On Oct 30, 2024, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America attended the Annual OXI Day Celebration held at the United States Institute of Peace in Washington DC.
The event is organized by the Washington OXI Day Foundation to honor “today’s heroes around the world who — in the spirit of Oxi Day — courageously battle Goliaths for freedom and democracy and are nominated by America’s policymakers and opinion leaders to be honored before international and national leaders convening in Washington, D. C.” In his remarks, the Archbishop noted, that “this annual observance of the OXI Day Foundation reminds all of us of the price of freedom and cost of liberty.” Archbishop Elpidophoros prayed that “God, the Savior and the hope of all the ends of the earth and of those far off at sea; Who is ever-merciful and all-loving – keep us worthy of the sacrifices of our martyred brothers and sisters who have gone before us, and keep us strong in our dedication and devotion to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness by every human being.”
Oxi Day marks a pivotal point in WWII when the Greek nation refused to surrender to the Nazis. When Hitler’s representative arrived at the Greek Prime Minister’s office to demand that Greece follow the previous eleven European countries in surrendering to the German forces, the prime minister famously replied “όχι” (no). Hitler expected to quickly defeat Greece but met surprising resistance. In fact, the Greek populace put up such a fight, sometimes with whatever weapons they had at hand—including farming tools—that the Nazi campaign into Russia was fatefully delayed. Had the German forces not been delayed by the heroic Greek resistance, they may have been victorious in Russia.
In honor and memory of the women and men who bravely defended their country against a powerful adversary, each year the Washington Oxi Day Foundation recognizes present day heroes. At this year’s celebration the following individuals were recognized:
OXI Courage Award was given to Shabana Basij-Rasikh, “for her unwavering commitment to educating young Afghan women in the face of Taliban aggression.” Basij-Rasikh was introduced by Danialle Karmanos.
OXI Courage Award was presented to Alexei Gorinov and Maria Ponomarenko, “for their courageous defense of democratic values and human rights.” Ponomarenko was introduced by Evgenia Kara-Murza, and the award was accepted by Ilya Yashin.
The Metropolitan Chrysostomos Award, was given to Senator Ben Cardin, Chairman, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, “for his tireless work combatting antisemitism and fostering peace.” Cardin was introduced by Congressman John Sarbanes.
The Vasilios S. Haseotes Service Award was given (posthumously) to WWII Veteran Dennis Georges, introduced by Mike Manatos, and received by John Georges.
The Calamos Service Award was presented to Vietnam War Veteran, George Hiotis, who was introduced by John Calamos.
The OXI Service Award was given to General Andrew Poppas, Commanding General of the US Army Forces Command, who was introduced by George Logothetis.
In addition to these awards, several past recipients offered reflections in honor of the occasion. The keynote address was delivered by the 2018 OXI Courage Award, and 2024 Pulitzer Prize winner, Vladimir Kara-Murza. Other speakers included the 2016 OXI Courage Award, and 2018 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Nadia Murad; the 2019 OXI Courage Award, and 2021 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Maria Ressa; Diane Foley, mother of the late 2014 OXI Courage Award winner, James Foley; and Ana Corina Sosa, daughter of the 2024 Global Courage Award, María Machado.
Photo credit: GOARCH/Demitrios Panagos
