In his message for OHI Day, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America paid tribute to the enduring courage and resilience of the Greek people, who stood firm against tyranny and defended their freedom.
Archbishop Elpidophoros drew a powerful connection between the defiance shown by Greece during World War II and the spirit of heroism from the War of Independence in 1821, underscoring a national legacy defined by resistance to oppression and a commitment to justice.
The Archbishop reflected on the deep connection between Hellenic culture and Orthodox Christian faith, which had fortified the Greek spirit against tyranny throughout history. He emphasized that the Church’s decision to align the Feast of the Holy Protection with OXI Day was a recognition of divine aid in moments of crisis, a sentiment deeply rooted in the nation’s identity.
He also called on all Hellenes and Philhellenes to honor this day as a celebration of faith, freedom, and resilience—an enduring testament to the Greek spirit’s commitment to justice and resistance against tyranny.
Read below the message of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America
OHI Day is a shining reminder of the courage and steadfastness of the People of Greece, who stood tall in the face of the Fascist aggression and invasion against their Nation during World War II. The line that they drew was in their own blood, and their heroism is redolent of those Immortal Heroes of 1821, in whose steps they faithfully followed.
Greece may be a small land, but it is an enormous civilization. Whether in the mainland, the islands, or the outposts of Asia Minor that were founded thousands of years ago, the genius of Hellas has always shone forth for all the world to see. The resistance of Greece to the fascists of the Second World War was inevitable, for such cruel and violent forms of domination are counter to every impulse of the Hellenic Mind. Add to this culture the Christian Orthodox Faith, and you have a spiritual, mental, and indeed, national phalanx against tyranny.
Therefore, it is no accident that the Church of Greece transferred the feast of the Holy Protection of the Virgin from October 1st (the day it is normally observed) to OXI Day, October 28th. This recognition of God’s favor and aid in the face of invasion through the intercessions of His Holy Mother is deeply engrained in the psyche of the Greek People. Around the world, Hellenes and Philhellenes alike celebrate this faith in God and faith in the human potential for justice and goodness on this Day of the “OXI” to totalitarianism and the “NAI” to freedom. How blessed we all are to be the People whose help is on the Lord our God.
