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START OF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR AT ST SION SCHOOL

On the morning of Monday, the 30th of August/12th of September 2016, the new school year 2016-2017 was launched with a blessing-of-the-water rite at the Patriarchal Hieratical School on the Hill of St Sion. The rite was performed by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, in the presence of the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, Mr Christos Sofianopoulos, the President of the School Board, His Eminence Isidoros of Hierapolis, the Elder Secretary General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Metropolitan Joachim of Zambia,  Hegumen Constantinos of Hozeva Monastery, Principal N. Souliotis, teachers and students.

At the ceremony, Patriarch Theophilos advised students to be diligent during the new school year and cultivate the Christian ethos in preparation of their participation in the Hagiotaphite Brotherhood.

In his address, the Greek Consul-General, Mr C. Sofianopoulos, said that significant national work is performed at the Patriarchal School of Sion, as children are taught the Greek education by means of an especially valuable educational process that promotes the unity of knowledge and faith. “The Greek and ecclesiastical education acquired here”, said Mr Sofianopoulos, “is closely linked to the future of our Patriarchate, for which it constitutes a supreme asset, whilst being a valuable skill for each student, enabling them to tackle, in the best possible way, the many and great contemporary challenges”. In closing, the Greek Consul-General pledged support on behalf of the Consulate, in order for the School to carry on achieving its elevated purpose.

The ceremony was followed by reception at the School Office, hosted by the Principal, Mr N. Souliotis.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/OuHiajrcVqk