SALT LAKE CITY, UT – The Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake (GOCGSL) and Utah’s Hellenic Cultural Association (HCA) observed the 200th anniversary of Greece’s independence from the Ottoman Turks with a month-long series of significant religious and civic events, beginning with a meeting with Senator Mike Lee (R) of Utah.

In late February 2021, Senator Lee requested a meeting with the Clergy, members of the Parish Council, Nico Priskos- Board Member of the American Hellenic Institute, and several parishioners in order to be informed about our Omogeneia’s concerns regarding Greek-Turkish relations. Chief among the topics discussed were the recent conversion of Hagia Sophia, the continued closure of the Halki Theological School as well as the ongoing interference by the Turkish authorities vis-à-vis the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Senator Lee assured those gathered that he would work closely with other Philhellene Senators to address the many issues brought to his attention so that the 200th Anniversary of Greece’s fight for independence would bear fruit in today’s global geopolitical struggles.

The Greek flag recently flown at the Acropolis: (left to right) Anthony Kapos, Andrew Katsohirakis, Rev. Presbyter Patrick O’Rourke, Assistant Priest, V. Rev. Archimandrite George Nikas, Cathedral Dean, Anna Deneris, and Jon Louis Pezely. Photo: Courtesy of The Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake

Divine Liturgy and Doxology on March 25th

The V. Rev. Archimandrite George Nikas, Cathedral Dean, assisted by the Rev. Presbyter Patrick O’Rourke, celebrated the Divine Liturgy on the morning of March 25th in honor of the Feast of the Annunciation and Greek Independence Day. A celebratory Doxology was held at the end in special commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of Greece’s fight for freedom, concluding with Fr. George leading the congregation in an emotional singing of the Greek National Anthem. Young Adults from the Dionysios Greek Dance Troupe were dressed as evzones and amalies to mark this significant occasion.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox, presenting the Declaration, flanked by (left to right) the V. Rev. Archimandrite George Nikas, Cathedral Dean; Rev. Presbyter Patrick O’Rourke, Assistant Priest; Jeannine Timothy, President of the Hellenic Cultural Association; Mike Korologos, HCA Board Member; George Karahalios, Parish Council President. Photo: Courtesy of The Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake

Visit by Utah Governor Spencer Cox to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Culminating the Bicentennial Celebrations was the highly anticipated visit to the GOCGSL Community by the Honorable Governor of the State of Utah, Spencer Cox, on the afternoon of March 25th. Governor Cox was warmly received by the Clergy, Parish Council President George Karahalios, HCA President Jeannine Timothy, HCA Board Member Mike Korologos, and several Parish Organization and Ministry Leaders. Governor Cox read and presented a Declaration which pronounced March 25, 2021 as “Greek Independence Recognition Day in Utah.” Governor Cox was then presented with a large Greek flag, which recently was flown atop the flagpole at the iconic Acropolis in Athens, Greece. This unique gesture – most likely the only such Greek Flag of its kind donated by Greece in the United States – is a gift to the State of Utah from Her Excellency, the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou. It was accompanied by a letter from the public relations director for the president, Maya Solomou, who wrote: “President Sakellaropoulou would like to compliment the Greek Orthodox Community of Greater Salt Lake and the Hellenic Cultural Association of Utah on their project to observe the bicentennial anniversary of the independence of Greece, which constitutes an event of major significance.”

The 2021 Greek Independence Day Declaration by Utah Governor Spencer Cox. Photo: Courtesy of The Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake

Also accompanying the flag was a letter issued by the Commander of Greece’s Presidential Guard certifying the banner was raised on the pole at the Acropolis.

The idea to present Utah with a unique commemorative flag from Athens was generated by HCA Board Member Mike Korologos and facilitated by American Hellenic Institute President Nick Larigakis. A duplicate flag, also flown atop the pole at the Acropolis, will be on display at the HCA museum at the lower level of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in downtown Salt Lake City.

The 2021 Greek Independence Day Proclamation by Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. Photo: Courtesy of The Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake

Proclamation by Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall issued a Proclamation proclaiming March 25, 2021 as “Greek Independence Day in Salt Lake City.”

St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox School/Greek School March 25th Programs

Children from the Parish’s St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox School and the Community’s Afternoon Greek School presented virtual March 25th Greek Independence Day Programs respectively. In addition, children from the St. Sophia School assisted in displaying 200 Greek flags on the grounds of both of the community’s Churches. Holladay Mayor Rob Dahle was also in attendance for a special Greek Flag raising ceremony at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church along with Dr. Elaine Bapis, Co-Founder of the St. Sophia School.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox speaking with (seated from left to right) the V. Rev. Archimandrite George Nikas, Cathedral Dean; George Karahalios, Parish Council President; Rev. Presbyter Patrick O’Rourke, Assistant Priest seated flanked by traditional evzones and amalies. Photo: Courtesy of The Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake

Governor Cox exiting Holy Trinity Cathedral: Governor Cox (2nd from left) with (left to right) the V. Rev. Archimandrite George Nikas, Cathedral Dean; Franz Kolb, State of Utah Director of International Trade and Diplomacy; George Karahalios, Parish Council President. Photo: Courtesy of The Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake

The March 25th Doxology: V. Rev. Archimandrite George Nikas, Cathedral Dean, flanked by (left to right) Andrew Katsohirakis, Jon Louis Pezely, Anthony Kapos, and Anna Deneris. Photo: Courtesy of The Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake

The March 25th Doxology: V. Rev. Archimandrite George Nikas, Cathedral Dean, flanked by (left to right) Andrew Katsohirakis, Jon Louis Pezely, Anthony Kapos, and Anna Deneris. Photo: Courtesy of The Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake

Left to right: Rev. Presbyter Patrick O’Rourke, Assistant Priest; Nico Priskos, American Hellenic Institute Board Member; Senator Mike Lee of Utah, and V. Rev. Archimandrite George Nikas, Cathedral Dean. Photo: Courtesy of The Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake