Opa! Celebrate the 200th Anniversary of Greek Independence with the University of Denver

The University of Denver is pleased to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire through a series of engaging webinars on March 23-25 in collaboration with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), the Enrichment Program at the University of Denver, and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver.

Nearly 30,000 residents of Colorado claim Greek immigrant heritage going back to the late 1800s mining camps to today’s leaders in business, government and academics. With such a rich heritage, we are thrilled to offer several informative virtual events featuring speakers covering topics regarding the Greek revolution, Grexit, and more, as well as many related courses being offered throughout the spring term!

In conjunction with the University of Denver offerings, Colorado’s Governor Jared Polis has officially proclaimed March 25, 2021 as “We Are All Greek Day,” to commemorate the independence anniversary and the many contributions Greek citizens have made to our state and our world.

Join us in the celebration with the below events offered by University of Denver’s Enrichment Program!

Greece and the Church: The Presentation of Faith with His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver and Fr. Christopulos
Date: Tuesday, March 23
Time: 6-8 p.m.
His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah and Fr. Christopulos will discuss Greece and the Church, and how the last 100 years preserved the 100 years prior in time.

Grexit: Then and Now with Mark Sobel and Danae Kyriakopoulous
Date: Wednesday, March 24
Time: 9-10:30 a.m.
This webinar will give a first-hand account of the nearly decade-long negotiation to bail Greece out of financial disaster and describes the economic and social aftermath.

We Are All Greeks: America and Greek Revolution with Dr. Angelo Repousis
Date: Thursday, March 25
Time: 6-8 p.m.
The outbreak of the Greek War for Independence in 1821 did much to excite the zeal of romantic philhellenes in the United States, who eagerly anticipated a resurrection of ancient Hellas and the return of the arts and sciences to that hallowed land. News of the Greek Revolution, printed, read or listened to, and reconstructed, revealed and fostered a public revolutionary identity that united Americans. Support for the Greeks took many forms, from spirited panegyrics and animated newspaper editorials to mass meetings, the organization of ad hoc committees, and various other fundraising activities. A handful of Americans even volunteered to serve in the Greek revolutionary army.

Learn more about these sessions and register for them on the Enrichment Program website.

In addition to the webinar series being offered to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Greek independence, OLLI will also offer multiple courses related to the topic. OLLI is open to those 50 and better, and all offerings will be offered live online through Zoom.

• Manifesting Your Memoir: Capturing the Stories & Images of Your Life
• The Threshold of Democracy: Athens in 403 BCE — Exploring Ancient Greece through Role-Play
• Indomitable Greece: Travel, History, Culture, and Impact
• The Ludlow Massacre & the History of Eastern European Immigrants in Colorado

Learn more about these courses and register via the OLLI at DU website.