WELCOME!


We aim to create a closer dialogue between members and representatives of the Russian Diaspora and to promote Greek-Russian cultural & historical heritage links. We intend to organise educational lectures, tours, voluntary works & publications in media to encourage bonds between Russian immigrants local Greek communities. These will concentrate on language skills, Russian & Greek culture, traditions and history.

Social solidarity and volunteer movement

June 12, 2013 in the conference hall of the Municipality of Ilion, in connection with the pro- Congress  activities of the party "New Democracy "  a "round-table" discussion was held on the topic, "Social solidarity and volunteer movement " to get acquainted and exchange of experience in this field.
At the meeting were representatives of social and religious organizations whose activities are related to the charity and other forms of social support. Among them was  the Union of Russian emigrants in Greece named after S.I. Demidova, represented by its members  : Mrs I.  Zhalnina,  Mrs G.  Hionidi, Mr A. Hionidis as well as the activists of the Club 50+,  Mrs L. Halilova, Mrs L. Gurdzhidi  and Mrs N. Nicodemou

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Exhibition of icon painting

Выставка иконописи

In May 20, 2013, in Athens, an exhibition of icon painting by Greek, Russian and Ukrainian artists, the “Power of Faith” took place at the gallery "IHOS-FOS".
The exhibition marks the 187th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Greece, as well as in honor of the visit to Greece, the Patriarch of All Russia Kirill and Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk.

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The final seminar of the EU members in Belgium

seminar in Belgium

From 8 to 12 May in Brussels took place the final meeting of the members of the EU project "Towards an active European citizenship" from Finland, Germany, Greece, Bulgaria, England, Belgium and Latvia.
The organizer of the meeting - the "Russian House in Belgium," headed by Marina Novikova - made the event successful. The representation of Greece was the Union of Russian emigrants in Greece named after pr. Demidova (the chairman of the Union and the curator of the project, Irina Zhalnina).

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Excursion "Russian Athens"

Russian Athens

April 21, 2013 Union of Russian emigrants in Greece named after pr. Demidova organisaed a tour "Russian Athens." Our chairman, historian, Irina Zhalnina-Vasilkioti spoke about the history of the Russian presence in Greece. There were many members of the "Club 50 +" presented there. The "Club 50 +" was created by our Union within the EU Grundtvig project «Towards an active European citizenship"

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The 5th working day for free in Russian Navy necropolis, Athens

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April 20, 2013, the Union of Russian emigrants in Greece im.kn.Demidovoy together with members of the "Club 50 +" worked for restoration of the Russian Navy cemetery, located in Piraeus. This year's event was attended by representatives of the Russian Embassy in Greece, as well as other organizations, including the Society "Emigrant".

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“Club 50 +” attended the performance of "Theseus and Ariadne"

April 7, 2013 the Union of Russian emigrants named pr. S.I. Demidova organized a visit to club members “50 +” to the performance "Theseus and Ariadne" in theater "Badminton" for free. The performance was chosen because one of the objectives of the EE project is to make familiar our members with the culture and history of the country we live in.

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Psychological training of NATALIA GRACE IN ATHENS:

March 31, 2013 in Athens too place a seminar" SECRETS AND DISCLOSURE OF TALENTS" of psychological training of Natalie Grace, well-known psychologist, consultant, business coach, writer, author of methodologies for the development of memory and speech, a specialist in the field of self-esteem. The workshop was organized for the Russian-speaking community with the assistance of the Union of Russian emigrants in Greece named after pr. S.I. Demidova as part of the EE project "Towards an active European citizenship." Subject c of this seminar was for free.

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A meeting of the European project "Towards an active European citizenship" in London

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From 23 to 25 February 2013 in London, was held the regular meeting of the European project "Towards an active European citizenship", with the participation of partners from Belgium, Bulgaria, the UK, Germany, Latvia, Finland and Greece. It was the sixth meeting of the participants of the project. The workshop included: - An acquaintance with the structure of the Russian-speaking immigration in the UK, with the situation of immigrants from the former Soviet Union, with the presence of Russian companies and press, - An acquaintance with the work of state and public organizations dealing with immigrants. - An acquaintance with the work of the "Club 50 +", created as part of this project. Exchange of experiences of the "Club 50 +", work. - An acquaintance with the history of England. The real surprise was the visit, the main office of the radio-station BBC. A very important part of the seminar was to present the Club 50 +. Club members 50 + London has prepared an extensive program, which allowed the guests to get acquainted with the peculiarities of the life of the Russian immigrants in the UK. The meeting was held in a very warm, family atmosphere.

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10 марта 2013 года члены Клуб а 50+ посетили выставку рукоделия, организованную обществом «Перла».

 


Молодые, красивые девушки продемонстрировали одежду  для весеннего сезона, сшитую рукодельницами общества «Перла». Здесь был представлен широкий ассартимент одежды и аксессуаров:

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«Club 50+» of the Union attends the play «Ball-Masquerade» of M. Lermontov

alt23 February, 2013 in the Theater «Badminton» our «Club 50+» attended the play «Ball-Masquerade» of M. Lermontov (The Moscow Theater of Eug. Bachtangov) «The play attracted by it’s untraditional and original way of acting, - one of our senior member of the «Club 50+» said, – and made us think about the preciseness of the human life. Our classics, as it is well known, always arise the all-time problems. These kind of happenings made us, people who live far from our native land, feel the pride. And we understand that we have to share this pride with our children. And these can be made only by learning Russian language, Russian literature, it’s culture and traditions”.

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Music and poetry evening

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February 15 in Athens was organized by the Union of Russian emigrants in Greece .named by S.I. Demidova. The union of arts: the music and the poetry formed the basis of our evening. It was full of the words of our beloved poets, classical and contemporary, as well as the lyrical melodies of our favorite Russian romances. The guests were welcomed by the chairman of the Union of Irina Zhalnina-Vasilkioti. She noticed that the purpose of this evening was to bring together talented Russian-speaking who lived in Greece: "This kind of evenings are a kind of a platform where creative people get the opportunity to present themselves."

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The New Year. By the old style. Athens

In January 13 the Union of Russian emigrants in Greece named by S.I.Demidova noted in Athens the so called "Old New Year" - a holiday, which is not very clear to most foreigners.
According to the "Levada-Center", this year the New Year in the old style was celebrated by 52% of the inhabitants of ex-soviet countries. The business newspaper "Marker" mentioned that not only the Russians themselves and immigrants from the Soviet Union, but also the inhabitants of Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia and some cantons of Switzerland celebrated this very festival.

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Greek-Russian relations

Just before the Christmas eve "Club 50 +" (which was founded by the Union of Russian emigrants in Greece due the EU program "Towards an active European citizenship") organized party at the yoga teacher Elina-Nephele Zagorodskaya. This time the evening was devoted to the Greek-Russian relations.

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In Germany, in the city of Essen from 12 to 16 December, took place, the fifth meeting of the European project Grundtvig «Towards an active European citizenship"

It was attended by partners from the UK, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Latvia and Finland. Greece was presented at the meeting by the Union of Russian emigrants in Greece named after S.I.Demidova The aim of this project is to develop cultural and educational dialogue between the representatives of the Russian emigration European countries, as well as analysis of the process of integration of Russian-speaking senior-immigrants groups in the community of the European Union countries.

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Yoga class for "Club 50+"

 



In the last few years yoga has stopped being something exotic. Most people already see it as a sport and have a pretty concise image of it.
I guess it’s best to start from the fact that you can start practising yoga at any age. Therefore, members of “Club 50+” have wanted to try yoga for a while, especially its basic principles and methods. Elina-Nefeli Zagorodskaya took up the task to show them their first steps.

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“Club 50+” visits Greek artist exhibition at Paleo Faliro

 

On November 17th 2012, members of the “Club 50+”, created by the Union or Russian Immigrants in Greece visited an exhibition of contemporary Greek artists in the cultural center of Paleo Faliro.



The exhibition featured paintings of various genres: portraits, landscapes, collages and even some religious iconography.
We were especially impressed by some wonderfully executed iconography and even some works made from tiny little colorful pebbles.
We were lucky that artist Katerina Dunga was present at the exhibition, as she gave us a quick tour of all the exposition and told us about her own creative path.

Nelli Hairutdinova

Tatyana Fiodorova
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Evening “Afinskii Kalorit” gathers money for support of Russian language in Greece

 

All donations collected at the charity night “Afinskii Kalorit”, organized by the weekly newspaper “Afiskii Courrier,” The Union of Russian Immigrants in Greece and the agency XL-Group,  went to strengthening the position of the russian language and culture in Greece.

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«На пути к активной европейской гражданской позиции »: встреча в Афинах

2165 grundtvigВ Греции завершилась очередная встреча участников программы «На пути к активной европейской гражданской позиции», организованной в рамках проекта ЕС Grundtvig.

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Excursion to Tatoi lead by the Union of Russian Immigrants in Greece

 images-stories-greece-0612-getimage21-200x149Last Sunday, students of the children’s studio “Olga” and their parents, along with participants of the program “Club 50+,” created in the context of the EU project “Steps Towards Active European Citizenship” visited Tatoi, the former residence of the Greek royal family.

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EU Project “Steps Towards Active European Citizenship”: meeting in Sofia

 

On May 23-27th, the “Partnership and knowledge” (Grundtvig) conference took place in Bulgaria, attracting the participants of the program of the European Union “Steps Towards Active European Citizenship” to yet another meeting.
In February we wrote about our first meeting in Finland. As explained then, the main goal of the project is the improvement of the integration of older Russian-speaking groups into the local societies, through cultural dialogue in various countries of the EU. Particularly for us, it is in Greece where the objectives of the program see the most direct applicability, with the :maturest” participants of the program coming from here. Just to name a few: Fenia Eleftheriadou (75y.o.), Lazaros Kontopidis (75 y.o.), Konstantin Populidis (80y.o.). So today we are publishing the results of the meeting in Sofia, as seen through the eyes of the Greek delegation.

 

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Uzbekistan Days in Greece

images-stories-greece-0512-invitation1-3-199x282May 18th-20th Athens saw the festival “Uzbekistan Days in Greece,” in the context of which films of contemporary Uzbek filmmakers were screened and the work of artist Yannis Kadras--a Greek who having grown up, gone to school and studied at the Art Academy in Tashkent, moved to Greece--was exhibited. Members of “Club 50+” enthusiastically participated in the festival. One of their favorite movies was “Lead” (by director Zulfikar Musakov).

 

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Photo Exhibition “Russians in Greece: Past and Present”

 

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The opening of the photo exhibition “Russians in Greece: Past and Present” took place on May 12th 2012.


The exhibited photographs depict the life of the Russian colony in Greece from the pre-revolution period until now. Of course, the members of “Club 50+” were some of the first people to arrive at the opening and in some photographs recognized themselves in various events that show the life of the Club and the Russian immigration as a whole.
In the following photos you can see members of “Club 50+” both at the exhibition and in actual exhibited photographs.

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May 9th, Club 50+

 

images-stories-greece-0512-dsc 0370-198x132On May 9th, the Union of Russian Immigrants in Greece “Demidova” organized an evening for fellow Russian-speaking citizens dedicated to the 67th anniversary of Victory Day, which marks the capitulation of Nazi Germany to the Soviet Union in WWII. There are probably no other events comparable in significance with World War II in 20th century history. Through losses and pain, tragedies and sacrifices, the soviet soldiers brought us to the Great Victory.

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Seminar on immigrant rights in Greece

 

2A seminar on judicial, economic and social issues of immigrants in Greece took place on April 1st 2012 at the facilities of the philological society “Parnassos.”

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Seminar on legal questions about residency in Greece

 

On April 1st 2012, members of Club 50+ participated in a special seminar, “On legal questions concerning immigrants in Greece,” headed by Tatyana Rab, the chief editor and the author of the column “You ask-we answer” of the newspaper “Kinisi.”


(G.Chionidi. I.Zhalnina and T.Rab at the seminar)


Those present actively discussed every question having to do with documents for residency, pension and healthcare of immigrants. This seminar was especially pertinent, since in the last few months Greece has seen significant changes in social laws, especially those having to do with immigration.

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"Subbotnik" at the Russian Cemetery in Pireaus

 

images-stories-greece-0412-dsc00663-207x155On March 31st 2012, the Union of Russian Immigrants in Greece “Demidova” organized its yearly “Subbotnik”--Saturday cleanup--at the memorial Russian cemetery in Pireaus.
This year the event was actively supported by members of “Club 50+”
It should be noted that everyone worked diligently and in good spirits,  realizing that they were doing an important, noble act.

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“Our Doctor” in Greece is giving free consultations to Russian-speaking immigrants

 

There are people, whose life doesn’t only revolve around their profession. They are called the sharers. Those who, having specific knowledge, shareit at such a degree, to change other people’s lives.



They find time for social work, and it’s impossible to overestimate the importance of such a sacrifice: do agree, not everyone is ready to selflessly help others, offering a hand of support, the warmth of their soul and showing care to compatriots who find themselves in a difficult life situation.
One of those people is a member of the Union of Russian Immigrants in Greece, the doctor-surgeon Alexander Chionidis, who offers free consultations to immigrants who might not otherwise be covered by national health insurance, might lack the funds of the language skills to consult a Greek doctor. For this, we thank Dr. Chionidis for the contribution he is making to the Russian community here in Greece.

Below are pictures from seminars he has given on health issues for immigrants.
Источник:www.immigrant-press.ru

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International Womens Day in Athens

 



Невесты, сестренки, любимые мамы

И бабушки наши, и дочки, и жены!

Сегодня мы всех вас, прекраснейших самых,

С весной молодой поздравляем влюбленно.

Сегодня мы вам преподносим букеты

И наши сердца, и признания наши, -

Что каждою вашей улыбкой согреты,

Что нет вас роднее, дороже и краше.


These are the words that commenced the celebration of the International Women’s Day of May 8th by the Union of Russian Immigrants in Greece and the participants of the Club 50+ of the EU program “Steps Towards Active European Citizenship”
This day that we loved so much in our school days, is almost inexistent in Europe. Although it is actually here, where even in the times of Ancient Rome that the day of Matrons-married women, mothers and wives, started being celebrates.
The tavern “Bairaktaris” was filled with songs, lines from Russian poets and dances, creating an absolutely friendly and warm atmosphere.



Photos by Irina Zhalnina-Vasilikioti   

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Русскоговорящие в Европе

Мы уже рассказывали читателям, что   Союз русских эмигрантов в Греции  им. кн. С.И. Демидовой принимает участие в программе Европейского Союза в рамках международной программы непрерывного образования Grundtvig.

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It's never late to learn

 

 

We’ve already mentioned in previous posts that the Union of Russian Immigrants in Greece has received a grant from the EU to participate in the Grundtvig program, and we have invited our readers to participate in the project.

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"You can't take home with you on the soles of your shoes..."

Probably, every immigrant had to live through a period when you feel you’re from a different plant. The first steps are always difficult--both for small children and adults, who by fate found themselves in a foreign country, where life is not like the one you’re used to, russian...




The social circumstances of immigration often make people limit their interests, lose the chance to meet new people and therefore sometimes, see new opportunities.
Therefore, the Union of Russian Immigrants in Greece, named after the great duchess Demidova, created a program of assistance for immigrants above 50 years of age, in the framework of the program of the European Union “Steps Towards Active European Citizenship”.
Below, Irina Zhalnina-Vasilikioti, the founder of the Union, will tell us some more details about the initiative. :
1. Who is the initiator of this program in Greece?
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Our Union was contacted by the similar group of compatriots “Inkeri-seura” from Finland, through its head, Aili Mehilayajnen, with the proposition to take part in a european project connected to the problems faced by elderly people among the immigrants from the former USSR. We thought it was an interesting idea, since there’s always someone who knows better than us. It’s interesting to learn something new. Even more, something new that will help our compatriots.
2. What are your goals and missions?
-The goals of the project are to identify the problems of the immigrants that came to Europe in an advanced age, and to find a way to ease their lives, make it more interesting, more communicative, to help people overcome isolation in a new environment. There are a lot of ways to help our people: seminars to learn the local language, culture and history, seminars on new technologies, such as the internet, skype, mobile connections, etc. All seminars will be free. We are also planning on conducting a sociological research, the results of which will be later presented to the curators of the program in Europe. Maybe that will somehow make the EU start helping Russians. It’s not a secret: Europe needs qualified immigrants, but people often need help. And such programs for help exist, only that few know about them.
3. What is the Greek program going to specifically focus on? What should immigrants living in Greece pay attention to?
- Each country, definitely, has its own specificity. In Germany and the UK, for example, the government gives financial support to immigrant groups. Here this is either completely absent, or inadequate. In Greece this work is often based on desire and sometimes, the sacrifices of a few enthusiasts, who don’t have help from anywhere. Because of that, the majority of organizations like that or russian-speaking newspapers are targeted towards the working population, whom it tries to help in finding a job, a partner, a means to socialize etc. And unfortunately, the elderly are somehow left outside this whole process. And with them, there are so many people who came here just for their children and grandchildren. Some had a relatively comfortable social status back in the USSR, higher education, and now this potential is going unused. It’s specifically the elderly that pass on to the growing population their knowledge about culture, the Russian language and history, since young parents most often have to work.
The first problems that these elderly immigrants face when they first arrive here have to do with the language. Not knowing the local language, it is very hard to live in a foreign country. In this regards, it’s worth mentioning the success of Pontic groups, who helped Pontic Greeks and members of their families with adaptation in the new environment. And we should follow their lead in this direction, but the spectrum of our goals is larger: it’s culture, history, psychology. The faster one in integrated in a society, the more opportunities open up in front of him and the world starts looking less hostile.
4. Tell us about the participants of the project
- Among the European groups that we will be working with is the Finnish union, of which I already talked. The german society (from Essen), headed by Dmitrij Piterskij, has a lot of experience in working with elderly people. They have run a “Club 60+” for over 4 years now, and their eldest member just turned 89!
Our colleagues in Belgium also do some interesting work in this direction. Partly, the organization “Russian house” (“Russkij Dom”), headed by Marina Novikova, has created a wonderful website, which is essentially an encyclopedia of Russian presence in the country.
The Bulgarian society “Russian Academic Union,” which received a grant from the “Ruskij Mir” funn,  is also conducting a lot of productive work. As a result of its activities, it published the unique book “Russian immigration in Bulgaria: history and now.”
We also have a lot of faith to meet with our english partners, who are represented by the society “Russians in England,” headed by Anna Portnik. This young woman managed to create an organization that already counts 2000 people in its members!
Our compatriot organization in Latvia (curator of the program is Tatyana Adrianova) connects the russian-speaking intelligentsia, who, are we all know, don’t live that well.And the desire to maintain the culture of one’s own people, enriching parallelly the world of one’s ancestors, is a characteristic that unites us all.
A lot of people have expressed the desire to work with us on a voluntary basis. They are ready to share their knowledge and experience of adaptation. I’ll name some here: father Grigorij (Pigalov), Galina Chionidi, Olda Patrunova, Irina Anastasiadi, Pavel Onoiko, Elena Tsyndrina. Also, people known in the russian-speaking communities, such as Tatyana Rab, also offered their help.
5. What topics will the first seminars cover?
- We want to have our first seminar on the topic of healthcare education. To talk about the problems, having to do with medical services in Greece. In this task we will be helped by the doctor-surgeon, graduate of the 2nd Moscow Medical School, Alexander Chionidis. Alexander has been doing for a while now free medical consultations from our group, for compatriots in need ( http://www.soruem.gr/besplatnye-konsultacii-vracha/) .  It often happens that people insured by a national insurance company, don’t know what their rights are. And this is a very important question.
Possibly, we will also ask help from another member of our Union, the surgeon-traumatologist Philip Artur (http://www.soruem.gr/besplatnye-konsultacii-xirurga-travmatologa/). He works for the charity “Doctors of the World,” where he usually offers consultations and in some exceptional cases you can get free medicine. The seminar will be accessible to everyone. We will personally go to the neighborhoods where the most socially unsecured people live.
6. How will people hear about the program and what should those, who immigrated at such an old age, expect from it?
- We announced the start of the program and that we are accepting applications from our compatriots, we placed this information in russian-language newspapers. A lot of people have already responded. They find it interesting. we are hoping for the support of the russian press in Greece. In the information placed in newspapers we will include details about the “Club 50+” and about who can participate.
We think that as we move ahead, we will find new horizons, since there are a lot of talented and bright people among the Russian immigrant population here. Besides, we will be posting information about our activities and their results on our website www.soruem.gr.
I’m not going to say anything new: the elderly immigrants’ prospects strongly depend on them. However the activities of our organization are targeted towards supporting them and giving them the chance to exchange experiences. Of course, the economic instability of our compatriots is often a barrier for a successful start in a new place. But united, we can help each other.
7. What plans do you have in the framework of cooperation with initiators of such programs on an international scale?
- In the frameworks of this program, we will conduct meetings, celebrations and seminars, in which various of our colleagues across Europe will participate. For this purpose, the European Union have us a grant to pay for tickets and lodging in the countries we visit. Each of the more active members of the program (both participants and organizers) can equally take part in these mobilities and get to know Europe a little better, while also seeing how other Russian immigrants live across Europe.
On October 28th the equivalent program starts in Riga. At the event, dedicated to this collaboration, representatives of our organizations will be present. Our colleagues and guests will receive the general program and the schedule of events and meeting. The organizers will talk about the website, where we will all place the information pertaining to the program and our activities related to it. I think, we will get back to this this topic pretty soon and tell you all about our achievements and successes. The next trip abroad is planned for the winter of 2012, when the Greek delegation will travel to Finland. But we will know about concrete dates after the first meeting in Riga.

By Yulia Golovan for www.immigrant-press.ru

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Vassilopita

 


In the first days of the New Year, the Union of Russian Immigrants in Greece gathered our compatriots together for yet another meeting, where the members of the organization discussed the conclusions from the past year of activities, and talked with the guests about plans for the new year.



Looking back at all the unique events organized, it’s hard to believe that such a number and variety of meetings was kept together by just a small group of activists of the Union. The secret to success is probably in their talent and their deep interest in the deeds of the Russian community in Greece.Irina Zhalnina talked about the achievements of the Union

Meetings with  writers and artists, excursions for members of “Club 50+”, competitions, presentations and exhibitions. In these events of the Union participated our compatriots of all ages and interests.
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Members of the Union of Russian Immigrants in Greece and guests of the evening

Irina Zhalnina readily welcomed the guests of the night and thanked those, who took part in the life of the Union, especially mentioning father Gregorij, whom she called “one of the spiritual mentors of our community.” “This incredible person makes a huge effort, helps people with less provileges, is building a church and will help anyone, who needs it,” she said, assuring the audience that the Union also tries to support our compatriots while handing them out a helping hand.

Father Gregorij led the prayer

“Despite the hardships of an immigrant’s life, starting a bright and active life is possible in any age. Starting from this position, we invite to participate in our program “Club 50+” all those who need some support.” Irina Zhalnina also expressed gratitude to the wife of the ambassador of the Russian Federation to Greece, Mrs Olga Chikhishvili, thanks to whom the wonderful “Demidovski vecher” night took place in the Embassy.

Irina Zhalnina-Vasilkioti and Ksenya Sfyri (born duchess Sheremetyeva)

The evening ended with the traditional cake “Vasilopita,” which every Greek family bakes every year for the New Year’s table. The Union also treated its guests with this cake with a hidden “lucky coin.” Tradition has it, that whoever finds the coin, will enjoy a year or happiness and luck. And probably no one was shocked that the one who did get the coin in his piece of cake,  was father Grigorij.
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Seminar on healthcare right of immigrants in Greece

 


On November 6th, after morning service at the Panagia Sumela Church, the Union of Russian Immigrants in Greece organized a lecture on the topic of “Problems with healthcare in Greece during the economic crisis,” led by Dr Alexander Chionidis.


 

Sunday service at the Russian Church Panagia Sumela

The program “Club 50+”, created by the Union in the framework of the European project “Steps Towards Active European Citizenship,” has proven a real help to our compatriots. Just in a few months, tens of russian-speaking immigrants have made friends, gained support, learnt how to independently overcome hardships and look at the future with optimism.

Prior of the Church of Panagia Sumela, father Grigorij, and A. Chionidis


Dr Chionidis talked about the most common problems that immigrants face, when they communicate with health organizations:
-Unfortunately, as opposed to representatives of other nationalities living in Greece, our people often “forget” about their rights, and in difficult moments get confuse and don’t know where to go with a particular issue. In order to be heard, you need to say the “big” words: “I have rights!” Indeed, many have insurances like “OGA”, “IKA” or “Pronoia.” Now knowing the laws leads to people wasting time and resources. You shouldn’t be afraid to demand that, to which you are entitled by law...
Alexander Chionidis answered questions from the audience and paid specific attention to the most important clauses of the greek legislature, which helps easily deal with the terror of greek bureaucracy.
Such seminars are an important link in the creation of a strong support system for our people living in Greece.

A. Chionidis is explaining the topic “Problems with healthcare in Greece during the economic crisis”

When talking about immigrant issues, it is common to attribute all problems to language and cultural barriers. However, the initiators of the program “Club 50+” have identified other causes too, especially regarding legal issues. It’s not hard to see that being equipped with the knowledge of your legal right can give power, makes people less vulnerable and more resistant to various “surprises” that life often bears.
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Charity

The Union of Russian Immigrants in Greece organized a charity event, handing over to compatriots in need in the Menidi area, more than 200 pieces of child and adult clothing.







Members of the “Club 50+,” created by the Union for the EU project “Steps Towards Active European Citizenship”also took part in the charity.

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Excursion to Acropolis

The Union of Russian Immigrants in Greece organized an excursion to the historic center of Athens for “Club 50+,” in the framework of the European project “Steps Towards Active European Citizenship.” Although I don’t fall into the category of those above 50, I still wanted to be present in this meeting.

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Evening with actor Euclede Kyurdzidis

 



A creative night with Euclede Kyurdzidis took place in Athens. Last Sunday the members of Club 50+ visited a creative night by the Russian actor or Greek heritage, which took place in Athens within the framework of the festival “Week of Russian cinema in Greece” organized by the companies “Leda-Film” and “Start Festival”, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian federation and the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Greece.

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Visiting an artist

 



On Sunday November 13th 2011, the members of Club 50+ (created by the Union of Russian Immigrants in Greece in the lines of the EU project “Steps Towards Active European Citizenship”) met once again.

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Announcing the start of the program

 



We are inviting our compatriots of age 50+ to join us for the EU Grundtvig program’s “Steps Towards Active European Citizenship” project.
The schedule of the project involved free seminars on culture, history, psychology, legal and medical consultations, communication with compatriots in other European countries etc. Seminar leaders and the most active participants of the project will be able to take part in free trips to one of the following European countries: UK, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Latvia and Finland.
Legal status in Greece necessary.
Contact Elena Filippova (210 67 29 747). This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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"Steps Towards Active European Citizenship" program stars in Greece

 


The first meeting of the participants of the EU program “Steps Towards Active European Citizenship” took place in the editorial office the newspaper “Express Kinisi” in Athens on October 5th. The organizer of the Greek delegation is the Union of Russian Immigrants in Greece, named after kn. Demidova.



The participants had a pleasant time meeting each other in a warm friendly atmosphere. They were introduced to each other, socialized and many of them made new friends. In the meeting a proposition to create a book club was made. Tatiana Rab, editor of “Express Kinisi” happily supported the initiative and offered to help with the event organization..

In the future the organizers of the program are planning to offer free seminars on history and culture, classes for computer literacy, Greek language and psychological and medical consultations. On October 30th, the president of the Union, Irina Zhalnina, will offer a free excursion around Athens to the participants of the program “Steps Towards Active European Citizenship” where she will talk about the historical center of the Greek capital (those who want to walk around the heart of Athens--the Acropolis-- the meeting is at 11:00am next to the metro station “Acropolis”). The more active participants of the program will also be able to visit for free a European country. In February 2012 the first visit (Finland) will take place, in which immigrants from Greece will be able to meet members of the same projects from other countries.

The idea of creating the program “Steps Towards Active European Citizenship” was supported by people who not only want to learn something new, but also want to pass on their experience and knowledge to those who need it. It’s important to understand that difficulties need not be feared; you can live with interest and excitement at any age. Because of that, the Union or Russian Immigrants in Greece welcomes anyone who wants to join the project and become an active member of it. We can’t delete the past, but the future only depends on our own actions...

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2011 is special year for us because we will commemorate the 160th Anniversary of birth of Queen Olga, wife of King George I, granddaughter to Emperor Nicholas I & also niece to Emperor  Alexander II. She was responsible for several public buildings in Athens, including hospitals & schools.

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Contact details:

Kannigos 19 1st floor
10667 Athens, Greece
Tel: +302103839459
Fax: +302103839459
www.soruem.gr