On Sunday 19 May, students from St John’s College participated in a solemn wreath laying ceremony at Axion Estin Northcote, marking the Commemoration of the Genocide of the Greeks of Pontos.
The service honuored the memory of the men, women, and children who perished during the Pontian Genocide, perpetrated by the Ottoman Turks from 1913 to 1922, towards the end of World War I.
“Remembering such tragic events serves not only to educate our students about the broader historical context of World War I but also to deepen their understanding of their own cultural heritage. Many of our students’ families have direct connections to these historical events, making this commemoration deeply personal and significant,” Kathryn Drougas told Neos Kosmos.
“By participating in this ceremony, our students gained a profound appreciation of the past, fostering a sense of empathy and historical awareness that will stay with them throughout their lives. This event was particularly meaningful for students whose families were directly affected by the Pontian Genocide, reinforcing the importance of remembering and honouring their ancestors.”
The ceremony overall provided a valuable educational experience, connecting historical events to personal stories and cultural heritage, teaching students to recognise and remember the atrocities of the past to build a more informed and compassionate future.
