As he notes, the Hellenism of Cyprus, which even today, 48 years after 1974, is still experiencing Turkish occupation, draws particular messages from this glorious anniversary.
"Recalling our national roots and drawing on the justice of our struggle, we are inspired by this national anniversary to continue to demand an end to foreign occupation and freedom throughout Cyprus. With the feat of 1821 as our indelible national legacy, we resist injustice and bulimia and are ready not to give in to Turkey's voracious expansionist plans. Basking in the national swimming pool of 1821, we are inspired by the rebirth of Hellenism and we continue to fight and claim by peaceful means and with the weapon of international law the liberation of all the territories of our homeland", he added.
In his message, the Minister of Education said that "with feelings of national pride we commemorate the anniversary of 25 March 1821 and the liberation of Greece from the Ottoman yoke".
On the day of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, Mr Prodromou continues, Hellenism everywhere recalls the feat of that epic struggle and reawakens with the messages of national rebellion.
"Founded on the principles of freedom and justice, the Greek Revolution is a decisive milestone in the course of the modern history of Hellenism and a legacy for future generations. The uprising of the enslaved Greeks was preceded by a spiritual renaissance. From the middle of the 18th century, Greek letters were developing in the wider region, reaching as far as central Europe. With the lights of knowledge and education, many thinkers such as Adamantios Korais and Regas Feraeus connected modern Hellenism with the seeds of the great Greek intellectual tradition. This current of Greek enlightenment, inspired also by European enlightenment, paved the way for the Society of Friends. That secret brotherhood that spread to Greece, Asia Minor, the Balkans and central Europe, reaching as far as Cyprus and preparing the revolution", he adds.
In addition, he states that the Revolution of 1821 brought out the virtues of the race and marked the course of the nation.
"Men and women, named and unnamed, from all social groups, with meagre material means but with high patriotic spirit and mental fortitude, undertook a struggle for liberation on land and sea. With unparalleled patriotic devotion and self-denial, they defied even death. The phrase "freedom or death" became the front page of the Revolution. Legendary figures such as Theodoros Kolokotronis, Georgios Karaiskakis, Athanasios Diakos, Laskarina Bouboulina, Konstantinos Kanaris and Manto Mavrogenous led the uprising and wrote unparalleled pages of heroism and self-sacrifice. On the occasion of the double celebration of the 1821 Revolution and the Anniversary of the Annunciation of Theotokos, I wish you a very happy birthday", he concludes.
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