Matters of Interest

Greek War of Independence

The Hon. I. PNEVMATIKOS (15:43): In the last week or so, there has been much celebration amongst people of Greek heritage in Greece and around the world. Celebrations have taken a variety of forms but, at the end of the day, the date 25 March 1821 has particular significance as it commemorates the 200-year anniversary of Greek independence. The War of Independence, alternatively referred to as the Greek Revolution, resulted in the formation of the modern Greek state.

Greece had come under Ottoman rule in the 15^th century and there had been sporadic uprisings and skirmishes from time to time, but the formation in 1814 of Filiki Eteria, otherwise known as the Friendly Society, became the turning point in the fight against colonialism, resulting in the overthrow of the Ottoman Empire for Greek-speaking people.

With the rebellions gaining momentum and successful attacks growing, coupled with escalating violence and wholesale slaughter of Greek patriot men, women and children, the world started to take notice. It resulted in England, France and Russia entering the war in support of the Greek struggle.

Many Greek men and women heroes of the revolution joined the struggle for differing reasons: some in the name of orthodoxy and against Muslims; some inspired by the cultural, philosophical and artistic achievements of a bygone era of classical Greece; some advocating a Greek revolution that accorded with the experiences of the French Revolution and the American War of Independence; and some who sought inspiration from the Enlightenment, which had bypassed Greeks of the time as they subjugated to the dark ages of Ottoman rule.

Whether Greeks and philhellenes were fighting Ottoman rule for religious, political, historical or cultural reasons, Greeks managed to unite and brought a sense of purpose and identity for Greek society. It is this Greek identity that is most vital for any and all celebrations of this important national day and belongs to all people of Greek heritage, irrespective of their individual beliefs and opinions. At the end of the day, the Greek population were able to set aside their differences and come together united and unwavering.

My involvement in the celebrations in our state commenced with the laying of a wreath, with my colleague the Hon. Connie Bonaros, under the watchful and supportive presence of the Greek Consul General, Mr Georgios Psiahas, at the War Memorial on Thursday 25 March 2021. This was followed by speaking at the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia gala event on Saturday 26 March to commemorate the 200-year anniversary of the commencement of the Greek War of Independence.

Within a room filled with members of the Greek community and representatives and speakers from all sides of the political spectrum, including various CALD organisations and groups, we had an opportunity to experience Greek hospitality at its finest. The Greek community's Dance Academy group in costume performed a series of dances that made the evening exciting and memorable. This was no mean task as the young dancers comprised second and third generation young people of Greek heritage.

The successful evening was followed by a church service and wreaths being laid to commemorate the anniversary at Taxiarchis Church in Franklin Street on Sunday 28 March 2021. The community representatives and the invited guests representing various regions of Greece, Australian politicians and CALD organisations witnessed young children and students at Greek heritage and language afternoon classes. These young people presented poems and songs in the Greek language to adoring parents, proud grandparents and community representatives.

It was a proud day for those of Greek heritage to see blue and white, the colours of the Greek flag, decorating landmarks around the world, in Australia and even our own Parliament House, Adelaide Oval and Town Hall. Although I attended many but not all events, there could never be enough celebration to truly commemorate Greece's independence.