Decision and Departure: Migration in Times of Crisis

Decision and Departure: Migration in Times of Crisis

Against the backdrop of the economic crisis in Greece, Maria Papadopoulou faces a fundamental decision after completing her studies: to stay or to leave. Migration appears as a way to escape uncertainty and to seek new opportunities. 

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For a full transcript of this video interview, please see the PDF linked below in the credits.

When the time comes to get on the plane, with all these feelings in your luggage, to leave your old life behind, the language you grew up with, in which you communicated, to leave your place of refuge, your safe place. It was not easy. We cried. A lot. But we told ourselves that it was for our own good. And for our parents, because the house was suddenly empty. It is an icon that we all in the family know, this is my icon. It was given to me when I was very little. And wherever I go, I take it with me. On the back, there is also a beautiful dedication that has accompanied me throughout my life.

Family icon from Maria Popodopoulou
Back side of the family icon from Maria Popodopoulou, with a message
Orthodox icon of the Holy Mother Mary “Gorgoepikoos” (“She Who Hears Quickly”). This icon of the Holy Mother Mary, known by the epithet “Gorgoepikoos” (“She Who Hears Quickly”), was brought to Germany by Maria Papadopoulou when she moved there. Icons are a central element of religious practice in Greek households and are often placed in a designated area known as an iconostasis. During labour migration from Greece, they served as important religious objects and were frequently taken along as symbols of protection. This significance continues to the present day. 
 
Translation of the text on the back: 
“Maria, may our Holy Mother Mary, the Mother of all people, make you a good and beautiful woman—in body and in soul. Archontoula, July 4, 1994.”