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!

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

First-ever online Summer School for Greek Language Teachers in Australia announced

For the first time in Australia, a specialised online summer school will be held for teachers of the Greek language in the diaspora.

NSW Police withdraw AVO against convicted businessman Nicholas Stavropoulos

An AVO against Nicholas Stavropoulos has been withdrawn and dismissed by NSW Police, despite his recent rape conviction in Greece.

Canterbury Bankstown FC’s Greek Australian stars shine at Malaysian Borneo Cup

The Canterbury Bankstown FC Under-16s - formerly known as Marrickville Olympic - are representing Australia at the 2025 Malaysian Borneo Cup.

Hellenic Club of Canberra pushes ahead with plan for Woden Village precinct

The Hellenic Club of Canberra has lodged the Development Application (DA) for its proposed Woden Village precinct.

Emotional citizenship ceremony marks Greek government’s outreach to diaspora in Sydney

Diaspora leaders were briefed on civil registry and citizenship matters - and three Greek Australians were sworn in as new Greek citizens.

You May Also Like

Christmas spirit on display by students from Greek Orthodox Community of NSW

The end-of-year school concert by the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW saw students get into the Christmas spirit.

Celebration of Hellenism at the Chau Chak Wing Museum in Sydney this May

A Greek taverna with live music and tavli boards will be recreated at the University of Sydney’s Chau Chak Wing Museum.

New seminar shines a light on the development of ‘The Greek Tragedy’

A lecture will be presented by Dr Sebastiana Nervegna, 'Performing Greek Tragedy around the Mediterranean', part of Greek History and Culture Seminars