[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 20, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H1639]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE ANNIVERSARY OF GREECE'S DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE FROM 
                           THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
New York (Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. As cochair and cofounder of the 
Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, I rise today to celebrate the 
192nd anniversary of Greece's declaration of independence from the 
Ottoman Empire.
  Against incredibly difficult odds, the Greeks defeated one of the 
most powerful empires in history to win their independence. Following 
400 years of Ottoman rule, in March 1821, Bishop Germanos of Patras 
raised the traditional Greek flag at the monastery of Agia Lavras, 
inciting his countrymen to rise up against the Ottoman army.
  The bishop timed this act of revolution to coincide with the Greek 
Orthodox holiday celebrating the Archangel Gabriel's announcement that 
the Virgin Mary was about to give birth with the divine child. Bishop 
Germanos' message to his people was clear: A new spirit was about to be 
born in Greece. The following year, the Treaty of Constantinople 
established full independence for Greece.
  New York City is home to one of the largest Hellenic populations 
outside Greece and Cyprus. Astoria, Queens, which I have the honor of 
representing, is often called ``Little Athens'' because of the large 
Hellenic population in that neighborhood.
  New Yorkers celebrate Greek Independence Day with a parade on Fifth 
Avenue in Manhattan, which I have been honored to participate in year 
after year. Marching side-by-side with my Greek-American friends, I 
have always been overwhelmed by the warmth and enthusiasm which the 
community has brought to New York City. These events remind us of the 
Hellenic-American community's many contributions to our Nation's 
history and culture.
  The friendship between America and Greece is based on mutual respect, 
a commitment to common goals, and a sharing of fundamental values, 
especially ensuring stability in southeastern Europe. I hope permanent 
solutions can be found for ending the divisions of Cyprus and finding a 
mutually agreeable name for the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia.
  I know that the Greek independence movement was an inspiration to the 
American independence movement, and we have learned so much from our 
Greek friends.
  I have introduced, in many Congresses, an important resolution with 
my caucus cochair, Representative Gus Bilirakis. This resolution urges 
Turkey to respect the rights and religious freedoms of the ecumenical 
patriarch. It was my privilege to meet with the patriarch last year, 
and I know that he is negotiating with the Turkish government for the 
return to Halki, the Greek Orthodox seminary, of the right and 
independence to educate their priests and to restore their lands to 
them.
  I want to say that I ask all of my colleagues to join me and Members 
of Congress in celebrating Greece's independence. It is also my sincere 
pleasure to pay tribute to New York's Hellenic-American community for 
its many contributions to our great country.
  Zeto e eleftheria. Long live freedom.

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