BROOKLYN – A. Fantis Parochial School in Brooklyn Oxi Day, the 28th of October, a bit early this year on October 25, in the presence of the new presiding priest of Saints Constantine and Helen Cathedral, Fr. Evagoras Constantinides. The students recited poems, sang, and performed in theatrical presentations about Oxi Day, in the packed event hall with many proud parents and grandparents in attendance.

Fr. Constantinides spoke with The National Herald about the joy and gratitude of both himself and his family for his placement in the Brooklyn Cathedral. He told TNH, “I hope, with the help of God, I will be worthy to respond to my holy duties, and to give the faithful the love with which they embraced me from the first moment. As for today’s celebration, I find it very important to give the opportunity to the Greek children born here to know and learn the glorious history of their homeland.

“These festivals offer children the opportunity to learn the customs, traditions, and values of Hellenism and Orthodoxy. It is our duty and responsibility to support with all our might the community schools for the sacred work they perform,” Fr. Constantinides said.

Principal Theodore G. Tasoulas thanked the teachers of the Greek Studies Department, Ioanna Glava, Anastasios Gementzopoulos, Areti Giovanou, and Sofia Stasinou, for their excellent work, the members of the church’s Board of Trustees and the school’s Executive Board and School Committee for the support, the parents’ continuing help, all those who attended and above all the students for their diligence and their efforts.

Haralambos Paloumbis, president of the church Executive Board, warmly thanked the entire Archdiocese of America for the appointment of Fr. Constantinides on behalf of the whole community and wished him every success in his work.

Consul of Greece in New York, Lana Zochiou, who attended the school celebration, expressed the pride that she felt for the students’ festive program.

“I was moved by the beautiful commemoration at the A. Fantis Parochial School. Once again, the Greek community living abroad demonstrates in the best possible way the great love for the motherland. Congratulations to all the contributors for the excellent organization of the event,” she said.

Chair of the School Committee, Dr. Katherine Tsamasiros, wished everyone all the best for Oxi Day and congratulated the teaching staff and the students for the program they presented.

Chair of the Greek Studies Department, Ioanna Glava, pointed out the need to preserve and promote our history, traditions, and customs.