Greeks in Syracuse, New York
Encyclopedia
The arrival of Greek immigrants in Syracuse, New York
occurred in the early 1900s. By 1902, there were 30 living in the city and in 1910 there were approximately 500; however, the number increased to 4,000 during the early 1950s. Long before the earliest Greeks arrived in the city, the Grecian influence could readily be seen throughout Syracuse in the form of architecture and the naming of many important landmarks in the area.
did not start growing until the 1880s. The largest waves entered the country from 1900 to 1920 and most were young males "who wished to make a fortune and then return to Greece," although 70 percent ended up staying in America. In the early 20th century, most immigrants from Greece were from Laconia
, in particular, the city of Sparta
in Southern Greece. Since that time, immigration has diversified and new citizens come from all parts of Greece.
The largest number of Greeks arrived during 1900-1910, a total of 686 and between 1911–1920, another 385 arrived. The Immigration Acts of 1921 and 1924 established quotas and in 1921, 3,063 Greeks arrived although in 1924 only 100 were admitted. A legal petition increased the quota and during 1925-1929 about 10,883 were accepted and another 17,000 were admitted under the Refugee Act of 1953.
The Greeks came to the United States due to poor economic conditions occurring in Greece during the late 19th century. In contrast, the U.S. economy allowed for many unskilled urban jobs to open up. Most Greeks settled in large urban areas, especially in the Northeast and Midwest. The first Greeks to arrive settled in lower wage jobs such as peddlers, factory laborers and busboys. As they became more established, many were drawn to small businesses, including restaurants, flower shops and groceries.
During the 1980 U.S. Census, 1,852 people claimed Greek heritage in Onondaga County.
, predating any substantial Greek immigration to the area, there were many communities that were named in honor of Greek history. These included Syracuse, Athens, Attica, Brutus, Corinth, Delhi, Fabius, Greece, Homer, Ilion, Ithaca, Manlius, Marcellus, Minerva, Mount Sinai, Olean, Ovid, Palmyra, Scio, Sodus, Vestal, Seneca, Troy and Utica, among others.
.
Additionally, since the original Greek neighborhood in Syracuse is no longer intact, the church has become increasingly important for the community and is the "social and cultural center for local Greek-Americans."
organized a church society and a certificate of incorporation was filed in the County Clerk's office on October 22, 1900. At that time there were 75 Greeks in the city. The new church was named Greek Catholic Church of St. Peter and St. Paul.
of Syracuse, New York
was constructed in 1913 at the corner of Tompkins Street and Wilbur Avenue. It was the first "Eastern Catholic" (Greek Orthodox) church in the city and was built by the local Ukrainian population on the city's Far Westside
neighborhood of Tipperary Hill
.
In 1922, the congregation built its first church on Montgomery Street, on the site of what is now the Onondaga County War Memorial. It became a "hub for newly arriving immigrants" who needed help adapting to the United States
.
When Onondaga County announced plans to build the war memorial in the late 1940s, the church moved to Massena and Grace Streets in early 1950. The new home was the former Good Will Congregational Church "with spacious accomodations for parish affairs." The parish invested "a lot of money to make it a first class center" for over 350 Greek families and a dozen religious and social organizations. The rector, Rev. John S. Kamelakis was a recent arrival and a native of Crete
. Leaders of the church in 1950 were Nicholas O. Spinos, president; Nicholas Collis, vice-president; and James Copanos, secretary.
The present church, St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church in DeWitt, was built in 1973. By 1980, 550 Greek families, roughly 2,400 individuals,in the area were members of the church located on Waring Road. It is the only Greek Orthodox church in Onondaga County. Because the original Greek neighborhood in Syracuse is no longer intact, the church has become the "social and cultural center for local Greek-Americans."
A committee representing the Greek residents of the city met at 357 South Salina Street on February 16, 1910 to prepare plans for the organization of a Greek society. Nicholas Valentine, a local resident who was "prominent in the movement" noted there were 500 Greeks living in Syracuse
. It was felt that "a society of this kind would further the interests of the Greeks."
In November 1910, Spiros Matzukas, Grecian soldier, orator, singer and poet visited the city, "preaching a new and greater Greece, and pleading for funds to increase that country's fighting power." Despite the fact that no publicity preceded his visit, other than dispatching of several messengers to the Greek families throughout the city, "more than 300 sons of Greece" gave the speaker a "rousing welcome" when he appeared in Genesee Hall. Within a short time he had received USD$1,220 in cash from contributions of the "loyal Greeks" of Syracuse to their nation." Matzukas arrived from Rochester
and was met by a delegation of the Greek merchants and businessmen of the city. The committee in charge of the meeting included; C. N. Constas, Nicholas Valentine, Nicholas Vanson, Speros P. Chaconas, John Alexander and John Cannelos. Although "practically every Greek in the United States" was familiar with his mission, Matzukas repeated the story of his work and explained that his plan was to secure enough donations from Greeks "resident in other than their own country," with which to add a modern battleship named America to the Greek navy.
An Americanization league in the city during November 1919, held a gathering at Lincoln Hall at Central High School which was one of the largest attendances ever witnessed. The league was divided into seven branches, each one comprising future citizens of the United States
of different European birth. These branches included the Italian, Syrian, Slovak Polish, Ukrainian, Armenian and Greek residents of Syracuse. The object of the monthly meeting were two-fold; To teach the foreign born population of Syracuse the English language and to educate them "along the lines of American principles and nationalism; and to bring the foreigners into closer and more sympathetic touch with the native born of the country."
and Northern New York. The observance of the anniversary of Greek independence was marked with a week long program and many planned special events. The observance opened with celebration of a Mass in St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church. Later, two Greek students at Syracuse University
talked briefly on the history of Greece
. Hellenic
folk and patriotic songs were sung. William Apostolo was master of ceremonies and Dr. Leonidos Chronis of Syracuse was president of the organization sponsoring the celebration. Leaders of the various Greek-American organizations comprised the committee.
Greek Independence Day was observed in the city after Mayor Henninger signed a proclamation to pay tribute to those who fought in the revolution of 1821 to 1829 who were fighting for the sovereignty and freedom of their homeland. A special celebration in honor of the occasion was held the next day at the St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church hall, located at Massena and Grace Streets. A program of folk songs by the church choir, followed by dancing and refreshments were featured. Delegations from other communities in the area were present for the celebration.
Men of the church serve traditional Greek food including souvlaki (grilled and skewered lamb or chicken), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), stifatho, gyro, pastichio (Greek-style lasagna), Greek salad, spinach and cheese pita bread and moussaka (layers of seasoned eggplant and meat in a white sauce), along with Greek beer and wine in the "Taverna" under the tent.
Women serve the Greek pastries such as baklava, kadaifi, spanakopitta, buourelakia, lyropitta, diples, finikia, kourambiades, koulouria, pitas and loukoumathes (honey puffs) with coffee.
Besides the pastry offerings, the festival also highlights Greek art, crafts, music and dance and the St. Sophia Parish Council president notes that "It's our way of sharing our Greek heritage with our neighbors." The event has attracted as many as 10,000 to 12,000 people over a four-day period.
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
occurred in the early 1900s. By 1902, there were 30 living in the city and in 1910 there were approximately 500; however, the number increased to 4,000 during the early 1950s. Long before the earliest Greeks arrived in the city, the Grecian influence could readily be seen throughout Syracuse in the form of architecture and the naming of many important landmarks in the area.
History
The Greek population in the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
did not start growing until the 1880s. The largest waves entered the country from 1900 to 1920 and most were young males "who wished to make a fortune and then return to Greece," although 70 percent ended up staying in America. In the early 20th century, most immigrants from Greece were from Laconia
Laconia
Laconia , also known as Lacedaemonia, is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the region of Peloponnese. It is situated in the southeastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. Its administrative capital is Sparti...
, in particular, the city of Sparta
Sparta
Sparta or Lacedaemon, was a prominent city-state in ancient Greece, situated on the banks of the River Eurotas in Laconia, in south-eastern Peloponnese. It emerged as a political entity around the 10th century BC, when the invading Dorians subjugated the local, non-Dorian population. From c...
in Southern Greece. Since that time, immigration has diversified and new citizens come from all parts of Greece.
The largest number of Greeks arrived during 1900-1910, a total of 686 and between 1911–1920, another 385 arrived. The Immigration Acts of 1921 and 1924 established quotas and in 1921, 3,063 Greeks arrived although in 1924 only 100 were admitted. A legal petition increased the quota and during 1925-1929 about 10,883 were accepted and another 17,000 were admitted under the Refugee Act of 1953.
The Greeks came to the United States due to poor economic conditions occurring in Greece during the late 19th century. In contrast, the U.S. economy allowed for many unskilled urban jobs to open up. Most Greeks settled in large urban areas, especially in the Northeast and Midwest. The first Greeks to arrive settled in lower wage jobs such as peddlers, factory laborers and busboys. As they became more established, many were drawn to small businesses, including restaurants, flower shops and groceries.
During the 1980 U.S. Census, 1,852 people claimed Greek heritage in Onondaga County.
Greek influence in names
From the early days of settlement in Upstate New YorkUpstate New York
Upstate New York is the region of the U.S. state of New York that is located north of the core of the New York metropolitan area.-Definition:There is no clear or official boundary between Upstate New York and Downstate New York...
, predating any substantial Greek immigration to the area, there were many communities that were named in honor of Greek history. These included Syracuse, Athens, Attica, Brutus, Corinth, Delhi, Fabius, Greece, Homer, Ilion, Ithaca, Manlius, Marcellus, Minerva, Mount Sinai, Olean, Ovid, Palmyra, Scio, Sodus, Vestal, Seneca, Troy and Utica, among others.
Greek architecture
The Westside and Southwest once contained "some of the most elegant and attractive residences in Syracuse." Many were situated along West Onondaga Street and James Street. There were many Greek Revival mansions constructed during the late 19th century for former "prominent figures" of the area.Greek Orthodox churches
According to locals; "Family is very important to Greek people, it's a nucleus. Most churches are family centers, social centers, educational centers, not just spiritual centers." Throughout the years, newly arriving immigrants turned to the church for help adapting to life in the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
Additionally, since the original Greek neighborhood in Syracuse is no longer intact, the church has become increasingly important for the community and is the "social and cultural center for local Greek-Americans."
First celebration
Rev. John N. Muja'is, a Greek Orthodox missionary who had spent a year in the United States "ministering to his scattered brethren," celebrated the first Holy Eucharist and conducted services according to the ceremonies of the Greek Orthodox Church for the first time in the history of Syracuse on March 24, 1902. Since Father Muja'is spoke very little English, the services were conducted in Greek and Arabic. The priest wore the costume of his native land and a long white beard, so in appearance it was reported; "his is like a patriarch of old."Auburn church
The Greek residents of Auburn, New YorkAuburn, New York
Auburn is a city in Cayuga County, New York, United States of America. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 27,687...
organized a church society and a certificate of incorporation was filed in the County Clerk's office on October 22, 1900. At that time there were 75 Greeks in the city. The new church was named Greek Catholic Church of St. Peter and St. Paul.
St. John the Baptist Greek church
St. John the Baptist Greek Catholic ChurchSt. John the Baptist Greek Catholic Church (Syracuse, New York)
St. John the Baptist Greek Catholic Church of Syracuse, New York was constructed in 1913 at the corner of Tompkins Street and Wilbur Avenue. A campaign to raise the money was led by Rev. Alexander Prystay, pastor. It was the first "Eastern Catholic" church in the city.The church was renamed to St...
of Syracuse, New York
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
was constructed in 1913 at the corner of Tompkins Street and Wilbur Avenue. It was the first "Eastern Catholic" (Greek Orthodox) church in the city and was built by the local Ukrainian population on the city's Far Westside
Far Westside, Syracuse
The Syracuse Far Westside is one of 26 recognized neighborhoods by the City of Syracuse, USA. Until this area joined the city in 1886 it was known as the village of Geddes.-History:...
neighborhood of Tipperary Hill
Tipperary Hill
Tipperary Hill, sometimes known as Tipp Hill, is a district in the city of Syracuse, New York, largely settled by immigrants from Ireland, especially from County Tipperary. It makes up half of Syracuse's Far Westside neighborhood.-History:...
.
St. Sophia's church
St. Sophia's Hellenic Orthodox Church was incorporated in 1916 and services were conducted periodically in the chapel of St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Montogomery Street. In 1917, the church moved to the second floor of a social hall on South Salina Street.In 1922, the congregation built its first church on Montgomery Street, on the site of what is now the Onondaga County War Memorial. It became a "hub for newly arriving immigrants" who needed help adapting to the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
When Onondaga County announced plans to build the war memorial in the late 1940s, the church moved to Massena and Grace Streets in early 1950. The new home was the former Good Will Congregational Church "with spacious accomodations for parish affairs." The parish invested "a lot of money to make it a first class center" for over 350 Greek families and a dozen religious and social organizations. The rector, Rev. John S. Kamelakis was a recent arrival and a native of Crete
Crete
Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and one of the thirteen administrative regions of Greece. It forms a significant part of the economy and cultural heritage of Greece while retaining its own local cultural traits...
. Leaders of the church in 1950 were Nicholas O. Spinos, president; Nicholas Collis, vice-president; and James Copanos, secretary.
The present church, St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church in DeWitt, was built in 1973. By 1980, 550 Greek families, roughly 2,400 individuals,in the area were members of the church located on Waring Road. It is the only Greek Orthodox church in Onondaga County. Because the original Greek neighborhood in Syracuse is no longer intact, the church has become the "social and cultural center for local Greek-Americans."
Greek affliations
The social life of Greeks in the city seemed to begin in the early 1900s when the first stories were printed about local affiliations and events for newly minted Greek-Americans.A committee representing the Greek residents of the city met at 357 South Salina Street on February 16, 1910 to prepare plans for the organization of a Greek society. Nicholas Valentine, a local resident who was "prominent in the movement" noted there were 500 Greeks living in Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
. It was felt that "a society of this kind would further the interests of the Greeks."
In November 1910, Spiros Matzukas, Grecian soldier, orator, singer and poet visited the city, "preaching a new and greater Greece, and pleading for funds to increase that country's fighting power." Despite the fact that no publicity preceded his visit, other than dispatching of several messengers to the Greek families throughout the city, "more than 300 sons of Greece" gave the speaker a "rousing welcome" when he appeared in Genesee Hall. Within a short time he had received USD$1,220 in cash from contributions of the "loyal Greeks" of Syracuse to their nation." Matzukas arrived from Rochester
Rochester, New York
Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
and was met by a delegation of the Greek merchants and businessmen of the city. The committee in charge of the meeting included; C. N. Constas, Nicholas Valentine, Nicholas Vanson, Speros P. Chaconas, John Alexander and John Cannelos. Although "practically every Greek in the United States" was familiar with his mission, Matzukas repeated the story of his work and explained that his plan was to secure enough donations from Greeks "resident in other than their own country," with which to add a modern battleship named America to the Greek navy.
An Americanization league in the city during November 1919, held a gathering at Lincoln Hall at Central High School which was one of the largest attendances ever witnessed. The league was divided into seven branches, each one comprising future citizens of the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
of different European birth. These branches included the Italian, Syrian, Slovak Polish, Ukrainian, Armenian and Greek residents of Syracuse. The object of the monthly meeting were two-fold; To teach the foreign born population of Syracuse the English language and to educate them "along the lines of American principles and nationalism; and to bring the foreigners into closer and more sympathetic touch with the native born of the country."
Greek independence day
By March 1953, there were approximately 4,000 Greek residents of Central New YorkCentral New York
Central New York is a term used to broadly describe the central region of New York State, roughly including the following counties and cities:...
and Northern New York. The observance of the anniversary of Greek independence was marked with a week long program and many planned special events. The observance opened with celebration of a Mass in St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church. Later, two Greek students at Syracuse University
Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. Its roots can be traced back to Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, which also later founded Genesee College...
talked briefly on the history of Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
. Hellenic
Hellenic
Hellenic is a synonym for Greek and may refer to:* Hellenic languages* Hellenic Airlines* Hellenic College, a liberal arts college in Brookline, Massachusetts* Hellenic College of London* Hellenic FC, a football club in South Africa...
folk and patriotic songs were sung. William Apostolo was master of ceremonies and Dr. Leonidos Chronis of Syracuse was president of the organization sponsoring the celebration. Leaders of the various Greek-American organizations comprised the committee.
Greek Independence Day was observed in the city after Mayor Henninger signed a proclamation to pay tribute to those who fought in the revolution of 1821 to 1829 who were fighting for the sovereignty and freedom of their homeland. A special celebration in honor of the occasion was held the next day at the St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church hall, located at Massena and Grace Streets. A program of folk songs by the church choir, followed by dancing and refreshments were featured. Delegations from other communities in the area were present for the celebration.
Greek cultural day
The annual Greek Cultural Festival is held at St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church in DeWitt. In 1988, in preparation for the 16th annual event, the festival organizers used more than 2000 pounds (907.2 kg) of flour, 1000 pounds (453.6 kg) of sugar, 300 pounds (136.1 kg) of filo and 800 pounds (362.9 kg) of butter, just for the pastries served during the festival.Men of the church serve traditional Greek food including souvlaki (grilled and skewered lamb or chicken), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), stifatho, gyro, pastichio (Greek-style lasagna), Greek salad, spinach and cheese pita bread and moussaka (layers of seasoned eggplant and meat in a white sauce), along with Greek beer and wine in the "Taverna" under the tent.
Women serve the Greek pastries such as baklava, kadaifi, spanakopitta, buourelakia, lyropitta, diples, finikia, kourambiades, koulouria, pitas and loukoumathes (honey puffs) with coffee.
Besides the pastry offerings, the festival also highlights Greek art, crafts, music and dance and the St. Sophia Parish Council president notes that "It's our way of sharing our Greek heritage with our neighbors." The event has attracted as many as 10,000 to 12,000 people over a four-day period.
Greek events
- St. Sophia Greek Cultural Festival: Mid-June annually at St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church, 325 Waring Road in DeWitt. Free admission; a charge for food and beverages. Features a live Greek band, youth and adult dancing, Greek food and a Greek marketplace featuring dry goods, cheeses, olives and more.