A special ceremony took place at St. Nicholas Orthodox Shrine, Flushing, New York, to honor 46 exceptional students from parishes across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut who excelled in the LOTE (Languages Other Than English) examination for the Greek language.
The Three Hierarchs Awards celebration was a momentous occasion for both the students and their families, as they were recognized for their hard work and dedication to preserving the Greek language and culture Archbishop Elpidophoros of America was in attendance and delivered a heartfelt message praising the students for their outstanding achievements. He also acknowledged the dedication of the parents, who support their children’s education and cultural heritage. “Today we celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of these students, who not only excelled in their studies but are also helping to preserve the Greek language and its rich history,” said Archbishop Elpidophoros in his remarks. “The future of our culture lies in their hands, and we are proud of their achievements.”
The event also featured Mr. Petros Dorizas, Consul of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, who emphasized the importance of language as a bridge to understanding and connecting with Greek heritage. He expressed his admiration for the student’s commitment to their studies and their role in fostering international cooperation.
This year’s celebration coincided with International Greek Language Day, which is observed to honor the enduring significance of the Greek language worldwide. It was a fitting occasion to celebrate not only the academic accomplishments of the students but also the beauty and cultural richness of the Greek language.
As the awards were presented, each student received recognition for their excellence in the LOTE examination, demonstrating their dedication to mastering the Greek language. These students, representing various parishes in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, serve as an inspiration to their peers and the broader community. The Three Hierarchs Awards ceremony was a moment of pride and celebration for the entire Greek-American community, as the next generation of students continues to carry forward the legacy of the Greek language and culture. Congratulations to all the awardees!
Photos: Orthodox Observer/Dimitrios Panagos
