Cultural Relations and Greek Community

Due to the Greece's long-standing cultural influence (up until the 5th century A.D., the Armenians were using the Greek alphabet), Armenian interest in Greek culture is strong. Τhe presence of Greeks in Armenia has a history of thousands of years, however the largest influx of Greeks took place from Pontus about 300 years ago. In 1752, Greeks moved from Argyroupoli, Trebizond, Kars and settled in the regions of Alaverdi, Ahtala, Madan, Samluh, Bedik, Yahdan, Kochs, Alexandropol (Gyumri), Bayandur, Kavart and of Mishana (Ankavan) with the main purpose of finding work in the field of copper mining and processing․

Today the Greek community of Armenia consists of 900 people of mixed marriages and despite their small number the Greeks have fully integrated into the local society while actively participating in the political, cultural, social and scientific events of the country. The numerical reduction of the expatriate presence compared to earlier times is mainly due to mass immigration to Greece and the countries of the former USSR.

The Union of Greek Communities of Armenia ( , www.greeks.am) includes nine Greek communities from various cities of Armenia and a youth organization. The President of the Union is Maria Lazaridou. The Union of Greek Communities of Armenia organizes various events and programs for the preservation of Hellenism in Armenia such as camps for children of Greek origin, Greek language courses, events on the Greek language, culture and history.

The Union of Greek Communities of Armenia has close ties with the Greek Embassy in Armenia and in general with the Greek government. Thanks to this cooperation, free Greek language courses are held, Greek language teachers have the opportunity to participate in training seminars in Greece, and Greek children of Armenia visit Greece.