By Achilleas Kouremenos

Copyright thenationalherald

To the St. Demetrios Community,

Over the past several years, I have watched quietly as the St. Demetrios community has faced serious challenges. After much reflection, I feel compelled to share my thoughts not to cast blame but to offer perspective rooted in deep love for a school and community that shaped so much of my life.

St. Demetrios has never been a typical school. It is not a public school, a charter school, nor a Catholic school. It is something entirely its own, a living symbol of Hellenism, Orthodox tradition, and community. Its strength never came from wealth or numbers but from unity, faith, and purpose. Families believed in our mission to preserve our language, culture, and Orthodox Christian faith. Together, we created something that was more than a school. We built a legacy.

But in recent years, something essential has been lost. The heart of the school, the families whose connections span generations, has quietly stepped away. The bond between the community and the school has weakened. Since my departure, I have observed a growing gap between those leading the institution and those it was meant to serve. This is not an issue of competence but of understanding. The uniqueness of St. Demetrios requires leadership that truly grasps its soul, its history, its spirit, and its role in the preservation of Hellenism in America.

We were once blessed to have individuals who supported the school not only financially but spiritually and emotionally. While there have been disappointments and divisions in recent years, I believe those relationships can be healed. However, healing must begin with honesty, humility, and, above all, trust.

No matter how many students are enrolled, the true value of St. Demetrios lies in its people. Losing the families that built this institution, families whose grandparents, children, and grandchildren once filled its classrooms, is far more damaging than any decline in numbers. If we are to rebuild, we must reconnect with those who helped create the school’s foundation.

This is not just a school. St. Demetrios is the beating heart of Hellenism in America. If it falters, we risk losing far more than classrooms. We risk losing our identity, our language, our traditions, and our faith for generations to come. The St. Demetrios school system is the foundation of this legacy, and any harm to it threatens the very survival of Hellenism in the United States.

To those currently entrusted with its care, I issue this solemn warning. If the St. Demetrios school system is neglected, undermined, or allowed to decline, it will mark the beginning of the end for Hellenism in America. Protecting this institution is not just a duty; it is a sacred responsibility that must be honored at every level.

I have not given up on this community. I still believe we can return to what we once were and even more. That future, however, requires leadership that not only understands the school’s purpose but has lived it. With clear vision, experience, and a deep personal connection to its mission, I know the path back is not only possible. It is within reach. I have walked that road before, and I carry the same commitment with me today.

If we can come together humbly, honestly, and with unity, I believe we can restore what made St. Demetrios not just a school but a cornerstone of our faith and heritage.

With love, hope, and unwavering dedication to St. Demetrios

Dr. Anastasios Koularmanis