The Pancretan Association of America Fraternity of Detroit "Pseloretes," the Cretan Ladies Society "Kriti," and the "Levendoyenna" Youth of Detroit invite you to commemorate two significant events in Cretan history on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 10:00 AM:
- The Heroes of the Holocaust of Arkadi (November 8, 1866)
- The 200th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Four New Martyrs of Rethymno (October 28, 1824)
We will also honor the memory of all deceased past members of our community. If you would like to include the names of your family members who have passed, please send a list to
Brief History:
The Four New Martyrs of Rethymno — Aggelis, Manouil, Georgios, and Nikolaos — were farmers and married men with children who lived as Crypto-Christians, outwardly adopting Turkish identity while secretly remaining faithful to the Orthodox Church. During the Greek War of Independence (1821–1824), they were captured and beheaded on October 28, 1824, for their resistance to Ottoman rule. They were buried at the Monastery of Saint Constantine, Arkadi.
The Holocaust of Arkadi (November 1866) occurred during the Cretan revolt against Ottoman rule. The Arkadi Monastery, serving as the rebel headquarters, was besieged by a large Ottoman force. Over 700 women and children, along with 259 defenders, took refuge there. When the Ottomans broke through, rebel Kostis Giaboudakis ignited the monastery's gunpowder storage, resulting in the death of most inside. This act of resistance shocked Europe and North America, further undermining Ottoman legitimacy.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, November 3, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
707 E Lafayette St, Detroit, MI 48226
We look forward to seeing you there as we honor the heroes of our past and the memories of our departed members.