Greece's Consulate General in Istanbul held two events this week to celebrate the International Greek Language Day on February 9 featuring National and Kapodistrian University of Athens professor Maria Efthymiou.

The key event was titled "Language and sea, the two pillars of Hellenism", and was held at the Greek School of Galata Cultural Center on Tuesday (Feb. 11). It was attended by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who congatulated Consul General of Greece and Ambassador Constantinos Koutras for the initiative.

Bartholomew referred to the Greek language as "the mother tongue of the spirit", underlining the role of unique works in the Greek language that left their mark on global civilization. The Orthodox Church also played a key role over the years in maintaining the Greek language, he noted.

Ambassador Koutras welcomed guests and highlighted the role of teaching staff that works "in an environment that is not always so easy." He also referred to historical Greek institutions in Istanbul and Gökçeada (Imvros) and great benefactors of learning and education of Greeks.

Professor Maria Efthymiou spoke of the development of the Greek language over 3,500 years, and the presence of Greeks in shipping who disseminted the Greek spirit and culture, as well as the language, abroad. 

The event at the Greek School of Galata was attended by teachers and students of Greek schools in Istanbul and high-ranking clergy, while it was also watched online by Greek residents of Imvros.

A day earlier, on Monday (Feb. 10), at the consul's initiative, professor Maria Efthymiou taught a history class for nearly 130 students of Greek schools after classes were over, while students on Imvros watched online. The history lesson dealt with the Greek culture's presence and its contributions through the ages.

(Photos: ANA-MPA)