Greek and Cypriot politicians and diplomats have issued messages to Australia’s Greek diaspora to mark the double celebration on March 25th of Greek Independence Day and the Annunciation of the Theotokos.
Message by Greece’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister for Greeks Abroad, Ioannis Michail Loverdos
Dear compatriots,
March 25 is a special day for all Greeks, in every corner of the world. It is a day of remembrance and honour for those who, with courage and self-sacrifice, raised the banner of the Revolution of 1821 and opened the way to the freedom and independence of our homeland.
Devotion to Freedom, as well as the deep religious faith of the Greek people, were sources of strength for the rebelling Nation in its struggle to cast off the Turkish yoke.
This year’s national anniversary carries particular symbolism, as in April we mark 200 years since the Exodus of Messolonghi — one of the most heroic moments of the Struggle for Freedom. The brave resistance of the people of Messolonghi and their self-sacrifice were acts of the soul, praised by poets, painters and writers, and continue to inspire those who seek human freedom to this day.
The messages of the Greek Revolution remain ever relevant. In a time of intense geopolitical upheaval and international challenges, Greece remains a country that is stable, safe and confident. In recent years, it has taken significant steps forward: the economy is growing, institutions are being strengthened, and our country’s international standing is being enhanced. This is also due to you — the worthy Greeks of the diaspora — who, although living far from Greece, keep our language, traditions and identity alive. Through your journey and your love for the homeland, you prove every day that Hellenism knows no borders.
You, the Greeks of Australia, carry Greece in your hearts every day. On such a distant continent, you keep the memory of the homeland alive, you teach your children the language of their ancestors, you honour traditions, and you pass from generation to generation the light of Greek culture. Through your hard work, success and dignity, you make Greece proud.
Many happy returns to everyone, both for the anniversary of March 25 and for the joyful message of the Annunciation of the Theotokos — a feast of deep spiritual significance for Orthodoxy, inextricably linked with hope and renewal.
Ioannis Michail Loverdos
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece
Message by the Ambassador of Greece in Australia, Stavros Venizelos:
Dear friends,
We honour March 25, a day that marks the rebirth of our nation and our love of freedom. For the first time in modern European history, a nation-state was created through revolution, inspired by the principles of democracy and self-determination — principles that were born in Greece itself.
Two hundred and five years have passed since that defining moment, and in that time Greece has built a timeless civilisation, shaped both by its ancient heritage and its Byzantine traditions, defining our unique identity.
Greece’s struggle for freedom was not fought alone. The role of the Philhellenes — people from around the world who saw in Greece the birthplace of their own values — was decisive.
Today, Greece celebrates its achievements. Our way of life and our spirit are our soft power. Culture and the arts are the strength of our shared experience. At the same time, we stand for the deepening of the European Union, we support the sustainable development of the economy, and we uphold a strong national defence in cooperation with our allies for a peaceful future.
Greece’s success extends beyond its borders. In Europe, America and Australia, Greek communities have left their distinct mark. They have excelled in business, academia, politics and the arts, earning respect and achieving success, while preserving their language and traditions. I am proud of the Greeks of Australia, who have contributed to the progress and prosperity of modern Australia. Their story is one of hard work, resilience and great ability — values that have characterised Greeks throughout history.
Finally, we honour the Greek language, one of the oldest and most important languages. Through it, we continue to share our ideas, our stories and our identity with the world.
Stavros Venizelos
Ambassador of Greece to Australia
Message by the High Commissioner of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis:
“All glory, all grace, a holy day dawns,
and the nation greets your memory on bended knee…”
Dear compatriots,
The verses from the march of this great national celebration stir emotion and feelings of pride among Hellenism, from Alexandria and Cyprus to Himara, and from Constantinople to Southern Italy. That same sense of national uplift and joy is also felt by Greeks abroad, from California to Sydney, from St Petersburg to Johannesburg.
As Greeks of Cyprus, we are reminded once again that March 25 and the Greek flag are constitutionally enshrined in the Republic of Cyprus. In the temporary absence of a Cypriot national anthem, the national anthem of Greece is played at every official occasion. And of course, we do not forget the invaluable contribution and sacrifices of the Cypriots in the Struggle, despite the great distance separating them from mainland Greece.
In the difficult days humanity is facing, with the new war in the Middle East, we have all been informed of the actions undertaken by the Greek government, in cooperation with the government of the Republic of Cyprus, to shield Cyprus from any threat and to strengthen our defensive capabilities, particularly at sea and in the air. The Greek frigates that arrived in Cyprus and the Greek fighter aircraft were welcomed with enthusiasm — not because we are warlike or turn against anyone, but because we saw in practice what we have always declared: that if we are called upon to defend ourselves together again, this time Cyprus will not be far away and will not be alone.
At the same time, we must not forget that patriotism today requires a proper understanding of what we have achieved, with the support of Greece, as Cyprus — now a member of the European family. With this awareness, and the courage we draw from it, we must strive to achieve as soon as possible the reunification of Cyprus into a common state of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, as provided for in United Nations resolutions. Because patriotism is not the perpetuation of Cyprus’ division, but its reunification.
Antonis Sammoutis
High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Australia
