The year 1956 saw the birth of Bay Ridge’s Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, an enterprise inspired by a group of visionary Greek immigrants. Their shared belief stemmed from recognition of the deep need for a Greek Orthodox Church in the heart of Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge. Amid a thriving community of Greek Orthodox Christians, the Church establishment was more than a spiritual sanctuary; it was envisioned as a way to transfer their precious Greek heritage to the next generation.
In a continuing effort to save and nurture Greek culture, the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church embarked on a major cultural preservation effort in 1965. The establishment of a Greek afternoon school on the premises of the church served as a platform for young Greek-American children to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of their heritage – tradition, culture and language. At a time of cultural diversification in America, these afternoon schools were resilient bastions of history and heritage, ensuring the perpetuation of Greek language, culture, and spiritual values beyond the borders of Greece.
The year 1980 marked a pivotal transformation for Holy Cross Greek American School. Evolving from its origins as an afternoon school, it has become a distinguished private day school. Since this transformative moment, this institution has fostered the intellectual growth of children from Kindergarten to Grade 8, while maintaining its dynamic afternoon program. Beyond the fields of mathematics and science, the school remains a strong supporter of Greek Orthodox culture which has been an integral part of its philosophy since the beginning. The school’s steadfast mission, conceived from its inception, encompasses a comprehensive Greek curriculum, emphasizing art, music and history – an embodiment of the holistic approach to heritage preservation Greek.
In 1991, the school’s legacy received significant support from Greek immigrants Dimitrios Elias Kaloidis and Georgia Christou Manolakos, a devoted husband and wife. Their generous pledge of $400,000 over five years demonstrated their deep commitment to Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church Community School. Remarkably, the realization of their commitment within three years led to the parish school being named in their honor – a testament to their lasting impact.
Dimitrios and Georgia Kaloidis, renowned for their entrepreneurial ventures including the Georgia Diner on Queens Boulevard and the iconic Park Banquet Hall Terrace, left a legacy that extends beyond culinary excellence. Mr. Dimitrios Kaloidis, in particular, has established himself as a dedicated philanthropist, channeling his resources to various causes – from churches and monasteries to hospitals and schools, both in the United States and Greece. His advocacy for the preservation of the Greek language in the United States highlights his deep commitment to nurturing the rich tapestry of Greek culture.
The Dimitrios and Georgia Kaloidis Parish School in Brooklyn is a living testament to the dreams on which it was founded. More than a school, it presents itself as a beacon of Greek values, ensuring the preservation of Greek heritage through the education of successive generations. In their dedication to cultural preservation, Dimitrios and Georgia Kaloidis have woven a thread that connects the past, present and future of the Greek American community.
Photos: GOARCH/Panagos-Galanis
