The Norwalk Pontian Society “Pontos” of Norwalk was the concept and idea that began in the early 80’s. The Pontian community of the Norwalk, CT region needed a communal association to share their history, dances, songs and other traditions of their culture. Most importantly, to be able to share these items with their youth and to make sure that these traditions live on from generation to generation.  On April 9th 1982 the society’s constitution was created and the name ‘Pontos’ was chosen to be the name of our society.

It was at this time that the first official dance group of “Pontos” was created under the direction of Vasilis Kementizidis and Vangeli Vasiliadis. Our first lyrari was Stathis Kitmiridis (Taskas).  By early 1983 our Pontian Society “Pontos” was already involved in events with our dance groups and a theatrical troupe we also formed, performances were held in Norwalk, Boston, and New York. Our first annual dinner dance took place July 4, 1982 and by 1987 our society, for the first time, had the honor of hosting the 8th Pan-Pontian Federation Convention.

Until the location for the society was determined, practices were held at various locations including members’ households and church halls.  In December of 1998 “Pontos” becomes a reality with the purchase of their own building, where we are still currently located.

During the early difficult years, we were able to increase our members, focusing on the youth, with participation in the dance group and theatrical troupe, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the departed Achilles Tsilfides. During those years our society steadily grew with involvements in most federation events. By 2001 we hosted the 15th Pan-Pontian Federation Convention and then again in 2011 hosting the 20th Convention.

Our dance group has had the pleasure of performing in several competitions and performances worldwide. In 2005 the dance group traveled to Greece to perform at The Holy Monastery of Panagia Soumela in Veria, and other northern Greek towns and villages. In 2008 the dance group participated in the HDF Competition. With 20 other competing dance groups, they were awarded 2nd place. In 2013 the dance group was again on their way to Greece. They were invited to participate in the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Syllogos Vrakoforon in Rethymno, Crete, followed by performances at other events in various towns of northern Greece, also returning and performing at Panigia Soumela, during the “Dekapentavgoustos”. In 2015 we gathered relief funds for the refugees in Greece during the time of crisis, which were personally delivered by our President at that time, George Tsilfidis.

Over the year we have had the pleasure of hosting many theatrical groups, dance groups, musicians, and scholars. In addition, many came to educate our members and dance group in the history of the Genocide recognition and the Pontian way of life. A few of the most significant speakers were: Thea Halo (Author of Not Even My Name), Neoklis Sarris, Konstantinos Fotiadis (Professor and Historian), Michalis Haralambidis, Theodosis Kiriakidis (Producer of the film: The Documentary, In the Footsteps of the Argonauts), and many others.

The city of Norwalk has always been a great supporter in everything we do. They have honored us by proclaiming Isaac St in Norwalk, the street for which our syllogo resides in, as “Pontian Society Way”. Different Mayors at different times gave us proclamations recognizing the Pontian Genocide.