Drawing from essays first published in Neos Kosmos Greek Australian newspaper, and enriched with theoretical analysis, the book borrows its title from a line by poet Christos Fifis
Speaking to SBS Greek, Dr Vassilacopoulos argued that the central question “Whose homeland is it?” resonates powerfully in Australia, a nation built on colonisation and violence. For the Greek diaspora, he said, the challenge lies in reclaiming their democratic tradition and engaging responsibly with questions of justice and historical memory.
The interview was sharply critical of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, which, according to Dr Vassilacopoulos, has at times claimed political representation of the community while weakening collective dialogue.
He warned that if the communities fail to foster critical thought and rediscover political dignity, they risk becoming “nothing more than an ethnocentric showcase.”
Reflecting on the younger generation, Dr Vassilacopoulos called for a “political and spiritual rebirth,” one that revives democratic dialogue across generations and reconnects migrant history with Australia’s broader story, in solidarity with those facing injustice today, including Indigenous Australians and Palestinians.
Although cautious about current leadership, which he described as trapped in “deep conservatism” since the 1990s, he expressed hope in grassroots movements like Greek Australians for Palestine, which embody courage, creativity, and solidarity.
