Europe

Berlin Honors Greece’s OXI Day: Commemorative Service and Celebrations at the Church of the Ascension

Greek Embassy and Community Gather to Celebrate Freedom and Resilience

October 28th, 2024
Elena Spoială, News from Berlin
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Each year on October 28th, Greeks in Greece, Cyprus, and Greek communities worldwide commemorate “Oxi Day”, the day in 1940 when Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas rejected an ultimatum from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. This bold refusal marked the beginning of Greece's counterattack against Italian forces in the Pindus mountains, a defining moment in Greek history.

This year, at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Ascension of the Lord in Berlin, a solemn tribute to the anniversary was held with the presence of the Commissioned Embassy of Greece in Germany. In attendance were notable dignitaries, including the High Commissioner Mrs. Panagiota Konstantinopoulou, and His Grace, Bishop Emmanouil of Hristoupolis. During her speech, Mrs. Konstantinopoulou emphasized that, “Today’s anniversary should be more than a day of remembrance. It stands as a profound legacy, reminding us of the endless struggle to uphold the core principles and values of Hellenism: freedom, democracy, and justice.”

In Berlin, the “Oxi Day” celebration underscored the strong cultural ties and enduring cooperation between Greece and Germany, symbolizing the longstanding friendship between the two nations. The 340,000 Greeks who reside in Germany represent a significant bond between the countries, a relationship further strengthened by the German-Greek parliamentary group within the Bundestag, fostering collaboration and shared cultural understanding.

Through parades, speeches, and ceremonies worldwide, “Oxi Day” transcends historical memory. It is a living legacy, inspiring continued advocacy for universal principles of freedom, democracy, and justice for future generations.

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News from Berlin