2015 Marks the 194th Year of Greece’s Independence from the Ottoman Empire
Trenton, NJ – Commemorating the 194th year of Greek independence, Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno and Fr. George Nikas, representing His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of NJ, welcomed members of the New Jersey Hellenic American Heritage Commission and the Order AHEPA to the State House on March 26th. Fr. Nikas expressed the gratitude His Eminence has to the State of NJ and to all “who honor the Hellenic American Community”.
Members of the NJ Hellenic American Heritage Commission and the Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) were in attendance as the Lt. Governor signed a proclamation recognizing Greek Independence Day. Established in 2009, the NJ Hellenic American Heritage Commission promotes Hellenic heritage, culture and history throughout the State while expanding cultural exchanges and economic ties between New Jersey residents and the nations of Greece and Cyprus. As the nation’s largest and oldest Greek American grassroots service association, the Order of AHEPA’s mission to promote the ancient Greek ideals of education, philanthropy and civic responsibility compliments the Hellenic Commission’s responsibility to the State of NJ and to Hellenism.
Greek Independence Day is celebrated annually on March 25th in commemoration of Greece’s successful war for independence against the Ottoman Empire, which ruled Greece for 400 years. The revolution began in 1821, and Greece was recognized as an independent nation in 1832.
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