Rooted in Joy, Greek Immigrants Have Shaped the Central Valley for Over a Century

As Axis powers argued over who was responsible for feeding blockaded Greece in the early 1940s, more than 300,000 perished from starvation. The National Greek War Relief Association was founded, and benefits were scheduled across the nation. Fresno County heavily participated in the campaign by collecting coins and promoting the star-studded KMJ radio broadcasts and dance performances held at the Fox Wilson Theatre - February 8, 1941.

There’s a concept in Greek culture known as “kefi.” While there is no exact English translation, kefi essentially means living life to its fullest and finding joy through music, laughter, and social connections, even in hard times. 

Greek immigrants have been promoting kefi throughout the Central Valley since their arrival here in the early 20^th century. In those early days, young, unmarried men seeking economic opportunities came to this community where they worked in the mines, tended ranches and helped build the railroad. 

According to records from 1892, the first Greek to settle in Fresno County was George Papageorge, who would go on to open a candy shop on Mariposa Street. Around this time, Greeks throughout the US were going into business for themselves, most notably in the restaurant industry. By 1910, a lively Greek business district had sprung up on Fresno’s west side. Coffee shops and restaurants became a meeting place, offering immigrants familiar food and time to talk to others in their native language. 

At the turn of the century, Greeks throughout the US were going into business for themselves, most notably in the restaurant industry. By 1910, a lively Greek business district had sprung up on Fresno’s west side. The Fresno Greek Coffee House was one such business.  Owner and Greek immigrant Mike is pictured with his son in front of the shop.

Soon, wives and brides-to-be would come to the Central Valley, and the Greek community took root. Amid this excitement of commerce and community grew the desire for a Greek Orthodox church to serve as a spiritual anchor that would knit the growing community together.

That dream began to take shape in 1923, when forty-five Greek residents formally organized themselves as a community. They elected Anastasios K. Pinoris, a respected local clothing merchant, as their first president. Later that year, they celebrated their first Divine Liturgy, which was graciously hosted by the Armenian Apostolic Church. A little over a year later, the community christened their first church – St. George Greek Orthodox Church – in a small stucco building at 740 Fresno Street. It became the heart of Greek life in the Central Valley. As the congregation grew, they opened a new church home on North Orchard Avenue. 

In 1937, several young parishioners of Saint George formed what is believed to be the first Greek church choir in California. The following year, the community launched its first Greek school. Parents, eager for their children to read and write in the language of their ancestors, contributed one dollar per child—or one dollar and fifty cents for two children—to support the effort.

From those humble beginnings, both the Greek community and its church have grown and continue to shape our Valley. The annual Greek Festival has become a beloved Valley tradition, and St. George Greek Orthodox Church recently celebrated 100 years in Fresno.

Father John Limberakis presides over traditionally dressed youngsters at the Greek Independence Day celebration in 1952. Several well-known Fresno County personages are pictured: Kopi Sotiropolous is fifth from the left in the front row and Dr. Peter G. Mehas is standing sixth from the right in the back row next to his sister (next to Fr. Limberakis). Kopi Sotiropolous Family Collection

Fox News personality Kopi Sotiropulos, who was born in the Peloponnese Region of Greece, is one of the most recognizable figures in the Central Valley. His jovial personality and fun relatability show all of us the spirit of kefi. 

This story is part of the Central Valley Community Foundation’s “Sixty Stories That Shaped Us” initiative to help mark 60 years since our founding. We invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone and this special place we call home. To learn more, visit us at centralvalleycf.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn @centralvalleycf.