Dear Editor-in-chief,
In the article "Macedonian Orthodox Church St Dimitrija Celebrates Cultural Heritage in Downtown Hollywood, Florida"
(http://pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=319251&Itemid=96), you allege that Alexander the Great was a national hero of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).
A lengthy dissertation on historical truth is unnecessary as any scholar involved in critical inquiry will honestly disclose the inextricable link between Ancient Macedonia (of which the legacy of Alexander the Great and the Macedonian kings formed a critical part) and modern Greece – its actors were the Macedonian Greeks, from before Alexander the Great to the Greeks of the Byzantine Empire and the contemporary ones. (http://macedonia-evidence.org/)
The borders of historical Macedon never encompassed Skopje or any surrounding district. Its successive capitals were Vergina (Aigai) and Pella, respectively (which are found in Macedonia, Greece).
Of course, the southern part of the FYROM was a part of Ancient Macedonia and superficially Slavicised (mainly linguistically) inhabitants of Greek descent who still preserve some of their ancient customs can be found there, but the fact remains that when one references Ancient Macedonia, you can be sure they’re alluding to Greece’s northernmost province, Greek Macedonia.
I am certain this blunder on your part was simply a case of misinformation at the hand of momentary nonchalance and in no way insinuates ill will towards the Hellenic Republic and its Diaspora. We believe that a correction on your behalf is quite necessary.
Sincerely,
Australian Macedonian Advisory Council
