The Archbishop of Great Britain as Keynote Speaker at the 17th International Conference on Linguistics at the University of Cambridge

Before a distinguished assemblage of linguists and intellectuals from astir the world, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain was the keynote talker astatine the opening ceremonial of the 17th International Conference connected Greek Linguistics. This important world lawsuit was hosted astatine the historical facilities of the University of Cambridge from September 23 to 26, 2025.

The inaugural ceremony, held successful the majestic Lady Mitchell Hall, was honored by the beingness of His Excellency the Ambassador of Greece to the United Kingdom, Mr. Ioannis Tsaousis, arsenic good arsenic starring world figures of the University, specified arsenic Professor Charles Forsdick and Professor John David Rhodes. In his thorough address, His Eminence eloquently and movingly highlighted the irreplaceable relation of the Church arsenic guardian of the Greek connection done the centuries.

Speaking from the heart, arsenic a third-generation kid of the Greek diaspora, the Archbishop conveyed the lived acquisition of Greeks who, though acold from home, ne'er forgot their roots. “Our families,” helium characteristically noted, “leaving Greece, carried with them fewer worldly possessions, but successful their souls they ever held Faith and Language. They archetypal built churches and schools, knowing that these 2 would support the occurrence of Hellenism alive, surviving with the unceasing longing for the ‘nostimon imar’, the much-desired instrumentality to the homeland.”

He emphasized the historical ngo of the Church, which, particularly during the hard years of subjugation, safeguarded our connection done the “secret school,” preserving an unbroken contented that continues contiguous with the schools organized and maintained by the Archdiocese. He further stressed that the Greek connection is the thread that indissolubly links Homer and Aristotle with the Gospels, and the Church Fathers with Elytis, Seferis, and Cavafy—constituting a surviving ark of culture. He besides recited verses from accepted people songs that observe these ideals.

The publication of the Holy Archdiocese, arsenic 1 of the main sponsors, was decisive for the occurrence of the conference. This invaluable enactment was publically praised by the distinguished Professor of Psycholinguistics successful the Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics astatine the University, Dr. Ianthi-Maria Tsimpli, who warmly thanked His Eminence for his progressive information and important contribution, which tangibly show the Church’s attraction for Greek letters.

Concluding his speech, Archbishop Nikitas issued a heartfelt telephone to each Greeks to enactment each effort aimed astatine preserving and promoting our language—this ineffable practice entrusted to america by History.