By Catherine Tsounis
Worldwide Greek communities remember the contributions of three Christian bishops from over 1700 years ago: Basil the Great of Caesarea, Gregory the Theologian of Nazianzus, and John Chrysostom. These bishops, known as the Three Hierarchs, lived in the 4th century A.D. and are celebrated for blending Greek philosophy with Christian faith. They valued Greek education and used the Greek language to spread their teachings. Greek learning, with a continuous oral tradition, spans more than 3,500 years. The Three Hierarchs are venerated as saints in the Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, Oriental Orthodox, and Anglican Churches.
The Federation of Hellenic Educators of America, Hellenic Paideia of America, presented a program commemorating the Three Hierarchs unique contribution to Greek education and the traditional cutting of the Vasilopita New Year’s Bread. The event was held on Sunday, January 26th in the Cretan Association Minos, at 33rd St. in Astoria, NY. President Stella Kokolis of the Federation of Hellenic American Educators and Cultural Associations of America, President Vasiliki Filiotis of Hellenic Paideia of America, President Demi Savopoulos, of the Hellenic American Educators Association/UFT, Eleni Pylarinos of the Alumni Educators Association of St. Basil’s Academy sponsored the event. Educators and members of the business Community of the northeastern states attended. The hall was packed. A reception followed.
The following persons were honored for their achievements: Dr. Despina Siolas, MD/Ph.D., physician/scientist, Siolas laboratory at Weill Cornell Medicine, NYC.; Dr. Ioanna Lekkakou, Ph.D., Dean of Hellenic Classical education and Odyssey short-term school district, Wilmington Delaware: and Presvitera Panagiota Stavropoulou, philologist. The honorees have outstanding biographies. For their complete biographies, contact [email protected] and [email protected].
The program consisted of the following : prayer; three hierarchs him saying by Irene Tsiaris: national anthems of the United States and Greece: Welcome, President Stella Kokolis of the Federation of Hellenic American Educators and Cultural Associations of America, President Vasiliki Filiotis of Hellenic Paideia of America; Program moderator, Keynote address, Dr. Despina Afentouli, journalist-sociologist in academia, media and public sector; Keynote address, Rev. Gregory Stamkopoulos, Assistant director, Department of Greek education, database administrator, department of information technology, Greek orthodox archdiocese of America,
Rev. Gregory Stamkopoulos in his keynote speaker address explained “The Three Hierarchs understood their audiences. They effectively drew them toward their viewpoints by speaking truthfully and persuasively. St. Gregory the Theologian was a strong supporter of Greek philosophy. He infused Hellenism into the early Church. St. Gregory was one of the most widely read writers, from Homer to his own time. St. Basil the Great is considered the founder of monasticism in the East. One of his best-known works, Address to Young Men, defends the study of pagan literature by Christians. In 369, he founded the first Christian hospital to care for the sick. His initiative led to the spread of hospitals throughout both the East and West. During a time when city clergy were criticized for their luxurious lifestyles, St. John Chrysostom sought to reform the clergy in Constantinople. He was an exceptional preacher whose homilies and writings are still studied and quoted today. The Three Hierarchs played a vital role in merging the highest achievements of Greek learning with Christianity, leaving an enduring legacy in both fields.”
Dr. Despina Afentouli in her presentation, quoted Nobel Prize winner George Seferis address on the Greek language to the Academy of Sweden. “The Greek language has never ceased to be spoken. It has undergone the changes that all living things experience, but there has never been a gap. This tradition is characterized by love of the human; justice is its norm,” quoted Dr. Afentouli. She believes “we have freedom to speak Greek and give it to all nations.”
Dr. Dimitra Patronidou, Acting Coordinator of Education Affairs at the Consulate of Greece in New York City, shared heartfelt insights: “My love for education was inspired by the teachings of the Three Hierarchs. They inspired my career. The saints dedicated their lives to expanding Greek learning. We fight every day to preserve the Greek language, culture, and traditions.” Dr. Patronidou, is from Drama with Pontian Greek dent, extended her greetings.
“My success is due to the Hellenic values instilled in me,” said Dr. Despina Siolas, physician/scientist. “I am a product of the Greek American school system. I attended St. Nicholas Williams Spyropoulos Day School of Flushing. My mother attended St. Demetrios Greek American school in Astoria. My daughter attends the Cathedral School, New York City of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.” President Stella Kokolis said “three generations attended Greek American church schools. Amazing, keeping Greek language, culture and Greek orthodoxy alive.”
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese is our center. Hellenism in the United States started with the churches. The Greek language must be preserved within the Greek Orthodox Church. Greek has influenced Western civilization in science, technology, education, and other fields. The Church is uniquely suited to this role, being closely connected to the original language of the scriptures.
Please wait...