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The 7th World Convention of Cretans opens in Chania with a strong message of unity

July 24, 2026 · 1 min read

With the participation of representatives of the Cretan Diaspora from around the world, as well as prominent figures from politics, academia, business, and culture, the proceedings of the 7th World Convention of Cretans officially began on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the Orthodox Academy of Crete in Kolymbari, Chania.

Organized by the World Council of Cretans (WCC) under the central theme “Crete and the Cretans of Today and Tomorrow,” the Convention represents the most significant global gathering of Cretans from around the world with their ancestral homeland. It aims to serve as a meaningful platform for dialogue, cooperation, and the development of proposals that will contribute to the future of Crete and the global Cretan community.

Crete Welcomes Cretans from Around the World

The events of the 7th World Convention of Cretans officially and ceremonially began on Tuesday, July 21, in Chania, with two highly symbolic events highlighting the unity of Cretans worldwide and their deep connection with their historic homeland.

At the historic Firkas Fortress, the official Flag-Raising Ceremony of the member organizations of the World Council of Cretans took place, with the…

Source: Orthodox Times · Read the full story →

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Photini Campbell

The flag-raising at Firkas Fortress sounds like it really set the tone. My Yiayia was from Chania and she always said the Cretan clubs in Canada kept us tied to home even when we couldn’t visit. Looking forward to hearing what practical ideas come out of the “Today and Tomorrow” talks.

Стефан Марков

Good thing they started right in Firkas, this place carries weight. I like the theme "Crete today and tomorrow" because most of us in the diaspora wonder how to pass something on to the children that is not just songs and food. I wonder if they will come up with something practical for the youth who no longer speak Greek.

Софья Зайцева

My daughter in Kazan also sometimes goes to such meetings of ours, but through the church. Firkas is truly a place with history, they chose it correctly. I wonder if they will come up with something real for young people, so that they not only raise flags, but so that the children of the diaspora can at least read Greek and know where their roots come from.