The Greek Community of Sydney marked the anniversary of the 1821 Greek War of Independence with a vibrant celebration on Sunday, led by Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
“When Greeks are united, they achieve the impossible. Unity is our strength, and division is our downfall,” the Archbishop declared before a cheering crowd at the Sydney Opera House, capping a day of heartfelt tributes to Greece’s National Day.
The festivities, orchestrated by the Holy Archdiocese of Australia and the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales, began with a morning Doxology at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, presided over by Archbishop Makarios. By mid-morning, the focus shifted to Martin Place, where the Archbishop, joined by Bishops Iakovos of Militoupolis and Christodoulos of Magnesia, led a memorial service at the Cenotaph. Wreaths were laid to honor the heroes of 1821, followed by a spirited march through Sydney’s streets—a blue-and-white “river” of thousands from parishes, schools, and associations.
The grand parade wound its way to the Sydney Opera House, where the atmosphere soared as students from Sydney’s three Greek Orthodox colleges sang the national anthems of Greece and Australia. Archbishop Makarios then delivered a stirring address, tying the Revolution to universal values of justice, freedom, and dignity—ideals resonant in both Greece and Australia. “The struggle of 1821 wasn’t just for land,” he said, “but for the soul of a people. Without spiritual freedom, there is no other freedom.”
He linked the National Anniversary to the Feast of the Annunciation, emphasizing faith’s role in the fight for independence. Addressing the Greek youth, whose energy animated the day, he urged, “The blood of martyrs and heroes flows in your veins. The freedom you enjoy was won at great cost—keep their memory alive and let 1821 inspire you.” He added, “If we want to stay free, we must stay united and close to the Church. Our religious and national identity are inseparable.”
The cultural program that followed featured poetry, songs, and traditional dances, showcasing the community’s rich heritage. Dignitaries joined the Archbishop in reflecting on the milestone, including Haris Danalis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW; Stavros Venizelos, Greece’s Ambassador to Australia; and Stavros Keletsis, head of a visiting Greek parliamentary delegation. Australian voices included Matt Thistlethwaite, representing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Mark Speakman, NSW Opposition Leader.
The event drew a notable lineup of attendees, from Cyprus High Commissioner Antonios Sammoutis to Greek Consul General Ioannis Mallikourtis, alongside MPs like Athanasios Papathanassis and federal ministers like Tony Burke. Their presence underscored the deep ties between Australia’s Greek diaspora—over 400,000 strong—and their homeland.
For Sydney’s Greek community, the day was a powerful blend of pride and purpose, honoring the past while renewing a call for unity. As Archbishop Makarios put it, “The heroes of 1821 fought for faith and freedom. Let us never forget that true liberty comes from Christ, who conquered death and gave us eternal life.”
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