WISHES FROM SOUTH AFRICA FOR 2015!!! ΕΥΤYΧΙΣΜΕΝΟ ΤΟ ΝΕΟ ΕΤΟΣ!!

Wishes from South Africa for 2015

Another year has come to an end!  2014 can be said to have been a challenging year for Greece. A year of Financial turmoil…a year of Political unsurity…and it also ended with a tragedy, with fellow Greeks having lost their lives or still missing after an Italian Ferry caught fire. One can honestly say that 2014 for many might have been a negative aspect on their lives. But... as the old saying states "As long as you have your health and your family is safe" you have everything in life.

 

On this warm and sunny, Summers' day in South Africa I would like to wish all my fellow Greeks and everyone from Sella a wonderful 2015. Health and Happiness to all!! Here is a poem from me to all of you for 2015!

New Year Poem 2015

 

Happy, Happy New Year

we wish you all the best,

 

Great work to reach your fondest goals,

And when you’re done, sweet rest.

 

We hope for your fulfillment,
Contentment, peace and more,

A brighter, better new year than
You’ve ever had before.
By:  E. Kanavou

                                                      

By:  E. Kanavou
 ( ΚΑΘΗΓΗΤΡΙΑ ΣΤO JOHANNESBURG
SOUTH AFRICA)
MEΛΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΜΑΔΑΣ
ΣΕΛΛΑ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΣ BLOG NEWS
 

 

NOVEMBER IS MOVEMBER MONTH IN SOUTH AFRICA!

As we all know November is the 11th month of the year. In most of the world November is the final month of Autumn/Fall before winter sets in: 

"The wild November come at last
 Beneath a veil of rain;


The night winds blows its folds aside,
Her face is full of pain. 
The latest of her race, she takes 
The Autumn's vacant throne:


She has but one short moon to live, 
And she must live alone."


-  Richard Henry Stoddard, November

 In South Africa however, it is the last month of Spring before the Summer months kick in.

It is also Movember month…You're probably asking…What the heck is MOVEMBER MONTH???

Well…

Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer and other male cancers, and associated charities. The Movember Foundation runs the Movember charity event, housed at Movember.com.The goal of Movember is to "change the face of men's health."

By encouraging men (who the charity refers to as "Mo Bros") to get involved, Movember aims to increase early cancer detection, diagnosis and effective treatments, and ultimately reduce the number of preventable deaths. Besides annual check-ups, the Movember Foundation encourages men to be aware of family history of cancer and to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Since 2004, the Movember Foundation charity has run Movember events to raise awareness and funds for men's health issues, such as prostate cancer and depression, in Australia and New Zealand. In 2007, events were launched in Ireland, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Spain, the United Kingdom, Israel, South Africa, Taiwan and the United States. 

To participate in Movember, start with a fresh face at the beginning of the month and "donate your face" until Nov. 30 by not shaving. You're like a fuzzy billboard for men's health issues. You can raise funds, too. The Movember Project has donated more than 800 programs to date.

To participate in No-Shave November, give up one of your hair grooming practices and donate what you'd normally spend on it toward cancer research.

"Nearly everyone spends some amount of his or her hard-earned money on grooming, whether that's shaving, waxing, trimming or threading," according to No-Shave November's website. "If just for November, those individuals gave that cost  to a cancer charity instead, friends and family alone could pool together a sizable chunk of change to help cancer patients and their families."

Athough, it has quite a humorous side to it…it is definitely for a good cause. 

I hope this will catch on in Greece as well!  Even if only a small group of men read this... may it make them more aware. May they become more diligent in their annually check ups.

Enjoy the Clips below and have a wonderful few more weeks of November…KALO XEIMWNA!



BY: EFH KANAVOU



EΦH KANABOY
  ( ΚΑΘΗΓΗΤΡΙΑ ΣΤO JOHANNESBURG
SOUTH AFRICA)
MEΛΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΜΑΔΑΣ
ΣΕΛΛΑ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΣ BLOG NEWS

Της Έφης Καναβού για το ΣΕΛΛΑ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΣ BLOG NEWS

ΕΦΗ ΚΑΝΑΒΟΥ " SOUTH AFRICAN GREEKS (PART 3)" : " THE COURAGEOUS AND INSPIRATIONAL STORY OF MICHAEL ODYSSEOS "

Michael Odysseos
JOHANNESBURG
SOUTH AFRICA

"The Courageous and Inspirational Story of Michael Odysseos"

I had the the greatest honour and privilege to interview an amazing young man who beat all the odds!! This is a story of a Hero….the South African Hellene, Michael Odysseos.

Michael is a 39 year old proud Hellene who comes from a Cypriot Background. He was born and grew up in the Eastrand (Springs...Brakpan…Benoni) in South Africa. Like all young men, Michael was a happy , full of life- young man who enjoyed going out and especially enjoyed Soccer. 

In 2006, while on his way to watch a World Cup match, Michael was involved in a horrific car accident. Michael was flung out of his car, while trying to avoid a drunk pedestrian who was crossing the freeway. He had multiple head injuries and was in a coma induced state for a very long time. His condition was 'touch and go'! Doctors also sadly told his parents that his injuries were very serious and due to his severe head injuries that they were not sure if he would ever function normally again.

Michael never gave up!

Through his perseverance and will to live…the will to live a normal life again…Michael beat all odds! Michael had to learn to walk again…he had to learn to eat and speak from the beginning. Not only did he achieve all this but he lives a very active life today. He has taken part in many Marathons and is a South African Motivational and Insprational Speaker.

Michaels Philosophy of life as told in his words after his experience are….Faith…Strength…..Energy!

Please enjoy this interview…of this incredible man…a true Greek Hero.

Michael Today!


Michael Odysseos

Michael After his Horrific Accident!                          &                                     The car after the accident!

                                                   

Written By: Efh Kanavou

EΦH KANABOY
  ( ΚΑΘΗΓΗΤΡΙΑ ΣΤO JOHANNESBURG
SOUTH AFRICA)
MEΛΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΜΑΔΑΣ
ΣΕΛΛΑ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΣ BLOG NEWS

Της Έφης Καναβού για το ΣΕΛΛΑ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΣ BLOG NEWS

ΕΦΗ ΚΑΝΑΒΟΥ " SOUTH AFRICAN GREEKS)" : ΙΝΤΕRVIEW WITH MR VASSILIS KONSTANTOPOULOS, ECONOMIST AND FINANCIAL DIRECTOR FOR CTI FINANCIAL INSTITUTE!

Vassilis Konstantopoulos with
 Anastasia Papageorgiou

South African Greeks (Interview with Mr Vassilis Konstantopoulos, Economist and Financial Director for CTI Financial Institute.

I would like to begin this article by saying that it has been an honour to interview this young, intelligent man…my friend Vassilis Konstantopoulous. Vassilis is a young Economist who is the Financial Director and Chief Analyst for CTI Financial Institute in Pretoria, South Africa. His interest in Greece's Economy and the crisis Greece is facing today is explained by him in such subtleness, honesty and hope. This was a difficult interview for me as my knowledge of finances let alone Greek Economics is quite limited. Vassili explained it in such 'lame man terms'... that he honestly gave a simple analysis both with factual and opinionated content.  Let me start by saying that Vassil's parents originate from Kalamata and although he was born in South Africa, his love for Greece and his knowledge especially on Greek Economical and Finacial aspects is broad. Unfortunately, Vassilis Konstantopoulos asked not to be filmed for this interview and preferred his interview in writing.

This interview took place on the 3rd November 2014…over lunch with his lovely wife Anastasia Papageorgiou.

Vassili started off by saying…"Greece's Economic Recession may have bottomed out so far down that it might now start to see some light at the end of the tunnel. Looking at economic data... it is starting to indicate the worst might be behind for the Greek Economy."

I kind of disagreed with him at that moment and asked him... 'How can he say that when the country is nearly in it's 7th year of recession. People are unemployed and Greece's bailouts since 2010 has not done them any good.' ( I felt pretty Economically well read after this comment!!!) Vassili smiled and continued by saying…

"Yes, the country has a long way to go in reforming it's economy, but it is not an impossible task."

"With enough PATIENCE AND DETERMINATION…The Greek Economy could soon see at least better times ahead".

Well…here you have it…many may read this and say…What an optimist!  But I can assure you a 'Greek, Tou Eksoterikou' especially an educated person like Vassilis Konstantopoulos, who loves and believes that Greece will make it through this trying time- can not be all that wrong.

Yes, for us…Greeks living in South Africa…we would like to think that Greece will reach her full Economic potential once again!

I, Efh Kanavou would like to end by saying…Greece has overcome so much…this recession facing Greece today is just a 'tiny speck of dust' lying in a deep embedded crack that can be eventually 'dusted' away using the correct tools! 

With the right people governing the country and making that difference…like Vassili quoted…"With PATIENCE AND DETERMINATION"…Greece should reach Economic Growth once again.

 Written By: Efh Kanavou

EΦH KANABOY
  ( ΚΑΘΗΓΗΤΡΙΑ ΣΤO JOHANNESBURG
SOUTH AFRICA)
MEΛΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΜΑΔΑΣ
ΣΕΛΛΑ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΣ BLOG NEWS

Της Έφης Καναβού για το ΣΕΛΛΑ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΣ BLOG NEWS

EΦΗ ΚΑΝΑΒΟΥ ( SOUTH AFRICAN GREEKS PART 2): ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΚΟΙΝΟΤΗΤΑ ΜΠΕΝΟΝΙ ( ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΑΘΑΝΑΣΙΟΥ) !

Πάτερ Μάρκος- Εκκλησία Αγ. Αθανασίου
Ελληνική Κοινότητα Μπενόνι
Γιοχάννεσμπουργκ

Ελληνική Κοινότητα του Μπενόνι (Αγίου Αθανασίου Εκκλησία) 
Η Ελληνική Κοινότητα Μπενόνι βρίσκεται στα ανατολικά του Γιοχάννεσμπουργκ και Κέμπτον Παρκ. Έχει ιδιόκτητα κτίρια που περιλαμβάνουν την Εκκλησία του Αγίου Αθανασίου, διώροφο κτίριο, όπου στεγάζονται τα Γραφεία της Κοινότητας, οι Σχολικές Αίθουσες Διδασκαλίας, Αίθουσα Τελετών Σχολικών Εορτών, μεγάλη Αίθουσα Συγκεντρώσεων και Διασκεδάσεων, πλήρως εξοπλισμένη κουζίνα, αποθήκες και άλλους βοηθητικούς χώρους.  Πρέπει να σημειωθεί ότι η όμορφη Εκκλησία της Κοινότητας έχει ανακηρυχθεί Μνημείο και αξιοθέατο της πόλεως του Μπενόνι και πολλοί είναι οι τουρίστες, που σχεδόν καθημερινά, επισκέπτονται και θαυμάζουν την Εκκλησία. Το 1937, ιδρύθηκε ο Ελληνικός Σύνδεσμος Μπενόνι από ένθερμους Έλληνες κατοίκους της περιοχής με κύριο σκοπό την ίδρυση ελληνικού σχολείου για τα παιδιά τους. Στις αρχές του 1940 χρησιμοποιούσαν μία αίθουσα σε ένα σχολείο απέναντι από το σημερινό Σχολείο, όπου διδάσκονταν τα παιδιά την ελληνική γλώσσα, ήθη και έθιμα. Μετά το Β΄ Παγκόσμιο Πόλεμο, αποφάσισαν και αγόρασαν ένα παλιό σπίτι το οποίο διαμόρφωσαν σε Σχολείο. Το 1968 μετονομάστηκε σε Ελληνική Κοινότητα Μπενόνι και άρχισε η εντατική εργασία για την περαιτέρω πρόοδο της Κοινότητας, την επέκταση των κτιρίων, την ανέγερση της Εκκλησίας κ.τ.λ.

Γράφει η Εφη Καναβού,

Αγιος Αθανάσιος Κοινότητα Μπενόνι
Νοτιος Αφρική-Γιοχάννεσμπουργκ

South African Greeks in all cities in South African belong to a particular 'Koinotita' Each Greek Community has a Church, a hall and a Greek School.I grew up in the Benoni Community situated about 30km from Johannesburg. This community consists of about three hundred Greek families who take pride in serving their community the best way they can. 

St Athanasios Church in Benoni has played an important part for all Greeks living in this community. It has been the meeting place for all Greeks to celebrate their tradition, the Greek Orthodox religion and a meeting place where we all meet-young and old -to socialize.

We are a community who all know each other and love the heritage we come from. Every year on the 18th January we celebrate St Athanasios with a 'Panigiri.' 

On the 26 October 2014, on the Holy Day of St Dimitrios...I had the pleasure to have interviewed a few people who are actively involved in the church and the Benoni Community.

 I had the pleasure and privelege of interviewing my childhood friend -who also happens to be our priest at St Athanasios …Archimandritis, Pater Marko Theodosi! Pater Marko- grew up in Benoni, attended Greek school with me and loved this community so much that he decided to return after his studies in Greece to preach at St Athanasios and be part of a community he loved and cared for. 

I also had the the privelege of interviewing, Pater Sotiris Mavrikis…a retired priest- who has been part of the Germiston Community for over 35 years. He originates from Kalamata and was very eager to share a few words of wisdom… a few things about himself …his children and his love for Greece.

Χαρούλα & Αλέξανδρος και Μιχάλης
Ελληνική Κοινότητα Μπενόνι
Νότιος Αφρική- Γιοχάννεσμπουργκ

Lastly, I interviewed Kur. Haroulla Theodosi, a Greek teacher who grew up in Benoni and continues to serve her community as a Greek dancing teacher every week in Benoni. I also spoke to two youths, Alexandros and Michalis Samuela Salamon Kogiou who live in Benoni and clearly love being of Greek heritage.  
I would like to dedicate this article to my Theio Δημήτρη Αδαμόπουλο ,(XΡΟΝΙΑ ΠΟΛΛΑ, ΘΕΙΕ!! )Theia Fofo and their children Stavros and Theodora who now reside in Kyparrisia and are from Sella.  They once lived here in Benoni for a couple of years before they returned to Greece. This will definitely bring back good memories for them!!

Η κυρία Εφη Καναβού κατέγραψε δύο εξαιρετικές συνεντεύξεις με τους παράγοντες της εκκλησίας καθώς και με Έλληνες της διασποράς στην κοινότητα Μπενόνι για το ΣΕΛΛΑ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΣ ΒLOG NEWS-NEMESIS, τις οποίες μπορείτε να ακούσετε και να δείτε στα παρακάτω βίντεο.

...................................................................................................................................................................

1ο Βίντεο - Εφη Καναβού με τον Πατερ Σωτήρη, αλλά και με την Χαρούλα, τον Αλέξανδρο και τον Μιχάλη, σε μια πολύ ενδιαφέρουσα συζήτηση!

2o Βίντεο - Εφη Καναβού με τον Πάτερ Μάρκο, σε ένα τετ τα τετ, εφ' όλης της ύλης !

By: Efh Kanavou

EΦH KANABOY
  ( ΚΑΘΗΓΗΤΡΙΑ ΣΤO JOHANNESBURG
SOUTH AFRICA)
MEΛΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΜΑΔΑΣ
ΣΕΛΛΑ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΣ BLOG NEWS

Της Έφης Καναβού για το ΣΕΛΛΑ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΣ BLOG NEWS 

ΕΦΗ ΚΑΝΑΒΟΥ: SOUTH AFRICAN GREEKS (Part 1)'MY INTERVIEW WITH GEORGIOS KANAVOS (Junior)' !!!

A Photograph  depicts Father and Son!

I decided to write and interview  ordinary people (South African Hellenes) who have made a huge impact in South Africa and at the same time love a country they long for, Greece! In the first part of this journey I would like to introduce Greece-Sellas to a wonderful proud young Hellene, Georgios Kanavos. Georgios was born on the 8 January 1985 to an African Mother and Father. Unfortunately due to his biological mother's very young age she was not able to look after him.

 

He was sent as a baby to live with his grandmother who was working for a Greek Family in 1986. Not long after Georgios arrival, this Greek family, Georgios and Christina Kanavos decided that they would adopt and love this little boy.

 

Georgios was adored and loved by his new family with all their heart. His two sisters Efh and Tzenh Kanavou played an important part in his upbringing too.

 

Georgios attended Greek Church every Sunday, went to Greek school and was brought up to love and be proud to be a Hellene, a Pelloponesian Hellene.

 

Georgios excelled at school and when he completed high school he decided he wanted to go to Greece to serve his country in the army.

 

To his disappointment his mother, Christina, a typical Greek mother who worried about her children -felt that Georgios should rather complete his studies and then decide if he still had the need to go to the Greek army.

 

Georgios followed his passion of the Arts(Film making) and studied Media production.

 

He has been successful in producing two major productions for Television in South Africa, where he gained National recognition. His short films were called "Tree House" and  "Debt".

Georgios' Dream is to produce a movie about his father, Georgios Kanavos (Senior) who left Greece at the age of 14, facing many difficulties- but with determination and hard work was able to make a life for his family in South Africa and at the same time never forgetting his beloved Greece.

Georgios love for being Greek and loving Greece is also depicted in a Clip (interview) I was privileged to have with him. This short Clip has been attached at the end of this article! I am so proud and honoured to be blessed with a brother like Georgios… 

I would like to end by saying, that as a Hellenic Community in South Africa ,which is around 50 thousand Greek South Africans at the moment-We are PROUD of our heritage.

 

'PERIFANI' to come from a country like Greece and we know Greece will overcome every obstacle it faces at the present moment!

Στο παρακάτω βίντεο μπορείτε να δείτε και να ακούσετε, αυτή την υπέροχη συνέντευξη της κυρίας 'Εφης Καναβού  με τον Γιώργο Καναβό, που γράφτηκε τις προηγούμενες ημέρες στο JOHANNESBURG της Νότιας Αφρικής, για το ΣΕΛΛΑ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΣ BLOG NEWS-NEMESIS

Μπορείτε να δείτε το παρακάτω βίντεο, πατώντας το Play, αλλά πρώτα να πατήσετε Pause στο LiveStream πάνω δεξιά του Blog, με τίτλο ( ΧΡΗΣΙΜΑ ΝΕΑ ΤΡΙΦΥΛΙΑΣ
 

 

Της Έφης Καναβού για το ΣΕΛΛΑ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΣ BLOG NEWS

 

EΦH KANABOY
  ( ΚΑΘΗΓΗΤΡΙΑ ΣΤO JOHANNESBURG
SOUTH AFRICA)
MEΛΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΜΑΔΑΣ
ΣΕΛΛΑ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΣ BLOG NEWS

 

ΕΥΣΤΑΘΙΑ ΚΑΝΑΒΟΥ ( SOUTH AFRICA (- ΑΝΥΔΡΟ (ΛΟΣΟΒΥΤΗ) ΤΡΙΦΥΛΙΑΣ : AΠΑΝΤΑΧΟΥ ΣΕΛΛΑΙΟΙ ΣΤΕΛΝΟΥΝ ΤΗΝ ΑΓΑΠΗ ΤΟΥΣ ΣΤΟ ΣΕΛΛΑ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΣ BLOG NEWS!

ΕΥΣΤΑΘΙΑ ΚΑΝΑΒΟΥ-SOUTH AFRICA
JOHANNESBURG!

What an Interesting and Informative Blog about all the latest News and Happenings from the beautiful Sella!

I am so honoured to have been introduced to your colourful, exciting and informative Blog.

 

 

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Efstathia Kanavou, I was born in Athens but grew up and still live in Johannesburg, South Africa.
 

My parents are both from Nomos Messinias. They grew up in a little village called Faraklada, 7km outside Kyparrissia. My connection and love for Sella was instilled in me by my late Grandfather, Ioannis Konstandopoulos.

Also known as "Lagogiannis".  He was born in the Village Liosoviti but often visited Sella to spend time with family and friends who resided there. I was fortunate enough to accompany him as a young girl to your beautiful, Sella.
 

I immediately fell in love with the surrounding hills and mountain. The fresh clean air and the cool breeze. I was truly in nature! I remember my Papoulh saying, with a deep sigh of happiness to me, 'Efoula….autos o Topos…. einai Agios topos paidi mou!'  These words will remain with me forever!

I am happy to say I still have family from Sella ….Dimhtrios Adamopoulos and family…. and as soon as I visit Greece again I will definitely

 visit the beautiful Sella.

Thank you for a wonderful Blog!

I am excited to be part of this….I will be a daily visitor to it….reading the latest news and events!

With Kind Regards and my Best wishes of success with this Blog.

Efh

Johannesburg - South Africa

Η αγαπητή κυρία Καναβού μας έστειλε τις κάτωθι φωτογραφίες από την πόλη που ζει στην Νοτια Αφρική

Το ΣΕΛΛΑ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΣ BLOG NEWS, ευχαριστεί θερμά την κυρία Καναβού, για τα καλά  λόγια και την τιμή που μας έκανε να μας στείλει τις παραπάνω φωτογραφίες.

Ο Διαχειριστής του ΣΕΛΛΑ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΣ  Blog News Nemesis , Βασίλειος Αργυρόπουλος.