While growing up in predominately textile (clothes wearing) families, the majority of us are taught of the “evils” and undesirability of being seen/viewed naked or nude. No matter that we’re all born naked. Our caregivers and parents insist this is absolutely not the way to be!
Today’s posting celebrates two sets of siblings, notorious bare practitioners: bold, brave and publicly proud celebrities!
Daniel and Darren (Junior) Shoneye:
Comfortable Daniel Shoneye (left) modest Darren Shoneye (right)!
Both of these Nigerian-born, same gender loving (SGL) identical twins live in London, UK, and model as well as serve as GLBTQ+ rights advocates throughout the British Commonwealth. Daniel is also a personal trainer.
Darren (left) loses some of his modesty while Daniel (right) remains relaxed!
Both of the Shoneye brothers are featured in some SGL adult films and are more frequently receiving modeling assignments that do not require the wearing of clothing! Way to go, guys!
Bottoms-Up! Shoneye twins!
Both keep physically toned and have no guilt over appearing in their human “natural” form! They definitely “earn” their way in our world!
*************************
Gio Dell and his half-brother, Armani:
Gio Dell (left) and his half-brother, Armani (right)!
Gio Dell and his half-brother, Armani, are from Venezuela and currently live in the U.S. They have the same mother but different fathers. Gio is the older of the duo.
Armani prepares Gio for a fresh facial shave outside!
Armani grooms Gio in the colored photo above. Below, the same image is repeated in the black/white version.
The black/white edition of the above image!
The picture below depicts Armani preparing Gio for a grooming session, inside rather than outside.
Prepping Gio only inside rather than outside!
The two half-brothers work well together and both are separately pursuing careers in the SGL film industry!
Enjoy the last weekend in February!
Take care and stay bare!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry planned for here is Monday, February 28, 2022, the proposed topic is: “Bottom’s Up! February, 2022”
S’Naked is a convenient English colloquialism combining the words snow with the word naked. It is used to explain and/or reference a bare practitioner’s being clothes free outside in a snow environment. A winterized version of skinny-dipping in the snow! This is a very basic, essential and simplified version of the term.
Virgin is used here in the title to designate either first time or initiation. It is not intended to imply or suggest any sexual (xxx-rated) activity or engagement – at least, not at this time! My beloved spouse, Aaron, and I have no agenda favoring or leading to our public pornography debut!
******************************
The above picture of yours truly (me) was photographed by Aaron in January, 2010, – our first winter together as a live-in couple. It was also my initial adventure in being s’naked! My conclusion? I had the very best teacher imaginable! In fact, we were legally married five years later and remain so today.
Same snow virgin!
Growing up, my identical twin brother, Alex, and I never had the desire or the opportunity to attempt any type of s’naked adventure. Neither one of us had any affection for any cold weather and snow was useless to us. There was no thrill in being bare and in “frozen” nature!
However, my spouse grew up loving the s’naked life and relished his moments as a totally natural man! Our first winter together he made it his mission in life to introduce me into the s’naked world! I really didn’t have much of a choice in the matter! In retrospect, I wouldn’t even dream of making any sort of change in the entire adventure!
******************************
The same Saturday morning that I willingly sacrificed my s’naked virginity, we were confronted with the fact that we were joined by a small audience. Aaron had his back to the threesome, but as they approached us from the building corner, I noticed the trio as they rapidly dropped their jeans and underwear and exposed themselves to me – laughing and waving!
Spectator discovery!
I pointed and Aaron turned around. He and our “spectator” audience engaged in an animated conversation without any of us even attempting to conceal our exposure or nudity. They did convey to my then “live-in” partner their admiration of our interracial comfort with nakedness during a snow-storm!
We became acquaintances and later that same year they did join us for a few naked cocktail gatherings in Washington, D.C., bars. In the event that anyone is wondering, they willingly stripped off their clothing when with Aaron and myself at the nude “happy hours!”
Take care and stay bare!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next planned post entry here is for Friday, February 25, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Black History, Part 2!”
It was exactly one year ago today, February 20, 2021, that one of my all-time favorite adult actors, Ta’Leon Goffney (performance name: Teyon Goffney) – may he rest in peace – dies after being briefly diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic colon cancer. He would be 40 years old if he had lived until this year.
The Goffney Twins: Teyon (left) and Keyon (right)!
The Goffney Twins, pictured above an arms-length apart were rarely filmed with that distance between them. Ta’Leon and Keyontyli Goffney (stage name Keyon or Kyle) were born in Camden, New Jersey on April 8, 1982. They were raised by their mother as their father disappeared just before their birth.
They both began appearing in gay pornography in the late teen years. As youth full twins, it didn’t take long for them to gain national attention and fame. In their third year of gay porn-star success, they appeared with muscular gay film icon, Marc Williams, in a full-length feature. The film (on VHS) was an instant bestseller and was soon re-released to the public repeatedly.
The Goffney twins admiring Marc William’s chest!
Shortly after the twin’s astronomical rise to their status as film stars, gossip and rumours alleging an incestuous relationship between the twin duo soon began appearing in the national press. Both Ta’Leon and Keyontyli vehemently denied the allegations and the result was the collapse of their gay porn careers. Keyontyli always openly acknowledged his gay orientation whereas Ta’Leon always claimed to be “straight” (heterosexual).
Ta’Leon (left) and Keyontyli (right)!
In 2002, Ta’leon was caught, arrested and charged with breaking and entering a commercial business in Pennsylvania. In a plea deal, he admitted guilt and was sentenced to confinement. He was released early on “good behaviour” status. After his release, he publicly admitted to a bisexual orientation.
In 2014, under the pen name, Kent T. Jackson, he published his autobiography, “On My Search For A Better Life, This Is How I Became…Infamous!” In 2017, he authored, “Life After Infamy: The Sequel.”
Ta’Leon is survived by his two sons, Elias Paul Goffney and Noah Prince Goffney as well as his twin, Keyontyli, his mother and two younger brothers. His funeral and burial took place on March 1, 2021.
*************************
I had the good fortune of personally meeting Ta’Leon Goffney at a promotional event of his autobiography in November, 2019. My spouse, Aaron, interpreted for our conversation. He was able to share with me a few memories of his experiences working with film legend Marc Williams. Aaron and I both laugh over this reality even today.
Rest in peace, Ta’Leon!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next posting entry here is planned for Monday, February 21, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “S’Naked Virgin.”
Today represents a look back in time in order to gain a sense of the bare practices of African-American men from available images. The above image depicts our subject alone leaning against a tree. Judging from his hair style, this was probably around the middle to late 1960’s timeframe.
Another natural man in a natural setting!
Again based solely on the hairstyle, the image directly above is just a little earlier than the first one. Perhaps the late 1950’s to early 1960’s.
*************************
Freedom and the Access to Cameras:
The official demise of slavery upon the end of the US civil war (1860’s) introduced the policy of segregation (separation of the races – aparthied ) throughout the USA. The adoption of “Jim Crow laws” (second class citizenship) ensured an even greater divide between the African-American, Caucasian and Indigenous (Native-American) people. This practice prevailed until Dr. King’s era and the civil rights movement gained acceptance during the late 1950’s to the assassinations of Malcolm X in the 1960’s and Dr. King in 1968.
This reality fueled the popular myth (untruth) of African-American disinterest in and indifference to the growing emergence of the naturist/nudist community within the Caucasian culture. The three racial groups were denied social interaction and restricted to totally different locations. Therefore, their naked/nudist attractions and practices were nonexistent (invisible) to one another. This lack of contact and common occurrence perpetuates this myth even today. Unfortunately, it is common in all the racial cultures.
*************************
A segregated public shower!
Once again, relying only on hair characteristics, the communal shower picture above could be middle to late 1940’s or early 1950’s. Segregation remained in practice in almost the entire country.
The same holds true for the above!
The communal shower scene and the participants are the match for the previous image. The timeframe will be identical.
*************************
Racial and social inaccessibility are the major factors for the prevalence of this fiction within the body freedom and clothes freedom communities. Economics and “Jim Crow legalities” are strong secondary reasons for the continuance of these false delusions. The widespread oppression of the Black communities in this country and the practice of assigning to them the status of second-class – or lower/worse – citizenship ensured their economic depravity and financial insecurity. The growing fascination with the “camera” phenomenon and the obsession with the cult of photography made these novel “toys” financially inaccessible to the overwhelming majority of African-Americans. Segregation was so ingrained in society that photographers of one race couldn’t justify taking pictures of people of a different racial classification.
Black-focused logo!
Bare trio: comfortable and up-close and interpersonal!
Twentieth Century, the Great War, the Modern Era :
The arrival of the 20th Century witnessed an extraordinary and remarkable first on the American social scene. Following generations of subjugation, Blacks were abandoning rural isolation and intimidation – and worst – and migrating to the rapidly growing industrial cities of northern and western USA and beginning to earn money! Not necessarily large fortunes but enough to support themselves and to send some to less fortunate extended family members. The Great War (1914 – 1918) saw African-Americans enter the armed forces in record numbers and see action and meet people in western Europe. New societies, new practices, less restrictive! The 1920’s brought the USA into a period of prosperity and popular culture introduced a large number of Caucasian Americans (and their incomes) to the uniqueness and the pleasures of Black life and living.
Segregation remained, enforceable and legal, but the new decade’s outlook brought a relaxation of some restrictions and African-Americans entered an age of some limited accomplishment and cautious respect. Black homosexuality (same gender loving) earned some lukewarm acceptance and segregated color-oriented body and clothes freedom facilities began to appear and to prosper.
Simple message!
Gradual development of a Black-oriented financial infrastructure followed. Soon, items that were formerly considered unattainable luxuries became common and affordable. Cameras, photography and other modern conveniences began to evolve from dreams into reality. The twentieth century finally discovered Black America!
The 1920’s progress in financial resources and social gains was halted by the Great Depression that reached this country’s shores in the early 1930’s. The stoppage, though devastating, was only temporary as the election of Franklin Roosevelt as president, his wife, Eleanor, as first-lady and the New Deal as political fuel eventually brought the depression mindset to an end. The delayed entry of this country into World War II with the attack on Pearl Harbor rapidly converted the nation into an industrialized super-power.
*************************
Bare practitioners: no doubt about it!
The vintage picture posted above leaves us with no question: they’re early bare practitioners! Arm-in-arm, they prepare to exchange a kiss. Their hairstyles are from the late 1940’s to early 1950’s.
*************************
World War II ended in 1945 and an unsettling peace encompassed the globe. The “Cold War” era between the communist countries and the western allies was about to erupt. The economy continued to grow although no longer on a wartime frenzy. Segregation and the Jim Crow laws still managed to hinder and prevent equality. However, the need for a change was an attitude that fast covered the land.
A few years following the surrender of Italy, Germany and Japan – in 1947 – President Harry Truman signed a presidential executive order that ended the official policy of segregation throughout the U.S. air force, military and navy only. Enlisting (joining) the armed forces no longer guaranteed a single-race encounter. At least in theory, discrimination was now banned in all combat services. One positive “big step” forward on the journey towards equal rights.
In military life, discipline is the “rule of the day.” No argument, no discussion, no voting. If ordered to do something, it simply must be done. Truman’s executive order didn’t erase all military overnight, but it did represent a new direction in official policies and procedures.
*************************
Open arms, open legs, no shame!
The couple published above hair dates from the middle 1950’s. Their open arms and legs indicate comfort with being photographed bare together publicly.
*************************
Soon, another historical change rose on the horizon. In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the segregation inspired Jim Crow law of mandating “separate-but-equal” public school (education) systems throughout the country unconstitutional. The only legal quality this law contained was “separate.” The best, newest equipment and facilities were assigned to Caucasian students. The older, used and dilapidated (poorer quality) equipment was assigned to the African-American or Indigenous (native) American students or to Hispanic students. Separate? Yes! Equal? Unlikely!
This landmark judicial decision led to integration (coming together or mixing together) replacing segregation as the standard quality of the U.S. public school systems. The court ruling didn’t automatically end segregation overnight but it did lead towards a more accountable and equitable type of public school that continues to be sought today.
An integrated men’s changing room!
Following the Brown vs. Board of Education verdict by the Supreme Court, the civil (equal) rights movement gained momentum with the arrival “on the scene” (forefront) of Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Their leadership strategy was nonviolence (first and foremost) and involvement (engagement). This tactic quickly brought both national and international attention to the equality protest movement and highlighted the inequality and unfairness of life in the USA (the supposed symbol of freedom).
The growth of Black financial resources and services now gave the community to now have absolute proof (documentation) of existence. Cameras and photography provided evidence that justifies the reality of bare practitioners (same gender loving and naked/nude) in the African-American world. We can all admire and salute the bravery and commitment to a freer life for all Americans. We are grateful for their dreams and their efforts!
The reluctant acceptance and welcome offered to bare practitioners of one racial heritage when visiting the traditional site of a different racial group has caused problems within the same gender loving and body and clothes freedom communities. Both sides of the conflict have received negative reactions from all sides of the spectrum. The resolution of these concerns remains an unsolved issue within the larger bare practitioner community.
************************
The basic bare truth!
*************************
As dedicated bare practitioners, my spouse, Aaron, and I know from our shared experience that we encounter both judgment and ridicule based on our sexual orientation, marital status and our racial category (interracial). Our clothes freedom preference is another source of discomfort for many outside our community. We understand that any difference we can create today offers hope for a better tomorrow for us all!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, February 21, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “S’Naked Virgin!”
February 14 is universally recognized as a date that commemorates the unique attraction that two people have for one another, no matter their sexual orientation. Here at ReNude Pride, the affectionate couple can be same gender, bisexual or heterosexual. A romance between two persons should be celebrated and honored no matter the genders affected.
Decorated romantics!
Traditionally, Valentine’s Day is considered an observance between persons who are emotionally and physically attracted to one another. However, two persons united in brotherhood and friendship can likewise be honored on this occasion. There is no strict mandate restricting the date for physical intimates only. Friends have every right to appreciate one another.
Valentine’s Day is a day for all types of love: bromantic (man-to-man), romantic (between the genders), and platonic (between friends)! Celebrate and spend time with those who are important in your own life!
Arrow and heart: traditional Symbols!
Happy Valentine’s Day to all! Enjoy!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, February 18, 2022, and the proposed topic is “Bare Black History Month!”
This day, officially observed on the third Monday of January, annually, is the only national holiday honoring an American not of European birth or descent. Today commemorates the birthday of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., an African-American advocate of civil rights, justice and peace for all people throughout the world. He was born on January 15, 1929, to Rev. Michael J. King, Sr., and Alberta Williams King. At birth he was named after his father who legally changed both of their given names in tribute to the German religious reformer, Martin Luther, in 1934.
The Dr. King Memorial is the only one on the National Memorial Mall, Washington, D.C., dedicated to an African-American.
During his lifetime and beyond, the Reverend Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., was often considered a controversial figure of questionable integrity and intent, especially by the then-closeted (secret) homosexual FBI director, J. Edgar Hoover, a proven racist. His supporters championed his devotion to his faith, equality, freedom, justice, non-violence and peace for all humanity. His detractors viewed him as a communist, subversive and totally un-American.
Dr. King’s quote on commitment!
The Reverend Dr. King headed the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) an organization he founded and is best remembered for his nonviolent protests and activism against institutionalized racial discrimination and segregation in the USA. His actions led to the landmark U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 and to the U.S. Voting Rights Act of 1965 that theoretically outlawed the often legally sanctioned sanctioned practices that forced African-Americans to endure second-class citizenship.
In 1964, Dr. King was awarded by King Gustaf VI Adolph of Sweden the Nobel Peace Prize. In 1977, he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by then-President Jimmy Carter.
President Obama dedicating the Dr. King Memorial!
Historical Irony:
It is both historically ironic and significant that the Reverend Dr. Martin L. King, Jr, the first African-American to be honored on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., had his memorial dedicated by the very first African-American President, Barack Hussein Obama, on August 22, 2011. A singular honor for both men!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Friday, January 21, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Archbishop Desmond Tutu Tribute!”
Resolved: I will be a better person during this entire new year!
Truth, dare or a promise to ourselves that we may or may not strive to keep? Many of us begin each year with a list (endless for some) of goals and objectives to be accomplished in the upcoming 364 days. The more fortunate among us will find ourselves still focused on adherence and success at the end of January. An even smaller number will remain dedicated to this task on December 31, of the current year.
As a man who considers himself an optimist, why such a depressing prediction? Reality. Although created with complete “noble intentions,” a vast majority of us subconsciously know that we are doomed for failure no matter what we resolve to finish. Almost synonymous with new year’s resolution is one word: disaster.
“I promise to stay focused on my task!”
I began the previous paragraph identifying myself as an optimist. Yet in that same paragraph, why such a pessimistic conclusion? Reality.
Far too often, our world – bare practitioner or otherwise – associates the proverbial new year’s resolution as nothing more than a self-imposed joke. No hope of attainment thus no damage done. The placid acceptance of defeat with minimal energy expended.
Nothing ventured. Nothing gained. Right?
Perhaps rather than try to alter the behavior and change the habit, we may have a better chance of redirecting the concentration towards a much more positive direction. In other words, a new time-line featuring a realistic goal and an environment in which success is encouraged.
Making success happen!
As an undergraduate university student, I detested the barren bleakness of the winter season and instead concentrated on the return of the springtime; the same holds true even today. I rationalized that if I was to make a resolution regarding behavior change or self-improvement the spring season was much more conducive to success than the dreariness of winter. Spring is a time of rebirth, renewal and resurgence as opposed to the bland darkness of winter.
Bare practitioners or not, there are more of us active and energetic in the spring than there are during the winter. Personally, it was logical to undertake a project aiming for development and fulfillment during a season of hope (spring) as opposed to a season of destitution (winter).
“Bare practitioners find comfort, identity and recognition through nudity. Clothes are the epitome of a costume: a foreign object that creates confusion and deception.” ~Roger Poladopoulos~
Commitment and dedication!
Of course, if we are to achieve, succeed and, perhaps, surpass our projected goal requires both commitment and dedication. Those determining factors are independent of any and all seasonal situations. However, at least for me, longer daylight and warmer temperatures enhance progress and enable determination to complete the task at hand.
One step closer to overcoming the challenge. Another step closer to our reward!
My personal Spring Resolutions go into effect the First Day of Spring, annually. Everyone is welcome to join with Aaron and I in this quest!
The purpose of this post entry is to offer an alternative to the traditional new year’s resolution. Implementation is based on the convenience, perception and viability of the resolver. Any choice of time-line is always an option.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, January 14, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “A Guy Without Boxers, 2022!”
In January, 2018, ReNude Pride observed a one year anniversary. It began as a “labor of love.” I enjoy composing thoughts, expressing opinions and sharing ideas. Aaron, my legal spouse, my soul-mate – and self-styled “better-half” – enjoys the same. He agreed to wholeheartedly support my efforts here as long as I promised to obey his one rule: not to abdicate my responsibility to him! Thus far, we’re both cool and ReNude Pride continues to evolve and to grow.
Thank you!
A “lip-reading” thank you in gratuitous appreciation for your friendship and support during the publication of ReNude Pride. Hopefully, we can maintain this relationship into the future!
RENUDE PRIDE AT 5!
A Visual Summary!
Basic rule!
Bare is a welcome state of undress and is strongly encouraged and enthusiastically endorsed! Clothing is nothing more than a man-made guilt attempt to convey modesty and shame!
Confidence in being bare!
Pride is our ammunition to combat concealment, deceit, denial and falsehood! Confidence in our nakedness and our same gender love is the protective armour of body positivity! Take care and stay bare!
Aaron and Roger graphic symbol!
Acceptance, love and tolerance are the roots of prosperity and success. It is not the who that we love but the fact that we love that enables us to thrive!
ReNude Pride avatar!
The colorful diversity of the gay, lesbian bisexual, transgender and queer plus (GLBTQ+) community and our nude buttocks combine to make us all one! The Bottoms-Up! series on the last day of the month is inspired by ReNude Pride’s avatar image here!
Skinny-dipping!
Clothes free fun that can be enjoyed by everyone! Be bare, be comfortable and relax natural as often as possible! No shirt, no clothes, no problem!
Stripping off his clothing!
Our continuance to renew (word-play: renude) our preference of being proud bare practitioners. Hence the title of this publication: ReNude Pride!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, January 10, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “A Guy Without Boxers Debut!”
During this “holiday” time of the year, a vast majority of us are constantly inundated with reminders: gift giving, sharing, duties, obligations, responsibilities. In a word: appreciation. In gratitude for the advantages and the benefits that we have, we are encouraged and urged to “share” with those less fortunate the joy of being ourselves.
It is, after all, the decent and honourable “thing to do.” An appropriate and thoughtful seasonable gesture of goodwill. An act of kindness.
Brief pause.
Deep breath.
Moment of thought.
Sharing a kiss!
It is quite obvious that the subtle message intended for delivery wasn’t completely considered and evaluated by the originator. The concept, goal or ideal that inspired the creator was exceptional: outreach to all the people. Mission accomplished! The taskmaster, however, failed to include and recognize one segment of the general public.
The clothes free community. In particular, the bare practitioner (male, same gender loving, naturist/nudist) population of that specific community. Those of us who frequently become marginalized and therefore categorically ignored. We are seen as unworthy of any type of acknowledgement.
Frequently, we are subjected to blatant discrimination – even when we attempt to share with those who are not quite so fortunate in life. Those who extol the idea of sharing and spreading “good cheer” are increasingly determined to restrict those who give to those they determine “unworthy” of giving to others.
See no nakedness!
The reasoning behind the hypocrisy of rejecting “unworthy” contributions? It is because of who they are: specifically homosexual nudists. We are judged as demented and perverted are essentially less than human. Countless charities and churches reject or return donations offered by groups of defiled “pagans” and/or “sinners.” This year marks the third year that a Tidewater Virginia-based bare practitioner group has held a benefit gathering (private) for new toys for needy children and the items refused to be accepted by the sponsoring organization because it doesn’t want to appear to endorse a “questionable” cause.
My first cousin, Michael, is a member of this bare practitioner association and for a number of years co-chaired this event. For several years, Aaron and I drove down for the weekend to help with this project to provide toys for children.
A friend of mine in the Chicago, Illinois, metropolitan area supports “Warmer Coats” and his same gender loving club collectively buys new winter coats for children and the elderly. Again, their collective gift was denied but the membership were informed that individual private donations would be most welcome. A local church denying a gay men’s club the chance to “spread some cheer” because they’re queer!
Sometimes, stupidity surpasses kindness and acts of compassion and love!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Monday, December 13, 2021, and the proposed topic is: “Winter Respite!”
Thursday, March 25, 2021, is the anniversary of the beginning of the fight for the freedom of Greece from the oppression of the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey). The clergy of the Greek Orthodox Church encouraged the faithful to engage in the struggle to attain their freedom and restore self-determination of their homeland from the subservience of the Ottoman Turks.
The Ottoman Empire, for over two centuries, had periodically focused on the eventual absorption and subjugation of the Byzantine (Greek) Empire. The fall of Constantinople (the imperial Greek capital) through a siege that lasted from April 6, 1453 until May 29, 1453, rewarded the Ottomans as the Middle and Near Eastern superior power, economically, militarily and naval.
The political dominance of the Turkish government provided a grave and serious threat to the Greek Orthodox Church. The religious and spiritual head of all Orthodox believers , the patriarch (pope) of Orthodoxy resided in Constantinople and his official title is: Patriarch of the Eastern Orthodox Church and Archbishop of Constantinople. This situation fostered the unsubstantiated belief and rumors in the Western churches (Roman Catholic, Anglican and protestant) that the Eastern churches (Bulgarian, Greek, Roumanian, Russian, Serbian and Syrian) were under the manipulation of the Turkish occupiers.
Multiple Greek warriors!
On this date, March 25, in 1821, the Greeks rose up against the oppression of Ottoman Turkey in a protracted civil war that ultimately involved France, the Russian Empire and the United Kingdom joining with the Greeks in their quest for independence. March 25 is also the date of the feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos (Virgin Many, Mother of God) in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The organizers of the uprising selected this feast day to initiate the insurrection. Bishop Germanus hoisted the flag of revolt over the Monastery of Agia Lavra in the Pelopannese with the cry, “Freedom or Death” which was adopted as the motto of the for Greek liberation.
The government of the newly liberated Haiti was the very first country in the world to recognize the revolution – and therefore, Greek independence. This diplomatic recognition happened is 1821, barely 6 months after the struggle began and long before the war was actually over.
The Ottoman Turks were supported during the Greek rebellion by the North African Turkish dependent states of Algeria, Egypt, Tripolitania and Tunis. These auxiliary troops were frequently defeated by the Greek locals who were often armed with only their inferior personal weapons, primarily rifles.
Greek warrior artistic image.
After seven years of fighting, the Ottoman Turks grew weary of the Greek uprising. At an international conference held in London, a document called the London Protocol was signed by representatives from Greece, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the Ottoman Empire that recognized the independent sovereign Kingdom of Greece in 1830. The rebellion was over. In 1832, the Treaty of Constantinople was enforced between the Greeks and the Turks which defined the borders of Greece and established Prince Otto of Bavaria as the first King of Greece.
Above is the image of the original Greek flag that was recognized when independence was achieved. The double-headed eagle in the upper left corner was the emblem of the Byzantine Empire.
The .gif below is the current flag of Greece shown billowing in the breeze. The cross of St. George is in the upper left corner. The Greek Orthodox Church is the state religion of Greece.
The above explains the symbolism of the modern Greek flag.
The modern Greek flag was adopted during the 20th Century as the current state matured. Based on the current design, it is now universally accepted and recognized everywhere. During the last decade of the 20th Century, there were some grumblings that the two colors of the flag represented the “haves” and the “have nots” although there was never any agreement over what those two categories entailed.
Outline map of Greece (flag design).
Above is the image of a map of modern Greece, in the same design of the current Greek flag. Greece is located in south-eastern Europe at the bottom of the Balkan peninsula. The capital city is Athens.
Both of my parents and my oldest brother were born in Greece. They emigrated to this country just before the birth of my second oldest brother. Neither of my parents nor my oldest brother were ever naturalized here (became citizens). After our births, my father had all of our births enrolled at the Greek consulate, which made the remainder of my brothers and myself Greek subjects (we have dual citizenship).
Avoiding any implications of inaccuracy, before closing todays post, I want to remind everyone that the ancient Greeks most definitely did not engage in war while bare. Men were aware that any type of action involving swords and other forms of weapons could inflict major, if not debilitating, damage to themselves. Even the simplest girding of protection was valued above nudity in this case.
Wishing everyone the happiest of Patriot Day!
Bare hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/Renude Pride
Author’s Note: The next posting entry planned for here is for Wednesday, March 31, 2021, and the proposed topic is : “Bottoms-Up! March, 2021”
The unusually long delay is due to an educational conference.
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 