Pontic Greeks are ethnically Greek. They traditionally lived in the region of Pontus, on the southern shores of the Black Sea. They traditionally speak Pontic, which is a distinct dialect from the modern Greek language. The language is used for folklore. Pontic songs are particularly popular in Greece. The Pontic Greeks suffered widespread massacres and what is now usually termed "ethnic cleansing" at the beginning of the 20th century. Many found refuge by hiding in the mountains, and others migrated to other countries. The surviving Pontic Greeks converted to Islam which allowed some of them to escape Muslim Turk persecution. There are currently no Christian resources in the Pontic Greek language.
Most Pontic Greeks make their living by agriculture. They cultivate grapes, olives, wheat and different varieties of fruit. Pontic Greeks also raise goats and sheep. Some fish on the Black Sea or are involved in transporting goods on the sea. The Pontic Greeks try to maintain their Greek culture surrounded by other ethnic groups. The Greeks have a strong tradition of songs, poetry, dancing and festive clothing. The Pontic Greeks want to marry within their group so as to preserve their culture and distinct language.
Outside of Turkey, the vast majority of the Pontic Greeks claim to be Christian. They adhere to the doctrines of the Greek Orthodox Church. However, most put their identity in their ethnicity and their Greek heritage ahead of a relationship with Jesus Christ.
There is a need for Christ-centered discipleship. The Pontic Greeks need to put Christ ahead of all else no matter where they live.
Ask the Lord to send workers to the Pontic Greeks of Greece.
Pray for many Pontic Greeks to be led to investigate the scriptures and find their way to the cross.
Pray this small ethnic minority will thrive in Greece and give God the glory.
Scripture Prayers for the Pontic Greek in Greece.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontic_Greeks
http://www.geocurrents.info/blog/2012/01/19/the-turkic-speaking-greek-community-of-georgia-and-its-demise/
Profile Source: Joshua Project |
People Name General | Pontic |
People Name in Country | Pontic Greek |
Alternate Names | |
Population this Country | 369,000 |
Population all Countries | 386,000 |
Total Countries | 3 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 3 ● |
Unreached | No |
Frontier People Group | No |
Pioneer Workers Needed | |
People ID | 14444 |
ROP3 Code | 108121 |
ROP25 Code | 306790 |
ROP25 Name | Pontic |
Country | Greece | ||
Region | Europe, Eastern and Eurasia | ||
Continent | Europe | ||
10/40 Window | No | ||
National Bible Society | Website | ||
Persecution Rank | Not ranked | ||
Location in Country | Epirus and Western Macedonia, and Macedonia and Thrace administrative units: all of Serrai, Kilkis, and Pella; Thessaloniki except for portion south of Kalamaria borough; fringe enclaves in Drama and Imathia. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Country | Greece |
Region | Europe, Eastern and Eurasia |
Continent | Europe |
10/40 Window | No |
National Bible Society | Website |
Persecution Rank | Not ranked |
Location in Country | Epirus and Western Macedonia, and Macedonia and Thrace administrative units: all of Serrai, Kilkis, and Pella; Thessaloniki except for portion south of Kalamaria borough; fringe enclaves in Drama and Imathia.. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Primary Religion: | Christianity |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.00 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 0.50 %) |
90.00 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
0.00 %
|
Hinduism |
0.00 %
|
Islam |
0.00 %
|
Non-Religious |
10.00 %
|
Other / Small |
0.00 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
Primary Language | Pontic (369,000 speakers) |
Language Code | pnt Ethnologue Listing |
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
Primary Language | Pontic (369,000 speakers) |
Language Code | pnt Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
People Groups | Speaking Pontic |
Primary Language: Pontic
Bible Translation Status: Translation Needed
Resource Type ▲ | Resource Name | Source |
---|---|---|
None reported |
Photo Source | Anna Diamantopoulou - Flickr Creative Commons |
Profile Source | Joshua Project |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |