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Background of Holiday
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A Brief Background on the History and Significance of the Holiday

The Greek Revolution of 1821

One of the brightest days in Modern Greek history is the 25th of March, 1821. This day, on which the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, was purposely chosen by our heroic ancestors as teh day on which to declare to the world their desire for national freedom and their determination to die for it.

From May 29, 1453 until March 25, 1821, almost four hundred years later, the once-great Greeks found themselves enslaved by the Ottoman Turks. For four centuries the Greeks lived under the oppression, humiliation and torture of their Ottoman conqueror. Yet, despite all their suffering, strengthened by their Orthodox faith, the Greeks preserved their national identity and fought for their freedom.

Fight they did! For nine years! They fought with limited means and unlimited will. Their motto was "Freedom of Death!" There were no other options. The Greeks struggled with bravery on land and ata sea, pitted against such Turkish atrocities as the kidnapping of Greek children and their forceful transformation into "Genitsari" [Janissaries] (fanatic and cruel soldiers), the massacre on the island of Chios, and the holocaust of Psara. These events, among others, moved the Europeans and influenced the major powers of the time, Russia, England, and France, to assist the Greeks in their efforts. After a series of systematic war campaigns and intense diplomatic activities by the European philhellenes, Greece became an independent state with the signing of the Protocol of London on February 3, 1830.

We gather on this solemn, yet joyous occasion to remember the sacrifices of our ancestors in defeating the tyranny of slavery. Our cherished freedom, bought with blood, cannot be taken for granted. We now carry the torch of democracy. We must pass this torch on to future generations.

The Underground School

Although the Greek word for independence in "Anexartisia," Hellenes use the word "Paligenesia" to describe the Revolution of 1821, as this word refers to the rebirth of their nation, which had remained dormant for over 400 years. One thing is certain, however, the word "dormant" does not describe the Greeks during this time period, given all of the activity that was going on under the very noses of the Ottoman Turkish rulers.

Despite the fact that the Ottoman had forced the closure of most Greek schools, particularly in the rural areas, the Greeks were not sitting still. They were not about to give up their language--a language that at one time had linked the entire known world--nor were t heya bout to forget the rich heritage passed down to them over four millennia of glory. Instead, brave members of the Greek Orthodox clergy began secretly teaching the children of the enslaved Greeks, using many guises and ruses to operate underground schools known as "Krypho scholio." These underground schools were conducted under cover of darkness in caves, in churches and even in homes--always at the risk of death, if discovered. The priests faced overwhelming odds, and many were discovered and killed, yet they persevered with untold sacrifices of human life in order that the Greek language might survive.

And survive it did! Indeed, manay graduated from the "Krypho Scholio" and became a driving force in the rebirth of the nation. Their burning desire to free Greece from Turkish rule led them later to become part of either the "Klephtes," independent bands of "free" men in the mountainous areas constantly fighting against the Turkish rulers, or the "Armatoli," those who pretended loyalty to the Ottoman Turks and gained government positions. Both "Klephtes" and "Armatoli" were important freedom fighters, without whom the Revolution could not have succeeded.

Bright Little Moon--poem recited by children of the Underground School

Bright little moon,
Shine light on my path
That I may walk safely to school,
And learn to read, to write and
To learn all things of God.

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• Paul and Irene Kapothanasis, John and Kathy Pappas, and Chris and Sheila for all their help in the work and activities of our Greek School.
• The AHEPA family for the delicious dinner.
• Chris Dilios and all his helpers for the stage microphones, acoustics, music.
• Mr. Dimitri and Alexandra Gribizis who enriched our program with their beautiful music.
• Mr. & Mrs. Papoutsy who honored us today with their presence and enriched our program with their beautiful talents.
• All parents for their cooperation and support, and
• All who honored our program today with your presence
  

Heartfelt Thanks

• To the family of Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Kapothanasis whose generosity cannot be described with words. Thanks to them our School now has new mark boards, new desks, a new computer. Whatever we need, we know we can count on them. Thanks a million Mr. and Mrs. K.
• To Mr. & Mrs. Chris Dilios who donated the printer and gave a lot of free computer lessons to Mrs. Varipatis.
  

Deepest Sympathy

Our deepest sympathy is extended to the Goulatis family. Loucas Goulatis loved the Greek School. He was always there to help and advise. Loucas did not forget the children even with his death. His wish was for donations in his memory to be given to Greek School. The amount of over $1,000.00 was collected and 12 new Greek costumes for the children were purchased. God rest your soul Louie and may your memory be eternal.

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