04/22/2026
PRESS RELEASE
Boston, Massachusetts — April 21, 2026
The 1st International Symposium on Greek Anatolian Heritage and Identity was successfully held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, under the title:
“Echoes of Anatolia: The Christian Heritage and Enduring Legacy of its Greek, Armenian, and Assyrian-Chaldean Communities.”
The event took place at the Maliotis Cultural Center, hosted within the facilities of Hellenic College Holy Cross.
Organized by the World Pontian Folk Organization, the symposium brought together distinguished academics, Dr. Evridiki Georganteli, Dr. Theodosios Kyriakidis, Dr. Anahit Khosroeva, Dr. Henry C. Theriault, institutional representatives, and attendees from diverse national and religious backgrounds, highlighting the strong international interest in the study and preservation of the historical and cultural heritage of the Christian communities of Pontus and Anatolia.
The presentations explored the historical trajectory, cultural identity, and enduring resilience of the Greeks of Pontus and Asia Minor, as well as Armenians and Assyrians. Guided by faith, these communities not only endured profound hardship but also carried their traditions and historical memory across the world. The discussions that followed fostered meaningful dialogue, bridging academic scholarship with collective memory.
It was our pleasure to welcome Mr. Georgios Patoulis, President of the Athens Medical Association, to the podium. With his speech, he underscored the importance of institutional support for the Pontian Genocide and the promotion of historical memory and cultural heritage at an international level.
A special honor was the presence of V. Rev. Fr. Bartholomew Mercado, who delivered opening remarks. His message, marked by spiritual depth and hope, added significant meaning to the gathering.
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston was represented by Rev. Fr. Alexandros Pretorian, priest of St. Nektarios Church in Roslindale, who emphasized the important contributions of Pontian Greeks to the Church and the broader Greek community.
A particularly meaningful moment was the address delivered on behalf of Archimandrite Petros, Abbot of the Monastery of Dionysiou on Mount Athos, by Ioannis Apazidis. Abbot Petros highlighted the historical role of the Grand Komnenoi of Trebizond in supporting monastic life and contributing to the establishment and preservation of monasteries in Pontus and Greece, with special reference to the Monastery of Dionysiou. His message will be made available on the organization’s official website.
The audience was deeply moved by the artistic presentation of the traditional piece “Parthen I Romania”, performed by the President and artist Ioannis Apazidis, adding a powerful emotional and experiential dimension to the symposium.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the book by Dr. Theodosios Kyriakidis, titled “The Genocide of Orthodox Greeks and the Persecution of Christians in the Pontus Region According to Vatican Archives.” Based on primary archival sources from the Vatican, the work offers a rigorously documented account of the genocide of Orthodox Greeks and the persecution of Christian populations in the Pontus region during the early 20th century, contributing significantly to international historical scholarship.
The symposium concluded with a warm and inviting reception, where guests gathered to connect and continue conversations over a thoughtfully prepared selection of savory dishes and sweets. The rich flavors and shared table created a welcoming atmosphere, offering a delicious and memorable close to a truly meaningful day, while our guests had the opportunity to enjoy our small exhibition with traditional exhibits.
The World Pontian Folk Organization expresses its warmest thanks to the Maliotis Cultural Center for its hospitality. The Maliotis Cultural Center is a vibrant space of culture and memory, where Greek heritage meets the present and is passed on with respect and continuity to the future, hosting events that unite the community and highlight the history, faith, and values of Hellenism.
We extend our sincere thanks to the speakers for their valuable contributions, to our supporters and partners for their trust, to the volunteers for their dedication, and to all those in attendance, whose presence gave meaningful purpose to the event.
This symposium marks the beginning of an ongoing international effort to promote awareness, research, and preservation of Greek Anatolian heritage.
The recorded proceedings of the symposium will soon be available on our website at www.worldpontianfolk.org.
Sincerely,
World Pontian Folk Organization
