Greek Education Students Graduate in Virtual Commencement Ceremony

NEW YORK – On Saturday, June 13, 2020, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Office of Education honored graduates from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Schools with a virtual commencement.  Hundreds of graduates from all the District Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Schools participated while families and friends watched via the Greek Education Facebook page. 

Offering congratulatory remarks to the graduates of the Schools, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America applauded the students for all their accomplishments and their perseverance through these difficult times, remarking, “What a year this has been for all of us and especially for you.  I want to say how proud I am of how each of you has contributed to the completion of this extraordinary school year.  None of us ever expected that such a world would come crashing in on our daily lives and expectations. All of you had to cope with the pandemic, and all of you have come through with grace and dignity. I want to congratulate the students, you first, and then your teachers and the administrators, for your dedication to the task of teaching and learning, continuing the amazing tradition that we call ‘education’.” 

In addition to Archbishop Elpidophoros, the virtual ceremonies included additional guests speakers Consul General of Greece Mr. Konstantine Koutras, President of the Higher Educational Council for Greek Education Athena Krommydas and Director of Greek Education Dr. Anastasios Koulourmanis. Selected students were also offered the opportunity to offer brief speeches. 

In early May, Director of Education Dr. Anastasios Koularmanis announced that all Greek Day Schools and parish programs would hold a combined graduation ceremony virtually due to COVIS-19 concerns.  All schools moved all their classes online in mid-March and have plans to re-open in the fall.