The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Foundation of the Hellenic World (FHW) have announced a historic collaboration to promote and showcase Greek history, culture and Orthodox Christian heritage.
The two sides have formalized the significant partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which, according to state-run Athens-Macedonian News Agency, aims to enhance cultural and educational activities.
Through joint exhibitions, virtual museum initiatives and educational programs, both organizations seek to engage Greek-American communities and the broader public in meaningful ways that honor and celebrate their common heritage. The partnership will use the Foundation of the Hellenic World’s expertise in digital technology to disseminate historical information, along with its Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Center, alongside the Archdiocese longstanding mission of preserving and sharing Greek Orthodox faith and tradition in the United States.
One of the cornerstones of the initiative is the presentation of the Foundation’s digital productions in the United States.
These include an interactive, in-depth virtual tour of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, the product of years of research by dozens of scholars that reconstructs the interior of the cathedral, while also presenting various construction phases.
Other productions expected to make their way across the Atlantic include the Hellenic Cosmos’ interactive tours of the Acropolis during the Age of Pericles, Ancient Olympia, the Ancient Agora of Athens and others.
The MoU was signed by the Archbishop of America Elpidoforos and Sophia Kounelaki-Efraimoglou, Executive Vice President of the Foundation of the Hellenic World.
The virtual Acropolis tour expected to be presented in the US under the new collaboration between the Archdiocese of America and FHW
The Interactive Tour of the Acropolis of Athens currently at the “Tholos” of the Cultural Centre of the Foundation of the Hellenic World is in 3D and all buildings and statues are shown in their natural colors, as they were when they were created.
With the use of new technologies, visitors will have the opportunity to admire the most architecturally complex Acropolis buildings, such as the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Aptera Nike, the Propylaea and the statues that decorated them.
Temples and statues which are not preserved today are also recreated.
Dozens of artists, 3D modelers and archaeologists have developed three-dimensional models for each of the buildings and statues.
Organizers promise an amazing experience where the spectator virtually walks among the glorious temples while at the same time learning about the history of the Acropolis.
The ultra-modern Cultural Centre and Museum lies on a former industrial zone on an axis between Athens and Piraeus, where the memory of Athens’ past meets the city’s modern identity.