Dear Compatriots,
It is with a deep emotion that we celebrate once again the anniversary of the Greek War of Independence, a historical event which is a milestone for the past, the present and the future of Hellenism all over the world.
The fighters of the Greek War of Independence continue to inspire us with their example in defending the freedom, national sovereignty and territorial integrity of our Homeland. At the same time, in an era of dramatic geopolitical changes, the timeless and promising message of the Greek Revolution of 1821 in the cause of independence, democracy, justice and self-determination remains more relevant than ever and reminds us that the survival and prosperity of a nation require enduring struggle, constant vigilance, commitment to ideals and values as well as a deep study of History.
The contribution of the Greeks of the Diaspora both during the Greek Revolution and during the difficult early years of the Greek State, was indeed invaluable. From Vienna in the pre-revolutionary period, where Rigas Feraios envisioned the intellectual awakening of the Greeks and published the famous Charta, to Paris, where Adamantios Korais laid the foundations of the Greek Enlightenment, the flame of freedom captured the hearts of Greek communities. From Odessa, where in 1814 Xanthos, Skoufas and Tsakalov founded the Philiki Etaireia, and from the ports of Trieste, Marseilles and Alexandria, which became, with the contribution of Greek merchants and benefactors, supply hubs and crossing-points for Philhellene volunteers, to St. Petersburg and Geneva, where Ioannis Kapodistrias set out to convince the Great Powers of the time of the just cause of the Greeks, the contribution of Greeks everywhere was invaluable and decisive.
I am confident that, by reflecting on the self-denial of our ancestors, you too draw strength and inspiration, so that you can continue to excel as Greeks, no matter how far from home you may be. Through your unconditional love for Greece, your initiatives and actions to preserve our language and traditions, the heritage and identity of our Homeland, you prove that your presence in every corner of the world is a source of wealth and strength, a valuable support and an honour for our Nation.
Greeks of the world,
The sacrifice of the heroes of the Greek Revolution, as well as the selfless contribution of the Greeks of the Diaspora, fills us with pride of our history as a Nation and inspires us to build a future of security and prosperity. Our country, despite the difficulties, remains a pillar of stability and peace in a turbulent yet strategically crucial neighborhood, in an uncertain world. With unity and faith in the strengths and values of Hellenism, we will continue to fight for a strong Homeland and for a more just world, as envisioned in the 19th century by Greeks – scholars, fighters, clergy and the people. At the same time, more than 50 years after the Turkish invasion, we do not forget our commitment to a free and reunited Cyprus.
Let us celebrate this great day of the anniversary of the Greek War of Independence and the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary with joy and pride. I wholeheartedly wish to you all health and personal progress.
Chronia Polla! Long live Greece!
March 21, 2025