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SR 880

SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING MARCH 25, 2025, AS THE 204TH ANNIVERSARY OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY AND CELEBRATING DEMOCRACY IN GREECE AND THE UNITED STATES

2025 Regular Session Introduced by John Burke and 9 co-sponsors

Declares March 25, 2025 the 204th Anniversary of Greek Independence and honors Greece–US democracy, religious freedom, and Greek-American contributions.

03/25/2025 Senate read and passed
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 880

Summary of Senate Resolution SR 880

Overview

SR 880 is a Rhode Island Senate resolution introduced on March 25, 2025, commemorating March 25, 2025 as the 204th anniversary of Greek Independence Day and celebrating democracy in Greece and the United States. The resolution is a ceremonial/expressive measure, not a bill that changes law, and was recommended for immediate consideration and subsequently read and passed by the Rhode Island Senate on the same day.

Purpose and Intent

  • Honor the historical milestone of Greek independence, tied to the Feast Day of the Annunciation (March 25, 1821), and recognize Greece’s long-standing relationship with the United States.
  • Reaffirm Rhode Island’s commitment to democracy and religious freedom.
  • Highlight the US–Greece partnership and ongoing cooperation on shared values such as democracy, peace, stability, and human rights.
  • Acknowledge the Greek-American community in Rhode Island and its role as a bridge between Greece and the United States.
  • Advocate for religious freedom and the rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, specifically urging Turkey to respect those rights.

Key Provisions and Provisions of Action

  • Proclaims March 25, 2025, as the 204th Anniversary of Greek Independence.
  • Reaffirms Rhode Island’s commitment to democratic principles and religious freedom.
  • Urges Turkey to respect the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
  • Commends the Greek-American community for its contributions to Rhode Island and its role in fostering bi-national ties.
  • Directs the Secretary of State to transmit duly certified copies of the resolution to:
    • Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church (Cranston)
    • Assumption Greek Orthodox Church (Pawtucket)
    • St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church (Newport)
    • Members of the Rhode Island Congressional delegation
    • Symeon Tegos, Consul General of the Hellenic Republic in Boston
    • Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Archdiocese of America

Affected Parties and Stakeholders

  • Greek-American community in Rhode Island and its churches.
  • Rhode Island Congressional delegation.
  • Hellenic Republic’s diplomatic representatives (Consul General in Boston).
  • Archdiocese of America and Greek Orthodox churches in Rhode Island.
  • The general public, as this is a ceremonial acknowledgment promoting shared democratic values.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: March 25, 2025
  • Referred to: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • Status: Senate read and passed on March 25, 2025
  • Classification: Senate Resolution (ceremonial)
  • Official citation: SR 880 (LC001178)

Context and Significance

This resolution serves as a formal expression of Rhode Island’s appreciation for Greek independence, the enduring U.S.–Greece partnership, and the importance of democracy and religious freedom. While not creating legal obligations, it publicly honors cultural ties, underscores bipartisan support for shared values, and encourages ongoing engagement with Greek-American institutions and officials.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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