Student Recitation of Hymn to Liberty for Greek Bicentennial
As a contribution to the celebration of this historical milestone by the peoples of Greece and their descendants and all those who live the ideals and achievements of the Greek people, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh has prepared a recorded recitation of the entire Hymn to Liberty by Dionysios Solomos - all 158 stanzas, recited by 132 students of our 17 Greek language schools - which will premiere on YouTube March 25, at 1:00 pm.
This achievement of our children, their parents and instructors was produced with love and enthusiasm and a sense of pride in the accomplishments of our heroic ancestors. The program includes a performance of the first two verses of this great poem, now known as the National Anthems of Greece and Cyprus, offered by one of our own, internationally known opera singer, Ms. Alexandra Loutsion (of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, Canonsburg).
To complement the recitation in Greek, His Eminence Metropolitan Savas has prepared a new English translation of the Hymn to Liberty, closely approximating the original’s poetic meter and rhymes. This translation will be seen at the bottom of the screen and will be available in its complete form from the Metropolis and Archdiocesan websites tomorrow.
Special thanks to Mr. Mike Politis (of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, Pittsburgh), who worked long hours to turn the many videos recorded at dozens of different times and places through the Metropolis into a single beautiful performance. This is a project which will can be viewed over and over, making the events and feelings of the first years of the struggle very vivid and moving. These are words that inspired the freedom fighters to continue their sacred efforts, and which appealed to the great powers of the world to join in the effort. Our faith, language, culture were at stake. We owe so much to those who fought and gave up everything for this struggle. May their memory be eternal! This project is our contribution and tribute to all who fought for freedom.
May our Lord and Panaghia continue to guide and protect all of us.
Ζήτω η Ελλάς! Χαῖρε, ὢ χαῖρε, Ἐλευθεριά!