By
Metropolitan Sotirios
When
we speak of "Greek Orthodox Education", we speak of dignity and
self-respect. Respect towards our forebearers. Love and devotion that our motherland deserves. Insight in to the
future. A serious and premeditated contemplation of what lies ahead, in order
for that which we value most to be maintained and never lost: our language; our race; our culture; and
above all, the Truth of Christ as revealed in our Holy Orthodox Faith.
Looking at the global atlas today, Greece is a
very small country. Although a small country, it has a glorious history with an
unparalleled culture. A country that illumined the entire world with the light
of knowledge. What other country in the world can take pride in having such an
ancient and glorious culture? For including in its children, such great
personalities as Homer, Socrates and Plato?
To read such wisdom and rich depth of meaning and as well as the
wonderful use of the Greek language in their written works?
Globalization comes with both
positive and negative attributes. With its technological progress and the rapid
expansion and use of the Internet (especially within the Mass Media), the whole
world has become a small village or a global neighbourhood. With the spread of
globalization - although not realized by many - a serious struggle has erupted.
It is the fight for the preservation of ideas, of cultures and languages. At
this point, it does not seem that one language will prevail to become the only
language used by humanity; however, if it did, why should it not be the Greek
language, which is the most correct and most logical, according to
glossologists?
Those of us who have left our mother country came to Canada for
various reasons. It is not necessary to dwell on these reasons now. We must
always remember the moment that we made our decision to leave Greece and the
blessing our mother gave us as we departed. Let us remember our thoughts at
that time, and the promises we made at that moment.
The problems that our motherland Greece faces
today are known to all. The greatest problem it faces is not a financial one,
as most people believe. The greatest problem is the selfishness exhibited by
many, with a “me-first” attitude that poisons relationships. This is manifested
in many ways: by the lack of love and
devotion towards our Motherland; the lack of respect towards our forebearers;
the lack of self-respect and propriety.
Both the Greek Academics and the
Greek Mass Media –of course not all of them- who both should serve as the
protectors of the authenticity and purity of the Greek language, allow for it
to be tainted. Not only do they allow it to be tainted, they also contaminate
it themselves by borrowing and using many non-Greek words and expressions. We
see and hear them every day on our television sets, in the programs that reach
even the most remote countries of the Greek diaspora.
When you see and hear this in the
Greek Mass Media, how can you retain the new generation, our children, within
the Greek culture? When you are laden with the great task - to teach them the
Greek language, the Orthodox Faith, love towards the Motherland, and respect
towards the forebearers - one cannot help but feel like Sisyphus, who was compelled
to roll an immense boulder up a hill, only to watch it roll back down, and to
repeat this action forever.
This sermon today expresses agony. It
rings the proverbial siren that there is danger ahead. It calls both young and
old to be on the alert. We must all work together. Not merely for the
maintenance, but for the preservation of the Greek language and culture.
Especially for the preservation of the light of Orthodoxy, which
personifies the Truth of Christ on earth.
Our voice is small and quiet. Quite
possibly, it will not be heard by those who should hear it. You, though, who
are Greek-Canadians, should stay true to that which you were taught and that
which you learned. Remember that which you promised your parents as you left
your Motherland – that you would remain forever Greek in culture and Orthodox
in faith. Keep alive and live your Orthodoxy. Maintain and speak your Greek
language. Take care to teach it to your children, grandchildren and
descendents. Only in this way will you show true love to your heritage and to
the unparalleled country of Greece.
This is how you will show respect towards your forebearers, to those who were
glorified and who continue to glorify you as Greeks today. This is how your
will show respect to yourself and both love and respect to your descendents.
Greek Orthodox Christians of Canada: do not
be decieved by the loud sirens of this world. Keep your Orthodox Christian
identity. Maintain and raise your children and descendents in the Greek
Orthodox faith and Church. In this way, you will not only glorify your country
of origin, but you will continue to serve as lights that illumine the world.
You will be walking in the right direction, ascending the heights toward
Christ, who grants us His Truth and Salvation.
Be careful, so that you do not become weary on this meaningful journey,
and fall by the wayside. The victory is yours to attain. I wish you every
success in achieving this goal.
With fatherly love and fervent
prayers,
Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios
Head of the Greek Orthodox Church in Canada
