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Greek Community celebrates Greek Language
March 2026
The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia proudly joins Greek communities
worldwide in celebrating International Greek Language Day, officially declared by
UNESCO and observed annually on 9 February.
UNESCO’s recognition of International Greek Language Day acknowledges the Greek
language as one of the world’s oldest continuously used languages and highlights its
profound contribution to global civilisation, education, culture, philosophy, science, and
democratic thought. Greek has influenced countless modern languages and remains a
foundational pillar of Western intellectual and cultural heritage.
As Education Coordinator of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia, I
highlight the importance of this international recognition, Ms Himo Tsakalos said.
“UNESCO’s declaration of international Greek Language Day affirms the global
significance of the Greek language as a vehicle of culture, knowledge, and human values.
It also strengthens our responsibility to preserve and promote Greek language
education for future generations, particularly within multicultural societies such as
Australia.”
The date 9 February commemorates the anniversary of the death of Dionysios Solomos,
Greece’s national poet, whose work symbolises the enduring power of language in
shaping national identity, freedom, and cultural expression.
The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia continues to support Greek language
education through schools, community programs, and cultural initiatives that connect
language with history, faith, and identity. UNESCO’s declaration further reinforces the
role of Greek as a living language that fosters intercultural dialogue and mutual
understanding worldwide.
On this occasion, the Community invites educational institutions, cultural organisations,
and the wider public to celebrate international Greek Language Day and to reflect on the
value of linguistic diversity and the enduring legacy of the Greek language in Australia
and across the globe.
Students at Allenby Gardens Primary School marked the International Greek Language
Day and celebrated the Greek language in the presence of the President of the Greek
Orthodox Community of South Australia, Mr Peter Ppiros and the Education Coordinator
Himo Tsakalos.
Greek Tribune
Adelaide, South Australia