In examining the course of Greek history and Hellenism from ancient times to the present day, it is evident that the Greek Diaspora has not only been a supporting force of the Greek motherland, but it has also been its foundation. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Greek Revolution of 1821 – as we prepare to celebrate the bicentennial anniversary this year.
From the dawn of history, Greeks have been a seafaring and trading nation, reaching and colonizing distant shores in the Mediterranean basin. With them, they spread the Greek language, the “portal” to Hellenism with its concepts of reason, logic, science, art, and philosophy which transformed the history of both the known and modern world.
The Diaspora & the Motherland
A reverse trajectory also enriched and strengthened the motherland, from the time of the first migrations to the islands and Asia Minor, to the times of Alexander the Great, to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and the forming of the new Greek state to the present day. Prior to the Greek Revolution that began in 1821, it was - without any doubt - the Greek Diaspora that played the leading role in preparing the Greek nation to revolt against the occupying Ottoman Empire.
The Diaspora and the Revolution of 1821
In the 18th and 19th centuries, growing Greek communities engaged in the development of international trade between East and West were created in Italy, Austria-Hungary, Moldavia, the Northern Balkans, England, France, as well as in Egypt and India. These Diaspora communities never ceased to envision the liberation of their motherland and formed various associations and secret societies which were active in lobbying foreign powers to assist in liberating Greece.
The Filiki Eteria
The early efforts for Greek liberation are synonymous with the secret society “Filiki Eteria” (Φιλική Εταιρεία). In 1814, some of the most prominent and powerful Greeks of the Diaspora founded the Filiki Eteria in the Russian city of Odessa (present-day Ukraine). It was the most important group working towards the liberation of Greece from Ottoman rule. As holds true throughout the ages for the Greek Diaspora, its most prominent members were not only distinguished merchants, but also distinguished scholars and academics who were instrumental in maintaining the Greek language and Hellenism around the world, in addition to enriching their host cultures.
It was prominent Diaspora Greeks such as Emmanuel Xanthos, Nikolaos Skoufas, Athanasios Tsakalof, Antonios Komizopoulos, and Alexandros Ypsilantis who founded and headed the Filiki Eteria. They disseminated their vision for liberation within Greece to “awaken” people’s hearts and minds to the cause (αφύπνισις), in addition to funding and taking part in the revolution. Moreover, this Diaspora organization initiated and supported some of the biggest heroes of the revolution on the Greek mainland, including Anagnostaras, Bouboulina, and Kolokotronis.
Stronger Diaspora – Stronger Motherland
Similarly, being aware of the source of their own success around the world - prominent Diaspora Greeks knew that education and the study of the Greek language and Hellenism were of paramount importance in building the new Greek state. That is why Diaspora Greeks were crucial in the subsequent establishment of Greece through major donations (ευεργεσίες), including schools, orphanages, charities, and other public institutions.
We believe it is essential for kids to learn Greek as well as their Hellenic legacy and history Fortunately, nowadays technology enables Diaspora kids to have Greek lessons online and learn about Greece, Greek history, and the Greek Diaspora through our online Greek school. That’s why we’ve made a special “25th of March” collection full of fun videos, quizzes, puzzles, and printables – Diaspora kids all over the world can have online Greek lessons with activities about the Greek revolution, the Greek flag, the “κρυφό σχολειό” (“secret school”), and more.
For all the reasons above, being active in spreading Hellenism and the Greek language is an honor and a duty. The Greek language keeps us all stronger together, whether in Greece or far away. Giving our kids the opportunity to learn Greek online and at Greek schools is more than a matter of education, it is the passing on of the bright torch of our living Hellenic heritage the Greek Diaspora has held high throughout the eons. It is the heritage that was first born from Greece and later liberated it.
Try out Ellinopoula for free and learn more about our Greek Independence & Hellenism lessons.
