This episode featured Mr. Dimitrios Zotos, Headmaster of the Phanar Greek Orthodox College (historically known as the Great School of the Nation), who spoke about the rich legacy of the oldest continuously operating Greek educational institution.
Mr. Zotos discussed the imposing building that has housed the school since 1882, the international visitors eager to tour it, the alumni who continue to return, the curriculum and activities offered to students, the celebration of the school’s 570th anniversary held in Athens, and the urgent need for restoration work. He also reflected on the deeper mission of educators in diaspora schools.
“A teacher’s role in the historic Greek schools of Constantinople is twofold. You don’t just teach and leave. The child must know what it means to be a Romios — and to love the city they live in. We love Greece, but this too is our homeland. Our children must learn to live alongside others here, without negative feelings. We try to teach them the values of friendship, love, coexistence — and to never forget who they are. Today, all their stimuli are in Turkish. It’s not like it was for our parents or grandparents, when whole neighborhoods were Greek… Things have changed. But within this vast society, we must preserve our identity, our language, our customs, and our institutions,” said Mr. Zotos, emphasizing that “this school belongs to every Greek.”