As we continue to observe this year's bicentennial of Greek Independence, the Metropolis uses this historic moment to focus on a somber anniversary in the struggle for Hellenism: the Fall of the Queen City of Constantinople, on May 29th, 1453. If we look at March 25th, 1821 as the fulfillment of the 400-year struggle to regain our freedom, we commemorate the Fall of the City as a memorial to those who fell in defense of their faith and country, and even as part of an ongoing struggle to maintain religious freedom in Constantinople.