAYING IN TOUCH NO. 77 - A NEWSLETTER FROM THE SAE OCEANIA CO-ORDINATOR
Oceania, 30/9/2004

Dear Friends,

The �dream� Olympics are now history but the wonderful memories will last forever. The most unique and beautiful Games to date had everything � state of the art venues, extraordinary artistic and technical excellence in the Olympic and Paralympic Opening Ceremonies, exceptional volunteers, so many world and Olympic records, superb organization, history and symbolism, spectacular backdrops, biggest TV audiences ever and so many more records and firsts in terms of participating nations and athletes. Sheer magic, beauty and class from the comet�s lighting of the rings in the water to the snuffing out of the flame and to the tree of life in the Paralympics. CNN�s poll confirmed what 4 billion viewers saw and every Hellene felt! We look forward to the realisation of the New York Times� Editorial:� �Hellas should become the permanent home of the Olympic Games�.

Late Patriarch Petros VII
The tragic death of Patriarch Petros VII and 16 other passengers in a helicopter accident is a major loss for the Orthodox Church in Africa and for Hellenism. The late Patriarch carried out an extensive missionary programme in Africa under difficult circumstances and was deeply loved by his flock. He was also a member of SAE from its inception and after being elected Patriarch in 1997 gave it his full support. The SAE Board passed a resolution to provide the sum of 10,000 Euro and to support His projects in Africa. Also killed in the accident was Bishop Nectarios of Madagascar from Australia who, since 1994, had worked tirelessly in that country and as a result the Orthodox Christians now number 20,000.

SAE Oceania expresses its most sincere sympathies to the Holy Synod and to the SAE Co-ordinator of Africa, Vasilis Magdalinos.

Cyprus
Is it unbelievable ignorance or hypocrisy par excellence when the U.S. State Department refers to the �illegal presence of U.S. weapons� in free Cyprus and ignores the presence of the Turkish Army of occupation, which continues to defy for 30 years, countless U.N. Resolutions? To what extent will the USA and Britain go to punish Greek Cypriots for exercising their democratic rights to reject the Annan Plan? The continuous undermining of Cyprus by Britain in the EU encourages Turkish intransigence and the Turkish Cypriots are now not even prepared to discuss the re-settlement of Famagusta, which has been a ghost town for 30 years. In the meantime Turkey still has not reopened the Theological College of Halki and continues to apply restrictions on Christian minorities in breach of the treaty of Lausanne and the U.N. Charter.

Recently, the Ecumenical Patriarchate was the victim of violent demonstrations and SAE Oceania calls upon the Governments of Australia, the USA and Britain to exert their influence on Turkey to respect and guarantee religious freedom. You can also help by registering your support on htt//www.Greece.org/themis/halki

Federal Elections
Organizations and individuals should write to their Federal members/candidates for the 9 October election requesting their commitment to support the signing of a Social Security Agreement between Australia and Hellas.

SAE Structure
A meeting was held in Athens with Deputy Foreign Minister Panayiotis Skandalakis to consider changes to SAE�s structure.

The proposals include:
1. The reduction of the Presidium from 11 to 7 members;
2. Allowing brotherhoods and parishes to be members of SAE;
3. Eliminating the world networks;
4. Reducing the number of delegates attending the World Conference with delegates responsible for their own airfares.
SAE Oceania invites comments and submissions from members and individuals
Jottings
� A new SAE medical centre will be officially opened on 7 October in the town of Stari Krim in Ukraine. Oceania�s Regional Council congratulates SAE Europe and all involved in the project. I f you wish to assist with any of SAE�s projects in the former Soviet Union and Albania (medical centres, Hellenic language programmes, restoration of churches) you may deposit your donation at any Commonwealth Bank branch in account No 2200 1008 7004 � World Council of Hellenes Appeal.
� Theatrical performances of the world premiere play �Elladas Odysseia� continue at the Tom Mann Theatre in Sydney. This is SAE Oceania�s contribution to the Cultural Olympiad and I urge you not to miss this wonderful event.
� Congratulations to the organisors of the annual Greek Film Festival which this year was held in all capitals. It is one of only a few events that attract so many people from the 2nd to 4th generations.
� A reminder that entries for the 2004 SAE Oceania literary contest close on 31 October 2004. For more details call John Vasilakakos on (03) 9510 6887.
� As the Pan Hellenic Games have now been postponed to 25-28 March 2005 applications from athletes are still welcome.
� A reminder also to apply for the Hellenic Credit Card � the only one that assists Hellenism every time you use it.
� October is synonymous with the Demetria Festivals organised by the Pan Macedonian Federation. This year will also commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Pavlos Melas in October 1904.
In this great year for Hellenism let us capitalize on the positive image that has been created with national unity in Hellas and the omogeneia.

Stay in Touch!

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