Festivities with the Greeks of Constantinople
The Greeks living in Constantinople today, though few in number, remain "countless" in their strength and dedication to preserving the traditions and customs of their homeland. Their daily lives are marked by the effort to keep the flame of Greek culture alive in the heart of this historic city.
One of the most beautiful examples of this dedication is the annual Christmas Bazaar held at the Zappeion School, one of the most historic schools of the Greek community.
This year, too, the Greeks of Constantinople gathered there just before the holidays to exchange wishes, share their news, and purchase gifts for their loved ones. The venue was filled with warmth and smiles, while the few remaining churches of the city prepared to host the Christmas services, where everyone would come together to celebrate the birth of Christ.
The Bazaar was organized with great success thanks to the contribution of the Zappeion Parents and Guardians Association. Its members, Maria Magdalini Tisidi Fokaefs, Rania Manthopoulou, Maria Tsoban Erkek, Sibel Simsek, Gülbahar Cömert, Betina Yilmaz, and Serna Divarci, deserve heartfelt congratulations for their outstanding efforts.
Special thanks were extended to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who was represented by the Very Reverend Archimandrite Kaisarios Chronis, Archivist of the Patriarchate, as well as to all the teachers, students, parents, alumni, friends, and supporters of the Zappeion School for their presence.
Zappeion School: Christmas Bazaar at Zappeion:
We congratulate all the members of the Parents and Guardians Association, Maria Magdalini Tisidi Fokaefs, Rania Manthopoulou, Maria Tsoban Erkek, Sibel Simsek, Gülbahar Cömert, Betina Yilmaz, and Serna Divarci, for the perfect organization.
We also thank His All-Holiness our Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who was represented by the Very Reverend Archimandrite Kaisarios Chronis, Archivist of the Patriarchates, as well as the teachers, students, parents, alumni, friends, and supporters of Zappeion for their presence.
See you next year, with health!
We congratulate all the members of the Parents and Guardians Association, Maria Magdalini Tisidi Fokaefs, Rania Manthopoulou, Maria Tsoban Erkek, Sibel Simsek, Gülbahar Cömert, Betina Yilmaz, and Serna Divarci, for the perfect organization.
We also thank His All-Holiness our Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who was represented by the Very Reverend Archimandrite Kaisarios Chronis, Archivist of the Patriarchates, as well as the teachers, students, parents, alumni, friends, and supporters of Zappeion for their presence.
See you next year, with health!
Another significant event took place in the decorated courtyard of Panagia Koumariotissa, where the Greeks of Constantinople gathered to celebrate the approaching holy days. The space was filled with a festive Christmas atmosphere, featuring stalls laden with delicacies, traditional Constantinopolitan sweets, and warm wine, which brought warmth to the hearts of those present amidst the chilly December weather.
The children's choir sang carols, creating a sense of nostalgia and joy. By keeping traditions alive, the Greeks set a date for Christmas Eve to celebrate together the great feast of Christianity.
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