The Greek Letters Day Celebration: 2009

On Sunday January 25, Prometheas celebrated the Greek Letters Day. Fr. Demetrios of St. George’s, Fr. Konstantinos of St. Katherine’s and Fr. Anastasios of Sts. Peter and Paul, were joined by the Consul General of the Greek Embassy Mr. Alexandris and approximately 200 people, members of Prometheas, parishioners, school directors and teachers to pay tribute to the Three Hierarchs and honor eleven students from area parochial schools, who have demonstrated excellence in the learning of the Greek language and culture.

The evening started with a prayer and the chanting of the hymn of the Three Hierarchs. After the welcoming remarks by the president Mr. Lefteris Karmiris and the cutting of the Vassilopita, Fr. Anastasios introduced the key note speaker Rev. Dr. Demetrios Constantelos, Charles Cooper Townsend Distinguished Research Scholar in Residence at Richard Stockton College in New Jersey.

Father Demetrios, a distinguished theologian scholar, spoke about the pivotal role that the Three Hierarchs played in the 4^th c. A.D., in reconciling the tensions between Christianity (faith) and Ancient Greek ideals (reason). Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom were instrumental in demonstrating that faith and reason are compatible and that the wisdom of ancient Greek philosophers compliments rationally the teachings of the Gospels and the teachings of the New Testament. They emphasized the value of education in training human beings into becoming cultivated and aspiring to higher principles and ideals. They understood that Education is the means through which human beings learn to appreciate values in life that go beyond the physical and hence become ideal humans (καλός κ’αγαθός, according to the ancient Greeks) or achieve the “god-like icon” (κατ’εικόνα και ομοίωσιν, according to the Christian faith.)

Father Demetrios emphasized the need to continue teaching in American Universities the contribution of the Greek culture not only in the area of philosophy but also topics such as architecture, poetry and literature. He stressed that the best way to preserve the Greek Letters is through the establishment of endowed chairs in as many Universities as possible.

At the end of the lecture there was a Q&A period and afterwards the president presented the Prometheas Hellenic Culture Awards to 11 students from the area’s parochial schools and the Hellenic Academy of Potomac, who excelled in the learning of the Greek language and culture. The awards consisted of a personalized congratulatory letter, a check, a commemorative plaque and the Book: “The Ancient Greek Wisdom” by George Stoukas, kindly donated by Mrs. Danae Koulizakis in memory of her husband.

Afterwards, Mrs. Elina Karmokolias, Prometheas Board member announced the official launching of the Young Prometheas Group, which aspires to follow the goals of the Society and also address issues that are more pertinent to younger members. Twenty people signed up and the Society plans to follow up with the local parishes and Universities to attract more members.

Finally, the president handed out donation checks to St. George’s Church for the building fund ($3,500) and to St. Katherine’s Church for the “Paideia” preschool program ($2,500).

This year’s celebration closed with a very nice touch; the song “Glossolalia” by Pantelis Thalassinos with the audience singing along. The song is a tribute to the Greek language.

The evening closed with a reception.