STORRS, CT – The Center for Hellenic Studies Paideia announced on August 26 that the celebrations for the 2,500th anniversary of the Battle of Thermopylae with the opening of the under construction Spartan Museum and activities at the open-air Greek Theater "Alexander The Great" planned for this October, are all postponed until next year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Hellenic Studies Paideia President Ilias Tomazos noted via email that due to the pandemic, Paideia had “no choice but to take this difficult and unwelcome decision to move all planned events to next year for the safety of all people near and far.”

University of Connecticut (UConn) President Thomas Katsouleas, along with Paideia, will announce a new date for 2,500th anniversary celebrations with the grand opening of Spartan Museum and inaugural events at the Greek theater as it opens to the public.

Parallel to this, Paideia also announced a $250,000 grant from the State of Connecticut, sharing, via email, its gratitude to the Government, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), and to all people of Connecticut for their generous support of the Greek theater and Museum.

It should be noted that last year, Paideia received a $500,000 grant from the State of Connecticut.

Paideia recognized that Bristol State Representative Hon. Chris Ziogas with past State Representative Costas Diamantis and other elected Greek-Americans and friends serving in the Connecticut State House also helped the Paideia Center.

The generous support from the State of Connecticut, from other donors and volunteers has enabled the Paideia Center to enlarge the Greek theater with more rows of seats, improve the interior of the museum and discuss new landscape plans.

The Greek Theater at the UConn campus has already garnered the admiration of every visitor and student. Now, due to the pandemic postponing the events until next year, the Greek Theater will be enlarged and ready for all of us to enjoy next year.

The statement from Paideia concluded by saying that “anything Paideia Center at UConn campus will be able to present to you next year is because of your love, care and devotion to our children, to our beautiful University, to our great State of Connecticut, to America and Greek Culture.”