On Monday afternoon, October 28, 2024, the School ceremony took place in the ceremonial hall of the Patriarchal School of Zion in honor of the national anniversary of October 28, 1940.
This celebration was organized by the school’s Managing Director, the Elder Dragoman Archimandrite Matthaios, in collaboration with the School’s teachers and students.
The Patriarchal Commissioner, Metropolitan Hesychios of Capitolias, the Chairman of the School Board, Archbishop Isidoros of Hierapolis, and other Holy Fathers and members of the Greek Parish, monks, and nuns, honored this holiday with their presence.
The program included the sermon of the day by the teacher Mr Eustathios Toumanis, recitation of poems by the students, performances of patriotic songs, and recitation of excerpts from Greek epic writers of the era of 1940.
The presentation highlighted the hardships faced by the Greek people during World War II, including persecutions, exiles, desertions, village destruction, hunger, and loss of lives. It also showcased the resistance of Greek heroes against the occupiers.
The Patriarchal Commissioner Metropolitan Hesychios of Capitolias delivered a message on behalf of the Patriarch, expressing gratitude and honoring the historic significance of the day.
“Your Excellency Consul General of Greece in Jerusalem, Mr Dimitrios Angelosopoulos,
Your Eminence, Chairman of the School Board,
Your Grace, Managing Director of the school,
Reverend Fathers,
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,
Dear students of our Patriarchal School,
Today is a bright and glorious day, as we celebrate the Greek peoples’ “No”, as a response to the Italian fascist forces, who sought the abolition of our national sovereignty…
Let us exclaim:
Long live the “No” of October 28, 1940!
Long live the pious race of the Roman Orthodox!
Long live Greece!
Long live our Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood!
In conclusion, the Metropolitan and the Consul General Angelosopoulos expressed gratitude to the school staff and students for the success of the ceremony in promoting national pride and unity.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
