Greece in New York Celebrates Int’l Greek Language Day

As of 2017, February 9 gives us one more reason to celebrate. That is because on this day, whether in Greece or abroad, Greeks and Greek-speaking people celebrate the International Greek Language Day. Greek does not need much of an introduction, especially here in New York, where the Greek language is not only spoken but also cherished, studied and nourished.

It is for this reason that the Consulate General of Greece in New York chose to emphasize on the new generation and the academia. On February 9, the President of the Hellenic Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos had a teleconference with pupils from the St Demetrius Greek School in Astoria, New York. Quoting the Greek poet Odysseas Elytis, the President spoke of the solemn duty to protect our language. 

Later in the afternoon, the Consulate General of Greece in New York cohosted a lecture delivered by the Columbia University Classics Professor, John Ma on the history of the Greek Language through ancient inscriptions. Addressing the event, the Consul General of Greece in New York Konstantinos Koutras highlighted the Greek language’s universal quality due to its contribution, continuity and influence on Western civilization. Cohost of the evening and Acting Director of the Columbia University Program in Hellenic Studies, Stathis Gourgouris reaffirmed the importance of celebrating our heritage, as well as having initiatives such as the Hellenic Studies program to support the diffusion of this message.

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