Dearly Beloved Fellow Workers and Cherished Children in the Lord,

On the occasion of the beginning of the school year, I am writing to express my fervent and heartfelt greetings to the children, parents and teachers of our schools, and to all those who administer and care for their smooth and continuous operation. These schools include Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools, Sixth Form Colleges, Polytechnics and Universities. In those educational establishments children and young people come together to study, to learn of life and death, of science and history, and of mankind’s achievements. Children learn to read, write and count, make equations, solve problems, study the magnificence of the natural world, of the earth and the sky, of the sea and, above all, of human beings. Schools cultivate friendship, patriotism and solidarity. In schools a person learns of his Creator and of the laws of both God and man. Knowledge is boundless and education does not end. From the day we are born until the day we leave this world, we learn, we desire to know what is happening around us. There is a modern slogan: “the learning and education of life”. In ancient times it was said, “he who accumulates knowledge, accumulates sorrow”. Knowledge is inherent in man. For this reason the Church from the beginning has instructed people in education and upheld its authority. The sacred books of the Church are full of knowledge and they initiate us into the mysteries of God and of His Creation. We continue this tradition. As a Church we grant education and knowledge to our children. To all the Faithful we continuously offer the teachings of Christ, instructing people to believe in One True God, “Who sent Jesus Christ”.

I am sure that this year all parents will send their children to our Greek Schools. I would like to remind you that in London, the Orthodox Archdiocese has two day-time Schools – the Greek Primary and Secondary School and Sixth Form College, which was established and is maintained by the Greek State, and the Greek Orthodox Denomination Primary School of St Cyprian, which was established ten years ago, and is maintained by the British State and is in the Croydon area, South London. Apart from these, there are also Evening and Saturday Schools throughout the Greater London area and also outside of London, wherever there are Greek Orthodox Churches. I say all this to stress the significance of schools and to recommend these places of spiritual nurturing which were established here than sixty years by Orthodox immigrants, and which continue to be maintained with the same zeal by the younger generations. The School Committees and Organisations which are concerned with education, in collaboration with the Church, carry out a great, significant and sacred work – that of the fostering and nurturing of our children according to God’s will. And so you should support, assist and, above all, send your children and grandchildren to these schools. I should remind you that the British State spends every year many billions of pounds on education, and also assists our own Daytime and Evening Schools. The Greek and Cypriot States provide money, books and teachers for Greek Schools abroad. Our local parishes have acquired school buildings and other appropriate premises to hold their pupils, because we are all aware of the value and importance of School. Wherever there is an Altar, there too should be a School, that they may complement one another, educating as far as possible and in the best possible way the young generations, our children and youth, and those Orthodox Christians yet to be born. I would also like to advise the Parents to care for the good education of their children, not only by sending them to the State Schools, but also by encouraging them to pursue university education, that they may receive a spiritual and academic foundation which is useful both for themselves and to the society in which we live. Also, let us not forget that the Family is the best and most sacred school of all, and so you should take care to rear your children with compassion and wisdom, implanting in them the fear of God, respect for their elders and for authorities, for their clergy and teachers. Take them to church from infancy so that they may become acquainted with prayer and the divine worship of our Orthodox Church. For without faith in God, without respect for the divine, without patriotism, diligence and decency, all other education is dangerous, useless or harmful. Mothers and fathers should spend more time with their children. Thus you will become guides and shining examples to your children and to the society in which we all live.

In conclusion, and on the occasion of the beginning of the school year, I wish you all a good and happy new school year 2010 – 2011. May our Lord Jesus Christ, the Teacher and Tutor of humankind bless your work. May the Most-holy Mother of God, the mother of all Christians, shelter you all, both small and great, as you continue your holy work this academic year. I pray for you and I remain with best wishes and love and esteem in the Lord.

London, September 2010

Gregorios, Archbishop of

Thyateira & Great Britain