Archbishopric of Good Hope: A double day of rejoicing — The Annunciation of The Theotokos and Greek Independence Day

Archbishopric of Good Hope

 

On Sunday, 29 March 2015, Father Nikolaos officiated at the Service of the Holy Eucharist which was followed by the Doxology for the Greek National Day of Independence together with Deacon Father Michael Simos in the presence of The Greek Consul in Cape Town, Mr Thomas Matsoukas, Mr Nassos Martalas, president of the Hellenic Community of Cape Town and committee members.

 

 

The ceremonial  presentation of the national flags were carried by children of the Kosmas Aitolos Greek School in national costume. Pater Nikolaos then addressed everyone and underlined how important it was for our children to honour and remember these two very significant   commemorations as they are the guardians of our history for generations to come and then invited  Consul Matsoukas to address the congregation. 

 

 

Consul  Matsoukas congratulated the educators of the Greek School for the excellent number of children from the school who were present at the Service and then proceeded to read the official message from the Greece.

 The service closed with the choir singing the Greek National anthem and the South African anthem.  Afterwards there was a performance by the school children at the Hellenic Community Centre in Mouille Point and a celebratory lunch.

While family and friends looked on, the children from the Kosmas Aitolos Greek School charmed everyone with their presentation. The students explained the dual significance of the date, and then performed traditional poems, songs, and dances. A highlight was the beautiful rendition of the biblical story of the Evangelismos to honour the Theotokos .

In his closing address, Father Nikoloas congratulated the children and their educators and the teachers of the Greek Dancing Academy for the excellent performance and emphasised how important it is for our children to understand and honour the history of the Greek Nation, and, particularly the part that the Orthodox Church played in the freedom we experience today.
This was by far one of the most impressive and memorable days of celebration for the Evangelismos and the 1821 Greek National Day of Independence that we have seen in years and all praise and thanks to the teachers and students who made it so enjoyable and unforgettable. Bravo!
Zito e Elas!



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