Commemorating 28 October: Ohi Day

On 28 October, Greece commemorates the historic “Ohi” — “No” — associated with Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas’s rejection of the Italian ultimatum in 1940.

The Italian invasion and the subsequent German invasion were followed by occupation and a collaborationist government. Resistance grew, and the Orthodox Church played an important role in opposing Nazi persecution and supporting people in need.

Among the examples of courage was Archbishop Damaskinos’s cooperation with the head of the Athens police to help save Greek Jews.

The National Organisation of Christian Solidarity, known by its Greek initials EOCHA, was also established to provide food, care and relief to the Greek people during the occupation.

The Church’s opposition to persecution is reflected in the protest signed by Archbishop Damaskinos and representatives of Greek institutions, addressed to Prime Minister Konstantinos Logothetopoulos. It challenged the deportation of Greek Jews. Read the document preserved by Yad Vashem.

The liberation of Athens in October 1944 marked a turning point, followed by difficult years of recovery and reconstruction in which the Church continued its work. The Hellenic Ministry of National Defence commemorates the liberation on 12 October 1944.

Warm wishes to Greeks everywhere on Ohi Day. As we remember resistance to invasion, we also remember the duty to stand beside those who face persecution and exclusion.