Путешествия по Греции - это не пройденные мили, а встречи с нашими Греками

It has never been interrupted and has transformed along with technological advances. Humanitarian aid in the 1990s: In the early years, Greeks who had just found their feet sent parcels of clothing, food, and scarce goods to Russia. Financial support: Money transfers to relatives in Russia remained a regular practice for many families in Greece for a long time. Visits and tourism: Before the geopolitical situation became more complex, repatriates regularly flew to Russia (especially to the south—Krasnodar Krai, Stavropol, and Rostov-on-Don) to visit loved ones and tend to the graves of their ancestors. Digital bridges: Today, communication is maintained through instant messaging apps and social media. Shared family celebrations and news discussions take place online daily. 4. Why do they still love Russia? Despite integrating into Greek society and receiving citizenship, the vast majority of repatriates retain a deep love and respect for Russia. There are several compelling reasons for this: Cultural background and personality development: They spent their childhood, youth, and student years in Russia (and the USSR). Their mentality, sense of humor, habits, and outlook on life were shaped by Russian culture, literature, and cinema. Gratefulness for salvation: Greeks remember that the Russian Empire, and later the USSR (despite the tragic Stalinist deportations of the 1930s and 1940s, which also remain part of their memory), historically provided the Greek people with refuge from the Ottoman genocide, the opportunity to preserve the Orthodox faith, and develop business and culture. Nostalgia for "humanity": Many repatriates note that they miss the special warmth, sincerity, and scale of human relationships that were characteristic of people in Russia, and which they sometimes miss in a more pragmatic European environment. Russian in the Family: Russian remains the primary language of communication within repatriate families. It is spoken at home, read in books, and watched in films. Children are often sent to Saturday Russian schools in Greece to preserve the language. As a result, Pontic Greeks today act as a unique "bridge" between the two countries, combining devotion to their historical homeland, Greece, with deep filial gratitude to their de facto homeland, Russia.