Greek in Zambia

Introduction / History

The ethnic Greeks are the descendants of one of the world's most influential ancient civilizations. Their history stretches back thousands of years to the city-states of classical Greece, whose philosophers, artists, and leaders shaped Western thought and culture. Today, most Greeks speak Modern Greek, a language that evolved from Koine Greek, the language of the New Testament.
Modern Greece gained independence from the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century and remains a proud nation with a strong sense of identity rooted in language, family, and the Orthodox faith. Ethnic Greeks are the majority population of Greece, though many also live abroad in 70 diaspora communities, one of which is in Zambia.
At the end of the 1800s, Nikolaos Vlahakis, a Greek, fled Greece and settled in what is now Zambia. He became a local hero, sometimes saving local people from crocodiles and other wild animals. Later his brother joined him. They married local women and began a small but prestigious Greek population.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Greeks are known for their deep sense of community, hospitality (philoxenia), and family connection. Life often centers around the extended family, with frequent gatherings and shared meals. While younger generations are more globalized and digitally connected, traditional values of honor, respect for elders, and loyalty to family remain central to Greek culture.
Recreation often includes socializing at cafés, attending festivals, and celebrating national and religious holidays.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Nearly all ethnic Greeks in Zambia identify—at least culturally—as Greek Orthodox Christians. The Greek Orthodox Church is deeply intertwined with national identity; to be Greek is often to be Orthodox.
The faith emphasizes sacraments, liturgy, and tradition. Salvation is seen as a lifelong journey of becoming united with God (theosis) through faith, repentance, and participation in the Church. Icons, saints, and feast days hold great importance.
However, for many, Orthodoxy is more cultural than personal. Church attendance may be limited to holidays or major life events. While many honor God outwardly, few know the gospel of salvation by grace through faith alone in Christ. Evangelical believers are a small minority, often viewed with suspicion or misunderstanding.

What Are Their Needs?

The greatest need among ethnic Greeks is spiritual renewal through the gospel. Many know about Christ through tradition but do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Church's authority can sometimes overshadow Scripture, and many are unfamiliar with the Bible's teaching on grace and new life in Christ. The traditional Orthodox view teaches faith through works, sacraments, and other rituals that do not align with Christ's new covenant to believers – saved by faith through grace and not of ourselves.
There is also a need for gospel witness within the Orthodox context, for believers who can lovingly communicate truth in ways that honor Greek culture while pointing to Christ alone as Savior.
Finally, the Greek church has the potential to become a mission-sending force to the unreached peoples nearby - in the Balkans, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Prayer Points

Pray for a missionary vision that Greek Christians would become a part of God's global mission to reach Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists with the hope of Christ.
Pray for spiritual awakening among ethnic Greeks that many would read the Scriptures, encounter Jesus personally, and find true faith in Him.
Pray for unity and courage among Greek believers to share Christ with their families and communities in love and truth.
Pray for gospel renewal within the Orthodox Church that God would open the hearts of priests and laypeople alike to hunger for the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, and to remove faith in their works and sacraments.

Text Source:   Joshua Project