BIRTHS

On 31 December 2008, at the Mercy Hospital, East Melbourne, Manolis and Anastasia Mereos welcomed their twin baby sons, John and Stavros. The bouncing baby boys are the grandsons of proud grandparents John and Eleni Mereos (nee Kouratos) and Stavros and Hariclea Marinakis. Να ζήσουνε.

John and Tania Oakley are delighted to announce the arrival of Natasha Joy Oakley on 2 April 2009 at Epworth Freemasons Hospital, Melbourne. Natasha is the granddaughter of Anastasios and Vienna Soulis (Vathy - Anogi), Melbourne and Basil and Joyce Oakley, Adelaide.

Our daughter Ava Grace Critelli was born on Saturday 16th May 2009, weighing in at 7 pounds and 11 ounces. Proud parents Paul and Barbara Critelli, big sister Sierra Rose and grandparents Dennis and Effie Katsamas and Silvio and Katina Critelli are so happy to have welcomed Ava into the world. Ava is the great-grand-daughter of Loulouka Raftopoulos (Sydney). Να ζήσει.

Nick and Josephine Xanthopoulos are proud to announce the safe arrival of their second child, a beautiful daughter and little sister for Ocien, Bronte Eleni Rebekah on the 9th April 2009. Bronte is the second grandchild for both Nick’s parents, Varvaris and Eleni Xanthopoulos and Josephine’s parents, Steve McGuiness and Rebekah Bridger.

CHRISTENING

Sierra Rose Critelli was christened on Sunday 19th October 2008 in the Catholic faith by our good friends and godparents John and Irene Dinatale. Sierra Rose is the first daughter of Paul and Barbara Critelli, grand-daughter of Dennis and Effie Katsamas and Silvio and Katina Critelli and great-grand-daughter of Loulouka Raftopoulos. The service was held at St Francis Xavier Church in Box Hill and celebrated with joy afterwards with ninety family and friends at Zante Greek Restaurant.




On 21 February 2009, Angelique, daughter of Sophie and Riley Lengrand, was christened at St Efstathios Church, South Melbourne. Angelique is pictured above with her Uncle Angelo, her very proud godfather. Family and friends celebrated the happy occasion at the Clarendon Hotel. Angelique is the grand-daughter of George and Denise Thomas and the great-grand-daughter of John and Nina Raftopoulos. Συγχαρητήρια για τη Βάπτιση της Αγγελικής κόρης των Σοφίας-Riley Lengrand. Νονός ο θείος Άγγελος Θωμάς. Να ζήσει.

On Sunday 17 May 2009, Irene, was baptised at St. Catherine’s Greek Orthodox Church, East Malvern. Proud godfather was Gerald Galatis (pictured above with Irene and her parents Bill and Kathryn). Family and friends celebrated the happy occasion at Lemnos Tavern in Prahran. Irene is daughter of Kathryn and Bill Yannelis and grand-daughter of Nick and Effie Galatis and Angela Yannelis. Να σας ζήσει και ό νονός Πάντα Άξιος.

WEDDING

On the 28th February 2009, Peter Kostopoulos and Sharon Harvey celebrated their wedding day surrounded by their family and friends. Peter is the son of Fotoula and the late Fotis Kostopoulos and Sharon is the daughter of Bruce and Marilyn Harvey.

The wedding ceremony was held in a beautiful chapel at the Elizabeth Lodge where the reception was held afterwards. Family and friends enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere, dancing, wining and dining the night away. The guests were treated with a song that was performed by the groom for his delighted bride. We wish the couple a wonderful life together. Να ζήσετε.

18th BIRTHDAY

On 18 October 2008 at the Doncaster East Hall, Jason Maisano celebrated his 18th birthday with family and friends. Jason is the son of Vicky and Joe Maisano and grandson of Sophia and Con Moraites. Congratulations Jason.

40th BIRTHDAYS

On 3rd April 2009, Mary Metaxas (pictured with her husband Gino and daughters Evangeline and Marguerite) celebrated her 40th Birthday with family at her home in Balwyn. The following night the celebrations continued at “Alpha Ouzeri” in Brunswick St., Fitzroy. Guests enjoyed the wonderful Greek cuisine including the “loukoumades” Birthday Cake !! Happy Birthday Mary, Να τα εκατοστίσεις.

On Sunday 8th March 2009, Maria Lourantos-Evangelou celebrated her 40th Birthday with her husband Starsh, family and friends at “The Pier” in Port Melbourne. An enjoyable night was had by all. Pictured below is Maria surrounded by her family L-R father Christos, mother Chrisaido, cousins George, Mary and Gino Metaxas, husband Starsh, the Birthday Girl, cousin Effie, and sister-in-law Carol and brother Nick. Maria is currently a member of the Editorial Committee and a past, long time Executive Committee member. Χρόνια Πολλά. Να τα εκατοστίσεις.

60th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Rita and Dennis cutting their 60th Anniversary cake.

Rita and Dennis in their courting days.

Former president and Honorary Life Member, Dennis Varigos and his wife Rita Varigos, celebrated their diamond 60th wedding anniversary on Sunday 17 May 2009 at the Graham Hotel in Port Melbourne. Joining them in celebrating this extraordinary occasion were their family and closest friends. Special congratulatory notes were received from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Governor of Australia Quentin Brice, the Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd, the former Treasurer of Australia Mr Peter Costello, the Governor of Victoria Dr David De Kreitzer, and the Premier of Victoria Mr John Brumby. We wish the happy couple many more memorable years to come.

GRADUATION

Congratulations are extended to Ioannis Coutsouvelis, member of our Society, who on Thursday 7th May 2009 at Monash University Robert Blackwood Hall was conferred with a degree in Master of Clinical Pharmacy. Best wishes Ioannis for every success in your future endeavours.