Our Founding
The Tenedian Brotherhood was formed in Wheeling, West Virginia on January 30, 1908. It was started so that Tenedians living in the United States could help their families and friends back home in Tenedos by collecting money and goods to send to the island.
The Tenedian families that lived in Toledo, Ohio — a larger group — started the idea of getting together to enjoy Greek food, music, and dancing while maintaining charitable donations sent home to the island. One of their first meetings was a picnic at Locust Point Beach, attended by Tenedians from across the United States.
Traditions and Gatherings
The Brotherhood decided to meet twice a year, establishing two beloved traditions that would define the community for generations.
Apokria — The First Gathering
The Apokria gathering was held on the last Sunday before Lent, celebrating in the tradition of Mardi Gras. Men and women dressed in costumes, games were played, and a Greek band performed. The festivities brought joy and fellowship to Tenedians who had built their new lives far from the island.
The Saint Paraskevi Celebration — The Second Gathering
The second annual meeting was held in July to honor Saint Paraskevi, on the Sunday nearest July 26th. Saint Paraskevi is particularly noted for her charitable attributes, which matched perfectly with the Brotherhood's founding mission of charitable giving.
The Tenedians kept this wonderful tradition for many years, meeting at various venues including Toledo Beach, The Moose Hall, and Locust Point Beach. During this time, money was collected to build a school for the children of Tenedos — a lasting gift to the homeland.
The Brotherhood continued meeting until the mid-1960s, then stopped for reasons that have been lost to time.
The Revival — 1989–1990
Around 1989, fellow Tenedian Katherine Saltos Kopan, while on a boat traveling to Greece, found herself reflecting on her young girl days and the wonderful gatherings she remembered so fondly. She turned to her husband and said that they should have a get-together at their home.
In 1990, she and her husband invited about 15 couples — and the Tenedian Brotherhood was reborn. It has continued strong to this day, keeping alive the spirit of fellowship, memory, and love for the island and its people.