WHITESTONE – The students of the Holy Cross community in Whitestone on October 25 celebrated OXI Day with a program featuring prose, poetry and songs in honor of October 28, 1940. The presentation followed the Divine Liturgy at the church with the Greek School and Sunday School students participating. Presiding priest of the community Fr. George Anastasiou also gave a special blessing for the community’s first ever Youth Day.

Greek School Principal Christina Makridis gave the welcoming remarks for the OXI Day program and introduced the students who spoke about the meaning of the Greek national holiday.

The younger students presented poems and held Greek flags showing pride in their heritage. All the students then performed patriotic Greek songs. The presentation concluded with everyone singing the Greek National Anthem.

The Holy Cross community continued the festive spirit outdoors in the church parking lot as part of the Youth Day following the presentation, from 12-3 PM, with basketball shooting contests, raffles, food, giveaways, and fun. The raffle prizes included two tickets to a New York Knicks basketball game, while the winners of the free throw and 3-point contests received $100 gift cards to Footlocker. Cookies were available from the Chip Mobile and proceeds from the food and cookie sales will go to the church’s youth programs.

Social distancing rules were in effect and masks were required.