Greece celebrated a double holiday yesterday, as March 25 commemorates the Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, and is also the historic date to commemorate the beginning of the Greek War of Independence in 1821.
The twin commemorations came amid an unprecedented viral epidemic that has placed entire continents on lockdown. Strict measures are in place around the east Mediterranean country for non-essential movement outdoors, meaning that parades and events annually held on the day were suspended. Services in cathedrals were also conducted without worshippers.
As in 1821, Orthodoxy today continues to be at the forefront of the flock’s national aspirations.
For instance, church bells of Athens-area cathedrals rang out in joy on Wednesday morning, upon instructions by the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, His Beatitude Ieronymos.
Greek flags were hoisted in practically every corner of the world where Hellenism has a presence, while Greek Orthodox clerics stood in empty churches and sang the national anthem.