"The Contribution of the Orthodox Church and the Clergy to the Greek War of Independence (1821): The Case of the Monasteries of Boeotia"

Abstract

The Greek War of Independence in 1821 represents not only a pivotal milestone in the history of the Greek nation but also the most significant event in the era of Modern Hellenism. Through this struggle, the long-desired freedom and national independence of the Greek people were finally achieved after four centuries of harsh subjugation.
The Greek Orthodox Church played an invaluable role both before and during the revolution, contributing decisively to the creation of favorable conditions for the emergence of the modern Greek nation. Faith and the longing for national freedom were the two unifying elements of the enslaved Romioi. The Christian faith, which bound the people together, also forged their national consciousness. The revolutionary cry “For the holy faith of Christ and the freedom of the homeland!” vividly reflects this unity of religious and national identity. The Church stood as a militant force: monasteries became centers of revolutionary activity, and clergy of all ranks actively participated in the uprising of the enslaved nation.
This study aims to highlight the decisive role of the Orthodox Church—particularly the monasteries and clergy—in the struggle for liberation in 1821, with a special focus on the region of Boeotia.