Students at the Sts Anargiri Greek Language Centre in Oakleigh recently embraced a meaningful week of reflection, creativity, and celebration as they commemorated their patron saints, Kosmas and Damianos — revered figures known for their healing work and selfless service.
The week-long programme, held under the blessing of Father Stavros, parish priest of the local Greek Orthodox Church, provided a variety of opportunities for students to engage with their spiritual and cultural heritage in hands-on, joyful ways.
Honouring a legacy of healing and compassion
Central to the week was the theme of service and humility, inspired by Saints Kosmas and Damianos, who, as physicians, treated the sick without ever accepting payment — hence their title “Anargyroi”, meaning “without silver”.
Students explored the lives of the saints through storytelling, classroom discussions, and a variety of school projects designed to highlight values such as compassion, generosity, and faith. The programme fostered a sense of connection not only to Orthodox tradition but to a broader sense of community and responsibility.
When bougatsa meets the sausage sizzle
A standout feature of the week was the culinary celebration that captured the spirit of cultural fusion. The humble Australian sausage sizzle was paired with freshly baked bougatsa — a traditional Greek pastry — generously provided by Melbourne-based bakery bougatsaki.au.
The unexpected pairing proved a hit among students, with many queuing eagerly for second helpings. “It was a fun way to bring Greek and Australian traditions together,” noted one teacher. “The kids loved it — and it sparked real conversations about food, culture and identity.”
Creativity inspired by faith
As part of the celebrations, students took part in an engaging art session led by teacher Eleni Baveli. Through step-by-step guided drawing activities, they depicted scenes inspired by the saints’ lives and the values they embodied. The session encouraged personal expression while deepening understanding of the saints’ enduring relevance in today’s world.
Language learning that comes alive
Principal Kostas Pataridis emphasised the wider educational value of the celebration week, explaining that initiatives like these allow students to practise language skills in real-world settings.
“Interactive moments — asking ‘Would you like one or two?’ or saying ‘Thank you’ — give life to the language in meaningful, everyday ways,” he said.
He also addressed the importance of fostering a positive attitude towards Greek language education in the diaspora.
“Rather than focusing on fears of decline, we need to offer students uplifting, joyful encounters with their language and heritage. This week was exactly that — a reminder that Greek can flourish, even in the furthest corners of the world.”
A growing tradition
Now an annual fixture in the school calendar, the Saints Anargyroi celebration has become a cherished tradition at Sts Anargiri Greek Language Centre. It brings together faith, culture, language, and community — offering students not just knowledge, but inspiration.
