Santa Barbara AHEPA Chapter 243

Hellenism
Hellenism is important in our society today, just as it was thousands of year ago. It is important to remember Hellenism and the many contributions from ancient Greece that are still significant and part of our society today.
*************************

The name of Greece came from the word “Graecia”, the name by which the Romans referred to this land; but the Greeks, early on, called themselves Hellenes and their country Hellas, according to the evidence of the ancient historian Thucydides. Today, we often speak of Hellenism and its significance for the world, but the term is frequently understood differently by various groups of people, whose own definitions are often noble but also limited (e.g. referring to Geography, food, dance, language etc.)

But the meaning of Hellenism is much broader. It is a Universal Ideal which, throughout the centuries, has sought to express beauty, harmony and balance in both the inner life of the individual and the communal experience of the society. Its expression in the Greek language, literature, art, philosophy, science, politics, myth and drama has affected the world for centuries, and it continues to enrich our lives today. It is evident, therefore, why such an ideal is worth preserving by all means, and why claiming Hellenism as our own heritage can be Our Unique Pride and also Our Unique Responsibility.

by Lena Hatzichronoglou,
Professor of Classics and the Humanities, Founder of Hellenic Visions
www.hellenicvisions.com
lena@hellenicvisions.com