WARREN Community to mark Greek Independence Day

March 25 marks Greek independence from the Ottomans.
WARREN -- Greeks will celebrate their heritage with activities Sunday.
Church services will be at 10:30 a.m. at St. Demetrios Hellenic Orthodox Church, 429 High Street.
A Greek Independence Day parade follows at noon, beginning on High Street in front of the church, proceeding west to Mahoning Avenue and stopping at city hall.
Jo Anne Stathis will sing "The Star Spangled Banner," with help from area children.
Performances will include the Odyssey Dancers of Pittsburgh and Kalamatiano, the St. Demetrios Dancers.
The Greek national anthem will be performed and the Greek flag will be raised at city hall by former state legislator Harry Meshel and the Evzones, Greek soldiers.
Meshel will serve as parade marshal. Mayor Hank Angelo and the Rev. Dennis Michelis will speak.
Lunch will be served at the church after the parade.
Participants are encouraged to wear the Greek colors, blue and white, and are asked to bring their Greek and American flags to wave during the parade.
History: Christina Kapolis, event chairwoman, said March 25, 1821, was the beginning of the Greek Revolution after nearly 400 years of slavery under the Ottomans.
March 22, 1829, was the day the modern Greek state was created, she said.
During the Ottoman occupation, a lack of schooling led to illiteracy, and the Greeks, or Hellenes as they were called, were ignorant of their own culture, history and language, Kapolis said.
Also, churches were turned into mosques and religious icons were destroyed. Elementary education for reading and writing was offered in covert schools operated by the church.
Kapolis said President Bush and governors from across the country have issued proclamations in support of Greek Independence Day.
The day is marked in cities around the world.