The Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis attends the celebrations commemorating the beginning of the Greek Revolution in Areopolis

The Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis attends the celebrations commemorating the beginning of the Greek Revolution in Areopolis

March 17, 2026

The Deputy Minister of National Defence and MP for Laconia Thanasis Davakis attended, today, Tuesday 17 March, the commemorative celebrations of the Municipality of Eastern Mani, for the beginning of the Greek Revolution of 1821. The ceremony was honoured by the attendance of the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostas Tasoulas.

Mr Davakis, accompanied by the Chief/HNDGS General Dimitrios Choupis, went to the Square of the Immortals in Areopolis, for the raising of the flag. Subsequently, he went to the Holy Metropolitan Church of the All-Great Taxiarchs, where a doxology was officiated by His Eminence the Metropolitan of Mani, Mr Chrysostomos. Next, he attended the re-enactment of the oath taking of the Maniot families, performed by Maniot schoolchildren, the homage to the heroes of Mani, as well as the parade.

After the conclusion of the parade, Mr Davakis stated:

"This day is a landmark, as well as a life experience for all Maniots.

I can remember when, as a child, my father brought me to Areopolis, on this day each year, to show me where our Nation's Revolution began!

The message and feeling of this day is that when we Greeks are joined in concord, we may achieve miracles.

For our achievement against the Ottoman Empire, back then, seems like a miracle.

Long live the 17^thof March 1821!"