S O C V ΓΡΑΦΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ Bringing the news W ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΣΜΟΥ to generations of E ΑΠΟ ΤΟ 1915 The National Herald Greek Americans N c v A wEEKly GREEK AmERICAN PUBlICATION www.thenationalherald.com VOL. 14, ISSUE 729 October 1-7, 2011 $1.50 Niarchos Forbes' 400 Wealthiest Americans Include 6 Greeks $7 M Gift Mitchell, Jaharis Catsimatides, Spanos To Simon Argyros, Metropoulos Fraser U By Demetris Tsakas NEW YORK – Six Greek-Amer - Gerolymatos Named icans are among this year’s “400 The Richest People in Director of Centre America,” as published by Forbes Magazine. The article For Hellenic Studies demonstrates that despite the economic crisis in the US and BURNABY, B.C. – The Stavros throughout the world, the Niarchos Foundation, a Greek- wealth of the rich Americans focused international philan - has been increased by 12 per - thropic organization, has do - cent, and that 70 percent of the nated a significant multimillion 400 on the list – including 100 dollar endowment to Simon percent of the Greeks - are self- Fraser University (SFU) to en - made billionaires. able the creation of The Stavros Bill Gates (55 years old) Niarchos Foundation Centre for tops the list, worth $59 billion; Hellenic Studies. The Centre, as followed by Youoner Bafet (8)1 part of the University’s global at $39 billion; Larry Ellison impact, will establish SFU as (76) at $31 billion; and the one of the premier locations for New York City Mayor Michael the study of Greek history, cul - Bloomberg (69), at $19.5 bil - ture, and language outside of lion. Greece. Among Greek-Americans, “Unfortunately, the study of George Fideias-Mitchell holds classical Greece is no longer at the highest rank at number 188 the forefront of higher educa - rank; followed by John Catsi - tion, and with its demise fewer matidis – 212; Mike Jaharis – and fewer people have any in - 227; George Argyros – 260; tellectual link to Greece,” says AP PHOTO/PETROS GIANNAKOURIS Dean Metropoulos – 359; and Professor Andre Gerolymatos, Anger and Frustration Mount in Athens Alex Spanos - 375. Chair of SFU’s current Hellenic The six Greek-Americans are Studies Program and Director Pensioners chant angry slogans during an anti- austerity make their way to work as unions lashed out against the new worth a little over $10 billion of the Centre. “As a result, protest rally on September 28, as another public transport austerity measures the government hopes will win it approval Greece has lost the sympathy strike left beleaguered commuters in Athens struggling to for the disbursement of additional crucial bailout loans. Continued on page 4 and understanding of the uni - versity elite who make up the political and financial establish - ments of the West. In the course of the 20th Century, there were Archbishop Meets Erdogan; AHEPA to Ankara Strike-Weary several attempts to create cen - ters of Greek studies, but with few exceptions most failed to By Constantine S. Sirigos haris, Vice-Chair of the Arch - America, thanked the Prime Patriarchal elections, the ability Greeks Brace achieve any significant impact TNH Staff Writer diocesan Council; Dr. Anthony Minister on behalf of the Greek afforded to the Ecumenical Pa - on the academic or political Limberakis, Commander of the Orthodox Church of America, triarch to conduct religious ser - NEW YORK – Turkish Prime Order of St. Andrew; John Cat - for certain favorable actions vices at various historic for Another Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan simatidis, Chairman of the Reli - which the Turkish Government churches and monasteries in met with Archbishop Demetrios gious Freedom Committee of has taken involving the Ecu - Asia Minor and Pontos, most re - and several leading Greek- the Order of St. Andrew; Dennis menical Patriarchate of Constan - cently at Panagia Soumela near By Andy Dabilis Americans during the Turkish Mehiel, also Freedom Commit - tinople.” Trapezounta-Trabzon on the leader’s visit to New York on the tee member; and Rev. Fr. The actions included, “a re - Black Sea, and finally the return ATHENS – As inspectors for in - occasion of the opening session Alexander Karloutsos, Assistant cent decision to return proper - of the orphanage on the Prince’s ternational lenders came back of the United Nations General to the Archbishop for Public Af - ties owned by minorities in Islands.” to Greece to determine whether Assembly. The meeting took fairs. Turkey, the implementation of a Regarding the Theological to release an $11 billion loan place Friday evening, Septem - A press release issued by the process by which Hierarchs of School of Halki, which remains installment needed to keep the ber 23 at Manhattan’s Peninsula Archdiocese noted that “in a the Ecumenical Patriarchate can closed after 40 years, the Arch - country from going broke, a Hotel. candid meeting which lasted 45 apply for Turkish citizenship, bishop reiterated to the Prime wave of strikes washed over the TNH was informed that at - minutes, the Archbishop, Exarch thus creating a larger electoral country, stopping traffic and ser - tendees included Michael Ja - of the Ecumenical Throne in body [and candidate pool] for Continued on page 10 vices, frustrating businesses as customers couldn’t get to the center of the Athens, and as union leaders set a general strike for Oct. 5 and another for Cathedral School in New York School Shines Oct. 19, raising fears that protests could escalate. That came after Finance Minister TNH ARCHIVES By Demetris Tsakas Evangelos Venizelos unleashed Niarchos Foundation Presi - TNH Staff Writer a torrent of new taxes on dent Andreas Dracopoulos. Greeks, including the poor, des - NEW YORK – The Greek Day perate to keep the country from communities. Several founda - School of the Archdiocesan going bankrupt and to satisfy tions have generously donated Cathedral in New York has the demands of the so-called money to create such centers started the new academic year Troika of the European Union- and endowed chairs, but the re - with new provisions. Specifically International Monetary Fund- sults have been disappointing.” for the first time in the last three European Central Bank, which A significant exception is decades there, is a waiting list is lending $152 billion in rescue The Stavros Niarchos Founda - for the Kindergarten and also for loans and has offered a second tion: unlike other organizations the smaller grades. bailout of $157 billion, but only or the Greek government, its The School was established under the conditions that more leadership has approached the in 1949 and it is housed in the deep austerity measures be im - Holy Trinity’s building complex. posed. Continued on page 4 Five years ago the School was For more than two weeks, confronted with financial prob - with prospects of continuing, lems, but thanks to the efforts of sector after sector of workers the School Committee and a have been striking, virtually huge donation by the Stavros shutting down access to Athens’ A Return to Niarchos Foundation, the school downtown, and leaving even managed to stay open and to generally busy areas such as the progress. fish and meat and vegetable Swords and The number of pupils was in - markets on Athinas Street with - creased by 33%: from 97 stu - out customers, infuriating busi - dents five years ago to 132 cur - ness owners. There have been Sandals rently, with an expected increase strikes by taxi drivers, Metro, to 150. Currently, 25 instructors tram, trolley and bus workers, teach at the School - which is a doctors, lawyers, tax officials, By Steve Frangos 5:1 student:faculty ratio. printers, craftsmen, and even TNH Staff Writer Progress over the past five years students, who have occupied has been made in various acad - TNH/COSTAS BEJ schools protesting the lack of CHICAGO - Many years ago I emic programs, including the The smiles on the 2nd graders at the Cathedral School prove the age-old lesson: students who text books, and university stu - wrote an article proposing the Greek Department. Also, the have fun and don’t have to fight for the attention of the teacher learn well. dents angered over planned re - idea that most Americans only School introduced the “Singa - forms. There are fears the com - know about Greeks by watching pore math” program this year. ing strikes and protests could old toga movies. I can’t speak In an interview with TNH, get violent and repeat the battle for anyone else, but I grew up School Principal Sonia Celestin scenes of a July riot in which hearing the most outrageous spoke about the progress that is Clergy Compensation Packages in GOA police rushed into crowds of comparisons between modern vivid today and stated that “I’ve demonstrators, swinging batons, Greeks and what Americans saw worked here since 1982 and I firing tear gas and stun depicted in those films. In a pre - can say with conviction that over By Theodore Kalmoukos 2012, a priest with service of up “deduction adjustment” should grenades and injuring many. vious article, I pointed out that the last few years the progress TNH Staff Writer to five years can expect to earn be made from the Salary and Last week, a protest outside the the typical viewers I spoke with of the school has been tremen - $49,128 – $66,528; 6-10 years Housing Allowance figures Parliament turned ugly when made little or no distinction be - dous. For the first time we had a BOSTON – A newly-assigned $68,528 – $74,136; 11-15 years above, based on the local fair police again charged a crowd of tween modern and ancient waiting list for the Kindergarten priest who has just graduated $74,136 - $84,960; 16-20 years market rental value of the home demonstrators. Greeks, and any historical infor - program and also for the small from the Seminary should make $84,960 - $94,440; 21-25 years being provided”. The Troika’s inspectors, who mation about Greeks that they grades. Our graduates are ac - an annual salary of $49,128 – $94,440 - $101,136; 26-30 The plan also provides that faced angry Finance Ministry might have known was con - cepted into the best private and $66,528 plus extras such as in - years $101,136 - $107,616; 31- “in addition to the above, the workers protesting outside their fused in their minds with Greek public schools in Manhattan.” surance, an automobile, a house 35 years $107,616 - $113,856; parish must provide: own building, were also report - mythology, which they also Celestin also said that “it is (or an allowance for one) retire - and over 35 years $113.856 - 1) An automobile (which the edly set to renegotiate the terms “learned” from Hollywood. Not touching to see former students ment contributions, seminars $120,144. parish purchases or leases) for of the loans as speculation built long after that article was pub - who now bring their own chil - expenses, and many more. A The Plan also provides that: use by the priest, with all related that Greece would pay back its dren to the School.” priest with 35 years of ministry “a) The annual minimum in - expenses paid by the parish. investors from 21-50 percent Continued on page 5 She added that “Eve Georgiou and more will earn $113,856 – crease in a clergyman’s remu - 2) Social Security/Medicare less in an attempt to prevent who is a graduate of the school $120,144, according to the neration must include an annual taxes (FICA/SECA equal to the what many analysts predict is now brings her daughter Nina Clergy Compensation Plan for cost of living increase beginning maximum self-employment So - an imminent and certain default here. This makes us happy and 2012. January 1st of each year. When cial Security/Medicare tax each of some sort, which would make For subscription: encourages other Greek-Ameri - The priests’ salaries are the using these remuneration year, currently 15.3% of Salary Greece the first western country 718.784.5255 can parents to do the same.” biggest expense of the Parishes’ ranges, the Parish Council and the Housing Allowance or to fail economically. Drowning [email protected] She also said that “the good annual budget along with the should factor in the relative cost rental value of a parish home). in $460 billion in debt and a name of the School has traveled annual monetary allocation they of living for its geographic area”. 3) The monthly health insur - deficit still hovering near 10%, even to Greece.” Last June a pay to the Archdiocese for the b) “In the event a parish pro - ance premium for the Archdio - caught in a deep recession of 16 Greek businessman told her that so called “Ministries”. vides “housing” by making avail - cese-sponsored and approved percent unemployment and According to the official able a parish owned home, then Continued on page 3 Clergy Compensation Plan for an equitable and reasonable Continued on page 2 Continued on page 7 2 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, OCTOBER 1-7, 2011

GOINGS ON...

n SEPTEMBER 30 Parkin Ct. The cost is $20 per MANHATTAN – The Philopto - class. Participants will learn how chos Society of the Archdiocesan to prepare the dishes, and will Cathedral of the Holy Trinity be able to sample them at the Cathedral will host its Chrysan - end of the class. Excellent com - themum Ball 2011 Supporting munity cooks teach the delicious “The Mission Continues” and cuisine of Greece ’s Dodecanese paying tribute to Greek Films Islands, and Manolo Rivera and Music of the 60’s and 70’s (Manolo’s Mediterranean on Friday, September 30 at The Bistro) prepares food from his Metropolitan Club, 5th Avenue native Venezuela. First class is and 60th Street. Black tie. Cock - on October 8 with Manolo tails at 7:30 p.m. and Dinner at Rivera –Venezuelan Breakfast. 8:30. $300 per person - for Join us for food, fun, and fasci - reservations please contact: nating cultural insights! Register Stephanie Pantelidis (917) 509- online at tarponarts.org or call 0897 e-mail: [email protected]. 727-942-5605. Class size is lim - A special Young Adults event ited—so sign up early! “Let’s Dance” will be held simul - taneously with Open Bar, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and live mu - n OCTOBER 10 TNH/ THEOdORE KAlmOUKOS TNH/COSTAS BEJ sic. $125 per person. Contact OAKLAND, CA – Ascension New England Federation Board Takes its Oath Big Crowds Turn Out for Broomall Festival Rallou Zervoudakis (212) 737- Cathedral's Club 55 has invited 6267; e-mail: youngcathedral - Andrew Mousalimas, veteran of The Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England Dozens of volunteers ensured the success of the St. Luke’s [email protected]. WWII Greek/American Opera - held its Executive Board oath taking ceremony at the Metropolis Church’s Greek Festival. Seen above: Anita Papadopoulos, Eleni Cathedral office: (212) 288- tional Group aka Greek/USOG, of Boston. Their upcoming events include an OXI Day com - and Athanasios Sioutis, Maria Karafidis, Athan Koutsiouroumbas, 3215 to address its members and memoration on October 30 at the Malliotis Cultural Center. Evi Karafidis, Savas Koutsiouroumbas and Eugenia Gekas. guests on Monday October 10, at 12 p.m. Andrew will show n OCTOBER 1 slides of Greek/USOG personnel PORTLAND, OR – 60th Annual including Northern California Greek Festival At Holy Trinity veterans, and give a brief history Clergy Compensation Packages in the Archdiocese Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The of the Greek/USOG missions in Greek Festival remains a won - Greece and the Dalmatian Is - derful opportunity for us to lands, Yugoslavia. His presenta - Continued from page 1 service to the Archdiocese. obligated to pay the monthly that there are priests with 50- share annually with over 15,000 tion will be followed by a short 5) Expenses for attending Archdiocese Benefits Contribu - plus years of continuous service guests from the Portland metro - documentary film about the Orthodox Health Plan, either District/Metropolis Clergy-Laity tion, which for the year 2012 is in the same Parish whose an - politan area our beautiful Greek Greek/USOG produced by the single or family coverage, as ap - Assemblies and Retreats, the Bi - $500 starting on January 1st, nual salary does not exceed Orthodox faith, our cherished AHI in Washington D.C. Cur - propriate. All clergymen of the ennial Clergy-Laity Congress, 2009. This includes parishes $50,000, while some newly-ap - cultural traditions, food, music, rently there are six Greek/USOG Archdiocese are required to par - Clergy Continuing Education without a full-time priest. Those pointed priests begin at and dance. September 30, Oc - survivors. Two of them will at - ticipate in the Orthodox Health Programs and the Archdiocese parishes with more than one $80,000 and within a year de - tober 1 & 2 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. tend the Club 55 luncheon, Plan. Presbyters Council Retreat. clergyman are required to pay mand a $12,000 raise. The Friday and Saturday Noon to 8 namely: the aforementioned An - 4) A minimum annual vaca - 6) A three (3) month sabbat - $500 for each assigned clergy - priest in the Archdiocesan p.m. on Sunday. For more info drew Mousalimas as well as An - tion of fifteen days (2 weeks) to ical leave for each six (6) years man…The Archdiocese Benefits Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in please visit gelo Lygizos, the popular San a maximum of five (5) weeks, of service with the same parish. Contribution is not a part of a New York, appointed by Arch - http//goholytrinity.org Jose Restaurateur. One of the taking into consideration the It is stated in the Compensa - priest’s remuneration package”. bishop Demetrios, earns the best-kept secrets during WWII clergyman’s cumulative years of tion Plan that “all parishes are The above salary scale is not highest salary of any priest in TARPON SPRINGS, FL – On Sat - was the Ethnic Operational always observed by the local the country, plus benefits, while urday, October 1, from 6-11 Groups which included the Metropolises. In many Parishes other clergy live below poverty p.m., the City of Tarpon Springs Greek/USOG. The Ethnic Oper - there are huge differences of line. will present Night in the Islands ational Groups were founded in salaries and benefits. Some All family benefits that apply – a free event on the world fa - 1943 by General “Wild Bill” Metropolitans in order to take to married priests with children, mous Sponge Docks. Enjoy Donovan, the head of the Office care “their own boys” as the ex - also apply to the single, celibate Greek music, dancing, and din - of Strategic Services (OSS). Un - pression goes, put pressure on priests. It is also true that many ing! Prior to the main event, fortunately the Greek Battalion the Parishes to give them more priests’ salaries is in some in - there will be live Greek music was disbanded. During his pre - money, in some instances even stances double and triple the by the Bouzouki Boys between sentation, Andrew will relate double the amount that the $80,000 (approximate) salary 4 and 6pm on Dodecanese Blvd. why the Greek/USOG was sent Archdiocesan salary scale di - of the Metropolitans. And that at Riverwalk, west of Hope to Greece and not the Greek rects. It is misleading to believe includes benefits and expenses, Street. Night in the Islands also Battalion. The Greek/USOG was that the priests are appointed of course. will be offered Saturdays, No - awarded the Presidential Unit to the Parishes by the Chancel - It is widely known that the vember 5, 2011 & April 7, May Citation by General Dwight D. lor of each Metropolis; actually Greek-Orthodox Clergy in the 5, June 2, July 7, August 4, Sep - Eisenhower. it is the Metropolitan who U.S. are the highest paid among tember 8, October 6, and No - makes the selection. In many the Orthodox Jurisdictions. One vember 3, 2012. Mark your cal - cases the unwritten law of of the basic reasons that so endar and make this a regular n OCTOBER 21 friendships and favoritism pre - many converts are trying to get destination! For more info MANHATTAN – Join us on Fri - vails over education, experience into the Greek-Orthodox Arch - please call Tina Bukuvalas at day, October 21 7 p.m. at the and talents. diocese as priests is the fact that (727) 937-1130 or visit Harvard Club for our annual In other instances the Met - the Archdiocese is considered www.tarponarts.org stewardship gala celebrating the ropolitans turn their heads the “the golden fish” of Orthodoxy. Annunciation Church. Dean Vali other way. TNH has learned In other words the Parishes pay will provide live music for the high salaries. n OCTOBER 2 entire night! Reception: 7:00 Above and beyond the high TARPON SPRINGS, FL – The p.m. Dinner: 8:00 p.m. $300 salaries and benefits is the un - City of Tarpon Springs is pleased per person. “Gala II -Friends of written custom of gratuities to present a series of workshops the Annunciation" is a separate known as ( τυχερά ) that the in Greek bouzouki for beginning event in a different style and faithful give at the time of a and advanced students by beat, equally elegant and fun in sacrament – such as wedding George Soffos, considered the the room next door. Open Bar or baptism, or even a funeral. best bouzouki player born out - & Buffet: 9 p.m. $125 per per - The gratuities are similar to the side of Greece. The workshops son. 27 West 44th St., NY, NY. tips that the customers give to will take place on the 2nd, 9th Contact the church office (212) waitstaff in restaurants or hotel and 16th of October and will be 724-2070 or email at gala@an - bellhops. There are Parishes held at the Tarpon Springs Her - nunciation-nyc.org. that present to the faithful their itage Museum, 100 Beekman financial obligations in writing Lane, Craig Park, Tarpon once the people call or visit the Springs. The workshops take n OCTOBER 27-30 church office to set a day not place on Sundays from 2-4pm, MANHATTAN – The fifth an - only for a joyous occasion, but and are divided into beginning nual New York City Greek Film even for the funeral of a loved (2-3 p.m.) and advanced (3-4 Festival 2011 is currently in the one. The faithful are asked to p.m.) sections. Classes are $5 planning stages. As always, the give an extra amount to the each and payable at the time of festival aspires to bring the best priest, the cantor, the sexton, the workshop. More workshops work of Greek filmmakers to and for the use of the church to be held on Sundays between New York City audiences and despite the fact that the faithful November 20 and December 18. present it in the most up-to-date pay annually their dues or stew - For more info call (727) 942- screening facilities. We are es - ardship. 5605 or visit pecially proud to announce that In many instances, the www.tarponarts.org. we have entered into partner - priests have asked to include ship with The Museum of the their “tip” in the general ex - Moving Image, to present festi - pense of the funeral, as deter - n OCTOBER 8 val screenings in the museum's mined by funeral directors. Brookville, NY – Platinum newly refurbished state-of-the- There are also cases in which recording artist Thanos Petrelis art theater in Astoria, from Oc - the relatives of the departed in will perform at Tilles Center at tober 20 through October 23, their grief and deep pain ap - C.W. Post College in Brookville, 2011. The festival will screen proach the priests and give NY on Saturday, October 8. The in Manhattan the following them an extra “tip” in cash Greek Orthodox Church of the week, October 27 through Oc - which they take it without Holy Resurrection’s 35th An - tober 30, at the beautiful SVA telling the relatives that they niversary Gala will honor the Theater in Chelsea. Still to be have already been paid a “tip” Hellenic Times Scholarship announced are the dates and through the funeral director. Fund. The concert will also fea - locations of various special Of course the unfortunate ture YouTube sensation So Tiri. events. custom of gratuities applies to Greek Orthodox Church of the many hierarchs who get from Holy Resurrection 1400 Cedar $500 to $1,000 and up when Swamp Road Brookville, NY n NOTE TO OUR READERS they officiate in Vesper Service 11545. For more info call: (516) This calendar of events section or in a Liturgy. They might not 671-5200 or visit www.resurrec - is a complimentary service to ask for it directly, but the priests tiongoc.org the Greek American community. play the intermediate role rec - All parishes, organizations and ommending to the parish coun - TARPON SPRINGS, FL - Tarpon institutions are encouraged to cil to “give something to the Springs Cultural Treasures pre - e-mail their info regarding the Bishop”. sents a series of cooking classes event 3-4 weeks ahead of time, The salary discrepancy of on Saturdays 12-2 pm, on Oc - and no later than Monday of the Greek School teachers as com - tober 8, 22, 29, and November week before, to english.edi - pared to priests is outrageous. 5 & 12 at the Safford House, 23 [email protected] First of all there is no salary scale for teachers. The average monthly salary of an afternoon Greek School teacher starts from $250 to $350 and for the QUESTION OF THE WEEK Day Schools varies from $15,000 to $25,000. The teach - ers do not receive health or pen - Vote on our website! sion plans of any kind. An average salary in Greece You have the chance to express your opinion on our website for priests who have a Theol - on an important question in the news. The results will be pub - ogy diploma from the Theolog - lished in our printed edition next week along with the question ical Schools of Athens or Thes - for that week. salonica is between 850 to The question this week is: Are the leaders of the Greek 1,100 Euro per month, while American community doing a good job presenting its positions the Metropolitan’s monthly and concerns to the US government? salary does not exceed 1,500 o Yes to 2,000 Euro. They also get o No the “tips” from various services o Maybe such as funerals, memorials, The results for last week’s question: Should the Archdiocese weddings, and baptisms, and explore ways to make the Divine Liturgy and other services those are sometimes double more "innovative and contemporary" in order to attract and their regular salaries. The retain young people? priests and the Bishops in 25 % voted "Yes" Greece are paid by the govern - 68 % voted "No" ment and they are considered 7% voted "Maybe" state employees. Please vote at: www.thenationalherald.com THE NATIONAL HERALD, OCTOBER 1-7, 2011 COMMUNITY 3 Archdiocesan Cathedral in New York School Flashes Quality, Quantity

Continued from page 1 in December he will come here from Greece and enroll his child in the Cathedral School. She also stated that “due to the financial assistance from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the teachers can now participate in the best academic seminars for continuing education.” Celestin emphasized that “t he parents know that there is a school in Manhattan which does - n’t have only a strong Greek pro - gram but its general program is strong. Today, there 25 teachers out of which five teach Greek ex - TNH/COSTAS BEJ clusively. Left: Sonia Celestin, the Headmaster of the Greek Day School of the Archdiocesan Cathedral in There are also other Greek- New York that was established in 1949, examines to work of some of the students. American teachers. We created Top: Enrollment is up 33 percent since the financial struggles of 5 years ago. The school is the Greek Library. We traveled housed in the Holy Trinity building complex, where the children both learn and play. with Voula Makrinos to Greece and selected one by one the other non-Greek family visited come as a visiting professor to coln Center Library three movies dren do not learn only Greek and familiar with the Greek language, books and now any student can Greece because of their child, be - Columbia and taught to the en - of silent cinematography free of ancient Greek but from the fifth so as to start speak and write.” borrow the book and study it cause they wanted to see and ex - tire School Greek history through charge. Our goal is to project the grade and up they also learn The School is the only one in with his or her parents at home.” perienced better the Greek cul - pieces of art.” Greek civilization. Our children French. This is part of our efforts the Achdiocesan school system Celestin also told TNH that “a ture. Our goal is to provide all The School organizes various should learn that Andrew Simp - to enrich the students with clas - that has the same principal for few days ago a mother came and children with the opportunity to cultural events. She said “last son from Washington had written sical education.” its Afternoon Greek School, in told us that she was very en - learn the Greek language, history, year we presented the rembetica the music for those three works Speaking about Kindergarten, which another 100 pupils are en - thused when their child went and culture. Last year I had in - songs, this year on November 3 that we are going to project.” she said that “the programs are rolled, as it does for its Day home singing Greek songs. An - vited a female professor who had the School will present at the Lin - She also said that “our chil - designated to make the children School.

PHOTOS: dINOS AVlONITHS Alekos Arvantitis (above) is among the best players of Kerkyra, who tied 3-3 with Gotham. The Greek-American Atlas team (right) had its way with the Central Park Rangers. The Pancypreos also had a walk in the park, deafeating Polonia 4-0. Greek Am. Soccer Thrives in NY

Two wins and a tie were the showcasing great soccer skills Polonia to record their first win result of the collective Greek soc - and ball- movement in the of the tournament. cer teams’ effort – who put on a process, especially in the first In the Metro Soccer League, clinic resulting in many goals half, all the while remaining un - although Kerkyra New York did - and, simply put, good soccer. In fazed by their opponents. Chris - n’t win, they played a hard- the Cosmopolitan League, the tos “Megas” (as his teammates fought game and showed great Greek-American Atlas beat the call him) Megaloudis scored one resiliency in their 3-3 tie with Central Park Rangers 3-0, and goal and Orob and Gates fol - Gotham. Vasili Goudeli’s team Pancypreos outplayed Polonia to lowed his lead by scoring goals matched Gotham’s game inten - the tune of a 4-0 score. In the of their own. Awaiting Atlas at sity and although it took until Metro Soccer League, Kerkyra the top of the standings was the 80th minute for the first goal New York played Gotham with team Richards who have the of the match to be scored, many heart and passion to a 3-3 tie. same record. Perhaps the team quickly followed. The final Atlas showed that the tables that really showed the others game’s final goal was the equal - have turned in the Cosmopolitan how it’s really done, however, izer in the final seconds and League this year not only by was Pancypreos, which doled came off of the header of beating the Rangers, but by out a four-goal performance to Kerkyra’s Gizas. Thanos Petrelis, So Tiri at Scholarship Benefit Concert in Brookville, Long Island

By Constantine S. Sirigos nounced that “The Holy Resur - Color of Heaven)” was released Billy was invited to the record - He is ecstatic about the great re - trelis Charity Concert being held TNH Staff Writer rection Church family takes in the summer of 2004 and ing studio, and So Tiri was born. sponse he has gotten from the by the Holy Resurrection great pride in honoring the Hel - turned gold, with sales exceed - For “Avgolemono, Billy was videos and has moved forward, Church… We are proud to have NEW YORK – Multi-platinum lenic Times Scholarship Fund's ing 30,000. joined by his longtime friend writing more parodies and orig - the opportunity to sponsor and Greek recording artist Thanos commitment to educating Greek YouTube sensation So Tiri John Sakelariou singing some inal songs, doing interviews and support this philanthropic Petrelis and his orchestra will America and will donate a por - will also be part of an evening verses. Growing up with John – music videos. He wants to con - event.” headline a Charity Concert at tion of the evening's proceeds of fun along with DJ Angela. their mothers are both from tinue to create music and videos The Resurrection Parish in - the Tilles Center, C.W. Post Cam - to the Fund,” adding that the CBS News Anchor Alexis Corfu - he knew how talented that people will enjoy and can vites the Greek American com - pus in Brookville on Saturday, Fund has awarded over $1.7 Christoforous will be the guest he was and wanted him to come be visited at munity and their friends to October 8 celebrating the 35th million in scholarships to over Emcee. up with some lines of his own, facebook.com/sotiribx. “bring your Greek Kefi! Let's cel - Anniversary of Long Island’s 700 students from across the The buzz around So Tiri which were crowd pleasers, too. Globe Productions, which ebrate our heritage and support Church of the Holy Resurrec - United States. stems from two music videos For years they played with mu - has announced the postpone - educating Greek America!” tion. For its annual fall event, Petrelis, the Greek singing that exploded into young Greek sic and lyrics, going back and ment of the Vasilis Karras North Ticket prices are $125.00, the parish has chosen to honor star and heart-throb, was born America’s consciousness forth, performing informally for American Tour, issued a state - $100.00 & $75.00 and are on another philanthropic organiza - and raised in Athens and burst through YouTube. So Tiri is Billy friends on the spot. ment that as part of its commit - sale now at the Tilles Center Box tion also celebrating a major onto the Greek music scene with Anastasiou, a Greek-American So Tiri-Billy is excited about ment to supporting the commu - Office 516-299-3100, and Tick - milestone, the Hellenic Times an appearance on the TV talent who was born in the Bronx and performing with Petrelis. “It’s nity’s artistic and cultural etmaster.com. Scholarship Fund, which is cel - show, Fame Story, which he fol - attended the Greek American amazing,” said the performer endeavors, it is urging Karras ebrating its 20th Anniversary. It lowed up with live shows and Academy of the Zoodohos Pighi who is still new to the spotlight. fans to support the “Thanos Pe - [email protected] is a welcome example of syn - concerts all over Greece. His Church. ergy among the Community’s first CD featuring the song “To “Feta Me Psomi – (Feta and institutions. Aima Mou Exei to Hroma tou bread)”, a parody of “Down on The concert’s organizers an - Ouranou – (My Blood is the Me”, the 50 Cent track that was hot back in March of 2011, is about the artist’s obsession with St. Nicholas the quintessential Greek cheese. The clip opens with the N Train, a.k.a. the “el” - a powerful sym - Greek Orthodox Church bol of Astorian culture - and 196-10 Northern B ou levar d, Flushing, NY 11358-Near Clearview Expressway continues with scenes of the Greek ‘hood’s landmarks. Av - (718) 357-4200 golemono is a parody of “I Don’t Wanna Know” the R&B song by THURSDAY Mario Winan. In it, So Tiri visits 40 TH his dearest relative for his fa - October 6th • 6-10 p.m. vorite meal. The video shows a ANNUAL GREEK classic Yiayia swaying to the FRIDAY beat as she whips up his favorite October 7th • 6 p.m.-Midnight meal, with the food fantasy un - dergoing a transformation as SATURDAY FESTIVAL the cook turns into an attractive October 8th • Noon - Midnight black-clad younger woman. Billy’s upbringing was typical SUNDAY enough. His mother Dimitroula October 9th • Noon - 10 p.m. 2011 is from Corfu and father Sotiri is from Igoumenitsa, and he has a younger sister Marianna. Now in his 20’s, he was a film major • Souvlaki & Gyro • Flea market at Hunter College and is a self- taught singer. Like many artists

b • Greek Pastries • Games in New York, he supported him - self by bartending while he was • Church Tours • loukoumades working on creative projects such as documentary films. a One day, last March, his friends Kal Dellaportas and LIVE GREEK MUSIC • RAFFLE DRAWING SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9th Chris Patilis heard Billy perform - ing “Feta Kai Psomi” a capella. FREE ADMISSION Thanos Petrelis Based on his friends’ reactions, 4 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, OCTOBER 1-7, 2011 Multimillion Dollar Donation Establishes Nirachos Foundation Centre

Continued from page 1 courses in Arabic and Turkish is currently in development. study of Hellenism in North The Lab will also partner America from a unique perspec - with other technological hubs tive. Since its inception in to develop better e-learning 1996, the Foundation has made mechanisms and in order to available $1,298,000,000 in perfect the Odysseas platform, grants in the areas of arts and will use its technology to help culture, education, health and develop online learning plat - medicine, and social welfare. forms for other languages. While prominent in its support “When we develop another of Greek-related initiatives, the language online, the technol - Foundation’s activities are ogy that the new language gen - global in scope and have bene - erates helps us to upgrade the fited 95 nations around the Greek language in our current world. The Foundation sup - Odysseas program,” says Costa ports institutions and projects Dedegikas, Lab’s manager. that exhibit strong leadership In addition to technology and sound management and and teaching, the new Centre that have the potential to will encourage research in achieve a broad and lasting im - Greek history from the Byzan - pact. tine to the modern era. The SFU’s current Hellenic Stud - Centre’s scholars intend to or - ies Program, which was also es - ganize conferences, symposia, tablished in 1996, has steadily and seminars that will focus on grown into a successful inter - various aspects of Greek his - disciplinary program offering tory. At the same time, the fac - courses for the study of lan - ulty and staff believe it is their guage, literature, history, ar - responsibility as an institution chaeology, and arts and culture of Hellenic learning to help ex - of both ancient and modern plain the ongoing crises, both Greece. The program has con - past and present, that have en - sistently maintained high en - veloped Greek society. In the rollment levels and has cap - past, Hellenic Studies has al - tured the imagination of SFU’s At the inauguration of The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Centre for drew Petter , John Craig, Vasili Tsamis, Chief Operating Officer, ways been able to work with graduate and undergraduate Hellenic Studies at SFU (L-R) Cathy Daminato, SFU President An - Niarchos Foundation, and Andre Gerolymatos, chair of the Centre. local, national and interna - students. Also, it strives to offer tional media, and this is a tra - international experience to language instruction. the Faculty of Arts and Social rich Hellenic Studies at SFU. courses delivered through the dition that will be carried on post-secondary students, and Odysseas’ most notable im - Sciences at SFU. “It’s such a The endowment will also pro - Internet. by the Centre. its Dig Greece semester abroad pact has been in China: after tremendous vote of confidence vide graduate fellowships for The Foundation’s latest en - One of the Centre’s more program will be sending a acknowledging the country’s in the newly established Cen - prospective students as well as dowment will not only enable ambitious strategies is to orga - group of students for the fourth strong interest in Internet edu - tre’s ability to do something financial support for Chinese the Centre to help develop Hel - nize an annual seminar in year to the Greek island of Ke - cation, SFU has strived to re - wonderfully innovative with re - students who are planning to lenic Studies in China, but will Greece, in cooperation with falonia this fall, where they will generate the study of Hellenism spect to online language, his - become teachers of modern also concentrate on two other universities in Europe, North participate in an archaeological in the academic institutions of tory, culture and taking Hel - Greek in China. critically important elements to America and China, aimed at dig and excavate an ancient that rising superpower. Cur - lenic studies to the most The most remarkable aspect the survival of Greek studies: graduate students of Greek, cemetery dating back to 500 rently the program has estab - populous country in the world.” of the new Centre will be its the training of future scholars Middle-Eastern, Balkan, BC. lished relationships with 15 SFU President Andrew Pet - continuing ability to blend tra - in Greek history and language, Mediterranean, and Byzantine SFU’s relationship with Chinese universities that use ter adds, “At SFU we are com - ditional learning with new me - and the use of technology in studies. That seminar’s objec - Foundation originated in 2003 the Odysseas Tutor. Addition - mitted to community engage - dia and new technology that is making Greek language and tives would be to integrate after the Hellenic Studies Pro - ally, almost from the moment ment and this generous emerging daily. That strategy is culture accessible to university scholars from all three conti - gram approached it with one of its inception, The Centre has contribution from the Stavros what made Hellenic Studies at and non-university students nents who are engaged in those major challenge: to find a way attracted two graduate Chinese Niarchos Foundation will help SFU such a vibrant program, alike. fields, and to expose Chinese to make Greek, a lesser-used students who will arrive at SFU us engage with a whole new and now it will enable the Cen - Part of the Centre will in - scholars as well as graduate language, more accessible to this winter to study the Greek global community. The new tre to be at the forefront of new clude the creation of the SNF students to their counterparts both local and international language. They represent one Centre will build on our suc - learning techniques in educa - New Media Lab that will con - in Greece. students. The Foundation be - of the Centre’s prime objec - cessful programs and truly con - tion as well as to train a new tinue to maintain and upgrade “The seminar will enable us lieved there was a need to find tives: to foster and encourage nect education across conti - generation of scholars with the the technology driving the to understand how Chinese a solution and thus awarded a the study of Hellenism in China nents. One of the most exciting skills necessary to master new Odysseas Tutor. This exciting scholars are understanding series of grants to SFU in 2003, by training future Chinese aspects of this generous gift will media technology. Most educa - new teaching and research ini - themes in Byzantine and Greek 2005, and 2008 that enabled scholars and in that manner, be the opportunity to tors agree that tomorrow’s uni - tiative will be committed to de - history while giving us the op - the university to create the embed the study of Greek his - strengthen our relationship versities will be driven by tech - veloping advanced technology portunity to expose them to technology and content for a tory, language and culture in with China.” nology, and that technology for e-learning. The Lab will how Western scholarship has cutting edge e-learning plat - major Chinese institutions of The Centre will also facili - will break down the barriers of maintain existing platforms and evolved in the 21st Century”, form known as The Odysseas higher learning. tate the training of graduate time and space so that a centre adapt to new technologies to stated Dimitri Krallis, professor Online Language Tutor. The “From the faculty’s perspec - students from North America in Vancouver will be a vital el - ensure that SFU stays on the of Byzantine history at the Cen - platform has provided accessi - tive, the enormously generous and other parts of the world in ement in encouraging and help - cutting edge of online language tre. bility to Greek studies for thou - grant from The Stavros Niar - the fields of history and lan - ing Greek studies in China. Cer - learning. Currently, over 4,500 sands of students throughout chos Foundation reflects the guage. One of the Centre’s im - tainly the Foundation’s support users around the globe have in - For more information on The the globe. Its innovative ap - strength of the relationship be - portant elements is to welcome has been a key element in the stalled Odysseas’ iPhone appli - Stavros Niarchos Foundation proach to e-learning has led the tween the foundation and the visiting scholars from China as fact that over 1,000 Chinese cation. In addition, an iPad ap - Centre for Hellenic Studies at Odysseas Tutor to be recog - program of Hellenic Studies at well as North America and Eu - students per term study Greek plication that will expand the SFU, visit its website at nized as a pioneer of online SFU,” says John Craig, Dean of rope, whose presence will en - language and Greek civilization tutor to include introductory www.sfu.ca/snfchs. Greek American Billionaires, Who Are They?

Continued from page 1

combined. Fideias-Mitchell, 92, is the son of Greek immigrants and a fa - ther of ten children. The founder of Mitchell Energy & Development, he is worth 42.2 billion. Catsimatidis, 63, is president of “Red Apple Group.” Worth $2 billion, his fortune includes petroleum refineries, supermar - kets, and real estate ventures. Jaharis, 83 and worth $1.9 John Catsimatides Alex Spanos billion, is also the son of Greek immigrants from Agia Paraskevi, in Lesvos, and the fa - ther of two. His business in - cludes pharmaceuticals. Jaharis has been appointed as Vice- Chairman of the Archdiocesan Council of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, by Archbishop Demetrios. Both Catsimatidis and Jaharis reside with their families in New York. Argyros, 74 lives in Newport Beach California. A real estate businessman, he is worth $1.75 billion. Metropoulos 65, resides with his family in Greenwich Connecticut. He is a business - Pharmaceutical baron Michael Jaharis (L) $1.9 billion and investor C. Dean Metropoulos (R) $1.2 man worth $1.2 billion. billion are on the Forbes list. They are seen chatting above at a HACC event. Alex Spanos 87, lives in Stockton California. Worth $1.1 The six billionaires listed icans. parishes, institutions, schools billion, his business includes here are included in TNH’s spe - They are known to the and universities, as well as for construction and real estate. He cial annual edition featuring Greek-American community their involvement in the com - George Argyros is married with four children. the 50 wealthiest Greek-Amer - from their donations to church munity’s affairs. New Metropolitan of Pittsburgh to be Selected in Two-Tier Byzantine Process by Theodore Kalmoukos partment of Philanthropy; and The list of candidates for nized Orthodox Theological Rev. Nektarios Cottros, Rev. A Synod historically selects the TNH Staff Writer Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos Metropolitan of Pittsburgh is School and sufficient service in Damaskinos Ganas, Rev. one who is first in the three Chancellor of the Metropolis of comprised of 30 Archiman - the Greek Orthodox Archdio - Alexander Kile, Rev. Luke Kont - person ballot who has gathered BOSTON – The Holy Eparchial Chicago. drites (celibate priests) out of cese of America. gas, Rev. Apostolos Koufallakis, the majority of the votes of the Synod of the Greek Orthodox TNH has learned that Arch - the almost 700 priests that The other 25 candidates are: Rev. Gerasimos Makris, Rev. Eparchial Synod of the Arch - Archdiocese of America is ex - bishop Demetrios of America serve today in the Greek Ortho - Rev. Dionysios Anagnostopou - Stavroforos Mamaies, Rev. Con - diocese. pecting to utilize the three-per - will try once again to select his dox Archdiocese of America. los, Rev. Ignatios Apostolopou - stantine Mersinas, Rev. Archi - The Greek Orthodox Arch - son ballot known as triproso - spiritual son Bishop Savas, The list was authorized by the mandrite Constantine Maralis, diocese consists today of nine pon for the election of the new while the candidacy of Bishop Ecumenical Patriarchate last on Archbishop Demetrios Rev. Makarios Niakaros, Rev. ruling hierarchs which appear Metropolitan of Pittsburgh dur - Demetrios shouldn’t be ruled September 16, 2009. of America will try once George Nikas, Rev. Eugene Pap - below, in descending chorolog - ing its regular fall meeting from out. Bishop Andonios, however, Five out the 30 candidates pas, Rev. Seraphim Poulos, Rev. ical order (approximate age in October 11 to October 13. does not seem to be particularly had been married with children again to select his spiritual Nektarios Serfes, Rev. Sevass - parentheses), excluding the va - Maximos has resigned from interested. He would rather and grandchildren, but as their son Bishop Savas, tianos Skordallos, Rev. Cleopas cant Metropolitan of Pitts - his post as Metropolitan of stay at the Archdiocese in New respective presbyteres (wives) Strongylis, and Rev. John burgh: Archbishop Demetrios Pittsburgh as TNH has previ - York and to seek to become the have died, they are now eligible while the candidacy Travis. of America – Direct Archdioce - ously reported. Metropolitan of Chicago when for the high priesthood. of Bishop Demetrios The process is as follows: san District (83), Iakovos of Among the candidates for that position becomes vacant. The five are: Rev. Constan - shouldn’t be ruled out The members of the Eparchial Chicago (80) Isaiah of Denver the position are the three aux - Sources close to the Arch - tine Bebis, Rev. Panteleimon Synod by vote will select three (70) Alexios of Atlanta (68), iliary Bishops, Savas of Troas, bishop told TNH that he is Costarakis, Rev. Peter Cham - names out of the list including Methodios of Boston (65), Director of the Department thinking of elevating the Chief beras, Rev. Frank Kirlangitis, los, Rev. Timothy Bakakos, Rev. the three existing auxiliary Gerasimos of San Francisco Church and Society of the Arch - Secretary of the Holy Eparchial and Rev. Konstantinos Kostaris. Ambrosios Bitziadis, Rev. Ernest Bishops. The three names will (66), Nicholas of Detroit (58), diocese; Bishop Andonios of Synod, V. Rev. Sebastian The candidates should be at Blougouras, Rev. Kyprianos be sent to the Ecumenical Pa - and Evangelos of New Jersey Fasiane, Chancellor of the Arch - Scordalos, to the Bishopric Of - least 35 years of age with a the - Bouboutsis, Rev. John Constan - triarchate, which will elect one (50) according to the Patriar - diocese and Director of the De - fice. ological degree from a recog - tine, Rev. Joachim Cotsonis, of them. The Patriarchate chate’s official yearbook. THE NATIONAL HERALD, OCTOBER 1-7, 2011 COMMUNITY 5 Senator Cardin Honored for Support of Cyprus, Cristofias in Attendance

By Constantine S. Sirigos Christofias spoke in Greek, community in whole for their vi - TNH Staff Writer Cardin drew laughter when he tal support of Cyprus through joked that he understood every - the years. NEW YORK – Cyprus President thing that Christofias said. Greece’s U.S. Ambassador Demetris Christofias was among Cardin brought a hush to the Vassilis Kaskarelis expressed ap - those who honored Maryland crowd when he asked rhetori - preciation for the clear and per - Senator Benjamin L. Cardin at cally about his colleagues’ sup - haps unprecedented support the Cyprus Federation of Amer - port of Cyprus: “Why do we do that Cyprus has received from ican’s Annual Testimonial Din - this? Why do we care about the U.S. regarding recent Turk - ner on September 23, 2011 at Cyprus? Because it’s about what ish threats, adding that it makes Terrace on the Park in New York America stands for: religious him optimistic for a just Cyprus City. Cardin was presented with freedom, the rights of all people, settlement. the “Justice for Cyprus Award” the protection of cultural her - The Chair of the House of in appreciation for his commit - itages, universal values.” He con - Representatives Foreign affairs ment and dedication to Cyprus. cluded by saying “thank you for Committee, Ileana-Ros-Lehtinen, Christofias’ impassioned and the recognition, but we are doing was pleased to be there “to raise forthright speech was warmly what anyone should be doing… money for an issue that binds us received. He said that his visits I’m honored to accept this all together. This evening, as for with the Greek and Cypriot award, but we still have work to almost four decades, 45,000 American community always do…we can’t stop until we have Turkish troops continue to ille - bring him joy and fill him with a united Cyprus…and the Turk - gally occupy more than one third strength. When he sees the com - ish troops have left.” Cardin’s of Cyprus… the only solution is munity united like a fist, fighting wife, Myrna, described her hus - for Turkey to withdraw its troops for justice for Cyprus and work - band to TNH as an optimist; that from Cyprus and allow the two ing hard to elect public officials he believes that men and women communities to reconcile and re - who believe in the cause, and of good will can get together to build. Let me be clear, Cyprus is challenge the political main - solve the biggest problems. a sovereign, independent nation stream to have a principled for - Gala Chairman George Tsu - and it has the absolute right to eign policy regarding Turkey nis welcomed the guests and set the oil and gas fields and all re - and Cyprus, he knows there is Above: President Demetris the tone for the evening by re - sources along its shore and its hope. Regarding Turkey, he Christofias greets Mr. and minding those present of the territorial waters, and the U.S. pointed out the hypocrisy of its Mrs. Spiro Spireas at the Ter - work that must be done inform - will not stand for the intimida - condemnations of Israeli control race on the Park. Right, L-R: ing our public officials. He tion of US companies in the law - of the West Bank while Ankara Dinner Chairman George Tsu - quoted Vice President Joe Biden, ful conduct of their business,” illegally occupies one third of nis, State Senator Michael Gi - who said 2008, “the only truly said the Florida Congresswoman, Cyprus. anaris, Rep. Michael Grimm, unresolved and unremitted in - drawing thunderous applause. Retired Senator Paul Sar - State Assemblywoman Nicole justice in the region is Cyprus.” The national anthems were banes introduced Cardin and de - Malliotakis and Cyprus Feder - Biden met with Federation Pres - sung beautifully by Georgia clared that he is pleased with ation President Panicos Pa - ident Panicos Papanicolaou for Linaris of the Archdiocesan Met - his successor, who in turn said panicolaou. 75 minutes the day before the ropolitan Youth Choir and mu - he is “proud to hold the Paul Gala to hear about community sical entertainment was pro - Sarbanes seat in the U.S. Sen - to be vigilant.” Those words concerns. PSEKA President vided by singer Grigoris ate.” Sarbanes expressed his ap - were reinforced by AHEPA’s Philip Christopher thanked the Maninakis and pianist Glafkos preciation for Cardin’s work, Chairman of the Board of numerous dignitaries on hand, Kontemeniotes. Archbishop particularly for investigating and Trustees, Nicholas Karacostas, and concluded by paraphrasing Demetrios offered the benedic - reporting about the desecration who told TNH “the community the late Senator Ted Kennedy: tion and presented closing re - and destruction of the religious must be more vigilant now than “the work goes on, the hope en - marks. The invocation was of - and cultural heritage of the oc - in 1974.” dures, and the dream of return - fered by Metropolitan Evangelos cupied areas. Asked if the com - Cardin said that he appreci - ing to Kyrenia will never die.” of New Jersey. munity needed to step up its ac - ated Christofias’ comments about Papanicolaou thanked the The Cyprus Federation of tivities or shift gears in light of Turkey, describing it is a danger guests and all who worked to America was founded in 1951. Turkey’s recent aggressiveness, “not only to Cyprus but to the make the event a great success, Sarbanes said “we always have stability of the entire region.” As especially the Greek American [email protected]

ALL HISTORY A Return to Swords, Sandals, Togas, and all those Flaming Torches

Continued from page 1 scene is often quite jerky, to say table portrayal of Hercules is in thought there weren’t enough of the African-American com - the least. And the sound quality The Triumph of Heracles leading roles for Black women munity accept the fact of lished, I received a letter from a (as well as the dubbing) leaves (1964), in which he battles in Hollywood, they create one Cleopatra’s Greek ethnicity. It Greek-American reader claiming much to be desired. Still, as far golden giants in an effort to save and give it to a White woman… should also be pointed out that that there was a clear distinction as entertainment is concerned, the beautiful princess (whom he Why does Hollywood think it’s when Greek immigrants first be - between actual Greek history once we accept it for what it is, loves and who loves him) from even slightly plausible to cast gan arriving to the United States and the fiction seen in films, and it is quite satisfying with good an evil relative. White women in roles that in the 1880s they were found I was the confused one who did - always triumphing over evil. Several of Vadis’ films – such would be more sensible to cast to be too dark in terms of their n’t point that out. Hercules always breaks the as Son of Hercules in the Land a Black actress for? Especially skin color for many port offi - So, let me emphasize once chains that bind him and the of Darkness (reissued in 2007) when that role is an African cials’ liking, and were thereby again that I do not think that beautiful and good blonde – are readily available from queen (www.essence.com).” denied entry. the films about Ancient Greece queen always gets (with the im - www.amazon.com and other Cleopatra VII (late 69-August While I am certain the pro - (and now the programs offered plication of marriage) Hercules. outlets. The only Vadis film in 12, 30 BC), is the historic figure ducers of this new Cleopatra on cable networks) offer an The films usually end with the the Clash of the Olympians col - on which the numerous movies, film as well as Ms. Jolie do not honest depiction (dare I say extras raising their swords or lection is Spartacus and the Ten stage plays, artwork, music and plan on making a Sword and ethnographic) presentation of spears above their heads and Gladiators. That is an odd film: Sandal type movie, the existing Classical times. Those films are cheering. Like Italian opera it does open with flaming fantasies about the Classical meant only to entertain; every - gone way bad. torches and marching Roman le - past, as just the previous exam - one watching them should The 16 films in this collection gionnaires, but Vadis’ character ple reveals, outweigh whatever know they are fiction. Nonethe - only span the very early period – the leader of the ten gladiators history might have preserved. less, they do provide insight into nearly every film ever made ex - of the sword and sandal films. – is nameless. Sources allege But not all cinematographers how Ancient Greeks are viewed ists in DVD or VHS formats. That The actors who play Hercules that Vadis’ character in that film have misrepresented the Classi - in contemporary society. It is means those “Sword and San - include Steve Reeves, Gordon is Roccia, but I never heard any - cal Past. A 2010 film that some - important to understand that dal” films are not going to fade Mitchell, Peter Lupus, Gordon one call him that when I was how disappeared before it was those perceptions are not static away anytime soon. Scott, Dan Vadis and many oth - watching. In time, Vadis and his ever released was the stunning but change over time along with SWORD AND SANDAL ers. That predominately Ameri - nine gladiator friends team up Agora, starring Rachel Weisz, the wider notions of all things The genre of films now can beefcake strongmen ap - with Spartacus to fight the evil that featured a tour de force en - Greek. Therefore, whenever we known collectively as Sword peared in those films is another Romans – and naturally they actment of Hypatia of Alexan - look at such a film we have to and Sandal was a product of the hallmark of the genre. win. Vadis’ character even wins dria. Hypatia, for those of you situate it in time and even Italian film industry from 1957 As far as I have ever been the heart of the good servant who were asleep that day in within the society that produced to 1965. A mix of Biblical and able to determine, the only actor girl, Diana. But why the star of Greek school, was the last head it. very loosely conceived historical of Greek descent to have played the film, displacing even Spar - of the Platonist school at Another aspect that must be films, those productions were Hercules was Dan Vadis. I have tacus as the real hero, remains Alexandria and a much re - taken into consideration is that an attempt to emulate the big long heard Greek-Americans nameless is just plain weird. spected mathematician. Many budget Hollywood blockbusters make the claim that Peter Lu - Vadis did not fade from the intellectuals in Western civiliza - such as The Ten Command - pus, once a regular on the 1960s silver screen at the end of the tion mark her death in 415 AD ments, Ulysses, Samson and television series Mission Impos - Sword and Sandal films; he sim - as the end of humanity’s first Delilah, Demetrius and the sible, is Greek-American but ac - ply began to act in Italian age of reason and the beginning GREEK POETRY Gladiators, Alexander the Great, tually he is of Italian descent. spaghetti westerns. Not long af - of the Dark Ages. Agora is not and Spartacus. Critics assert that As Vadis was the only person of ter his appearance in those Ital - only a terrific and overlooked the fundamental difference be - Greek descent we can confirm ian-made westerns ,Vadis be - film, but the only one I know of Mind Games tween the Hollywood movies of who appeared in any of those came a member of Clint that deals intelligently with Hy - the Classical past and the later Sword and Sandal films, his ca - Eastwood’s loose collection of Angelina Jolie as Cleopatra, patia as both a human being I am a waterfall in the desert. Sword and Sandal films had to reer deserves some attention. reappearing actors in a number caption and a working scientist. A rain from a cloudless sky. do with content. The Hollywood SON OF A GREEK of his films such as High Plains Ultimately, all I am saying is A well known but unborn child. films of old sought to fortify Born Constantine Daniel Drifter (1973), The Gauntlet films featuring the character are that we ought to have fun ex - An insistence experience their classical films with protag - Vafiadis in Shanghai, China on (1977), Every Which Way but based. Cleopatra VII was the last ploring or rediscovering those that you never had. onists that would be perceived January 3, 1938, the circum - Loose (1978), and Bronco Billy member of the Ptolemaic dy - old toga films. I have seen by moviegoers as fellow human stances of his birth and the exact (1980). Vadis also worked in nasty to rule Egypt. After the copies of DVD rereleases of the I play mind games with your beings caught up in plausible manner of how he arrived in the other Hollywood films and ap - death of Alexander the Great, 1981 Ray Harryhausen pioneer - brain. dramatic conflicts. The Italian- United States are not readily peared in a variety of television one of his generals, the first ing stop-action film, Clash of the When you strike the keys and re - made Sword and Sandal films available. All that is publicly programs. Ptolemy, acquired his own em - Titans, floating around the dis - member the sea merely used Classical names, known about the Vafiadis fam - By the late 1980s, Vadis was pire (carved out of the larger count film-bins at Wal-Mart for I come as indefinable memory. myths, or historical settings as ily’s background is that they experiencing deep troubles. He one Alexander left behind) of around $5.00, so I am not sug - When you look at your watch scanty frames for seedy, comic originally hailed from Chios. died on June 11, 1987, in the which Egypt was part. Members gesting investing a great deal of and the time has passed book-like action films. Also lost to history are the cir - desert just outside Lancaster, of the Ptolemaic dynasty, which money. The point is to try and you feel me like a fleeting hallu - I believe that the contempo - cumstances, decisions, and California. Vadis was found in ruled for some 300 years ,were begin a discussion among cination. rary charm and appeal of those events that led to Vadis having his car dead from what ap - of Greek origins, only spoke Greeks about the manner in films is that they entertain us become dedicated to bodybuild - peared to be an accidental drug Greek at court, and due to on - which non-Greeks make films I play mind games with your today for reasons they were not ing. overdose of acute ethanol and going disputes over the throne about our history and our leg - brain. at first intended to be conveyed. Sometime in 1956, Vadis heroin-morphine intoxication. were always extremely careful ends. I’m nesting behind your eyes. But, do not take my word for it, joined the Mae West Revue, Vadis was survived by his wife, to marry fellow Greeks. Virtually I’m ranging through your go look at some of these films which was composed entirely of Sharon Jessup, and son, Nick. everyone except select members [email protected] dreams. for yourself. One positive aspect male bodybuilders. At the time Tragic as Dan Vadis’ ultimate You are finding me in all of your of our declining American civi - Vadis was an extremely brawny fate might be, his passing did desires. lization is that everything is 6’ 4” with curly brown hair, nothing to stop the lasting in - In all of those are absent from available for sale. So, if you bluish green eyes and what was fluences of his film depictions you. spend some time searching you described as “affable de - of the Classical World. ATHENS LAW FIRM can find any book, film, or just meanor.” It is said that a fellow SYMBOLIC RESIDUE I play mind games with your about anything else at a dis - member of the Revue, Gordon Even as you read this article, MARIA M. MANOLAKA & KONSTANTINOS A. PETRATOS brain. count. That is how I came across Mitchell, helped Vadis to get more Classical film extravagan - INTEGRATED LEGAL SERVICES THROUGHOUT GREECE I stand in the places that you can - Clash of the Olympians, a spe - into the film business. zas are being planned. Without not reach. cial four disk set, which features Vadis worked steadily in the even a completed script, An - I exist where you cannot touch a collection of 16 Hercules early Sword and Sandal films. gelina Jolie has accepted the upon. movies that taken collectively As far as can be determined, lead role in an upcoming film mESOGEION AVE 451, 15343 AG. PARASKEVI - ATHENS But I am what you are always provide 23 hours and 20 min - prior to 1962 Vadis worked only about the life of Cleopatra. TEl.: 01130 211 0123 345, Fax: 01130 211 014 1919 waiting for utes of viewing (www.mill - as a stunt man. From 1962 on - Some African-Americans have Cell: 01130-6947-106-544, 01130-6948-383-011 I’m what holds your life on. creekent.com, 2010). I bought ward, Vadis appeared in a series criticized the selection of Jolie e-mail: [email protected] this set at a Borders bookstore, of films – having moved up from based on race. Now, those critics I play mind games with your during that company’s going- supporting roles into leading are not asking that a Greek or • CONTRACTS • REAl ESTATE TRANSACTIONS, lEASES THROUGHOUT GREECE brain. out-of-business sale, for $4.99. ones. Dan Vadis’ starring roles Greek-American actress should • PROPERTy mANAGEmENT IN GREECE But I swear this is not a fun. In truth, I had forgotten how include The Rebel Gladiators play Cleopatra, but rather that • dONATIONS / PARENTAl GRANTS I feel unbearable loneliness. cheesy those old toga movies (1963), Spartacus and the Ten “a person of color” – as appar - • lANd REGISTRy CASES Because I do not have a body are compared to Hollywood pro - Gladiators (1964), and Hercules ently they allude Cleopatra must • PENSIONS And you, that you have, refuse ductions, that no amount of cin - the Invincible (retitled as Son have been – should fill that star - • CIVIl ANd COmmERCIAl lAw me yours. ematic theorizing could ever of Hercules in the Land of Dark - ring role. Shirea L. Caroll, in a • PUBlIC ANd CRImINAl lAw whitewash. In those toga flicks ness) (1964). Various critics piece in Essence Magazine, • COmPANy lAw Dimitris Varos (1949 -) the transition from scene to contend that Vadis’ most no - lamented: “just when you 6 OBITUARIES CLASSIFIEDS THE NATIONAL HERALD, OCTOBER 1-7, 2011 DEATHS

known for being well dressed strong, Buzz Aldrin, and Anne transferred a sizable por - children's spouses: Calvin and was an avid fisherman, skilled n BUZARD, MICHAEL and "ready to party". She said, Michael Collins, sits within this tion of their financial holdings Kalona; as well as their grand - hunter, talented soccer player CANONSBURG, PA – The Pa - "age is a number” and hers “was unique volume “dedicated to to a charitable remainder trust children: Kaeden, John Calvin, and accomplished restaurateur. triot News reported that unlisted". Mary worked for the the purpose of recording for all to benefit the University. Paul Blaine, Halstead, Grayson, and With dual citizenship of both Michael "Mikey" Todd Buzard, Dallas Chamber of Commerce, time the names of individuals is survived by Anne, his loving Vella. Gary's idea of a good Greece and the United States, 27, passed away in Canonsburg, Convention Bureau, for over 25 who so diligently, over the wife of 28 years. There was a time included riding Thomas he was proud to be an Ameri - PA on September 18, 2011. He yrs. She was a long time mem - years, put forth their energies funeral service at St. Thomas in the Tank Engine, splashing at can and often boasted of his was born on November 12, ber of the Holy Trinity Greek and skills to make possible his beloved Medina on Friday the water park, watching Dis - love for this country. His patri - 1983 in Grove City, PA. He was Orthodox Church, Daughters of mankind's greatest expedition; September. A reception was ney movies, and celebrating at otism shined through, as he a 2001 graduate of Cumberland Penelope, and the John L. De - that of sending three men to the held immediately after at Over - each and every birth, baby ded - proudly flew the American flag Valley High School. He received Grazier #881 Order of the East - moon and returning them to lake Golf and Country Club. Do - ication, and birthday party. A in the front of his restaurants, a BA in Regional Planning from ern Star. Mary is preceded in earth safely.” Paul was the au - nations in memory of Paul can child at heart, Gary could al - The Squat N Gobble and Under Indiana University of Pennsyl - death by her father and mother; thor of many published papers be made to: The Humane Soci - ways be found in the center of the Oaks Tavern. That very flag vania. Upon graduation, he brothers Dan Gotses (San and reviews. A few of the pub - ety www.humanesociety.org, the kids at any family gather - he hung, will now remain at worked for Michael Baker Corp. Diego, CA), Roy Gotses (Dallas, lications featuring Paul's writ - The Old Dog Haven www.old - ing. The visitation was Friday, half mass in his honor. The ca - for two years and then most re - TX) and sister, Jean Maugeri ings include: The Journal of the doghaven.org, or the ASPCA September 23, 2011 at the fu - reer suited his personality best, cently for American Income (Bonita, CA). She is survived by Institute of Public Administra - www.aspca.org. neral home. Funeral service as he was a people person who Life. Mikey will be remembered her daughter, Denise Costas- tion, Air Force Comptroller, The was Saturday, September 24, enjoyed filling his customer's for his unfailing sense of humor. Oradat (husband Cecil), Mans - Journal of Systems Manage - n MEKULY, GARY AN - 2011 at Sparkman Hillcrest Fu - morning cup of coffee and He was an avid skier and loved field, TX, and son, Nick Cost-as ment, Defense Systems Man - THONY neral Home. In honor of Gary's catching up with the locals who to go to concerts. His best mem - of San Jose', Costa Rica; 2 agement Review, and Modern DALLAS, TX – The Dallas Morn - love for children and concern frequented his place of busi - ories were always enjoyed with grandchildren, Brittany and An - Purchasing. After he retired ing News Gary Anthony Mekuly for those struggling with can - ness. He was a wonderful cook, his many friends and family thony; 1 great-grandson, Aden from Boeing in 1991, Paul passed away September 19, cer, memorials in Gary's name who filled the plates of many. members. Mikey is survived by Nicholas; and many nieces and joined the Medina Civil Service 2011, surrounded by his loved may be made to the Children's Paul was a loyal husband, de - Lindsy Buzard and their son, nephews. A special thanks goes commission and soon became ones. Gary was born on March Medical Center of Dallas, Can - voted father and steadfast Holden Buzard, his parents out to Katie Martin, the staff at Chairman. He also served four 7, 1953, in Chicago, IL, where cer Research. And as Gary al - friend. He is survived by his Todd and Janie Buzard, his sis - Senior Care Lake Pointe, Hos - years on the Medina City coun - he developed his lifelong pas - ways said, "eat good and don't wife, Star Rush Riganas; ter and brother-in-law, pice Plus and her "angel" room - cil where he was very involved sion for health and fitness. Af - miss a workout!" daughters Anastasia (Mark) Stephanie and Matt Angle, mate, Eva McNichol, who help with stream and salmon ter graduating from Richton Kendrick, Georgia (Jake) Hu - grandparents Alta Buzard and make her last days bright. Tris - restoration. Paul always wanted Park East High School, where n RIGANAS, APOSTOLOS ber, Star Strube, and son, Kon - Mike and Panthora Rougas, and agion will be held Tues. Sept. to give back and was passionate he played football, Gary began BLUFFTON, SC – The Savannah standino Riganas. His 5 grand - numerous aunts, uncles, 20 at the Holy Trinity Greek Or - about preservation and protec - his weightlifting career, even - Morning News reported that daughters (Gabrielle, Brooke, cousins and friends all who will thodox Church, at Alpha and tion of our natural environ - tually opening his own gym in Apostolos "Paul the Greek" Rig - Ava, Jenna & Abigail) were miss him dearly. He is preceded Hillcrest. Funeral services were ment. He joined the Dan Evans Chicago Heights. As one of his anas, passed peacefully at adored by him and nothing in death by his grandfather Gor - Wednesday, Sept. at the Church School Visiting Committee and close friends said, "it didn't home, surrounded by the love rang more melodious to his dan Keith Buzard and his cousin followed by burial at Sparkman was on the board of the Munic - matter if you were a world of his family, on Wednesday the ears than the sound of their Christina Buzard. Viewings for Hillcrest, NW Hwy, Dallas. In ipal League of King County. He record holder, a 500 lb. bencher 14th day of September 2011 af - tiny voices calling him “Pap - friends and family were held on lieu of flowers, donations may also was a visiting lecturer of like Gary, or a skinny high ter courageously battling a long pou”. Friends and family at - Friday and Saturday, at Neill be made to the Holy Trinity the Executive MBA and MPA school kid trying to beef up so illness. Born at sea off the coast tended the services that were Funeral Home, in Camp Hill. A Greek Orthodox Church or the program at the University of he could play football, Gary of South Africa, he was raised held on Tuesday, the 20th day memorial service was held at Susan B. Koman Foundation. Washington and at Concordia was there for you, working out in Greece. He served with of September at The Church of the funeral home on Saturday University. Paul was very active with you, pushing you, and NATO, training US Navy Seals the Cross located on Calhoun following the viewing. Inter - n DEMITRIADES, PAUL at St. Thomas Episcopal Church most of all caring that you met during the Vietnam War. He Street in Bluffton, SC. ment will be at St. John's Ceme - SEATTLE, WA – The Seattle in Medina where he generously and surpassed your goals." tery. Afterwards, all were wel - Times reported that Paul Demi - volunteered his time as an Gary's experience with personal come to join the family at Holy triades passed away on Septem - usher and served as a member training services led him to CLASSIFIEDS Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathe - ber 13. Paul was born in Seattle of Project Outreach and as a open his own gym in Dallas in dral, 1000 Yverdon Drive, at Virginia Mason Hospital, the participant in the Episcopal the mid-1990s. With the motto, Camp Hill, PA to celebrate son of Greek immigrants. He Charities Appeal. 'Caring' was "Mekuly's Gym: It ain't no HELP WANTED 38-08 Ditmars Blvd., Mikey's life and share memo - went to school at John Muir El - the key word Paul used to de - health club!" Gary encouraged Astoria, New York 11105 ries. In lieu of flowers, his fam - ementary and Franklin High scribe his efforts after retiring his clients to refuse to accept We’re Looking for Good Writers! (718) 728-8500 ily asks that contributions be School. Paul attended and grad - from business and the public limits, believe in themselves, Not affiliated with any made to an educational fund for uated with a Master’s in Busi - sphere. “Mentoring and civic keep trying, and never give up. TNH offers an opportunity for other funeral home. his beloved son. Checks can be ness and Public Administration service were always part of my His dedicated approach to enterprising college students or made out to "Holden Buzard" from the University of Washing - life and my work.” Said Paul in training included calling/email - recent graduates, particularly APOSTOLOPOULOS and sent to Citizens Bank, 4301 ton and was a graduate of the 2003. Much of this time was ing his clients daily to remind those with liberal arts or jour - Apostle Family - Carlisle Pike, Camp Hill, PA Air War & Industrial College of spent as an advocate for local them to "eat good," helping nalism backgrounds, or good Gregory, Nicholas, Andrew - 17011. the Armed Services. Paul had a environmental health concerns. them work through family writers around the United States, Funeral Directors of 30-year career in the Air Force He was instrumental in placing crises, and making each session including those with experience, RIVERDALE n COSTAS, MARY retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. salmon incubators in the Points something to look forward to. who want a chance to hone their FUNERAL HOME Inc. DALLAS, TX – Dallas Morning He also worked 32 years with communities and said that he As one client remarked, "thank skills and build their resumes by 5044 Broadway News reported that Mary G. Boeing. During his career there felt this was part of his legacy you for being such a great writing news and feature stories. New York, NY 10034 Costas, age 91, devoted, wife, he ran 17 field offices for the and that he hoped that work friend, always having a smile These are unpaid positions but (212) 942-4000 mother, aunt and friend died of company as well as being inte - would continue on these things on your face, and making me you will have a chance to work Toll Free 1-888-GAPOSTLE natural causes Sat. Sept. 17th. grally involved in Apollo T.I.E. in Medina. His efforts were rec - laugh, even when you're saying with our staff as well as offer sto - CONSTANTINIDES Mary was born in Washington program, which put a man on ognized by City of Medina 'ten more'." Besides establishing ries of your own about what’s FUNERAL PARLOR Co. D.C. on April 2, 1920, to Dan the moon and as Paul liked to when the council passed a for - a strong reputation as a world- going on in your Greek American (718) 745-1010 Gotses (Olympia, Greece) and say 'brought him back'. As a re - mal resolution in 2003 express - class personal trainer, Gary had community and get choice as - Services in all localities - Celia Gotses (Sparta, Greece). sult of his work on the Apollo ing their gratitude and appreci - hidden talents such as drawing signments to help you develop Low cost shipping to Greece She married Anthony "Tony" program Paul's name has been ation for Paul's twelve years of and working cattle. He put or enhance your career. Please Costas in 1942 and moved to recorded in the Library of Con - devotion to the Medina commu - down new roots in Texas, lov - send resumes and a sample of LITRAS FUNERAL HOME Dallas in 1950. In 1961 they gress and the Smithsonian nity. His dedication to the Uni - ing to spend time outdoors at your writing, and story ideas, to ARLINGTON opened the "21" Turtle Club, within The Apollo/Saturn V versity of Washington went be - the ranch with Doc (Devon's english.edition@thenationalher - BENSON DOWD, INC one of the finest supper clubs Roll of Honor. His name, along - yond his contributions of time dad) and all of his ranch crit - ald.com FUNERAL HOME of the time. Mary was always side the signatures of Neil Arm - and energy. In 1991, Paul and ters. His love of animals was 2/06-26 83-15 Parsons Blvd., most evident in the affection he Jamaica, NY 11432 showered on his two four- LEADING GREEK AMERICAN (718) 858-4434 legged roommates, Sheba and NEWSPAPER SEEKS • (800) 245-4872 U.S. Postal Service Biak. Gary was proud of his rich Full-time AD sales representa - Statement of Ownership, management, and Circulation family heritage. His mother, Ju - tives for both GREEK and ENG - (All Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications) lia Lillian Kategianis, the LISH language publications. Ap - daughter of Greek immigrants, plicants should have some sales LITRAS 1. Title of Publication: THE NATIONAL HERALD met his father, Steve Luke and/or marketing experience. Bi- BASIL LITRAS 2. Publication No.: 016-864 3. Date of Filing: 09/24/11 Mekuly, himself the son of lingual command of both lan - FUNERAL HOME, INC 4. Frequency of issue: WEEKLY Czechoslovakian immigrants, guages preferred. This positions 5. No. of issues Published Annually: 52 while in Kindergarten. They offers base salary, plus com - Basil (Bill) Litras 6. Annual Subscription Price: $66.00 shared a love that continues to misand/or marketing experi - Owner & Managing Director 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not printer) (Street, City, County, State and Zip+4®) : amaze and inspire, having ence. Fluency with computer use My family has served the 37-10 30TH Street, Long Island City, New York 11101 known each other for 80 years offers base salary, plus commis - hellenic community for over 80 Contact person: V. Diamataris Telephone: (718) 784-5255 and having been married for 63 sions. E-mail resume and cover years honoring family 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (Not printer): 37-10 30TH Street, Long Island City, New York 11101 years at the time of his death letter to [email protected] or tradition. 9. Full names and Complete Mailing Address of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor (Do not leave blank): in 2010. Gary cherished a close fax to : (718) 472-0510 My personal services and for Publisher (Name and Complete mailing address): ANTONIS H. DIAMATARIS relationship with both of his your families convenience 37-10 30TH Street, Long Island City, New York 11101. parents. Julie continues to be FUNERAL HOMES chapel facilities can be Editor (Name and Complete mailing address): ANTONIS H. DIAMATARIS lovingly surrounded by her arranged near your residence. 37-10 30TH Street, Long Island City, New York 11101. children: Steve Mekuly, Judy ANTONOPOULOS 117 Washington Ave., Managing Editor (Name and Complete mailing address): ANTONIS H. DIAMATARIS Kelley, and Greg Mekuly. Fol - FUNERAL HOME, INC. Pleasantville, NY 10570 37-10 30TH Street, Long Island City, New York 11101. 10. Owner (Do not leave blank. If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corpora - lowing in the footsteps of his Konstantinos Antonopoulos - Nationwide Toll Free: tion immediately follwed by the names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of big brother and mentor, Steve Funeral Director (866) 725-4872 the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give the names and addresses of the individual owners. If was the inspiration for Gary's owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, give its name and address, as well as those of each individual own career in the field of owner. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address.) health and fitness. The role of Full name: ANTONIS H. DIAMATARIS TO PlACE yOUR ClASSIFIEd Ad, CAll: (718) 784-5255, protector that his only sister, ExT. 106, E-mAIl: classifieds@ thenationalherald.com Complete mailing address: 37-10 30TH Street, Long Island City, New York 11101 Judy, felt for her baby brother 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgages, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total reversed as he got older and Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities (If none, check box): ------> Xq None out-sized her-although she 12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates) (Check one) claimed she could still beat him The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for Federal income tax pur - up. Joking that his baby brother PRINTED EDITION OF THE NATIONAL HERALD poses: Greg needed to have his DNA VIA THE POST-OFFICE: Xq Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months checked, Gary was in constant o1 month $11.00 o3 months $22.00 Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months (Publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement). q o6 months $33.00 oOne year $66.00 13. Publication Title: The National Herald awe of Greg's ability to build 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: 09/23/11 just about anything with mas - VIA HOME DELIVERY (NY, NJ & CT): 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation Average No. Copies Each Issue No. Copies of Single Issue terful skill while Gary resorted o1 month for $14.00 o3 months for $33.00 During Preceding 12 Months Published Nearest to Filing Date to superglue and duct tape. o6 months for $48.00 oOne year for $88.00 Gary highly valued his relation - a. Total No. Copies (Net Press Run) 21,885 21,221 ship with each of their spouses, VIA HOME DELIVERY b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail) Ellen, Gene, and Cathy. He was (New England, Pennsylvania) 1. Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on o1 month for $18.00 o3 months for $41.00 PS Form 3541. (Include paid distribution above nominal also always eager to hear about 6 months for $57.00 One year for $109.00 rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies). 1,562 1,496 the activities and lives of his o o 2. Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on nieces and nephews, Shannon, ON LINE SUBSCRIPTION PS Form 3541. (Include paid distribution above nominal Nick, Morgan, Nicholas, www.thenationalherald.com rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies). -0- -0- Heather, Amanda, Breanna and e NON SUBSCRIBERS: oOne year for $45.95 3. Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Luke, as well as his great-nieces o6 months for $29.95 Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter and great-nephew, Alex, Sales, and Other Paid Distribution outside USPS® 20,235 19,637 3 months for $18.95 Sophia, Ava, and Jackson Gary o 4. Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through SUBSCRIBERS: oOne year for $34.95 the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail®) -0- -0- shared twenty-one years with b o6 months for $23.95 c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation the love of his life and soul o3 months for $14.95 [Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)] 21,797 21,133 mate, Devon Fulbright Hendry.

d. Free or Nominal Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail) Accepting the package deal of i 1. Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County an instant family, Gary bal - NAmE: ...... Copies included on PS Form 3541 -0- -0- anced the shared responsibili - 2. Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies AddRESS: ...... ties of parenting issues (hair - r included on PS Form 3541 -0- -0- CITy: ...... STATE: ...... ZIP: ...... 3. Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other cuts, sneaking out cars, broken Classes Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail) -0- -0- curfews, dating) with the fun TEl.: ...... CEll: ...... 4. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail of secretly reliving his own teen E-mAIl: ...... (Carriers or other means) 13 13 years. Together they created a c PLEASE SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO: e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution rich legacy of love and laughter (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4) 13 13 NAmE: ...... f. Total Distribution (Sum 15c and 15e) 21,810 21,146 for their children: Stephen, AddRESS: ......

Fielden, and Christian; their s g. Copies Not Distributed CITy: ...... STATE: ...... ZIP: ...... (See instuctions to Publishers #4 (page#3)) 75 75 TEl.: ...... CEll: ...... h. Total (Sum of 15f and g) 21,885 21,221 This is a service i. Percentage Paid and/or Requested Circulation to the community. E-mAIl: ...... Please specify method of payment (15c divided by 15f times 100) 99.94% 99.94% Announcements of deaths

16. Publication of Statement of Ownership b I enclose a check/money order for $ ...... may be telephoned to the Xq Publication Required. Will be printed in the 10/01/2011 issue of this publication. q Publication not re - made payable to: The National Herald, Inc., Classified department of quired. 37-10 30th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 - 2614 The National Herald at 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner or please debit my mastercard Visa (718) 784-5255, o o Date: 09/30/2011 o American Express

monday through Friday, u CARd NUmBER: ...... I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to or e-mailed to: ExPIRATION dATE: ...... criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties). [email protected] SIGNATURE: ...... s THE NATIONAL HERALD, OCTOBER 1-7, 2011 GREECE CYPRUS 7 Bellicose Turkey Begins to Explore for Hydrocarbons in Cypriot Waters

TNH Staff Writer provided the sides asked for its day without the giving the ship's involvement. "We really want coordinates. He [Yenice] said the NEW YORK – On Tuesday, Sep - these (peace) talks to succeed, ship with 21 people aboard was tember 26 Turkey announced ex - we are putting our main effort in frequent contact with escorting ploration for offshore gas in the into making sure these talks do Turkish frigates and Turkish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) succeed, and in the meantime we planes flew above.” Turkish offi - of the Republic of Cyprus in an hope the two sides, or the various cials are being coy; AP quoted area where Nicosia began to drill sides, will act with due re - Energy Minister Taner Yildiz say - last week, raising fears that the straint...to ensure that in no way ing the ship is "where it is sup - dispute over energy resources in this issue derails these talks… posed to be," while EU Affairs the Eastern Mediterranean could Now so far, so good." Minister Bagis refused to disclose escalate. Meanwhile, also on WE’LL GET SOME TOO the ship's location during a visit Tuesday Turkey announced that Last week, Turkey and Turkish to the self-declared Turkish its first domestically-produced Cypriots outlined their bound - Cypriot state, saying: "I am not a warship is operational. At a cere - aries in the eastern Mediter - sailor." mony held at the İstanbul Naval ranean to facilitate gas explo - The Cyprus Mail reports that Shipyard Command, Prime Min - ration and Turkey said it would “according to Reuters, there was ister Recep Tayyip Erdo ğan said use its navy to protect research, no sign of a Turkish naval escort “Turkey has taken its place increasing the risk of violence. for the Piri Reis and its 10 crew among ten countries that can de - According to Reuters, Turkey sent as the vessel set out, although sign and construct warships,” the in its only research vessel: "’Piri Energy Minister Taner Yildiz had Turkish Newspaper Todays’s Za - Reis, escorted by warships, has raised the possibility of such a se - man quoted him as saying. started research in the same area curity measure earlier this week. Last week, Noble Energy, where Greek Cypriots are explor - However, Turkish daily Aksam re - based in Houston, TX started ing,’ Omer Celik, Vice Chairman ported that three Turkish navy drilling on Cyprus’ behalf South of the ruling AK Party who over - frigates Salih Reis, Sokullu of the island, which prompted sees foreign affairs, said on Twit - Mehmet Pasa and Oncu also left Turkey to drill for gas on behalf ter. ‘We have shown clearly to from Izmir port…Three sub - of Turkish Cypriots. Today’s Za - everyone that we will not allow marines also reportedly sailed man notes that the “Israeli off - the eastern Mediterranean to be - Thursday morning from Golcuk shore fields…contain more than Buyukada, the first Turkey-made war ship, is seen during its inauguration ceremony in Con - come a Greek Cyprus-Israel goal,’ naval base.” 450 billion cubic metres,” and the stantinople. There are reports that other naval vessels have moved near Cyprus to disturb it ef - he said in another message.” Cyprus’ EEZ has been carved Turkish newspaper Sabah reports forts to drill for hydrocarbons in its EEZ. Reuters added that “The Turk - into 12 blocks, according to the that the Turkish government es - ish Cypriot prime minister had Mail, “from which Texas-based timates there are around 15 tril - with Turkish Foreign Minister Ah - fore a solution was not welcomed ing with U.N. Secretary-General said overnight the vessel had be - Noble Energy has concession lion cubic meters of gas in waters met Davuto ğlu [on September by all. DIKO vice-president Nico - Ban Ki-moon at the end of Octo - gun exploring, but did not say rights over Block 12, the between Egypt, Cyprus and Crete 27] that the natural resources of las Papadopoulos accused ber.” precisely where. Greek Cypriot Aphrodite field, where ex - worth around $7 trillion. Cyprus island belong to both Christofias of increasing his “gen - The Greek Cypriots rejects the sources have said the Turkish ves - ploratory drilling began last Sun - Cyprus ignored the Turkish Turkish and Greek Cypriot com - erous offers ... despite the grow - connection between their drilling sel was about 80 km (50 miles) day evening…Christofias said threats, but the Associated Press munities.” ing Turkish intransigence on all and the talks. "The Republic of from the plot Greek Cypriots are more blocks could be thrown reported that at Tuesday’s ship Christofias had already given levels.” There Are Talks Going Cyprus cannot be held hostage drilling, but there was no sign open for exploration over the ceremony Erdogan said “we will assurances during his speech to On? to illegal actions of Turkey, which that it was carrying out research next 12 months…Citing sources, try all channels of peace but we the UN General Assembly that It is also Turkey’s position that continues to occupy (Cyprus) and work.” state broadcaster CyBC reported will also protect our country's in - the benefits of the drilling would drilling by the internationally-rec - violates its territorial integrity There are conflicting reports last night that two major energy terests until the end.” Turkey's be shared with the Turkish Cypri - ognized Republic of Cyprus – and the human rights of both as to whether the Piri Reis was companies have bought seismic minister for European Affairs, ots regardless of whether a set - only Turkey recognizes the Greek and Turkish Cypriots," joined by warships. According to data on Cyprus’ EEZ while a third Egemen Bagis, echoed the Prime tlement had been reached on the Pseudo-state Ankara created in Reuters quotes government Reuters: “Turkey's Navy has is preparing to do so ahead of a Minister’s more bellicose words wider Cyprus dispute. the north – is aimed at under - spokesman Stefanos Stefanou as made no announcement regard - second round of licencing for according to Reuters when he Nonetheless, acting govern - mining the UN-sponsored nego - saying, adding that "As an inter - ing the deployment of warships Cyprus’ remaining blocks.” also said that "if the Greek Cypri - ment spokesman Christos tiations for the reunification of nationally recognised state, a in the area. It was not possible to The Mail cites the Turkish ots agree to stop, we'll stop too. Christofides placed the presi - the island nation. Turkey's EU Af - member of the UN and the EU, independently verify the pres - newspaper Aksam, which writes But if they insist on proceeding, dent’s gesture in the context of fairs Minister Egemen Bagis de - the Republic of Cyprus is exer - ence of warships. A diplomatic “Turkey is claiming Blocks 2 and they know very well Turkey's at - the reunification talks according clared “The resources are not go - cising its sovereign rights." source said it was ‘my under - 3 in Cyprus’ EEZ for the break - titude…we have to warn against to the Cyprus Mail by saying: “we ing anywhere, so why are they Last week Secretary of State standing that the survey boat is away state, sending three tor - Greek Cypriot provocation.” want to send the message that being used to block [Cyprus re - Hillary Rodham Clinton told unaccompanied’". pedo boats to patrol them. Blocks According to Cyprus News there is a strong incentive for the unification] negotiations?" Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet The AP, however, writes that 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are also being Agency sources, Erdogan was in - Turkish Cypriots, which is en - Nevertheless, Reuters re - Davutoglu in New York that the “Turkish frigates and ‘warplanes dragged into the spotlight with furiated by the fact that the UN hanced by the finding of hydro - ported that “in Nicosia, the is - island's recognized government on Tuesday escorted a research Turkey claiming them for itself.” chief took issue with Turkish ac - carbons, for a solution of the land's divided capital, Greek had a right to decide how it ex - ship to begin oil and gas explo - Perhaps it is all a game, tions and raised the matter of the Cyprus problem.” He added that Cypriot leader Demetris ploits its resources,” and said ration off the divided island of though a dangerous one. The Turkish threats towards Cyprus “there were some thoughts on Christofias and Turkish Cypriot Nicosia’s actions do not under - Cyprus, retaliation for a similar Mail spoke to a diplomat who in a meeting with him in New how the Turkish Cypriots could leader Dervis Eroglu resumed mine the talks. move by the Greek Cypriot gov - suggested “Turkey was probably York last Thursday. The Secretary benefit, which would be an - peace talks on Tuesday after a The United Nations on Tues - ernment,” the research ship's cap - seeking to keep its response to General has since attempted to nounced after political decisions 10-day break for U.N. General day urged restraint, according to tain, Umut Yenice said. AP cited Cyprus’ drilling ‘noticeable but appear more evenhanded. To - are taken.” Assembly deliberations. The two Reuters, which said the U.N.'s Turkey’s state-run Anatolia news measured, knowing that there day’s Zaman reported that “UN The Mail also reported, how - sides are racing to make progress special advisor on Cyprus, agency “that the ship reached its are things you can do to heat it Secretary General Ban Ki-moon ever, that “back home, the news on complex reunification negoti - Alexander Downer, said the U.N. destination about 50 miles (80 up later if you need to.’” has confirmed during a meeting of sharing the island’s wealth be - ations before a scheduled meet - could consider a mediating role kilometers) off Cyprus on Mon - Strike-Weary Greeks Brace for another Barrage of Austerity Measures

Continued from page 1 Even Deputy Prime Minister Theodoros Pangalos, who said with an estimated 100,000 busi - he faced selling real estate to nesses shuttered because the pay a new property tax, admit - bailout and austerity measures ted Greeks’ pain threshold was have backfired, Greece hopes being tested. “I think that the that new terms and a second tax-paying limits of Greek soci - bailout will be enough to pre - ety have been exhausted. I vent a catastrophe. Greek work - would say they have been ex - ers were hit with another round hausted for some time now,” he of pay cuts last week and a tax told Mega TV. “But I think that on their income to pay for the we should act on the other side growing numbers of unem - of the problem which is spend - ployed, firing off new rage they ing.” He joked that if he doesn’t are being forced to pay for what pay the new tax, “Maybe Venize - they believe are the failures of los will put me in jail,” although successive administrations of Greece’s ruling elite has been governments. seen to be above the law and The Troika has been pushing rarely face prosecution. Prime Minister George Papan - Several hundred activists af - dreou hard to administer more filiated with the Greek Commu - austerity but has not renewed nists converged on the finance its pressure for him to go after ministry on Sept. 28 as the in - tax evaders costing the country spectors returned. The protest - more than $40 billion a year, ers waved a banner saying “We even as the Parliament that his won’t pay!” and burned bills for PASOK Socialist party controls a new one-off income tax intro - rammed through new tax mea - duced this summer, while sures, including an emergency Above: Is Greece at its boiling Athens and other parts of the tax on property that will be put point? Every Greek politician country were hit by transport into electric bills under the knows what citizens mean strikes. threat of having power cut off, when they flash an open As Europe waffled on how to and a tax on people making only palm. Right: PM Papandreou help Greece, international mar - $6,780 a year, or $9,500 for in a conversation with the kets got jittery over the those under 30 or over 65. Chancellor of Germany. Far prospects of how deep the so- Venizelos said that would bring right: Greek Finance Minister called “haircut” – how much less Greece closer to the European Venizelos speaks to PASOK Greece will repay investors – Union level for those income MP Vaso Papandreou. will be. The respected Athens levels. As a condition of the visit business newspaper Naftempo - and to resolve the row with the and a 4% reduction in pensions riki said even though some 90 lenders, the Greek government for those receiving more than percent of banks loaning money had promised to send a secret $1,640 a year. That has angered to Greece have agreed to take written assurance outlining its Greeks who blame the country’s 21 percent less, it would take a new plan to meet its bailout tar - politicians and rich elite for cre - 50 percent reduction in pay - gets. ating the economic mess, even ments to make the country’s PRIVATIZE OR DIE though Papandreou and Venize - debt sustainable. The German Papandreou has reportedly los blame the public sector that Parliament was to vote on Sept. agreed to pick up the pace of their party and the major oppo - Angela Merkel, whose country ues, although Germans are balk - see what the Troika ... finds and 29 on whether the country privatizing state-run entities and sition Conservative New Democ - has the largest share of loan ing at assisting a country many what it will tell us (whether) we should keep pouring money into the sale or lease of state-owned racy packed with patronage payments to Greece, for help in - see as corrupt, lazy, inefficient will have to renegotiate or not,” Greece. properties to raise $71 billion hires for decades, creating a top suring the money flow contin - tax cheats. “We have to wait and she told Greek state television While the political and busi - and said he believes Greece can heavy revenue drain in a coun - NET, without elaborating. ness battles raged on, Greek have a surplus by the end of try with little industry and one Venizelos said he’s confident workers – and the unemployed 2012, although many analysts of the world’s lowest rates of Greece will get the next loan – wonder where and when it said the country will remain in competitiveness. and be able to meet the de - will end, or if it will. “I’ve been deep trouble for a decade or POLITICS PAYS WELL manding conditions of the trying to find a job for a year more and may not recover for a Greeks are also furious that Troika, despite protests from now and it’s impossible,” Maria generation, a prospect that has Members of Parliament, who are Greeks that he is impoverishing Kappa, a graduate of the School sent scores of thousands of paid 10 times more than the so- them to pay back banks. of Philosophy in Athens, told Greeks, particularly the young, called 700 Euro Generation of None of that is satisfying Reuters. “I don’t see the rich fleeing to other countries. An in - young Greeks paid just mini - workers and those most affected people hurt by this austerity, it’s formation fair set up by the Aus - mum wage levels, have largely as tax evaders continue to es - always the poor who have to tralian Embassy, which last year escaped the austerity measures cape the measures. “Instead of pay.” drew 42 people, attracted they’ve imposed on others and coming and going, the Troika University of Athens econo - 12,000 hopefuls looking to go enjoy bonuses such as being should spend a month with a mist Yanis Varoufakis told down under to a country which paid $200 in expenses to walk pensioner, a family-man and Reuters that the austerity pro - has a vast Greek Diaspora. from their offices to attend com - then tell us whether these mea - gram is increasingly irrational. Sources told the newspaper mittee meetings. If Greece does sures are human,” 50-year-old “If we know anything since Kathimerini that the gap for this not get the next loan installment aviation worker, Costas Pa - 1929 … once you are caught in year has almost been covered by mid-October, there will not palambros, a father of two, told a triple crisis of public debt, re - through new pay cuts reaching be enough money to pay work - Reuters. “The next tranche [in - cession in private sector, and 35 percent for many workers, ers and pensioners, the govern - stalment] will just be an aspirin, cessation of investment in public the layoff of 30,000 municipal ment has said. The country has it won’t cure the patient. What and private, then you can cut to employees and plans to fire as already stopped paying other we need is growth and I don’t your heart’s content, but you are many as 70,000 more over the bills and Papandreou went to With public transport shut down by protest strikes, Greeks see it happening. They need to not going to cut the deficit and next few years, the new taxes, Berlin to ask German Chancellor struggle to get to and from work-if they have work. change policies,” he said. make inroads into the debt.” 8 EDITORIALS LETTERS THE NATIONAL HERALD, OCTOBER 1-7, 2011

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The National Herald A weekly publication of the NATIONAL HERALD, INC. Watch Out with Erdogan ule, given his responsibilities in Who determined who would that he is a snake. Our delega - (ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ), To the Editor: New York and the time he is de - be attending? Were some people tion had sharp guys too, but at reporting the news and addressing the issues of paramount interest voting to dangerous shenani - missing because of the simulta - meetings like that, we must to the Greek American community of the United States of America. The Herald is to be congrat - gans in the Mediterranean. I do neous Cyprus Federation din - have our best experts there too. Publisher-Editor Antonis H. Diamataris ulated for breaking the very im - have a few questions however, ner? Erdogan is a sharp guy, in portant story in the online edi - that perhaps can be explored by fact, Israel and the USA are dis - Arthur Sebastiades Assistant to Publisher, Advertising Veta H. Diamataris Papadopoulos tion of the meeting of the the Herald. covering – late in the game – Flushing, New York Ass ociate Editor Constantinos E. Scaros Archbishop and leading Greek Senior Writer Constantine S. Sirigos Americans with Erdogan. I look On Line Assistant Editor Christos Tripoulas forward to the promised details. Production Manager Chrysoula Karametros The Archdiocese and whoever Webmaster Alexandros Tsoukias helped bring it about are to be commended too. The National Herald (USPS 016864) is published weekly by It could not have been easy The National Herald Inc. at 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 to get time on Erdogan’s sched - Tel: (718)784-5255, Fax: (718)472-0510, e-mail: [email protected] Democritou 1 and Academias Sts, Athens, 10671, Greece TO OUR READERS Tel: 011.30.210.3614.598, Fax: 011.30.210.3643.776, e-mail: The National Herald welcomes let - [email protected] ters from its readers intended for publication. 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Some Good News – for a Change CHRySANTHI lIRISTIS / SPECIAl TO THE NATIONAl HERAld We are happy to report this week two pieces of good news con - COMMENTARY cerning our community: first, six out of Forbes Magazine’s list of the 400 wealthiest Americans – all of them billionaires – are Greek. Sec - ond, five Greek-Americans met with Turkish prime Minister Recep Erdogan in New York last week to discuss issues related to the Ecu - Greece’s Part-Time Dictators Defaulting on Democracy menical Patriarchate . It is a source of joy and pride that we Greek-Americans have our share of billionaires. It serves as proof – if we ever needed it – that One of the most disconcert - property and assets more than have three part-time overseas given the right circumstances our people truly can distinguish them - ing things about the current cri - for the purposes of Greece's ruling so - dictators now telling the Greek selves. We are certain that beyond the six Greek billionaires on sis that Greece is facing is the buying them for cialist party! And people what they can and can - Forbes’ list, many more exist that somehow escaped the magazine’s eerie feeling that the citizenry next to nothing. although he is a not do. It is totally unaccept - count – for various reasons including that some lucrative but very is being taken for a ride by pro - And every three right-wing liber - able. private businesses do not have all of their assets listed in a way to fessional politicians and vested months, the usual tarian and Eu - It is any wonder that the assess quantification by the media and the public at large. interests - namely, banks and in - nauseating rhetoric rosceptic, his Greek people are burning EU In any case, those six Greek billionaires’ assets put together exceed vestors. For the past two years, is rehashed by the statements would flags and drawing swastikas on $10 billion – enough to pay one of the installments the EU and the the people of Greece have been government to con - find many on the them. Unless Greece is allowed IMF are providing to Greece, without which default will ensue. All subjected to a sort of puritanical vince witless Parlia - left in complete to get out of this economic and children of Greek immigrants, the six comprise 1.5 percent of all shunning that seems like some - ment deputies and agreement. What political prison, you may well American billionaires, 30 times the percentage of the overall U.S. thing out of a Nathaniel the public into ap - he is saying should spark a revolution in that coun - population of Greeks – which is 0.05 percent. Hawthorne novel. In fact, the peasing the insa - by Christopher definitely be try. Nonetheless, one might ask that wealth aside, how they benefit only thing that the IMF-EU-ECB tiable appetite of TRIPOULAS echoed by anyone ...None of this can work and the community and Hellenism at large. Although some of them do Troika hasn't asked the Greek these creditors to Special to who genuinely the German people will simply not even identify themselves as Greeks – as apparently they do not people to do is walk around keep the country The National Herald wants the EU to refuse in the end to pay the bill. consider that to be particularly important – others do in fact con - with a scarlet letter sown on from defaulting. work out and be - The one achievement is that you tribute to the community in a meaningful way. Their endowments, their bosom. That's probably be - Sure as clockwork, three months lieves in the solidarity and equal have split Europe between however, are overwhelmingly geared toward helping the Greek Or - cause they are more interested later the same story is repeated, partnerships of its member North and South, the Greeks thodox Church, with virtually no support to our schools. One has to in their bottom… figuratively with newer harsher measures states. Below is an excerpt from now badmouth the Germans, wonder why that is the case. and literally. being demanded to keep the na - some of his recent statements at the Germans now badmouth the To the second bit of good news: Father Alex Karloutos arranged For the past two years, the tion from going bankrupt, while the European Parliament. Greeks. the meeting of the group of five distinguished Greek Americans held Greek people have been system - the failure of the measures pre - "We all know that Greece is I have one last plea Mr. Bar - with Erdogan. The meeting was important because the Turks un - atically pickpocketed by blood - viously adopted is conveniently going to default; the end game roso, will you please help derstand – perhaps even better than we do – the influence that sucking politicians and bankers overlooked. for Greece is near. And you can't Greece. Help her to get her cur - some Greek-Americans exert on U.S. politicians. Moreover, the who display less empathy than If you're getting the sense say you were not warned. You rency back, help her to resched - meeting raised an opportunity for the Turkish prime minister to common criminals. And each that there's a vicious cycle going were told that Treaties were fa - ule her debts, help her to get hear the Greeks’ concerns about the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and onslaught against the ever-de - on here and the present Greek tally flawed, you were all told out of the mess you have put their desire for Turkey to respect that institution and to safeguard creasing purse of the Greek government and the infamous that Greece should never have her into. Your policies have its freedom to carry out its mission. household has been accompa - Troika are the moral and actual joined the Euro... failed, stand up, be a man, ad - Ideally, the agenda would have included some other critical con - nied by the usual spiel of empty perpetrators of one of the So now what you have got is mit it." cerns regarding Greek-Turkish relations, in which case the Greek promises about how these biggest Ponzi schemes ever or - Economic Governance and That is a more truthful de - cause would have been benefitted by having invited some experts would be the last set of mea - chestrated in world history, everybody here on the front row scription of the present state of on those matters to attend the meeting. Had that been the case, we sures that would be imple - you're not alone. And when supports more European Eco - affairs than I've heard from any - think that the Patriarchate’s interests would have been better served. mented, and how these sacri - voices from every corner of the nomic Governance. one in the Greek government or In any event, to the six Greek billionaires and the five dignitaries fices would fix the economy. political spectrum start agreeing What is European Economic any EU official. And Mr. Farege who met with Erdogan, we joyously and graciously say – congratu - And each time, the most vulner - that the people in charge have Governance? I'll tell you what it is from Britain, where they lations. able members of the citizenry turned against society, there's a is. know a thing or two about plu - were duped over and over lot to worry about. The follow - It is a plane landing at tocracy and overbearing rulers again, like an innocent tourist ing statement could have been Athens airport out of which get taxing the poor into oblivion. If A National Unity Government 'taken for a ride' by a local con made by a member of the left an official from the Commission, the Troika and the current man. or the right, a genuine socialist an official from the ECB and an Greek government don't seem Every three months, new or a staunch conservative, a official from the appalling IMF. like henchmen of the Sheriff of The Greek polls confirm what is to be expected: a rapid decline measures are demanded by communist or a libertarian. It Those three people, the Troika Nottingham, then I don't know in popularity of the governing «socialist» party - PASOK. With the Greece's creditors (who couldn’t happened to have been made you call them, go in meet the who does. country in deep financial crisis and the agony of the people turning care less about the public wel - by Nigel Farage, leader of the Greek Government and tell the Now, all Greece needs is to into desperation, the people’s negative reaction to those in power fare) in the interests of securing United Kingdom's Independence Greek Government what they find a Robin Hood. certainly is predictable. their loan repayments and fur - Party. His party has 12 deputies may of may not do. You have History confirms that the political landscape changes rapidly in ther devaluing Greece's state in the European Parliament - killed Democracy in Greece. You [email protected] any country when International Monetary Fund (IMF) is called in to straighten out a financial mess. Quite naturally, the people hold the government in power re - sponsible for the suffering that ensues. PRESS CLIPPINGS In Greece’s case, however, there are two deviations from the norm. First, the Greek goverment has lasted longer than usual under such conditions; and second, the opposition party, New Democracy, is gaining momentum. Both major parties, nonetheless, poll at a Greece Should Default and Abandon the Euro dismal 37 percent approval among voters. Those who are undecided and might not vote at all are at about 32 percent – though that per - centage should decrease come election time, as is typically the case. By Nouriel Roubini likely. Germany took 10 years however, may unfortunately re - be used to ring-fence these Nonetheless, the picture that has been painted recently by con - Financial Times to restore its competitiveness quire the imposition of Argen - countries, and banks elsewhere secutive polls allows us to draw some conclusions: first, a question this way; Greece can not wait tine-style measures – such as in the periphery. arises whether a government with a mere 15.5 percent of popular Greece is stuck in a vicious in depression for a decade. bank holidays and capital con - A Greek exit may have sec - support should or could be making monumental decisions, as the cycle of insolvency, low compet - The third option is a rapid trols – to prevent a disorderly ondary benefits. Other crisis- present government is doing. itiveness and ever-deepening deflation in prices and wages, fallout. stricken eurozone economies Naturally, we are aware that the Greek government is elected for depression. Exacerbated by a known as an “internal devalua - Realistically, collateral dam - will then have a chance to de - a four-year period and that, polls aside, it can stay in power as long draconian fiscal austerity, its tion”. But this would lead to five age will occur, but this could be cide for themselves whether as it maintains its Parliamentary majority. Nonetheless, only a couple public debt is heading towards years of ever-deepening depres - limited if the exit process is or - they want to follow suit, or re - of governments have managed to remain in power during their 200 per cent of gross domestic sion, while making public debts derly, and if international sup - main in the euro, with all the entire four-year duration; the rest call for elections when they believe product. To escape, Greece must more unsustainable. port was provided to recapi - costs that come with that choice. they have that their reelection would be to their political advantage. now begin an orderly default, Logically, therefore, if those talise Greek banks and finance Regardless of what Greece does, Second, despite PASOK’s rapidly-declining popularity, the oppos - voluntarily exit the eurozone three options are not possible, the difficult fiscal and external eurozone banks now need to be ing New Democracy gets low approval marks, too; given the cir - and return to the drachma. the only path left is to leave. A balance transition. Some argue rapidly recapitalised. For this a cumstances, support for the party out of power should be twice as The recent debt exchange return to a national currency that Greece’s real GDP will be new EU-wide programme is high as it is. What the polls reflect, therefore, is the general impres - deal Europe offered Greece was and a sharp depreciation would much lower in an exit scenario needed, and one not reliant on sion one gathers when talking to the people: namely, that the political a rip-off, providing much less quickly restore competitiveness than in the hard slog of defla - fudged estimates and phoney parties and the politicians in general are held in low esteem. debt relief than the country and growth, as it did in Ar - tion. But this is logically flawed: stress tests. A Greek exit could One could argue for new elections as a way of asking the voters needed. If you pick apart the fig - gentina and many other emerg - even with deflation the real pur - be the catalyst for this approach. to grant a mandate to either party – an appropriate measure given ures, and take into account the ing markets which abandoned chasing power of the Greek The recent experiences of an existing government that seems fatigued if not outright exhausted. large sweeteners the plan gave their currency pegs. economy and of its wealth will Iceland, along with many Nonetheless, the polls indicate that a majority of the population – to creditors, the true debt relief Of course, this process will fall as the real depreciation oc - emerging markets in the last 20 albeit a slim one, 51 percent – is not in favor of calling for new elec - is actually close to zero. The be traumatic. The most signifi - curs. Via nominal and real de - years, show that the orderly re - tions at this time. The people doubt that a better result would country’s best current option cant problem would be capital preciation, the exit path will re - structuring and reduction of for - emerge, and new elections now most likely would result in Greece’s would to reject this agreement losses for core eurozone finan - store growth right away, eign debts can restore debt sus - bankruptcy. Therefore, the solution that we propose – as the only vi - and, under threat of default, cial institutions. Overnight, the avoiding a decade-long depres - tainability, competitiveness and able answer – is the formation of a government of national unity renegotiate a better one. foreign euro liabilities of sionary deflation. growth. Just as in these cases, headed by the leader of the New Democracy, as he is likely to garner Yet even if Greece were soon Greece’s government, banks Those who claim contagion the collateral damage to Greece more popular support than the leader of PASOK. to be given real and significant and firms would surge. Yet will drag others into the crisis of exit will be significant, but it relief on its public debt, it can - these problems can be over - are also in denial too. Other pe - can be contained. not return to growth unless come. Argentina did so in 2001, ripheral countries have Greek- Like a broken marriage that Greeks And Jews Grow Closer competitiveness is rapidly re - when it “pesified” its dollar style debt sustainability and requires a break-up, it is better stored. And, without a return to debts. America actually did competitiveness problems too; to have rules that make separa - growth, its debts will stay un - something similar too, in 1933 Portugal, for example, may tion less costly to both sides. Greece, Cyprus, and Israel are developing warmer and stronger sustainable. Problematically, when it depreciated the dollar eventually have to restructure Breaking up and divorcing is relationships: from the drilling under the sea in Cyprus to military however, all of the options that by 69 per cent and repealed the its debt and exit too. painful and costly, even when cooperation – including the exchange of intelligence information. might restore competitiveness gold clause. A similar unilateral Illiquid but potentially sol - such rules exist. Make no mis - The alliance was inspired by a common interest in dealing with - require real currency deprecia - “drachmatization” of euro debts vent economies, such as Italy take: an orderly euro exit will Turkey: the old menesis of Greece and a new one for both Israel and tion. would be necessary and un - and Spain, will need liquidity be hard. But watching the slow the United States. In any case, it was long overdue. Both the Greeks The first of these options, a avoidable. support from Europe regardless disorderly implosion of the and the Jews are historic people, their similarities far outweighing sharp weakening of the euro, is Major eurozone banks and of whether Greece exits; indeed, Greek economy and society will their differences. As for their respective communities in the United unlikely while the US is eco - investors would also suffer large a self-fulfilling run on Italy and be much worse. States, they are consistently among the most accomplished groups nomically weak and Germany losses in this process, but they Spain’s public debt at this point as compared to other immigrant groups by nationality. über-competitive. A rapid reduc - would be manageable too – if is almost certain, if this support Nouriel Roubini is Chairman of There remains a lot to be done regarding the budding relationship tion in unit labour costs, these institutions are properly is not provided. The substantial Roubini Global Economics, pro - among those countries; no doubt, it will be tested many times moving through structural reforms that and aggressively recapitalised. official resources currently being fessor at the Stern School, NYU forward. Nonetheless, we expect that it will grow and become even increased productivity growth Avoiding a post-exit implosion wasted bailing out Greece’s pri - and co-author of Crisis Econom - closer – to their citizens’ mutual benefit. in excess of wages, is just as un - of the Greek banking system, vate creditors could also then ics. THE NATIONAL HERALD, OCTOBER 1-7, 2011 VIEWPOINTS 9 LETTER FROM ATHENS The Lamentable Link Between Politics and Porn

The Humiliation of a By Constantinos E. Scaros to anyone who would provide that party will challenge President discourse was not sophisticated proof of having had a “gay or Obama for the nomination). It enough even to point out that The seemingly ageless late- straight illicit sexual encounter” was hosted by Fox News and – as those “children of illegals” in Nation is Almost Done night comedy show, Saturday with Perry. Flint, who has run the the moderators wouldn’t let the question, if they were born in the Night Live (SNL), has reveled in gamut of the political and reli - viewers forget, not even for a United States, are every bit as parodying presidents and their gious spectra – he is a Democrat minute – sponsored by Google. much American citizens as any - So now it has the sunset because challengers since Chevy Chase activist but once ran for president Capitalism is the piston that dri - one else. And until and unless come down to this no one saw him for perfected his Gerald Ford imita - as a Republican, and was con - ves our country’s engine (at least the law is changed to alter that for Greece, the weeks since he tion in the mid-1970s– demon - verted to Christianity by former in theory if not in practice, as of reality, they have the same rights country that twice handed the keys to strating impeccable timing as he President Jimmy Carter’s sister, late). Nonetheless, a presidential to attend the University of Texas saved Western Civ - the kingdom to fell over his podium – poking fun but is now a proclaimed atheist – debate sponsored by Google con - – or any other American college ilization and now Venizelos, who loves at the former president’s much is no stranger to controversy. The jures images of a baseball player – as do the children of any mem - seems hell-bent on the limelight almost publicized slips and falls. Actu - ad undoubtedly can be construed who hits a home run with two ber of Congress or of the presi - destroying it: cops as much as Pangalos ally, Ford was a rather accom - as a publicity stunt, but as Flint is men on base being labeled the dent, for that matter. paid slightly above loves key lime pie. plished athlete and his reputation in the business of entertainment “Budweiser player of the game,” Flint did not have to put a poverty level beat - For a while, Papan - for clumsiness was largely unde - to begin with, why would that be after he hit the home run off of bounty on Perry’s monogamy in ing workers dreou was the most served – but it was good for a few anything less than expected? the relief pitcher “brought to you order to turn the presidential pri - protesting pay cuts important MIA in laughs. Most recently, SNL paro - Nor is it particularly troubling by Verizon Wireless.” Sports may maries into a circus; the candi - and tax hikes, by ANDY the country, next to died the current Republican front- that a newspaper no less presti - be one thing, but choosing a pres - dates and debate sponsors did it shoving and DABILIS the man who pre - runner, Texas Governor Rick gious than the Washington Post – ident is another. What’s next – to themselves. Perry to this point smashing the poor, ceded him, Costas Perry. Alec Baldwin, the oft-re - which in recent years arguably the Holy Resurrection at midnight sounds so phony that Mitt Rom - elderly, women Special to Karamanlis, who did curring guest host, drew chuckles has eclipsed the New York Times “brought to you by Bank of Amer - ney (the ex-governor of Massa - and anyone else The National Herald for the major oppo - as he mimicked the presidential as the true newspaper of record ica?” chusetts) actually seems genuine who tries to ap - sition Conservative challenger - promising (as Perry) – ran the ad. After all, Flint’s pro - The debate “journalists“ con - by comparison. Minnesota Con - proach the Parliament so that the New Democracy Party what to build a fence to keep illegal posal is newsworthy, indeed. Not stantly pandered to their sponsor gresswoman Michelle Bachmann isolated rich inside can be pro - Lehman Brothers did for capital - aliens out but vowing to give because it is particularly likely – as if they earned a bonus every has come and gone faster than a tected, along with bankers who ism. them full access to a paid college that anyone will surface with time they said “Google” – and falling star, and the rest of them think Greece is a board game Because the government education if they happen to get plausible proof of having had an made absolutely no attempt to never got out of the starting gate. called Oligarchy. There’s a special wouldn’t collect taxes from in. affair with Perry, but because the quiet the crowd, who besmirched With rare exception. version called Plutocracy but the evaders who cost the country Baldwin’s clever spoof mere emergence of such a pro - the dignity of the presidential pri - As the debates have demon - players are the same so it’s not nearly $40 billion a year in lost notwithstanding, there is enough posal speaks volumes about the mary process by voicing their ap - strated thus far, the most promis - worth paying extra for it, al - revenues, everyone from kiosk comical material surrounding the current political climate in the proval or dissent by raucous ing candidates are the former though the videogame version owners and fruit and vegetable 2012 presidential race available United States. A half century ago, cheers or boos, as if they were House Speaker Newt Gingrich, allows you to see pensioners try - sellers right up to civil servants, from actual news stories that pro - for instance, could anyone imag - attending a professional and a businessman who has never ing to decide between buying doctors, lawyers, cops, tax in - vide ample fodder to render co - ine that someone would have run wrestling event. None of this is held a political office – Herman dog food or heating oil before a spectors and the top levels of medians virtually obsolete. An - such as ad seeking to malign Pres - Rick Perry’s fault – but that some Cain. No wonder the primary de - special pop-up of Finance Minis - government, including the Cabi - other late-night ident Eisenhower? debate attendees cheer when it bate sideshow sometimes makes ter Evangelos Venizelos chuckles net and Parliament and sports comedian/political commentator, Some will argue that Flint is announced that his state leads it difficult to distinguish between and tells them they can’t have teams, the country has been re - Bill Maher, said it best when he should not even be allowed to the nation in executions, or boo politics and pornography. Oh either because their pensions duced both to junk bond and observed that Perry doesn’t need perpetuate his pornographic em - when he talks about allowing the yeah, then there’s Buddy Roemer have been cut and a Turkish Oc - beggar status and pretty soon anyone making fun of him; he pire, as it is too obscene to pass children of illegal aliens to attend – you know, the one Republican cupation style property tax has Athens will look like Mumbai. does enough damage to his own Constitutional muster. A more im - the University of Texas – is candidate who is never invited to been stuffed into their electric Papandreou disappeared just as campaign simply by showing up portant observation, however, enough to make one thankful the debates. Why not? Because bills. Can’t pay? Tough, your Greece has to privatize its state- to the debates and opening his might be whether the current po - that Founding Father Alexander unlike his fellow contenders, he lights are off. Connected to an owned entities, including the mouth. litical process is too obscene to Hamilton insisted that electors not only criticizes President iron lung and can’t pay? Tough, likes of the railroads which lose Nonetheless, the perennially pass muster with the unwritten and not the people as a whole Obama and the Democrats (that your machine dies and so do $3.8 million – a day – as well as eccentric Larry Flint – publisher bounds of decency. Consider the select the president of the United part’s in vogue), but he has the you. You say you can’t live on the few profit makers such as of Hustler magazine and to a most recent primary debate – fea - States because, as he put it, “the intestinal fortitude and the in - the $562 a month you make Hellenic Petroleum. The Troika larger extent mogul of a porno - turing most of the Republican masses are asses.” Although ille - tegrity to criticize the Republi - washing dishes or cleaning toi - wants Greece to raise $71 billion, graphic empire – recently ran an hopefuls (there will probably be gal immigration is a major prob - cans, too. lets? Too bad – you’re paying a or less than two years of tax eva - advertisement in which he no Democratic primary debate, lem and efforts to curb it are vi - sion collections, so also on the promised to pay up to $1 million as it is unlikely that anyone from tal, it is unfortunate that the [email protected] All this is reminiscent chopping block are state lands and properties, and once they’re of Rufus T. Firefly, gone, they’re gone, baby gone, the characterplayed even though Greece has had by Groucho Marx trouble finding buyers who are We Have The Troika We Deserve! waiting until the Acropolis is in in the classic movie the markdown aisle of Walmart Duck Soup for a buck ninety nine. Act now ATHENS - Greece, two years af - the program was to restore con - cash-bonuses (which one should and you get a free statue of Per - ter the agreement on the condi - fidence, why had this to happen note are exempt from all taxes!). tax on your Appalachian wages icles, made in China, which, tionality program, is closer to in 2012 rather than in 2010? In a The same applies to the members while rich people with summer along with Germany or Turkey, bankruptcy than ever, while at country that had the lowest in - of the privileged and protected homes, yachts and all the luxu - may soon own what’s left of the same time all economic ini - vestment rate among all Southern professional groups (by the way, ries of life pay none. Fortunately, Greece. Hitler didn’t have to in - tiative is simply frozen. The re - European countries (30% less as the 20% tax on all advertisement your taxes go to help them in - vade Greece to own it. He just sponsibility of the government a percentage of GDP than Spain that subsidizes the retirement stead of those in need. Without had to wait 70 years to buy it for that has procrastinated and not and Italy) and the largest extent fund of journalists still persists as a hint of embarrassment, Venize - next to nothing. done what it had to do for of overconsumption, the troika it always did), who share such los says taxing the poor is good, All this is reminiscent of Rufus months, is obvious, as is the re - did not finance investment but privileges. That is, privileges that although not for them. T. Firefly, the character played sponsibility of the opposition that sustained excessive public con - private sector employees can only Buried under generations of by Groucho Marx in the classic undermined in every possible sumption. dream of given that they retire packing payrolls with political movie Duck Soup. Drowning in way the fiscal consolidation ef - At the same time, and in spite after the age of 65 and after pay - hires to the point where it seems debt, the country of Freedonia forts and the structural reforms. of the fact that the troika publicly ing exorbitant social security con - like everyone and his cousin is goes to its wealthiest citizen, But a substantial responsibility argued for the need to emphasize tributions. All that to the cheers employed by the government but Mrs. Teasdale, begging for a also lies with the troika. Not only expenditure cuts rather than tax of the troika! doesn’t actually work for it, loan. “Gentlemen, I’ve already towards the European (mainly) increases in order to reduce the Regarding politics, the troika Greece’s imminent default can be loaned the country more than taxpayers, whose money it ad - deficit, it accepted the opposite assumed that its activities were blamed on a curious combination half the fortune my husband left ministers, but also towards those policy that the government pur - European Central Bank offi - clearly technical and not political. of the politicians who created the me. I consider that money lost, Greek citizens who were hoping sued. Repeated increases in tax cial Klaus Masuch. In reality though it acted politi - welfare state, and the people who and now you’re asking for an - that the troika would act as a type rates, given the corrupt tax-col - cally to undermine the supporters partook of it. So Deputy Prime other $20 million.” of catalyst to rid the country from lecting mechanism and the wide - that aimed to maintain the privi - of reforms, and to the advantage Minister Theodoros Pangalos was “But it will only be for a few a state-sponsored, vicious and spread social acceptance of tax- leges of the political parties and of their worst enemies. Their han - right when he said, “We ate it to - months to meet this present corrupt governance system. This evasion, strangulated the the elite of the political gover - dling of A. Samaras is indicative. gether,” although those sitting emergency,” she’s told by wor - system of governance was fed productive private economy, sup - nance system, as well as the pro - Initially he attacked the condi - near him didn’t get many scraps. ried ministers wringing their with European money and it grew ported the relative competitive - tection of the vicious and corrupt tionality program in every con - With nearly one million workers hands while trying to put them to marginalize the healthy and ness of the systematic tax-evaders clientelist relationships they had ceivable way and tried to con - in a country of 11 million people, in her pockets at the same time. productive powers of the country, and undermined the productive developed during the past vince that he could implement an it’s hard to feel sympathy for “With $20 million in the treasury in every aspect of the economic, and competitive law-abiding com - decades. Liquidity was sucked dry alternative policy with additional some of those about to lose their we can announce an immediate social and intellectual life of the panies. from companies via the banks money that he would secure after jobs because many have been sit - reduction in the taxes. That’s all country, during the past thirty Finally, the way the privatiza - that are completely dependent on a re-negotiation with the troika. ting on their hands for years, the people are asking for.” In years. tion program is advanced is irra - the European Central Bank (to While the troika examined this smoking and drinking coffee and Greece, workers have their pay Which were the main mistakes tional from an economic perspec - which they owe almost 100 bil - program and found it completely ignoring people who work for a cut and their taxes go UP. of the troika? tive and irresponsible. It is a lion Euros), but the connected unrealistic, it never informed the living and come into a public of - “I’m sorry,” Mrs. Teasdale says. Regarding economics, the fun - program with unrealistic ex - and powerful of the system (like Greek public about its exact con - fice thinking they would get ser - “But I’m inclined to agree with damental mistakes were the du - pected returns and a time-frame political parties and media tent of this program. And while vice. the people. The government has ration of the program, the balance which lacks careful preparation. groups) maintained their access it steadily meets with A. Samaras That means the many decent, been mismanaged.” She will loan between tax increases and expen - Nobody knows or can explain to finance in violation of all bank - and his collaborators striving to hard working Greeks who pay the money only if Firefly, as only diture cuts and the fact that the where the famous 50 billion will ing criteria. The case of the two achieve a broad political consen - taxes are lumped with the flot - Groucho could play him, be - money of the European, mainly, come from, since nobody has political parties of PASOK and sus, offering him public relations sam and jetsam of those munici - comes the country’s leader. Grou - taxpayers was used to keep fi - bothered to look what the market New Democracy is the most successes and status, it does not pal workers who drag everyone cho makes a mockery of the nancing consumption, rather than would be willing to pay for the telling and provocative. They owe inform the Greek people about down and will be the ones pro - country’s leaders while promising investment. The assertion that the assets the government is going to more than 250 million Euros and the chances that his unrealistic tected when the mass firings reforms too. “I’ll put my foot deficit was so big that it had to offer. It is a letter to Santa Claus offer as collateral only the stream proposals can get implemented. start. PASOK Anti-Socialist Prime down, so shall it be,” he says, and be cut slowly during a four year that simply aims to fool the mar - of annual government subsidies Thus uncertainty and confusion Minister George Papandreou, raising his arms says: “This is the period turned the program into a kets and to buy time. they expect to receive for long af - increases and the supporters of who has done everything except land of the free.” He grabs a Chinese torture that multiplied The fundamental failing of the ter the mandate of the current reforms are further undermined grovel before the Troika of the comely female dancer and adds: uncertainty and that led to a fur - troika though is its complete in - parliament expires. The troika politically. That is, the few that European Union-International “The last man nearly ruined this ther increase in the public sector ability to fathom the political and and ECB did nothing to start the are still among the ranks of the Monetary Fund-European Cen - place. He didn’t know what to do debt which was allowed to soar social dimension of the project it austerity program with the im - opposition as well as those that tral Bank to get $152 billion in with it. If you think this country’s to uncontrollable levels. With took on. Even though the initial plementation of serious lending are in the government or present emergency rescue loans that bad off now, just wait till I get what logic could the bankrupt conditionality program clearly criteria to the political parties. As within the wider political scene. have backfired because they also through with it.” But he was hu - Greek state justify primary deficits states that “the government will a matter of fact, they left them How can someone interpret made him cut salaries, raise taxes miliating the right people. that financed consumption of al - ensure a fair allocation of the ad - completely untouched. this behavior? Evidently, it is not and slash pensions, has seen the most 20 billion Euros in 2010 and justment cost”, the troika ac - They also accepted the choice a result of bad intentions. The Eu - end coming and rode off into [email protected] 2011? And since the main aim of cepted a bluntly unfair allocation of the government to protect the ropeans and the other officials in government’s employees, a large charge have no motive to make proportion of whom has been the program fail. To explain this hired regardless of merit, with behavior one has to examine also non-transparent procedures, bur - psychological factors as well as in - The Real “Spring” - Where to Find it in the Middle East dening the employees of the pri - stitutional traditions. Some French vate sector. While they all accept politeness and Central-European that the Greek public sector is self constraint, a bureaucratic risk– By Charles J. Mouratides cents. The Eastern Mediterranean within the framework of an al - the two mother countries spread - bloated and unproductive, they aversion and a little emphasis to is dripping blood from the dagger liance, "economically, diplomati - ing into the Jewish and Hellenic troika allowed hiring in the public save the “ownership” of the pro - Do you remember the amus - raised by the hand of a brother, a cally, and militarily," Solow says. Diasporas, especially in the U.S. sector to continue, while hun - gram that the IMF advances (that ing advertisement where an old countryman or a despot. Civil "There are all kinds of discussions And, I believe, we should not for - dreds of thousands employees in is that those that implement it lady growled, "Where is the wars are not easily forgotten or now on future plans." get the Greek Diaspora in Israel, the private sector were, and are, must feel that it is “their” pro - Beef?" as she desperately tried to forgiven -- especially in the Mid - Israelis, who embrace Greek the estimated 50,000 Greek Jews losing their jobs because of the gram). But mainly their inability spot some beef in her diminished dle East. In parallel, I cannot un - culture – bouzouki, food, and the who moved to the Jewish home - persistence of the high deficits of to fathom how the Greek political burger? Well, what I want to derstand how the media have Greek landscape – are visiting land in the 1930s and also after the government’s budget. system really works and their know is, where is the "Arab mostly ignored, and Europe and Greece by the hundreds of thou - the Holocaust. The relationship is Similarly, the troika acted to naiveté to believe that the power Spring?" The one that diplomats the Middle East have failed to cel - sands. Israeli armed forces, both still in its early stages, Solow says, the benefit of the public sector system of Greece will want to ap - and commentators have been ebrate, the importance of an un - air force and navy, are trained in and "having a lot to learn from and the clientelist party system ply a program to save the county, touting in connection with the expected relationship blossoming combined exercises with the Hel - each other," the two Diaspora in the pension reform. In theory while the participants of the power wars in the Eastern Mediter - between two countries whose lenic armed forces in Greek air - communities will find areas of co - the reform of the pension system game look for ways to save them - ranean. Egypt is shaking with the contacts were previously cool. space and within Greek sea operation. Now, many would say, aimed to raise the retirement age, selves regardless of the wider aftershocks of a revolution and is Israel and Greece, just over a boundaries. Agreements have "Yes, it is in such a relationship especially for the privileged em - repercussions. Thus the troika, in - preparing for political trials. The year after they launched an al - been negotiated by Cyprus and that the scent and the vibrant light ployees of state owned, or previ - stead of forging an alliance with Libyan popular revolt, seemingly liance, are enjoying "an increas - Greece with Israel for close coop - of allegorical 'Spring' waft in the ously state owned, companies, as the Greek people, and while it of - in its final stage, has left about ingly warm relationship," states eration in the production and dis - Eastern Mediterranean air." To well as other professional groups. fers huge sums of aid money, 50,000 dead, according to rebel Alan P. Solow who, last February, tribution of natural gas drilled in me, it also looks like the rainbow In reality, even though this was ended up hurting those it should leaders. Syrian troops are still as chairman of the Conference of Israeli and Cypriot Mediterranean is arching over the sparkling blue legislated to happen in the support, undermining the support - slaughtering civilians in the Presidents of Major American waters by American-Israeli com - waters of the pond that unites medium and long term, gates ers of reforms and supporting the streets by the thousands. Jewish Organizations, led a visit panies. It can become an eco - Greece and Israel. were left wide open for those who sworn opponents of reforms. This Where is this "Spring," I want of the group to Greece. In Greece, nomic blessing for everyone. could rush into early retirement, is happening to such extent that to know. Not to sound like a the 52-member conference met But that's not all. Solow, a Charles J. Mouratides, the which was additionally subsi - we can honestly wonder “if we cynic, but allow me to consider with the top government leader - Chicago attorney and philan - founder and executive director of dized with even more privileges. have the troika we deserve”. the word "Spring" an unfortunate ship, and then flew to Israel for thropist intricately knowledgeable CHI-Circle for Hellas & Israel, As a result tens of thousands gov - characterization for civil wars that similar meetings. They are two of behind-the-scenes develop - www.chicircle.org , is a former ernment employees retired early This editorial is reprinted from have resulted – and continue to countries that "have much in com - ments, sees an overflow of bene - newspaper executive editor in –at their 50s– receiving at the the respected " Athens Review do so – in the massacre of inno - mon" and are working together fits. He sees this cooperation by Chicago. same time the related retirement of Books" 10 THE BACK PAGE THE NATIONAL HERALD, OCTOBER 1-7, 2011 Worried Greeks Fear Collapse of Middle Class Welfare State

By Rachel Donadio $2,000 a month — as the gov - of the economy. It has also European and Foreign Policy in The New York Times ernment slashed wages to meet raised its value-added tax on Athens. “It is taking decisions the terms of its foreign lenders. many goods and services, in - whose consequences are not ATHENS — Sitting in the mod - Her husband, who sells used car cluding food, to 23 percent only squeezing the middle class, est living room of the home she parts, has seen his commissions from 13 percent. but threatening its very exis - shares with her parents, hus - drop. Her mother’s pension was The economy is flagging, and tence.” band and two teenage children, cut to about $800 a month from it is not uncommon for even pri - Some private-sector workers Stella Firigou fretted about how around $920. vate-sector workers to see pay say they have not been paid in the family would cope with the Like many families here, the cuts of 30 percent or more, months. “It’s illogical and un - uncertainties of an economy Firigous cushion the impact of sometimes in exchange for a re - fair,” Aphrodite Korogiannaki, crashing all around them. But such cuts and the rising cost of duction in working hours. 38, a speech pathologist at a she was adamant about one The so-called troika of for - center for intellectually disabled thing: she would not pay a new eign lenders — the European youth, said of the property tax property tax that was the cen - Central Bank, the European as she participated in a peaceful terpiece of a new austerity pack - Commission and the Interna - demonstration in Athens last age announced this month by tional Monetary Fund — is in - week. “If I haven’t been paid for Eirini Vourloumis for The New york Times the Greek government. creasingly playing hardball with two months, how can I pay?” Boxes of papers in the tax office in the Pireaus district of Stella Firigou, 50, said she the Greek government, insisting A growing number of Greeks Athens. The Greek government is raising taxes and slashing could not pay a property tax. it meet its deficit-reduction goals are asking that question, and in - pensions and salaries for state workers. “I’m not going to pay it,” Ms. before it decides whether to re - creasingly their anger is focusing Firigou, 50, said matter-of-factly, lease the next installment of $11 on the proposed property tax, company has said it will refuse woman who gave her name only as she lighted a cigarette and billion that Greece needs to meet the one that Mrs. Firigou insists to cooperate, jeopardizing its im - as Antonia as she waited in an checked her ringing cellphone expenses starting in mid-Octo - she cannot pay. plementation. unemployment center in down - to avoid calls from her bank ber. The government has said it A growing chorus of mem - town Athens burst into tears, a about late payments on a loan. Many Greeks fear a vicious expects to raise $2.7 billion bers of Mr. Papandreou’s Social - day after losing her job as a “I can’t afford to pay it. They can circle: a death spiral of more through the tax, which would ist Party is opposed to the tax, cleaner for the Ministry of Edu - take me to jail.” austerity measures, further eco - affect an estimated 5.5 million and a vote on the measure cation. While banks and European nomic contraction and corre - homeowners. (There is no pre - scheduled to be held in Parlia - “My husband is a construc - leaders hold abstract talks in for - spondingly lower tax revenues, cise number for Greek home - ment this week is widely ex - tion worker, he has hardly had eign capitals about the impact making it that much harder to owners since the country still pected to be close. any work this month now due of a potential Greek default on Eirini Vourloumis for The New york Times make a dent in the debt, pushing lacks a comprehensive land reg - Critics say the country has to the collapse of the construc - the euro and the world economy, Stella Firigou, 50, said she the country toward default in ister.) According to the Hellenic failed to adequately crack down tion market,” she said. “My son something frighteningly con - could not pay a property tax. spite of the austerity. Unions Property Federation, an associa - on tax evasion among the is 20 years old and also unem - crete is under way in Greece: the have called general strikes for tion representing Greece’s home - wealthiest segments of society ployed.” dismantling of a middle-class living with property acquired in Oct. 5 and Oct. 19, and tensions owners, the tax would cost an — and failed to carry out more Such stories are common in welfare state in real time — with the past. Her grandfather built are building. average family between $1,200 focused cuts because it is reluc - Greece today. Yet even as the nothing to replace it. the two-story apartment house Economists say the measures and $2,000 extra per year. tant to take on some public-sec - country bleeds, it is not meeting Since 2010, the government in this Athens suburb, Psychiko, are necessary to bring down Last week, the Socialist prime tor unions that protect a small, the deficit-reduction targets set has raised taxes and slashed where the six now live, starting debt and modernize Greece’s minister, George Papandreou, powerful cadre of workers who as terms for its bailout. Accord - pensions and state salaries in the 1930s and finishing it af - economy. But the cuts have implored Greeks to accept the have deep ties to the governing ing to data released by the Fi - across the board, in an effort to ter the Second World War. And come far faster than the mod - measures. “There is no other Socialist Party. nance Ministry on Thursday, net rein in the bloated public sector so the new tax, probably in ex - ernization, and the social fabric path. The other path is bank - “I don’t think they know what revenues were $4.7 billion off that today employs one in five cess of $2,000 per year for the is starting to fray — if not tear. ruptcy, which would have heavy to do,” Nikos Panoutsopoulos, target and expenses $1.35 bil - Greeks. Last week, the govern - Firigous, stings particularly hard. The unemployment rate, already repercussions for every house - 38, an archaeologist who works lion higher than projected in the ment announced it would put “The house is the only thing we at 16 percent, and emigration hold, for every Greek citizen,” at the Culture Ministry, said as first seven months of 2011. 30,000 workers on reduced pay have left,” she said. are increasing; the birth rate is he said. “We know it will be dif - he participated in a demonstra - Back in her living room, Ms. as a precursor to possible termi - There is a lot for Greeks to dropping; and the rate of suicide ficult, but now is the time for tion in Athens last week. “In - Firigou said she had not seen it nation and would cut pensions swallow. Beyond the public-sec - is rising. The education minister the most decisive battle of all.” stead of fighting” the electric coming. “No one warned us,” again for nearly half a million tor wage cuts, in recent months recently apologized that public The tax would be levied company union, or the train she said. “I have no hope, not public-sector retirees. the government has also im - schools lack textbooks, and the through electricity bills, another company union, he added, “they for myself, not for my children, A clerk in her local town hall, posed a “solidarity tax” ranging country’s morale is flagging. source of frustration here. A fail - just cut salaries horizontally.” and I am only 50.” But she said Ms. Firigou, like all public-sector from 1 to 4 percent of income “The government is increas - ure to pay would result in the Some of the short-term un - some things still make her laugh. workers, took a precipitous pay on all workers and an addi - ingly at war with the citizens,” power being shut off, but the employed will still be expected “I can’t get it into my mind that cut last year — in her case to tional tax on self-employed said Jens Bastian, an economist powerful union that represents to pay the new property tax. my life is such a mess,” she said. less than $1,300 a month from workers, who make up the bulk at the Hellenic Foundation for the workers of the public power Faced with that prospect, a “It’s a joke.” Archbishop Meets with Erdogan; AHEPA to Meet With Officials in Ankara

Continued from page 1 Catsimatidis said the issue of the crisis over Cyprus’ oil and gas ex - Minister the long-standing re - ploration and concerns over quest of the Ecumenical Patri - Turkish claims in the Eastern archate to reopen the famous Aegean did not arise in Friday’s school. meeting. TNH contacted the Catsim atidis informed TNH press Counsellor’s office of the that “the basic discussion was Turkish Embassy in Washington, about being able to open up DC for comment about the meet - Halki and that was the main pur - ing but they responded, “we will pose of the meeting. [Erdogan] not be able to facilitate your re - gave us some of his ideas and quest during this time.” [expressed] his desire to open it AHEPA TO MEET but said he had a few obstacles WITH TURKISH OFFICIALS to overcome.” Catsimatidis said IN ANKARA that he referred to “some Turkish At the Annual Testimonial things…restrictions on Moslems Dinner of the Cyprus Federation in Greece in Western Thrace.” He of America that was held on the said Erdogan said something same night, TNH was informed along the lines of “you help me by new AHEPA Supreme Presi - and I’ll help you.” In that con - dent John Grossomanides, Jr. text, the Turkish Prime Minister that a high level delegation of gave himself credit for the prop - AHEPA leaders will visit Ankara erties that have already been re - on October 20 to discuss Greek turned. and Cypriot American Commu - The release noted that “the Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Archbishop to New York.L-R: Rev. Alexander Karloutsos, Dennis Mehiel, nity concerns with Turkish offi - Prime Minister thanked the Arch - Demetrios of Amerina and leading Greek Americans on Archbishop Demetrios, PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, cials. He told TNH that AHEPA bishop for his visit and assured Friday,September 23 during the Turkish leader’s recent visit Michael Jaharis, Dr. Anthony Limberakis, John Catsimatidis. will continue to do whatever it him that the Government will can to send the message to the continue to address issues con - “obstacles” amount to what for - recently as August 31, 2011 For - ters...states have an obligation to dogan said he was going to meet U.S. government that Washing - cerning the rights of the Ecu - mer Foreign Minister of Greece eign Ministry spokesman Gregory their citizens to protect human with Prime Minister Papandreou ton must work to bring about the menical Patriarchate and of the Droutsas called the “mutuality of Delavekouras declared “not just rights,” referring to the rights of soon and was looking forward to reunification and justice to other minorities in Turkey.” the Ecumenical Patriarchate and for Greece, but based on inter - the Patriarchate and Turkey’s working more closely with Cyprus. It should be noted, however, the Muslim Minority,” which the national law: there is no issue of Greek Orthodox citizens. Greece, but did not say whether that Erdogan’s statements about Greek State absolutely rejects. As mutuality on human rights mat - Catsimatidis told TNH that Er - they will discuss the above issues. [email protected]

The Menil Is to Return Frescoes to Cyprus

By Elisabetta Povoledo Returning the frescoes to Cyprus bishop Makarios III Cultural Founda - From the New York Times was “always part of the reality, because tion in the Greek-controlled section of we were never the owners, just the Nicosia, joining many other repatri - ROME — The Menil Collection in custodians and stewards,” said Josef ated mosaics, frescoes and Byzantine Houston announced on Friday that Helfenstein, director of the Menil Col - icons that were looted from Orthodox next year it would return to the Greek lection. “I’d love for them to stay,” he churches in Northern Cyprus, then Orthodox Church of Cyprus 13th-cen - added, “but at the same time this is sold abroad after the Turkish invasion tury Byzantine frescoes that have been the logical continuation of the story.” of the north in 1974. one of the museum’s main attractions Mrs. de Menil’s insistence that due “For the moment that is where they for more than a decade. diligence be carried out before the pur - will go on show,” said Bishop Por - These frescoes from Cyprus have chase, which led to the discovery of the phyrios of Neapolis, the representative been displayed for years in a chapel rightful owner, was unusual at a time of the Church of Cyprus to the Euro - built for them at the Menil Collection when other American collectors were pean Union, though he added that the in Houston. buying antiquities with little thought church hopes that the frescoes will one A 1990 photo of the Church of St. to provenance. day return to their original site. “Now Themonianos in Lysi, Cyprus, from The frescoes will be sent to the they would be in danger. We must wait which the frescoes were looted in the Byzantine Art Museum of the Arch - for a time when they will be safe.” early 1980s. The philanthropist Dominique de Menil, who founded the museum with her husband, John, and died in 1997, bought the frescoes in 1984 on behalf of the church, after evidence emerged that they had been looted from a Greek Orthodox chapel outside the vil - lage of Lysi, in the Turkish-controlled Famagusta district of Cyprus. The return fulfills the terms of an agreement between the Church of Cyprus and the Menil Foundation, which runs the museum and which paid $520,000 for the frescoes, and later $530,000 more for their restora - tion and conservation. In exchange, the foundation was granted a long- term loan of the frescoes. One, from the inside of a dome, de - picts Christ Pantocrator surrounded by angels; the other, from an apse, shows the Virgin Mary and the archangels Michael and Gabriel. The frescoes have J. GRIFFIS SmITH been exhibited in a chapel built for lAURENCE mORROCCO These frescoes from Cyprus have been displayed for years in a chapel them on the Menil campus in Houston, A 1990 photo of the Church of St. Themonianos in Lysi, Cyprus, from which built for them at the Menil Collection in Houston. which opened to the public in 1997. the frescoes were looted in the early 1980s.