Macquarie University leads the way in Greek Language Certificate awards ceremony

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Over 200 people attended the annual award ceremony of the Certificates of Attainment in the Greek Language 2024 that took place at Macquarie University’s Arts Precinct on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

The event was held as part of the celebration of the International Day of Greek Language 2025, making it an even more special occasion.  

Among the attendees were the successful candidates and their families, school principals, Greek language teachers, Heads of Languages in NSW schools, representatives of community organisations, and Greek community media.

His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia with Certificate recipients of A2 level.
His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, with Certificate recipients of A2 level. All photos copyright Effy Alexakis, photowrite.

Distinguished guests included His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia; the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yiannis Mallikourtis; the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis; the Head of the School of International Studies of the Faculty of Arts at Macquarie University, Professor Julian Droogan; the Chair of the Discipline of Global Cultures & Languages of the School of International Studies, Dr Wes Robertson; the President of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Ltd., Theophilos Premetis; the Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Federation of Community Language Schools, Michael Christodoulou; and members of the board of directors of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Ltd.   

(L-R) Professor Julian Droogan, Head of the School International Studies of the Faculty of Arts at Macquarie University, Mr Antonis Sammoutis, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia, Mr Michael Christodoulou, Chief Executive Officer NSW Federation of Community Language Schools, Dr Wes Roberston, Chair of the Discipline of Global Cultures & Languages of International Studies, and Dr Patricia Koromvokis, Lecturer in Global Cultures & Languages in the School of International Studies and Head of the Examination Centre for the Greek Language Certificate Macquarie University.
(L-R) Professor Julian Droogan, Head of the School International Studies of the Faculty of Arts at Macquarie University, Mr Antonis Sammoutis, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia, Mr Michael Christodoulou, Chief Executive Officer NSW Federation of Community Language Schools, Dr Wes Roberston, Chair of the Discipline of Global Cultures & Languages of International Studies, and Dr Patricia Koromvokis, Lecturer in Global Cultures & Languages in the School of International Studies and Head of the Examination Centre for the Greek Language Certificate Macquarie University.
(L-R) Dr Patricia Koromvokis, Lecturer in Global Cultures & Languages in the School of InternationalStudies and Head of the Examination Centre for the Greek Language Certificate Macquarie University, Dr Wes Roberston, Chair of the Discipline of Global Cultures & Languages of International Studies, Mr Yiannis Mallikourtis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Mr Antonis Sammoutis, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Mr Michael Christodoulou, Chief Executive Officer NSW Federation of Community Language Schools, Mr Leon Bombotas, and Mr Paul Tsanis Board Members of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Ltd. and Mr Theophilos Premetis, President of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Ltd.
(L-R) Dr Patricia Koromvokis, Lecturer in Global Cultures & Languages in the School of InternationalStudies and Head of the Examination Centre for the Greek Language Certificate Macquarie University, Dr Wes Roberston, Chair of the Discipline of Global Cultures & Languages of International Studies, Mr Yiannis Mallikourtis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Mr Antonis Sammoutis, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Mr Michael Christodoulou, Chief Executive Officer NSW Federation of Community Language Schools, Mr Leon Bombotas, and Mr Paul Tsanis Board Members of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Ltd. and Mr Theophilos Premetis, President of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Ltd.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, Giorgios Kotsiras, the Deputy Minister for Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports of Greece, Zetta Makri, and the President of the Centre for Greek Language in Greece, Emeritus Professor of the Philology Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Theodoros Papaggelis, delivered brief speeches via video and warmly congratulated the successful candidates, their teachers and their families.

In his video message, Mr Kotsiras emphasised that “the Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Greeks Abroad includes among its key objectives the strengthening of the Greek language and culture, with a particular focus on younger generations. In this context, we are developing initiatives to support Greek language learning by leveraging modern technological tools… and the provision of distance learning courses in collaboration with Greek universities.”

Dr Patricia Koromvokis, Lecturer in Global Cultures & Languages in the School of International Studies and Head of the Examination Centre for the Greek Language Certificate, warmly congratulated the successful recipients and acknowledged their achievement which made their teachers, their schools and their families proud.

Dr Koromvokis also acknowledged the unwavering commitment of parents and families by saying: “Somehow, in the midst of this whirlwind of modern family life, you make time for Greek education, whether it’s waiting in your cars during lessons, helping with homework late in the evenings, or driving long distances to ensure your children can attend their Greek classes. Your presence here today demonstrates this unwavering commitment.”

“Without your daily support, encouragement, and sacrifice, none of this would be achievable. You transform what could be seen as just another academic requirement into something far more meaningful – and we greatly thank you for that!” she added.

Dr Wes Roberston, Chair of the Discipline of Global Cultures & Languages of International Studies delivering his speech.
Dr Wes Roberston, Chair of the Discipline of Global Cultures & Languages of International Studies delivering his speech.

The event and the Greek language exams 2024 were sponsored by the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Ltd. MC was the Greek language teacher, Mary Vartzoumas.

The Certificate of Attainment in the Greek Language is a globally recognised title that proves the level of proficiency of its holder in the market and is considered a prerequisite for the practice of various professions in Greece. The registrations for the Exams for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek 2025, which is conducted under the auspices of Macquarie University, are now taking place. For more information click here.

*All photos copyright Effy Alexakis, photowrite

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