In the annals of ancient Greek history, a plethora of occupations once thrived, each playing a vital role in the fabric of society. Yet, as time unfurled its ceaseless march, many of these professions faded into obscurity, their legacy preserved only in the pages of history.

Let's take a look at some traditional occupations that have all but disappeared in the wake of modernization.


Newspaper Seller (Εφημεριδοπώλης) 



In the bustling streets and squares of Greek cities, newspaper sellers were a ubiquitous sight, their voices echoing through the urban landscape as they hawked the day's headlines to passersby. Armed with bundles of newspapers, these vendors provided a vital link between readers and the latest news and information. However, with the rise of digital media and declining print circulation, the role of the newspaper seller has steadily diminished, leaving behind a bygone era of street-level journalism.

Milk Carrier (Γαλατάς)



Before refrigeration became commonplace in Greek households, milk carriers played a crucial role in delivering fresh dairy products to doorsteps each morning. Laden with metal or wooden pails filled with milk, these diligent workers traversed neighborhoods, providing families with a daily supply of this essential staple. However, with the advent of supermarkets and packaged dairy products, the tradition of door-to-door milk delivery has largely disappeared, consigning the milk carrier to the annals of history.

Shoe Polisher (Λούστρος)



Shoe polishers once plied their trade, offering their services to passersby seeking to restore luster to their worn footwear. Armed with brushes, cloths, and pots of polish, these artisans meticulously buffed and shined shoes to a gleaming finish, earning a modest living from their skilled labor. With the decline of traditional cobbling and the rise of disposable footwear, the demand for shoe polishers has dwindled, relegating this once-respected craft to the margins of society.

Laterna Player (Λατερνατζής)



In the twilight hours of Greek evenings, the haunting strains of the laterna once filled the air, captivating listeners with its melancholy melodies and nostalgic tunes. Operated by itinerant musicians known as laternantzides, these portable barrel organs provided entertainment and diversion to audiences gathered in public squares and tavernas. 

Haulier (Αγωγιάτης)


Haulier, or agogiatis in Greek, was a livelihood transporter who utilized pack animals, carts, and even sleds in winter landscapes. They transported everything, from clients as a sort of road itinerary service, to goods and food supplies. Often, they also undertook the transportation of patients, corpses, etc. From the 1920s onwards, with the advent and widespread use of motorized vehicles, αγωγιάτες gradually became marginalized and subsequently faded away.

Ice Seller (Παγoπώλης)



In the sweltering summer months, the ice seller was a welcome sight in Greek neighborhoods, providing relief from the oppressive heat with blocks of ice harvested from mountain lakes and rivers. Laden with wooden carts or wagons filled with ice, these intrepid vendors traversed the streets, offering their chilly wares to parched and overheated passersby. With the widespread availability of refrigeration and commercially produced ice, the tradition of artisanal ice harvesting and sales has faded, leaving behind memories of a cooler, simpler time.

Metal Polisher (Γανωτής)



The "ganotis" in Greece was a skilled metal polisher specializing in revitalizing copper utensils. Their expertise lay in restoring the shine and removing corrosion from these items, preserving their beauty and functionality. Through meticulous cleaning and polishing techniques, they transformed dull utensils into gleaming treasures, showcasing their craftsmanship and dedication to preserving Greek heritage.

The Salvation Army is an international Christian movement that operates in 127 countries worldwide. In Greece, the Salvation Army has been operating as a nonprofit company since January, 2011, standing by vulnerable groups, most especially: young families and single mothers, the elderly and the so-called ‘new poor’ – those formerly of the middleclass who now need help in positively adapting to a new lifestyle which incorporates a lower standard of living.

WHO WE ARE

After successfully founding and running the Salvation Army in Thessaloniki, Greece, Captains Polis Pantelidis and Maria Konti Galinou relocated to Athens to establish similar programs and activities. These Athens initiatives fall under two main areas: the ‘By Your Side’ community program and the Christian Church, or ‘corps’, division.
HOW WE DO IT

‘BY YOUR SIDE’ COMMUNITY PROGRAM:

ADOPT A FAMILY PROGRAM
This program provides a concrete way for groups of friends to help their fellow humankind by providing concrete assistance in a pro-active, transparent manner. Particular emphasis is placed on maintaining the privacy and dignity of those on the receiving end.
With the individual’s dignity in mind, we aim to support those benefiting by the program to reach their full potential – with a view to their achieving independent living. It is open to all, regardless of age, culture, nationality, political and/or religious beliefs.

PARENTS AND TODDLERS GROUP


We consider family to be the heart of any community; any link by marriage, adoption or blood is considered family. Accordingly, we provide families with a safe, controlled, fully equipped environment where young children can play together or with their carers. Perhaps equally important, the carers also have an opportunity to socialise with each other.The programme is open to children aged 6-months to 4-years-old, regardless of race or political, cultural and/or religious beliefs. In order to participate, an application form must be filled out and accepted. Participants are also encouraged to support the program with any donation possible - even as small as 30 cents per session.

CHARITY ‘SHOP’

Following international Salvation Army tradition, this shop makes donated new and second-hand articles available to the general public. Small donations are requested to be used to support other Salvation Army activities in the community.
All donors, customers and volunteers involved in the charity shop are viewed as human beings with equal rights. Staff, whether paid or volunteer, must be attentive to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of all participants.
As for customer care, all donated articles are selected to meet quality standards. Each piece is washed and pressed on the Salvation Army premises.

GREEN LIGHT PROJECT

The Salvation Army in Athens actively participates in the fight against human trafficking. Equally important is the issue of prostitution, where many girls are trapped, often at a very young age. This program provides a nonthreatening place where victims of trafficking and women working in the sex industry can regularly drop in for a ‘normal’ chat and cup of coffee - hence facilitating their societal integration. The program also hosts workshops.

The trafficking of humans for sexual exploitation is against the basic human right of freedom, and thwarts people’s right to set their own boundaries. We believe that human trafficking does not have a place in human society and must be eradicated.

CHURCH OR ‘CORPS’:

Like most Salvation Army centres, we hold weekly worship services on our premises on Sunday mornings, from 11.00-13.30. These meetings have a relaxed atmosphere and include hymn singing, Bible readings, members of the congregation talking about their Christian experiences, and presentations by worship or drama groups. We also host supplementary activities, like Sunday School, Bible studies and prayer meetings.
Our belief follows the mainstream tenets of Christian faith, with particular emphasis on the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We aim to share the message of Christian love to everyone, while at the same time working with and respecting all other faiths and beliefs.

We view the fight against poverty, abuse and social injustice as an expression of true Christianity. We desire to lend a listening ear and helping hand to those in need, in order to encourage them to reach their full potential and achieve independent living. We intend to care for the community by encouraging change through hope, and example.

How can you participate?
The Salvation Army aims to spread the Christian message of God's love to all, as well as extend humanitarian aid, regardless of politics, religious beliefs or race. We invite you to contact us and join this effort, as volunteers, donors or sponsors.

Offering Aid To Refugees

The Salvation Army in Athens has been working with the refugees arriving in Athens from the Greek islands. We distribute around 700 to 1000 sandwiches and around 150 to 200 litres of milk. Also, we visit the people living in Athens' squares during the day assessing their needs and help them accordingly. We support with nappies, baby milk, clothing, shoes, socks and soon we will be able to provide sleeping bags and water proof coats. So many stories and so many lives and each one of them very special. The problem is here to stay and with the winter months approaching we would like to be ready to be a positive step on their journey.

The small paved square with the parish church of St. Nicholas, the planes and the simple cafes and grills, are forming the picturesque village ambience. The Karali Folk Museum with collection, which spans the last two centuries, is one of the points of interest.

The material is more than 1800 items and includes pastoral and agricultural utensils for household use, weapons and costumes of the region, wood carvings, embroidery, coins, tools and various miscellaneous items of folk art.

The Annunciation Monastery, established in 1700 with magnificent frescoes in good condition.

The Church of St. Nicholas, built in 1904, located in the central village square.

The Church of San Marco and the Church of St. Cosmas Aitolos.

Wander to the two mills to the position Goura, which are declared as preserved monuments, as well as the church of Saint Panteleimon.

Source: Xenion.gr

There’s a 15% chance Greece will leave the 19-nation currency union if Tsipras forms a coalition government with one of the centrist parties, the Bloomberg survey shows. That compares with 5% under an alliance led by New Democracy.

The risk increases to 20% if SYRIZA gets an overall majority, compared with 5% under a New Democracy majority, the poll shows.

A victory for Tsipras, either alone or in coalition, would result in debt relief for Greece, according to 87% of those polled, while 57% said the same of a Samaras victory.

“Compromise is not as hard as it looks,” said Alan McQuaid, chief economist at Merrion Capital in Dublin. “SYRIZA does not have a democratic mandate to take Greece out of the single currency. It may have to form a coalition to govern, requiring compromise even on its flagship policy. And Europe can give.”

To read more, please visit thetoc.gr/eng