The kemenjes is the Pontic Greek lyra, also used by the other ethnic groups of the region. It is the instrument that most symbolizes Pontic Greek ethnicity, although they also play a number of others. In the theater, although virtually every performance ends in lyra-playing and dancing, the shepherd's flute occurs more often in the plays. Oddly enough, the kemenjes makes little if any appearance in the folktales. See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kemencheso .
Like many Pontic Greeks, Filon Ktenides felt that the kementjes best expressed the full range of emotions stemming from the refugee experience. From his "Hymn to the Lyra":
I draw my bow to the right, and wounds re-open,
I draw it to the left, and send mothers into tears.
When my soul is in pain, it lives within it, and when my heart aches
I take you with me and wash my wound in tears.
The rich man has his riches, and I have you,
In all my sorrows, in my joys, you are everything I need.
When we are born and everyone rejoices, you celebrate with us,
And as we grow old and pass from this world, you comfort us.