Connecting Greece with the World Through Culture, Literature & Stories
Hellenic Influence is about connection.
Literary Retreats
Immersive writing and reading retreats in iconic Greek destinations like Athens, Santorini, and Tolo, connecting authors and readers.
The Homer Awards
Celebrating excellence in storytelling, honoring international and Greek literary voices that bridge ancient heritage with contemporary creative works.
Imagine Press & Stories
Bringing compelling psychological thrillers and rich narratives from the heart of Greece to a global readership.
We believe Greece is not simply a destination. It is a culture, a history, a creative force—and a place where people from different backgrounds have been meeting, sharing ideas, and telling stories for thousands of years. Our mission is to continue that tradition.
A story written in Greece can travel anywhere.
A writer from America can find inspiration in an island village.
A reader in Canada can discover a Greek author.
A British novelist can come to Greece and become part of its literary community.
This is the connection we want to create.
A Bridge Between Greece and the World
Hellenic Influence is a non-profit organization creating cultural and literary opportunities that bring Greeks and Philhellenes together. Through literary events, cultural initiatives, international collaborations, and the Homer Awards, we create a platform where Greek and international voices can meet, exchange ideas, and reach new audiences.
The Markos Synodinos Award: For Literary Service to Greece
This award is given annually to a writer whose work demonstrates a profound, earned, and generous engagement with Greece—its landscape, philosophy, and people. Named in honor of the poet and writer Markos Synodinos (1933–2021), who published eighteen books exploring truth, history, and peace, this distinction celebrates the enduring spirit of Hellenic literature.
Mr. Synodinos was a truly exceptional man, embodying the timeless virtues of ancient Greek spirit. He was deeply cultured, kind, generous, compassionate, and philosophical, with a profound love for ancient Greek literature. A prolific writer—a modern Homer—he possessed an extraordinary memory and boundless energy. In any conversation, whether on truth, beauty, or wisdom, he could effortlessly draw upon classical texts to illuminate the topic. Unselfish, noble, and deeply humane, he echoed the philosophical depth of Kazantzakis and shared Diogenes’ sharp humor. He never complained, never lost his inner composure, and remained a source of light, joy, and inspiration to everyone around him. His memory and influence will live on as long as his writings endure and his ideas continue to inspire.
— Sculptor and Ph.D. from the School of Philosophy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens