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Mar 25 2021

Greece's National Day

Greeks celebrate March 25 as a double holiday: a historical and a religious one. Greeks celebrate the War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. The "Greek Revolution" was a successful war of independence waged by the Greek revolutionaries between 1821 and 1830.

Meantime, the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the Annunciation by archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary. 

Meet Chief Master Sergeant Konstantina Kalantzi.  We sat down to ask a few questions on what is special about not only this day but also her nation! 

See her answers below.

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Greece

Chief Master Sergeant Konstantina Kalantzi

1.  What do you miss most about home?

For sure I miss the sunny days, The Mediterranean Food and the sea as well.


2.  What have you learned working at SHAPE?

Working at SHAPE it is a unique experience and at the same time a big challenge for all of us. First and foremost, we have to learn how to interact in a multinational environment.

I believe that this is the main factor that can determine our attitude, our perspective about the other nations and that also can contribute to broaden our horizons.

In this way we learn from the others, we meet new challenges, we have different experiences and finally we can take back all this acquired knowledge to our national military.


3. What is something unique?

In Greece our way of life, of thinking and of acting is determined by "Philotimo".  "Philotimo" is a Greek noun which is almost impossible to be translated sufficiently, as it describes a complex array of virtues.

There is no dictionary around the globe which can translate this word. "Philotimo" is considered to be the highest of all Greek virtues, the standards for family and social living. The core concept is that of respect and walking in right paths.


4. During normal non-COVID?

Greeks celebrate the 25th March a double holiday: a historical and a religious one. The historical is The War of Independence. The religious is the Annunciation by archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she should become the mother of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

Greece marks the double holiday with 2 things: Parades, which are taking place all over the country and Cod fish. A custom across the country on this day is to eat crispy, fried Cod fish with garlic sauce (Bakaliaros Skordalia).


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