NEW YORK – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America recently convened the Holy Eparchial Synod via videoconference for a regularly scheduled meeting. The discussion focused on the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution of 1821.

The following items of the agenda were reviewed and discussed:

1) A presentation by the esteemed Archon Demetrios Logothetis, Vice-Chairman of the National Coordinating Committee, outlining the Committee’s strategic planning and efforts, as well as the promotion of activities in honor of the historic 200th Anniversary of the Greek Revolution. The events will focus on the three following areas of interest to all faithful and the entire Omogenia:

a. The provision of resources and promotion of activities, efforts and celebratory events throughout the Archdiocese and, generally, the Hellenic-Christian community.

b. The implementation of an educational program for all ages, whose aim will be to better inform the Archdiocesan faithful of the history of the Greek journey toward independence.

c. The scheduling of events with particular care and respect, so as to honor and celebrate this important anniversary in jubilant fashion, while still properly adhering to the safety measures currently in place due to the pandemic.

2) It was also decided that the hierarchs of the Holy Eparchial Synod would appoint a representative to the National Committee from every Metropolis in order to ensure the most efficient coordination and collaboration of these events.

Following the meeting, His Eminence offered the following comment:

“The hierarchs of the Eparchial Synod are committed to the celebration of this monumental anniversary for the Greek Nation and for us as Greek Americans. Over the course of the year, the Archdiocese will celebrate the 200 years since the Greek Revolution in every State and corner of the country, and we are grateful to Mr. Logothetis and the National Committee for their ongoing work and commitment” – from The Chief Secretary of The Holy Eparchial Synod.

First Meeting of the National Coordinating Committee of the 200th Anniversary of the Greek Revolution

On February 9, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America convened the first full meeting of the National Coordinating Committee that will oversee the efforts of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese during the 200th anniversary of the historic Greek Revolution of 1821. The committee is led by Archon Demetrios (Jim) Logothetis and is composed of representatives of each Holy Metropolis of the Archdiocese, representatives of Omogenia organizations, and representatives of Hellenic Studies Departments at universities and colleges across the country. 

Archbishop Elpidophoros opened the meeting with words of encouragement and an important charge, “The story of Greek-America is an exciting one, and its roots in 1821 are a legacy of which we should all be proud and of which we should all be aware. Therefore, I welcome all of you to this noble and important work. I want you to imagine for a moment the gift you will be giving by unfolding this history for our community. Suddenly, young people will see the world around them through new eyes, eyes that behold the light of Greece on our world in a spectrum of radiance they might not have thought existed. Greece will appear in art, science, politics and even the English language, in ways that they might never have guessed.”

Following His Eminence’s remarks, Vice-Chairman Logothetis reviewed the overview of the campaign that will be divided into three distinct areas. These are: to promote events, whether online or in person, that occur across the US through a centralized calendar, to provide unique educational programs and content, and to hold proper, dignified and safe celebratory events. In addition, Vice-Chairman Jim Logothetis called upon the members of the committee to join specific sub-committees that will enhance the already planned events and celebrations. 

The official website of the Archdiocese’s celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Greek Revolution will be launched on February 25, 2021.