The St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, hosted Greece's legendary Ezvones - the Presidential Guard, on March 30.
The event took place in the Danielle Kousoulis Greek Cultural Center at St. Thomas Church, where 6th grade students of the St. Thomas Hellenic School were given a brief history of the Evzones and the various costumes that they wear in the course of their service.
The visit of the Evzones to St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church was part of the Greek Independence Day weekend celebrations in Philadelphia. The event was organized by the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware Valley and was attended by hundreds of parishioners, Greek school students, and guests, Cosmos Philly reported.
The event’s historical presentation about the Evzones and their part in Greek history was its highlight. The unit’s history, traditions, and distinctive uniform and ceremonial responsibilities were detailed in the presentation. The presentation also highlighted the Evzones’ role in the Greek War of Independence and their bravery and sacrifice throughout the country’s history.
Following the historical presentation, the audience was invited to share poems about the Greek revolution and the struggle for independence. Several parishioners and Greek school students recited poems in both Greek and English, highlighting the enduring spirit of Greek patriotism and pride.
The visit of the Evzones to St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church was a special occasion for the Greek community in Philadelphia, celebrating the legacy and bravery of the Greek people in their struggle for independence. The event highlighted the enduring spirit of Greek patriotism and pride and the critical role of the Evzones in preserving and promoting Greek history and culture.
Meanwhile, The Evzones Collection, a series of photographs of Greece's legendary Evzones - The Presidential Guard, which was seen by Members of Parliament, high-ranking military officials, and other dignitaries, came to a close on Friday at the War Museum in Athens.
READ MORE: The Evzones Collection: Greek-Australian exhibition pulls at the heart-strings of Greece.
Taken by Nick Bourdaniotis, a renowned Greek-Australian photographer based in Sydney, The Evzones Collection was opened for viewing on 20 March 2023 and ended on 31 March.
See photos of the exhibition:
The exhibition was held under the patronage of H.E. the President of the Hellenic Republic Ms Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
The Evzones
The Evzones (Εύζωνες) are best known for their ceremonial work in guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Hellenic Parliament in Athens, and the Presidential Palace.
The Presidential Guard is also the only military unit authorised to raise and lower the Greek flag on Sunday at the Acropolis.
The Evzones were elite light infantry and mountain units of the Greek Army that fought during the Greek War of Independence against the Ottomans and embody the essence of bravery and resistance.
READ MORE: UNESCO celebrates the centennial of Maria Callas in 2023!