Melbourne, July 8, 2026
Photo: vema.com.au
Aetolian College of Hellenic Language and Culture, operated by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, celebrated the 5th anniversary of its founding on July 4 at the Stars International Reception Centre in Preston, Melbourne, within the Holy Diocese of Chora.
More than 350 people attended the event, which was addressed by Bishop Evmenios of Chora and Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, representing Archbishop Makarios of Australia. The bishops blessed the meal and read a message from Abp. Makarios in Greek and English, reports the Vema of the Church.
In his message, Abp. Makarios said the founding of the college was “a conscious ecclesiastical decision,” rooted in the conviction that education forms an inseparable part of the Church’s pastoral mission. He noted that throughout Greek history, the Church has served as guardian not only of the faith but also of language, education and historical memory.
Photo: vema.com.au
The Archbishop also referred to St. Kosmas the Aetolian, the missionary and Teacher of the Nation after whom the college is named, saying his name should serve as “a constant reminder” of the college’s mission to enlighten and transform. He added that Greek education helps young people “understand their faith more deeply,” and described such education as “a way of thinking, a way of relating, and ultimately, a way of life.”
The college was established through the unification of the Archdiocese’s Afternoon and Saturday Greek Schools in Victoria. Since then, it has developed a curriculum aligned with the Victorian Curriculum, established adult education classes and built partnerships with schools overseas.
Follow OrthoChristian on Facebook, Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, and MeWe!
