Tonight my cousin, Panorea, invited me to attend a special program to remember the Fall of Constantinople on May 29, 1453 and the subsequent end of the Byzantine Empire. This event, 565 years ago, remains in the hearts and psyche of the Greek people and is marked with commemorative events throughout the country.

The music and messages paid tribute to the leader of the Byzantine Army, Konstandinos Palaiologos, and his heroic efforts to repel the Ottoman forces led by Sultan Mehmed II and to save their beloved Agia Sophia Cathedral–the center of Orthodoxy.

The music was offered by a choir of children and adults who sang with gusto and passion and by a Byzantine choir. The haunting resonance of the Byzantine chanting about this episode was evocative of the dirges of the Mani.

The spoken narrative related the historic events surrounding the capture of “The City.” The poignancy and sadness surrounding this siege is almost as painful to Greeks today as it was then.

Archbishop Efstathios of the Holy Mitropolis of Sparta and Monemvasia gave closing remarks. He bestowed the love and grace of God upon his people.

History is woven into the heart and soul of this land and people. It is something that may be understood intellectually, but must be experienced personally, to be truly comprehended.