Its All Greek 2 Me

the Greek community in Glasgow!

Our history  

In 1944, the Greeks in Glasgow numbered two or three families. As the numbers increased through marriage and as a result of relations joining them, it was inevitable they should seek a link with their national heritage and turn to the Church as a focal point for their community. They found help and encouragement from St. Peter’s Church of Scotland in Hyndland and St. Matthew’s Blythswood Parish Church in Bath Street where they held services until 1953 when Reo Stakis purchased and donated to the Community the church in Grafton Street. In 1962, the present Cathedral of St. Luke in Dundonald Road was concecrated in a service attended by the then Lord Provost of Glasgow and other church and civic dignitaries.   

   As the Community grew so did our activities including an active Greek School (see picture from 1971) and Youth Club, with organised excursions, sporting and social activities involving our young people. We had a champion football team—Glasgow Hellenic (pictured)—which was the highlight of Sunday afternoons for many of the community, and also earlier generations of our very own Glasgow Hellenic Dancers. One highlight in 1971 was a trip of 52 young people to Greece, which was an outstanding success educationally and socially (10 Scots children were part of the group). The group also visited General George Grivas in his Athens home. The enthusiasm of the various members of the Church Committee and the Ladies Auxilliary Association and Church Fellowship over these years has contributed to the strength of our community. The Ladies group especially have shown the kind of voluntary, unselfish and tireless practical help and advice to the sick and lonely among the Greek and wider community which has contributed to our stability.

Sir Reo Stakis

As one of the original members of the Community, Reo Stakis’ business flare and acumen became of great value to his fellow Greeks in Glasgow. His success encouraged more Greeks to settle in Scotland, and his material contribution to community life until his recent death has been inestimable.

   In his presidential message on the occasion of the 30th anniversary in 1974, he said. “No one who, like myself, has lived through the maturing years of the Greek Community in Glasgow, can approach the 30th anniversary without experiencing a sense of pride and satisfaction. [We] have grown from a few isolated individuals, into a thriving, closely-knit community of nearly 700, and we have good reason to celebrate our achievements…..we should express our gratitude and goodwill to the people of Scotland and especially to the citizens of Glasgow with whom we are building such a strong and lasting relationship.” That message rings just as true today.

 Information extracted from our 30th and 40th Anniversary commemoration programmes

Invited article: David Crichton Producer of Solus Peace Concert

As we all mature in life, there are moments that we may treasure as real insights into how the future can be, with nations sharing space and time together in a timeless display of contemporary traditional fusions.

 On the 30th May 2004, the Glasgow Royal Concert hall, became the venue for such an occasion , with dance, instrumental and vocal performances from around the world commemorating the visit to the city of His Holiness, The Dalai Lama. At least 17 groups, representing over 25 nations and over 200 performers took to the stage to offer insights into cultural and intercultural expression and connection through various international creative disciplines. The initial concept for the concert involves a journey of peace round the planet, heading from local roots, to the Far East, and a gradual return to West.

   As producer for the event the process involves the sensing of the “seed” of each segment, of the many different cultural and social values of the many nations being represented, with the  “ethos” of each performance contribution, all  being very different and requiring an incredible amount of unseen harmonisation and tending. The performance is the result, and what a great performance too, with all groups giving their very best.

   The audience were treated to 3 hours of performance and a Grand Finale with everyone returning to the stage, in an unforgettable vision of the world as one. I found the Hellenic Dancers a joy to work with; contributing generously, both at the preproduction stages, and being so professional in their conduct for the event; not to mention their great sense of enjoyment and fun. Their energetic and vibrant community style of dance is a joy to see, performed so confidently, by a hardworking team of talented performers, and I would love to see the product of more fusion between this style and the other national dance forms. Imagine the combination of Brazilian, Chinese, Hellenic and Indian all devising a performance piece together.

   The key to a good world performance is to transcend the political and allow the universal values that exist in all music and movement to radiate through the atmosphere. With this performance, and in particular the conclusion, acting as a perfect example of this. All the audience, crew, members of the organising committee, performers and supporters deserve 100,000 congratulations, on making this a marvellous and unforgettable event. …..O khoros polee kala eleeneeka, and for all your great work, efkhareesto polee!

 For those interested, there is a DVD being produced that will have footage of the live event and documentary material.

 The summer we were all proud to be Greek! 

Cyprus joined the European Union on 1st May 2004 in one of the most important milestones in the island's history. Edinburgh celebrated on a glorious day in Princes Gardens and our community represented Cyprus. The Glasgow Hellenic dancers are pictured at the side.

EURO 2004

An experience of a lifetime by Nondas Pitticas

The CNN newscaster said “sygnomi” for the adverse publicity her network had instigated before the start of the Games, while the Times wrote “efcharisto” in their leader page, because these Games surpassed all expectations for organisation, quality and feelings generated by the opening ceremony and the events themselves.  To me, these two reports among hundred similar others,  encompass not only the absolute success and the fantastic experiences of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, but also the impressions given to the world from the flawless organisation of the Games.

   A number of compatriots from the Glasgow and Edinburgh communities were determined not to miss it. Michael Kibaris from Callander was the only volunteer from our community. Lady luck was also on his side - he was allocated to the beach volley facilities! Spectators included the Evgenikos family from Edinburgh and from Glasgow the families of Cavoura, Jones, Panagopoulos, Pitsiladis,and Pitticas.

    We admired the impressive opening and closing ceremonies, every event with the best athletes in the world, the unforgettable return to Olympia of the shot putt and more. The concept of the Olympic driving lane though Athens encapsulates what the Games and the people were all about. I could not help but be impressed by the discipline of the Athenian drivers. On the first day, the International Olympic Committee met for 70’ to discuss any organisational and administrative issues that might have arisen during the day.  On the second day, they met for 34’ and from then onwards for just 12’ to simply say good morning to each other.  What further evidence of success is required? And the numbers game?  Here are a few, from the many records that were broken.  11099 athletes, 202 countries, 301 events, 37 world and 97 Olympic records, 3500 anti-doping controls.  And for the opening ceremony? 2162000 litres of water (that was drained in 6’ flat and they are still wondering how), 7152 pairs of socks, 2500 hangers, 10 kilometres of thread, 10 kilometres of cloth, 2428 volunteers. What about television audiences and coverage? 200 networks, 4 billion viewers, 806 hours coverage from NBC, 3800 staff, 1000 cameras, 400 kilometres of cabling, 43 satellite dishes.  Finally, here are some figures of gastronomic consumption: 315000 breakfasts served, 136240 loaves of bread, 388040 croissants, 207520 omelettes, 159130 eggs (I was the one counting those!), 4678 kilos of dairy products, 232 kilos of jam, 42656 yoghurts, 33150 litres of milk.