The president of the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra says he accepts the heavily Greek-influenced National Library won't be joining other Canberra icons in lighting up blue and white tonight to celebrate Greek Independence Day.
The National Library is significant because the "classical contemporary" design of the building is influenced by the Parthenon in Greece, while its interior uses Greek marble - including its stairs, made from white marble from outside Athens, and balcony, lined with green marble from the island of Tinos.
The original design of the library building had the same amount of columns as the Parthenon, but the National Capital Development Commission is reported to have cut one row of columns to save $250,000.
This year's Greek Independence Day is special as it marks 200 years since the 1821 start of the War of Independence, when Greece separated from the Ottoman Empire.
Canberra landmarks including Telstra Tower, Questacon and the Carillon will on Thursday be lit up in the blue and white of the Greek flag - but not the National Library.
The library says it was not a case of not wanting to be involved - it literally couldn't be.
A spokesperson said the library's external lighting was not set up to easily change colours like the lighting at the Carillon or Telstra Tower.
The library being lit up for Enlighten via on-building illuminations might have given the public the perception it had that capability, the spokesperson said.
One member of the local Greek community, who wanted to remain anonymous, said it was a poor decision by library management not to join the celebrations
"Surely they can make an effort, as the NLA would be the first choice for this commemoration given what it stands for, being that most of its contents are derived from Greek culture," he said.
Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra president John Loukadellis said he approached the National Library earlier this month via the National Capital Authority to request the building be lit up in blue and white.
He was told it was not possible and he accepted their decision.
Mr Loukadellis said critics of the decision did not necessarily speak for the Greek community.
"It is what it is. I'm not upset at all," he said.
The local Greek community will be celebrating by flying the Greek flag in prominent parts of Canberra. Other organisations such as the Greek Embassy and Hellenic Club will also be lit up in the colours of the flag.
Mr Loukadellis said spirits were high, and the community wanted to ensure the 200-year milestone of Hellenic independence was "a special and memorable occasion here in Canberra for all to enjoy".
"This year marks the Bicentenary of the Greek War of Independence, in which Greece won its freedom against the Ottoman Empire," he said.
"Greece had been enslaved for 400 years by the Ottomans, then on March 25, 182, Greece won its freedom and independence. This year being the 200 year anniversary, is a massive milestone for Greeks around the world, especially for those 10,000 Greeks living in the ACT.
"The Greeks of Canberra have made a huge contribution to the capital over the last 50 years and this display of Greek flags and illuminated buildings, together with media acknowledgement of the Greek Revolution, displays the strong contribution Greeks have made in their new found land, Australia.
"As a proud Australian with Greek heritage, the 25thof March symbolises freedom and gratitude. As Australian Greeks, we are very blessed to have witnessed the Bicentenary of Australia and now of Greece in our life time."
