Update as at 23 March 2021: Please see the latest update on the 1821 – 2021 200 Years of Freedom event at All Saints Grammar here.
The year 2021 marks a significant milestone in the history of our community’s story. It has been a story of struggle, perseverance, identity development, sense of belonging and thirst for freedom. In the history of the Greek nation, including the Greek community in the diaspora, this year marks 200 years since what is often referred to as the Greek Revolution.
The Greek Revolution of 1821 signifies the uprising of Greek revolutionaries against the Ottoman occupation in the Greek War of Independence. This pivotal event led to the formation of the modern Greek state. Our ancestors’ struggle to break free from the shackles of oppression forms the foundation of the value system we have inherited. The well-known contributions that ancient Greeks made to the arts, science, maths and philosophy complement the sense of justice, courage and perseverance demonstrated during the Greek Revolution of 1821. These are lessons of which we, as a community, must feel proud and endeavour to pass on to the next generations.
Historians argue about the starting day of the 1821 Revolution, with some claiming that it begun much earlier. The choice of date, however, is not accidental – 25 March is one of the most significant dates in our Orthodox Liturgical calendar. Given the strong association with our faith throughout our history, the Greek Revolution is intricately linked to the celebration of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. Both events signify hope, salvation and freedom. The God-sent message announcing the coming of the Messiah is linked to the cry for freedom expressed by our revolutionary ancestors. Now, 200 years on from 1821, Greeks all around the world recognise this date as a time of commemoration, a time of remembrance and a time to give thanks.
As a school founded with the purpose of preserving and communicating the values of our cultural heritage, we are committed to ensuring our students gain an appreciation of our history and its significance to our present. Our efforts to provide opportunities for our students to become a Better Person and a Better Learner must be cemented in the knowledge that we belong to a community that has worked hard to develop a sense of its own identity and faith. These are the pillars that unite us, distinguish us and that will continue to inform our future successes.
As such our School will mark this momentous occasion, the Revolution of 1821, and the feast of the Annunciation, on Friday 26 March at 10.00am at the Primary Campus Precinct. Students across the School will be presenting Χαίρε, ω χαίρε, ελευθεριά.
While this event needs to comply with strict COVID-19 guidelines, we will make every effort to live stream the event to our community. We invite you to join us, albeit virtually, in renewing our commitment to defend freedom and preserve our faith as the foundation of our identity. Further details will be provided closer to the day based on COVID restrictions at that time.
Elfa Lillis
Head of School
ASG is a special place for young Australian Greeks to explore their Greek identity. Find out more about how we immerse our students in Greek religion, culture and contemporary history here.
