What is popular in America for March 25 Greek Independence Day programs? Greek bows for girls and women.
This past summer, I went shopping at Sotiris Mantzouranis fabric store at the corner of Kolokotronis Square, Tripoli, Greece. My mission was to buy materials to create Greek independence day bows. “they use blue and white ribbons,” said owner Sotiris. “I have two types of miniature, embroidered flags you can glue on the bows.”
In our Queens, we created bows with glued flags in center. We then glued them on barrettes. Fashionable and admired by all, or other was to buy ready-made bows from Etsy. Nothing on Amazon.
If you have family or friends visiting Greece, asked them to go shopping in a fabric store for blue-and-white ribbons and 1 to 2 inch embroidered flags. A creative fun project for all to enjoy.
President Stella Kokolis presenting award to Mr. Panagiotis Passas, Director General for International and European Affairs, Education Department for Hellenic Diaspora,
International Greek Language Day was established February 9th, 2017, to coincide with the anniversary of national ethnic poet, Dionysios Solomos, author of the Greek National anthem. President Mrs. Stella Kokolis of the Greek American Teachers Federation and affiliate organizations celebrated Greek Language Day, Saturday February 10th afternoon at Terrace on the Park, Flushing, NY. 100 people attended. A luncheon followed after the event. Prominent members of the News media, Greek government and Consulate, education leaders of the northeastern states, , business, parochial schools and Greek American organizations attended. attended.
Honoree Dr. Anastasios Koularmanis, Director of Greek Education of the Greek Orthodox Church of America
The following organizations and leaders hosted the culture event: President Stella Kokolis, Greek American Teachers Federation; President Vasiliki Filiotis and Georgia Filiotis Of Hellenic Paideia of America; and Office of Education Attache of the Office of the Consulate General of NY. Affiliate chapters involved included: President Merope Kyriakou, Greek Teachers Association Prometheus; Mrs. Elei Pylarinos, Alumni Association of St. Basil’s Teachers Academy; and President Demi Savopoulos, of the Hellenic American Educators Association/UFT.
Honoree Philanthropist Anastasios Vasilakos with Mrs. Stella Kokolis’ family,
The program consisted of: Prayer, Rev. Gregory Stamkopoulos; Program Master of Ceremonies Presentation, Leonidas Papoulias; Greetings, President Stella Kokolis and ; Greeting. Ms. Giota Pechlivanidi, Acting Education Counselor at the Consulate General of Greece in New York; Eleni Griva, the University of Western Macedonia; Student poetry presentation, Plato Academy, instructor Katerina Mpliatza, and Dimitrios & Georgia Kaloidis Parochial School, Brooklyn; Presentation of Honorees, Dr. Anastasios Koularmanis, Director of Greek Education of the Greek Orthodox Church of America; Mr. Panagiotis Passas, Director General for International and European Affairs, Education Department for Hellenic Diaspora, Philanthropist Anastasios Vasilakos; Program closing and Luncheon. Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis representative awarded citations to the honorees. This is an incomplete list. For more information, contact Stella Kokolis on Facebook.
Honorees with program organizers and prominent leaders.
“ His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros objectives are to preserve Greek education, “ said Rev. Stamkopoulos in his opening address. “The basis of Western Civilization in the United States of America is Greece. Through reorganization, assistance from donors, new education methods to deal with an American born youth, we will keep our schools strong.”
Students of Plato Academy and Holy Cross School, instructor Katerina Mpliatza,(left) with Mrs. Stella Kokolis, Master of Ceremonies Leonidas Papoulias (3rd from left) with Mr. Panagiotis Passas, Director General for International and European Affairs (4th from left)
The Theme is ‘The Hellenic Language, a legendary language that endures to this day’’, explained President Kokolis. “It remains the language of critical thinking. Greek continues as an inspiration for educated people around the world.” Greek is a language spoken for 3,500 years,” said Ms. Pechlivanidi. “It is written the same way with the same alphabet. Greek influence over the entire world. “
Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Papoulias in his presentation explained “ Mrs. Stella Kokolis is recognized locally, nationally, and internationally as a prominent community leader, educator, and humanitarian. She has received numerous awards for her professional, charitable, and political work by major organizations and political leaders both in the United States and abroad.”
Mr. Papoulias stated “Educator, founder of societies to promote education, political activist, supporter of the Greek Orthodox Church, she is a 2023 legend. Generous, always helping all persons and causes, the educator is there for everyone. She has never wavered in her support of Greek language, culture, and Greek Orthodoxy.” Mrs. Kokolis funds community projects anonymously.
Secretary-General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, John Chrysoulakis, virtually said “Greek stands for Dialogue, Diplomacy, Democracy. These three Greek words beginning with the letter “D” have a global meaning: Diaspora. From ancient Greece to today, the word diaspora has remained almost unchanged. It means the spreading of seeds and journey of Hellenism’s values across the globe. Diaspora, is a precious us, extending worldwide, narrating its own history in Greek. that extends to the end of the world and narrates its own history,”
Dr. Griva of the University of Western Macedonia said virtually ”that the Greek language developed scientific theories, philosophical thoughts, and literature of the Western World’s languages. Greek is not a dead language. It influences European languages.”
Students from the Plato Academy and Holy Cross Dimitrios & Georgia Kaloidis Parochial School, Brooklyn inspired us with poetry. Plato Academy instructor Katerina Mpliatza supervised the student presentation.
“I am sending you excellent Greek teachers,” said honoree Mr. Panagiotis Passas, Director General for International and European Affairs, Education for Hellenic Diaspora. “International Greek Language Day honors our heritage. Greek is a treasure. It unlocks stories, traditions, and our roots.”
Dr. Koularmanis family is from Tripolis, Greece. The leaders of the following Arcadian organizations attended: President Angeliki Vournas of Pan Arcadian Federation of America (PFA); Christos Vournas Pan Arcadian Federation of America Eastern District Governor; Dimitris Filios, Journalist/Public Relations consultant and Board member of “Geros tou Morea” chapter of the Pan Arcadian Federation and Dr. John G. Siolas, Board member of “Geros tou Morea” chapter and member of High Council of Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Honoree philanthropist Anastasios Vasilakos is a supporter of the Plato Academy in Brooklyn, NY. He is lowkey. He supports education projects anonymously.
Dr. Ioanna Lekkakou , Dean of the Greek Drpartment of the Odyssey School, Wilmington, Delaware shared her education philosophy. “Greek enhances a student’s learning of Math, Science, discussing ideas and comparing cultures.” For more information, email ioanna.lekkakou@odyssey.k12.de.us.
Photo1 -Honorees with program organizers and prominent leaders.
Photo2- President Stella Kokolis presenting award to Mr. Panagiotis Passas, Director General for International and European Affairs, Education Department for Hellenic Diaspora,
Photo3- Honoree Dr. Anastasios Koularmanis, Director of Greek Education of the Greek Orthodox Church of America;
Photo4- Honoree Philanthropist Anastasios Vasilakos with Mrs. Stella Kokolis’ family,
Photo5- Students of Plato Academy and Holy Cross School, instructor Katerina Mpliatza,(left) with Mrs. Stella Kokolis, Master of Ceremonies Leonidas Papoulias (3rd from left) with Mr. Panagiotis Passas, Director General for International and European Affairs (4th from left)
“Reaching a 100th birthday is like breaking a sports record that has stood for decades. It is a remarkable feat in life”1
A special Fellowship for Yn. Yefkin Megherian, the wife of the late Rev.Vardan Megherian, was held at Holy Martyrs Armenian Church, Bayside, on Sunday, February 4th. The accomplished sculptor was honored on her 100th birthday, in the church hall after services. Two hundred and fifty people attended. A luncheon was served in her honor.
“Taleen and Zarmi Megherian thanked all. Ms. Taleen narrated an outstanding PowerPoint program of Yn Yefkin Megherian life and achievements. Her sculptures are in churches, galleries, and international museums. The honoree’s parents and grandparents were Armenian Orthodox priests.
“Reaching a 100th birthday is like breaking a sports record that has stood for decades. It is a remarkable feat in life”1
A special Fellowship for Yn. Yefkin Megherian, the wife of the late Rev.Vardan Megherian, was held at Holy Martyrs Armenian Church, Bayside, on Sunday, February 4th. The accomplished sculptor was honored on her 100th birthday, in the church hall after services. Two hundred and fifty people attended. A luncheon was served in her honor.
Ruthann Turekian Drewitz spearheaded the centennial celebration. She is an internationally famous opera singer who sang Armenian and opera masterpieces. Her piani9s was Nevart Zeromian.
Past and present Sunday School Superintendents Lynn Jamie, Beatrice Babian and Lara M. Ciamician gave testimonies for the honoree’s legacy. “Yv. Yefkin is an inspiration to our Armenian children. Her heart filled with love inspired us in Sunday School. Thousands have passed through the Holy Martyr’s Church Sunday School for 68 years.” This is an incomplete list. For more information, contact Father Abraham Malkhasyan on Facebook.
Taleen and Zarmi Megherian thanked all. Ms. Taleen narrated an outstanding PowerPoint program of Yn Yefkin Megherian life and achievements. Her sculptures are in churches, galleries, and international museums. The honoree’s parents and grandparents were Armenian Orthodox priests.
“Peace, Hope and Patience are Yv. Yefkin’s traits,” said Rev. Dr. Abraham Malkhasyan. “She was the first pillar of the church’s Sunday School. We are all inspired through a beautiful human being. I am blessed for having this beautiful person inspiring me as a priest. We move forward, positively for the future.”
We attended the Armenian/English service. Inspiring! A banner of the Panagia (Virgin Mary) was hanging by the altar, an eastern Orthodox tradition. A large stained glass window of a Roman general with a sword grabbed my attention. Over the general’s head were Armenian crosses with a priest and Roman soldiers by his side. His hand aggressively pointed upwards to the cross, urging his troops to fight. This was St. Vardan.
Who exactly was St. Vardan? He was known as Vardan Mamikonian.”The Persian attempt to impose Zoroastrianism on the Armenians provoked a rebellion, which ended when Vardan and his companions were slain at the Battle of Avarayr. Despite their victory the battle prompted the Persians to renounce their plans to convert Armenia by force, securing religious freedom for Armenian Christians.2
After the death of his father, he became the head of the Mamikonian noble family.] In 420, he went to Constantinople with Mesrop Mashtots and was appointed stratelates (general) of Byzantine Armenia by Theodosius II. In 422, he returned to Vagharshapat, then went to Ctesiphon, where Sasanian king Bahram V recognized him as sparapet of the Kingdom of Armenia; the office of sparapet, the supreme commander of the Armenian armed forces, was held hereditarily by the Mamikonian family.[4] Vardan retained this title after the abolition of the Kingdom of Armenia in 428.3
Why should the West care about the legacy of Armenia, a landlocked country in the Armenian Highlands of West Asia? “For something like five hundred years, Armenians played an important role in the political, military, and administrative life of the Eastern Roman/Byzantine Empire. They served as soldiers and officers, as administrators and emperors. In the early part of this period during the seventh and eighth centuries, when the empire was fighting for its very existence, they contributed greatly to turning back its enemies. But particularly great was their role in the ninth and tenth centuries when as soldiers and officers, administrators, and emperors they dominated the social, military, and political life of the empire and were largely responsible for its greatness.
So dominant indeed was their role during this period that one may refer to the Byzantine empire of these two centuries as Graeco-Armenian; ‘Graeco’, because as always, its civilization was Greek, ‘Armenian’, because the element which directed its destinies and provided the greater part of the forces for its defense was largely Armenian or of Armenian origin. It was a role, moreover, of world-wide historical significance for it was during this period that the empire achieved its greatest success, when its armies triumphed everywhere, its missionaries spread the gospel and with-it civilization among the southeastern Slavs, and its scholars resurrected Greek antiquity, thus making possible the preservation of its literature.
Herein lies perhaps the most important part of the legacy of the Armenians to civilization. But while all this may be true, the point should be made and made with emphasis that the Armenians in Byzantium who furnished it with its leadership were thoroughly integrated into its political and military life, identified themselves with its interest and adopted the principal features of its culture. In brief, like many other elements of different racial origins, as, for instance, Saracens, Slavs, and Turks, who had a similar experience, they became Byzantines.”5 Ivan Aivazovsky, the greatest Marine artist in history, knew this and incorporated themes, looking toward the civilization of Constantinople. Attending the Armenian Orthodox church services and Yn Yefkin Megherian 100th Birthday was a unique experience.
Special appreciation for their assistance: Rev. Dr. Abraham Malkhasyan, Holy Martyrs Armenian Church priest, and Carol Anastasian, community activist.
Photo1 – Yn. Yefkin Megherian (sitting) with Father Abraham Malkhasyan and Zarmi Megherian.
Photo2- 250 people attended.
Photo3- YN Mrs. Megherian with past and present Sunday School superintendents, students, clergy, community at cutting of her cake.
Photo4- Yn, Megherian (sitting), with Father Abraham Malkhasyan and YN Malkhasyan (4th and 3rd from left) Zarmi Megherian (5th from left) and parish council members.
Greek Learning includes a culture and a language which has an unbroken oral tradition of more than 3500 years. The Three Hierarchs, Basil the Great of Caesarea, Gregory the Theologian of Nazianzus, and John Chrysostom combined Greek philosophy and Christian faith in the early years of the Christian Roman Empire.
They believed in Greek Classics, Mathematics and Science. They used the Greek language to spread their message in the Greek speaking world of Europe, Africa, and Asia. This continued in the Eastern Roman Byzantine Empire, the Greek Orthodox Church during the 400 years of occupation by the Ottoman Empire, till our present time in 2024.
Legendary Greek American educator Mrs. Athena Tsokou Kromidas, President of the High Council for Greek Education in the USA was honored at the Three Hierarchs Feast on Tuesday morning religious January 30th, at the Greek Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral at 337 East 74th Street. New York, NY 10021. The religious service/Vasilopita (Cutting of New Year’s Bread) was performed by His Eminence, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.
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She served as the first President of the High Council for Greek Education in the US from January 30, 2020, till January 30, 2024, by the request of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. The presidency office is for a two year term. An exception was made for legendary educator/administrator/writer Mrs. Athena Tsokou Kromidas. She is a speaker on Greek culture and education at public events, radio, and television Greek programs.
Mrs. Kromidas was mistress of ceremonies of a memorable student program that included the following schools: The Cathedral School of the Holy Trinity, NYC; Greek American Institute (GAI), Bronx; A. Fantis School, Brooklyn; Dimitrios & Georgia Kaloidis Parochial School (DGK), Brooklyn; St. Demetrios Cathedral School, Astoria; and the William Spyropoulos Day School, Flushing. The students read selections on the meaning of Greek Letters. Greetings were delivered by Director o0f the Department of Greek Education Dr. Anastasios Koularmanis and prominent speakers. For more information, contact https://www.facebook.com/goarch.
“You are our youth, inspiring us to promote Greek Letters, the basis of our ethnic identity,” said President Kromidas to the audience of students. “You give us strength to continue our mission. We are preparing you for your journey as the best citizens in the world. You will become better than us. I thank the educators and parents who work together to continue the success of Greek education.” The underpaid educators, who do not have the economic advantages of the NYC public schools, have created a superior education system through their dedication and unselfish support of the parents and the Greek Orthodox Church of America.
“The great Byzantium, however, is undoubtedly the Orthodox church,” said Lars Brownworth in his groundbreaking podcasts “Lost To The West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire That Rescued Western Civilization.” “Pressed into service by the forces of nationalism in the 19th and 20th century, the church provided a cultural repository Greek linking the people of the former Empire with the glorious epochs of the past. Today the Byzantine Eagle flutters proudly from the flags of nations, from Albania to Montenegro and though each state has its local version of the church, the heritage all bear is Byzantine.”
“Mrs. Kromidas is one of the most prominent educators in the United States,” said His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros. That is why I asked her to be the first president of the high Council of Greek education in America. She has done so well. You are an example of kindness and goodness, a person who radiates love and goodness for our culture. Thank you for your work. Rev. Vasileios Tsourlis is her successor as President of the High Council of Greek Education in America.”
In a personal interview, Mrs. Kromidas explained “the wonderful chapter of the Supreme Council’s unstoppable struggle for Greek Letters and our culture was completed! ,” said President Kromidas in an interview. “In this unique journey we shared our joys, our anxieties, our challenges and our reflections on the preservation and promotion of our language and our culture. It was an honor to preside over the Council, whose members are authorities in the academic, educational, priestly, and business worlds. I will forever be grateful for their support and encouragement.
What were our accomplishments? They included: Greek language seminars on techniques and curriculum virtual and in person; for Greek language teaching as a Greek heritage language; all our projects were a cooperative effort with the Department of Greek education of the Greek Orthodox archdiocese; the books my roots in Greek were published and will in English within a few weeks; series of seminars with many professors from Greece from leading university’s; celebration of 200 years of the Greek revolution and Hagia Sofia Cathedral; supporting the establishment of a The Hellenic Education Fund to benefit the Greek Archdiocese school; meeting educators, community leaders and pastors across the United States through the Internet during the pandemic and after: many other projects.
Mrs. Athena Tsokou Kromidas is embarking on a new chapter of her educational career. Aristotle, Alexander the Great’s teacher, said “Those who educate children well are more to be honored than they who produce them; for these only gave them life, those the art of living well.”
The CathedralSchool (an accredited institution of learning offering grades N-6), had their first virtual Town Hall Meeting of 2024. They are celebrating the school’s 75th anniversary.
All photos by Despina Siolas, MD./Ph.D.
Dr. Despina Siolas (center) with Father Gilbert and Principal Merope Kyriacou
“Those who educate children well are more to be honored than they who produce them; for these only gave them life, those the art of living well.”1 – Aristotle.
Educator, founder of societies to promote education, political activist, supporter of the Greek Orthodox Church, she is a 2023 legend. Generous, always helping all persons and causes, the educator is there for everyone. She has never wavered in her support of Greek language, culture, and Greek Orthodoxy. Always a supporter of Hermes Expo International, a leading Trade Show and Exhibition, she has brought Greek Americans in buses, paying for all expenses. Mrs. Stella Kokolis of Brooklyn and Southampton, New York is an admirable person, recognized by the Greek government for her unique efforts in promoting Hellenism overseas.
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (left to right), Dr. George Tsioulias, Mrs. Stella Kokolis, and Dr. George Liakeas., Conference, Astoria, 2019
Stella Kokolis has used heart in all of instruction since the late 1960’s her unique education experience from New York City, America and global community was celebrated October 14th, 2012, at the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Hellenic News of America (HNA) newspaper at the Concordville Inn-Best Western Hotel & Conference Center in Concordville, Pennsylvania. A packed audience attended from states on the northeastern seaboard. Stella Kokolis is recognized locally, nationally, and internationally as a prominent community leader, educator, and humanitarian. She has received numerous awards for her professional, charitable, and political work by major organizations and political leaders both in the United States and abroad.
Leonidas P. Raptakis, Senator from Rhode Island, with Mrs. Kokolis, January conference 2023.
Mrs. Kokolis is president of the President of the Federation of Hellenic American Educators and Cultural Associations of America. She was the co-founder and former president of the Prometheus Greek Teachers Association. In 2009, the educator was named “Greek Teacher of the Year 2009” by The National Herald newspaper in New York. Senator Marty Golden honored Mrs. Kokolis, for her work as educator, founder, and President of the Hellenic American Teachers Federation. She was a former member of Community Board 10, representing Central Harlem in New York City.
Prominent NYC Greek Consulate, religious and education leaders, January 2023.
Ms. Vasiliki (Vasia) Filiotis, President of the Hellenic Paideia of America said “Mrs. Kokolis expanded the growth of the Greek language, culture, and religion internationally. We wish her good health and strength to continue her exceptional work. She has been given the distinct honor as ‘Mother of the Hellenic Education in America.’ Axia! (Worthy!).
The late Mr. Theodore Spyropoulos in a letter congratulated “Mrs. Kokolis for her political activism in forming the Federation of Hellenic American Teachers. Her voice is forceful in saving educators without pensions and medical benefits. The Federation of Hellenic American Educators under the auspices of SAE-USA (World Council For Hellenes Abroad) Region and the Greek Embassy in Washington, D.C. presented the annual events of Greek Culture and Education” at the Capitol, in Washington, D.D. because of Mrs. Kokolis.
Mr. Timoleon Kokkinos, co-founder of the Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus” said “Mrs. Stella Kokolis is perpetuating the Hellenic language and culture among our grade school and college students. She is teaching, reaching out and motivating Greek American children, as one who understands the school systems they attend, their culture, traditions, and habits.” In addition, she has acted as a community liaison with Parents and families in inspiring youth to learn Greek language and culture. Mrs. Kokolis has sponsored scholarships, culture activities such as theater, dance, music, and visits to Greece to help Greek students retain their Greek heritage.
Mrs. Kokolis with Mrs. Vasiliki Filiotis, main collaborator of her education events.
A historic zoom program encompassing Greek education and culture from five continents was presented May 8t afternoon for four hours, uninterrupted. Once in a lifetime Greek educator banded together to show ancient Greek, Byzantine, and modern Greek heritage to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Greece’s Independence in 1821. The Federation of Greek Teachers of America, Office of Greek Education of the Holy Archdiocese of America, and other organizations on Saturday, May 8th Presented a program entitled on the afternoon of Saturday, May 8, 2021.
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Dr. John G. Siolas said, “I have worked with Mrs. Kokolis since the 1970’s. She is an exceptionally kind person without a mean bone in her body. No one can ever stay angry with Mrs. Kokolis. She is a great compromiser, negotiating and settling education disagreements. Her generosity is legendary. When someone needs funding for a project or a scholarship for a student, Mrs. Kokolis gives money from her own pocket. Her pleasant smile, enthusiasm and sincerity are unique. The educator is one of the giants of our time in the field of bilingual education of the global community. She is a role model for all to follow.”
The President of the Federation of Greek Teachers of America, Stella Kokolis, was honored by the Secretary-General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, John Chrysoulakis, on behalf of the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for her invaluable contribution to the Greek language education and Greek Hellenism, awarding her the Hellenic American Women’s Council (HAWC) award, in the context of a conference organized by the HAWC in Spetses for the 200 years since the beginning of the Independence Struggle.
In his speech, which took place at the Anargyreio and Korgialenio School of Spetses, General Secretary Chrysoulakis described as “commendable and invaluable” the work of Stella Kokolis, as well as “substantial and active” the role she has played in the events of Greek language education in the USA “without deviating even for a moment from the fundamental principles of the Greek tradition, which she followed throughout her course as a teacher”.
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Consul General Boura, Mrs. Kokolis and His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios , 2008
Mr. Haviaras, Mrs. Kokolis with Mrs. Vasiliki Filiotis..
An honorary virtual event held in memory of Ioannis Giannopoulos, an Arcadian of the Peloponnese and founder of the first Greek school in America, was held on Sunday, March 13th. 2021 at 1 pm. The Federation of Hellenic American Educators and Cultural Associations of America sponsored the event to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Greek Independence. Mrs. Stella Kokolis President of Federation of Hellenic American Educators and Cultural Associations of America, galvanized Greeks internationally to create this unique memorial in St. Augustine, Florida.
The unveiling of the John Giannopoulos (Juan Genopoly) bust took place in the Garden of Educators, St. Augustine, Florida on Saturday, March 7th, 2020. Greek sculptor Dimitris Talaganis from Arcadia, Peloponnese, created the work of art. Over two hundred people were present. Mrs. Stella Kokolis has worked on this exceptional project for three years with the assistance of the Federation of Hellenic-American Educators, Pan Arcadian Association with chapter Geros Tou Morea chapter of New York and donors from across the United States. Ms. Elaine Fraser, CEO, and owner of the “Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse,” was moved with tears by this historic event. Her grandfather, the former late Senator Walter B. Fraser, who was also Mayor of St. Augustine, Florida, labored to preserve the ‘Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse” and archaeological sites in St. Augustine.
An honorary virtual event held in memory of Ioannis Giannopoulos, an Arcadian of the Peloponnese and founder of the first Greek school in America, was held on Sunday, March 13th. 2021 at 1 pm. The Federation of Hellenic American Educators and Cultural Associations of America sponsored the event to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Greek Independence. Mrs. Stella Kokolis President of Federation of Hellenic American Educators and Cultural Associations of America, galvanized Greeks internationally to create this unique memorial in St. Augustine, Florida. Mrs. Meropi Kyriakou, President of Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus” was moderator of a program with clergy, international leaders, and educators.
Mrs. Stella Kokolis explained he was a “young man who came to this great country in the late years of 17th hundreds and his first thought was to build a school. This school is the only wooden school in the U.S.A that is still in existence.”
2023 marks the return of socializing in life. Seeing being, exchanging ideas made the education event held by three Greek education societies. Mrs. Stella Kokolis President of the Federation of Hellenic American Educators and Cultural Associations of America, President Vasiliki Filiotis of the Hellenic Paideia of America and President Meropi Kyriakou of Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus” held a book, awards presentation and dinner on Sunday afternoon, March 12th at Terrace of the Park Landmark, Flushing Meadows, NY. Greek Revolution hero “James Williams” book was presented by zoom from Greece by Dr. K, Rethemniotakis. The event was free. Greece’s Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs granted awards to outstanding Greek Americans. They were recognized and honored by Deputy Minister of Education and Religious Affairs Zeta Makris for their unique contribution to Greek language and culture and transmission of the Greek Orthodox tradition in America. They were recognized in a virtual presentation on February 12, 2023. These awards were given in person on March 12th.
“Let us reflect on the admirable work that the teachers have devoted to their students through the decades,” she said. “With courage and perseverance, let us continue to kindle the light of Hellenic education. I commend His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros for his education budget. He is one of the finest intellectuals of our time. For over 50 years, I have funded books, seminars events on Greek Language and culture with Hellenic Paideia President Filiotis and network. Honoree Dr. John G. Siolas has been working with me on education projects for 50 years till 2023.” Mrs. Stella Kokolis is one of a kind. We are all fortunate we have had 50 years of her dedicated education work in the United States and globally.
Greece 2024 has a middle class work force with persons having multiple jobs. Everything has changed. Today’s Greek businesspersonhas 2-3 jobs, working more than five days.
Kostas Makarounis of Tripolis, Arcadia, a provincial city in the Peloponnese is an energetic radio announcer/personality. He works public radio Tripolis 91.5; Lotto Agency at Malliris-Makarounis and Daily New Arcadian News. He is seen on multiple internet sites announcing the news.
Lotto business
Lotto store
His Lotto business is thriving. “One of my customers won 10,000 euros,” he said. He is a father of two sons with a businessperson wife. His parents Panagiota “Pitsa” Gerou Makarounis, a retired educator and Christos, retired municipal worker, are supportive of his professionalism. From information I gathered this past summer, it is harder for youth to acquire the pensions of their parents. The stereotype of modern Greeks taking naps and not working hard is false. Life is difficult. Parents and grandparents support their youth.
Kostas (center) with Dr. John G. Siolas (left) and Pitsa Gerou Makarounis (left) Soccer is the national sport of Greece. Kosta covers multiple soccer events, meeting with soccer personalities. Visit his bilingual site at https://www.facebook.com/kostas.makarounis
Mr. & Mrs. Kosta Makarounis- facebook
Kosta has a second business operating a lotto business. One of his clients won 10,000 euros ($10,300 approximate).
I was mesmerized by my vivacious grandmother, a 5 foot 4 inches brunette with olive complexion and blue eyes as light as the Aegean Sea. She was different from the other Greek Yiayias (grandmothers). She was an independent, businesswoman, with cosmopolitan clothes, She played rebetica, told fortunes by reading cards and from Greek coffee. “I am different,” she would say. “I am a Chiotisa/Mikrasiatisa. We had homes in Kato Panagia and a summer home.”
“My father and brothers were sea captains with their own boats,” she explained. “My brothers were all over six feet tall with black hair and black mustaches. They were involved in trading cottons and Turkish goods from Asia Minor to Chios. They would breach the blockade of the French and English against the Ottoman Turks to transport goods to Greece. All the trading was accomplished at night. In addition, they were involved in fishing in the best parts of Asia Minor. During one night of running the blockade, my 16 year old brother was killed by the European powers. My Mother never got over this and died young, leaving me an orphan to be raised by my sister, Maria Loura.” These were my Greek roots: a turbulent past, full of excitement and drama.
Because of the betrayal of the Greek armed forces that resulted in the Asia Minor Catastrophe, our family distrusted the government of their origin. All their patritotism manifested itself in perpetuating Greek Orthodoxy, building churches and Greek schools in New York City and Long Island.
His mother, Amalia (Emily) Markotsis Antokas said “we were the educated, merchant class that lived on the coast, not the inland farmers. The first
wedding I went to when I immigrated to the U.S. was Despina Pappas’s and Kostas Kazanas’ daughters weddings. Only patriotes who were relatives were invited. Our women were involved in weaving carpets and trapestries that were sold in Europe. The Tsemelites believed in helping people. My grandfather, Captain George Markotsis was a captain in a network of captains all related by blood. They transported products from Kato Panagia to Tseme. They didn’t live in Tseme. No one lived in Tseme City. They went there for schools, colleges, business and trade.” Their life was similar to ours in New York City of 2008. We work in New York City, but live in Astoria and Bayside in the borough of Queens.
Despina Pappas nephew, Panayiotis Markopoulos, explained that “everyone lived around the Chios City Fortress (Frourio) or Sinikismos. They were given houses during refugee influx of 1914. Our relatives did not want to be farmers. They wanted to go back to their ancestral homes in Kato Panagia. They stayed in the Fortress and watched their lands across the way in Turkey. There were great fishing spots in Turkey and not in Chios. My uncles were tough captains who sailed in all weather, never afraid of storms. Katopanagia was to Tseme what Bayside is to New York City. Our family and the Gagas family had winter homes in Kato Panagia. They all had second, summer homes in Erythrae. When I lived in Chios, I was a sailor in the Minoan Lines. The owner’s wife was my first cousin.”
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Official records were destroyed in the 1914 and 1922 persecutions of Asia Minor. My grandmother said she was born in the Greek island of Moschonisi, opposite the island of Mytilini (Lesvos). Her baptismal certificate showed she was baptized in 1898 in the Greek Archdiocese of Moschonisi to Panagiotis Gagas and Zafiria Brousaly. Her marriage certificate indicates that she married Christos Dimitris Papantonakis (Pappas when he immigrated through Elis Island customs) on August 15, 1917 by the monk Neofytos from the neighborhood of the Frourio (Fortress), one year after their expulsion from Tseme. These are the only documents that showed the history of Despina G. Pappas past.
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In 2008, we are now third and fourth generation Greek-Americans. Many are not Greek-Orthodox. Greek is no longer spoken in our homes. Our only link to being Greek is our name. I decided to retrace our roots in Turkey, beginning with my maternal grandmother, Despina Gagas Pappas (Papantonakis). Recently, through Sunset Tours of Chios and the guide Ali Papazoglou, we visited Kato Panagia and saw Greek stucco homes empty since 1922. They are now properties of the Turkish government. They show an air of once being aristocratic. The neighborhoods appeared like Southampton, Greenport and Mattituck, Long Island. Fertile rolling fields bordering the sea. We did not mingle with the community and stayed in the coach bus. When I returned to Chios City, Argyro of Sunset Tours, purchased the books Mika Asia Explorer and Stefanides Chios and Smyrni travel guide. In these Modern Greek books, I pieced together the rich history of the areas. In order to understand the truth, one must be knowledgeable in Modern Greek sources. There does not exist in English any in depth history of these communities and their life style.
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“”The beauty of Smyrna was not the houses or streets. The beauty of Smyrna was us, the Greeks, the Romans, the Smyrneoi….. The beauty of the Greeks was not the locations or the marbles. It was the bravery (Leventia) they had in their souls,” said author Angela Papazoglou. Tseme was a province in the state of Smyrna. The municipality of Tseme had komopoli (small cities) such as Kato Panagia. Erythrae was a town. Today, Tseme is known as Cesme Belediyesi, an important seaport and vacation spot in Turkey. Tseme means Krini in Greek and fountain in English. It was a city of fountains. Tseme has daily departures from Chios. It has a medieval fortress. A declining tourism is causing a crisis in the economy.
Erythrae is a peninsula opposite Chios. It is part of the state of Smyrna. It has an excellent highway system that travels north to South and west to Smyrna. When the Hellenic communities existed one hundred years ago, the population was numerous, making its towns such as Kato Panagia small cities. Prosperity and a high standard of living was the average life of a Greek family. The cultivation of masticha trees and growth of goat and sheep herding is encouraged by the government. Beautiful beaches, olive groves are present. It is no longer a major player in international trade or as a strong national mercantile power, as it was under the Hellenic communities. A predominant middle class that supports a fine quality of life is non-existent.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Greek home Tseme
In ancient times, the capital of the peninsula was Erythrae. The first name given to the area was Perama by Chios. In the 14th century, it came into the hands of the Genoese. Under the Ottoman occupation, it became known as Tseme. After 1774, the Greek population increased. Persecutions by Turkish Albanians on the Greek mainland forced Greeks from the Peloponnese and other parts of Greece to settle in Tseme province. The Erythraeans asked and created a new archdiocese in Western Erythrae with headquarters in Tseme. The efforts for the creation of the Dioceses of Krinis and Erythraeas were accomplished by Gregory the 5th, Patriarch of Constantinople and the Metropolitan of Ephesus, Dionisios Kalliarhis in the late 18th century. These two church leaders played a historic role in having western Erythrae become a part of the Metropolis of Ephesus, as it was in the early Christian period. After 1821, displaced Moslems from the Peloponnese immigrated to Tseme.
The mercantile fleet of Tseme played a major role in the export and import life of the Ottoman Turks. The grapes of Erythrae were exported. The symbol of Tseme then and now is the medieval fortress, known as Cesme Kalesi Ve Muzesi, which has an archaeological museum. It was built in the 14th century by the Genoese, who also controlled Chios. The museum has archeological finds from Erythrae as well as artifacts from shipwrecks of the 1770 battle of Tseme. St. Charalambos, the metropolitan cathedral, was used as horse stables after the 1922 Catastrophe. Today, it is a civic center used for holidays and theatrical productions. St. Charalambos Cathedral was the place of worship of 10,000 Greeks prior to the first expulsion of 1914.
Tseme Cesme
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After the 1774 naval battle of Tseme of the Russo-Turkish War, the Greek population increased. The first immigration wave was from Crete, Peloponnese, Evia, Chios and Psara. Eighty percent of the population of Tseme after 1774 was Greek. The agricultural industry centered in vineyards, weaving, in particular rugs, olive groves, flowers and anise seed. The grapes of Erythrea were exported to Marseilles, France and Odessa, Russia. In the beginning of the 20th century, the demand for grapes declined, resulting in a switch to the cultivation of tobacco and wheat. The Greek immigration overseas began to Egypt, America and other areas of Asia Minor.
In addition to the Churches of St. Charalambos and Panagia tis Psarianis, the three other Greek churches were the Assumption, St. Panteleimon and St. Fotini. The city’s outskirts had 34 country chapels and two monasteries. The Tsemelites had a deep love for education, a trait mark of a middleclass society. In 1879, they established the “Krinaia Scholi” that first acted as a boy’s school. Later a girl’s school, kindergarten, elementary and high school was established. Societies and clubs were organized to concern itself with all issues related to promoting the quality of life in Tseme. By the beginning of the 20th century, the population reached ten thousand persons. The diocese of Krinis became the Metropolis of Krinis and Erythraeas from 1902-1922 with its headquarters in Tseme City. The Metropolis had a population of sixty thousand persons.
The beginning of the end began in 1914 with tension in Greek-Turkish relations. This was “O Megalos Diogmos” (The Great Persecution) that changed Greece forever. The Metropolis, according to Stefano Stefanides, “was orphaned. Many Tsemelites met their death and began the road of the refugee.” They returned in 1919 with the Greek army during the invasion of Asia Minor. By 1921, the Metropolis numbered ten thousand persons. In 1922, the survivors of the “Catastrophe” settled in Chios, Evia, Attica, Peloponnese, Thessaloniki and Kavala.
The loss of their Cathedral of St. Charalambos remained as a sorrow in the hearts of the refugees. In the 1970’s a replica was built in Chios by descendants of the refugees. Despina Pappas, at the time of her death in 1971, raised funds in Astoria, New York, for the St. Charalambos church rebuilding project. St. Charalambos in Tseme was built in the 18th century. In 1821, the church was blown up with all the parishioners in it by the Turkish military forces on their way to fortify Chios. Ten years later, only the ruins of St. Charalambos existed. Kapetan Nikolis, an excellent sea man, who commanded the respect of all including the Turks, went to Constantinople for a unique purpose: rebuild the Greek Orthodox churches of Tseme and Alatsata. He received a sultan’s decree from Kapoudan Pasha, Turkish Admiral and Governor of Erythrae and the Aegean Islands, for the rebuilding of small churches. Through intelligence and cunning, Kapetan Nikoli, was able to supercede the original small church designation. St. Charalambos was constructed to hold three thousand parishioners under a sultan’s decree.
Greek homes of KatoPangia
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Kato Panagia, modern Tsiftlik, has a second part of the city known as Pano (Upper) Kato Panagia behind the tourist houses. Beautiful beaches with a clear view of Chios can be seen. The town is located on the northern part of the Argenos peninsula known as Ak Burnu (Asprokabos in Greek). Stefanides states emphatically that the “sailors of Kato Panagia were famous mariners. They knew the straits of Chios. Few could compete with their knowledge of the seas. The women of Kato Panagia (Katopanagiousines) were famous in the vicinity of the Erythrae peninsula and Chios. They were known for their sweet words and housekeeping skills.”
Kato Panagia was a totally Greek settlement in the 1900’s with six thousand persons. The inhabitants were from Evia, Crete, the Dodecanese, Chios, Peloponnese and Thessaly. By 1921, there were only three thousand inhabitants, because of the “1914 Persecution”. The community had three churches dedicated to the Kimisis Tis Theotokou, St. Demetrios and St. Nicholas. The graveyard has a church called St. John the Baptist. During the 1900’s, the community had a boy’s and girl’s school. Its boundaries were that of a small city. Modern day Ciftlik does not resemble the same settlement of a prior century.
The main occupation was maritime. The Captains of Kato Panagia had a fleet of 30-40 sailing vessels that fished in the finest areas of the Aegean along the coast of western Asia Minor. They were excellent agrarians. According to Stefanides, “they worked as blacksmiths, silk industry workers, weavers, grocers, shoemakers, and small businessmen. After the 1922 disaster, the refugees settled in Kato Panagia of Ilias, Chios and Athens area. They continued working in the maritime trades. Their descendants own Minoan Lines that keep alive a synthesis of Chian and Erithraean seamanship.”
Few of the original Greek homes of Kato Panagia exist today. The Turkish construction industry and vacation building groups destroyed old homes. Affordable vacation housing for Turks and tourists were build. Stefanides claims, “if one rides around the neighborhood, one can see old regal homes, crosses over the doors, wooden marble columns and wooded windows that decorated Roman (as Greeks were known) homes.”
Their summer home residences were in Erythrae, modern day Ildir. It was known as Lithri in Byzantine times and was a small village. It has Byzantine and Greek ruins. The Greek history of the village appeared finished in the 13th century, when the diocese of Erythrae was transferred to Tseme. From the 17th century, the village was reestablished. In the 1900’s, there were 1535 persons. In 1921, one year before the Asia Minor catastrophe, the villagers numbered 1800 persons. The ethnic composition was Greek Erythraean, immigrants from Chios and Crete. Their church of Agios Charalambos is high on a hill next to the archaeological site of Erythrae. The 17th century church of Agia Matrona is on a nearby peak. “A boy’s school of 60 students and girl’s school of forty students operated in the town,” said Stefanides. “The merchant community of Lithri sent their best students overseas for advanced studies in Marseilles and Praque. The villagers were wealthy and had the means to send their youth overseas for study. They had many country chapels in the farm fields, where they cultivated cotton, wheat and tobacco, flowers, almond and olive trees, grape vineyards, ceramics and fishing industries. Their descendants are in Chios, Oinousses and Nea Erythrae in Attica.” The point that must be stressed is that the Aegean islanders had a constant movement of habitation and trade with Asia Minor. They built colonies and lived there for work purposes. They returned to their islands when work terminated.
A significant space is dedicated from the ancient city of Erythrae in the Izmir archaeological Museum. Findings from recent excavations include pottery, small offerings in bronze and ivory from 670-545 B.C. The ivory statues are of Cretan and Rhodian style. A Korean sculpture was found. It is one of the first examples of a large marble sculpture from Ancient times. Pausanias said Erythrae was built by Cretans and inhabited by Lycians, Carians and Pamphylians. The city was destroyed by the Persians after the mid 6th century B.C. It was ruled from 9th century B.C. by Athens. Graffiti on a bowl is from 6th century B.C. indicate the offerings belonged to the Temple of Athena Polis. The small lion figurines in bronze are from the first half of 6th century B.C.. They resemble the large Lion statue from Bayindir that is in the Stoneworks Museum of Izmir. The small findings are the earliest Ionian examples of a lion type, that served as models for Etruscan artists (early Italians). The artifacts are from a trench on top of the Erythrae Acropolis.
Herodotus states in his History that “the Temple of Athena Polias at Erythrae was famous in the ancient world for their legendary priestesses known as the Sibyls. “ According to Greek and Roman mythology, they were women bestowed with prophetic powers by the God Apollo. The Erythaean Sibyl was painted by Michaelangelo from 1508-12 in a fresco from the Sistine chapel, Vatican. The famous Sibyls were the Erythraean and the Cumaean Sibyl who presided over the Apollonian oracle at Cumae, a Greek colony located near Naples, Italy. The Erythraean Sibyl sold the Sibylline books to Tarquin, the last King of Rome, that were housed in the Temple of Jupiter on Capitoline Hill in Rome.
Greek civilization began in Asia Minor and spread west to mainland Greece and Italy. The Asia Minor refugees carried the burden of being “persons without a country.” Giorgos Seferis’ poetry reveals their pathos. A renewed interest in the past will surface more accomplishments of the Hellenic communities of Tseme province.
Sybils, prophetists of ancient world from Erythraia
I decided to retrace our roots in Turkey, beginning with my maternal grandmother, Despina Gagas Pappas (Papantonakis). Recently, through Sunset Tours of Chios and the guide Ali Papazoglou, we visited Kato Panagia and saw Greek stucco homes empty since 1922. They are now properties of the Turkish government. They show an air of once being aristocratic. The neighborhoods appeared like Southampton, Greenport and Mattituck, Long Island. Fertile rolling fields bordering the sea. We did not mingle with the community and stayed in the coach bus. When I returned to Chios City, Argyro of Sunset Tours, purchased the books Mika Asia Explorer and Stefanides Chios and Smyrni travel guide. In these Modern Greek books, I pieced together the rich history of the areas. In order to understand the truth, one must be knowledgeable in Modern Greek sources. There does not exist in English any in depth history of these communities and their life style.
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Izmir Museum, from Erythraia
Tseme was a province in the state of Smyrna. The municipality of Tseme had komopoli (small cities) such as Kato Panagia. Erythrae was a town. Today, Tseme is known as Cesme Belediyesi, an important seaport and vacation spot in Turkey. Tseme means Krini in Greek and fountain in English. It was a city of fountains. Tseme has daily departures from Chios. It has a medieval fortress. A declining tourism is causing a crisis in the economy.
Erythrae is a peninsula opposite Chios. It is part of the state of Smyrna. It has an excellent highway system that travels north to South and west to Smyrna. When the Hellenic communities existed one hundred years ago, the population was numerous, making its towns such as Kato Panagia small cities. Prosperity and a high standard of living was the average life of a Greek family. The cultivation of masticha trees and growth of goat and sheep herding is encouraged by the government. Beautiful beaches, olive groves are present. It is no longer a major player in international trade or as a strong national mercantile power, as it was under the Hellenic communities. A predominant middle class that supports a fine quality of life is non-existent.
In ancient times, the capital of the peninsula was Erythrae. The first name given to the area was Perama by Chios. In the 14th century, it came into the hands of the Genoese. Under the Ottoman occupation, it became known as Tseme. After 1774, the Greek population increased. Persecutions by Turkish Albanians on the Greek mainland forced Greeks from the Peloponnese and other parts of Greece to settle in Tseme province. The Erythraeans asked and created a new archdiocese in Western Erythrae with headquarters in Tseme. The efforts for the creation of the Dioceses of Krinis and Erythraeas were accomplished by Gregory the 5th, Patriarch of Constantinople and the Metropolitan of Ephesus, Dionisios Kalliarhis in the late 18th century. These two church leaders played a historic role in having western Erythrae become a part of the Metropolis of Ephesus, as it was in the early Christian period. After 1821, displaced Moslems from the Peloponnese immigrated to Tseme.
The mercantile fleet of Tseme played a major role in the export and import life of the Ottoman Turks. The grapes of Erythrae were exported. The symbol of Tseme then and now is the medieval fortress, known as Cesme Kalesi Ve Muzesi, which has an archaeological museum. It was built in the 14th century by the Genoese, who also controlled Chios. The museum has archeological finds from Erythrae as well as artifacts from shipwrecks of the 1770 battle of Tseme. St. Charalambos, the metropolitan cathedral, was used as horse stables after the 1922 Catastrophe. Today, it is a civic center used for holidays and theatrical productions. St. Charalambos Cathedral was the place of worship of 10,000 Greeks prior to the first expulsion of 1914.
After the 1774 naval battle of Tseme of the Russo-Turkish War, the Greek population increased. The first immigration wave was from Crete, Peloponnese, Evia, Chios and Psara. Eighty percent of the population of Tseme after 1774 was Greek. The agricultural industry centered in vineyards, weaving, in particular rugs, olive groves, flowers and anise seed. The grapes of Erythrea were exported to Marseilles, France and Odessa, Russia. In the beginning of the 20th century, the demand for grapes declined, resulting in a switch to the cultivation of tobacco and wheat. The Greek immigration overseas began to Egypt, America and other areas of Asia Minor.
Grandparents Christos and Despina Pappas (Papantonakis)
In addition to the Churches of St. Charalambos and Panagia tis Psarianis, the three other Greek churches were the Assumption, St. Panteleimon and St. Fotini. The city’s outskirts had 34 country chapels and two monasteries. The Tsemelites had a deep love for education, a trait mark of a middleclass society. In 1879, they established the “Krinaia Scholi” that first acted as a boy’s school. Later a girl’s school, kindergarten, elementary and high school was established. Societies and clubs were organized to concern itself with all issues related to promoting the quality of life in Tseme. By the beginning of the 20th century, the population reached ten thousand persons. The diocese of Krinis became the Metropolis of Krinis and Erythraeas from 1902-1922 with its headquarters in Tseme City. The Metropolis had a population of sixty thousand persons.
Grandmother Despina Gagas Pappas baptismal certificate from the Diocese of Mosconisi
The beginning of the end began in 1914 with tension in Greek-Turkish relations. The Metropolis, according to Stefano Stefanides, “was orphaned. Many Tsemelites met their death and began the road of the refugee.” They returned in 1919 with the Greek army during the invasion of Asia Minor. By 1921, the Metropolis numbered ten thousand persons. In 1922, the survivors of the “Catastrophe” settled in Chios, Evia, Attica, Peloponnese, Thessaloniki and Kavala.
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The loss of their Cathedral of St. Charalambos remained as a sorrow in the hearts of the refugees. In the 1970’s a replica was built in Chios by descendants of the refugees. Despina Pappas, at the time of her death in 1971, raised funds in Astoria, New York, for the St. Charalambos church rebuilding project. St. Charalambos in Tseme was built in the 18th century. In 1821, the church was blown up with all the parishioners in it by the Turkish military forces on their way to fortify Chios. Ten years later, only the ruins of St. Charalambos existed. Kapetan Nikolis, an excellent sea man, who commanded the respect of all including the Turks, went to Constantinople for a unique purpose: rebuild the Greek Orthodox churches of Tseme and Alatsata. He received a sultan’s decree from Kapoudan Pasha, Turkish Admiral and Governor of Erythrae and the Aegean Islands, for the rebuilding of small churches. Through intelligence and cunning, Kapetan Nikoli, was able to supercede the original small church designation. St. Charalambos was constructed to hold three thousand parishioners under a sultan’s decree.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Modern Cesme
Kato Panagia, modern Tsiftlik, has a second part of the city known as Pano (Upper) Kato Panagia behind the tourist houses. Beautiful beaches with a clear view of Chios can be seen. The town is located on the northern part of the Argenos peninsula known as Ak Burnu (Asprokabos in Greek). Stefanides states emphatically that the “sailors of Kato Panagia were famous mariners. They knew the straits of Chios. Few could compete with their knowledge of the seas. The women of Kato Panagia (Katopanagiousines) were famous in the vicinity of the Erythrae peninsula and Chios. They were known for their sweet words and housekeeping skills.”
Kato Panagia was a totally Greek settlement in the 1900’s with six thousand persons. The inhabitants were from Evia, Crete, the Dodecanese, Chios, Peloponnese and Thessaly. By 1921, there were only three thousand inhabitants, because of the “1914 Persecution”. The community had three churches dedicated to the Kimisis Tis Theotokou, St. Demetrios and St. Nicholas. The graveyard has a church called St. John the Baptist. During the 1900’s, the community had a boy’s and girl’s school. Its boundaries were that of a small city. Modern day Ciftlik does not resemble the same settlement of a prior century.
Chris and Despina Pappas marriage certificate n1915
The main occupation was maritime. The Captains of Kato Panagia had a fleet of 30-40 sailing vessels that fished in the finest areas of the Aegean along the coast of western Asia Minor. They were excellent agrarians. According to Stefanides, “they worked as blacksmiths, silk industry workers, weavers, grocers, shoemakers, and small businessmen. After the 1922 disaster, the refugees settled in Kato Panagia of Ilias, Chios and Athens area. They continued working in the maritime trades. Their descendants own Minoan Lines that keep alive a synthesis of Chian and Erithraean seamanship.”
Few of the original Greek homes of Kato Panagia exist today. The Turkish construction industry and vacation building groups destroyed old homes. Affordable vacation housing for Turks and tourists were build. Stefanides claims, “if one rides around the neighborhood, one can see old regal homes, crosses over the doors, wooden marble columns and wooded windows that decorated Roman (as Greeks were known) homes.”
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Greek homes of KatoPanagia
Their summer home residences were in Erythrae, modern day Ildir. It was known as Lithri in Byzantine times and was a small village. It has Byzantine and Greek ruins. The Greek history of the village appeared finished in the 13th century, when the diocese of Erythrae was transferred to Tseme. From the 17th century, the village was reestablished. In the 1900’s, there were 1535 persons. In 1921, one year before the Asia Minor catastrophe, the villagers numbered 1800 persons. The ethnic composition was Greek Erythraean, immigrants from Chios and Crete. Their church of Agios Charalambos is high on a hill next to the archaeological site of Erythrae. The 17th century church of Agia Matrona is on a nearby peak. “A boy’s school of 60 students and girl’s school of forty students operated in the town,” said Stefanides. “The merchant community of Lithri sent their best students overseas for advanced studies in Marseilles and Praque. The villagers were wealthy and had the means to send their youth overseas for study. They had many country chapels in the farm fields, where they cultivated cotton, wheat and tobacco, flowers, almond and olive trees, grape vineyards, ceramics and fishing industries. Their descendants are in Chios, Oinousses and Nea Erythrae in Attica.” The point that must be stressed is that the Aegean islanders had a constant movement of habitation and trade with Asia Minor. They built colonies and lived there for work purposes. They returned to their islands when work terminated.
A significant space is dedicated from the ancient city of Erythrae in the Izmir archaeological Museum. Findings from recent excavations include pottery, small offerings in bronze and ivory from 670-545 B.C. The ivory statues are of Cretan and Rhodian style. A Korean sculpture was found. It is one of the first examples of a large marble sculpture from Ancient times. Pausanias said Erythrae was built by Cretans and inhabited by Lycians, Carians and Pamphylians. The city was destroyed by the Persians after the mid 6th century B.C. It was ruled from 9th century B.C. by Athens. Graffiti on a bowl is from 6th century B.C. indicate the offerings belonged to the Temple of Athena Polis. The small lion figurines in bronze are from the first half of 6th century B.C.. They resemble the large Lion statue from Bayindir that is in the Stoneworks Museum of Izmir. The small findings are the earliest Ionian examples of a lion type, that served as models for Etruscan artists (early Italians). The artifacts are from a trench on top of the Erythrae Acropolis.
Herodotus states in his History that “the Temple of Athena Polias at Erythrae was famous in the ancient world for their legendary priestesses known as the Sibyls. “ According to Greek and Roman mythology, they were women bestowed with prophetic powers by the God Apollo. The Erythaean Sibyl was painted by Michaelangelo from 1508-12 in a fresco from the Sistine chapel, Vatican. The famous Sibyls were the Erythraean and the Cumaean Sibyl who presided over the Apollonian oracle at Cumae, a Greek colony located near Naples, Italy. The Erythraean Sibyl sold the Sibylline books to Tarquin, the last King of Rome, that were housed in the Temple of Jupiter on Capitoline Hill in Rome.
A renewed interest in the past will surface more accomplishments of the Hellenic communities of Tseme province.
Greek American Experience 