On this special festive edition, Modern Odyssey’s host-producer-journalist, Dr. Despina Afentouli, visits one of the oldest Greek Orthodox communities in the United States: the Zoodohos Peghe Church/The Mother of God (Theotokos) of the Life-Giving Fountain in the Bronx, New York. A parish of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America originating from the Zoodohos Peghe (including a monastery, a Church and a Fountain) in Valoukli, Constantinople, since Byzantine times. The headquarters of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople remain in Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey). Within the historic community of Zoodohos Peghe in the Bronx currently lies one of the oldest parochial schools in the United States, the Greek-American Institute (GAI). GAI students, with a multicultural background, not only learn the Greek language as a compulsory part of their school program, but also experience Greek culture through the arts and dance, and by participating in the school and community events. As mentioned on the Zoodohos Peghe official website, “as a Bronx hidden treasure”, the community “passionately” serves Bronx “Borough and the larger world, opening” its “portals unconditionally to all”. Modern Odyssey features interviews with leaders, artists, and movers on issues that aim to inspire. The adventure of life, as Odysseus’ epic journey to Ithaca - a symbol of timeless values, and human stories worth telling. For more information on BronxNet visit us at: https://bronxnet.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BronxNetTV Twitter: https://twitter.com/BronxnetTV Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bronxnettv LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bronxnet-community-television Interviewees: • Rev. Economos Vasilios Louros, Presiding Priest, Greek Orthodox Church of Zoodohos Peghe • Chris Stylianesis, Parish Council member, Greek Orthodox Church of Zoodohos Peghe • John Attanas, Principal of the GAI School • Cynthia Dafnis, Assistant Principal and 3K / PKA Director,GAI School • Yiota Papagrigoriou, Director of the Greek department and Greek language, GAI School • Joanna Kyriacou, Dance teacher and Dean of students,GAI School • GAI Students of 3rd, 7th and 8th grade For more information on BronxNet visit us at- https://bronxnet.org/ Follow us on Facebook at- https://www.facebook.com/BronxNetTV Follow us on Twitter at- https://twitter.com/BronxnetTV Follow us on Instagram at- https://www.instagram.com/bronxnettv Follow us on LinkedIn at- https://www.linkedin.com/company/bronxnet-community-television
