Greek Culture Research Paper

“People can only live fully by helping others to live. When you give life to friends you truly live. Cultures can only realize their further richness by honoring other traditions. And only by respecting natural life can humanity continue to exist (“Culture Quotes”).” The culture and civilization of Greece, rooted in ancient Mycenaean and Minoan tradition, has developed over thousands of years. The Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires have significantly influenced modern Greek culture, but the Greek War of Independence is what has given present day Greek culture its identity. Greeks feel proud of the rich culture they have created because they see it as a depiction of their nationality and ethnicity. The location of Greece as a gateway to three
Even under Turkish rule and recurring attempts at conversion by Jesuits and Protestants, the Orthodox Christian faith has survived and flourished. Both in ancient and modern times, religion is considered a very significant part of society and culture. “In present day Greece, there are sixteen separate Orthodox churches and patriarchates; the Orthodox Church of Greece is selected as the official national religion (“Modern Greek Culture and Traditions of Greece”).” Church officials from the Orthodox Church of Greece have some authority in state affairs and the church is financially supported by the state. The Holy Synod, “whose president is the archbishop of Athens,” oversees the church (“Modern Greek Culture and Traditions of Greece”). Regional bishops, monks, nuns, and priests of specific churches and monastic institutions are also on staff at the church. Priests are allowed to marry in Greece and furthermore, the divorced are permitted to remarry in the church. About a quarter of the population attends weekly services; however, annual rites such as the Sunday liturgy and the Twelve Great Feasts having greater attendance. For almost every Greek, their religious faith is deep and strong even if they do not go to church
Children ages six to fifteen are required to attend school, however the education is free. The educational system is separated into three levels, primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary education involves kindergarten for one or two years, followed by primary school from ages 6-12. Secondary education includes Gymnasio and Lykeio. Gymnasio is a 3-year program and is similar to middle school and Lykeio is an academically focused high school. English language study is a requirement from 4th grade through high school. Tertiary education is considered college level and is provided by universities, technological educational institutes, and academies, which are primarily for the military and clergy. Fortunately for Greek students, college education, including the books, is free for students able to meet the difficult entrance requirements. The Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs oversees all schools in Greece, managing the curriculum, competence of teaching staff, and funding. The fact that most of the decisions regarding education are made by a small group of officials in the Ministry of Education creates tension among the Greek society. This is because “their educational decision-making process fails to take into account the interests of different stakeholders and broader societal need (Macar, Oya).” The Greek constitution does not allow the operation of private universities in Greece; however, there are some private