By Catherine Tsounis
International Greek Language Day was celebrated on February 10 at Terrace on the Park in Flushing, New York, in honor of Dionysios Solomos, national ethnic poet and author of the Greek national anthem. President Stella Kokolis of the Federation of Greek American Teachers and its affiliated organizations hosted the event, which attracted 100 participants. Prominent members of the news media, representatives of the Greek government and consulate, education officials from the northeastern states, business professionals, parochial schools and Greek-American organizations were in attendance.
The event included a varied program, including prayers led by Rev. Gregory Stamkopoulos, presentations by Master of Ceremonies Leonidas Papoulias, and greetings from President Stella Kokolis and Ms. Giota Pechlivanidi, Acting Educational Advisor at the Consulate General of Greece in New York. Poetry presentations by students from Plato Academy and Dimitrios & Georgia Kaloidis Parochial School in Brooklyn added to the cultural richness of the occasion.
The winners, including Dr. Anastasios Koularmanis, Director of Greek Education of the Greek Orthodox Church of America, and Mr. Panagiotis Passas, Director General of International and European Affairs of the Hellenic Diaspora Education Department, been recognized for their contributions to the Greek language and culture. . A luncheon followed the program, during which tributes were paid to the awardees and their significant achievements.
The event highlighted the enduring importance of the Greek language as a symbol of cultural heritage and a vehicle of intellectual discourse. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to promote and preserve Greek language and culture within the Greek-American community and beyond. For more information, please contact Stella Kokolis on Facebook.
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“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 support, and implementing new educational methods to address American-born youth, we will keep our schools strong.
Explaining the theme, President Kokolis said: “The Hellenic language, a legendary language that still endures today, remains the language of critical thinking. Greek continues to inspire educated people around the world. Ms Pechlivanidi added: “Greek, spoken for 3,500 years and written with the same alphabet, has influenced the entire world. »
Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Papoulias, highlighted the distinguished reputation of Ms. Stella Kokolis, saying: “She is recognized locally, nationally and internationally as a distinguished community leader, educator and humanitarian, having received numerous awards for her activities professional, charitable, and political work.
Mr. Papoulias continued: “As an educator, founder of education companies, political activist and supporter of the Greek Orthodox Church, she is a legend. Ms. Kokolis has always supported Greek language, culture and Orthodoxy, often funding community projects anonymously.
John Chrysoulakis, Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the importance of Greek heritage, saying: “Greek represents dialogue, diplomacy and democracy. These three Greek words, in a global sense, extend throughout the world, telling their own story in Greek.
Dr. Griva from the University of Western Macedonia asserted that the Greek language has contributed significantly to scientific theories, philosophical thoughts and literature in Western languages, emphasizing that Greek is not a dead and continuous language to influence European languages.
Inspiring poetry presentations were presented by students from Plato Academy and Holy Cross Dimitrios & Georgia Kaloidis Parish School, Brooklyn, under the supervision of Plato Academy instructor Katerina Mpliatza.
The winner, Mr. Panagiotis Passas, Director General of International and European Affairs, Education for the Hellenic Diaspora, said: “International Greek Language Day honors our heritage. Greek is a treasure that reveals stories, traditions and our roots.
During the lunch, a tribute to Dr Koularmanis was unveiled. Ms. Athena Tsokou Kromidas praised Dr. Koularmanis for his role in training the minds and hearts of children and for his dedication to preserving cultural heritage and the Greek language.
Among the attendees were leaders from various Arcadian organizations, including President Angeliki Vournas of the Pan-Arcadan Federation of America (PFA) and Christos Vournas, Eastern District Governor of the Pan-Arcadan Federation of America.
Honored philanthropist Anastasios Vasilakos, a supporter of Plato Academy in Brooklyn, New York, was recognized for his anonymous contributions to educational projects.
Dr. Ioanna Lekkakou, principal of Odyssey School in Wilmington, Delaware, shared her educational philosophy, highlighting how Greek enhances student learning in various subjects.
For more information please contact (email protected).
