By Catherine Tsounis
“Love your mother, children, there’s no love anywhere that could be sweeter than this.” – Ancient Greek playwright Euripides, 358 B.C.
A beautiful hall adorned with white tablecloths and flowers welcomed cheerful children, mothers, and grandmothers to a breakfast at the Cathedral School. Smiles, laughter, and the sound of joyous chatter filled the TCS Undercroft at 319 E74th Street, NYC, during the “Mother’s Day Tea” on Friday morning, December 10th.
PTA president Tim Simmons and members, along with Principal Merope Kyriakou, warmly greeted everyone. Distinguished guests, including Dr. John G. Siolas, a member of the High Council for Greek Education in the U.S.A., were also in attendance.
I observed with amazement young children filling the halls of a New York City parochial school that was at risk of closing just a few years ago. Among the attendees were children under the age of eight, whose working parents were dropping them off on their way to work in New York City. A special video presentation featuring each child was displayed on the hall screen. The school’s student body is diverse, representing various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Yet, their parents share a common goal: providing their children with a traditional Greek language and cultural education within the framework of Greek Orthodoxy. Many parents are even learning Greek to better communicate with friends and relatives.
“We must preserve our language, culture, and Hellenism,” said His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros during a previous Greek education conference. “This is our inheritance that we will pass on to our children. Our Greek culture and Greek Orthodoxy uplift us and make us universal in the United States and the world. Greek paideia emphasizes the concepts of democracy, freedom, and human rights. It is the foundation of science, arts, philosophy, architecture, music, and dance. Our Greek language is not superior to other languages, but it is unique and holds a special place in our religion. How many languages can claim to be the prototype language of their religion?”
Under the leadership of V. Rev. Archimandrite Chrysostomos Gilbert, Principal Merope Kyriakou, PTA President Tim Simmons, and dedicated parents, the Cathedral School has become an exceptional institution that honors the contributions of mothers at events like the Mother’s Day Tea. For more information, please contact [email protected].
