Saint Kosmas Aitolas, Holy Martyr and Teacher of the Nation, is one of the remarkable saints of our Orthodox Church and he is the patron saint of our Greek School in Cape Town.
On Sunday 25 August, the school children delighted and inspired all of us during the Holy Liturgy service at St George’s Cathedral when they shared the story of the saint’s life with the congregation.
It was truly uplifting and reassuring to hear our children speaking so fluently and confidently in Greek and to feel their passion for their heritage. His Eminence Archbishop Sergios and Pater Nikolaos both commended the children and thanked the teachers for their valuable input in our children’s lives.
Children telling the story of Saint Kosmas Aitolas.
Afterwards the children and their families enjoyed an afternoon of fun and games at the HCC.
Children at the Church of Saint George.
Saint Kosmas is a shining example of a true patriot whose unshakable faith in God led him to reawaken the Orthodox spirit and motivate the desolate Greeks, who were oppressed under the Turkish yoke, to regain their hope for freedom.
He was a simple monk who embarked on a massive mission throughout Greece and the Balkans, building churches and establishing schools and the crosses he planted in every village stood tall, reminding everyone of God’s love for them.
He was also known for his riveting preaching, prophecies and miracles and he was martyred for his Faith on 24 August 1779 but his legacy of fighting war with words still lives on.
By Pepe Sofianos.