Long before Mother’s Day became a Hallmark tradition in the West, the ancient Greeks honored the mother as the giver of life. In classical antiquity, Mother Earth, Gaia, wife of Uranus, was venerated as the primal source of life. Her worship evolved to include her daughter Rhea, consort of Cronus, who was revered as the “Mother of the Gods.” Ancient Greeks celebrated these maternal deities with spring festivals in honor of Rhea and later, Cybele, the goddess of nature and fertility. These ancient customs offer deep cultural roots for today’s modern tributes to motherhood.
On the morning of Friday, May 9th, 2025, the dynamic Parents Association (PA) of The Cathedral School of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, located at 319 East 74th Street in New York City, hosted a heartfelt Mother’s Day Tea. The school hall was filled with students, educators, and families, all gathered to honor the profound role of mothers. Th Cathedral School is led by Principal Mrs. Meropi Kyriacou with the spiritual presence of the Very Rev. Archimandrite Chrysostomos Gilbert, The Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity.
Though the student body is diverse and multicultural, The Cathedral School unites families through a shared commitment to preserving Hellenic language, culture, and Orthodox faith. As one parent, Despina Kozulcali, publisher of Mundo Languages, noted: “We transferred Nicholas to the Cathedral School, and he loves it. He has a beautiful routine and loves his culture.”
Ksenia Lebedinets, a devoted Eastern Orthodox Christian, reflected on the cultural parallels between her Russian heritage and Hellenism: “We have many Greek names in our community—Constantine, Demetri, Ekaterina. Our Synod of Bishops Russian Church on 93rd Street even has a replica of the Greek icon, ‘Our Lady of the Sign.’”
Theodore Alvanos, the school’s International Artistic and Music Director, shared his reflections: “Mother’s Day is one of the most important moments in a child’s life. I wish a heartfelt Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers—they are truly beautiful souls. I’ve been part of Cathedral School for six years, and next year will be my seventh. Our biggest event yet is coming up on May 30th 2025, Our students will perform Mary Poppins: The Musical, featuring grades three through seven, right here on our beautiful stage in the undercroft.”
Hellenic educator and drama instructor Efi Kitsanta added: “Cathedral School is an extraordinary place. Our drama program runs in the afternoons, offering students a fun and imaginative space to explore storytelling and self-expression. This is my second year here, and it’s been a wonderful experience. The support from the Principal, School Board, and families has been remarkable. We’re also preparing students for the Ellinomatheia, the official Greek Language Proficiency Certification.”
Principal Kyriakou shared a message of pride and encouragement: “During this season of growth and learning, we continue to be inspired by our students’ curiosity, creativity, and resilience. Each day brings new opportunities for discovery—whether in the classroom, on the playground, or in quiet moments of kindness shared among classmates.” She also emphasized the academic rigor of the season: “This month, students will participate in key assessments including the ABRSM music exams, the Greek Language Proficiency Exam, and the ERBs. These evaluations give students the chance to demonstrate their progress, and we are incredibly proud of the focus and preparation they have shown”
The Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, serves as the national cathedral of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and is the episcopal seat of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. Through its affiliated school, The Cathedral School continues to cultivate a new generation rooted in the richness of Hellenic heritage and Orthodox Christian values.
Photos Courtesy of Despina Siolas. MD/Ph.D.
Cathedral Mother’s Day Tea.
Parents with children.
Students.
Principal Merope Kyriakou
Theodore Alvanos, the school’s International Artistic and Music Director,
