Protocol No. 34/18
April 18, 2018
Greek Independence Day Parade
To the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in the tri-state area
Beloved Omogeneia,
Christ is Risen!
It is with great joy that we anticipate our annual Greek Independence Day Parade this year, as we will gather on Sunday, April 22nd to march on Fifth Avenue in celebration of this Day and our precious heritage of freedom. In this celebration and the participation of our parishes throughout the region, we offer a visible witness of the strength of our heritage and the power of faith.
We have already commemorated the Feast of the Annunciation, which inspired our ancestors to accomplish the impossible--throw off centuries of oppression and be free. Through faith in God and hope for a better future, the impossible became possible. Through struggle and sacrifice, the people of Greece achieved freedom and the unlimited possibilities of liberty and self-determination.
As we gather for the Parade, we have just celebrated the glorious Feast of Pascha. Our joy affirms that our Risen Lord has defeated death. What seemed impossible has been overcome, and the unlimited potential of abundant and eternal life is offered to us. In our participation in the Parade, we will also commemorate a victorious struggle for independence that was inspired by faith and strengthened by the acclamation, with God nothing is impossible.
I invite all of our parishes in the region to join with us as we honor our legacy of freedom as Greeks and as Americans and the valor of our forbearers who longed for liberty and fought for freedom. May the fellowship we share and the witness we offer be a testimony to the power of faith and that all things are possible for those who believe.
I am waiting to see all of you at the Parade on April 22.
With paternal love in Christ,
† DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America