On November 12, 2023, The Panchiaki Korais Society of New York and the Chian Federation hosted the commemoration of the 111th Anniversary of the Liberation of Chios at the community of Saints Constantine and Helen in Jackson Heights, New York.

For many years following Greece's War for Independence in 1821, Greek islands of the Aegean, including Chios, remained under control of the Ottoman Empire. In 1822, thousands from our island were massacred and enslaved in reprisal. Those martyrs paid the ultimate price that helped galvanize support for independence which Greeks everywhere celebrate on March 25. But it took another 90 years following the Massacre of 1822 for the Liberation of Chios to finally be realized.

On November 11, 1912, Greek forces began the 40 day assault that led to the end of centuries of Ottoman rule in Chios.

111 years later, we pay tribute to the heroes who sacrificed their lives so that we may rejoice in the fruits of freedom.

Thank you to Amalia Bournias and the entire community of Saints Constantine and Helen for hosting us.

We were fortunate to hear an inspiring presentation on the history of the Liberation by Athena Kromidas, an esteemed educator who has dedicated her life to promoting Hellenism and the Greek Language.

Ζήτω η Χίος!