Eleni Moschonas, the first recipient of the Hellenic Cultural Foundation (Arianna Mercedes Economou Excellence Award delivered this passionate speech about HCF and Hellenic studies at the 30th Anniversary celebration. Her words touched the hearts of everyone in attendance. The text below is reproduced with Moschonas’ permission.
The Hellenic Cultural Foundation: Celebrating the Legacy of Its Founders
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Eleni Moschonas
Dr. Voyatzis president of the Hellenic Cultural Foundation, esteemed Board Members, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank you for the honor of allowing me to express my heart left gratitude and personal pride in my Hellenic culture and the Hellenic Cultural Foundation.
The foundation of modern greatness stems from Hellenic classical culture. Before the greatest country of modern times, the United States of America, before the British Empire, before the Renaissance, before the Roman Empire, before the Empire of Alexander the Great, was the unique greatness of Classic Hellenism. Classic Hellenism laid the foundation upon which other nations, other cultures used to establish their own temporary supremacy.
Hellenic thought, Hellenic philosophy, Hellenic democracy, Hellenic architecture, Hellenic medicine, Hellenic mathematics, Hellenic art, Hellenic tragedies are the absolute beginning and constant inclusion in all aspects of modern society. We have evolved and achieved greatness and will continue improving our modern day society because of Hellenic classical thought and culture. Even as I address you all today, at Amphipolis in Macedonia the world will discover more great attributes of Hellenic classical culture.
Our society aspires and moves towards new heights by studying Hellenic Classics. It is so vital to preserve Hellenic Classics studies at our Universities for this reason. This is what makes the Hellenic Cultural Foundation so important, so forward thinking, because they realize this important truth. Hellenes, Philhellenes, and Hellenic culture enable human glorification of great achievements.
When I came to the University of Arizona I did not know I was going to pursue a minor in classics, but the strength of the Hellenic Classics department has inspired me. The scholarship which I received through the foundation will enable me to achieve this important passion of my academic life.
For their support of this cultural landmark, I would like to give my gratitude to our esteemed President, Dr. Mary Voyatzis, our invaluable vice president Dr. Eleni Hasaki, our honorable treasure Mr.Pete Tountas, and especially Mr.Economou for nominating me for this prestigious scholarship. As a Moschonas, particularly the niece of a found member, Father Anthony Moschonas (God rest his Soul), I am imbued with a sense of pride and responsibility, to spread the glory he initiated with this goal. So in addition to our indispensable board members, my gratitude goes out to Professor David Soren, Mary Gekas, Kincade Family, James Sfarnas, the Kotzoumbazis family, without whom, none of this would have been possible.
Greatness can only stand on a solid foundation. By studying, upholding, remembering, learning and forever maintaining intellectual contact with Classical Hellenic Culture can the human race aspire towards new heights. Classic Hellenic culture is the foundation to greatness.
