By Catherine Tsounis
Hope and guidance through difficult times is the theme of the beautiful Greek song “To Asteri tou Voria” (The Northern Star) by Manos Hatzidakis in Elia Kazan’s movie “America, America”. This inspiring song was sung by the children of the Greek American school of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity at their WWII Greek victory October 28th Celebration, on Friday October 25th, in the school hall.
“The Northern Star” embodies the faith and determination of the Greek nation to overcome obstacles through courage and religious conviction during the devastating years of World War II. In 1939, poor, underdeveloped Greece became the only nation to defeat an Axis Power in Europe. This remarkable achievement stands as a testament to the human spirit’s quest for freedom and courage. It is modern Greece’s inheritance to future generations.
What is remarkable of this October 28th program of poetry, songs and history is that American born children, with parents of Greek and diverse backgrounds, are engaged in a classical Greek education, which is the basis of Western civilization. His Eminence, Archbishop Elpidophoros, V. Rev Archimandrite Chrysostomos Gilbert is Archdiocesan Cathedral Dean, Principal Mrs. Merope Kyriacou and Teachers, Will Sakellaris; President of School Board, PTA parents, Elias Lambiris, President of Cathedral Parish Council and members are credited for creating a “Jewel of Education Learning.”
The Archdiocesan School of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity is at 319–337 East 74th Street on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City. The school is part of the National Cathedral of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and the episcopal seat of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.
