With emotion and national pride, Archbishop Makarios of Australia honored October 28, 1940, referencing the heroic “NO” of the Greek people against the conquerors.
As he highlighted, “a poor and tormented people… stood up… with unity, courage, and faith in God.” He emphasized the importance of preserving historical memory and urged the faithful to say their own “NOs” to forgetfulness and the decline of values: “We say ‘no’ to forgetfulness! We preserve and safeguard historical memory for future generations… so they know they are descendants of heroes.”
The Archbishop also stressed the significance of faith and solidarity as fundamental values our ancestors refused to sacrifice. Noting the anniversary of the Feast of the Holy Protection, he mentioned that “the Virgin Mary… always present in great hardships… strengthens and protects our people.”
In closing, the Archbishop wished “many blessed years under the Virgin’s protection,” highlighting the need for unity and the preservation of ancestral values in an era filled with challenges.
The full message of Archbishop Makarios of Australia:
With deep emotion and national pride, we honor today the glorious anniversary of October 28, 1940, that resounding “NO” with which the Greek people defied the insolent ultimatums of its would-be conquerors.
A poor and tormented people, despite possessing minimal means of defense, nonetheless stood up against the formidable Italo-German Axis and defended, with unity, courageous spirit, and faith in God, the freedom of their homeland, democracy, and human dignity.
Our ancestors, with their heroic example, call us to reflect on the significance of patriotism and universal ideals, for which they fought and sacrificed during the ’40s Epic, as well as the greatness of our faith, which always encourages us, strengthens us, and fortifies our unity.
Living in an era with different conditions and stakes, our minimal duty to them is to raise our own “NO” to oblivion, to the decline of principles and values, and to the relinquishment of the sacred traditions of our faith and our nation.
We say “no” to oblivion! We preserve and safeguard historical memory, passing it on intact to future generations, so that our children know they are descendants of heroes, feel pride, and draw inspiration from their virtues for their own choices and decisions.
One further reason for preserving historical memory, especially for our Diaspora in the fifth continent, is the fact that in the struggle against the forces of fascism and Nazism, the Greek people stood alongside the heroes of the ANZACs, the young men of Australia and New Zealand. It was here that another link was forged in the strong chain that connects our peoples to this day.
We also say “no” to the decline of principles and values! In a world that promotes individualism at the expense of solidarity and collaboration for the common good, this anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on how our ancestors refused to compromise their freedom and dignity, refused to settle for any concessions, and refused to betray their traditional values and ideals. Their brave stance encourages us to likewise oppose, with whatever strength we possess, tyranny, totalitarianism, injustice, and any offense to human dignity.
And thirdly, we say “no” to the relinquishment of the sacred and holy traditions of our faith and our nation! Let us not forget that today’s national anniversary coincides with a great feast of Orthodoxy, the Feast of the Holy Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos.
This is because Our Lady has always been and remains present in the great difficulties and tribulations of our people, to strengthen and protect them, to give courage and hope where all seems unbearable and hopeless. Let us emulate the reverence of our ancestors, honoring the sacred person of the Theotokos, in defiance of those who seek to sever the younger generations from the Church, the holy traditions, and the precious values of our faith.
With these reflections, I extend my best wishes to all Greeks, a blessed celebration under the protection of the Virgin Mary, and heavenly strength for all of us, so that we may prove worthy of our ancestors in the challenges of our own era.
