Greek and Cypriot politicians and diplomats have issued messages to Australia’s Greek diaspora ahead of 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,
On the 25th of March, Hellenism in its entirety honours the anniversary of our national rebirth and celebrates the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary — the joyful message of the divine incarnation.
The anniversary of the 25th of March is a day of pride and a national milestone in our long history. The Greeks united their strength in the glorious struggle to defend their freedom and Orthodoxy. Hellenism across the globe played a decisive role in the War of Independence in 1821, gave momentum to the Philhellenic movement, and has consistently offered every possible support to the motherland.
Even today, Greeks of the Diaspora continue to make us proud, serving as the best ambassadors of Greece abroad and remaining steadfast guardians of our language and culture. You are a valuable national asset and a key priority for the Hellenic State. Our goal is to strengthen the bonds with Greeks worldwide by building bridges of meaningful communication and cooperation.
In an era of great challenges, Greece remains a pillar of stability and peace, always guided by the values of our ancestors — freedom, democracy, and dialogue. The anniversary of our national regeneration continues to inspire us, demonstrating that global Hellenism, united and cooperative, confronts all challenges with resolve.
On the occasion of our national anniversary and the Feast of the Annunciation, I wholeheartedly wish all Greek men and women across the world health, progress, and prosperity.
Message by the Ambassador of Greece in Australia, Stavros Venizelos:
Fellow Greeks, dear friends,
We honour with pride and emotion the 25th of March, a day that marks the rebirth of our nation. It was on this day in 1821 that the Greek people rose in defiance, declaring to the world that they would be free. For the first time in modern European history, a nation-state was forged through revolution, inspired by the principles of democracy and self-determination—principles that were born in Greece itself.
Two hundred and four years have passed since that pivotal moment, and in that time, Greece has built a distinct and enduring civilization, shaped by both its ancient heritage and Byzantine traditions. This fusion of Antiquity and the millennium long Orthodox Christian empire has formed a nation that not only survived immense challenges but thrived, defining its own unique identity.
We must remember that Greece’s struggle for freedom was not fought alone. The role of the Philhellenes—people from all over the world who saw in Greece the birthplace of their own values—was instrumental. Volunteers across Europe, many fought and died for Greece, moved by the ideals of liberty and justice. Greek communities abroad also played a crucial role. From Odessa and Vienna to Marseilles and Alexandria, they provided funding, weapons, and influence, ensuring Greece’s cause was heard across the world.
Today, Greece celebrates its achievements. Our way of life and free spirit is our soft power. Culture, arts, theater, and music is the force of our shared human expression. World class Greek cuisine celebrates sophisticated simplicity and healthy flavours.
At the political level, we value our EU membership and we advocate for deeper European integration. We support free trade and a strong national defense for a peaceful future, as we are committed to a strong Euro-Atlantic relationship. We have built an economy, leading in tourism and services, welcoming millions who seek the beauty of the islands and the wealth of history. We are a maritime power, with Greek shipping controlling nearly 20% of global trade. Our commitment to the future is evident, with 50% of our energy now sourced from renewable power, showing our dedication to sustainability and progress. The protection of nature and the marine environment is imperative.
Yet, Greece’s success extends far beyond its borders. Across Europe, America, and Australia, Greek communities have made their mark. They have excelled in business, academia, politics, and the arts, becoming respected and successful while preserving the language and traditions of their ancestors. I am proud of the Greeks of Australia who have contributed to the progress and prosperity of the Australian nation. Their story is one of hard work, endurance, and talent—core values that have defined the Greeks throughout history.
Finally, on this day we must pay tribute to the Greek language, one of the oldest and most continuous in the world. It is through this language that we continue to share our ideas, our stories, and our identity with the world.
As we celebrate today, let us remember: Greece is not only its past but also its future. The spirit of 1821 lives on in each of us—in our achievements, in our values, and in our unwavering determination to overcome adversity.
Message by the High Commissioner of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis:
Dear compatriots,
Today we honour, as we do every year, the great celebration of the Nation, the glorious Revolution of 1821, the greatest bright landmark in our modern history. Together with Greece, Cyprus also honours this anniversary. Because this is defined by the very Constitution of Cyprus, which provides that the 25th of March is a public holiday. And this is imposed by public sentiment, the patriotic feelings of Hellenism in Cyprus.
The Archbishop of Cyprus Kyprianos was initiated into the Great Struggle already from 1818. But wisely the Filiki Eteria decided to exclude Cyprus from the theatres of operations, foreseeing that the reprisals of the Turks, due to the short distance from Anatolia, would be dramatic, as was shown indeed with the destruction of Chios. And indeed, without Cyprus having revolted, in July 1821 the Turks executed the Archbishop, the Metropolitans, a multitude of priests, teachers and hundreds of other notables, in an attempt to terrorise its inhabitants.
But the atrocities of the Turks did not dishearten the Cypriots. Hundreds, if not thousands, of young volunteers arrived during the years of the struggle in mainland Greece. We will mention only a few examples: Nikolaos Theseas from Strovolos of Nicosia gave for the struggle his entire large fortune that he had in Marseille to support the military corps of Demetrios Ypsilantis. His brother, Archimandrite Theofilos, reached the rank of lieutenant general and lost one of his hands at Missolonghi. Ioannis Stavrianos from Lofou of Limassol fought beside Karaiskakis. Konstantinos Kypriotis fought and sacrificed himself beside Kanaris, while his son Michalis fought beside Makrygiannis and was killed at Nafplio.
“Theirs is just a sliver of land / but You, my Christ, bless them / so they may save this sliver / from the jackal and the bear. / See how Nikitaras dances / and the tambouras becomes a nightingale.”
In these verses the poet Nikos Gatsos condenses the faith of the Greeks in Christ and their struggle to remain free on their ancestral land. In this struggle, which has lasted 2,500 years, the jackals and the bears that threaten us always find before them the Greeks, determined for the ultimate sacrifice, spirited and united at the critical hour.
It is true that our land is poor. It is true that the worm of discord, of division, has destroyed and continues to destroy the vigour and the very core of the Nation. And it is true that many traitors fall into foreign traps and serve alien interests. But the miracle of faith and love of country will not cease to exist, the Greek soul which has praised freedom and democracy more than any other cannot live with anything less. It will therefore carry the immortal spirit and flame of 1821 from generation to generation and to every corner of the globe where Greeks exist, from America to Australia.
“From Epirus to the Morea / and from darkness to freedom / the celebration lasts for years / in death’s marble threshing floors. / Judge and master is God / and interpreter the people.”
