This year again we commemorate with feelings of emotion and national pride the anniversary of March 25, 1821 and the beginning of the Greek Revolution. On the day of the Annunciation and after four centuries of slavery, Hellenism began the struggle for liberation from the Ottoman yoke.
The uprising of the enslaved Greeks was inspired by the ideas of the European Enlightenment and organized by the Society of Friends. Despite the intellectual impoverishment imposed on them for centuries by the conquerors, the ancient Greek motto "freedom or death" still lit up their hearts. With high patriotic spirit and unparalleled mental fortitude, they fought on land and sea. The legendary figures of Kolokotronis and Nikitaras, Miaoulis and Kanaris, Bouboulina and Karaiskakis, added golden pages of heroism and self-sacrifice to the long Greek history. The thieves and the charioteers struck numerous blows against the conqueror and reminded everyone that strength above all is measured by the soul and not by weapons. The stature of the Mesolonghians and the mothers from Souli and Naoussa, who sacrificed their children to save them from the fury of the conqueror, became symbols of self-denial and embarrassed the mighty Ottoman Empire. A strong philhellenic current developed in every corner of Europe. The Greeks gave examples of philanthropy to every people facing the disgraceful yoke and the success of the Revolution gave birth to the hope of success to all the enslaved people for their own movements.
In this great revolt of the Greeks, Cyprus was also present. Despite the difficulties and obstacles, Archbishop Kyprian was in early contact with the leadership of the Society of Friends, to which many Cypriots had been initiated. The voluntary participation of hundreds of ordinary people in the uprising was also touching. At the same time, there were fundraisers for money and food, which were systematically sent to the rebellious brethren. The price for these actions was heavy. On July 9, 1821, the Turks arrested and hanged Archbishop Kyprianos, beheaded Bishops Chrysanthos, Meletios and Lavrentios, and then murdered hundreds of procurators and a large number of people. Our compatriots, along with the other Greeks who were martyred, were placed in the pantheon of the immortals and were the yeast for the subsequent revolts against violence, injustice and slavery.
The difficult moments and the danger of failure were not absent from the struggle of the Greeks. But the love for freedom and the unwavering belief in success prevailed. The revolutionaries remained committed to their cause and finally achieved what they dreamed of, the creation of a free state. A state that was small in the beginning, but which justified their sacrifices, cemented their place in modern history and gave them the opportunity to walk with dignity on the world map.
The national anniversary of 25 March is today a reminder of the debt for all Hellenes. This glorious anniversary is particularly important for the Hellenism of Cyprus, which still bears the scars of the occupation after the Turkish invasion of 1974. Armed with the justice of our struggle and with respect for our national origins, we resist Turkey's intransigence, provocativeness and expansionist plans. Guided by the 25th of March, we stand up and, proud as Greeks, we fight for the liberation of our homeland and the rebirth of Hellenism.
On the occasion of the anniversary of the Revolution of 1821 and the Annunciation of the Theotokos, I wish everyone a Happy Birthday!
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