iEcclesia features the first of a two-part series on an important subject which affected and continues to effect our culture and society.  

At times, it seems like the Hollywood sign is just so bright in our lives. Every magazine, talk show host and everyone that can make it on television is there to tell us what to think, and who the “important people” are in our society. Why have opinions of our own, when the stars will tell us what to do? Now, of course, it might not be as dramatic one may make it, but it is true that if someone asks you “who is your hero?” most people would probably answer with a Hollywood or sports star. We have placed them on a pedestal that is so high, and we all know that TV and the Internet will keep them there. Now, these people might be good people, but if we are looking for the right role models, there are so many better suggestions.

The real ‘stars’ that we should have on pedestals, and truly look up to, should be the people of God. Our Saints are not people that are so out-of-reach that no one can relate to. We have soldiers, cooks, priests, students, and even teachers (just like the Saints that we celebrate on January 30th – the feast of the Three Hierarchs – St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian and St. John Chrysostom). These Church Fathers all lived in the 4th century and were great teachers. In the 11th century, a feastday was created to honour them all together as great teachers of the Church, along with honouring their dedication to education.

This day is also the “feastday” for the “Greek Letters” (the day we congratulate students and teachers on their successes throughout the year), especially for Greek Orthodox Education. We ask the Holy Three Hierarchs to intercede for all students, teachers, parents and guardians, so that everything they do in their schools may be for the Glory of God!

Join us today, as we honour the Three Hierarchs and Greek education, discussing Greek Education: A Necessity Today?

The program begins with our host Tim asking why we even need Greek education in the 21st century. Our guest provides an answer by guiding us through a historic journey to describe and explain its importance and effect on the world; both in the past and in the present day. The protectors of the “Greek Language” (the “Greek Letters”) are the Three Hierarchs. Fr. Phillip tell us about each Father and their contributions to the Church and how they dedicated their lives to education.

St. John Chrysostom said: “If a Christian is good, they can change the world.”

Remember, we can change the world...one step at a time.

Watch for the conclusion of this series on a future broadcast.

- Professor of Greek Language Studies (Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy)

- Graduate of the Philosophical School of the University of Athens (Greece)

- Received a Bachelor of Education and a Masters Degree from the University of Western Ontario (London, Ontario)

- Ordained to the Holy Deaconate and Holy Priesthood in 1981

- Parish priest at St. John the Baptist Church (Toronto, Ontario)

- Married to Presbytera Ioanna

- Father of two children and three grandchildren