More than 200 people were in attendance for the annual award ceremony of the Certificates of Attainment in the Greek Language this week that took place at Macquarie University’s Arts Precinct.
Held on Thursday February 13, the event was part of the celebration of the International Day of Greek Language 2025.
Among those attending were the successful candidates and their families, school principals, Greek language teachers, Heads of Languages in NSW schools, representatives of community organisations and more.
Notable guests included Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, representing Archbishop Makarios Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney Yiannis Mallikourtis, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia Antonis Sammoutis, the Head of the School of International Studies of the Faculty of Arts at Macquarie University Professor Julian Droogan, the Chair of the Discipline of Global Cultures & Languages of the School of International Studies Dr Wes Roberston, the President of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Theophilos Premetis, the Chief Executive Officer NSW Federation of Community Language Schools Michael Christodoulou and members of the board of directors of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece Giorgios Kotsiras, the Deputy Minister for Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports of Greece Zetta Makri and the President of the Centre for Greek Language, in Greece Emeritus Professor of the Philology Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Theodoros Papaggelis, all delivered speeches via video and congratulated the successful candidates, their teachers and their families.
According to a media release sent to Neos Kosmos, Kotsiras highlighted his ministry’s key objectives to strengthen the Greek language and culture with a focus on younger generations.
He shared they are developing initiatives to support Greek language learning with modern technological tools.
Dr Patricia Koromvokis, Lecturer in Global Cultures & Languages in the School of International Studies and Head of the Examination Centre for the Greek Language Certificate, congratulated the recipients and acknowledged their achievement.
She also acknowledged the commitment of parents and families.
“Somehow, in the midst of this whirlwind of modern family life, you make time for Greek education, whether it’s waiting in your cars during lessons, helping with homework late in the evenings, or driving long distances to ensure your children can attend their Greek classes.”
“Your presence here today demonstrates this unwavering commitment. Without your daily support, encouragement, and sacrifice, none of this would be achievable. You transform what could be seen as just another academic requirement into something far more meaningful – and we greatly thank you for that.”
The certificate is a globally recognised title that proves the level of proficiency of its holder in the market and is considered a prerequisite for the practice of various professions in Greece.
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