The Greeks of Russia and the greek awakening, 1774- 1821

Abstract

Russian expansion in the Near East rendered protection to Greek coreligionists,
many of whom served in the Russian army and navy, the state
bureaucracy, and the diplomatic corps. More significantly, Russian Eastern
policy created favorable conditions for the development of key components
of the Greek national movement, such as military resistance, commercial
growth, educational and cultural progress, and political activism. The Greek
communities of Russia, especially Odessa and other towns near the Black
Sea, were among the most active and important diaspora centers contributing
to the Greek awakening.