The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America celebrated the Feastday of the Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters with a sold-out concert at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City. The Concert introduced the Hellenic Education Fund, an initiative of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America to support and promote Hellenic Education in America and across our Archdiocese, including our 25 Archdiocesan Day Schools and more than 500 Afternoon schools.

The Concert entitled, “Letters About Three Luminaries: From Ancient to Modern Hellenism, The Music of Athanasios Zervas” was led by Director and Composer Athanasios Zervas, and featured the Archdiocesan Children's Choir and celebrated the literacy and cultural contributions of Sts. Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom.

In announcing the establishment of the Fund, Archbishop Elpidophoros stated, "This is a groundbreaking initiative at the forefront of a nationally unifying platform throughout our Archdiocese. Since its inception, this initiative has received one million dollars in seed funding…This is a movement. It embodies our aspirations for educational excellence, communal cohesion, and preserving our traditions.”

The evening began with a performance of Tous Treis Megistous Forstires by the Archdiocesan Children's Choir led by Music Director Costas Tsourakis. The children were delighted to perform at such a magnificent venue in front of their loved ones and Greek Orthodox community.

The evening continued with classical pieces from Dino Constantinides and Athanasios Zervas. Soprano Nicolette Mitroussias, mezzo soprano Xanthis Panagiotopoulou, and baritone Eleftherios Chasanidis joined the orchestra for solo and joint performances that moved the audience.

Zervas invited the audience to clap and sing along when leading the orchestra and Archdiocesan Children's Choir in performing Greek songs from the 1920s and 1930s. The crowd clapped along to the bouzouki and sang to classics such as "Sto Perigiali To Krifo." Bouzouki player Dimitrios Dallas ended the evening with a passionate solo that prompted a standing ovation.

Reflecting on the success of this first event, Co-Chairs Rev. Gregory Telemachos Stamkopoulos and Dr. Monica Tadros-Athas offered their deep appreciation to the Archbishop, to the musicians and to all the supporters. “It truly was touching to witness how much the value of education in our Greek American Schools holds such value to our faithful. This is the first of many more events to support the Hellenic Education Fund. Thank you to our musicians and our supporters.” To view the program and supporters visit www.flipsnack.com/7F5D6CDD75E/program-carnegie-hall-concert-hef/full-view.html

Read His Eminence's remarks at the reception here.

Read His Eminence's remarks for the Hellenic Education Fund Benefit Concert here.

View all photos on Flickr here.

Photos: GOARCH/Dimitrios Panagos