Washington, D.C., is home to a thriving Greek community, with a rich history that dates back to the early days of the city. Today, there are an estimated 20,000 Greeks living in the metro area, and they play an important role in the city's cultural, economic, and political life.

A brief history of the Washington Greek community

The first Greeks arrived in Washington in the early 1800s, many of them fleeing the Ottoman Empire. They settled in the Georgetown neighborhood, where they opened businesses and established a Greek Orthodox church. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was a wave of Greek immigration to the United States, and the Washington Greek community grew significantly.

During this time, Greeks played a key role in the development of the city. They worked in a variety of industries, including construction, food service, and retail. They also started their own businesses and became active in the city's political and social life.

In the 1960s and 1970s, there was another wave of Greek immigration to Washington, this time due to the Greek Civil War. Many of these immigrants were professionals and students who came to the United States to seek new opportunities.

Today, the Washington Greek community is more diverse than ever before. It includes people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds and from all parts of Greece. The community is united by its shared culture and heritage, and its commitment to preserving and promoting Greek traditions.

The Washington Greek community today

The Washington Greek community is a vibrant and active community. There are a number of Greek Orthodox churches in the area, as well as Greek-American social and cultural organizations. There are also a number of Greek-owned businesses, including restaurants, cafes, and shops.

The Washington Greek community is also very involved in the city's civic life. Many Greeks are active in politics and government, and they serve on various boards and commissions. The community also supports a number of charities and non-profit organizations.

Some of the notable Greek-Americans in Washington

There are a number of notable Greek-Americans who have made significant contributions to the Washington community. Some of these include:

• Philip Christopher: Christopher was a diplomat and politician who served as U.S. Secretary of State from 1973 to 1977. He was the first Greek-American to hold this position.
• Olympia Dukakis: Dukakis is an actress and activist who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 1987 film "Moonstruck." She is also the aunt of former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis.
• John Podesta: Podesta is a political consultant and lobbyist who served as White House Chief of Staff to President Bill Clinton from 1998 to 2001. He was also the chairman of Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign.
• Paul Sarbanes: Sarbanes is a former U.S. Senator from Maryland who served from 1977 to 2007. He is the author of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which was passed in 2002 to reform the accounting industry.

Greek culture and heritage in Washington

The Washington Greek community is proud of its culture and heritage. There are a number of ways that the community celebrates and preserves its culture.

One way is through food. Greek cuisine is very popular in Washington, and there are a number of Greek restaurants that serve authentic dishes. The community also hosts a number of food festivals throughout the year.

Another way that the community celebrates its culture is through music and dance. There are a number of Greek folk dance groups in the area, and they perform at various events throughout the year. The community also hosts a number of concerts and festivals that feature Greek music.

The community also celebrates its culture through its religious traditions. There are a number of Greek Orthodox churches in the area, and they offer a variety of services and events throughout the year. The community also hosts a number of religious festivals, such as the Greek Orthodox Easter celebration.

The future of the Washington Greek community

The Washington Greek community is a thriving community with a bright future. The community is committed to preserving and promoting Greek culture and heritage, and it is also committed to making a positive contribution to the Washington community.

Here are some ways that you can get involved in the Washington Greek community

• Attend a Greek Orthodox church service or event.
• Visit a Greek restaurant or cafe.
• Join a Greek-American social or cultural organization.
• Volunteer for a Greek-American charity or non-profit organization.
• Support Greek-owned businesses.
• Learn more about Greek culture and heritage.

Conclusion

The Washington Greek community is a vibrant and diverse community with a rich history. Greeks have played an important role in the development of the city, and they continue to make significant contributions to the community today.

The community is united by its shared culture and heritage, and its commitment to preserving and promoting Greek traditions. There are a number of ways to get involved in the Washington Greek community, such as attending Greek Orthodox church services or events, visiting Greek-owned businesses, and supporting Greek-American charities and non-profit organizations.