Tsakonians live on the eastern coast of the Peloponnesos in southern Greece. Their language is a Greek dialect which comes from the ancient language spoken by Spartans in Laconia. It is not entirely intelligible with modern Greek. This is one of the world’s oldest remaining languages.
The Tsakonians probably served as marines and guards during the days of the Byzantine Empire. Later in their history they became masons and shepherds.
Today are pastoralists. Their lives are semi-nomadic; they take their flocks into the mountains in the summer and in the winter, they go to Leonidi and other towns in lower elevations.
There are very few who speak their language, but there is an effort to restore this ancient language.
Almost all Tsakonian people are Greek Orthodox. Like most Europeans, they have become more secular in the last couple of decades. Even those with a secular mindset usually wish to be married and buried by the church.
The Tsakonian people need to put their hope and faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Lord to raise up Tsakonian Christ followers who will disciple others to make more disciples.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move mightily in the Greek Orthodox Church this century, purifying it and bringing into full submission to Christ.
Pray for the Lord to bless the Tsakonian’s livestock as a testimony of his power and love. May they respond with devotion and praise!
Scripture Prayers for the Tsakonian in Greece.
https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/tsakonians
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsakonia#:~:text=The%20Tsakonians%20(Greek%3A%20%CE%A4%CF%83%CE%AC%CE%BA%CF%89%CE%BD%CE%B5%CF%82%20Ts%C3%A1kones,the%20language%20is%20critically%20endangered.
https://www.thegreekvibe.com/tsakonia-still-speaking-one-of-the-worlds-oldest-languages/
Profile Source: Joshua Project |
People Name General | Tsakonian |
People Name in Country | Tsakonian |
Alternate Names | |
Population this Country | 1,400 |
Population all Countries | 1,400 |
Total Countries | 1 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 3 ● |
Unreached | No |
Frontier People Group | No |
Pioneer Workers Needed | |
People ID | 15588 |
ROP3 Code | 110206 |
ROP25 Code | 308296 |
ROP25 Name | Tsakonian |
Country | Greece | ||
Region | Europe, Eastern and Eurasia | ||
Continent | Europe | ||
10/40 Window | No | ||
National Bible Society | Website | ||
Persecution Rank | Not ranked | ||
Location in Country | Peloponnese, Western Greece and the Ionian Islands administrative unit: Arkadia regional unit, Kastanitsa, Sitena, Prastos, Leonidi, Pramatefti, Sapounakeika, Tyros, and Melana towns, possibly Korakovunio, Peloponnesos east coast; isolated in summer in east Peloponnesus in mountains west of Leonidi, in winter Leonidi town area. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Country | Greece |
Region | Europe, Eastern and Eurasia |
Continent | Europe |
10/40 Window | No |
National Bible Society | Website |
Persecution Rank | Not ranked |
Location in Country | Peloponnese, Western Greece and the Ionian Islands administrative unit: Arkadia regional unit, Kastanitsa, Sitena, Prastos, Leonidi, Pramatefti, Sapounakeika, Tyros, and Melana towns, possibly Korakovunio, Peloponnesos east coast; isolated in summer in east Peloponnesus in mountains west of Leonidi, in winter Leonidi town area.. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Primary Religion: | Christianity |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.00 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 1.00 %) |
95.00 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
0.00 %
|
Hinduism |
0.00 %
|
Islam |
0.00 %
|
Non-Religious |
5.00 %
|
Other / Small |
0.00 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
Primary Language | Tsakonian (1,400 speakers) |
Language Code | tsd Ethnologue Listing |
Language Written | Unknown |
Total Languages | 1 |
Primary Language | Tsakonian (1,400 speakers) |
Language Code | tsd Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
People Groups | Speaking Tsakonian |
Primary Language: Tsakonian
Bible Translation Status: Unspecified
Resource Type ▲ | Resource Name | Source |
---|---|---|
None reported |
Photo Source |
(Representative photo) Ulrichstill - Wikimedia Creative Commons |
Profile Source | Joshua Project |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |