HIS BEATITUDDE VISITS THE HELLENIC INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY IN HARARE
11/10/2011
Nicholas Katsikas
His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa was warmly welcomed by the 840 pupils of the Hellenic International Academy in Harare, the Greek School that 140 Greek children and 700 others from Zimbabwe attend and which has a special place among all the schools of this Southern African Country.
The Primate of the Orthodox Church in Africa emotionally addressed the young Zimbabweans who he defined as the future of Africa. “I am proud of the Hellenic Academy of Harare”, he said,apeking particularly of the hundreds of young peopl who study there, as in the future they will bear the responsibility of this world. “You must be proud that you study at a Greek School because you are the descendants of Aristotle, ofPlto, Demokritos and Alexander the Great, the founder of Alexandria, where the See of our Greek Orthodox Patriarchate has remained for 2000 years”. He urged them to love Zimbabwe with its natural beauty which they must respect.
In the midst of great appplause by both pupils and parents, he announced the granting of 30,000 US$ from the Patriarchate of Alexandria as well as the establishment of a prize for the environment.
Note that the Hellenic International Academy is one of the most modern International Schools in Harare, and has been honoured by the Ministry of Education of Zimbabwe for the excellent results obtained by its students and during the prize-giving ceremony for the past academic year, His Excellency the Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture of the country, Senator David Coltart, was present. An address was then made by Mr John Koumides, Chairman of the Hellenc Community of Harare and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Greek School, in the presence also of of the Charge d’ Affaires of the Greek Embassy in Harare Mr Stephanos Ioannides and representatives of all community groups.
His Beatitude was then taken on a conducted tour of the Hellenic International Academy which at present is being extended to include more classrooms, an ultra-modern education centre and a chapel.
