Greece marks World Greek Language Day in Istanbul

The Consulate General of Greece celebrated World Greek Language Day with two special events.

The main speaker at the events, which took place in the emblematic building of the Galata Greek School, was the Emeritus Professor of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Maria Efthymiou, CE Report quotes ANA-MPA.

According to a press release, the Consulate General, in collaboration with the Directors of the Greek Diaspora Schools, both in Istanbul and Imbros, organized a history lesson for the students on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

The main event of the Consulate General of Greece in Istanbul, for the World Greek Language Day, was held with great success on Monday, February 9. The event was honored with his distinguished presence by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

Welcoming the numerous guests, Ambassador Konstantinos Koutras, Consul General of Greece in Istanbul, underlined the importance of the global recognition of the Greek language as reflected in the decision of the UNESCO General Conference. He stressed that this recognition constitutes a practical confirmation of the invaluable contribution of the Greek element to world history, cultural heritage and the formation of national identity, as well as to the promotion of intercultural dialogue and understanding between peoples.

He made special mention of the contribution of the Educational Institutions of the Greek Diaspora, in Constantinople and Imbros, wishing the reopening of the "precious", as he pointed out, Theological School of Halki, while he thanked all the teachers working in the Greek Diaspora schools for their substantial contribution to the Letters and Education of the Nation.

On his part, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew congratulated Koutras for the initiative to hold the event, and referred to the importance of the Greek language, the language of Homer and Sappho, of the philosophers and the tragedians, of the New Testament and the Fathers of the Church, of the Divine Liturgy and hymnology.

"We honor the mother tongue of the spirit," which has contributed much and inestimably to world culture in letters and sciences, His Holiness pointed out.