Every year on the 25^th of March, Greeks from all over the world celebrate Greek Independence Day. This year marks the bicentennial anniversary of the Greek Independence Day. This is when Greeks remember their long struggle against the Ottoman Empire, an effort that eventually led to Greece’s independence. This day, in fact, marks the beginning of the Greek War for Independence, not the end.

It also coincides with the Greek Orthodox Church’s celebration of the Annunciation to the Theotokos, when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her that she would bear the son of God.

Greece had been part of the Ottoman Empire since 1453. The Greek revolt was initiated on March 25, 1821, when Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the flag of revolution over the Monastery of Agia Lavra in the Peloponnese. The cry “Freedom or Death” became the motto of the revolution.

Due to the current Covid 19 pandemic, celebrations are limited and instead only a small number of activities will be organised. The Greek Department will set up 5 thematic stations for the Greek Revolution which will be presented by the Y11 Greek IAL and GCSE students to the primary students. This will be followed up in class with relevant activities in the context of the Greek lessons.

In addition, primary Y5 and Y6 students will have the opportunity to march in a parade for freedom around the school led by the top six Y13 students (pictured above) as flagbearers. Secondary students would usually be parading through the streets of Paphos on the 25^th of March but this was not possible this year.

Happy Greek Independence Day!

ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΠΟΛΛΑ ΕΛΛΑΔΑ!