Its All Greek 2 Me

Our view This is not just another church committee most of us ignore…..We view this as a critical time in our community’s history for shaping our changing needs and especially for addressing our interests —the younger members of the community-who no longer have direct connections with Greece and Cyprus but wish to maintain some of our Greek identity. Here we offer our reasons why you should vote. We also asked for statements from 2 existing council members who represent the community’s historical development—one is the longest serving member and the other a Greek student who stayed.

The student who stayed Nondas Pitticas  first came to Glasgow as a student some 20 years ago. He has been Greek School Director for several years. We asked for his view of the community and its future. This is what he said……

“2004 is not only the year the Olympics return to their birthplace, it is also the year our community celebrates its 60th birthday of existence in Scotland. I would like to see those elected for this and the next Councils, working hard and harmoniously and ensuring that we will celebrate our 70th, too”.

The longest serving member Fivos Scholarios  has played an active role in the community as council member, secretary, president, and even football coach since 1961. We asked him his concerns now for the community. He replied…..

“At a recent Council meeting, His Eminence Archbishop Gregorios described the younger generation as ‘theyeast which will perpetuate the existence of the Community’. At a time when communities around the world are desperately seeking to secure their survival, are we doing enough to secure ours? Have we nurtured and provided unity of purpose for our youngsters, our most precious resource? We must draw them closer to the community and gain their help in achieving our aims. To achieve this we need to be trusting, bold and imaginative. Let us charge the newly elected Council with this task. Thank you”.

Some ask why they should vote, here are just a few reasons....

1 /   Fight apathy & cynicism! Effective government must have a relationship with those it represents. In order to improve things, the council must represent as many of us as possible.
2 /   We are changing! No longer a cohesive Greek community, we have diverse backgrounds, family structures and needs. As the centre of the community, the council must cater for this diversity or risk failure.
3 /   Focus on youth! If the council doesn’t place the needs of the young at the centre of all it does it will stifle progress and the healthy development of the community. Without an eye to the future there will be no legacy left from this once thriving Greek community.
You have a right to demand this of those who serve on this council!

On the afternoon of March 7th let your voice be heard...

...it may fall on deaf ears thereafter

Here’s a view we Greeks seldom acknowledge. Mihalis Papamichael plays devil’s advocate.

How many of all you wonderful people out there have ever thought about who should have the Elgin marbles?  Well I’m here to tell you exactly why Britain, should keep them. Way back in the early 19th century, Lord Elgin had travelled to what was considered a wonderful country. You guessed it, Greece! When Elgin journeyed to the Parthenon on the Acropolis he found the place in a wreck. Bits of debris from the Parthenon were scattered all over the place, but then something interesting caught Elgin’s eye. He spotted on the Parthenon, in a fairly unhealthy state, these beautifully sculptured marbles. He had an idea to restore them instead of leaving them to rot away, or to be stolen (in any case the friezes would have suffered considerable damage over the last two centuries from atmospheric pollution!) Now, at the time, Greece was under Turkish rule, so basically the Turks owned absolutely everything including the marbles, so Elgin received permission from the Turkish Government to take and to restore them in a more hospitable environment. Elgin later sold them to the British museum, for a considerable amount of money, who ever since have been taking excellent care of them. In conclusion, I think that Britain should keep the Elgin marbles, firstly because if the British hadn’t taken them then they would certainly be in a bad state by now, and secondly we didn’t take them from the Greeks they were given to us by the Turks, so basically the Greek Government have no right to take them back, because at that time the marbles didn’t even belong to them at all.

Our mystery author—one of our very own group—relates the adventures of Glasgow Hellenic’s Dancers over the past month...

Dear friends, I invite you to join me on a journey.  I speak of a time just past; a place not far from here.  Our tale recalls a people talented in a variance of skills, particularly that of enchanting dance.  These young folk sought the light of companionship amongst the winter darkness which had descended upon their shire of St. Luke.  Under the encouraging eye of their wise elders, their task was to forge a Fellowship of the Dance. This Fellowship would reveal the mystic rhythm of their steps to those whom were willing to listen.  What came to pass shall now follow:

The initial phase of fate’s path found our travellers amongst a friendly crowd at the local inn, ‘Parthenon.’  Through the December nights, they enchanted guests with Dances of Hasabiko and Lefteri and happily passed on the precious knowledge of Zorba and Kalamatiano to the eager subjects.

The Fellowship’s diligent efforts did not go unrewarded. The night of 14th January brought a celebration in honour of Great George of Vardaxaglou’s 21st year. This eve of merriment was hosted by Konaki, a tavern hidden deep within the Hall of the Sauchie. Copious food and wine were enjoyed before continuing on the pursuit of destiny.

Wading through the dim light of the 21st, our explorers found themselves entering the splendorous halls of Cairns Church of Scotland. This was home to the Elven ladies of Milngavie, whose warm welcome and active participation made for a very successful evening.  The intricacies of dance came naturally to the learned ladies and the Fellowship left contented that they were now closer to completing their mission.

The 25th day of January found our protagonists faithfully continuing their purpose. They battled the bitter cold and chose the track that led to the settlement of Cardross.  The local youth club invited our travellers into the warmth of their church halls. These enthusiastic young souls were eager to learn the trickiest of dance steps and their valiant efforts produced a wonderful dance display. Reluctant to leave such keen individuals, but longing to return home, the Fellowship said their hearty farewells and promised to return.

Long and hard was the road for the members of our trusty Fellowship. They returned to St. Luke’s shire with tales of all that they had achieved; tales of humour and animation. They vowed that this would not be the conclusion to their journey and mission. Together they would practise and elaborate their fascinating ancient dance.  Together they would continue to teach their dance to dwellers of settlements high and low, near and far.