Archbishop Makarios of Australia reflects on ‘two freedoms’ in Greek National Day message

·

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia has issued a message to Greek Australians to mark Greek Independence Day today.

Full Message:

Orthodoxy and Hellenism, like two wings of the same body, journey together, united and inseparable, through the skies of our Nation’s history. This unbreakable and continuous bond is emphatically reminded to us on this day, in which, as our great poet Kostis Palamas wrote, “two freedoms unite.” Indeed, today we celebrate both the freedom of humanity from the bonds of sin and the freedom of our homeland from long years of slavery and tyranny.

The first freedom we owe to the mercy of our compassionate God and to the world-saving event of the Annunciation of the Ever-Virgin Mary. In our churches and hearts, the liberating words of the Archangel Gabriel resound: “Rejoice, highly favoured one… behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.” And the response of the Virgin Mary: “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” The event of the Annunciation marked the dawn of a new era for humankind; an era where darkness retreats and light spreads, where despair is replaced by the joy in Christ and the hope of eternal life.

The second freedom that we commemorate and celebrate today came after the uprising of the enslaved Greeks in 1821. It was achieved thanks to the heroic struggles and sacrifices of our ancestors, who stood tall against a powerful empire. They knew they were outnumbered and lacked military resources, yet their hearts were seized by the desire for freedom. It was this longing for liberty, along with their unwavering faith that “with God nothing will be impossible,” that led to the achievement of the independence of our homeland.

We must never forget that all we are and all we have as younger generations, we owe to those virtuous and pious forebears, who were inspired by ideals and values and who trusted in the words of the Archangel that nothing is impossible for God! Let us draw lessons from their shining example as we navigate a world that often presents as freedom the separation from our Creator and the enslavement to human passions, material possessions, and worldly pleasures.

Many years to all! May they be years of true freedom and salvific years!

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Boos for Postecoglou as Forest fall to Midtjylland in Europa League

Ange Postecoglou faced boos and chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” as Nottingham Forest suffered a 3-2 Europa League defeat.

EU Chief Prosecutor calls for end to ministerial immunity in Greece

EU chief prosecutor Laura Kövesi has called for changes to Greece’s justice system, urging constitutional reform to remove immunity rules.

Greek delegation launch hunger strike amid Israel detention over Gaza flotilla

Eleven members of a 27-strong Greek delegation detained during the Global Sumud Flotilla have begun a hunger strike to protest.

Manchester synagogue attack suspect identified

British police have identified the suspect in Thursday’s deadly attack outside a Manchester synagogue as 35-year-old Jihad al-Shamie.

Centenary tribute to Mikis Theodorakis fills Alpha with music, memory and Greek pride

Alpha Restaurant transformed on Sunday, September 28 as the Australian Hellenic Choir headlined a “Centenary Tribute to Mikis Theodorakis.”

You May Also Like

Jonathon’s grows under pappou Panagioti’s watchful eye

In a full circle moment, Jonathon Atalalis has inherited his pappou Panagioti Kitsiris’ enterprising spirit, opening his self-titled cafe.

Traditional Greek Recipes: Five dishes for Lent (Sarakosti)

A Greek dish doesn't have to contain meat to be delicious. Here's a list of our five favourite recipes for Sarakosti.

One dead as Keratea wildfire consumes over 1,500 hectares

A massive wildfire that broke out early Friday afternoon in Keratea, on the eastern outskirts of Athens, has killed one person.