Archbishop Elpidophoros (6th from left) with education leaders.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America perpetuates the language, culture, and traditions of its Greek and Eastern Roman/Byzantine roots. From preschool to high school, the education system enforces where the children came from so they will not forget their roots. As long as the Greek Orthodox Church perpetuates the Greek language and traditions, this ancient people will not become extinct. The Greek civilization, which is the basis of Western civilization, is being transmitted to students of all backgrounds, whose parents want them to learn the culture of the world’s “First Democracy.”
Father Gregory Stamkopoulos, Superintendent of St. Demetrios School, welcoming His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros
“Climate and Culture In Our Schools Today” was the theme of the Fifth Annual Conference of Greek Education. The conference was held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., held November 7th, 2023, at St. Demetrios Cathedral School, 30-03 30th Drive Astoria, NY. The sponsors were His Eminence, Archbishop Elpidophoros, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church of America, the Department of Greek Education under the leadership of Director Anastasios Koularmanis and Mrs. Athena Tsokou Kromidas, President of the High Council for Greek Education in the U.S. Archbishop Elpidophoros gave an inspiring speech on Greek education.
Guest speakers Joseph Cantara, Director of Pedagogical Support-Brienza’s Academic Advantage, Dr. Eleni Griva, Vice Chancellor and Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Western Macedonia, and Dr. Eleni Korosidou, Lecturer, and postdoctoral researcher at the same University delivered exceptional presentations. Dr. Griva and Dr. Korosidou Powerpoint presentations’ subject was “MODERN METHODS AND TECHNIQUES OF TEACHING THE GREEK LANGUAGE.” A discussion with questions and answers followed.
The Program consisted of the following: 9:00AM-9:30AM (Auditorium),Welcome: Father Gregory Stamkopoulos, Superintendent of St. Demetrios School,Athina Filippous, Associate Director Greek Education Department, Keynote Address: Joseph Cantara: Director of Pedagogical Support-Brienza’s Academic Advantage; 9:45AM-10:45AM: Session 1, Effect Lesson Design and Planning with Zina Lloyd: Group A (Room 1), Designing Rigorous Activities for Students in ELA with Laura Stropoli: Group B (Room 2), New Guidelines for The State Science Test with Richard Tudda: Group C (Room 3), The Middle School Child in the School Community with Sandy Gross: Group D (Room 4) Effective, Questioning & Discussion Strategies with Charles Sperrazza: Group E (Room 5); 10:50AM -11:50AM: Session 2, Effect Lesson Design and Planning with Zina Lloyd: Group B (Room 2), Designing Rigorous Activities for Students in ELA with Laura Stropoli: Group A (Room 1), New Guidelines for The State Science Test with Richard Tudda: Group D (Room 4), The Middle School Child in The School Community with Sandy Gross: Group C (Room 3) Effective Questioning & Discussion Strategies with Charles Sperrazza: Group E (Room 5), 12:00 Noon-1:00 PM: Panel Discussion (Auditorium) on workshop questions.
“The education workshops introduce tools for diverse styles of learning for children,” said Father Gregory Stamkopoulos, Superintendent of St. Demetrios School. “We follow the spirit of Aristotle’s learning. The purpose of school is to develop and exercise students’ potential for reasoning, forming ethical character.” Father Gregory has been working behind the scenes for five years implementing Archbishop’s Elpidophoros policy of promoting Greek language across the United States. The conference’s success is part of his hard work.
Keynote speaker Joseph Cantara, Director of Pedagogical Support-Brienza’s Academic Advantage
“Students gain self-confidence along with skills and motivation to learn,” said Keynote speaker Joseph Cantara, Director of Pedagogical Support-Brienza’s Academic Advantage. “Social and emotional learning skills enhance academic achievement. Students are prepared for success in today’s world. Critical thinking and creative problem solving is the goal in an education environment. School represents how we think.” For more information, contact Brienza’s Academic advantage at 718 232-114 and www.brienza’s.com.
“Students are most important,” said Dr. Griva in her PowerPoint presentation. “Who they are and their interests are the main focus. Communication with children plays a role in learning techniques. Activities are important in Greek instruction. Toys play a role in teaching. Myths of Aesop appeal to children’s feelings. There must be active participation of children in discussing myths.” The Professor’s PowerPoint slides were excellent with links to sites.
Dr. Eleni Griva, Vice Chancellor and Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Western Macedonia
Dr. Eleni Korosidou, collaborator of Dr. Griva, continued the PowerPoint presentations, by discussing Freytag’s Pyramid. Both professors used website links in their slides. I was impressed with Dr. Korosidou’s use of barcodes. I went home and called Apple and asked them to recommend scanning software for my iPhone. I checked out her sites of chatterpix.com and storyjumper.com.that have great internet ratings.
What is Freytag’s pyramid? Freytag’s Pyramid is a tool for mapping plot structure, which allows readers to visualize the key features of stories. Students whose experience with text is limited have internalized the pattern described by Freytag’s Pyramid through oral storytelling and television.1 Contact Dr. Grivas and Dr. Korisidou for a more accurate description of their PowerPoint concepts at https://gr.linkedin.com/in/eleni-griva-7379a736 and https://gr.linkedin.com/in/eleni-korosidou.
Ms. Giota Pechlivanidi, Acting Education Counselor of Educational Affairs of the Greek Education at the Consulate General of Greece in New York, said “we understand your efforts in teaching Greek. We will have seminars for educators online and in person.”
Dr. Eleni Korosidou, Lecturer, and postdoctoral researcher at University of Western Macedonia.
His Eminence, Archbishop Elpidophoros, came to show his support of the Greek Conference. The primate has been Archbishop of the United States of America for five years. He believes it is his mission to save Greek. The Archbishop has traveled all over the United States to meet with the middle class communities. He is trying to meet with parishioners by bringing the archdiocese close to them. The archbishop has a vision. Dynamic, progressive, open-minded approach, His Eminence is trying to hold Greek Orthodoxy in a high, positive position and holding on to the youth. “I get my support from you,” he said. “Together we will transmit Greek to the next generation. The merits of Greek Civilization are the basis of American Democracy.” A detailed translation of Archbishop Elpidophoros’ historic speech will be publicized in another article. An appreciation gift was presented to His Eminence by Prof. Dr. Griva and Dr. Korosidou of the Western Macedonian University.
“The Greek schools are an integral part of the Greek Orthodox Church,” said Director of the Department of Greek Education Dr. Anastasios Koularmanis. “Our schools keep Greek alive. Our language, culture and traditions will not perish. In today’s increasingly interconnected and diverse world, fostering a sense of cultural identity and promoting multilingualism is vital for the holistic development of our children. Encouraging children to learn the Greek language from an early age is a meaningful investment in their future.” Dr. Koularmanis was born and raised in New York City. He is a product of our American education system.
“The extraordinary presentations of Dr. Griva and Dr. Korosidou kept our attention,” said Mrs. Athena Tsokou Kromidas, President of the High Council for Greek Education in the U.S. “We wanted to hear more when it ended. I thank all persons who are attempting to transmit Greek to the next generation. We must continue to fight for the perpetuation of the Greek language. We see the pleasure in the children’s eyes, that they are able to speak Greek. The parents support Greek education curriculum. Special congratulations to you two educators.” Greek school educators do not have the salary all the services that public school teachers are given. They Have a unique a dedication, such as Mrs.Tsokou Kromidas that is where in today’s monetary society.
“It was a great idea to invite Dr. Griva to present strategies in teaching Greek as a second language,” said Mrs. Stella Kokolis President of the Federation of Hellenic American Educators and Cultural Associations of America. “ Dr. Grivas has travelled three continents spreading her teaching techniques in teaching English as a second language as well. Greece’s Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs granted awards to outstanding Greek Americans. They were recognized and honored by Deputy Minister of Education and Religious Affairs Zeta Makris for their unique contribution to Greek language and culture and transmission of the Greek Orthodox tradition in America. They were recognized in a virtual presentation on February 12, 2023. These awards were given in person on March 12th. I am giving certificates today to teachers who did not attend in March.”
“The November 6th conference is a noble attempt to present teaching strategies and bring Greek Educators together,” believes Prof Demosthenes Triantafillou. “I like to express my congratulations. They have a lot of hard work on their hands! The essence of Philosophy, my academic subject is the search for and telling of truth. I think you know that after all these years. If we need to improve Greek Education , all of us have the moral duty to report the truth and describe reality as it is!” Prof. Triantafillou is Director of the Office of Greek Education of the Metropolis of New Jersey.
Conference participants
What were the conclusions of some participants of the conference? Sophia Logothetis, spokesperson of the Northern New Jersey educators with ,Maria Soumilos, Fotoula Anastasopoulos, Marina Bollano and Rita Fitanidou of SS. Nicholas Constantine & Helen Church, Roseland, N.J. were impressed. “Educators were offered invaluable information to help them design modern teaching scenarios to meet the demand of the new generation of students,” Mrs. Logothetis. “The key speakers this year were Dr. Eleni Griva and Dr. Eleni Korosidou whose excellent presentations will hopefully serve as the model for effective lesson planning. The informative question and answer period allowed Greek language instructors to share real classroom experiences and exchange ideas with teachers from the surrounding communities and New Jersey.” Positive feedback for the 5th Annual Greek Educatiom Conference of the Greek Orthodox Church of America. Special appreciation to St. Demetrios School Assistant Principal Betsy Sideris and staff Stella Tsikis, Patricia and Daniela who prepared St. Demetrios Hall for the conference. Contact Director Dr. Anastasios Koularmanis at akoularmanis@goarch.org for more information.
Greek American Experience 