O C V ΓΡΑΦΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ Bringing the news ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΣΜΟΥ to generations of ΑΠΟ ΤΟ 1915 The National Herald Greek Americans A WEEKLY GREEK AMERICAN PUBLICATION c v www.thenationalherald.com VOL. 11, ISSUE 558 June 21, 2008 $1.00 GREECE: 1.75 EURO Papoutsy Jim Gianopulos: Greek Dedicated to American Powerhouse Advancing Makes Movies Happen Hellenism By Evan C. Lambrou strike gold in music, so he opted for Special to The National Herald law school. A career in law, he thought, would help him penetrate Author of “Ships of NEW YORK – One of the most pow- the movie-making realm. erful men in Hollywood got to But it was a Martin Scorcese film Mercy” a Contributor where he is because of his strong starring Robert De Niro and Harvey work ethic and deep passion for the Keitel, which opened with a song To Many Causes movie-making industry. by the Rolling Stones, that provid- He is in charge of the studio ed Mr. Gianopulos with his mo- By Theodore Kalmoukos which made all six Star Wars films; ment of clarity. Special to The National Herald all three X-Men films; all four Die “I always loved music. I played Hard films; and many other block- in some bands in high school, and BOSTON – Christos Papoutsy of busters. continued to play music in college. Rye, New Hampshire is a multital- His work ethic is an innate part But I certainly knew I wasn’t going ented individual who has con- of being Greek, he says, but his pas- to be able to make a living as a mu- tributed tremendously to both Hel- sion for the entertainment business sician. I wasn’t good enough. Then lenism and Orthodoxy here and was something he realized while he I took several film courses in col- abroad, including Greece and espe- was taking film courses in college. lege, and there was one in particu- cially his father’s hometown Va- Asked to identify what he lar where I saw a movie by Martin tousa of Lesvos. thought was the tipping point in his Scorsese, ‘Mean Streets.’ The movie Mr. Papoutsy’s father, the late life which allowed him to seize the opened with a Rolling Stones song. Michalis Papoutsis was from Va- opportunity to pursue a career in De Niro was in it. So was Harvey tousa and his mother from Aspro- the filmmaking business, James N. Keitel,” Mr. Gianopulos said. hori of Thessaloniki; they met and Gianopulos, chairman of Fox “It was one of Marty’s first married in Haverhill, Massachu- Filmed Entertainment (a title and movies. It was not an expensive setts where Mr. Papoutsy was born. position he shares with Tom Roth- movie, but it was brilliantly made. In an interview with the Nation- man), told the National Herald he And I just thought, ‘Wow. This is ab- al Herald, Mr. Papoutsy remem- started on the legal end of the in- solutely fantastic. I want to be a bered what it was like growing up dustry, which eventually helped part of this. I’ve got to get involved.’ at the time in Haverhill. him enter the creative side of it. I wanted to be a part of it very bad- “I lived in a three decker house Stressing that a lot of hard work ly, so I figured one way to do that of which the third floor, where I went into his efforts, Mr. Gianopu- was to get the kind of an education lived, was crooked,” he said. “My TNH/COSTAS BEJ los said hard work also prepared that would grant me admission, father went into business many It’s Never Too Early him to meet opportunities as they and I thought having the skills of a times, but he did not succeed. We presented themselves. He wanted lawyer would help me,” he said. were very clean and we had food Though their journey as students is only just beginning, kindergarten students from St. Demetrios to be a musician, he said, but real- on the table and eventually my fa- Elementary School of Astoria await their turn to graduate during a ceremony on Wednesday, June 18. ized he didn’t have what it takes to Continued on page 4 ther worked as a foreman in a shoe factory. He had 100 women work- ing under him, Greeks, Armenians, Arabs, and my mother was the number one stitcher.” Christos Papoutsy became one Funeral Director Helps Ease the Pain of the greatest benefactors of the Haverhill Holy Apostles parish, By Demetris Tsakas be different from that of a doctor of ed, as he recounted an emotional which refused to bury his father Special to The National Herald psychologist, but in actuality, we story about his search for the re- when he died in 1951 because the share a lot in common because – at mains of passengers lost in an air- family did not have money to be NEW YORK – “From a young age, I the very least – we try to stand plane crash. members. was always interested in my fellow alongside people and ease their “When they asked me to handle “We did not belong to the Greek man and I tried to do whatever I pain,” George Stamatiades, the funeral of a young girl who had church because we were too poor could to help them, stand by them founder and president of Stamati- died in an airplane crash, I found to pay the dues and when my father during the difficult moments in ades Funeral Home, told The Na- myself in a very difficult position, died the church wouldn’t bury him their lives, and ease their pain. My tional Herald. because it was impossible to locate because we were not members,” he profession is not only about hard “Being a funeral director give any identifiable parts of her body said. “So we borrowed money and work. It is about offering a very you the opportunity to help your from among the remains of the had my father buried. In the ceme- useful service to society. Funeral di- fellow man during the most diffi- crash. I spoke to one of the unfortu- tery we couldn’t afford a stone rectors and their staffs are not mo- cult moments in their life. At first nate girl’s relatives and told me monument and we placed a stone tivated by profit, as is the case with glance, it would appear that funer- that the deceased had a tattoo on in the ground which only had his other businesses. Instead, we try to al homes just handle the details in- her right arm. After hours of birth date, the day he died and Va- help our fellow men and women volving funerals and burials, but searching, we located her arm – tousa, Lesvos ,Greece.” during the difficult moments in they actually are providing services which we recognized from the tat- Christos Papoutsy, in an emo- their lives, when they have to part to the bereaved who have survived too – and so we held the funeral tional tone in his voice said, “All of with their loved ones and bid a final the deceased. That is why the grati- and were able to offer the family the years that I was a child 12, 13, farewell to their beloved friends tude we receive is lasting and never TNH/COSTAS BEJ 14 years of age I was asking what is and relatives. Our profession may fades away,” Mr. Stamatiades not- Continued on page 3 George Stamatiades, president of the Stamatiades Funeral Home. Vatousa and where is Vatousa? I went to Greece many times. I went to Athens, Thessaloniki, but I never went to Mytilini. Finally, when I married Mary, my second marriage for 13 years, she urged me to go to More Than 200 Students Graduate from NYC Schools Papandreou Lesvos and when I saw the sign of Vatousa I stopped the car, kneeled By Demetris Tsakas the future of Greek schools in the figuration of Christ Day School in 58 students graduated from the Ousts Simitis, down and cried for half an hour. Special to The National Herald United States. Graduates received Corona, N.Y. is scheduled for this twelfth grade at St. Demetrios High We went to the town hall to find my awards for academic excellence Friday, June 20. School in Astoria – the only Greek NEW YORK – June is a month for and merit from their schools, parish Following the initiative of St. American high school in the U.S. PASOK Faces Continued on page 6 graduations, and Greek American communities, the Greek Orthodox Demetrios High School in Astoria, Additionally, this year there were schools throughout the Community Archdiocese of America, as well as N.Y. to publish the names of its 122 junior high schoolers in total are sending off their best and New York City and state agencies. graduating seniors in The National graduating from the other Greek Even Greater brightest to continue their lofty ed- Numerous Greek American organi- Herald’s Greek language sister edi- American day schools, along with ucational aspirations amidst much zations, societies, and individuals, tion, TNH decided to contact local another 40 students from the two pomp and circumstance. Most together with other public benefit Greek American day schools in the largest Greek American area after- Uncertainty Florida Ready schools have already held their institutions, handed out scholar- Archdiocesan school district and noon schools. graduation ceremonies, bidding a ships to this year’s graduates. publish the names of all of this The 58 graduating seniors from By Evan C. Lambrou For Landing fond farewell to their seniors. Last Friday, June 13, the William year’s graduates, in addition to the St. Demetrios High School, whose Special to The National Herald Valedictorians, along with Spyropoulos Day School in Flush- pastors, principals and teachers in curriculum and credits are duly rec- keynote speakers and community ing, N.Y. along with St. Demetrios those schools’ Greek departments, ognized by the Greek Ministry of NEW YORK – In a shocking politi- Day Festivities officials, spoke at the ceremonies Day School in Jamaica, N.Y., held who are responsible for imparting Education, is led by Pastor Very cal development, George Papan- and lauded the value of Greek edu- their graduation ceremonies. The them with knowledge of the Greek dreou, chairman of Greek Govern- cation, offering words of hope for graduation ceremony at the Trans- language, history and culture. Continued on page 7 ment’s main opposition, ousted his The citizens and friends of St. Au- predecessor and twice-elected for- gustine, Florida are preparing to ob- mer prime minister, Costas Simitis, serve the now annual Greek Land- from PASOK (Pan-Hellenic Socialist ing Day Celebration. Greek Landing Movement), the party founded by Day which is celebrated on June 26, Mr. Papandreou’s father, the late commemorating the day when six of Kalamaras is Andreas Papandreou, back in 1974. the eight ships bringing the mixed The American-born Mr. Papan- collective of Mediterranean New President dreou informed Mr. Simitis that he colonists arrived off eastern Florida should no longer consider himself a in 1768. member of the party’s parliamen- As the official proclamation suc- Of FSHGNY tary bloc. cinctly describes the circumstances Mr. Simitis, the man who suc- of what was to become the ill-fated cessfully ushered Greece into the New Smyrna Colony: “In April of By Stavros Marmarinos Euro Zone, had served as prime 1768, 1,400 pilgrims left their Special to The National Herald minister of Greece from 1996 to homes in Smyrna, Mani, Crete, Italy, 2004, succeeding Mr. Papandreou’s Corsica and Minorca to escape NEW YORK – Demetrius Kalama- late father, under whom he had al- poverty and oppression. They sailed ras was elected the new President so served in several ministerial ca- for the New World with Dr. Andrew of the Federation of Hellenic Soci- pacities. Turnbull, entrepreneur and servant eties of Greater New York in elec- Mr. Papandreou announced his to the English Crown. He offered tions that took place last Sunday, decision in a letter on June 12, hope and freedom in return for sev- June 15. Mr. Kalamaras, an attor- which was sent in response to a let- en years of indentured service. Two ney, defeated his opponent, Dinos ter he received from Mr. Simitis the months later, they arrived in the Rallis, with representatives on his previous day. port town of St. Augustine. Over ticket earning 14 seats on the new The former premier had openly 200 of their fellow travelers died en board, in contrast to Mr. Rallis’ sev- and publicly disagreed with the PA- route. After registering with the en seats. Mr. Kalamaras had also SOK party line in favor of holding a harbormaster and taking on addi- served as the 1si Vice President of referendum to ratify the European tional supplies, they sailed 75 miles the outgoing board. Union’s Lisbon Treaty, arguing that A total of 179 electors took part such a policy would be “adventur- Continued on page 6 in the elections, casting 97 votes in ous” and potentially detrimental to favor of Mr. Kalamaras’ ticket and Greece. To subscribe call: 718.784.5255 80 in favor of Mr. Rallis’. There was The Treaty of Lisbon, also e-mail: one blank ballot and one void one known as the “Reform Treaty,” pro- [email protected] as well. The new board will await poses to amend the E.U. Treaty and for the Audit Committee to review the Rome Treaty establishing the any possible objections before as- European Community. The latter AP PHOTO/FABIAN BIMMER suming control of the Federation in has been renamed “Treaty on the Defending Champs Ousted From Euro 2008 the next few days. Functioning of the European “The pre-election campaign Union.” Prominent changes pro- Greece's Angelos Charisteas reacts during the group D match between Greece and Spain in Salzburg, Aus- helped both Mr. Rallis and me to posed by the Treaty of Lisbon in- tria on Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at the Euro 2008 European Soccer Championships in Austria and Switzerland. Spain defeated Greece 2-1. See related story on page 9. Continued on page 3 Continued on page 9 2 THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 21, 2008 THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 21, 2008 COMMUNITY 3 GOINGS ON... Funeral Director Helps Ease the Pain for Loved Ones ■ JUNE 21 lenic food, culture, dancing, and FLUSHING, N.Y. – The Pancyprian hospitality. For more information, Continued from page 1 Kills Civic Association in 1980. torch lighting ceremony that took tiades Orfanotopoulos, Fotini Sta- Dance Group Association, Inc. cor- please call 814-838-8808. As time went by, this Greek place in Astoria’s Athens Square matiades Katsaras and Evangelia dially invites the community to its some consolation thanks to the clo- American entrepreneur became one Park in 2004. “Athens Square Park Stamatiades Pergantis. end of the year dinner dance at ■ AUGUST 15 – 17 sure that arose from the burial. of the association’s most active is undoubtedly one of the biggest During the early 1930’s, Lam- Flushing Meadow Park (52-11 ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. – The Every time that I meet those people members and a driving force behind accomplishments of the Greek bros Stamatiades moved back to the 111th St.) at 7:30 PM. Cocktails be- Assumption Greek Orthodox on the street, they come and em- many of the changes that took place American Community, which has U.S., where he began working in gin at 6:30 PM. The event will hon- Church cordially invites the com- brace me, and express their grati- in the neighborhood involving zon- left its own unique mark on Astoria. restaurants. His wife joined him in or the Association’s students and munity to its festival at the church tude,” Mr. Stamatiades noted while ing laws and other issues that are This park is an attraction not only 1936, together with their youngest past presidents: Gus Bougdanos, (21800 Marter Road). More than explaining that his motives are not directly related to the residents’ for Greek Americans, but for all the daughter, who was only four years Andreas Christodoulou, Costas 2,000 are expected to gather profit-based, but revolve around quality of life. ethnic groups living in the heavily old at the time. Hadjicharalambous, Andreas throughout the weekend to enjoy providing a service to society. “The Dutch Kills Civic Associa- Greek-populated area. It is perhaps “Seeing the clouds of war build- Koudellos, Dimitri Petrides, Thel- live music, visit the gift shop, enjoy “A funeral home is not just an- tion has had many victories and de- the only project that arose not only ing up all across of Europe, my fa- ma Pieri and Chris Vrahimis. Tick- homemade Greek foods and pas- other business. It is an establish- feats over the years. Our struggle to from contribution of Greek Ameri- ther asked his parents to send over ets are $75. Entertainment by Bra- tries, take a chance at the raffle and ment that comes face to face with improve the quality of life and cans, but from Italians and other the rest of his daughters as well. By vo Sounds & the Pancyprian Dance much more. Festival highlights in- human suffering every step of the achieve the betterment of the area, Philhellenes as well. It is a project 1939, the family was fully reunited, Group. For more info, call Panayio- clude: Opening Ceremony with way, and uses all means available to as well as convert it from a purely that was completed with donations and my father worked very hard to ta Haniotis at 516-284-7892. community dignitaries and lighting ease this pain and console the suf- industrial area to a residential one, and hard work from many people. It support us as a waiter in hotel of the “Festival Torch” on Friday. fering,” Mr. Stamatiades, a gradu- never stops,” Mr. Stamatiades not- is the product of a group of people restaurants. He helped Evangel Ka- ■ JUNE 21-22 Eat and drink in the tavern. Enjoy ate of Bryant High School in Asto- ed. Together with other leading who shared common dreams that mara and Jay Rubin organize the BOSTON, Mass. – Saint John the Greek favorites like gyros and sou- ria, said. Following his high school members of the association, Mr. do not belong ‘to me, but to us’, as hotel and restaurant workers union, Baptist Church cordially invites the vlaki. Relax at the coffee café and graduation, Mr. Stamatiades found Stamatiades has spearheaded ef- [Greek revolutionary war hero] known as Local 6. Since my father community to South End’s Annual enjoy Greek pastries and coffee. For a job working in a funeral home. He forts to change the district zoning General Makryiannis used to say,” was active in the union and led Grecian Food Picnic at the church more info, call 586-779-6111. went on to receive his mortician’s li- laws in recent months. Mr. Stamatiades remarked. workers’ protests, he was frequently grounds (15 Union Park Street) on cense in 1963, and has been in- Long Island City is the Queens “Due to its financial robustness, fired by his bosses, and as a result, Saturday, June 21 (12 PM – 10 PM) ■ AUGUST 21-24 volved in the field ever since. neighborhood closest to Manhat- the Greek American Community he was constantly changing jobs,” & Sunday, June 22 (12 PM – 8 PM). PORT JEFFERSON, N.Y. – The In 1969, Mr. Stamatiades mar- tan, and more importantly, com- could have built the biggest and Mr. Stamatiades said. Free admission. Homemade Greek Greek Orthodox Church of Port Jef- ried his sweetheart Garyfallia muters have the luxury of not one, most monumental projects in New It was around that time that the food & pastries, raffle, Greek music ferson cordially invites the commu- Tsakonis, and in 1973, he bought but several subway and bus stops all York,” exclaimed Mr. Stamatiades, couple gave birth to their first son, & dancing. Valet parking available nity to its four-day Greek Festival his first funeral home – Stamatiades along every ten-block radius in the who is also a board member of the John. George Stamatiades followed on both days for $5. For more infor- from August 21-24 at its church Funeral Home in Long Island City, neighborhood. One skyscraper after Queens Public Library. in August 1941. “My family – just mation, call 617-536-5692. (430 Sheep Pasture Road). Festival N.Y. Thanks to his hard work and another is being built in Long Island “This library has 63 branches in like all the other first waves of im- Times: Thursday, August 21: 5 PM dedication, this establishment be- City, including a hotel with 871 Queens, and employees over 160 li- migrants that contributed so much ■ JUNE 26 to 10:30 PM; Friday, August 22: 5 came a household name in the local rooms, and a 144-unit apartment brarians. All you need to do is visit to the U.S. – went through a gaunt- EAST HANOVER, N.J. – Saints PM to 10:30 PM; Saturday, August Greek American Community – par- complex. Unfortunately, no parking the Flushing branch, which is home let. During our first years here, we Nicholas, Constantine & Helen cor- 23: 1 - 11 PM; Sunday, August 24: ticularly for Greek immigrants who provisions were made for these two to the Asian Center, to realize the lived in apartment building which dially invite the community to their 1 - 10 PM. Delectable Greek Food did not speak English, as well as for imposing buildings. duty that the Greek American Com- only had public toilets on each floor. annual “End of the Year” Dinner at and Pastries; Live Greek Music and many other residents of Long Island When Mr. Stamatiades found munity has before it,” Mr. Stamati- Living conditions were very harsg. Hanover Manor (Eagle Rock Av- The Hellenic Dancers of NJ for En- City, Astoria and nearby New York out that the city building code did ades noted, while stating that he Later on, we moved to various enue) on Thursday, June 26, at 6 tertainment. Carnival Rides and City neighborhoods. not call for parking provisions in continues to believe that if Greek neighborhoods in Manhattan, and PM. Rev. Dr. Frank Maragos will be Games for the entire family; Magic In 1996, he accepted an offer to that area, he embarked on a Americans raised 20-25 million dol- ten years later my parents bought a the keynote speaker and will dis- Show; Petting Zoo; Cooking work with Service Corporation In- marathon struggle to convince city lars they could build a library, which house of their own in Jackson cuss the topic of “Contemporary Demonstrations. Phenominal Fire- ternational (SCI), which has a net- officials to change the rules in the would be a replica of the Parthenon, Heights. My father, along with Orthodox Women.” Danielle Kallas works on Friday night. Sweep- work of 2,400 funeral homes all local zoning law. His proposals and where a Greek literature wing countless other immigrants, built will feature Byzantine Gold & Sil- stakes Drawing of 270 "Fantastic across the United States. the reforms that are being pushed would also be housed. He also ar- up this country and laid everything ver Icons & Jewelry. Spouses & Prizes on Sunday night. Sweep- “This partnership allows me the will be discussed over the next six gued that the community could out on a silver platter for his chil- non-members welcome. Price: $35. stake $100 donation (limited to capability to serve the needs of months, when a final decision will benefit from state funding aimed at dren and grandchildren. When my For more information, please call 3,999 tickets; 1 out of 15 prizes Greek Americans anywhere in the be reached. cultural promotion. father went to Pittsburgh for the 973-731-2860. wins!) Prizes include 2008 Mer- U.S., while freeing me up so I do not Mr. Stamatiades and his associ- Mr. Stamatiades hails from first time, he saw signs in many cedes Benz, 2008 Jeep Wrangler X, have to be on site seven days a ates has called on city officials to al- Aperi, in the island of Karpathos, restaurants that said ‘no admittance ■ JULY 9 2008 Maxum Boat & Trailer, 2008 week, 365 days a year. Further- low the construction of multiple which is part of the Dodecanese. His for dogs and Greeks,’ ” Mr. Stamati- BELLMORE, N.Y. – The Golden Nissan Frontier King Cab,2009 Toy- more, it allows me the leisure to de- dwellings on either side of the av- father, Lambros Stamatiades, was ades said. Apricot and Long Island Interna- ota Corolla,2008 Toyota Yaris vote more time to issues affecting enues, while keeping smaller build- born in Karpathos in 1912 and With tears in his eyes and pain in tional Film Festivals cordially invite Sedan, 2008 Seadoo Jetski & trailer the Greek American Community in ing with less floors on the streets. came to the U.S. at age 16 with only his voice, he said “our fathers faced the community to see Apo or any one of the other 263 prizes. Astoria, Dutch Kills, and Long Is- “I am hopeful that the will of the ten dollars to his name. Like most of racism and discrimination, and not Torosyan's documentary “Voices,” You can buy a ticket through land City,” said Mr. Stamatiades, residents of Long Island City will the other Greek immigrants during only did they withstand it, but they at the festivals (222 Pettit Avenue) church's website: www.kimisis.org who is known throughout the Greek prevail. Contrary to what several that era, he went to work at the coal managed to stand out and make a on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at 4:30 or send a $100 check payable to the American Community and the local construction companies believe, mines and the steel mills, while name for themselves in this country. PM. Voices, 2007, is a compelling Greek Orthodox Church of As- area in general for his involvement there are not going to be winners helping John L. Lewis, President of My father died on his feet at the age documentary including interviews sumption (include your name, ad- in civic affairs. and losers resulting from our ef- the United Mine Workers, with the of 100. A few days before he passed of survivors of the Armenian and dress & phone number). Admission His decision to buy the Stamati- forts. Everyone is going to come out organization of their labor move- on, he revealed to his sister that he the Greek Genocide who vividly re- is $2. Free under 18. Free shuttle ades Funeral Home in Long Island a winner because we are going to ment. was tired and that his strength was member the terrible events of buses to and from Ward Melville City, along with a house in the same make a better environment for our Thirteen years later, he returned drained. My mother was magnani- 1915- 1922. For more information, High School (Old Town Rd) to Fes- neighborhood, coupled with the children and grandchildren,” Mr. to Karpathos at age 27 where he mous, generous, and a loving wife please call the Nassau County Film tival Grounds. For more informa- difficulties Long Island City was go- Stamatiades said. married Maria Skoulos. The couple and mother, who raised us to love Office at 516-572-0012 or check tion or for tickets you may call ing through at the time, led Mr. Sta- Looking back on some of the lived in Karpathos for some years, Karpathos, the Dodecanese, and all the website liifilmexpo.com. church office: (631) 473-0894 or matiades to become involved in most memorable moments of his during which time their three of Greece,” Mr. Stamatiades said. (631) 473-0829. public affairs and join the Dutch life, Mr. Stamatiades referred to the daughters were born, Anika Stama- ■ JULY 11 – 13 ERIE, Penn. – The Assumption ■ NOTE TO OUR READERS Greek Orthodox Church cordially This calendar of events section is a invites the community to its festival complimentary service to the Greek from Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July American community. All parishes, 13. Voted #8 of 100 best things to organizations and institutions are Demetrius Kalamaras Elected President of the FHSGNY do in Erie, Pa., this festival draws encouraged to e-mail their informa- crowds from Cleveland, OH, to Buf- tion 3-4 weeks ahead of time, and no Continued from page 1 Michaleas, Treasurer. The candi- the decisions taken by the Audit falo, NY, to Pittsburgh, PA and all later than Monday of the week be- dates from Mr. Rallis’ ticket who Committee were done so unani- points in-between. Come join in the fore the event, to english.edition formulate useful questions about were also automatically elected to mously. Both sides also sent repre- 20th year of our celebration of Hel- @thenationalherald.com. the future of the Federation. The the new board are Dinos Rallis, sentatives to observe the Audit Com- time has come for us to uphold all George Paralemos, Elisavet mittee during the vote counting. that we have promised up until Tzoumaka, and Apostolos Skotidas. Mr. Kalamaras told TNH that he now,” newly elected FHSGNY Pres- Based on the election results, feels indebted to work for a better QUESTION OF THE WEEK ident Demetrius Kalamaras told the FHSGNY’s new 21-member tomorrow for the FHSGNY. He also The National Herald. board of directors will include thanked Mr. Rallis and the mem- “I am very disappointed, be- Demetrius Kalamaras, Christos bers of his ticket, noting that he had Vote on our website! cause I see a continuation of what Vournas, Petros Galatoulas, Peter enjoyed good cooperation with sev- has been going on in the Federa- Michaleas, Vasilios Chrysochoos, eral of them in the past. “All 21 of You have the chance to express your opinion on our website on an tion, with the same people being George Chrysomallides, Demetrios us have to work for the good of the important question in the news. elected, and the same policies be- Demetriou, Antonis Fokas, Yiannis Federation. I am asking for every- The results will be published in our printed edition next week ing continued,” Mr. Rallis said. He Goros, Nicholas Kostopoulos, Elli one’s help,” he said. along with the question for that week. added that the members of his tick- Melemis, Takis Nikolopoulos, Chris Mr. Rallis cited the reform of The question this week is: Will high gas prices and a strong euro et were planning to hold a meeting Orfanakos, Dionysios Pilarinos, Di- Federation by-laws and the resolu- stop you from traveling to Greece this year? to assess the results of the election, nos Rallis, George Paralemos, tion of problems associated with and said that an announcement Elisavet Tzoumaka, Apostolos member organizations not in good ❏ Yes would follow. Skotidas, Nikos Alexiou, and An- standing as his main priorities. ❏ No According to the FHSGNY by- thoula Catsimatides or Costas To- Mr. Rallis said that he did not ❏ I Don’t Know laws, candidates nominated for the mopoulos. Ms. Catsimatides and think there were any problems with offices of President, Vice-President, Mr. Tomopoulos both received the the counting of ballots. “I am quite The results for last week’s question: John McCain visited the Greek Secretary General, and Treasurer same number of votes, so in the surprised by the large differential - Orthodox Archdiocese and met with Archbishop Demetrios. Do are automatically elected to the new event that neither of the two con- TNH/COSTAS BEJ seventeen votes,” he said. “We these visits influence who you will vote for in November? board. Allowing with new President cedes, then the ties will be broken Demetrius Kalamaras, the new thought that the majority of the Mr. Kalamaras, the following indi- by lots. president of the FHSGNY. representatives were with us, and 12.5% Yes viduals on his ticket were elected Ballots closed at 7:00 p.m. on that we would be pushing ahead 87.5% No and will occupy the following posi- Sunday evening, but the votes were Chairman John Seretis called the with the big changes that the Greek 0.0% I Don’t Know tions on the new board: Christos not counted until the late hours of elections “honorable and clean,” Community is expecting. Unfortu- Vournas, Vice-President, Petros the night because a recount was and noted that “everything was nately, the ballot proved other- Please vote at: www.thenationalherald.com Galatoulas, Secretary General, Peter conducted. The Audit Committee done by the book.” He added that all wise.”

POCKET-LESS PITA BREAD Kontos Foods The Leading Company in Flat Breads Well knwon for the Pocket-Less Pita Manufacturer’s of Authentic Ethnic Hand Stretched Flat bread. Kontos the first family in fillo dough and fillo products.

FILLO KATAIFI, BAKLAVA, SPANAKOPITA, TYROPITA NUT ROLL, MELOMAKARONA and the TRADITIONAL MEDITERRANEAN DESERTS. Excellent quality and service.

We distribute in USA and Canada. Special prices for communities, schools, churches festivals and other events

Kontos Foods, Inc Box 628, Paterson, NJ 07544 Tel.: (973) 278-2800 ñ Fax: (973) 278-7943

a b Kontos.com

Online Service Directory... www.thenationalherald.com 4 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 21, 2008 Jim Gianopulos, a True Greek, Helps Call the Shots in Hollywood

Continued from page 1 “Had dad not gone back for that mistake, Mr. Gianopulos said. little sailor’s cap, he would’ve died, “But the movies about the Iraq “So if I wasn’t a part of it from and I wouldn’t be here. That was War didn’t necessarily glorify it. the creative side of it, I could at the first of many incredible life ex- Some of them were about the con- least be part of it on an administra- periences he had during the war. sequences of war for the families tive level. I also made a point of He also spent some of the war in a and people involved. And many getting to know directors, musi- POW camp on Crete. After the war people in this country believe that cians and actors, and sometimes ended, the Greek Civil War began. the War has been a horrible mistake those wires get connected. People He was still in Greece. He was in – an incredibly stupid and unin- often ask me how I did it. I don’t town, and there were some locals formed thing to do – while others know. I just worked my butt off in who mistook him for a member of who either supported the war, or between the lucky breaks, I guess. I one of the partisan groups – Gi- who have family members out remember thinking to myself, ‘I anopulos was a pretty common there fighting in it, feel saddened need to give 50 hours a week for name in the Peloponnese – and by the notion that it might be in this job, and then I have to find an- they were about to take him. Lucki- vain,” he said. other ten or 20 hours for the next ly, somebody walking by saw him “In either case, people don’t one.’ So that’s what I did,” he and said, ‘No. That’s Nicos. He’s want to be confronted with the re- added. Mitsos’ son. He’s okay. He’s got ality of the position we’re in right Mr. Gianopulos, 56, fondly re- nothing to do with any of these po- now. If your son or daughter is ferred to a picture in his office, litical problems.’ So again, by luck, fighting in Iraq, you would never which he said symbolizes the coa- if not for that passerby, dad want to imagine that their love and lescence of various elements and would’ve met a different fate,” he sacrifice for our country is anything aspects of his desire, ambition and added. but noble and good, and you can’t efforts to make movies and become Mr. Gianopulos’ father subse- imagine that any of it would be in one in a handful of people who call quently joined the Hellenic Mer- service of a mistake. No one wants the shots in Hollywood. chant Marine. He got to travel to consider that aspect of it. And “It all came together when I around the world by working on that’s why, in general, going to a helped Martin Scorsese finance his various ships, and immigrated to movie theater to be confronted by most recent movie, ‘Shine a Light,’ the United States, where he started the horrors of war; the politics be- which is about a fabulous Rolling his own business repairing ships. hind the decisions to go to war; or Stones concert he shot at the Bea- “Dad invested as much of his the consequences of those deci- con Theater in New York. And I savings as he could in equipment – sions isn’t very appealing,” he have this great picture of Marty and tools of various kinds – and sent added. me with Keith Richards right here them to New York to a storage unit So the sentiments of the general in my office, which couldn’t express my great aunt, who population, and the psychology be- a greater culmination of a lifetime was the first one ABOVE: The film and the song. Film producer and director Martin hind those sentiments, are taken of enjoying the brilliant work each here from our fami- Scorsese, left, and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones flank Jim Gi- very strongly into consideration be- of them has done,” he said. ly, had set aside for anopulos, chairman of Fox Filmed Entertainment. Gianopulos keeps fore producing and distributing a He also said his Greek heritage him. And after he this photo in his office, and says it is a symbolic culmination of his film. Studios do not only make played a decisive role in, and exert- had enough money professional efforts and career accomplishments (see story). LEFT: mass-marketed events, Mr. Gianop- ed a strong influence on, his life. saved and enough Greek meets honorary Greek. Jim Gianopulos with legendary actor ulos pointed out. They also make “There are many elements about tools, when his ship Anthony Quinn, who played the unforgettable title character in “Zor- one-offs, and try to recoup at least my cultural upbringing that helped came to New York, ba the Greek,” a movie based on Nicos Kazantzakis’ famous novel. whatever they cost to make, as well me, and they’re very common in he basically jumped Quinn, a two-time Academy Award winner, died on June 3, 2001 at 86 as turn a profit, all in an effort keep our community, especially the im- ship and started a years of age. BELOW: Close friends and collaborators. Jim Gianopulos the filmmaking industry going. migrant experience, which all of us business,” he said. with Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. Gianopulos refers to Hanks and Wil- “It’s pretty simple. You try to en- can trace back one, two or three At this point dur- son as “dear friends and wonderful members of the community.” All tertain people and make a profit. generations. It was that sense of ing the interview, three belong to Saint Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles. You make movies that you expect willingness to undertake the pro- Mr. Gianopulos be- will appeal to various audiences, gression, even for those of us fortu- came nostalgic and and not all of them will be mass au- nate enough,” he said. reflected on the ad- diences,” he said, citing “Side- “My parents paid for my educa- versity and hard- ways,” another Fox film, as an ex- tion, so I didn’t have to wash dishes ships faced by mem- ample. at night to get through college. But bers of the immi- “That movie was directed by a I would have, as so many in our grant generations. nice Greek boy, Alexander Payne. community did. Those same people “You know, It’s an intelligent, adult comedy washing dishes owned the restau- whatever I’ve ac- with a real message to it about rant some years later. That kind of complished, it’s growing up and accepting responsi- courage and determination – that nothing compared bility. It’s a great film, and it was an really strong work ethic – is awe-in- to what our parents enormous success for the kind of spiring. All of us have very similar and grandparents film it was – a modestly budgeted values. Even in this business, which did in their time – film, with relatively unknown play- can be very illusory and cut-throat, not even remotely ers, about two middle-aged guys when you bring that moral com- close. When you searching for identity, and it made pass – that sense of ethics to do the look back at what $70 million. And that level of suc- right thing, which is very common they lived through, cess for that kind of movie was in the Greek community – it helps and what they man- massive because it wasn’t made for you get through,” he said. aged to achieve un- a huge audience,” he said. Mr. Gianopulos was born and der the circum- “By contrast, ‘Night at the Muse- raised in Brooklyn’s Three Hierar- stances that they um’ made over $600 million world- chs community near Sheep’s Head faced, it’s truly phe- wide, and that’s a movie for audi- Bay, where Rev. Angelo Gavalas, nomenal. Here’s a ences from six to 80 years of age. one of the Greek American commu- guy who didn’t So you make different movies for nity’s most beloved priests, was the speak any English; different audiences, and you hope pastor. The Gianopulos family was illegal; every- that, not only will a movie satisfy moved there when he was six years thing he owned in that audience, but that you can also old. Before that, they lived in the world was in a grow beyond the target audience. Brooklyn’s Park Slope. small rented stor- Movies can’t be homogeneous, and “I did the usual. I was an altar age facility; and yet they can’t simply keep repeating boy. I loved Father Angelo, but I he started a business,” he said. tures in 1987. So I came out to Cal- She is of English heritage and can Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks are what succeeded in the past, or they had to suffer through Greek school, “It was a tiny little machine shop ifornia, which seemed quite trau- trace her lineage to the Pilgrims. dear friends and wonderful mem- fail. Movies have to be original and like so many of us did (chuckling). with a panel truck, and with anoth- matic at the time because all my “She’s Mayflower on both sides. bers of the community. Michael different. They have to be some- Most activities centered around the er partner, dad started a business roots – my family, all of my closest I’m first-generation American, and Chiklis is a great friend, too. And thing that intrigues or seems like Church, which has always been the repairing ships. What was odd friends, everyone I knew – were in she’s sixteenth-generation, so we John Stamos came over for Easter. fun,” he added. cornerstone of Greek American life. about that, but fortunate, was that New York. I had some business as- averaged our kids out to be around Everybody is always very busy, and Neither can movies always be All those activities kept us together most of the ship owners in New sociates in California, but that was eighth generation (chuckling). I Los Angeles is spread out over a huge tent-pole productions (big- as a close cultural unit throughout York were Greeks. If at any time im- it. So at the time, it was a major de- met her on an airplane. She had wide area, but we find time to get budget blockbusters upon which the years,” he said. migration had caught him, they cision to move away from New been working for (Ted) Turner Pic- together,” he said. studios hang the rest of their films), IF NOT FOR THAT would’ve transported him back to York,” he added. tures, but that company was being “The Greek Film Festival is com- he said. LITTLE SAILOR’S CAP Greece, and he would’ve had to Taking the job at Paramount was sold, and she was looking for work. ing up, too, and it’s a great event. “Quite the opposite. First of all, But Mr. Gianopulos’ has another leave everything he worked for be- not the issue, Mr. Gianopulos said. We ended up on a flight to Europe This year, we’re opening it with a we make 20-plus movies a year. We remarkable story about his family hind. But it all worked out. He mar- “It was a tremendous career oppor- together, and I helped her. I edited digitally restored print of ‘Zorba can’t make 20 like ‘Night at the Mu- background, one which strongly in- ried my mother and continued his tunity. That part of it was why I did her resume and gave it to someone, the Greek.’ It’s going to be seen in a seum.’ I wish we could. I wish we dicates fate played a big hand in line of work, and built that shop in- it. But it’s very tough to leave the and six months later, she was hired way it hasn’t been seen since it was had properties, ideas and scripts bringing him to where he is today. to quite a lucrative business over place where you have family and by Fox to work for another part of made. It’s been completely restored that good. But you never do. No- His father, Nicholas, was a survivor the years, one that my younger all your closest friends growing the company. And a year or so after and brilliantly redone,” he added. body does. So you make movies for of the Elli, the famous Greek battle brother Peter now owns and oper- up.” that, we started dating. The rest is TODAY’S PREFERRED GENRE young men who want to see ‘Alien cruiser which was treacherously at- ates in Brooklyn. It’s called Ameri- Eventually, however, both the history,” he said. In light of today’s tanking econ- vs. Predator (Fox),’ or movies for a tacked off the shores of Tinos just a can Ship Repairs,” he added. work and the climate made up for Mr. Gianopulos and his family omy, Mr. Gianopulos was asked, young audience that wants to see couple of months before Greece Mr. Gianopulos’ father was orig- it, and his job kept bringing him are members of Saint Sophia what kinds of movies are exciting ‘Juno (Fox)’ and enjoys the great was forced to engage Italy and en- inally from Corinth, in a little town back to New York fairly frequently. Cathedral in Los Angeles. He de- Hollywood these days? Is there a humor and pathos that comes from ter World War II. called Kalamaki, literally a stone’s And the years went by. scribed his involvement with the particular genre Hollywood prefers a movie like that. You make movies Before Prime Minister Ioannis throw from the canal. His mother, “My father passed away about Greek American community in Los to make during tough economic for women like ‘27 Dresses (Fox),’ Metaxas told Mussolini “no” on OXI Mary, was born and raised in New ten years ago, and now more re- Angeles as active; referred to his times? His answer: Escapist enter- which is the ultimate chick flick. Day (October 28, 1940) – refusing York. She passed away this past De- cently, my mother died. We friendships with several Greek tainment and comedy. The public is You make a movie like ‘Marley and to bend to the Italian dictator’s de- cember. Her father was from Thraki brought mom out here a few years American celebrities; and cited the simply not ready for movies with Me (Fox)’ with Jennifer Aniston, a mands that Greece allow Italy to (Thrace), and her mother was from after dad passed, and she really en- upcoming Los Angeles Greek Film dour subject matter. nice Greek girl, and Owen Wilson, occupy Greece without a fight – a Constantinople. joyed living out here,” he said. Festival on June 25-29. “We saw a number of movies which is coming out at Christmas propaganda campaign was “My maternal grandmother was Mr. Gianopulos and his wife Ann “We have many good friends in this past year about the Iraq War time. It’s based on a best-selling launched in Italy, and repeated acts a classics teacher at a school there, (Thompson) have three children: the community, and we really stick and various aspects of it, and those book, and it’s going to be a really of provocation were carried out but like so many immigrants, she Mimi (Maria) Alexa and Niki (Nico- together. Melina Kanakaredes is were uniformly rejected. Much of nice family movie,” he said. against Greece (e.g., overflights of gave up her profession and came to letta). His wife grew up in Berkley. godmother to one of my daughters. that speaks to the reality of the cur- What about financing produc- Greek territory and attacks by Ital- America, where she sold furs for rent situation. Because of the polit- tions during times of economic ian aircraft on Greek naval vessels), many years,” Mr. Gianopulos said. ical and economic concerns people hardship? reaching their peak with the torpe- In addition to his brother, Mr. have all over the world, and con- “We have the money to make doing and sinking of the Elli in Gianopulos also has a sister, De- cerns about terrorism, people want the movies. It’s whether we get the Tinos harbor by an Italian subma- spina. to feel good and enjoy a movie money back. This is a $4-5 billion rine on August 15, 1940 (a national Mr. Gianopulos graduated from when they go,” he said. business now, so it’s not about find- religious holiday). Madison High School in Brooklyn “That doesn’t mean dramas ing the money to make movies – it “My father studied marine engi- and went to Boston University, can’t work, but movies with subject might be for independent films, neering as a young man in Greece. where he earned a bachelor’s de- matter like that are less appealing and that’s a struggle sometimes – He went to school at night; worked gree in Political Science in 1973. to a wider audience. And as always but for a major studio, it’s about fi- during the day; was all set to get a He is also a 1976 graduate of Ford- in times like this, escapist enter- nancing the movie and making sure job and start a life; and then the ham University Law School, where tainment is the most popular form. you carefully consider the movie’s war started. He served on the Elli, he took classes with the esteemed It’s not unlike the time when most potential; the amount of the invest- the lead battle cruiser of the Greek professor of law, Constantine N. of the great musicals were made. If ment involved; and whether you Navy. He was stationed on it from Katsoris, and attended the New you look at that period – it was in get your investment back, and before the war. He was the second York University Graduate School of the 1930’s – movies and musicals hopefully turn a profit,” he added. engineer on the ship, which was go- Law. were a way to forget about the De- Movies have been economy- ing to Tinos for the Panagia cele- VERY TOUGH DECISION pression,” he said. proof, Mr. Gianopulos explained, brations (the feast day of the Dor- Studying and pursuing the prac- “We’re not in a depression, but I because as people find themselves mition of the Theotokos),” Mr. Gi- tice of law was not an easy deci- think people really enjoy escapism increasingly constrained financial- anopulos said. sion, Mr. Gianopulos said, but start- – the ability to go to a theater for ly, going to a movie, renting a video “As the ship approached the har- ing a job in California proved to be two hours and forget about worldly or watching something on televi- bor, dad was in the engine room even more difficult. care. So movies like ‘Night at the sion is a great diversion which is dressed in white and ready to go “I was torn. I had been groomed Museum (Fox),’ ‘The Lord of the still cheaper than many other forms ashore – it was a major holiday to go into the shipping business, Rings,’ ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ of entertainment. event, especially on Tinos, so every- but there was another part of me or ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks (Fox)’ “People might postpone buying one was real excited – but he had that wanted to do something a little – a great family movie we made last a new car or refrigerator, or they forgotten his sailor’s cap, so he different. So I went to law school. year which did very well because it might delay taking a vacation in a asked the chief engineer if he could When I finished law school, I start- was fun – are what the public looks tough year, but relatively speaking, go up on the deck to retrieve it and ed working for a small firm, and for. People can take their kids; get a night out at the movies or a rental go onshore properly dressed. And eventually found my way into the out of the house; laugh; and have a with pizza at home are inexpensive as he got to the deck, a torpedo hit music business for a brief period of good time,” he added. ways to have a good time,” he said. the ship. Everybody in the engine time – and then into the movie Many people responded to The environment in which the room was killed, but my father end- business,” he said. FATE: Explosion after an Italian torpedo struck the wharf at Tinos on movies about the Iraq War with a movie-making business operates ed up in the water and survived the “I got a job at Columbia Pictures August 15, 1940. The Greek battle cruiser Elli, already hit by another sense of consternation, perhaps has also changed, he noted. DVD’s attack. Everybody who survived in New York in 1981. I worked torpedo, is on the right; the bell tower of the Dormition Church can be viewing such films as an attempt to and renting a film from a cable swam ashore, and the boat sank,” there for a while, and then I was re- seen to the left of the power pole. Jim Gianopulos’ father survived the glorify something which history company’s high-def channel are al- he said. cruited to work at Paramount Pic- unprovoked attack on the Elli, which sank beneath the waves. will probably render as an absurd so part of the industry, which indi- THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 21, 2008 COMMUNITY 5

cates that moviemaking has be- Wars. That’s why there were three well known actor – I’d probably ing story to be told. But when you come increasingly complex. X-Men and four Die Hards. Those know about it sooner. But general- look at how well the movie based “The business is about making are properties that, when you get ly, it has to find it’s way up through on Frank Miller’s graphic novel did, movies, but it’s also about deliver- them right, you’re able to continue the various levels of creative man- you can’t argue with that kind of ing movies to people in different making because people enjoy them agement and executive talent here. success. It wasn’t the story I knew, ways. The business has gotten very so much. If you keep refreshing And at a certain point, I will read and it wasn’t told the way I think it complex. Part of what we do is them and making them original, the script,” he added. should be told, yet it did very well learning to understand the com- you can keep producing them,” he GREEK-THEMED FILMS at the box office,” he added. plexities of distribution and tech- said. Asked whether he would consid- In another instance, Mr. Gianop- nology in their various forms. For Mr. Gianopulos also said that, in er making a Greek-themed movie – ulos’ Greek heritage gave him the some people, here’s a movie on spite of his busy schedule, he re- not necessarily about Ancient courage to make the right decision. high-def television that’s no longer views scripts personally, but said Greece, but a movie about events in In “Daredevil,” starring Ben Af- in the theaters; other people will there’s typically an involved Byzantine or Modern Greek history fleck, some suggested that Chinese drive over to the theater for a cur- process at work by the time a script – Mr. Gianopulos said he is open to American actress Lucy Liu play the rent blockbuster; if you’re a college gets into his hands. such possibilities. part of Electra, “who is Greek in the kid in a dorm, you’ll download it “I read two scripts a week, usu- “Always. But historical epics are original Marvel Comics series, so I onto your computer; and still oth- ally on the weekend. It’s called a difficult to make for a modern audi- said, ‘Wait a second. No way. You ers will buy the DVD,” he said. weekend read. You don’t spend $60 ence. They need to be anchored. I may not find a Greek woman to “So there are various ways to ac- million without knowing what tried for the longest time to get Rid- play the part – and we tried by the cess movies, and various price you’re producing. But you have to ley Scott, a dear friend who direct- way – but you definitely need to points. If you hadn’t seen it in the understand something. Ten thou- ed ‘Gladiator,’ and Russell Crowe, find someone who could pass as a theater and if you hadn’t rented sand submissions come to this com- another good friend, to do a film on Greek woman.’ And we did. Jen- from your cable system, six months pany every year, and there are fil- the Battle of Thermopylae. We had nifer Garner got the part,” he said. or a year from now, it’ll be on HBO. ters in place. There are people at developed a script and tried for But if a studio is going to do a Or you can buy the DVD. Watching historical epic, it requires an an- it on the big screen is the still the chor (e.g., Mel Gibson for “Brave- best way to see a movie, of course, heart”), Mr. Gianopulos said. but different people make different “If I want to do a movie about choices. If you buy the DVD, that’s 1821, and I managed to get Ridley $20. If you rent it, that’s $4-5. If Scott and Russell Crowe to do it, I’d you watch it on HBO, it’s relatively have a shot at making it. Again, it’s free,” he added. difficult to make that type of film WHAT’S INVOLVED? without talent of that scale because What is it besides a good story those movies can cost a lot to make. and decent script that a big studio And people aren’t going to be as in- looks for in financing production of terested in the subject unless a movie? there’s a draw. When you get past Ultimately, the story, characters 25 years of age, going to the movies and the way the story is told are the becomes less frequent, and your most critical ingredients, Mr. Gi- Jim Gianopulos and Will Smith (“I, Robot” and “Independence Day”). choices become more selective. So anopulos said, and form the back- if you’re under 25, a story about 1821 is more difficult to convey un- less you’ve got a name director or actor anchoring it,” he said. “For example, the director of ‘Troy’ (Wolfgang Petersen) was a nobody, but Brad Pitt was in that movie. The other aspect of it is, like ‘300,’ you have to open up the story. You have to make it a broader, and sometimes less accurate, story in order to reach a younger audience. So those are the challenges with those kinds of stories, and now of course, it’s virtually impossible to make another movie about Ther- Jim Gianopulos with President Bill Clinton. mopylae for a long time,” he said. But if Mr. Gianopulos likes a par- ticular script and thinks it could turn into a good movie, he endeav- ors to make objective assessments and bring the necessary talent to- gether. “That’s most of my job, in fact. But a movie I like and a movie that I think will do well are two differ- ent things, and the second is far more important than the first. I might really like a subject, but maybe nobody else does. Your per- sonal affinity for a project often translates into the passion you need to make it happen, but what you’re really assessing is, will it be a successful movie? I would love to do a movie about the Burning of Jim Gianopulos with Rupert Murdoch (left), chairman & managing director of News Corporation, the par- Smyrna, for example. I just read an ent company of 20th Century Fox, and film producer/director Steven Spielberg (right). amazing book about it. It’s a fasci- nating subject of great interest to bone of any movie. me. I’m not sure it would be a huge “But who’s telling the story; movie, but that may be something who’s the director; who’s playing we’ll do some day. Again, it’s the the characters, which actors; how difference between what I believe do they fit in with the movie; how is in deeply and personally, and some- the movie likely to be perceived; thing that may or may not succeed what will you tell people about the with a contemporary audience,” he movie; how will you explain why Jim Gianopulos and his wife Ann, who can trace her ancestry on both said. they should see it? All of those sides back to the Mayflower. Fox is currently developing “Per- things are also factors,” he said. cy Jackson & the Olympians,” “The average movie costs us various levels who read scripts, and years to get them do it. It had noth- which is based on a series of adven- about $60 million to make, and it a script works its way up through ing to do with ‘Gladiator,’ but when ture books by Rick Riordan, Mr. Gi- costs an additional $60 million to the system,” he said. you look at the success of ‘Gladia- anopulos said. Percy Jackson is a market, so on average, we’re well Sometimes, it’s a long process, tor,’ it was a perfect follow-up for young boy living with his single over $100 million every time we and often, a period of gestation is them, and they resisted. So I tried mother, and whose father is Posei- make that decision. Some movies involved. James Cameron (‘Terminator, Ter- don. will cost $15 million, and others “Many scripts are filtered out minator II, Titanic’), who’s another “Percy is the son of a human will cost $150 million. But when right away, but Tom Hanks’ movie, great friend, but I wasn’t able to get mother and a Greek god. He is sent you make that decision, yes, the ‘Castaway,’ was in development him to do it,” he said. to a camp for kids, and he finds that core of the movie is the story, char- here for ten years. Tom had this “When they brought me ‘300,’ there are many other ‘half-breeds’ acters and journey of the movie. idea. He really liked the idea. He which was a highly stylized, very who have the powers of their But all of those other factors have wanted to make that movie, but exaggerated version of the story – Greek-god parents. It’s a movie to be taken into consideration,” he couldn’t get the script quite right, and this is where you can be way based on Greek mythology, and it’s said. so he would go and do another too close to something because of going to be a very big and very ex- “Of course you would want to movie, and he’d do more versions your heritage and background – I pensive movie we’ll release next put Will Smith or Brad Pitt in a film of the script until it was ready,” he felt, ‘That’s not the story. I don’t year. So those are the kinds of ways and have Steven Spielberg direct it. said. want Xerxes to be eight feet tall and you can take the great works of That would be great. But that’s also “We probably have 150 projects effeminate.’ And yet, for a youthful Greek history and Greek literature, a movie that needs to appeal to a in development at any given time, audience, that movie really res- and translate them for a modern broad audience; otherwise, the and when the various production onated and brought the Battle of audience,” he added. quality of those people and what executives feel that something is Thermopylae back to the fore. I Asked to identify what he they cost will exceed the audience ready, they’ll bring it to me and ask think there’s a lesson there: Some- thought were the 3-4 finest films potential. Alternatively, you can if I think we should make this times you have to be more flexible ever made, Mr. Gianopulos said, make a movie like ‘Juno’ relatively movie. I won’t have always read the about the way those stories are “It’s difficult because there are so inexpensively, with no one it, and script at that point in the process. If told,” he said. many,” but counted “The Godfather believe that, as people experience Jim Gianopulos with film producer/director George Lucas. it’s a script with a key director and “I still feel that a truthful, live- (Parts I & II),” “Mean Streets” and the movie and tell their friends, you with key elements attached – like a action version of ‘300’ is an amaz- “Braveheart” among his favorites. will be able to achieve the level of new filmmakers; and put all those ni-series like “Sex and the City,” an success those movies achieved; that pieces together,” he added. enormously successful show on you’ll win an Academy award, or Mr. Gianopulos said he had very HBO, can also do very well at the get the kind of reviews more intelli- positive views on movies like box office, Mr. Gianopulos said. gent people write,” he said. “Braveheart,” which told a roman- “That’s what we call a pre- “So it varies from movie to ticized version of something that awareness property. And you make movie, but ultimately, the question actually happened in history, and a movie of it with production val- is, who is the movie for; what will I had a central character and great ues and a story that are bigger than tell them about it; and how many of box office draw in Mel Gibson. they were in its original form. ‘Sex them will show up? And those are “We were involved in that and the City’ was a much beloved the variables that you factor in, and movie. We released it internation- property over a long period of time, say, ‘Okay. This is a story the public ally, and provided the majority of which had ceased to exist on televi- will like. These are the people who the financing for it. That was a sion, and yet was fondly remem- would be best to tell it. This is the breakthrough movie, and I’ll never bered and, for women in particular, cost the potential audience will forget it because, when Mel won became an event. It was made for a support.’ And then you make the the award, he thanked from the particular audience. They didn’t ex- movie,” he said. stage. That’s a great example of a pect to capture many men, and “Ultimately, movies are like a film that takes courage to make, they didn’t, but that was fine. There stool with three legs. One of the and it takes a Mel Gibson to make were more than enough women legs is financing – the money to it,” he said. who were tremendously interested. make it. Another leg is marketing “A movie about what, for most People already knew what it was, and distribution – how you adver- people, is an obscure figure in Scot- and they liked what they remem- tise and distribute and make sure tish history is not likely to be a film bered about it,” he said. it’s on your cable system and in the people will be drawn to – no matter Fox has nonetheless done very theater down the street. And the how good it is – without a name well with huge tent-pole produc- third leg is the creative talent to like Mel Gibson anchoring it. It was tions like “Star Wars,” and it seems make it happen. Our job is to make also ambitious because Mel was di- like most studios are on the lookout sure we put all three of those com- recting it. But when you read the for movies of that nature. ponents together and say, ‘Yes. story and understand the journey “It’s a proven formula that Here’s the money. Go make this of this historical figure, and consid- works. You always search for them. movie, and we’ll make sure every- er how beautifully it was told, and And they are rare, which is why you body finds out about it.’ I don’t you anchor it with a major talent don’t find ten or 20 ‘Star Wars’ make movies. I don’t write scripts whose name drew people who did- movies every year, but certainly, or roll a camera. But together with n’t know who William Wallace was those big tent-poles – movies of a lot of very talented colleagues – that’s a movie you would make scale like that – are terrific when here at Fox, we make movies hap- with a Mel Gibson, but not with you find them. They also create pen. Our job is to identify the cre- Paul Giamatti, who was in ‘Side- franchises. They allow you to con- ative talent; identify the ideas; say ways,’ ” he added. tinue making variations of them. yes to the right ideas; seek out the Movies based on a television mi- That’s why there were six Star 6 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 21, 2008

CLASSIFIEDS

FOR SALE (GREECE) FUNERAL HOMES

ATHENS - ACROPOLIS/PHILOPA- CONSTANTINIDES POU area, 9 year old 2 BR apt. 5th FUNERAL PARLOR Co. floor, 107 sq.m., recently renovat- 405 91st Street ed, sweeping views of the Acropo- Bay Ridge - Brooklyn, NY 11209 lis, Philopappou, Lycabettus, WC (718) 745-1010 with shower, autonomous heating, Services in all localities - large veranda, near Metro/tram, Low cost shipping to Greece garage, 2 storage rooms, granite floors, new awnings, security door, ANTONOPOULOS A/C. Tel.: 011-30-210-9235-230. FUNERAL HOME, INC. Email: [email protected] Konstantinos Antonopoulos - A/A 069 Funeral Director 38-08 Ditmars Blvd., HELP WANTED Astoria, New York 11105 (718) 728-8500 LEADING GREEK AMERICAN Not affiliated with any NEWSPAPER SEEKS other funeral home. Full-time AD sales representatives for both GREEK and ENGLISH lan- APOSTOLOPOULOS guage publications. Applicants Apostle Family - should have some sales and/or mar- Gregory, Nicholas, Andrew - keting experience. Fluency with Funeral Directors of computer use and knowledge of In- RIVERDALE ternet a plus. Bi-lingual command FUNERAL HOME Inc. of both languages preferred. This 5044 Broadway positions offers base salary, plus New York, NY 10034 commissions. E-mail resume and (212) 942-4000 cover letter to [email protected] Toll Free 1-888-GAPOSTLE FAX: (718) 472-0510 Attn. Publish- er or call (718) 784-5255 ask for LITRAS FUNERAL HOME AHI Leadership in Athens Veta. ARLINGTON BENSON DOWD, INC FUNERAL HOME Speaker of the Parliament, Dimitris Sioufas, fourth from left, meets with a delegation from the American Hellenic Institute, including AHI JOURNALISTS WANTED 83-15 Parsons Blvd., founder and president Gene Rossides, fifth from left, on Thursday, June 12, 2008. FROM LEFT: AHI member Stavros Velentzas, AHI Executive Nation’s leading Greek American Jamaica, NY 11432 Director Nick Larigakis, Nikos Tsartsionis, Mr. Sioufas, Mr. Rossides and Kostas Alexakis. Mr. Sioufas called AHI a “top organization” and stat- newspaper, The National Herald, (718) 858-4434 • (800) 245-4872 ed that through the efforts of the Parliament, there will be improved cooperation between the government and organizations of the diaspora. needs reporters and assistant editor for English weekly paper. Exceptional writing/reporting TO PLACE YOUR skills and bilingual fluency a must. CLASSIFIED AD, CALL: Car a plus. Fax or e-mail clips and (718) 784-5255, EXT. 106, Christos Papoutsy Honors His Past by Contributing cover letter to 718-472-0510 or E-MAIL: [email protected]. classifieds@ thenationalherald.com 111609/01 to the Future of the Greek Orthodox Community REAL ESTATE

Continued from page 1 father’s records, which we did, that was the beginning. We fell in love with the village. It is a traditional village, and we have more friends in Greece than we do in the United States. We have a home there. We love being in Greece.” Mr. Papoutsy also recalled that “in Haverhill there were two kafe- nia and I used to go there. On Sun- day morning, there were about 40 men, instead of being in church, St. Photios Shrine Ready for 240th talking, politicking, they all spoke in Greek, a lot of them were from Mytilini, smoking cigarettes and Greek Landing Day Celebration drinking coffee putting some ouzo into it. Haverhill was a nice area to Continued from page 1 scheduled to read the 22nd Annual grow up because it was a very poor City Proclamation honoring the area. Three decker homes which south to establish an indigo planta- 240th Anniversary of Arrival of the had Greeks, Armenians, Italians, tion, calling it New Smyrna. History First Greek Colony in North Ameri- French, Jewish in them were the documents the colonists’ 10-year ca. This year, the Minorcan Cultural norm. Everybody got along, but the struggle and the eventual escape of Society and the Sons of Italy will element that kept everybody to- less than 300 survivors who fled on join not only in this reception but all gether was World War II. They were foot to St. Augustine where they three days of celebration. all together because they were found refuge and justice.” The public is invited to join all of fighting the Japanese and the Ger- It should be noted that in terms St. Augustine in a Heritage Walk mans. of sheer numbers the arriving that begins at the north end of St. Things were very difficult for Mediterranean colonists rivaled the George Street at the City Gates and Mr. Papoutsy at the beginning. original Jamestown colony, estab- proceeds to the Cathedral Courtyard When he first married he had four lished over a century and a half ear- at the base of the statue of Father Pe- jobs, three children with his first Christos and Mary Papoutsy are very involved in the Greek American community, especially in lier in Virginia by almost three dro Camps. The commemoration wife and he went to school in the Haverhill,Massachusetts. They have donated money to Holy Apostles parish for more than 30 years. times. Descendants of the surviving will continue from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. evenings. He received his Bache- New Smyrna Colonists still live in with a reading of the colonists' fami- lor’s degree, two Master’s degrees, Having at his side his wife Mary, George in Manchester. He became with eudemonia, and whose ethics the region and throughout the Unit- ly names and refreshments. and the equivalent degree of a Doc- a classicist, with much enthusiasm Bishop of New Jersey and passed should we be teaching to teach ed States. An anticipated high point of the torate. about everything Greek, they have away.” ethics? Should it be religious, polit- The St. Photios Shrine on St. evenings will be the reading of the Things changed, life turned out established two academic chairs, Mr. Papoutsy continues to main- ical? Hellenism is a broad base, but to be very good to him. He became one at the University of Southern tain a prominent music orchestra in the pinnacle is the Church always, a successful businessman in the New Hampshire in Manchester in which he plays santouri. They will because without the Church I be- area of automation and electronics. Ethics and another one at the Uni- appear in a special event for the lieve we have nothing. I would give He started his business in au- versity of New Hampshire in Clas- 100th anniversary of the St. Apos- my life to the Patriarchate, it is part tomations and electronics in sics named after one of the univer- tles Greek Orthodox parish of of Hellenism to support the Patri- Nashua, New Hampshire in a home sity’s distinguished faculty, and Haverhill. arch.” garage, where he grew his compa- much respected Greek American, He speaks very highly of his wife Asked how are we doing as a ny to 2,000 employees and 50,000 Dr. John Rouman. Mary, who lectures all over the U.S. Church and Greek American Com- customers worldwide. The most recent achievement of about Hellenic genealogy. munity, Mr. Papoutsy said, “I will Christos Papoutsy is the publication “Mary is currently writing a only speak about the Metropolis of of the book “Ships of Mercy” which book on Hellenic genealogy,” he Boston which is lead by Metropoli- in a systematic way tells the story of said. “A lot of Greek Americans tan Methodios. He is a spender- the rescue of the Greeks of Smyrna want to know more where they are leader. He has a vision and a mis- in September of 1922. from or where their village is. How sion. He is a doer and a thinker, but Asked what motivated him to do they find out? So my wife is au- I am not so sure we have the same write “Ships of Mercy” he said, “My thoring the book of how to go degree of excellence elsewhere in father also came through Smyrna about in finding your roots.” the country. I do not know. I can’t during the catastrophe. I had read Asked what does Hellenism speak about the Archdiocese be- many books about Smyrna and I mean to him, Mr. Papoutsy said, cause I am not involved.” kept hearing the same story that “For me it means an extension of Asked if the Archdiocese of the Japanese saved all the Greeks, the Greek Orthodox Church. It is America should continue to remain The 240th anniversary of Greek Landing Day is celebrated on June 26 but it did not sound right to me. I the language, the music, the cul- connected with the Ecumenical Pa- at the St. Photios Shrine (above) in St. Augustine, Florida. started doing research for ten ture, the history, there are many dy- triarchate or become auto- years. It was not the Japanese, they namics that make up Hellenism. cephalous, he said, “We should not George Street is located in the his- 2007 award winning essay, Father were not even there. It was this fel- We need to spread our activity and break away. We should remain toric Avero House. This Spanish Pedro Camps, by its author Connie low Asa Jennings who worked at to be just about church activity. In close to the Patriarch. We need to colonial-style was the building given Pitenis, daughter of Jim and Elaine the YMCA. Smyrna was very cos- the past, we used to be in the Arch- support him and the Patriarchate. to Father Pedro Camps and many of Pitenis of Daytona Beach. mopolitan, they had a YMCA, he diocese Diocese, and Church and People talked in the past about the Colony survivors first as a place On Friday, June 27 at 5:30 PM, a was a Methodist minister and he Mary and I are spreading that now. words like ‘autocephalous’ and of refuge and then a place of wor- Great Vespers in the Shrine Chapel personally, with the help of the We have our hands now in Greece, ‘schism,’ but personally I think we ship. will be celebrated as a memorial for United States Navy, saved 300,000 in Greek music, the classics. Who should not break away and I will In 1965, local Greeks in St. Au- the New Smyrna colonists of the refuges. Of course there is another would have thought that business give my life to support the Patri- gustine acquired the Avero House. Greek Orthodox faith. This service point to this whole story because has something to do with Hel- arch.” Through the sustained efforts of the will be observed by Metropolitan “Ships of Mercy: The True Story we just studied the 30 dates, not lenism and the Classics, Aristotle He also believes that “the Ecu- late Archbishop Iakovos, the Avero Alexios of Atlanta, Bishop Dimitrios of the Rescue of the Greek, Smyr- who caused the war, why the Amer- menical Patriarch should stay House was purchased by the Greek of Xanthos, and the V. Rev. Father na September 1922 was written icans and the British didn’t stop the where he is, in Constantinople. Orthodox Archdiocese. In 1969, Grigorios Tatsis. A reception will fol- by Christos Papoutsy. Turks, etc. That is for another “The Patriarch has his cross, he Iakovos announced that this shrine low in the Shrine courtyard. At 7:30 book.” He also said that “it was not seems like another man many years would bear the name of Saint Pho- PM Dr. Constantine Santis will offer He was among the first major a Greek Priest who did this act. He ago, Jesus Christ. I do not think tios, the great Patriarch of Constan- a lecture on the New Smyrna Colony Greek Americans who contributed was the one who convinced the there is going to be a time that an tinople from the Ninth Century who at Flagler College. early on to the Greek Orthodox Greeks, the Americans and the Orthodox Patriarch will not be in fought to preserve the original On Saturday, June 28 at 8:30AM, Archdiocese and the Metropolis of British to go and save the Greeks Constantinople.” Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed Matins and a Divine Liturgy will be Boston. He started some three and the Armenians from the query Speaking about the high gas and remove the filioque clause, and celebrated in the Shrine’s Chapel decades ago giving donations by of Smyrna. We found all of the doc- prices, he said “that will cause who sent Greek missionaries to followed by a Founder’s Memorial hundreds of thousand of dollars uments, the medals he got from the someone to invent something to Christianize the Slavs. Service. From 12 Noon until 5 PM a initially to LOGOS and later to the Greek government but we cannot eliminate gasoline, and it is not go- A historical restoration ensued glendi will be held in the DeMesa Leadership 100. find anything in Greece.” ing to be done by the government with a grand dedication celebration Courtyard that is immediately adja- Mr. Papoutsy was among the pi- The book will be translated in but by the capital system. Someone taking place on February 27, 1982. cent to the Shrine. The Grecian oneers in erecting the Metropolis of Greek and published by Kastaniotis is going to make an investment One of the Shrine's express missions Strings Orchestra from Orlando will Boston Center in Brookline, and Publications and is going to be they will want to make a lot of is to honor the memories of all the be in attendance. From 4 to 7PM a helped find and establish the Me- ready in about three months. It has money; I see it coming, we are not New Smyrna Colonists. The Shrine Youth rally. tropolis of Boston Camp Center in also been published in Australia in going to use gasoline anymore.” consists of a courtyard and an exhi- As a lasting memory of this year’s the Contoocook, New Hampshire. English by Zeus Publications. Mr. Christos and Mary Papoutsy bition area with artifacts, pho- observances Carmen Gaetanos has Christos and Mary Papoutsy Papoutsy revealed that “we are also have established a Foundation for tographs and historical documents chaired the compilation of the have dedicated themselves to the working on a documentary, so that the revitalization of Vatousa, on the colony; a beautiful Byzantine “Greek Landing Day Celebration advancement of Hellenism and Or- is coming in about a year or so.” Lesvos. They are preparing to travel style chapel (known as the “Jewel of 2008 Commemorative Album.” thodoxy by initiating or participat- Currently, Mr. Papoutsy is writ- to Vatousa to celebrate on August 1 St. George Street”); a gift shop and The St. Photios Shrine is the first ing in many eminent projects. Their ing a book on the Theological to 3 the dedication of the St. offices. and only National Greek Orthodox philosophy is “personal participa- School of Halki which is going to be Nicholas Chapel as well as the inau- Under the auspices of the St. Shrine in the United States. With tion is the cornerstone of all en- published next year. guration of Christos and Mary Pa- Photios Shrine this year’s celebra- well over 100,000 visitors a year, the deavors including charitable activi- He spoke very highly of the late poutsy Park which includes a 500- tion will include the following array St. Photios Shrine is without ques- ties. Only by actively participating, Archbishop Iakovos saying that “he seat amphitheater. Local and na- of events. On Thursday, June 26 at 5 tion the premier Hellenic American can we all ensure the health, digni- was motivating, he was always pos- tional dignitaries, as well as per- PM, attending dignitaries will offer Museum in the nation. The intrepid ty, freedom, and creativity of our itive” and added “another person forming artists have been invited to their greetings and a reception will immigrants of the New Smyrna society.” was Fr. George Papaioannou at St. Christos Papoutsy participate. follow. Mayor Joseph Bolles is Colony deserve nothing less. THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 21, 2008 COMMUNITY 7

TNH/COSTAS BEJ Left: The graduates of the Stephen and Areti Cherpelis Greek Afternoon School, at St. Nicholas Church in Flushing, N.Y., Daniel Adam, Despina Amanatides, Dionysios Ambrosiatos, Panagiotis Andrikopoulos, Diony- sios Vangelatos, Alexander Valais, Victoria Valvis, Joanna Germanis, Vasiliki Georgiou, Iraklis Diamataris, Nicolette Kazilas, Stelios Karatzas, Pantelis Kladeftiris, Alexander Koskinas, Maria Koullias, Christopher Koumas, Chris Kohlios, John Lambadarios, Mario Naoum, John Economou, Helen Paschos, Maria Pavlides, Panagiotis Pippis, Constantine Pougiouklides, Gregory Stathopoulos, Maria Tsiatis, Nicholas Flevaris, Cal- liope Fygetakis and Sophia Chronopoulos, in a commemorative photo with their teacher Pepi Volikas. Center: Paraskevi Panagides, class of 2008 valedictorian at the St. Demetrios High School in Astoria, N.Y. speaks at the podium. Right: Andrew Paphitis, St. Demetrios High School salutatorian, stands at the podium while addressing the audience. Nora Fahni, Vladimir Doukakis, Michael Christodoulou, Athena Christodoulou and Inva Sila also appear in the photo. All the students gave an inspiring message about the future of Greek education in the U.S. More Than 200 Students Graduate from New York Area Greek Schools

Continued from page 1 Marianna Katitz, Evangelia Twenty eighth graders graduated George Kouvaris and Fotis Gi- dents: Serafeim Vartholomaios, Alexander Valais, Victoria Valvis, Cothalis, Natalie Fadis, Larissa Fei- from the Greek American Institute: annopoulos. The nine graduates Stavroula Efstathiades, Kyriakos Joanna Germanis, Vasiliki Geor- Rev. Apostolos Koufalakis and dov, John Fragioudakis, Denise Fra- Christina Aronis, Constantine As- from its class of 2008 are Gabriela Katechis, Marina Orfanides, Vasili- giou, Iraklis Diamataris, Nicolette headed by principal Anastasios gias, Gus Garis, Christina Georgiou, pras, Ildie Bilalis, Ashley Davis, Caceres, William Claiborne, Lucy ki Platis, Pauline Sideris, John Si- Kazilas, Stelios Karatzas, Pantelis Koularmanis. This year’s graduates Vasiliki Glagias, Andrew Hatzigeor- Trevor Henderson, Connor Hug- Dominguez, Kristina Drakakis, nis, Maria Spilios, Athanasios Kladeftiris, Alexander Koskinas, are John Paul Amanolahi, Oscar giou, Sophia Hatzis, Victoria gins, Manolis Kambouris, Dennis Michael Francese, Deana Panos, Tsakalos, and Merkourios Fountos. Maria Koullias, Christopher Avilla, Catherine Babasikas, Evan- Hristof, Stephanie Jerome, Anasta- Katechis, Maria Kekatos, Niki Man- Sergio Gallucci, Evangelos The Stephen and Areti Cherpelis Koumas, Chris Kohlios, John Lam- gelia Blake, Fotis Bouklis, Jessica sia Ioannou, Christopher Ioannou, itsas, Emily Mazarakis, Alexander Skalieris, Jenny Kouvaris. Greek Afternoon School in Flush- badarios, Mario Naoum, John Bresaka, Helen Catsimalis, Inva Peter Kaloudis, Georgia Karacostas, Mitis, Lila Monesar, Sumer Naser, The Three Hierarchs Greek ing, N.Y. is led by Principal George Economou, Helen Paschos, Maria Sela, Athena Christodoulou, Pauline Karalekas, Cleomenis La- Maria Nikolopoulos, Helen Pa- School in Brooklyn is led by its Pas- Kanellopoulos. This year, its 30 Pavlides, Panagiotis Pippis, Con- Michael Christodoulou, Vladimir gos, Anna Madikas, Theodora padatos, Jacqueline Pila, Rozalika tor Very Rev. Eugene Pappas, Prin- graduates include Daniel Adam, stantine Pougiouklides, Gregory Doukakis, Nora Fahmi, Harry Gat- Markou, Michaela Matrogiannis, Rivera, and Saiban Saed. cipal John Anderson, and its Greek Despina Amanatides, Dionysios Stathopoulos, Maria Tsiatis, sos, Paraskevi Gavalas, Christina Ariana Melis, Nicholas Nionakis, The Demetrios and Georgia Department staff Toula Philippou, Ambrosiatos, Panagiotis An- Nicholas Flevaris, Calliope Fyge- Giotitsas, Virginia Hartofillis, Ste- Chris Odysseos, Marilena Orfanos, Kaloidis Day School is led by Princi- Stephanie Doukas, and Sophia drikopoulos, Dionysios Vangelatos, takis and Sophia Chronopoulos. lios Kalamaras, Andrew Kambanis, Theodore Perdick, Constantine pal Mark Spiliopoulos, together Schoursides. Its graduating class of Nicholas Kefaliakos, Georgia Kon- Petrides, Joanne Raptis, Matthiew with staff members Maria Zachari- 2008 includes Harry Kassapides, stantakopoulos, Demetrios Kou- Sagiannis, Andrew Siakalis, George ou, Gabriel Pappas, Georgia Elefthe- Xenophon Rapitis, Nick Kotzaman- varis, Demetrios Kouklis, Vasiliki Sidiroglou, Steven Sinanis, Cather- riou, Lourdie Castillo, Chysafo is, Helen Bork, Maria Milgianick, Liarikos, Francesca Magnera, ine Sirikas, Cassandra Tachis, Ash- Madimenos, Sotiris Melissis, and Alexandra Nemirovsaya, Sergey Michael Marangos, Joanne Marga- ley Vourakis, Stephanies Vourderis, Pastor Very Rev. Gerasimos Makris, Balasiov, Morris Polistsek, and ronis, Maria Markoulis, John Mas- and Nicholas Vrettos. who teaches religion classes. Twen- Lennie Sokolnikov. toras, Joanne Matafias, Georgia Eleven eighth-graders graduat- ty-three students graduated the Bay The St. Demetrios School in Ja- Mavrakis, John Michelakis, ed from the Cathedral School in Ridge Brooklyn-based school: maica, N.Y. is led by Principal Dr. Alessandro Mikouleanissi, Con- Manhattan, which is led by Pastor Theodora Agrapides, Nicolette An- George Melikokis, Pastor Rev. Kon- stantine Mylonas, Andria Nedelkos, Rev. Frank Marangos and Principal thoulis, Christina Apostolou, Rich- stantinos Kalogridis, and teachers Andrew Nicolaou, Andrew Paphi- Sonia Celestin, together with ard Carolina, John Drogaris, Pro- Ana Lemonis, Heather Gram, tis, Harry Pagiazitis, Paraskevi teachers Fr. Basil Bassakyros, kopis Drogaris, Elchoum Wasim, Stavros Kilimintzoglou, Evdoxia Panagides, Joanna Panopoulos, Rachel Berzes, Helen Constantelos, Stelios Kakleas, John Kontopirakis, Panos, Constantine Theodorides, Nicholas Panousopoulos, Matthew Elpida Delikaris, Juliana Fazon, Aristidis Lyras, Diana Maravel, Ann Joseph Gizzo, and John Dooley. Papadopoulos, Evelyn Pappas, Nicholas Guardiere, Peter Masangos, Nicholas Matsangos, This year’s graduating class of six Anastasia Paschalis, Androniki Po- Loupakis, Ourania Rafaelides, Eri- Vasilisa Mikhailovsky, Argie includes Spyros Argyros, Kanisha dras, Christina Rabos, Catherine ka Rozenswag, Martha Toumbouli- Monioudis, Maria Nasopoulos, Stav- Douglas, Maria Hirakis, Tasha-Jean Sarantis, Anthony Sideris, Victor dou, and Alexandra Skendrou. The roula Niamonitakis, Taylor Noo- Lewis, Victoria Ioannou and Andy Sismanoglou, Maria Scripnick, graduates are Alex Baras, Jeffrey man, Stephen Soevyn, John Tede- Ramdehol. Vasilia Smaragdas, Panagiotis Harris, Demetrios Hatzidemetriou, sco, Calliopi Theodorakis, Antonia The St. Spyridon Goulandris- Soteropoulos, Andrew Souvaliotis, Helen Catsanos, Liza-Nap Fandani, Theodoris, and Samuel Vargas. Tsoilanos Day School in Washing- Stephen Spanos, Themistocles Eftyhia Loupakis, Casvina Mahen- The Transfiguration of Christ ton Heights is led by Pastor Rev. Theodosopoulos, Stavros tran, Tessa Medakovic, Nefeli Pa- Day School in Corona, N.Y. is led by George Passias, who also serves as Tsakanikas, Mario Tzanopoulos, paioannou, and Martin Uli. is Pastor Rev. Nikolaos Kouvaris school principal, and teachers Irene Adriana Vizentinis, and John The Greek American Institute of and Principal Madeline Orfanos, Eileen Felix and Mario Zoupaniotis. the Lifegiving Font in the Bronx, together with staff members Joan- Hatzidemetriou. Its graduating Forty students graduated from N.Y., is led by Pastor Very Rev. na Apostolopoulos, Matina Apos- class of five includes Jesus Ariza, Third Child Graduates From Harvard the eight grade of the William Spy- Sylvester Berberis, Principal Ann tolopoulos, Lynda Day, Demetra Rosanne Grato, Catherine Palma, ropoulos School in Flushing, N.Y., Prokop and Assistant Principal An- Safos, Apostolos Fountas, Maro Ku- Nathan Valou and Zoriluz Vargas. Elias Rigas, center, with, from left, his sister Eleni, his father Ioannis, led by Pastor Rev. Paul Palesty and gela Kinalis, together with staff rumusis, Claudia LaSota, James Or- The St. Demetrios Greek After- his mother Zoe and his brother Michael, graduated from Harvard Uni- Principal Athena Krommydas. The members John Athanas, Ann Pow- fanos, Theodore Orfanos, Kather- noon School in Astoria, led by Prin- versity’s Kennedy School of Government. Elias follows Eleni and graduating seniors are Evdokia er, Helen Zapantis, Emmanuela Pa- ine Triantafillou, Chrysanthe Filli- cipal Timoleon Kokkinos and Vasil- Michael as Harvard graduates, a fact which brings great joy to his Adamos, Anastasia Athanasiou, pamanolis, and Michael Payne. pardos, Christos Kouridakis, ios Nikolos is graduating 10 stu- proud parents. All three siblings work in Washington, D.C. Presbytera Takes a Prominent Role in Organizing Oratorical Festival

By Theodore Kalmoukos and senior speaker advanced to the “My two sons were priests, now Special to The National Herald district level. For example, the Me- one is, but one participated in the tropolis of New Jersey has four dis- Oratorical Festival,” she said. “I BOSTON – When we cover ecclesi- tricts, so those children from the couldn’t get both to participate, but astical and community programs parishes go to the districts and from my daughter participated and she and events the spotlight of publici- there they take two senior and two is in marketing and public rela- ty usually falls on the priest and junior finalists that advance to the tions, so she gets up an makes pre- very rarely on the presbytera’s role Metropolis level Oratorical Festi- sentations all the time. Her partici- which in many instances is equally val.” pation in the Oratorical Festival as important. “It begins with the new ecclesi- was helpful because it gave her Presbytera Margaret Orfanakos astical year in September and it confidence.” of Clifton, New Jersey is the wife of concludes in June,” said Presbytera Recently George Orfanakos, the Rev. John Orfanakos. She has spent Orfanakos. “We go to different Me- former priest of the St. George 25 years dedicated to the organiz- tropoles for the finals as we did in Greek Orthodox parish in Clifton, ing and promotion of the Oratorical Boston this year. Last year we went New Jersey who served with his fa- Festival. She offers her services vol- to Miami, Florida hosted by the Me- ther Rev. John Orfanakos, divorced untarily, quietly and without ex- tropolis of Atlanta. The year before from his presbytera. He was de- pecting anything in return. Her was hosted by the Metropolis of frocked from the holy priesthood husband, Fr. John Orfanakos told San Francisco.” and some three weeks ago remar- the Herald that “this Oratorical Fes- Asked out of these 25 years ried again at the Holy Trinity tival is the work of her life, it is like which years were the highlights for Cathedral of New York. The other her baby” and he added “she her, she said, “I do not think you son, Fr. Peter Orfanakos is serving spends countless of hours talking can pick a highlight for any year successfully at the St. Barbara on the phone with the persons re- but what I am very thrilled about Presbytera Margaret Orfanakos has been an organizer of the Oratorical Festival for the last 25 years. Arch- Greek Orthodox parish in Orange, sponsible for the program all over this year is that there were ten or bishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Methodios of Boston attended the event this year. Connecticut. the U.S.” eleven previous Oratorical Festival The Oratorical Festival initially participants that came this year was the idea of the late Ernest Vil- and they were the ones that intro- las, Director of Religious Education duced this year’s finalists.” of the Archdiocese, his wife Vicki, Commenting on the excellence When you advertise in The National Herald Mrs. Minarva Sterganopoulos and of the speeches she said, “Many Self Esteem Fr. George Zarvas. Also presbytera times I hear people saying I wish Learn how your inner voice Greek Americans pay attention Orfanakos was involved from the our priest can take lessons and it is contributes to your self esteem very beginning. true. Some of our priests are won- Learn how to restore your self esteem The National Herald (718) 784-5255 ext. 101 “This year is the 25th anniver- derful homilists, but do not forget for a healthier marriage sary of the Oratorical Festival,” she that these children have practiced and positive relationship told The National Herald in an in- their speech over one hundred 567 Park Avenue, Suite 204 Marriage, Couple, Family, Child terview. “This year’s current list of times. Our clergymen cannot prac- Scotch Plains, NJ07090 speakers did phenomenal and it tice their speech a hundred times.” and Individual therapy www.hellenictherapy.com was very hard to single out anyone Spaeking about the role of a email: [email protected] MARIA SIKOUTRIS MA, Ed.S, LPC doing better in his presentation or presbytera as she has been one for (908) 322-0112 Day, Evening & Weekend Hours delivery. To sit and listen to those 46 years, she said, “It is difficult in speeches was just so overwhelming the sense that many presbyteres with the contest and the delivery have to work. I did not work out- from young people” side the home, so I did much volun- Presbytera Orfanakos remem- teers work in the church. In our bered that “I have been involved days presbyteres are pulled to so www.GreekKitchennyc.com since the beginning, I was the Dio- many different directions, the cese Oratorical Festival chairman schedules of the children, the appointed by Metropolitan Silas of schedules of the clergy husbands blessed memory back in 1983 and I and the responsibilities that many To accomplish our goal to make your trip enjoyable and wor- am involved with the program be- parish councils want the pres- ry free we offer Airline/Ferry tickets, transfers, sightseeing cause I see extreme benefits of chil- byetres involved, but many of them tours, hotel accommodations, car rentals, cruises and yacht dren learning how to get up and work today to help supplement the charters to anywhere in Greece at low cost prices. Our experi- speak in public.” income, not only presbeteres but enced personnel carefully select all of our products, and our As far as the process goes she ex- every woman in our days, so it is service is reliable on its purpose to satisfy plained that “the topics are selected not different with presbyteres.” your needs and fulfill your expectations for a in the summer time by the Depart- Speaking about the benefits of ment of Religious Education, but the Oratorical Festival she said, ...BON VOYAGE this year’s topics were written by “Some from this Oratorical Festival www.delmare.gr His Eminence Archbishop program have become priests, but Demetrios and they were quite some have gone into communica- For more information and reservations contact challenging topics. The children tions orbecome reporters.” Nicole Pitsikalis / Senior Travel Consultant first start writing their speeches at The Orfanakos family gave two Tel: 01130.210.9810.776 • Fax: 01130.210.9880.190 • e-mail:[email protected] the parish and then the top junior sons to the holy presithood. 8 OBITUARIES THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 21, 2008 Patricia Makris, 49, Dedicated Teacher

By Christopher Dela Cruz Rider University in 1981 and lived “She used to say `My Big Fat The Star-Ledger in Ringoes before moving to Greek Wedding' was the story of Bridgewater 23 years ago. She her life,” said Colucci. “She loved to BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – When taught at Hopewell High School for have people in her home. She loved teachers are considered for the an- six months as a business teacher to celebrate.” nual Governor's Teacher Recogni- before working for several compa- The last four years of her life tion Award, usually a few col- nies as an administrative assistant were marked by a fierce battle with leagues nominate a teacher to the in business. cancer. Despite constant therapy, award committee. But after her children were doctors' visits, and the inevitable At Whitehouse School in Read- born, she realized she had to pur- stress and anxiety, Mrs. Makris con- ington Township, the entire faculty sue her childhood dream and re- tinued to teach as an intervention rallied around second-grade turn to teaching. school teacher at Whitehouse teacher Patricia Makris. A joint let- “She was a life-long learner,” where she had been for 12 years. ter, bearing some 30 signatures, said Colucci. “She wanted to instill “She fought it up until the very was sent to the state committee that in her students.” end,” said Colucci. “She was ex- commending her for work with ele- Mrs. Makris concentrated on tremely brave, a very courageous mentary school students faced with teaching literacy, and devoted woman.” academic challenges. much of her free time researching Mrs. Makris is survived by her NICHOLAS CONSTANTINE SBILIS “The children soon learn that new teaching techniques and at- husband, George Makris of Bridge- with Mrs. Makris guiding them on tending workshops. Her devotion water; her mother, Hedy Shoolis, of 1923-2008 their academic journey, they no paid off, and she is credited with Martinsville; a brother, Charles longer have to face those challenges implementing many innovative Shoolis and a sister, Irene Shoolis, Although my Father-In-Law Nicholas Sbilis had been seriously ill over the last few months, it still alone,” the letter said. “She under- programs into the school system, also of Martinsville; sons, Michael came as a shock to me when I received a call at work from my wife, Barbara that her father had stands children and their needs.” said Colucci, a fellow teacher. Makris, Steven Makris, and daugh- She won the recognition award “She was an amazing diagnosti- ter, Sophia Makris, all of Bridgewa- passed. for 2007-2008. cian,” said Colucci. “She could look ter. A longtime resident of Bridge- at kids at a short period of time and Funeral services were on June I first met him when I was nineteen and a university student thirty-eight years ago. I had asked water, Mrs. Makris died of cancer. diagnose their problems. Children 16 at Saint Andrews Greek Ortho- my future wife for a date and she responded that she could go out to the local park for an hour, but, She was 49. came into her classroom barely dox Church in Randolph. Burial first, I would have to meet her parents and speak to her father. My discussion with her father last- Mrs. Makris was born in Atlantic reading. They came out loving was at Saint Bernard's Cemetery in ed three hours and took in a wide range of topics, including my engineering studies, politics (U.S. City on January 5, 1959. As a ninth- reading.” Bridgewater. and Hellenic), history, and religion. We had a lot in common. After I arrived home that day, I re- grader she wrote an autobiography Outside of teaching, Mrs. Makris Whitehouse School in Reading- ceived a call from Barbara informing me that her father had stated she could go out with me any- for a school assignment wishing to was proud of her Greek heritage, ton is in the process of creating an be a teacher. She received an A on Colucci said. She threw huge cele- educational fund for Mrs. Makris. time. I passed the test. the project, said Beth Colucci, a brations during holidays, baking Those interested in donating or for longtime friend. traditional Greek dishes and lead- more information may call George Nicholas Sbilis was born in Piraeus, Hellas in 1923 to Constantinos and Helene (Valsamis) Sbilis. Mrs. Makris graduated from ing her family in Greek dances. Makris at (848) 391-7286. His father, Constantino, was a graduate of the Polytechnio and a noted Architect. He was the youngest of three siblings, which included his sister Maria and his brother Panagiotis. As a young man, he experienced the hardships of his fellow Hellenes during the Katohi and the brutality of the occupation, which had a profound effect on his spiritual and intellectual development. He was an DEATHS excellent student and followed in his father’s footsteps by attending the Polytechnio and receiving his degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering. In the year he graduated, he was the only student ■ ANGEL, HOMER all for your friendship, for volunteer- tounas of Jersey City, Ann Patounas to pass his exams in his area of study. SHORELINE, Wash. – It was reported ing to help with JoAnn's care, for the of Poway, Calif., Jack Venti of New that Homer Panteleimon Angel many phone calls, acts of kindness Egypt, Patricia McIlvane of Toms Riv- After graduation and the war, he worked for the Athens municipal government and helped de- passed away on Wednesday, June 4, and expressions of love. You know er, and Raymond Venti of Morris- sign the Athenian street lighting system as well as the Acropolis lighting. He was also, since a 2008. As a young boy, he and his who you are. The funeral was held town. Other survivors are Anthony, youth, profoundly religious and theologically inclined and, because of his theoretical knowledge of family spent some time in Greece on on June 16 at St. Constantine and Jr., Lily, Leah, David, Wendy, and Orthodoxy, was called on to debate issues relating to religion. His dialogues and religious discus- the Island of Leros. His family re- Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Gary. John preceded her in death. sions, as a member of the religious brotherhood Zoi, involved many well known people within turned to Seattle where he attended Boise. Memorial donations to St Con- The funeral was held on June 20 An- Lincoln High School and the Univer- stantine & Helen Greek Orthodox nunciation Greek Orthodox Church Hellas including Nikos Zahariadis, the Communist leader in Macedonia. In late 1949, he was sity of Washington. Homer was ac- Church. in Lancaster. Burial was at Lancaster asked, along with other professionals, by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese to come to the United tive in St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Cemetery. Memorial donations to States. During his stay, he worked at the Atlantis Hellenic newspaper. While attending church at Church, serving as Parish Council ■ KORFIAS, JOHN Annunciation Greek Orthodox the Holy Trinity Cathedral in New York, he met and fell in love with his future bride, Olympia President in 1960 and helping to DYER, Ind. – The Times reported that Church. Katerlis, who was the English Teacher at the newly formed Cathedral School. It was as they say: “a open the newly built structure in John Nick Korfias, 71, of Dyer, match made in heaven.” 1962. His support also extended to passed away on Friday, June 13, ■ ZECOPOULOS, CHRIS the Church of the Assumption and 2008. He retired after 30 years of ser- CHARLESTON, S.C. – The In 1951, Nicholas and Olympia were married at the Holy Trinity Cathedral and always shared a the recently established Holy Apos- vice as a Foreman from the #3 cold Charleston Post & Courier reported tles, Greek Orthodox churches in the strip at Inland Steel. John and his that Chris Zecopoulos, husband of strong love and affection for each other during the last 58 years of their marriage. During those Seattle area. He was an active mem- wife were devoted members of SS. Kiki Zecopoulos and resident of years, Nicholas worked for the Atlantis newspaper, and, in the 1970’s until his retirement in 1993, ber of AHEPA, a long-standing Greek Constantine and Helen Greek Ortho- James Island, SC entered eternal rest for the New York Times, while Olympia worked as an educator. He also found time to edit month- organization, dedicated to the edu- dox Cathedral. He proudly served in on Thursday, June 12, 2008, sur- ly magazines for various Hellenic churches as well as write the book “H Megali Apofasis” (“The cation of Greek Americans. His love the U.S. Army during the Korean rounded by family and friends at the Great Decision”),under the pseudonym Nikolaos Stathopoulos (his original family name from of the ocean and ships influenced his Conflict, also served as a Councilman Hospice Center of Charleston. Chris Hydra). career of over 30 years in marine for the Town of Dyer. John was an (Chrysostomos) was born January supply services. He dedicated his re- devoted family man, avid fisherman, 20, 1931 in the small town of Ter- Among his greatest joys were his daughters Barbara and Constance. His was always the guiding maining years to developing and hunter and water skier. Preceded in rovon, Greece. His parents were Aris- managing family properties. Homer death by parents Mary and Nick Kor- tethes and Yianoula Zecopoulos. As a hand in their developing a love for education and in excelling in their chosen professions: is survived by his daughter, Maria fias; brother Manuel Korfias and sis- young boy before World War II, he Constance as a Speech Pathologist and Barbara as an Educator and Attorney. He was there to walk Angel; a sister and brother-in-law, ter Angeline Korfias. John is survived worked as a shoe maker in the town his daughters down the aisle, when Barbara and I married and as Constance married Diamond Irene and Tim Fotes; a niece, Sevie Is- by his devoted wife of 50 years of Arta and after the war, he served Pittas. My children Mara and John and Constance and Diamond’s child George were blessed to bell; and nephews, Ted and Mitch Roberta of Dyer, IN; three children: as a police officer for five years. In have dotting grandparents in their lives. Nicholas and Olympia served as role models to them. My Fotes. The funeral was held on June Mary (Greg) Bachnak of St. John, IN, 1956, he married the former Angeli- father-in-law witnessed my daughter Mara’s college and Medical School graduation and my sons 10 at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Nicholas (Aby) Korfias of Wood- ki (Kiki) Giannaki of Arta and the college graduation and start of Law School. He and Olympia brought special significance to Mara’s Church. Memorial donations to the stock, IL, Kimberly (Chris) Penrod of next year, they immigrated to the wedding to Harry Karamitopoulos and John’s engagement to Kristina Kouhartsiouk. Over the last Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Crown Point, IN; three grandchil- United States. His wife's family had few years “Pappou” was especially enamored with his youngest grandson George Nicholas Pittas, Church Building Fund. Having loved dren: Taylor Kennedy, Kristi and previously immigrated to the U.S. each of the established Greek Ortho- Robert Horvat; sister Angeline (Pe- where she became a naturalized citi- now in grade school, whose eyes would light up ‘every time he saw him’. dox churches in Seattle, he strongly ter) Antonopoulos of St. Louis, MO; zen. They settled in Charleston, SC felt that Holy Apostles should be as- numerous nieces and nephews. Fu- and became part of the thriving and My Father-in-Law Nicholas will be missed by many both here and abroad. I will especially miss sisted in their development. neral services will be held Tuesday, growing Greek-American Communi- our long conversations, over the years, and his mentorship which added greatly to my develop- June 17, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Directly ty of the city. He worked briefly for ment. ■ KARELLAS, JO ANN at SS. Constantine and Helen Greek the Purity Ice Cream factory and then May his memory be eternal. BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Statesman Orthodox Cathedral, 8000 Madison he and his brother-in-law, Jerry Spet- Lou Katsos reported that Jo Ann Karellas Morris, Street, Merrillville with Rev. seris, bought Johnny's Grocery store 67, passed away peacefully of lung Theodore Poteres, Rev. Christ on the corner of Spring and Ashley. cancer at Boise's St Luke's hospital Margellos officiating. Burial to follow They operated the store for five years just before midnight on Thursday, at Ridgelawn Cemetery, Gary. The fu- and then purchased what was to be- June 12, 2008 with her family by her neral was held on June 16 at SS. come Chris and Jerry's supermarket side. She was born Sept. 26, 1940 in Constantine and Helen Greek Ortho- on Folly Beach, SC. They owned and Pocatello, Idaho to Gust and Anasta- dox Cathedral. Memorial donations operated the store for 25 years which Christopher Yahnis, S.C. Community Leader sia Karellas. JoAnn's early years were to SS. Constantine and Helen Greek became a Folly Beach landmark. The deeply integrated in the Orthodox Cathedral or Hospice of business was sold in 1994 and Chris Greek/Greek Orthodox community the Calumet Area (600 Superior retired from the grocery business. He Carolina Morning News And he gave $100,000 to FMU’s gesture was so characteristic of Chris of Pocatello. She spent many happy Ave., Munster, IN 46321). was an active member of the Greek capital campaign in 2003, which Yahnis. summers in Green River, Wyo., with Orthodox Church of The Holy Trinity PEE DEE, S.C. – Christopher helped fund the BB&T/Amelia Wal- “A large part of his life was devot- her large extended family. Many ■ VENTI, ANGELICA of Charleston serving a term as Vice- James Yahnis made his mark on the lace Faculty/Alumni House. ed to providing support to those who great legendary stories came out of JERSEY CITY, N.J. – NewsZapDE re- President of the Parish Council. He Pee Dee — a successful businessman Francis Marion University Presi- needed it the most. He continued to those early years. She graduated ported that Angelica Patounas Venti was also a member of Greek Ortho- and also in giving back to the com- dent Dr. Fred Carter told the Morn- support that scholarship fund, as from Pocatello High School in 1958 passed away at her daughter's home dox Church of The Holy Trinity Male munity he loved. ing News, “He contributed generous- well as others out here. We were very and continued her education for two in Jersey City, after a lengthy illness. Chorus and the Order of AHEPA, Pla- Yahnis, who passed away unex- ly to many of our programs, most no- proud when the decision was made years at ISU. Jo Ann made her way to She was 78. Born in New York City, to Chapter 4. He fully embraced his pectedly last week, was praised for tably he created a substantial schol- in 2004 to name the road out here in California in 1964 and found work at she was the daughter of the late heritage through Greek dancing, his leadership on all fronts, and we arship. His only request was that the front of the university after him be- a law office in the San Francisco Bay Nicholas D. and Calliopi Anamisakis cooking Greek food, and listening to salute his contributions, as well. money would go to those students cause he had done so much for the Area working as a legal secretary. Patounas. Ange graduated from Mc- the music from his part of Greece, Fred Samra told the Morning who needed it the most. And that university and our students.” She met and later married Keith Mor- Caskey High School in their secretar- Iprios, while arguing about Ameri- News, “He was always interested in ris in 1964, they divorced in 1990. ial course. She enjoyed all her JPMc- can politics. He enjoyed watching what was best for the Florence com- She raised two boys, Brian and Jim- Caskey reunions. She worked as a le- soccer especially when his sons and munity. my, in Hayward, Calif. She worked gal secretary for Attorneys: Reese, grandchildren were playing. He was “He was especially interested in on and off at Continental White Cap Brown, District Attorney Storb, and a devoted husband to Kiki, his wife of downtown development. for over 30 years. In her free time she Eby. In 1955, she was a featured sec- 52 years, and a loving father to his “He knew that a strong down- enjoyed playing catch with her two retary in the Lancaster Magazine. In children, Telis Zecopoulos and his town was vital to a community.” sons, camping, and water skiing and 1950 at the Lancaster Greek Ortho- wife Denise of Hanahan, SC, George Sen. Hugh Leatherman of Flo- was very involved in school activi- dox Church, she married Isidore Pa- Zecopoulos and his wife Emerald of rence, who was co-sponsor of a bill subscribe ties. She was a 28-year survivor of tounas, who preceded her in death. James Island, SC, Johnny Zecopou- to name a section of U.S. 76/301 PRINTED EDITION OF THE NATIONAL HERALD breast cancer and was determined to In 1969 at the Trenton, Greek Ortho- los of Johns Island, SC, and Tula Hi- North in his honor, said Yahnis never via the post-office: ❏1 Month for $9.95 ❏3 Months for $19.95 beat the disease for the sake of her dox Church, she married Louis J. lyer and her husband Randy Hilyer of wanted any recognition for what he ❏ ❏ young children and did so. She Venti, who died in 2004. They were James Island, SC. He was also did for the community and that his 6 Months for $29.95 One Year fo $59.85 moved to Boise, Idaho in 1997 to as- married for 35 adventurous years. beloved by his grandchildren, entire family was community-orient- VIA HOME DELIVERY (NY, NJ & CT): sist with her mother's failing health. Ange worked at McGuire Air Force Christopher Zecopoulos, Alexia and ed. ❏1 Month for $12.95 ❏3 Months for $29.95 She became employed by Albertson's Base and Dover Air Force Base. For Angeleki Zecopoulos, Kiki and Yiana The co-founder of Y&B Distribut- ❏6 Months for $43.99 ❏One Year for $80.00 in the E-commerce department. She more than 40 years she camped, mo- Hilyer, Josh and Aaron Burnette. He ing also founded Home Health Inc. VIA HOME DELIVERY (NEW ENGLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, later changed jobs and worked in the tor coached and traveled extensively is also survived by two brothers, in 1992. WASHINGTON D.C., VIRGINIA & MARYLAND) accounting department. You always all over the U.S., and was an active Nestoras and Mihali Zecopoulos of It expanded from its Pee Dee base ❏1 Month for $15.95 ❏3 Months for $37.45 knew where you stood with JoAnn as member of the Good Neighbor Sam Loutraki, Greece along with many and eventually was sold. ❏6 Months for $51.75 ❏One Year for $99.00 she didn't pull any punches. Her Club and the Family Motor Coach As- nieces and nephews in the United But his business success also was straightforward personality en- sociation. In 1985, they moved from States and Greece. The funeral was matched by his contributions to his ON LINE SUBSCRIPTION www.thenationalherald.com ❏ deared her to many, many, people as New Jersey to Milton, Del. For all her held on June 16, at the Greek Ortho- community and church. NON SUBSCRIBERS: One Year for $45.95 ❏3 Months for $18.95 was evidenced by the response to her years in Milton, she was an active dox Church of The Holy Trinity. Bur- Yahnis was a member of the ❏ ❏ retirement party. JoAnn is survived volunteer of the Milton Theater De- ial was at Live Oak Memorial Gar- Greek Orthodox Church since 1954 SUBSCRIBERS: One Year for $34.95 3 Months for $14.95 by her sister Effie and brother-in-law velopment Fund and its air balloon dens. Memorial donations may be and served as president of the Greek Ray Kaufman, son Jimmy and festival. She also ran for Delaware made to the Greek Orthodox Church Orthodox Church Parish Council. NAME: ...... daughter-in-law Leilani and grand- Sussex County commissioner, plus of the Holy Trinity in his memory. He was given the Order of the Pal- ADDRESS: ...... daughter Senna, plus one on the way. she was a union secretary at Dover Zoe se mas. metto in 2003 by former Gov. Jim CITY:...... STATE: ...... ZIP:...... Nieces Kim and her husband Evan Air Force Base as well as secretary to Hodges. The Order of the Palmetto is TEL.: ...... E-MAIL:...... CELL...... Mallas and great-nephews Mitchell the Overbrook Home Owners Associ- the state’s highest civilian honor and PLEASE SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO: and Matthew; Deana Kaufman; ation. All her life, Ange was an active is awarded for “extraordinary life- NAME: ...... Christin Kaufman. Uncles and Aunts; member of the Greek Orthodox This is a service time achievement and service to the ADDRESS: ...... Steve (Donna) Kalivas; Gus (Mary) Church, its bazaars, other activities, to the community. state and nation.” CITY:...... STATE: ...... ZIP:...... Kalivas; Bill (Cheryl) Kalivas; Irene plus Daughters of Penelope. She in- Announcements of deaths He also severed on the S.C. Men- TEL.: ...... E-MAIL:...... CELL...... Kalivas; Helen Kalivas; Georgia Kali- stilled in her children the love of may be telephoned to the tal Health Board and the Florence Please specify method of payment vas plus several cousins and Godchil- Greek culture, food, dancing, plus Classified Department of County United Way. He also served I enclose a check/money order for $ ...... made payable to: dren. She was preceded in death by the love of touring the USA, NYC the- The National Herald at as president of the S.C. Beer Associa- The National Herald, Inc., 37-10 30th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 - 2614 her son Brian, parents Gust and Ann atre and sights. She is survived by her (718) 784-5255, tion. or please debit my ❏ Mastercard ❏ Visa ❏ American Express Karellas; Uncles John Kalivas, Tony sister Mary married to Maurice E. Monday through Friday, He was especially generous to CARD NUMBER: ...... Kalivas, George Kalivas and Aunt Morgan, Lancaster, Pa. Her brother, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Francis Marion University where he EXPIRATION DATE: ...... SIGNATURE:...... Phyllis. Special thanks to Laura and James D. Patounas, preceded her in or e-mailed to: set up the Chris J. Yahnis Scholarship Sommer for all the help given to our death. She is survived by Anthony [email protected] Fund through, the school’s Francis family over the years. We thank you Patounas of Mt. Holly, Grace Pa- Marion University Foundation. THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 21, 2008 GREECE CYPRUS 9 Papandreou Ousts Simitis from PASOK Bakoyannis: Turkey Must

Continued from page 1 cision to move against Mr. Simitis was weakened, with 43 percent Continue “Reform Effort” clude diminished chances of stale- saying they felt the disintegration mate in the E.U. Council through of PASOK was imminent. ATHENS (ANA) – Foreign Minister more qualified majority voting; a Of the total respondents, 32 per- Dora Bakoyannis said on Wednes- more significant European Parlia- cent said they saw the expulsion as day that Turkey was a country that ment through extended collabora- “probably a correct move,” while was seeking “ways out of the situa- tion with the Council; and reducing 41 percent of the respondents who tion that has been created by the re- the number of commissioners from identified themselves as PASOK cent developments” in that country, 27 to 18. voters, also called it a “correct noting that it was obvious that In his letter to Mr. Papandreou, move,” but another 41 percent Turkey's European prospect re- Mr. Simitis said he disagreed with viewed it as the “wrong move.” quired a “new breath, which only holding a referendum to ratify the Concerning the consequences of Turkey itself can give through sub- Reform Treaty, which European the move in relation to Mr. Papan- stantive decisions for continuation leaders agreed to at the E.U. Sum- dreou’s role in the party, 29 percent of its reform effort.” mit in Lisbon this past December. of the total respondents, and 33 Speaking at a press conference Mr. Simitis said he was sur- percent of PASOK voters among the on foreign affairs issues, Bakoyan- prised by Mr. Papandreou’s support respondents, felt Mr. Papandreou nis said in a reference to the Cyprus for holding a national referendum strengthened his position in the issue that “we are once again at a and pointed out that the ratifica- party, while 50 percent of the total decisive turning point,” and noted tion of E.U. treaties through Parlia- respondents felt his position was the “more general messages and ment was a standard practice weakened. good atmosphere that character- adopted by all previous PASOK gov- Perceptions of division within izes the contacts between the two ernments, including his own and PASOK were also indicated in the communities, which justify some Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis those of Mr. Papandreou’s father. results of an ALCO opinion poll optimism.” He also said that a long, drawn- published in the weekly newspaper She added, however, that “the volume of its translation work, out ratification process like a na- Proto Thema last Sunday. A third road to a solution, to a fair, viable which was increasing annually tional referendum could weaken opinion poll conducted by MARC, and functional solution on the basis with the enlargement of the EU, Greece’s position and influence. published in last Sunday’s edition of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federa- and the large number of economic Mr. Papandreou wrote that he of Ethnos, also indicated division tion will not be strewn with roses.” immigrants, the wider use of “certi- did not intend to initiate formal among the PASOK rank-and-file. As for the US, she said that fied” official documents to and procedures for expelling Mr. Simi- In an interview with Ta Nea dai- country was only a few months from other countries, and the de- tis from the party’s group of senior ly published this past Tuesday, June away from Presidential elections velopment of new technologies, MP’s altogether – out of respect for 17, Mr. Papandreou defended his “which, regardless of the outcome, which she said had an adverse im- the former premier’s history; con- decision, and reaffirmed he would will lead to a change of the present pact on the service's translation tributions; and their joint course in no longer tolerate differentiations US Administration, with whatever work. the Greek Governments of 1996- in PASOK policy among party that entails regarding the effect She explained that the draft law 2004, when Mr. Papandreou served cadres who “raise their own per- that may possibly have on Ameri- was based on a study of what was as Mr. Simitis’ foreign minister. sonal banners,” noting that the par- can foreign policy.” in force in the other EU countries Mr. Simitis’ views are “always TNH PHOTO ARCHIVES ty leader bears the burden of pre- Turning to the Middle East, and in the UN, and aimed at en- examined with great interest,” Mr. George Papandreou, right, chairman of the Greek Government's main serving party unity. Bakoyannis said that “despite some hancing the work of the ministry's Papandreou wrote, but the former opposition, ousted his predecessor and twice-elected former prime “It was not I who chose for us to timid signs of improvement, the po- translators by providing them with premier was acting outside the minister, Costas Simitis, left, from PASOK on Thursday, June 12. return to introversion. I wasn’t the litical and diplomatic pendulum modern tools, quality control of the framework of PASOK’s internal poli- one who made a move that gave continues, unfortunately to swing translations, full computerization cies and decisions and operating au- ical will and direction, creating voters who participated in three rise to questions about our political between suspicion and tension.” of the branch and the supervisory tonomously and independently. confusion and disorientation at a different opinion polls say Mr. Pa- volition and targets. I, too, serve Bakoyannis further unveiled de- mechanisms, decentralization This is something Mr. Papan- time when the Greek people are be- pandreou’s expulsion of Mr. Simitis and guarantee the party’s unity,” he tails of the foreign ministry's draft through the creation of translator dreou said he could not accept, and ing sorely tested by economic hard- will have “severe repercussions” for said, adding that his move was law concerning its Translation Ser- positions in all the prefectures of stressed that he no longer considers ship. PASOK. aimed precisely at dispelling the vice, which she said needed to be the region, reduction of the cost to Mr. Simitis part of PASOK’s party Mr. Simitis, who willingly Regardless of how they felt notion that PASOK is crumbling. upgraded due to “the big increase the public, reducing the delivery “force” in Hellenic Parliament. stepped aside to let Mr. Papan- about Mr. Papandreou’s move over- “PASOK can not be broken up,” in the number of languages” for time, and providing translation ser- Referring to the concerns Mr. dreou lead PASOK during the 2004 all – positive or negative – most re- he said. translation into, the more than vices and knowhow to third coun- Simitis raised about whether elections, replied with yet another spondents said they expect the af- Asked whether his decision to doubling of the users, the immense tries. Greece should hold a national ref- letter to Mr. Papandreou on June ter-effects will deal a serious blow oust Mr. Simitis was an attempt to erendum on the Lisbon Treaty – 12, the day he was ousted from the to PASOK, and cast the party’s fu- clean house, Mr. Papandreou said, which was ratified by 250 MP’s in party bloc. ture into further doubt (New “There is no such issue. I have sys- the 300-member Greek Parliament “I have the right to express my Democracy crushed PASOK in last tematically and collectively led PA- this past June 11 – Mr. Papandreou views and act according to my con- September’s national elections, set- SOK to the formulation of a new said he had already responded to science, and judge what I think is ting the socialists on a tailspin platform and new priorities for the Dubai Wins Bid to Purchase the former premier’s concerns be- good for the country… I do not in- which resulted in PASOK’s lowest country. And these differ on many fore Mr. Simitis had even written tend to relinquish the freedom to number of parliamentary seats in issues from the priorities and poli- Greek Port Facilities his letter, noting that clear deci- express my opinion and be able to three decades). cies of Mr. Simitis.” sions had been made on the issue point out to my party when things According to a Public Issue opin- PASOK’s main focus is on the during PASOK’s recent conference, go well and when they do not,” Mr. ion poll, the results of which were everyday problems of Greek citi- By Elaine Greene sion of concession fees, as well as and by the party’s Political Council. Simitis wrote. published in last Sunday’s edition zens, he said, together with a vision Athens News annual rental fees payable annually Mr. Papandreou said he inter- Mr. Simitis also stated that, un- of Kathimerini, the PASOK rank- for economic development which over the whole 35-year concession preted Mr. Simitis’ decision to take der Mr. Papandreou’s leadership, and-file appears completely divid- takes advantage of Greece’s “envi- ATHENS – Dubai Ports World period, Cosco added. The value of his letter public as an active refusal PASOK lost all the electoral con- ed after Mr. Papandreou ousted his ronment, culture and human dy- (DPW) has submitted the highest the deal in 35 years is also under- to fall in line with the rest of the tests after 2004, “while the per- predecessor from the party’s parlia- namic through education and inno- bid for the 35-year concession to stood to have been calculated in, Parliamentary Group, “an unjustifi- centage and your appeal to the vot- mentary group, while the majority vation.” run Thessaloniki Port Authority's namely allowing for inflation. able political act.” ers have been drastically reduced.” of the ruling New Democracy par- (OLTH) Pier 6, this newspaper has But Cosco remained upbeat Mr. Papandreou also said Mr. According to reports in several ty’s voters felt that, far from The above incorporates informa- learned. "Dubai has bid more than about the deal. "An investment in Simitis’ move engendered doubts major Greek metros last Sunday, strengthening Mr. Papandreou’s tion from reports posted by the the others by a long shot," the the Piraeus Port and the Thessa- and questions about PASOK’s polit- June 15, half of the PASOK party position in main opposition, his de- Athens News Agency. source claimed. loniki Port offers the company an DPW has bid for OLTH via excellent opportunity to invest in Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navi- major terminals outside China, gation Company (P&O), which which in turn aligns with its corpo- DPW controls. Also in the bid con- rate strategy of becoming a leading sortium are Greek construction global port operator," Cosco vice- Cypriot Leader Urges Turkey to Stop Meddling in Cyprus Talks player Aktor and Piraeus Bank. The chairman Xu Minjie added in the sell-side source claimed Dubai has statement. BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) _ Cypri- Cyprus was split into a break- cisions," Christofias said. beat out Cosco for OLTH. Cosco bid The market was nonetheless not ot President Dimitris Christofias away Turkish Cypriot north and an Christofias said Turkey should with Hutchinson in a consortium convinced, and as Cosco's share said Thursday that meddling by internationally recognized Greek drop its demand to remain a "guar- with local chemicals and pharma- price languished analysts said that Turkey is harming efforts to end the Cypriot south in 1974, when antor" of the security of Turkish ceutical player Alapis. investors still believe it may be 34-year division of Cyprus between Turkey invaded in response to an Cypriots, saying that once a reunifi- Bids for OLTH were received on overpaying and are not convinced Greek and Turkish Cypriots. abortive coup that aimed to unite cation deal is reached the European May 15 by the evaluation commit- by the attempt to clarify matters. Christofias said Turkish Cypriot the island with Greece. Union would guarantee the rights tee. Another executive confirmed A legal source close to the gov- leader Mehmet Ali Talat should be As a gesture of goodwill, Turkey of ethnic Turks on the island. the information from the source ernment told the Athens News that allowed to negotiate independently should remove half its 43,000 Christofias said he planned to saying, "Yes, it's true, Dubai has bid a previous statement announcing without having to check with troops from northern Cyprus, meet with Talat this month and the most and is expected to be an- the bid as seven times the market Ankara for final approval. Christofias said. next to prepare for full-scale reuni- nounced as the winner." A capitalization at 3.389bn euros was "The continuation of the status "We could really as soon as possi- fication negotiations. spokesperson for OLTH could not a "big gaff" and had caused some quo is harming ... all Cypriots," ble solve the problem, but ... unfor- He said main sticking points re- comment on bidders, however. diplomatic problems. Christofias said. "So I request Mah- tunately we are dependent on the main property rights, security The top bidder for OLTH will be met Talat to sit together without will of Turkey. Turkey is key. A coun- arrangements for both communi- announced in around 15 days, near any commitments from the outside, try which has in Cyprus 43,000 well TNH PHOTO ARCHIVES ties and how to share power under the end of this month, the source Piraeus Mayor from foreign countries and forces." armed soldiers has to take some de- President Dimitris Christofias a federal state. noted. Panayiotis Fassoulas The government and local ex- perts believe that giving over the had planned to port operations to a foreign giant close the port over SPORTS can create conditions for Thessa- the municipality's loniki to develop into a solid, re- gional in-transit port and will have financial crisis a positive impact on commerce, the local economy and the community. In a press release at the end of Winless Greece Knocked Out of Euro 2008 OLTH has a market capitalization last week that attempted to clarify of some 340 million euros. the confusion, OLP announced the SALZBURG, Austria (AP) – Greece BILLION-DOLLAR BLUNDER following regarding the financial ended an ill-fated title defense by FOR PIRAEUS offers submitted for the concession scoring its first goal in the tourna- The top bidder has already been of the container terminal's piers II ment Wednesday before being announced for OLTH's big sister and III: "The total bids, in current beaten 2-1 by Spain for a third port, Piraeus Port (OLP), amid an market value, offered for 35 years straight defeat at the European embarrassing fiasco over the fig- amount to: 4.305bn euros for Championship. ures. Cosco, which has offered the Cosco Pacific Ltd of which 3.389bn Angelos Charisteas scored with highest sum, is not, after all, paying euros is guaranteed and 4.063bn a trademark header in the 42nd seven times the market value at euros for the union of companies of minute to put the Greeks ahead some 4 billion euros, but around HPH Ltd, HPI Sarl, Alapis and LYD against a second-string Spain, 500 million euros. SA, of which 3.037bn euros is guar- which had already advanced to the OLP further confirmed it on anteed. quarterfinals. June 12 as the "provisional pre- "The net present value of the "I'm quite upset. We weren't or- ferred bidder". Further documents above-mentioned minimum guar- ganized properly," Charisteas said. will need to be assessed before any anteed amounts is 665m euros and "We believed in victory, that's the final agreement can be made, it 583m euros, respectively." way we go into every game. But we noted. But its statement did noth- Cosco is China's biggest ship- didn't get the breaks we needed." ing to clarify the muddy waters re- ping player and has interests in 20 Veteran goalkeeper Antonis garding the real figures. container terminals in China, Hong Nikopolidis was named captain in Greek Shipping Minister George Kong and overseas, including the his last game for Greece. But he Voulgarakis told the Athens News Cosco-PSA Terminal in Singapore, was beaten in the 61st when Ruben on June 6 that the bid price being Antwerp Gateway Terminal in Bel- de la Red equalized for Spain from paid at present is not 3.389bn eu- gium and the Suez Canal Container close range, and Dani Guiza hit the ros as had been announced earlier Terminal in Egypt. winning goal with an 88th-minute that week. This sum represents on- PIRAEUS' DEBT WOES header. ly the full price over 35 years, in- The OLTH and OLP deals contin- Coach Otto Rehhagel said there cluding investments, he said. Asked ue to see opposition from individ- was no shame in Greece not win- if the lack of earlier clarity could ual workers and their unions. Pi- ning any games. The Greeks lost lead to the deal falling through, he raeus Mayor Panayiotis Fassoulas their opening game 2-0 to Sweden said that this is not an issue. had planed to close the port of Pi- and were then beaten 1-0 by Russia He promised to provide more raeus over the government's failure in Group D. AP PHOTO/FABIAN BIMMER details of how Cosco's bid is struc- to help with the municipality's fi- "I wish we could have at least Greece's Angelos Charisteas, center, scores the opening goal during the group D match between Greece tured, including the present value nancial crisis. got a draw (against Spain)," Re- and Spain in Salzburg, Austria, on Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at the Euro 2008 European Soccer Champi- being paid and how the fees and in- It is understood he was also op- hhagel said. There is no shame in onships in Austria and Switzerland. vestments will be structured over posed to the Cosco deal. not beating any of these teams ... 35 years. However, on June 12 the mayor Russia beat the Swedes tonight. fused to comment on his future. lucky to avoid a humiliating exit af- the tournament to find the net. In an attempt to clarify matters, announced that he had brokered a The Spaniards are outstanding, Some of his players have already ter being beaten several times by "I've said it before: we're a team as well as stop its own stock from deal with Finance Minister George and the Swedes are strong. announced their international re- Spain's forwards without conced- that finds it hard to score," Re- dropping, Cosco confirmed in a Alogoskoufis over the issue of the "We were the underdog last time tirement, including second-half ing, while Xabi Alonso hit the cross- hhagel said. "We never said we'd statement on June 11 that the municipality's funding problems. A and we won. We didn't expect a re- substitute Paraskevas Antzas. bar in the 53rd. beat Sweden 3-0, Russia 4-0 and amount it will actually pay is some loan of 122 million euros is to be peat of that." Nikopolidis, who was influential Greece conceded five goals at Spain 5-0. We said we'd come here 500m euros. The huge difference in frozen for one year as part of the The 69-year-old Rehhagel re- in Greece's Euro 2004 victory, was Euro 2008 and was the last team in and do what we can." figures is related to the Greek inclu- agreement, Fassoulas said. 10 EDITORIALS LETTERS THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 21, 2008

The National Herald LETTERS TO THE EDITOR A weekly publication of the NATIONAL HERALD, INC. (ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ), reporting the news and addressing the issues of paramount interest Let’s Not Forget the Joy That So what does this mean? Was England “unlucky” that to the Greek American community of the United States of America. Greek Soccer Has Given Us Many top sports reporters, in- they didn’t qualify this year? Were TO OUR READERS cluding the “analysts” that grace us they lucky in winning the World Publisher-Editor Antonis H. Diamataris To The Editor: with their “knowledge” of the sport Cup 40 years ago, there only major The National Herald welcomes Just like everyone else, I cringed on ESPN, have claimed Greece won national team tournament win? letters from its readers intended Assistant to Publisher, Advertising Veta H. Diamataris Papadopoulos for publication. They should in- Managing Editor Evan C. Lambrou at the performance of the Greek Euro 2004 by luck. They claim it (Yes, England has won one World clude the writer’s name, address, Assistant Managing Editor Mark Frangos National Soccer Team at this year’s was a fluke and that the team is un- Cup and has never won the Euro). Euro 2008 tournament. deserving. As for the Greek fans, I am hap- Production Manager Chrysoula Karametros and telephone number and be It began with the horrible per- These so-called experts should py that they are keeping things in Webmaster Alexandros Tsoukias addressed to: The Editor, The Na- formance against Sweden, where remember that not only did this perspective. tional Herald, 37-10 30th Street, The National Herald (USPS 016864) is published weekly by are team was either afraid or un- team win the Euro, defeating host Yes, I heard complaining about Long Island City, NY 11101. The National Herald Inc. at 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 able to move the ball forward. Portugal twice, as well as strong King Otto and his boys’ perfor- Tel: (718)784-5255, Fax: (718)472-0510, Then came the match against teams such as France and the Czech mance, but in the last four years, Letters can also be faxed to (718) e-mail: [email protected] Russia where a silly mistake, bad Republic, but they outplayed them. this team has given us two tourna- 472-0510 or e-mailed to english.edition@thenationalher- Democritou 1 and Academias Sts, Athens, 10671, Greece luck, and and unwilling linesman They were also the first country ment participations and one win Tel: 011.30.210.3614.598, Fax: 011.30.210.3643.776, e-mail: [email protected] denied our team the chance for a to qualify for this year’s competi- and we should all consider that as it ald.com. We reserve the right to meaningful game against Spain. tion and did so with more points is better than anything we had edit letters for publication and re- Subscriptions by mail: 1 year $59.85, 6 months $29.95, 3 months $19.95, 1 month $9.95 Against Spain the team was than any other team. So how do done 100 years prior in the sport. gret that we are unable to ac- Home delivery NY, NJ, CT: 1 year $80.00, 6 months $43.99, 3 months $29.99, 1 month $12.95 playing without pressure and they you explain not just one tourna- Thank you Greek team and see knowledge or return those left Home delivery New England States, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland: actually played with some heart, ment of “luck,” but qualifying with you in the World Cup! 1 year $99.00, 6 months $51.75, 3 months $37.45, 1 month $15.95 unpublished. On line subscription: Subscribers to the print edition: 1 year $34.95, 6 months $23.95, 3 months only to fall in the final minutes due a dominant performance just for Alex Margaritis $14.95; Non subscribers: 1 year $45.95, 6 months $29.95, 3 months $18.95 to lack of fitness. years later? Astoria, N.Y.

Periodical postage paid at L.I.C., N.Y. and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send change of address to: THE NATIONAL HERALD, 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 COMMENTARY Ostracizing Hellenic Identity FYROM has Only Itself to Blame for Being Kept Out of NATO Sometimes, one reads statements issued by some members of our com- By Nina Gatzoulis name the "Former Yugoslav Repub- a monument when their Prime measures to prohibit hostile activi- munity which make you stop and think – because they contain wisdom Special to The National Herald lic of Macedonia. However, Greece Minister, Nichola Gruevski, placed ties or propaganda by state-con- and substance, and project true knowledge devoid of any personal agenda continued to object to their use of a wreath during a ceremony that trolled agencies and to discourage or self-seeking interest. It is when such statements are made, then, that Mr. Metodija A. Koloski, Presi- the Macedonia name, which included FYROM’s first president acts by private entities likely to in- one needs to pause for a few moments to take it all in. dent of the so-called United Mace- Greece considers a Greek identifier Kiro Gligorov as well as many cler- cite violence, hated or hostility" One such instance involves Rev. Protopresbyter Asterios Gerostergiou, donia Diaspora in the Washington for well over 3000 years. gy from their schismatic church, and review the contents of text- pastor of Saints Constantine & Helen Church in Cambridge, Massachu- Times, May 4, 2008 Commentary In 1995 an Interim Accord was and continued its unrelenting and books, maps, and teaching aids to setts, whose comments in this past Wednesday’s edition of our sister pub- column, titled “A name to reckon signed under the auspices of the greatly accelerated propaganda ensure that such tools are stating lication, Εθνικος Κηρυξ, deserve special attention and careful considera- with,” reinforces NATO’s wise deci- United Nations and both sides against Greece. accurate information; and (2) urge tion. sion that the former Yugoslav Re- agreed to participate in UN-mediat- In an effort to establish a “Mace- the FYROM to work within the As we translate it, his main thesis is, “The ostracism of our Church’s public of Macedonia (the FYROM) ed negotiations to resolve the name donian” identity and to further pro- framework of the United Nations Hellenic Identity is its Destruction.” will be invited to join the North At- issue. This accord contained nu- voke Greece, FYROM has renamed process with Greece to achieve In those few words, we believe, is the essence of the issue concerning lantic Treaty Organization only af- merous provisions one which is: Ar- streets and squares in a number of longstanding United States and the preservation and continuation of Hellenism in America. It is in an ide- ter a solution to the name issue has ticle 7, paragraph 1. Each Party towns with ancient Macedonian United Nations policy goals by ological movement presently sweeping through many of our parishes been reached with Greece, its shall promptly take effective mea- Hellenic names, have erected nu- reaching a mutually-acceptable of- which erodes the safeguarding of Orthodoxy in this land. Discarding Hel- neighbor. sures to prohibit hostile activities or merous statues of Alexander the ficial name for the FYROM.” lenism is at the root of many problems that we face. It is unfortunate that this small propaganda by State-controlled Great, and even renamed its airport The Greek government again “It is the philosophies and theologies of some – who pretend to know it country north of Greece’s border agencies and to discourage acts by to “Alexander the Great.” warned the FYROM as cited by the all – who think that Orthodoxy will advance by itself, but if flesh and bones was established with falsehoods private entities likely to incite vio- A recent defacing of the Greek following announcement by are not attached – in other words, if Hellenism and Orthodoxy are not at- and on wrong foundations and on a lence, hatred or hostility against flag in billboards put up in the city Greece’s Foreign Minister, Dora tached – then everything will vanish,” Father Asterios says. sandy ground when in 1944 Mar- each other. of Skopje, the capital of FYROM, in Bakoyianni: “Skopje’s leadership is Assessing a dire situation afflicting our Church today, he writes, “We shal Joseph Bronz Tito, the com- which the white Cross on the flag intentionally giving the impression are 550-600 parishes, and of those, only 150 can support a priest. The rest munist dictator ruling Yugoslavia, was replaced with a Swastika, as either that they are unaware of or are in a sorry state of affairs, especially financially. Here in our area (New renamed his southernmost Greece had no other well as a local magazine's carica- that they question the content of England), we have 63 parishes. Of those, it is doubtful whether 15 are in a province from Vardarska Banovina choice but to defend ture of Greek Prime Minister Costas the provisions of the Interim Accord position to support a priest.” to “People’s Republic of Macedo- Karamanlis' dressed as an SS officer and the relevant UN Security Coun- One could argue that this opinion is a bit alarmist, but people in a posi- nia” for purely political and expan- its interests from the was especially provocative and cil Resolutions, which have but one tion to know think it’s not far off the mark. Simply put, some priests are sionist reasons: to claim and incor- relentless unfriendly brought an immediate sharp con- objective: The finding of a mutually compensated very well, and they are the ones who give the impression porate the northern Macedonia of provocations of its demnation from the historic Jewish acceptable solution on the name is- that all priests are equally well paid. Greece into communist Yugoslavia, community of Thessaloniki in sue – regarding which Greece has But the real essence of Father Asterios’ remarks rests in what he says with the port of Thessaloniki as the northern neighbor which it declared that these “con- reaffirmed its constructive stance – about the ostracism, persecution, and eradication of the Church’s Hellenic trophy. After the renaming, Tito stitute unacceptable actions and an and not the perpetuation of the identity. continued with the legitimization Since then, Greece has invested insult to the Greek people as a problem, which FYROM’s intransi- Not every parish ostracizes its Hellenic identity, of course. On the con- of his “Macedonia” by commission- more than one billion dollars in FY- whole including members of the gence is leading to. A number of the trary, there are many which support it. In general, however, one must ing “scholars” to rewrite history ROM. Most of FYROM's commerce Jewish Community of Thessaloniki. Skopje (FYROM) government’s de- agree that, without a metron (measure), turning the Church toward full books to usurp and incorporate the moves through the Greek port of These actions become more cisions and actions have confirmed Americanization, a process which began a few decades ago, has not yield- ancient Macedonian Hellenic histo- Thessaloniki. The Greek business- heinous because Greece was its persistence with regard to histor- ed the desired results. ry as their own accompanied by men have created thousands of jobs among the first countries in Europe ically groundless and provocative Not that the English language should not be used liturgically. Of course perverted maps that included even in the area. However, FYROM has to clash with the tide of fascism and propaganda that assails the princi- it should. But Orthodoxy and Hellenism were meant to co-exist; they are the northern Macedonia Province repaid Greece with abstinence in the first to defeat Axis Forces on the ple of good neighborly relations. flesh and bone; one supports the other, and vice versa, and neither can of Greece. “Linguists” were also ap- negotiating in good faith to resolve battlefield in WWII where Jewish They have forgotten the obligations survive independently of the other. pointed to develop a separate the name and with constant bar- and Christian Greeks fought side by they have undertaken, and I am re- The question is how the ship – the Church is the Arc of Salvation – can “Macedonian” language, which to- rage of anti-Greek propaganda, side. Furthermore, the use -- for the ferring to article 7 of the Interim Ac- readjust its course; not by returning to the same old position, but by steer- day is nothing other than a Bulgari- provocations in the media and the sake of creating impressions -- of cord, which explicitly prohibits di- ing toward its Hellenic identity in a carefully managed way. an dialect that can be understood Internet and distortions of history symbols that are directly linked rect or indirect actions of irredentist It’s not a coincidence that communities which do so prosper, often by any Bulgarian. even in their schoolbooks and mili- with the period of the worst crimes propaganda. Let it be clear that the drawing people from great distances. In 1991, this republic declared tary books, and continued to ignore committed against humanity is an Interim Accord cannot be imple- But to accomplish that, we need priests who are well versed in Greek, independence from Yugoslavia and numerous warnings from Greece insult to the memory of the six mil- mented selectively, as one party and whose collective consciousness is firmly embedded in Hellenic values. named itself “Republic of Macedo- that it must have good neighborly lion victims of the Holocaust and sees fit. So Greece cannot and will Unfortunately, the theological school is not properly educating our semi- nia,” adopted a new flag with the relations with Greece before enter- those who survived the horror of not rule out exercising any of its narians, anymore, and that’s where the ostracism begins. Greek Sun of Vergina at its center, ing NATO and the EU. the Nazi concentration camps. Our rights and options as a member of prepared new currency with the Mr. Koloski states that “The re- Community welcomes the stance NATO and the EU.” Greek White Tower of Thessaloniki cent Greek veto . . . was unfounded adopted by French President Nico- Greece, a NATO member since printed on it, and developed its and contrary to the principles of las Sarkozy, a descendant of the 1952 that participated in all major World hunger crisis constitution which contained arti- NATO . . . Mr. Koloski fails to note Mallah family from Thessaloniki, NATO missions with critical man- cles that implied ownership and ex- that the FYROM was the one that who backed Greece's positions on power, facilities, logistics and other Who could ever imagine that, just a few years after the triumphant pansionist rights to the northern was irresponsive to diligently nego- the self-evident Greekness of Mace- support and has greatly assisted to proclamation that globalization was supposed to usher in a new age of Macedonia of Greece. As anyone tiate a resolution to the name as donia." assure stability in the area and else- continuous rise in the standard of living for almost everyone on the plan- can imagine, these actions were agreed in 1995 and rejected a mul- FYROM’s actions resulted in where, had no other choice but to et, a substantial percentage of the world’s population – more than 2 billion very provocative to Greece and titude of names put forth on the U.S. House of Representatives Res- defend its interests from the relent- people – would go to bed hungry every night. Greece rightfully imposed a trade table. Yet, at the same time FYROM olution HR-356 that has been thus less unfriendly provocations from In his column in last Sunday’s New York Times, “Letter from Egypt,” embargo that was lifted when its pursued a multitude of paths to far co-sponsored by 120 Represen- its northern neighbor, who was as- Thomas Friedman wrote that, if food and gas prices keep on soaring the northern neighbor redesigned its have this country recognized with tatives and U.S. Senate Resolution piring to join NATO, and thus exer- way they are now, food and gas stand to change politics in the developing flag, stopped the issuance of the their self adopted name of “Repub- SR-300 that has been thus far co- cised its right to veto FYROM’s ap- world today as much as nationalism and communism did in their time. new currency and amended its con- lic of Macedonia,” continued its po- sponsored by 5 Senators which (1) plication. FYROM has only itself to The crisis is that severe. stitution to clarify that they have no lices of irredentism evidenced as urge the Former Yugoslav Republic blame for being kept out of NATO, And once again, the name of Thomas Malthus, the British thinker who territorial rights outside of their recently as February 4, 2008 by a of Macedonia (FYROM) to observe and no one else! died over 200 years ago, comes back to mind. Malthus’ theory was that hu- boundaries. map which shows the FYROM to in- its obligations under Article 7 of the mankind is doomed because the human race increases geometrically, In 1993, the United Nations clude the Macedonia province of 1995 United Nations-brokered In- Nina Gatzoulis is the Supreme whereas the food supply increases arithmetically. General Assembly admitted this Greece going all the way down to terim Accord which directs the par- President of the Pan-Macedonian Could he be right? Not according to a recent study by United Nations new nation as a member under the mount Olympus that was shown on ties to "promptly take effective Association USA scientists, who estimate that the agricultural acreage in use right now is capable of feeding the planet forever if the world’s population stabilizes at 10 billion people by the year 2060. Even if the birth rate increases, many experts believe that the Earth can feed as many as 20-30 billion people. Meanwhile, the crisis is getting worse. For example, in the Eurozone – An Island that is Becoming More Divided Needs to be United the European Union’s original 15 member-states – inflation has reached 3.7 percent, far exceeding the initial target of less than 2 percent. In Greece, the Speech By Nicos A. Rolandis a tempest. When you plant con- “each person has two bags hanging been full of life today, here, under inflation rate reached 4.9 percent in May, one of the highest in Europe. frontation you reap a country bro- from his body. In the bag hanging in her dark windows which are full of Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is, at long last, becoming concerned about I look backwards, into the long ken up. You bring about war. And front, he puts the wrongdoings of memories, we should all, Greek and the impact astronomical gas prices will have on reducing demand perma- historical horizon of this country, you stand there confused, watching others, so that he can see them. At Turkish Cypriots, meditate and real- nently, as well as about the monumental public relations problem that is which pierces and goes through an- the parents burying their children. his back he has his own wrongdo- ize that we cannot be letting the creating not only for the Kingdom, but also for everything in relation to cient times and reaches a depth of You stand there, confused and ings and he cannot see them. trains of opportunity arrive, one af- the Arab world. more than 10,000 years of history. abashed, seeking peace. Can we not put both bags on the ter the other and depart empty. That’s why they announced a hike in oil production of 200,000 barrels It is a history adorned with Peace however does not hover table, make an objective assessment There will be a time when the sta- a day, on top of the 300,000 barrels by which the Saudis increased it last myths, Gods, heroes, and creative around you. Peace lies within. You of the situation, negotiate and cre- tion will close down. month. work. Simultaneously it is a history are the creator of peace. If you have ate, on the basis of principles al- It is with a lot of satisfaction that rife with wars, pain and scorched not realized this, then you have lost ready agreed, the United Federal I note, that Demetris Christofias land. your way, dear friend. Republic of Cyprus, out of the crip- and Mehmet Ali Talat have com- We have unfortunately been one Warm congratulations to all of pled Republic of Cyprus of 1960? menced, under awkward circum- PASOK in crises (again) of those countries in which “the par- you, members of the 18 Non-Gov- Can we not realize that, unlike stances, to make the necessary steps ents have been burying their sons, ernmental Organizations, who have what some people may think, a final towards a solution of the problem. Last week, George Papandreou ousted from the party his father found- instead of the sons burying their organized this gathering. Congratu- partition may lead to political insta- This process requires patience, re- ed in 1974 – the party he himself has led for the past four years – Costas parents”, as ancient historian lations on the efforts you exert to bility and explosion in the years to silience and courage. It needs the Simitis, a twice-elected former prime minister of Greece, for disagreeing Herodotus put it, to describe the keep this country united. A country come? That instead of creating hap- support of all of us. There will be with him in public about whether a referendum should be held to approve tragedy of war. which was united for 398 genera- piness and well-being we may have many obstacles down the road. the Lisbon Agreement (bear in mind that the Irish voted against it last Even so, dear ladies and gentle- tions of Cypriots and which was to pick again dead bodies from the Some of them internal; some other week). men, it is only during the past forty broken up during the last two gen- battlefields? will be related to the various inter- This is the first time in memory that a former prime minister has been years of her 10,000 - year history erations. Can we not realize that if the Eu- ests connected with our part of the ousted from the party he led to power. that this country has become con- I have been in public life for 32 ropean acquis and the aura of Eu- world. My wish is that all barriers At this point, it’s quite certain that Mr. Papandreou’s decision weakens versant with the notions of “north” years. Whichever my position and rope spread all over the territory of will be surmounted. PASOK even further, and contributes to a less than satisfactory functioning and “south” and “we live on this role, Cyprus has always been at the Cyprus, all Cypriots will be enabled The day will come when we shall of the democratic system in Greece – because the opposition party is es- side and you live on the other side”. forefront of my life. My personal to build rather than demolish? leave this planet. Cyprus will con- sential to its functioning. Whether or not Mr. Papandreou manages to It is only recently that Cyprus felt judgment from my above experi- Cypriot University professor Dr. tinue her course in History. I trust overcome this crisis remains to be seen. At best, if he loses the next elec- the pain of the incision of the divid- ence is that the solution to the prob- Andreas Zachariou reminded me that she will remain united, the way tion – as it appears right now – he will almost certainly be replaced as PA- ing line on her body. An incision lem of our country has always been recently, from the United States she had been over the 10,000 years SOK’s chairman. which has wounded her soul as a volatile and unreachable target. where he lives, of the words of Al- of her history. I hope that we shall It’s true that a premier is elected under the banner of a particular party. well. Words, thousands of words, with- bert Einstein, who said that “one all look within ourselves and that But he also needs the freedom of conscience to vote against the party line During the 10,000 – year history, out substance, without real content. cannot solve a problem if he contin- we shall find the path to peace. So if he so decides. Democrats or Republicans in this country frequently cross approximately 400 generations of Lack of realism, lack of political ues having the same mentality that the period of division of this party lines with no apparent consequences. Cypriots left their mark on this land. courage. I watched for years each which created the problem in the country will be a small stain, which In this case, however, it’s rather obvious that the expulsion of a former Catastrophe came about during the community attributing to itself first place”. Wise words, which per- will be left behind and will be for- prime minister or any elected official from one party is an act of a weak, last two generations. It is at this whatever was right and to the other fectly fit our case. gotten. even desperate, leader who is trying to scare his internal critics back in time that all of us, Greek and Turk- community whatever was wrong. Here, where we stand, dear line. That might bring the desired results in the short term, but it doesn’t ish Cypriots alike, planted into the And I asked myself many times: friends, under the shadow of the Mr. Rolandis was the Cypriot solve problems in the long run. soil the seed of our sins and of our How can one ever solve a problem city of Famagusta, a city which suf- Government’s Foreign Minister Does Mr. Papandreou’s decision signify that PASOK, as it was formed in wrong judgments. And when you when such a mentality persists? I al- fered a lot and whose residents suf- (1978-83) and Minister of Com- 1974 after the fall of the junta, has run its course? Time will tell. plant a sin, at harvest time you reap so recalled the ancient dictum that fered too, a city which might have merce, Industry. THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 21, 2008 VIEWPOINTS 11 McCain, Obama & Turkey’s Lobbyists

Both major party presidential and the several thou- ing that is my judgment son it is allowed here is that it comes and [political action committees],” former Democratic majority leader candidates, Democrat Barack Oba- sand key career officials is not in the best inter- under the protection of the First Obama said on June 5, 2008.” They of the House of Representatives and ma and Republican John McCain, in the Executive ests of the United Amendment’s freedom of speech. do not fund our campaign and they Dick Armey, also at DLA Piper and a have criticized lobbyists and stated Branch. Central for our States, namely, the hir- Lobbying by U.S. citizens, and will not fund our party.” former Republican majority leader of that, in general, they will not deal purposes are the ap- ing by foreign govern- particularly by former officials as Senator McCain recently stated the House of Representatives, and with them. pointed and career offi- ments of former U.S. of- agents of a foreign government, “that his campaign will no longer al- their partners and associates. Their Now all lobbyists are not bad. cials in the White ficials as foreign agents gives lobbying a bad name, and in low staffers to work as lobbyists, a re- contact information is: Senator Many, if not most, serve a useful pur- House, State Depart- of that government to my view is detrimental to the proper sponse to increasing criticism about Barack Obama, P.O. Box 8102 Chica- pose in presenting the views of their ment, Defense Depart- lobby U.S. officials in development of U.S. foreign policy. his top aides making millions as go, IL 60680, telephone: (866) 675- constituents or employers to our ment and National Se- Congress and the Exec- OBAMA, MCCAIN & LOBBYISTS agents for foreign countries.” (Wash- 2008; and Senator John McCain, elected officials in the Congress and curity Council. utive Branch. Senators Obama and McCain ington Times, 6-6-08) P.O. Box 16118 Arlington, VA 22215, to the Executive Branch. By Execu- Difficulties come These officials are have recently made statements I urge my readers to call and write telephone: (703) 418-2008. tive Branch I refer to the two elected about when monetary by EUGENE T. required to register showing their concern about lobby- to Senators McCain and Obama and Turkey had retained former Re- officials, the President and the Vice corruption enters the ROSSIDES with the Department of ists. Obama recently told the Demo- call on them to confirm that as part of publican Speaker of the House and President, the two thousand appoint- process as we have seen Justice under the For- cratic National Committee to stop their anti-lobbying position that they chairman of the Appropriations ed officials in the Executive Branch in the past several Special to eign Agents Registra- taking money from currently regis- and their staffs will not meet with Committee, Bob Livingston for sever- from cabinets’ officers to Assistant years. No one con- The National Herald tion Act. No other ma- tered federal lobbyists. Turkey’s U.S. foreign agents regis- al years at $1.8 million a year. He Secretaries and White House staff in- dones such monetary jor country follows its “I’ve sent a strong signal in this tered with the Department of Justice was recently let go and Dick Armey cluding the National Security Coun- corruption. citizens to act as foreign agents for campaign by refusing the contribu- namely, Dick Gephardt, senior coun- picked up. It is reported that Liv- cil, and other political appointees; There is however a form of lobby- another country. Apparently the rea- tions of registered federal lobbyists sel at the law firm of DLA Piper and ingston took on an even more lucra- tive agreement working for Libya. SUPPORT LEGISLATION LETTER FROM ATHENS Also call on Senators McCain and Obama to support legislation that provides that any foreign govern- ment that hires U.S. foreign agents registered with the Department of Greece’s European Soccer Champs Lose, but Who Cares? Justice becomes immediately ineligi- ble to receive any benefits of whatev- That loud wheezing sound heard was punctuated only by sisted of having his de- mesmerizing, although those are too she said. “They weren’t heroes in my er nature from the U.S. government, across Greece the night of June 14 the cries of anguish of fensemen kicking the often undercut by the game’s fakers. eyes when they won and they’re not monetary or otherwise, and that any was the death rattle of the national street vendors who put ball back and forth to But the incomparable ability of peo- losers now,” she said. “A hero has to existing benefits of whatever nature soccer team – what Europeans call their money into stand- each other in their own ple to control a fast-moving ball only define his life and a loser is someone are immediately halted and forfeited. football – giving up the ghost without ing at key spots with end, waiting for the op- with their feet can be engaging, even who hasn’t even tried.” As for the na- I consider anyone representing a fight, losing to Russia, 1-0 in its sec- Greek flags, huge fabric ponents to either die of though to Europeans and Greeks a tional pride, she said: “Soccer is war Turkey, as in effect, supporting (1) ond straight shutout defeat in the Eu- pennants declaring old age or get bored game against another country is seen against another country. It’s bred a Turkey’s aggression and occupation ro 2008 football championship, fail- “Hellas,” and other enough to fall asleep. like war. Well, at least to the fans, as whole generation of hooligans. I in Cyprus; (2) Turkey’s war crimes ing to defend the title it won in 2004, blue-and-white para- Even though the the players could seem to care less. have 150 kids to teach, do I get any and crimes against humanity in that glorious summer when they phernalia, hoping United States has had It’s hard to get up for a game when recognition? None. It’s just entertain- Cyprus as set forth in the European were the country’s darlings. That was against hope the team soccer for several you’re merely playing for national ment, it doesn’t promote anything. Court of Human Rights reports on the month before Greece stunned the would win again and decades now, its major honor and glory compared to getting Greece wrote its glory on battlefields, Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus; (3) world, pulling off the 2004 Olympics set off a lucrative frenzy by ANDY league teams couldn’t paid for playing for your club team. not on football grounds.” Turkey’s persecution of the Ecumeni- at the last minute, the same way the for them. They took a DABILIS beat the lowest level Superstar players like Portugal’s Maybe that’s why Rehhagel, 69, cal Patriarchate, violations of reli- soccer team had, beating the Czech bigger bath than the European or South Ronaldo get as much as $300,000 – a wasn’t suicidal when Greece lost, al- gious freedom, the illegal taking of Republic AFTER the game was over, soccer team or the peo- Special to American teams, and week – and it’s always been difficult though his contract earlier had been church property and the illegal clos- on a headed-in corner kick (for ple who bet on them to The National Herald while the US game is to understand why fans don’t under- extended to 2010 anyway, the next ing of the Halki Patriarchal School of Americans, this is difficult to trans- win. loved by Soccer Moms stand the contempt professional World Cup. “We have to leave our Theology in 1971; and (4) violations late, but think of one guy in the cor- The 2004 team’s victory made a because it is non-violent, Americans players have for them, but this is successes and failures behind us ... If of Greek airspace in the Aegean by ner of a football field kicking the ball few people a lot of money because still don’t get soccer. Even living in what you get when you have to live you keep harping on about the past it Turkey’s military airplanes. I consid- unmolested toward everybody else the betting odds at 80-1 were even Europe for a while makes it hard to vicariously, wishing you could be a doesn’t help you,” he said. “Wonders er them similar to those who repre- on both teams standing in front of higher than you could have gotten if digest compared to the rough-and- world-class athlete. only happen every 30 years or so. If sented South Africa during that na- the defending team’s goal and a mir- you bet this year for the 2008 team to tumble of real sports in the US. Euro- As Greece’s hopes of defending its they happened every 14 days then tion’s apartheid years. During its acle happens when the ball hits a lose two straight games, which it did peans call it “the beautiful game,” ex- 2004 Euro Cup title ended with a they would not be wonders,” he said. apartheid years South Africa had dif- Greek player in the head and goes in- (Sweden won, 2-0 in the first game) cept for the constant racism against whimper instead of a bang, Greeks, Greece has a lot more to be proud ficulty hiring U.S. foreign agents to to the other team’s goal) because and not score a goal, which shouldn’t black and Asian players, and the as they are so wont to do, took it about than soccer, and he knew that. represent it. No self-respecting U.S. play began with a second to go and have come as a surprise since they parts where players fall down like philosophically instead of calling for “The Acropolis has been standing for citizen wanted to be associated with continued until it ended. seemed not to have scored in the four they’ve been shot in the leg if some- the coach’s head. “We will not throw 3,000 years,” he said, “and in 20 South Africa’s apartheid regime. The The 2004 team came back to years in-between, failing to qualify one breathes on them, as they try to ourselves into the sea as some may years when I’m gone it will still be same should apply to Turkey today. Athens and the kind of parade for the 2006 World Cup against get fake penalties. Americans like believe. Football never ends,” said standing.” That may be the next time No self-respecting American should Leonidas would have had if only he teams they had beaten two years be- games where someone actually one cafe owner who did not want to Greece scores a goal, but it’s people want to be identified with the aggres- had both beaten the Persians at Ther- fore, struggling against the likes of scores, or, in the case of the Greek be named. Maybe it was rationaliza- like underpaid schoolteachers, and sor, occupier and human rights and mopylae and lived to talk about it. Armenia and Moldova, and playing team, actually attempts to score. tion, but while there was no joy in not soccer players, and places like religious freedom violator Turkey. The night the 2004 team beat Portu- like rich millionaires whose only care It seems like most soccer games Mudville, there was little despair ei- the Acropolis, and not soccer, that Also, call and write Dick Gephardt gal in the finals, Athens was alight was whether the checks wouldn’t end up 0-0, or as the Europeans say, ther. “There is hardly any depression. are the real glory of Greece. and Dick Armey at DLA Piper, 500 with honking horns, screaming, cele- bounce – like most NBA players who “nil-nil,” which could describe the If someone doesn’t feel good he goes Eighth Street, NW, Washington, DC brating, second perhaps only to the would change teams at halftime of a amount of interest you’d have in to the next tavern and drinks an Mr. Dabilis was the New England 20004, (telephone: (202) 799-4000) victory dance of the Boston Red Sox game if the other side would pay most games where there’s more ac- ouzo, that’s it,” said teacher Kostas editor for United Press Interna- and urge them to resign from their three months later when the Old them more money. What made tion watching paint dry. Americans Dimou. tional in Boston, and a staff writer representation of Turkey. Towne Team won baseball’s World Greeks scratch their head is how the don’t like ties. They like to win, in A self-described non-fan, a and assistant metropolitan editor Act today. Your voice can help and Series for the first time since 1918. 2004 team won in the first place, politics, business, war, and especially schoolteacher who said she dislikes at the Boston Globe for 17 years make a difference. This year, moments after Greece’s since that team and this year’s na- sports, where a tie is described as the jingoism that soccer and sports before relocating to Greece. His soccer team expired, it was quieter tional team both were coached by “like kissing your sister.” It must be brings out, said the defeat should not column is published weekly in the Gene Rossides is President of the than the reaction from Greek civil Otto Rehhagel, apparently the only said if you give yourself enough time be seen through a prism of national- National Herald. Readers interest- American Hellenic Institute and servants asked who’d like to volun- German who doesn’t believe in a to watch the game, there are mo- ism. “Bala einai kai gyreezee,” the ed in contacting him can send e- former Assistant Secretary of the teer to do some work. The silence blitzkrieg, and whose game plan con- ments of graceful poetry that can be ball keeps spinning no matter what, mails to [email protected]. Treasury 12 THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 21, 2008