The Hellenic Heritage Foundation (HHF) continues its acclaimed podcast series The HHF Presents with the launch of Season 6, Greece’s Darkest Decade, Part Two: Civil War, a compelling new chapter that examines the devastating conflict that followed World War II.

Produced by HHF’s award-winning History Committee, the five-part series picks up where Part One left off, at the end of the Second World War. While liberation brought hope to many nations, Greece instead descended into further turmoil. Deep political divisions and competing visions for the country’s future led to the outbreak of the Greek Civil War on March 31, 1946—exactly 80 years ago.

This latest installment brings a deeply human perspective to the historical narrative, drawing on oral histories from Canada’s Greek immigrant community. The stories are sourced from the HHF Greek Canadian Archives at York University (HHFGCA), offering rare and personal insights into the lived experiences of those who endured the conflict.

“The eldest members of our community, who were mostly children and adolescents during the Civil War, shared stories of trauma, displacement, and survival,” says Sandra Gionas, Chair of the HHF History Committee. “Many of them later sought better lives abroad. We felt a responsibility to preserve and share these voices so that their experiences are never forgotten.”

The podcast is co-hosted by Gionas, a journalist, and Angelo Laskaris, a PhD candidate at York University whose research and interviews form a key part of the archive. Together, they guide listeners through the complexities of the era, blending personal testimony with expert analysis.

Featuring contributions from historians, political scientists, and individuals with firsthand experience, the series explores pivotal moments and themes of the Civil War period, including the Dekemvriana clashes, the White Terror, guerrilla warfare, and the controversial Paidomazoma—the forced displacement of children during the conflict.

Episodes are released weekly through April 21 and are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and via the HHF website.

The HHF Presents has built a strong reputation for producing high-quality public history content that resonates with both Greek and wider audiences. Previous seasons have explored key moments in Greek and diaspora history, including Exodus: The Stories of 1922, which won the 2023 Canadian Ethnic Media Association award for Best Podcast Series. Other notable series, such as The Idea of Greece, were featured in the Greek Republic’s bicentennial commemorations, while episodes on the Athens Polytechnic uprising and the Turkish invasion of Cyprus have earned nominations for Heritage Toronto Public History Awards.

The HHF History Committee, composed of dedicated volunteers, continues to play a vital role in preserving and promoting Greek history through innovative projects, including podcasts, walking tours, and public exhibitions. Their work not only honors the past but also strengthens the cultural identity of the Greek Canadian diaspora for future generations.