Continuing the Celebration

Little over a week until Greek Independence Day, I already have caught myself humming the Greek National anthem in anticipation. Although it may seem a little extreme to some, my pride in my culture overwhelms me even more than usual every 25th of March. Religiously, it is significant, as the Annunciation of the Theotokos, the day that the Archangel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would bear a child. However, it is an extremely significant day in history as well that really exemplifies the heart and dedication Greeks are known to have for their culture and country.

In 1821, when the Greeks already had been oppressed by Ottoman rule for hundreds of years, Bishop Germanos of Patras marked the day of March 25th, which would come to be celebrated for so many years to come. He raised the Greek flag at the Monastery of Agia Lavra in Peloponnese declaring one more revolution against the Turks. People of Greece shouted “Eleftheria H Thanatos” (Freedom or Death) and went on to fight for eight years until finally the Treaty of Adrianople recognized Greek independence.
Independence was a monumental accomplishment for Greece. It is so impressive to me how the Greeks managed to maintain their cultural identity despite so many years of oppression, and I believe it is that astonishment that makes many Greeks also feel thankful every year for our ancestors’ determination and faith. I think that pride in our culture is something that defines us as Greeks and why March 25th will never cease to be a great day of celebration.

Though almost all Greek Orthodox churches hold some sort of celebration to commemorate the day, there are some which are widely-recognized, large celebrations put on for Greek Independence Day that are also exciting to attend. Some of these include the Greek Independence Day Parade on 5th in New York City, Parade in Greektown Chicago, Parade in Greektown Detroit, the Mid-Atlantic Parade in Maryland and of course too many to list in Greece. Be prepared and enjoy a full celebration of the day!