The winners with program organizers and prominent leaders.
International Greek Language Day was established on February 9, 2017 to coincide with the birthday of national ethnic poet Dionysios Solomos, author of the Greek national anthem. President Ms. Stella Kokolis of the Federation of Greek American Teachers and Affiliated Organizations celebrated Greek Language Day, Saturday, February 10 afternoon, at Terrace on the Park, Flushing, New York. 100 people were present. A lunch followed after the event. Prominent members of the Greek news media, government and consulate, education leaders from the northeastern states, businesses, parochial schools and Greek-American organizations were in attendance. assisted.
President Stella Kokolis presents the award to Mr. Panagiotis Passas, Director General of International and European Affairs, Department of Education for the Hellenic Diaspora,
The following organizations and leaders hosted the cultural event: President Stella Kokolis, Federation of Greek American Teachers; President Vasiliki Filiotis and Georgia Filiotis of the Hellenic Paideia of America; and Office of the Education Attaché of the Consulate General Office of New York. Affiliated sections involved included: President Merope Kyriakou, Prometheus Greek Teachers Association; Ms. Elei Pylarinos, Saint-Basile Teachers’ Academy Alumni Association; and President Demi Savopoulos, Hellenic American Educators Association/UFT.
The program included: Prayer, Rev. Gregory Stamkopoulos; Presentation of the program’s master of ceremonies, Leonidas Papoulias; Greetings, President Stella Kokolis and; Greeting. Ms. Giota Pechlivanidi, Acting Educational Advisor at the Consulate General of Greece in New York; Eleni Griva, University of Western Macedonia; Student Poetry Presentation, Plato Academy, instructor Katerina Mpliatza and Dimitrios & Georgia Kaloidis Parochial School, Brooklyn; Introducing the honorees, Dr. Anastasios Koularmanis, Director of Greek Education of the Greek Orthodox Church of America; Mr. Panagiotis Passas, Director General of International and European Affairs, Department of Education for the Hellenic Diaspora, philanthropist Anastasios Vasilakos; Closing of the program and lunch. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis awarded citations to the winners. This is an incomplete list. For more information contact Stella Kokolis on Facebook.
“The goals of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros are to preserve Greek education,” Rev. Stamkopoulos said in his opening remarks. “The base of Western civilization in the United States of America is Greece. Through reorganization, donor help, and new educational methods to care for American-born youth, we will keep our schools strong.
Honored Dr. Anastasios Koularmanis, Director of Greek Education of the Greek Orthodox Church of America;
The theme is “The Hellenic language, a legendary language that still endures today,” explained President Kokolis. “It remains the language of critical thinking. Greek continues to be a source of inspiration for educated people around the world. Greek has been a language spoken for 3,500 years,” said Ms Pechlivanidi. “It’s written the same way with the same alphabet. Greek influence on the whole world. “
Master of Ceremonies Mr. Papoulias explained in his presentation: “Ms. Stella Kokolis is recognized locally, nationally and internationally as a distinguished community leader, educator and humanitarian. She has received numerous awards for her professional, charitable, and political work from major organizations and political leaders in the United States and abroad.
Mr. Papoulias said: “Educator, founder of education promotion companies, political activist, supporter of the Greek Orthodox Church, she is a legend of 2023. Generous, always serving all people and all causes, the educator is there for everyone. She never wavered in her support for Greek language, culture and Orthodoxy. Ms. Kokolis funds community projects anonymously.
The honored philanthropist Anastasios Vasilakos with the family of Mrs. Stella Kokolis,
Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, John Chrysoulakis, said virtually: “Greek represents dialogue, diplomacy and democracy. These three Greek words beginning with the letter “D” have a global meaning: Diaspora. From ancient Greece to the present day, the word diaspora has remained almost unchanged. This signifies the spread of seeds and the journey of Hellenistic values across the world. The diaspora is a precious we that extends across the globe and tells its own story in Greek. which extends to the ends of the earth and tells its own story”,
Dr. Griva from the University of Western Macedonia said virtually “the Greek language has developed scientific theories, philosophical thoughts and literature of the languages of the Western world. Greek is not a dead language. This influences European languages.
Plato Academy and Holy Cross Parish School students Dimitrios & Georgia Kaloidis from Brooklyn inspired us with poetry. Plato Academy instructor Katerina Mpliatza oversaw the students’ presentation.
“I am sending you excellent Greek teachers,” said the winner, Mr. Panagiotis Passas, Director General of International and European Affairs of Education for the Hellenic Diaspora. “International Greek Language Day honors our heritage. Greek is a treasure. It reveals stories, traditions and our roots.
A tribute to Dr Koularmanis was unveiled during the luncheon. Koularmanis oversees our 25 archdiocesan day schools and more than 500 afternoon schools spread across the country,” said Ms. Athena Tsokou Kromidas, former President of the High Council of Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. “Dr. Koularmanis shaped the minds and hearts of our children. It has preserved our rich cultural heritage and language. The recipient has served all of our communities in immeasurable ways. It is dedicated to expanding the resources that represent the roots of the diaspora in America. He helped create a program on Greek heritage.
Dr. Koularmanis’ family is originally from Tripolis, Greece. Leaders of the following Arcadian organizations were present: President Angeliki Vournas of the Pan-Arcadian Federation of America (PFA); Christos Vournas, Eastern District Governor of the Pan-Arcadan Federation of America; Dimitris Filios, journalist/public relations consultant and board member of the “Geros tou Morea” chapter of the Pan-Arcadan Federation and Dr. John G. Siolas, board member of the “Geros tou Morea” chapter and member of the Higher Council of Education of the Greeks. Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Honored Philanthropist Anastasios Vasilakos is a supporter of Plato Academy in Brooklyn, New York. He is discrete. He supports educational projects anonymously.
Students of Plato Academy and Holy Cross School, instructor Katerina Mpliatza (left) with Ms. Stella Kokolis, master of ceremonies Leonidas Papoulias (3rd from left) with Mr. Panagiotis Passas, general manager of International and European Affairs (4th from the left)
Dr. Ioanna Lekkakou, principal of Odyssey School, Wilmington, Delaware, shared her philosophy of education. “Greek enhances the learning of mathematics and science, discussing ideas and comparing cultures.” For more information, send an email ioanna.lekkakou@odyssey.k12.de.us.
The Hellenic Paideia of America Organization played an active role under the leadership of President Vasiliki Filiotis. Adriana Filiotis and Georgia Filiotis worked behind the scenes to help Hellenic Paideia of America participate in an event attended by over two hundred people. The Filiotis family is well known in Astoria, New York, for their community activist services. “Greek is important to the languages and cultures of the world. Greek recorded ancient philosophy and forms the basis of languages. Every language contains Greek words. Language spread Christianity. We support modern Greek language studies and encourage all young people to enroll. The goal of the Hellenic organization Paideia is to encourage Greek-Americans and their friends to speak Greek. An event that highlighted the importance of Greek Language Day 2024.
