NEW YORK – Important messages about the value and timelessness of the Greek language were expressed during the award ceremony of the 2023 Hellenic Language Proficiency Certificates, which took place in Uris Hall at Columbia University. The event was organized by the Office of Education of the Greek Consulate General in New York.

At the event, where approximately 90 successful candidates, minors, and adults, at five different levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2) received their Hellenic Language Proficiency certificates, the Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, attended as the principal guest, speaking and making some of the presentations.

“Whether we speak Greek at some point in Greece or Cyprus or here, in New York, Greek serves as a powerful symbol connecting millions of people worldwide. Certainly, the Greek language plays a vital role for our country and in the tourism sector, as it constitutes an essential element of authenticity, a component of Greek identity, and serves as a gateway to Greece’s cultural treasures,” Kefalogianni said.

Taking the floor, the Deputy Coordinator of Education Panagiota Pechlivanidi, expressed gratitude to the Greek Studies Program at Columbia University and personally to Professor Stathis Gourgouris for hosting the ceremony in the iconic academic venue, while emphasizing the importance of including the certification of Greek language proficiency in the State of New York’s Seal of Biliteracy program.

“The Seal of Biliteracy is a prestigious recognition awarded to high school students in the USA who are proficient in one or more languages besides English. By including the certification of the Greek language in this program, the State of New York recognizes the importance of linguistic diversity and multicultural environments,” stressed Pechlivanidi.

Consul General of Greece in New York Dinos Konstantinou emphasized that the Greek language in the United States evolves at two levels, that of the vernacular spoken by the Diaspora and that of the operation of Greek Studies Programs at universities.

“With the support of the Greek State and the Church, Hellenism steadily evolves. Our goal is for the new generations to speak the language of their ancestors and, through it, to maintain their national identity and ties with Greece,” Konstantinou stressed.

Warm applause was garnered by student Spyridoula Korsanou from Kings High School on Long Island, who, as reported by The National Herald, was active in efforts that led to the recognition of Hellenic language proficiency certificates by the State of New York.

As emphasized by the Coordinating Office of Education, registration for the Hellenic Language Proficiency examinations is  open from February 1 to March 20, 2024. Relevant information is provided on the Office’s website, www.nysyntedu.org.

Certificates were also awarded by the Director of the Consulate General’s Press Office, Mary Vaxevanidou, the Economic and Commercial Affairs Counsellor of the Consulate General, Nikos Thomopoulos, lawyer Maria Markou, Fr. Nektarios Papazafiropoulos, and the Director of Education of the Archdiocese of America, Dr. Anastasios Koulamanis.