Greek Family
Raising a Family in the Spirit of Hellenism
Written By: Penelope Conomos Benis
As parents, we have a profound influence over what we expose to our children. It’s a big responsibility, and oftentimes a challenge given the surrounding forces of social media. With respect to our Hellenic heritage, we are tasked with the onus of teaching our children its multifaceted composition: Orthodoxy, culture, and stewardship. As a mother of three sons – now college aged and beyond – I often reflect on the parental decisions my husband and I made: both positive and regretted, amid raising our children in the intended spirit of Hellenism.
Discovering the Greek Family Unit, From a Generation X Perspective
Written By: Penelope
I’ve always been proud of my Greek heritage – that’s an understatement for myself and many fellow Hellenes. In my youth, I embraced it in what I thought was its entirety. I learned how to Greek dance, regularly attended Greek Orthodox Church, enrolled myself in Greek school, strictly followed the religious calendar and dyed my Easter eggs red. Growing up, I participated in JOY, GOYA and YAL. I taught myself to cook all of my favorite Greek dishes.