O C V ΓΡΑΦΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ Bringing the news ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΣΜΟΥ to generations of ΑΠΟ ΤΟ 1915 The National Herald Greek Americans c v A wEEkLy GREEk AMERICAN PuBLICATION www.thenationalherald.com VOL. 14, ISSUE 685 November 27-December 3, 2010 $1.50 U.N. Plan for Stalled Papandreou Says Salary Cuts But No Layoffs Cyprus Talks: More EU-IMF OK Next Loans, Warns More Talks, But More Intense Revenues Needed

NEW YORK - A three-way meet - ing New York very satisfied with ATHENS – Pinned down on the ing between United Nations Sec - the results of this meeting,” he BBC’s HARDtalk program about retary General Ban ki-Moon, said, adding that ominous tones whether he’s lost credibility with Greek Cypriot President Dimitris of what would happen did not Greece’s citizens, Prime Minister Christofias, and his Turkish come true, the protests to the George Papandreou said they counterpart Dervis Eroglu has difference notwithstanding. support the harsh austerity mea - led only to promises for “inten - “There are no timeframes, there sures he imposed to keep the sified” talks to settle the long- is no threat from anywhere, and country from going bankrupt, standing problem of how to there is no intention on behalf and said not a single public unify the island that’s been split of the Secretary-General to exert worker would be laid off. Pa - since a Turkish invasion in 1974. pressure.” pandreou briefly sparred with Christofias and Eroglu were But the Mail reported that BBC host Stephen Sackur who, summoned, reportedly under according to one European after initial talk about the prob - the warning that the U.N. would diplomat, the result was a lems of the Eurozone, countries pull its offices out of Cyprus, un - “forceful” message by Ban for who use the euro, including less the two men, who have the two leaders to basically “get Greece, went after the Greek been hemming and hawing for on with it,” the usually timid leader and asked him why rich months as talks stalled, agreed U.N. leader expressing the frus - tax evaders have continued to they’d get serious and ramp up tration of the U.N. and other escape and why he cut the pay their negotiations. “The people Western leaders who had been of most public workers instead of Cyprus and the international more direct in telling Cyprus of reducing the country’s noto - community want a solution, not this could be the last chance for riously bloated work-force, endless talks,” Ban said, as U.N. a mediated settlement and that which a census this year found frustration goes that talks have the option was a permanent par - TNH/COSTAS BEJ had nearly 800,000 employees failed for years and that negoti - tition of the island, with Turkey Reasons to be Thankful – not including those in other ations have become even worse controlling the northern one- state-run enterprises such as the since Greek Cypriots in 2004 re - third, where it keeps a standing The parish of St. Nicholas in Flushing distributed Thanksgiving meals to 150 families in need in utilities and railways - in a coun - jected a U.N. unification plan army and where Turkish Cypri - Queens, NY. (L-R) Stephen Spiridakis, Fr. Paul Palesty, Spiridoula Zolotas, George Douveas, Billy try of 11 million people. Papan - supported by Turkish Cypriots. ots occupy properties stolen Katergaris, Fr. Theofanis Papantonis, Nicholas Zolotas, George Triantafilou, PC President Larry dreou, noting he was going Christofias said he felt “very from Greek Cypriots. “The result Hotzoglou and Emmanuel Hantzinikolaou. About 100 GOYA children participated in the annual against the ideology of his So - satisfied,” after the meeting and was not as apocalyptic as some philanthropic endeavor. cialist PASOK party that came insisted he came under no pres - circles suggested or as bland as to power a year ago promising sure or threats and that no time - some thought it might be. Ban to raise wages and benefits, said frames were imposed on him – was forceful. He delivered he now preferred cutting all of which were almost imme - strong messages but no threats,” salaries and benefits of workers diately said to be exactly what said the diplomat. In his post- because of the economic crisis. happened to him. The Cyprus meeting announcement, Ban Still Life in Photos at N.Y. Synagogue The interview came before Mail reported opposition DISY put the blame for the lack of The Troika – the European leader Nicos Anastassiades said momentum gently but clearly Union (EU,) European Central an “informal timeframe” had on the two leaders, saying only By Constantine S. Sirigos by the museum at Kehila Ke - the return of ‘our own.’” Bank (ECB,) and International been set for January while gov - they had the power to give the TNH Staff Writer dosha Janina and was organized The synagogue overflowed Monetary Fund (IMF) approved ernment partner DIKO, through talks a boost. The “sense of an - by its Director, Marcia Haddad with more than 200 guests, its the next round of payments – a its leader Marios Garoyian said ticipation” for a solution earlier NEW YORK – The Kehila Ke - Ikonomopoulos. The theme of members and their friends and month late in January – as part the President came under this year “faded” as the talks dosha Janina synagogue has the exhibit, which also resonates other New Yorkers of Greek and of its $146 billion rescue loan “strong pressure” in New York. continued “without clear been part of the ethnic mosaic strongly in all Greek communi - Jewish background interested in package to keep Greece from He said “some powerful players progress or a clear end in sight”, of New York City since Roman - ties, was expressed in the mu - learning more about the Ro - defaulting. But that came with in the international community” said the UN chief. He confirmed iote Jews built it in 1927 from seum’s statement that: “Family maniote community that is so a warning too, as the IMF’s Mis - and close associates of the support for the talks being a Ioannina, Greece. On Sunday, is the cement that binds us, re - little known among both Jewish sion Chief to Greece Poul Thom - UNSG tried to lean on Cypriot-led process, but hinted November 14 the community inforces our traditions and cus - and Greek Americans. The sen said Papandreou has con - Christofias on this point, as well that the international commu - hosted a reception to mark the toms, and provides the assur - guests included Archbishop centrated too much on cutting as make an effort to upgrade the nity was running out of pa - opening of an historic exhibit ance of the continuance of the Demetrios of America, who was state spending instead of round - UN’s role so it could submit pro - tience. “It is precisely for that Dikoi Mas, Los Muestros: An Ex - Greek-Jewish world. Many have visibly moved by the pho - ing up major tax evaders and posals, set timeframes and arbi - reason that we expect the hibit On Greek Jewish Families. moved, both physically and psy - tographs in the exhibit and by trying to raise revenues. “So far trate. That sounded very differ - Cypriot sides to assume their re - The title contains the Greek and chologically, away from their the opportunity for fellowship the government has been able ent from the spin put on the Ladino words that mean our ‘families.’ Today we welcome talks by Christofias. “I am leav - Continued on page 9 own and the exhibit is presented you back. Today we celebrate Continued on page 6 Continued on page 9 Greece Designs Young AHEPA Celebrates Hellenism, Marks Its Own

Bridge to Silicon Valley By Constantine S. Sirigos TNH Staff Writer

To Reach Entrepreneurs ORANGE, CT – The Order of AHEPA, as the dominant frater - By Sylvia Klimaki cludes an ambitious idea to nal organization for the Greek Staff Writer build a link to the Silicon Valley American community, showed businesses and sharing research again at its Northeast Regional ATHENS – Amid all the doom and technology. The idea is to Banquet in the resplendent new and gloom in Greece some good establish a network, Zefxis, a community center of the Church news can be found in the sector bridge between Greece and Cal - of St. Barbara in Orange, Con - where entrepreneurs and young ifornia’s innovators. It was un - necticut on Nov. 20 that it tries thinkers are trying to establish veiled at a Hub Events Institute to strike a balance in honoring themselves, and that now in - for Youth seminar on Nov. 18, the best-known with those of designed to foster youth inno - more modest backgrounds. vation and entrepreneurship in Hosted by AHEPA chapter 98 for Greece. Minister of Education AHEPA’s District 7, the Yankee Anna Diamantopoulou an - District, which comprises Con - Scientist nounced four policies the Insti - necticut and Rhode Island, the tute for Youth intends to pro - evening began with a reception mote that will help. The first and dinner where friends met in Vernikos Gets focuses on establishing the Ze - fellowship and generated rela - fxis network that will link Greek tionships through new introduc - innovative ideas to Silicon Val - tions – the quintessential AHEPA HAWC Award ley. Zefxis’ aim is to distinguish activity that has helped bind to - attractive entrepreneurial ideas gether the Order and the larger WASHINGTON, DC – Former in Greece that are worth inter - Greek Community for almost a NASA scientist Joan Vernikos, national attention. Through a century. A vibrant chapter, num - who was Director of Life Sci - well-established system young ber 98 is renowned in the Order ences for the space agency, was entrepreneurs would be able to as the first to produce two na - presented with this year’s Aris - reach out potential investors in tional Supreme Presidents. TNH/COSTAS BEJ teon Award by the Hellenic Silicon Valley. The second policy (L-R) Acting Executive Director of Leadership 100 Paulette Poulos, honoree George D. Behrakis, American Women’s Council is an innovation competition Continued on page 5 Mrs. Behrakis and AHEPA Supreme Vice President Dr. John Grossomanides. (HAWC) for her outstanding through Greek universities that professional and personal ac - will award and fund the best complishments. It was the high - ideas. Third, the minister light of the HAWC’s 17th annual pledged to promote to Silicon conference, which this year was Valley all Greek companies the HLA Honors Hellenism, Sarbanes, Stamboulidis Loving Your Life – Living Your General Secretariat for Research Passion, held at the St. Regis and Technology recently spon - Hotel, featuring award-winning sored. The fourth policy estab - By Constantine S. Sirigos works and contributions repre - Special guests included for - chef and author of How to Roast lishes a Best Practices forum, a TNH Staff Writer sent the finest examples of ded - mer U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes, a Lamb Michael Psilakis, website where young people ication, courage, a willingness the Consul Generals of Greece Georgetown Cupcake owners will share their entrepreneurial NEW YORK – The Hellenic to uphold his convictions and and Cyprus, Aghi Balta and Katherine Kallinis and Sophie endeavors. Lawyers Association (HLA) cel - principles and a genuine love Koula Sophianou, respectively, LaMontagne, and on-line jew - Among the speakers were ebrated its 22nd Annual Dinner for our heritage and legacy, and N.Y. State Senator- elect Michael elry designer Otrera CEO Elle Steve Blank of Stanford Univer - Gala on Nov. 12, 2010 at New so, for these reasons the HLA is Gianaris and his newly-elected Sakellis how they launched suc - sity – who is also the founder York’s legendary Pierre Hotel on bestowing this recognition.” successor in the N.Y. State As - cessful careers and businesses of eight start-ups in Silicon Val - Fifth Avenue, where more than Stamboulidis was praised as sembly, Aravella Simotas, as doing what they love most. Pro - ley - and George Doukidis of 250 guests gathered in a cele - the “prototype Attorney of the well as the Nicholas Tsoucalas, ceedings were moderated by Athens University of Economics bratory atmosphere to honor Year.” His illustrious legal career Senior Judge of the U.S. Court FOX 5 News co-anchor Laura and Business as well as promi - their Hellenic roots and to pay includes 13 years as an Assistant of International Trade, who is Evans. Vernikos was presented nent Greek entrepreneurs. “We homage to prominent Greek U.S. Attorney, during which he also one of the founding mem - her award by HAWC President managed to gather all relevant Americans in the legal profes - successfully prosecuted high- bers of the HLA. and conference chair Maria Sta - constituencies to address the is - sion. The 2010 HLA honorees profile cases including one HELPING STUDENTS moulas. “I appreciate this sues of young entrepreneurship included Congressman John against Mafia boss, Vincent “the Nine law students received and innovation in Greece. We Sarbanes from the Third Con - Chin” Gigante. More recently, he more than $11,000 in scholar - Continued on page 4 aspire this to be the stepping - gressional District in Maryland has excelled at Baker Hostetler ships – the most ever given by stone for future endeavors,” the and George Stamboulidis, Esq., where Stamboulidis focuses on the HLA. Stathatos-Fulgieri Chairman of the Institute for Managing Partner of Baker white-collar defense and corpo - proudly noted how the organi - Youth, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, told Hostetler’s New York office, who MARIA TOLIOS rate investigations. Stam - zation continues to expand its For subscription: The National Herald. “The was selected Attorney of the HLA’s 2010 Honoree Con - boulidis expressed his gratitude membership and services, in - 718.784.5255 Greek government seems to Year. gressman John Sarbanes (L) and pride in being a Greek cluding continuing legal educa - [email protected] take bold decisions towards this In introducing Congressman and 2010 Attorney of the Year American and said he was tion classes, seminars, and net - end. Ten years ago it would not Sarbanes, HLA President Mamie George Stamboulidis. proud to be a part of the HLA. working opportunities. The have been easy for a state orga - Stathatos-Fulgieri observed that, He has been an avid supporter 2010 scholarship recipients are: nization to gather all relevant in keeping with the tradition of Paul Sarbanes “serves the Greek of the HLA for several years cur - Michael Lignos, George Tsiatis, his father, former U.S. Senator American community across all rently serves on its Advisory Continued on page 6 Paul Sarbanes, Congressman state lines and borders … his Board. Continued on page 3 2 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2010 In the Spotlight: Presbytera Despina Kehagias GOINGS ON... n NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 254-4000. By Constantine S. Sirigos Throne. He served at the Church rented a van and we drove with ASTORIA, N.Y. – The Hellenic TNH Staff Writer of the Evangelismos-Annuncia - my other daughter, Sister Max - Cultural Center is hosting the n THRU JANUARY 3 tion on Manhattan’s Upper West imi, to Sparta. She went directly famous Greek musical, OPA! be - NEW YORK, N.Y. - The Onassis NEW YORK – Prevytera Despina Side from 1963 until 1978. He to her monastery upon landing ginning on Sunday, November Cultural Center explores the A.N. Kehagias is 65 year-old was at Port Jefferson, Long Island in Greece, so she had seen noth - 21. Opa! The Musical is a ro - role of heroes in society in the woman who has been at the cen - long enough to start the commu - ing of the country she was living mantic comedy set on the tiny exhibition, Heroes: Mortals and ter of the experiences of many nity center. Then he served in in. It was our first visit. Greek island of Elia - a place Myths in Ancient Greece, on people who have devoted them - Mattituck, New York for a short TNH: What’s your most en - where time stands still. Sophia view in Manhattan from Octo - selves to the Greek Orthodox while before he was asked to be joyable pastime? and Manos dream of bigger lives ber 5, 2010 to January 3, 2011. Church and the Greek American the first priest of the South DK: Traveling has saved my off the island, but Costa is quite The exhibition is supported by community in the New York area Hampton church. That was the sanity. I have been to Cyprus for content to stay on the island of an indemnity from the Federal during the past 50 years. She is last parish he served - he suffered my Martha, visited many places his birth and continue with his Council on the Arts and Human - one of those people who enter a a massive stroke in June of 1987. there thanks to my wonderful simple, olive-filled life. After it’s ities. Highlights of the exhibition room and immediately fill it with TNH: Many interviews with symbetheri and Maria. I love both announced that their island will include a bronze Corinthian hel - light and love and laughter and Greek Americans begin with ref - countries very much, found my be dumped from the ferry routes met from 700-500 B.C.; a black- no one would have any idea of erences to family and children, (dads’) Cypriot roots and went until the economy levels out, figure amphora depicting the challenges she has faced or but usually not with the spouse’s to Nea Epidavros, Greece. Know - these characters make desperate Achilles and Ajax playing a the pain she might be enduring resume. ing just tales my mom had told choices which will alter the board game outside Troy (late at that moment. Her sense of hu - DK: You might ask what does me I found my cousins and saw course of their lives forever. sixth century B.C.); a black-fig - mor can be of the wry variety, all this have to do with me? This my mom’s magnificent roots. I Tickets are $25 and dinner ure column krater (c. 510 B.C.) which she has in common with was my life too! When Father still enjoy swimming, traveling, packages are available. Perfor - depicting Odysseus escaping others who have endured pain got sick our youngest was eight going to the ocean or beach and mances will be held on Fridays from the cave of the Cyclops and not lost an ounce of their years old and I was only 43 years Prevytera Despina Kehagias visiting with my children and at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 3:00 Polyphemos; and a gold medal - love for God and the people she old. grandchildren. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sundays at lion with the bust of Alexander meets. During the past six years TNH: Where did you grow ined he was in early retirement TNH: If you could change 3:00 p.m. The Hellenic Cultural the Great (c. 218-235 A.D.; she has undergone many surg - up? and enjoyed each day I had with something about yourself, what Center is located at: 27-09 Cres - among many more. Guided eries: Two knee replacements, DK: I was born the youngest him. The children were excep - would it be? cent Street, Astoria, NY. For tours of the exhibition will be neck fusion, low back fusion, daughter of Argiris and Elefthe - tional; each one got their masters DK: I would change every - reservations, call: (718) 626- offered to the public every Tues - carpel tunnel and sinus. She says, ria (Elsie) Serghis. My parents degree. I mortgaged the house thing about myself, I would be 5111. For further info visit: day and Thursday at 1 p.m. “Instead of becoming bionic I had a small Greek pastry shop on and the older children got part- thin not fat, I would have long www.opathemusical.com. Tours can also be organized have become old quite suddenly” Audubon Avenue in Washington time and summer jobs. They fi - hair not short etc., etc. upon request for school groups. but that hasn’t stopped her from Heights and we went to the nally had a chance to get to know TNH: What’s the greatest les - n THRU DECEMBER 12 A comprehensive brochure will attending to her many friends, Church of St. Spyridon. I went to their father - a priest is always son you’ve ever learned? ASTORIA, NY - The Greek Cul - also be offered free to visitors. old and new, and her family. GOYA and sang in choir. on call. He is expected to have DK: I had said I would never tural Center kicks off the season For additional info contact: Lil - She is retired now, the widow TNH: Do you have a role office hours, be at all meetings, marry a priest or a Spartan. Even with the New York parody of lian Goldenthal at (212) 593- of the late and dearly beloved model? available for all telephone and though I was only 18, I was wise the, Theater of the Ridiculous, 6355 or email: Very Reverend Fr. Avgerinos-Nec - DK: All the priests who passed emergency calls, he is never off enough to know a good thing The Mystery of Irma Vep by [email protected]. tarios D. Kehagias. Together they through there had an influence on Sunday. Any wonder the chil - when I saw it. I would say: never Charles Ludlam, as translated raised five children whose lives on me one way or another. dren did not know him? When say never - one never knows. by Lakis Lazopoulos and n NOVEMBER 24-27 reflect the same dedication to TNH: Share with us some he was asked why did this hap - TNH: What has been your acted/directed by Christos VANCOUVER, B.C. – The Hel - their heritage. In her own words, words of wisdom. pen to such a spiritual priest, he greatest achievement so far? Alexandridis and Evangelos lenic Studies at SFU and the “We had five beautiful children DK: I am at a place in my life would answer, ”For my salvation, DK: Looking back on my life, Alexiou. The play lampoons Alexander S. Onassis Public Ben - who turned out to be five won - where I have slowed down con - so I will have time to pray.” I I was the first elected represen - every conceivable British, mass- efit Foundation, in collaboration derful people: Maria, Father siderably. People are still kind would have to say that this man, tative Presvytera of the New York market literary and theatrical with eight leading world class Demetrios who married Helen, enough to seek me out, but not born in Sparta, had the greatest Metropolitan area (1st Arch - convention, and films from the academic institutions is organiz - Sister Maximi of Greece (who as often. I have learned to try to influence on me. diocesan district). I met and en - mystery and horror genre. The ing the Athens Dialogues; an in - used to be named Eleftheria), Ar - listen. Listening is a most impor - TNH: Has your life path been joyed the company of great peo - two actors primarily play the ternational conference on Greek gyria Ketsezides Esq. who is mar - tant quality to have, whether we influenced by your Greek and Or - ple - presidents, governors, parts of the Lord and Lady, thus culture and its role in modern so - ried to Ilias, and Martha Mark - are newlyweds, in business or thodox heritage? diplomats and people of more ridiculing the British Victorian ciety on November 24-27 in Van - oullis, who married Panos from parents. DK: We were both very proud humble backgrounds. melodrama and on a secondary couver. Leading thinkers, acad - Cyprus. She also is proud of her TNH: How did you manage of our faith and heritage and we TNH: What’s your ultimate level play the parts of the butler emics, scientists and intellectuals seven grandchildren including a when Father became ill? instilled this in our children who goal in life? and the house keeper of the Es - from all over the world will set of twins (Argyria’s) and she DK: When my husband be - speak, read and write Greek. I DK: I have come to realize I tate, thus parodying various lit - gather in Athens to discuss, de - has one more on the way. came ill, once we learned he personally had never been to am nothing in myself, but with erary themes. Performances will bate and open new routes of TNH: Tell us briefly about would survive, EVERYTHING Greece until after my husband God I am everything. My goal is continue until December 12th thought on issues of universal your life. else was easy. passed away and my daughter to be worthy of His kingdom. on every Friday and Saturdays and diachronic interest, such as: DK: My husband was a Pro - TNH: Easy? Argyria baptized her first-born in at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Identity & Difference, Logos & topresbyter of the Ecumenical DK: In my mind I just imag - Serres. My daughter Maria [email protected] in Greek with English superti - Art, and Science & Ethics. Inter - tles. The Greek Cultural Center disciplinary approaches, stimu - is located at: 26-80 30th Str, As - lating debates, diachronic per - toria, NY. For further informa - spectives and the broad tion, call: (718) 726-7329 or participation of great minds of visit: our times make Athens Dialogues www.greekculturalcenter.org a unique opportunity not to be missed. This lecture will be pre - n THRU DECEMBER 17 sented in Vancouver, live from FAIRFIELD, Conn. - Fairfield Athens, in real time, via live University’s new Bellarmine Mu - streaming. Lectures will begin seum of Art presents its first from 8:15 am to 11:00 am. temporary exhibition, Gifts from Round table discussion will fol - Athens: New Plaster Casts from low at 11:00 am. Space is very the Acropolis Museum and Pho - limited and registration is re - tographs by Socratis Mavrom - quired. You may register by call - matis. The museum is free and ing: Hellenic Studies at: (778) open to the public Monday to 782-8466. Please indicate which Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. It is lo - lecture(s) you would like to at - cated at the lower level of Bel - tend. This public lecture series is larmine Hall on the campus. free. The Athens Dialogues in “Gifts from Athens” features Vancouver will be held at: SFU eight plaster casts given to the Downtown - Segal Graduate Koraes School’s Century of Service Bellarmine Museum of Art from School of Business (Room: the First Ephorate of Prehistoric 2300), 500 Granville Str, Vancou - On Nov. 13, Koraes Elementary School, affiliated with SS Con - and Classical Antiquities - ver, BC. For further information, stantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Palos Hills, cel - TNH/COSTAS BEJ Acropolis Museum. Six of the visit: www.athensdialogues.org. ebrated its 100th anniversary of teaching and bilingual educa - Greek Parish Hanging on in Spanish Harlem casts represent sculpture from tion the Greek Orthodox faith. L-R) school Principal Mary the Parthenon. Other casts in - n NOTE TO OUR READERS Zaharis, prresents Father Byron Papanikolaou (Protopresbyter) The Church of St. George-St. Demetrios on the East Side of clude a diminutive kore This calendar of events section is with an honorary Koraes diploma; School Board Chairman Leo Manhattan celebrated its 75th anniversary on Nov. 21. Pastor (maiden) from the late Archaic a complimentary service to the Bezanis, Pastoral Assistant Tom DeMedeiros and the school’s Constantine Eliades performs an Artoklasia - Blessing of the period and the renowned “San - Greek American community. All Pastor, Father Nicholas Jonas. loaves service on Sunday with special guests in attendance. dalbinder” from the Nike Para - parishes, organizations and insti - pet. The original sculptures, af - tutions are encouraged to e-mail ter which these casts were their information regarding the taken, can be seen in the new event 3-4 weeks ahead of time, Acropolis Museum in Athens. and no later than Monday of the Directions: week before the event, to eng - www.fairfield.edu/about/about [email protected] _directions.html or call: (203) om

QUESTION OF THE WEEK Vote on our website! You have the chance to express your opinion on our website on an important question in the news. The results will be pub - lished in our printed edition next week along with the question for that week. The question this week is: Should Greece lay off some its public workers instead of cutting salaries? o Yes o No TNH/COSTAS BEJ TNH/COSTAS BEJ o Maybe Celebrating 98 Years of Chian Freedom Reaching Out on an Indian Summer Night The results for last week’s question: Were you surprised PASOK won a majority of Greece’s municipal elections? The dance groups of the Pan Chian Society “Korais” and the The Evangelismos/Annunciation Church on Manhattan’s Upper 23 % voted "Yes" Chian Federation take a break for a commemorative photo at West Side hosted an outreach reception for young professionals 74 % voted "No" the Chian House in Astoria. Nicholas Zymaris was the keynote at the Empire Rooftop Lounge. Organized by Stephanie Astic, 5% voted "Maybe" speaker at the celebration of the 1912 liberation of Chios. Fr. Nathanael Symeonides, the Pastor, was also present. Please vote at: www.thenationalherald.com THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2010 COMMUNITY 3 Special Olympics Athens 2011 Gets U.S. Kickoff, Good Games Loom

WASHINGTON, D.C. - More years, thousands of Special mer Games and Winter Games, than 100 people gathered here Olympics athletes worldwide Special Olympics World Games to celebrate the countdown to come together to showcase their bring public attention to the tal - the world’s most inspiring sport - athletic skills and celebrate the ents and capabilities of people ing event, the Special Olympics spirit of Special Olympics. The with intellectual disabilities, World Summer Games Athens first Special Olympic World helping to change attitudes and 2011. Hosted by Greek Ambas - Games took place in 1968 and break down barriers that ex - sador to the United States Vas - since then have evolved into a cluded them from the main - silis Kaskarelis and Dr. Timothy world-class sporting event, at - stream of the community. The P. Shriver, Chairman and CEO, tracting a wide range of spon - last Special Olympics World Special Olympics and the Spe - sors, supporters and media. Games were Winter Games held cial Olympics International Ioannis Vrailas, Deputy Chief in Boise, Idaho in 2009. The last Board of Directors, they met at of Mission for the Greek Em - World Summer Games were the Kellari Taverna with inter - bassy, spoke for Kaskarelis, who held in Shanghai, China, in national sports celebrities, for - had been called to Greece. 2007. For more information eign ambassadors, Federal rep - Vrailas noted that Prime Minis - about the upcoming 2011 Spe - resentatives, journalists and ter George Papandreou was a cial Olympics World Summer other key Special Olympics sup - founding member of the Special Games in Athens, Greece, visit porters from around the world. Olympics Hellas, and said, “It is www.athens2011.org They honored visiting guest. truly inspiring to be part of a Special Olympics is an inter - Joanna Despotopoulou, Presi - venture that offers individuals national organization that dent of the Organizing Commit - the opportunity to show the changes lives by encouraging tee for the games. She t spoke world, but most importantly, to and empowering people with in - about Athens’ commitment to show themselves, what they are tellectual disabilities, promoting showcasing Special Olympics on capable of, the opportunity to acceptance for all, and fostering a world stage in the birthplace stretch the horizons of their communities of understanding of modern sport: physical and intellectual capa - and respect worldwide. “The Special Olympics World bilities and the opportunity of Founded in 1968 by Eunice Summer Games are now ap - Joanna Despotopoulou, President of the Organizing Committee for the Special Olympics World the pursuit of excellence. Kennedy Shriver, the Special proaching. Time is going by so Summer Games Athens 2011, hands the torch to Chairman and CEO Timothy P. Shriver. At the same time, these same Olympics movement has grown fast. Greece is ready to welcome individuals inspire the rest of us from a few hundred athletes to the athletes of the world. I invite and acceptance for all. I invite when it hosts the 2011 Special World Summer Games will be to understand and respect the nearly 3.5 million athletes in each and every one of you, your you to our blue and white ex - Olympics World Summer the largest sporting event held uniqueness of each and every over 170 countries around the families and friends to come to perience,” she said. Next sum - Games. From June 25– July 4, in the world in 2011, and the member of society and their im - world, providing year-round Athens in June 2011 to witness mer, Athens will welcome nearly the athletes will compete in 22 first major sporting event in portance in the large scheme of sports training, athletic compe - the triumph of the human spirit 7,500 Special Olympics athletes different Olympic-type sports. Athens since the Olympics were things. tition and other related pro - in an environment of respect representing 185 countries The 13th Special Olympics held there in 2004. Every two Alternating between Sum - grams. Hellenic Lawyers Associates Fetes Hellenism, Sarbanes, Stamboulidis

Continued from page 1 included members of the federal having won the first Melina and state judiciary, prominent Alexiou Award, said she was also Socrates Xanthopoulos, Kon - attorneys from the New York pleased with this year’s honorees, stantinos Kapatos, Katherine metropolitan area, and repre - noting that Stamboulidis has al - Stefanou, Aggeliki Pantelios, sentatives of several Greek ways been a strong suporter of James Vartholomeos, Georgina American professional organiza - Greek and Greek Cypriot causes, Tsakrios and Catherine Pinos. tions. while describing Congressman Speaking to the scholarship win - Gianaris told The National Sarbanes as “the community’s ners she said, “We wish you Herald that he was pleased to pride and joy.” She said she en - much success, and encourage celebrate Hellenism and the joyed speaking with the Con - you to remain involved with the HLA, and to honor Congress - gressman’s father, who she says HLA,” declaring that it’s for their man Sarbanes “and his excellent “still has his finger on the pulse benefit that HLA strives annu - work not only for the Greek of the community, especially its ally to excel and continue to in - American community but for politics.” crease the group’s presence and the benefit of the United States She also told TNH, “Judge status. She highlighted the as a whole.” The new P.A.C. is Tsoucalas strongly encouraged year’s achievements including happy about the HLA’s initiative me to run for office, as a way of the HLA’s participation in the and he said, said, “Anytime giving back to the community.” Greek Independence Day Parade Greek Americans organize po - Along with Nicole Malliotakis, on Fifth Avenue, the Mentor litically, that is a good thing for she will be sworn in January 1 Program, the newly formed Ad - the community.” as the first Greek American visory Board and a platform to Dimitrius Kalamaras, past- women to serve in the N.Y. State create a Political Action Com - president of the Federation of legislature. The Hellenic Lawyers mittee to promote and provide Hellenic Societies of Greater N.Y. Association is the premier orga - for contributions toward the told TNH that organizations like nization of legal professionals of HLA’s members who aspire to the HLA need the support of Greek descent. The organization positions on the bench and Greek Americans in order for the Joining Congressman John Sarbanes (2nd left) at the Hellenic Lawyers Association banquet promotes professional excellence, other elective offices.“ These community to grow. Simotas where he was honored were N.Y. Assemblyman and Senator-elect Michael Gianaris (L) and cultural awareness, community achievements are only the be - told TNH that she enjoyed the HLA President Mamie Stathatos-Fulgieri, Attorney of the Year George Stamboulidis, Assembly - service and civic involvement. ginning in our continuing efforts event, “which gets better and woman-elect Aravella Simotas, and his father, former U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes. More information is available at: to establish a solid foundation better every year,” but said she www.helleniclawyersassocia - for the next generation of Greek was most happy to see Judge of Greek Americans who have She explained to TNH that those dren of two of the Judge’s for - tion.org. American lawyers,” said Nicholas Tsoucalas. She and her worked for him and have been people have become like a fam - mer clerks. Simotas, who is also Stathatos-Fulgieri. Other guests husband are among the dozens mentored and supported by him. ily. She had baptized the chil - an HLA scholarship recipient, [email protected] AHEPA Keeps the Heat on Port Authority

WASHINGTON - In an effort to brought in former New York 130 Liberty Street was promised Interested in 2011 keep the pressure on the Port governor George Pataki to ap - to us." to the confusion was Authority of New York and New pear at the site to urge assis - plans for a mosque not far away, Medicare coverage ? Jersey to help the rebuilding of tance for the Greek church and which have been given the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox community. Supporters of re - green light by the city while St. Church, which was destroyed in building the church said there Nicholas’ hopes have been de - the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist at - was unfair treatment and layed for more than nine years tacks in New York City, the claimed it was the Port Author - and shown little signs of reach - American Hellenic Educational ity that was to blame for the de - ing any kind of agreement, al - Progressive Association layed talks and on-again, off- though the Port Authority said (AHEPA), the largest and oldest again negotiations that were it had made generous offers that Not sure which association of American citizens tabled for long periods at a time. were rejected, a claim refuted of Greek heritage and Philhel - In August, it was reported that by church leaders. direction is right lenes, sent a follow-up letter government officials had killed The contentious nature of with a petition signed by 12,000 a deal to relocate the church to the negotiations has led to some for you ? persons to the port authority’s 130 Liberty St. Father Mark harsh words between the par - Executive Director, Christopher Arey, of the Greek Orthodox ties, including a dispute over Ward, Supreme President Archdiocese of America, said at whether the city’s offer includes Nicholas A. Karacostas said. the time it was the first he'd the cost of building infrastruc - “We expressed our strong heard that. ture under the church. St. disappointment that we have “Negotiations did break off Nicholas was a tiny, four-story Please call your local Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield agent who not received the courtesy of a last year. We were expecting to building sitting in the shadows can provide additional information and help you select a plan reply to our initial letter of Au - hear from their lawyers -- we of the World Trade Centers and that fits your needs and your budget. You can even schedule gust 19, and furthermore, we never did. We're still expecting was destroyed when they fell, a no-obligation, in-home appointment. deemed it unacceptable that the to hear from them,” he told Fox the only place of worship that port authority has failed to meet News. "We're disappointed. ... was ruined. Northeastern Group Ltd, its commitment to resume ne - (516) 505-7700 or (718) 445-8835, Monday to Suturday gotiations with the Greek Or - thodox Archdiocese of America Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield to rebuild St. Nicholas,” said Customer Service: 1-800-499-9554 TTy/TDD: 1-800-241-6894 Karacostas. “We reaffirmed our Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week call to rebuild the church at 130 Liberty Street, which is the POCKET-LESS agreed upon location according to the Ground Zero master plan, PITA BREAD and restated our intolerance of further bureaucratic stall tac - tics.” Kontos Foods Northeastern Group Ltd, In addition, the letter stated is an Authorized Independent Agent for Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield that as a result of the port au - The Leading Company in Flat Breads thority’s silence, “... please find in New york. 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JOHN HELIOTIS or DIMITRIOS KALATZIS agreed upon in the Ground Zero Excellent quality and service. master plan.” Finally, n his let - at (516) 505-7700 or (718) 445-8835 from Monday to Suturday ter, Karacostas reiterated that We distribute in USA and Canada. this issue is not a matter of building one religious structure Special prices for communities, schools, churches over another, but rather a mat - festivals and other events ter of the port authority honor - ing its word and commitment For all your insurance needs, surety bonds for contractors to the Greek Orthodox Archdio - and mortgages, call us for a free consultation. cese of America. The backing of AHEPA is key for the supporters Kontos Foods, Inc Mortgagers for purchases and refinancing for commercial of St. Nicholas as negotiations b to get funding for the rebuilding Box 628, Paterson, NJ 07544 695 Hempstead Tpke and residential buildings. of the church have stalled over Tel.: (973) 278-2800 Fax: (973) 278-7943 kontos.com Franklin Square, Ny 11010

a series of disagreement that es - a calated into a feud and even 4 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2010 Rubin Museum Show Fascinates for NY Cathedral Benefit

By Constantine S. Sirigos participants, many of whom bodes well for the Church and TNH Staff Writer said they were thrilled at the that such events strengthen syn - unique venue and the opportu - diakonia, the cooperation be - NEW YORK – The coming to - nity for cultural enrichment and tween clergy and laity, through gether of Greek and Tibetan classic Greek American socializ - the blending of their unique Buddhism’s icons of religion, ing. Christodoulou, who serves gifts and roles that benefits the art, and culture in an exhibit at as a trustee of the Cathedral and ministries of the Church. John the Rubin Museum have proved chairs its Cultural Committee, Stratakis, a member of the an irresistible draw, including a which organized the event, is Cathedral’s Board of Trustees reception on Nov. 9 to benefit also Chief Financial Officer and and its former president, the programs of the Archdioce - one of the founders of the Ru - stressed the importance of the san Cathedral of the Holy Trinity bin. The cultural and philan - Cathedral reaching out into the that drew more than 450 peo - thropic endeavor was attended broader Orthodox Christian ple. The crowd, mainly Greek by Bishop Savas of Troas repre - community and experiencing Americans, filled the entire mu - senting Archbishop Demetrios different cultures. He enjoyed seum to the upper galleries, of America, Aghi Balta, Consul exploring the similarities and with their kefi, spirit, and danc - General and Evangelos Kyri - parallels in the Buddhist and ing to live music from Grigoris akopoulos, Consul of Greece in Byzantine worlds. Jeannie Maninakis and the Mikrokosmos New York, Koula Sophianou, Kouros, President of the Cathe - Ensemble. The Rubin is Consul General of Cyprus in dral Fellowship and member of renowned for its collection of New York and the UN Ambas - the Cultural committee noted Tibetan Buddhist art, which was sador of the Republic of the value of mixing the Cathe - augmented by Eastern Orthodox Panama, Pablo Thalassinos and dral and museum communities. icons on loan for the current ex - his wife Irene. Dr. Sofoklis Had - Dr. Charles Calomiris, Henry hibit, which is titled Embodying jisavvas curator of the Cross - Kaufman Professor of Financial the Holy: Icons in Eastern Or - roads of Civilisation Cypriot art Institutions at the Columbia thodox Christianity and Tibetan exhibit currently at the Natural University Graduate School of Buddhism, which opened Octo - History Museum of the Smith - Business, and his wife Nancy ber 5 and will remain on view sonian Institution in Washing - supported the cause by inviting through March 7, 2011. The ex - ton, D.C. and Fr. Vasilios Bas - Among the hosts and guests at the Holy Trinity benefit at the Rubin Museum of Art were (L-R) numerous friends to the affair. hibit examines the intriguing sakyros, Pastor of the Church of Cathedral Dean Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos, Presvytera Haidee Marangos, Bishop Savas of Troas, Christodoulou, who managed to correspondences and differ - St. John the Baptist in Manhat - Marilena Christodoulou, the Museum’s CFO, and Cyprus Consul General Koula Sophianou. find some time with her hus - ences between Eastern Ortho - tan were also present. band Aris to enjoy the fruits of dox icons and Tibetan Buddhist CULTURAL LIGHT of the Rubin Museum of Art and tant private collections and The backgrounds and cultural inter - her labor publicly thanked all religious art. Christodoulou, who serves as co-curator with Senior Curator Museum of Russian Icons from ests of the Greek American com - who made the event a great suc - Marilena Christodoulou, a trustee of the Cathedral and Ramon Prats. According to the Clinton, Massachusetts, with 26 munity reflected in the gather - cess, expressed gratitude to with the Cathedral Dean, Very chairs its Cultural Committee, Rubin, the exhibit sheds light on from the Rubin Museum of Art ing, and said he was especially TNH for the work of Cultural Rev. Frank Marangos at her side, encouraged the guests to par - parallels between the Eastern and other collections, including pleased with the enthusiasm of Committee member Bill Ioan - welcomed the guests and take of a private tour of the mu - Orthodox Christian and Tibetan that of Emmanuel and Argie the young professionals present nides and Cathedral Adminis - thanked those who made the seum and the exhibit’s art works Buddhist sacred traditions, pair - Tiliakos. Fr. Marangos pointed and who are active at the Cathe - trator Steve Hantzarides. event a memorable one for the by Martin Brauen, Chief Curator ing some 63 icons from impor - out the diverse professional dral. He noted that their interest Former NASA Scientist Vernikos Gets HAWC’s Aristeon Award

Continued from page 1 community, Vernikos, who holds really lucked out that we are liv - discussed the road he followed a Ph.D, has published over 200 ing our passion,” but also ad - to achieve his dream of being a deeply, this honor and this scientific papers and reviews vised, “You can do what you highly accomplished chef. Al - unique recognition of my pas - and has served on editorial love, but you still have to work though he was an accounting sion,” said Vernikos. She also re - boards of scientific journals. The hard.” major in college and considered flected on the role of passion in Aristeon Award is presented an - Sakellis identified September attending law school, a job in a creating energy for many as - nually by HAWC to an Aristi 11, 2001 as the pivotal point restaurant showed him that pects of life: “In order to lead a woman who has made an extra - that led her to a new path in food was his real passion. Psi - fulfilling life, you need to gen - ordinary contribution to the life as CEO of Otrera, a private lakis stumbled into his current erate energy. What is energy? ideals of Hellenism in her pro - label jewelry business. After nar - career one evening when the Actually, energy comes from fessional and personal life, and rowly escaping the collapse of chef at the restaurant he owned passion. The more passion, the has made a significant contribu - the Twin Towers, she entered a did not show up for work. Out more energy you have; the more tion to society. period of self-reflection that in - of necessity, he jumped into the desire you have; the better you SUCCESS STORIES cluded jewelry-making as a kitchen and realized “it was appreciate the people around Evans opened the panel de - cathartic exercise. Through a home.” He spoke to the audi - you and yourself, and every - scribing the path she took in combination of talent, hard ence about how important it thing that happens – from the pursuing her dream of deliver - work and the ability to seize the was to pass on the essence of sunset you watch, to the person ing the news on television. Un - unexpected opportunities that his Greek culture through his next to you, to the path you take like some of the other speakers presented themselves, Sakellis food, and encouraged confer - whatever that happens to be.” who discovered their passion launched Otrera and began pro - ence attendees to use their par - Vernikos is the founder and later in life, Evans said she knew ducing private label jewelry for ticular talents, whatever they president of Thirdage LLC, spe - in seventh grade that she companies such as Victoria’s Se - might be, to do likewise. cializing in promoting wellness wanted to be a news reporter. cret. Sakellis expanded her busi - “I wanted to show the world in seniors by applying the She worked tirelessly to achieve ness and made a name for her that Greek food can, is and lessons learned from her scien - that objective and eventually company by designing and pro - should be on the same level (as tific research. She previously found herself in Washington, ducing her signature Evil Eye all other cuisines,” said Psilakis. served as Director of NASA’s Life D.C. as a co-anchor of Fox 5 Former NASA scientist Joan Vernikos was presented with the scarf that has been worn by Regarding the importance of Sciences Division, where she pi - News. As her career progressed, Aristeon Award by the Hellenic American Women’s Council. celebrities such as Alicia Keys passing on the Hellenic heritage, oneered gravity-related research her dream of being a successful and Maggie Gyllenhaal. Psilakis noted, “We have to find on the aging effects of space - journalist evolved to include nis sisters honed their cooking town Cupcake because they Sakellis continues to evolve ways to continue to perpetuate flight on the human body. For having a family of her own. “I and baking skills. From their wanted to do something to - her dream through her consult - [our culture].... We can use our this work and her leadership in realized that for me, living my grandfather, who emigrated gether that they really loved and ing business that helps designers art, our food to instill this same the space sciences, she has re - dream also meant having bal - from Greece to find a better life, with which they hoped they determine how they can pro - pride in our children that our ceived numerous awards includ - ance in my life,” Evans said. they learned that to achieve could make a living. Two and a duce their products. “The uni - parents instilled in us.” ing the Strughold as well as the The Kallinis sisters of your dreams you sometimes half years later their business is verse gives you your path,” said This year’s conference orga - Leverett Awards from the Aero - Georgetown Cupcake discussed need to take a risk. Following thriving with more than 200 Sakellis, and also provided a tip nizing committee included: space Medical Association, the how growing up in a Greek his example, the Kallinis sisters employees and two stores. They to others pursuing their dreams: Dimitria Antonopoulos, Tina Jeffries Award from the Ameri - household had a profound in - left behind their corporate jobs are also in the second season of “The most important thing for Ayiotis, Chrysoula Economopou - can Institute of Aeronautics and fluence not only on their love to open their bakery on Valen - shooting their DC Cupcakes tele - me is always to be talking about los, Theodora Hancock, Kather - Astronautics, and the Lifetime of food and baking, in particu - tine’s Day 2008. vision series on TLC and have what you’re doing.” ine K. Johnson, Ekaterini Achievement Award of the lar, but also on their willingness Making a lot of money was received various other accolades GOOD EATING Malliou, Elaine Miller, Debbie Women in Aerospace. Well- to take risks. Under their grand - not the Kallinis sister’s objective. for their business. Following the morning ses - Panagoulias, Vicki Reinhardt, known throughout the scientific mother’s watchful eye, the Kalli - Rather, they opened George - They said, “We feel we have sion, keynote speaker Psilakis and Sophia Varnasidis. State Senator-elect Gianaris Says He Wants Funding for HANAC Restored

By Constantine S. Sirigos their most vulnerable members, to be certain that it was done vice organization located in my utive Director and CEO, told THH spokesperson for Home Services TNH Staff Writer is facing extinction after New properly. He noted that the deci - community dedicated to provid - that although the situation is now Systems said loss of the contract York City declined to renew its sion was made “due to budgetary ing home health services through static until the end of the review, would also force the agency to NEW YORK – State Senator- contract. The Senator-elect told concerns, but I have asked for a the employment of qualified and the fact that there is a review lay off more than 2,000 home at - elect Michael Gianaris hasn’t take The National Herald that he has review given that they are the dedicated home health aides that process “is a very positive sign,” tendants by December 31. Home office yet but already has his first sent letters to Mayor Michael only Greek-language provider,” service thousands of people.” The and noted that in the past, re - Services Systems filed notice with target, saying he’s outraged that Bloomberg and the Commis - in the city. “I don’t know if that Astoria lawmaker said loss of the quests for such reviews by citi - the state Labor Department in Home Services Systems, Inc., a sioner of the Human Resources was taken into consideration contract would compromise zens is not automatic. He ac - mid-October advising that 2,065 home care agency run by the Hel - Administration (HRA) of the NYC when the city arbitrarily revoked health services for dozens of se - knowledged and deeply workers would lose their jobs as lenic American Neighborhood Department of Social Services the contract,” Gianaris told the niors and disabled Astoria resi - appreciated that the review is a a result of the lost contract, offi - Action Committee (HANAC) and said he understands that the Queens Gazette. “As you know, dents. response not only to the objec - cials said ... Approximately 1,500 since 1979 that hundreds of fam - process that led to the contract for decades, the City has con - CITIZEN RESPONSE VITAL tions of local leaders but to the of the workers who are members ilies depend upon for the care of termination is being re-examined tracted with HANAC, a social ser - John Kaiteris, HANAC’s Exec - calls and letters of members of of 1199 SEIU Health Care Work - the community, Greeks and non- ers Union will be reassigned to Greeks, and urges people to con - temporary positions at other tinue to express their concerns in home care agencies, a union that way. Evangeline Douris, spokesperson said.” SPECIALIZING IN HANAC’s Chairman, told TNH “That doesn’t help the more that they are following the review than 500 part time Home Ser - NEW YORK CITY process and “we are exploring vices Systems workers who are our options.” facing pink slips when the agency Gianaris told the Queens shuts its doors. It doesn’t seem LUXURY CONDOMINIUM RESIDENCES Gazette that “their loss of the ser - the city showed any concern for vice is especially troubling for the the needs of these workers.” Gi - Greek American community,” anaris said his office would do If you are a first time buyer or if you are and said he is “calling on Mayor whatever possible to keep the a seasoned investor, I can help you find Michael Bloomberg for help to pressure on city officials to renew renew a city contract with the the contract. "HRA made this de - the right property for your needs. Hellenic American Neighborhood cision without knowing what the Action Coalition (HANAC) that people need," he said. provides home health services to “Recently, despite its years of THE TIME TO BUY IS NOW! the Greek-American community.” dedicated service, HANAC’s con - The Gazette reported that he tract with the City of New York said, “Loss of the contract would was not renewed, thereby threat - To my customers, friends DON’T MISS compromise health services for ening dozens of home health and the Greek American community dozens of seniors and disabled aides, as well as the people to Astoria residents.” whom their care is provided. If Our annual Gianaris told the Gazette, “It left to stand, this decision will HAPPY THANKS GIVING is my understanding that ques - have an especially detrimental Ομιλούμε Ελληνικά tions have been raised regarding impact on my community, as it is Christmas the propriety of the decision- my understanding that HANAC making process at HRA regarding is the only social service organi - MICHAEL N. MOUSTAKAS this contract. On behalf of the zation providing Greek-language people whose lives will be af - home health services," Gianaris Licensed Real Estate Broker Special fected by this decision, I respect - said. “It is my understanding that fully request that the determina - questions have been raised re - 75 Maiden Lane, Suite 210, New York, NY 10038 tion regarding HANAC’s garding the propriety of the de - Office: 212-660-2978 Cell: 347-526-7257 December 25, 2010 application to continue providing cision-making process at HRA re - home health services be reviewed garding this contract. On behalf Fax: 212-402-7890 To advertise or to obtain rates : to ensure the decision was prop - of the people whose lives will be [email protected] tel: (718) 784-5255 ext. 101, erly made.” affected by this decision.” e-mail: [email protected] CAN’T REPLACE SERVICES According the Gazette, “a [email protected] THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2010 COMMUNITY 5 AHEPA Celebrates Hellenism, Honors Its Own, Well Known or Not

Continued from page 1 outside the region. Former Mass - bration of Hellenism which dom - achusetts Governor and presiden - inated the night was comple - The first honoree was Alex tial aspirant Mitt Romney and mented by the work earlier in Vlantes of Chapter 62 in Bridge - Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro the day of the leaders of the Or - port, who was presented with an of Connecticut were selected to der in the form of meetings of award marking his 72 years of receive the Meritorious Public the national officers who com - AHEPA membership. The guests Service Award. Behrakis received prise the Supreme Lodge and the heard about the 2nd annual Hel - the Meritorious Public Service operations matters undertaken lenic History Tournament orga - Award on behalf of Romney, by the Board of Trustees. The nized by past District 7 Governor while Greg Stamos, founder of banquet was held in the new Nicholas Nikas, who told The Na - his state’s Hellenic Bar Associa - community center that was built tional Herald that imaginative tion read a letter praising AHEPA in 2009 and which was described initiatives needed in order to pre - from the Congresswoman. The as one of the most beautiful in serve the Greek heritage. Noting guests were informed that she re - the Archdiocese. The 700 fami - the high intermarriage rate cently joined the U.S. Congress’ lies that comprise the St. Bar - among Greek Americans, he Hellenic Caucus, which now in - bara’s community are justifiably said, “We can’t rely only on the cludes four of Connecticut’s five proud of the complex that in - Greek language,” to teach young - members of congress. Connecti - cludes a library and an education sters about Greek traditions and cut State Senator Christopher center. Three of the leading history. Coutou presented two proclama - members of the building com - Frank Manios, AHEPA Chair - tions from Governor M. Jodi Rell, mittee christened themselves man of the Board, presented the one honoring the AHEPA organi - The N.A.G. team, the initials of AHEPA Academy of Achievement zations and the other its Supreme the first names of Nick Loussi - Award for Law to the Honorable President, Karacostas, who has ades, Alex Alexiades, and Socrates H. Mihalakos, judge of made regional banquets one of Gerorge Scarveles. The Church the Connecticut Appellate Court his initiatives, which, for the time building itself opened in 1984, who has been a member of being, have replaced the tradi - when the parish moved to Or - AHEPA for 49 years. The judge tional biennial banquets in Wash - ange from its original location in praised AHEPA for the role it has ington, D.C. but which many downtown New Haven, where played, especially early in the AHEPANs could not attend due the parish was founded in 1919. 20th Century, in the lives of to time and financial constraints. As their centennial celebration Greek immigrants. George PHOTOS: TNH/C. SIRIGOS Karacostas thanked everyone approaches, they are very excited Scarveles, Past Supreme Gover - (L-R) AHEPA Supreme Vice President Dr. John Grossomanides, honorees George D. Behrakis, who contributed to the success about their next project: a nor for District 7 presented the Judge Socrates H. Mihalakos and Dr. John Elefteriades and AHEPA Supreme President Nicholas of the event, both AHEPAN’s and 17,000 sq. foot gymnasium Academy of Achievement Award Karacostas. members of the St. Barbara whose foundation is already in for Medicine to Dr. John Elefte - parish, especially Grossomanides, place and for which fundraising riades. His lengthy list of creden - delegate to AHEPA’s national John Grossomanides, the Master Two of the honorees from the Scarveles and Stamos. has begun. tials includes being professor of conventions. of Ceremonies for the program, world of politics were unable to THE N.A.G. TEAM Cardiac Surgery at Yale Univer - John Baglaneas said he was and who is AHEPA’s Supreme attend the banquet due to travel The fellowship and the cele - [email protected] sity’s School of hospitals and a proud to have traveled from Vice President. A member of reputation for being one of the Boston to join in honoring Chapter 98 and the St. Barbara most clinically active academic Behrakis. He noted that being an parish, he was also the chairman surgeons in the country. He was AHEPA member for 50 years is of the banquet committee. named by Men’s Health Maga - just one indication that his suc - Grossomanides has a Ph.D. in zine as one of the Top 10 Doctors cess has not disconnected him pharmacy and is a part-time pro - in America, but Scarveles and from his roots in the Mani of the fessor at the University of Rhode the guests marveled most at his Peloponnese. Behrakis told Island. Karacostas noted that the being a triple major at Yale – guests that Greek parents like his hall was filled with doctors, Physics, French and Psychology. stressed two things: “education lawyers and judges and he pro - George D. Behrakis, business - and be the best... we learned we claimed that AHEPA had thus ful - man and philanthropist, is the could excel in education if we filled the dreams of its founders founder and former Chairman of put our mind to it.” Baglaneas to assimilate Greeks into Ameri - Muro Pharmaceutical, Inc. He is also told TNH of Behrakis’ com - can society while also preserving a benefactor of the Greek Amer - mitment to Greek Orthodoxy. He their Greek heritage. ican community as well as cul - is an Archon, belongs to the The Hellenic History Tourna - tural centers in Boston such as Leadership 100, and is a member ment was a highlight of the the Museum of Fine Arts and the of the Archdiocesan Council, weekend. The participants con - Boston Symphony. Behrakis also “But his pride and joy is the St. sisted of 12 teams of three high focused on the significance of Methodios Faith and Heritage school students, each of whom community’s intermarriage rate Center of Metropolis of Boston.” were quizzed on ancient and of more than 80%, which he DREAMS CAME TRUE Modern Greek history. This year’s said, constitutes both a challenge The invocation and benedic - winners were one of the teams and an opportunity. He said tion were offered by Fr. Joel from the Church of the agrees that there is there poten - McEachen, a retired Greek Or - Archangels in Stamford, tial to increase the community thodox priest who often assists Stephanie Adams, John Crist, five-fold by making all their chil - the Pastor of St. Barbara’s, Father and Alexandra Glenges. They re - dren Philhellenes and said he Peter Orfanakos, who was un - ceived the trophy that was won hopes more wealthy Greek able to attend due to an urgent at last year’s first tournament by Americans support strong and family matter. The Greek, Cana - youngsters from Newport, R.I. Some of the artifacts of AHEPA Chapter 98 that were on display at the banquet. imaginative initiatives. He dian and American national an - praised AHEPA during his accep - thems were sung by Anna-He - tance speech for doing its part lene Panagakos and prior to the by “by bringing together Greeks speaking program the guests en - as a family,” and helping to keep joyed Greek music performed by AHEPA Says Partition for Cyprus Intolerable Idea Greek traditions alive. He Grecian Nights. The Keynote proudly informed TNH that he speaker was attorney Nick Kara - was president of the Sons of Per - costas, AHEPA’s Supreme Presi - WASHINGTON, D.C. - Even as framework of a federal solution take" both practically and But Straw’s offering still ires icles in his youth and served as a dent. He was introduced by Dr. Greek Cypriot President - a single sovereignty. We were morally in Carpenter's words, Greek Cypriots and supporters in Demetris Christofias and his encouraged that British Deputy Karacostas said, adding that: "We the Greek American community. Turkish counterpart, Dervis Foreign Minister for European thank Dr. Carpenter for his ex - Quoting diplomats, the British Eroglu have agreed to more in - Affairs David Lidington, before cellent commentary." daily Financial Times said the tensified talks to try to re-unify the British House of Commons Straw set off alarm bells for U.N meeting could be the last the island divided since a Turkish on November 16, stated unequiv - Greek Cypriots and their sup - chance to reunite the island. Of - invasion in 1974, fall-out over ocally that partition is not sup - porters when he wrote that par - ficials in the UN and leading the possibility of a permanent ported by the British govern - tition of Cyprus should be con - Western governments have partition continues to ire the ment. Partition is prohibited by sidered if ongoing peace talks fail warned that there is a limit to Greek-American community. treaty and protocols signed be - to produce a plan to reunite the how long they will back the ne - Nicholas A. Karacostas, Supreme tween Great Britain and the Re - island. He said that the interna - gotiations, saying they are run - President of the American Hel - public of Cyprus. We call on the tional community must break “a ning out of patience with the in - lenic Educational Progressive As - community to be ever vigilant on taboo” and consider the creation ability of both sides to strike a sociation (AHEPA), a leading as - Cyprus as the negotiations be - of two permanent states on the deal, said the daily. “If we don't sociation for the nation's three tween President Demetris divided island, the Associated get agreement now … then it re - million American citizens of Christofias and Turkish Cypriot Press reported. Straw was ally is ‘goodnight, nurse',” a lead - Greek heritage, and Philhellenes, leader Dervis Eroglu continue. Britain's foreign minister be - ing diplomat involved in negoti - said the group was still upset Unacceptable proposals from tween 2001 and 2006, and a se - ations told the Financial Times. with former British Foreign Sec - outside influences, such as the nior Cabinet member until May. “There's a chance the UN will retary Jack Straw's November 8, one of partition by Mr. Straw, are Talks between Christofias and withdraw its good offices in host - 2010 commentary the London unacceptable. A solution for Eroglu have stalled and often ing the talks. We're not going to Times where he proposed Great Cyprus must be achieved by stopped because of irreconcilable stay here for ever, going through Britain to "consider the formal Cypriots for all Cypriots." differences. The talks, which first mindless meetings and meaning - partition of Cyprus" if the current Karacostas drew attention to began when Erolu's predeces - less talks.” A senior diplomat negotiations fail." the commentary of Ted Galen sor, Mehmet Ali Talat was in from a European Union nation In a statement, Karacostas Carpenter, Vice President of De - power in September 2008, have warned that the peace talks ran said: “Former British Foreign Sec - fense and Foreign Policy Studies produced little progress so far. the risk of failing completely. retary Jack Straw's proposal of for the Cato Institute, which was United Nations Secretary-Gen - “This meeting is the last chance partition of Cyprus as a solution published in The Washington eral Ban Ki-moon met with the for a solution because progress to illegal invasion and subse - Times on Nov. 19. Called Sacri - Greek and Turkish Cypriot lead - so far has been pitiful,” the diplo - quent 36-year illegal occupation ficing an island: Will the West ers on Nov. 18 in New York mat said. “We're approaching the The evening's first honoree was Alex Vlantes of Chapter 62 in of the Republic of Cyprus by give up Cyprus to placate an ir - where they agreed to “intensi - point where it's time to face up Bridgeport, who was presented with an award marking his 72 Turkey is intolerable. Partition is ritable Turkey? provides perspec - fied” talks with a progress report to the painful consequences of years of AHEPA membership. not acceptable within the UN tive on why partition is "a mis - due by the end of January. failure.”

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By Harriette Condes- ment, relationship development, rorism, natural disasters, and a lot to me. There are a number Zervakis planning and analysis. other hazards can potentially of values that each Greek em - The road toward a career in threaten our way of life. It is im - bodies: the commitment to ex - It’s 8:30 AM when the coffee strategic, risk, and crisis com - portant to have people who are cellence and achievement inher - starts brewing on the fifth floor munication started for Tzavellas capable of communicating to ent in the rich historical of a northern Virginia office when he attended Hampden- the American public and gov - foundations of Hellenism, the complex. This usually signifies Sydney College in Virginia. ernment what to do before, dur - passion to thought and dis - the start of a typical day for Alex There, he wrote The Role of ing, and after such an event.” course, especially in politics… Tzavellas, of S4 Inc., a small and Strategic Communication in the Recently, Tzavellas returned There is a certain sense of tenac - successful professional services Success of the Surge in Iraq, and from Williamsburg, Virginia ity to stand up for what is be - and consulting firm based out later was graduated with a where he helped coordinate a lieved to be right and just; and of Burlington, Massachusetts. Bachelor of Arts in Political Sci - conference for the Department above all, a sense of cama - The company provides services ence with a focused emphasis of Homeland Security. At the raderie and conviviality ex - to the U.S. government, to the on foreign policy, national secu - conference, renowned academi - tended not only to fellow Department of Defense, Depart - rity, and the Middle East. His in - cians, seasoned practitioners, Greeks but to everyone. I be - ment of Homeland Security, and terest in this field grew after he and senior government officials lieve these combine into an in - private entities. Its broad range spent time studying at Univer - from the current and previous herent sense of tradition in of services includes Global In - sidad Madero in Puebla, Mex - White House administrations every Greek. We have undoubt - fluence consulting, Communica - ico, in a country where, the con - met to discuss risk communica - edly come from a long line of tion Strategy development, En - stant threat of violence and tion related to natural and man- great thinkers and world chang - terprise IT and Program political corruption are com - made threats. ers. To me, there is a certain Support, and engineering solu - mon. When asked why he de - Raised in Norfolk, Virginia, drive to continue that great Hel - tions. Tzavellas is an Assistant cided to pursue the communi - Tzavellas is the son of Theodore lenic legacy in some small way. Research and Policy Analyst cation field, Tzavellas Eleftherios Tzavellas and Penny Knowing that great Hellenic fig - with S4’s Information Effects responded: “Throughout history Economos Tzavellas. His proud ures came before me inspires Business Unit, where his job is there has always been the ne - Yiayia is Lula Economos of me to do something great as applying diverse knowledge and cessity for good communicators. Bourbonnais, Illinois. And what well.” experience to government pol - Now that role has never been Alex Tzavellas, one of the next generation of Greek Americans does Tzavellas most appreciate Looks like the next genera - icy processes, strategic commu - more important. We live in a who have been inspired by their heritage and are making their about his Hellenic heritage? tion of Greek Americans will nication, perception manage - world where the threat of ter - mark in a number of fields and professions around the country. “My Hellenic heritage means carry that torch as well. Still Life in Photos at N.Y. Greek Jewish Synagogue Bring Back Life

Continued from page 1 The highlight of the recep - Ikonomopoulos explained that tion was the presentation of a the “The exhibit is mainly a between the Romaniotes and copy of an historic photo to compilation of Greek-Jewish other Greeks, and for cultural Archbishop Demetrios. The photos highlighting special mo - exchange and friendship be - photo is part of the exhibit on ments in the life-cycle of Jews, tween the Jewish and Greek Or - Greek-Jewish families and was Bar-Mitsvahs, weddings,” cho - thodox Christian communities taken in New York in 1937 at sen from a collection of more at large. The guests were moved the Bar Mitzvah of Irwin than 1000. The photos featured in turn as they listened to the Josephs, the son of Joe Josephs, in the exhibit can be seen online Archbishop’s words. Having then President of Kehila Ke - at www.kjjsm.com but they are grown up in Thessaloniki-Sa - dosha Janina. Then-Archbishop best seen in the “still-beating lonika, Ikonomopoulos told Athenagoras, who later became heart of the Romaniote commu - nity,” the synagogue that is vir - tually unchanged since 1927 and was named a NYC land - mark in 2004. There are three albums on display. One consists of 300 pho - tos of babies and children, at bar- bitzvahs, graduations, etc. An - other consists of 250 pictures taken both in Greece and the U.S. The oldest photo dates from 1870 and was from Ioannina and shows a member of from the Gani family. Most are from Ioan - nina and were taken between 1900-1914. The Ioannia photos are of Romaniotes but there are also photos from the Sephardic ABOVE: Irwin Josephs, 86, was present on Nov. 21 to give a photo of his 1937 bar mitzvah, communities of Thessaloniki, where then-Archbishop Athenagoaras was a guest of honor, to Archbishop Demetrios of America. Kavala, Larisa and Rhodes. BELOW: The 1937 Bar Mitzvah given for Irwin Josephs, a timeless photo of a time gone by, but Most photos are from the remembered again when he met Archbishop Demetrios on Nov. 21. museum’s archives that people donated to the synagogue, some are from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial museum and some are from the Jewish museum of Rhodes. According the synagogue’s Web site, www.kkjsm.org, The Romaniotes are a “2,000-year- old culture virtually unknown, even to its neighbors .... A mi - nority within a minority ... an obscure branch of Judaism, Built in 1927, The Kehila Kedosha Janina synagogue has been which few Jews have ever heard part of the ethnic mosaic of New York city since it was built by of, with traditions dating back Romaniote Jews from Ioannina, Greece. to Roman times.” Distinct from the substantial Greek-speaking TNH that the Archibishop said Ecumenical Patriarch, has a Jewish communities that formed he remembers vividly the depor - place of honor at the dais in be - in Asia Minor after the conquests tation of the Jews. He spoke of tween Joe Josephs and Rabbi of Alexander such as Tarsus, the the suffering under the brutal Jessoula Levy. The “Bar Mitzvah birthplace of St. Paul, they are German occupation as some - Boy,” Josephs, now 86 years old, Jews who, according to oral tra - thing that Greek Jews and non- was present to give a copy of dition, after the destruction of Jews suffered together, although the photo to Archbishop the Second Temple in 70 A.D. with more tragic consequences Demetrios, along with Joe were sent on a slave ship to for the former as 80% were Josephs, the grandson of Joe Rome. A storm forced them to itself derives from the word Io - cally, the remnants of the lan - everything we do, the love of wiped out by the Nazis. Josephs, and Jesse Levy, the land in Greece, where over the nia, the name for the part of guage disappeared along with our community (our extended Greek Consul Evangelos Kyr - grandson of Rabbi Jessoula next 2,000 years, they developed Western Asia minor that was the victims of the Holocaust. family) has sustained and in - iakopoulos represented the Hel - Levy. uniquely different ethnic and re - settled by speakers of the Ionian The exhibit, which continues spired us.” lenic Republic and Ikonomopou - GREEK JEWISH UNITY ligious customs. Greek dialect. The language was until end of October of 2011, is The synagogue’s Web site in - los told TNH that many Greeks Behind the dais is the flag of The Romaniotes derived largely displaced by Ladino, spo - made possible by generous do - vites all to visit as “Both memo - expressed interest in attending Greece. “There are not many their name from the old name ken by the more numerous nations from members of the rabilia and the museum's tour but were unable to due to the places in the U.S. that you can for the people of the East Ro - Sephardic Jews who were set - synagogue and New York’s Jew - guides describe the story of the very limited space. Welcome ad - see this image,” Ikonomopoulos man Empire, what is today tled in Greece by the Ottoman ish community. A press release Romaniote Jews, from their en - dresses were presented by Mar - said, and noted the Romaniote called the Byzantine Empire, state and thus have distinct cus - noted, “As always, this exhibit try into Greece in the first cen - vin Marcus, President of the syn - community in New York still Rhomaioi, and they spoke both toms from the Romaniotes, and would not be possible without tury to their current life in agogue, President of the proudly flies the Greek flag at Greek and a language called by modern Jewish traditions the continuing support of the America.” Sisterhood of Janina, Rose Es - important events along with the Yevanic. That name stems from that favor Hebrew as the lan - Board of Directors of Kehila Ke - kononts, and Ikonomopoulos. Israeli and American flags. the Biblical word Ywn, which guage for all Jews. Most tragi - dosha Janina [and] As with [email protected] Greece Designs Young Bridge to Silicon Valley To Reach Entrepreneurs

Continued from page 1 years experience in high tech - does not give incentives avail - nology. He said people should able in Silicon Valley, but he stakeholders government agen - learn to celebrate failure in this stressed that Intelen’s example cies, NGOs and entrepreneurs business, but that in Europe, in - shows that passion and vision for a workshop on entrepreneur - cluding Greece, people shy are the most important ingredi - ship and innovation as we did away from the risks. He said this ents for business success. Intelen today, (…) this alone, is a step isn’t beneficial in the long run has received numerous awards forward.” Vasilis Papazoglou, and urged young Greeks to be internationally and is listed Special Secretary of Higher Ed - bolder and take risky opportu - among the top 100 start-ups in ucation in Greece pointed out nities. Simoudis, in a meeting Europe. Among the ICT com - that extensive research that with Diamantopoulou a few pany’s offerings is PlugMe, the doesn't lead to innovation, the weeks ago in San Francisco, ex - first Greek portal for the energy state is not trying as it should, pressed profound interest in market, and AMR news for the bureaucracy, the state should funding new Greek business Greek market. free the power within universi - practices. Professor Eleftherios There was a feeling among ties through the new law, show Iakovou presented Greek state’s the speakers, and the audience, best practices initiative Thessaloniki Innova - that the business ecosystem in THINKING GREEK tion Zone, which aims to trans - Greece is broken. They said Evangelos Simoudis, the Se - form Thessaloniki to an inter - young people need to start from nior Manager of Trident Capital, national hub of innovation and scratch, use the domestic brain - addressed the audience via a entrepreneurship. “Thessaloniki power Greeks have in the na - video. His company is a leading becomes Innovation Center” is tion, along with vision and venture capital and private eq - the slogan that aims to promote pathos. uity firm, which says it, is com - this endeavor, a unique venture “The word crisis in Chinese mitted to empowering entrepre - in Southeast Europe that aspires is written with two characters neurs to build innovative and to attract a critical number of the one means danger the other industry leading businesses. companies on new technologies EuROkINISSI opportunity.” Kyriakos Pierrakis Founded in 1993, the company and innovation in geographi - Minister of Education Anna Diamantopoulou visited a conference that brought together Silicon the President of the Institute for has more than $1.5 billion of cally defined areas allover Thes - Valley executives and young Greek entrepreneurs which is part of the ministry’s programs Youth, said. capital under management saloniki. Iakovou pointed out meant to encourage innovation in Greece. “Well,” he added, “Danger is across six funds. Trident has in - that the notion of entrepreneur - evident, people feel betrayed, vested in more than 150 com - ship is not as well received as it Seeking Best Practices intro - Argyros, founder of Aster Data Nikolopoulos of Intelen, who but the opportunity that lies panies since inception. Prior to should be in Greece. duced speakers who were an ex - in Silicon Valley, who created highlighted that the road to the ahead is enormous, people entering Venture Capital In order to mobilize students ample for younger generations his company while a student at top is difficult, and perhaps the should think pragmatically seek Simoudis had more than 20 the final panel of the seminar to follow. They included Tassos Stanford University and Vassilis business environment in Greece for the best solutions.” THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2010 ARTS &CULTURE 7 Alexander’s Cultural Success …a Greek Village in Syria Remains

By Billy Cotsis with civil matters such as mar - Hamidiyah). The Hamidiyans love Crete and riage, divorce and inheritance GREEK SURPRISE this family is a clear example of Touched by the Mediter - based on Bible teachings. By The day that I chose to visit I that. You can see it in the spark ranean Sea and all the delights agreement with other communi - could not believe that after being of their eyes when they speak of that an Arabic country can offer, ties, Syrian Christian churches do in a country where English Crete. It came as no surprise that Al Hamidiyah is a small village not accept converts from Islam. speakers are a rarity, I made it to they, like the rest of the village, that is not much different to any The current Greek community a village where I could converse appreciate the Cretan customs other found in Syria. Except its in Syria numbers around 5000. in Greek. My driver pulled up at and language. Having been to population speaks Greek. I had More than 3000 are the Greek the entrance of the town, the Crete, I could almost feel as just made it aboard my flight Muslims of Al Hamidiyah. In main road to Lebanon. The though I was in a remote part of from Damascus to the city of Damascus the Greek community butcher came out of his shop a mountain village being enter - Latakia, which hugs the shore of tained not by people in Syria, the Mediterranean Sea and from rather by people of Crete. there I had 24 hours to make the After a while, I took a stroll 120 kilometer journey south to through the village. I paused in Al Hamidiyah and back again! the front of a house where Greek As a foreigner, I was not permit - music was blaring. Within a few ted to hire a car. So I did what I moments the young lads came do best. I hired a taxi driver to outside to chat and to offer their take me around in circles, until hospitality. I continued my stroll finally I was able to hire another and with each passing street I driver to take me to the Greek The Greeks living in Syria are a shy lot, Billy Cotsis found, as seemed to be attracting the local village. As my Arabic is more they were happy to talk with him and have their photos taken, kids so that by the time I arrived than a little rusty, it took me two but didn’t want their names used. In photo at top, several to the beachfront, five or six cu - hours to convince anyone to be posed together while another paused for a moment to smoke rious youngsters were following. my driver. Before we discuss the a traditional pipe, and a grandfather pappou was all smiles. All of them could understand my Greek village, it’s worth provid - Greek and were eager to point ing a background to the Hellenic out the wonders of their humble history of Syria. village. After a quick visit to the In ancient times, Greek local barber followed by the traders had a presence in Syria. candy shop to buy sweets for the However it wasn’t until the epoch children, I made my way back to of Alexander the Great that the the home Jamal. Greek influence in Syria became has maintained an official feder - with a big knife that was being Over the years, Greek-speak - prominent. Alexander had al - ation since 1913, which oversees used to carve meat. His big ing Muslims have found it hard ways championed a fusion of his the Greek school. There are small moustache and dark features re - to obtain passports. According to own Greek culture with that of Greek communities in Latakia, minded me of the Greeks of the villagers it is most likely due the East. The breakup of Alexan - Tartus and Hims, cities along the Crete, and when he began to to the unique situation that they der’s empire led to the establish - Mediterranean coast. Latakia in - speak in his Cretan dialect I felt have found themselves in, being ment of various Hellenistic king - cidentally was founded by the like I was in a village of Crete. Muslim and with no immediate doms. One of the most Hellenistic King, Seleucids, as a Sitting across the road was a relatives born in Greece. Thank - prominent being the Seleucid city of Greek culture around 310 young man smoking an argyle – fully, common sense has prevailed Kingdom which encompassed BC. The Seleucids founded a in typical Arabic fashion. And and they have been recognized the eastern part of Alexander’s number of towns in Syria. In a then he began speaking to me in as being of Greek origin and they empire, including Syria (312 BC remote coastal area of Syria, and Cretan Greek! The butcher (has - are now simply having the same – 63 BC). The Greek empire of close to the Lebanese border, can apis) took me to see a local man, struggle as other foreign born the Seleucids ruled over the area be found one of the most fasci - Jamal (not his real name) and Greeks have when trying to ob - from Syria though to parts of ple. Some of the prominent cities Syria in the 15th Century. What nating places I have ever been his father. Before I knew it, we tain a Greek passport from Pakistan. The unifying element that were founded by the Byzan - most people do not realize is that to. A reminder of resilience and were joined by his wife, five chil - abroad. Occasionally, some of the being the Hellenistic culture and tines were Antioch and Antalya. Greek was the second language a nod to the type of cultural fu - dren and his enthusiastic brother. Hamidiyans are employed in the Greek administration that Over the next few centuries Syria of the Ottoman Empire which sion that Alexander the Great In typical Syrian, or should I say Crete on various construction pro - ruled over this vast region. The became the battleground be - ruled over the Balkans, most of and his Seleucid successors had Cretan hospitality, I was fed and jects or in hospitality where they empire was a fusion of influences tween the Greek Byzantines and north Africa and the Middle East tried to cultivate. This is the vil - then, something I could never rekindle their love for their spiri - from Greece and the East. In the Persians and then the Arab for more than four centuries. It lage of Al Hamidiyah, where have expected. We all had tual homeland. With Cyprus be - Syria itself, the Greek language tribes. The Byzantine hold over was also the language of Ot - more than 60% speak the Cretan frappe. ing close to Syria, many also go gained prominence, particularly Syria began to wane in the 7th toman administration; hence it Greek dialect. It is a village that Over the next few hours, I there to work. Jamal and his in the larger cities and towns. In Century as Muslim Arab forces retained a significant influence is almost entirely made up of the was treated to the most amazing brother have both worked in fact the name Syria is Greek, em - began to take large sections of in places such as Syria. descendants of Cretan Muslims. stories and I was privileged to Crete for a number of years, and anating from the Greek word for the Middle East. It wasn’t until Today there are more than The Ottoman Empire had listen to the family elder (pap - despite the religious differences Assyria (an ancient people who circa 1180 that the last remain - one million Syrian Orthodox and conquered Crete in 1669 after a pou) recite and sing Cretan with those born on the island, had inhabited parts of the East). ing Byzantine city (Antioch) in Greek Orthodox worshipers – a heroic siege against Venetians songs. I must have recorded they felt welcome in their other When Pompey of Rome con - Syria was taken, ending direct phenomenal statistic in a strong and Cretans. By 1858, 22% of about a dozen of these priceless home. After a few more visitors quered Syria and put an end to Greek influence over Syria. There Muslim country. This is a legacy Cretans were Muslim – mostly gems. Every time Jamal had come past to say hello – the Seleucid Empire, the Greek is no definitive way of measuring of the Byzantine Greek presence Greek converts rather than ethnic prompted his father to sing, he kalispera - I bade the village good language and culture was still when Arabic superseded Greek in Syria. The Greek Orthodox Turks. With the rise of Greek na - duly did so. When you hear Cre - bye. Alexander the Great would dominant and remained so until as the main language of urban Church is known as the Greek tionalism, Christian Cretans de - tan songs being sung from the have been proud that in one of the Roman Empire was super - Syria, though it can be deduced Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch fined their Muslim country folk heart, from a man who has never the many territories he con - seded by the Byzantine Empire that the turning point was the and All the East (formerly a Syr - as being Turks, leading to the been to the island, you realize quered, a Greek speaking com - in the 4th and 5th Centuries AD. 11th Century. ian city that is now in Turkey.) It mass migration of thousands of how strong the Cretan presence munity exists to this very day. It The Byzantine Empire ruled over SPREADING THE WORD is the successor to the church Muslim Cretans to the Levantine is felt in Al Hamidiyah. These is just how he would have wanted what was known as the Greek The Greek language, and in - founded by Apostles Peter and coast. I had been told that the songs spoke of Crete in a differ - it, a community influenced by East, and gradually the people of deed the Greek Orthodox reli - Paul. The church is now based Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II ent age, they were beautiful to Greek and Eastern customs. It is Syria were converted to the gion, remained as minority enti - in Damascus. From what the lo - provided refuge for the fleeing listen to. I was told that the di - a community, which may be Syr - Greek Orthodox religion, whose ties until well into the rule of the cals told me, Syrian Christians Cretan Muslims and hence the alect they speak was learnt in the ian but is also very proud of its Patriarch resided in Constantino - Ottoman Empire, conquerors of have their own courts that deal village is named after him (Al home as it is not taught at school. Cretan Greek heritage. How a Mayor and Bishop Saved the Jews of Zakynthos in WWII

By John Kiriakou girl born on the Turkish-occu - last prisoners taken to and told him that it was impos - voked. Thirteen months later, in pied island of Rhodes in the dy - Auschwitz in the waning days sible for them to turn over the October 1944, the Nazis with - I grew up in a strongly reli - ing days of the Ottoman Empire. of the war, only three months information he demanded be - drew from Zakynthos and from gious, Greek-American house - She placed a great value on ed - before German troops withdrew cause, as the bishop explained, mainland Greece. Every one of hold in a dying town in western ucation and she felt it was im - from Greece altogether. “The Jews have lived here in Zakynthos’ Jews survived, while Pennsylvania. My grandparents portant for my siblings and me BRAVERY AND DEFIANCE peace and quiet for hundreds of nearly every other Jewish com - visited us every Thursday and to know our family history, the What happened to the Jew - years,” and that they were un - munity in Greece was de - we reciprocated every Sunday. history of our church, and the ish community in Greece during der his personal protection. stroyed. For their actions, Kar - It wasn’t just a chance for family proud history of Greece. I also World War II is literally sicken - Berenz responded that there rer and Bishop Chrysostomos to get together over a meal; it remember her talking with pride ing: of nearly 60,000 Greek was nothing he could do; his or - were awarded the title Right - was also a learning experience about some land she owned in Jews, fewer than 10,000 sur - ders had come from the General eous Among Nations by Yad that had a lasting impact on me. Rhodes, one piece along the vived. Of the 46,091 sent to Command in Berlin, and he had Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Mar - My grandmother was an edu - beach and one larger parcel per - Auschwitz, only 1,950 returned. to have his list immediately. He tyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance cated woman, rare for a peasant fect for farming on the side of a The community never recov - told the men that if they didn’t Authority. mountain overlooking her vil - ered, and today there are only comply they would face certain In 1947 most of Zakynthos’ lage. She said that the land was 5,000 Jews in Greece. But there death. Jews moved to Palestine in an - a wedding gift to her from her was one success story. The next day, Karrer and ticipation of the creation of the father’s employer. The em - Monument in honor of Mayor The island of Zakynthos, or Bishop Chrysostomos returned State of Israel. Another 38 left GREEK POETRY ployer, whose name is now lost Loukas Karrer and the Metro - Zante, as the Italians called it to Berenz’s office. They said for Athens in 1953, leaving only to history, was a wealthy Rho - politan Bishop Chryssosto - when they ruled the Ionian Sea, they had complied with his or - a handful on the island. In Au - dian Jewish businessman who mos, in the area where the is on the southern end of the der to draw up a list, and they gust 1953, Zakynthos was hit by Rosewater employed her father as a chauf - Synagogue once stood. Ionian archipelago. Its beauty is handed him their “list,” which an enormous earthquake, which feur. The employer was kind legendary, with blue seas and contained only their own names registered 7.3 on the Richter When you reach that other world, and highly respected, and when age that Greek Orthodox and sky, white sands, and lush green and addresses. The Bishop told scale and destroyed all but three don't become a cloud, my great-grandfather’s eldest Greek Jews lived as brothers for vegetation. On September 9, the Nazi: “Here is your list. We buildings on the island, includ - don't become a cloud, and the bit - daughter was engaged to be two thousand years. They 1943, the island’s occupation are the only Jews on this is - ing the entire Jewish Quarter. ter star of dawn, married to my grandfather, the worked together and went to governor, a German major land.” Israel was the first country to so that your mother knows you, employer offered this very gen - school together, with the only named Berenz, summoned the The Bishop then went fur - send aid. The relief came with waiting at her door. erous gift. That was 1930. By difference being where they island’s mayor, Loukas Karrer, ther, handing Berenz a letter he a written message: “The Jews Take a wand of willow, a root of 1944, my grandmother said, he chose to worship. She described to demand that Karrer turn over had written to Hitler himself, of Zakynthos have never forgot - rosemary, was dead, a victim of the Holo - letters from her father, who re - the names and addresses of all declaring that the Jews of Za - ten their mayor and their a root of rosemary, and be a caust and of the unspeakable mained in Greece after my Jews living on the island. A kynthos were under his author - beloved bishop and what they moonlit coolness cruelty the Germans perpetrated grandparents married and deeply troubled Karrer immedi - ity and personal protection and did for us.” falling in the midnight in your across Europe in their perverted moved to the United States in ately consulted with the high - vowing never to turn them over. thirsting courtyard. quest to wipe out the continent’s 1931. est-ranking church official on Berenz forwarded the letter to John Kiriakou is the Senior In - I gave you rosewater to drink, Jews. The letters told of horrors the island, Bishop Chrysostomos Berlin. Although there is no ev - vestigator on the U.S. Senate you gave me poison, My grandmother spoke often Rhodians had not seen even un - Dimitriou and together they idence that Hitler read or even Foreign Relations Committee eaglet of the frost, hawk of the about this man and about his der more than 400 years of came up with a plan. The next received it, it made an impact and a former career CIA officer. desert. kindness. But she also spoke Turkish domination. The case of day, they began hiding all 275 on somebody in the German He is the author of The about Greek Jews in general, the Rhodian Jews was particu - Jews on the island in Christian capital, and the order to arrest Reluctant Spy: My Secret Life in Nikos Gatsos (1911-92) telling me from a very young larly sad because they were the homes. They met with Berenz all of Zakynthos’ Jews was re - the CIA’s War on Terror.

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NEW YORK - On Monday night, lies he knew who faced difficult in a family of five. When the nessman and humanitarian, Mil - The room for his wake was over - November 15, a wake was held times. He gave money even family moved to the United tiadis loved singing. He who flowing with people who waited at the Antonopoulos funeral when he didn’t have enough for States in 1977, he helped to sup - stood up and sang wherever he indoors and outside to lovingly home on Ditmars Boulevard in himself. People who knew him port them by starting an interior was to songs of Hadjis, say good bye to him. His son Astoria for Miltiadis Michailidis, described him as self-sacrificing design and construction busi - Mitropanos and Kazantzidis, Costas spoke and his sister Maria who passed away on November and always running to the aid ness. His firm decorated the among others. He celebrated recited a poem in his honor. 14, 2010 at the age of 57 after a of others. He was beloved by homes of Broadway producers, life and loved having people His death was a great loss to long and heroic battle with can - many people who came from all famous actors, professional ath - around him everywhere. his family and community. He cer. walks of life and backgrounds. letes and business executives. He was an active member of is survived by his wife, Miltiadis Michailidis stood Miltiadis Michailidis was His work was published in vari - the Greek American Atlas Club Panayiota, sons, Stavros and out in the Greek American com - born in the town of Prosotsani ous architectural and interior de - where his friends were like his Costas, his parents Stavros and munity as a humanitarian who in Northern Greece on May 27, sign magazines. family. He believed friends, fam - Evangelia and siblings Demos - gave money to help many fami - 1953 and was the third sibling In addition to being a busi - ily and everyone were one entity. thenes, Hariclia, Effie and Maria.

DEATHS n ALEXANDRATOS, DENIS Tsanias; and eight grandchildren Chris Pappas, 80, passed away Orthodox Church. In lieu of neering consulting services to n TZOGAS, MAGDELINIS BRISBANE, Australia - The and two great-grandchildren. peacefully on November 17 at flowers, contributions can be the US Departme nts of Navy and TORONTO, Canada – The Courier Mail reported that Denis Visitation and a Trisagion prayer Rockingham Memorial Hospital. made to St George Greek Ortho - Transportation, as well as the Toronto Star reported that Alexandratos, 85, passed away service were held at the Giu - He was born on February 10, dox Church, 1200 Klockner Rd., government of Greece following Magdelinis Tzogas passed away peacefully on November 14. He liano-Sagarino Funeral Home. 1930 in Ziaka, Greece. He re - Hamilton, NJ 08619 or The Pen - a major earthquake in 1955. In after a long and courageous battle is survived by his beloved wife, Funeral services and burial were ceived a degree in Accounting nington School, 112 Delaware 1988, his Eminence, the Pope with cancer. She was born in Vevi, Eftychia; his sister, Stamatia; his held in Rhodes, Greece. To offer from a private college in Greece Ave., Pennington, NJ 08534. John Paul II awarded him the Florina, Greece. She is survived brother and sister-in-law, Evan - words of sympathy online, visit: and also served in the Military Arrangements are under the di - Benemerenti Medal. He was pre - by her beloved husband of 48 gelos and Evangelia Spathis; and www. there. Mr. Pappas and his wife rection the Mather-Hodge Fu - deceased by his beloved wife, years, John; her dear children, his nephews, John Spathis, Brooklawnfunerahome.com. moved to Harrisonburg in 1956 neral Home, Princeton. Rose Marie Soteriades, who Stan (Sally), Angelo (Dianne) Socca and Pat Del Vecchio and and owned and operated the Fa - passed away in October 2002. and Joanna (Michael); her grand - their families. Funeral services n MCKAY, GEORGE mous Restaurant from 1957 un - n SKARIMBAS, ELIAS Visitation was held at the Joseph children, Jonathan, Stephanie, were held in the Greek Orthodox HOUSTON, Texas – The Hous - til it was sold in 1995. He was a NEW YORK, N.Y. – The New Gawlers Sons and funeral ser - Alessia, Daniella, and Maggie; her Church of the Dormition of the ton Chronicle reported that member of the Jaycees; a mem - York Times reported that Elias vices were held at St. George brother Petro; and numerous, Theotokos. George McKay, 78, passed away ber and past president of the Skarimas passed away peace - Greek Orthodox Church. In lieu nieces, nephews, relatives and peacefully with his family by his Harrisonburg Lions Club; mem - fully at his home on November of flowers, memorial donations friends. Visitation was held at the n ANDREWS, GOLDIE side on November 16. He was ber of the Parking Authority and 10. He was born in Itea, Greece may be directed to the Metro - Jerrett Funeral Home and funeral CANTON, Ohio - The Repository born in Piraeus, Greece on No - a member of the former Greek in 1926 he joined the Greek Re - politan Orthodox Senior Hous - services were held at St. John's reported that Goldie Andrews, vember, 24, 1932. George re - Orthodox Church in Char - sistance as a teen. He immi - ing (Archangel Michael Chapel), Greek Orthodox Church. Condo - 82, passed away on November ceived his master's degree in lottesville. He was predeceased grated to the United States sev - P O Box 61451, Potomac, MD lences may be made to: www.jer - 14. She was born on October 10, Nautical Science at the Military by his parents, Chris and eral years later. An Air Force 20859. rettfuneralhome.com. 1928 in Apideona, Greece to the Academy University of Paraskevi Pappas, five brothers veteran, he taught at the Army late Peter and Maria Plomaritis. Southampton, England. A resi - and two sisters. He is survived Language School in Monterey, Goldie was a homemaker and a dent of Galveston for 50 years, by his beloved wife, Anthi; his California and was given a full CLASSIFIEDS very active member of St. he enjoyed the outdoors, hunt - children, Vicky (Samuel) Rhone, scholarship to Midwestern Uni - George Greek Orthodox Church ing/fishing with his sons, grand - Pavy (Hoshang) Unvala and versity. Later on, he studied at in Massillon. Her love of the son, and all of his close buddies. Chris (Christine) Pappas; his the New York College of Music church was well known by George was employed as a Cap - grandchildren, Thomas Pappas and made his recital debut with LONG ISLAND CITY Beautiful second floor OFFICE CONSTANTINIDES everyone who knew her. She tain with Lykes Lines Company Rhone, Alexandra Anthie Pappas an impressive review from the SPACE. for rent from July 1st. Has FUNERAL PARLOR Co. was preceded in death by her for 35 years. He was a member Rhone, Cyrus Pappas Unvala, New York Times. He sang for 10 offices, 3 bathrooms, server 405 91st Street beautiful daughter, Linda and of American Master Mariners Shireen Unvala and Zoe Jo - many years with an room, lounge area, reception area Bay Ridge - Brooklyn, her brothers, Harry and Tony and Masters, Mates and Pilots. hanna Pappas; and numerous operatic/musical theatre quartet etc. Spacious, modern, freshly NY 11209 Plomaritis. She is survived by He was a 32nd degree Master nieces and nephews. Visitation at Chez Vito, a prominent sup - painted, close to all amenities. her former husband, Thomas K. Mason, a member of the Scottish was held at the family residence. per club. He sang in Paris and Some offices are already furnished (718) 745-1010 Andrews; her sons, Gust An - Rite and a member of El Mina The Lindsey Harrisonburg Fu - Basel, Switzerland and eventu - with custom desks and matching Services in all localities - drews, Pete Andrews and Tom Shrine Temple in Galveston. neral Home is in charge of ally became the conductor of cabinet files. Easy move in. Great Low cost shipping to Greece (Pam) Andrews, Jr.; her grand - George is survived by his loving arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the choir and chanter at St. for Electrical contractors, Architects, Engineers, Lawyers, Accountants, children, Tom Andrews and wife of 50 years, Vera; his sons, contributions may be sent to the Spyridon Greek Orthodox etc. Call Demetrios at (646) 732- ANTONOPOULOS Rachel Andrews; her sisters, Alexander K. McKay and An - American Heart Association, Church in New York. He was a 9572 or email: controller@ekirikas. FUNERAL HOME, INC. Eveguenia Skondras, Zografia drew (Lauri) McKay; his grand - 3025 Berkmar Dr., Char - sales representative until his re - com for a walk through. We are Konstantinos Antonopoulos - Antoniades, Athanasia Mouzakis children, Hunter and Lauren lottesville, VA 22901; Rocking - tirement with Winward Interna - offering a 1 to 5 year lease for the Funeral Director and Florence Boekel; as well as McKay; and his brother, Basil ham Memorial Hospital Cancer tional. He was a great father, premises, 2 month security deposit 38-08 Ditmars Blvd., numerous nieces and nephews. Karlow. Visitation and funeral Center, 2010 Health Campus grandfather, artist, poet, actor, required once lease is signed. Premi She will be deeply missed by all services were held at Forest Park Dr., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 or husband and romantic but most ses is available. Asking $7,000 per Astoria, New York 11105 her family and friends, but her East Funeral Home. In lieu of the Diabetes Association, PO Box of all, a great singer. He is sur - month. (718) 728-8500 spirit will live on in all those who flowers, donations may be made 11454 Alexandria, VA, 22312. vived by his loving wife, Carol; 467367/2/06-26 Not affiliated with any knew her forever. Funeral ser - in memory of George to Assump - his children, Jon, Michael, other funeral home. vices were held at St. George tion of the Virgin Mary Greek n PATSAS, KIRIAKOULA Thomas and Crissa; seven Greek Orthodox Church with Fr. Orthodox Church, P. O. Box 655, CHICAGO, Ill. – The Chicago grandchildren and one great- LEADING GREEK AMERICAN APOSTOLOPOULOS Yanni Verginis officiating. Visi - Galveston, Texas 77553. Suburban Daily Herald reported grandchild. Donations to the NEWSPAPER SEEKS Apostle Family - tation and a Trisagion prayer that Kiriakoula Patsas, 57, Parkinson's Foundation would Full-time AD sales representa - Gregory, Nicholas, Andrew - service were held at the Paquelet n METZIDAKIS, PHILIP passed away peacefully on No - be appreciated. tives for both GREEK and ENG - Funeral Directors of Funeral Home. Messages of sup - CAPE COD, Conn. – The Cape vember 10 at Manor Care Health LISH language publications. Ap - RIVERDALE port and sympathy can be sent Cod Times reported that Philip Center. She was born on Janu - n SMITH, ERASMIA plicants should have some sales to the family at: Metzidakis, 79, passed away ary 16, 1953 in Greece. She was LANSING, MI - The Lansing and/or marketing experience. FUNERAL HOME Inc. www.paquelet.com. Paquelet peacefully on November 8 at predeceased by her beloved hus - State Journal reported that Eras - Fluency with computer use and 5044 Broadway Funeral Home, (330) 833-3222. Suburban Hospital. He was born band, Dimitri Patsas. She is sur - mia Smith, 89, passed away knowledge of Internet a plus. Bi- New York, NY 10034 in Springfield to parents who im - vived by her loving daughters, peacefully on November 12. lingual command of both lan - (212) 942-4000 n BARDIS, NICK migrated from Crete, Greece, in Christina Patsas and Vicky She was born on December 31, guages preferred. This positions Toll Free 1-888-GAPOSTLE DALLAS, Texas - The Dallas the early 1900s. Philip gradu - Gustafson; her grandchildren, 1920 in Illinois, daughter of offers base salary, plus com - Morning News reported that ated from Classical High School Eric and Matthew; her siblings, John and Angeline Ntokos. She misand/or marketing experi - LITRAS FUNERAL HOME Nick J. Bardis, 69, passed away in 1949 and was the first of his Dimitri (Linda) Kolokotronis and had a very successful career ence. Fluency with computer use ARLINGTON peacefully at his home in the lov - family to attend college. He grad - Linda (Greg) Barosso; and her with Sears Roebuck & Co. Inc. offers base salary, plus commis - BENSON DOWD, INC ing arms of his wife of 44 years uated from Dartmouth College nieces and nephews, Daniela as a National Buyer for Women’s sions. E-mail resume and cover on November 17. Nick was born in 1953 and earned his Ph.D. in Kolokotronis, Lara (Robert) Sportswear and Lingerie, and letter to [email protected] or FUNERAL HOME in Dallas on June 2, 1941 to Spanish literature from Yale Uni - Kimura and Nicholas and worked in Chicago and New fax to : (718) 472-0510 Attn. 83-15 Parsons Blvd., John and Angela Bardis. He is versity in 1960. He also earned Alexandra Barosso. Funeral ser - York City. It was at Sears Roe - Publisher or call (718) 784-5255 Jamaica, NY 11432 survived by his beloved wife, advanced degrees in Romance vices were held at St. Nectarios buck Co. that she met her hus - and ask for Veta. (718) 858-4434 Rosemary; his daughter, Angela Studies and Philology from the Greek Orthodox Church. Visita - band Thom Smith and they • (800) 245-4872 Dewbre; his adoring grandsons, University of Salamanca, Spain. tion was held at the Lauterburg married on June 10, 1965. She Jackson and Stefan Michael Dr. Metzidakis taught at Mills & Oehler Funeral Home. In lieu earned her pilots license and Dewbre; his brother, Mike College in Oakland and in 1968 of flowers, memorial contribu - they both enjoyed piloting their TO PLACE yOuR CLASSIFIED AD, CALL: (718) 784-5255, (Judy) Bardis; and two nieces. joined Swarthmore College in tions to the American Cancer Beechcraft Bonanza airplane ExT. 106, E-MAIL: classifieds@ thenationalherald.com Visitation and a Trisagion prayer Pennsylvania, where he taught Society, 1114 N. Arlington throughout the United States service were held at Restland Fu - until retiring in 1995. Fluent in Heights Road, Arlington Heights, and Caribbean Islands. She also neral Home. Funeral services Greek and Spanish, he was also IL 60004 or at www.cancer.org, enjoyed sailing, fishing, snorkel - REAL ESTATE were held at Holy Trinity Greek a scholar of Latin and Ancient appreciated. For further infor - ing and golfing. She learned to Orthodox Church. Donations Greek. Dr. Metzidakis authored mation, call: (847) 253-5423. sew from her mother, a gifted may be made in his memory to two books in Spanish and trans - seamstress, and was an excel - Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox lated many scholarly articles as n PROKOPEAS, VASSILIOS lent cook. She was raised in a Church. well as a Chilean novel, In This CHICAGO, Ill. – The Chicago close knit Greek family and had Sacred Place, into English. He Sun-Times reported that Vassil - a generous soul and found joy n KALLERGES, MARIGOULA was an avid football fan, fisher - ios Prokopeas passed away and happiness in her husband NEWARK, NJ - The Star-Ledger man, gardener and traveler. He peacefully. He was born in Exo - and family. She was preceded in reported that Marigoula was predeceased by his beloved horio, Messinias, Greece and death by her parents, brother Kallerges, 95, passed away wife of 50 years, Pauline Metzi - was a member of the St. Har - Demitrius, her husband and peacefully on November 15 at dakis in 2005 and his brother, alambos Greek Orthodox Thom's eldest son, Eric. She is her home. She was born in Steve Metzidakis. He is survived Church. He was predeceased by survived by her brother, Sopho - Greece and immigrated to the by his children, Philip (Ruth) his beloved wife, Catherine. He cles (Geri); Thom's two chil - PRINTED EDITION OF THE NATIONAL HERALD United States in 1962. She was Metzidakis and Penelope (Alan) is survived by his cherished and dren, Greg (Barbara) Smith and VIA THE POST-OFFICE: a homemaker and a member of Barnett; his grandchildren, Alex devoted children, Chris (Eilena) Tracy (Jim) Zervos; her grand - o1 Month $11.00 o3 Months $22.00 St. George's Greek Orthodox Barnett, Eli Michael Barnett and and Mary; his grandchildren, children, Carl (Simona), Phillip, o6 Months $33.00 oOne year $66.00 Church in Asbury Park. She was Luke Metzidakis; and his brother, Jacqueline, Christian and Grace; Andrew, Jaimie (Alex) and Pe - VIA HOME DELIVERY (NY, NJ & CT): predeceased in 1984 by her hus - Bob Metzidakis. In lieu of flow - his siblings, Fotis, Eleni, ter; and her great-grandchil - o1 Month for $14.00 o3 Months for $33.00 band, Nicholas L. Kallerges and ers, expressions of sympathy may Stavroula and Maria; and many dren, Sean, Riley, and Halle o6 Months for $48.00 oOne year for $88.00 is survived by her children, be made in memory of Dr. Met - nieces and nephews and other Erasmia. Leonidas (Joanne) Kallerges, zidakis to either of these organi - relatives in Greece. Visitation VIA HOME DELIVERY Florence Laros, Stephanie Vasi - zations: National Stroke Associ - was held at the Cooney Funeral n SOTERIADES, MICHAEL (New England, Pennsylvania, lakis and Georgia (Chris) Nico - ation, 9707 E. Easter Lane, Suite Home and funeral services were WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington D.C., VIRGINIA & MARYLAND) laou; nine grandchildren and B, Centennial, CO 80112 or at: held at St. Haralambos Greek Washington Post reported that o1 Month for $18.00 o3 Months for $41.00 seven great-grandchildren. In www.stroke.org/donate or call Orthodox Church. For further Micahel Soteriades passed away o6 Months for $57.00 oOne year for $109.00 lieu of flowers, contributions to Kristina Sickles at 800- information, call: (847) 685- peacefully on November 13. ON LINE SUBSCRIPTION St. George's Greek Orthodox STROKES; or Orleans Conserva - 1002. Michael graduated from the e www.thenationalherald.com Church Building Fund would be tion Trust, P.O. Box 1078, East Technical University of Athens NON SuBSCRIBERS: oOne year for $45.95 appreciated. A Funeral Liturgy Orleans, MA 02643, (508) 255- PSOMARAS, Summa Cum Laude and at - n o6 Months for $29.95 was held at St. George's Greek 0183 or at: www.orleansconser - CONSTANTINOS tended MIT as a Fulbright 3 Months for $18.95 Orthodox Church. Arrangements vationtrust.org/; or Swarthmore TRENTON, NJ - The Times re - Scholar, earning his SC Doctoral o

b SuBSCRIBERS: One year for $34.95 are by the Ocean Grove Memor - College. Online condolences ported that Constantinos Pso - Engineering Degree in 1954. o 6 Months for $23.95 ial Home, 118 Main Ave., Ocean may be made at: www.rappfu - maras, 81, passed away peace - Mr. Soteriades became a resi - o 3 Months for $14.95 Grove. To e-mail a condolence neral.com. fully on November 17 dent of Washington, D.C. in i o message, visit: surrounded by his family in the 1959 when he opened the NAME: ...... www.ogmhognj.com. PAPAIOANNOU, Robert Wood Johnson University Washington Office of Doxiadis n ADDRESS: ...... THEODOROS Hospital. He was born in Lem - Associates. His many profes - r n KOUTOUZIS, TSAMBIKA PORTLAND, OR - The Oregon - nos, Greece and immigrated to sional accomplishments include: CITy: ...... STATE: ...... ZIP: ...... HARTFORD, Conn. - The Hart - ian reported that Theodoros Pa - the United States in 1966. Mr. serving as Chairman of the De - TEL.: ...... CELL: ...... ford Courant reported that paioannou, 56, passed away Psomaras was the proprietor of partment of Civil Engineering E-MAIL: ...... Tsambika Koutouzis passed peacefully on November 8. Ted Gus's Sandwich Shop in the for six years at Catholic Univer - c PLEASE SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO: away peacefully on November was born in Prosimni, Greece on Trenton Farmers Market from sity of America, retiring after 30 NAME: ...... 16. She was born in Rhodes, April 28, 1954. He was one of 1983 until 1992. He was a mem - years of teaching in 1991 as Pro - ADDRESS: ......

Greece, and was the daughter of the owners and operators of ber of St. George Greek Ortho - fessor Emeritus, providing engi - s CITy: ...... STATE: ...... ZIP: ...... the late Theodore and Asimina Berbati's Pan. Ted is survived by dox Church and the Trenton Or - TEL.: ...... CELL: ...... Tsanias. She lived in the Hart - his mother, Penelope and his der No. 72 of AHEPA. He was This is a service ford area since 1967 and was a children, Estia, Nick and Ando - predeceased by his parents, Har - to the community. E-MAIL: ...... Please specify method of payment member of St. George Greek Or - nia. A Trisagion prayer service, alambos and Vasiliki Psomaras. Announcements of deaths

b I enclose a check/money order for $ ...... thodox Cathedral. She was pre - visitation and funeral services He is survived by his beloved may be telephoned to the made payable to: The National Herald, Inc., deceased by her beloved hus - were held at Holy Trinity Greek wife of 51 years, Elpida; his son Classified Department of 37-10 30th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 - 2614 band, Nicholas Koutouzis. She Orthodox Cathedral. Arrange - and daughter-in-law, Harry and The National Herald at or please debit my Mastercard Visa is survived by her children, ments by Rose City Cemetery & Mirella Psomaras; his greatest (718) 784-5255, o o Theodore (Kathy) Koutouzis, Funeral Home. pride and joy, his grandchildren, o American Express Monday through Friday, u George (Aspasia) Koutouzis and Dean, Alessandra and Nicholas; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST CARD NuMBER: ...... Sophia (Leonidas) Hristodoulou; n PAPPAS, TOM and several nieces and nephews. or e-mailed to: ExPIRATION DATE: ...... her siblings, Micheal Tsanias, HARRISONBURG, Va. - Dignity Visitation and funeral services [email protected] SIGNATuRE: ...... Kristali Pizimolas and Anastasia Memorial reported that Tom were held at St. George Greek s THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2010 GREECE CYPRUS 9 The Cyprus Problem Shows at Anti-Racism Festival Violence

By Thomael Joannidis pation that result in fear of “the against what is seen as a new try began, found themselves for - they are often called traitors, as is entitled to its benefits are nar - other,” whoever that may be. occupier, foreigners, the mi - eign workers in countries such was the case at the Rainbow row. The concept of community, On Nov. 5, Cyprus’s annual Attempts to address the violence grants. his is not to justify xeno - as England, Australia and the Festival. what is considered Cypriot, Rainbow Festival promoting di - need to address these complex - phobia, only to express that its United States. A recurring While it is important and what is humane and acceptable versity and an end to racism was ities. existence is influenced and com - theme in Cypriot life is “us ver - necessary to give voice to the behavior, also need to be rede - tainted when an anti-immigra - In the extremist aggression plicated by Cyprus’ history of sus them” meaning you are ei - trauma Cypriots have endured, fined. While the violence that tion group’s demonstration and against foreigners, there was a oppression and occupation. ther Cypriot and belong or you it is essential not to continue occurred at the Rainbow Festival attacks against participants left fear of losing control. One are foreign and do not belong. this cycle of oppression and was frightening and damaging, several injured and others terri - demonstrator, for example, held With the pervasiveness of na - abuse by mistreating foreigners. it is an opportunity for dialogue fied. The violence included the a sign that read, ΣΕ ΛΙΓΑ ΧΡΟ - It is essential not tionalism, some Cypriots find These racist sentiments, which on issues that have been fester - stabbing and hospitalization of ΝΙΑ ΘΑ ΕΙΣΑΙ ΜΕΙΟΝΟΤΗΤΑ, to continue this cycle themselves considered to be not are tangled up in the history and ing. These discussions should be a Cypriot singer, injuries to essentially warning that Cypri - “Cypriot enough” because they the political uncertainty of the part of the larger process that other participants including mi - ots will be a minority on the is - of oppression are Greek-Cypriot or Turkish- Cypriot problem, will not be focuses not just on political res - grants and Cypriots, and a land in a few years. Between the and abuse by Cypriot, do not hold certain po - eradicated by anti-racist cam - olution but communal healing. young girl who had a stone chants and signs, Εξω οι ξενοι litical beliefs, were not displaced paigns, immigration policies or In this process, hopefully, Cypri - thrown at her head. Reports fo - απο την Κυπρο, expressing the mistreating foreigners by the ethnic struggles and the a political solution. A more com - ots can ensure that senseless vi - cused on a number of issues: desire foreigners leave the is - war or they, like many children prehensive approach needs to olence is not incited again by lack of police presence, biased land, were others referencing Many people living in Cyprus of the Cypriot Diaspora, did not be taken. Cypriot identity which people who feel they are victims police response, poor govern - the “Cyprus Problem” of ongo - want a more inclusive, egalitar - grow up in Cyprus. This narrow is traditionally constructed with in their own country who attack ment planning, the decision of ing occupation and ethnic divi - ian society, but what they see definition of Cypriot identity nationalist symbols - flags, war and in turn victimize others. event coordinators to hold the sion. Equating immigrants with and experience on a daily basis and of who has the right to ex - heroes, and dichotomies of good events in the same area, and the Turkish troops can possibly is often nationalistic exclusion, press their opinion, silences cer - and evil, us versus them - must Thomael Joannidis recently re - aggression of racists. These re - make more sense, if you con - exemplified in the clashes. In tain individuals and groups, and be reevaluated. As is common turned to New York from com - ports leave out a discussion of sider that Cypriot history is one fact, some Cypriots point to the reinforces a dichotomous rather in nationalism and particularly pleting a year-long Fulbright re - the pervasive and disturbing of occupation, invasion, and irony that just a few decades than pluralistic way of thinking. in the nationalism of a place in search grant on the concept of manifestation of nationalism colonialism. With this in mind ago, it was Cypriots who, after When people try to speak out - ethnic conflict, concepts of who community and identity in and the backlash against occu - then, xenophobia is a defense the troubles in their home coun - side of this narrow framework, belongs in the nation and who Cyprus. Papandreou Says Salary Cuts But No Layoffs, But Revenues Lag

Continued from page 1 ited, that the members of the some members of Papandreou’s Greece must start paying in government are reduced.” Pa - administration acknowledge 2013 – when Papandreou faces to offset these shortfalls by un - pandreou said, “There are other Greece will have to restructure re-election – but in the mean - derspending at a state level, ways too, for example, cutback its debt – which Thomsen said time will have to be able to get that’s why the overall targets are of salaries,” and he said some was a distinct possibility too – back into the international mar - still being met. That’s clearly not workers in the public railways asked Papandreou if that would - kets to borrow money to do so. a sustainable strategy going for - system, which is losing $1.3 bil - n’t destroy his political career. Because of its economic prob - ward,” Thomsen said. “We can - lion a year and paying some dri - “If Greece defaults, you’re lems, Greece has been virtually not keep on just cutting at a vers $65,000 to more than done,” the talk show host said. locked out without prohibitively state level to offset the lack of $100,000 a year to drive near- Papandreou didn’t hesitate. “I high interest rates demanded control in other areas.” Public empty trains, will have 50-60% have no problem, let me put it for its bonds. workers have found their wage cuts. “So you’re not going this way. When the crisis began “We are confident that salaries cut 10-20% through to fire anyone from the public I said my basic target was for Greece will be able to return to lower pay and slashed annual sector?” the BBC host asked. “I Greece to be saved, and go on the market during the program bonuses, while taxes have been said we have to protect employ - to reform the country. I don’t period,” Thomsen said, but raised – and will be again – and ment positions but we can find care if I’m re-elected,” he said. added that it was “admittedly a pensioners benefits are under other ways to limit squandering,” “And what happens to the Eu - question” as to whether Greece attack as well, although Greece Papandreou said. He is under fire rozone? Maybe Greece sowed would be able to tap the market has offered tax amnesty for tax from unions representing the the seeds that will destroy the for the full amounts needed to evaders costing the country $40 state-run enterprises, and in his Eurozone,” Sackur said. He had refinance its existing debt and billion a year in lost revenues. own cabinet, not to lay off any earlier questioned Papandreou repay the bailout loans. “We are ARE YOU SINCERE? workers who form a core PASOK about Ireland now accepting an aware that this is an issue that On the BBC show, a calm Pa - constituency. Sackur said there EU bailout of loans, indicating raises some concern in the mar - pandreou nonetheless found were wider implications, such as Greece had set in motion a se - kets. We have various options himself on the defensive as what would happen to the al - ries of events that had hurt the for dealing with it,” Thomsen Sackur pressed him about ready weakened Eurozone if Eurozone. Papandreou said: said. One option would be to al - whether he’s been telling Greeks Greece does not meet targets to “The opposite might happen. low a longer repayment period the truth about how long the reduce its deficit and $360 bil - We sowed the seeds that will for the rest of the rescue loan austerity measures will last and lion debt. The other 15 members AP PHOTO/CHRISTOPHE ENA make us examine some weak - financing, or to give follow-up whether the Greek leader’s po - of the Eurozone, along with the Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou as he arrives to nesses that the euro is facing loans. “If there proves to be a litical future and legacy are at IMF, are proving the loans to speak to an international gathering of Socialists in Paris, Nov. and to create a robust economic question we stand ready to ex - stake as well. “How long will Greece, with Germany the 15. 2010, before getting the news that Greece will get its next government which will not al - ercise some of these options. But people be suffering? …. they biggest contributor. “When you installment of international donor loan monies. low similar crises to be re - there has been no decision don’t think … you have been to - say you have no intention of fir - peated.” Sackur asked, “Are you taken,” Thomsen said. Finance tally sincere,” Sackur said, citing ing anyone from the public sec - Eurozone in 2001 but last year in the Cabinet. “We got into the the man who can do it?” Papan - Minister George Papaconstanti - recent surveys. tor, this might make Germany it was revealed that was because Eurozone with our own value dreou said, “That’s what the nou has repeatedly said he aims Without a qualifier, Papan - believe that Greece is basically the EU had been provided fake … in 2001 when we entered the Greek people asked me to do.” for Greece to return to the mar - dreou immediately snapped: “I irresponsible in finances. You do economic statistics to show Eurozone we respected the cri - TROIKA QUESTIONS kets in 2011 and Papandreou wouldn’t want one position to be not admit seeing the future of Greece could meet the entry cri - teria the Eurozone imposed on Meanwhile, Thomsen sug - has repeatedly said there will be lost.” Sackur responded: “Not the Eurozone has a big problem teria. Still, Papandreou insisted us … the truth is that some gested the Troika is eyeing no restructuring nor default, one? Have you seen what’s going because of the lack of trust there nothing had been done improp - point we had to distance our - Greece even closer, and that which some economic analysts on in the rest of Europe? Auster - is (in Greece,)” he said. erly, although his party was in selves from those criteria.” more time might be granted to say is mathematically unlikely ity means the public sector is lim - Greece was admitted into the power at the time and he served Sackur, earlier noting that repay the loans if necessary. for either case. Ousted Bakoyianni Strikes Back, Forms New Alliance Party

ATHENS - With a name still center of the spectrum to help Bakoyianni said, referring to the there were reports of interest by with the country’s two main par - magical among many con - extract Greece from its debt cri - agreement between Greece and current members of ND, fueling ties. Half of Greek voters stayed stituents and political leaders, sis. The new party’s logo is an its international creditors. “But speculation that Bakoyiannis’ home during the Nov. 7 elections former New Democracy Foreign olive tree in blue and orange col - at that moment, in May, the venture will weaken the already and the Nov. 14 runoffs. “Society Minister Dora Bakoyianni, kicked ors and is called the Democratic dilemma was inexorable for all, feud-ridden main conservative no longer has confidence in pol - out of the party for going against Alliance. approval of the rescue mecha - opposition, especially after its itics and politicians,” Bakoyianni its opposition to Socialist Prime The 56-year-old politician, nism or immediate bankruptcy,” candidates lost the mayorships said in Athens. Her downfall in Minister George Papandreou’s who served as mayor of Athens she added. She remained critical of both Athens and Thessaloniki New Democracy came last year austerity measures, has fired a between 2002 and 2006 and for - of her former party for its for the first time in 24 years to when the party chose Samaras shot across the bow of both ma - eign minister under the previous rhetoric against the rescue pack - PASOK. as its leader instead, although jor political groups by forming conservative government from age of $146 billion in loans from Bakoyianni told supporters she had widely been tipped to her party, and nearly 5,000 sup - 2006 to 2009, defended her de - the European Union and Inter - that the party will be “an inde - win easily. The Democratic Al - porters turned out to cheer her cision to vote in favor of an in - national Monetary Fund (IMF.) pendent democratic movement”, liance intends to become the cat - on. In a speech at a crowded ternational rescue plan for “Choosing not to vote for saving which will fight for transparency alyst for a series of sweeping Badminton Theater in Goudi, Greece in May, a move that led your country and not bearing the and will emphasize individual changes that will lead to a grow - AP PHOTO/THANASSIS STAVRAkIS Bakoyianni said that her party ND leader Antonis Samaras to political cost of your decisions is liberties and private enterprise. ing coalition of Greeks of all po - Former New Democracy for - would be a business-friendly al - oust her from the party. “There the epitome of extreme and irre - The party’s inaugural congress litical views, Bakoyianni said. eign minister Dora Bakoyianni liance that would seek “cooper - were some measures in the sponsible populist politics,” she will take place in March. She said The party’s priority is to “build a told 5,000 supporters she ation and common ground with memorandum that I disagreed said. Several former ND cadres she wants to attract Greeks who healthy, free and competitive wants to reach disgruntled other political forces” from the with and still disagree with,” attended Bakoyianni speech and are increasingly disillusioned economy,” she said. Greek voters. U.N. Plan for Stalled Cyprus Talks: More Talks, But More Intense Now

Continued from page 1 government after Cyprus joined practical plan for overcoming the bloc in 2004. the major remaining points of sponsibility to drive this process Eroglu joined Erdogan and disagreement” by identifying toward a solution. The people the U.N. in putting the vise on further convergences and the of Cyprus and the international Cyprus when he said, contrary core issues that remain unre - community want a solution, not to what Christofias claimed, that solved throughout the six chap - endless talks,” said Ban. he expected the “intensified” ters. THE HEAT IS ON talks to be concluded by the end He said pointedly: “That, in According to Ban, Christofias of January and determine turn, will help the United Na - and Eroglu recognized the need whether there would be agree - tions determine its own next to move “more quickly and de - ment on six critical topics of dis - steps.” He is asking the two cisively” to reach a settlement cussion that have ended in a leaders to come up with a clear and even “expressed their com - stalemate between them every summary of the points of con - mitment to work together, as time. He did not say why that vergence and divergence in all partners, toward that goal.” But, would not happen again apart six chapters by the end of Janu - in language he rarely uses, he from the two sides meeting ary, after which the U.N. will de - said, “projecting positive mes - more often. He also said if Ban cide how best to proceed, not sages is critical if any agreement feels there is not enough much time indeed because of is to be trusted and embraced progress then the U.N. might the usual slow political period by the respective publics in ref - step aside, a development that of Christmas fast approaching. erenda.” Christofias has come would increase the pressure on Among the biggest stumbling under pressure from the U.N. Christofias as some Western blocks is the question of Greek and European Union lately to diplomats have started to blame Cypriot property, which Cyprus reach a settlement because the him for standing in the way of wants returned but which E.U. is anxious to admit Turkey, Turkey’s admission to the E.U, Turkey and some Western diplo - although that country refuses to which they want anxiously. mats are insisting on a resolu - allow entry of ships and planes He said the E.U. at the same tion in which the Greek Cypriots from Cyprus, an E.U. member. time has imposed sanctions on would get paid for their stolen And in another menacing devel - AP PHOTO/MARy ALTAFFER the TRNC, and that the E.U. was property instead, which opment several days after the United Nations Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon, (C), speaks to reporters with Cypriot President acting unjustly towards Turkish Christofias has rejected outright, talks, Turkish Prime Minister Re - Demetris Christofias, (L,) and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, Nov. 18, 2010 at U.N. Cypriots. “We want embargoes noting that European courts cep Tayyip Erdogan said that headquarters in New York. and isolations to be lifted, and have already ruled otherwise won’t change unless the E.U. we say that if they are lifted, anyway. Before the New York opens trade with the Turkish Re - then we’ll be a part of it,” Erdo - north, which is not, since Turkey of the rest of the world, with di - Greek Cypriots will be moti - meeting, there were hint that public of Northern Cyprus gan said to reporters in Ankara. invaded the Mediterranean is - rect flights banned and almost vated for a solution,” said Eroglu might agree to (TRNC) simultaneously, a con - “No one should expect anything land 36 years ago after a coup all trade carried out via Turkey. Eroglu. Christofias has taken the Christofias’ proposal to link the dition which has been rejected different.” Cyprus has been di - by supporters of a full union The EU has frozen some areas opposite tack, asking for Turkey territory and property chapters previously. vided into a Greek Cypriot with Greece. The north of the of Turkey’s membership negoti - to lift its embargoes first. to give the talks impetus, some - “If there’s a simultaneous south, which is internationally island is under an effective ations because of its refusal to In the meantime, Ban ex - thing the UN was not against, opening of ports and airports, recognized, and a Turkish-run blockade by the E.U. and most recognize the Greek Cypriot pects the two “to establish a but this failed to materialize. 10 EDITORIALS LETTERS THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2010

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The National Herald A weekly publication of the NATIONAL HERALD, INC. The Church Forgot the Nativity Fast for almost ten (ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ), The Nativity Fast years. reporting the news and addressing the issues of paramount interest As usual, the October-No - fotograffiti to the Greek American community of the United States of America. To the Editor: vember 2010 issue of the Or - As with Pascha, the Feast of thodox Observer makes no men - Publisher-Editor Antonis H. Diamataris the Nativity begins with a period tion of the Nativity Fast. The Assistant to Publisher, Advertising Veta H. Diamataris Papadopoulos of preparation. It is proceeded Archdiocesan web site mentions Executive Editor Andy Dabilis by a fast corresponding to Lent the Nativity Fast, but has no ar - On Line Assistant Editor Christos Tripoulas and lasting for forty days. The ticle explaining the reasons for Production Manager Chrysoula Karametros fast begins on November 15. the fast or how it is observed. Webmaster Alexandros Tsoukias The Nativity Fast is one of the The November 18, 2010 Arch - four Canonical Fasting Seasons diocesan Bulletin in announcing The National Herald (USPS 016864) is published weekly by in the Church year. This is a joy - the Nativity Fast referred the The National Herald Inc. at 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 ous fast in anticipation of the reader to the Archdiocesan web Tel: (718)784-5255, Fax: (718)472-0510, Nativity of Christ. That is the site. However the reference e-mail: [email protected] reason it is less strict than other given was not about the Nativ - fasting periods. For some un - ity Fast. It was about the Nativ - Democritou 1 and Academias Sts, Athens, 10671, Greece fathomable reason however, the ity Feast with only a passing ref - Tel: 011.30.210.3614.598, Fax: 011.30.210.3643.776, e-mail: Nativity Fast is for the most part erence to the Nativity Fast. On [email protected] ignored by the Greek Orthodox November 16, 2010 Archbishop Archdiocese of America. Demetrios issued his Thanksgiv - Subscriptions by mail : 1 year $66.00, 6 months $33.00, 3 months $22.00, 1 month $11.00 Home delivery NY, NJ, CT: 1 year $88.00, 6 months $48.00, Although Archbishop ing Day Encyclical which , while 3 months $33.00, 1 month $14.00 Demetrios each year issues urging the faithful to observe Home delivery New England States, Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland : about fifteen Encyclicals com - Thanksgiving Day, made no 1 year $109.00, 6 months $57.00, 3 months $41.00, 1 month $18.00 memorating not only various mention of the Nativity Fast or On line subscription : Subscribers to the print edition: 1 year $34.95, 6 months $23.95, AP PHOTO/JACQuES BRINON 3 months $14.95; Non subscribers : 1 year $45.95, 6 months $29.95, 3 months $18.95 Holy Days and Seasons on the of the grant of a break in the Orthodox Church Calendar but fast for those observing Thanks - How will I get home? Periodical postage paid at L.I.C., N.Y. and additional mailing offices. also secular holidays such as the giving Day. Why does our Arch - Postmaster send change of address to: Fourth of July , Greek Indepen - bishop ignore the Nativity Fast Greek Finance Minister George Papaconstantinou, on a dence Day , The Asia Minor - one of the holiest seasons on trip to France, was surprised to learn from a newspaper THE NATIONAL HERALD, 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 Holocaust , Ochi Day, etc. , to the Orthodox Church Calendar? while he was away that Greece had been sold to Germany the best of my recollection, he Evan Alevizatos Chriss and renamed Souvlakistan. has not issued an Encyclical on Baltimore, MD Open letter to Poul Thomsen ΛΟΓΟΣ Dear Mr. Poul Thomsen, IMF, country head, Greece As I was exiting the Athens Hilton hotel, a few days ago, you Greek Frustrations of a Greek-American Author were running in. You are a tall, handsome, relatively young man, just as you appear in the photos. You were out jogging, unprotected, in an unusually warm night for the end of November. Every once in awhile some - spired millions. A to prepare individ - public speaking engagements; I tried to strike up a conversation with you, as our paths unex - thing happens that gets in the prolific author, uals for what they treated like a celebrity. I have pectedly crossed, but you would have nothing of that. I do not way of even my best intentions. Frankl’s classic would encounter in many reasons to be proud and blame you. I am sure many Athenians, and especially journalists, I started writing my column this bestseller, Man’s Aceh province, I’m sure Frankl would be too. would love to talk to you. week with the goal of sharing Search for Mean - which was closest But something was missing. Judging by your facial expression, you bear a great burden on some personal reflections on ing, was named by to the epicenter of Prisoners of Our Thoughts is your shoulders. And how could you not. Nothing short of the fate Veterans Day. Being a U.S. Army the U.S. Library of the quake and hit still not available in Greek! of millions of Greeks depends on you and your colleagues of the veteran, I found Armistice Day Congress as one of hardest by the While I had expected from the European institutions. this year to have special mean - the 10 most influ - monster waves. I’m start that my book would be As I write these words on an airplane – yes what a shame, ing for me. However, you’ll have ential books of the proud to say that translated into many languages Greece does not have an international airline any more - returning to wait until next week to find 20th Century. Prisoners of Our and learned from my American from Greece, I realize that I know so few things about you. I see out why. I hope that by now It was in a meet - Thoughts was used publisher that interest in obtain - the photos of you entering the ministry of Economics of Greece, most readers know that I have ing with Frankl at by Dr. ALEX as a training re - ing such translation rights was serious, elegantly dressed, holding a brown briefcase, athletic look - written a number of books. his home in Vienna, PATTAKOS source and em - high, I had not expected that ing. Now I know why. Transitioning from a life as a Austria, in 1996 ployed by local the book would not be pub - What worries me is that you seem detached from the effects of full-time professor, which had when I first pro - Special to governments and lished in Greek given that I am your decisions on the people. You look amazed by what you have its own unique incentives and posed the idea of The National Herald nongovernmental of Greek heritage. Ironically, I found there, by how the country operates or fails to operate. You rewards for publishing (“pub - writing Prisoners of organizations such learned over time it was be - look like you had enough, like you want to get over with it and go lish or perish”) into the gladia - Our Thoughts. In his typical, as e UNESCO and UNICEF in cause of my heritage that Greek back home. Perhaps to a suburban home in the Washington D.C. tor-like arena of “trade” book passionate style, he leaned the disaster relief effort. This ap - publishers refused to obtain the area where your wife and children await you. publishing and the competitive, across his desk, grabbed my plication alone made my book’s translation rights. I understand. This is not a vacation for you, even though I am real world of business, I’ve ex - arm, and said: “Alex, yours is publication worthwhile - and I come from the family Pat - sure you walked up to the Acropolis more than once. You look too perienced the joys and frustra - the book that needs to be writ - yes, meaningful - to me in ways takos, a proud clan from Crete. cultivated not to. Far from it. tions of an industry undergoing ten.” I felt that Frankl’s words I cannot express. Among my relatives is my great- What worries me however, what made me decide to write this a transformation. Witness, for burned into the core of my being Prisoners of Our Thoughts uncle, Stylianos Pattakos, with open letter to you - who knows, somehow it might reach your desk instance, the often-quick disap - and was determined to write the has been translated into 16 lan - whom I am close and about - is that you might look upon your assignment to Greece by the pearance of bookstores and the book. I also committed to do guages including two forms of whom I make a brief reference IMF as just another a job. emergence of e-books and other whatever I could to convey Chinese, as well as Dutch, Es - to in my book. When I periodi - Please do not. It is so much more than that. It is the lives of mil - forms of electronic or multi- Frankl’s life affirming, meaning- tonian, French, German, In - cally asked my American pub - lions of people. media publishing. Much of the centered message around the donesian, Italian, Japanese, lisher why Prisoners of Our I understand your mission: jolt Greece into the 21st century. I world of publishing has world and advance his legacy. Korean, Marathi (Indian), Por - Thoughts had not been picked know, I know: the Greeks brought it upon themselves. They lived changed, but much in that busi - Even though he passed on be - tuguese, Romanian, Russian, up by a Greek publisher, I was the good life for three decades on the EE money and on borrowed ness seems not to have changed fore Prisoners of Our Thoughts Spanish, and Turkish. It has also told my family name was work - money. They aspired to one thing in life: get a politician to get you at all, especially the way au - was released, I’ve remained in been published in large print ing against me, and when I was a job in the public sector so that you could work sporadically, be - thors are treated, and I have close contact with the Frankl formats, as well as e-book and asked to revise the book for its come corrupt, retire in your forties or early fifties with a huge pen - been learning this inevitable family, who not only has demon - audio book versions. In 2008 it paperback and second editions, sion and live happily ever after. “truth” the hard way with a spe - strated support of my work but was released in paperback with it was suggested I delete any ref - I know, they thought they had invented what everybody else cial emphasis on my Greek her - a priceless level of friendship. a new chapter, and in July erence to my Uncle Stelios in failed to: paradise on earth. Our fathers and grandfathers, not to itage. Among the books that I Prisoners of Our Thoughts was 2010, a second, revised and ex - order potentially to appease po - mention our ancestors would be really proud of them... have written, of which I am es - released in hardcover at the end panded edition was published. tential Greek publishers. Need - You must admit however, that they are very... ingenious. In pecially proud, is one entitled of 2004 and right away its pub - Besides being named a “self- less to say, I refused (whatever what other country being a hairdresser would qualify you for early Prisoners of Our Thoughts, now lication proved to be invaluable. help book of the year” finalist happened to philotimo?) and my retirement, categorized as an unhealthy ...strenuous job. In what an international bestseller. If Soon after its release a massive while in hardcover, Prisoners of frustration with the Greek book other country do you walk into a ministry - any ministry - and you happen not yet to have read earthquake under the Indian Our Thoughts became a Top-10 publishing industry, a prime ex - think you walked into a bordello, so short are the skirts, so revealing it, the book is based on the age - Ocean triggered one of the bestseller in Spain behind the ample of being held “prisoners of are the blouses of the young women, assistants to some minister - less wisdom of the world- deadliest natural disasters in #1 New York Times bestseller, our thoughts,” continues. yippies, know-it-alls - walking aimlessly in the hallways that have renowned Viennese psychiatrist recorded history, the Asian The Secret (featured in two not being washed for ages. and existential philosopher, Vik - Tsunami. By chance, my book episodes of Oprah) and British Dr. Pattakos is co-founder of a Yet sir, there is another side to this: think of the millions of tor Frankl, who urged me to found its way into the hands of author J.K. Rowling’s Harry Pot - new business initiative on how people not on the take who see their standard of living suddenly write it. Frankl’s story of finding representatives from an Indone - ter and the Deathly Hallows. to live a happy, healthy, mean - take a nose dive, desperate - yes desperate - old people whose a reason to live in the most hor - sian-based professional services This recognition and its media ingful life based on Greek cul - pensions have been cut who can no longer afford to buy medicine rendous of circumstances - Nazi firm responsible for developing attention allowed me to travel ture. Readers may contact him - yes now they have to pay for medicine - those in debt, lured into concentration camps - has in - a Volunteer Readiness Program across Spain on a book tour and at: [email protected]. getting a credit card or a loan to get a car who are now are in de - fault. Think of the youth who see no future and no hope. Yes, no hope. COMMENTARY What are they do do? It is all so depressing. Let me borrow an anecdote from the Ot - toman empire – yes - to make a point: A Sultan sends his aides to the market to find out if his people Money Can’t Always Buy an Election… Or Can It? love him. As they ride into the streets they hear a lot of screams, of anger, threats against the sultan. It all looks very disturbing. They rush back to the palace and tell the Sultan what they saw. On Election Day, an acquain - tially bought him - bid also failed, timent, which changes direc - Nothing to worry about, he responds. A dog that barks does not tance sent a mass message call - self a third term, claim to have suf - tions like a weathervane. bite. ing on undecided voters to then campaigned to fered major attacks So let’s remember the an - Some time later the sultan sends them back into the market “please vote for New York State abolish any term from opponents cient Greek definition of democ - again. They rush back to the palace and make the same report. Comptroller Thomas P. Di - extension for all fu - who relied on ma - racy: a form of government un - Again the Sultan responds that there is nothing to worry about. Napoli,” citing him as “a public ture candidates! jor funding from der which the citizens distribute He sends them out again after a while. This time they return to servant with ethics, integrity Pretty hypocritical. outside sources, the offices of state among them - the palace exuberant: the people are quiet they report to the Sultan, and fortitude.” I couldn’t resist Remember, back in such as Karl Rove’s selves by lot (Aristotle’s no yelling, no threats, everything is quiet. the opportunity to respond that January, a bitterly American Cross - Rhetoric, Book I, Chapter VIII.) Get my horse ready, the sultan orders. It's time to get out of his opponent Harry Wilson divided Supreme roads. It’s not just the privilege of vot - here. seemed just as good, picked up Court overturned Recently, there ing that must exist in a democ - Dear sir, I saw desperation like never before in my life in Greece. endorsements from all the ma - two important has been criticism racy; it’s the equal opportunity People are confused, scared, uncertain what tomorrow will bring. jor New York papers, and was precedents about by Christopher directed against to participate in the distribution Even now, as you know, they are lied to continuously. George Pa - Greek American. the First Amend - TRIPOULAS the Modern Greek and wielding of power. pandreou is doing his best. He is fighting for Greece and for his The following day, after Wil - ment rights of cor - Special to political system, in - All citizens, regardless of fi - family’s legacy. He is still a beacon of hope, but much-maligned as son conceded a surprisingly porations, ruling The National Herald cluding statements nancial wherewithal or political a stooge of the Americans, of the Jews, of you name it. tight race, my acquaintance gra - the government from Greek politi - connections, should be consid - I honestly feel for the man. ciously rubbed it in, noting may not ban political contribu - cians, including Prime Minister ered worthy of public service. Yes, you have to do your job, protect the 106 billion euros you “Thank God we still live in a tion by corporations. George Papandreou. This lost nuance of democracy have committed to Greece. You got to push for major changes for world were money can’t always The dissenters said allowing Cronyism and clientelism is intact in our modern democ - the benefit of Greece and her creditors. buy an election.” There’s no way corporate money to flood the have been widely criticized - racies, but only for the most un - I wonder though: What do you know about Greece other than of knowing for sure if Alexi Gi - political marketplace would cor - and rightly so - as ruining the desirable of tasks, such s jury some numbers, some financial ratios, important as they are? Have annoulias would have made a rupt democracy. President country, but American politics is duty. While it might be utopian you read some of the history of this people, have you had an ouzo, good U.S. Senator from Illinois Obama called it “a major victory not much better. The bitter at - to advocate for its reinstitution gazed at a sunset, listened to some music by Theodorakis, danced or if Wilson could have put his for big oil, Wall Street banks, tacks in the Giannoulias-Kirk in civil affairs, this most demo - a dance like Zorba, taken a swim in the dark blue waters of the Wall Street savvy to good use health insurance companies and Senate race evidence this. Gian - cratic of processes should be im - sea? restructuring New York’s the other powerful interests that noulias’ loss seemed to be more plemented in our organized Have you left the comfort of the Hilton hotel to walk in the bloated budget, but it would marshal their power every day about anger with the Obama ad - community life – parish coun - streets of the city, in the provinces, in the islands now that the have been an honor for the in Washington to drown out the ministration and the bad loans cils, organizational boards, etc. tourists – the few who visited this past year - have gone? Greek American Community to voices of everyday Americans.” his family bank gave out than if we really want to ensure that, Do you know that tens of thousands of people are diagnosed have them at those posts. It was The ruling, Citizens United v. the issues. “We still live in a world were with depression, feel helpless, desperate, angry? sad to see young Greek Ameri - Federal Election Commission, If it was 2008, maybe he money can’t always buy an elec - I know, it is all their fault. cans blasting Giannoulias on overruled the precedents Austin beats Kirk - not because of any tion.” I know you have to do your job. That is what you get paid for. Facebook for his bank dealings v. Michigan Chamber of Com - particularly unique political Yet, I hope you do not believe they can be forced into adopting (as if other politicians and merce, a 1990 decision that up - ideas, but because of public sen - [email protected] the German work ethic overnight. bankers out there are choir held restrictions on corporate I hope your promotion at the office is not based wholly upon boys) or that some of my com - spending to support or oppose your being able to push through the drastic changes in Greece. In patriots around the same age as political candidates, and Mc - that you will succeed. Papandreou has no choice but to go along. Wilson, who share the same ori - Connell v. Federal Election Com - I do hope you will be judged by the results you have achieved gin, didn’t want to give him a mission, a 2003 decision that The National Herald not in this quarter but a year or two from now. break. Sadder still is the phrase upheld the part of the Bipartisan I hope you keep in mind the wise Sultan. “money can’t always buy an Campaign Reform Act of 2002 Mr. Thomsen people are scared, desperate, hopeless. Get your election.” that restricted campaign spend - Blog... horse ready, if you push them even harder. This is a silly thing for a res - ing by corporations and unions. Sincerely, ident of New York City to say, Giannoulias and Florida Gov. www.thenationalherald.com The National Herald considering the mayor essen - Charlie Crist, whose U.S. Senate THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2010 VIEWPOINTS 11 LETTER FROM ATHENS How Obama Administration Missed The Greek Vote

No Job Losses for The Greek American commu - of Republican has supported the Athens, at the very least, dis - nity has had a long relationship Greek Americans Democrats. It is not played a total lack of sensitivity with the Democratic Party. In - voted for Nixon-Ag - improbable that towards the Greek American Papandreou’s Political Pets deed, one Greek American, new, as well as Tarpon Springs is community. Both the Ankara Michael Dukakis, led the De - 66% of indepen - indicative of how and Cairo visits drew consider - mocrats in an unsuccessful bid dent Greek Ameri - Greek Americans able praise from the media, but Many years ago trying to get extra - for the Presidency of the United can voters. voted in a similar in the long run the President’s as a freshman at dited to Greece. States in 1988. Another, Spiro SWING TO THE fashion throughout grand gesture to the Muslims Northeastern Uni - The amount tax Agnew, served as Richard RIGHT the US. The rea - raised expectations but ulti - versity in Boston I evaders bilk the Nixon’s Vice-President, but is The key factor sons for this mately delivered little, which was one of hun - government out of less mentioned because of his in drawing the sup - change are subtle has done more harm than good. dreds of scared stiff is twice what links to corruption. Yet in the port of the Greek but not remark - Undoubtedly, it cost the Democ - students packed in Greece now has to mid-term elections the Greek American commu - by DR. ANDRE able. According to rats not only Greek but also a large hall to take cut on top of the American community backed nity was that Ag - GEROLYMATOS the 2007 US Cen - Jewish votes in 2010. Economics 101 in cuts already made, away from the Democrats. In new was a Greek sus Bureau there A BLIND EYE which we would os - targeting workers, the future, more and more American,though Special to were 1,380,088 Remarkably, the Obama tensibly learn how the poor, pension - members of the community not Greek Ortho - The National Herald people of Greek an - strategists have failed to recog - the arcane financial ers and the vulner - could shift their allegiance to dox. After the Wa - cestry in America. nize the growing number of in - world works, only by ANDY able who have no the Republicans. One explana - tergate debacle, the Greek Remarkably, according to the dependents in the Greek Amer - to realize later the DABILIS voice in the Greek tion is the traditional voting pat - American community returned State Department, the number ican community, and also have class was academic Parliament, al - tern of immigrant communities to its traditional voting patterns, is closer to 3,000,000. The dis - ignored two critical factors: the folderol and the Special to though that’s better in the United States. As they with only 18% percent remain - crepancy is primarily due to importance of Greek national is - way it works is that The National Herald than not having a achieve economic and profes - ing committed to the Republi - third generation Greek Ameri - sues and the influence of Greek the rich and banks spine. While Papa - sional success, immigrant com - can Party. In the 2010 mid-term cans, as well as those from American media. President and powerful steamroll the poor constantinou said money could munities often find the ostensi - elections, however, a significant mixed marriages who prefer to Obama has scarcely commented and working class and pension - be saved at public companies bly anti-tax and cost-cutting number of Greek Americans identify themselves as American on the problems of occupied ers. If you put 10 Nobel Prize such as the Hellenic Railways Republicans more appealing. voted Republican. and abandon the hyphenation. Cyprus, the issue of Macedonia, winning economists in the same Organization (OSE,), which is The Greek American community Although there is no scien - This factor has escaped the Turkish encroachment in the room you’d get 10 different $15 billion in debt, only lip ser - has followed this pattern in a tific survey of the current voting Obama strategists who failed Aegean and the failure of ideas on what should be done vice will be paid to that. Papan - particularly unique fashion: al - patterns of Greek Americans, both before the Presidential Ankara to allow religious free - about the freefalling economy dreou, in a meeting with his though as they have become fi - one example serves as a clear election of 2008 and in planning dom to the Ecumenical Patriar - of Greece and the European paramecium-like ministers, said nancially successful, they have indication of the shift towards for the midterms to consider the chate. Equally remarkable is the Union. But the real model is the government has to stop the drifted towards the camp of in - the GOP. The highest concentra - impact of the Greek American failure of the Obama advisors to found in Athens, where Prime bleeding at the public transport dependents and not towards the tion of Greek Americans in the vote. bring the president into contact Minister George Papandreou companies and other enter - GOP. This is uncharacteristic, at US is in Tarpon Springs, Florida, Indeed, from the onset of the with the Greek American media. and his formerly Socialist PA - prises, collectively known as least for a community with some 11% of the local popula - Obama presidency, Greek Amer - In a world dominated by elec - SOK party keeps on cutting the DEKO’s. “They are absorbing a many members who derive their tion. In the midterm elections, ican interests were at the bot - tronic media, the ethnic presses pay of public employees – hard - very large part of the sacrifices income from small businesses that district voted for the Inde - tom of the new administration’s have not only survived but also working teachers and others being made by Greeks,” he said. and who would find resonance pendent Senate candidate, priorities. Obama’s visit to flourished as a niche market. mixed in with the undeserving But those favored few won’t be of their conservative sentiments Charlie Crist (he is the Republi - Ankara in April 2009 may have The more innovative continue dregs in some civil servant ranks laid off, so how’s he going to within the GOP. can governor and ran as an In - served U.S. interests in the Mus - to provide news in Greek but who have dragged down the save money because even the Craig R. Humphrey and He - dependent,) but traditionally lim world, but failing to stop in are also successful in capturing economy - while making sure hospitals don’t have toilet paper, len Brock Louis have under - the attention of third generation the party’s constituency base is although you can be sure the scored this in their study titled Greek Americans - particularly protected. I didn’t do so well in Parliament does, and maybe Assimilation and Voting Behav - the two million that the census Economics 101 but remember baby wipes too. ior, published in the Interna - misses - by publishing in Eng - that if you cut workers pay and There will be paper transfers tional Migration Review (Vol. 7, lish. Significantly, the raise taxes to the point where as OSE and DEKO workers will No.1 Spring 1973.) They iden - Humphrey-Louis study indi - they stop spending – during an be put in offices where they can tified the trend of growing con - cated that most Greek Ameri - inflationary period – the gov - read, play cards or not show up servatism among financially suc - cans who identified with the De - ernment loses revenues and the and be paid what they were get - cessful immigrant groups in the mocratic Party also subscribed ting anyway, but when I checked late 1960’s and early 1970’s. At to ethnic newspapers and mag - my old Economics 101 textbook that time, however, 55% of first azines. It is only a matter of time it said that doesn’t save money, generation Greek Americans before the Republican strategists and Papandreou’s facing a near- identified themselves as Democ - realize both that the Greek mutiny from his cabinet which rats and 35% as independent. American community can easily wants to stay in power. “A dif - In the last three decades the find common ground with GOP ferent operational plan has to number of Greek Americans policies and that they can reach be drawn up for each DEKO,” leaving the Democratic Party that community through its me - said Labor Minister Louka Kat - and identifying themselves as dia. seli, a former Yale economics independents has increased, but professor with a doctorate from has not affected their voting pat - Dr. Gerolymatos is chair of Hel - Princeton, proving economics is terns - until this year. A major lenic Studies at Simon Fraser a crapshoot. exception was the 1968 elec - University in Vancouver, British “We should not impose the tion, in which a significant num - Columbia and the author of troika’s decisions across the ber of Greek Americans cast AP PHOTO/J. SCOTT APPLEwHITE "Red Acropolis, Black Terror: board,” she said, referring to the their vote for the Nixon-Agnew President Barack Obama hasn’t been playing to the right audi - The Greek Civil War and the EU, IMF, and European Central ticket. According to the ences by overlooking the Greek American community, and al - Origins of Soviet-American Ri - Bank (ECB), which have found Humphrey-Louis findings, 97% most never makes a mention of them. valry." Greek statistics as reliable as a politician’s promise. Deputy For - eign Minister Mariliza Xeno-Gi - AP PHOTO/THANASSIS STAVRAkIS annakopoulou backed Katseli, Protesters shout slogans out - according to the newspaper It’s America’s Duty to Protect the Ecumenical Patriarchate side the Greek Parliament in Kathimerini, and was supported central Athens, Nov. 15, 2010. by Transport Minister Dimitris More than 6,000 students and Reppas. As an Archon of the Ecu - he stated: Court of Human nonpolitical religious mission left-wing protesters demon - “We have to stop this dam - menical Patriarchate, I was hon - “Freedom of re - Rights and U.S. • Ensure the continued strated against austerity mea - aging discussion about possible ored to be present earlier this ligion and expres - law. One of those maintenance and security of the sures, but, as Zorba said, “On job losses at DEKOs,” he said. month in New York at the an - sion lead to a treaties, the Treaty Ecumenical Patriarchate and its a deaf man’s door, you can “The troika has not asked for nual Archon meeting and to wit - strong and vibrant of Lausanne of personnel and the safety of the knock forever.” them, even in the case of OSE.” ness the new class of Archons civil society that 1923, which estab - Ecumenical Patriarch as re - Well, yes it has, so he’s suggest - for 2010 that were invested at only strengthen the lished the rights for quired under all applicable economy retracts. I think they ing raising ticket prices, but the Holy Trinity Cathedral by state, which is why minorities in treaties called it something like a De - since nobody rides the trains His Eminence Archbishop Dim - steps like reopen - Greece and Turkey, • Remove all legal obstacles pression but no one surrounding that idea is about as helpful as itrios. It was an inspiring week - ing the Halki Semi - states in articles 37 to the functioning of the Ecu - Papandreou knows it because a band-aid on a sucking chest end, but also one whereby we nary will send such through 45 that the menical Patriarchate’s Halki Pa - their pay is never affected be - wound. Reppas said he’d be in are reminded of the extreme dif - an important signal Greek and Turkish triarchal School of Theology yond some symbolism. If you’re favor of limiting how much debt ficulties that the Mother Church inside Turkey and by NICK governments agree • Return more than 7,000 rich and taking bribes on the a public enterprise can amass. faces today from the Turkish beyond. An endur - LARIGAKIS to, among other, Patriarchal properties illegally side, a 10% pay cut doesn’t hurt. Here’s a suggestion: 0. This new government. It’s inspiring be - ing commitment to the following: taken by the Turkish govern - If you’re the working poor or el - calamity has been caused cause of the great pride we feel the rule of law is Special to • Protection of ment as effectively mandated by derly it means you start eyeing largely in part because the deep as we are witness to some of the the only way to The National Herald life and liberty the European Court of Human Fido’s dog food for dinner until spending cuts and tax hikes most powerful Greek Americans achieve the security without regard to Rights the day Fido starts looking have reduced the amount of rev - in the country who were gath - that comes from justice for all birth, nationality, language, race His All Holiness Ecumenical pretty good himself. enues expected to come in be - ered together and who claim the people.” or religion Patriarch Bartholomew is the So it’s not surprising that Pa - cause empty stores don’t pay most coveted of honors that a While we appreciate our gov - • Free exercise of religion spiritual leader of some 300 mil - pandreou, under more pressure taxes, and that means Greece lay person within the Greek Or - ernment’s concern, it would be • The right to establish and lion Orthodox Christians world - from the European Union and will, as expected but denied, thodox Church can attain, that more appreciated if this concern control charitable, religious and wide, including five million in International Monetary Fund miss its spending reduction tar - of Archon of the Order of St. were translated into practical ef - social institutions and schools. the United States. As an institu - (IMF,) who own Greece because gets and won’t be able to close Andrew of the Ecumenical Pa - fect. The most recent State De - Further, the continuing fail - tion, the Patriarchate is viewed they loaned the country $146 the gap enough on its once triarchate. As Archons, we are partment Country Report on ure by Turkey to comply violates as the primary source of the sta - billion to prevent a default on 15.1% deficit and $360 billion charged with a very solemn re - Turkey asserts numerous viola - U.S. principles of freedom of re - bility and preservation of the be - its loans (to bankers and in - debt. EU finance ministers told sponsibility: “The fundamental tions of religious freedom by ligion. The U.S. law expressed liefs and practices of the Churc - vestors who never lose) will re - Athens to further cut state goal of the Order of St. Andrew Turkey, including its continued in Section 2804 of the Fiscal hand is charged with specific nege on his promise (transla - spending, so instead of railway is directed at an ongoing con - Year 1999 Appropriations Bill, responsibilities. By every signif - tion: he lied) not to impose workers sitting in empty cars cern for religious freedom and calls for the Turkish government icant measure, it has an inter - more austerity measures and and cutting their fingernails and defense and advancement of the “The U.S. has failed to safeguard the Ecumenical Pa - national character, international will raise the Valued Added Tax, pocketing big pay checks being Ecumenical Patriarchate.” The triarchate, its personnel, and its functions, and international au - already at 23%, freeze pensions laid off, the slashes will come at Turks are determined to make to take any meaningful property, and to reopen the thority as an international reli - and cut spending, primarily in the hospitals and health care the task difficult. measures calculated Halki Patriarchal School of The - gious institution. Its interna - health care (is that Socialism? I and other places where PASOK The Archons, in recent years, ology. Section 2804 stems from tional legal personality exists by missed that class) – but not in has few votes, such as schools, under the leadership and direc - to relieve the destructive H.Con.Res. 50 that the Ameri - virtue of its status as “first the his party’s base, the state- although that could present a tion of their National Comman - effects of the can Hellenic Institute initiated among equals” in relation to the run enterprises such as the rail - problem for Papandreou when der, Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, Turkish actions and former Congressman Orthodox Christian Churches; way system nobody uses so it’s he’s up for re-election in 2013: have made great strides to in - Michael Bilirakis introduced. that relationship is inherently losing $1 billion a year and dri - Vote for Me, I Cut Your Pay, Pen - crease awareness, not only in Further, under the International international because the vers are making upwards of sions, Schools and Hospitals. the U.S., but also internation - refusing to allow the Halki Pa - Religious Freedom Act of 1998, Church centers are outside the $130,000 to drive near-empty The new vise on workers ally, regarding the continuous triarchal School of Theology to (22 U.S.C.A. § 6441, 6445) borders of Turkey. It is time for trains while teachers making may be more than they can take hardship and duress by which function and the taking of real (IRFA,) the President must op - the U.S. to convert sentiment $25,000 are getting 20% pay and public unions already are the Patriarch and the institution property owned by the Ecu - pose violations of religious free - into action and begin to more cuts. Socialism at its finest. planning another strike and of the Ecumenical Patriarchate menical Patriarchate. In addi - dom in any country whose gov - fully recognize and understand Finance Minister George Pa - demonstration on Dec. 15, a fu - are burdened by the Turkish tion, The United States Commis - ernment “engages in or tolerates the significance of the Eastern paconstantinou – with a straight tile exercise since The Troika government. And this month, sion on International Religious violations of religious freedom Orthodox Christian Ecumenical face – said: “We have not yet holds the mortgage on Greece. the Archons are hosting a his - Freedom (USCIRF) announced and promote the right to reli - Patriarchate. The way to start won the battle but we are now “It is a pretty big extra toric international conference in in its 2010 recommendations to gious freedom in that country.” would be for the President to in a better position to deal with squeeze,” Ben May, a London- Brussels titled: Religious Free - the Congress, White House, and The Act further obligates the implement the provisions of the the real problems ... a wasteful based economist with Capital dom: Turkey Bridge to the Eu - State Department, that it is President to take one or more IRFA with respect to Turkey. The state, problematic state compa - Economics told The Irish Times. ropean Union. keeping Turkey on the Watch of 15 enumerated actions with title: His All Holiness nies and tax evasion.” He didn’t “It spells bad news for the econ - Our government needs to be List as one of the most serious respect to any such country. Bartholomew I, Archbishop of mention that the waste was in omy . . . We are not convinced doing more too. offenders of freedom of religion The President must express Constantinople, New Rome, and the unions he wants to protect that the government can get its U.S. officials repeatedly tell towards non-Muslim communi - to Turkey through all available Ecumenical Patriarch, should while slashing the throats of debt down to a more sustainable us that they are very concerned ties. USCIRF defines this as a diplomatic and bilateral means not be taken lightly. teachers, doctors and genuine level without having to do some about this issue. But the U.S. country “where religious free - that it is obligated to: workers who show up, unlike sort of restructuring,” he added. has failed to take any meaning - dom conditions require close • Recognize the international Nick Larigakis is the Executive political no-show jobs that won’t Papandreou has denied that will ful measures calculated to re - monitoring due to the nature legal personality of the Ecu - Director of the American be touched or railway workers happen, so based on his track lieve the destructive effects of and extent of violations of reli - menical Patriarchate and its Hellenic Institute. who run trains to nowhere. record you know it will and that the Turkish actions towards the gious freedom engaged in or tol - UNSTOPPABLE TRAINS means more bad news for Ecumenical Patriarchate. And erated by the government.” The Papandreou now will have to Greeks who can’t take any more yet, ironically, every time I dis - current legal restrictions im - go back on his word, an easy U- of it unless they’re in the Insu - cuss this issue with State De - posed by the Turkish govern - GUEST EDITORIALS turn because politician’s backs lated Class of the rich, politi - partment officials, it seems to ment on the Ecumenical Patri - have no vertebrae, and not go cians and their pets who could elicit the more understanding archate are unlawful. These The National Herald welcomes manuscripts representing a variety of after the public transport com - care less if workers had 100% than any other issue concerning restrictions include requiring the views for publication in its View Points page. They should include panies (he’s forgotten about the pay cuts as long as they got Turkey. Patriarch to be a Turkish citizen the writer’s name, address, telephone number and be addressed to tax evaders too because not one, theirs. Everybody knows, the WHAT DOES and prohibiting the training of the View Points Editor, The National Herald, 37-10 30th St., LIC, Ny none, zero, nada, zilch, tipota, poor stay poor and the rich stay OBAMA THINK? priests and the forcible closing 11101. They can also be e-mailed to english.edition@thenational - of any standing has been rich. That, of course, is the real This sentiment was echoed of the Halki Seminary. Each of herald.com. Due to considerations of space we enforce a strict 850- charged although they steal $30 lesson of Economics 101. by President Obama in his his - these restrictions violate inter - word upper limit. we reserve the right to edit. billion) because his minions toric speech at the Turkish Par - national law, applicable treaties, won’t let him. Wesley Snipes is [email protected] liament on April 6, 2009 when judgments of the European 12 THE BACK PAGE THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2010 Unchanged Thrace: The Beautiful Part of Greece Next To Turkey

By Alexander Billinis to a fresh squeezed orange juice, along with our coffees. He took When conjuring images of a chair and began. “Relations Thrace in Athens, or among between us and the Muslims are Greek-Americans, the most good, why should they not be? likely impression is one of a wild We are neighbors.” Continuing, remoteness, or of Muslim vil - he said, “My parents were lages and soggy military bases thrown out of Asia Minor. No - along Greece’s highly milita - body should be thrown out of rized, river frontier with Turkey. their homes. We must be able Poverty, remoteness, and per - to live together.” Another patron haps a sense of danger or at a neighboring table said, “other” also come to mind. All “only events and people from of these impressions, or stereo - the outside cause trouble here.” types, have some basis in fact. My wife nodded, as she said Thrace is at the edge of Greece, similar things about the violence its northeastern frontier, border - in Yugoslavia - the pot seemed ing ex-Communist, ex-enemy to have been stirred from afar. (now European Union partner) Walking up into the heavily Bulgaria, and, of course, Turkey, Muslim upper town felt like that mini-continent of a country passing from one century and and Greece’s nemesis for over one reality to another, but such 1,000 years. Thrace is the only quarters existed in all Balkan place in Greece where you will towns before the wars and pop - find locally rooted Muslim pop - ulation exchanges created ulations, and in a country where monolithic, mono-ethnic states, patronage is dealt from Athens, at least in Greece and Turkey. remote, heavily Muslim Thrace Local Turks were shy but received few perks, so the re - friendly, and when we lost our gion is indeed poor. way, an older man, speaking to What is also true is that an older lady in pantaloons and Thrace is utterly beautiful and veil, broke off his conversation fascinating, a kaleidoscope of and insisted in taking us himself culture with the backdrop of tra - all the way back to the center. ditional architecture and green He spoke fluent but accented, mountain landscapes. Some of ungrammatical Greek, and Greece’s most beautiful, and when I thanked him in Turkish, least impacted, topographies lie he bowed ever so slightly and in this “distant” province. Wind - smiled, wishing us a pleasant ing rivers, lakes, beaches both visit to “our beautiful town.” more beautiful and less crowded AN UNEASY ALLIANCE than elsewhere in Greece make After lunch in a rustic tavern for an active holiday in a rich off a cobblestone street, we cultural and contemplative set - Thrace, next to Turkey and Bulgaria, still offers unspoiled went for a quick coffee before ting. Further, Thrace can hardly scenes, buildings that show the architectural influences of dif - our next part of the trip. Here be called remote, Alexan - ferent periods, and access to the sea. It's a gateway region as we chose an artsy café, in Au - droupolis, on the Turkish fron - well. gust almost empty but with tier, and Kavala, just to the west peeling posters for concerts, or of Thrace, both have airports yet unforgettable nooks and Gypsies, and Pomaks. Veiled apartment shares. In addition to with daily flights from Athens. crannies within a few hours’ women, some in traditional its multicultural residents, Xan - If traveling by car, the best reach of Athens and Thessa - dress, mingled in the crowd thi is a student town, hosting means to do the province justice loniki, but pull off the Germanic with Greek shoppers wearing, the Democritus University of is to allow two hours’ drive from autobahn, and you are back in almost declaratively, the latest Thrace, so the party atmosphere Thessaloniki, on the sleek Egna - Greece. At the Xanthi pull-off, a fashions. Mosques of great an - begins once the students return, tia Odos, Greece’s northern su - winding Balkan lane took us tiquity and delicate artistry and reaches a winter climax perhighway which cuts across into the bustling town. Imme - shared the cityscape and sky - with the pre-Lenten Carnival. the north of the country from crossing the river, I told my with liberal interpretation of diately the difference between lines with Orthodox churches Another time, now the moun - the Ionian Sea to the Turkish wife: “We have just crossed speeding limits, we downshifted here, and say, Kavala, a mere 30 immaculately cared for in this tains beckoned us. border. Greece’s ethnic frontier.” Prov - into Xanthi, to me Thrace’s most kilometers away, was obvious. interfaith city. Here outward Near Xanthi, we turned our The Nestos River separates ing my point, the first village on beautiful town. Xanthi at market time provides signs of religiosity also pro - car northward, and skyward, the provinces of Macedonia and the Thracian side displayed its Greece’s new highway sys - a feast for the senses: traditional claimed ethnic identity, and the into the Rhodope Mountains, the Thrace, which near the Aegean minaret, as did the other vil - tem is one of the best legacies shops, delicious late summer best example of this was a Greek Great Fence of Thrace, as the is rather wide and tranquil. On lages we sped by, and after 20 of EU membership, making this peppers of various hues, mix - fellow speeding by one church Byzantines called the chain. my first trip to Thrace, when or so minutes in Thrace, driving beautiful country’s most remote tures of people, Greeks, Turks, on his motorcycle, who These mountains had protected nonetheless managed to cross the Byzantine province, and Con - himself three times in quick suc - stantinople, both from raids and cession. from the more continental cli - A Land Stepped in History, Mystery THE OLD REMAINS mate of Bulgaria. The locals were Where most cities in Greece nearly all Pomaks, a Slav Muslim have consigned their old towns people who converted to Islam Thrace is an historical and geographic modern geographical region. In its early to the wrecking ball, Xanthi dur - about three hundred years ago. area in southeast Europe. As a geographi - period, the Roman province of Thrace was ing Greece’s feverish, and archi - Under Greek law, as Muslims, cal concept, Thrace designates a region of this extent, but after the administrative tecturally destructive, construc - they attend to Turkish language bounded by the Balkan Mountains on the reforms of the late 3rd Century, Thracia’s tion boom lacked the funds to school, and so have been increas - north, Rhodope Mountains and the Aegean much reduced territory became the six rebuild, and as a result the old ingly assimilated into the Turkish Sea on the south, and by the Black Sea small provinces, which constituted the Dio - architecture remains the norm, populations in the plains of Xan - and the Sea of Marmara on the east. The cese of Thrace. The medieval Byzantine and the law now protects these thi and Komotini. However, their areas it comprises are southeastern Bul - theme of Thrace contained only what to - old buildings. Minus the clamor language is a dialect of Bulgarian garia (Northern Thrace), northeastern day is Eastern Thrace. of cars, motorbikes, and cell and they are often extremely Greece (Western Thrace), and the Euro - With the Congress of Berlin in 1878, phones, it is easy to transport fair-haired and ruddy-cheeked, pean part of Turkey (Eastern Thrace). The Northern Thrace was incorporated into the yourself back centuries here, generally in contrast to their biggest part of Thrace is part of present- semi-autonomous Ottoman province of and imagine the Balkans a cen - swarthier Bulgarian, Greek, or day Bulgaria. In Bulgaria and Turkey, it is Eastern Rumelia, which united with Bul - tury or two ago, when Orthodox Turkish neighbors. also called Rumelia. The name comes from garia in 1885. The rest of Thrace was di - and Muslim inhabited the same We passed alpine villages, the Thracians, an ancient Indo-European vided among Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey space, not always comfortably, small brooks, and green fields people inhabiting Central, Eastern and at the beginning of the 20th century, fol - yet usually civilly. Xanthi’s that progress has left un - Southeastern Europe. lowing the Balkan Wars, World War I and streets would be familiar to any - touched. Occasionally we ob - The historical boundaries of Thrace the Greco-Turkish War. Today Thracian is have varied. At an early date, the ancient a strong regional identity in Greece, Greeks employed the term Thrace to refer Turkey, Bulgaria and other neighboring to all of the territory, which lay north of countries. Greece inhabited by the Thracians, a re - FAMOUS THRACIANS Greek philosopher and pioneer of gion which had no definite boundaries and AND PEOPLE FROM THRACE atomic theory, Democritus to which other regions, such as Macedonia • In Ancient Greek mythology, Orpheus and Scythia were added. In one ancient was the chief representative of the art of make the “‘worse (or weaker) argument Greek source, the very Earth is divided song and playing the lyre. appear the better (or stronger (3) that one into Asia, Libya, Europa and Thracia. As • Democritus was a Greek philosopher could not tell if the gods existed or not the knowledge of world geography of the and mathematician from Abdera, Thrace (see Agnosticism). Greeks broadened, the term came to be (c. 460–370 BC.) His main contribution is • Spartacus was a Thracian auxiliary more restricted in its application: Thrace the atomic theory, the belief that all matter soldier in the Roman army who deserted designated the lands bordered by the is made up of various imperishable indi - but was captured and then enslaved by Danube on the north, by the Euxine Sea visible elements, which he called atoms. the Romans. He led a large slave uprising (Black Sea) on the east, by northern Mace - • Herodicus was a Greek physician of in what is now Italy in 73–71 BC. His army donia in the south and by the Illyrian lands the fifth century BC who is considered the of escaped gladiators and slaves defeated (i.e. Illyria) to the west. This largely coin - founder of sports medicine. He is believed several Roman legions in what is known cided with the Thracian Odrysian king - to have been one of Hippocrates’ tutors. as the Third Servile War. dom, whose borders varied in time. During • Protagoras was a Greek philosopher • A number of Roman emperors of the this time, specifically after the Macedonian from Abdera, Thrace (c. 490–420 BC.) An 3rd-5th century were of Thraco-Roman conquest, the region’s old border with expert in rhetorics and subjects connected backgrounds (Maximinus Thrax, Licinius, Macedonia was shifted from the Struma to virtue and political life, often regarded Galerius, Aureolus, Leo the Thracian, etc.). River to the Mesta River. This usage lasted as the first sophist. He is known primarily These emperors were elevated via a mili - until the Roman conquest. Classical Thrace for three claims (1) that man is the mea - tary career, from the condition of common referred only to the tract of land largely sure of all things, often interpreted as a soldiers in one of the Roman legions to covering the same extent of space as the sort of moral relativism, (2) that he could the foremost positions of political power.

Some buildings and homes in Thrace are reminiscent of earlier times and are markedly different than traditional Greek struc - tures, and the effect of Turkish occupation.

one living in the Balkans in the served old military installations last century, before the politics from the years when Greece and of ethnic and religious unifor - Bulgaria were deadly enemies, Από το 1915 mity, were enforced by barbed and World War Two monuments για τον Ελληνισμό wire borders and population ex - honoring the Greeks who fell changes. Xanthi reminded my fighting the German who in - wife of Sarajevo, the Orthodox- vaded across these mountains. Muslim capital of Bosnia, where We reach the Nestos River, in she studied architecture just as the mountains a frothing torrent Yugoslavia was disintegrating cutting canyons reminiscent of violently into history. Despite the US Pacific Northwest. Over the lovely and calming effects this alternate route and crossed of architecture, and a half-cen - another picturesque bridge back tury of living together as Yu - into Greek Macedonia, where a goslavs, Sarajevo exploded into more ethnically uniform Greece ethnic violence. Could it hap - re-emerges. Xanthi captivates pen here, in Xanthi? with its lovely setting and ex - This question went through quisite architecture from a by - my mind as we sat down for cof - gone era. Here one feels that fee, in a wooded café not far history is not just in the past, ΤΟΤΕ και ΤΩΡΑ from the upper town, next to a but part of a live continuum. Its rocky stream. The fresh breeze beauty is a fragile one, balanced Εγκυρη και έγκαιρη ενημέρωση με μέτρο flowing up from the small on the knife’s edge of ethnic pol - trickle served as a natural air itics, and its citizens live with a conditioner for an August day. lust for life and a heightened (718) 784-5255, 888-547-9527 ext. 108 - 109 • Fax: (718) 472-0510 Exhibiting a hospitality also con - sense of community and civility. e-mail στο [email protected] • www.ekirikas.com signed to Greece’s “roads less For a glimpse of the past and, traveled,” the proprietor treated perhaps, a view to Greece’s fu - me to a tsipouro, and my wife ture, visit Thrace.