“All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth.” – Aristotle

A deep love for the sacrifice of the Greek communities in preserving their Greek identity is remembered in 2026 by Greek Americans, Phil-Hellenes, and all who appreciate the country that is the foundation of Western civilization. Our Greek parochial school system and Greek Orthodox Church instill in our youth, our future leaders, a loyalty for Greece and Cyprus, the last remnant of the Byzantine Empire that encompassed Africa, Asia, and Europe.

The Greek Independence Day program of the Cathedral School of the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, located at 319–337 East 74th Street in Manhattan, was held on Friday morning, March 20th, in the school auditorium. Prominent guests included: Mr. Petros Dorizas, Consul of Greece in New York; The Very Rev. Archimandrite Chrysostomos Gilbert, Dean of the Cathedral; His Excellency Kyriakos Pogiatzis, Consul General of Cyprus in New York; Mr. Will Sakellaris, President of the School Board of the Cathedral; Principal Meropi Kyriakou of the Cathedral Schoo;l and prominent members of the business and education community.

The students presented a rich program of music, singing, band performances, and poetry. Educators presented speeches and musical presentations by Ms. Efi Kitsanta, Ms. M. Aravosita, music director Mr. Theo Alvanos, and band director Mr. Greg Asimakopoulos.

The “Ti Ypermacho” (To Thee, The Champion Leader), that is the unofficial hymn of the Eastern Roman Byzantine Empire, which is perpetuated in the Greek Orthodox Church, was sung by grades 3-8 with Very Rev. Archimandrite Chrysostomos Gilbert. “Feggaraki Mou Lampro” (My Bright Little Moon) poem is a remembrance of the 400 years of the hidden Greek schools of the Greek Orthodox Church in helping the youth remember Greek heritage,

“The heroes and heroines of 1821 told us that the freedom requires sacrifice, but also that the strength of the human spirit can overcome any obstacle,” said Principal Meropi Kyriakou. “One of the most powerful examples is the sacrifice of the people of Missolonghi and the Exodus of Missolonghi. The besieged citizens, instead of surrendering, chose to fight until the end for their dignity and freedom. Their act became a symbol of heroism, and inspired not only Greeks, but the entire world. Today, as the new generation, our students, we have the responsibility to remember our history and honor, the values of freedom, democracy, and solidarity. Let’s keep the spirit of 1821 alive in our everyday lives. Happy Independence Day! Long live as well, long live Greece.”

The Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, serves as the national cathedral of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and is the episcopal seat of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.

Photos by Despina Siolas, MD/Ph.D.

 

 

Preschool with upper grades of the Cathedral School.

 

Upper grades, Cathedral School.

 

Prominent guests included: Very Rev. Archimandrite Chrysostomos Gilbert, Dean of the Cathedral; Mr. Petros Dorizas, Consul of Greece in New York; His Excellency Kyriakos Pogiatzis, Consul General of Cyprus in New York; Principal Meropi Kyriakou of the Cathedral School; and Mr. Will Sakellaris, President of the School Board of the Cathedral.