Religious blessings mark start of new school year in Greece and US

Religious ceremonies and blessings (Agiasmos) have marked the commencement of the new school year across various regions in Greece and the United States.

In Greece, high-ranking clergy and local officials attended ceremonies at numerous schools. Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens visited the 99th Primary School in Athens, encouraging students to persevere through difficulties and trust in the Church. In Chania, local authorities noted that over 20,000 students returned to 154 renovated school units. Other regional ceremonies were held in Pylos, Rethymno, Chalkida, Rafina-Pikermi, and Thessaly, where local mayors and bishops offered blessings to students, teachers, and parents.

In the United States, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over the blessing ceremony for the St. Demetrios Daily School in Astoria, New York, to welcome students and educators for the new academic term.