Greek language excellence recognised at Macquarie University

Macquarie University’s Greek Language Examination Centre has marked another successful year, hosting its 2025 Certificates of Attainment in Greek award ceremony at the university’s Arts Precinct to coincide with World Greek Language Day 2026.

The event brought together successful candidates and their families, school principals, Greek language teachers, heads of languages from NSW schools, representatives of community organisations and Greek community media.

Among the guests were Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, representing Archbishop Makarios of Australia; Greece’s Consul General in Sydney George Skemperis; First Secretary for Public Diplomacy Paraskevi Tsintzou; and Dr Wes Robertson, Chair of Global Cultures and Languages at Macquarie University. Representatives from the Greek Australian Society, Greek community schools and education bodies across NSW were also in attendance.

Photo: Syndesmos – Connecting People and their Stories

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed the ceremony via a written message, describing the Greek language as “an integral part of global cultural heritage” and congratulating candidates on their achievement.

“The Certificate of Attainment in Greek represents substantial recognition of your effort, perseverance and love for the Greek language,” he said, adding that the Greek state would continue to support the international promotion of Greek language learning.

Video messages were also delivered by NSW Minister for Industrial Relations and Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis MP, Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos and Professor Theodoros Papaggelis, President of the Centre for the Greek Language in Greece. All congratulated students, teachers and families for their commitment and success.

In her message, Cotsis highlighted Macquarie University’s role as the largest Greek language examination centre in the southern hemisphere.

Dr Patricia Koromvokis, Senior Lecturer in Global Cultures and Languages and Head of the Greek Language Examination Centre, congratulated the candidates and acknowledged the support of their teachers, schools and families. She also recognised the Greek Australian Society for its ongoing partnership with Macquarie University and its financial support, which contributes to the centre’s continued operation.

Bishop Christodoulos, centre, together with Greece’s Consul General in Sydney George Skemperis (right) with First Secretary for Public Diplomacy Paraskevi Tsintzou, Dr Wes Robertson, Chair of Global Cultures and Languages at Macquarie University, representatives from the Greek Australian Society and other dignitaries. Photo: Syndesmos – Connecting People and their Stories

The ceremony was hosted by Eugenia Hatch, a fifth-year Macquarie University student studying a double degree in International Studies and Law.

The Certificate of Attainment in the Greek Language is an internationally recognised qualification that certifies proficiency in Greek and is required for a range of professional activities in Greece. Registrations for the 2026 examinations, conducted under the auspices of Macquarie University, are now open.

Photos: Syndesmos – Connecting People and their Stories