Our History
Explore the fascinating history of the Nisyrian Society of New York and the community that has flourished over the years.
Our Current Home — Astoria, NY
The Society has maintained its home in Astoria since its earliest days, standing as a beacon of our rich history and a gathering place for the Nisyrian community in New York.
31-80 41st St.Astoria, NY 11103
Our Timeline
1904
The OMIROS (Homer) society is founded — the first Nisyrian society in New York; it later funds the island’s municipal school.
1906
The PORFYRIS society (an ancient name of Nisyros) is established; it later funds the island’s thermal baths (Loutra).
1909
Two more Nisyrian societies form in New York — Agios Ioannis Theologos (St. John the Theologian) and Panagia Thermiani — each founded by immigrants from a different Nisyros village.
1915
On April 5, OMIROS and PORFYRIS merge to form the Gnomagoras Nisyrian Society of New York.
1934
Haravgi (Χαραυγή, ‘daybreak’), the Nisyrian women’s society, is founded — broadening the community’s reach.
1971
The Panagia Spiliani society is founded in New York.
2003–2004
The Nisyrian societies of New York — Gnomagoras, Agios Ioannis Theologos, and Panagia Thermiani — unite into a single Nisyrian Society of New York (decided 2003, completed 2004).
Today
Now one united Society, it continues from its home in Astoria, NY as a vital link between Nisyrians in New York and their heritage.
Our Board
The officers and advisors who keep the Society thriving.
James Xanthos
President
Nick Papamichael
Vice President
Steve Plangetis
Treasurer
Costas Zahariadis
Assistant Treasurer
Pauline Roditis
Secretary
John Loizos
Assistant Secretary
Advisors
Tony Roditis
Nick Kavounidis
Fotis Papamichael
Maria Tsiros
John Hartofilis
Preserving the traditions and customs of Nisyros — for generations to come.