Eternally present in the Mediterranean basin, the olive tree almost completely overlapped the regions where Hellenism flourished. Where Greek words were spoken there was almost surely an olive tree nearby for people to gaze upon – as we do today – and recognize its magnificence and strong bond with us.
We marvel at the blessed olive tree as an eternal companion and witness of our culture; as the natural embodiment of all the virtues comprising Hellenism: family, community, wisdom, hospitality, glory, prosperity, purity, and health. No wonder “to extend an olive branch” is an internationally understood gesture of peace.
In many ways, we also modeled the Learning Path on the olive tree: Learning Greek is a process requiring loving patience in building strong roots - the basics. For the Greek language to grow strong and blossom it, like the olive tree, needs regular care and support, until it eventually grows a strong trunk flourishing with branches bearing fruit.
