The event celebrating World Greek Language Day took place on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the Cultural Center of the Greek Diaspora in the Galata Urban School. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was in attendance and delivered a greeting, while Ms. Maria Efthymiou, a historian and professor emerita, gave the keynote speech.
In his address, the Ecumenical Patriarch highlighted the significance of the Greek language, referring to it as the “mother tongue of the spirit.” He emphasized its role in shaping global civilization through works such as the Homeric epics, Platonic dialogues, and the New Testament.
Furthermore, the Patriarch noted the Greek language’s vital role in bridging Christianity with Hellenism and its contribution to theology and philosophy. He praised the Church for preserving and spreading the Greek word, connecting believers through the centuries.
Continuing, the Ecumenical Patriarch discussed the continuity of the Greek language from antiquity to the present, emphasizing its evolution and transformations while maintaining unity. He quoted Odysseas Elytis and referenced the New Testament’s linguistic connection to contemporary Greek.
In conclusion, the Patriarch stressed the universal nature of the Greek language and the importance of preserving it in the age of artificial intelligence. He highlighted the enriching and humanizing effects of learning Greek and its role as a source of inspiration for people worldwide.
Greek is truly a language like no other, standing out among the 2,700 languages spoken worldwide. This ancient language, with a history spanning over three thousand years, embodies the ethos, values, and civilization of a people. In the face of the rise of artificial intelligence, it becomes imperative for us to protect and preserve this linguistic and cultural treasure. It is a continuation of a timeless battle for the preservation of our language, albeit in a new era. It is essential for all those who inherit this rich legacy to recognize their shared responsibility in safeguarding it. If we do not take care of our language, who will?
The Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his gratitude to Mr. Konstantinos Koutras, Consul General of Greece, for organizing the event, and extended a warm welcome to Professor Maria Efthymiou. The Consul General of Greece in Constantinople also welcomed the Ecumenical Patriarch and the audience, emphasizing the crucial role of Greek educators and diaspora schools in preserving the Greek language and culture in the city.
The event featured a captivating lecture by Ms. Maria Efthymiou on the topic “Language and the Sea: The Two Pillars of Hellenism.” Among the attendees were Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, educators from diaspora schools, and a large audience.
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