IPS sponsors Melbourne launch of the inaugral UNESCO World Greek Language Day

The Ithacan Philanthropic Society were proud sponsors of the event to celebrate the first UNESCO World Greek Language Day held on 9 February at Melbourne’s Capitol Theatre, the iconic Art Deco venue developed by our founding president A.J.J. Lucas.

The event celebrated UNESCOs decision in 2025 to designate 9 February each year as World Greek Language Day in recognition of the Greek language’s profound contribution to science, technology, philosophy and the arts. Greek is the oldest continuously spoken and written language in Europe, with over 4,000 years of oral and 3,500 years of written history.

The evening featured speeches highlighting the influence of the Greek language on Western civilisation and was a celebration of Greek literature and music featuring recitations and performances ranging from Byzantine hymns to the works of well-known contemporary Greek composers – Hadjidakis, Theodorakis and Xarchakos.