On Sunday, September 7, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Hellenic Society of Constantinople held their 44th annual Commemoration of the Fall of Constantinople event at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois, following Divine Liturgy. 

Rev. Fr. Luke Melackrinos, protopresbyter of St. Nicholas, introduced the presentation in church before performing a memorial service to honor those who perished during the Fall of Constantinople, the Pogrom of 1955 and those who lost their lives in service of God and country. He also spoke to the youth about the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the role of the Archons in front of the parish before sending them off to Sunday School classes.  

Traditionally, this event is held in May, near the anniversary of the Fall of Constantinople, to raise awareness of the conquest that marked the end of the Byzantine Empire. However, this year’s program was scheduled in September to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Pogrom of 1955. During this tragic chapter in Constantinople’s history, the Turkish government orchestrated anti-Greek riots, resulting in the deaths and displacement of thousands of Greek Orthodox citizens of Turkey, and the destruction of thousands of Greek churches, homes and businesses in what is now modern day Istanbul. 

The event began with opening remarks from Hellena K. Chrones, President of the Hellenic Society of Constantinople, along with Archon Gus M. Pablecas, National Secretary and Regional Commander in the Metropolis of Chicago. Archon Thomas N. Kanelos  then introduced this year’s guest speaker Alexander Billinis — a lecturer at Clemson University in South Carolina, author, and licensed attorney in Illinois and Utah.  

Mr. Billinis’ presentation, titled “September Days and the Demographic Fall of Constantinople – A Remembrance of the Pogrom of September 1955,” highlighted this catastrophic event in the history of the Greek Orthodox population of Constantinople, urging us to remember, speak out and work towards preserving and growing the remaining Greek population in modern day Istanbul.  

“Mr. Billinis reminded us that if we don’t remember and speak up about this ethnic cleansing, then who will,” said Archon Thomas N. Kanelos, adding that “this lecture provided an informative look at a tragic event in the history of our Faith.” 

The event concluded with a Q&A session, moderated by Archon John G. Manos,  Regional Commander in the Metropolis of Chicago.  

A special thank you to Rev. Fr. Luke Melackrinos, Parish Council President Georgia Christakes and the members of the St. Nicholas Parish Council, Dr. Peter Patsavas, and the Saint Nicholas Philoptochos Society for hosting this year’s annual event. We thank them for their generosity and hospitality.