It is fundamental to human nature for people to feel a strong urge to connect and share time with others from their homeland when they are far away. This desire to bond over shared origins, customs, local history, and language brings individuals together, whether they are near or far from their birthplace. Such connections lead to the formation of societies where members intermingle, enjoy each other’s company, and celebrate significant events related to their native land.
One such society consists of individuals whose roots trace back to the legendary Island of Ithaki, famously associated with Homer’s Odysseus—the clever King of Ithaca who fought in the Trojan War. His ten-year journey to return home inspired the epic poem, “Odysseia.” Established in 1966, the Society of Ithakians, known as “Ο Οδυσσεύς” (Odysseus), has around 80 to 100 members. In addition to fostering camaraderie, the Society organizes educational events, book introductions, and historical presentations. They also celebrate significant occasions, such as Ithaca’s joining Greece on May 21, and conduct tourist excursions, as well as various “panigyria” and dinner dances.
On January 22, 2025, the Society celebrated its annual “Vasilopita” at the café-bar-restaurant “Deck.” Rev. Konstantinos of the Greek Orthodox Church of Evaggelistria offered the invocation. Mr. John Karantzis, the Society’s President, addressed an assembly of around 80 members and guests, and Ms. Maria Philippatou, the Society’s Secretary, read a congratulatory letter from the Prefect of Ithaki. The evening turned festive, with lively dancing and music provided by D.J. Vasilis Akrivos for nearly 100 attendees.
After a delightful evening, several gifts were distributed by lot, including four unique items: replicas of ancient coins from Ithaca featuring the head of Odysseus. This charming conclusion capped off a wonderful event. It’s important to note that one must not be far from their native land to feel a sense of distance. This particular event was held in Patra, Greece, just 55 miles (as the crow flies) from Ithaki. The full formal name of the celebrants is: “The Patras Society of Ithakians ‘Odysseus.'”
I was a welcome guest at the festivities. I knew several of the members, so I compared their feelings of nostalgia and love for their native Island with the similar sentiments that Greek-Americans in the Greater Philadelphia area express for their homeland. It is remarkable how the human heart does not recognize distance and feels just as far from its “true home,” whether they are 2,500 miles away or only 55 miles away. The yearning remains the same. It was a moving revelation!