Chicago,
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
A
Message from Theodore Spyropoulos SAE USA Regional Coordinator
on the Anniversary of Greek Independence Day in
Greek and English
Reflecting
upon the National Anniversary of the 25th, the celebration of
Greek Independence, a pivotal event of our Modern Greek History, I
wish to share some of my thoughts and reflect on its meaning.
The
anniversary of our national palingenesis, like every other national
anniversary, should not be limited to the refreshment of our historic
memory and proud rhetoric of our ancestors.
National anniversaries should be cause of thought, reflection, and
inspiration for the future we are now building.
In
1821, Hellenes with national unanimity, heroism, and determination
contended and changed our course of history, surrendering to us a contract
for freedom written with their own blood. It is our obligation not only to
uphold this covenant but to renew our dedication to the ideals for which
they sacrificed their lives. We must strive for our national dignity,
non-negotiable for our rightful national issues, and make sacrifices in
order to deliver a better future to generations to come.
Greece
today not only faces challenges from neighboring nations, but is
undergoing the same socio-economic crisis affecting the United States and
the entire world. In an era
where technology surpasses mankind, we observe with bewilderment the
collapse of the socio-economic structures, the extant cultural trend which
evolved two thousand years earlier, as well as the aftermath of the excess
exploitation of the environment.
These
deadlocks developed because humanity for centuries now has neglected our
spiritual evolvement giving priority and value instead to the
materialistic interpretation of the world, losing the balance and harmony
between spirit and matter.
The
urgent issues which we face render us to veer our attention, not only
toward our personal pursuits for social and economic growth, but our
spiritual evolution. Furthermore, cooperation, teamwork and collaboration
are imperative. Internal
isolationism, self interest, fear, and insecurity are poor directors.
Once
again I present my thoughts and invitation as Hellenes to readdress our
cultural identity through self-awareness as individuals and as national
entities, and to redefine that which we historically represent: the
embedded values of Hellenism which are democracy, freedom, peace, respect
of individual, social and civil rights of all men, solidarity, noble
rivalry against antagonism, and the selfless service to fellow-man.
Pre-requisite to all these values is the unconditional love for all
mankind and nature of which humanity is an integral part..
Love is the only antidote to fear and insecurity.
Hellenism is the intense love of the cosmos. It is the cardinal and continuing basis for cosmogony and creation. May we abide by the Delphic mandate, «Öéëßáí öýëáôôå», in other words, «treasure love».
