BROOKLYN – The new academic year at the A. Fantis Greek day school began on Wednesday, September 4, with the holy water blessing ceremony performed at the Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen in Brooklyn.

The pastor, Fr. Evagoras Konstantinidis, through The National Herald expressed his wishes for a good and constructive school year to students, administration, and teaching staff, expressing the full support of the parish for their work.

“As with every beginning in life,” he said, “we must start with God’s blessing, and today we ask Him to enlighten and protect the teachers and children. There is great satisfaction in our community for the continuous progress and prosperity of our historic school, which this year celebrates its 61st anniversary… It is one of the best schools of our Archdiocese, with [students achieving] excellent grades in state exams and other remarkable achievements.”

Fr. Evagoras added that “with great joy, we welcome all families, old and new. Have a good and blessed school year.”

The principal, Theodore G. Tasoulas – who is both an administrator and a parent – wished the students good progress with health and many successes, strength and endurance to the educators and parents to cope with the important mission they undertake, and expressed his pride for the school, which, as he said, is considered one of the best private schools in New York, with many successes, an excellent teaching system that is constantly enriched, and outstanding teachers.

The vice-principal, Panagiota Lilikakis, along with her wishes, mentioned that a new school year begins, another creative cycle, full of smiles, hopes, dreams, and thirst for knowledge.

The Greek language teacher, Evangelos Chaziroglou, wished a good school year to the students, and strength and courage to the educators to successfully accomplish the sacred task they perform.

He told TNH that “we started our school year today, here at the Greek-American school Argyrios Fantis with our blessing ceremony and the melodious voices of the children who chanted the hymns. Along with Evie Dimitriadou, the school musician Theo Alvanos, and the art coordinator, Cait Henneberry we wish everyone – parents, fellow educators, and students – a good and creative school year. Congratulations to our students for their efforts and successes and the best wishes to all those who contribute with their practical love to the education and progress of our youth.”

Chaziroglou emphasized that “with wonderful cooperation, vision, and creativity, we continue this year’s educational work, setting new goals and implementing original programs for the progress of our students. We wish a good start to everyone – have a good and blessed year.”