BROOKLYN, NY – [Photos: A. Fantis School]
Fantis School commemorated OXI Day with a packed, student-led program on Thursday afternoon, October 23, in the school’s auditorium.
This year’s theme, “Το ΟΧΙ των Αμάχων – Civilians: Everyday Heroes,” honored the courage and solidarity of ordinary Greeks during WWII and brought history to life through song, dance, drama, and inquiry-based learning.
Highlights included the Greek and American national anthems, the Apolytikion of Saints Constantine & Helen, a welcome by the Student Council President, as well as a prayer and a welcome by Fr. Evagoras Constantinides.
Middle-schoolers presented projects such as “How did World War II shape the world beyond the battlefield?”, “What is Solidarity?”, and “Pieces of the Past: Resistance through Collage”. Lower grades contributed “OXI Day ABC’s” poetry, traditional dances (Lerikos, Nisiotiko Syrto).
The evening culminated in the original play “The NO of the Civilians”, and Greek choral selections including “Της αγάπης αίματα”, “Κάπου νυχτώνει”, “Κοιμήσου αγγελούδι μου”, and “Οδός ονείρων”. “Every year, OXI Day reminds us of the courage, faith, and unity of the Greek people, and today, our students captured that spirit beautifully, said Theodore G. Tasoulas, Principal of A. Fantis School.
“This year’s celebration was truly a shared effort, a collaboration between our Hellenic Studies Department and our teachers. Together, they designed an integrated program that wove project-based learning into the very fabric of our commemoration”, a press release from Fantis School emphasizes.
“Students didn’t just memorize lines or songs; they researched, analyzed, created, and reflected, embodying the very essence of our core values. And the results speak for themselves. We witnessed not just performances, but demonstrations of deep understanding: of history, identity, and moral conviction. Our students honored the meaning of “OXI” not through repetition, but through interpretation, showing how courage, resilience, and love of freedom remain timeless values.”
Board of Trustees President Constantinos Paravalos joined school leaders in closing remarks, underscoring the school’s commitment to preserving Hellenic culture while combining excellence with strong community bonds.
About A. Fantis School
A. Fantis School is a top 1% ranked PreK-8 Greek Orthodox School in Brooklyn Heights, founded by Saints Constantine & Helen Cathedral over sixty years ago. The school blends rigorous academics with the Paideia/Socratic approach, Greek heritage, and Christian values, guiding students in character and scholarship toward success in NYC’s competitive high schools.
