By Catherine Tsounis, contributing editor
“The very source and root of honesty and virtue lies in good education” Plutarch
February 9, 2019 was declared International Greek Language Day in hopes of sparking interest in the language around the world. The date coincides with the day of commemoration of the Greek national poet Dionysios Solomos, whose words appear in the Greek national anthem.
The Federation of Greek-American Teachers, the Department of Greek Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the “Hellenic Paideia” of America, with the support of the Greek Teachers’ Associations of New York, members of the Federation, organized a day-long lunch celebration on Sunday afternoon, March 10, at the Stathakion Cultural Center, 22-51 29th Street, Astoria, New York, to honor the Hellenic language declared an “international language” by UNESCO and the Greece during the ceremony. More than two hundred people attended to support the continuation of the Greek Orthodox language, culture and faith. The awardees were Rev. Protopresbyter John Antonopoulos, Dr. George Tsioulias, Ms. Vasiliki Filiotis and Mr. Stavros Haνiaras.
The following awards were presented to each recipient: the Federation of Greek-American Teachers, the Department of Greek Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America “Historical Hellenic Language Award” and Senator Michael N. Gianaris “ Certificate of recognition. The quote from Assemblymember Aravella Simotas read: “While a great state is strengthened by individuals who serve their communities with humility and distinction. That which is truly the lifeblood of the community and the State, so often goes unrecognized and unrewarded: Now, therefore, be it Resolved that as duly elected members of the New York State Assembly …we have an exceptional citizen, worthy of the esteem of the community and the great state.
The program consisted of the following people: MC Katsageorgi Yanna; NATIONAL ΑΝΤΉΕΜS; INVOCATION, His Grace Mgr Apostolos de Medeia, Representative of His Eminence Mgr DEMETRIOS, Geron of America; WELCOME, Mrs. Stella Kokolis, President of the Federation of Greek-American Teachers, Dr. Ioannis Efthymiopoulos, Director of the Department of Hellenic Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese: GREETINGS TO HONORED AND DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, Nicole Malliotakis, Congresswoman from Staten Island; Honorable Ms. Lana Zohiou, Councilor of Greece in New York; Honorable Mr. Alexis Phedonos, Consul General of Cyprus in New York; the Honorable Mr. Petros Galatoulas, former President of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York; the Honorable Mr. Cleanthis Meimaroglou, President of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York; Lunch; Performance by students from DGK Parish School of Holy Cross Brooklyn, “Mantinada” by student Panagiotίs Kokolis; MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Ms. Anna Tsoukala – Mr. Gregory Post PRESENTATION OF THE WINNERS ΤΗΕ ΒΥ: Dr. Ι. Efthymίopoulos, Mrs. S. Kokolίs; PRIZES AND QUOTES OF THE WINNERS: PJAntonopoulos, Dr G. Tsioulias, Mrs V. Filiotis and MS Haνiaras; RESPONSES FROM HONOREES; CLOSING REMARKS by Ms. Stella Kokolis; BLESSING His Grace Mgr Ierotheos of Efkarpia Abbot of the Sacred Patriarchal Monastery of Saint Irene Chrysovalantou.; Home: Committee: Vili Apostolatos; Hélène Zoulas; Emily Athanasiadis; Laoura Kontaris; Roula Lamprakis; Maria Kokolis; Aspasia Gounaris; Adriana Filiotis and others.
Education is about children. Many enjoyed the children’s choir at Holy Cross School, which was greatly reduced. Panagiotis Kokolis, an American-born fluent Greek speaker, stayed up all night practicing his recitation of “Mantinada” (Cretan poem). He did not recite it due to programming changes. We were disappointed. Children must first sing and recite poems.
Stella Kokolis carries out projects with enthusiasm and dedication. Her enthusiasm is legendary and explains how she manages to succeed. We all came in the rain for Mrs. Stella Kokolis and Mrs. Vasiliki Filiotis. Nobody else! She tried to help everyone. Reaching out to members of the Greek-American community for decades. Ms. Kokolis is not an intellectual transplanted from Greece. She believes it is her duty to nurture the values of the Greek language and culture that are rapidly disappearing in the United States. An intellectual with multiple degrees, she brought our Greek heritage to life.
President Kokolis of the Federation of Hellenic-American Educators and Cultural Associations of America established chapters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Clearwater, Florida, San Jose, California, and Toronto, Canada. She worked in cooperation with the educational sections of the city of New York. “Let us reflect on the admirable work that teachers have devoted to their students over the decades,” she said. “With courage and perseverance, let us continue to light the light of Hellenic education. » She is a graduate of the Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences in Athens and holds graduate degrees from the School of Education at Columbia University. His generosity is legendary. When someone needs funding for a project or a scholarship for a student, Ms. Kokolis gives money out of her own pocket.
“I am very happy and proud that over the last 8 years I have been able to help and promote the Greek language in a more productive way, by organizing seminars throughout the country and in Cyprus,” said Ms. Kokolis. “I was able to meet with educators across the county to talk about their professional experience that was different from state to state and hear their issues and concerns. I am very happy that my teachers associations across the country are cooperating with me in the success of my efforts.
President Demosthenes Triantafillou, president of the Prometheus Greek Teachers Association, donated $1,000 to the Federation of Hellenic-American Educators and Cultural Associations of America. It cements harmony and cooperation among all Greek educator associations.
When we speak to someone from Saint-Démetrios Cathedral, we often hear that this person was baptized by the Reverend Father. Jean Antonopoulos. He is the only priest remaining in Astoria since the 1960s. Dedicated, trustworthy and dependable in a crisis, these are the words that describe his unique ministry. He now has the new title of writer/historian with his three books based on primary sources. “Wise men and great teachers say that the humble uphold society,” said the Very Reverend John Antonopoulos. “The ecclesial community is supported by unknown and invisible deacons. » For more information about his books, contact Antonopoulos Funeral Home, at (718) 728-8500.
» said Dr. Tsioulis. “We must teach, reach and motivate Greek-American children, we must understand their environment, the school systems they attend, their own culture, traditions and habits. Greek language teachers need to integrate modern technologies, such as the Internet, into their classrooms and use students’ language to motivate themselves. Grandparents, parents and families must play an important role in encouraging students to learn the Greek language and culture. Cultural activities such as theater, dance, music and visits to Greece can help reduce the dropout rate of Greek students in Greek schools. »
“Greek is the language they gave me; My only worry is my tongue”, – Ulysses Elytis. This feeling motivated educator Vasiliki Filiotis, president of the Hellenic Paideia of America. 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.
President Filiotis believes that “Greek continues to communicate ideas, thoughts and arts. Parents must redefine their own ethnic identity, expressing their belief in Greek cultural success. They must offer their time and talents to perpetuate the Greek heritage. The goal of Greek education is to provide students with the tools to become their own lifelong teachers. They will think critically and independently, thus elevating their minds. We must study Greek to avoid our own decline. Greek is the language of the Bible and the basis of Christianity. It is the parents’ obligation to support Greek language education that will transmit these truths. »
Stavros Haviaras is one of the founders of the Chian Federation. His granddaughter Markella Mallas with her family, the family of my former student Nicole Arnitsis and many friends were there to pay tribute to him. I have personally worked with Mr. Haviaras to provide Greek scholarships to my students at a LOCAL UNIVERSITY. He is a larger-than-life figure who wants the next generation to love Greece and its island of Chios.
Mr. Haviaras is an active member of the Greek Orthodox community. He is Archon of our Ecumenical Patriarchate, Order of Saint Andrew. He continues to serve on the board of directors of the Kimisis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church for the past 35 years, serving as president for over 10 years. The winner is also a member and has served as president of the Chian Federation and the Dafnonas Chios Society. The Archon (Prince of the Church) continues to be involved in the community to keep our Greek culture and heritage alive.
In its press release, regarding this year’s celebration, the Greek Ministry of Education writes: “It is important to learn and love the Greek language, because of its virtues but above all because it expressed a great culture, which shaped and codified the first and statutory layer of the higher vocabulary and basic concepts of Western civilization. Over the centuries, its contribution has been decisive as a means of valorizing and disseminating Greek culture and today it is considered one of the oldest languages in the world.”
The statement goes on to say that “the celebration was formulated by the Federation of Greek Communities and Fraternal Organizations of Italy in 2016 and continues to spread throughout the world for the third consecutive year.” Educational advisor Georgios Kosyvas said: “This day should highlight the constant contribution of the Greek language to the development of European and international culture. Our goal is to promote and disseminate the Greek language while trying at the same time to make its projection and strengthening a matter of paramount importance, both for Greek schools and for the international community. »1
A country cannot exist without its history in education. “Has not a philosopher like you discovered that our country deserves more value, that it is more and more elevated and holier than mother, father or any other ancestor, and that it deserves more to be considered in the eyes of gods and intelligent men? , said Socrates (469-391 BC) in “Crito”, a dialogue by Plato.
The references:
https://www.lingualmagazine.com/2019/02/08/celebrating-international-greek-lingual-day
Connections:
http://www.azquotes.com/author/11735-Plutarch/tag/education
Main photo – The winners, Ms. Vassiliki Filiotis (left to right), Rev. Protopresbyter John Antonopoulos, Dr. George Tsioulias and Mr. Stavros Haνiaras.
