Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Greek Education Department Hosted Students Award of Excellence & Greek Independence Day Celebration Program - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America's Greek Education Department hosted the Students Award of Excellence & Greek Independence Day Celebration Program. This special event took place on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at the Petros Patrides Cultural Center in Astoria, NY.

The program commenced with a prayer and opening remarks by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and Rev. Protopresbyter Anargyros Stavropoulos, the Proistamenos of the St. Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria. Following the welcoming address by Mrs. Athina Filippou-Katehis, Associate Director of the Greek Education Department, distinguished guests Mr. Konstantinos Konstantinou, General Consul of Greece, and Mr. Michalis Firillas, General Consul of the Republic of Cyprus, offered their greetings.

A highlight of the evening was the keynote address titled "Η σημασία της Ελληνικής Γλώσσας κατά την Ελληνική Επανάσταση" (The importance of Greek Language during the Greek Revolution) delivered by Prof. Nicholas Alexiou from the Sociology Department at Queens College, CUNY.

The program also featured presentations by students on the Annunciation of the Theotokos and Greek Independence Day, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of these events. Participating schools were W. Spyropoulos Day School in Flushing, Cherpelis Greek Afternoon School of St. Nicholas in Flushing, Transfiguration of Christ Greek Saturday School in Corona, Annunciation Greek Afternoon School in Rochester, NY, Assumption Greek Afternoon School in Danbury, CT, and St. Demetrios High School in Astoria.

Closing remarks and a benediction were delivered by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, followed by the presentation of the Students Awards of Excellence to the 47 honorees who excelled in the 2023 Comprehensive Examination in Modern Greek.

The Students Award of Excellence & Greek Independence Day Celebration Program was a memorable and culturally enriching event, celebrating the achievements of students and the spirit of Greek independence.

Photo: GOARCH/Brittainy Newman