I. OCA - Annunciation/Evangelismos
The Annunciation of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. The Feast of the Annunciation is one of the earliest Christian feasts, and was already being celebrated in the fourth century. There is a painting of the Annunciation in the catacomb of Priscilla in Rome dating from the second century. The Council of Toledo in 656 mentions the Feast, and the Council in Trullo in 692 says that the Annunciation was celebrated during Great Lent. The Greek and Slavonic names for the Feast may be translated as "good tidings." This, of course, refers to the Incarnation of the Son of God and the salvation He brings. The background of the Annunciation is found in the Gospel of St Luke (1:26-38). The troparion describes this as the "beginning of our salvation, and the revelation of the eternal mystery," for on this day the Son of God became the Son of Man. There are two main components to the Annunciation: the message itself, and the response of the Virgin. The message fulfills God's promise to send a Redeemer (Genesis 3:15): "I will put enmity between you and the woman, between your seed and her seed; he shall crush your head, and you shall lie in wait for his heel." The Fathers of the Church understand "her seed" to refer to Christ. The prophets hinted at His coming, which they saw dimly, but the Archangel Gabriel now proclaims that the promise is about to be fulfilled. We see this echoed in the Liturgy of St Basil, as well: "When man disobeyed Thee, the only true God who had created him, and was deceived by the guile of the serpent, becoming subject to death by his own transgressions, Thou, O God, in Thy righteous judgment, didst send him forth from Paradise into this world, returning him to the earth from which he was taken, yet providing for him the salvation of regeneration in Thy Christ Himself." The Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth in Galilee. There he spoke to the undefiled Virgin who was betrothed to St Joseph: "Hail, thou who art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." In contrast to Eve, who was readily deceived by the serpent, the Virgin did not immediately accept the Angel's message. In her humility, she did not think she was deserving of such words, but was actually troubled by them. The fact that she asked for an explanation reveals her sobriety and prudence. She did not disbelieve the words of the angel, but could not understand how they would be fulfilled, for they spoke of something which was beyond nature. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" (Luke 1:34). "And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee: therefore also that which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.' And Mary said, 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.' And the angel departed from her" (Luke 1: 35-38)." In his Sermon 23 on the day of the Annunciation, St Philaret of Moscow boldly stated that "the word of the creature brought the Creator down into the world." He explains that salvation is not merely an act of God's will, but also involves the Virgin's free will. She could have refused, but she accepted God's will and chose to cooperate without complaint or further questions. The icon of the Feast shows the Archangel with a staff in his left hand, indicating his role as a messenger. Sometimes one wing is upraised, as if to show his swift descent from heaven. His right hand is stretched toward the holy Virgin as he delivers his message. The Virgin is depicted either standing or sitting, usually holding yarn in her left hand. Sometimes she is shown holding a scroll. Her right hand may be raised to indicate her surprise at the message she is hearing. Her head is bowed, showing her consent and obedience. The descent of the Holy Spirit upon her is depicted by a ray of light issuing from a small sphere at the top of the icon, which symbolizes heaven. In a famous icon from Sinai, a white dove is shown in the ray of light. There are several famous icons of the Annunciation. One is in the Moscow Kremlin in the church of the Annunciation. This icon appeared in connection with the rescue of a prisoner by the Mother of God during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. Another is to be found in the Dormition Cathedral in Moscow (July 8). It was originally located in Ustiug, and was the icon before which St Procopius the fool (July 8) prayed to save the city from destruction in 1290. One of the most highly revered icons in Greece is the Tinos icon of the Annunciation (January 30). The Annunciation falls during Lent, but it is always celebrated with great joy. The Liturgy of St Basil or St John Chrysostom is served, even on the weekdays of Lent. It is one of the two days of Great Lent on which the fast is relaxed and fish is permitted (Palm Sunday is the other).
II. GOARCH - Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Annunciation and the Day of Greek Independence
March 25, 2010, Feast of the Annunciation, Day of Greek Independence. To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America. Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary chanting these words, “Today is the crowning of our salvation and the revelation of the mystery that is from all ages.” In the Announcement of the Archangel Gabriel to the Theotokos, God offered His divine plan for our salvation. In the same event the nature and purpose of the message of the Gospel was made known. God’s grace and the means of salvation were revealed, the good news was proclaimed by His messenger, and the hearer and receiver of the Word of God responded in faith. The event of the Annunciation was foundational for the Gospel, a message of God’s love that would be carried to the ends of the earth. The means for our salvation through the Incarnation of the Son of God had been established before all ages. The time of the revelation had come, and God chose the recipient of this divine blessing and sent the heavenly messenger to her so that all humanity would know of His grace. This act of God towards us and for our salvation defines the Gospel. The Gospel is the Evangelismos, the annunciation of the “good news” of God’s love and the path of restoration to life and eternal communion with Him. The will of God was joyfully announced by the Archangel Gabriel. The role of the messenger presents us with a second aspect of the Gospel that is celebrated in this Feast of Evangelismos. The Gospel is and must be proclaimed. It is shared by those who are sent to offer to all the saving message of God. Jesus proclaimed that He was the fulfillment of the message of salvation (Luke 4:19). The Apostles were commissioned to go to all the nations and to preach the Gospel and teach what Christ had taught them (Matthew 28:18-20). All who receive the Holy Spirit are called to be witnesses of Christ throughout the entire world (Acts 1:8). For the Gospel to be received it must be heard. For it to be heard it must be proclaimed. For it to be proclaimed, we must be willing to share the Gospel through both word and deed. The Feast of the Annunciation is a significant day in our spiritual heritage. This is also a day upon which we observe an important commemoration of our cultural heritage, the Day of Greek Independence. As both our spiritual and cultural heritage are joined together in our Hellenic identity, so this sacred feast of the Church and this day of remembrance and celebration of freedom are linked in a very unique way. The Gospel of salvation revealed in the Annunciation to the Theotokos is the message of our spiritual freedom in Christ. This ultimate freedom from sin and death is essential to any understanding of the freedom and self-determination that is enshrined in the establishment of modern democracies. We were created by God to be free to live in fellowship with Him and free from all that injures and destroys life. We were also created to live in relationship with one another, using our freedom to establish societies that are free from oppression, exploitation, and tyranny. These were the aims of our fathers and mothers who offered their lives and property so that the people of Greece might be free, and this is a freedom that we still have and cherish. On this day may we remember and be grateful for the freedom we have inherited, both in Greece and in America. May we use this freedom, not to satisfy personal desires, but for the wellbeing of all. May we use it to proclaim a Gospel of salvation and freedom that will not only bless and guide us through our sojourn in this world, but will also lead us into eternal life in the kingdom of God.
III. THEWHITEHOUSE - Presidential Proclamation: Greek Independence Day
Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2010. By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation: Today, as we commemorate the 189th anniversary of Greece's independence, we reaffirm the ties that link our nations together as allies and warm friends. We also honor the accomplishments of Greek Americans and their immeasurable contributions to the United States. It was the genius of America's forebears to enshrine the pre-eminent idea of democracy in our Nation's founding documents. Inspired by the governing values of ancient Greece, they launched the great American experiment. Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of our Declaration of Independence, later expressed his admiration for the Greeks and their heritage as they fought their War of Independence. Writing in 1823, he acknowledged Greece as "the first of civilized nations, [which] presented examples of what man should be." The Hellenic influence on America's scholarly traditions reflects our Nation's high regard for Greece's lasting heritage. Our physicians uphold the timeless ethics of Hippocrates, and our students learn the mathematics of Euclid and Pythagoras. Our law schools use the Socratic Method, and the structures of ancient Greece have inspired many of our most cherished buildings and monuments. Greek Americans have also shaped our Nation as leaders in every sector of American life, and their community has strengthened the fabric of our country with its vibrant culture and unique traditions. Above all, we were blessed to inherit the Hellenic ideal of democracy, which lives on today in Greece and America, and reinforces the enduring bonds between our two nations. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 25, 2010, as "Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy." I call upon all the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
IV. USDEPARTMENTOFSTATE - Greek National Day
Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State, Washington, DC, March 25, 2010. On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of Greece as they mark the Hellenic Republic’s 189th National Day. This is an opportunity to honor Greece’s history and culture, which has contributed so much to our common humanity. In the United States, millions of Greek-Americans will gather with family and friends to celebrate their Hellenic heritage. From the earliest days of our own republic, America has looked to Greece for inspiration and Greek-Americans have enriched our society and culture. From government and business to medicine and entertainment, Greek-Americans are leaders and innovators. They help cement the historic bonds that hold our two nations close. As NATO allies, Greece and the United States work together on a wide range of common concerns. It is a partnership built on shared democratic values and aspirations. This month, I had the honor of hosting Prime Minister Papandreou in Washington and offering my support for the resolve Greece has shown in these challenging times. And I was pleased that during his visit, we were able to welcome Greece into the Visa Waiver Program. As we celebrate modern Greece’s independence, I offer my warmest wishes to Hellenes and Philhellenes around the globe. May you have a safe and happy holiday.
V. AHEPANEWS - AHEPA Honors Greek Independence Day 2010
AHEPA Supreme President, Nicholas A. Karacostas. In 1821, after nearly 400-years of Ottoman oppression, the Greeks bound together under a flag bearing the cross, to fight for freedom and justice in the land which gave the world democracy. Like the revolution which took place in America 45 years earlier, Greece would embark on a journey forever linking our two countries in their struggle for freedom and independence. The founding fathers of the United States of America drew upon the ideals and principles forged in Ancient Greece in constructing our Nation. All who cherish a free and democratic government are beneficiaries of Greece's legacy and thus should consider themselves Philhellenes. Throughout history Greece and the United States have stood shoulder to shoulder to face the challenges of an ever changing world. Greeks and Americans fought for common causes over the course of the 20th century and continue this strong alliance into the 21st century. This month, that alliance was honored as Greece was accepted by the U.S. government into our Visa Waiver Program. To AHEPA, this was more than just validation of Greece as a trusted ally of the United States, but recognition as a true partner in our common pursuit of democracy and freedom. AHEPA was proud to have played an important role in making this happen, and with your help, pledges to continue building bridges between our two great nations. As we celebrate the 189th Anniversary of Greece's independence, our AHEPA Chapters and our communities are working together to promote various parades across the country in honor of March 25th. Proclamations and resolutions have been issued in almost every state in the United States. From coast-to-coast, AHEPA and its members promote and sustain the celebration of this historic day for all Greek Americans. In closing, I would like to express to all Hellenes in the United States, Canada, Greece, Cyprus, Australia and throughout the Diaspora, that as Supreme President of AHEPA, I too ask our chapters to take the time to acknowledge and pay respects to those who sacrificed to allow freedom and democracy, to once again, take root in Greece, in 1821. To read more about AHEPA, click here.
VI. QUEENSGAZETTE - Greek Independence Day Marks Victory After 400-Year Struggle
Greek Independence Day will be celebrated all over the world on March 25. The annual local parade, which will be commemorating the 189th Anniversary of the Greek Declaration of Independence, has become a New York City tradition since 1938 and has been celebrated on Fifth Avenue since1951. Sponsored by the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, the Greek Independence Day Parade attracted more than 150,000 spectators last year and included 26,000 participants. The festivities are also broadcast locally and internationally through local English and Greek language television networks via satellite and the Internet. The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, founded in 1937, and the largest and oldest of its kind, represents a large number of Greek societies, fraternities and local organizations in America. Its mission is to promote and preserve Greek- American heritage and administer philanthropic endeavors, which are used for medical aid, scholarships, disaster relief and other charitable causes in North America and Greece. The origin of Greek Independence Day dates back to 1821, when the Greeks rose up against the Ottoman Empire, which had occupied Greece for nearly 400 years. The first incident of protest that sparked the beginning of the Greek independence movement occurred at the monastery of Agia Lavras when Bishop Germanos of Patras boldly raised the Greek flag inciting the Peloponnese to rise against their oppressors. The movement for an independent Greek nation began in Odessa in 1814 when three wealthy businessmen, Athanasios Tsakalof, Emmanuel Xanthos and Nikolaos Skoufas founded a Greek independence party called the Philiki Etairia or Friendly Society. The message of the society spread quickly and branches opened throughout Greece. Members met in secret and came from all walks of life. These businessmen used their money and influence to purchase armaments, which were then distributed among freedom fighters. M a n y others contributed to the revolution as well. Aristocratic young men, recipients of a classical education, were willing to fight to liberate the country whose culture had inspired them and their life’s work. Philhellenes included Victor Hugo, author of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Miserables, Alfred de Musset and English poet George Gordon, Lord Byron, who, after arriving in Messolongi, an important center of resistance in January 1824, died three months later of pneumonia. Greek independence was proclaimed at Epidaurus on Jan. 13, 1822. The Turks retaliated with massacres in Asia Minor, most notoriously on the island of Chios, where more than 25,000 civilians were killed. After the Turks declared a holy war, the Western powers became involved, with Russia sending troops to the gates of Constantinople. After mounting pressure, Sultan Mahmud II accepted Greek independence by the Treaty of Andrianople. The names of the victors, who led Greece towards independence, including General Theodoros Kolokotronis, General Yannis Makriyannis and Markos Botsaris, would live on forever.
VII. GREEKREPORTER - Johannesburg: Celebration of National Independence Day
On Sunday the 21st of March 2010, the celebration of the National Greek Independence Day of March 25th took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, with feelings of patriotism and national pride. The Federation of Greek Communities of South Africa was responsible for the organization of the event, which took place in the sports terrain of the Greek school SAHETI. This glorious ceremony, which was attended by many Greeks from Johannesburg and surrounding areas, was honoured by the presence of the Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, His Beatitude Theodore II, a delegation from the Greek Parliament comprised of Mr. Spiros Moschopoulos, MP Kefalonia (PASOK) and Mr. Evangelos Meimarakis, MP Athens B constituency, diplomatic authorities of Greece and Cyprus, Coordinator of SAE Africa-M. East Region Mr. Harry Gouvelis and the leadership of the Hellenic Diaspora of Johannesburg. Our Youth who paraded, added colour to the event, promoting the initiative it has taken over for the collection of signatures for the Return of the Parthenon Marbles. The parade was attended by all the Communities and Organisations of South Africa. At the end of the event, the official guests laid a wreath in honour of our national fighters, who sacrificed their lives so that we today, can live freely.