His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America
Flag Raising Ceremony – Philadelphia City Hall
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 18, 2022
Distinguished Representatives of our Local Government,
Members of the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware Valley,
Sisters and Brothers – Hellenes and Philhellenes alike,
Today, we come together in the “City of Brotherly Love” to raise a flag that embodies the freedom and liberty for that this wonderful City stands for. Here, on July 4, 1776, the Declaration for Independence went forth. And today, as Greeks and Philhellenes, we express our solidarity with this fundamental aspiration of the human spirit by raising the Flag of the Hellenic Republic in honor of the approaching Greek Independence Day on March 25th.
Last year was the Bicentennial of Greece, and it was observed around the world with great pomp and circumstance.
This year are the Centennial Celebrations of the two Institutions that embody the spirit of Greek-America. First, the One Hundredth Anniversary of the founding of the Sacred Archdiocese of America as an Eparchy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
And second, the One Hundredth Anniversary of the founding of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association – AHEPA – the leading Greek-American Organization with a nationwide presence.
The recognition of these two Centenaries, together with the observance of Greek Independence Day, brings home for all of us the harmony between our institutions and the bonds of all Greek-Americans with the Motherland of Greece.
The anniversaries that mark the revolutions for human freedom – whether the Fourth of July or the 25th of March 25 – remind us of how precious our liberty is, and how we must safeguard freedom at all times.
In the Church, we know that true freedom is freedom from sin and its consequences. In our society, we know that true liberty is the ability to decide for oneself what one believes, regardless of state pressure. That is why in these United States of America, the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights guarantees the free exercise of religion.
That is why the Noble People of Ukraine are fighting for their Nation and their lives at this very moment.
In hoisting the Greek Flag here in Philadelphia today, we honor the Immortal Heroes of 1821, as well as all freedom-loving people – especially our Ukrainian Brothers and Sisters, who are defending their own flag and land against fratricidal invaders The raising of the Greek National Flag today expresses tremendous solidarity, not only between the People of Greece and the People of Philadelphia, but all Americans alike.
May we be ever worthy of the blessings of liberty, and may we always be happy to share them with those who yearn for it – just as in 1776, right here in Philadelphia, and in 1821 in our homeland of Greece.
May God bless you all!
Ζήτω τὸ Ἑλληνικὸ Ἔθνος!
Ζήτω τὸ Εἰκοσιένα!
