ASTORIA – On October 29, AHEPA District 6 Director of Hellenism Vassilios Chrissochos presented his lecture on OXI Day for Hermes Chapter 186 at St. Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria. Members of Daughters of Penelope Ilion Chapter 135 along with president Effie Argyropoulos were among those present for the event.

Chrissochos elaborated on the topic of the Greco-Italian War and Metaxas’ Fourth of August Regime that took on Mussolini’s fascist forces. He reflected on the struggle of North Epirus that took the front line in the war effort and the cultural revival that region brought to the psyche of Hellas and the world. There was music celebrating OXI Day including Sotiria Bellou to metal band Sabaton.

On October 28, 1940, Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas received an ultimatum by the Italian fascist dictator, Benito Mussolini. The ultimatum demanded Greece allow Axis forces to enter Greek territory and occupy certain unspecified “strategic locations” or otherwise face war. Metaxas responded with “OXI!” (“No!”). The Greek forces fighting against the odds won the first Allied victory against the Axis forces and Greeks everywhere celebrate the holiday every year on October 28.

The presentation included archival material of the era to view on loan, courtesy of one of Chrissochos’ good friends Yiannis, such as a Lavaron of the era and rare magazines from the government of the time seen probably for the first time in over 80 years, as well as other rare items. The chapter thanked MGTV for filming the event.