On this special festive edition, Modern Odyssey’s host-producer-journalist, Dr. Despina Afentouli, visits one of the oldest Greek Orthodox communities in the United States: the Zoodochos Peghe Church/The Mother of God (Theotokos) of the Life-Giving Fountain in the Bronx, New York. A parish of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America originating from the Zoodochos Peghe (including a monastery, a Church and a Fountain) in Valoukli, Constantinople, since Byzantine times.
Within the historic community of Zoodochos Peghe in the Bronx currently lies one of the oldest parochial schools in the United States, the Greek-American Institute (GAI). GAI students, with a multicultural background, not only learn the Greek language as a compulsory part of their school program, but also experience Greek culture through the arts and dance, and by participating in the school and community events.
The episode will broadcast on Tuesday, January 4 at 9 p.m., on Wednesday, January 5, at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., on Thursday, January 6 at 3:30 p.m. and on Friday, January 7 at 10 p.m. via BronxNet (www.bronxnet.org).
“In a multicultural, international environment, the preservation of the Greek language, the Greek culture and the Greek traditions remains a challenge, as generations change. Visiting Zoodochos Peghe in the Bronx, one finds out that the memory of the historical past of the community is kept alive. Furthermore, through its school, the Greek cultural identity is cultivated experientially to people of Greek descent and Philhellenes. This is a practical reminder that the Hellenism of Diaspora gives an ecumenical dimension to the Greek nation”, said Modern Odyssey host-producer, Dr. Despina Afentouli.
“The Bronx is a global city and there are hidden treasures and community beacons we spotlight on BronxNet TV through great programs like ‘Modern Odyssey’ with Dr. Despina Afentouli. This episode brings much joy, culture and tradition as Dr. Afentouli takes us to The Parish of the Zoodochos Peghe, a vibrant and welcoming community in the Pelham Bay section of the Bronx”, mentioned BronxNet executive director Michael Max Knobbe.
On this episode, interviewees were the Presiding Priest, Greek Orthodox Church of Zoodohos Peghe, Rev. Economos Vasilios Louros, the Parish Council Vice President of Greek Orthodox Church of Zoodochos Peghe, Chris Stylianesis, the Principal of the GAI School, John Attanas, the Assistant Principal and 3K / PKA Director of the GAI School, Cynthia Dafnis, the Director of the Greek department and Greek language of the GAI School, Yiota Papagrigoriou, the Dance teacher and Dean of students of the GAI School, Joanna Kyriacou, and GAI Students of 3rd, 7th and 8th grade.
Modern Odyssey with journalist and Dr. in Sociology, Despina Afentouli, features interviews with leaders, artists, and movers on issues that aim to inspire. The adventure of life, as Odysseus’ epic journey to Ithaca – a symbol of timeless values, and human stories worth telling. BronxNet, as an independent non-profit organization in New York, broadcasts via Verizon Fios (2133, 2134, 2135, 2136, 2137 και 2138) and Optimum (67, 68, 69, 70, 951 και 952) and via its hyperlocal programming, contributes to connecting the Bronx with the rest of the world.
Zoodochos Peghe on Modern Odyssey (promo): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5JkSBykBWQ&t=1s
Spotlighting the Zoodochos Peghe Greek Orthodox Church in the Bronx NY (full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfYqEYCD9v8
