Overview
2021 marked the Bicentennial Anniversary of Greek Independence. This historical event recognized the struggles and sacrifices of Greeks two centuries ago and the impact Hellenes continue to have in the world. This celebration is a great reminder that history can be used as inspiration for the future.
The video provides a baseline timeline of events dating back to the Greek War of Independence, and includes the immigration story of Greeks coming to America and the current contributions Greek Americans and Phil-Hellenes are making in the world. This overview is meant to educate and inspire future generations of Hellenes and Phil-Hellenes all over the world to better understand the universal principles of Hellenism which will enable them to understand the origins of democratic thinking, independent thought and the pursuit of lifelong learning. This approach is instrumental in producing worthy members of our community who will continue to pass on these wonderful gifts for future generations to come.
We express our gratitude to the Pissios family for their generosity and support in making of this video. Their story of immigration, struggle and success in America is an inspiration to all in our community and especially to our youth.
Through dialogue and cooperation, we hope to highlight a message of unity of purpose through this initiative. We must continue to be grounded in our glorious history and feel an exceptional sense of pride while finding ways to continue to support our local Greek organizations and use our history to inspire the future.
Our partners
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A note from Maria
About a year ago, I was approached to produce a short educational video marking the 200 year anniversary of the beginning of the Greek Revolution. I took it as an opportunity to also highlight the inspiring immigration story of Greek-Americans. It’s a story that deserves more attention. This video is for the past generations who have sacrificed more than we will ever know. The pappou who left Greece 40 years ago, and has never left his diner; the thia who makes the best pastitsio; the parents who worked to the bone to send us back to Greece in the summers, which gave many of us the opportunity to learn about our homeland, connect with our cousins, and experience Greece’s beauty…it’s for my dad who left his beloved Anavriti to work overnight shifts at the Brach’s candy factory – and it’s for my mom who wouldn’t leave the bank president’s office until he helped her get a loan after being denied repeatedly, it’s for the family who encouraged us to use our “super-Greek” names in full and to be proud of the weight our names hold…the story lives within all of us and through moments like these is how we pass it along. As Greek-Americans, we may not live in Greece but it is something we feel in our soul. If you know, you know. ΖΗΤΩ Η ΕΛΛΑΣ!
As I look back over the last year, I am humbled and forever grateful to the many people who helped make this a reality across the United States and in Greece. From New York to Chicago, to Salt Lake City, to Atlanta, to California…to Athens, Tripoli and Spárti. The hands of the Greek Diaspora reach far and wide. I hope you feel the emotions that I felt while making this video. I want to express the utmost respect and gratitude to Alex Pissios, formerly of Cinespace Studios, and Jim Logothetis.
Please pay special attention to the credits, and watch the video in its entirety. Thank you for taking the time to view and share this passion project!
Contact Maria
If you would like to contact Maria Plevritis, please use the link below: