Introduction / History

Greeks are the descendants of migrants from the Balkan Peninsula who came to Russia, primarily in the nineteenth century. This migration was the result of the political situation from the Balkans and Russian-Turkish wars, leading to considerable movement of the population. The Christian population, oppressed and mercilessly robbed by the government of the Ottoman empire, saw in Russia their liberator from the centuries-old Turkish oppression. They left their homes and followed the Russian army in masses.

In the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774, the Greek rebels from Greece fought on the Russian side and, after the war, a considerable part of them settled in the Crimea. By the beginning of the nineteenth century, the Greek settlements had lost their military importance. The Greeks who lived in the steppe districts in the Crimea and on the coast used the Tatar language (they were called Greeks-Tatars). The other part, which lived in the mountain regions, preserved their own language, which was a dialect of the modern Greek language. This group was called "Greeks-Hellens."

Today, Greeks live in 70 countries, including Mozambique. During colonial days, local Africans in Mozambique were denied many opportunities for earning a living. During these same decades, Greece was suffering from wars and economic problems. Many migrated, sometimes to African countries, to set up shops. Others became farmers.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Greeks have made their mark in the culinary arts. Greek restaurants are popular in many African countries. Many Greeks run small shops. They have good relationships with the local Africans. Greeks have set up their own high school in Mozambique.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Their religion is Orthodox Christianity. They believe the basics of Christianity, but the institution often becomes primary, and Jesus Christ becomes secondary.

What Are Their Needs?

They are religious but lack understanding of the gospel and a close relationship with the living God. Greeks need to allow the Holy Spirit to move in their churches and homes so they can experience all the Lord has for them.

Prayer Items

Pray for Greeks in Mozambique to find a vibrant faith in Christ and become an example of what God can do for all of us.
Pray for the Lord to raise up and thrust out Greek disciples who will make more disciples in Jordan.
Pray for Mozambique’s Greek community to hunger for spiritual meat and find it in Jesus Christ.

Scripture Prayers for the Greek in Mozambique.

References

https://neoskosmos.com/en/2011/02/07/features/nick-dallas-mozambique-greek-community/