The traditional Sanctification rite at the Greek National School in Vienna for the beginning of the new school year took place on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
The consecration was performed by the Hierarchical Vicar of the Metropolis of Austria and Deputy-Principal of the School Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Ioannis Nikolitsis, who conveyed the wishes and blessings of Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria, who due to the official Patriarchal Visit did not attend.
The Consul of Greece in Austria, Elena Goulousi, addressed a greeting on behalf of the Greek Embassy in Vienna, emphasizing the importance of the presence of the school and its necessity in the life of the Greeks of Vienna.
Father Ioannis welcomed the students and referred to the difficult work of the teachers lately, pointed out the difficulties faced by the school, and thanked everyone for the patience and understanding they showed during the last two years of the pandemic.
He stressed the active role of the Greek National School in Vienna as a spiritual hive of knowledge, letters, culture, and virtue. As a constant point of reference, fellowship, and progress of the disciples, as a bright monument of the radiance of spirit, education, and communion with Christ.
He wished a good, blessed, fruitful, and uninterrupted new school year with the grace and blessing of God, without any unexpected and further difficulties due to the pandemic.