Students at the Sts Anargiri Greek Language Centre in Oakleigh experienced a week of faith, learning and celebration as the community came together to honour the memory of their patron saints, Kosmas and Damianos.
Held under the blessing of Fr Stavros, head priest of the local parish, the Saints Anargyroi Week included opportunities for students to venerate the icon of the healing saints, participate in creative and faith-based activities, and share a meal that brought Greek and Australian traditions together.
A highlight of the week was a unique culinary pairing: the classic Australian sausage sizzle alongside warm, freshly baked bougatsa, generously provided by bougatsaki.au.
The surprise was a hit among students, many of whom eagerly lined up for second helpings.
The event also featured an art session led by teacher Eleni Baveli, who guided students through a step-by-step drawing activity focused on the lives and values of the Saints Anargyroi.
Students learned that Kosmas and Damianos were brothers and physicians who treated people without accepting payment, hence the name Anargyroi, meaning “without silver.”
Principal Kostas Pataridis highlighted the educational and cultural value of the week, noting how initiatives like this support both language learning and moral development.
“The interactive nature of the week gave students a chance to practise oral skills using real expressions like ‘Would you like one or two?’ or ‘Thank you’. It brings the Greek language to life,” Mr Pataridis said.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining a hopeful and proactive mindset when it comes to Greek language education in the diaspora.
“Negative rhetoric about the future of Greek language here in Australia only undermines its growth. What we need are positive experiences like these that give our students meaningful, joyful contact with their heritage. Our language has the strength to thrive—even at the far corners of the Antipodes.”
