Greek in Australia

Introduction / History

Greeks are the descendants of the migrants from the Balkan Peninsula who came to Russia partly in the eighteenth century but mostly in the nineteenth century. This migration was the result of the political situation in the Balkans and the Russian-Turkish wars, leading to considerable movement of the population. The Christian population, oppressed and mercilessly robbed by the government of the Ottoman empire, saw in Russia their liberator from the centuries-old Turkish oppression. They left their homes and followed the Russian army in masses.

In the Russian-Turkish War of 1768-1774, the Greek rebels from Greece fought on the Russian side, and after the war, a considerable part of them settled in the Crimea. By the beginning of the nineteenth century, the Greek settlements had lost their military importance. The Greeks who lived in the steppe districts in the Crimea and on the coast used the Tatar language (they were called Greeks-Tatars). The other part, which lived in the mountain regions, preserved their own language, which was a dialect of the modern Greek language. This group was called "Greeks-Hellens."

There is a Greek diaspora in many countries, including Australia. Greeks are among the largest immigrant communities in Australia. Most arrived after WWII and the Greek Civil War, though a small number came as early as the 1800s. They are most likely to be found in Melbourne. A high percentage speak Greek as their heart language, along with English as the trade language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Greeks in Australia have their own newspaper and radio station. Greeks have left their mark through sports and entertainment. Others are elected officials, businessmen, fashion designers or academics.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Greeks usually belong to the Greek Orthodox Church. They are religious, but few understand the saving power of a relationship with Jesus Christ.

What Are Their Needs?

Greeks need to put Jesus Christ first, high above rituals and ceremonies. Christ needs to be their center so they can live the abundant life he promises.

Prayer Points

Pray for a Holy Spirit revival in Australia s Greek Orthodox Churches.
Pray for the Lord to raise up and thrust out Greek disciples who will make more disciples in Australia.
Pray for Australia s Greek community to hunger for spiritual meat and find that in Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project