By Catherine Tsounis
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” – Albert Einstein.
Dr. Angeliki Mastromihalaki was the keynote speaker at the Sixth Annual Greek Education Conference of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, delivering an outstanding PowerPoint presentation on the role of imagination in reading. The event, held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Whitestone, NY, was sponsored by the Department of Greek Education and the High Council of Education. It brought together educators from parochial and afternoon schools across New York, New Jersey, and neighboring states.
The program included prominent figures such as His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Fr. Vasileios Tsourlis, President of the High Council for Greek Education, and Fr. Gregory Stamkopoulos, Assistant Director of the Department of Greek Education. The event featured workshops and educational sessions attended by notable educators, including Professor Demosthenes Triantafillou, Dr. Fevronia Soumakis of Queens College, and Dr. John G. Siolas of the High Council of Education.
In his opening remarks, Archbishop Elpidophoros stressed the importance of fostering relationships and a sense of Greek identity among Greek-American youth. “Our goal is for our youth to be together, to live and form relationships with each other, to live a life with Greek learning,” he stated. He emphasized that the success of the education program relies on the dedication of teachers, who play a pivotal role in preserving Greek language, culture, and Orthodox traditions.
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Dr. Mastromihalaki’s keynote address focused on the educational power of literature. “Aristotle believed that reading shapes character,” she said. “In a story, a reader must understand both the purpose of the writer and the motivations of the characters.” Dr. Mastromihalaki explained how literature serves as a gateway to Greek culture, mythology, music, and poetry, encouraging children to develop a spiritual connection to learning. She highlighted the importance of positive portrayals of civilization in children’s books and stressed that reading deepens one’s understanding of people and the world.
Dr. Mastromihalaki, who co-authored the book *OI RIZES MOU* (My Roots) with Mr. Panteli Zouras, provided insight into Greek Orthodox holidays, customs, and cultural events. The book, published in both Greek and English, was funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. It aims to engage young readers and educate them about Greek culture and traditions. The book’s illustrations were created by Spyros Zacharopoulos, with the English translation by Angelos Sakkis.
Dr. Mastromihalaki, born in Chios, holds a PhD in Philosophy and has worked as a principal in public education. She is an active member of the Women’s Literary Society and the Greek Children’s Book Circle, part of the International Board on Books for Young People. Her website, [happywriters.org](http://www.happywriters.org), focuses on reading, family, and education.
The success of the conference would not have been possible without the tireless work of Dr. Anastasios Koularmanis, Director of the Department of Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Dr. Koularmanis, who has been instrumental in reshaping Greek education since 1974, emphasized the significance of the Greek language in preserving cultural heritage. His initiatives, including creating a curriculum for teaching Greek as a heritage language and launching free online adult language programs, have helped to ensure the continuity of Greek traditions.
In his words, “The Greek language transcends its role as a mere means of communication. It is a treasure chest that unfolds the narrative of our culture, history, and philosophical ideas.” The Sixth Annual Conference was a phenomenal success, and its impact on preserving Greek language and culture for future generations is invaluable.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America remains committed to perpetuating the language, culture, and traditions of the Greek people. Through the educational system, the Archdiocese ensures that Greek youth remain connected to their roots and continue to learn about the culture that has shaped Western civilization.
As long as the Greek Orthodox Church upholds the Greek language and traditions, the legacy of Greek civilization will live on, inspiring students from all backgrounds to learn the history of the world’s “First Democracy.”
