The Parent Teacher Association of the Archangel Michael Greek Language Institute in Port Washington, New York, broke all records this past January at their annual Apokriatiko Glendi (festivities before the Lent), celebrating 21 years of family and community.

“This has been a tradition in our Greek School for several years now,” says Marilena Katopodis, a member of the organizing committee. “Typically the funds support our Greek School and we've been trying to raise additional funds since we occupied the new space on 100 Fairway Drive in Port Washington.” According to Mrs. Katopodis, “starting last year we have been asking for Teacher Wish Lists. Items to be purchased this year include additional desks, bulletin boards, clocks for classrooms and of course material to enhance the Greek School Curriculum.”

The School’s Principals are Eleni Capous and Ekaterini Spyridakis, two very dynamic women who have sought to make the Institute a beacon of Hellenic knowledge in this part of Long Island, which has attracted thousands of Greek Americans the previous two decades. “We have close to 220 children attending the Greek School which includes kindergarten to Regents,” says Protoprsbyter Dennis Strouzas, the Archangel Michael Partish Dean. “We have 550 families as members, 250 children in Sunday School, 150 in Hope-Joy and 100 in GOYA.”

Last November, the community hit another milestone by hosting a benefit concert in celebration of “The Hellenic Thread in the Tapestry of American Culture”, starring Greek artist George Dalaras at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. The all successful event featured the City Music Cleveland Orchestra under the baton of Alexandre Myrat. The program comprised of selections from George Dalaras’ musical career and original works by the renowned composer Christos Hatzis, including the world premiere of Credo (Pistevo). All proceeds went to the special fund for the completion of the facilities for the Cultural and Education Center.

This year’s Apokriatiko Glendi was a showcase of the Parish’s dynamism that was founded in 1980 a small group of very determined Greek Americans. Hundreds of parents and children showed up to celebrate Hellenic education creating a buzzing ambiance of joy and promise for the future. Protopresbyter Dennis and Presbyter Evan Evangelides did the invocation, followed by the Greek School Board President Irene (Renee) Rallis and Anna Frangoulis-Gioutlakis, the PTA president, who did the introduction and reminded those present that the struggle continues. Welcoming remarks were offered by Susan Cavounis and Chris-Marie Tzavelis, the Glendi Co-Chairpesons.

The best part however, was kept for the end: children from Kindergarten all the way to Seventh Grade performed traditional Greek dances, dressed with costumes from various parts of Greece. Under the direction of Joanna Kyriacou Andrerson, the dancers, full of enthusiasm and pride, made everybody to stand up and accompany them clapping the rhythm and cheering exuberantly at the end of each tune! “A beautiful evening, reminiscent of the fact that this Parish and Hellenism in America, have a lot more to give,” observed Mrs. Maria Mamais, a proud parent, echoing the general sentiment in the room.