Save Hellenism in the USA

1/31/26

There needs to be a serious effort to save Hellenism in the United States.

As the older generation of Greek immigrants passes on, it is time to openly discuss how we preserve Hellenism for future generations.

Greek American communities need our own organizations—places to gather for Greek dances, to teach Greek to children and adults, to preserve Greek cooking, and to study our Ancient, Byzantine, and Modern Greek history. We must not forget that Turkey illegally occupies Cyprus. We must not forget that Turkey continues to threaten Greece with the invasion of Greek islands.

I still speak Greek and travel to Greece. I urge all Greek Americans—whether you speak Greek or not—to travel to Greece. Reconnect with relatives. Make friends there. I also recommend obtaining Greek citizenship if you are eligible.

Many Greeks born and raised in the United States to Greek parents or grandparents were not raised to be proud Greeks. Some even view Greece as a third-world country, which is deeply misguided. This negative thinking exists among some Greek Americans, particularly in the western United States. Why? Because traveling to Greece takes time and money.

The Greek diaspora outside of Greece—especially in non–English-speaking countries—remains deeply Greek. They speak Greek and are proud of their heritage, even if they are half- or quarter-Greek. Greek Americans, especially since the 1950s, have benefited from parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents who achieved economic success. Over time, many became too comfortable, placing money above preserving the Greek language, traditions, family bonds, and even participation in the Greek Orthodox Church.

In 2026, we must focus on saving and reviving Hellenism across the United States before it is too late. For the past twenty years, many Greek Orthodox Churches in the U.S. have neglected their local Greek American communities. This must stop. We need to actively reach the children and grandchildren of Greek immigrants who once attended church.

At the same time, Greek Americans must build our own local Greek American organizations and associations dedicated to preserving our language, strengthening community ties, and teaching Greek history.

Greece is far more than getting drunk at some trashy tourist destination like Mykonos. Greece and the Greek people are living, vibrant, and successful, with a culture that continues to matter.

The focus in 2026 must be clear: save Hellenism in the United States.