The patron saint of our school, Saint Kosmas, was a holy man who selflessly shepherded the people of Greece and Albania during a time of great persecution and darkness in the eighteenth century. His lasting impact on many Orthodox Christians in Central Massachusetts can be directly traced to the villages, towns, and islands he fearlessly traversed during these times. With God’s help, he ignited the faith of thousands through his countless hours clarifying, interpreting, and demonstrating Christ’s love. Although Saint Kosmas was highly educated, he effectively communicated using simple, clear language so the less educated and illiterate villagers could be edified by his homilies.

During the oppressive occupation of Greece and Albania by the Ottoman Empire, the people, especially the children, were slowly becoming alienated from the Church and education. Saint Kosmas recognized this and encouraged the creation of schools so that children could be properly educated, not only in academics but also in Christianity. His effect was so profound that he is credited with the establishment of hundreds of schools. Some of his icons even show him in front of a school surrounded by children. He could be the only saint who is responsible for building more schools than churches.

The Saints words in this context are timeless and became the motivation behind the creation of Saint Kosmas Academy:

“Do you have a school here in your area where children might learn to read?”
“No, Saint of God,” they replied, “we do not have one.”
“Then all of you, gather together some money and start a good school, put a committee in charge of it, and find a teacher who can teach all of the children their letters.”

Saint Kosmas the Aitolos