“With a sense of national pride, and deeply moved, I address to all of you, the active members of the Greek community around the world, a heartfelt greeting on the occasion of the celebration of the anniversary of Greek Independence, 25 March 1821.
On 25 March, Hellenism celebrates one of the most important feasts of Orthodoxy and, at the same time, honors the heroic struggle of the vanguard of our National Rebirth.
The Communities of Greeks abroad were resoundingly present in all of the stages of the Revolution of 1821. They strengthened the philhellenic movement, made foreign peoples and governments aware of the issue of Greek Independence, and supported the Greek State in every way.
The messages of the National Anniversary remain timely. Our country is facing a number of challenges that it can and must meet successfully, armed with the unity and joint efforts of all Greeks, in the homeland and abroad.”
March 25, 2016