October 28
1940
Comparison –
Catharsis – Progress
By
Metropolitan Sotirios
No one can doubt that every Greek of
1940 proved himself to be magnificent: from the King and Prime Minister to the
very last Greek. Do Greeks always show this magnificence, though? That is, do
they always prevail and surpass all other peoples in their accomplishments?
Does every Greek excel, perhaps, when facing dangers? The truth is that every
person has his ups and downs.
The Greek race has proven its magnificence
throughout history. Before all other peoples, it showed its supremacy through
philosophy, poetry, democracy, art, and culture. This is true, not only in its
ancient history, but also throughout its history.
It seems that the Greek of today has
sunk to the lowest level that is possible. This can be seen in the problems
that are present today in our beloved country of Greece. The worst part is not the
problems themselves, but the way in which these problems are dealt with by the
majority of Greeks. What should happen? Should we tear each other apart? Should
we quarrel with one another? Obviously, this is not an option.
Let us stand well; let us stand with
respect; let us not be disillusioned; let us not panic; let us not run away
from our problems and the present state of affairs, but face them and deal with
them correctly.
Today's Greeks need to have sobriety
and composure in their lives. They should immerse themselves in studying the
history of their own people and nation:
from ancient times until today. They should rejoice in their successes.
They should recognize their failures and pitfalls in the past. Today's modern
Greek should compare himself with the successful Greek of old; the Ancient
Greek; the Byzantine Greek; the Greek of the Revolution of 1821; the Greek of
the Epic War of 1940. When one makes this comparison, let him, in turn, judge
himself. The ancient Greek would examine himself every night. "What
good did I do? What did I do wrong? What should I have done but did not
do?" This is how today's Greek should also evaluate himself, for in
this way, he can achieve catharsis and ultimately purification.
Catharsis and purification are the
best means to use for anyone to begin his ascent, his advancement and his
progress. The Greek was created for glorious things. When he uses his gifts, he
rises and can remain at great heights. When he forgets his abilities and his
destination, he falls down and causes himself to be humiliated.
As we celebrate the historic NO (ΟΧΙ) of October
28th, 1940 I call upon every Greek to stand before his history with utmost
respect; to respectfully stand in awe before the legacy of the superb ancient
Greek; to stand in respect before every hero of every age; to compare himself
with the superb Greek of the past - every single day of his life, so that
self-catharsis may take place. Let us confront today's problems supporting each
other and standing together - especially in dealing with the financial crisis
that is plaguing Greece
today. Let us confront it with magnanimity, and with courage. When we are
prudent and united, no problem is unsolvable and the Gordian knot can be
severed. The financial problem is
merely a small dark cloud which shall soon pass. No one should despair or try
to escape from his responsibilities. All
together, let us stand together to defend our values and our homeland, so that
success will be ours.
Long Live October 28th 1940! Long
Live Freedom!
With fatherly
love and blessings,
Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios
Primate of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto
(Canada)
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