Greek Flags rasied around Canberra for Greek Independence Day

The Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra worked with various departments of Government in Canberra (both Federal and Territory) to assist in commemorating this occasion and ensure that our Hellenic heritage, culture, and history is able to be shared with all Canberrans.

Today, Greeks around the world remember, celebrate and commemorate a double celebration - a religious and historical one.

25 March 1821, Greeks celebrate their Independence from the Ottoman occupation after 400yrs of rule. They also celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary (The Theotokos).

Happy Name Day to all celebrating today

Today in Canberra, to help celebrate with our broader ACT Community, there are 40 Greek Flags proudly flying until Tuesday, 28th March at the following destinations:

- Garema Place (Canberra Centre Entrance)

- Petrie Plaza

- Kings Avenue (towards airport and Parliament)

- Everywhere in Gold Creek

- Vernon Circle (heading towards Parliament and Civic)

Tonight, the following buildings will illuminate in BLUE to acknowledge Greek Independence Day (Please note that they will turn on AFTER Earth Hour ends at 8.30pm):

- The Hellenic Club of Canberra

- The National Museum of Australia

- The Carillon Bell Tower

- Old Parliament House

- Questacon Canberra

Once again, Pana Tsironis and I would like to thank the National Capital Authority, ACT Property Group & ACT Government for putting up with us (as always) and for their excellent collaboration and communication in having Greek flags fly around Canberra for the last 18 days and allow Govt buildings illuminate in Blue. Our community is truly appreciative

Tomorrow, there will be a church service at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Canberra preceded over by His Grace, Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis and our Very Rev Father Petros. The children of the Greek School of Canberra will recite their poems and songs to commemorate this historic event and we will then head to the Hellenic War Memorial to lay wreaths and remember the Heroes of 1821.

Following the wreath laying ceremony, a Greek National Day Luncheon will take place at Fillos Taverna + Bar and we will be entertained by the amazing Canberra Hellenic Dancers

Looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend - Χαίρε Ω Χαίρε Ελευθεριά!

President of the Greek Orthodox Community Canberra, John Loukadellis