Sometimes one word can unite an entire nation. For the students, families, and educators of Aristotle Academy, October 28 is more than a date in a history book. It is a chance to remember the courage of those who defended their freedom and to share with their children a love of the Greek language, faith, and heritage.
The Saint George community in Media, Pennsylvania, celebrated Ohi Day and the Feast of Agia Skepi with pride.
In Greece, October 28, 1940, is remembered as the day the country rejected an Italian ultimatum. At 3 a.m., the Italian ambassador demanded that Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas allow Italian troops to enter Greece and occupy strategic locations. Before the deadline had even passed, Italian forces invaded from Albania. Greek forces resisted, stopped the advance, and later counterattacked, moving into Albanian territory. Their resistance kept Greece from falling to Axis forces for nearly six months, until Germany invaded in the spring of 1941. The “No” became a lasting symbol of courage, unity, and love of freedom.
October 28 also holds deep religious meaning: in Greece, it is the Feast of Agia Skepi, or the Holy Protection of the Theotokos. For the community, the two observances come together in a shared spirit of gratitude for the faith, strength, and protection that give people hope.
At Aristotle Academy, history does not stay on the page. It is heard on stage, brought to life in students’ voices, and passed from one generation to the next. During this year’s celebration, older students in the Ellinomathia program performed “Emergency Bulletin,” a play they wrote with their teacher, Kyrios Elias Pantelidis. The production helped the audience imagine what people in Greece experienced during those tense hours and gave students a chance to connect with history in their own voices.
For many families, the Greek language carries personal memories. A mother of three and member of the church board recalled: “I remember learning the song ‘Koroido Mousolini’ at Greek school with Kyrios Elias. I have such fond memories of those days. Now my own children are students at the Academy, and Kyrios Elias is their teacher. We are so grateful for our community, its school, and his passion for Greek heritage.”
Her words show how a language can become part of a family’s story: a song one student learned years ago now connects her own children with the same teacher and community. That sense of continuity is at the heart of Aristotle Academy, which for more than three decades has nurtured a love of Greek and shared its heritage with younger generations.
Kyrios Elias has written more than 100 plays for the Greek community. For over two decades, he has also led choirs at Greek-language church schools throughout the tri-state area, in addition to his work at Saint George in Media. Through theater and music, he has helped many students express themselves in Greek and feel closer to their traditions.
Learning at the Academy continues beyond the classroom. Students cook, grow plants, write and recite poetry, perform in plays, and learn Greek dances. Weekend immersion classes include excursions and cooking lessons, giving children a chance to use the language and connect with the culture through shared experiences.
This work is sustained by a community that gives with love and dedication. The Academy is supported by a team of certified educators. Its leadership team includes Director Elias Pantelidis, President of Operations Simeon Pantelidis, and Curriculum Director Dr. Alexandra Mylonas. The active Parent-Teacher Organization also plays an important role, led by President Maria Mitses and her team.
With love for the language, faith, and meraki—care and dedication—Aristotle Academy does more than teach Greek. It helps children feel that Greek history and heritage are part of their own lives.