“Intergenerational trauma from forced displacement is a quiet but powerful force, affecting lives and communities for generations. It manifests as pain and emotional burdens passed down through family histories, almost like an invisible thread.”
At an international summit on emerging leadership, I met Maria, an energetic woman from Athens, Greece.
Her story highlighted the lasting effects of forced displacement and trauma.
Maria, a passionate younger leader with family roots on the Asian side of Istanbul (Konstantinoupole) and Izmir (Smyrna) shared her emotional journey. Visiting Istanbul for the first time for the summit brought up strong feelings for her, as the city seemed to carry the memories of her ancestors.
Walking its streets, she felt deeply moved, as if the town remembered her family’s past.
Survival and loss
Maria recounted the painful history of her family during the destruction of Smyrna in September 1922, a devastating chapter that unfolded in the final stages of the Greco-Turkish War (1919-1922). It culminated in the burning of the city of Smyrna (modern-day Izmir, Turkey) and the associated massacre and expulsion of its Greek and Armenian Christian population.
Turkish forces captured her great-grandfather, and her great-grandmother fled with her children, including Maria’s maternal grandmother, along with thousands of Greeks and Armenian Christians fleeing Smyrna.
It marked one of the most significant refugee crises of the 20th century.
The weight of intergenerational trauma
Hearing Maria’s story made me think about the long-lasting effects of intergenerational trauma, primarily when caused by forced displacement and detention.
Families like Maria’s often go through a cycle of pain: the trauma of violence and separation, combined with a lack of support in healing, creates lasting ripples that affect future generations.
These emotional scars aren’t always clear memories but often manifest as patterns of fear, grief, or unresolved tension.
In Maria’s case, her great-grandfather’s unhealed trauma and tragic death left a mark on her family’s history. These stories shape identity, sometimes empowering but often creating a heavy burden.
As Maria walked through Istanbul, she wasn’t just exploring a city; she was reconnecting with the painful echoes of her family’s past.
Listening restores hope.
Maria’s story shows how important it is to listen to emerging leaders with intergenerational stories.
Her willingness to reflect on her family’s history highlights the need for spaces where these stories can be shared, understood, and respected. These conversations are not just about talking about the past; they’re about breaking cycles of silence and recognising the pain still felt today.
We at Philoi focus on training local churches to address these intergenerational concerns. We also create spaces where younger leaders from refugee backgrounds can meet, receive mentorship, and grow into tools of reconciliation and healing.
Partner with us to address intergenerational trauma.
Recently, Maria wrote to me, “Thank you for giving us a voice.”
She speaks a truth many of us know too well – wounds from the past may be buried deep, but their weight can be overwhelming to carry alone.
Every day, countless young people from refugee backgrounds face the same pain, loss, fear and uncertainty. They need hope, healing, and the chance to rebuild their lives. Together, we can be a source of that hope.
We rely on the prayers and generosity of individuals and churches to support and care for the forcibly displaced. Your support – whether through prayers or donations, will help rebuild lives.
Let us come together in faith, praying for strength, healing, and the resources to continue this critical work. And if you feel moved to give, know that your kindness will bring hope to a new generation.
If you would like to explore ways to partner with us in investing in the lives of persecuted and displaced brothers and sisters, you can donate here or contact us directly at info@philoiglobal.org. We are deeply grateful for your support and are committed to using your donation as effectively as possible to make a lasting impact.