Utah Greeks To Present Citizens of Utah With a Commemorative Flag 

Flown at the Acropolis In Observance of Greece’s Bicentennial Independence 

Who:  1. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox

2. George Karahalios, president, parish council, Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake 

3. Jeannine Pappas Timothy, president of the historical preservation organization, the Hellenic Cultural Association of Utah

4. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall (invited)

5. Holladay Mayor Rob Dahle (invited) 

6. Parish clergy, V. Rev. George Nikas; Rev. Patrick O’Rourke 

7. Small group of Greek and community leaders

(Note:  social distancing practices will be observed)

What:  Presentation of a large Greek flag to Gov. Spencer Cox and the citizens of Utah from H.E. the President of the Hellenic Republic of Greece and from Utah’s Greek Orthodox Church community to commemorate the bicentennial of the independence of Greece ending 400 years of Turkish rule on March 25,1821.  Note: The unique flag gift was flown atop the flagpole at the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, earlier this year.) 

What II: Signing of proclamation by Gov. Spencer Cox declaring March 25, 2021 as “Greek Independence Day in Utah” 

Where:  Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 South 300 West, Salt Lake City, Utah (Note: Convenient, free parking available north of the Hellenic Memorial Building, north of the cathedral on 300 West).

When: 5 p.m., Thursday, March 25, 2021

How:  George Karahalios, president, parish council, Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake, and Jeannine Pappas Timothy, president of the historical preservation organization, the Hellenic Cultural Association, will present the unique memento in brief ceremonies in the stately cathedral.

How II: The lawns at the Holy Trinity Cathedral and at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church at 5353 So. Highland Drive, will showcase 200 small flags in observance of the historic day throughout the week of March 25.

How III:  Homes and businesses of Utah Greeks will display Greek flags throughout the week to commemorate the historic day.  

Why:  The flag presentation to the citizens of Utah and proclamation signing by the governor are part of a week-long observance by Utah’s Greek community of the bicentennial of Greece’s independence and will pay tribute to early Greek immigrants who set roots in Utah in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Contacts: Maria Papadakis, Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake:  [email protected];  801-328-9681; George Karahalios, [email protected], 801-541-4659; [email protected], 801-558-7692.