The radio program “Narratives – Stories and Fairy Tales for All Ages” airs on Voice of Greece this Saturday, 28 June 2025, from 17:00 to 18:00 Athens time, featuring two captivating tales by author Maria Koutra, published by Iviskos Editions.
In the first half of the broadcast, listeners will hear the story “The Magic of Words”, followed by “Zeus’ Command” in the second. Both books are illustrated by Thodoris Charizakis – Ermis, with an introductory note by Professor Emerita Maria Tzani of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Department of Primary Education).
“The Greek language, which Homer described as stretching into the depths of time, carries within it a complete and enduring knowledge. Such richness could hardly be the result of chance. Its timeless journey reveals it as a living and immortal language — perhaps even divine, as myth suggests. In “The Magic of Words” the first tale in this presentation, a child’s innocent question — ‘Mom, who made the letters?’ — becomes the starting point for a joyful exploration of meaning, memory, and the marvel of language itself.”
“The second tale, “Zeus’ Command”, unfolds through extraordinary events that move between myth and reality, drawing on the timeless values of the Olympic flame and spirit. Though countless Olympiads may come and go, the ancient sages never fall silent. They continue to ‘speak’ to the future citizens of the world — to the children. Ancient Greek philosophy reminds us all: regardless of our gods or our cultures, the progress and universality of any nation, through its civilization, can never be achieved through war — only through the ideals and values of peace.“
These stories are dedicated to all children — and especially to the children of the Greek diaspora.
With love – Maria Koutra
Produced and presented by Maria Karagiannaki – Iona
Broadcast: Saturday, 28 June 2025 | 17:00–18:00 (Athens time)
