It's just the way it is. Grew up with it. Am the issue of a scandalous marriage between an Ashkenazy Jew and a Greek Orthodox Xtian. Grandparents refused to talk to one another.
Eventually it will change, but last time I was in Romania (1985) this type of sorting was still very much in force. The commies damped it down a bit for a while -- it was not PC to talk in those terms; but now it's back.
Sometimes Chris is right, though I find myself wishing he wouldn't revel in it so. I don't mean being right; I mean these distinctions.
Joanna