Hernando County recently celebrated Greek-American Heritage Month, which culminated in the commemoration of Greek Independence Day on March 25. The county is home to a significant number of Greek-Americans, including those who attend Christ The Savior Greek Orthodox Church. Emily Thomas, a member of the church’s congregation, shared her family’s story of immigrating to the United States from Greece.
Emily’s father, Achilles, left Greece seeking a better life for his family. They first immigrated to Canada when Emily was a child, then moved to a Greek community in Chicago when she was eight years old. Emily’s biggest challenge was learning English, but she quickly picked up the language and took on additional responsibilities, including translating for her parents and managing the family’s finances. In 1972, the family made their third “migration” to Florida, where Achilles opened an automotive business, and Emily assisted with paperwork and accounting.
Emily reflected on her visits to Greece, stating that the country is “beautiful, friendly, and safe.” She noted that the main difference between Greece and the United States is the laid-back attitude of the Greek people, who prioritize culture, faith, and family. Emily’s story is a testament to the contributions of Greek-Americans in Hernando County and beyond.
The Greek-American community has made significant contributions to various fields, including entertainment, sports, and politics. Notable Greek-Americans include director Elia Kazan, opera singer Maria Callas, and U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis, who is the grandson of Greek immigrants.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
