More than 150 parishioners gathered at Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church in Northeast Philadelphia to commemorate OHI Day, one of modern Greece’s most significant national holidays. The celebration was led by students of the church’s Greek School, who delivered a heartfelt two-hour program featuring traditional songs, poems, and folk dances that honored both the history and spirit of October 28, 1940.
In his closing remarks, Father Alexandros Kanaktrakis praised the efforts of parents and teachers for passing down the importance of this day to the next generation. “We preserve this memory not only through books and lessons, but through our children’s voices, steps, and pride,” he said.
What Is OHI Day?
On the morning of October 28, 1940, Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas was delivered an ultimatum by Benito Mussolini: allow Axis forces to enter and occupy strategic locations in Greece, or face invasion. Metaxas’s answer was simple and defiant: “OHI” (No).
What followed was a remarkable moment in World War II history. The Italian army, expecting a quick victory, was pushed back into Albania by Greek forces. Greece’s resistance marked the first land defeat of Axis powers and inspired hope across war-torn Europe. Winston Churchill later remarked, “Greeks do not fight like heroes; heroes fight like Greeks.”
Though Germany eventually occupied Greece, the delay caused by the Greek resistance forced Hitler to postpone his invasion of the Soviet Union—ultimately a costly decision in the long campaign against Russia.
A Living Tradition
Events like this OHI Day celebration at Evangelismos do more than honor the past. They reaffirm the deep cultural roots of the Greek-American community in Philadelphia and the role of faith, family, and education in preserving Hellenic identity for generations to come.