Nicosia: An event for the first celebration of the establishment of the World Greek Language Day by UNESCO was held on Monday in Nicosia, titled "in the Greek tongue, which is the bearer of renown" borrowing a verse by renowned Greek poet Constantine P. Cavafy. The event, hosted by the University of Cyprus (UCY), was co-organized by the Embassy of Greece in Cyprus, the Ministry of Education, and the University of Cyprus, under the auspices of President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides.
According to Cyprus News Agency, in her address, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou, who represented President Christodoulides, stated that the World Greek Day by UNESCO is a recognition of the role of Greek language by the international community as the foundation on which humanistic education and global intelligence were built. She added that millions of people around the world continue to speak Greek, and its teaching in many universities abroad proves its timeless value and global influence as a language of the past, present, and future.
The Minister also remarked that Cyprus, as an integral part of Hellenism and at the same time as Europe's bridge to the Eastern Mediterranean, bears during its EU Presidency term the honor and responsibility of this invaluable heritage. UCY Rector, Professor Tasos Christofides, emphasized the powerful and universal message of Greek texts, which humanity utilizes even in moments of historical trial to define a moral point of reference.
Addressing the students, Professor Christofides linked the search for the meaning of the Greek language lesson and the subjects taught in Greek to the search for the meaning of life and the "reason" for each of their activities. Ambassador of Greece to Cyprus, Constantinos Kollias, highlighted the timelessness and continuity of the Greek language, noting its universal appeal.
In his address, Archbishop Georgios described the Greek language as the unbreakable connecting link in the history of the nation, presenting continuity from antiquity to the present day. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, Ioannis Loverdos, expressed pride for International Greek Day by UNESCO, highlighting the Greek language's ability to inspire and unite generations of Greeks worldwide.
Chair of the Department of Classical Studies and Philosophy of the University of Cyprus, Professor Dr. Georgios Xenis, spoke about the significance of the World Greek Language Day, noting Greek as a 4,000-year-old language that interacted with many peoples, communities, and spiritual traditions throughout its history.
The event included presentations on the simile of Homer and Cavafy, a short film on students' views of the Greek language, and discussions on the language of Byzantine literature, dialectic poetry, and the influence of Greek culture on European identity. The event opened with a musical program performed by the Voices Ensemble of the Nicosia Pancyprian Gymnasium Music School. CyBC and the Cyprus News Agency served as communication sponsors of the event.