Chicago, IL — Koraes Elementary School recently held a spirited and meaningful OXI Day celebration, honoring the courage and resilience of the Greek people during World War II. Students from all grade levels participated with enthusiasm, showcasing their knowledge and respect for Greek history and culture.
The program began with a prayer, followed by the American and Greek national anthems, uniting the community in gratitude and remembrance. Eighth-grade students presented a detailed narrative on the Greek-Italian War, the Nazi occupation of Greece, and the Greek Resistance, setting a reflective tone for the event. Students from the lower grades also contributed to the celebration: first and second graders recited heartfelt poems, while fourth graders read verses dedicated to Agia Skepi of the Theotokos and sang traditional songs. Adding to the day’s activities, they performed a play dramatizing the historic meeting between Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas and Italian ambassador Emmanuele Grazzi, during which Metaxas famously rejected the Italian ultimatum, symbolizing Greece’s defiant “OXI” (“No”) to fascism. The event concluded with two dance groups performing traditional Greek dances, the tsamiko and kalamatiano, embodying the spirit of Greek culture and resistance through movement and rhythm. The dancers’ precision and enthusiasm brought the audience to its feet, serving as a fitting finale to the commemorative program.
The entire event was thoughtfully curated and organized by the dedicated teachers of the Greek Department: Presvytera Georgia Alikakos, Mrs. Roula Boubourekas, Mrs. Genie Georgacopoulos, and Ms. Natasha Vossos. The program was supervised by the Head of the Greek Department, Stavros Kariofilis, and received full support from interim Principal Beth Lind.
Koraes Elementary School is proud to celebrate OXI Day annually, fostering an appreciation of Greek history, unity, and cultural heritage within its student body. This commemoration not only honors the bravery of past generations but also instills values of courage and resilience in the students who will carry these traditions forward.
For more information, please contact the Koraes Elementary School office at 708-974-3402.
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