Greek Orthodox Bishop vs. the Nazis

Today is a doubly significant day in the nation of Greece in that not only is the Annunciation of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary) marked but also Independence Day. On this day in 1821 the Greeks began their uprising against the Ottoman Empire, the tourkokratia or Turkish rule that is traced back to the fall of Constantinople in 1453. The occasion is marked with much pomp, parades and speech making in Greece and where large numbers of Greek immigrants have settled all over the world. This week also marked the anniversary of another stirring witness to freedom and human dignity, this one by a heroic churchman.