ENGLISH SECTION
24/03/2025 | 12:16
Honoring the Legacy of the Krifo Scholio
by Dr. Anastasios Koularmanis *
As Greek Independence Day draws near, we pause to consider the great struggle our forefathers made for liberty, selflessness, and identity preservation.
In addition to honoring the heroes of the War of Independence, this day serves as a reminder of the unsung heroes who protected our culture in the face of centuries of foreign oppression by preserving the flame of Hellenism via bravery and tenacity.
The Krifo Scholio, also known as the “Hidden School,” is a key representation of this extraordinary tenacity. The Greek people endured many hardships during the lengthy Ottoman era, one of which was the ban on Greek education. While teaching the Greek language and culture was prohibited, the Ottomans allowed religious practice within the Greek Orthodox Church. Notwithstanding these harsh limitations, the Greek Orthodox Church and its clergy emerged as the unwavering defenders of Greek culture, setting up covert schools to guarantee that coming generations would not lose their faith, language, or history.
Operating in secret locations like monasteries, caves, private residences, and isolated villages, away from the prying eyes of Ottoman authorities, the Krifo Scholio was a covert organization. In addition to learning mathematics, history, philosophy, and—above all—the Orthodox Christian faith, Greek children were taught to read and write in their mother tongue in secret. Above all, through the study of the Bible and other sacred texts, these covert schools preserved the values of our ancient civilization and fostered the spirit of Greek nationalism and identity.
The Krifo Scholio’s instructors were frequently courageous intellectuals, monks, and clergy who put their lives in danger to teach. Along with teaching the alphabet, these teachers also imparted knowledge of ancient Greece’s rich history and the values of liberty and nationalism. Beyond merely being a school, the Krifo Scholio was a symbol of defiance, a bold declaration that the Greek spirit would persevere in the face of foreign domination. The resistance movement that ultimately resulted in the Greek War of Independence was built on the foundation of these schools.
As we prepare to celebrate Greek Independence Day, it is essential to recognize the indelible legacy of the Krifo Scholio. Without these secret schools, the very essence of our culture, language, and faith might have been lost. The men and women who taught in these hidden classrooms are the true heroes of our cultural resistance, and their courage allowed the Greek nation to rise up and reclaim its freedom.
While honoring the heroes who fought in the War of Independence, we must also recognize the quiet heroes who, in the face of great danger, safeguarded our heritage through education. The legacy of the Krifo Scholio lives on in our schools, our homes, and the hearts of every Greek person. It stands as a testament to the power of education, culture, and faith to sustain a nation, even under the harshest of circumstances.
On Greek Independence Day, let us renew our commitment to the values of freedom, knowledge, and national pride that the Krifo Scholio helped preserve. May we continue to pass these values on to the next generations, ensuring that our language, our faith, and our culture remain a vibrant and enduring part of the world for many years to come.
Happy Greek Independence Day!
* Dr. Anastasios Koularmanis is the Director of Greek Education, GOA
