Before a distinguished audience of linguists and intellectuals from around the world, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain was the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony of the 17th International Conference on Greek Linguistics. This important academic event was hosted at the historic facilities of the University of Cambridge from September 23 to 26, 2025.

The inaugural ceremony, held in the majestic Lady Mitchell Hall, was honored by the presence of His Excellency the Ambassador of Greece to the United Kingdom, Mr. Ioannis Tsaousis, as well as leading academic figures of the University, such as Professor Charles Forsdick and Professor John David Rhodes. In his thorough address, His Eminence eloquently and movingly highlighted the irreplaceable role of the Church as guardian of the Greek language through the centuries.

Speaking from the heart, as a third-generation child of the Greek diaspora, the Archbishop conveyed the lived experience of Greeks who, though far from home, never forgot their roots. “Our families,” he characteristically noted, “leaving Greece, carried with them few material possessions, but in their souls they always held Faith and Language. They first built churches and schools, knowing that these two would keep the flame of Hellenism alive, living with the unceasing longing for the ‘nostimon imar’, the much-desired return to the homeland.”

He emphasized the historic mission of the Church, which, especially during the difficult years of subjugation, safeguarded our language through the “secret school,” preserving an unbroken tradition that continues today with the schools organized and maintained by the Archdiocese. He further stressed that the Greek language is the thread that indissolubly links Homer and Aristotle with the Gospels, and the Church Fathers with Elytis, Seferis, and Cavafy—constituting a living ark of culture. He also recited verses from traditional folk songs that celebrate these ideals.

The contribution of the Holy Archdiocese, as one of the main sponsors, was decisive for the success of the conference. This invaluable support was publicly praised by the distinguished Professor of Psycholinguistics in the Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics at the University, Dr. Ianthi-Maria Tsimpli, who warmly thanked His Eminence for his active participation and substantial contribution, which tangibly demonstrate the Church’s care for Greek letters.

Concluding his speech, Archbishop Nikitas issued a heartfelt call to all Greeks to support every effort aimed at preserving and promoting our language—this sacred heritage entrusted to us by History.