Order of the Day by the Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias for the Anniversary of the 25 th of March 1821

Order of the Day by the Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias for the Anniversary of the 25 th of March 1821

March 24, 2026

The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias addressed the following Order of the Day to the Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, Soldiers, Seamen, Airmen, National Guards, Reserves, and Civilian Personnel of the Armed Forces, on the occasion of the National Anniversary of the 25 th of March 1821:

"Officers, NCO's, Soldiers, Seamen, Airmen, Reserves, Civilian Personnel, National Guards.

The 25 th of March signifies the most significant moment of our struggle for national rebirth.

Today, we honour those who stood up for the nation, those who shaped our national consciousness through the ages and turned it into an act of revolution when the time was right.

The Greek Revolution was the confirmation of a historical continuity. A continuity of language, religion, and culture.

The Greek Orthodox presence on the planet faced hardships, a lot of hardships, "according to decisions only He, the Lord, knows", but it did not vanish. Just like the Phoenix of Kapodistrias, it was reborn from its ashes.This is the legacy of 1821.

However, nothing should ever be taken for granted, let alone Freedom. And we must keep in mind, particularly in these times, how Thucydides viewed power. His approach remains absolutely accurate through the centuries.

The modern international environment is characterised by instability, revisionism, change, the collapse of International Law, and the increased significance of power. Threats arise from multiple sources: hybrid, asymmetric attacks, challenges to International Law, the creation of faits accomplis.

The Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East constitute a field of complex developments, which directly affect the security and stability of our broader region.

In this environment, Greece cannot remain idle. If it does not act, it will cease to exist. And Greece acts by being focused on International Law, with strategic coordination, and by enhancing its deterrent power.

With Armed Forces that are fundamentally reformed. Only this way, through reform, can they remain capable of responding to any contemporary threat, when and where national interests dictate it.

The contribution of Greek warships and aircraft, especially to the security of Cyprus, constitutes a self-evident act of national responsibility.

It reminds everyone, that Hellenism is not abandoned by the national centre when facing trials.

Taking care of the ecumenical Hellenism is a basic element of the modern Greek State.

Today's National Day is also a big religious celebration. It coincides with the Annunciation of the Theotokos. This so important celebration of Christianity. The day when the history of the world received the good news. The day when the incarnation of our Saviour, Christ became known. When man knows goodness, he chooses freely whether he partakes in it.

During our course in history, the Country, Orthodoxy, the will for Freedom, were all connected to Language. They are elements of our identity. They lay the foundations for our national continuity. They establish our character, who we are.

Consequently, today we do not just honour the past. We confirm the duty of all Greeks to ensure our existence as an independent, free, democratic country. To protect our national sovereignty. To protect our sovereign rights.To maintain our powerful deterrent capabilities. In order to achieve this end today, I repeat, it is not enough to protect the things that shape our identities, no matter how necessary that is. We need to radically change our perception and increase our capabilities.

We need to change everything in order to survive on this planet, except for our values. It is a prerequisite for this small in numbers but enormous in culture and historical depth nation, if it wants to face the challenges of these difficult and dystopic times.

Personnel of the Armed Forces,

Greeks recognise your contribution. They recognise your dedication to duty.

They are aware that you are serving to extents that exceed those of a typical person.

On behalf of the State, I would like to thank you for your daily dedication to your mission and your contribution to the security of the country and of the Greek society.

The legacy of 1821 to you is not just a historical moment. It is a timeless constitutional requirement: to serve the Country with total awareness of your mission. The obligation to pass down a safe, dominant, and proud Greece to future generations.

May the Champion Leader, our Patron Saint, watch over Greece, the Armed Forces, your families, the Republic of Cyprus, and Hellenism everywhere in the world".