The Marmarinon Benevolent Society "Afthoni" was founded in 1909 by 250 compatriots
with the intent of helping their fellow Greeks still living in Marmara (an island in
the sea of Marmara, near Constantinople). It is the oldest Greek organization in
Los Angeles, and was started about the same time as the Omonia Society of Soudenioton.
These groups reveal the kinship that the immigrant Greek still maintained for their homeland.
Marble from the island of Marmara was used by Emperor Justinian to build
St. Sophia Cathedral in Constantinople.
![[Blue Dot]](/images/bluedot.gif){kind=small}
The Marmarinon Benevolent Society "Afthoni" was founded in 1909 by 250 compatriots
with the intent of helping their fellow Greeks still living in Marmara (an island in
the sea of Marmara, near Constantinople). It is the oldest Greek organization in
Los Angeles, and was started about the same time as the Omonia Society of Soudenioton.
These groups reveal the kinship that the immigrant Greek still maintained for their homeland.