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Published
by the
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America,
July 4, 2005
Encyclical of Archbishop
Demetrios for Independence Day |
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Protocol 67/05
July 4, 2005
Independence Day
To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend
Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the
Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of
the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Day,
Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos
Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic
Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox
Family in America
My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Our annual celebration of American Independence on
the Fourth of July is an opportunity for us to
grow in our appreciation of the principles of
democracy, liberty, and freedom for all humankind.
We celebrate these principles as Greek Orthodox
Christians who are blessed to call America our
home. As inheritors of a proud Hellenic legacy, we
have been indelibly influenced by the principle of
democracy. As citizens and residents of America,
our democratic worldview has been enhanced by our
stalwart commitment to liberty and freedom.
Throughout our history, we have learned firsthand
of the necessity of these principles for promoting
peace, civic prosperity, and authentic
relationships with God and with others. For us
then, July 4th is not only a day to celebrate with
friends, families, and neighbors; it is also a day
to reflect upon the significance of our cultural,
national, and religious identity within American
life.
Today, we acknowledge the significance of the
Fourth of July as a community of Greek Orthodox
Christians through prayer and service. We are
moved to consider freedom and liberty as gifts
from God that He has lovingly given to all
persons, and as inalienable rights that He has
endowed upon all men and women throughout our
world. Our festivities on this day may therefore
be viewed not only as occasions to participate in
an important national observance, but also as
opportunities to recognize God’s abiding presence
in our lives and to comprehend the meaning of
freedom in its ultimate sense, as expressed by St.
Paul that "where the spirit of the Lord is, there
is freedom" (2 Corinthians 3:17).
As we celebrate this historic and ever-significant
Day of American Independence, let us continue to
enshrine in our hearts the true meaning of liberty
and freedom, both as responsible citizens and
residents of our country and as faithful Greek
Orthodox Christians. Let
us also pray that the freedom we enjoy in this
land may enable us to grow in our love for God and
for others, and in our commitment to freedom for
all humankind. May His perfect peace abide in your
hearts always, and may His gift of freedom ring
throughout our world.
With paternal love in Christ,
+DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America
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