Areopoli, Mani: Anniversary of the beginning of the Greek Revolution of 1821
According to the long-standing religious and patriotic tradition of the people of Mani, the anniversary of the beginning of the struggles of the Greek Revolution of 1821 was celebrated with many events this year, with the focus point of the events being the town of Areopoli in Mani.
The official Doxology at the historic Church of the Holy Archangels was celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Evgenios of Crete, who was joined by Their Eminences, Metropolitan Efstathios of Monemvasia and Sparta, Metropolitan Dionysios of Zakynthos and Strofades, and the local Shepherd, Metropolitan Chrysostomos III of Mani. After the Doxology, Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Mani, presented the Archbishop of Crete, with a Hierarchical Engolpion and Cross set in memory of his visit, while the Archbishop in return presented the Metropolitan of Mani with a copy of the codex of the sacrifices of the Cretans during the Revolution of 1821.
After the playing of the National Anthem, at the “17 March 1821” Square and after the welcome by the Mayor, Mr. Petros Andreakos, His Eminence Archbishop Evgenios of Crete, delivered the panegyric for the day and was then proclaimed an honorary citizen of the Municipality of Eastern Mani. This was followed by the greeting of His Eminence Metropolitan Chrysostomos III of Mani, who spoke about the teachings of the Greek regeneration and particularly emphasised faith, heroism and philotimo.
This was followed by a reenactment of the swearing-in of the Mani families by students from Mani and the twinning of the Municipality of Eastern Mani with the Municipality of Parga.
Afterwards, at the square of the “Immortals”, His Eminence Metropolitan Efstathios of Monemvasia and Sparta, conducted a Memorial Service, followed by the laying of honorary wreaths at the statue of the Maniot chieftain Petrobey Mavromichalis.
The celebration events concluded with the parade of civil and military units.
Also present for the celebrations were, The Deputy Minister of National Defence, Mr. Davakis, as a representative of the Greek Government, the Member of Parliament for Laconia, Ms. Grigorakou, as a representative of the President of the Hellenic Parliament, representatives of Parliamentary Parties, Members of the Hellenic Parliament, the Chief of The Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Choupis, the Regional Governor of Peloponnese, Mr. Ptochos, the Mayor of Eastern Mani, Mr. Andreakos, Senior Officers as representatives of the Chiefs of General Staffs and Security Forces, representatives of Prosecutorial Authorities, representatives of Local Government, Former Crown Prince Pavlos de Grèce, representatives of associations and organisations from several regions of the country and a large crowd.
