28 of October

Today the Greek state celebrates the famous No, by the former governor of Greece Metaxas, against the Italian authorities in 1940.

Since then, the Italian and subsequent German invasions have dismantled the Greek state and established a satellite government, which has met with tremendous resistance. The Orthodox Church played a decisive role in the resistance against the Nazi authorities.

Examples of heroic actions on the part of the church are the cooperation of Archbishop Damaskinos with the chief of police for the rescue of Greek Jews.

Furthermore, the E.O.X.A., the National Organization of Christian Solidarity, was created, with the aim of feeding, caring for and saving the Greek people throughout the years of occupation.

The anti-conquest spirit of the church is evident from the letter of challenge to Hitler from Archbishop Damaskinos.

With the liberation of Greece in 1948 came the years of reconstruction, in which the church played a decisive role.

Happy 28th October, to all Greeks. Remember, in defiance against the oppresors, the Church of Christ welcomes even those discriminated against.