May the first; the very first day of the month of May, 2024! It is the only May Day that we will have this calendar year! In the Roman Catholic Church world, the entire month of May is in honour of the Virgin Mary (as shared by my spouse, Aaron)! Perhaps that was due in part because the Vatican, the headquarters of the church is located in Rome, Italy, which is situated in the Northern Hemisphere. Where the process season of Spring is underway. A time of rebirth and renewal.
Early in the twentieth century, the Bolsheviks took control of Russia and renamed it the Soviet Union. They held a major parade on this day promoting their communist ideology as the futuristic unity of the world. On this day their celebration featured weapons of their supposed military dominance over all the world.
A modern May dance!
The traditional May Day maypole dance has been revised and updated. The current rhythm is too energetic for today’s youth who were bored with the traditional ribbons wrapped around a maypole! We all need to stay in touch with what is popular now; too soon, even today’s choreography will become “old-school” and outdated!
A floral crown!
Same gender lovers (SGL) never had such good times as May Day traditionally involved the exchange of flowers as proof of affection and devotion between lovers and spouses. And a remarkable fact about May Day: clothing is not required! Happy days are finally here!
Floral headgear!
This bare practitioner is commemorating May Day in his glorious nakedness and with a festive floral wreath balanced on his head! Obviously, he’s well into the spirit of this wondrous day!
Flowers for you!
A May Day gift, especially for each one of you in appreciation for visiting here today!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, May 3, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “World Naked Gardening Day!”
The western observance of Easter was on 31 March, 2024, and featured Easter egg-painted buttocks in honour of that occasion. Hence, a posting of Spring body painted buttocks for the ending of April! We can be inclusive here on ReNude Pride!
Welcoming bottoms-up!
With open arms and confidence our man above greets everyone to yet another publication of bottoms-up! here on ReNude Pride!
Lubrication application!
In the changing room of his fitness facility, our man above is serving a double purpose of lubricating himself after his shower and sharing his personal bottoms-up! anatomy!
Bottoms-up! indoors!
Oversleeping!
The couple above have mixed sleeping patterns. One is slumbering away while his partner is reading a newspaper: totally old-school!
Bottoms-up! skinny-dipping exit!
It is the time of year for us to attempt aquatic adventures! No better way than a bold skinny-dip (naked swim) to help bolster our circulation!
Bottoms-Up! for the month of April, 2024!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, 1 May, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “May Day, 2024!”
Camaraderie:good will and lighthearted rapport between or among family and/or friends; comradeship
Prologue:
The bare practitionercommunity and culture is based and built upon two distinct characteristics or traits that we all share. They are of equal importance and each one is essential in the bonding and the sense of belonging that being a bare practitioner brings into our lives as individuals and as a collective common entity. These characteristics or traits are our same gender love (SGL) and our nakedness.
TheCamaraderie is the fellowship, fraternization and friendship that the spirit of the bare practitioner community and cultureinstills within us. It provides us with a sense of devotion and trust that we all hold.
The Experienceis likewise collective and shared. It creates a bonding that we rely upon. It presents us with a foundation of caring and compassion as both a community and culture within the larger GLBTQ+ movement that enables us to celebrate our SGL and our nakedness.
The Challengeis in the perspective of our daily lives and how our cooperation works wonders and rewards all of us.
Bare Practitioner Camaraderie!
Throughout the years here, ReNude Pride has on occasion alluded to the popular – often widespread – misconception that our “natural” state-of-being-bare, body and clothes free, naked, nude, nudity, open, unadorned is both identical and interchangeable with degenerate, evil, sinful and wrong. Before anyone panics, allow me to assure you that this site is not entering into discrepancy and/or reversal! Aaron, my spouse, and I remain committed bare practitioners! This publication is nakedness encouraging, friendly, receptive and welcoming! And it shall remain so as long as we are involved here!
I have somehow collected this series of pictures of these two men interacting together in either foreplay, fun or jest (or a combination of all three)! The precise cause of their behaviour isn’t really important. The impression is that they’re both having fun together and that they’re both innocent of anything evil, sinful and wrong. They’re both enjoying their nakedness – plain and simple!
Bare, fun-loving and happy!
In harmony with the title of this post entry here today, they’re both not guilty of any maliciousness or misbehaviour aside from simply “being themselves.” Their body language and facial expressions confirm this as factual and reality. The atmosphere implies cheerful, comfort and harmony. Their eyes convey both affection, innocence and trust! They are engaging in camaraderie. Nothing more and absolutely nothing less than what the above definition offers us. A seasonal rite of rejuvenation and replenishment after the barren winter!
As bare practitioners, all of us know – primarily from first-hand experience – often in our textile (clothes oriented) society that our nakedness is interpreted by many as a subtle tool to foster sexual intimacy. The obvious physical contact between these two men: embracing, staring, touching, and their shared nudity may reinforce this misleading message but it fails to confirm it into actual reality.
Their interaction and their clothes freedom does validate their same gender love (SGL) acceptance and bonding. It likewise reaffirms their shared bare practitioner connection. They both have very similar physical characteristics that suggests a possible familial relationship (cousin or sibling) or perhaps a more bromatic (brotherhood + romance) affiliation.
Serious bare practitioners!
Discounting all and any homophobic judgments, there is nothing wrong with the sincerity and the validity of confidence and pride between these two men. They both publicly (for the camera lens and for the viewers) have no hesitation in their relationship, whatever nature it may possess.
Witnessing what these two men share the the togetherness they treasure is an example and an inspiration for us all. It is a reminder of our hope, our humanity and our innocence! Our men here today dispel the popular and widespread misconception that nakedness and sex are synonymous. Nudity may enable a sexual advancement but it does not exclusively energize immediate sexual engagement. Casual nakedness interaction afford us comfort. comradeship and convenience.
This series of photographs remind me of the words of the Anglican (Church of England) priest from 400 years ago:
“Full nakedness! All joys are due to thee,
As souls unbodied, bodies unclothed must be
To taste whole joys.” ~ John Donne ~ 1572-1631
Although composed by an opposite gender loving man, the spirit of his thought is applicable today, regardless of the sexuality!
Embracing!
The Bare Practitioner Experience:
“A bare practitioner is a person who is same gender loving (bisexual or gay) and who is a naturist/nudist (no clothing or covering). They also willingly release their body, mind and soul from the frustrations and tensions of always hiding beneath the oppression of garments. A free spirit, uncensored and uncovered, in a complete natural state confidently joined with another of the same gender in companionship, devotion and pride. Accepting and respecting both what and who they truly are!” ~ Aaron and Roger Peterson-Poladopoulos ~
The blatant and unmistakable message that the above images deliver is clearly that bare practitioners have no underlying feelings of embarrassment, guilt or shame in either their SGL life and their nakedness. They can and do embrace both of these aspects of their existence and increasingly find the self-acceptance and confidence within themselves and others that enable them to progress into their future.
Bare practitioners are perhaps among the most accepting and tolerant groupings of the GLBTQ+ culture. Although frequently marginalized others, specifically based on their body and clothes freedom preference and status, they are a most cordial and welcoming social community without concern of a person’s particular clothing status. An exceptional majority of bare practitioners are familiar with the exploratory nature of many SGL brothers and sisters, especially their curiosity concerning nakedness. They are patient and tolerant of those outside the clothing optional culture.
The Progressive Pride flag!
This community has an abundance of the “multiple coming out” survivors. Mot only did they need to “come out” regarding their personal sexual preference, they also took the additional decisive measure of acknowledging their orientation for nakedness. This “double-outing” has forged an open, receptive and tolerant community for all! Out two subjects featured today are reflective of the inclusiveness of both the bare practitioner community and culture.
There was a time in the not-to-distant past where those who were attracted to the same gender romantically were cautious, discrete and obsessively secretive about their sexual desires. Nakedness was seen as degenerate and disgusting. Slowly, those archaic attitudes are being erased and that is one of the predominant reasons that the bare practitioner community is accustomed to those from outside their ranks frequently attending social functions in order to view the social scene.
The two bare practitioners in the photo series published here today are a visual testament that nakedness and SGL are both compatible and natural! We see ourselves as role models of both our community and our culture. One of our priorities is to ensure that newcomers and curious visitors feel comfortable and relaxed while they are with us. All are encouraged to join with us and to remove clothing to their individual comfort level whenever they feel thus inclined and without pressure.
Solid advice!
For some, nakedness, especially complete social nudity, is a gradual process. It involves unlearning a behaviour taught to us and requires time to accomplish. Then there are those who boldly discard all their textiles (clothing) and then need to be reminded to dress themselves before leaving the event/facility! The fact that we underwent the “double-coming-out” (nakedness and sexuality) process and survived hopefully inspires others that they can accomplish the same!
The Bare Practitioner Challenge!
A challenging pin!
The picture directly above is of a pin that accurately reflects the undue amount of attention focused on the male penis. Please remember that the actual object of this essential truth is the message itself. The challenge is this: In the glory of our nakedness, exactly how are se supposed to display our pin? Insert it into our skin?
In the realm of social interaction, it is almost universally recognized that people are more comfortable, forthcoming, honest and sincere around and with others they perceive as most like themselves. This dynamic enables and encourages a bond of sharing and of trust. Among bare practitioners, the sense is supplemented through nakedness and sexuality. This similarity allows us to focus less on generalities and concentrate on uniqueness!
Bare practitioner embrace!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Tuesday, April 30, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! April, 2024!”
Our own spokes-model, Phoenix Fellington, leans against his tree!
Background:
Arbor Day is a secular holiday that is designed to encourage communities and individuals to plant trees to improve not only our environment but also the quality of life. In the USA, this year it is observed on Friday, 26 April, 2024.
In our header image (above photograph), ReNude Pride’s official unofficial spokes-model, our barepractitioner open adult actor, Phoenix Fellington, proudly poses leaning against a tree. Obviously proud of both his nakedness, his sexual orientation and his appreciation of our world! In the .gif image below, he reminds us of the joys of nakedness in a park surrounded by trees!
“I love to be naked, outside, surrounded by nature!” ~ Phoenix Fellington ~ official unofficial ReNude Pride spokes-model; bare practitioner; gay porn star
2024 Arbor Day: 26 April, 2024
As published in the previous post entry here, there are an increasing number of neighbourhood communities and municipal localities that are combining Arbor Day and Earth Day events. As both occasions involve the benefit of our natural environment, this union provides for an exchange of information, resources and talent into a combined effort. This also eliminates competition, confusion and the duplication of services.
Admiring the trees!
ReNude is a playful substitute for the word renewed which represents a rejuvenation and/or a recharging. As in the title of this blog post entry and of this site, it reflects another opportunity for our confidence and our pride in not only ourselves and our environment, but our nakedness, too! What better way to pay tribute to nature than by celebrating our “natural” bodies?
It is our Springtime rejuvenation of us as both a distinct community and culture of bare practitioners within our much broader gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) population.
In the Northern Hemisphere, we are now officially into our Spring season. A transition period between the winter and the summer. A three-month scope of time when our natural environment return from the bleakness of winter and invigorates our surroundings with a rebirth of colour, of foliage, of life and of promise! There is a future and we are now filled with hope!
The Spring season is an ideal time for us, as a neighborhood or as a municipality to forge a reunion with our natural world. Joining in the renude (renewed) spirit, we can look all around us for a task or a project to engage in that helps our environment to restore itself and replenish nature not only in our landscape but also within ourselves!
My spouse, Aaron, and I donated and participated in a tree planting in a local park in 2019. We gave two mimosa saplings to the park and planted them. Now that (hopefully) the coronavirus COVID-19 is finally downsiding, we will repeat that endeavour again this year.
Stripping for Arbor Day!
Trees
by Joyce Kilmer (1886 – 1918)
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast:
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
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Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, April 26, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Camaraderie!”
Earth Day was first observed – globally – on 22 April, 1970. At the time, it was a new addition celebrating an ancient planet! Now, it has officially evolved into a festive occasion to remind us all – both bare and the not-so-bare – that now is the time for us all to take the time not only to commemorate our natural world but to also take the time to actually make the effort to try and preserve it for our future generations!
Natural appreciation!
Who we are and where we live makes no difference. The majority of us have a sincere appreciation of the wonders of our environment (nature) and simply making the effort to keep our planet both productive and safe for us all is worth every ounce of energy we can contribute towards that goal!
The month of April, annually for those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, is the first complete month of the Spring season. In keeping with the promise of the rebirth and renewal (ReNude-al) of our natural habitat, there are two events in April that afford us the all the opportunity to join with others in improving and preserving our local world. The first of these is Earth Day!
Celebrate!
As Earth Day happens on a Monday this year, many areas are featuring Earth Day activities, events and festivities during the weekend prior to the actual observation in order for it to be a family experience. This makes it a truly educational “learning” undertaking for everyone!
If there isn’t an Earth Day happening in your area, don’t despair! It doesn’t require a massive celebration to honour! My spouse, Aaron, and I – along with several friends and neighbors – plan a community “park cleaning” for a local public park space! With budget restrictions following the recent coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, we volunteer to report to a special area of the property and pick up any loose trash left there. Our municipality’s recreation and parks department provides us with trash bags and disposable sanitary gloves to use. We spend two hours together patrolling through the public park and collecting the debris.
Note:Due to safety concerns, we do not engage in collecting discarded syringes and needles or any item that may be hazardous.
Happy Earth Day to all!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, April 22, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “ReNude Arbor!”
Practically every spoken (verbal) language has it’s very own manual sign language used by it’s Deaf (primarily) and other speech-challenged populations to communicate. There exists, as of this moment, no “global” or “universal” signed language familiar and understood by all persons who converse and interact manually. There are some “word signs” that are universally recognized and utilized but each language culture has it’s own particular and predominant signed language.
Some of the larger (geographic) countries and multilingual nations have variations based upon regional and linguistic traditions, very similar to oral (spoken) fluctuations known as “accents” that are usually comprehended by all respective users.
For example, the body-painted man (above) in today’s header (title photograph) is using his hand to transmit the the concept/message/phrase “I love you.” This is one of the manual signs that is widely understood by almost every manual communicator no matter their predominant sign language. Similarly, a smile and a wave of a hand is a method of conveying a friendly greeting.
Some of these internationally recognized signs are understood based on centuries of use. Others are representative of a geographically dominant signed language and/or interaction and practice. It is important to note here that every Deaf / speech challenged person has their own specific experience with signed language, no matter where they live. The reasoning will vary as many times as the total number of individuals involved!
It is also essential to appreciate and comprehend that each particular Deaf Culture evolved. There is no magical formula that was engaged to ensure compliance. Each signed language (American Sign Language, British Sign Language, Greek Sign Language, Arabic Sign Language, Yoruba Sign Language, etc.) developed on it’s own intensity and standard.
Gratitude!
Our man above, with no body paint whatsoever, is signing another concept/message/phrase conveying “gratitude/thank you” to us all for taking a few moments to manually communicate!
Naked hugs!.
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, April 19, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Earth Day!”
There are, at least in the English language, two months out of every year that begin with the letter: “A.” The initial occurrence\is April, the one that we’re in right now. It is also the first complete month of the newly arrived Spring season. It also denotes the return of natural growth and of warming temperatures outside. A hopeful and promising month of the calendar.
The second month that begins with the letter “A” is August. Chronologically, August is the exact opposite of April. It is the very last complete month of the Summer season. It is typically a month of heat and of sunshine; among us of Greek heritage, it is traditionally the month for our annual return to the homeland to visit with family, friends as well as celebrating our culture and customs!
For my spouse, Aaron, and myself, both of the A-months, April and August, hold a special significance. April because were both born during this month albeit on different dates. However, our birthdays are less than a week apart and we were birthed during differing years.
Birthday treat!
Secondly, but equally important, we were married on 15 August, 2015. The wedding itself was the result of a conspiracy collaborated by both pairs of our parents but welcomed by the both of us! Fortunately, my father was alive when it happened and he was able to witness it and to bless us both!
Naturally, Aaron and I are not the only two bare practitioners honoured during the A-months. Alex, my identical twin brother, shares the same birthday and the same birth year as myself. We also have a first cousin, Michael Poladopoulos, nine years younger, who celebrates his birth during the middle of this month. He is likewise a bare practitioner, Deaf and a secondary school art teacher. He is half-Greek and half-Nigerian (our father’s are brothers).
Concerning Aaron’s family, there are no additional persons with a similar “claim-to-fame.” However, there are quite a number of nieces and nephews waiting for maturity before a final, official determination is made!
A bromantic moment!
Concentrating attention solely on the Peterson (Aaron’s) family and the Poladopoulos (my own) family in no way incorporates all of the A-month celebrants. Within the global bare practitioner community and culture alone, an entire listing is unfathomable! Even as a distinct social minority, we remain too numerous!
As a public site, ReNude Pride strives to remain accepting and inclusive of all the curious and those exploring their nakedness and their sexuality. We are all too aware of the feelings of being excluded, ignored or neglected. Like being forced to stand outside the home and only being permitted to watch through a window the social gathering taking place inside.
Many of us know these emotions firsthand and regrettably, some of us still have to cope with these even today. That’s why avoiding any repetition of these sensations is a priority for this publication!
So, in a serious and sincere effort to eradicate any exclusion and/or overlooking, Aaron and I invite anyone and everyone to an event to celebrate, commemorate and to enjoy nakedness! ReNude Pride’s very own:
BPO!
Bare Practitioner Occasion!
Motivated buttocks!
Anniversary? Birthday? Coming-of-Age? Coming Out? Any happening in life that you believe is worthy of commemorating within this calendar year, 2024, is enough reason for all of us to rejoice! Join in all the fun and laughter as we all strip out of our cumbersome clothes, toss away our inhibitions and gleefully engage together as community and culture in our very own special and unique collective occasion!
Our ultimate goal is to create an event that is as inclusive of all of us. Therefore, whatever the cause is determined to be: solo, a couple – bromantic or platonic – or a large group, we’ll join together and dance until all of our hearts, minds, and souls are overflowing with delight, jubilation and spirit. It makes no difference when the day occurs, the month and the date aren’t important! Aaron and I want all of us included and involved!
Circle of joy!
For far too long, our bare practitioner community and culture has enable the mainstream (majority) society the prerogative of identification of us. Their labels/names for us have often withstood (survived) the “test-of-time” and frequently became an epithet (slur) to use against us. This abusive and contemptuous identity becomes offensive and stereotypical in nature.
For example, about the time of the Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR) in June, 1969, the term “queer” emerged and quickly was assumed by general society to identify us – in a completely derogatory manner. “Queer” thus became very demeaning. However, our newly self-identified “gay” community actually liked the label “queer” and kept it with confidence and pride. We began to voluntarily even refer to ourselves and our culture as queer!
The broader society was baffled, confused and completely taken by surprise. How could we possibly endorse an identity intended to discredit and offend us? That same segment of society is still seeking another term to use, all these years later!
All we have to do is take a look now to see how queer has become synonymous with same gender loving. The mainstreamers continue to search for an appropriate replacement!
Tossing away briefs!
So please come and join with us as we jointly celebrate us being what and who we naturally are: ourselves! Bare Practitioners Occasion!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, April 12, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Quickie!”
Just a few images today in observance of the April’s Fool Day or otherwise known as April Fool’s Day. I guess the determination is made by the number of persons involved! Have a good one!
Our friend above is obviously waiting for his morning bath! Did anyone remind him to turn on the faucet to fill his bathtub with water?
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The RuPaul Show’s Laith Ashley!
Pectoral dancing!
We’re unable to determine the thoroughness of his nakedness, however, his nipples appear to be synchronized with the rhythm! Needless to publish, but it is quite apparent that Laith Ashley’s pectoral muscle coordination is exemplary!
Happy April Fool’s Day to everyone! Enjoy the foolishness!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, April 5, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “April Appraisal!”
A very special occasion, indeed! The holiday of western Easter and the observation of Bottoms-Up! coinciding together for one Spring-time celebration! All the more reasons for everyone of us to joyfully bare our buttocks, grab the supply of body paint and design away!
Artists being artistic!
Western Easter themes!
Creativity!
For this year, 2024, Holy Easter occurs on Sunday, May 5. It is the time of the year for the celebration of hope for all of us and our futures!
“Easter bottoms-up!”
The rooftops!
Happy bottoms-up! to all! Happy western Easter!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Monday, April 1, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “April Fool’s Day!”
On the Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos (Mother of God) – March 25, 1821 – the Greeks began the revolt to end almost four centuries of Ottoman Turkish occupation!
The result was independence for the Kingdom of Greece!
Ancient Greek warrior!
Before we progress any further, a few notes to clarify the situation. First and foremost, the rebellion against the Ottomans didn’t have the Greeks fighting in the nude. Perhaps in ancient days, yes. However, in the 1800s, no, they may not have had official military uniforms but they definitely engaged in fighting while wearing clothing. Secondly, they may have personally had swords, etc., but they used guns. The Ottoman army was a second-rate military force, but it was armed with contemporary weaponry. For the Greeks to defeat them, a semblance of similar weaponry would be necessary.
At this time, the Ottoman Empire was widely known as “the sick man of Europe.” The heyday of it’s military dominance in eastern Europe had long ended. It was now known to be weaker, vulnerable and a declining force on the world stage. The organizers of the Greek uprising selected this feast day – a holy occasion in the Greek Orthodox Church – to begin the insurrection. It was the arrival of Spring, a time of rebirth and renewal. An ideal time to return independence to their beloved homeland!
Bishop Germanos, raised the flag of revolt over the Monastery of Aghia Laura (St. Laura) in the Pelopannese with the cry, “Freedom or Death” which was subsequently adopted as the summation of the revolution and later as the motto of Greece.
Flag raised by Bishop Germanos!
The early flag of Greece, the banner that represented the spirit of independence from the Ottomans, is presented above. The traditional colours of Greece, blue and white dominated the emblem. The double-headed eagle in the upper left corner of the banner is an adaptation from the flag representing the Byzantine empire.
The outbreak of the fight for Greek independence was a complete surprise for the Ottoman occupiers. They had not the slightest indication that such a massive insurrection was even being planned. As most of the troops were part of the occupation force with years of experience, they weren’t in any position of regularly preparing for a possible revolt.
The government of the newly liberated New World country known as Haiti was the very first nation to officially recognize Greek independence. This diplomatic exchange happened in 1821, barely 6 months after the struggle was initiated and long before the war was ended. Even France, Great Britain and Russia, the countries supporting the Greeks with military material, did not recognize the new country until after the Ottomans had ceded the occupation of Greece.
The shock the uprising brought to the Turkish occupiers was felt throughout the historic Greek peninsula and islands. Many of the smaller garrisons were unprepared, understaffed and without sufficient ammunitions to maintain a prolonged defence. They were abandoned in haste as the troops realized the need for assistance if they were to survive the assaults. The proverbial “sick man of Europe” was caught unprepared and was easily overwhelmed.
In haste, the Ottomans sought relief for their occupiers in Greece from their North African dependent states of Algeria, Egypt, Tripolitania and Tunis. These were distrustful of one another and frequently hostile to the various tribes comprising their numbers. The auxiliary troops were often defeated by the Greek locals who were often armed with inferior firearms but held strategic locations as the arriving armies unloaded off their boats.
The Greeks also had the advantage of familiarity with the local terrain and also of the culture and people. They were involved with persons of sympathetic feelings and shared desires for a return to Greek independence.
The war against the Ottomans proceeded with limited success on both sides. The Greeks could not harness the financial resources necessary to engage in prolonged military actions against the Ottomans and their North African allies.
Map of Greece
In 1827, Great Britain, France and Russia decided to intervene on the behalf of Greece and sent naval squadrons to the Aegean Sea. The Ottoman-Egyptian fleet was encircling the island of Hydra. The fleets engaged in the Battle of Navarino and the Ottoman-Egyptian fleet was destroyed. This event turned the tide of the war in favour of the Greeks. The complete annihilation of the Ottoman fleet at Navarino convinced the majority of the Ottoman military command of the futility of even hoping to prevent the insurrectionists from succeeding in their struggle. An unofficial retreat from the extreme areas of Greek control was implemented.
In 1828, following the landing of a French expeditionary force, the Egyptians completely withdrew from defending Ottoman garrisons. The Ottoman fortresses remaining in the Peloponnese surrendered to Greece and the Ottoman camps throughout the rest of the area soon followed. The result of this collapse of Ottoman occupation forced the Turks to accept Greek autonomy in the Treaty of Adrianople which ended the fighting.
After 9 years of fighting, Greece was finally recognized as completely independent under the London Protocol of February, 1830, by Great Britain, France and Russia, who subsequently guaranteed it’s independence. The London Protocol also established the Greek Orthodox Church as the state religion of Greece and the Patriarch of Constantinople was recognized as the supreme religious authority. Further negotiations led to the London Conference of 1832 which included the Ottoman Empire and introduced the Treaty of Constantinople, defined the borders of Greece and Turkey and recognized Prince Otto of Bavaria as King of Greece.
The modern flag of Greece!
In addition to the nine stripes, the modern Greek flag bears the emblem of the Cross of St. George, who is the patron saint of the Country of Greece. The Cross of St. George also, by law, adorns the top of every pole that supports the nation’s banner. The flag has been a part of the Greek culture since the revolution began with Bishop Germanos raising it over his monastery.
As for the revolt against Ottoman occupation, there are two of my great-great-great grandfathers and one of my great-great-great-great grandfathers who participated in the upraising. None of them were fatalities and they prospered under the survival of the reign of Otto, King of Greece, who was childless. His successors, the Glucksburg Dynasty, were from the Danish Royal Family. Otto was the only sovereign known as the King of Greece. The remainder were proclaimed by their officially recognized title, King of the Hellenes.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, March 29, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Underneath!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 