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MARCH 23, 2019 Celebrating Greek Independence 1 2 8 1

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E H T “ The National Herald T H D E L N A AT ER IONAL H www.thenationalherald.com

This special edition of March 25th was partially supported by Michael and Robin Psaros and Drs Spiros and Amalia Spireas. 2 Greek Independence Day Special THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 23, 2019

Happy and Joyous

JOHN CATSIMATIDIS, Jr. Independence Day THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 23, 2019 Greek Independence Day Special 3

Happy Greek Independence Day, the historic and glorious of March 25th, 1821.

Honor and gratitude to the heroes of 1821. b a ichael and Robin Psaros Μ 4 Greek Independence Day Special THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 23, 2019 Celebrating Greek Independence Day: Long Live the 25th of March!

By Eleni Sakellis tracting and expanding again, until the map of reached its present incarnation. Through - Celebrating Greek Independence Day has a out those years, the people continued to uphold special meaning for the Greek community living the ideals of Hellenism. abroad. Commemorating the start of the Greek For example, the islands of the Dodecanese War of Independence on March 25, 1821 when after millennia of upholding the , Germanos of Patras raised the flag of rev - traditions, and faith, only became part of the olution over the Monastery of in the nation after World War II. At the , the commemoration is that rare recent celebration of the 71st anniversary of Do - combination of national and religious holiday. decanese unification, Federation of Dodecanese March 25 is also the Annunciation of the Vir - Societies President Maria Marangos said, “We gin Mary when the Archangel Gabriel appeared are gathered here to pay tribute to all those who to her and told her she would be the mother of fought and sacrificed their lives, generation after Jesus, the Son of God. The double celebration generation. Our ancestors, during the years of honors the Mother of God – the Theotokos –and slavery, did not bend, they did not give up, but the faith that sustained the Greek people through they stood up, and bravely held onto their reli - the hard years of Ottoman oppression and then gion and language. This celebration is a tribute through the brutal years of war in the fight for to them.” freedom. The powerful connection in the minds The emotion inspired by the unification is and hearts of the community between faith and still powerful and within recent memory for history is clear in all the events and celebrations those who lived through the years of the Italian surrounding the holiday, leading up to the vari - occupation and then the German occupation in ous parades wherever happen to live World War II. It is especially vital today that we across the globe. look back and remember the historic struggle The cry “Freedom or death” which became for freedom and the tremendous responsibility the motto of the revolution reminds us how to maintain that freedom in the face of all threats much was at stake for our ancestors in the strug - and to fight for justice for all. gle for Greek Independence, and that the support As we march in the various parades to show for our Greek heritage, language, and homeland our Hellenic pride, it is important to remember must remain steadfast if only to honor their sac - Mavrogenous, Miaoulis, Odysseas An - of Zalongo and the famous song lyrics. the stories and struggles of the past which shaped rifice. droutsos, and . We should, The struggle for freedom which began in 1821 the Greek nation and people who still endure The names of many of the heroes of the Greek however, also remember those who paid the ul - continued on for much longer than the estab - despite the hardships and the crises, and to also War of Independence are well known, Theodoros timate price for freedom without having their lishment of the modern Greek state in 1830. remember that we have a responsibility to main - Kolokotronis, , Yannis names recorded for posterity, like the women Only part of what we call Greece today was in - tain the ideals the heroes of 1821 fought for and Makriyannis, , , and children of Souli at the tragic end of the cluded at that time. It would take years of con - won. Long live Greece! Long live the 25th of , Constantine Kanaris, Manto Souliote War of 1803, immortalized in the Dance flict and diplomacy, borders expanding and con - March! ΖΗΤΩ Η ΕΛΛΑΣ! ΖΗΤΩ Η 25η Μαρτίου! 198th Anniversary of the Greek Revolution Celebrated at Gracie Mansion

By Yanna Katsageorgis

NEW YORK – New York’s Mayor Bill de Blasio hosted a celebra - tion of the 198th Anniversary of the Greek Revolution March 19 at Gracie Mansion, welcoming Greek-Americans and Commu - nity leaders, including Ariana Huffington, who was honored for her contributions to the mass media industry. The event marked New York’s official recognition of the March 25 Greek national holi - day and began with a speech by Archbishop Demetrios. He re - ferred to the Greek Revolution as a miracle and praised the Greek fighters who, without substantial means and with more hostility than support from European powers, challenged and defeated the Ottoman Em - pire. TNH/KOSTAS BEJ The Mayor thanked Arch - The Greek Independence celebration at Gracie Mansion is NYC’s official recognition of the March 25 Greek national holiday. Among those present, host of the bishop Demetrios for “every - event Mayor Bill de Blasio, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, and Ariana Huffington who was honored for her contributions to the mass media industry.

thing that he has done for the where hundreds of different lan - portant event for the Greek- city of New York,” and turning guages are spoken.” American community every to the rest of the Greek-Ameri - Huffington spoke about her year,” he said, “and we are very cans present he noted that they life, and then she highlighted proud because in this hospitable constitute the largest Greek other values, besides , country we have the opportu - community in the that the world has inherited nity every year to declare how and that the city is graced by from and its happy and proud we are to be their presence. philosophers such as, “living in Greek. I hope this year’s parade He thanked all those attend - the moment” (parousa stigmi) will be the most impressive and ing the celebration including the with calmness (ataraxia). She grand of all time. Our country president of the Federation of added that that people must is in need of support now more Hellenic Societies of Greater never forget hospitality (philox - than ever, and the parade is an New York Kleanthis enia) and then analyzed the important way for us to honor Meimaroglou, Consul General meaning of “living well” (ef our homeland.” of Greece in New York Konstan - zin), which in modern times has Earlier Archbishop Demetrios tinos Koutras, the Consul of been falsified, she said, to the told a story from the Greek Rev - General of Alexis Phe - point where people allow daily olution that illustrated the spirit donos-Vadet, and everyone who anxieties to alter the meaning of the freedom fighters. He ex - helped organize the event be - of their being. She proclaimed plained, “There were times fore speaking about the mean - the Mayor an honorary Greek, when the Revolution was in ing of democracy. and joked about his nominating danger of failing, due to the lack “It is something that has to her as the woman who modern - of financial means to support be earned and it’s earned only ized mass media. the fight. At some point all the by the participation of people Koutras addressed the impor - fighters, along with the priests, who struggle for democracy and tance of celebrating the day that the nuns, and the civilians de - who encourage others to fight officially marked the beginning cided to gather everything valu - for it too. New York is a democ - of the Greek revolution against able they owned made of silver ratic city – a city of immigrants the : “It is a or gold. They melted them – that gives everyone a chance great honor for Greece that we down, made coins, and used to participate in everything that are today in the residence of them as money. That saved the is going on. On behalf of all New New York’s Mayor, where the Revolution at that point. This is Yorkers I say, “Long Live Mayor honors the anniversary what we celebrate today! The Greece.” of the Greek Revolution. Yester - achievements, the spirit, the De Blasio then introduced day there was also an event in generosity, the inventiveness Ariana Huffington, saying that the White House, and I believe and mostly the devotion of the if in ancient Greece there was a that Greece is one of the few fighters to the sacred slogan: Goddess of Mass Media, she countries that has its national Freedom or Death!” would be it. holiday being so honored in the The celebration was also at - “It is a great honor to be here United States, and for that we tended by the Greek Consul with you and celebrate this day,” feel proud. I have to stress the Lana Zochiou, the president of she said, adding, “I wish my fact that the relations between the 2019 parade Petros Gala - mother were here, who taught the United States and Greece toulas, United Nations Military me to fight and never surrender. are great and we look forward Advisor Master Dimitris Efs - The Mayor mentioned the val - to the future with optimism.” tathiou, Paraskevi Strataki, the ues we inherited from ancient Dr. George Tsioulias, Co- military recruiting officer at the Greece, like drama and democ - Chairman of New York’s upcom - Greek Consulate, representa - racy. It’s true we invented ing 2019 Greek Parade, was also tives of Greek organizations, democracy, and it finds it’s true invited to address the gathering. and Community business lead - meaning in the city of New York, “The parade is the most im - ers.

Members of the community from all walks of life crowded Gracie Mansion for the event in honor of Greek heritage and Greek Independence. THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 23, 2019 Greek Independence Day Special 5 Greek Independence Day Celebration at Rhode Island State House

By Theodore Kalmoukos on the official flagpole of the State House from where it will BOSTON - The annual celebra - be seen all over the city since tion of the war of Greek Inde - the State House is situated on a pendence that ended 400 years hill which is visible from many of Turkish occupation will be parts of Providence. Greek flags celebrated for the 27th year at will also be on display in the the Rhode Island State House Senate chamber and in the cor - on Tuesday, March 26. ridors of the State House. The first part of the celebra - The second part of the cele - tion will be from 4:30 to 5:30 bration will take place in Room PM in the Chamber of the Sen - 22, the official event room, ate where the Greek-American where the officials of the State state senator for Rhode Island House and the city of Provi - Leonidas Raptakis will speak dence will deliver messages and about Greece and its struggle speeches. for independence and will in - The pupils of the Greek Af - troduce an official proclamation ternoon Schools of the three which will be adopted by vote Greek Orthodox parishes in by the Senate. Rhode Island, Annunciation of In the proclamation Raptakis Cranston, Assumption of Paw - will mention the greatness and tucket, and St. Spyridon of New - uniqueness of Hellenic Civiliza - port, will recite patriotic poems tion, the continuous violations by while dressed in colorful tradi - Turkey of religious freedom and tional costumes. the rights of the Ecumenical Pa - A reception and a Greek buf - triarchate in , the fet will follow at 6 PM in the Halki Seminary which continues Community Hall of the Annun - SENATOR LEONIDAS P. RAPTAKIS OFFICE to be closed since 1971, and the ciation Greek Orthodox parish From a previous year’s celebration: Greek School students in Rhode Island dressed in colorful costumes celebrate Greek Inde - illegal occupation of Cyprus. in Cranston, RI located at 175 pendence in the governor’s room. The Greek flag will be placed Oaklawn Avenue. Community Leaders Honored at NY City Hall Greek Independence Day J

TNH Staff E B Left to right: NYC Council

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A Member Paul Vallone, AHEPA T NEW YORK – The S Delphi Chapter #25 O K Council on March 11 recognized / President Lou Katsos, Costa H

Greek Independence Day in the N Constantinides, Dr. Florentia T

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Council Chambers at City Hall. S Christodoulidou, HANAC O Speaker Corey Johnson with T Director of Social Services O H

Council Members Costa Constan - P Nick Nikolaidis, Fr. Nektarios tinides, Paul Vallone, and Justin Papazafiropoulos, and Brannan presented this evening HANAC Chairman Evangeline of song, dance, and tributes to Douris. Greek-American leaders through - out New York City. “I take great pride in being growing, as the economic crisis the first Greek-Cypriot-American in Greece has led many to find elected to a New York City office new opportunities in New York – carrying on our culture’s dedi - City. cation, hard work, and commu - Council Member Costa Con - nity service,” said Constantinides. stantinides represents the New “Greek-Americans helped build York City Council's 22nd District, New York City into the wonderful which includes his native Astoria metropolis you see today. along with parts of Woodside, Whether it’s in my native Astoria, East Elmhurst, and Jackson Bayside, or Bay Ridge, we make Heights. He serves as the Chair the community a better place of the City Council's Environmen - with our rich traditions, great tal Protection Committee and sits pride, and love for one another. on the For-Hire Vehicles, Land Those we honored tonight are Use, Parks, and Transportation Committees and the Zoning and who participated in our annual Ahepans and community mem - came the first Greek-Cypriot- Franchises Subcommittee. For Greek Independence Day cele - bers. American elected to New York more information, visit bration at the City Council and In 2013, Constantinides be - City office. This community is council.nyc.gov/costa. made it a wonderful success, and I congratulate all of our esteemed honorees.” The Vallone family have ap - preciated their Greek-American constituents and neighbors in As - toria for decades. “The Greek- American Community continues to be one of the most culturally proud and vibrant in our City and I am proud to join Council Mem - ber Constantinides in hosting this event every year. This year I was happy to honor and recognize HANAC, Inc. for their outstand - ing contributions to communities throughout Queens and the city. Their reputation of excellence is NYC Council Member Paul Vallone, honoree Dr. Florentia well-deserved, as their hard work Christodoulidou, and Council Member Costa Constantinides. has touched many lives,” said Council Member Paul Vallone, adding, “I look forward to con - tinuing to work with the Greek- American community on issues important to them, as well as sharing with them in celebration and appreciation of their rich cul - ture and history.” Constantinides honored Dr. Florentia Christodoulidou, a widely respected physician based at Mt. Sinai Queens in Astoria, and AHEPA Delphi Chapter #25, a Hellenic organization based in Hellenic Independence Day New York City for more than 95 means freedom from oppression, years that has recently under - gone a remarkable revival and is heroism of Hellenic freedom fighters now the biggest chapter in the world. through the ages, democracy, Vallone presented a citation The Academy of Hellenic Paideia dancers in traditional costume to HANAC, which is well known and the contemporary message performed at the event. for developing senior housing. HANAC’s Director of Social Ser - of the Filiki Etaireia. the perfect embodiment of that cans have been essential in build - vices Nick Nikolaidis accepted the spirit. I want to thank my part - ing our City and our nation. They citation on behalf of the organi - ners in the City Council for join - have made great contributions in zation. Also present at the event ing me on this celebratory fields ranging from the arts and were HANAC Chairman Evange - The demographics of Greece evening.” to sports and politics. I line Douris, former President of Council Speaker Corey John - want to thank our hosts Council AHEPA Delphi Chapter #25 Ar - are being threatened as its youth leaves son echoed Constantinides, say - Members Constantinides, Val - gyris Argitakos and current pres - ing, “Greeks and Greek-Ameri - lone, and Brannan and everyone ident Lou Katsos, and many for opportunities abroad, birth rates decline, the economy falters, foreigners are being resettled en masse in its territory that could be occupied by its neighbors.

The Hellenic Community of the United States is demanding a unified front against all aggressors and rejuvenation of its organized societies!

In unison we stand! ΖΗΤΩ το ΕΘΝΟΣ ! TNH/KOSTAS BEJ b

Miss Greek Independence 2019 Dr. Spyros Mezitis

The Miss Greek Independence pageant was held at the Stathakion Center this year. Alexia-Kate - a rina Volonakis, whose father is from the island of Rhodes, was crowned with this year's honor. New York City Volonakis is a licensed teacher and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Mental Health. 6 Greek Independence Day Special THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 23, 2019 White House Honors

Continued from page 1 of the fact that America has an econ - main section omy that is stronger than it ever has been. Red hats that said, and business – especially in “Make America Great Again!” construction and development. dotted the heads of many of the More than once, President event-goers and many in the au - Trump went off script – as he dience used Trump’s frequent usually does – to make points pauses to cheer and to encour - regarding his overall manage - age him to run again in 2020, ment of the nation and to chime but also to remain strong in the in upon hearing chants from face of what they believe to be adoring crowds. baseless accusations and a De - The President of the United mocratic witch hunt against him States was serenaded with and his administration. cheers of “four more years!” by Unlike last year's event that large swaths of the crowd that was attended by senior Trump congregated in the East Room White House officials of Greek of the White House. descent such as Chief of Staff Trump delighted in the fact Reince Priebus and White House that he was able to pronounce Scheduling and Advance Direc - some of the more complex tor George Gigicos, this year Greek last names that his aides there were Trump Cabinet had listed to thank, and pro - members on hand for the com - ceeded to go on for five to seven memoration of Greek Indepen - minutes about how the Ameri - dence, Secretary of can economy under his presi - Betsy DeVos and Secretary of dency has never been stronger Transportation Elaine Chao. and that the United States has an economy that is the envy of the world.” President Donald Trump and The president backed up that His Eminence Archbishop statement by saying that most Demetrios at the event of the leaders of the world that honoring Greek visit him or talk to him on the Independence at the White phone specifically reference the House.

AP PHOTO/JACQUELYN MARTIN

TNH AP PHOTO/JACQUELYN MARTIN Centenary Celebration of the Greek National Holiday:

By Stavros T. Stavridis Provinces of the Ottoman Em - provided a measure of linguistic, pire. These boys aged between cultural, and religious continu - Stylianos Plagiannis wrote an 12-15 were given Muslim names ity. The Bulgarians who were interesting piece dedicated to and instructed in the teaching under the Greek Orthodox Pa - Greek Independence Day which and practice of Islam. They were triarchate eventually established appeared in the Atlantis news - known as janissaries and formed the Bulgarian Exarchate in paper on April 6, 1921. His al - the elite palace guard and in - 1870. legiance to the Royalist cause fantry troops of the Ottoman The , a secret or - was unshakeable, which caused Empire – and they were also the ganization established in him to omit some important de - greatest persecutors of Chris - (present-day ) in 1814, tails in Greek history. tians. fired up and encouraged by the He did correctly state that a Despite their terrible suffer - patriotism of Diaspora Greeks handful of individuals filled ing, the people of Greece man - like Rigas Ferraios, prompted with courage and determination aged to maintain their religion, those in Greece to declare, "Bet - raised the banner for indepen - faith, customs, and language ter one hour of freedom than dence at the Monastery of Aghia which sustained them through forty years of slavery and Lavra with the war cry "Free - 368 years of Ottoman rule. Each prison." dom or Death" in 1821. generation passed these values This clandestine group oper - Since the fall of Byzantium on to the next with the eventu - ated under the noses of the on May 29, 1453, the Greeks ality of one day attaining their Turks and their operations in suffered persecution, oppres - freedom. raising funds and recruits was sion, and massacres. Young Plagiannis fails to mention, the catalyst for the Greek war Christian boys (Greek, Slav and however, that the Turks con - of independence. Armenian) captured in war and trolled their minorities through The odds were stacked the children of Christian sub - the millet system. For example, against the Greeks who faced jects of the Sultan were taken the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate the strong Ottoman Empire but as tribute from their parents in was responsible for the behav - their courage inspired European the European and Asiatic iour of his Greek flock which and American philhellenes who The Oath of Initiation into the Filiki Eteria, painting by Dionysios Tsokos, 1849.

fought for Greece's freedom. fought for their freedom and nis Kapodistrias, who was a One such notable philhel - Plagiannis deemed them worthy well-known and respected lene, Englishman descendants of Leonidas and the diplomat in Europe who had wrote the following lines: soldiers and sailors of the battles served as Foreign Minister to “The Mountains look to of Marathon and Salamis. Russian Tsar, Nicholas I. After Marathon. And Marathon looks The gigantic struggle of 1821 his assassination, the Hellenic to the Sea. And rearing there an was something to be proud of. Kingdom was established in hour alone, I dreamed that Indeed, against overwhelming 1832 by the three protecting Greece shall still be free.” odds, the Greek had achieved powers: Great Britain, , The Philhellenes not only the impossible – his freedom. and Russia under a Bavarian contributed money and food - In 1827, the Hellenic King - prince who took the name of stuffs but also sacrificed their dom was established and suf - King Othon (1832-1863). lives on the altar of Greek free - fered oppression, threats, and Greeks in , , dom and in America, President financial controls by the great Macedonia, , the Dode - James Monroe (1817-25) and Western powers. Despite these canese Islands and Asia Minor Senator Daniel Webster sup - troubles, Greece survived and lived outside the boundaries of ported the Greek cause. Greek grew. In 1912-13, under the the small Hellenic Kingdom, giv - independence fired the imagi - leadership and command of ing rise to the Great Idea The flag of nation of Liberals both in the King Constantine, Greece par - () of eventually the Filiki Eteria. United States and Europe who ticipated in the bringing them all within the believed that the struggling against its two eternal foes: the boundaries of the Greek state. Greeks were the descendants of Turks and Bulgarians. Plagiannis also fails to men - the ancient Hellenes. Plagiannis fails to mention tion the disastrous Greco-Turk - For seven years, the Greeks Greece's first "president", Ioan - ish conflict of 1897 where THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 23, 2019 Greek Independence Day Special 7 Greek Independence Day

AP PHOTO/JACQUELYN MARTIN TNH

TNH TNH Stylianos Plagiannis The National Herald Greece ended up paying war strong, glorious, and respected reparations to the Turks. The by her friends but terrible to her salutes the Greek-American community reputation of the Greek monar - enemies. Greece was celebrating chy was dented when King its centenary under the most op - and Greek Independence Day. George I failed to call out the timistic atmosphere. navy and with the palace sur - Still, he failed to mention the rounded by hostile and angry successes of Eleftherios Venize - crowds. An international finan - los as Greek Prime Minister dur - Join the parade, April 13th, 2019 – 5th Avenue, NYC! cial commission created by the ing the Balkan Wars and present - major European powers: Great ing his nation's territorial claims Britain, France, Germany, Aus - at the Peace Conference in tro-Hungary, Russia, and Italy 1919. During the Balkan Wars, collected Greek tax revenues to Constantine proved to be a great pay for war reparations and for - and popular commander in the eign loans. The only comfort for army and with the Greek public. Greece was that Crete was now However, his neutral stance in ruled by Christian Governor un - WW I – he was related to the der nominal Ottoman rule. German Kaiser – along with his The Greek army soon re - differences with Venizelos con - sumed its liberating mission, tributed to the however, and new diamonds between the Venizelists and Roy - were added to the crown of the alists. Greek nation with Salonika, The Treaty of Sevres signed , Adrianople, and on August 10, 1920 was the Smyrna coming under Greek closest that Greece got in fulfill - control. The largest diamond ing the Great Idea but the elec - missing from this crown was toral victory of the Royalists in - Constantinople. Constantine cluding the return of hoped he would become king of Constantine in late 1920 led to this renowned city, like the last the abandonment and isolation Byzantine Emperor who shared of Greece by the allied powers: his name. Thus, after five cen - Britain, France and Italy. Allies turies, the dreams of the Greek opened discussions with the race would be fulfilled with the Turks to amend the Treaty of saying "Again with the years The Sevres. Of course, Greece was City will again be ours." most unhappy with their deci - Wishful thinking on the part sion. of the Royalists, as Constantino - Plagiannis sense of "celebrat - ple was under Allied control in ing [the nation's] centenary un - the period 1919-23. There was der the most optimistic times” no way the Allies would allow was somewhat misplaced. To Greece to threaten or occupy celebrate its centenary was an Constantinople. Britain ensured important milestone for Greece. the Sultan's government re - However, the catastrophe that mained in power to block any engulfed Greeks in Asia Minor Russian pretensions in occupy - some 18 months later proved ing the Ottoman capital. Con - how wrong he was. stantinople was also an impor - In conclusion, Plagiannis tant financial and economic praised King Constantine whom The National Herald

T center in the Near East. he considered a champion in the H D E L N A AT ER www.thenationalherald.com Nevertheless, Plagiannis was revival of a strong and proud IONAL H correct to note that the Greece Greece, but he failed to ac - of 1921 was ten times the size knowledge the achievements of of 1821. She was big, free, Venizelos. 8 Greek Independence Day Special THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 23, 2019

Consul General of Cyprus in New York Alexis Phedonos-Vadet, Consul General of Greece Konstantinos Koutras, Effie Lekas, Maria Haralampopoulos, Federation President Cleanthis Meimaroglou, Assemblymember Aravella Simotas, Sen. Michael Gianaris, Federation Vice President Petros Galatoulas, Betsy Sideris, Florence Koulouris, Fr. George Anastasiou, and Consul of Greece Lana Zochiou.

Queens Elected Officials Celebrate Greek Independence Day

By Christodoulos community in Astoria to cele - eral of Cyprus Phedonos-Vadet Athanasatos brate Greek Independence Day. recalled the influence of the We recognize the achievements Greek Revolution in Cyprus and ASTORIA – The elected officials that all our honorees have made congratulated the Greek elected of Queens celebrated Greek In - in promoting the Hellenic and officials for the event. dependence Day with tradi - democratic values that our The program also included tional dances, awards, and Greek ancestors have instilled traditional dances performed by speeches on March 15 at the in us. These community leaders the students of the Academy of Stathakion Cultural Center in are important role models who Hellenic Paideia’s Dance Depart - Astoria. New York State Senator, embody civic engagement ment. Michael Gianaris, Assembly - throughout our neighborhood. Each year the elected officials member Aravella Simotas, and Thank you to my colleagues, choose to honor Greek-Ameri - New York City Council Member Borough President Katz, Senator can community leaders for their Costa Constantinides welcomed Gianaris, and Assembly Member contributions. This year’s hon - the Greek community to the Simotas, for helping our com - orees were Queens College Cen - event held under the auspices munity honor the contributions ter for Byzantine & Modern of Queens Borough President of Greek-Americans,” he said. Greek Studies Assistant Director Melinda Katz, who was unable Among those present were Effie Lekas, Transfiguration of to attend. Consul General of Greece in Christ “I am very pleased to be here New York Konstantinos Koutras, of Corona presiding priest and again with my colleagues, Ar - the Consul General of the Re - NYPD chaplain Fr. George Anas - avella and Costa. Today, we are public of Cyprus Alexis Phedo - tasiou, St. Demetrios School As - fortunate to have more Greek- nos-Vadet, and the Consul of sistant Principal Betsy Sideris, Americans in elected office than Greece Lana Zochiou. Following educator at the Academy of ever before. When the Greek a historical overview, Koutras re - American Studies Maria Har - community helped me get ferred to the timeless links be - alampopoulos, and District elected for the first time, I was Students from the Academy of Hellenic Paideia danced in traditional costume at the celebration. tween the modern Greek state Manager of Community Board sure I would not be alone,” said and the United States and the 1 Florence Koulouris. The Sen. Gianaris, the Senate mother she now better under - and promote our Greek heritage Greek, such as bravery and de - current relationship between elected officials also presented Deputy Leader. stands the educational signifi - daily through our schools, votion to freedom and justice. the two countries. Federation of Hellenic Societies “As the son of Greek immi - cance. churches and civic engagement. As a mother, while my daughter “For three months, the strate - of Greater New York President grants, I am proud to host an - She said, “It is a privilege to They have my deepest appreci - learns the history of the Greeks gic dialogue between Greece Cleanthis Meimaroglou and other Greek Independence Day join my colleagues in govern - ation for lifting up our Greek of 1821, I also undertake to in - and the USA has begun. It is an Greek Independence Day Parade celebration. There is no better ment to celebrate Greek Inde - community and this beautiful still in her what it means to be important event, not many Committee Chairman Petros place than Astoria to recognize pendence Day in Astoria, which borough of Queens that we call a Greek-American.” countries have this kind of rela - Galatoulas with a proclamation our heritage and celebrate the so many Greek immigrants have home.” City Council Member Costa tionship with the U.S. There are from the State Legislative bodies spirit of democracy, freedom, called home. Those immigrants Simotas continued, “As a Constantinides echoed the same also very positive events in the (Senate and Assembly) declar - and independence that links the and their families have en - Greek-American, it is important sentiment, pointing out that Mediterranean, with the discov - ing March as “Hellenic Heritage U.S. and Greece,” Gianaris said. hanced our beautiful commu - to celebrate this day, which fo - New York City takes this oppor - ery of large hydrocarbon de - Month.” Assemblymember Aravella nity while they pursued their cuses on our history and the tunity to honor the Greeks who posits. I recall that for the first Galatoulas also urged every - Simotas focused on the wider American dreams. common ideals that connect have contributed so much to the time an American politician will one to attend New York’s Greek meaning of the March 25th cel - The five extraordinary Hel - Greece with the United States. city’s development. participate in the tripartite Independence Parade on Fifth ebration for the Greek-American lenes that we honor at this It is a reminder of the elements “I am proud to once again Greece-Cyprus-Israel meeting,” Avenue which will be held this community, noting that as a year’s celebration strengthen that exist in the DNA of the join our strong Greek-American said Koutras, while Consul Gen - year on April 14. Athenian’s Society of NY Cultural Evening Honors the 25th of March

By Eleni Sakellis

ASTORIA – In celebration of Greek Independence Day, March 25, 1821, the Athenian’s Society of New York presented a cul - tural evening which including the screening of a historical doc - umentary, Walks in Ottoman , and an art exhibition featuring works by eight artists from the community on March 17 at the Kefalonian Society of America “Kefalos” in Astoria. The program began with welcoming remarks by the Athenian’s Society President Vana Kontomerkou who also presented an introduction to the history of Athens as a prelude to the documentary film screen - ing. The documentary featured Dr. Maria Efthymiou, Professor at the University of Athens, dis - cussing the history of the Greek capital city through the years of Ottoman oppression and the PHOTOS: TNH/ELENI SAKELLIS Greek War of Independence and The charming paintings by Fr. Ioannis Antonopoulos. Anna Neofotistos and granddaughter Melina Cantagallo both had works on display. into the modern era. Most of those in attendance appreciated Athens, bringing the historic is Athens a symbol of Greece, but tomerkou thanked all those pre - for those interested in seeing pointed out that this is not the the documentary and the pro - city, its social strata, and its cul - it is also a cherished symbol for sent for participating in the cul - more of her work. Cantagallo’s first exhibition for her grand - fessor’s perspective, but some ture in previous centuries to life. all of western civilization. tural evening and especially acrylic and watercolor paintings daughter Melina, who also ex - criticized the film as being “too Among the places visited was A reception with coffee and thanked the Kefalos Society for on canvas and paper show an hibited work with her at age six. soft” on the Ottoman Empire. the Church of St. Demetrios desserts followed the documen - the space. She then introduced extraordinary maturity for such With an impressive array of Dr. Efthymiou’s discussion in where Athanasios Diakos, one tary which was then followed Dora Lagos, Athenian’s Society a young artist. Neofotistos told acrylic, oil, and watercolor the film was highlighted with of the heroes of 1821, actually by the art exhibition and a pre - Board Member, who introduced The National Herald that grand - paintings in the exhibition, Yian - visits to well-known and some served as Diakos (Deacon). sentation by the artists. the artists. daughter Melina has been ac - nis Nomikos noted that he not so well-known sites in Efthymiou noted that not only Society President Kon - The first artist presented was cepted into the National Youth started out in ceramics and then Fr. Ioannis Antonopoulos, Leadership Forum: Pathways to later began painting. He studied whose charming oil paintings STEM program at St. John’s at the Art Students League in inspired by scenes of nature in University this summer. and has painted Greece were on display. He Dominici Chontrogiannis many works for the Greek com - noted that the couch does a presented her decorative can - munity. His painting of fresh figs great deal of harm, and that dles which she creates using led one viewer to comment that keeping active through the arts soothing scents. Artist and the figs were so realistically de - is important for health, well-be - teacher Efterpi Giatrakis then picted they looked good enough ing, and the soul. Fr. spoke about her enchanting to eat. Nomikos has a studio in Antonopoulos pointed out that works, acrylic and oil paintings New York and in Greece where he is 85 years old and we should on wood, pointing out that she he will soon be traveling to pre - honor God’s gift, art, whether it makes old wood items look new pare for upcoming exhibitions. is painting, singing, and attend - and new items look like an - Athenian’s Society Executive ing art exhibitions because these tiques, transforming them Board Secretary Marianthi Pa - things make life worthwhile. through her art. pafragkou spoke about her The youngest artist, 11-year- Anna Neofotistos – with unique copper art pieces and the old Melina Cantagallo, who beautiful acrylic paintings on ancient roots of the art form, happens to be the granddaugh - canvas and classically-inspired while the final artist presenta - ter of another artist in the exhi - sculptures on display in the ex - tion was by the Society’s Vice bition, Anna Neofotistos, gave hibition, demonstrating an im - President Τasos Mouzakis her presentation next. Canta - pressive versatility –spoke about whose paintings feature themes gallo spoke in Greek about her how her artistic journey began from nature and life. love of art and painting in par - at a young age on her native is - Society President Kon - ticular and pointed out that land of . She noted that tomerkou gave the closing re - most of the works on display in although the path of art may be marks, thanking all those pre - this exhibition were created at one that you travel alone, you sent for attending the cultural The Athenian's Society of New York presented a cultural event which began with a documentary home, but she also has a folder are never lonely, since art is al - evening and supporting the arts film screening and continued with an art exhibition at the Kefalonian Society "Kefalos" in Astoria. of works she created at school ways with you. Neofotistos also in the community. THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 23, 2019 Greek Independence Day Special 9 10 Greek Independence Day Special THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 23, 2019

OFFICE OF THE SUPREME PRESIDENT

Dear AHEPA Family and Friends: ZETO E ELLAS!

On behalf of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the nation’s largest and oldest association of Americans citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes, I am writing to commemorate Greek Independence Day on March 25, 2019.

The ancient Greeks forged the notion of democracy. They believed in the right of self-governance – one of the foundations of our great nation. In fact, our Founding Fathers relied heavily on the political and philosophical experience of the ancient Greeks, and believed enough in its principles and values to risk their lives for it. Thomas Jefferson called ancient Greece “the light which led ourselves out of Gothic darkness.”

March 25th marks the 198th anniversary of the revolution that freed the Greek people from the Ottoman Empire. The Greek people sought the right to govern themselves and to determine their, own destiny. It is important for us to recognize and celebrate this day together with Greece to reaffirm our common democratic heritage. Many Americans fought and died alongside the Greeks during their struggle for freedom in the Greek War of Independence. The Greeks received the support of President James Monroe, Secretary of State John Quincy Adams, and U.S. Representatives Daniel Webster and Henry Clay.

Like the Fourth of July, Greek Independence Day reminds us that we have a duty to defend freedom at whatever cost. We are glorifying all of history’s freedom fighters by honoring the triumphant spirit of those who valiantly fought and died for the ideals we hold dear. Moreover, Greece has been allied with the United States in every major conflict of the 20th Century and has contributed significantly to the International War on Terrorism. In 2018, President Donald J. Trump noted, that all of the United States and Greece: “…have an enduring bond based on mutual respect, shared values, and an abiding commitment to freedom and sovereignty.”

In closing, I would like to remind all of our chapters that our organization is the largest and the greatest one of its kind. Please take part in this celebration of democracy by proclaiming March 25, 2019, as Greek Independence Day, in your chapters, cities and districts. I look forward to seeing you at our 98th AHEPA Family Supreme Convention July 1-6, 2019 in Chicago, IL. Visit out site for more: ahepa.org

Fraternally,

George E. Loucas Supreme President THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 23, 2019 Greek Independence Day Special 11 12 Greek Independence Day Special THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 23, 2019 Drs. Spiro & Amalia Spireas and Sigmapharm Laboratories

HYMN TO LIBERTY - DIONISIOS SOLOMOS (A translation in English by Rudyard Kipling in 1918)

I KNOW YOU of old Long did you dwell Oh, unfortunate one! Oh divinely restored, Amid the peoples that mourn The only consolation you had By the light of your eyes Awaiting some voice were the past glories, And the edge of your sword. That should tell you to return and remembering them you cried.

From the graves of our people Ah, slow broke that day Long you have awaited Shall your spirit prevail and no man dared call, for a freedom-loving call As we greet you again- For the shadow of tyranny and in despair one hand Hail, Liberty, Hail! Lay over all. hits the other one.

Lyrics: , 1824 Music: , 1828 Adopted: 1864

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