06/22/2026
Celebrating the successful completion of the 4th “Return to Your Roots - Επιστροφή στις Ρίζες” program 🇬🇷
“Ό,τι είναι ο νους και η καρδιά για τον άνθρωπο, είναι και η Ελλάδα για την οικουμένη”.
Γκαίτε (1749-1832)
The Consulate General of Greece in Chicago proudly celebrates the successful completion of its 4th “Return to Your Roots” program.
This summer, a new group of eleven dynamic young people of Greek heritage from across the Midwest traveled to Greece to deepen their connection to our history, language and traditions. They explored the treasures of Northern Greece, enhanced their Greek language skills, engaged with local communities and officials and experienced the beauty of Greece with all their senses.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners, the Linguistics Laboratory “+ΜορΦωΣη” of the Democritus University of Thrace Εργαστήριο Γλωσσολογίας ΤΑΣ - ΔΠΘ "+ΜορΦωΣη" headed by Professor Zoe Gavriilidou and the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), under the leadership of the Executive Director Endy Zemenides, for their dedication and collaboration.
Our gratitude also goes to the Holy Metropolis of Maroneia and Komotini Ιερά Μητρόπολις Μαρωνείας και Κομοτηνής and His Eminence Metropolitan Panteleimon for their warm hospitality at the camp, to Professor Zoe Gavriilidou, Karen Chanagkian, and all the educators, and organizers who made this journey unforgettable.
Special thanks are due to our mentors, Honorable Judge Panayiota Tsiaba, Enosis Federation Illinois President George Reveliotis, Z Life Organization Executive Director Constantine Zografopoulos, and Dr. George Karanastasis for their contribution to the preparation of the program. We also thank The Art Institute of Chicago for the inspiring visit to the Mary and Michael Jaharis Galleries of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Art.
We warmly thank the Political Affairs Service of Xanthi, the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Περιφέρεια Ανατολικής Μακεδονίας - Θράκης, the Municipalities of Maronia-Sapes Δήμος Μαρωνείας - Σαπών, Alexandroupoli Δήμος Αλεξανδρούπολης, Komotini and Δήμος Καβάλας - Municipality of Kavala, the Ephorates of Antiquities of Kavala and Rhodope, the Cultural Association of Xylagani, the Ethnological Museum of Thrace, ΕΡΤ3, ERA Komotini, and the newspapers Paratiritis tis Thrakis Παρατηρητής της Θράκης and Chronos Χρόνος Εφημερίδα for their valuable support.
Finally, we express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Alexander Pissios Family Foundation for its continued generosity, without which this program would not be possible.
By strengthening ties between Greece and the next generation of the Greek diaspora, the “Return to Your Roots” program continues to build lasting bridges between our homeland and Hellenism abroad.
