Hellenic Presidential Guard (Evzones) 2026 Sydney / Canberra Visit

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The Hellenic Presidential Guard will visit Australia from 22 to 29 October 2026 for OXI Day commemorations and public ceremonies in Sydney and Canberra. The tour marks the 86th anniversary of Greece’s rejection of Italy’s 1940 ultimatum and the wartime bond with Australia.

The Hellenic Club Sydney hosts the Sydney program with generous support and sponsorship from the NSW Government. In turn, the Hellenic Club of Canberra sponsors the Guard’s visit to the nation’s capital. The Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra (GOCCC) will host the Guard at Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial and at other sites on 28 October.

This Canberra visit is the Evzones first official appearance in the national capital. The Hellenic Club in Sydney hosted earlier tours in 2016, 2017, 2018 and April 2025.

Who the Hellenic Presidential Guard are

The Hellenic Presidential Guard is the Hellenic Republic’s ceremonial infantry. The Evzones stand watch at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square and at the Presidential Mansion in Athens. They also represent Greece at state events abroad.

According to the Presidency of the Hellenic Republic, the unit traces its founding decree to 12 December 1868. Selection is strict. Guards perform a slow, high-step march in the fustanella uniform. Australians will see that march at the ANZAC Memorial, Hyde Park, Sydney, and Hellenic Club Canberra, during the October tour.

In addition, closed visits are planned for All Saints Grammar, St Spyridon College, St Euphemia College, St Basil’s aged-care homes in Randwick and Lakemba, the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW nursing home plus Saturday Greek School, and Business Sydney. Those sessions are not open to the public.

Sydney itinerary for the Evzones

The Hellenic Presidential Guard (the Guard) will participate in the following public events in Sydney.

• Thursday, 22 October (1:00 pm) – Guard of Honour Ceremony, Martin Place Cenotaph
A formal tribute at the Martin Place Cenotaph, recognising the sacrifices of Australian and Greek servicemen and women, especially those in the Greek and Cretan campaigns. All welcome, event time: one hour.

• Saturday, 24 October (6:00 pm) — “Centenary Celebrations” Gala Ball.
Hellenic Club Sydney celebrates its centenary—a milestone year of renewal and celebration at the Hyatt Regency. For inquiries, contact events@hellenicclub.net.au

• Sunday, 25 October (9:30 am) Divine Liturgy at St Spyridon Church, Kingsford
A Divine Liturgy service will be held at the Greek Orthodox Parish of St Spyridon, Sydney.
All welcome.

• Sunday, 25 October (1:30 pm) – ANZAC Memorial Ceremony at Hyde Park, Sydney
The week’s flagship event features a ceremonial march and flag-raising at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park, honouring shared Greek-Australian military heritage. Evzones will be marching to the ANZAC Memorial from Elizabeth Street.
Event Host: The Kalymnian Association of NSW
Bring your Greek Flags. All welcome

• Sunday, 25 October (6:30 pm) – Mediterranean Magic – Greek restaurant, OXI Day Taverna Night.
Mediterranean Magic – traditional Greek restaurant, OXI Day Taverna Night.
Traditional Greek-style live music at Jones Bay Wharf, Sydney. Event Host: The Kalymnian Association of NSW. For inquiries, contact https://www.mediterraneanmagic.com.au/

• Thursday, 29 October (11:00 am) – Doxology Service
A memorial service will be held at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, followed by a wreath-laying.
All welcome

Canberra visit on OXI Day

After their Sydney visit, the Guard will participate in the following public events in Canberra:

• Wednesday, 28 October (8:30 am) – Divine Liturgy at the St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Canberra. The Guard will attend the Divine Liturgy hosted by St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Canberra. Officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. All welcome.

• Wednesday, 28 October (11:00 am) – Australian Parliament House, reception inside Parliament. The Guard will attend a reception by the Speaker of the House, Minister Milton Dick.

• Wednesday, 28 October (2:30 pm) Australian War Memorial – wreath-laying
The Guard will attend the Australian War Memorial for a wreath-laying ceremony
All welcome.

• Wednesday, 28 October (6:30 pm) – OXI Day Hellenic Club Canberra March
The Guard will march into the Hellenic Club Canberra carpark from Matilda St to the entrance of the Hellenic Club for a guard of honour,
Bring your Greek Flags. All welcome.

• Wednesday, 28 October (7:15 pm) – OXI Day dinner
Following the march, an OXI Day dinner will be held inside the Hellenic Club. For inquiries, contact postbox@hellenicclub.com.au

Organisers on the Hellenic Presidential Guard tour

Nikolaskolas Hatzistergos, President of the Hellenic Club Sydney, says,

“The visit of the Presidential Guard for the OXI Day commemorations in October is particularly symbolic for us. Firstly, we will be commemorating a day that relates to Greece’s courageous stand against a fascist regime, but like Anzac Day, it does not commemorate a victory, but the resolve, sacrifice and the willingness to stand firm; a day where a stance was taken against a much larger foe, and the loss of many lives as well as significant casualties were unavoidable. To be able to host the Guard once again in our Centenary Year is truly special. This visit offers a significant opportunity for both reflection and celebration, bringing the Greek and Australian communities together to honour our shared history.”

John Loukadellis, the President of the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra (GOCCC), said:

“It is with immense pride, gratitude, and honour that we look forward to welcoming the Evzones – the Hellenic Presidential Guard – to Canberra on 28th October for their first official visit to the Nation’s Capital.

Their presence will be truly historic in Canberra. We are honoured to host them at St Nicholas Church, Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, and, of course, at the Hellenic Club of Canberra for their official welcome dinner. On the evening of 28 October, Canberra landmarks will also be illuminated in blue, commemorating and celebrating OXI Day and respecting the courage, sacrifice, and spirit this important day in Greek history represents. What an extraordinary honour for the Greek community of Canberra.”

Acknowledgment of Sponsors and Partners, Sydney

The Hellenic Club Sydney sincerely thanks the New South Wales Government for its invaluable support and investment in making the Sydney events possible. We also extend our deepest gratitude to our partners, whose generous contributions helped create truly memorable experiences during our visit to Sydney.

• NSW Government (Event Sponsor)
• Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
• Kalymnian Association of NSW
• St Basils Aged Care Home
• Business Sydney
• Mars Projects
• Oscars Group
• Dedes Group
• Bank Of Sydney
• Greek City Times

Acknowledgment of Sponsors and Partners, Canberra

The Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra (GOCCC) sincerely thanks the Hellenic Club Canberra for its invaluable support and investment in making the Canberra events possible. We also extend our deepest gratitude to our partners, whose generous contributions helped create truly memorable experiences during our visit to Canberra.

• Hellenic Club Canberra (Event Sponsor)
• Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
• Greek City Times

The commitment to preserving and promoting Greek heritage in Australia ensures that these significant cultural and commemorative events can take place, fostering a deeper understanding of the shared history between Greece and Australia.

Photos Copyright Nick Bourdaniotis, Bourdo Photography

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