Sydney, March 24, 2025—His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia delivered a powerful message to the faithful on March 25, the day of the Feast of the Annunciation and Greek Independence Day.
In his address, he highlighted the profound unity of Orthodoxy and Hellenism, describing them as “two wings of the same body” that have journeyed together through the history of the Greek nation.
Drawing from the words of renowned Greek poet Kostis Palamas, Archbishop Makarios noted that this day marks the convergence of “two freedoms”: the spiritual liberation of humanity through the Annunciation and the national liberation of Greece from centuries of Ottoman rule in 1821. “Today, we celebrate both the freedom of humanity from the bonds of sin and the freedom of our homeland from long years of slavery and tyranny,” he said.
Reflecting on the Annunciation, the Archbishop emphasized its significance as a turning point for humankind. He recalled the Archangel Gabriel’s announcement to the Virgin Mary — “Rejoice, highly favored one… you will conceive and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus” — and her faithful response, “Let it be to me according to your word.” This moment, he explained, heralded “the dawn of a new era,” one filled with light, joy in Christ, and the hope of eternal life.
Turning to the day’s historical significance, Archbishop Makarios paid tribute to the Greek revolutionaries of 1821, whose heroic sacrifices secured independence against overwhelming odds. “Outnumbered and lacking military resources, their hearts burned with a desire for freedom,” he said. “Their unwavering faith that ‘with God, nothing will be impossible’ led to the liberation of our homeland.”
The Archbishop urged younger generations to honor their ancestors’ legacy, emphasizing that “all we are and all we have” is owed to their faith and courage. He cautioned against modern distortions of freedom, described as “separation from our Creator and enslavement to human passions, material possessions, and worldly pleasures.” Instead, he called for a renewed commitment to the values that inspired spiritual and national triumphs.
Closing his message, Archbishop Makarios extended blessings to all, wishing for “many years” of “true freedom and salvific years.” His words resonated deeply with the Greek Orthodox community in Australia, particularly as students and families gathered in Sydney to sing the Greek and Australian national anthems to celebrate this historic dual commemoration.