After much reflection, I feel responsible to share with you all a formative moment from my time growing up in the Greek Orthodox Church.
Growing up, GOYA and Greek School were an important part of my life. It was a golden opportunity to share my culture with other young people, in a world that didn’t always understand the nuances of my childhood as a first generation Greek-American. It wasn’t always an easy group to belong to, but I took great comfort in the bonds we shared as fellow dancers, campers and teammates.
Many of the most exciting events of my adolescence were held through the church, and the basketball tournaments were no exception. At one such tournament, sitting on the bleachers after the Sunday championships, I noticed a boy smiling at me from a few seats away.
I smiled and said hello, and we moved closer to chat some more. We laughed and joked, and exchanged contact information so we could stay in touch.
Not a moment too soon, I noticed several adults glaring at me — the kind of glare that could only mean I stepped out of line. Big time. After he walked away, I was immediately interrogated.
You might be thinking, “well obviously, you were flirting up a storm!” Let me tell you, not only is it encouraged that we form bonds at these tournaments, but I’d had the same interaction with hundreds of other boys and girls alike that weekend, and no one batted an eye. So why this boy in particular?
That boy and his siblings were the only black kids in the gym.
Members of the Greek Orthodox Community, I speak directly to you. Of all the institutions, I’ve never encountered one that so reveres tradition as the Orthodox Church.
Please hear me when I say that discrimination is not a tenet worth upholding. As the descendants of a culture that prides itself on making others feel welcome, ask yourselves, what happened to that person who was here last week? Why did their family stop coming to service? Do our youth feel safe here?
I implore the leaders of our community to set the example that has been sorely needed. Use your sermons to educate your parishioners on black, indigenous and queer histories. Structure your programs to help your youth understand, as the children of immigrants, where their rights to blast Greek music in the car, to celebrate themselves, to live freely in this country, come from. Help them recognize what a privilege it is to have the right to know and express your culture, your language, your food, dances and rituals. Ensure that every child feels safe expressing themselves, and sees their whole self reflected in your practices.
As someone who bore silent witness to many toxic behaviors within this community, I feel responsible to share these sentiments because I wish that someone else had when I was growing up. Our kids deserve a supportive, brilliant community where they aren’t afraid to speak up. I encourage others with similar stories to come forward, and for those who are still afraid to share, are too tired of sharing, or whose safety depends on their silence, I see you and I stand with you.
About the author
Eleni Contis was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. She completed the Bachelors of Architecture Program at Rhode Island School of Design this past June, graduating with two degrees in architecture and fine art.
Would You Like to Add Your Voice to The Pappas Post?
This post is part of our “Voices” section which aims to broaden the conversations in our community and allow people to share what’s on their mind. These articles in no way reflect the position or opinion of The Pappas Post and our inclusion of a story doesn’t reflect affirmation or denial of the particular point of view. Rather, we seek to give people a platform to share their views.
Interested in submitting your article? Read our guidelines and submit your content today.
Is The Pappas Post worth $5 a month for all of the content you read? On any given month, we publish dozens of articles that educate, inform, entertain, inspire and enrich thousands who read The Pappas Post. I’m asking those who frequent the site to chip in and help keep the quality of our content high — and free. Click here and start your monthly or annual support today. If you choose to pay (a) $5/month or more or (b) $50/year or more then you will be able to browse our site completely ad-free!
Click here if you would like to subscribe to The Pappas Post Weekly News Update
9 comments
The Greek mentality of the 1960’s changed dramatically. Interfaith and interracial marriages increased and become an important part of our church community. EVERYONE has been lovingly welcomed by everyone. At least this is my experience in the church communities I’m part of. If we love Christ-we love everyone equally.
Thank you for sharing, this is a valuable testimony.
It is uplifting to see a young person with the courage of their convictions; in search for a loving and caring community.
I think the article’s author was referring to experiences when they were younger. Everything began to change after His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos allowed non Orthodox (Christians) to marry in the Orthodox church. Slowly through the years the older generation (immigrants) assimilated to American life as their children definitely did growing up in America. Even people living in Greece have changed, a lot! Will there be some people who have a cold heart? Of course. So pray for them when they go to church to “really listen” (hear) The Holy Gospel and their hearts should/will fill with the warmth of Christ’s love.
The way things are going the face of Greeks will change, we have stayed one race for thousands of years and now we see the beginning of what is referenced to as Mestizos I am not racism as I have many friends Brack, Brown etc but would have wanted for Greece to stay as it has been for thousand of years. That’s my opinion
Greece is changing, and must if it is to survive in this world. When I go back to Greece now I hear Africans, Indians, Asians speaking accented Greek. Greece is already changed, we must too. As you, I would like to go back visually to a simpler Greece of men and women on their donkeys carrying their produce home or to market.
The genetic makeup of the Orthodox church in America has changed. Your feelings regarding to the changes you see were felt by immigrants before you, and will continue with immigrants who follow you. Although Greece with its open borders is slowly changing as well.
P.S.
My reference to Immigrants refers to other countries, (not just Greeks) who adjusted through the immigration process before you and who will adjust after you.
George L.
Watch children at play. They are not racist. Like myself, they learn racism as they get older at home, from relatives, and in the street. Education is what brought about knowledge and change in my life. The church also has the ability to either hide behind the wall of racism, or speak out as Jesus would have. They have the power to not only change young adult’s racism, but the parents and grandparents as well. If our church is who we think it is, it should take a. active stance and do this. If it does not, we need to find a different church.