FALLS CHURCH, VA – On March 23, the Saint Katherine’s Hellenic Education Center (HEC) in Falls Church, VA, held a very successful celebration to commemorate Greek Independence Day. The event was well attended, not only by parents and teachers of the Paideia and Greek School programs, but also by multiple representatives from both the Greek and Cypriot Embassies and military attache offices. The dignitaries included from the Embassy of Greece, Nikolaos Papadopoulos, First Counselor for Public Diplomacy; Colonel Ioannis Markakis, Air Force Attache; Georgios Fostiropoulos, Head of Counsular office; and the Embassy of Cyprus Georgios Loizou, Political Counselor.

The program kicked off with Stavroula Skrepetou, the Greek School Director, welcoming everyone to the program while reminding the attendees of the many sacrifices that the Greek people made in order to realize their freedoms. A doxology was led by the community’s Proistamenos, Fr. Costas Pavlakos, and the Saint Katherine Byzantine Music Director, Spiros Perivolaris. They also led the attendees in an inspirational singing of ‘Ti Ypermaho’ followed by the Greek and American National Anthems.

Several of the dignitaries spoke about the momentous occasion while reminding everyone present the reasons why we commemorate such an important day.

After the introductions, the children of the Paideia Preschool, led by its Director Evi Tzanavara, began the program with an inspiring performance by the preschoolers. They were followed by the classes of the Greek School who provided poems, songs and dances highlighting their enthusiasm for the day and their extensive preparation. Evident to all was the quality of the children’s performances and their dedication to learning the Greek language and customs.

The program concluded with dances performed by the children of the Byzantio Dance program, led by Mr. Aris and Mrs. Anna Yortzidis. The ensemble comprised a variety of dances performed from multiple regions, including Tylos and Pontos.

A reception followed the conclusion of the program that included a traditional bakaliaro meal.

Ζήτω η Ελευθερία! Ζήτω η Ελλάς!