9th Annual UMD Modern Greek Studies Conference

Hellenism in Cyprus: Historical Trajectory from Antiquity to the Present

The University of Maryland’s Modern Greek Studies Program/Department of Classics proudly hosted the 9th Annual UMD Modern Greek Studies Conference on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Marie Mount Hall, College Park, drawing an engaged audience and receiving high praise for its insightful presentations and scholarly rigor.

Under the direction of Dr. Polyvia Parara, Director of the Modern Greek Program, and with welcoming remarks by the former Chair of the Department of Classics, Professor Lillian Doherty, the event brought together undergraduate Modern Greek Studies Program students, faculty, and community members to explore Cyprus’s rich and multifaceted Hellenic heritage.

The conference was honored by the presence of Consul Michalis Scopelitis of the Embassy of Greece in Washington, D.C., Consul Constantinos Constantino of the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus, and President and CEO Nick Larigakis of the American Hellenic Institute.

A moving quote from Greek poet Yannis Ritsos set the tone for the day:

“Νησί πικρό, νησί γλυκό, νησί τυραγνισμένο
κάνω τον πόνο σου να πω και προσκυνώ και μένω”
— Γ. Ρίτσος

Over the course of the afternoon, a diverse lineup of presentations offered a comprehensive journey through Cypriot history, art, religion, and culture:

• Bridget Claire McElwee explored The Bronze Age Civilization of Cyprus.
• Professor Lillian E. Doherty discussed Greek Antiquity in Cyprus.
• Griffin Cade Flannery examined Ancient Greek Myths and Cyprus: How Myths Were Received in Western Art.
• Spyridon Pyrros Rubani presented on Zeno of Citium and the Philosophy of Stoicism.
• Vassilios Nektarios Marmaras traced The Byzantine Cyprus and Frankish and Venetian Rule.
• Sister Nina shared insights on The Churches of Cyprus: Architecture and Thematic Elements.
• Simon Nikolaos George Agritellis highlighted The Monasteries of Cyprus and Their Iconography: The Destruction of Religious Monuments.
• Constantinos Pavlos Marmaras spoke about British Rule in Cyprus and EOKA’s Struggle for Enosis.
• Deanna Marilene Lagos addressed Cyprus: The Missing People.
• Kristina Theodora Chroneos offered a moving paper on Wounds That Endure: The 1974 Invasion and the Fractured Soul of Cyprus.
• Alexa Linda Poneris focused on The Saints of Cyprus: The Iconography of Miracles.
• Sofia Elizabeth Tasikas discussed the Folk Traditions and Culture of Cyprus.
• Eleni Maria Antoniades examined the  Historical Journey of Cyprus Through Its Coins.
• Stavros Panagiotis Dimitracopoulos reflected on Cyprus: A Timeless Part of Europe.
• Dr. Polyvia Parara concluded the presentations with Voices of Cyprus: Dialect and Literary Identity.

Throughout the program, attendees enjoyed beautiful vocal performances by Mrs. Maria Paschalidis  and a spirited performance by the UMD Hellenic Dancing Troupe, which celebrated Cypriot dance traditions, led by Sofia Tasikas.

The event concluded with a lively Q&A session and a warm dinner reception, providing an opportunity for further discussion and community connection.

The conference was free and open to the public, reinforcing the University’s commitment to promoting Greek language and culture and fostering academic and cultural dialogue on Cyprus's enduring significance in the Hellenic world.