The Pontion Society Komninoi is a member society of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York. Founded in 1965, the society is dedicated to “preserving the rich heritage” of the Pontian people. The Pontian, or Pontic, Greeks are Greeks that come from the region of Pontus. The Pontion Society Komninoi aims to preserve the traditions of Greece through providing a space for Greeks of all ages to meet and share their culture, language (especially the Pontian dialect), and music. The society also attempts to draw media and community attention toward social issues Greeks are facing in both Greece and in America. Recently, the society held a fundraiser to aid an ill member. 1

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This is the Pontion Society Komninoi’s seal, taken from the Society’s official website.

What Goes On in the Pontion Society Komninoi?

During the day, the Pontion Society Komninoi serves coffee and small meals to retired Greek men, who spend their time playing backgammon and sharing news from the “old country.” The society also holds Greek dance classes for the Greek youth of the neighborhood. In fact, the society’s dance group has performed in various states in competitions.

This is a picture of the outside of the society.

This is a picture of the outside of the society. It waves the Pontion Society Komninoi flag, the American flag, and the Greek flag.

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This is a photo of two Greek men playing backgammon in the society.

The society also promotes Greek events going on locally. This is a poster for the Greek Independence Day parade that had just occurred that was hanging in the society.

The society also promotes Greek events going on locally. This is a poster for the Greek Independence Day parade that had just occurred that was hanging in the society.

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This is a beautiful mural of a map of Pontus, the Greek area where members of this society come from. The mural is painted on the wall of the society.

Our Experience at the Society

We quickly reached the second stop of our tour of Astoria, the society, and stood outside attempting to interpret the Greek sign. Our professor urged us to peek inside and see the Greek men playing backgammon and drinking coffee, as we had so often discussed in class. Suddenly, a member of the society who was about to enter invited us inside, introducing us to the employees and inviting us to make ourselves at home and take a look around. Personally, this stop was the beginning of the ultimate learning experience. Meeting the Greek people and being so warmly welcomed into their institutions and listening to them proudly tell us about their culture is such an incredible thing that no textbook could convey. Seeing the men play backgammon and the mural of Pontus showed how close to their Greek roots these Greeks are, yet also how they have made America their home away from home.

The Pontion Society Komninoi is located at 31-25 23rd Avenue in Astoria, NY (zip code 11105).

The Pontion Society Komninoi’s Facebook page (in English) can be found by clicking here.

The society’s website (in Greek) can be accessed here.

All pictures were taken by Michelle Coleman.