Pontic Greek in Georgia


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

Pontic Greeks are ethnically Greek. They traditionally lived in the region of Pontus, on the southern shores of the Black Sea. They speak Pontic, which is a distinct dialect from the modern Greek language. The language is used for folklore. Pontic songs are particularly popular in Greece. The Pontic Greeks suffered widespread massacres and what is now usually termed "ethnic cleansing" at the beginning of the 20th century. Many found refuge by hiding in the mountains, and others migrated to other countries, especially Georgia. There are currently no Christian resources in the Pontic Greek language.
Many of the Pontic Greeks fled to Georgia from the Ottoman Empire.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Pontic Greeks make their living by agriculture. They cultivate grapes, olives, wheat and different varieties of fruit. Pontic Greeks also raise goats and sheep. Some Pontic Greeks fish on the Black Sea or are involved in transporting goods on the sea. The Pontic Greeks try to maintain their Greek culture. The Greeks have a strong tradition of songs, poetry, dancing and festive clothing. The Pontic Greeks want to marry within their group so as to preserve their culture and distinct language.
There have been incidents of violence against Pontic Greeks in Georgia.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The vast majority of the Pontic Greeks are Greek Orthodox Christians. For some, there is a vibrant faith; for others, church is a social club. Some are secularized, but they prefer to be married and buried by their church.


What Are Their Needs?

Like people everywhere, the Pontic Greeks need to put all their faith in the person of Jesus Christ.


Prayer Points

Pray that Pontic Greeks would be led to investigate the claims of Jesus in the Bible and fall in love with the only savior.
Pray for Pontic Greek disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for a Holy Spirit generated revival in the Greek Orthodox Church, bringing joy and spiritual refreshment to this ancient church tradition.


Scripture Prayers for the Pontic Greek in Georgia.


References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontic_Greeks
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greeks_in_Georgia


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Pontic
People Name in Country Pontic Greek
Alternate Names
Population this Country 12,000
Population all Countries 386,000
Total Countries 3
Indigenous No
Progress Scale 3
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed
People ID 14444
ROP3 Code 108121
ROP25 Code 306790
ROP25 Name Pontic
Country Georgia
Region Europe, Eastern and Eurasia
Continent Europe
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Country Georgia
Region Europe, Eastern and Eurasia
Continent Europe
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked

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Ethnolinguistic map or other map

Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 1.00 %)
90.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
10.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Pontic (12,000 speakers)
Language Code pnt   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Pontic (12,000 speakers)
Language Code pnt   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Pontic

Primary Language:  Pontic

Bible Translation Status:  Translation Needed

Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Photo Source Anna Diamantopoulou - Flickr  Creative Commons 
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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