Archbishop of America: The greatest gifts of Hellenism became great precisely because they were shared

Odyssey Charter School in Wilmington, Delaware celebrated a major milestone in its mission of Greek language and cultural education on September 9, 2026, with the unveiling and ribbon-cutting of its new K-5 Immersion Building during the school’s Όραμα Celebration: An Evening of Legacy.

Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over the Agiasmos Service at the entrance of the new building, blessing the facility and offering prayers for the students, educators, and families who will be shaped within its walls.

Others in attendance included Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Gregory-Telemachos Stamkopoulos, Director of Greek Education for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; Fr. Christoforos Oikonomidis, Dean of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Wilmington; Odyssey Charter School CEO Elias Pappas; Dr. Ioanna Lekkakou, Vice President of Hellenic Education and Global Outreach; as well as educators, students, alumni, parents, and community supporters.

In his archpastoral remarks, Archbishop Elpidophoros reflected on the significance of the new facility and the distinctive nature of Odyssey’s acclaimed Greek Language Immersion Program.

“Today we ask that this…