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!

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Earlwood’s Greek spirit centre stage as ‘Plateia’ Festival secures state funding

The City of Canterbury Bankstown will host the “Love Earlwood” festival thanks to the NSW Government’s Open Streets 2025-28 Program.

Greek Consul General honoured at Hellenic Club farewell event in Sydney

Sydney’s Greek community came together on Thursday for a dignified farewell dinner in honour of Greece’s Consul General, Ioannis Mallikourtis

Field of candidates announced for 2025 Greek Community of Melbourne Board election

Greek Community of Melbourne has officially called elections for a new Board of Directors, with members set to head to the polls on June 29.

Australia Cup 2025: Strong Greek heritage club presence as Final 32 locked in

The cast for the Hahn Australia Cup 2025 Round of 32 has been decided following the completion of the Preliminary Rounds.

Apostolakis and Trimis named on Young Matildas squad for upcoming training camp

CommBank Young Matildas Head Coach Alex Epakis has settled on a 32-player squad for a domestic training camp to be held in Sydney.

You May Also Like

Practicality in nostalgia: Writing letters to my yiayia in Greece

When I was 10, I had grasped just about enough of the Greek language to start writing to my yiayia Marianthe in Greece.

Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas in battle with WA government over land grab

The Western Australia government plans to seize City of Perth land to build a $150 million school to ease overcrowding in public schools.

Tsitsipas blames “sore arm” for loss against Canada on Day 1 of ATP Cup

Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas has complained of an arm irritation after Denis Shapovalov pulled off the ATP Cup's first upset to seal victory for...