Greeks in Diaspora
The Patriarchate of Alexandria and all Africa
at the side of the African people and the Greeks of the Diaspora by Spiros Kouzinopoulos Director of the Macedonian Press Agency Translation
of an interview published in "Patrida", the Newspaper of the
Hellenic Community of Alexandria - 15th February 1999 The
achievements of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and all Africa in the African
continent are astounding. Proof of this is the fact that the number of
Orthodox faithful is constantly growing, particularly amongst the indigenous
population, many of whom, in order to attend the nearest Orthodox church, are
obliged to walk great distances, in pouring rain or under the blazing sun, in
the most unfavorable political and climatic conditions. In
the two years since His Beatitude took up the reins of the Patriarchate
of Alexandria and all Africa, but also in His previous posts
in various African countries, H.B. Petros VII has made an
admirable contribution not only to Orthodoxy, but also to
Hellenism abroad. From the outset, His Beatitude was a supporter of the World
Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE), of which He is still a member today.
Speaking with the Macedonian Press Agency, H.B. Petros expressed His
confidence in the ability of SAE to help Greeks abroad to remain united, both
amongst themselves and with their homeland, Greece: "As a body, Greeks
abroad can take an active part in solving problems at home. This is why we
need SAE and should continue to provide our support." H.B.
Petros went on to comment that SAE, and generally Hellenism, gain from
improved mutual understanding between Greeks abroad. This also helps Greece
herself to see Hellenism abroad more clearly and to be more aware of areas in
which the Greeks of the Diaspora can be helped, and how they in turn can help
Greece: "One of the topics with which SAE is concerned at the moment is
that of education. If we at home do not listen to the concerns of Greeks
abroad we will not be able to respond to the needs of our children, the
Church and Hellenism. While, if we abroad do not know how Greece can help us,
we cannot take advantage of that help. On the other hand, if Hellenes abroad
are ignorant of domestic problems, they cannot offer support to Greece
through their contacts in the countries in which they live. Greeks
abroad may even contribute to solving some of Greece’s economic
problems. It follows that there must be mutual
understanding between Hellenes abroad and Greece." In
response to a question concerning the future of Hellenism, His
Beatitude stressed: "Hellenism abroad remains faithful to the
homeland. Even if there are only ten Greek families remaining,
they continue to maintain ties with Greece. I believe that Greeks
in the various countries in which they live, with the appropriate support
from Greece herself, will remain faithfully
by her side. But we must realize
the problems of fourth and fifth generation Greeks in America, or
Australia, for example, who in the main have been assimilated into
the local culture. For them the great problem is language. We can, however,
communicate our message in the language, which is spoken by these
Greeks abroad - in Africa, for example, in English. We can try to
get our message across in this language and in so doing we
will ensure that the new generation remains both Orthodox and
Greek. It is indeed a blessing to speak Greek, and we will strive
to teach our language. It is up to us - but in order to confront the
situation, which exists today and to make a positive contribution,
we are obliged to teach in the language, which is spoken rather than to allow
our youngsters to be drift away. If we do not follow this line,
they will seek other Churches, turning to the Protestant Churches in
general, and will slowly become estranged from the Greek culture, as
will their children. This is why," concludes His
Beatitude, "it is our duty to show understanding, as a Church
abroad, to understand the Greeks abroad, our flock, and to make
every effort to assist them to remain close to their roots." |