O c v ΓΡΑΦΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ Bringing the news ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΣΜΟΥ to generations of ΑΠΟ ΤΟ 1915 The National Herald Greek Americans A WEEKLY GREEK AMERICAN PUBLICATION c v www.thenationalherald.com VOL. 10, ISSUE 473 November 4, 2006 $1.00 GREECE: 1.75 EURO Angelides Community Shocked by Jolting Homicide-Suicide in Brooklyn Thankful Police: Man ambushed his wife with a sawed- For His Big off shotgun, then turned the gun on himself By Demetris Tsakas Mr. D’Atri said he’ll never shake Special to The National Herald the memory of seeing the double- Benefactor barrels of the gun bearing down on NEW YORK – The Greek American them as Mr. Skellas, who would Community in Brooklyn was have turned 49 the next day, Angelo Tsakopoulos shocked by a double murder last charged at his wife screaming weekend, when 48-year-old John something in Greek before shoot- Has a Lot to Do with Skellas stalked his estranged wife ing her in the head. Karen outside her home and shot “I was standing outside her Treasurer’s Success her dead with a sawed-off shotgun house and talking to her. He came after a heated argument. Minutes out of nowhere,” Mr. D’Atri said. By Juliet Williams later, he turned the gun on himself “They spoke. She kept saying, ‘No, Associated Press and dropped dead, right on top of no, no,’ and something in Greek, his victim’s blood-stained corpse, and he fired.” SACRAMENTO (AP) – After their the smoking weapon falling to his BLINK OF AN EYE only debate earlier this month, side. Mr. D’Atri’s first thought was State Treasurer Phil Angelides in- The couple’s daughter came that he was witnessing a joke of troduced Governor Arnold home shortly after the shooting and some sort. “I didn’t know who it Schwarzenegger to a special friend, burst into tears as she saw her par- was,” he said. “He was apparently a diminutive Greek immigrant who ents dead. “That’s my mother. She’s hiding his weapon in his sleeve. He had been sitting near the front, cen- the only one I’ve got,” Angela Skel- fired once. I don’t know if it mis- ter stage. las screamed before police took her fired or hit what she was carrying His name was Angelo K. away. in her hands. I wasn’t sure if it was Tsakopoulos, a multimillionaire Mrs. Skellas, 44, a mother of real, or if it was a Halloween prank. who is not widely known outside two was killed while accepting a He backed up a little, and then in the Sacramento area except to housewarming gift, when her new- the blink of an eye, he came for- those involved in California poli- ly estranged husband rushed up ward again and fired a second tics. The name was instantly famil- and shot her with a shotgun he had shot.” iar to Schwarzenegger. hidden up his sleeve, police and That shot killed Mrs. Skellas, he The Governor smiled, shook his witnesses said. He then reloaded said. Mr. D’Atri said the weapon ap- hand and remarked, "We all need and shot himself to death. peared to be a sawed-off shotgun. these people as friends in this life." The murdered woman, an ad- He ran away, seeking refuge at a Tsakopoulos has been a very ministrative worker at Lutheran neighbor’s house. good friend to Angelides, himself Medical Center, had only just days As Mr. D’Atri rushed to get the descendant of Greek immi- DEBBIE EGAN-CHIN/PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW YORK DAILY NEWS before moved into an apartment at neighbors to dial 911, he said, Mr. grants. Angela Skellas is consoled at her mother’s murder scene in Brooklyn last Sunday afternoon, October 29. 2261 E. 2nd Street in Gravesend, Skellas ran down the block and re- The 70-year-old Sacramento Karen Skellas was reportedly stalked and ambushed by her estranged husband, John, who shot his wife having left her husband with plans area land developer played a cru- with a sawed-off shotgun and killed himself. to divorce him, said a coworker, Continued on page 3 cial role in getting Angelides to that John D’Atri. debate stage at Sacramento State “She was such a lovely person. University. He has given millions to Karen was well loved as a person Angelides' various campaigns for and a colleague, very highly re- public office, as well as to other spected at the hospital. I got her out candidates, becoming one of the Costa Gavras Receives Honorary Ph.D of the house, and this animal is Andy Athens most influential political players in stalking her,” Mr. D’Atri said, California. By Beverley MacDougall Universities know the meaning of All eyes are on the renowned adding that he felt he unintention- Reflects on This year, Tsakopoulos and his Special to The National Herald pageantry. The setting is almost like filmmaker and director, who shuf- ally lured his colleague into the am- family have given the vast majority a painting depicting a 16th Century fles uncomfortably in his seat. bush. of their $11.6 million in political VANCOUVER, B.C. – As the haunt- courtyard in Venice, rather than a “Costa Gavras’ dedication to cin- Sobbing and shaking, Mr. D’Atri SAE’s History contributions to help Angelides' bid ing wail of the bagpipes drifts out 21st Century ceremony on Cana- ema as director, writer and actor is retold the chilling details of the car- for governor. They donated nearly towards the mountains and accom- da’s west coast. matched by his steadfast commit- nage he witnessed about 1 PM last $9 million to help Angelides over- panies a throng of students and fac- The packed audience patiently ment to furthering this most impor- Sunday, October 29, after dropping By Theodore Kalmoukos come a bruising Democratic prima- ulty, a legendary filmmaker and di- listens to Simon Fraser University tant medium. Costa Gavras has re- off a housewarming gift for Mrs. Special to The National Herald ry challenge from State Controller rector takes his place on the podi- President Michael Stevenson ele- ceived many awards, including the Skellas, who split with her husband Steve Westly, and more than $2 um wearing, for the first time, the gantly announce, “Mr. Chancellor, I Palme d’Or for ‘Special Section’ and the previous week and moved in BOSTON – Andrew Athens, the million this election season to help hood and gown of Simon Fraser am honored to present a consum- an Oscar for ‘Missing.’ His work with her daughter. prominent Greek American busi- the California Democratic Party run University. He takes his front-row mate artist whose chosen medium has been nominated numerous Mr. D’Atri said he dropped by to nessman from Chicago was the television commercials favoring seat amid scholars and dignitaries, is film; who combines an unerring times by such august bodies as the deliver a housewarming gift shortly World President of the Council of Angelides. each of whom proudly wears the eye with a confident directorial Berlin International Film Festival, before 1 PM last Sunday, and Hellenes Abroad (SAE) for the last The family's collective contribu- colors of his or her alma mater. touch and a profound social con- the French Academy of Cinema and watched in horror as Mr. Skellas, 11 years. This time, he said, he de- tions to Angelides and the Democ- The vision that remains on the science to create cinema that edu- wearing a hooded sweatshirt, ap- cided not to seek re-election be- ratic Party constitute the greatest podium of honor is spectacular. cates, entertains and provokes.” Continued on page 5 proached and shot Mrs. Skellas. cause a new law passed by the level of support from one entity any Greek Government, which now candidate has received in a single limits SAE presidents to a five-year race, said Ned Wigglesworth, poli- term, has diminished the position cy director for California Common of the president to a powerless cer- Cause, a political watchdog group. emonial role. Only Hollywood producer, Greeks Left Now in his eighties, Mr. Athens Stephen Bing, has given more, is as energetic as ever. “I am twice about $40 million in favor of Their Mark on 40 years old,” he quipped, adding Proposition 87, an initiative which that he will continue to look after would tax instate oil production. healthcare facilities he has helped "I don't know of any single big- Pro Wrestling established in the Balkans and for- ger spender at the state level in the mer Soviet republics to care for U.S. -- for one year, for one race," Hellenic communities who live in Wigglesworth said. By Steve Frangos those countries and desperately Tsakopoulos' company, AKT De- Special to The National Herald need quality medical care. velopments, has left a mark on He spoke openly about the orga- much of the capital region, from of- From the early 1900’s until the nization he has headed since its in- fice buildings to suburbs which 1930’s, Greeks dominated the sport ception in 1995, but he refused to stretch in every direction. His name of wrestling in North America. endorse anyone who is attempting is on the downtown library and a When wrestling was a legitimate to succeed him in December (re- Hellenic Studies department at the sport, Jim Londos was the unde- gional elections are being held this feated champion who was as recog- weekend), although he also said he Continued on page 2 nized a national figure as Jack it would be good for the organiza- Dempsey. tion to have a president from out- No one knows how many Greek side of the United States. immigrants became professional Asked about the SAE and its wrestlers, but it is clearly docu- contribution to global Hellenism, mented that they quickly became a Mr. Athens said, “I think that I have The Niarchos recognized and widely feared con- accomplished something, and the tingent. Those who know a little SAE leadership has tried to do Foundation’s something about the very begin- whatever it could. After I was elect- nings of Greek athletic competition ed president in 1996, I traveled all in North America will find limiting over the world, with my own mon- New Projects this account to the early 1900’s a ey. The first allocation of money mistake. from the Greek Government came Greek strongmen were actively in January of 1997, so a period of ATHENS – The Stavros Niarchos performing across the United one and one half years had elapsed Foundation is preparing to embark States by the early 1880’s. AP/COSTAS TSIRONIS without any funding. Many people on three new projects of great rele- Theodore Costaky was typical of Cultural exchange through dance for friendship on the board couldn’t afford to vance to Hellenic culture, detailed this era’s strongman/wrestler. One travel extensively, but that was nor- in a letter personally presented to brief New York Times’ account Dancers perform a traditional Italian dance during a United Nations-backed event aimed at using dance to mal. You don’t expect the elected Greek Prime Minister Costas Kara- “Greek George’s Challenge” pro- promote greater familiarity and friendship between people near Athens this past October 26. members of the board to be in a fi- manlis by the Foundation’s execu- vides us more than enough infor- nancial position to travel at their tive director in Athens, Epaminon- mation about this period, as well as own expense because it is very ex- das Farmakis. the sensationalized showmanship pensive to travel.” Plans for the construction of a which was already part of this Asked if he had requested funds national library, music hall and cul- sport. from the Greek Government, Mr. tural events park are set forth in “Tedory George Costaky, known Greek Orchestra Receives Rave Reviews Athens said, “Every week, and the this correspondence. in the sporting world as ‘Greek answer was always, ‘we’re working The completion of these projects George,’ the wrestler, arrived from By Demetris Tsakas world-renowned Mexican tenor “Greece made its presence felt. on it… we’ll see, we need to sit will ultimately depend upon how Boston yesterday and immediately Special to The National Herald Rolando Villazon, and received ac- The sounds of Greece filled these down and discuses regional bud- receptive the Greek Government posted $100 for a match with any claim from out-going U.N. Secre- chambers. The works of the Greek gets,’ and so on. I submitted the will be to the proposals. According athlete at Greco-Roman or catch- NEW YORK – The National Sym- tary-General Kofi Annan and sever- artists featured in these perfor- budget of each region, and includ- to a press release issued by the as-catch-can style for a purse not to phony Orchestra of the Hellenic al notable international figures, in mances are pure poetry, which ed the world office, but they said Foundation, as well as ads appear- exceed $500 a side. This offer, he Public Broadcasting Company, ERT, addition to thousands of concert- transcends language barriers and this amount was unacceptable – ing in some of Greece’s largest said last evening, would stand until was in New York for two historic going New Yorkers who lavished speaks to all people,” Mr. Rous- that it was too much.” newspapers (and also in the Na- his match with Charles Green, the performances at the United Nations the musicians with standing ova- sopoulos said at the U.N. General Asked how much the Greek Gov- tional Herald), an initial study will English champion, which is to take and Lincoln Center last week, and tions. Assembly’s Great Hall on Wednes- ernment has allocated for SAE’s first be conducted according to “the place per agreement within four received favorable reviews. Mr. Villazon performed three day afternoon, October 25. “This world office over the past 11 years, scope, complexity and funds need- weeks from January 21 at Philadel- The symphony orchestra’s two- songs in the Greek language and evening, our country presented an Mr. Athens said, “I don’t know the phia or Scranton. It is to be catch- night performance included poetry said, “After this musical perfor- image that honors everyone who exact amount because, since 1997, Continued on page 4 as-catch-can, Lancashire rules, best from Constantine Cavafy and No- mance, I feel like a Hellene. I feel partakes in Greek letters and com- it was not more than $800,000 a two out of three falls, no holds belists George Seferis and Odysseas the lyrics flowing through my prehends this culture.” year. I’m talking about actual barred, for the championship of the Elytis, accompanied by the musical blood.” Representing the Greek Govern- monies received for operations, not To subscribe call: 718.784.5255 world. During his stay in the city, compositions of Mikis Theodorakis, His Eminence Archbishop ment, Mr. Roussopoulos was con- for the World Convention, the re- e-mail: Greek George may possibly give an Manos Hatzidakis, Spyros Sama- Demetrios of America, Greek Gov- gratulated by representatives of the gional conventions and those type [email protected] exhibition of horseback wrestling. ras, Demetris Lagios and Demetris ernment Spokesman and Minister U.N.’s 192 member states and of things.” He has been in the West and South Papademetriou. of State Theodoros Roussopoulos, many high-ranking officials. Mr. Athens noted that SAE since his last visit here, and had The orchestra, performing un- U.N. Security Council members, Mr. Annan thanked the Greek North & South America Regional enough engagements to keep him der conductors Andreas Pylarinos and diplomats from all over the Government and the Alexander S. Vice President Chris Tomaras might in good form (February 4, 1889).” and Steven White, featured famous world, including the U.N. ambas- Onassis Public Benefit Foundation be correct when he told the Nation- *110406* soloists Fotini Dara, Tasos Apos- sadors of Greece and Cyprus, at- Continued on page 5 tolou, Andreas Smyrnakis and tended both concerts. Continued on page 4 Continued on page 4 2 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 4, 2006 Charlie Crist’s Strength is in Winning Hearts GOINGS ON... ■ THROUGH NOVEMBER 26 most beautiful and beloved music By Brendan Farrington BALTIMORE, Md. An antiquities of the classical and operatic reper- Associated Press exhibition entitled “Things with toire,” featuring works by Brahms, Wings: Mythological Figures in An- Mozart, Puccini, Astrinidis, PENSACOLA, Fla. (AP) – State At- cient Greek Art” is hosted at the Theodorakis and others. Donation torney General Charlie Crist jumped Walters Art Museum, 600 North $20. For more information, call off a campaign bus and was imme- Charles Street in Baltimore. Explor- 917-371-1158 or visit the web at diately met by an adoring crowd. He ing the various manifestations of www.HellenicMusic.org. put his arm around a mentally re- winged beings in ancient Greek tarded man, crouched down and Art. For more information, call 410- EAST NORTHPORT, N.Y. The Ladies talked to a group of school children, 547-9000 or visit the web at Philoptochos Society of Saint kissed women, hugged men, signed www.thewalters.org. Paraskevi’s Church in Greenlawn autographs and posed for photos. will be celebrating 50 Years of Phil- His eyes sparkled; he smiled and ■ NOVEMBER 4-5 anthropy on Thursday, November 9, laughed; and it was clear the Repub- NEW YORK CITY. Saint John the at Larkfield Manor in East North- lican gubernatorial candidate en- Baptist Church in Manhattan (143 port (507 Larkfield Road) at 7 PM. joyed being with the people. Stand- E. 17th Street, between Third Av- Tickets are $55. The evening will ing a few yards away, State Senator enue and Irving Place) will be hold- consist of Greek music, dinner and Durell Peaden watched with admi- ing its annual festival on Saturday, dancing, featuring the Magges. For ration and said, "That's the real November 4, from 11 AM to 6 PM. reservations, contact Elaine Here- Charlie Crist. Trust me." The festival will feature Greek mu- takis at 631-543-5122 or Georgia A day earlier, Crist was asked sic, food and pastries. “Come and Constantine at 631-543-5187. during a debate what he would do enjoy gyros, souvlaki, tiropita, to control growth. He talked about spanakopita, dolmades, Greek cof- BERGENFIELD, N.J. St. Anthony’s Florida's great weather, how every- fee, baklava, loukoumades and Antiochian Orthodox Church is one wants to move here and the im- much much more.” For more infor- holding its 29th annual Internation- portance of protecting the Ever- mation, contact the church at 212- al Festival from Thursday to Satur- glades, but didn't really answer the 473-0648 or Stephanie Hatzakos at day, November 9-11, in Bergenfield question. A week earlier the group, 212-732-9000, or visit the web at (385 Ivy Lane). A variety of quality Aging With Dignity, expressed frus- www.stjohn.ny.goarch.org. merchandise will be offered at dis- tration that Crist was vague or pro- counted prices, and an array of vided no answers on a candidate ASTORIA. Volunteers are needed to mouthwatering multi-ethnic en- questionnaire. assist with a 10-hour telethon trees and desserts will be sold to eat That's the real Charlie Crist, too. broadcast on NGTV (Time Warner in or take out. There will be musical No one argues about Crist's abili- Digital Cable Channel 509) and AN- entertainment each evening. My ty to make personal connections AP/WILFREDO LEE TENNA North America on Sunday, Big Fat Greek Wedding Band will with people. He's a likable guy who Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist, the GOP’s gubernatorial nominee, and Congresswoman Ileana November 5, from 2 PM to midnight delight the crowd on Saturday is sometimes compared to former Ros-Lehtinen (R-Florida), play with Neil Lucas Fernandez, 7 months, grandson of the owner of a printing at NGTV studios in Astoria, Queens night. St. Anthony’s is celebrating President Clinton when it comes to company Crist was touring in Doral, Florida this past October 18. Crist enjoyed a slim lead in the polls to raise much-needed funds for tele- its 50th Anniversary. For more infor- the ability to charm people. over his opponent going into this coming Tuesday’s election. vised services at the Archdiocesan mation, call 201-568 8840. But no one will confuse him for Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in (out-going) Governor Jeb Bush, in 2000, and later as the state's first values, it has to do what he's sees them." Manhattan each Sunday and on ■ NOVEMBER 14 whose brain is like an encyclopedia elected Republican attorney gener- learned from his parents, sisters and And if even if he's not talking at high holy days. The Divine Liturgy WASHINGTON, D.C. The Southeast of state policy, when it comes to al. his grandfather, a Greek immigrant length about policy, at least he's lis- is broadcast live from Holy Trinity Europe Project cordially invites the talking details on issues. Crist has also shown that he can who Crist says turned a shoe shine tening. Cathedral every Sunday morning community to attend, “Greek Uni- Crist, 50, is facing Congressman think independently of party leader- business into the American Dream. "The most important quality of a from 10 AM to noon each Sunday versity: Policy Reforms in Higher Jim Davis in the November 7 elec- ship, refusing to get involved in the "I'm just telling what I believe, public servant is to be a good listen- throughout the Tri-State area, re- Education,” a lecture by Richard tion to replace Bush, who can't seek Terri Schiavo right-to-die case; stay- and that's what any candidate er, and I strive to do that," Crist quiring $120,000 annually to sus- Jackson, president of American re-election because of term limits. ing in Tallahassee when Bush and needs to do with sincerity," Crist said. "My heart bleeds for people, tain. Volunteers are needed to work College of Thessaloniki, on Tues- Crist was elected to the Florida other Republican leaders were in said. and I have empathy for them." at the studios of NGTV that day, es- day, November 14, from 10 AM to Senate in 1992, where he earned South Florida campaigning against Senator Mel Martinez, who has And some people like the fact pecially to answer calls coming into 11:30 AM at the Wilson Interna- the nickname "Chain Gang Charlie" slot machines; taking a "live and let been close to Crist and one of the that he can listen to ideas that De- the phone bank, but also to help tional Center for Scholars (1 for passing a bill which requires live" attitude on gay civil unions; most active public officials cam- mocrats claim. with numerous other tasks. For Woodrow Wilson Plaza, 5th Floor felons to serve at least 85 percent of and saying he wants to change paigning with him, said Crist's "That's what I like about him. more information on how to help, Conference Room, 1300 Pennsylva- their sentences. hearts, not abortion laws. views on issues aren't crafted for He's not extreme," said Phyllis call the Cathedral Office during nia Avenue NW). RSVP accep- He then challenged U.S. Senator He's also not your typical Repub- political purposes. Robinson, 69, of Pensacola, a Re- normal business hours (212-288- tances only, e-mail: sep@wilson- Bob Graham in 1998, basically serv- lican candidate for governor. He's "Charlie leads with his heart. publican who said she sometimes 3215) or Andrea Pappas at 917- center.org. For more information, ing as the party's sacrificial lamb not a millionaire. He doesn't own He's a very sincere and open guy. votes for Democrats because she 691-4161; or visit the web at call 202-691-4310. against the popular Democrat. But property, choosing to rent a down- That's who he is and how he feels," uses her intuition about people. www.thecathedral.goarch.org; or e- the failed run built his name recog- town St. Petersburg condominium. Martinez said. "He's not a manufac- "You just look in his eye, and he mail [email protected]. LOS ANGELES, Calif. “Holy Image, nition and a network which helped He drives a Jaguar, but bought it tured political figure, he's just seems like a nice guy. He's cute Hallowed Ground: Icons from elect him education commissioner used. When he talks about family someone who strikes them as he too." HUNTERDON COUNTY, N.J. Met- Sinai,” a visually stunning exhibi- ropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey tion featuring 43 icons and 5 manu- is scheduled to make a historic scripts from Saint Catherine’s archpastoral visit to the new Saints Monastery, will be on display at the Nicholas, Constantine & Helen J. Paul Getty Museum through Church in Hunterdon County on March 4. Nestled at the base of Angelides Owes Much of his Success to Tsakopoulos Saturday-Sunday, November 4-5. Mount Sinai in Egypt, Saint Cather- The new parish community’s recep- ine’s is the oldest functioning Chris- Continued from page 1 mously beneficial for Angelides in Tsakopoulos' dream started mons mailers and other advertis- tion for His Eminence will begin at tian monastery in the world, with a his political life, too. small, in Greece, where the family ing. 6:30 PM on Saturday at Razberry’s collection of more than 2,000 Sacramento State campus. During last spring's Democratic received letters from relatives liv- The race was by far the most ex- in Flemington, New Jersey with a Byzantine icons, some dating back The family patriarch has bought primary, Tsakopoulos and his ing in America. An uncle in Lodi pensive in county history, said Wey- “Grecian Wine and Dine” event to to the 6th Century. For more infor- and sold thousands of acres during daughter, AKT President Eleni sponsored his move, and let him gandt, who was re-elected anyway. support the Parish Building Fund. mation, visit the web at his three decades as a developer, Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis, con- live in an unheated outbuilding. He "Here in Placer County, he All members of the Greek Orthodox www.getty.edu/museum. and reportedly controls as many as tributed $8.7 million to fund an An- did not speak English, but attended hooked up very comfortably with community are invited (space is 40,000 acres in the region. gelides counter-attack against school nearby and rode a bus on the Placer County Republican Cen- limited; please call Doniki Ibrahim ■ NOVEMBER 17 The National Herald, the coun- Westly. weekends to nearby farms, where tral Committee," Weygandt said. at 908-534-8675 to make reserva- ASTORIA. The Cyprus and Chian try's only Greek-language daily "It's conventional wisdom that he earned money by picking fruit. This spring, Tsakopoulos also tions). On Sunday, the Metropoli- Federations of America and PSEKA newspaper, estimates his fortune at the money spent by the Tsakopou- Later, he attended Sacramento gave $4,200 to Republican Rep. tan will preside during the Divine cordially invite the community to about $800 million. That would los campaign decided the 2006 De- State, where he was a member of John Doolittle of Rocklin, a conser- Liturgy service, to be held at the attend, “Turkey’s European Union make Tsakopoulos the fourth mocratic gubernatorial primary. It the school's boxing team, and spent vative who is among the GOP in- Parish’s temporary house of wor- Candidacy and Cyprus: Challenges wealthiest Greek American, ac- doesn't get much more influential his weekends selling real estate. He cumbents being targeted this fall by ship, the Allerton United Methodist for Turkey – Perspectives from cording to Publisher Antonis H. than that," Wigglesworth said. learned to buy land strategically, Democrats. The family controls Church in Annandale, New Jersey Academia, Law and Medicine,” a Diamataris. The family considers it a privi- often in still-undeveloped markets land in Doolittle's district. (Orthros at 7:45 AM, Divine Litur- seminar organized by the Center "He is one of the pillars of the lege to participate in the political outside major centers. A proposed AKT housing project gy at 9 AM). For more information, for Byzantine & Modern Greek community. He supports almost all process, Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis To keep that empire growing, in San Joaquin County also has be- visit the web at www.go- Studies – CUNY and the Cypriot of the major undertakings of the said during an interview with The Tsakopoulos and his family have come an issue in the mayoral race church.org. Students Association of America, (Greek American) community," Associated Press. She said their be- become major financial players in in Tracy. Candidates in the quickly featuring remarks by Dr. George Diamataris said. "I know presi- lief that all people should have the local, state and sometimes congres- growing city are divided over a BOCA RATON, Fla. Saint Mark’s Anayiotos, senior economist for the dents, senators and congressmen same opportunities is most closely sional politics. planned AKT development and lav- Greek Orthodox Church of Boca IMF in Washington, D.C.; Dr. Chris- have gone to his house; he has held aligned with the Democratic Party. Despite their huge donations in ish spending plan for the city. Raton is hosting “Ambassadors of tos Ioannides, director, CBMGS – fundraisers for them." "They were the ones who were support of Democrats, they also On the Sacramento-El Dorado Christ,” a Pan-Orthodox religious CUNY; Euripides Evriviades, Cypri- Angelides' association with the fighting for the policies that would have backed well-placed Republi- county line, a Tsakopoulos propos- education teacher training seminar ot Ambassador to the U.S.; Andreas kingmaker began when he ap- allow the farmworker kid to be- cans, particularly in local races. al to develop thousands of acres of and workshop on Saturday, No- Mavrogiannis, Cypriot Ambassador proached Tsakopoulos about a job come a civic leader, or a business Tsakopoulos gave $100,000 to ranchland could help fund a new vember 4, from 9 AM to 4 PM for all to the U.N.; and Michalis Ignatiou, while working for the state housing leader," she said, referring to her fa- Republican Jerry Simmons in his arena for the NHL's Sacramento who work with young people or in- journalist for MEGA TV and author department under then Governor ther's job working on a Lodi farm heated campaign for the Placer Kings, whose owners are in a power struct adults in religious education. of “The Secret Archives of Jerry Brown in 1983. Angelides, a after he arrived in America in 1951 County Board of Supervisors, struggle with local officials over an Registration $20 per person ($15 Kissinger.” The seminar will take Harvard graduate, quickly rose to at the age of 15. where 12-year incumbent and fel- arena funding measure on the No- for groups of ten or more). Includes place at the Chian House in Astoria the top of AKT before setting out to "I certainly do believe, and my low Republican Robert Weygandt vember 7 ballot. breakfast and lunch. For more in- (44-01 Broadway) on Friday, No- earn his own millions, often work- father believes, that it is the Demo- has questioned a pending Over the years, Tsakopoulos also formation, and to register, e-mail vember 17, from 6 PM to 9:30 PM. ing with Tsakopoulos and other cratic Party that is most motivated Tsakopoulos project. has tangled with environmental- [email protected] or as- A buffet reception featuring Cypri- Greek developers. to keep the American dream alive," Tsakopoulos' son, Kyriakos, also ists. He fought one project all the [email protected], or call 561- ot cuisine will be held afterwards The friendship has proven enor- she added. spent more than $100,000 on Sim- way to the U.S. Supreme Court. 994-4822. (coffee break at 8 PM). For more in- The justices eventually affirmed formation, call PSEKA at 718-545- that he violated the Clean Water SEATTLE, Wash. “The Divine Litur- 7202. Act at least 358 times, using "deep- gy by Tchaikovsky,” the work which ripping" on federal wetlands to opened the floodgates to new musi- ■ NOVEMBER 19 convert a San Joaquin County cal creativity in the Russian Ortho- NEW YORK CITY. The Archdioce- ranch and shrimp farm to vine- dox Church, will be presented by san Cathedral of the Holy Trinity IT’S YOUR PARTY. yards. Capella Romana (guest director, Cathedral Philoptochos will honor Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis said Mark Bailey, Yale Russian Chorus) George & Alexandra (Wentworth) she believes environmentalists and on Saturday, November 4, at Holy Stephanopoulos at the 53rd Annual ENJOY IT. developers can co-exist. But she Rosary Church in Seattle (4139 Chrysanthemum Ball, to be held said creating housing for Califor- 42nd Avenue SW) at 8 PM. For Sunday evening, November 19, at nia's growing population should be more information, call 503-236- the Metropolitan Club in Manhat- equally as important as protecting 8202 or 866-822-7735, or visit the tan, beginning at 6:30 PM. Mr. natural spaces. web at www.capellaromana.org. Stephanopoulos, the son, grand- ZENON CATERING can make entertaining Those kinds of competing inter- son, nephew and godson of Greek a little easier. We specialize in Greek and Cypriot ests cause some people to question ■ NOVEMBER 9-11 Orthodox priests, was named ABC Angelides' closeness with Tsakopou- NEW YORK CITY. The Hellenic Amer- News’ Chief Washington Corre- cuisine—appetizers, entrees, and desserts your guests will los, and to wonder what kind of po- ican Bankers Association cordially in- spondent in December 2005, and just love! Our authentic BBQ even lets you offer the litical sway he might hold in the gov- vites the community to attend a cock- began anchoring “This Week with ernor's office if Angelides is elected. tail reception in honor of His Excel- George Stephanopoulos” in Sep- enormously popular whole lamb charcoaled. During a recent interview with lency Andreas D. Mavroyiannis, tember 2002. Alexandra Elliott Any event, any size—20 to 200, sit-down or The Associated Press, Angelides did Cypriot Ambassador to the United Wentworth, an accomplished ac- not directly answer a question Nations, at the Cyprus House in Man- tress, is the daughter of Mabel buffet—we provide glassware, tableware, cooks about what favors friends such as hattan (13 E. 40th Street) on Thurs- Cabot, who served as social secre- Tsakopoulos might seek from him. day, November 9, at 6:30-8 PM. TOP- tary for First Lady Nancy Reagan in and waitstaff… Everything you need to make He said he has always opted to do IC: “Cyprus, an Emerging Player in a the White House, and Eric Went- life easier right through clean-up. It’s your party… the right thing. Volatile Region.” This is HABA’s an- worth, formerly a reporter for The "I'm proud to have Angelo nual charitable event. All proceeds to Washington Post. Tickets: $300 Enjoy it. And leave the cooking to us. Tsakopoulos as a friend. He's been benefit the Cyprus Children’s Fund. ($125 for age 25 and under). Inner a very committed leader in our Minimum donation $25. Those un- Circle Table of ten: $5,000. For state," Angelides said. able to attend can make checks more information and reservations, payable to the Cyprus Children’s call Catherine Moutoussis at 212- Fund (c/o Kyriaki Christodoulou, 13 249-7244, Eleni Karatzas at 212- E. 40th Street, New York, NY 663-2579, or the Cathedral at 212- CORRECTION 10016). For more information, con- 288-3215. tact HABA at 212-421-1057 or ad- In last week’s edition (October [email protected] 28, 2006), the wrong byline was ■ NOTE TO OUR READERS inadvertently ascribed to the ASTORIA. The Hellenic Music This calendar of events section is a Olympia Dukakis interview Foundation cordially invites the complimentary service to the Greek For more information call 718-956-0133. (page 1). The interview with Ms. community to attend its 7th Annual American community. All parishes, Dukakis was conducted and writ- Gala Benefit Concert on Saturday, organizations and institutions are Zenon Catering • 34-10 31st Avenue • Astoria, NY 11106 ten by Beverley MacDougall, the November 11, at the Stathakion encouraged to e-mail their informa- Serving the Tri-State Area. National Herald’s freelance cor- Cultural Center in Astoria (22-51 tion on any Greek-related event 3-4 respondent in Vancouver, not by 29th Street, between Ditmars weeks ahead of time to english.edi- Evan C. Lambrou. The National Boulevard and 23rd Avenue) at [email protected]. Herald apologizes for the error. 7:30 PM. “Enjoy an evening of the THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 4, 2006 COMMUNITY 3 Brooklyn Community Shocked by Murder-Suicide, As Estranged Husband Kills his Wife with a Shotgun

Continued from page 1 ened violence in the past, leading Mr. Lykourezos, who knew the ents’ bloodied bodies lying on the to the separation. couple and their family fairly well, sidewalk, outside the three-story loaded. He said Mrs. Skellas had recently told the Herald he couldn’t under- house where her mother lived. Another neighbor, who declined told him she feared for her safety stand the killer’s motives. He said Niki Mastrandrikos, who has to give his name, said he saw what and was thinking about getting an his restaurant has been at its cur- been consoling Angela from the be- happened next. “He shoots the order of protection against her hus- rent location for the past nine years, ginning of her ordeal, explained woman. He goes back and drops band, who had battered her for and that Mr. Skellas lived on the that the 23-year-old is having an the shells,” he said. Then the man years. next block. During that time, he immensely difficult time coping returned to Mrs. Skellas’ fallen “To my understanding, she was added, he never observed anything with the tragic loss of her parents body on the sidewalk and shot him- waiting to see his reaction to the di- suspicious in the couple’s relation- and will need everyone’s help in the self. vorce, if there was going to be a ne- ship, nor did he ever have a sense weeks and months ahead. “We are “He blasted away and went cessity for an order of protection,” that they were fighting and experi- working with Maria Petrou (a down right on top of her,” the man he said. “She had felt threatened in encing marital trouble. Marathon Bank manager at the said. “He must have shot himself in the past.” He characterized Mr. Skellas as branch on 87th Street and Fourth the stomach.” Police said Mr. Skellas did not hard working and good family man: Avenue in Bayridge) to open an ac- After witnessing the shooting, appear to have a criminal record, “Skellas built a house in his wife’s count so we can help cover the fu- Mr. D’Atri’s attempts to find refuge however, and that there was no his- village of Kalamoti in Chios. He also neral expenses and lend our sup- on E. 2nd Street were futile, with tory of domestic violence between had a cottage in Delaware, because port to the children,” said Ms. Mas- neighbors frightened by the loud the two. Friends described Mr. Skel- he loved hunting.” trandrikos, who comes from gunshots. One neighbor, Rina las as a construction worker who Mr. Skellas worked as a contrac- Megara, Crete and was close to the Louzieh, said she was startled enjoyed hunting, police said. tor with a large Brooklyn-based Skellas family. when a man appeared at her door. The couple had two children in Greek American construction com- When asked about the murder- “We just heard shots, three their twenties, a son who is a con- pany. According to company em- er’s motive, Ms. Mastrandrikos said, shots. This man came to our home. tractor and daughter who is plan- ployees, he was a hard worker, “They were a loving couple, and He said, ‘Please open your door. ning to enter the New York City Po- calm, and kept a low profile. everything the press is writing Someone wants to kill me.’ He lice Academy during the next term, “In all the years he worked with about the state of their relationship TNH/COSTAS BEJ pushed too much. He’s too big. He neighbors of the family’s Bay Ridge us, he never showed the slightest could not be further from the truth. ABOVE: George Lykourezos (right), owner of Spartan Souvlaki in said, ‘Please, someone wants to kill home said. sign of any suspicious behavior, and What is most important now is that Brooklyn, where John & Karen Skellas often ate together, and Mike me.’ I said, ‘Let him kill you out- George Lykourezos, 52, the own- we can’t understand his motive, or we stand by the two orphaned chil- Tsagaris. Lykourezos said he never saw signs of any marital problems side.’ And that’s it, I shut the door,” er of Spartan Souvlaki on Eighth Av- the reasons that led him to take his dren and ease their pain.” between husband and wife. BELOW: The bodies of John & Karen Skel- she said. enue, where Mr. Skellas often came wife’s life, along with his own,” a Details about the funeral ser- las, and the sawed-off shotgun that killed them, lay on a Brooklyn No one from the neighborhood for Greek salads, said Mr. Skellas coworker told the Herald, offering vices and burial of Mr. & Mrs. Skel- street, as NYPD officers investigate the scene where a horrific murder- seemed to know about trouble in approached him about four days his deepest condolences to the Skel- las have not yet been announced at suicide took place last Sunday. the marriage, but Mr. D’Atri said he earlier. “He came in and asked if I las’ two children and surviving rela- press time. believed Mr. Skellas had threat- knew any investigators,” he said, re- tives. Angela Volandis, president of the ferring to his friend by the name The Herald also caught up with Brooklyn-based Panagia Giatrissa John. “I said, ‘John, I don’t know Angela Skellas’ boyfriend this past (Our Virgin Lady the Healer) Soci- anybody.’ ” Monday morning, as he was trying ety contacted the Herald to inquire The next day, Mr. Lykourezos to clean up the blood-drenched about the couple’s two children and said, Mr. Skellas returned: “He said, sidewalk, where Angela’s parents ask for their address. Mrs. Volandis ‘Forget about it. I took care of it. I took their last breath. He said his said she plans to visit the young don’t need him anymore.’ ” girlfriend does not want to speak woman at her home and offer the Grieving relatives refused to dis- with anyone and is still too shocked condolences and support of all the cuss the tragic couple last night, but about the simultaneous loss of her organization’s members. people who encountered Mr. Skel- parents. He spoke about Mrs. Skel- “Angela and Spiro need every- las before the shooting said he las with respect, but indicated that one’s help and support. Even showed no hint of the impending vi- the perpetrator was had been abu- though we know we can’t heal the olence. sive towards her. wounds caused by their parents’ The owner of a nearby deli, who Marathon Bank Vice President tragic death, we believe that we can gave her name only as Mrs. Lee, 59, Zoe Koutsoupakis, who heads the embrace them with love, and offer said Mr. Skellas came in most days bank’s Brooklyn branch, knew Mr. our moral and financial support,” for his favorite chewing gum, and Skellas quite well, and remembered Mrs. Volandis said, citing the orga- also bought a loaf of Italian bread his wife fondly. nization’s willingness to contribute the day of the murder, displaying no “She was a special woman, a towards the funeral expenses. sign of what was to come. special mother and wife. What took “Panagia Giatrissa typically “He’s such a nice person. No place is very sad for the community. works behind the scenes, and out of trouble. Like a happy family,” Mrs. No one can understand the reasons the public eye. Presently, we have Lee said, describing Mr. & Mrs. behind this tragedy. Certainly, this covered the funeral expenses of Skellas walking their pet pit bull to- was no way for someone to resolve eight needy Greek Americans in gether. “Every time quiet, and he their problems,” she said. full, and we are determined to con- smiled.” Grieving family members in- tinue the work we have begun. Our Maria Lykourezos, a waitress at cluded the victim’s parents, resid- goal is to ease pain and heal the Spartan Souvlaki on Eighth Av- ing in Chios, and her sister, who wounds,” she added. “We ask every- enue, told the National Herald that lives in Indiana, and reached one willing to contribute to this ef- husband and wife were regulars at Brooklyn this past Monday evening fort to contact our office at 718- the restaurant and often talked to stand by the orphaned children 921-3830.” about their children Angela, 23, and and attend her funeral. Spiro, 25. “I’m shocked because he The children’s relatives, and The above incorporates informa- didn’t look like a troubled guy,” she their friends in particular, have tion from reports published by said. “He seemed very nice. He was stood by Angela as she recovers the New York Times and New

RAMIN TALAEI always joking around.” from the shock of seeing her par- York Daily News. Patriarchate Elects V. Rev. Kantzavelos to Episcopate

By Theodore Kalmoukos Eparchial Synod, was unable to at- Special to The National Herald tend because of an illness. Speaking to the National Herald, BOSTON – During its regular meet- the newly elected Bishop of ing on presided by His All Holiness Mokissos said, “I glorify the name of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew God for this exceptional blessing of Constantinople this past Monday, and honor which He has bestowed October 30, the Holy & Sacred Syn- upon me. I respectfully thank His All od of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Holiness, our Ecumenical Patriarch, unanimously elected Archimandrite Bartholomew and the members of Demetrios Kantzavelos, chancellor the Holy & Sacred Synod of the Ecu- of the Metropolis of Chicago, to the menical Patriarchate for the honor episcopate. and trust which they have shown to- The Ecumenical Patriarch sent a ward me. I also thank His Eminence telegraphed message on Monday Archbishop Demetrios and the evening, notifying Archbishop members of the Holy Eparchial Syn- Demetrios of America, Metropolitan od of our Archdiocese for the trust in Iakovos and the newly elected hier- my humble person and the majority arch. vote during the triprosopon selec- tion process. Many thanks to me spiritual father and mentor Metro- politan Iakovos of Chicago and to all those who supported me with their prayers and wishes.” Asked about the ordination, Bishop-Elect Demetrios said he had not yet learned when it would be scheduled. Born in Chicago to Greek immi- grant parents, Father Kantzavelos, named as “one of the 12 people to watch” by the Chicago Sun-Times (January 5, 2003), grew up as an ac- tive participant in the life of the city’s historic Assumption Greek Or- thodox Church community. His ear- ly education was in private academ- ic settings, including the Missouri Synod’s Lutheran High School North. From there, he went onto Hellenic College and Holy Cross Archimandrite Demetrios Seminary in Brookline, where he ob- Kantzavelos tained his master’s in Divinity de- gree with high distinction in 1987. Bishop-Elect Kantzavelos of Following graduation he pursued Mokissos will be an auxiliary Bishop post-graduate studies with Loyola of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese University’s doctoral philosophy of America, but he will be serving as program in Chicago, concentrating an assistant of Metropolitan Iakovos in metaphysics. of Chicago. The see of Mokissos was Having received a monastic ton- once a prominent Metropolis near sure, Father Kantzavelos was or- Caesarea under the jurisdiction of dained to the Deaconate at his home the Ecumenical Patriarchate. parish by then-Bishop Iakovos of The Very Rev. Kantzavelos’ elec- Chicago in October of 1989, after tion was expected after the over- which he served three years as the whelmed majority of votes he re- Bishop’s deacon. He was ordained to ceived during the triprosopon the priesthood in 1992, and elevat- (three-person ballot) selection ed to the rank of Archimandrite in process held by the Holy Eparchial 1995, both through the hands of Synod of the Archdiocese this past Bishop Iakovos. Since then, he has Please call and ask for Polly October 19. served as assistant to the bishop, as 212-986-2022 • 646-678-9403 Father Kantzavelos received sev- associate pastor of the Annunciation en votes from the eight voting hier- Cathedral in Chicago, and presently 1-866-SMILEYLAW archs. Metropolitan Nicholas of De- as chancellor of the Metropolis of (1-866-764-5395) troit, the ninth member of the Chicago. 4 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 4, 2006 Federation of Hellenic Societies Members Complain to Andy Athens Reflects on his Archbishop Demetrios about Improper Elections in June 11-Year Experience with SAE

By Stavros Marmarinos Continued from page 1 gions, and they established the bud- Special to The National Herald get for each region, and regions will al Herald recently that the Greek be individually responsible to report NEW YORK – His Eminence Arch- Government has given a total of to the minister’s office, and this bishop Demetrios of America met $12-13 million during the 11-year means that, from now on, the world with members from the coalition period since the organization was president, becomes a ceremonial fig- which was barred from June 4 elec- established. urehead.” tions at the Federation of Hellenic When asked if he had furnished Mr. Athens refused to take a posi- Societies of Greater New York, and an accountability report to the gen- tion on any of the candidates – to in- other federation constituents, for eral assembly regarding how much clude Mr. Tomaras and renowned about two and a half hours last Fri- money was allocated by the Greek author Nicholas Gage – who are day afternoon, October 27. Government, and how much was seeking the world presidency at the Petros Galatoulas, head of the spent and for what purposes, Mr. Thessaloniki convention next disqualified coalition, Elias Tsek- Athens said, “The Government told month. “I think I should be neutral. I erides, Harry Callas, George Geor- us, ‘we are giving you the money, don’t want to come out and endorse gopoulos, Apostolos Tomopoulos, and the accountability should be giv- any one person.” Constantine Lambrakis and en to us,’ and we do that every year, He also declined to take a posi- Joachim Barbalios al met with the so it doesn’t only go to KP&G, which tion on this weekend’s elections for Archbishop in His Eminence’s office is one of the eight largest auditing the regional president of the Americ- at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese companies in the world. And please as. of America in Manhattan. don’t forget that we have treasurer. When he was asked whether the The delegation conveyed its bit- The monies go to the treasurer, and next SAE world president should ter disappointment that His Emi- he keeps control.” come from the Unites States, he said, nence swore in the Federation’s When Mr. Athens was told that “Maybe it would be a good thing, for new board and its president, Nicos the National Herald has heard fig- a term, for a president to be located Diamantides, on October 15. ures between $72-120 million given outside of the United States.” Mr. Diamantides has assumed to SAE, he rejected those reports out Mr. Athens also conceded that control of the Federation, even of hand: “No way,” he said. SAE could have contributed more to though the validity of the election TNH/COSTAS BEJ Mr. Athens disclosed that he has the Greek American community. is still being challenged in court. At Members of a delegation from the Federation Of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York met with Arch- spent some $200-300 thousand of “The organization has not con- the meeting, the delegates argued bishop Demetrios of America last week to discuss their positions. (L-R) Apostolos Tomopoulos, George his own money each year for his tributed very much to the Greek that the election was not valid, and Georgopoulos, Joachim Barbalios, Elias Tsekerides (seated), Constantine Lambrakis and Harry Callas. SAE-related travels and expenses be- American community, but I think it presented the Archbishop with a cause 0of his commitment to the or- has contributed to the smaller com- petition circulated by the disquali- point Mr. Tsekerides reiterated that can Community, and that the best sonal property, but something that ganization’s mission: “I’m a very munities. In the smaller communi- fied coalition requesting a new they did not feel indignant, but solution is to sit down and come to the entire Greek Community must dedicated man. I’ve been working to ties, even in Canada, they like to see round of elections in the immediate rather “disappointed.” an agreement for a new round of be involved with. It was good that a help advance Hellenism and Ortho- that we are organized, and we are a future, in order to ensure better or- Members of the delegation also Federation elections to be held be- meeting was held. The Archbishop doxy for 55 years. I did it before SAE, world organization, so they embrace ganization of the Greek Indepen- told Demetrios that the Federa- fore Christmas.” is our spiritual father, and I have no and I’ll do it after SAE,” he said. it and they are emotional about it.” dence Day Parade. tion’s current administration rests The Archbishop was also fur- problem with this meeting. The He also spoke about the Greek Speaking about the Greek American When asked to comment on the on the recent swearing-in ceremo- nished with a file of documents re- Archbishop is the one who always healthcare Centers he has estab- role in SAE, he said, more contribu- delegation’s meeting with the Arch- ny to prove that the Church has val- lated to the legal proceedings. The tries to guide us down the straight lished in some six countries, to in- tions. “What do we need? There are bishop, Mr. Diamantides insisted idated them. On behalf of the entire delegation stressed that, “if Mr. path,” he said. clude Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia probably more Greeks on the For- that there were no improprieties delegation which met with the Diamantides’ side shows good faith “We were given our instructions and Albania. tune 500 now than there ever were.” with the elections. “The current Archbishop, however, Mr. Geor- and casts ego aside, we can reach by the Board of Elections, which “I made an arrangement with the The SAE American Regional Con- administration of the federation is gopoulos called the meeting pro- an agreement for the good of the was elected by the Federation’s United States Government, and be- ference is being held on November legal, according to the ruling of the ductive. Federation and the community, be- general assembly. The elections cause of the influence we had in 3-5 in New York. The meeting was court,” he said. “We delivered our unaltered re- cause their actions during the elec- were legitimate and accurate. The Washington, Congressman Ben originally scheduled for back in Sep- In a statement to the National quest to His Eminence, in writing, tions were completely improper Board of Elections instructed us to Gilman of New York – who was tember, but it was postponed due to Herald about the Archbishop’s re- that democratic elections be held as and anti-democratic since, effec- form a board of directors. This is in chairman of the House International lack of participation. action to their complaint, Messrs. soon as possible,” he said. “We tively, they trumped the election keeping with Federation bylaws, Relations Committee at the time – One of the main purposes of the Georgopoulos, Tsekerides, Callas must not waste time with the ex- process and took over the Federa- which give precise directions about asked me, ‘Andy, what are you do- Conference, in which some 200 del- and Barbalios said His Eminence cuse that preparations must first be tion.” the steps that must be taken. The ing,’ and I told him I have developed egates are expected to participate, is skirted around using the term, undertaken for the Parade, and The Greek American community other side brought this matter to four healthcare centers on my own, to elect the regional president. “swearing in,” to describe his ac- other such justifications.” is presently divided, the delegation the courts, and thus, I believe that on behalf of SAE, and that I have fea- Thus far, Three heads of Greek tions, and claimed that the new Parade preparations usually be- explained to the Archbishop, they tarnished the good name of sibility studies for six countries American Organizations have open- board was not sworn in, but “af- gin in earnest after the New Year. adding that the blame lies with Mr. the Federation,” he added. where Hellenes are living, and that I ly expressed interest in the regional firmed,” leading to confusion Delegation members recapped Diamantides’ side. When asked to comment on the would especially like to help coun- presidency: Ted Spyropoulos, presi- among the delegates with regard to the events which took place before Speaking about this meeting, Archbishop’s reported explanation tries which the United States wants dent of the Hellenic American Na- the meaning of this term, since an and after the Federation elections Mr. Diamantides called the Arch- that the ceremony was not a to embrace. He went to the State De- tional Council, an umbrella organi- oath of office was administered. this past summer. bishop’s meeting with candidates “swearing-in” but an “affirmation,” partment and explained what I was zation of 23 out of a total of 27 Fed- “His Eminence told us that they “The Archbishop gave the im- and constituents from the opposing he replied, “I don’t know what Arch- doing, and he came back and said, erations of Hellenic Societies ‘affirmed’ all the irregularities pression that he knew about the sit- coalition a positive step, arguing bishop Demetrios, who is a good ‘Look, if you can raise one third from throughout the U.S.; Philip Christo- would have to be resolved in a uation, but was not familiar with that his team adhered to Federation and worthy spiritual father, means the private sector, the U.S. Govern- pher president of PSEKA (Interna- timely manner. He also told us that the details,” Mr. Georgopoulos bylaws and that the opposition’s ac- by this. All I know is that we asked ment gives one third and the Greek tional Coordinating Committee – he himself would try harder to help said. “We explained that candidates tions have stained the Federation’s to be sworn in because we are the Government gives one third, we got Justice for Cyprus); and Michael facilitate tranquility in the Federa- from the other coalition, which is reputation within the wider com- legitimate administration of the a deal, because I would like to devel- Servos, president of the Pan-Epirotic tion.” currently running the Federation, munity. Federation of Hellenic Societies. I op a humanitarian partnership with Federation of America, Canada and The Archbishop reportedly told mistreated people who served in “Surely, the meeting with the would like to say that, if there is any the Greek American community, Australia. the delegation that he understands this organization for many years. Archbishop was beneficial. The antagonism between the coalitions, Greece and the United States.’ So I Mr. Christopher would be a can- their “indignation” regarding the Redress through legal recourse is other side has to understand that it should not be brought before our went to Prime Minister Simitis be- didate under the auspices of the Fed- swearing-in ceremony, at which painful for the entire Greek Ameri- the Federation is not anyone’s per- Church authorities.” fore he left office, and I said to him, eration of Hellenic Societies of ‘You have made me a beggar,’ and re- Greater New York, currently headed minded him that he and Mr. Papan- by Nicholas Diamantides, because dreou had already agreed to this. Cyprus is considered a separate re- Then he called his people in, and gion within SAE. told them, ‘We agreed to this,’ and The Greek Government under Greek National Television’s Symphony Orchestra Gets then I went from office to office; PASOK established SAE in 1995, waited for half an hour; and then through the efforts of the former they told me, ‘We don’t have the deputy minister of foreign affairs, Rave Reviews For Concerts at U.N. and Lincoln Center money, nor has the budget hasn’t Gregory Niotis. Its original objective come in yet.’ ” was to unify Hellenes of the entire Continued from page 1 Mr. Athens said he is creating an- Diaspora. other organization called Hellenic The Greek Government has fund- for their contributions to this “im- Care. “We’re going to have our own ed SAE from its inception up this portant event,” noting that it would board right here in the United day. Nobody knows for sure the total be the last time he would be attend- States,” he said, noting that a amount the Greek Government has ing annual celebrations as secre- telethon is scheduled later this allocated for SAE programs and op- tary-general, since his second term month. erations, however. expires at the end of the year. Mr. Athens has been elected to Mr. Spyropoulos said that, ac- Mr. Annan also spoke about the the world presidency of the SAE cording to former foreign ministry importance of poetry and music as every year since its inception, and officials, the Greek Government has a means for achieving mutual un- has traveled seven million miles given $72 million officially, and up derstanding, peace and security, with American Airlines alone. But to $120 million unofficially. encouraging those present to con- this year, he has opted not to renew In 1995, the late Archbishop tinue their efforts towards the his candidacy. Iakovos attempted to become the peaceful coexistence of nations. “This was discussed at length be- first world president of SAE, but he Mr. Roussopoulos thanked Mr. tween myself and Deputy Foreign was prevented from doing so by the Annan for his ten-year service to the Minister for Hellenes Abroad Pana- Ecumenical Patriarchate because the U.N. and spoke about the signifi- giotis Skandalakis. As you know, the archiepiscopal office could not coin- cance of culture in today’s world. He law has been changed. The minister cide with the presidency of a secular stressed the timeless and ecumeni- now has direct control over the re- organization. cal messages found in the poetry of Seferis, Elytis and Cavafy. He also spoke about the unique nature of Greek music, citing that its com- posers brought poetry to the people through their musical arrange- Niarchos Foundation ments. “When Elytis prays to ‘the in- telligible sun of righteousness,’ ask- ing that his country ‘not be forgot- Unveils Upcoming Projects ten,’ he speaks not only for Greece,” Mr. Roussopoulos explained. “He Continued from page 1 visory board this past March 16 to speaks for every man and woman on discuss the development of these every corner of the planet suffering ed for the realization of these pro- projects. After that, the Ministry of from injustice and tyranny. The no- jects, during which all options will Public Works, the municipality of tions conveyed through poetry be analyzed by the Foundation and Kallithea and the Foundation be- about the needs, desires, fears and TNH/COSTAS BEJ related government ministries and gan working together to map out dreams of people in one particular Conductor Andreas Pylarinos, left, and soloist Fotini Darras during the Hellenic Broadcasting Corpora- departments.” the location of the new buildings place are, at the same time, relevant tion’s (ERT) National Symphony Orchestra concert, “Greece: Poetry in Music – Cavafy, Seferis and Elytis,” The Foundation expressly states and discussed matters of urban to each and every one of us, to all of at the Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall in Manhattan last Thursday evening, October 26. The ERT Orches- that, “once the board of directors planning. The projects are set to be humanity; like the idea that the hu- tra also performed at the U.N. General Assembly’s Great Hall the previous evening. deems that this phase has been suc- built at the old racetrack located man person is our greatest posses- cessfully completed, our Founda- there. The next steps in the process sion. Culture unites us through com- York. I believe this risk paid off, as musical works with a specific eth- international attention,” noting tion will be in a position to fully involve an initial study, followed by mon values, upon which we can the crowd’s reaction clearly indi- nic, yet simultaneously internation- that it is important to Greek musi- commit itself to the completion of a memorandum of understanding build a better tomorrow.” cates,” Mr. Papademetriou said. al, flavor since Hellenic culture it- cians that Greek music is seen for these projects and sign a memoran- between the government and Foun- U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Ambassador Tsilas said the con- self is, by design, completely hu- more than just its ancient or folk- dum of understanding detailing the dation. for communications Shasi Tarur certs were “fabulous,” citing the manistic, ecumenical and, as we loric aspects. terms and conditions agreed upon According to the layout fur- presented the program and noted “great promotion of Hellenic cul- would say today, universal.” “It’s crucial that modern Greek with the respective government nished by the Foundation, the na- that “the language of music” unites ture through music and poetry.” Miss Dara, a popular soprano masterpieces be promoted abroad, agencies.” tional library will include national the world. The president of the The concert was given on the oc- and actress in Greece, received and that message came across in In its letter to the Prime Minis- gallery, previous and current na- 2006 U.N. General Assembly, Sheik casion the U.N.’s 61st anniversary. warm rounds of applause at both these shows,” he said. ter, the Foundation states its intent tional bibliographies, and many Haya Rashed al Khalifa, also re- The event was conducted under the the U.N. and the Lincoln Center’s Mr. Pylarinos thanked the crowd on fully funding the planning, con- other works from the existing li- ferred to “the power of music and auspices of the Greek Foreign Min- Alice Tully Hall. for its warm welcome, saying “I es- struction and equipping of the brary. poetry.” istry, and was made possible “Every time I perform in venues pecially want to thank the Greek three projects, encompassing The Foundation’s goal is to Onassis Foundation President through a generous grant from the like these, I feel very moved at the American community. They are 200,000 square meters at the Phal- make the new library one of the Antonis Papademetriou and Am- Onassis Foundation and ERT. thought that I am representing my Greeks twice over, because they iron River delta in downtown most modern in existence, through bassador Loukas Tsilas, executive “I am happy that our Foundation country in an international venue. struggle tooth and nail to preserve Athens. These projects – the the Internet, which will facilitate director of the Foundation’s New could support this effort,” Mr. Tsilas This feeling is even greater now, Hellenism here.” Stavros Niarchos Foundation Na- patrons in Greece and abroad. The York office, respectively, were also said. In addition to the U.N. perfor- since this is a site of worldwide Commenting on Mr. Villazon’s tional Library, Music Hall and Cul- Foundation also wants to make the present, as was ERT President & mance, he noted, “over a thousand peace efforts, where we can all participation, he said, “It’s a tural & Educational Park – will be national music hall rival the world’s CEO Christos Panagopoulos. people attended Thursday night’s come together as friends. This is tremendous honor when a foreign built according to the highest mod- top opera houses and concert halls, The Foundation played a lead- performance at Lincoln Center (on the true meaning of our perfor- musician sings in our language. ern international standards, and providing it with excellent ing role in sponsoring the two- October 26). On two consecutive mances,” she said. This honors the artist, as well. It will be accessible to the Greek pub- acoustics and state-of-the-art tech- night performance. nights, at two different venues, Making his American debut, Mr. was the first time that he per- lic. Special care will be given to en- nical equipment. Finally, the cultur- “It took a concerted effort, not to Greek music and poetry was heard.” Apostolou said, “It’s very important formed in Greek, and his example sure that the facilities also have al & educational park will set aside mention some risk, to bring Greek Mr. Papademetriou noted that that the concerts were held at the proves that music is an internation- handicap access. a green area where many cultural, music to the center stage of the in- the Foundation “made a conscious United Nations and in New York, al language that unites the entire Prime Minister Karamanlis met educational and other events will ternational forum here in New choice to present Greek literary and because it automatically receives world.” with the Niarchos Foundation’s ad- be hosted. THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 4, 2006 FEATURE 5 Costa Gavras Receives Honorary Doctorate from Simon Fraser University

Continued from page 1 the American Academy Awards. Yet despite the acclaim, like all true artists, Costa Gavras has main- tained his vision and independence in a competitive and formula-dri- ven industry,” Dr. Stevenson said. Finally, turning to Chancellor Brandt C. Louie, Dr. Stevenson pro- claims, “Mr. Chancellor, on behalf of the senate of this university, I ask that you now confer upon Costa Gavras the degree of Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa.” Costa Gavras strides toward the microphone. He stands for a few seconds in silence, while his direc- tor’s eyes scan the audience. “I am breathless,” he whispers into the microphone. The great storyteller now has everyone’s attention. Mr. Gavras received his hon- orary doctorate from Simon Fraser during a ceremony attended by thousands of students, parents, fac- ulty and dignitaries. The entire event, held on October 4, took place outdoors with the mountains as a backdrop. Mr. Gavras delivered his speech, LEFT: (L-R) Dr. Michael Stevenson, President of Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, filmmakers Allan King and Costa Gavras and Dr. Andre which provided considerable in- Gerolymatos, Chair of SFU’s Hellenic Studies Department. RIGHT: Legendary Greek filmmaker Costa Gavras delivers his acceptance address af- sight into why he loves doing what ter he received his honorary doctorate from SFU last month. “What moves us on the screen is the life of the city. It’s called ‘polis’ in Greek,” he he does. said. BELOW: Greek Consul General in Vancouver George Aravositas, who hosted a reception in honor of Costa Gavras at his private residence. He spoke in a manner which made each member of the audience what the critic and semiologist with a film, we become the specta- also gave graciously of his time to received members of the local me- believe he was speaking to them di- Roland Barthes wrote: “All films tor of our own passions, of our own the students and faculty in our dia and Simon Fraser’s academic rectly: “What I do in life… what I are political… There is a political powers over others – and of the School for the Contemporary Arts,” community, as well as members of like to do is to tell stories by means element to all films… All films can powers of others over us,” Mr. Dr. Stevenson noted this in his pre- the Greek Canadian Community of images. In Greek, we call them be analyzed politically.” Gavras explained. sentation. and diplomatic community. SFU icons,” reflecting on the days of his These words ring true for the di- In his adopted country, France, Mr. Gavras paid another visit to Dean of Arts & Social Sciences John youth in Greece, and sharing his ex- rector who has educated several he tirelessly promotes national cin- the university in 2005, courtesy of Pierce and his wife Jan were also periences. generations through the medium of ema and supports French film the Alexander S. Onassis Public present, as were SFU Hellenic Stud- “In my youth, my imagination cinematography. crews. He served as director of the Benefit Foundation, and it was the ies Chair Andre Gerolymatos, se- was fed by these icons in the Mr. Gavras has always dealt Cinémathéque Francoise, and Foundation’s program for promot- nior members of the University’s churches where my parents took with issues which reach deep into played a central role in rejuvenat- ing Hellenism which was the cata- faculty and prominent members of me every Sunday or feast day. our political consciousness with ing that venerable institution, yet lyst for one of Canada’s premier the diplomatic corps. There, I was surrounded by a world films like “Z,” “State of Siege,” his beneficence reaches as far as universities to recognized and hon- For members of Vancouver’s full of amazing, fiery colors, and by “Missing,” “The Music Box,” “Mad the Canadian west coast. or a son of Greece. Greek community, the recognition extraordinary priestly characters. City” and more recently, “Amen,” “We at Simon Fraser University Greek Consul General in Van- of Mr. Gavras represents a moment They all imposed their presence “The Ax” and “The Colonel.” have also been the beneficiaries of couver George Aravositas acknowl- of pride which will be remembered and authority beyond the Church His works move the audience on his exceptional generosity. As a edged as much a few days prior to for years to come. into everyday life,” he said. several plains; the audience must guest of our Hellenic Studies Pro- the official ceremonies, during a re- “What moves us on the screen is think, question, sympathize, under- gram, he premiered ‘The Ax,’ and ception he organized in honor of Ms. MacDougall is The National the life of the city. It’s called ‘polis’ stand and, on occasion, even be re- asked that the proceeds be used by Mr. Gavras and SFU. Herald’s freelance correspon- in Greek. To me that’s what politics pelled by the human condition. the Vancouver International Film At the event, held in his private dent in Vancouver, British Co- is all about. That’s why I agree with “In a movie theater, confronted Festival fund for a new theater. He residence, Mr. Aravositas cordially lumbia. From Sport to Spectacle: Greek Americans Left their Mark on Pro Wrestling

Continued from page 1 manding figures in the world of Mike Dobrois, known as “The always called Steve Karas, the made him a rich man before the bered as the trainer of Lou Thesz, American professional wrestling. Slasher” and based in New York “Original Karas.” Pfefer’s point was 1929 stock market crash took the last of the true world-class catch-as- Others will contend that limit- DAPPER DRESSER City, claimed that the females tat- that, out of all the Greek wrestlers majority of his wealth. He died in a catch-can wrestling champions. ing this account to wrestlers whose LETHAL ADVERSARY tooed on his forearms were among then appearing throughout the car wreck in July 1933 at the age of Demetrios Tofalos, another principal fame was in the 1920’s Steve Bartis, of Spartan origin, his most notable fans. country with the last name “Karas,” 45. Olympic medal winner, was not on- through the 1930’s eliminates espe- was billed as “The Greek Chal- Tom George, known as the his wrestler was the first profession- Jim Londos (Christopher ly a professional wrestler in North cially noted champions like Johnny lenger.” Bartis was a junior heavy- “Greek Giant Killer,” was killed in a al wrestler to enter the ring with Theophelus) (1897 – August 19, America, but also a noted trainer (The Golden Greek) DePaulo weight with tremendous skill who plane crash while flying to Europe that name. Steve Karas was based 1975) was long cited as the most and promoter. Tofalos spent time in (1932-97), George “The Zebra was always a lethal adversary in with five other wrestlers for a USO in Boston, and his career crested in popular wrestling champion in the vaudeville, and was a tireless pro- Man” Bollas, John and Chris Tolos, the ring. Outside the ring, he was a (United Service Organizations) ex- the early 1930’s. history of the sport. Known as the moter of amateur athletes among and many others. dapper dresser. hibition tour during World War II. Konstantinos Kerveras (Konstan- “Golden Greek of the Mat,” many early Greek immigrants. Then again, other readers will Paul Bozell, another Spartan, Chris Jordan (died 1925), based tinos Tsamopoulos, 1889-1970), Greek Americans grew up hearing George Vassels, billed as the rightfully contend that I do not was known as a big, strong and par- in Birmingham, Alabama, was a “The Greek Lion” was a wrestler of their parents and grandparents say, “Greek Idol” by his manager Jack trace the origins of Greeks in Amer- ticularly mean wrestler, whose ca- star welterweight “open to anyone national standing whose frequent “drink your milk, if you want to Pfefer, was called “one of the bril- ican wrestling directly from the car- reer peaked around 1932. in his (weight) class,” who regular- triumphs appeared in the National grow up strong like Jim Londos.” liant Greeks of the Golden Days” of nival and circus midways as a mis- Nick Bozinis (died 1926) first ly defeated many professionals who Herald (see “Reclaiming a Greek Li- John Maxos (1930-31), billed as wrestling in the 1930’s. representation of the documented became known as a wrestler in greatly outweighed him. on: The Story of Gus Kerveras,” July the “Greek Hercules,” was seen as George Zaharias (Vetoyanis, facts. Elmira, New York and eventually Gust Karras (1902-76) was a 8, 2005 edition). the younger understudy of Jim Lon- 1908 – May 22, 1984) had a long But what particular individuals made his way down to New York one-time national middleweight dos and the rightful heir to the title and complex career not only as a within the Greek American com- City. Weighing only 190 pounds, champion, performed in all the ma- of national wrestling champion, a wrestler, but also as a promoter. munity may know of our collective Bozinis regularly defeated jor arenas of Missouri, Kansas, Ne- Various Internet listings powerful, skilled wrestler who Known as “The Crying Greek from past is one thing. What the general wrestlers 40-50 pounds heavier braska and Colorado from the early of famous Greek sports made a great deal of money and Cripple Creek,” Zaharias also wres- readership of the National Herald than himself. At one point in his 1900’s until his retirement from the then retired to Greece, where he be- tled with his two brothers, Chris knows about Greek American his- prime, Bozinis had difficulty secur- sport sometime in the 1930’s. Kar- figures have largely came a Greek Orthodox priest. and Tom, and his nephew Babe, as tory is quite another. ing matches, since there came a ras came to the United States when forgotten the vast Prince Mihalakas, who wrestled “The Wrestling Outlaws.” With no fully documented his- time when few professional he was 14 and lived in Chicago be- majority of these once in the mid-1930’s, was not of royal Zaharias’ career as a wrestler torical account of Greek immi- wrestlers dared to meet him in the fore moving to Chillicothe, Mis- blood, but he was definitely a mem- and promoter has been overshad- grants and American wrestling, we ring. He eventually opened a travel- souri. After he retired, Karras be- acclaimed athletes ber of the flashy showman school of owed by his marriage to Mildred El- are unfortunately forced to severe- ing carnival with James Stratas. came a very successful promoter, wrestling. la “Babe” Didriksen. Didriksen, the ly limit the scope of this account. Kostas Davelis was a successful working out of St. Joseph, Missouri John Kilonis, a one-time resi- Leo Papinnos wrestled in the daughter of Norwegian immigrants Various Internet listings of fa- wrestler who fought for the Greek with wrestling interests extending dent of Manchester, New Hamp- 200-pound weight division in the who always used her married mous Greek sports figures have army during the Balkan Wars. After into northwestern sections of that shire, was heavyweight champion 1930’s, retiring to Council Bluffs, name, won the gold medal in track largely forgotten the vast majority his professional career ended, Dav- state. in 1919. Iowa to run a night club sometime and field at the 1932 Olympics. of these once nationally and even elis became a referee. As Bill Scott recalled in his 1961 George Kondilis was recognized in the 1940’s. George Zaharias’ talent as a sports internationally acclaimed athletes, In the 1920’s, Bill Demetral, column, “Wise Owl: Column Re- as one of the great Greek wrestlers Jim Sarandos, known as “The promoter has never been adequate- but these professional Greek “The Greek Devil,” was a top called,” “Gust used to be a gallant before Londos appeared on the Smiling Spartan,” performed pri- ly considered in Babe Zaharias’ rise wrestlers often worked for decades. wrestler with brutal skill. Very early wrestler of note himself. He had scene. With his bushy mustache marily in the 1930’s, and was an es- as one of the first American female There were both regional perform- in his professional fighting career, wrestled with the circus and carni- and vicious style of wrestling, pecially strong draw in Boston. golf professionals. ers and those who worked the na- Demetral curiously was also a pro- vals for years before making it big Kondilis fit well into the “Mustache George Tragos, an Olympic This is only a partial listing of tional circuits. Not every man was a fessional boxer. Once retired from on the pro circuit. Then sturdy and Pete” stereotype of Greek wrestlers medal winner, was considered by Greek wrestlers of the Golden Era. prize-winning belt holder, but all sports, he became a Chicago police- muscular, Karras was known as the before Londos’ movie-star good many professional wrestlers to per- For those who have only seen the were seasoned, dedicated athletes man. ‘Chillicothe Kewpie Dolly,’ a tag looks displaced that imagery. sonify the “catch-as-catch-can” clowns of the current “spectacle” who performed almost on a daily Bill Demetrious, another Spar- hardly fitting, but one in keeping George Kotsonaros, “The Gorilla Greek wrestler. Aside from his ca- which is professional wrestling to- basis. tan-born wrestler, was known for with the Runyanesque pattern Man,” was so named because he reer as a professional wrestler Tra- day, it is nearly impossible to under- As even this limited listing at- his bar and chancery hold, which he which has been woven through his once appeared in a movie with that gos also worked with Tom Packs, stand the athletic skill these giants tests to the fact that professional developed into a powerful weapon career.” title. “Kots” was a very popular the Greek wrestling promoter. To- once exhibited all across North Greek wrestlers were once com- within the ring. Wrestling promoter Jack Pfefer wrestler whose work in silent films day, Tragos is perhaps best remem- America.

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Comments? a b Schools and educators welcome! SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2007 @ 11AM to 3PM The National Herald welcomes For further information, please call your response to any article or Advance Reservations Preferred - Admission $8 per person editorial. 1.877.My.Greek 1931 Portland Cobalt Road - Route 66 Portland, Connecticut Please send e-mail to a b [email protected] or visit the website www.BabyPlato.com WWW.SAINTCLEMENTSCASTLE.COM 6 HISTORY THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 4, 2006 October 28, 1940: Without Preparation, Heroism Was Not Possible

By Dr. D.G. Kousoulas Metaxas did not hesitate: “Then we Special to The National Herald are at war,” he said. As soon as the Italian ambas- This is the second of two parts. In sador left, Metaxas called the King part one (published in last week’s and told him what had transpired. edition), Dr. Kousoulas reviewed Then he called a special cabinet the conditions in 1935 Greece. The meeting and dispatched instruc- Greek army’s victories against Ital- tions to the frontier units. The ian invaders can not be properly ap- newspapers were notified, and at preciated and understood without a six o’clock in the morning, the na- review of the events which prepared tional radio station broadcast the the country for this major chal- first communiqué from the front. It lenge, he pointed out. In 1935, po- was brief and to the point: Italian litical instability, deep division be- forces had invaded Greece. “Our tween political forces, and the mili- forces are defending the land of tary revolt of March 1935 strength- their fathers.” ened those who wanted to abolish Italian forces had crossed the the republican form of government border less than two hours after the and restore the vassilevomeni Italian ambassador delivered the ul- demokratia (constitutional monar- timatum. Mussolini was confident chy). Former King George, who had that his divisions would be in been living in London in exile, and Athens by the end of the week. who had close ties with the British Within hours, thousands of Royal Family, was supported by young men from all parts of Greece British strategists who did not want reached their pre-designated mobi- a weak Greece to come under Axis lization locations; put on their uni- control. His return was also sup- forms; picked up their rifles and ported by the statesman, Eleftherios gear; and left for the front with their Venizelos, who was privy to the units. In fierce fighting, Greek sol- British views. diers stopped invading Italian VOTE OF CONFIDENCE troops, then pushed them back. The vote of confidence given to The Italians had 59 infantry bat- the Metaxas government by the talions, 400 pieces of artillery, 150 deputies did not calm the opposi- light tanks and 300 airplanes. tion down. Strikes, demonstrations, The Greeks had 39 infantry bat- street fights and riots followed one talions and 120 guns. They had no another with increasing intensity tanks. Of 115 planes, only 60 were until they came to an explosive cli- up-to-date, purchased in the previ- max in Thessaloniki on May 9, ous three years. 1940. Bloody clashes between AP/NICOS GIAKOUMIDES Nonetheless, by November 8, no demonstrators and police claimed ABOVE: A column of German-made Leopard tanks files past crowds during a military parade in the northern port city of Thessaloniki last Sat- Italian soldier remained on Greek the first victims. The next day, more urday, October 28. The parade is held every year on a public holiday marking Greek defiance of an Italian invasion during World War II. BE- soil. Hundreds of Italians were cap- than 150,000 people attended the LOW LEFT: Italian cavalry during the German occupation of Greece. The Italians were unable to defeat the Greeks without German aid. BELOW tured. Mussolini’s dream of an easy mass funeral of those who had died RIGHT: Greek soldiers defending Greece from Italian invasion on the Albanian frontier. victory had turned into a night- when the police opened fired against the demonstrators. There were no incidents at the funeral be- cause Ioannis Metaxas had ordered the police and the army to stay in their barracks. The Thessaloniki eruption played right into the hands of dicta- torship advocates. On the other side, the leaders of the communist party realized that the small size of their party was not an important factor. Once democratic leaders had virtually deserted the political stage, the initiative had passed into the hands of the two extremes on the right and left. In between, the majority of the people remained un- certain, frustrated and leaderless. In such a situation of passive equilibri- um, either of the two extremes could tip the scales to its favor. As news from Spain raised the specter of a similar threat in Greece, Sophocles Venizelos, the son of the late statesman, went to the King in late July and voiced his concern over deteriorating instability. Under the circumstances, he added, the country needed a strong govern- ment, if only to restore order, and even if a few articles of the Constitu- tion were to be suspended. The Venizelos intervention strength- ened those who advocated a dicta- torship. The same evening, the King told Metaxas about the Venizelos visit, and indicated that he was in- ered a prelude to an uprising. tion, of course, designed to per- years, there was only one uprising and depots stocked with the neces- mare. clined to allow a temporary suspen- Metaxas made his move on the suade Hitler and Mussolini that, in in 1938, on the island of Crete, but sary supplies of war materiel. All re- A few days later, Metaxas called sion of a few articles of the constitu- evening of August 4. He called an Metaxas, they had a kindred spirit, without popular support, it fizzled cipients of individual invitations the editors of the major newspa- tion if conditions worsened. emergency cabinet meeting and and that in the war they were plan- within a day. Still, it must be said were instructed to keep the letter pers to a meeting. Alerting them For the next ten days, strikes and presented a decree suspending cer- ning, they could count on Greece’s that Metaxas was never truly popu- for future guidance, and also to that what he was about to say was demonstrations continued in tain articles of the constitution. The neutrality which, in practical terms, lar. The Greek people do not like keep the information to themselves. “off the record” for the time being, Athens and other major cities. A fire King signed the decree. Greece was meant keeping the British out of dictators. They value freedom It was in this way that Greece was he told them the real story. His at the Salamis naval base threat- now under a dictatorship. Greek soil. above Else. prepared for a speedy mobilization, speech came to light much later, ened to blow up the ammunition UNDER DICTATORSHIP Behind this facade, the Metaxas MOMENT OF TRUTH without issuing orders for peacetime but it is still largely unknown, espe- stores of the fleet. Another fire During the next four years, government reorganized the armed When the Italian forces landed mobilization, a move which could be cially to the younger generations. broke out in the Patras military de- Metaxas governed with an iron forces; strengthened the air force, on Albanian soil in April 1939, few considered provocative by other Most speakers extolling the pots. Whether by accident or de- hand. Political parties no longer which previously was virtually non- Greeks were not aware that the countries, specifically Italy. heroic deeds of the Greek soldiers sign, the fires added to the emotion- were allowed to function; the press existent; bought additional naval threat of war was no longer simply Metaxas wanted to keep Greece omit any mention of the name of al climate and strengthened the ad- was muzzled; leaders and promi- units; procured armaments and theoretical speculation. To meet the out of the war if he could. But if war Metaxas. Yet he had made Greek vocates of dictatorship. nent cadres of the communist party supplies; and fortified the frontiers challenge, Metaxas initiated a sys- came, he wanted the country to be victories against the Italians possi- On the other side, the leaders of were now the main target; and most in the north. tem of sending “individual invita- prepared. ble by preparing Greece for war. the communist party were con- of them were arrested and exiled to With stability, the economy im- tions” to all men between the ages When Count Grazzi, the Italian And without preparation, heroism vinced that the situation was ripe Aegean islands. proved. Social policies (it was dur- of 21 and 45. These were ordinary ambassador to Greece, came to could have easily become a futile for more drastic action. In a fiery Considering the pro-British ing that time that social security people who had served in the armed Metaxas’ small house at 3 o’clock in act of desperation. proclamation, the General Confed- views of King George, the introduc- was introduced); aid programs for forces in fulfillment of their obliga- the morning with Mussolini’s ulti- eration of Labor (GSEE), which was tion of the Fascist and Nazi trap- lower-income groups; and introduc- tion to serve as draftees. In the indi- matum, the Greek Prime Minister Dr. Kousoulas is Professor Emeri- strongly influenced by the commu- pings of a youth organization, a fas- tion of modern agricultural meth- vidual invitations, they were in- was ready. The ambassador, visibly tus of Political Science at Howard nist party, called for a nationwide cist salute, and practices and slo- ods to increase production damp- structed where to report in the embarrassed (as he himself wrote in University in Washington, DC. He general political strike, set to begin gans imitating what were used in ened, to some extent, any resent- event of an emergency. Some of his memoirs later) read Mussolini’s is the author of several books, during the early hours of August 5. Germany and Italy, seemed entirely ment that the Greek people must them were given instructions to re- demand to permit Italian forces to notably “The Life and Times of In Marxist revolutionary protocol, a out of place. We now know that this have felt because their freedoms port to those centers immediately. enter Greek soil and occupy certain Constantine the Great (1999), general political strike was consid- was a gigantic camouflage opera- were curtailed. During the four These places were usually barracks (unspecified) strategic points. and numerous scholarly articles.

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To advertise or to obtain rates: tel: (718) 784-5255 ext. 101, e-mail: [email protected] THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 4, 2006 FEATURE 7 The Recollections of the First Military Doctor who Entered Korytsa

By Stavros Marmarinos “Luck would have it that the first self that she was the first patient I Special to The National Herald injured solider I tended to was an cured without being able to exam- enemy – an Italian solider,” Dr. ine. I called to the officers, whom I NEW YORK – Costas Ladopoulos is Ladopoulos said. “He was a very lived in the same house with, and the first military doctor who entered tall, strapping lad, who told us he told them that the next day we Korytsa in Northern Epiros with the was a machine-gunner in Mussoli- would celebrate Christmas with a Greek army in 1940. ni’s Centurion division. In broken boiled chicken,” he said. “I can still hear the bells from French, he told me that he was from “Early in the morning, my stable- Greek churches tolling on that glori- a suburb of Rome. He was the only man killed the chicken and began ous and unforgettable day in histo- child of a widow, and was engaged. I boiling it at 10 o’clock. The hours ry,” said Dr. Ladopoulos, who now felt sorry for him, as a fellow human went by, but the chicken wouldn’t resides in Riverdale in the North being and I thought that there were boil. It ended up turning black. At Bronx, during an interview with the troops of ours who were in the same five o’clock, the chicken was still National Herald. He is now more position as him. I promised him that raw, tough and black. Then, we de- than 90 years of age, but his memory I would inform his mother through cided to stop boiling it and began is still intact, and he vividly remem- the Red Cross. In the end, I sent him eating it like that, tough as it was. bers details from his younger days, to be operated on at our hospital in Nevertheless, we had a hearty ap- when he scaled the mountains of Al- the mountains, charging an Alban- petite and a good sense of humor. bania with the Greek soldiers to de- ian to take him there with his ox We joked that the poor old chicken fend his country from invasion. cart.” didn’t want to abandon this world, “On November 22nd, 1940, at 5 Dr. Ladopoulos said he always re- and that it ended up becoming yet o’clock in the afternoon, our soldiers members that first injured soldier another casualty of war,” Dr. entered the city of Korytsa. Earlier, at whom he helped. He never saw him Ladopoulos added. 11 o’clock that morning, the Italian after that, nor did he ever find out Dr. Ladopoulos was born in Lan- army had abandoned its position. I what happened to him. Years later, gadia in 1916. From 1933 to 1939, was in the third battalion of the 27th he happened to be in Rome, but his he studied at the Athens University Infantry Division from Kozani. The stay was so short that he had no time Medical School, where he graduated church bells were ringing joyfully, to determine the soldier’s where- Dr. Costas Ladopoulos (standing 2nd from the right, back row) with comrades at the Officer’s Training with honors. On 19 October 1939, and patriotic songs filled the air. For abouts. School in Corfu during World War II. Dr. Ladopoulos was a member of the Greek Army’s 3rd Battalion, he enlisted as a reserve officer candi- the third time since our indepen- “I was very moved by the Italian’s 27th Infantry Division. date in the Health Department at the dence, the Greek army had tri- plight,” said Dr. Ladopoulos. “He School for Reserve Officer Candi- umphantly entered our long suffer- grew up without a father, just like feet). He set up a provisional sickbay rumored I took control of the moun- cause his wife was in pain. He took dates in Corfu. He was bestowed ing city of Korytsa,” said Dr. me. His widowed mother raised there, too. taintop during that charge, but that me to a small village home. The bed with the War Cross for his valor dur- Ladopoulos, who was a second lieu- him. He got engaged and went off to Two days later, he said, more isn’t true,” Dr. Ladopoulos stated. was next to the stable. I saw his wife ing his service in the war. He fought tenant doctor at the time. war. I don’t think he ever made it heavy fighting broke out for control A few days later, because he was sprawled on the floor, screaming in 13 battles and received various “On the night of the previous day, back home, because his condition of the mountaintop, so that the the only medical officer in the divi- from the terrible pain and doubled honors. He also served in the Nation- we had a difficult battle on rocky ter- was serious. I don’t think he sur- Greek army could march into El- sion who had been through so much, over on the mattress,” he said. al Intelligence & Sabotage Organiza- rain with the Italians. I was in a near- vived. I have dreams about him up basan. Four officers lost their lives: he was sent to the village of Pyrgos, “I was trying to take off the heavy tion. He ran for office in the national by canyon, tending to our wounded until this day.” captain Theodorakopoulos, a com- where he set up a kiln to help disin- woolen covers to examine her, but parliamentary elections of 1950. In under the light of a lantern,” he said. Dr. Ladopoulos continued his ac- patriot from Vytina, and three lieu- fect every soldier in the entire divi- her husband stopped me, telling me 1952, he came to America on a Ful- Dr. Ladopoulos has written his count, recalling that, as he woke up tenants, reserves who were teachers sion. that I had to examine her by putting bright scholarship. He is still an ac- memoirs of the war so that they will on the second day of the Greek-Ital- in Kozani. All of these men were Dr. “A dentist from the division came my hand underneath the covers. I tive physician in New York, specializ- not be forgotten, and also that so ian War, he encountered the worst Ladopoulos’s friends. there to meet me one day,” Dr. tried to explain that I had to uncover ing in cardiology. younger generations can have a scene of brutality in his life. Ten or “One of these teachers had Ladopoulos said. “He told me that he her, so I could make a diagnosis and In closing the interview, Dr. firsthand account of the dramatic 12 Italian soldiers lay dead on the shared his life story with me,” Dr. wanted to meet me because he give her the medicine she needed. Ladopoulos said he is against war, events of that time and the heroism ground. Battle resumed at daybreak Ladopoulos said. “He was an orphan found out that I was the doctor who He wouldn’t budge. Then I got the and shared the following thoughts: of Greek soldiers. and lasted all day long, he said. and sold newspapers. Since he had took control of the mountaintop. I idea to give her a couple of drops of “I think to myself, how terrible war On the afternoon of 13 Novem- There were few casualties, but many no money, he would go to school told him that I had not taken any labdanum to stop the convulsions, is, and the death that accompanies ber 1940, the major told troops that captives. On the third day, Greek without shoes. He was a great patri- mountaintop; only that I had simply and left upset that I was unable to it. Death does not discriminate be- they would be crossing into Albania troops marched to the tip of ot.” fought there.” examine her and send her to my di- tween religion or nationality, and very stealthily at exactly midnight, Moravas, where they were greeted Dr. Ladopoulos remained behind, The doctor also looked back and vision’s hospital in the mountains if happily hovers above the blood- and that everyone should have their by friendly fire from Greek artillery, along with 13 other reserves. It was laughed about something which necessary,” he said. stained fields of war, where the bod- personal bandages with them, in the but fortunately, there were no casu- 8 February 1941, a momentous day happened to him on Christmas Eve “An hour later, the Muslim came ies of opposing soldiers lie scattered event they would need first aid. alties. for him: “At noon, we were under a 1940. and found me, and he was in a good side by side. War is what brings dis- dead tree, when a shell burst right “I was in the village of Nija, in the mood. He knelt down before me asters and misery to both sides, and above us, injuring everyone. Some mountainous area of Kamia. It was and kissed my hand, saying that his future problems like Gulf syndrome of the shrapnel hit my helmet. I tried snowing nonstop, day and night, but wife became well. Her pains ceased, and Balkan syndrome. Let the costly to help the injured parties. One of the weather was mild. At one point, and she even ate some soup. To preparations for future war cease, them died instantly from a wound to an Albanian Muslim ran over and thank me, the Muslim brought me a and let’s use the money of the work- the chest. When I finished helping begged me to go to his house be- chicken. I laughed, thinking to my- ing people for far better purposes.” all those wounded, I looked to see if I was hurt anywhere. I couldn’t be- lieve that there wasn’t even a scratch on me. That’s why I consider that day to be a historic day for me. It was the most dangerous day of my life,” he said. The doctor went onto say that, on that same frigid night, he went down to camp with a few others. At midnight, the officers and soldiers who could no longer withstand the cold left the mountaintop. “Later, we learned that the Ital- ians also abandoned their position due to the cold. Some of the officers came to my tent, and asked me to grant them leave from duty. They were friends of mine, and I told them that if they got court-mar- shaled for going AWOL (absent without leave), I would have to tell the truth and be against them, be- cause they weren’t really sick,” he said. Afterwards, the doctor went to the major, who was trying to get into Dr. Costas Ladopoulos (standing, 1st from the left) with fellow Greek contact with division headquarters, Army officers during the Second World War. Dr. Ladopoulos tended to but the telephone was not function- many wounded during the Italian invasion of Greece. ing, since the lines were down due to immoderate weather. The first day of the attack began “It was Sunday morning, and we Furious and discouraged at the at dawn on November 14. The trum- were outside the Greek village of same time, Dr. Ladopoulos kicked pets signaled the charge, and Greek Darza. We were greeted by women the telephone, telling the major that soldiers began crossing the Devolis who brought us flowers and sweets,” he himself would take the men as- River. “The water was cold and Dr. Ladopoulos said. “I remember signed to carry the stretchers – who reached waist-high, but no one gave eating the most delicious halva. We literally adored him – and remove all that a second thought because the stayed on the mountaintop for a day Red Cross emblems from them, so battle was under way,” Dr. Ladopou- or two. They brought the Italian pris- that he could arm them and go to the los recalled. “I dug a trench to pro- oners to the makeshift infirmary, and mountaintop with them. tect myself, while the bullets whis- I tended to the wounded. We pushed The major’s aide stopped him, tled by above our heads. Our major, towards Korytsa, amid heavy fight- however, saying that, since he was a with his pistol in hand, was leading ing in this mountainous region, doctor, he had to stay put in the us forward, yelling ‘on lads, for reaching it after two or three days on event of an emergency, and that he Greece.’ ” November 22nd, 1940.” would go up to the mountaintop The soldiers of the third battalion One thing that stands out in Dr. with the soldiers instead. In the advanced slowly, until they reached Ladopoulos’ memories of the war meantime, other officers, who had Moravas. There, in a canyon, Dr. was the time that he and several just heard what had taken place, Ladopoulos set up a makeshift med- Greek soldiers were in the area of came and gathered their troops and ical station to dress the soldiers’ Mnima Graias, at an altitude of took them up the mountain. wounds. 2,420 meters (more than 7,000 “Later on, I found out that it was

The Hellenic Lawyers Association requests the pleasure of your company at its Eighteenth Annual Dinner Dance Gala in honor of The Honorable Nicholas Tsoucalas Senior Judge, U.S. Court of International Trade in celebration of his 20th year on the federal bench Friday, November 17, 2006 The Pierre Fifth Avenue at 61th Street New York, New York Cocktails at 7:00 p.m. Dinner Immediately Following Guest Speakers The Honorable Geraldine Ferraro The Honorable Carolyn B. Maloney For further information, please contact John G. Saketos at (718) 204-0437 or Mamie Stathatos-FuIgieri at (212) 599-8200 8 OBITUARIES CLASSIFIEDS THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 4, 2006 Steve Theoharides, Lost at Sea, Loved Life and Sailing Jimmy Klappis, Artist, Painter,

By Lee Hammel legs," Donald Theoharides said, and woman two years later. The couple He said about living on his boat, Architectural Designer, Singer Worcester Telegram & Gazette three of those bullets were never re- later divorced. "When I don't like my neighbor, I moved. Retired Judge Paul V. Mullaney pick up my hook and I go to the next By Alan Rayburn Canadian Ordnance Corps. The fol- WORCESTER, Mass. – It was early Nor were the news accounts cor- remembers how Mr. Theoharides, island." The Globe and Mail lowing year he was accidentally September, when rescue officials rect when they implied that he was after his divorce, considered the cus- His son was unable to get him to pushed off a train carrying Canadi- found the wrecked sloop of Stavros shot after a struggle over bags con- tomers at his place on Highland stop his daring solo trips. TORONTO – Jimmy (never James) an troops, and his arm was pulled "Steve" Theoharides, who was lost at taining the day's receipts from Street as family. You could often find A couple on the Greek island of Klappis was the only child of Harry from its socket. He was taken to the sea while sailing off the coast of Theo's Restaurant. In fact, Mr. Theo- WPI (Worcester Polytechnic Insti- Samos recorded in 2003, "We had and Blanche (Riley) Klappis. During Chorley Park Hospital in Toronto to Mytiline (Lesbos) in early Septem- harides did not have the day's re- tute) students or professors at Mr. an unexpected two-day visit from his childhood, he suffered with recover. A colonel at the hospital ber, when the terrible truth started ceipts, and his bag contained two Theoharides' home, he said. Stavros Theoharides, who sailed in- breathing problems. A doctor rec- knew about Jimmy's skills for to emerge. bowls of chowder he was taking to And you often could find Mr. to the Vathy harbor with his 33-foot ommended moving him to a higher sketching, and arranged to get him The truth is that Steve Theo- his girlfriend, his son said. Theoharides in the home of Judge (boat) S/Y Theo's Place II. Stavros elevation. In 1930, a Greek family in work at Victory Aircraft Company in harides, who survived multiple bul- It is true that Mr. Theoharides be- Mullaney's mother, who lived not far has single-handedly taken Theo's Owen Sound, Ontario took Harry, Malton, Ontario. There, he drew let wounds in a 1980 holdup and a gan chasing the two robbers, his son from the restaurant. The judge re- Place II across the Atlantic, and he Blanche and Jimmy to Orangeville, technical illustrations for the con- storm-tossed solo cross-Atlantic voy- said, but that was after he had been membered Mr. Theoharides playing still single-handles now in his seven- then a small town some miles north- version of the Lancaster bombers to age in that same Alberg 35 sailboat shot and the robbers started shoot- the accordion at his mother's house. ties." west of Toronto. They had arrived in passenger planes. He left that com- from Florida to Greece, may not ing at a waitress who was with him "He had a good voice. He knew Their record continued, "He is an one of the towns in Ontario at a suit- pany when it became Avro Canada have made it through an estimated behind the restaurant. The waitress some Irish songs, as well as Greek inspiration to all sailors. We spent a ably high elevation, and they LTD. He was given a turret of a 250-mile trip in his beloved sloop to was grazed by one bullet. songs," Judge Mullaney said. wonderful evening together in Kala- stayed. Recalling his Arcadian roots bomber, which was donated in 2005 visit a friend. At press time, his body Eventually, two brothers were Some of the memories came mi eating freshly baked food from in Sparta, Harry opened a confec- to the Canadian Warplane Heritage had not yet been found. convicted of committing four rob- from the judge's own house, where our wood oven, drinking wine from tionery and called it the Arcadia Museum. On Sunday, October 22, hun- beries that week. In each robbery, Mr. Theoharides would show up at 6 our own vineyard, and listening to Sweets. It soon became a full-ser- Jimmy preferred to work dreds of family members and someone was shot, and the cus- AM to begin roasting a lamb in a Stavros' repertoire of romantic vice restaurant, which continued overnight, then sleep until the early friends from all walks of life gath- tomer of one store was killed in one half-barrel on Easter Sunday. Greek and English songs to his own operation until the early 1960's. afternoon, when he would go to the ered to celebrate the 77-year life of of the robberies. "He was one of the most remark- accompaniment on his accordion." Born on March 27, 1918 in Buf- restaurant for his breakfast. Jimmy Mr. Theoharides, owner of Theo's To celebrate the tenth anniver- able men I've ever met," the judge In addition to his son Donald, Mr. falo, New York, Jimmy was an ex- never served in the restaurant, no Sandwich Shoppe & Restaurant at sary of his "rebirth," Mr. Theoharides said. Theoharides is survived by his ceptional person, who possessed to- matter how busy it might have 151 Highland Street from 1953 to embarked on a solo voyage from Michael F. O'Mara, now the chief daughter in-law, Sharon A. Theo- tal visual recall. When he was a been. 1984. The memorial service was Florida to Bermuda to Greece. housing specialist at Worcester harides of Shrewsbury; a brother, young man, he went to see where a Many Canadian and American held at Saint Spyridon Greek Ortho- Waves of 40-50 feet in nautical Housing Court, remembered the Dionysios Theoharides of Dennis; train had wrecked a car. With no Greek families with marriageable dox Cathedral. winds of 55 miles per hour could family-like atmosphere at the four grandchildren, Adrian and notes at all, he returned home and daughters visited Harry and "I would have loved him to live have qualified the stormy trip as a restaurant, where Mr. Theoharides Alexia Theoharides of Harwich, and drew an accurate picture of the Blanche to urge Jimmy to offer his another 20 years," said Donald S. second rebirth. replaced the lemon blend in a mixer Stephen and Christopher Theo- scene. The Orangeville Banner pub- hand, but Jimmy wanted to marry Theoharides, his son. But, he re- But, his son said, being at sea was and served liquor to the customers harides of Shrewsbury; and many lished the sketch, and observed that Marion Emack, an Orangeville lady called of the man who so many re- second nature to his father. Donald during Christmas week. nieces and nephews.. He was prede- he had “every promise of making his who had briefly worked at the member as a unique and spirited Theoharides said his father told him Mr. O'Mara was a frequent guest ceased by his brothers, Spiro Theo- mark as an artist or a newspaper il- restaurant. They were married in lover of life, "He always said to me stories of growing up in the seaport on Mr. Theoharides' boat. "There harides of South Yarmouth and lustrator.” Jimmy became a highly September, 1965. In 1978, they as a young man that he wanted to be of Piraeus, Greece where he and his was no project he wouldn't tackle," Theoharis Theoharides of Cotuit, respected courtroom artist, cover- moved to Etobicoke, where Jimmy buried at sea." three brothers "were harbor rats." he said. and by his former wife, the late ing many important trials. He also was closer to his work as a freelance Steve Theoharides himself was "Their afternoon of playing was After spending most of his life Theodora Theoharides. His son, An- designed many houses and build- cameraman for CBC-TV. They amazed at the "extra" life he was shimmying up the anchor lines of working seven days a week at the thony D., died in 1992. In lieu of ings, as well as store and church moved to Niagara Falls in 1987, granted after November 18, 1980, a boats, then climbing the masts and restaurant, his brush with death in flowers, the family requests that fronts. where they had relatives and friends day he referred to as his rebirth. Al- diving from them." 1980 got Mr. Theoharides to "slow memorial donations be made to In the late 1930's, Jimmy studied on both sides of the border. though news accounts at the time Despite the sadness of losing Mr. down a little bit and relax and enjoy Saint Spyridon Cathedral (102 Rus- at the Royal Conservatory of Music Jimmy left school in 11th grade, told of him taking five bullets during Theoharides, friends exchanged life a little bit," his son said. For the sell Street, Worcester, MA 01609, in Toronto. Noting his distinguished but his education surpassed many an aborted robbery, his son said this warm, admiring and often funny past five years, Mr. Theoharides TEL: 508-791-7326). baritone singing, a teacher urged brilliant scholars. He was true a Re- week that his father was shot ten stories about the man who came to spent 6-8 months a year living on him to audition for the Metropoli- naissance man. He died on April 30, times that awful day. the United States in 1951 as a yeo- Theo's Place II in Greek waters; win- The Worcester Telegram & tan Opera in New York, but he de- in Niagara Falls, Ontario at the age "He got three in the chest, three man in the Hellenic navy, and re- ter in Florida waters; and holidays Gazette published the above on clined. An aunt in Niagara Falls, of 88. in stomach area and four in the turned to marry a young Worcester in Worcester. October 18. New York recommended him to the classically trained baritone Nelson The Globe and Mail published Eddy, who kindly wrote a two-page the above on October 27. Mr. letter to tell him that it was very dif- Rayburn was a friend of the late ficult to pursue a musical career in Mr. Klappis. Marion Klappis and DEATHS Los Angeles. her brothers, George and Jack In 1944, Jimmy joined the Royal Emack, contributed to this story. ■ CHRISTIDIS, EFSTATHIA Voula Gerapetritis, all of Lutherville. 29 at Assumption Greek Orthodox enue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. The Rockford Register Star reported Church in St. Clair Shores, Michi- that Efstathia “Sula” Christidis, 69, ■ KAZAKOS, POLYCRATIS gan. Arrangements were by the Kaul ■ MOURGES, THEODORE of Rockford, Illinois died on Mon- The Rockford Register Star reported Funeral Home in Roseville, Michi- The Hartford Courant reported that CLASSIFIEDS day, September 25, at OSF Saint An- that Polycratis “Paul” Kazakos, 81, gan. Friends may share a memory Theodore “Ted'” Mourges, 42, of thony Medical Center. Born on of Freeport, Illinois passed away on with the family at www.kaulfuneral- Southington, Connecticut died un- March 25, 1937 in Andritsena Tuesday, September 26 at his home home.com. expectedly at his home on Thursday, HELP WANTED (718) 728-8500 (Greece), she lived in Rockford for with his family by his side. He was a September 28. He was the husband Not affiliated with any 43 years. She married Stefanos loving and devoted husband, father ■ KUSULAS, PETER of Susan Zientarski Mourges. He JOURNALISTS WANTED other funeral home. “Steve” Christidis on July 14, 1963. and grandfather. Born on February The Chicago Daily Herald reported was born on September 11, 1964 in Nation’s leading Greek American She was a member of Saints Con- 2, 1925 on the island of Samos, he that Peter Kusulas, 65, of Fair Port Chester, New York, the son of newspaper needs reporters and as- APOSTOLOPOULOS stantine & Helen Greek Orthodox was one of four children of Philocti- Haven, New Jersey died on Wednes- Anna Batsakis Mourges and the late sistant editor for English weekly Apostle Family - Church in Rockford and the local tis and Katherine (nee Hatigeor- day, September 6. Peter was the son John Mourges. He was raised in Ma- paper. Exceptional writing/report- Gregory, Nicholas, Andrew - Philoptochos Society. She was a vol- giou) Kazakos. He married Alicia of Greek immigrants who emigrated maroneck; moved to Watertown in ing skills and bilingual fluency a Funeral Directors of unteer for the Cornucopia Food Kazakos at Holy Cross Greek Ortho- as teenagers from the small moun- 1976; and graduated from Water- must. Car a plus. Fax or e-mail clips RIVERDALE Pantry and aided the Center for dox Church in Freeport On July 24, tain village of Anavryti, near Sparta town High School in 1982. He had and cover letter to 718-472-0510 FUNERAL HOME Inc. Sight & Hearing through the Philop- 1960. Paul served with the Hellenic in Greece, and later operated a lun- been a Southington resident since or [email protected]. 5044 Broadway tochos. Sula’s talent for cooking was national forces during the Greek cheonette. He became an engineer- 1996. He attended Rochester Insti- 111609/01 New York, NY 10034 shared with many and given freely Civil War from 1947 to 1950. He im- ing manager for Bell Laboratories tute of Technology and graduated (212) 942-4000 to her church. She is survived by her migrated to the United States in and Lucent Technologies. His 37 from the University of Hartford. He FUNERAL HOMES Toll Free 1-888-GAPOSTLE husband, Steve; her daughter, 1960 and worked for Micro Switch years at ATT Bell Laboratories and was employed as a Data Base Ana- Bessie (Tom) Apostle of Muskegon, from 1961 until his retirement in Lucent Technologies spanned the lyst for the Hartford Steam Boiler CONSTANTINIDES LITRAS FUNERAL HOME Michigan; three sons, Nico (Pati) of 1985. He loved the great outdoors heyday of the American telecommu- Company. He was a Little League FUNERAL PARLOR Co. ARLINGTON BENSON DOWD, Beloit, Wisconsin, George (Angeliki) and had a passion for gardening. nications industry’s growth. A grad- Coach at Southington Northern, a 405 91st Street INC FUNERAL HOME Christidis of Deer Park, Long Island, Paul also enjoyed writing articles for uate in electrical engineering from Cub Scout Den Leader of Den 2 Bay Ridge - Brooklyn, NY 11209 83-15 Parsons Blvd., Bobby (Michele) of Aurora, Illinois; a Greek newspaper “Rizes,” pub- Rutgers University, he began work (Pack 72), and helped coach his chil- (718) 745-1010 Jamaica, NY 11432 eight grandchildren, Stephanie, lished in his native Samos. During on the earliest digital telephone sys- dren’s soccer teams. Ted is survived Services in all localities - (718) 858-4434 • (800) 245-4872 Matthew, Efstathia and Vincent the Greek civil war, he kept a diary tem designed for customer premises by his best friend and adoring wife Low cost shipping to Greece Christidis, Alexander and Stefanos which has been translated into the at Bell Labs in Holmdel, New Jersey of ten years, Susan, and was “the Apostle, and Damon and Gabi Chris- book, “Diary of a Soldier.” Paul took in 1963. When he retired from Lu- best dad in the world” to his three ANTONOPOULOS TO PLACE YOUR tidis; two sisters, Lambrini (Nick) great pride when he became a citi- cent Technologies in 2000, his children, Teddy, Emily and Alexan- FUNERAL HOME, INC. CLASSIFIED AD, CALL: Meris of Beloit and Antonia Tzifas of zen of the United States in 1962. He groups were developing business In- dria who, along with his wife, were Konstantinos Antonopoulos - (718) 784-5255, EXT. 106, Greece; her brother, Foti (Bessie) Pa- never forgot his roots, and was ex- ternet networking and voice-over- his reason for living; he is also sur- Funeral Director E-MAIL: pageorge of Beloit; and several tremely proud of his Greek heritage. the-Internet systems. Throughout vived by his mother; a brother and 38-08 Ditmars Blvd., classifieds@ thenationalherald.com nieces and nephews. She was prede- He was a member of the American his career, his twin goals were to his wife, Steven and Pam Mourges Astoria, New York 11105 ceased by three sisters, Olympia, Hellenic Society, Holy Cross Greek field products which met customer and their children, Angelica, Anna and Marika. The funeral was Orthodox Church in Freeport and needs, and to foster rewarding ca- Spencer and Sydney, all of Torring- held on September 28, at Saints Saints Constantine & Helen Greek reers for his associates. In 1966, he ton, Connecticut; his aunt and god- REAL ESTATE Constantine & Helen Church, with Orthodox Church of Rockford, Illi- was one of hundreds transferred by mother, Dorothy Batsakis; and a Rev. Mark Munoz officiating. Memo- nois where he enjoyed singing in the Bell Labs from the east coast to staff special aunt and an uncle, Marion rial donations to the church appreci- choir for a number of years. In addi- the new Naperville, Illinois facility. and Perry Pantginis of New York. ated (108 N. 5th Street, Rockford, IL tion to his wife, Paul is survived by He worked there for 16 years and The funeral was held on October 2 61107, TEL: 815-963-8625). his three children, John (Carolyn) lived in Glen Ellyn and Wheaton, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Kazakos of Rockford, Katherine Illinois. Returning to New Jersey in Church in Waterbury, Connecticut. ■ GEORGES, SOPHIA (James) Lohmeier of Davis, Illinois 1983, he worked in Lincroft and Burial was at Oak Hill Cemetery. The Chicago Tribune reported on and Helen (Steven) Dierks of Rock- Middletown and Holmdel and lived Arrangements were by the Tuesday, September 26, that Sophia ford; six grandchildren, Sam Hiebel, in Colts Neck and Fair Haven. After Plantsville Memorial Funeral Home. Georges passed away. She was the Paul and Kayla Kazakos, Alicia he retired from Lucent, he served Memorial donations to the Mourges beloved wife of the late Anthony Lohmeier, and Anthony and Andrew the Borough of Fair Haven as chair Children’s Education Fund appreci- Georges; loving mother of Gus Dierks. his sister, Stamatia (Stelios) of its Long-Range Planning Commit- ated (c/o Webster Bank, 359 Queen (Joan) and the late James; and dear Yiocarinis of Samos; his niece, Naki tee and as a member of the mayor'’ Street, Southington, CT 06489, TEL: grandmother of Anthony, Jonathan (Harry) Mersingolou; his great World War II Monument and Fi- 860-620-5582). and Matthew. Her funeral was held niece, Anna-Maria of Athens; and nance Committees. He was a mem- on September 28 at Holy Cross two godchildren, Polycratis Con- ber of his Rutgers 40th reunion class ■ XENEDIS, PAULINE Greek Orthodox Church in Justice, standides and Athena (Kara) Fulfer. fundraising committee in 2003, and The Sarasota Herald-Tribune re- Illinois with burial following at Elm- He was predeceased by his parents; a member of Phi Gamma Delta fra- ported that Pauline Xenedis, 71, of wood Cemetery. Arrangements his sister Eleni; his brother Yianni; ternity. He is survived by his wife, Venice, Florida died on Friday, Sep- tember 22. She was born in Lilly, subscribe were by the Damar Funeral Home in and his father-in-law, John. The Fu- Rose Greco, of Fair Haven; his broth- PRINTED EDITION OF THE NATIONAL HERALD Justice. In lieu of flowers, memorial neral was held on October 2 at Holy ers, Elias of Naperville and Pennsylvania and came to Venice 28 via the post-office: donations to Vitas Hospice appreci- Cross Church, with Revs. Mark Theodore Kusulas of Whitestone, years ago from Chicago. She was the ❏1 Month for $9.95 ❏3 Months for $19.95 ated (700 N. Sacramento Boulevard Munoz, Ted Poteres and John New York; his nieces, Carolyn Que- former owner of the Dutch Valley ❏6 Months for $29.95 ❏One Year fo $59.85 #201, Chicago, IL 60612, TEL: 708- Artemis officiating. Burial was at dens of Cummings, Georgia and Restaurant in Sarasota, Florida and 496-0200). Oakland Cemetery. Arrangements Deborah Clemens of Naperville; and a member of Saint Barbara Greek VIA HOME DELIVERY (NY, NJ & CT): ❏1 Month for $12.95 ❏3 Months for $29.95 were by Burke-Tubbs Funeral his nephew, Matthew Kusulas of Orthodox Church in Sarasota. Sur- ❏ ❏ ■ GERAPETRITIS, MICHAEL Home. A memorial fund has been Philadelphia. Memorial contribu- vivors include her husband of 52 6 Months for $43.99 One Year for $80.00 The Baltimore Sun reported that established in Paul’s name. For more tions can be made to the American years, Anthony; a sister; three broth- VIA HOME DELIVERY (NEW ENGLAND, PENNSYLVANIA & Michael Gerapetritis, 64, owner of information, visit the web guest- Cancer Society by calling their toll ers; and several nieces and WASHINGTON D.C.) Michael’s Steak & Lobster House in book at www.burke-tubbs.com. free number 800-227-2345, or to nephews. Funeral services were ❏1 Month for $15.95 ❏3 Months for $37.45 Southeast Baltimore, died of cancer the Rutgers University School of En- held in Greece. Arrangements were ❏6 Months for $51.75 ❏One Year for $99.00 on Friday, September 22, at the St. ■ KOSTOPOULOS NICK gineering Foundation, 7 College Av- by the Farley Funeral Home. ON LINE SUBSCRIPTION www.thenationalherald.com Joseph Medical Center. The The Detroit Free Press reported that ❏ Lutherville, Maryland resident was Nick Kostopoulos, 73, of Detroit NON SUBSCRIBERS: One Year for $29.95 ❏One Month for $3.95 64. Born in Menetes of Karpathos in died on Tuesday, September 26. He ❏ ❏ Greece, he moved to Baltimore in was the beloved companion of SUBSCRIBERS: One Year for $19.95 One Month for $1.95 1958 and went into the restaurant Samantha Harlow and dear brother business. He was a chef at Jimmy’s of Gus (Olga), George (Kitsa) and NAME: ...... Famous Seafood, until purchasing a Paul Kostopoulos, and Mina (Zese) ADDRESS: ...... restaurant in the 6200 block of East- Lazaropoulos. He is survived by CITY:...... STATE: ...... ZIP:...... ern Avenue formerly known as Smit- many nieces, nephews and cousins TEL.: ...... E-MAIL:...... CELL...... ty’s in 1990. The business is now op- survive, both here and in Greece. PLEASE SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO: erated by his wife and four children. The funeral was held on September Basil G. Litras NAME: ...... “I know of no other person who Managing Director ADDRESS: ...... worked as hard, who put others first CITY:...... STATE: ...... ZIP:...... and loved his family as much as he This is a service 75 years of Funeral Service TEL.: ...... E-MAIL:...... CELL...... did,” said George Minas, a longtime to the community. Honoring Hellenic Family Tradition friend. Mr. Gerapetritis enjoyed Announcements of deaths Please specify method of payment I enclose a check/money order for $ ...... made payable to: making Greek dishes, prime rib and may be telephoned to the TOLL FREE NATIONWIDE crab cakes. He was a member The National Herald, Inc., 37-10 30th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 - 2614 Classified Department of ❏ ❏ ❏ AHEPA and Saint Nicholas Greek The National Herald at (866) 725-4872 or please debit my Mastercard Visa American Express Orthodox Church in Baltimore, (718) 784-5255, CARD NUMBER: ...... where funeral services were held on OUR PERSONAL SERVICES Monday through Friday, ARE AVAILABLE IN ALL COMMUNITIES EXPIRATION DATE: ...... SIGNATURE:...... September 26. He is survived by his 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST wife of 36 years, the former Fotini or e-mailed to: Executive Offices Diakomichalis; his son, Tommy; and [email protected] 117 Washington Avenue, Pleasantville, NY 10570 three daughters, Sophia, Penny and THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 4, 2006 GREECE CYPRUS 9 Erdogan to be Out of Town for Pope’s Historic Visit, will Attend NATO Summit

ANKARA (Reuters) – Turkish Prime Pontiff, adding it was "unfortunate" NATO talks, which will focus on tionalists and Islamic activists have Sezer, a staunch secularist often at and West, and between the Muslim Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has that the two events coincided. turning the alliance into a global se- pushed for his trip to be cancelled. odds with Erdogan, a pious Muslim, and Christian worlds. decided to attend a NATO summit in Turkey is NATO's only Muslim mem- curity organization. ESCAPING THE POPE extended the invitation to the Pope Apart from Ankara, Benedict Latvia instead of staying at home to ber. Pope Benedict's November 28 – Leading Turkish newspaper and will be his host in Ankara. will also visit Istanbul and Ephesus greet Pope Benedict XVI during his "A meeting hasn't been scheduled December 1 visit was recently Sabah said Erdogan was "escaping Benedict's predecessor, Pope on the Aegean coast, where legend first official visit to a Muslim country, with the Pope because the prime thrown into doubt amid Muslim the Pope," and also queried why the John Paul II, visited Turkey in says Mary, Christ's mother, lived af- a an official said this past Wednes- minister is booked to attend a NATO anger over controversial comments religious Affairs Minister Mehmet 1979, shortly after becoming Pon- ter his death. The main purpose of day, November 1. summit on November 28 through he made about Islam. Aydin would also be abroad. tiff. the Pope's visit is to meet with Ecu- The Turkish Government official 29," the official told Reuters. Some of the strongest criticism of The official could not confirm Erdogan has publicly welcomed menical Patriarch Bartholomew of said Erdogan's absence was not President George W. Bush and the speech, which linked Islam to vi- whether Aydin would be away. the Pope's visit and often refers to Constantinople, spiritual leader of meant as a snub to the German-born other leaders will be in Riga for the olence, came from Turkey, where na- Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Turkey as a bridge between East the world's Orthodox Christians. Greek-Turkish Military Leaders Start Confidence-Building Turks in Holland Angry Talks in Athens to Reduce Tension between Uneasy Allies About Armenian Problem ATHENS (AP) – Turkey's military chief began talks in Athens this past By Toby Sterling Armenians were slaughtered" in Thursday, November 2, aimed at Associated Press 1915, she wrote. building confidence and reducing "Definitely, there can be no tension between the two regional AMSTERDAM (AP) – A lobby doubt about it. There needs to be, rivals and uneasy NATO allies fol- group began a campaign this past in Turkey, too, an adult and scien- lowing a fatal jet collision in disput- Tuesday, October 31, to urge Dutch tific debate over what exactly hap- ed airspace. voters of Turkish ancestry to boy- pened during the fall of the Ot- General Yasar Buyukanit visited cott any party which labels the toman Empire – who is responsible, the Greek Defense Ministry after 1915 mass killing of Armenians in and how those events should be de- arriving Wednesday for a four-day Turkey genocide. scribed. But the point is, why are visit. He made no statements after The campaign – three weeks be- Dutch candidates of Turkish de- meetings with Greek Defense Min- fore national elections on November scent being pilloried and forced to ister Evangelos Meimarakis and 22 – is a setback for both major par- confess a 'genocide' standpoint?" military chief Admiral Panagiotis ties, the governing Christian Democ- D-66, which has been in a Chinofotis. rats and the Labor Party, which have decade-long decline, was forecast The purpose of the talks is to struck ethnic Turk candidates off to disappear entirely during this "explore ways of strengthening mu- their rolls for refusing to use the term election. But the Turkish issue has tual confidence and understand- "genocide" to describe the killing of helped it recover slightly, and re- ing," Greece's Defense General Armenians during World War I. cent polls show it holding two seats Staff said. Events which took place far be- in the 150-seat Dutch Parliament. Earlier this week, ahead of Gen. yond Dutch borders nearly a centu- Meanwhile, Labor, which led in Buyukanit's visit, Greek authorities ry ago have become a surprise cam- most polls a month ago, has now announced that military units from paign issue in elections otherwise fallen slightly behind the incum- the two countries would hold a focused on bread-and-butter eco- bent Christian Democrats. Immi- joint disaster-response exercise in nomics. grant voters traditionally have sup- Ankara next week. A 15-member The lobby group, which calls it- ported Labor or other left-leaning Greek air force unit will take part in self Turks Forum, distributed parties. the November 6-10 drill. AP/BRIAN BAER posters urging voters to write in a "The aim of the exercise is to ex- Admiral Panagiotis Chinofotis (left), chairman of the Greek Joint Chiefs of Staff, with his Turkish counter- candidate of the small centrist D-66 change experience on addressing part, General Yasar Buyukanit, at the Greek Defense Ministry this past Wednesday, November 1. Gen. Party in the elections. D-66 is the “Who should the Turkish the results of natural disasters and Buyukanit was in Athens for a four-day visit. He also met with Greek Defense Minister Evangelos only mainstream party which does- community vote for? Let’s improve techniques through joint Meimarakis. No statements were issued after meetings at press time. n't refer to the slaughter as geno- action," the statement said. cide in its stated positions. use the voting ballot to Common assistance in disaster disputes diplomats from the two mands and chiefs of staff, and Chi- ish planes after they failed to sub- The European Parliament has teach a lesson to those response – following destructive countries have been discussing for nofotis visited Turkey that month. mit flight plans before entering an said Turkey should be required to who want to limit our earthquakes in Greece and Turkey several years. But military leaders The agreement also extended a area controlled by Greek civil avia- recognize the killings as genocide in 1999 – helped improve relations started a more direct dialogue after summer moratorium on military tion authorities. before it is considered for E.U. democratic rights.” between the two countries, which a Greek fighter pilot was killed on exercises in the Aegean. Athens claims its airspace ex- membership. The French Parlia- came close to war three times since May 23, when Greek and Turkish F- But after the ban ended on Sep- tends to 10 miles (16 kilometers) ment recently voted for a bill In an apparent attempt to limit 1974 over territorial rights and the 16 jets collided while shadowing tember 15, tension mounted again offshore, while Ankara only recog- which, if enacted, would make political fallout, Labor National divided island of Cyprus. each other over the Aegean. with the Turkish military accusing nizes six miles (10 kilometers) – denying the genocide a crime. Party Chairman Michiel van Hulten NATO allies Greece and Turkey In July, Greece and Turkey Greek warplanes of harassing Turk- the extent of Greece's territorial "Whom should the Turkish com- wrote to local party offices at The are at odds over divided Cyprus agreed to set up telephone hotlines ish fighters over the Aegean. waters. This leads to frequent munity's votes go to? Let's use the Hague and Rotterdam instructing and over Aegean Sea boundaries – between the two countries' air com- Greece said it intercepted the Turk- brushes between the two air forces. voting ballot to teach a lesson to them not to use the issue as a litmus those who want to limit our democ- test for Turkish-Dutch candidates, ratic rights," said the Turks Forum newspaper Trouw reported. poster. It is being distributed in the The killings of 1 million or more country's largest cities, where eth- Armenians, starting in 1915, have nic Turkish populations are concen- been the subject of academic and Demonstrators Oppose OXI Day Student Parade in trated. political debate across Europe, es- The poster carries pictures of pecially in view of Turkey's applica- ethnic Turk candidates with a red tion for E.U. membership. Thessaloniki, Demand that Government Abolish Parades cross and the words "definitely not" Most European governments in Turkish next to the names of par- consider it genocide. Turkey denies THESSALONIKI (AP) – Riot police ties which say the killings constitut- the deaths resulted from systematic fired tear gas to break up a group of ed genocide. At the top of the list is slaughter, saying estimates of 1.5 leftist protesters who tried to dis- a photo of a candidate for the D-66 million dead are wildly inflated, rupt a student parade in the north- party, Fatma Koser Kaya, with the and that both Armenians and Turks eastern Greek city of Thessaloniki word "evet," Turkish for yes. were killed in fighting during the last week, officials said. No injuries Koser Kaya wrote on her website collapse of the Ottoman Empire. were reported. that allowing open debate on the The U.S. Government does not Police said around 150 demon- matter was a matter of free speech. use "genocide" to define the strators attempted to break "Many hundreds of thousands of killings. through police barriers last Friday, October 27, and march past a stand for officials attending the annual parade, which had just ended. The group clashed with riot police, and one demonstrator was detained. Cypriot Lawyer Denies Link The protesters want the Greek Government to abolish school pa- With Milosevic, Funds Transfer rades – held before the October 28 OXI Day and March 25 Indepen- By Kerin Hope bian Government officials and Laiki dence Day national holidays. Financial Times employees. The clashes coincided with Mladan Dinkic, then-governor widespread unrest in Greece's state NICOSIA – The managing director of the Yugoslav central bank, said education system, which had been of Cyprus' most prestigious law in 2002 that about $4 billion was paralyzed for weeks by teachers' firm denied facilitating the illegal moved through the Cyprus-based strikes for higher starting salaries. transfer to the island in the 1990s front companies. None of the mon- Unions called off the strikes during of billions of dollars by the govern- ey has been recovered. a meeting later that day. ment of Slobodan Milosevic, the The funds were used to buy But some 900 of the country's former Serbian president. weapons, raw materials, spare 3,000 high schools have been occu- Pambos Ioannides told a Nicosia parts and fuel for the Milosevic pied by students who oppose a new court this past Monday, October 30, government to pursue wars in grade-point threshold introduced AP/NICOS GIAKOUMIDES that the firm, which set up more Bosnia in 1992-95 and Kosovo in by the government for university Leftist protesters clash with riot police after a student parade in the port city of Thessaloniki in northern than 100 Serbian-owned trading 1998-99, according to a 2002 in- entry. Greece last Friday, October 27. Police fired tear gas to disperse some 150 demonstrators who attempted to companies under Cyprus' offshore vestigation by the U.N. war crimes OXI Day school parades were break through police barriers. The group opposes school parades. business regime, "always acted in tribunal at The Hague. held in Athens and other major full compliance with Cypriot legis- Mr. Ioannides and colleagues at cities last Saturday, while students with black flags. Greece's rebuffing of Mussolini's which was attended by President lation." the law firm, which was founded by from the schools being occupied Thessaloniki hosted a military demands and joining World War II Karolos Papoulias and Prime Minis- "We always followed the instruc- Tassos Papadopoulos – now the threatened to disrupt the events parade for OXI Day – which marks on the side of the Allies in 1940 – ter Costas Karamanlis. tions of the central bank regarding president of Cyprus – were direc- offshore companies. We never had tors of Antexol. Mr. Ioannides took any communication with Milosevic, over as managing director of the either directly or indirectly. He was law firm after Mr. Papadopoulos never our customer," Mr. Ioannides was elected president in 2003. The said. firm also acts as Laiki Bank's legal Greek Government Overcomes Teacher’s Mr. Ioannides was testifying in a advisers. case for damages for conspiracy to At the plaintiff's request the defraud brought against Laiki court was provided with copies of Strike, Students Urged to Return to Class Bank, a Greek Cypriot lender, by a Antexol's balance sheet for 1994- Serbian businessman. 96, which were audited by PWC's By Nicholas Paphitis earlier this month, made the same "Without pressing pupils too The claim concerns a payment Nicosia operation and approved by Associated Press decision. The final decision came much, we will find a way," Union made in 1994 by Antexol, an off- the central bank. last Friday during both unions' gen- Secretary-General Polyzois shore "front" company set up by Mr. The accounts show manage- ATHENS (AP) – The Greek Govern- eral assemblies. Babouras said. Ioannides' firm, which was used by ment fees – paid to Mr. Papadopou- ment urged educators and students "We will recommend continuing But many secondary schools had the Belgrade government to chan- los' firm – of $1.3 million yearly, but to return to the classroom after our fight in another form," union remained closed with some 900 out nel funds abroad during the 1990's do not report any income from teachers indicated they would end leader Demetris Bratis said. Both of about 3,000 schools throughout United Nations embargo against trading activities. a strike which kept primary schools unions said they will propose 24- Greece under occupation by stu- Yugoslavia, according to U.N. in- Mr. Ioannides, whose name ap- closed for most of the semester. hour strikes on November 3 and 9. dents protesting for curriculum vestigators. pears on Antexol's 1994 balance Teachers and students held Primary and secondary school changes. The students want the During the embargo, cash was sheet, said, "We registered so many weekly demonstrations since late teachers are demanding increases Government to abolish a new mini- flown to Cyprus and deposited in offshore companies that I don't re- September – unrest which had in net starting salaries from around mum grade requirement for admis- accounts held by Antexol and other call the details of their operations." emerged as a major challenge to $1,100 to $1,750 a month – which sion to state universities and poly- "front" companies at Cyprus Popu- Greece's conservative government, the Government has ruled out – technics, a demand backed by lar Bank, now known as Laiki, ac- The Financial Times published but a challenge which the Govern- and the allocation of more funds to teachers, as well as cuts to the re- cording to testimony by former Ser- the above on October 31. ment eventually overcame last education. quired curriculum. week. Now that the strike is over, Edu- The governing conservatives al- AP/RUBRA The strikes began on September cation Ministry and union officials so face strong reactions from uni- Sharapova defeats Danielidou 18, a week after schools opened, in may extend school hours and hold versity staff and student unions book Ø worm. - noun Greece's primary schools and classes on holidays to make up for over plans to end the state monop- Top-seeded Maria Sharapova of 1. One who spends much time reading or studying. spread to secondary schools, but lost time. oly on tertiary education by allow- Russia reacts after a point 2. Any of various insects, especially booklice and silverfish, that the state primary school teachers' "Right now, we should all be ing the creation of nonprofit pri- against during her second round infest books and feed on the paste in the bindings. union finally decided to recom- aiming to fully restore the normal vate universities. This would re- match against Eleni Danielidou Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition mend ending their strike over more functioning of the education sys- quire a constitutional amendment, of Greece at the Generali Ladies pay last Thursday, October 26. tem at all levels," Government which would come into effect after WTA tennis tournament in Linz, The National Herald Bookstore Their secondary school colleagues, Spokesman Evangelos Antonaros the next elections, set for March Austria last week. Sharapova (718) 784-5255 [email protected] who launched a sympathy strike said. 2008. won the match in 7-5, 6-1. 10 EDITORIALS LETTERS THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 4, 2006

The National Herald LETTERS TO THE EDITOR A weekly publication of the NATIONAL HERALD, INC. (ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ), reporting the news and addressing the issues of paramount interest Congratulations to TNH for New ages. It is also a major factor in the the first half of 2007. The museum which prompted Elgin to rescue to the Greek American community of the United States of America. Look and its Global Perspective rift between Christianity and Islam. is being built at the foot of the whatever sculptures he could for In contrast, the New Testament Acropolis in direct line of sight of posterity. The Parthenon had been Publisher-Editor Antonis H. Diamataris To the Editor: does not contain any command by the ancient hill. Initially scheduled reduced to a ruin more than 100 I have been an avid reader of the Jesus or his Apostles to commit vio- for completion before the 2004 years previously, in 1687, during Assistant to Publisher, Advertising Veta H. Diamataris Papadopoulos National Herald for two years now. lent acts, or force people to convert. Olympics, construction of the new the Venetian siege of the Acropolis. Managing Editor Evan C. Lambrou I enjoy the fact that you provide a Therefore, the Pope made no 20,000 square-meter (215,000 The defending Turks were using Production Manager Chrysoula Karametros perspective on Hellenic affairs and mistake in his comments, and square feet) glass-and-concrete the Parthenon for gunpowder stor- Webmaster Alexandros Tsoukias Hellenic American personalities should not have to apologize. In- structure was delayed, running into age, which was ignited by the The National Herald (USPS 016864) is published weekly by throughout your pages, plus a very stead, the international community legal fights and new archaeological Venetian bombardment. The explo- The National Herald Inc. at 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 valuable global view on your edito- should focus its attention on the discoveries at the site. sion destroyed the roofs and parts Tel: (718)784-5255, Fax: (718)472-0510, rial pages by well-respected experts many troubling aspects of Islam The museum was designed by of the walls, and the colonnade. e-mail: [email protected] like Professor Kousoulas and Am- and its holy book. This, in turn, U.S.-based architect Bernard On his return to England, Elgin bassador Theros. could lead to an Islamic reforma- Tschumi, in collaboration with faced severe financial difficulties. Democritou 1 and Academias Sts, Athens, 10671, Greece Tel: 011.30.210.3614.598, Fax: 011.30.210.3643.776, e-mail: [email protected] As American citizens, we must tion, and possibly a peaceful recon- Greece’s Michael Photiades. It will In 1810, he began formal negotia- always be aware that we are in a ciliation between the two faiths. incorporate remains of a 3rd-7th tions with the British Government Subscriptions by mail: 1 year $59.85, 6 months $29.95, 3 months $19.95, 1 month $9.95 global, and not just a local or na- Nick Gatsoulis Century Athenian neighborhood for the sale of his collection. In the Home delivery NY, NJ, CT: 1 year $80.00, 6 months $43.99, 3 months $29.99, 1 month $12.95 tional, environment. When we do Astoria, New York discovered in 1990. We know what end, Elgin agreed to accept the val- Home delivery New England States, Pennsylvania & Washington DC: something, the world watches us, the Greek Government’s official at- ue determined by a special commit- 1 year $99.00, 6 months $51.75, 3 months $37.45, 1 month $15.95 On line subscription: Non subscribers: 1 year $29.95, 1 month $3.95; so we need to be aware of our im- titude is regarding the issue. I think tee appointed by the House of Subscribers: 1 year $19.95, 1 month $1.95 pact and realize there are conse- Considering the Plight of Lord it’s useful to know the official state- Commons. quences to all our actions, good or Elgin from Another Perspective ment on the matter, however: The committee found that the Periodical postage paid at L.I.C. NY and additional mailing offices. bad. Lord Elgin (Thomas Bruce, 7th collection had been legitimately ac- Postmaster send change of address to: I also appreciate your change in Earl of Elgin) took up the post of quired by Elgin as a private individ- THE NATIONAL HERALD, 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 look and format. It keeps the news- To the Editor: Ambassador to Constantinople, the ual and the sale went through. The paper fresh. Thank you for your The friendship between the capital of the Ottoman Empire in collection was then vested in the consideration of us, the readers. British Government and Greece is 1799. Greece was then part of that Trustees of the British Museum in Vice Admiral Michael Kalleres, equaled by the friendship between empire, and had been since 1453. perpetuity. United States Navy (retired) the U.S. and Greece, but this leg- Wishing to improve the arts of Christopher Xenopoulos Janus, The need for transparency Jacksonville, Florida endary friendship has been Great Britain, Elgin assembled a Wilmette, Illinois strained by the refusal of Great group of architects, painters, When high winds knocked huge trees down in parts of Queens at the Britain to return the Parthenon’s draftsman and molders to make end of September – prior to last weekend’s high winds – residents in Rich- The Pope Should Not Have to statuary. This all started while casts and drawings of Greek monu- mond Hills waited more than a month for New York City authorities to re- Apologize for Koran’s Mandates Greece was under Ottoman rule. ments. They began work in Athens TO OUR READERS move the fallen trees from their streets. Melina Merkouri dedicated her in 1800. Their complaints to city authorities went unheeded – until the local me- To the Editor: office to this issue. Phil-Hellenes all The following year, Elgin was The National Herald welcomes dia exposed the inexcusable cleanup delays last week. Suddenly, the The upcoming Papal visit to over the world have been urging granted a firman (a royal mandate, letters from its readers intended cleanup began in earnest. Turkey as highlighted in Ian Fish- Great Britain to return what are letter of instruction) ordering au- for publication. They should in- This is a splendid example why the media’s role is so important in a free er’s article (see Press Clippings in now known as the Elgin Marbles. thorities not to hinder his employ- clude the writer’s name, address, and open society: It exposes inefficiencies and corruption to ensure that, the National Herald’s October 14 The late George Papandreou, ees. Another firman was secured by and telephone number and be with public pressure, legitimate authorities and government agencies do edition), brings to light the mindset when he was Prime Minister, un- Sir Robert Adair in February 1810, addressed to: The Editor, The Na- their jobs correctly; serve the public responsibly. of many prominent Turkish leaders dertook special efforts, but failed. which instructed authorities in tional Herald, 37-10 30th Street, In a closed society, authorities, left to their own devices, would simply and intellectuals on religious mat- Andreas Papandreou also failed. Athens to allow the embarkation of Long Island City, NY 11101. slip into complacency, which is often at the root of poor service. In turn, ters. There was some hope that Britain all the remaining antiquities col- unchecked complacency could eventually lead to corruption in the system Unfortunately, they choose to ig- would return the Marbles on a loan lected by Elgin. Letters can also be faxed to (718) and even oppression of the citizenry. nore reality, and historical fact. The basis during the Olympics, but the It is a popular misconception 472-0510 or e-mailed to Transparency is therefore the key to exposing complacency and ineffi- quote used by Pope regarding British Prime Minister Tony Blair that Elgin purchased the antiqui- english.edition@thenationalher- ciencies and preventing them from becoming an unchecked problem. Muhammad’s command to “spread and his government vetoed it. ties; in fact, the firman was granted ald.com. We reserve the right to For those who think the press is “powerful,” this is the true power of a the Islamic faith by the sword” is Now there is renewed hope that to him as diplomatic gesture fol- edit letters for publication and re- newspaper which takes its responsibility to its readers seriously: to ensure true, and can be found in the Ko- the marbles might be returned to lowing the defeat of French forces gret that we are unable to ac- transparency in the system. ran. Athens in the near future. This in Egypt, then an Ottoman posses- knowledge or return those left And the need for transparency is not limited to government. It applies to This violent command by the hope is based on a new $162 mil- sion. unpublished. all service-oriented organizations and institutions. We ask you, our readers, founder of Islam has been the cause lion museum which is being built in It was the continuing destruc- to keep this in mind as we move onto our next topic. of many conflicts throughout the Greece, and is expected to open in tion of classical sculpture in Athens

Reality vs. killing the messenger PRESS CLIPPINGS We were happy to publish Dr. Candace Hetzner’s response last week to Theodore Kalmoukos’ story concerning tension between faculty and adminis- tration at Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in our October 21 edition. Monitoring Morality: The Nobel Truth Prize Dr. Hetzner hits the nail on the head when she cites the “internecine squabbling of our clergy and hierarchy” as part of the problem, but she gives "There is no such thing," George were eventually dropped, Pamuk which insecure Ankarites can't take deny that the Armenian Genocide us a little too much credit when she writes that HC/HC “has been steadily Orwell once said, "as a genuinely becomes the third consecutive liter- is long: suggesting that troops be took place. This matches similar hobbled by Mr. Kalmoukos’ reporting.” nonpolitical literature." That prob- ature laureate with heavy political withdrawn from Cyprus; criticizing laws across the E.U. criminalizing While no newspaper or journalist is perfect, the fact remains that this par- ably comes as news to millions of baggage. Last year's winner, British Kemal Ataturk, the long-dead fa- Holocaust denial. Both notions ex- ticular correspondent has been steadily chronicling the life of the Church in Danielle Steel fans. Still, if Orwell playwright Harold Pinter, is equally ther of modern Turkey; even hav- hibit an unseemly lack of confi- America on the pages of both our publications for almost three decades now, had only tacked on the word well known for his strident leftist ing a fictional character in a novel dence in the free competition of so objectively speaking, he knows something about issues affecting the "award" to his aphorism, that 1946 politics. The 2004 honoree, El- speak of the Armenian Genocide. ideas and leave European govern- Church here. Moreover, as a graduate of HC/HC, he also knows a more than statement would have been as eeri- friede Jelinek, is a fierce critic of Turkey is consistently ranked ments open to charges of hypocrisy. a just little bit about the school’s administrative history. ly prescient as his novel "1984." Austria's conservative establish- about 100th in the world by global France has a partly questionable Dr. Hetzner also suggests that the National Herald help lead efforts to sup- Take Thursday, October 12's ment. nonprofit groups which measure motivation – anti-Turkish animus – port the school. But this is exactly what we are doing by covering the school awarding of the Nobel Prize for Lit- As tempting as it is to poke fun press freedom, and the European for coming down on the side of and offering suggestions on how to improve it. erature to Turkish writer Orhan Pa- at political moralizing from the No- Union has insisted on easing these truth. The U.S., which is motivated This newspaper is not responsible for the school’s problems. Moreover, muk. Though the secular storyteller bel committee, the ones truly de- restrictions as a precondition to by a desire to please its most impor- ganging up on our correspondents and asking us to remain silent about injus- has been a rumored Nobel candi- serving of criticism are the govern- Turkey's future membership. tant Muslim ally, has come out on tice and incompetence, when they smack the community in the face, is not date since his lyrical 2002 novel, ments – not just of Turkey, but also During that process, France has the other side – refusing to call the the answer; neither would it be helpful to the school. "Snow," he is perhaps best known of France and the United States – taken the lead in pushing Turkey to Armenian Genocide by its proper Mr. Kalmoukos’ story, which obviously ruffled more than few feathers, for being charged in his native which twist language into politics join the 21st Century, instead of name, proving again that nothing was not simply about an individual professor’s “failure to follow procedures country last year for "denigrating" by criminalizing speech and deny- squabbling over the 20th. But as is corrupts language more than poli- (concerning parking regulations).” It was about the HC/HC Chief Adminis- Turkish identity. His crime consist- ing the truth. too often the case in Europe, the tics. trator James Karloutsos’ conduct, and how he treats faculty and staff. To ed of pointing out, in an interview Turkey continues to demon- state's zeal to promote the truth has "Political speech and writing," to some measure, the story was also about the same administrator’s arguments with a journalist, that the Ottoman strate its unreadiness to join the manifested itself in a prohibition quote Orwell again, "are largely the concerning fulltime and part-time teaching requirements. Empire killed 1.2 million Armeni- ranks of mature democracies with against the individual's right to defense of the indefensible." It should also be noted that this conflict was not an isolated event. John ans nine decades ago, and that its its many attacks on free expression, state falsehoods. As Pamuk was Chirban, the professor who was justifiably outraged by the towing of his car successor has killed 30,000 Kurds most of them springing from laws winning his prize, the French Na- The Los Angeles Times published from a small Christian school, where he has been teaching for many years, over the last two. against insulting the state or its in- tional Assembly passed a bill mak- the above as an editorial on Octo- shared his anger and dismay with the entire faculty and staff, so no one Although charges against him stitutions. And the list of jokes ing it an imprisonable offense to ber 14. should pretend this is a trivial matter. At the same time, there are several larger issues to consider. What is particularly interesting about Dr. Hetzner’s response was the swiftness with which it came to us, not to mention the speed with which it was subsequently distributed to students, faculty and even the school’s board of trustees. Troubles Ahead: A Testing Time for Turkey’s EU Ambitions This clearly signifies that those who feel threatened by Mr. Kalmoukos’ story have orchestrated a response in order to downplay a problem which is ISTANBUL – There may be serious that any deal would have to include and political ructions which many presidency is their sole remaining much larger than they care to admit. fall-out from Turkey's present poor reopening northern Cyprus to com- fear would follow a suspension of bastion; should the overtly pious Is- Their actions also indicate active attempts to intimidate the school’s stu- relationship with both the Euro- mercial air traffic, because tourism the E.U. membership talks and lamist Mr. Erdogan conquer it, they dents, the future of this community. And that, by far, is the most disconcerting pean Union and America. is the only way of ending its depen- might galvanize America into using fear that it will be the end of aspect to a story which continues to unfold. “There's a lot of talk these days dence on handouts from Turkey. its influence with heavyweights Ataturk's republic. The knee-jerk We don’t object to constructive criticism – we welcome it, in fact – but we of a trainwreck later this year bring- And the Greek Cypriots say this is such as Germany's chancellor, An- anti-Semitism displayed by some of do object to empty platitudes and pontification. ing Turkey's negotiations for mem- out of the question as long as gela Merkel, who is due to assume Mr. Erdogan's colleagues has not In her commentary, Dr. Hetzner, herself a member of the HC/HC Board of bership (in the European Union) to Turkey refuses to recognize their the E.U. presidency in January. helped him. Trustees, asks a legitimate question: “As a convert to Greek Orthodoxy, I ask a shuddering halt. Is this exaggera- government as the only legitimate The trouble is that Mr. Erdogan General Buyukanit may well be myself almost daily why Roman Catholics can support 238 institutions of tion, or just brinksmanship? Nei- one on the island. now has very few friends left in tempted to voice these concerns higher learning, and the Greek Orthodox can not support even one?” ther, I fear. The danger is real.” Barring a last-minute miracle on Washington. His failure to deliver when he visits Washington shortly. The answer to this question is multi-dimensional and requires careful con- These valedictory words from the Cyprus, the best hope is that negoti- on promises to facilitate America's His views on Iran (he once de- sideration, but Dr. Hetzner and the people who tried so hard to distribute her outgoing British ambassador, Sir ations are allowed to continue on invasion of Iraq and his overtures to scribed Iran's theocracy as the “an- arguments among the HC/HC community fail to genuinely address this ques- Peter Westmacott, reflect a growing chapters which are unrelated to Iran and Syria have made him seem tithesis” of Ataturk's republic) will tion: “Last year, it was my privilege to work with the faculty of Hellenic Col- concern over Turkey's relationship trade or other matters affecting the like an unreliable partner. This mat- undoubtedly appeal to his hosts. lege to revise the core curriculum to provide a solid liberal arts education in with the E.U. Greek Cypriots directly. But that ters, as America ponders the best re- Should the E.U. talks collapse, the the context of Hellenism and Christian Orthodoxy… (students) can also The trigger for the looming de- means persuading the Greek Cypri- sponse to Iran's nuclear ambitions. army may be given an even freer study such things as economics, political science, philosophy, history, litera- railment is Cyprus, which joined the ots to lift their veto on opening new At home too, Mr. Erdogan is fac- hand. There is loose talk of a repeat ture and foreign languages… Hellenic College enables students to be the re- E.U. as a divided island in 2004. chapters. And the suspicion in ing problems with the country's of the generals' so-called “soft coup” cipients of their great tradition without majoring in Classics or religion, The E.U. insists that Turkey must Ankara anyway is that countries in 1997, when they managed to though both are available in the curriculum,” she writes. honor its pledge to open its ports to such as Austria and France, where leverage Turkey's first Islamist-led That might sound well and good to some, but there is a lot more to it than Greek Cypriot ships and aircraft. there is strong public resistance to The trigger for the government out of power. that. While it is important for HC/HC students to have an opportunity to Turkey retorts that part of the deal Turkish accession, would only be looming derailment Yet although some in America learn foreign languages, for example, the school’s limited resources should was to end the economic isolation too happy to see the talks suspend- is Cyprus, which joined might be tempted to welcome such focus on making sure students learn their Greek; and to suggest that Ortho- of Turkish Cypriots. It will not ed. an outcome, the chances of its hap- dox Christian students can receive “their great tradition” without learning budge on the ports until the embar- How else, ask the Turks, can one the E.U. as a divided pening remain tiny. Unlike 1997, Greek or studying Classics and religion is absurd. go on Turkish-occupied northern explain the French National Assem- island in 2004 the opposition parties lack the par- Furthermore, it’s not enough for subjects to be “available in the curricu- Cyprus is lifted. If this row is not set- bly vote for a bill to criminalize de- liamentary strength to form a gov- lum.” Certain subjects must be required and others, at the very least, should tled by the end of the year, E.U. nial that the mass slaughter of the hawkish new chief of the general ernment. Foreign investors, crucial be strongly encouraged. membership talks may be suspend- Armenians by the Ottoman Turks in staff, General Yasar Buyukanit. to sustained economic growth, But recent attempts to de-Hellenize the curriculum at Hellenic College ed. 1915 was genocide? Or the de- Since taking over in August, the would take fright if the army (yet another story Mr. Kalmoukos’ broke some months ago) prove that the re- A longtime NATO ally, Turkey's mands by French politicians that general and his fellow commanders moved. Another risk is that opposi- verse is taking place, and Dr. Hetzner even admits she has played a role in the strategic importance and size mean recognition of the massacre as have turned up the volume of tion to a military-backed govern- de-Hellenizing effort. that a rupture with the E.U. would genocide should be made a condi- rhetoric they aim at both the gov- ment would no longer come only Those who seek to undermine Hellenism’s dynamic present – and it’s on- have effects far beyond its borders. tion for Turkey's membership, even ernment and the E.U. from mainstream Kurdish and Is- going vitality within Orthodox Christianity – by confining it to the past are on- It would confirm suspicions across though E.U. Enlargement Commis- When Mehmet Agar, leader of lamic groups, but from their mili- ly fooling themselves, not to mention adversely impacting impressionable the Islamic world that the union is a sioner Olli Rehn has firmly declared the opposition True Path Party, de- tant hardcore detractors with sus- young minds. “You have turned from the way, and by your teaching have Christian club. Mindful of the that it should not be? clared that he would not allow the pected ties to Islamist terrorists. caused many to stumble (Malachi 2.8).” stakes, Finland, which holds the Given the public response in generals to talk when he came to That such scenarios are now se- Finally, this newspaper is simply doing its job by exposing flaws in the sys- E.U. presidency, has been pushing a Turkey to what are seen as Euro- power, General Buyukanit respond- riously conjured up only goes to tem, and by pointing out that there are individuals who should be held ac- plan which would let Greek Cypri- pean snubs, some are now speculat- ed that he would continue to talk show that E.U. membership, warts countable: ots use Turkish ports and Turkish ing that it will be Turkish Prime “even if you are in charge.” and all, is the best – and possibly the The Archbishop, who is chairman of HC/HC’s board of trustees; members Cypriots export their goods, under Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to The army's assertiveness is only – guarantee of Ataturk's dream of the board; Mr. Karloutsos, an elementary school administrator who is now Union supervision, from the Turk- first walk away from the talks. With aimed in part at bullying Mr. Erdo- for a firmly pro-Western democracy. running our community’s only institution of higher learning; HC/HC Presi- ish-controlled port of Famagusta. support for E.U. membership dip- gan into renouncing his presumed With the right vision and selfless dent Rev. Nicholas Triantafilou; and all those associated with them, whose Abdullah Gul, the Turkish foreign ping below 50 percent, a firm show ambitions to succeed the deter- leadership, Mr. Erdogan could still primary interest seems to be keeping things “in the club.” minister, and Ali Babacan, the econ- of defiance might be a good way of minedly pro-secular Ahmet Necdet go down in history as the man who We offer these comments as points for open and honest discussion. It is omy minister and lead negotiator drawing nationalist votes to Mr. Er- Sezer as president when his term made it come true. But he will have part of our effort to help address more substantive questions concerning the with the E.U., have both said they dogan's mildly Islamist party in the expires in May. Mr. Sezer has spent to show statesmanship – and the EU school and its future, which is crucial to the future of this community. were hopeful of a breakthrough be- parliamentary election which is due the past three years blocking any (and America) will have to help him So there’s no need to kill the messenger. Just try improving the school, in- fore the European Commission is- by next November. legislation proposed by Mr. Erdo- along the way. stead. Admit that your de-Hellenizing formulas aren’t working, and try ex- sues its progress report on Turkish As ever, pro-European Turks are gan which he has deemed to be a ploring other healthier strategies. Our community depends on the school to accession on November 8th. pinning their hopes on America to threat to the secular tenets of the The Economist published the supply its future priests. In private, Turkish officials say ride to the rescue. The economic constitution. For secularists, the above in its October 21 edition. THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 4, 2006 VIEWPOINTS 11 The Glory and the Tragedy: The Greek People in the Second World War

For Greeks today, occupation, declared the Acropolis The writ of the expeditionary force fell back from famine. More than 100,000 died of thing of value and paying for it with resistance and civil war invoke a off-limits to all Greeks. regime had only limit- the German onslaught and, for the starvation and associated diseases useless occupation currency. The parade of images – some magnifi- During the first ed currency in larger second time in the war, had to be in Athens alone, and thousands Nazis awarded Macedonia and cent, others outrageous – all cata- month of occupation, towns and cities, and rescued by the Royal Navy. Mussoli- more in other cities and towns. For Thrace to their Bulgarian allies, loguing a painful period in their re- the issue of flags on even there it simply ni, with the false bravado of a many, survival hinged on the who promptly seized the wheat cent history. the Acropolis almost adjudicated over triv- cheat, insisted on a final Italian of- drudgery of waiting in long lines to fields and denied any supplies to The Athenians define the occu- became an obsession ial matters of state or fensive in Albania, to take advan- collect a bowl of watery soup deliv- Greece, which exacerbated the crit- pation as the period of darkness. with the Axis. The Ital- cases of petty crime. Is- tage of the German victory, only to ered daily by the Greek Red Cross. ical food shortage. Most remember the first day, a glo- ians, a few days after sues of organized face yet another failure. The Greek People sought every means possible The Axis also mined Greek wa- rious Sunday on April 27, 1941. they arrived in Athens crime, such as the lines held because the Greek Army to survive. They sold whatever they ters and appropriated most of the The capital basked under a cloud- on the heels of the black market, homi- refused to concede defeat to a van- had of value to purchase a loaf of fishing fleet, allowing only a hand- less rich blue sky, offsetting over German Army, raised cide and other serious quished foe. bread, a couple of eggs or any form ful of boats to supply the mainland. the Acropolis and the bone white an immense Italian by DR. ANDRE offenses, came under In the early summer of 1941, the of vegetable. Cats and dogs became In addition, the Axis confiscation of marble of the Parthenon, the cen- flag on the Acropolis, GEROLYMATOS the jurisdiction of the heroes of the Albanian campaign a rare delicacy, and when these all locomotives and rolling stock, terpiece of ancient and modern dwarfing the swastika. Axis control law en- were just anxious to go home and were not available, even rodents trucks, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, Athens. By noon, the wind had Special forcement. Under protect their families from the un- had to suffice. horses, donkeys and mules severed That morning, the Germans, in a shredded the Italian to The National Herald these circumstances, certainty of occupation. The Ger- Every morning, vans collected a the connection between country- solemn ceremony, raised the red flag, which was the police and gen- mans, in a rare gesture of compas- fresh crop of the famine’s victims side and cities for the duration of and black swastika at the Acropolis. promptly replaced by a much darmerie were too often identified sion, did not intern the Greek and headed to the outskirts of the occupation. At 11 AM, the German comman- smaller one. A few days later, Ital- with the instruments of occupation, Army; the soldiers were simply giv- Athens, disgorging their grizzly car- A quarter of a million dead from dant of Athens ordered a Greek ian authorities raised yet another and regardless of their contribution en indefinite leave and sent home. go into open pits which served as starvation (a conservative estimate Evzone, a soldier of the unit which flag, this one merely three times as to the resistance, both officers and Tragically, the arrival of thousands makeshift graves. Soon, lack of fuel at best) was the downpayment for traditionally guarded the Unknown large as the swastika. The Germans men were eventually tainted with of hungry men further aggravated curtailed these grim convoys, and the Greece’s adherence to the cause Soldier and took part in official cer- responded by replacing their flag the stain of collaboration. the critical shortage of food sup- the backlog of decaying bodies of the Allies in the Second World emonies, to lower the Greek flag as with one significantly larger than During the first year of the Axis plies and accelerated the progress posed a new hazard for the belea- War, followed by occupation, resis- a special tribute to Hitler. the Italian one. Twenty-four hours occupation, the vast majority of the of mass starvation. guered Athenians. For many sur- tance, reprisals and then the final The Evzone, dressed in the tra- later, the wind tore the swastika to Greek population was still recover- The famine remains as the dark- vivors, images of emaciated chil- cruelty: a civil war which lasted un- ditional kilt of the revolutionary pieces, the Germans then raised a ing from the shock of defeat and est legacy of the occupation, and dren standing vigil over a dead par- til 1949. soldiers of 1821, refused the com- newer smaller version, but one the anxiety and fear of life under was the incubator of hatred which ent and small piles of corpses mand, and then, as the Germans which was still larger than that of foreign occupation. Greek society inspired mass resistance against the stacked by street corners personify Dr. Gerolymatos is Chair of Hel- watched in astonishment, he threw their Italian allies. was in a state of reshuffling, and al- Axis. Starvation pervaded every city some of their haunting memories of lenic Studies at Simon Fraser himself over the wall, plummeting The comic relief of the battle of most the entire country was on the and town in Greece, consuming its the famine. University in Vancouver, British to his death 500 feet at the foothills the flags soon gave way to a harsh- move. Anxious people yearned for victims at an alarming rate. Thou- Mass starvation was inevitable, Columbia and the author of “Red of the Acropolis. er reality. The Germans confiscated the security of familial surround- sands succumbed to the debilitating however. The Germans had de- Acropolis, Black Terror: The Three days later, on a moonlit all Greek hospitals, still overcrowd- ings and sought comfort in old affects of malnutrition or died from scended like locusts upon Greece, Greek Civil War and the Origins May evening, two young men, ed with the wounded of the Alban- neighborhoods, or found a way out the onset of disease triggered by the consuming or conscripting every- of Soviet-American Rivalry.” Manolis Glezos and Apostolos San- ian war. Greek soldiers, many with of the cities. The fortunate ones tas, scaled the Acropolis and amputated limbs, had to leave re- could return to ancestral villages climbed over the barbed wire en- gardless of their condition. Some and islands to weather the storm, closing the Parthenon. They were lucky few had means of transporta- but a great many, especially par- determined to bring down the tion; however, most had to make ents, spouses and children of sol- swastika and thus, for a brief mo- their way on foot. For several days, diers, had to stay put, waiting with ment, leave the Parthenon free Athens was awash with thousands apprehension for the return of the from the stain of the Third Reich’s of wounded soldiers making their men who fought in the war. battle flag. At a few minutes past way home. Shortly, a new creature The postal network between Al- midnight, the young men reached appeared in the capital – the pro- bania and Greece was practically their objective and, with some diffi- Nazi and pro-Fascist Greeks. non-existent and the few pre-war culty, managed to pull down the Before the war, the small moun- telephone and telegraph lines had swastika. The Athenians were jubi- tain towns and villages in the hin- disintegrated during the course of lant – word spread quickly – terland constituted distinct soci- the fighting. The tens of thousands enough people had noticed the ab- eties, self-contained and remote of demobilized soldiers (the future sence of the swastika from the from the political and social resistance fighters) were slowly Acropolis and passed the news by changes which buffeted the rest of making the arduous trek home, and word of mouth. Greece. For centuries, the only had no ready means of communi- The German response was dis- common denominator between the cating with their families. proportionate to the deed, and a villages and cities was religion, but Long columns of bone-weary hallmark of their administration of trade remained the primary mode men – some wounded, all gaunt – Greece. They imposed a 10 PM cur- of communication. Villagers and snaked around the few mountain few to punish the Athenians and farmers supplied the urban centers roads in southern Albania as they with the basic staples – olive oil, headed back towards the Greek dairy products, beans, wheat, etc. – frontier. For almost a year, they had in exchange for essential products, fought with grim determination, GUEST EDITORIALS such as tools, plows, knives, shoes, relentlessly hounding the Italian fabrics and glass, as well as a few Army out of Greece and forcing it The National Herald welcomes luxuries. Nonetheless, centralized back to the bleak mountains of manuscripts representing a vari- authority was the primary feature Southern Albania. ety of views for publication in its of the Greek state, and power radi- In the winter of 1941, the fight- View Points page. They should in- ated from the city and dominated ing was bitter and waged under the clude the writer’s name, address, the village. Because of the famine harsh mountain conditions of and the emergence of the guerrilla Northern Greece and Southern Al- and telephone number and be ad- forces in the mountains, their roles bania. Greek soldiers, suffering dressed to the View Points Editor, were reversed, and legitimate from frostbite and unattended The National Herald, 37-10 30th Greek political authority shifted to wounds, were tormented by lice, Street, Long Island City, NY the village. worn down with fatigue, and hand- 11101. They can also be faxed to The famine also disintegrated icapped by dwindling critical sup- (718) 472-0510 or, preferably, e- civil society in Greece and discred- plies. Cold and hungry, they mailed to english.edition@then- ited the authority of the state. mounted bayonet charges in bliz- ationalherald.com. Due to consid- Whatever limited influence over zards and fought hand-to-hand events the first occupation govern- when they ran out of ammunition, erations of space we enforce a ment (headed by General Tso- but all to no avail. strict 1,400-word upper limit. We lakoglou) may have had, the In the spring, a German army of reserve the right to edit for repet- famine exposed the effectiveness of mechanized and armored divisions The Battle of Cape Matapan, known as the “Italian Naval Massacre” of World War II, is illustrated above. itiveness, diction and syntax. We the first German-sponsored Quis- poured over the northern-western On March 28, 1940 British Admiral Andrew B. Cunningham decided once and for all who would be master regret that we are unable to ac- lings as a cruel joke. It was nothing frontier to rescue Hitler’s van- of the Mediterranean. It was called Mare Nostrum (Our Sea) by Benito Mussolini and his Fascist stalwarts. knowledge or return manuscripts, more than a collection of ex-sol- quished ally. It was over in less than The Italian navy, or Regia Marina, claimed it was an open question as to who would rule the Mediter- published or unpublished. diers and politicians addicted to the three weeks. ranean. Operation Gaudo, a plan to sweep the Royal Navy from the waters surrounding Crete, was intend- exaggerated pomp of petty bureau- The Greek soldiers in Albania ed to demonstrate, after a number of one-sided encounters, that the Italians were still a force to be reck- cracy. were outflanked, when the British oned with. The Problem with Greek Cypriot Strategy: Insisting on Perfect or Ideal Solutions

Cyprus has been divided for the certain minimal ties between them, In a hard-hitting arti- equal. In the United ”delegates of the Turk Cypriot com- will continue, pure and simple. For past 32 years, and almost 38 per- the Greek Cypriots rejected any dis- cle published by the Na- States today, the state of munity.” many years, the Turks were push- cent of the island remains under cussion of this new formula, and tional Herald on Octo- Rhode Island or the state There is every indication that ing for partition to counter the Turkish occupation. In the course continued to insist on a “federa- ber 21, another former of Nevada are legally the Greek Cypriots do not see it that Greeks’ call for enosis (union with of these years, the so-called Cyprus tion.” Greek Cypriot foreign equal, under the Consti- way. If they did, Papadopoulos Greece). Partition has been the problem has defied solution. The Turkish Cypriots aban- minister, Nicos Rolan- tution, to the state of would have already invited Turkish solution of choice. Now, Turkey, of course, has no com- doned the demand for a “confeder- dis, accused the present New York or the state of Mehmet Ali Tallat, the Turkish Greek Cypriots are giving the parti- pelling reason to press for reunifi- ation” in 2004, when they voted for Greek Cypriot leaders of California. These princi- Cypriot leader, to join him and tion to the Turkish side for free, cation of the island because, if for the so-called Annan Plan, which lust for power. “The root ples apply to all existing restart discussions for the federa- without even getting anything in no other reason, it will then have to provided specifically for a “federa- of the evil,” he wrote, federations in the world. tion as the representatives of the return. withdraw its occupation forces tion.” The Greek Cypriots rejected “consists of three words: In Cyprus’ case, how two – legally equal – communities. But even if we were to disregard from the island. the Annan Plan by an overwhelm- ‘Passion for Power.’ ” could these principles Papadopoulos does not seem to the specter of partition as a Turkish by DR. D.G. The Greek Cypriots, on their ing majority. Nevertheless, they Rolandis, who fa- apply? First, there must even consider such “legal equality.” gain, does the current status quo fa- KOUSOULAS hand, would like to see the island continue to speak of a “bi-zonal, bi- vored acceptance of the be a constitutional con- In fact, he does not seem to accept vor Greek Cypriot interests? unified under their control, with communal federation.” Do they Annan Plan, accuses Special vention with the aim of or understand the fundamental of a Under the current state of af- the democratic principle of “major- mean it? President Tassos Pa- to The National forming a federation. federation, at all. fairs, the Turk Cypriots will contin- ity rule” being applied, thereby as- In a two-part interview with the padopoulos “and the Herald Second, the Greek Cypri- It is instructive to recall that, in a ue to control 38 percent of the is- signing to the Turk Cypriots the sta- Turkish Daily news this past Sep- governing coalition” of ot community, repre- highly emotional, nationally tele- land; no refugees will go back to tus of a minority with minimal au- tember, former Cypriot Foreign “a lot of brainwashing sented by its elected vised speech to the Cypriot people their homes; Greek Cypriot proper- thority. (as AKEL itself charged) to reject leaders – in practical terms, by the the day before the referendum on ties in the occupied north will re- Knowing, however, that this is the Plan. They promised a fast, Eu- President of the Republic of Cyprus whether to accept or reject the An- main in Turkish Cypriot hands (and virtually impossible because of But even if we were to ropean solution. They promised re- or an appointed delegation – will nan Plan in April 2004, Papadopou- there is an awful lot of construction Turkish opposition, the Greek disregard the specter of turn of the occupied territories. come to this convention. So will a los said, “Voting for the Annan Plan going on involving Greek proper- Cypriots have accepted the formula They promised that a vote of ‘no’ delegation representing the Turk- will mean the end of the Republic of ties); the number of settlers from of a “bizonal, bicommunal federa- partition as a Turkish would cement a ‘yes’ vote in six ish Cypriot community – very likely Cyprus.” Since the Annan Plan mainland Turkey will increase at tion.” The problem is that the ma- gain, does the current months. They promised that they the president of the northern entity called for the formation of a federa- the discretion of Turkish authorities jority of them do not seem to really status quo really favor would capitalize on our European or an appointed delegation. Both tion – a federal republic of Cyprus in the north; and, of course, the favor such a federation. identity, and that they would would have to come to the conven- composed of two component states Turkish armies of occupation will The formula for a “federation” Greek Cypriot interests? achieve much better terms than tion as legally equal. – approval of the Plan would indeed remain. has been around for a long time. In those of the Annan Plan.” In the light of these fundamen- have meant the end of the Republic Another, little discussed possi- January 1977, 30 years ago this Minister George Iakovou summa- These are harsh words, but he tals, the claim so often asserted by of Cyprus, which would have had to bility is that, at some point, the Eu- coming January, President Makar- rized the problems with Turkey as went even further: “They have in- Papadopoulos and others that the be replaced by the new Federal Re- ropean Union may decide to accept ios met with Rauf Denktash, the follows: “If we wanted to apply a stead led the people to embrace Greek-controlled Republic of public. That was the whole idea. the north as a member, side by side leader of the Turkish Cypriots. Dur- general description to them, it partition.” In effect, Rolandis ac- Cyprus represents all of Cyprus – Papadopoulos presented this with the Republic of Cyprus. With ing that meeting Denktash, pressed would be general normalization of cused the current Greek Cypriot while legally correct and, in effect, outcome as a calamity, however. both parts of the island being mem- by Makarios, repeatedly stated that relations between Turkey and the Government of blocking a solution accepted as such by all countries in There is another obstacle to the bers of the E.U., the Cypriot prob- he favored a “federation” not a Republic of Cyprus.” The diplomat- for the sake of holding onto power. the United Nations except Turkey – federal solution. Most Greek Cypri- lem will be technically “solved.” “confederation.” As usual, the devil ic implications of this statement are Is there any basis for such a serious becomes irrelevant if the parties ots believe that, in a federation, the The history of the Cyprus issue is was in the details – territorial not so easy to see, yet they touch on charge? want to reunite the island as a fed- affluent Greek Cypriot south will that, time after time, the Greek boundaries, the rights of refugees, the very heart of the problem. A One will have to put aside the eration. have to spend money to help ele- Cypriots have rejected a proposed, properties refugees left behind dur- “normalization of relations” with assertions of both camps and look The Greek Cypriots refuse to ac- vate the poverty-stricken Turkish imperfect settlement – hoping and ing the Turkish invasion, and on the Greek-controlled Republic of into the fundamentals. cept the legal existence of the Turk- Cypriot north’s economic condi- insisting for a perfect one – only to and on. Nothing came out of it, ex- Cyprus puts the formula of federa- How is a “federation” formed? ish Cypriot entity in the north, and tion. The post-reunification prob- beg later for the settlement they cept that the “federation” formula tion on the back burner and com- Since 1787, when the 13 states sent rightly so. That entity has no basis lems encountered by West Ger- had just rejected when the new remained on the table. pletely marginalizes the Turkish their delegates to the Convention for legal existence under interna- many in trying to bring East Ger- proposal was worse than the previ- In 1983, the Turkish Cypriots es- Cypriot entity which Turkey recog- in Philadelphia and decided to tional law. But its existence also be- many up to the economic levels of ous one. This pattern of miscalcula- tablished their own “state” in the nizes as a “sovereign state.” form the United States of America, comes irrelevant if the objective of the West are often used as a perti- tion seems to be the main problem occupied territories. They sought So “normalization of relations” the basic principles for establishing all concerned is to form a federa- nent illustration. It is a serious ar- with Greek Cypriot strategy. international recognition, but only between Turkey and the Republic a federation have been set clearly tion. In fact, the proper legal identi- gument, although for diplomatic Turkey recognized the new entity. of Cyprus under those conditions is and beyond dispute: The parties fication of the delegates to a consti- reasons, it is practically never men- Dr. Kousoulas is Professor Emeri- Denktash who was now “president” impossible without a drastic enter the constitutional Conven- tutional convention is not “dele- tioned publicly by Greek Cypriot tus of Political Science at Howard of the Turkish Cypriot “state,” change in Turkish policies, and tion as “legally equal,” regardless of gates of the current Republic of leaders. University in Washington, DC. He changed his tune and shifted to a such a change is unlikely. If such their territorial size or number of Cyprus or the Turkish Cypriot ‘state’ Regardless of its valid, however, is the author of several books, “confederation” as the solution. normalization is a prerequisite, any citizens. And after the federation is in the north.” Their proper identifi- this argument can not be the only notably “The Life and Times of Since confederation meant two chance for a solution becomes very formed, the component parts cation would be “delegates of the criterion. The current status quo Constantine the Great (1999), separate, sovereign states with only remote. (states or districts) are legally Greek Cypriot community” and means that the partition of Cyprus and numerous scholarly articles. 12 THE NATIONAL HERALD, OCTOBER 28, 2006