“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous,” – Aristotle

Americans will be given the opportunity to see the civilization of Dion for free in New York City. From March 24 through June 18, 2016, the Onassis Cultural Center NY a will present the exhibition Gods and Mortals at Olympus: Ancient Dion, City of Zeus, exploring the relationship between daily life in a city built on the slopes of Mount Olympus and the mythological abode of the gods at the peak. The Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation (USA) is located at 645 Fifth Avenue, New York.  Seeing the natural, unspoiled beauty of the Mount Olympus area brings to life why Greeks viewed Mount Olympus as the “Home of the Twelve Gods.”

A synopsis of the civilization of Dion

The Dion Park’s introductory poster describes its history. The peaks of Mount Olympus and the plains of Pieria are mentioned for the first time in Homer’s Iliad and in the Homeric hymn Dion, the sacred place of Zeus, are first mentioned by Thucydides. Worshipped together with Zeus Olympias were the Muses, who had been born on the slopes of Mount Olympus. To honor them, an annual celebration, the Olympiad of Dion, was held.…”

The poster continues saying “Dion was visited frequently by the Macedonian kings. They came to sacrifice to Zeus Olympios for the ceremonial purification of their army to take oaths of allegiance before the Gods and to celebrate the army and the people.  In the same place, King Phillip II celebrated the glorious victories and Alexander the Great starting out his campaign to Asia sacrificed to Zeus….. Repeated earthquakes threw its buildings into ruin, obliging its inhabitants to abandon their homes.

Excavations outside the walls have located the sanctuary of Zeus Olympos, where the altar, pedestals and inscriptions have been found. The sanctuary of Demeter with building and finds going back to the 6th century B.C. and the sanctuary of Isis where originally Artemis as the Goddess of childbirth was worshipped. In 2003, the sanctuary of Zeus Hypsistos with God’s cult statue and marble eagles came to light. Found within the city walls, dating back to the 4th century B.C. are roads, numerous public buildings, the agora, bath complexes, villas, workshops, houses and basilicas.

Another poster explained that “near the waters of the Baphyras river on top of the sacred springs, the ancient inhabitants of Dion built a sanctuary devoted to Aphrodite, as the Goddess of the foothills of Olympus. And Artemis as the goddess of childbirth. In the 2nd century B.C., Artemis was succeeded by the Egyptian goddess Isis. Alexander the Great held her in the highest esteem.

“The Odium of the Great Thermae” dates at the end of the 2nd century A.D. It is the last one of the building for public spectacle. It was a small roofed theater with a capacity of 400 spectators. The building was destroyed in the middle of the 3rd century A.D. by a powerful earthquake and followed by a fire.

The Fortieth Anniversary Luncheon of the Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus” was held on Sunday, February 28^th, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Terrace on the Park, Flushing, N.Y. His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios of America, Mr. Stephen Cherpelis, Archon Dikaiophylax of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Dr. Theodosis Pelegrinis, Deputy Minister of Education, Research and Religious Affairs of Greece with staff member George Krikis, Mr. Vasilis Philippou Consul-General of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr. Thalia Chatziagiannoglou, Head of the Office for Educational Affairs of the New York Consulate General of Greece and prominent persons from the education and business communities attended. Over two hundred and seventy persons attended.

The program’s format was as follows: Welcome by Master of Ceremonies Dr. George Melikokis; Mrs. Maria Makedon, Director of the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America was honored by a certificate from Michael Giannaris, NY State Senator of District 12, Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus” and the Department of Education of Greece; Presentation by Mrs. Athena Tsokou-Kromidas, Principal of  William Spyropoulos Greek American Day School, Flushing, New York; Greetings by Demosthenes Triantafillou, President of the Greek Association “Prometheus”; Address by Dr. Theodosis Pelegrinis, Deputy Minister of Education, Research and Religious Affairs of Greece; Acknowledgement of the Presidents of Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus”  with honors were from Michael Giannaris, NY State Senator of District 12, Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus” and the Department of Education of Greece; Musical melodies were by Grigoris Maninakis and soprano Olga Xanthopoulou; Greek Afternoon School of the Ascension Greek Orthodox Church of Fairview, New Jersey sang melodies of Hadzidakis and Theodorakis, and a Commemorative speech in honor of the educators of the Department of Education by His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios of America.

The presidents of “Prometheus” who were recognized for their distinguished service included: Konstantinos Parthenis, Founder, 1975-1976, 1977-1979, 1992-1994; Elias Diakolios, 1976-1977; John Markopoulos, 1979-1981; Dr. John Siolas, 1981-1983, 1988-1990; Timoleon Kokkinos, 1983-1985; John Takas, 1985-1986; Athena Kromidas, 1986-1988, 1990-1992; George Kanellopoulos, 1994-1996; Dr. Andreas Zachariou, 1996-1998, whose award was accepted by Dr. John Spiridakis, university professor/attorney; Eleni Galidis, 2000-2002; Irene Demas, 2003-2005; Stella Kokolis, 2005-2007; Apostolos Fountas, 2007-2009; Vasiliki Filiotis, 2009-20013 and Demosthenes Triantafillou, 2013-2016.

Mr. Alexandros Colombos, Educator/Author and Prometheus Secretary & Director of Technology, worked behind the scenes for one year to make this event an overwhelming success. “Mr. Colombos collaborated with the MGTV team to write a brief script of the history of Prometheus that was recited by Mr. Athanasis ” explained President Triantafillou. “Educator Colombos created the first website of the history of Prometheus. The online site promotes our programs and activities.” Photography services were donated by Mrs. Stavroula Nicolas Raia, international photographer from the Kimisis Tis Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons.

Mr. Stephen Cherpelis of the Greek Orthodox Church and founder of the Stephen and Areti Cherpelis Greek afternoon School of St. Nicholas Church, Flushing, New York, donated one thousand dollars.

“The theme of the celebration is a better future for the Greek educators in America,” emphasized President Triantafillou. “We have a new vision: establishing a Pedagogical Greek Teacher’s Center in a NYC university. This would complement the program of Distance Learning that the Greek Ministry of Education has initiated. His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios and Minister of Education Pelegrinis emphasized the Greek-American community must become more autonomous with its education programs. The Omogenia must produce its own teachers. The Greek nation cannot afford to send teacher every year paid by their economy.”

“We would like to thank you for your support the Luncheon and the Commemorative Journal,” said President Triantafillou. The Board members and Committees responsible for the achievement of this unique 40^th Anniversary Luncheon included: Executive Board, Demosthenes Triantafillou, President, Eleftheria Ikouta, Vice President, Alexandros Colombos, Secretary/director of Technology, Dr. John G. Siolas, Treasurer; Board Members, Vasiliki Filiotis, George Kanellopoulos, Timoleon Kokkinos, Stella Kokolis, Helen Pylarinou; Alternate members Emily Antonopoulou, Cathy Koutsoupakis; Advisory Board, Maria Makedon, Office of Education of Direct Archdiocesan District, Dr. John Antonopoulos and Auditing Committee, Apostolos Fountas and George Melikokis, Ph.D.

Never discourage anyone…who continually makes progress, no matter how slow. Plato

           Greek-American Principal Athena Tsokou-Kromidas has been there for all students at William Spyropoulos Greek American Day School Principal. She is a legend. Loyal and steadfast. Mrs. Kromidas was honored for her lifelong dedication to the preservation of the Greek language and customs at the Fortieth Anniversary Luncheon of the Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus” was held at Terrace on the Park, Flushing, N.Y. She presented the program and was honored as president from 1986-1988.

His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios of America, Mr. Stephen Cherpelis, Archon Dikaiophylax of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Dr. Theodosis Pelegrinis, Deputy Minister of Education, Research and Religious Affairs of Greece with staff member George Krikis, Mr. Vasilis Philippou Consul-General of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr. Thalia Chatziagiannoglou, Head of the Office for Educational Affairs of the New York Consulate General of Greece and prominent persons from the education and business communities recognized her education work. She received honors from Michael Giannaris, NY State Senator of District 12, Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus” and the Department of Education of Greece.

“I would not be here today if it were not for the opportunity I was given to offer my services in educating our Greek community,” Principal Kromidas said upon receiving her award. “I owe this award to my family, to my colleagues and to the parents and students of St. Nicholas School and the entire Greek community in Flushing. It is an honor to serve the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Parish, a community which I love and respect—for more than 32 years.” The Chian Federation presented its 34^th Annual Homeric Award in 2013 to Principal Athena Tsokou-Kromidas. She has a weekly radio program on Cosmos FM.

“Education is the kindling of a flame not the filling of a vessel” Socrates, Greek Philosopher (470 B.C. – 399 B.C.).  A unique educator who has worked in Greek-Amercian education since the 1970’s was honored for her work. Maria Makedon, Director of the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, was recognized for her outstanding achievement at the Fortieth Anniversary Luncheon of the Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus” on Sunday afternoon, February 28^th, at Terrace on the Park, Flushing, N.Y.

His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios of America, Stephen Cherpelis, Archon Dikaiophylax of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Dr. Theodosis Pelegrinis, Deputy Minister of Education, Research and Religious Affairs of Greece with staff member George Krikis, Vasilis Philippou Consul-General of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr. Thalia Chatziagiannoglou, Head of the Office for Educational Affairs of the New York Consulate General of Greece and prominent persons from the education and business communities attended.

Maria joined the staff of the Archdiocese following her graduation from St. Basil Academy/Teachers College, in June 1971, to serve in the Department of Education as an executive secretary and assistant to the director. In November 1989, Archbishop Iakovos officially appointed her as assistant director of the Department of Education.

Maria Makedon holds a diploma from St. Basil Academy/Teacher College (1971) as well as degrees from St. John’s University (B. S. in Education, 1985, Magna Cum Laude) and Teacher’s College/Columbia University (M.A. in Educational Administration, 1988). She also holds a permanent certificate as a Public School Administrator/Supervisor from the New York State Education Department (1991). Maria Makedon is in-charge of the development and administration of the annual Comprehensive Examination in Modern Greek, a foreign language achievement test that assesses proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing Modern Greek. She has also supervised and/or contributed in numerous other publications of the Archdiocese Education Department on the Greek language and culture including the Kindergarten Curriculum that was published in 2007.

As a member of the Standing Committee of New York City Religious and Independent Schools, Maria Makedon represents the Archdiocese and the NYC Greek Orthodox parochial day schools at the federal, state, and local education authorities. Her participation in various conferences and committee meetings has initiated contacts that have helped provide the New York City day schools with various funded services and resources.  She was selected as “The National Herald’s  Educator of the Year” in 2014.

 We were all honored to be present when her unique contribution to Greek-American education was recognized.

Every region creates its tradition and future. Arcadia respects and honors tradition. Her products are authentic. Arcadian wines are internationally famous. Honey from the forests of Mainalos has a distinctive flavor. Potatoes from Tripoli are of the finest in Greece. A healthy Greek diet has potatoes as a major part. Tripoli’s delicious apples are becoming popular. Garlic has been cultivated for centuries. Grapes of Mantinea are made into the finest wines.

Homer said it was a region of sheep, cows and goats. The art of cheese making is practiced in the smallest household. It is a staple of economic activity. Feta, graviera and mizithra of Tripoli are in demand in the market by persons who want authentic, natural products from the traditional cheese making trade. We have great memories of restaurants we visited in June 2015.

Moschofilero grapes of Arcadia are one of the top four varieties of Greek grapes. The soil of Mantinea gives Muscat grapes an aromatic character and essence. The temperate climate, low temperatures and early ripening enhance its distinctive taste. Muscat grapes are protected by the European Union.

Near our ancestral home on the road to Levithi and Kandila, is a traditional taverna known all over Greece and overseas. “To Hani tis Kandilas” is a family tavern restaurant operated by Niko Xiroyanni. His wife, Tasia cooks with organic foods from their gardens. Their specialty is a rooster with noodles, charcoal grilled beef, lamb, pork, homemade bread, and Arcadian Moschofilero wine. Weekend groups stop at the Taverna on the way to the Caves of Kapsia and ruins of Ancient Orchomenos.

Our mornings in Tripoli opened with a country breakfast in Mainalos Hotel, at Areos Square. Arcadian honey, village yogurt, homemade spanakopites, tiropites and bougatsa began our day. The Grand Chalet restaurant in Areos Square was highly recommended. The menu said “we are here to cook whatever you desire with unforgettable flavor.” Twelve salads, different dishes with pork, beef, veal fish dishes, omelets, sandwiches and 10 different varieties of coffee were offered. Ouzo Plomari from Mytilene were included with Arcadian wines. An unforgettable evening was spent with Dr. Alexios, Kanella and Clint Vardouniotis.

Our last evening in Tripoli was spent with Charalambos Gerou, a member of the parish council and retired philologist/educator Pitsa Gerou Macarouni.  “I sponsored the mosaics of the Panagia with Child and St. Charalambos in memory of my family at the chapel,” said Mr. Gerou. We went to the Touristiko Plateias Areos Restaurant for appetizers of octopus, dips and wine. The owner and staff came out to welcome us to their restaurant.

“In hospitality, the chief thing is good will”, says a Greek proverb. Hospitality came from the Gods, according to the Ancient Greeks. The host was expected to make sure the needs of his guests were satisfied. In Greek society, a person’s ability to offer hospitality, determined nobility and social standing. This concept has been woven into Greek culture for thousands of years.

                                               By Stavroula Kotrotsios, Esq.

Over the past 25 years, the Hermes Expo has been the catalyst in bringing together Greek-American businesses and showing their dynamic nature both locally and internationally.  It has also been a gateway for American businesses to tap into the Greek American and Southeastern European marketplace.  These 25 years of experience and precedence in networking opportunities are virtually unmatched in the Greek American community.  This platform has traveled to Atlantic City, Manhattan, Chicago, and now, holds its current event in Concordville, Pennsylvania.  The Hermes Expo has also hosted trade missions to the Balkans and Greece, culminating in regional, national, and international trade agreements. The Hermes Expo was the brainchild of Paul Kotrotsios, the Founder and President of the exhibit and its seminars.

The Hermes Expo this year was held on April 5, 2016, at the Concordville Inn.  The event included business-to-business meetings, exhibition and networking opportunities, and the TGS Seminar series.   The industries represented during the exhibition featured a wide array of products and services, targeted towards the food industry. The Hermes Expo provides this platform to businesses so they can have the opportunity to survey, examine, and negotiate face-to-face, business-to-business, in an open forum.   Vendors and guests applauded the event as, “A rarity in the digitized age, where human contact has been lost in the marketplace”.  Exhibitors were pleased with the business owners and entrepreneurs who attended the event with the goal of advancing their products and finding new avenues for development.

The Theodore G. Spyropoulos “TGS” Seminar series included commercial networking for disseminating information on US and global economic and business developments. The themes, exemplary talks and insightful discussions this year were another proof of the high standards of the invited speakers and participants. Dr. George Tstetsekos, Dean Emeritus of Drexel University School of Business briefed the audience on the current state of Greece:

“The Economic Crisis in Greece is not over yet.  After so many interventions, 3 adjustment programs, 8 years of consecutive recession, 8 “stress tests” in the banking sector, 4 rounds of bank recapitalizations, the total debt remains at 320 Bln Euros and unemployment has been the highest in Europe.  If current economic policies continue the crisis will linger.  To exit the crisis Greece needs generous profiling of its debt repayments and a new economic program based on structural reforms and export growth.”

Speaker Dr. Michael Papaioannou, Deputy Chief at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) dubbed the Hermes Expo, “…[A]n established, high-quality institution and an invaluable asset for the Omogenia and the broad business community”.  Dr. Papaioanou continued to laud the efforts of Mr. Kotrotsios and his team:

“We congratulate Paul for his vision and tireless efforts to create this organization and make it a vibrant international business event. We congratulate Aphrodite for the flawless and masterful organization of this year’s Expo events. And, we whole-heartily wish the team continuous successes and many more Hermes Expo events!”

At the conclusion of the day’s event, the Hermes Expo hosted the 2016 Awards Dinner Ceremony where leaders from the fields of public service, medicine, business, and community development were honored with the Hermes Award.  The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was none other than Aphrodite Kotrotsios.  This year, the Hermes Expo also awarded eight Greek American High School and College students with the Eleftheria Scholarships.  The recipients of the award were Despina Lianidis, Eirene Fountzoulas, John Berry, Dimitri Pallas, George Monos, Harry Papaioannou, Anthony Papageorgiou and Vasilis Ikonomou.  Over $20,000 in scholarships were dispersed amongst these talented students looking to continue their education.  Donors for this year’s scholarship foundation include Dr. Maria G. Karas, Demi & Basil Kollias, Paul & Linda Kotrotsios & Paideia Foundation.

The Hermes Expo was honored to present the Hermes Award for public service to Mario J. Civera, who is a community symbol in Delaware County, and Kaliope Parthemos of Baltimore City.  Civera is currently the Chairman of Delaware County Council; a public servant with 42 years’ experience, having held various titles in multiple levels of government. Kaliope Parthemos had served as Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s Chief of Staff since May 2014. As Chief of Staff, Parthemos serves as a senior adviser to the Mayor and the 4 Deputy Mayors, where she oversees multiple Departments in the city and helps run the day to day management operations of City Hall.

The following honorees were awarded for their success and leadership in their various professions.  Dr. Lazarus M. Kirifides was honored for his contributions to medicine. During his medical career, Dr. Kirifides served as Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Chief of Staff of Riverside Hospital and also lectured many medical school classes.  Next, George Moniodis was honored for his service to Baltimore County School Board & St. Agnes Foundation where he created the hospital’s foundation and departments of public relations and government affairs.  And last but not least, Nikos Papadopoulos was honored with the Hermes Award for his entrepreneurship and success in business. In January 2006 NTP Marble, Inc. was formed and went to market doing business as Colonial Marble & Granite.  From 2008 through the present Colonial has shown the ability to increase its business year over year and has become the nation’s largest production facility.

The Hermes Award was also received by members of the community who have been dedicated to the propagation of Hellenic culture and leadership in philanthropy.  Dr. Dimitri Pallas, Founder and President of the Foundation for Modern Greek Studies at the University of Michigan.  AHEPA District 5 Governor Asteris Fanikos was honored for his role in unifying the Greek American community.   Governor Fanikos is a Past President of Trenton Chapter #72. He is the Senior Staff Attorney for the Office of the State Comptroller for the State of New Jersey.  And finally, Kostas Kalogeropoulos who serves as the President of TKO Hospitality and founded Dream Come True, an organization that grants wishes to seriously, chronically and terminally ill children in the Lehigh Valley area.

Paul Kotrotsios, Founder and President of the event commented, “We are honored to serve the community for the past 25 years as a meeting point for trade, communications, and culture.  We thank the community for being receptive to this idea and for their support.” The main objective of the Hermes Expo has been networking and development among its patrons since its inception in 1992.

The Lousios Gorge has been inhabited for centuries by hermits in caves and monks. Two monasteries remain open to visitors: Philosophou and Prodromo. Pausanias described the Lousios as the place where Zeus was bathed as an infant. Lousios in Greek means “wash.” He claimed it was the coldest river in the world. It flows through an impressive gorge, with red limestone cliffs, rising to 100m above the river. The plant life in early spring is spectacular.

Leaving the parking lot at the Gortynia parking lot, windmills stand tall. The hiker first comes across the Church of St. Andreas. It has wall paintings of Angels that are similar to Mystra. The church was built upon the ruins of a large Roman building that was constructed on an ancient Greek building. As a traveler keeps hiking, the 4^th century ruins of Gortys appear. It was a healing center with a bath house. A circular construction was a dry sauna. The Philosophou monastery is widely known across Greece and abroad. During the Ottoman period, it had a famous School, from which came eminent men. The Philosophou monastery is located approximately 4km south of Dimitsana. It has built on the roots of a tall cliff, 200m above the bed of the Lousios Gorge.

The location was chosen by John Lampardopoulos of Dimitsana, chief secretary of Emperor Nicephorus Fokas. He became a monk at the end of his life. He was an excellent, educated philosopher. In 964 AD, he founded the monastery under a patriarchal sigillium (jurisdiction). The sigillium survives in the Dimitsana library. Today it is called Old Philosophou and Secret School.

Many of the bishops and the Teachers were educated in this glorious monastery. Historians view it as a spiritual hotbed of enslaved Hellenism. Seven Patriarchs, including the martyred Patriarch Gregory V and seventy bishops, were educated here.

The School of the Philosophou monastery was equipped with a rich collection of books and manuscripts.

Written documents were transferred to the Dimitsana School. Many documents were destroyed during the upheaval of the 1821 Revolution and the monastery’s dissolution in 1834. Two important 12^th century manuscripts, the complete works of M. Kingdom and the Gospel of Vlachomanoli, in which the secret organization “Filiki Eteria” swore their oaths, survive in the National Library of Greece in Athens.

At that time, the Venetians ruled the Peloponnese. They were allowed more freedom to build churches. The “New Philosophou” monastery was founded, about 300m north of the old in 1691, under abbot Anthimos. The new temple is shaped in a cruciform basilica supported by four domes. The wooden iconostasis is elegant.

The Dimitsana School was founded in 1764 by Dimitsana monks Gerasimos Gouna and Agapios Leonardos.  In 1816, the New Philosophou monastery united with Dimitsana School to strengthen the monastery’s income. In 1834, it was closed and the property was sold to the church fund. New Philosophou has resumed an active life as a monastery in 2000 with 11 followers.

It is a highly traveled tourist spot. The resumption of the monastery’s religious life shows the historical importance of perpetuating the religious life of an exceptional monastery.

The Prodromou monastery, dedicated to John the Baptist, is the most visually stunning with its stone building and wooden balconies overhanging the cliffside. Its foundation dates back to 1167. It was a rich establishment originally. The monastery was accidentally dissolved in 1834.

All it relics and records were carted off in 16 mules. The monks rebuilt the monastery’s wealth through hard work, building mills and keeping livestock. The church is dug into the cliffside with 16^th century frescoes and balconies. The old wooden door leading into the monastery is riddled with bullet holes that bear witness to the April 16, 1779, attack by Albanian troops under Ottoman command. At the time, the monastery was full of women and children, but for some unknown reason the attack failed.

Spring is the best time to appreciate the natural beauty and extraordinary monasteries of the Lousios Gorge. The Lousios Gorge photos were provided by Despina Siolas, Md. /Ph.D. Dr. John G. Siolas’ research was based on primary Greek documents.

References:

1. Bostock, Andrew, “Greece: The Peloponnese”, (Bradt Travel Guides Ltd: UK, 2013), p. 191.
2. Theoharis, Giorgios Pan., “Moni Philosophou, Krifo Scholio”, (Giorgios Pan Theoharis Publication, Athens ,2000), p. 50.
3. http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/europe/greece/the-peloponnese/arcadia/hiking-near-ancient-gortys/
4. Siolas, John G., Ph.D., “MONI PHILOSOPHOU AND THE SCHOOL OF DIMITSANAS”.
5. Theoharis, Giorgios Pan., “Moni Philosophou, Krifo Scholio”, (Giorgios Pan Theoharis Publication, Athens ,2000), prologue.
6. Bostock, Andrew, “Greece: The Peloponnese”, (Bradt Travel  Guides Ltd: UK, 2013), p. 194-95.

Dr. John G. Siolas participated in the New York State Languages other than English (NYSTCE-LOTE) Marker Response Review conference held at the Hilton Hotel in Albany from July 5-8. He contributed to the Greek language area. Dr. Siolas is an Associate Professor of Education, Graduate Division, School of Education and Psychology at Touro College for the past thirteen years.

Two hundred persons attended the Athenian’s Society of New York 72^nd Anniversary of Athens’ Liberation on October 12, 1944 at the Archdiocesan Hellenic Cultural Center at 27-09 Crescent St, Astoria, NY. Journalist Demetrios Filios was the keynote speaker. The Program is as follows: Musical Performance by Julie Ziavras, vocalist/guitar; Kostas Fotiadis, bouzouki; Glafkos Kontemeniotis, keyboards; Moderator, Tasos Mouzakis and Artistic Director Thanasis Tzouvelis.

“United we do miracles,” said keynote speaker Demetrios filios. “The Liberation of Athens from the Germans in WWII was bloodless. German soldiers lowered their flag from the acropolis. They passed through crowds of Athenians singing and waving flags. The population was starving. Over forty thousand civilians died in Athens alone. Greece was polarized. We will not discuss the civil war. The occupation ruined the Greek economy. The civilian population suffered terrible hardships. The historical memory must emphasize to the young the unity of Greece.”

The WWII songs sung by Ms. Julie Ziavras conveyed the life in the era. She was accompanied by Mr. Fotiadis and Mr. Kontemeniotis who enhanced her performance. Ms. Ziavras has an exceptional voice. I am honored to be present for this outstanding presentation.

The Book fair showed the best of Greek-American literature. Book presenters were Gabriel Panagiosoulis, Alexandra Kavounidis, Kali Loverdos, Dody Tsiantar of the Hellenic Book Club, Dr. John G. Siolas, Nikos Zavolas, Pauline Manos and Zan Tsagarakos. Mrs. Pauline Manos’ book “The Adventures of Aris” is bilingual. All the literature presented is great reading.

This free event is the highlight of the fall 2016 season.  The Athenian’s Society of New York has the following members: Executive Board:  Panos Adamopoulos, President; Paul Hatzikyriakos, Vice President; Sylvia Adamopoulou, Secretary; Dimitra Mihalakopoulou, Treasurer; Board Members:  Tasos Mouzakis; Stelios Stroumbakis, Katy Alexandropoulou, Christina Skiada, Grigoris Koulbanides; Alternate Board Members: Vana Kontomerkou, and Fani Pagoulatou.

Sponsors of the event include: The National Herald; The Greek News; Efimerida; Cosmos FM; Hellas FM; Aktina FM; New Greek TV and Mega Contracting Inc. The Athenians’ Society of NY is a 501. © (3) Non-profit organization founded in 1920.

Links:

https://goo.gl/photos/o4PALsX6E2yBpwLb7 – photo album

“Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.” — Thomas Jefferson, U.S. Founding Father. The Society of Epirotes “Anagenesis” and the Ladies’ Auxiliary “Souliotisses,” the Heritage Museum of Epirus and Hellenic News of America celebrated “OXI” Day on Friday evening, October 28^th, 2016 at 514 Broadway (between. 29th St. & Crescent St.) in Astoria. The Epirotes Societies and Museum honored the 29^th Anniversary of the Hellenic news of under the leadership of Paul Kotrotsios, Founder of the Hellenic News of America & President of Hermes Expo International.

Dr.  Stefanos Foussas, president of The Hellenic Cardiological Society, was the keynote speaker. National and international leaders spoke. Over one hundred persons attended. A lavish reception of Greek cuisine followed. Political leaders and members of the national and international community gave greetings. “Oxi” Day commemorates the Hellenic counterattack against the invading Italian forces at the mountains of Pindus during the WWII.

“Greece is going through difficult paths,” explained keynote speaker Dr. Foussas. “We will find the solution and overcome our problems. I am very touched to see persons here tonight who are like my family….. October 28^th, 1940, Italian ambassador to Greece, Emanuele Grazzi gave an ultimatum to Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas to surrender. He replied “Oxi” (No).  The Italian troops invaded the mountains of Pindus on October 28^th. The sacred soil of Marathon and the sacrifice of the immortal 300 Spartans at Thermopylae came alive in the hearts of every Greek.”

“It is now 76 years later,” he said. “What is happening in Greece? We have another German occupation. We were ruined as a nation, forgetting our language and traditions. Television spoiled our nation. We lost our fortunes. Our country has starving loans. Now, In October 2016 our country that fought for heroism, has a poor public relations image. We must persevere. We must hold on to the ethics of 1940 and set an example for future generations.”

The 29^th Anniversary of the Hellenic News of America is being honored with the presence of Paul Kotrotsios, who is Founder of the newspaper and Hermes Expo International. He is from the village of Parakalamo, Yiannina, Epirus, near the Albanian border. Globalism is eliminating borders, culture and language. Mr. Kotrotsios is combating these negative effects. “We must keep Hellenism and our ethics alive,” he believes.

“The business and education sectors must help us at Hellenic News of America and the annual Hermes Expo International to keep our heritage alive. We must not assimilate. Today, more than ever, we need to work more intensively towards the perpetuation of our traditions. This is our gift to our children. I pledge to bring our children to our pride, our treasure, the Heritage Museum of Epirus. No one has what we have. Professor Nicholas Alexiou of Queens College has brought his students to visit and is here tonight.”

The museum is located on the third floor of the Epirotan Cultural Center at 2514 Broadway (between. 29th St. & Crescent St.) in Astoria.  It is conveniently located 3 blocks from the Broadway stop on the N and Q subway lines.

The Nisiotika (Island Music) light, catchy songs echoed through Riccardo’s  by the Bridge catering hall, Astoria on the evening of Sunday, November 13. The “Zoodohos Pighi of Andros Society Inc.” celebrated its 25^th anniversary. The Society was formed by unification of all the local Andros villages into one society in 1991. Excellent cuisine and live music entertained members and their friends. Over 90 persons attended from upstate New York, New York City and Long Island. The Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus” supported the event. President Anthony Trigonis thanked all for backing the Andros Society in their goal of keeping island culture alive in New York.

The Andros Society adopted its name from the largest monastery ZOODOCHOS PIGI at Batsi. It is not known when it was built. According to unverified information, during the Byzantine era it functioned as a school and transformed into a monastery in 842 by Empress Theodora. The monastery is mentioned for the first time in a document dating back to 1400. An icon dated from 1325 is in the church. Renovation in the 16^th and 20^th century changed its Byzantine architecture; it became a woman’s monastery in 1928.¹

On my way to Tinos on a Kapogiannis Tour, our Blue Line Ferry Boat stopped by Andros. Fifty percent of the passengers disembarked. Andros is a popular stop by Greeks during the tourist season. It is the northernmost of the Cycladic islands. Sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, mountain ranges make up the island.² A strong naval tradition exists, with museums and monasteries. Andros came alive in the hearts of all who attended.

“Santa Claus is alive! He is St. Nicholas. He gives us hope. Bring children here to see the icon of St. Nicholas,” said Rev. Eugene Pappas, guest speaker at the St. Nicholas of Flushing Vespers Feast Day, December 5^th, 2016. New York clergy and residents attended. A reception followed in the Sarantakos Hall, with standing room only. The St. Nicholas Church clergy are Rev. Protopresbyter Paul Palesty; Rev. Presbyter Aristidis Garinis and Rev. Presbyter Joakim Valasiades.

“Santa Claus is always there,” explained Rev Eugene Pappas, ecumenist, educator, missionary and social activist, who serves as pastor at Three Hierarchs Church in Brooklyn for 35 years. “I reach up to him and he reaches down to me. Santa Claus gives us hope.” Father Eugene hosts MATTERS OF CONSCIENCE LIVE ON WNYE 91.5 COSMOS FM, Saturday’s, 1:15 PM.

Rev. Pappas explained “St. Nicholas is a reality. He is in the other world. A little light dispels the darkness and is a door. St. Nicholas or Santa Claus is celebrated throughout the world. I have traveled and everyone celebrated Santa Claus. In Beijing, China, he is celebrated with enthusiasm, even though a communist country. Santa Claus is present.”

“Communist Russia celebrated Santa Claus, because he is hope. Rejoice with children and children’s children by St. Nicholas Church. Only know the way if you have roots,” he believes. “We need roots.” The negation of globalism by 2016 government elections reaffirms this belief. Rev. Pappas continued this discussion with this writer, explaining “400 churches are being rebuilt in Russia. They are a suffering church. That is why its faith is blossoming.” I saw with complete amazement intense devotion to the Christian faith on a Russian trip.

Nicolas, Bishop of Myra, has always been the most admired saint, according to the book, “The Russian Icon” by the editorial Board of the Russian Orthodox Church. He prays for all Christians, helps people in misfortunes, protects travelers and quickly defends those to whom injustice has been made. His veneration in Early Russia was almost as great as that of Christ and Mary. Numerous churches were dedicated to St. Nicholas. A large quantity of icons were created in his memory. Russian proverbs show a deep faith in his power.

The Novgorod State Museum’s collection of early Russian painting is unquestionably one of the finest in the world…Highlights from the earliest period (11^th to 13^th centuries) include ..St. Nicolas of Myra in Lycia (St. Nicholas of Lipno). These are prototypical images of the 14^th and 15^th centuries.”St. Nicholas of Lipno: icon painted by Aleksa Petrov in 1294 is the earliest dated Russian icon.¹

The detailed investigation of the existence of St. Nicholas of Myra by international scientist Andreas George is the final word on the subject. His scientific examination of sources and historical sites disproves the 1970’s action of the Vatican, demoting St. Nicholas as a major saint or characterization as a mythological figure. St. Nicholas’ ancestors were Greeks, descendants of Alexander the Great’s colonists or of Cretans. The author believes St. Nicholas’ ancestors were most likely from Crete, because of similar customs and traditions with the Greek island. Modern Greek sources on the Greek Cities of Asia Minor show that the Greek communities along the Asia Minor coast had up to 50 percent Cretans until the 1922 Catastrophe. Their dialect and customs were also similar to the Cretan culture. Mr. George’s research added information that St. Nicholas spent time in Cyprus through his visits to monasteries and study of Greek sources.

His translations into English of these facts are invaluable to a serious reader. St. Nicholas’ ancestors were Greeks, descendants of Alexander the Great’s colonists or of Cretans. The author believes St. Nicholas’ ancestors were most likely from Crete, because of similar customs and traditions with the Greek island. Modern Greek sources on the Greek Cities of Asia Minor show that the Greek communities along the Asia Minor coast had up to 50 percent Cretans until the 1922 Catastrophe. Their dialect and customs were also similar to the Cretan culture. Mr. George’s research added information that St. Nicholas spent time in Cyprus through his visits to monasteries and study of Greek sources. His translations into English of these facts are invaluable to a serious reader.²

On December 11, 2016, the Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus” celebrated the 2,400 birthday of Aristotle at the Hellenic Cultural Center at 27-09 Crescent St., Astoria, New York.

The topics discussed were “The Relevance of Aristotle’s Ethical Theory to the Contemporary World” and “Aristotle and the Region of the Americas”.  Speakers included Dr. Spyridon Rangos; Professor of Philosophy at the University of Patra and visiting researcher at Princeton and Dr. Peter Simpson; Professor of Philosophy and Classics, Graduate Center, CUNY, Staten Island, New York.

Professor Demosthenes Triantafillou, President of the Greek Teachers Association ‘Prometheus” announced the founding of the “Hellenic Academy of Philosophy and Sciences” in the Year of Aristotle, 2016, and a reception followed.

Dr. Rangos discussed Aristotle’s Ethics in Greek. Basically for Aristotle, moral virtue is the only practical road to effective action.

Dr. Simpson discussed “Aristotle’s Regime of the Americans” and during the lecture, Dr. Simpson expressed the view that “virtue is not what goes on in the American system. The American system is for the wealthy while the poor never get a chance and the virtuous ignored.”

The program consisted of the following:

Greetings: Dr. Thalia Chadzigiannoglou, Mrs. Maria Makedon, Mr. George Stamatiades

Cooperating Organizations: Pan Macedonian Union, New York City, Center of Macedonian Studies, International Foundation of Academic Studies (D.I.A.S), Society of Greek Writers of America, Dodecanesian Institute of America; Financial support, Dr. J. Kambolis, Mr. M. Servos, Mr. S. Mathews, Mrs. B. Triantafillou, Kontolios Family and others not listed in program who donated funds at program

Organizing Committee: M. Christodoulou, P. Mouzakis, M. Stratis, Dr. J. Nathenas, A. Fountas, Secretary General and Director of Technology Prof. A. Kolombos, Dr. J. Siolas, Dr. G. Melikokis, Mr. T. Kokkinos, Mr. S. Kakopierou, Dr. J. Antonopoulos, Mr. A. Gonidellis Mrs. D. Baltzis; Presenters President D. Triantafillou and Mrs. M. Kyriacou.

“The starting point of a man’s education sets the course of what follows too, “ Socrates.¹  This theme was the focus of “The International Day of Greek Language and Culture.” The Federation of Hellenic American Educators, the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater NY and the Hellenic Paideia of America sponsored the event on Sunday afternoon February 12, 2017 at the cultural center of the Holy Trinity Cathedral at 319 East 74^th St., New York. Over two hundred persons attended. “The event coincided with the Greek government’s establishment of February 9 as “World Hellenophony Day” the date of the death of National Poet Dionysios Solomos. The Greek language that enriches the sciences, medicine and all languages on a daily basis were celebrated.”²

Mrs. Stella Kokolis President of Hellenic American Educators and Cultural Associations of America and Mrs. Vasiliki Filiotis President of Hellenic Paideia of America in cooperation with Dr. Ioannis Efthimopoulos, Director of the Hellenic Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and keynote speaker, honored Angela and Steven Zervoudis for their contribution to the Greek language, culture and Greek Orthodoxy.

The Celebration of the Greek Language Program consisted of the following: Master of Ceremonies, Demetri Filippidis, Reporter of Hellas FM; Prayer, Rev. Fr. John Vlahos, Dean of the Holy Trinity Cathedral; National Anthems of the United States and Greece; Welcome Remarks, Mrs. Vasiliki Filiotis,  President of Hellenic Paideia of America and Mrs. Stella Kokolis, President of Hellenic American Educators; Presentation of Small Program, Panagis Kokolis, song, Ioanna Maniatis, poem and reading of excerpt from Homer’s Odyssey , Slide show, Cyprus Seminar; Dr. Ioannis Efthimopoulos,  Director of the Hellenic Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, keynote speaker on subject, “Our Greek Language: A Poetic Language with special charm, continuation and Grace”; First Part of Musical Interlude, Anna Tsoukalas and Gregory Post: Luncheon; Second Part of Musical Interlude, Dimitris Kavrakos, Metropolitan Opera Baritone singer; Awards Citation of  Angela and Steven Zervoudis; Closing Remarks, Dimitris Filippidis.

Prominent guests who attended included: Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney; Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis; Mr. Leonidas Raptakis, Senator from Rhode Island; Mr. Vasilis Philippou, Consul General of  the Republic of Cyprus; Mr. George Maragos, Comptroller of Nassau County, NY and 2017 Democratic candidate for Nassau County Executive; Dr. Thalia Chatziagiannoglou, Head of the Office for Educational Affairs of the New York Consulate General of Greece,  Mr. Manos Koubarakis, Consul of the Consulate General of Greece; Mr. Petros Galatoulas, President of the Hellenic Societies of Greater NY, Dr. George Liakeas, President of Hellenic Medical Society; Dr. Anastassios and Bessie Kassapidis; President Demi Savopoulos, Hellenic American Educators Association/UFT; Dr. John and Mary Nathenas of Dias International Academic Studies Georgia Filiotis, Hellenic Paideia of America and Adriana Filiotis, Hellenic Paideia of America. This is an incomplete list. For further information, email vfiliotis@aol.com.

The speakers stressed: the Greek language is spoken all over the world. It is part of the English language spoken by all countries. The Greatest accomplishment of the Ancient Greeks is their language. Greek is the basis of the Sciences, Engineering and Philosophy. One does not become a doctor without knowing Greek. Perpetuation of our ethnicity is in danger, with a movement towards globalization. It was miraculous. 2,500 years ago people called Greeks inspired all. As a people, the Greeks seem unlikely contenders for their mission. They were always fighting among themselves as they do in 2017.  They were the only people who believed man has an obligation to strive towards excellence. The best modern thought amounts to footnotes to Plato. This is the meaning of Hellenism.

The Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus” was represented by Dr. John Siolas. President Demosthenes Triantafillou in his greeting on behalf of the board of Prometheus, said “that Prometheus will support the Federation in this celebration with a contribution of $ 200.00 to reserve a white page in the Journal. ”Prometheus” members, George Melikokis, Timoleon Kokkinos and others were present.

Dr. John Nathenas described “Dias International Academic Studies Summer Accredited College Courses” from July 9 to August 13, 2017 in Crete. Unforgettable weekend educational excursions are offered. The Dias Cultural Program at no cost to students has intensive Greek Folk dances, folk music at Odeion Mountakis with hands on musical instruments of the Lyra, Laouto, Mandolino and Klarino. Undergraduate and post graduate courses in education and philosophy courses will be held in Rethymnon. Pre-Med and Bio-Science courses are instructed at Heraklion. For more information, email ynathenas@hotmail.com or visit diasedu.com. The organizer had an event to remember.

The Nisyrian Society of New York celebrated their Apokreatiko Glendi, Friday evening February 24th in its headquarters at 31-80 41st St, Astoria, New York. Asteri band entertained over one hundred and fifty hundred islanders and their guests.

Where is Nisyros? “Nisyros is an island located in the southern Aegean and is a part of the Dodecanese group of islands. A place of wild beauty, as Nisyros was formed by volcanic eruptions. Mandraki is the capital and the harbor of the island, with its white houses built below the imposing rock where the Monastery of the Panagia Spiliani stands. The center of the island is a semi-active caldera created by the eruption that took place 24,000 years ago and covered the slopes of the island with a pumice layer thickness of 100 meters. The island has many archaeological sites and monuments. It is worth visiting the Castle, the monastery of Panagia Spiliani, the various Chapels, museums, and ancient ruins in Argos. The island does not have many beaches, but hot springs, water sports and hiking.”

Timoleon Kokkinos, General Secretary of the Nisyrian society, explained “we are one of the oldest Greek societies of New York City. St. John Theologos, Gnomagoras, Panagia Thermiani and Haravgi woman’s society united to form the Nisyrian Society. We have an energetic organization under the leadership of Yannis Konstantinidis. Every Saturday, a Greek language school operates through the Society’s support. Thirty-five children attend. We have three hundred members. Every New Year’s Eve, 150 members appear. We have a Pashaliatiko (Easter) Glendi. Last year, the Nisyrian society sponsored a free concert with Grigori Maninakis and the Microcosmos musical ensemble at the Hellenic Cultural center in Astoria.” Gnomagoras Society was organized August 8, 1909. The Nisyrian Society of Panagia Thermiani was instituted in 1909. Haravgi Woman’s Society was formed in 1934. Panagia Stiliani is the fourth organization of the island.

Mr. Kokkinos is a member of the Greek Teachers “Prometheus Association. He is the former principal of St. Demetrios School of Astoria Greek Afternoon School. He was the director of the Greek Department of St. Demetrios Day school of Astoria.

“The Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus” promotes our Cultural Heritage by supporting Apokriatika Glendia!” said President Demosthenes Triantafilou. “Honoring the Greek traditional cultural event of ” Apokriatiko Glendi”, the Greek Teachers Association ” Prometheus” was able to get a sponsor to cover 15 tickets for members of the PROMETHEUS Board who wanted to attend such a Glendi given by the Nisyrian Society on Friday, February 24 and the Glendi given by the Philopochos of the Ascension Church in Fairview, NJ, on Saturday, February 25.” The sponsor was President, Mr. Triantafillou, in appreciation of the excellent cooperation of the Nisyrian Society Board Members for the success of the two recent PROMETHEUS events, the Symposium on Aristotle in December, 2016 and the Lecture on Papadiamandis on February 5, 2017 for the celebration of the Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters!

It is now the 5^th Anniversary of the passing away of the beloved “Priest of the People” Rev. Anastasios Diakovasilis. His village of Nikia, in Nisyros did not have a priest. He performed services in the summer.”  His wife, Presvitera Maria, shared in the success of his ministry.  Father Anastasios had a unique gift in composing poetry. His works have been published in Greek-American newspapers and periodicals in the United States and Greece. His poetry reflected his faith in God and commemorates unique events in the life of his congregation.

“According to Greek mythology, the island was formed when Poseidon cut off a part of Kos and threw it onto the giant Polybotes to stop him from escaping. The ancient name of the Nisyros was Porphyris. Ancient walls, dating from the 5th century BC, part of the acropolis of the island, are found near Mandraki. It was apparently also a source of millstones used in some of the earliest watermills, being referred to by epigrammatist Antipater of Thessalonica in the 1st century BC. The island is mentioned by Homer in the Iliad. In Roman times it became part of the Insulae province. The Knights Hospitaller conquered the island in 1315 and built the crusader castle.

The Hermes Expo, a leading B2B trade show and exhibition networking series, returns in 2017 for its 26th year.

The trade show will take place on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at The Best Western Hotel in Concordville, Pa.

It will be followed by a second annual event, the Hermes Expo “A Taste of Greece,” April 24 and 25, 2017 at the Radisson Martinique Hotel on 32nd St & Broadway, in New York. A “Taste of Greece” features a round table discussion and a reception with Greek food and wine, a mini-trade show exhibition and plenty of networking. Past participants included leading food industry representatives and companies as well as representatives from Greece and the southeastern European Nations.

Hermes Expo is a leading trade show that brings together Greek-American and non Greek-American-owned business by providing them with a platform to showcase their products and services in front of potential customers from the United States and Europe. The Hermes Expo also hosts educational panel discussions and professional development seminars to help businesses grow.

Three Greek language organizations hosted an informative Greek language workshop on Saturday evening, April 8^th in the conference room of the Jay Suites, 6^th floor, at 575 7^th Avenue, New York City. A well-received number of New York residents were in attendance. The Federation of Hellenic American Educators and Cultural Associations of America, The Organization for the Dissemination of the Greek Language with the cooperation of the “Blue Money Show” and Hellenic Paideia of America, Inc. hosted the event where the timelessness and importance of the Greek language was discussed.

The speakers included: Emeritus Professor Aristea Tolia, Univerity of the Peloponnese; Veloudia Papadopoulou, Theology professor at Athens University; civil engineer Costas Katsigiannis, vol. Gen. ESO Director; Catherine Chatzinikolaou, Administrative Officer of the Ministry of Education in the New York consulate; Nikos Papapostolou businessman, Vasiliki Filiotis President of  Hellenic Paideia of America, Inc. and Adriana Filiotis founding member of  Hellenic Paideia of America, Inc.

Points of discussion were: The importance of languages and cultures of the world; Greek as the basis of languages; every language contains Greek words; the language spread Christianity; European culture and civilization, of which Greece is a part, are rooted in ancient Greece;

Greece is the land of heroes, martyrs, poets, philosophers; it is an eternal symbol of Western civilization; the entire Western world has turned to Greek in its quest for a cultural identity;  Greek is important to the languages and cultures of the world. Greek recorded ancient philosophy and is the basis of languages; every language contains Greek words; the language spread Christianity.

Tourism, he said, is a key pillar of growth for the Greek economy, with a large contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), creating new jobs. Greece has 20,000 historical monuments. The history in combination with unparalleled natural beauty ranks Greece first worldwide in number of tourists.

President Vasiliki Filiotis stated that “we support Modern Greek language studies. We must transmit to future generations, the knowledge, culture, traditions preserved and passed on to us. The Greek language survives today because it has offered the world a unique contribution.”

President Stella Kokolis of the Federation of Hellenic-American Educators & Cultural Associations of America and President Vasiliki Filiotis of The Hellenic Paideia of America Organization worked behind the scenes to make this event a success. For more information, email kstellasr@gmail.com and vfiliotis@aol.com.

A distinctive approach to Sophocles’ play “Antigone” was presented by the Pancyprian Association of America Cultural Division under the direction of Leonidas Loizides on Sunday April 9. The play was held at the Queens Theater in Flushing Meadows Park, Corona, New York. Numerous Greek-American organizations supported the play that was acted in English.

“Who were they (Greeks) after all?” said Leonidas Loizides. “They were humanists! They put Man and Reason in the center of the universe. Antigone defines her behavior and is responsible for it. Creon stands against her as a guardian of the Law and warns us: he considered human justice an inextricable piece of the wider cosmic order and saw it collapse the moment he realized the position he put his child into. So, these two elements (Creon and Antigone): human power and human compassion are insolvably connected.”

Antigone was performed at the Great Dionysia festival of 442 B.C. Sophocles wrote tragedy as a response to the exile of Themistocles, the victor of the Battle of Salamis. The conflict between moral law and the law of the state reaches its peak, with the two protagonists unable to escape the tragic fate that has been decreed for them.

Hellenic Paideia of America Organization, under the leadership of President Vasiliki Filiotis, attended. “This play is of major importance in 2017,” she explained. Greek drama portrays universal values that are relevant in our time.” For more information on Hellenic Paideia of America Organization, email vfiliotis@aol.com and zfiliotis@aol.com.

Philip Christopher, President of the Pancyprian Association, Inc., explained his organization “promotes Hellenism and the Hellenic values and ideals. All our Divisions, Athletic, Women, Youth, Choir, Dance and Culture host numerous events every year to remind all of us that our heritage, culture and traditions must be cherished and protected.”

Mr. George Kitsios, President of the Greek American Homeowners Association (GAHOA) and Mr. Peter Louca, President of the Asgata Association of America attended. President Louca invites all to attend the June 25^th memorial service for the fallen heroes of the 1974 Turkish Invasion at the Transfiguration of Christ Church, Mattituck, N.Y. President Louca enlightened me, a child during the Cyprus Civil War against the English Commonwealth, on the island’s liberation efforts. For more information, email plouca46@optonline.com.

The following director, producer and actors were involved: Leonidas Loizides, Director; The Pancyprian Association of America Cultural Division, Producer; Francesco Andolfi, Assistant Director; Flavia Sgoifo, Production management & Public Relations; Gregory Christopher Papadakis Post, Composer;  Antigone, Dori Levit; Creon, Francesco Andolfi; Ismene, Flavia Sgoifo; Teiresias, Eftychia Loizides; Haemon & Sentry, Lirenzo Lucchetti; Messenger, Dori Levit; Eurydice/Voice, Anna Tsoukala; Choragos, Gary Fizer; Chorus, Andre Campbell, Julie Gaarskjaer, Anthony Martinez, Lorenzo Possanza and Ariana Wellmonety. I was impressed with the singing of Anna Tsoukala and Francesco Adolfi as a tortured Creon. For a more accurate list of performers, donors and personnel, contact Philip Christopher at pc@americannetworksolutions.com.

Album:

https://goo.gl/photos/g2t6Mz3mM3JbXe3P9

Dr. John G. Siolas presented his current book at the April 6, 2017 SJU 20^th anniversary. His book, “The Greek American Experience III” is a comprehensive exploration of the Greek language and culture. This analytical book includes the most up to date Hellenic websites and links to major articles and studies on the Greek language and civilization. Also included is information on current scholarship opportunities and a complete listing of Greek American societies and foundations.

Dr. Siolas is an Associate Professor of Education, Graduate Division, School of Education and Psychology at Touro College for the past thirteen years. Born in Arcadia, Greece, his academic credentials include a B.A. from Marist College in 1973; M.S. in Education, SUNY in 1974 and a PhD. from New York University in 1984. During his academic career, Dr. Siolas was a Teacher at St. Basil’s Academy, Garrison, NY 1967-1975; Florida State University Teacher Training Fellow 1976-78 and  Education Administrator for the Board of Education of the City of New York from 1975 – 2005.

His works include books and numerous articles about Greece, children’s textbooks and bilingual education texts. His honors include: 2016 recognition for his service as past president at the Fortieth Anniversary Luncheon of the Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus” in the presence of His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios and Dr. Theodosis Pelegrinis, Deputy Minister of Education of Greece; the 2013 Hermes Award given by the Federation of Hellenic American Educators  at the Dinner Awards Reception of the 22nd Hermes International Expo; “Educator of the Year (HAEA) in 1987; the NY State Incentive Award 1974. and “Educator of the Year” by The Hellenic American Educators Association of the UFT (HAEA) in 1987.  Dr. Siolas was selected by the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation to be a Visiting Professor for the spring 2007 semester at the University of Athens, Department of Linguistics. Greek Cultural Presentation was presented to over 100 seniors in eastern Queens and to Dr. John G. Siolas on March 21, 2015. For more information, Email:john.siolas@touro.edu.

A spring workshop series for Teachers of the Greek Language is being held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Flushing, New York. Mrs. Maria Makedon, Director of the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education with Dr. Thalia Hadzigiannoglou, Education Consular of the Greek Consulate General in New York have organized this series.

“This Pedagogical Program was the child of our proposal at our 40th Honorary Luncheon of PROMETHEUS,” explained Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus” President Demosthenes Triantafillou. “The Program of Mrs. Makedon has been inspired by the PROMETHEUS proposals and the Program at the Ascension School in Fairview.  PROMETHEUS has opened new educational horizons for Pedagogical Programs, to meet the professional needs of the Greek Teachers. PROMETHEUS will continue with its vision to solve problems and to benefit the Members of PROMETHEUS.”