Love is the secret

08-11-17 Haralambos and Despina Hatzopoulos 90, came from Ano Kline, Florina, Greece in 1954 with two children, celebrating 70th anniversary. Photo by Damjan Janevski.

Altona North couple Haralambos and Despina Hatzopoulos, both 90, on Thursday (November 16) celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

The couple hail from Ano Klines, a small village in Florina, Greece. They were married in wartime and had to go to a big city to wed because of “big trouble” in the village.

Mr Hatzopoulos served in the army from 1949-51 before the couple came to Australia with their two youngest daughters in 1954.

Mr Hatzopoulos said love was the secret to a long marriage.

“I am very happy,” he said.

“I have three daughters, nine grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren – big family.”

The couple made Melbourne’s west their home, running a family fish and chip shop for 30 years before retiring.