FALLS CHURCH, VA – The Saint Katherine Hellenic Education Center (HEC), located in Falls Church, VA, celebrated ‘OXI’ Day. On October 28, the Paideia Preschool conducted an ‘OXI’ Day Program in its classrooms. Under the leadership of its Principal Evi Tzanavara, the staff led a great day teaching the little ones about the history of the day, the colors of the Greek and American flags, and relevant Greek words. The children proudly and excitedly wore their blue and white.

On October 29, the Greek School held a celebration for parents, students, and the broader community. The Principal, Stavroula Skrepetou, offered a stirring speech, reminding everyone of the heroic efforts of the Greek nation and its vital role in helping the Allies win World War II. The entire school began the program by singing both the Greek and American National Anthems before the classes presented in turn during the program. The children decorated the ‘tree of peace’ while other classes recited poems and sang songs reminding the parents of the significance of ‘OXI’ Day. The advanced class put together a presentation with a slide show and read excerpts regarding the history of ‘OXI’ Day.

Parents, teachers, community members, and students were reminded of that fateful time in history and of the stirring words of Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill honoring Greece and the tremendous sacrifices that were made.

The Saint Katherine HEC has two primary schools for the instruction of the Greek language. The Paideia Preschool, in operation since 2008, offers bilingual Greek and English instruction for pre-K children.

The Greek School, founded in 1962 and the Metropolitan DC area’s only ‘Ellinomatheia’ testing center, provides evening and Saturday instruction for both children and adults.