Greek in Chile

Introduction / History

The 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 from the Balkans and 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."

Today there is a growing Greek community in Latin American countries, especially Argentina and Chile. The first Greeks to come to what is now Chile arrived in the late 1500s, but most arrived in the 1900s. Many of the first Greeks in Chile were involved in maritime commerce, and later settled in Chile. Most went into mining, farming, or they opened local businesses. The Mediterranean climate and similar cultures attracted Greeks to Chile.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Greeks have made their mark in Chile. Some have succeeded in business, finance, and banking. One of their first ladies was of Greek descent.

Greeks are often assimilated into Chilean society. They have been there for three generations, and some of the younger ethnic Greeks have never been to Greece.

They try to keep their culture alive through a small Greek Community Center, the Colectividad Helenica. The Greek Embassy is offering support for the local Greek population.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Greeks in Chile are either Greek Orthodox or Roman Catholic. They have God’s word, and they understand the basics of Christianity. Some have become secularized.

What Are Their Needs?

The Greeks in Chile have an ancient church and a complete Bible. Commonly, people who adhere to traditional churches put their faith in the church, the institution, or sometimes saints, rather than the Risen, Victorious Savior. They need the Holy Spirit to move them into a loving and vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for a Holy Spirit-sent revival to move powerfully in Greek Orthodox churches and families in Chile.
Pray for Greeks in Chile to join Chilean Evangelicals in studying the Bible and learning to apply it to their lives.
Pray for Greek disciples to make disciples in their families and communities.

Text Source:   Joshua Project