O C V ΓΡΑΦΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ Bringing the news ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΣΜΟΥ to generations of ΑΠΟ ΤΟ 1915 The National Herald Greek Americans A WEEKLY GREEK AMERICAN PUBLICATION c v www.thenationalherald.com VOL. 12, ISSUE 599 April 4, 2009 $1.25 GREECE: 1.75 EURO AHEPA Steamed About White House GID Event Ike Gulas Sends Letter to Obama Criticizing “Gatekeepers,” Andy Athens Issues Response

By Evan C. Lambrou Special to The National Herald

NEW YORK – Most Greek Ameri- cans would agree that the annual White House ceremony commemo- rating Greek Independence Day is a very special event. Community leaders emphasize that it is an hon- or for the President of the United States to issue a proclamation rec- ognizing the significance of Greek Independence Day each year, and to be able to meet with him at the White House on that day. But while there is consensus about those things, there is also sharp disagreement about the way the event has been handled over the years. Some people feel exclud- ed. Case in point: AHEPA, the coun- try’s oldest and largest civic organi- zation of Hellenic heritage, typical- ly sends a contingent of at least five each year, and often up to 8-12. It did not get to seat as many people at this year’s event, held in the East Room of the White House just last AHEPA President Ike Gulas New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg addresses the audience during a reception he hosted at Gracie Mansion in New York City for the 188th an- week. niversary of Greek Independence on Monday, March 30, 2009. Standing with Mayor Bloomberg are Archbishop Demetrios, Michael Jaharis “We tried to communicate with control. Late on March 24, OPL and the leader of Greece’s minority party PASOK, George Papandreou. Mayor Bloomberg declared April 2009 as Greek Independence Month. the White House’s Office of the confirmed by phone that AHEPA Public Liaison (OPL) about it, as we Supreme President Ike Gulas’ invi- do every year, but this year for tation was confirmed, but that the some reason, we did not receive the other national officers were still on same level of cooperation we en- a waiting list. No paper invitations NYC Mayor Holds Greek Independence Day Reception joyed in previous years,” said were issued this year. AHEPA Executive Director Basil “They did get back to us. They By Eleni Kostopoulos of Greece to the United Nations “We came together as Greeks cance of both historical and current Mossaidis, who nut-shelled just didn’t get back to us in a timely Special to The National Herald John Mourikis, Consul Generals of and as Americans, united in our ef- struggles faced in Greece and the AHEPA’s correspondence with OPL manner, or with the same results Greece and Cyprus in New York, forts and in our exciting experience U.S. as follows: we’ve had in the past. In previous NEW YORK— Hundreds of Greek Aghi Balta and Andreas of living in conditions of freedom, “It’s been 188 years since the AHEPA sent an e-mail to OPL on years, we received invitations in Americans and friends of Greek Panayiotou, respectively, and Presi- liberty and democracy,” said Arch- struggle that resulted in the estab- March 16, offering its input and re- writing one to two weeks before Americans gathered at New York dent of the Federation of Hellenic bishop Demetrios. “Tonight, as we lishment of the Modern Greek state sources; AHEPA sent a follow-up e- the event. This year, we got one City’s Gracie Mansion on Monday, Societies of Greater New York remember the sacrifices of our and the rebirth of democracy in the mail on March 18; OPL responded confirmed invitation and three un- March 30 to celebrate the 188th Demetrios Kalamaras. Greek ancestors, and of those in land where it was born,” said Con- that day, saying it was working on confirmed the night before. AHEPA anniversary of Greek Indepen- Guests were greeted with a tra- America and other Philhellenes sul General Aghi Balta. “Greeks and the event, and would try to seat up has been welcome at the White dence. New York City Mayor ditional Greek dance performance who followed by their side, we are Americans share a long history of to four people for the AHEPA con- House since the days of Calvin Michael Bloomberg hosted the re- by young students of Hellenic Clas- mindful that Greek Independence common ties and principles but al- tingent; AHEPA replied that a mini- Coolidge (1923-29). Now all of a ception and declared April 2009 as sical Charter School outside the was ultimately made possible by so hard-won struggles. These com- mum of five for all its national offi- sudden, we’re being treated other- Greek Independence Month. Dis- historical mansion, mingled among the faith of people in Divine pow- mon values and principles have cers was normal for this particular wise,” Mr. Mossaidis said. tinguished guests included His Em- friends and colleagues and enjoyed er.” been the foundation of Greek and event. On March 20, OPL replied The fact that AHEPA was mar- inence Archbishop Demetrios, traditional Greek hors d’oeuvres Distinguished guests each ex- U.S. relations over many centuries, that it would see what it could do. ginalized this year prompted a vig- Leader of PASOK yGeorge Papan- before Archbishop Demetrios initi- pressed their appreciation for the On March 22, OPL told AHEPA the dreou, Permanent Representative ated the event with an invocation. celebration and noted the signifi- Continued on page 4 affair was not entirely under its Continued on page 5 Greek Americans Parade With University Pride Throughout the Country Suspends For Greek Independence Day Ancient Greek

By Eleni Kostopoulos sense of pride held by Greek Ameri- By Mark Frangos Special to The National Herald cans throughout the nation, who Special to The National Herald didn’t let poor conditions “rain on Inclement weather may have their parade.” NEW YORK – The University of Illi- been an issue throughout most ar- Waves of blue and white cov- nois at Chicago has indefinitely sus- eas of the U.S. celebrating the ered the streets of several major pended its Ancient Greek program 188th anniversary of Greek Inde- cities last weekend in honor of due to budget concerns, causing pendence with annual parades, but Greece’s independence from the members of the Greek American it was also indicative of the strong Ottoman Empire in 1821. community of Chicago to organize a PHILADELPHIA campaign to save the class. Fear of rain didn’t sway the suc- “In November, the Dean of the cess of Philadelphia’s 40th annual Liberal Arts and Sciences Dwight Greek parade on Sunday, March 28. McBride decided to reform the way Thousands of Greek Americans and LAS was structured,” said Nanno Smart Money: Philhellenes, including members of Marinatos, Professor and Director of more than 40 cultural societies and Studies, Department of Classics and Mythic Figures 13 churches, cheered from the Med. Studies. “He noticed that An- stands or proudly marched from cient Greek hadn’t been doing in- 16th Street to Logan Circle, down credibly well in the last 3-4 years. We of Cinema Ben Franklin Parkway. wanted to do something like make Special guests this year included changes to either the professor or the Metropolitan Evangelos of New book, but before we had the chance, By Steve Frangos Jersey and three members of the the Dean sent a warning. Then again Special to The National Herald Greek parliament: Nikos before we had a chance to reform the Panayiotopoulos of the New curriculum, he suspended Ancient During the 1920s and 1930s, Democracy party, Antonios Kar- Greek.” over a dozen Broadway plays and pouzas of the New Democracy par- Dr. Marinatos and her colleagues Hollywood films offered character- ty and Ekaterini Perlepe-Sifounakis tried to convince the Dean to change izations of Greeks living in North of the PASOK party, all of whom © WCC/JOHN TAYLOR his mind, but to no avail. America. With the advent of newly made their way from Greece to at- The life of Patriarch Athenagoras I is examined in a book by George Papaioannou, From Mars Hill to “We told him that if we suspend remastered DVD reissued releases tend the parade. Manhattan: The Greek Orthodox in America under Athenagoras I. The book looks at Athenagoras’ time as Ancient Greek, there would be no Greeks and Greek Americans can Philadelphia Mayor Michael Archbishop of North and South America during a volatile period for the Greek American community. Classics Department, but we could- now see many of these stage and Nutter also paid respects to the n’t change his mind,” she said. film portrayals in the privacy of Greek American community by at- Support for saving Ancient Greek their own living rooms. Smart tending. U.S. Rep. Zack Space (D- began almost immediately from all Money, first released on July 11, Ohio), who is one of three Greek over the world. 1931, is one of these early Holly- American congressmen in the U.S., The Archdiocese Under Athenagoras I “We got about 50 letter from all wood images of ethnic Greeks. served as this year’s Grand Mar- over the world, Greece, Italy, Ger- Considering the cast and the pre- shall and George Horiates served as By Alexandros K. Kyrou original plans to meet with the Ecu- one of the world’s major religions many, Norway, Oxford, Cambridge, cise moment in American cinematic chairman of the parade. Special to The National Herald menical Patriarch of Constantino- and the only historic, continuous Harvard, Yale and even the former history when this film appeared Greek dancers were a profound ple in the Phanar, President Obama cultural and institutional interlocu- president of Cornell University wrote one should expect quite a bit. part of the parade and included GEORGE PAPAIOANNOU. From would instead be willing to receive tor between the Western and Islam- in support of the Classics Depart- Smart Money was Edward G. troupes from the Church of Annun- Mars Hill to Manhattan: The Greek Patriarch Bartholomew in a hotel, ic worlds. ment,” Dr. Marinatos said. “But all Robinson’s first film after the block- ciation in Elkins Park, Pa. and St. Orthodox in America under in a gathering including other “reli- Many observers have reasoned these letters were ignored. It’s as buster success of Little Caesar Thomas Greek Orthodox Church in Athenagoras I. Minneapolis, MN: gious community leaders” in Istan- that President Obama’s obvious ap- though they were never sent. There (1931). Robinson portrays Nick Cherry Hill, N.J. Light and Life Publishing Company, bul. peasement toward the Turkish was no response, no argument and Venizelos, a small-town Greek bar- The parade ended at the Art Mu- 1976. Pp. 288. $10.95 (paper- According to the official expla- state is neither surprising nor re- no dialogue. That was it.” ber and local gambler. The plot of seum with members of the various back). nation for President Obama’s volte- markable. According to such views, According to Dr. Marinatos, the the story follows Venizelos’ efforts troupes performing traditional When former President George face, severe constraints on the pres- the current administration’s early Office of the Dean has said that if en- at becoming a big-time gambler. Greek dances followed by a cele- Bush visited Turkey in June 2004, ident’s very limited time in Turkey high-profile statements of concern rollment increases, maybe some- After 78 years, the action in Smart bration at Saint Demetrius Church he refused, in deference to the ultimately made it impossible for for the plight of the Patriarchate, thing can be done, but she doesn’t in Upper Darby. wishes of the Turkish state, to meet him to schedule a meeting at the followed by an unwillingness to believe that is enough. Continued on page 7 DETROIT with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Phanar with Patriarch take seriously those pronounce- “This isn’t about logistics, this is The Greek American community Constantinople in the latter’s en- Bartholomew. This justification ap- ments, is a practice that conforms an ideological struggle,” Dr. Mari- of Detroit celebrated its eighth an- claved headquarters in the Phanar pears incredulous. Given President to long-established US policy be- natos said. “You can work with what To subscribe call: 718.784.5255 nual Greek Independence Day pa- district of Istanbul. Instead, Presi- Obama’s allocation of several hours havior. After all, such a gull ap- you have to increase the enrollment, e-mail: rade in Greektown on Sunday, dent Bush deigned to receive Patri- to a roundtable discussion with proach to the issues of state perse- but you don’t make this into a condi- [email protected] March 28. arch Bartholomew at a hotel, in a Turkish high school and college stu- cution and violations of religious tion for survival. If you do away with His Eminence Archbishop gathering that included other “reli- dents, as well as other trivial public and other civil freedoms facing the the Classics, then this is not going to Demetrios served as the Grand gious community leaders” in Istan- relations events, it is doubtful that Patriarchate and Orthodox Chris- be a university anymore. It will be Marshal of the parade and played a bul. When President Barack Obama the president’s aides could have not tians in Turkey represents continu- more like a trade school.” key role throughout the day. Other recently finalized the agenda for found the time in his schedule for a ity in Washington’s engagement Dr. Marinatos believes in the im- his April 2009 trip to Turkey, his visit to the Ecumenical Patriar- Continued on page 3 aides made it clear that, despite his chate—the ecclesiastical center of Continued on page 6 Continued on page 7 2 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 4, 2009 Paulette Poulos: A Pioneering and Leading GOINGS ON... ■ APRIL 4-6 University Hellenic Society, and the ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – The Hellenic Villanova University Hellenic Stu- Churchwoman for More Than Four Decades News of America and the 18th Her- dent Association. This event is free mes Expo International cordially in- for next generation students. Seats By Theodore Kalmoukos imagine. Archbishop Iakovos gen- vite the community to The 18th Her- will be reserved on a first-come, Special to The National Herald uinely loved his people and they mes Expo from April 4-6, 2009. first-served basis. Reservations are adored and respected him in a way Starting from New York and going to required. For more information, BOSTON- There were no seats left you could never envision. The Philadelphia, The Expo will take please contact when Paulette Poulos, interim Ex- Archbishop had an untiring and in- place on the weekend of April 4-5, [email protected]. ecutive Director of Leadership 100, credible stamina which allowed 2009 with a 120 Booth Exhibits at delivered a lecture recently on the him to begin his day at 5 a.m. and the Tropicana on the Atlantic City ■ APRIL 9 issue “Women Leaders of the to work, if necessary, until mid- Boardwalk, New Jersey. April 3, NEW YORK – The Greek Museum Church” in the Archbishop Iakovos night. He was truly amazing. 2009 - At the Governors Mansion cordially invites the community to a Library Reading Room at Hellenic Everyone who worked with the Mixer, Drexel University Seminar on photographic lecture entitled, “A College and Holy Cross. The lecture Archbishop knew there was no Tourism and New Technology. Re- Journey, a Dream and a Fulfillment: was organized by the Office of Vo- such thing as a 9-5 job. You had to ception and B2B meetings based on The Story of the Greek American Im- cation and Ministry of the School. be committed and you had to be a profiles. April 4 - 5, 2009 - The Trop- migrant” A program will be given by Ms. Poulos is widely known in worker. This was the silent rule icana Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ Exhibi- Katherine R. Boulukos and Anastasia the Greek Orthodox Church and that the staff lived by.” tion Conference - A major happen- Nicholas at 7 PM under the auspices Greek American Community in the When Archbishop Iakovos re- ing for Greek Americans, Americans of the Consul General of Greece at U.S. for her tireless and dedicated tired in 1996 at the age of 85, Ms. interested in Greece and South East- the Consulate General of Greece service, being one of the closest as- Poulos stayed with him until the ern Europe and other Ethnic Mar- (East 79 Street). For more informa- sociates of the late Archbishop end, April 10, 2005. kets. Symposium Brunch on Satur- tion, please call 516-868-4092. Iakovos of North and South Ameri- Ms. Paulette Poulos revealed for day 10AM-1 PM, Grand opening at 1 ca, who died on April 10, 2005. the first time that “as I reflect back PM, 120 Booths meetings B2B, Din- CHICAGO – The Chicago Improv Ms. Poulos’ speech was an ac- on all my years of service, the ones ner Awards Entertainment and a cordially invites the community to a count of her service to the Church that were the most meaningful for Sunday Brunch Networking. April 6, performance by Greek American co- for 40 years with the unique and me were the last 8 years that I spent 2009 - A Grand Reception Mixer at median Basile, on Thursday, April 9, talented Archbishop Iakovos. with the Archbishop during his re- the Honorable Aris Melissaratos Es- 2009 at the Schaumburg Improv Before starting her speech, she tirement. The Archbishop’s mind tate, Baltimore, MD. For more infor- Comedy Club at 6 PM. Tickets ate made it clear that she was not go- Above: Paulette Poulos visits the Office of Vocation and Ministry and and memory were still as sharp as mation, please visit Info@Herme- $20. Limited first come first serve ing to speak on the issue of women meets the Staff, from left, Mary Long, Coordinator Stephanie Skedros, ever and I was one of the fortunate sExpo.com. seating so call now. Full menu avail- in the Church from a Theological Ms. Poulos, Director Ann Bezzerides and Daniel Belonick. Below: ones to spend quality time with him able with 2 item minimum. If you perspective, but rather to share her Paulette Poulos speaks about “Women Leaders of the Church” at and witness first-hand his untiring ■ APRIL 7 haven't seen his show, or even if you experiences of many decades work- Hellenic College and Holy Cross on Friday, March 27, 2009. commitment and love for the PHILADELPHIA – The Next Genera- have, it is funny and entertaining. ing at the Archdiocese as well as Church. I loved watching visitors tion Initiative cordially invites the For more information, please call with Archbishop Iakovos. who came to show him that he was community to its “Conversation 708-906-6180. Ms. Poulos, who has gained the still loved and remembered and to with a Leader” series with Dr. P. Roy respect and admiration of the watch his excitement as we would Vagelos, retired Chairman and CEO ■ APRIL 21 Greek American community and visit a parish and all the faithful of pharmaceutical giant Merck on NEW YORK – The Greek Museum abroad said, “Before I begin, allow would gather in large groups to Tuesday, April 7, at 6 PM. This spe- cordially invites the community to me to clarify that I am not qualified greet him at the airport, most of the cial event for Philadelphia-area Hel- an Immigrant Heritage Week Cele- to speak on women leaders of the time with tears in their eyes, and to lenic and Greek American university bration, which features a slide lec- Church, but rather on my own per- just hug him and let him know how students is being hosted by the ture, “A Journey, A Dream and a sonal service to the Church. I am much he was respected and loved. members of the University of Penn- Fulfillment: The Story of the Greek not a Theologian or a member of This is something that will remain sylvania Hellenic Student Associa- American Immigrant in New York the clergy and, therefore, I do not in my heart forever.” tion — along with their co-hosts, the City,” with Katherine R. Boulukos feel qualified to speak on behalf of She also stated that “the reason I members of the Hellenic Student As- and Anastasia Nicholas at 6:30 the Church. My comments are feel compelled to share my experi- sociation at Drexel University, the p.m. at the Mid Manhattan Library, based on my own personal involve- ences with the Archbishop is be- Hellenic Cultural Association of Rut- (40 Street and 5 Avenue). For more ment and I will try to share some of cause he is the reason I am here! He gers University, the Seton Hall Uni- information, please call 516-868- my experiences.” was a visionary and innovator, real- versity Hellenic Society, the Temple 4092. Ms. Poulos started her associa- ly ahead of his time. Who would tion with the Greek Orthodox Arch- ever dream that my life would diocese in 1964 as a Secretary for evolve around the Church the way the late Ernest A. Villas in the De- that it has. This was the Archbish- QUESTION OF THE WEEK partment of Laity and continues up op’s gift to me and to many others to now. “I always felt honored and privileged to serve him and the humbled to serve my Church,” she Church, especially the women of Vote on our website! said. our Church.” Speaking about her journey in Ms. Poulos spoke respectfully You have the chance to express your opinion on our website on an the Church she said that “in 1970 I for Iakovo’s successor, Archbishop important question in the news. The results will be published in our became Associate Director of Youth come more involved in the life of This was a big step forward at that Demetrios and said, “in June 2006, printed edition next week along with the question for that week. Ministry and in 1972 the Director the Church. Presvytera Nikki time.” I was appointed Interim Executive The question this week is: Is the NYC Greek Independence Day Pa- of LOGOS, a national stewardship Stephanopoulos, Elenie Huszagh In 1984, Archbishop Iakovos Director with the Paternal Blessings rade being held too late? program that enabled the faithful and I were among the first three asked Ms. Poulos to serve as Ad- of Archbishop Demetrios. Leader- ❏ Yes to give $100 per year to the Nation- women of the Greek Orthodox del- ministrative Assistant for his office ship 100 will always have a special ❏ No al Ministries. We raised $10 mil- egation serving on the Governing and she remained with him until place in my heart.” She also said ❏ Maybe lion dollars from 1972-1984 and as Board of the National Council of his retirement in 1996. She re- “today, more women than ever The results for last week’s question: Does this year's annual cele- I now look back, I realize LOGOS Churches. When we questioned His membered that “during those serve on the National Board of bration of Greek Independence Day at the White House seem more was the pilot endowment project of Eminence and said we are not Cler- years, I was privileged to travel Leadership 100; 5 women were hopeful? the Archdiocese whereby the faith- gy, why would you choose us, he re- with His Eminence and to work elected to serve on the Board of 20% voted “Yes” ful were contributing beyond their sponded that the Church needs to closely with all committees and de- Trustees and 2 on our Executive 78% voted “No” local parish level.” look at specific areas through the partments of the Archdiocese. It Committee and for the first time we 2% voted “Maybe” She said that “Archbishop eyes of dedicated Churchwomen was a challenge but the rewards have a woman in the person of Kas- Iakovos encouraged women to be- and to accept their valuable input. were far greater than I could ever sandra L. Romas as an Officer.” Please vote at: www.thenationalherald.com THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 4, 2009 COMMUNITY 3 Greek Americans Parade Throughout the Country

Continued from page 1 special guests included Mayor Panos Economides, Prefect of Arta Georgios Papavasiliou and the Makrityannis dance troupe from Arta, all of whom traveled from Greece to attend. Hundreds of spectators lined the streets, despite heavy rain, to watch more than 40 groups – con- sisting of Greek Orthodox church- es, cultural organizations, soci- eties, local dance groups and seven featured floats—march down Mon- roe Street from Woodward to the heart of Greektown. The parade was organized by Detroit’s Parade Committee Chair- man George Reganis, who has pre- viously served as president of the Sterea Hellas Federation of Ameri- ca and Canada, and the American Hellenic Congress. The parade wrapped up with a short cultural program held at Greektown. The Greek, U.S. and Canadian national anthems were sung to represent the friendship and common values shared be- HNA/PHOTO BY STELLIOS tween the three nations. AP PHOTO/DETROIT FREE PRESS, SUSAN TUSA The St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Philadelphia marching OHIO Parade participants wear plastic ponchos over their traditional clothing to protect themselves from the during their city’s 40th Greek Independence Day Parade. Father Nek- Brutal weather did not stop the rain during the Greek Independence Day Parade in Detroit on Sunday, March 29, 2009. tarios Kotrotsios, Presiding Priest of the Church is seen also.

Many students participated in Philadelphia’s 40th annual Greek Independence Day Parade, including the Hel- sa Diamataris, Dorelina Spiliopoulou, Julia Tavlas and Alexander Stamatiadis. RIGHT: Alexander Stamatiadis, lenic Student Association of the University of Pennsylvania. LEFT: Chris Zervoudis, Sofia Andrianakou, Vanes- Vanessa Diamataris, Sofia Andrianakou, Louie Karapanagiotides and Chris Zervoudis march in the parade.

Greek American community of Chairman. gion, law, politics, athletic, medi- government officials. Greek School Greek Americans aren’t the only David Miller and Police Chief Bill Warren, Ohio from celebrating its A few days prior to the parade, cine, art and education. Other dis- and Sunday school students and re- ones who celebrated Greek Inde- Blair made appearances at the pa- ninth annual Independence Day the Greek flag was raised at City tinguished guests included Consul gional dance groups performed, a pendence Day. rade, which ran from Greenwood Parade on Sunday, March 28. Resi- Hall in neighboring New Port. A re- General of Greece in Boston, Con- doxology was held and a solemn Thousands in Toronto, Canada to Logan Aves. dent Christina Kapolis launched ception was held at St. Nicholas stantine Orfanidis and State Sena- wreath laying ceremony took place also braved bad weather to march Many Greek Canadians also cel- the idea of a parade to be held in Church Cultural Center at which tor Steve Panayiotakos. for those who sacrificed their lives in honor of the special occasion. ebrated the 100th anniversary of Warren in 2000. several distinguished guests were More than 400 people attended for Greek Independence and in the Premier Dalton McGuinty, federal the establishment of a Greek com- The idea to celebrate Greek In- honored for their contributions to the event at the Cathedral’s hall name of Democracy. NDP Leader Jack Layton, Mayor munity in Canada. dependence was originally initiat- the Greek American community. and all enjoyed a dinner organized ed, however, in 1996 by Kapolis, SAN FRANCISCO by the day school’s Parent Teacher while she was secretary to then- San Francisco was the first of Organization. The proceeds from Mayor Hank Angelo and suggested many cities to hold its annual the dinner will aid in raising funds raising the Greek flag at city hall. Greek Independence Day parade for the Day School. Aristithis “Arch” Charnas served on Saturday, March 26. The parade The Federation of Hellenic as the parade’s Grand Marshal. was organized by the Hellenic Fed- American Societies of New England Prior to the parade, a small pro- eration of Northern California and is planning a grand parade to take cession of vehicles gathered in featured 75 Greek American orga- place on Sunday, April 26, 2009, in front of St. Demetrios Greek Ortho- nizations, Parish communities, Boston, MA beginning on Boylston dox Church on High Street North- bands, dance groups and 10 floats. St. at 1:00 pm and ending at the east and traveled to City Hall for an Marchers began at the intersection Boston Commons. outdoor ceremony—attended by of 2nd street and Market Street, OTHER CELEBRATIONS about 75 people—commemorating continuing to the town square Greek Americans from North the Pan-Hellenic Uprising. Kapolis across from City Hall. The Grand Wildwood, NJ hosted a major cele- estimated that 400 people attended Marshals of the parade were Metro- bration on Saturday, March 28 at a luncheon at the St. Demetrios politan Gerasimos of San Francisco noon at North Wildwood Recre- Center on Atlantic Street Northeast and the city’s Mayor Gavin New- ation Center on 10th and Central later that afternoon. som. Avenues. A larger parade is being planned On the Wednesday prior to the The day’s events included vari- for Cleveland, OH on April 6, 2009 parade, a doxology service was ous civic observances, a presenta- in the Tremont area. held at the Annunciation Cathedral tion of proclamations and the rais- FLORIDA and on Friday, March 27, the Greek ing of the Greek flag. It was hosted The Greek Parade in Florida also flag was raised outside of City Hall. by the St. Demetrios Greek Ortho- took place on Sunday, March 28. The flag ceremony was followed by dox Church and honorary chairs in- Following the famous Epiphany a performance by Greek dance cluded U.S. Marshal James Plousis celebration at Greek Village in Tar- troupes. and Wildwood city solicitor Marcus pon Springs, hundreds of marchers MASSACHUSSETTS Karavan. Chairman Dr. Lester Kat- and more than 80 organizations, Strong rain and low tempera- sanis, Parish Council President schools, dance groups and dozens tures resulted in the cancellation of William Mitchell, and the Rev. of floats, congregated at St. the Greek Independence Day pa- Steven J. Vlahos lead civic obser- Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathe- rade at Lowell, MA, but it didn’t vances in Cape May County. dral and proceeded along Pinellas stop the celebration of Greek Inde- Greek Americans in Baltimore, Avenue, then turned onto Dode- pendence. Greek Americans and MD celebrated Greek Indepen- canese Boulevard and headed to Philhellenes gathered at the com- dence Day with a Mid-Atlantic Ded- the Sponge Dock, at around 1 pm. munity’s cathedral of Agia Triados. ication on Sunday, March 29, at Philanthropist Alexandra Lazi- Lowell Mayor Edward Caulfield at- 2:00 pm. Greektown of Baltimore dou served as Parade Committee tended the celebration and empha- honored the presence of the Greek Chairperson and Sotiris Angelatos sized the many contributions the and Cypriot Embassies as well as served as the committee’s Vice Greek community has made to reli- many congressional, state and local

Event hosted by the Southeast Europe Project- Speckhard

U.S. Ambassador Daniel Speckhard to Greece (right) reviews the expanding U.S.-Greece policy agenda during his March 26 lecture on “Resilience and Transition: Resetting U.S. - Greece Relations” for the Wil- son Center Southeast Europe Project. The program was moderated by Southeast Europe Project Chairman John Sitilides (left). 4 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 4, 2009 Greek Independence Celebration Held at New York Mayor’s Residence

Continued from page 1 but more importantly today, is that both our countries stand firm in promoting these standards and ideals.” Mr. Panayiotou also congratu- lated the Greek American commu- nity in New York and emphasized ongoing challenges still faced by Cyprus. “188 years have passed since the great struggle in the war of inde- pendence; however, we still re- member on this great day, that the people of Cyprus are still striving to free areas since the 1974 Turkish occupation,” said Mr. Panayioutou, who also urged American Hellenes

Above left: The President of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, Demetrios Kalamaras, speaks to guests and reporters as New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Michael Jaharis and PASOK leader George Papandreou look on. Above right: Archbishop Demetrios, with Michael Jaharis, center, greets Mr. Papandreou, left.

Architect Steven P. Papadatos at Gracie Mansion in New York. and Philhellenes to continue pursu- ing their efforts “with the same zeal and dedication” they have been. Mayor Bloomberg took time to remind guests the importance of at- tending the Greek Independence Day Parade and noted that New York City is home to the largest Hel- lenic community in North America. Top left: Children dance in traditional outfits outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City during a celebra- “I am proud to be a mayor of tion for the 188th anniversary of Greek Independence on Monday, March 30, 2009. Top right: From left, such a vibrant and dynamic com- the former parish council president of St. Nicholas, Flushing, Larry Hotzoglou, President of AHEPA’s Stat- munity,” he said. He also acknowl- en Island chapter Dinos Arvanitis, PASOK President George Papandreou, philanthropist Stephen Cherpelis edged economic hardships current- and John Antonopoulos. Bottom left: Spyros Voutsinas and John Catsimatidis outside of Gracie Mansion. ly experienced by city residents and the country at large, but said he re- 2009 celebrates as its theme ‘One world outside of Greece, where we budget of approximately $400,000 mained confident that the city will people, 9,000 years of history and exhibit our pride for the New York and with no full-time employees get through tough times, adding culture,’” he said, adding “there is community, which is the true capi- and with a modest $25,000 worth that members of the Greek commu- no other group on the planet that tal of the world. We can support of city and state funding, that’s be- nity have been recognized for espe- has a greater or richer history, cul- the people, politicians and Philhel- ing cut as we speak. Other non- cially helping each other out during ture, legacy or language.” lenes who support our efforts and profit organizations in New York such circumstances. “How do we ourselves become raise our children to be the best have received hundreds of thou- Mayor Bloomberg then engaged or raise our children to become they can be- this is not our choice sands, if not millions in city fund- audience members by testing their new Platos, new Pericles’, new but our responsibility.” ing,” he said, receiving an uproar of Greek trivia with a quiz humorous- Leonidas’, new Kolokotronis’, new Mr. Kalamaras also noted the applause. ly titled “Bloombergopolis Greek Dr. Papanicolaous’, new Demetrios’ challenges and minimum financial The Federation of Hellenic Soci- Quiz.” and new Catsimatides’,” he said, support experienced by the parade- eties of Greater New York has orga- Mr. Kalamaras accepted the drawing in laughter from the audi- planning committee and the Greek nized the parade on Fifth Avenue in proclamation issued by Mayor ence. “How do we preserve this community in New York City at Manhattan annually for the Greek Bloomberg on behalf of the board great legacy and heritage? One of large. and Philhellene community of New of the Federation of Hellenic Soci- the ways is by participating in our “Myself and my board of 21 York City and the entire tri-state eties of Greater New York. parade, which represents the members run the annual parade area of New York, New Jersey and “This year’s parade on April 26, largest gathering of Greeks in the and annual activities with a gross Connecticut. Minnesota Native Wins Miss Greek Independence Competition

By Eleni Kostopoulos Relations person for the federation, Societies of Greater New York Dim- Special to The National Herald and Linguistics Professor Aggeliki itris Kalamaras and Vice President Agka. Nausika Mihaleas, who Christos Bournas. Dr. George Tsiou- NEW YORK – Thirteen young served as the young women’s lias, President of the Hellenic Med- women competed for the title of “pageant mom,” said one competi- ical Society of New York, also “Miss Greek Independence 2009” tor, was honored with recognition served as a judge for the competi- on Sunday, March 29 at the for her tireless work. tion. Dr. John Efthimiopoulos, the Stathakion Center in Astoria, First runner up for Miss Greek Archdiocesan Director of Educa- Queens. Twenty-five year old Min- Independence 2009 was Artemis tion, served as president of the nesota native Katerina Bisnik-Tri- Makas. Second runner up was judging committee. antafillou took home the crown af- awarded to Christina Tsekos. The young ladies were asked a ter judges granted her the most Each competitor was granted a series of questions, each of which points for her knowledge on the title and sash representing their na- they had the option of answering or subjects of Greek history and Greek tive parts of Greece: skipping, regarding issues of the Orthodox Christianity, her beauty Zoe Batemis as Miss Thessaloni- Greek Revolution and religion. and her poise. ki; Maria Kostopoulos as Miss Ileia; They were also asked to share their Triantafillou, who is a Physics Mirimina Filippidis as Miss Andros; personal opinion on one subject major at Princeton University and Maria Vitetzakis as Miss Chania; matter; this year their options relat- is of half Serbian descent, told the Matina Panagou as Miss Kynouria; ed to immigration, energy efficien- judges that she was extremely Amanda Pappas as Miss Santorini; cy and the most popular choice of proud to grow up in a home that Sofia Panagou as Miss Pelopon- the three- why they are proud to be practiced traditional Greek values nisos; Irene Xenos as Miss Zakyn- Greek. and that was centered on family. thos; Rothopi Thoma as Miss They were also judged on their She said that when she was old Karpathos; and Angela physical appearance in the gown enough, she recognized that Polyhronopoulou as Miss Kalama- portion of the competition. Greece is the birthplace of philoso- ta. A 14th competitor, Kimberly Last year’s winner of Miss Greek phy, the sciences and many other Winton, was unable to attend the Independence 2008, Christina fields of thought. pageant for personal reasons, but Karahalios, also spoke at the event. The annual event was organized will also be receiving a sash for her The Miss Greek Independence Above: The young women who by the Federation of Hellenic Soci- consistent attendance of meetings competition is sponsored annually competed for the title of “Miss eties of Greater New York’s Cultural prior to the event. by the Federation of Hellenic Soci- Greek Independence 2009.” Committee, which is run by Mr. Among distinguished guests at eties and is open to young ladies Right: Miss Greek Independence Petros Galatoulas, who stressed the the event were Consul General of aged 17-25 that meet all stated re- 2008 Christina Karahalios places importance of youth participation Cyprus in New York Andreas quirements. The event is one of the crown on this year’s winner, in matters regarding the Greek Panayiotou, who was also a mem- many cultural, educational, and Katerina Bisnik-Triantafillou. American community. The event ber of the judging committee, Pres- philanthropic events organized was hosted by Ellie Melemis, Public ident of the Federation of Hellenic throughout the year, and the pa- rade is a significant source of fund- ing for these benevolent programs. The federation has also set up a se- ries of other events to be held be- fore the Greek Independence Day Law Firm Parade on Sunday, April 26, 2009. J O H N S P I R I D A K I S These events include: a NY City The Law Firm the Community Trusts Council Greek Independence Day Celebration, Speaker Christine C. Quinn, City Council Member Peter ACCIDENTS - MEDICAL MALPRACTICE Vallone, Jr. and Members of the NY • Construction • Slip & Fall • Estates & Wills City Council at the Council Cham- • Car/Motor Vehicle • Wrongfull death • Divorces ber of City Hall in New York City on • Head injurie • All injuries • Also cases in Greece Thursday April 2; a Film Documen- tary Viewing of The Journey: The Free consultations • Home & Hospital visits • 24 Hours • 7 Days Greek American Dream at the Stathakion Center in Astoria on Fri- Legal expenses are payable at day, April 3; the Raising of the Flag Mr. Spiridakis the conclusion of the case only if you win at Bowling Green, New York on Fri- and his colleagues day, April 24; the Friday Night Gala at Terrace on the Park at Flushing have successfully “To receive our special care” Meadow Park on Friday, April 24 won over $50 million Call us at (212) 768-8088 or (718) 204-8600 ($90 admission); a Hellenic Dance for clients Toll-Free 1-888-SPIRIDA (774-7432) Exhibition (location to be deter-

a b the past 24 years mined) on Saturday, April 25; a and a Pre-Parade Reception at the The winner of Miss Greek Inde- [email protected] • www.lawhelp1.com Church service at the Archdiocesan Pierre Hotel in New York City on pendence 2009 pageant will march OFFICES: Manhattan, Queens (Astoria), Brooklyn, Long Island, LICENSED: New York, New Jersey Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Sunday, April 26. For more infor- in the parade on Fifth Avenue in New York City on Sunday, April 26; mation, visit paradeonfifth.org. New York City. THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 4, 2009 COMMUNITY 5 AHEPA Steamed About the Way Annual GID Event Was Handled

Continued from page 1 there with numbers reflecting our who said that, because this year’s list provided “does not reflect who donors, and agreed that a lot of membership, as we always had event was attended by a larger actually ended up coming, but it is work is involved in staging it. orous response from Mr. Gulas who been in the past. Some people will number of elected officials, fewer the list of invitees.” “This has to be re-enacted every opted not to attend the event, and say we feel entitled. But it’s not a invitations were doled out to pri- Asked to explain how the White year. It used to take us five months. sent a letter to President Obama question of entitlement. But it is an vate individuals in the community House OPL handles the event each It doesn’t take us that long, any- that same day explaining his rea- issue when you are the largest than usual. year, Mr. Inouye said it works with more, but it still takes a good cou- sons why: Greek American organization, “Here’s what happens. Every Greek American organizations and ple months of daily work out of our “Unfortunately, due to what I founded by Greek immigrants. You White House is a little bit different. community leaders: “The invitation office. And every year, we come perceive as a lack of respect which would think that, when the White And every White House indicates list for the event was compiled by within a hair’s width of not getting was displayed towards our organi- House commemorates an event so what they have in mind. If some- the White House with guidance the signing ceremony. It’s a tremen- zation, I felt compelled to respect- central to the Greek American ex- body says we want the ten most from various internal departments, dous roll of the dice every time,” fully decline attending today’s cele- perience, our organization would successful businessmen in your as well input from outside organi- Mr. Manatos said. bration. Despite proactive outreach be represented proportionately,” he community, then we can give them zations and community leaders, in- “You need to get people in both to the White House, and several at- said. a pretty good list. They may want cluding the Greek Orthodox Arch- Houses of Congress who are closest tempts to offer AHEPA’s resources “And I personally can’t imagine the ten most important labor lead- diocese,” he said. to the President to send a letter and to your Public Liaison Office, many a person like President Obama, if ers. We then will bring that out,” he When Mr. Manatos was asked make calls. And a big part of this is integral people involved in our he’s presented with all the facts, not said. why many of the same people get making sure each staff person in leadership, including the national wanting us there. He comes from “What was unique about this to go to the event year after year, the room is ready to address this. presidents of our junior auxiliaries that same background: grassroots year, and what caused the problem, why the event is opened to other There are around ten officials – and chairman of the board, were community organization and ser- was that the Bush Administration members of the community more from legislative liaison to public li- left off of the invitation list… those vice. That’s what AHEPA stands for; invited maybe three members of often, and why AHEPA was blocked aison, from inter-government rela- of us who did receive invitations re- that’s what we’ve always done, and Congress and no state legislators – from sending its customary delega- tions to public affairs to the Chief of ceived them at such a late hour that done well; and that’s what AHEPA and none of them came. This year, tion of at least five, he said the fol- Staff’s office – and you need to get it made traveling to Washington, is all about,” he added. they invited a huge number of sen- lowing: all of them saying, ‘Yes, we think DC difficult at best. Furthermore, it AHEPA had not yet heard back ators and congressmen, and a huge “That’s not true, at all. What this is a good idea.’ And it’s particu- is my understanding that the list of from the White House at press time, number did come. They even invit- happens most years is the President larly difficult with a new Adminis- invitees was compiled by individu- but Mr. Gulas said he was at a loss Andrew Manatos, President, Co- ed people who were tangentially tells us, ‘Look. I don’t have any tration because they’re all still hir- als outside the White House and to understand why CEH felt the ordinated Effort of Hellenes. involved with the Greek American time. I want to see His Eminence in ing new people. So you’ve got that possibly involved vetting by lobby- need to respond to a letter AHEPA community. So the community got the Oval Office for ten minutes, and momentum going against you. ists. If this is the case, I must ex- sent to the President. across the country. And when orga- fewer invitations than it had gotten we’ll do it.’ And then His Eminence Moving all these pieces into place press my disappointment,” Mr. Gu- “Right now, our main beef is nizations like AHEPA are serving in previous years. And the other may invite three or four other peo- has to be done every year. It re- las wrote. with the Public Liaison’s Office. I the community, and doing it faith- difference is, when President Bush ple. Every time, he invites the pres- quires sophistication and skill, and Mr. Gulas’ letter to the President didn’t send a letter to the Coordi- fully on a volunteer basis – out of invited people the past two years, ident of AHEPA, even when it’s a we’ve been doing it for three gener- was picked up by the FOX News nated Effort of Hellenes, so I’m kind love for their heritage, country and nobody wanted to go. This year, very small group, and that’s the ations,” he added. and CNN Radio. It also incited a of confused as to why Andy Athens fellow man, and not out of being everybody wanted to hear Obama,” majority of the time,” he said. swift response from Andrew is responding to a letter I sent to paid – I think these people should he said. “This year, fewer invitations Athens, chairman of the Coordinat- President Obama in reference to be acknowledged. Having just one According to CEH and White were sent out because, in the previ- ed Effort of Hellenes, which has the Public Liaison’s Office,” he said. or two representatives from an or- House Media Affairs, 20 Congres- ous two years, the White House acted as the annual event’s chief or- “But if CEH is so tight with the ganization as large as ours is a little sional officials were among those was faced with suddenly not hav- ganizer each year: White House, why didn’t they get shortsighted,” Mr. Gulas added. who attended: Reps. Shelley ing enough people wanting to “Most American CEO’s, universi- President Obama to cancel his trip The Herald made a concerted ef- Berkley (D-Nevada), Gus Bilirakis come and see Bush, so they turned ty presidents, mayors, state legisla- to Turkey, or at least persuade him fort to speak with Archbishop (R-Florida), Chris Carney (D-Penn- to AHEPA and AHI and said, ‘Hey, tors, great athletes and labor lead- that he should go to Greece like Demetrios of America and ask his sylvania), Rep. Danny Davis (D-Illi- do you have five people you can ers want to be, but are never, invit- every President since Truman? I opinion about the need for wider nois), Rush Holt (D-New Jersey), bring in here?’ And then they ed to the White House to meet with mean, is that the kind of represen- community representation at the Patrick Kennedy (D-Rhode Island), would bring five or ten people or the President of the United tation our community wants? Peo- event, but Stavros Papagermanos, Barbara Lee (D-California), Sander whatever. The only reason AHEPA States… (The event involves) ple who dictate who gets invited to the Archbishop’s spokesman, said Levin (D-Michigan), Carolyn Mal- ever got 8-12 seats is because there unimaginable work and many the White House, but who have no His Eminence was disinclined to oney (D-New York), Frank Pallone were empty chairs, and the White months of great effort by the Arch- teeth when it comes to policy? discuss the matter. (D-New Jersey), Donald Payne (D- House would contact them a cou- diocese, the Coordinated Effort of Look, to be fair, I haven’t spoken to “We feel that the subject you are New Jersey), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen ple days before and ask if they had Hellenes and select other key indi- Andy Athens yet. I consider him a raising is now in the past, and any (R-Florida), Steve Rothman (D- any more people to send,” he viduals, as was the case with Illi- friend. I consider him a great Hel- further comment on it would not New Jersey), John Sarbanes (D- added. nois State Treasurer Alexi Giannou- lene and a great Ahepan, and I real- help our community, now or in the Maryland), Albio Sires (D-New Jer- AHEPA contends its marginal- lias this year… Which Hellenes ly don’t know what precipitated his future,” Mr. Papagermanos said. sey), Zack Space (D-Ohio), Cliff ization this year was done surgical- should be invited to such a White response,” he said. ALEXI GIANNOULIAS Stearns (R-Florida), Dina Titus (D- ly, and was not due to limited seat- House meeting? It should probably “Evidently, however, there are The Herald also called Mr. Nevada), Chris Van Hollen (D- ing. AHI has also expressed con- be the 20 most successful and pow- some self-appointed gatekeepers in Athens’ office twice and spoke to his Maryland) and Robert Wexler (D- cerns about the way AHEPA was erful Greek American corporate our community who advised and assistant, Helen Alexander, but Mr. Florida). treated this year (see Nick Lari- leaders, federal, state and local assisted the new White House Athens had not returned the Her- gakis’ column on page 11). public servants, lawyers, doctors, about the Greek American commu- ald’s calls by press time. Mr. Manatos told the Herald scholars, celebrities, labor leaders, nity and who to invite to this event. But since Mr. Giannoulias was that Rev. Alexander Karloutsos media stars, mothers, scientists, But I’m mystified about why any- cited in Mr. Athens’ statement as plays a key role in organizing the His Eminence Archbishop Deme- athletes, restaurateurs, students body who claims to represent our one of those who did “unimagin- event each year, and emphasized trios of America. and military leaders. However, the community at the national level able work” for the annual event at the “extraordinary amount of Archdiocese and CEH have con- wouldn’t remind the White House the White House, the Herald also work” involved with staging the Asked why CEH felt the need to vinced the White House to invite about who AHEPA is and what we contacted Mr. Giannoulias, who event, noting that it is not a free respond to AHEPA’s letter to the Hellenic organization leaders… do,” he said. told the Herald that the community show. President, Mr. Manatos said it’s be- Washington insiders understand CEH’s response to AHEPA’s letter should appreciate the annual White “This event isn’t paid for with cause the letter jeopardizes the that such an invitation is a privi- to the President comes off as an House event, and that he himself taxpayer money. We pay for it. His possibility of holding the event lege, not a right,” Mr. Athens wrote apology for the White House, he did not play a significant role in Eminence gets someone in the pri- again in the future. on March 27. said, so it implies that CEH is the staging it, or in deciding who was vate sector to cover the cost of “I’ll tell you why, and this is AHEPA’S VIEW gatekeeper. invited. every appetizer and every drink huge. We’ve come so close to not Mr. Gulas told the National Her- “It seems like the White House is “As a member of the Greek com- everybody has there. A lot of peo- getting it. Do not be surprised if ald that CEH is missing the point: allowing them to manage this munity, I was invited. It was a ple think it’s like going to the public you never see another Greek Inde- “We were basically put on a waiting event, at least to some extent,” Mr. White House event. I had minimal library, but it’s an expensive event,” pendence Day celebration at the list to come to this year’s event, and Gulas said, adding that OPL is get- input as to who would be there,” he he said. White House. There are people in- I just couldn’t grasp that. So I ting bad advice from a select few. said. “And it ties our office up in knots side the White House fighting us. thought it would be best to write a AHEPA officials said Endy (Afk- every year. If it were calculated in And if you lose it once, you’re never letter to the President. He has a mil- sendios) Zemenides, a member of billable hours, it literally requires getting it back,” he said. lion and one things on his plate, so CEH and one of Mr. Giannoulias’ $400,000 worth of work to push The annual commemoration of the invitation list for the Greek In- political advisors in Chicago, came the first bill through the House (a Greek Independence Day at the dependence Day commemoration to AHEPA headquarters on March resolution urging the President to White House is the Greek American is not first and foremost on his list 23 and informed them that “things issue a proclamation), and then the community’s “phenomenally rare of priorities. But if my letter alerted are different this year,” and that next bill through the Senate. And opportunity” to meet with the Pres- him about what’s been going on at a there would be a “different mix of Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois State every year we do well over ident each year, Mr. Manatos ex- lower level, then it has served its people” at this year’s ceremony. Treasurer. $500,000 worth of work on issues plained, and the event should be purpose,” he said. “I don’t know. I’d have to talk to pertaining to Cyprus, the Ecumeni- appreciated for what it really is: a “I want to stress that AHEPA re- Endy about that,” Mr. Giannoulias Only four state elected officials cal Patriarchate and other national Presidential recognition that alizes this is not an event that said. “But let me just say this. I have were invited: Assemblyman Mike issues. We don’t get paid to do Greece is the birthplace of democ- should be taken for granted, and a lot of respect for AHEPA, and I al- Gianaris of New York, State Repre- that,” he said. racy; that Greece was able to, that it’s an honor for the President so appreciate the White House’s sentative Demetrios Giannaros of “The President has many things against all odds, overcome Ot- of the United States to recognize its outreach to our community for the Connecticut, State Senator that he signs. To get him to sign this toman tyranny and regain its free- significance each year. Based on 25th of March. Outside of that – Leonidas Raptakis of Rhode Island and invite people to the signing is a dom; and that an annual meeting Hellenic principles and what this quibbling about who got invited and Mr. Giannoulias. careful orchestration of the most with the President is an honor. country stands for, we share the and who didn’t – I think we should As for the invitation list itself, powerful people in Washington and He also said the relation be- same ideals not only of the Ancient appreciate the White House’s ef- Mr. Manatos said CEH and the around the country. Father Alex tween meetings with the President Greeks, but the ideals of all those forts. And if AHEPA feels slighted in Archdiocese make their recommen- Karloutsos is a master at this, and once a year and asking for policy who fought for independence from any respect, I’m sure that was no dations to the White House, and works with us. Father Alex is very changes must be alluded to lightly. tyranny. So it’s an important sym- one’s intention.” the White House finalizes the list much involved in the process. “That’s an extremely important bolic commemoration, and it’s very Asked to confirm whether he ad- and issues the official invitations. There’s no question that he plays a point that needs to be made. The nice that our new President has vises President Obama, with whom But CEH declined to furnish the very major role in public policy in Turkish Lobby is spending millions elected to continue what is now a he has occasionally played basket- list, confirming only that it recom- Washington,” he said. and millions a year, much more tradition each year on March 25th,” ball, on Hellenic issues, Mr. Gian- mended two invitations for AHEPA Rev. Karloutsos denied playing a than our community does. And if he said. noulias said, “No. I’m not advising and three for the American Hel- major role in public policy, but told they realize the policy benefits we “I was ultimately invited out of Andrew Athens, Chairman, Coor- the President on Hellenic issues. lenic Institute, so the Herald ob- the Herald he represents the Arch- get from meeting with the Presi- protocol. But they never imagined dinated Effort of Hellenes. We’ve got a Secretary of State and a tained the list from the White diocese for the community’s politi- dent each year, they will put money someone would say, ‘I’m not com- State Department for that.” House (for the full list of 154 cal affairs and confirmed that he toward undermining and prevent- ing.’ I mean, who’s going to turn “But again, my consternation is CEH VIEW names, visit the web at www.then- has “something to do with the (in- ing that, and with enough counter- down a White House invitation? with the Public Liaison’s Office, and For the CEH view on AHEPA’s ationalherald.com). vitation) list.” He also said the activity, they will cut off that annu- Had I gone and complained after- the fact that they didn’t cooperate complaint, the Herald contacted Shin Inouye, White House Di- Archdiocese underwrites the event al meeting, and we will lose it,” he wards, people would say, ‘What are with AHEPA more fully. We reached CEH President Andrew Manatos, rector of Specialty Media, said the each year with the help of various warned. you talking about? You were there.’ out to them. We offered our re- But it’s not about me. It’s not about sources and anything we could do one person. It’s about what’s right to assist them. I think they could and what’s wrong. And we’ve got to have at least reached back to us change how this event is being han- more fully than they did, instead of dled,” he said. listening to just a few individuals A QUICK HISTORY “The issue is that our communi- about a community as diverse as ty’s largest civic organization, ours,” he said. OF MODERN GREECE which typically seats 8-12 people at “If some people claim to be gate- this event each year, received only keepers, and they’re informing the by Anthone C. Colovas one invitation at the last minute, White House who in the Greek and had to haggle for another American community needs to be at three. We’ve never been treated this event, why they wouldn’t tell that way. We attempted to contact them about AHEPA is baffling. We the White House Public Liaison’s have thousands of members and Office, but I didn’t get my invitation 400 chapters across the country. We An easy-to-read until 10:30 the night before the were commemorated by resolution event, and was informed that we of Congress on our 85th anniver- book that tells had to wait for the other three. sary only two years ago. No other Based on that, I decided that, since Greek American organization has Greece's remarkable the invitations for the presidents of earned that recognition. We’re our junior auxiliaries weren’t con- working with the State Department story from the start firmed, it was my duty as president on issues affecting both Greece and of AHEPA not to attend because I Greek Americans – getting Greece of its War thought they should be there with included in the Visa Waiver Pro- me; hence, my letter to the Presi- gram, for example – and we worked of Independence dent,” he said. with Italian Americans to get a Con- “It’s very puzzling to me that a gressional Medal of Honor awarded in 1821 through service-oriented, grassroots organi- posthumously to Constantino Bru- Expand zation like AHEPA, which is so midi for his art in the U.S. Capitol. American in its makeup – and We work with the House Hellenic the year 2007 which maintains the same values, Caucus. This is AHEPA’s work, and your mind... vision and ideals upheld by the for us to be so marginalized as to es- President himself when he was a sentially be excluded is very disap- community organizer in Chicago – pointing,” he said. The National Herald Bookstore TO ORDER: Call Publish America at 1-301-695-1707 would be overlooked like that. It’s “There’s no doubt that wider TO ORDER ONLINE: www.publishamerica.com unfathomable,” he said. representation of the community is (718) 784-5255 “I just can’t tell you how dumb- in order for an event like this. Greek [email protected] www.amazon.com • www.barnesandnoble.com founded I was that we couldn’t be Independence Day is celebrated 6 BOOKS THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 4, 2009

BIBLIA: A BOOK REVIEW COLUMN Mars Hill to Manhattan: Greek Orthodox in America Under Athenagoras I

Continued from page 1 does a position supposedly condi- the most critical period in US for- tential autocephaly for a unified tioned by inexorable strategic ne- eign policy history. Under President American Orthodox Church. with Ankara, at least since the ad- cessities and structural pressures. Harry Truman, the containment With clarity and detail, Pa- ministration of Richard Nixon and Indeed, before the US became, for doctrine against communism—in- paioannou relates the story of the foreign policy of Henry all practical purposes, the sub- augurated in Greece in 1947— Athenagoras’ extraordinary leader- Kissinger. servient partner in the Washington- emerged as the defining paradigm ship of the Greek Orthodox in Amer- The weight of these arguments Ankara axis, American policymak- governing the US’ role in the world. ica. Athenagoras was elected Arch- is magnified by the inability of ers did not view respect for the le- Containment defined Washington’s bishop of the Greek Orthodox Arch- Washington’s official rhetoric about gal rights of the Patriarchate and priorities, determined its interna- diocese of North and South America democracy, freedom, and the rule Orthodox Christians, as well as tional relationships, and dictated by the Holy Synod of the Ecumeni- of law to sustain its importance Turkey’s other obligations under in- its actions abroad. cal Patriarchate of Constantinople against authoritarian Turkey’s ternational law, as incompatible Often underappreciated by in August 1930. Ending seven years imagined strategic value in the eyes with the maintenance of a produc- many historians is the fact that con- of innovative, highly accomplished of wishful American policymakers. tive bilateral alliance. tainment under Truman, as well as work as Bishop of Corfu, the 46- Furthermore, the ascendancy of so- There was a time, in fact, when Presidents Eisenhower and year-old Athenagoras arrived in phisticated and well-financed Turk- the Patriarchate of Constantino- Kennedy, had a strong religious di- New York on February 24, 1931. A ish networks of influence and lob- ple—its preservation, well-being, mension, which operated in two man of humble origin, born an Ot- bying in Washington and beyond and promotion of influence—was ways. First, it helped define the toman subject on March 25, 1886, has contributed significantly to the seen by American presidents as im- lines of the global struggle against near Ioannina, a gifted graduate of concretization of this contradiction portant to US interests. Indeed, communism by dividing the world Halki in 1910, and one of the in American foreign policy. In short, American policymakers have in the into moral, God-loving nations to Church of Greece’s most progressive in imitation of other powerful, past regarded the Patriarchate as a be led by the US, and the forces of and popular bishops, Archbishop well-organized lobbies, Ankara valuable global asset, rather than atheism and irreligion controlled Athenagoras now faced a Herculean has—by careful, methodical pene- some parochial, arcane preoccupa- by the Godless Soviet Union. Sec- task. ond, religion provided a valuable Athenagoras had to restore unity instrument in containing the ex- and bring about reconciliation to an pansion of communism while en- immigrant community wracked by couraging the internal collapse of factionalism and discord produced the Soviet Union. Indeed, Truman by the Royalist-Venizelist schism in saw religion as a powerful tool to Greece. The dysfunctional state of undermine faith in the Soviet sys- disaggregated authority exercised tem and to bring about its eventual by essentially autonomous bishops downfall. that divided the country into dioce- Because the dominant religion san fiefdoms had to be ended and in the Soviet Union and much of replaced by a centralized archdioce- the East Bloc was Orthodox Chris- Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope John Paul II embrace, san administration. Athenagoras tianity, the American foreign policy something that may not have happened if not for Athenagoras. would have to neutralize a sepa- establishment developed for the ratist movement launched by a first time an active interest in the throughout the Middle East. As a re- was the basis for the book, From rogue, defrocked priest—Christo- Orthodox Churches of Europe and sult, Washington viewed the Patriar- Mars Hill to Manhattan: The Greek pher Kontogeorge of Lowell, Massa- the Eastern Mediterranean. How- chate of Constantinople as an im- Orthodox in America under chusetts—who declared himself ever, since the Orthodox Church in portant counterweight—given its Athenagoras I. Papaioannou’s re- head of his own independent “Arch- Russia was captive to the Soviet revered position among the other search was motivated by the dearth diocese of America and Canada, state, Truman necessarily had to three ancient ecclesiastical sees of of serious, critical scholarship on Inc.” A uniform system of parish look elsewhere to enlist Orthodoxy Alexandria, Antioch, and Athenagoras, whom Papaioannou regulations had to be created. Cohe- in his plans for a pan-religious Jerusalem—against radicalization regards as “in reality the founder of sion had to be brought to clergy- coalition against communism, an in the Arab lands. Eisenhower’s for- the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in laity relations and representative effort that actually went beyond eign policy valued and deliberately North and South America” (p. 15). structures that were anarchic and the rhetorical level to the opera- emphasized the ecumenical status This thorough, well-documented inconsistent. Athenagoras needed tional level with the participation of the Patriarchate of Constantino- volume is divided into six chapters. to address the unique and complex of the Anglican Church and the Vat- ple—as the first ecclesiastical see The first chapter indentifies the pur- social, as well the religious, needs of Patriarch Athenagoras and Pope Paul VI ican by late 1947. among equals, enjoying spiritual pose of the study and places the second-generation Greek Ameri- It is remarkable, and perhaps in- aegis over all Orthodox Churches— book in the context of the extant lit- cans, largely misunderstood or ig- tration of the American political tion of Greek Americans and an an- triguing, that at the very same time as a means to foil Moscow’s politi- erature on Athenagoras, Orthodoxy nored by his predecessors. Finally, it system, academic space, media, noying distraction in US-Turkish the Ecumenical Patriarchate of cally-driven efforts to project the in America, and the issue of ecclesi- was imperative that financial stabil- and military-industrial interests— relations. This view of the Patriar- Constantinople became the center- Church of Russia as a global rival to astical autocephaly in the New ity, budgetary standardization, and erected countervailing pressures chate as a unique potential re- piece of Truman’s plan to bring the Constantinople. World. While the second chapter ex- transparency be established in an against any likely attempts to chal- source for American interests— Orthodox world into his pan-reli- It is remarkable that in today’s plores Greek immigration and the archdiocese—in the midst of the lenge or reform the nature of the one that paradoxically could en- gious coalition a US citizen became post-Cold War landscape some of emergence of Orthodox communi- Great Depression—beset by sub- current relationship Turkey enjoys hance Turkey’s global position— patriarch. On November 1, 1948, these same issues, but now in differ- ties in America, the third chapter stantial indebtedness and fiscal mis- with the US. Of course, the most re- has, however, been steadily eroded the Archbishop of the Greek Ortho- ent and more complex incarnations, discusses Athenagoras’ early life management. cent example of Turkey’s success in and undercut by Ankara’s own dox Archdiocese of North and continue to challenge US foreign and service in the Orthodox Church The rare combination of intel- building influence for itself in shortsighted actions, an attitude South America, Athenagoras, was policy in the Eastern Mediterranean of Greece. The fourth chapter, the lect, charisma, vision, and energy Washington is evidenced by the re- born of Kemalism’s official intoler- elected Ecumenical Patriarch of and Russia. Nonetheless, it appears book’s focal point, examines that characterized Athenagoras’ treat of the Obama administration ance of cultural and social plural- Constantinople by the Church’s that effective responses to these Athenagoras’ role as archbishop personality and leadership lay at the in the face of Turkish objections to ism. Holy Synod in Istanbul. A longtime problems are more illusive than from 1931 to 1948. Athenagoras’ center of his ability to marshal the the president’s originally planned Recently declassified State De- personal friend of President ever, a condition that could be miti- many accomplishments in institu- Greek American community’s hu- visit to the Patriarchate. partment documents reveal a fasci- Franklin Roosevelt, and someone gated if Washington were willing to tion-building and civic and inter- man capital and potential to collec- In the final analysis, Washing- nating story, an alternative narra- who had also forged a close rela- recognize the important interna- faith relations are highlighted in the tively overcome all of these extraor- ton’s deference, if not outright ser- tive, of American interest in, and tionship with President Truman, tional, constructive role the Ecu- fifth chapter. The sixth chapter as- dinary challenges. Furthermore, vility, towards Ankara also repre- engagement with, the Patriarchate Athenagoras’ candidacy for patri- menical Patriarchate of Constan- sesses the influence of Athenagoras Athenagoras’ informed, sophisticat- sents a policy choice as much as it of Constantinople during perhaps arch had enjoyed the active sup- tinople has played in the past and, if as Ecumenical Patriarch, from 1948 ed approach to the world outside port, and some new evidence sug- freed from persecution, could play until his death in 1972, on the af- the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese gests possible involvement, of the in the future. fairs of his former archdiocese in enabled him to reap from the larger Truman administration. In a June 1949 communication to State Department officer Myron Stay informed all year round, Taylor (the senior US diplomat who, while officially serving as the president’s representative to the anytime, anywhere in the world Vatican, was actually responsible for coordinating the secret anti- communist pan-religious coalition in Europe and the Middle East), Become an online subscriber Truman singled out Patriarch Athenagoras I for special praise: “It of The National Herald and get... is well that the forces of Christiani- ty and democracy have such a staunch advocate and defender as he. He is indeed in a position to ex- ercise great influence in his exalted station in Istanbul.” One of the most popular vi- gnettes in Greek American history that speaks to the sometimes com- plete disconnection between endur- ing myths and accurate historical understanding relates to the end of Athenagoras’ tenure as archbishop in the Americas and the beginning The Library at Holy Cross School of Theology. of his primacy as patriarch in Con- stantinople. In January 1949, The nature and scope of the rela- America. In the book’s final chapter, mainstream networks of American Athengaros was flown to Istanbul tionship between the Patriarchate Papaioannou presents a concise power and influence enormous ben- aboard Truman’s presidential air- under Athenagoras and Washington summary and thoughtful analysis of efits for the Archdiocese, its mem- plane to assume his position as pa- during the early Cold War and be- Athenagoras’ exceedingly distin- bers, and their interests. Specifical- triarch. Despite the popular, almost yond is an important history that guished record of ecclesiastical ly, because Athenagoras took seri- ONLY* folkloric, account and interpreta- has yet to be written. Fortunately, leadership and his remarkable con- ously, and understood, American so- tion of this event, Truman’s extraor- however, we have in print for more tributions to the development of the ciety, public institutions, and poli- dinary gesture was not a function of than three decades an extraordinary Greek Orthodox Church in Greek tics, he was able to situate the inter- $34.95 his sentimentality or respect for study of Athenagoras in the years American life. ests of the Greek Orthodox commu- a Year! Athenagoras, both of which, inci- before his ascendancy to the Patriar- Papaioannou’s study makes it nity, Greece, and the Patriarchate in dentally, were genuine. chate. In From Mars Hill to Manhat- clear that virtually every successful the framework of American nation- Instead, this was a measured ac- tan: The Greek Orthodox in America institution or program associated al interests and values—a mark of tion taken by a president who under Athenagoras I, George Pa- with the Greek Orthodox Archdio- incredible acumen. ☛ viewed Athenagoras and the Patri- paioannou presents the definitive cese was created or inspired by Obviously, Athenagoras cannot daily updates with news covering archate as influential and crucial al- history of Athenagoras’ tenure as Athenagoras. The archbishop’s be credited with resolving perma- the community, Greece and Cyprus. lies in the furtherance of US interna- Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox many achievements included, nently all of the Church’s problems tional interests and humanitarian Archdiocese of North and South among other things, the establish- in America. Yet, it is difficult to ☛ values. Truman’s unprecedented America. ment of the Holy Cross School of imagine the survival of the Greek immediate access to our previous display of presidential goodwill was The late George Papaioannou Theology, Saint Basil’s Academy, the Orthodox Archdiocese, as well as editions. not intended merely as a personal was a scholar and clergyman of the Women’s Philoptochos Society, the what form and path the Greek- expression of mutual friendship and Orthodox Church in Diaspora. After archdiocesan administrative office American community would have ☛ regard, but as a clear indication of graduating from the Patriarchal and archive in Manhattan, the con- taken, without his intervention and edification that his expectation of mutual coopera- Theological School of Halki in 1957, stitution of the archdiocese, uni- stewardship. Ultimately, perhaps, every Greek American should have! tion and support between Washing- he was ordained and subsequently form parish by-laws, the guidelines Athenagoras’ greatest legacy as ton and the Phanar in the world served Greek Orthodox churches in for the archdiocese’s religious edu- archbishop is to be found in his de- struggle against communism—a Turkey, Canada, and New Hamp- cation and Greek-language curricu- velopment of a community and in- strong message Truman also want- shire. From 1971 to 1998 he took up la, and the clergy pension fund. stitutional edifice strong enough, at ed to send to both Ankara and the pastorate of the parish of St. Athenagoras also moved Ortho- least heretofore, to withstand the Visit us online at Moscow. George Greek Orthodox Church in doxy forward into the public sphere. resurgence of many of the same Truman’s successor, President Bethesda, Maryland. In 1998, Fr. After enlisting the support of hierar- pressures and dysfunctions that Dwight Eisenhower, also often em- Papaioannou was elected by the chs from other Orthodox jurisdic- plagued the Church in America be- www.thenationalherald.com phasized the pro-American convic- Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patri- tions, Athenagoras led a successful fore Athenagoras’ arrival. There is tions of Patriarch Athenagoras and archate of Constantinople as an campaign to secure official govern- not a more well-researched, com- or call us: 718-784-5255 ext.108 the importance and influence of the auxiliary bishop, the first widowed ment recognition of Orthodoxy. As a prehensive, and fascinating study Ecumenical Patriarchate, along with priest to be ordained to the episco- result, Orthodoxy was extended the that enables us to evaluate and the Orthodox community in the US, pacy in the Greek Orthodox Arch- same legal status under Religious learn from Athenagoras’ singular as vital to the furtherance of Ameri- diocese of America. Bishop George Corporation Law as that of the record than George Papaioannou’s *The price indicated above is for current subscribers. can foreign policy interests. Like died a year later, leaving behind a Protestant, Roman Catholic, and invaluable book, From Mars Hill to Regular price is $45.95/year. Truman, Eisenhower saw the Patri- legacy of successful parish min- Jewish faiths. To invoke the lan- Manhattan: The Greek Orthodox in Alternative for current subscribers is per 3 months archate in general, and Athenagoras istries, community service, and sev- guage of the New York State Legisla- America under Athenagoras I. $14.95, per 6 months $23.95 specifically, as crucial to bolstering eral important scholarly contribu- ture, where Athenagoras’ national the pro-Western resolve of both tions to the fields of Greek-Ameri- effort began, the Orthodox Church Alexandros K. Kyrou is Associate Greece and Turkey. can studies and Orthodox Church was officially recognized in 1943 Professor of History at Salem The Eisenhower administration history. “as a major Faith in the United State College in Salem, Massa- WR The National Herald was especially alarmed by the ap- In 1976, Papaioannou complet- States” (p. 174). That same year, chusetts, where he teaches on Από το 1915 για τον Ελληνισµό Bringing the news to generations of Greek Americans parent inroads Moscow was making ed his doctorate in Theology at Athenagoras initiated the first mul- the Balkans, Byzantium, and the with Orthodox populations Boston University. His dissertation ti-jurisdictional deliberations on po- Ottoman Empire. THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 4, 2009 FEATURE 7

ALL HISTORY Smart Money: Greek American Mythic Figures

Continued from page 1 duction exist in large and small original audience’s complex associ- newspapers across the nation. “The ations with Greeks and gambling. Money is a tad slow for our modern Racket,” was written by former To my knowledge no oral history tastes. Yet Robinson, Cagney and Chicago Daily News police reporter accounts or any other community their more than able cohorts offer Bartlett Cormack, who’s tightly recollections are publicly available fine performances on par with the conceived “events take place over that speak of the small scale but ex- best Hollywood films this era has to the course of 18 hours in a police tremely wide spread direct involve- offer. station on the outskirts of Chicago ment of Greek immigrants in Amer- As Smart Money was being (New York Times November 25, ican gambling. filmed at Warner Brother’s studios, 1987).” After loosing his initial bankroll Jimmy Cagney, who appears as After appearing on Broadway to crooked players Nick Venizelos is Jack, another barber in Venizelos’ and Washington DC, “The Racket,” backed by local Greek businessmen shop, was simultaneously being was scheduled to open in Chicago. who lend him $10,000 expressly to filmed in Public Enemy. During the But since, “The Racket,” was “an get a percentage of his expected filming of Smart Money Cagney, exposé of tie-ups between gang- profits. That Venizelos does not dis- was not a well-known actor. Smart land and State’s Attorney’s office, appoint his Greek immigrant back- Money was released just three [if] brought to Chicago, State’s At- ers is not simply a story ploy. News- months before Public Enemy. With torney Crowe will take steps paper headlines from the 1920s the explosive popularity of Public against the play and those produc- and 1930s directly deal with this Enemy not only was Jimmy ing it, as a reflection upon his office kind of high stakes Greek players as Cagney’s future career assured but (New York Times January 5, well as Greek gambling cartels. the advertising for Smart Money 1928).” So, the theatre production During the 1920s and 1930s, changed as well. As Public Enemy’s troupe for “The Racket” traveled on Nick (The Greek) Dandolas and notoriety grew so did mention of to Los Angeles where it met great Nick Zographos (d. 1953) interna- Jimmy Cagney in Smart Money’s critical and popular success. Robin- tionally recognized casino gambler theatrical billing, reviews and ad- son’s dynamic performance in this were in their prime. Zographos was vertising. theatrical production led to his also the acknowledged leader of Accepted wisdom has it that Warner Brothers contract. the ‘Syndicate’ a group of high-end three films all released within It was the financial and critical European casino gamblers. It is months of each other Little Caesar success of The Racket (1928), (it Released on July 11, 1931, Smart said that Ian Fleming based James (1931), Public Enemy (1931) and was nominated for Best Picture Money starred Edward G. Robin- Bond’s style and mannerisms at the Scarface: the Shame of a Nation during the first Academy Awards) son as Nick Venizelos, a small- baccarat table on Nicky Zographos. (1932) established the Hollywood that various scholars attest led to town Greek barber and local Right after World War I, Basil Za- mobster genre. On its release, cycle that produced Little Caesar, gambler. The film co-starred haroff (1849-1936) Greek multi- Smart Money was an immediate hit Public Enemy and Scarface. Ed- James Cagney as Venizelos’ millionaire purchased the failing with “a big run in presentation ward G. Robinson did not reprise brother, Jack. Société des Bains de Mer which ran about the big circuits. It is said not his role in the film version of The Monte Carlo’s famed casino. Za- to be the typical gang film and one haroff not only made the casino in which Robinson shows even profitable again he interceded with more genius than was claimed for Georges Clemenceau, the French him in his initial starring offering prime minister to ensure that the (Monitor-Index and Democrat July Treaty of Versailles upheld Mona- 18, 1931).” While Smart Money co’s existence. was frequently advertised as “not a The average American’s recog- gangster show” this early talking nition of the Greek casino gamblers movie did deal with illegal gam- of Paris and Monaco can also be bling, the illicit sale of alcohol (it easily judged by the appearance of was Prohibition, after all), and three Greek Syndicate gamblers in since Venizelos came to own a yet another Hollywood block- speakeasy/casino it was (as be- buster, Flying Down to Rio (1933). came so famous with Al Capone’s While this acclaimed Fred Astaire conviction) a business guilty of not and Ginger Rodgers dance extrava- paying income taxes. Today, Smart ganza has various subplots and odd Money is a recognized classic of the comedic characters the every fact Warner Brothers series of gangster that the three sophisticated Greek movies. gamblers appear without a great Smart Money is a cult classic for deal of explanation stresses how a variety of reasons. To begin with the average American of the 1930s Smart Money is the only film where already knew of this gambling col- Robinson and Cagney ever appear lective. Maurice Black, as it so hap- together. Equally significant, Smart pens, plays one of these Syndicate Money is one of the early talking Racket. ber of character actors such as gamblers. movies completed before the full Robinson did appear in the cine- Maurice Black (who portrays one of Once we begin to realize that enforcement of the Hays Code (also matic thriller, Night Ride (1930) as the Greek barbers in Venizelos’ Greek immigrants as local small popularly known as the Production “Tony Garotta a bootlegger.” In an shop) or Paul Porcasi (who appears time gamblers were recognizable to Code) went into effect. Therefore, array of newspaper reviews for as ‘Mr. Amenoppopolus’) had long the average American we ‘see’ Nick Smart Money includes scenes, Night Ride Robinson is rightly laud- careers on vaudeville, radio, the- Venizelos in Smart Money in a themes and dialogue that would ed for his acting but then incorrect- atre and Hollywood playing ken wop-English. Aside from the Two examples of this ‘street pat- much different light. later be outlawed by this censor- ly identified ethnically: “No finer Greeks, Mexicans, Arabs whoever obvious racism this exchange is es- ter’ exchanges include Irene Gra- With persons such as Nick Dan- ship board. Given that Smart Mon- characterization of a big-city gang- as the available part required. pecially striking because during its ham (actress Margaret Livingston) dolas, Nick Zographos and Basil Za- ey never received Hays Code ap- ster has been seen on the screen Interestingly this fact is not lost initial release and most certainly as as she asks: “Who’ll give me a half haroff frequently the subject of proval this film was rarely, if ever, than that given by Edward G. on the commentary between film cult film Smart Money is always dollar for my hand?” Nick ‘The Bar- newspaper feature articles on high- shown after its initial release. This Robinson in the part of “Garotta.” historians Alain Silvers and James credited for it use of clever dia- ber’ answers: “Uh, I wouldn’t give a end and international casino gam- fact alone gives added historical Robinson is perfection. He was im- Ursini who specifically bring up the logue. nickel for your whole body.” Or bling the point-of-view of the origi- and artistic value to Smart Money ported from New York for the role racism against Greek-Americans While screen credits for Smart when Nick throws, local pimp and nal viewing audience alters yet in its new re-mastered DVD format. after his remarkable performance evident in the film. One of the most Money for story and screenplay are hop-head Sport (played by Boris again. In trying to understand the as the Greek gunman in the stage valuable aspects of the digital re- given to Kubec Glasmon and John Karloff just before his career took As we come to understand the wider cultural framework in which production of “The Racket” (Apple- lease Smart Money are the com- Bright it was the writing team of off in Frankenstein released on No- complex caricatures and real-life the American audiences first ton Post-Crescent February 18, ments and observations between Lucien Hubbard and Joseph Jack- vember 21, 1931) out of a dice Greek gamblers of the 1920s and viewed Smart Money we have to 1930; see also Moberly Monitor-In- Silver and Ursini that set this pic- son who are credited with original game: “Come on! Breeze, and as 1930s the Hollywood portrayals of consider a number of period specif- dex February 14, 1930; Helena Dai- ture’s actions and character attrib- story and additional dialogue. All you go out, take the welcome sign persons and events offered in ic issues. ly Independent April 23, 1930; utes within the broader context of sources agree that these verbal ex- off!” Certainly part of the enduring Smart Money gain in complexity The Broadway melodrama “The New York Times May 31, 1931). early American film. changes between idealized street appeal of many of these exchanges not only from our point of view but Racket” opened on November 22, One sign of passive-aggressive Edward G. Robinson never types were greatly appreciated by is that they are in fact not speaking how this film must have appeared 1927 and closed sometime in racism was for WASPs to assert that speaks a word of Greek in Smart those who first saw this film. This simply American street slang but to early Greek immigrants all March 1928 for a total of 119 per- they could never really tell the dif- Money nor does any other Greek can also be seen by the fact that rather the stylized film-lingo of across America. formances. Edward G. Robinson ference between Greeks, Italians character. Robinson and another Hubbard and Jackson were nomi- every gangster-type heard ever af- played Nick Scarsi a big-city gang- and assorted other newly arrived Greek barber, played by Maurice nated for the 1931 Academy ter. Readers interested in contacting ster. The play was a sensation and foreigners. As an unintended con- Black, do have two exchanges Awards for ‘Best Writing, Original What does get lost in Smart Mr. Frangos are welcome to e-mail many reviews for this traveling pro- sequence of this ‘confusion’ a num- where they speak in a sort of a bro- Story.’ Money when viewed today is the him at [email protected] Ancient Greek Suspended Indefinitely by University of Illinois at Chicago

Continued from page 1 and to other administrators at the UIC more than one million dollars cal Greek at UIC would cut off the university. At the bottom of the letter for the establishment of a Chair in endowed Chair in Modern Greek portance of the Classics and they is a box to submit a name and e-mail Modern Greek in the Department of from its roots. must continue for the good of the address. Once the user enters this in- Classics, and continues to support We very strongly urge you to re- university. formation, a copy of the e-mail is scholarships, symposia and confer- call this decision, which would in- “If the Greek and Latin majors are sent to the Dean. ences at the University. We are very evitably lead to the dismantling of suspended,” she told the Chicago Below is the whole letter from the disappointed by the response of the Classics at the largest public Univer- Flame newspaper. “The entire Clas- website. University to the support of our sity in the Metropolitan Chicago sics Department will wither away. “We are very troubled by the re- Community, and we are very con- area, would gravely jeopardize the No serious scholar will ever want to cently announced decision of your cerned about the future of the Mod- future of the Modern Greek Studies come to UIC to teach high-school office to suspend the majors in An- ern Greek Studies program at UIC. Program at the University, and level mythology and literature class- cient Greek and Latin and suspend Modern Greek language and culture would critically diminish the quality es. Teaching Greek authors in the the teaching of Ancient Greek. An- are the continuation of ancient of education provided to our chil- original is a way for faculty and stu- cient Greek and Latin are the foun- Greek and the suspension of Classi- dren and the generations to come.” dents to maintain high-level perfor- dations of the education in the Hu- mance at UIC which aspires to be a manities and of our civilization. world-class university. We wish to There is no major university in maintain a serious profile in the in- America where Greek and Latin are ternational community to which we not taught. belong and by which we are highly It was announced that this deci- D O N ’ T M I S S esteemed.” sion is being motivated by budgetary The Dean’s Office did not return concerns, although since 1981 up- calls to comment. per-level Ancient Greek and Latin The Greek American has begun a courses have been taught as free Our annual few different initiatives by the Greek Above, from left, Professor Nanno Marinatos, with students Sebastian overloads by the faculty in the De- American community to raise aware- Anderson and Paul Fleck inside the Knossos Throne Room. Below: partment of Classics, and hence, lit- ness to save the Classics. Performance of the “Apology” with Yannis Simonides as Socrates. tle money is to be saved if this deci- The Classics department spon- sion is implemented. Easter Special sored “The Apology of Socrates,” a Of the current pool of majors in one-man play by Yiannis Simonides, Classics at UIC, 30% are majoring in with the financial help of the Greek Ancient Greek. They are top students community. The event will took with aspirations to attend graduate place on March 30. programs and professional schools, Other initiatives include re- and the department has never had a designing the department website, more talented and diverse pool of posting flyers to advertise the cours- majors. The latest review committee APRIL 18, 2009 es, creating a logo, and soliciting for the Department of Classics ex- sponsorships from businesses in the pressed the outmost praise for an- Greek American community. cient Greek and Latin at UIC, and SAVE THE CLASSICS recommended to build upon the ex- A website created by the Greek cellence of the current faculty and American community allows anyone course offerings by giving the de- to sign a letter directed to Dean partment a replacement for the one McBride asking him to change his and a half positions in Ancient Greek mind. The website (www.savethe- that the Department has lost through Members of the community who wish to send an Easter greeting classics.org) is an easy way for any- attrition. are welcome to place an ad. one to show their support for the UIC is the University with the To advertise or to obtain rates: Classics Department at UIC. largest Greek-American student pop- tel: (718) 784-5255 ext. 101, The website shows a copy of the ulation. The Greek-American Com- e-mail: [email protected] letter addressed to Dean McBride munity of Chicago has donated to 8 OBITUARIES CLASSIFIEDS THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 4, 2009

DEATHS

■ BOZIOS, CONSTANTINA the memory of Father Dennis may Craig Johnson and his wife, Maria, was a member of its first graduating and Enterprise reported that and many nieces and nephews. The CLIFTON, N.J. – The Record and be made to the St. George Greek of Weirs Beach and Steven Johnson class of 1968. He completed college Antigone (Geas) Xarras, passed funeral was held on March 23 at Herald News reported that Con- Orthodox Church, (808 North of Gilford; two grandchildren, Kyle at Virginia Military Institute in Lex- awat peacefully in her home in Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox stantina (Giannopoulos) Bozios, Hamilton Street, High Point, NC Johnson and Tyler Johnson; and a ington, where he graduated as the Lunenburg, on Thursday, March 19, Church in Fitchburg. Burial was at 58, passed away on Saturday, 27262) or to the Annunciation sister, Litsa Copadis of Cape Eliza- valedictorian of his class in 1972, 2009, surrounded by her children. North Cemetery in Lunenburg. March 28, 2009. She was born on Greek Orthodox Church, (435 Keat- beth, Maine and Laconia. The fu- winning the Jackson Medal for She was 88 years old. She was born Memorial donations to Holy Trinity July 19, 1950 in Veligosti, Mega- ing Drive, Winston-Salem, NC, neral was held on March 21 at Taxi- highest academic achievement. He on July 13, 1920, in Clinton, MA, Greek Orthodox Church (1319 lopolis, Greece to the late Panayio- 27104). archai Greek Orthodox Church in attended medical school at the Uni- the daughter of George and Kather- Main St., Fitchburg, MA 01420). tis and Evgenia. She married in Laconia. Memorial donations to versity of Alabama School of Medi- ine (Karagusis) Geas. She was pre- 1969 and resided in Vouno-Tegea, ■ GOUMENIS, ATHENA Shriners Hospital for Children, cine, graduating in 1975. After ceded in death by her loving hus- ■ ZIOGAS, ANGELINE Tripoli before coming to the United NORFOLK, Va. – The Virginian Pilot (Boston Burns Unit 51 Blossom completing his Internal Medicine band of 62 years, Forteos H. Xarras, LOWELL, Mass. – The Lowell Sun States in 1976, where she resided in reported that Athena Elliadis Street, Boston, Mass. 02114). internship at the University of Mis- in December of 2005, her two sis- reported that Angeline (Korbas) Garfield ever since. She is survived Goumenis, 87, passed away on Sat- sissippi Medical Center in Jackson, ters, Helen Snopley and Alexandra Ziogas, 86, formerly of Lowell, by her devoted husband of 39 urday, March 28, 2009, in Chesa- ■ LALLAS, JOHN he returned to Birmingham as an Harvey; as well as her only brother, passed away on Thursday, March years, Evangelos, her beloved peake. She was born Feb. 11, 1922, BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Obstetrics and Gynecology resident John Geas. Mrs. Xarras attended 12, at her daughter's home, after a daughter Anthoula and her beloved in Asia Minor and was the daughter Bellingham Herald reported that at UAB until 1977. His residency Catherine Gibbs School in Boston, lengthy battle with cancer. Angie son Christos. In Greece, she is sur- of the late Ernest and Kalliope El- John T. Lallas passed away peace- was interrupted by active military and lived in the city until she was was born August 21, 1922 in Low- vived by her brother Athanasios liadis of Jersey City, N.J. She was fully surrounded by his family at service in the U.S. Army from 1977 married in 1943. She was a lifelong ell, Massachusetts, a daughter of and her sister Sofia as well as nu- predeceased by her husband, The home on March 19, 2009. He was through 1979, where he served as a member of the Holy Trinity Greek the late George and Mary (Liak- merous nieces and nephews. She Very Rev. Charles Goumenis and born in Bellingham on June 27, flight surgeon in Saudi Arabia and a Orthodox Church in Fitchburg, MA, oura) Korbas. A lifelong resident of was also the beloved sister to the her sister, Evelyn Elliadis Moriarty 1929 to Tom & Ester Lallas and general medical officer at the Pen- and lived in Lunenburg for 60 Lowell, Angie was educated late George and Dimitra, and the of Allen Hurst, N.J. In 1944 Athena spent his life as an active member of tagon in Washington, D.C. Follow- years. Antigone was an avid reader, through the Lowell schools and beloved aunt to the late Panayiotis. married her childhood sweetheart, the Bellingham community and St. ing completion of his military com- with a love of puzzles that she graduated from Lowell High From her husband's side of the fam- Father Charles Goumenis, follow- Sophia Greek Orthodox Church. mitment, he completed residency shared with her late husband. She School. She worked at Demoulas ily, she had a brother-in-law, Dim- ing his graduation from the semi- John attended Bellingham High training in internal medicine, loved gardening, music, knitting, Market Basket for over 20 years as a itrios of Clifton, and in Greece a sis- nary. After his ordination they School where he excelled in foot- served as Chief Medical Resident, baking and attending events that cashier up until her retirement. She ter-in-law Olga, nephews and served the Greek Orthodox Com- ball and baseball. Upon graduation, and completed a fellowship in pul- her children and grandchildren enjoyed spending time with her nieces, a late brother-in-law, munities of St. George Greek Or- he served in the U.S. Army from monary medicine at Georgetown were involved in. She worked with husband, children, and grandchil- George, a late sister-in-law, Vasiliki thodox Church in Oklahoma City, 1950-1953 during the Korean War. University Hospital in Washington, her husband for many years in his dren. Angie was a member of the and her late father-in-law, Christos Okla., St. Demetrius Greek Ortho- He received a Good Conduct Medal D.C. He entered private practice for business ventures. She also enjoyed Transfiguration Greek Orthodox and late mother-in-law, Anthoula. dox Church of Jersey City, N.J., St. and an honorable discharge in two years at the Washington Clinic taking care of her grandchildren, so Church in Lowell. She is survived She was a beautiful, compassion- George Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1953. John then joined forces with in Washington, D.C., then joined her kids could "go to work". by her loving husband of 54 years, ate, loving, and generous woman of Greenville, S.C., and the Annun- his younger brother George Lallas the faculty of Georgetown Universi- Antigone devoted her life to love Mr. Christos Ziogas; a daughter, who will be greatly missed. She was ciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral to own and operate the Royal Inn ty Hospital from 1986 - 1987. In and care for her husband and fami- Margo DiBenedetto and her hus- truly a special person who was of Norfolk, where they retired. She Restaurant which became a popu- 1987, he returned to Birmingham ly, and will truly be missed by all. band, Mark of Westford; a son, cherished greatly by her family and was a member of the Norfolk lar mainstay of downtown Belling- and joined Pulmonary Associates of She is survived by her children, Steven Ziogas and his wife, Michele loved by all who knew her. Her pas- Philoptochos Society and Hellenic ham over the next 30 years. In the Southeast, where he faithfully Michael F. Xarras, and his wife, of Pelham, N.H.; a sister, Pauline sions were cooking (she was a fabu- Woman's Club, and enjoyed baking 1958, he married Irene Hohlios worked until his death. He was a Karen of Winchendon, Katherine Korbas of Lowell; a brother, John lous cook) and working in her with the women of the church. In from Ogden, Utah and enjoyed rais- member of the clinical faculty of the Xarras Stone of Lunenburg, Joanne Korbas and his wife, Effie of Can- beautiful garden. Despite her nu- 1983, "Presbytera" Athena was cho- ing three children with her over the Internal Medicine Training Pro- Xarras of Mundelein, IL, Stephen F. ton; three grandchildren, Angela merous battles with medical issues, sen "Mother of the Year" by the next 50 years. John spent his free gram at the Baptist Healthcare Sys- Xarras, and his wife, Sharon, of and C.J. Ziogas, and Nicholas she always fought with courage and Philoptochos Society and in 1987 time hunting and fishing, and keep- tem. Dr. Pappas was also the med- Westminster, and James F. Xarras, DiBenedetto; also several nieces hope and for that her family was so she received the Saint Paul's Medal, ing his friends and family laughing. ical director of the Respiratory and his wife, Laurie, of Lunenburg. and nephews. Angie was the sister very proud of her. She devoted her the highest honor a lay person can He was full of energy - the last 10 Therapy Training Program at Vir- She is also survived by her grand- to the late Ernie Korbas. The funer- entire life unconditionally with love be awarded for work in the church years he spent his Saturdays at the ginia College in Birmingham. Dr. children whom she treasured, al was held on March 15 at Trans- to her family, which she adored, by Archbishop Iakovos. She dedi- Bellingham Farmers Marker mak- Pappas devoted his professional life Stephanie, Christina, Nicole, Ger- figuration Greek Orthodox Church and to her faith. She was a devoted cated her life to her husband, three ing gyros. He had a unique warmth to his patients and was a tremen- ald, Corinne, Nicholas, John, Emily, in Lowell. Memorial donations to wife and a loving mother who al- sons and their families and her and wit that we will all dearly miss. dously hard-working clinician, Alex, Alyssa, and Michael, and the Saints Medical Center Spindle ways did everything possible for church. Left to cherish her memory He is survived by his wife, Irene; teacher, and diagnostician. He will late Christopher M. Xarras. She also Fund, (155 Merrimack St. P.O. Box her children. Her children thank are three sons, Charles Goumenis children Tom Lallas, Magdalen be deeply missed by his friends, leaves eight great-grandchildren; 7075, Lowell, MA 01852). God for blessing them with such a and his wife Margaret Bryant Brown and Nick Lallas, all of family, colleagues, and especially wonderful, warm-hearted mother; Goumenis, Peter Goumenis and his Bellingham; sister Anna Rakus of his patients, who lovingly referred she was truly a precious gift. She wife JoAnna Gretes Goumenis and Seattle; brother George Lallas of to him as 'Dr. Lou'. His great loves loved America, which had become Ernest Goumenis, all of Chesa- Bellingham; sisters-in-law Alta Lal- were his children, to whom he was CLASSIFIEDS her home, yet she was a proud peake; five grandchildren and three las and Georgia Sentkowski of very devoted. He was a political Greek who always yearned for her great-grandchildren; and her sister, Bellingham and Venette Ward of and military history aficionado. He homeland. She was a faithful Greek Lila Elliadis Powers of Marietta, Ga. Ogden, UT; grandchildren John, was an avid outdoorsman and espe- HELP WANTED cover letter to 718-472-0510 or Orthodox Christian who loved the Her family and friends will always Maria, Nicolette, Michael, John, cially loved hiking and fishing in [email protected]. Lord with all her heart and had remember her as a loving, gener- and Justin; great-grandchildren the Grand Tetons and Glacier Na- Exciting opportunity for internet 111609/01 been a member of St. George Greek ous, mother, grandmother, wife Anna and Lena; and over 40 nieces tional Park. He recently developed ASSISTANT EDITOR to work for Orthodox Church in Clifton since and friend. The funeral was held on and nephews. The funeral was held an interest in international travel Greek American PUBLISHING FUNERAL HOMES 1976. Memorial donations to St. March 31 at the Annunciation on March 23 at St. Sophia Greek and the delivery of healthcare to COMPANY in New York. Should George and/or the American Can- Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Nor- Orthodox Church. Memorial dona- underserved populations. He was live and breath on-line publishing, CONSTANTINIDES cer Society. The funeral was held on folk. Memorial donations to The tions to St. Sophia Greek Orthodox an active member of the Holy Trini- be creative, and self motivated. A FUNERAL PARLOR Co. March 31 at St. George Greek Or- Greek Orthodox Ladies Philopto- Church. ty-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox working knowledge of Greek com- 405 91st Street thodox Church in Clifton. chos Society or Hellenic Woman's Cathedral. He was preceded in munity and Greek issues a plus. Bay Ridge - Brooklyn, NY 11209 Club at 7220 Granby St., Norfolk. ■ PAPPAS, JOHN death by his father, Steve L. Pappas. Will report directly to publisher. E- (718) 745-1010 ■ CAVANOS, DENNIS NASHUA, N.H. – The Nashua Tele- He is survived by his mother, Tasia mail to: publisher@thenation- Services in all localities - WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Win- ■ GRAMMATAS, ANAGNOSTI graph reported that John T. Pappas; G. Pappas; brother, Peter G. Pappas, aλherald.com Low cost shipping to Greece ston-Salem Journal reported that WARREN, Ohio — The Star Beacon 87, of Nashua, NH, loving husband M.D. and his wife Alexis Pappas; 115837/01/01/01-14 Reverend Father Dennis Canavos reported that Anagnosti “Angus” of Sirmo R. Pappas with whom he sons, Steve L. Pappas; and Ben- ANTONOPOULOS died peacefully on March 27, 2009 Grammatas, 66, of Warren, Ohio, was married to for 57 years, passed jamin R. Opipari; daughter, Ellen C. Telemarketing opportunity: Greek FUNERAL HOME, INC. after a courageous battle with cir- passed away on Friday, March 27, away on Wednesday, March 18, Pappas; former wife, Susan D. Pap- American publishing company, Konstantinos Antonopoulos - culatory problems. Father Dennis 2009, at University Hospitals of 2009 at his residence in Nashua, pas; nieces and nephews, Hayden based in L.I.C., NY, is seeking tele- Funeral Director was born in the village of Kales- Cleveland. Born Oct. 25, 1942, in N.H.? Born on May 14, 1921 in R. Pappas, Peter Cameron Pappas, marketing professionals for its sub- 38-08 Ditmars Blvd., menon in the Prefecture of Evryta- Warren, Ohio, Angus spent his Keene, NH, he was the son of the Stavros P. Pappas and Elias G. Pap- scription based English and Greek Astoria, New York 11105 nia, Greece, in 1928. He first came childhood in Brooklyn, N.Y., with late Thomas J. and Maria (Kyriazis) pas; and grandchildren, Annabella language publications. Good salary, (718) 728-8500 to the United States as an infant in his parents, Moskos and Evanthia Pappas.?John enlisted in the U.S. Opipari, Nicholas Opipari, and commission and flexible hours. E- Not affiliated with any 1929, returned to Greece with his Sideropolis Grammatas. A Veteran, Marine Corps during World War II Francesca Opipari. The funeral was mail bio to: advertising@ekirikas. other funeral home. parents, the late Chris and Alexan- Angus was drafted in the U.S. Army and fought in the Pacific Theater in- held on March 31 at Holy Trinity - com or fax 718-472-0510 dra Canavos in 1933, and came in 1964. He returned to Warren cluding the battle of Iwo Jima. He Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathe- APOSTOLOPOULOS back to the United States in 1946, with his family and has made it his graduated from the University of dral in Birmingham. Memorial do- LEADING GREEK AMERICAN Apostle Family - after having endured considerable happy home for over 30 years. He is NH, where he played varsity nations to Holy Trinity - Holy Cross NEWSPAPER SEEKS Gregory, Nicholas, Andrew - pain and suffering during the awful survived by his long-time compan- lacrosse, and from Boston Universi- Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Full-time AD sales representatives Funeral Directors of days of World War II. He completed ion and fiancée, Kathe Bailey, their ty School of Law. John worked in for both GREEK and ENGLISH lan- RIVERDALE his primary and secondary educa- “babycats,” Sinatra, Maggie and the NH Attorney General's Office ■ SALLAS, JAMES guage publications. Applicants FUNERAL HOME Inc. tion in the prefecture capital of Opie; daughter, Janet Agueda of for many years as a Senior Assistant KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Kansas should have some sales and/or mar- 5044 Broadway Karpenissi. He attended the Holy Cortland; son, Steven Grammatas Attorney General. He was a mem- City Star reported that James John keting experience. Fluency with New York, NY 10034 Cross Seminary in Brookline, MA of Warren; grandchildren, Kyle, ber of the NH Bar for 59 years. John Sallas, the son of Greek immigrants computer use and knowledge of In- (212) 942-4000 hoping to fulfill his life-long dream Tyler and Cortney Grammatas; also taught a real estate licensing John and Efthemia (Provataky) Sal- ternet a plus. Bi-lingual command of Toll Free 1-888-GAPOSTLE of becoming a priest. Although his brothers, Grammatas ''Taya'' of Bal- course for the Lee Institute for las, passed away at his residence in both languages preferred. This posi- dream was sidetracked for some timore, Md., Andrea of Holiday, many years teaching many real es- Florham Park, New Jersey, at 6 a.m. tions offers base salary, plus com- LITRAS FUNERAL HOME time, nevertheless he fulfilled his Fla., and Sophocles ''Soupy'' of tate salesmen in Southern N.H.?Mr. on Wednesday, March 25, 2009. He missions. E-mail resume and cover ARLINGTON BENSON DOWD, dream in 1978, when he was or- Brooklyn, N.Y.; and sisters, Maria Pappas was very active in the Greek was born October 11, 1915, in letter to [email protected] FAX: INC FUNERAL HOME dained by Bishop John of Atlanta to (Mike) Kotsatos of Akron, Efigenia Community. He served on the Kansas City, Missouri. He and his (718) 472-0510 Attn. Publisher or 83-15 Parsons Blvd., the priesthood. Upon his ordina- Spolan and Evdocia (Vincent) parish council of the old Annuncia- wife Jennie (Tallen), whom he mar- call (718) 784-5255 ask for Veta. Jamaica, NY 11432 tion, Father Dennis was assigned as Cartafalsa, both of Queens, N.Y., tion Church, and for the past 30 ried on April 30, 1950, moved to (718) 858-4434 • (800) 245-4872 the spiritual leader of St. George and Anna Papadoupoulos of Holi- years on the parish council of St. New Jersey from Kansas City in JOURNALISTS WANTED Greek Orthodox Church in High day, Fla. He was preceded in death Philip Greek Orthodox Church. January 2007 to be close to their Nation’s leading Greek American Point, where he served in that ca- by his parents and brothers, Steven John was one of the three members son Bill and his family. While grow- newspaper, The National Herald, TO PLACE YOUR pacity for more than 30 years until and Andoni "Tony" Grammatas. of the Architectural Committee to ing up, James served as one of the needs reporters and assistant editor CLASSIFIED AD, CALL: his death. During this time, Father Memorial donations to Cats Are build St. Philip, and served twice as first acolytes at both the Annuncia- for English weekly paper. (718) 784-5255, EXT. 106, Dennis also assisted Father Demetri People, Too, (P.O. Box 1947, War- President of the church receiving tion Greek Orthodox Church in Exceptional writing/reporting E-MAIL: Kangelaris and his predecessor, Fa- ren, Ohio 44482). numerous awards. He also was very Kansas City, Missouri, and St. skills and bilingual fluency a must. classifieds@ thenationalherald.com ther George Kiricoples, at the An- active for over 50 years in the Greek Dionysios Greek Orthodox Church Car a plus. Fax or e-mail clips and nunciation Greek Orthodox Church ■ JOHNSON, CHRIS fraternal organization the AHEPA in Kansas City, Kansas. He attended in Winston-Salem. Father Dennis GILFORD, N.H. – The Union Leader serving as the District Governor for Franklin Elementary School, West was known as a tireless person, al- reported that Chris Johnson, 84, the Northern New England States Junior High School, and graduated ways visiting the sick in the area passed away on Sunday, March 15, and serving twice as President of from Manual Training High School hospitals and nursing homes, offer- 2009, at Golden View Healthcare the Nashua Chapter No. 35. John in 1933. He then attended Central ing them a ray of hope with his Center in Meredith. He was born was chairman of the AHEPA District Business College until 1935. He prayers. In October, 2008 the High July 19, 1924, in Laconia, to John Scholarship Committee for 25 years worked part-time for his Uncle, Gus Point Community of St. George be- and Calypso (Arhondy) Orfanethes. receiving the Pericles Award. He al- Lagas, at Lagas' Drug Store while stowed on Father Dennis the dis- He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veter- so served the Nashua Community still in school. After completion of an of World War II. He was a life- as a trustee of the Woodlawn Ceme- Business College, he worked for the subscribePRINTED EDITION OF THE NATIONAL HERALD tinct honor of naming their commu- nity center the Father Dennis long resident of the Lakes Region tery. Mr. Pappas loved and was very City of Kansas City, Missouri, for a via the post-office: Canavos Fellowship Hall. Prior to and attended Laconia Business Col- proud of his family, his church, and few months, and then worked for ❏1 Month $11.00 ❏3 Months $22.00 his ordination, Father Dennis was lege. He was owner of John's Shoes his community. He enjoyed travel- Franklin Ice Cream Company until ❏6 Months $33.00 ❏One Year $66.00 the owner of the popular eating es- which was formerly located on ing throughout Europe and made 1942. On July 16, 1942, he was in- VIA HOME DELIVERY (NY, NJ & CT): tablishment, Little Pep Restaurant, Main Street, Laconia, and was own- many trips to Greece. In addition to ducted into the U.S. Army. In the ❏1 Month for $14.00 ❏3 Months for $33.00 in downtown Winston-Salem. His er of the Moccasin Shop in Gilford his beloved wife, John is survived Army Air Force he was a radio me- ❏6 Months for $48.00 ❏One Year for $88.00 infectious personality and great and for 20 years. He owned and op- by a daughter, Maria Dube and her chanic in the Air Transport Com- food always kept bringing back to erated Pedlars Village Driving husband Steven of Nashua, NH; a mand, serving in the Pacific Theater VIA HOME DELIVERY (NEW ENGLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, Little Pep his many customers. Fa- Range in Meredith with his sons. He son, Thomas J. Pappas and his wife of Operations until his discharge WASHINGTON D.C., VIRGINIA & MARYLAND) ther Dennis was a Veteran, having established Eagle Enterprises, pur- Tracy of Nashua, NH; a sister Lena December 1, 1945. He was a ❏1 Month for $18.00 ❏3 Months for $41.00 served in the U.S. Army in the early chasing commercial real estate in Pappas of Keene, NH; a brother, Sergeant. He received the Good ❏6 Months for $57.00 ❏One Year for $109.00 50' s in Germany. He was also a the Lakes Region for many years. Steven Pappas and his wife Joan of Conduct Medal, American Theater ON LINE SUBSCRIPTION www.thenationalherald.com member of the Evrytanian Associa- He was also involved with a family Keene, NH; three brothers-in-law Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Ser- NON SUBSCRIBERS: ❏One Year for $45.95 ❏6 Months for $29.95 tion. Prior to his ordination, he venture, the Meredith Trading Post and sisters-in law, Chris and vice Medal, Victory Medal, and 3 ❏3 Months for $18.95 served the Annunciation Greek Or- in Meredith. He was a 51-year Dorothy Rellas of San Marino, CA; Service bars. Early in 1946 he was SUBSCRIBERS: ❏One Year for $34.95 ❏6 Months for $23.95 thodox Church in Winston-Salem in member of Mount Lebanon Lodge Stephan and Ann Rellas of Naples, employed by the U.S. Post Office ❏3 Months for $14.95 many capacities, including presi- No. 32 F. & A. M. and was a member FL, and Archie and Jackie Rellas of Department as a window clerk (fi- dent of the Parish Council on six dif- of Winnipesaukee Shrine Club, Pasadena, CA; five grandchildren, nance) and after receiving credit ferent years and a member of the Bektash Shriners and Royal Order Brandon and John Dube, Thomas, for his military service retired No- NAME: ...... Building Committee. To cherish his of Jesters. Mr. Johnson was the Joseph and Mary Pappas, as well as vember 17, 1978, after 36 years of ADDRESS: ...... memory, he leaves his wife, Marika widower of Norma M. (Carlson) many nieces, nephews, cousins and service. In 1981 he was awarded CITY:...... STATE: ...... ZIP:...... of more than 50 years; his daugh- Johnson who died in 2006. Mr. loving friends. The funeral was held the Laity award by the Greek Ortho- TEL.: ...... E-MAIL:...... CELL...... ter, Alexandra and her husband, Johnson is survived by two sons, on March 21 at St. Philip Greek Or- dox Archdiocese of North and PLEASE SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO: Jimmy Kontos of Clemmons; his thodox Church in Nashua. Burial South America. He is survived by NAME: ...... son, George and his wife, Sheryl was at Woodlawn Cemetery. his wife Jennie, sister Mary Ladas, ADDRESS: ...... Canavos of Greensboro; his grand- Memorial donations to St. Philip brother Pete, sons John and Bill, This is a service CITY:...... STATE: ...... ZIP:...... children, Dimitri and Dennis Kon- to the community. Greek Orthodox Church (500 West daughter-in-law Maria, and grand- TEL.: ...... E-MAIL:...... CELL...... tos; his sister-in-law. Fotini Announcements of deaths Hollis Street, Nashua, NH 03062). daughter Eleni. The funeral was Please specify method of payment Bobocharis of Winston-Salem; his may be telephoned to the held on March 30 at Annunciation brothers, George C. Canavos and ■ PAPPAS, LOUIS Greek Orthodox Church in Kansas I enclose a check/money order for $ ...... made payable to: Classified Department of The National Herald, Inc., 37-10 30th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 - 2614 his wife, Athena of Williamsburg, The National Herald at BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Birming- City. Memorial donations to the An- or please debit my ❏ Mastercard ❏ Visa ❏ American Express VA and Sam Canavos and his wife, (718) 784-5255, ham News reported that Louis nunciation Greek Orthodox Church Kiki of Newport News, VA; and sev- Monday through Friday, Steve Pappas, 58, passed away on or Alzheimer's Association CARD NUMBER: ...... eral nieces, nephews and cousins. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Friday, March 27, 2009. Dr. Pappas (www.alz.org). EXPIRATION DATE: ...... SIGNATURE:...... The funeral was held on March 30 was born in Birmingham, Alabama or e-mailed to: ■ at the Annunciation Greek Ortho- [email protected] on May 14, 1950. He attended XARRAS, ANTIGONE dox Church. Memorial donations to Mountain Brook High School and LUNENBURG, Mass. – The Sentinel THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 4, 2009 GREECE CYPRUS 9 Senate Expected to Approve Philip Gordon as Assistant Secretary of State

By Evan C. Lambrou The Senator met with Dr. Gor- or not: ‘A negotiated political settle- sympathetic to the Patriarchate: of the U.S. Committee on NATO, and Special to The National Herald don privately the day before, but ment on Cyprus wound end the “If confirmed, would you urge the International Institute for was not satisfied with Dr. Gordon’s Turkish occupation of northern that the Government of Turkey re- Strategic Studies. Prior to joining NEW YORK – The Senate Foreign views on Cyprus. Cyprus and repair the island’s tragic spect the rights and religious free- Brookings, he was Director for Euro- Relations Committee has approved Dr. Gordon failed to persuade division, while paving the way to doms of the Ecumenical Patriar- pean Affairs at the National Security the Obama Administration’s nomi- the New Jersey Democrat that the prosperity and peace throughout chate of the Orthodox Christian Council under President Clinton nation of Philip H. Gordon, a for- views he will furnish President Oba- the entire region.’ Is that something Church,” Senator Menendez asked? He has held teaching and re- eign policy expert at the Brookings ma will be impartial and unaffected that you would agree with,” Mr. “Yes, if confirmed, I will continue search posts at the International In- Institution, a leading think tank in by the pro-Turkish views he has ex- Menendez asked? to urge Turkish officials to recog- stitute for Strategic Studies in Lon- Washington, as Assistant secretary pressed during his career as an aca- “Yes, Senator, I would,” Dr. Gor- nize the ecumenical and legal status don; the Johns Hopkins University of State for European & Eurasian demic and analyst. don replied. of the Ecumenical Patriarchate; to School of Advanced International Affairs, and the nomination was ex- But Mr. Menendez noted that, “Okay. So, like the President of continue allowing the Holy Synod Studies (SAIS) in Washington; IN- pected to be approved by the full because he believed President Oba- the United States, you recognize to select its members, regardless of SEAD, a graduate business school Senate shortly after press time. ma’s views on the Cyprus issue that there is an occupation in the whether they are Turkish citizens; and research institution in Dr. Gordon has refused to call would still prevail, he did not vote northern part of Cyprus,” Senator restore confiscated religious prop- Fontainebleau, France; and the Ger- Turkey’s presence in Cyprus an oc- against Dr. Gordon’s nomination, Menendez said. erty, and prevent spurious legal man Society for Foreign Affairs in cupation, and has insisted that any choosing instead to abstain. “There is a Turkish presence in challenges to Patriarchate property; Bonn. new U.S. moves to recognize the Ar- “Dr. Gordon’s previous state- the northern part of Cyprus that is and to reopen the Halki Seminary,” Dr. Gordon has a doctorate and menian Genocide would be coun- ments on the situation Greek Cypri- not accepted by the government of Dr. Gordon answered. master’s in European Studies and terproductive, despite pressure ots are facing have concerned me. Cyprus, and would be the subject of “The United States considers Ec- International Economics from from U.S. Senator Robert Menen- My goal during his confirmation the negotiations that we support to umenical Patriarch Bartholomew a Johns Hopkins University SAIS, and dez (D-New Jersey) a longtime sup- hearing was to ensure that the Ad- bring about a Cyprus settlement,” religious leader of global standing, a bachelor’s degree in French and porter of Hellenic issues, during the ministration will adhere to Presi- Dr. Gordon said. a position with which I agree. Like Philosophy from Ohio University. Committee hearing last week. dent Obama’s stated understanding “But you don’t consider it an oc- the Administration, I share deep re- He is a regular commentator in In response to questions from of the occupation in Cyprus,” Sena- cupation,” Senator Menendez said. spect for His All Holiness, and con- international affairs and U.S. for- the National Herald, Senator tor Menendez told the Herald. “There are a number of outside cern for the continued existence of eign policy for major television and Menendez said that, since Dr. Gor- “Ultimately, the buck stops at the Philip H. Gordon experts in the government of the Patriarchate, which for cen- radio networks, and a frequent con- don refuses to acknowledge the President’s desk, which is why I’m Cyprus who consider it an occupa- turies has been a part of the rich tra- tributor to the op-ed pages of major Turkish occupation of northern confident we will not see a continu- the Deputy Secretary of State James tion,” Dr. Gordon replied. dition of religious diversity exem- publications like the New York Cyprus as an occupation, and insists ation of a foreign policy that treats Steinberg “in a personal conversa- “The statement I read to you is plified in Istanbul,” he added. Times, Washington Post, Interna- on referring to it merely as a “Turk- the occupation in Cyprus as lightly tion, so the State Department is well from then-Senator Obama as he In his written answers, Dr. Gor- tional Herald Tribune, Financial ish presence,” and since President as the previous administration did,” aware,” adding that he would con- was running for President of the don also said he “will continue to Times, Wall Street Journal and Le Obama himself considers it to be an he said. sider reiterating concerns with the United States. It was his policy support a resolution of the Cyprus Monde. occupation, not simply a “pres- “Dr. Gordon’s responses on this Obama Administration in the fu- statement, and so it’s not simply my Problem through the reunification He is the author and co-author of ence,” it indicates a fundamental matter, unfortunately, were rather ture. view or the view of others that it is a of the island into a bi-zonal, bi-com- several books, most recently includ- difference in Dr. Gordon’s ideology vague. I remain concerned that he During Dr. Gordon’s nomination occupation, but it is his,” Senator munal federation.” ing “Winning the Right War: The with respect to the President’s own doesn’t fully grasp the seriousness hearing this past March 26, Senator Menendez said. Dr. Gordon is Senior Fellow (on Path to Security for America and the views about the Cyprus problem. of the situation for Greek Cypriots, Menendez recited a quote from WRITTEN ANSWERS leave) for U.S. Foreign Policy at World,” “Crescent of Crisis: U.S.-Eu- Mr. Menendez also said it indi- and I abstained for voting for his President Obama, and then asked Mr. Menendez also submitted Brookings, where he has worked ropean Strategy for the Greater cates Dr. Gordon’s foreign policy ap- confirmation,” he added. Dr. Gordon to state his views on the written questions for the record, since 2000. He speaks French, Ital- Middle East,” and “Allies at War: proach mirrors that of the Bush Ad- Asked whether he planned to Cyprus problem. Dr. Gordon re- and asked Dr. Gordon to answer ian, German and some Spanish. His America, Europe and the Crisis ministration, which means he could share his concerns directly with fused to concede that the presence those questions. Some of those listed expertise is in American for- Over Iraq.” One of his recent articles be an impediment to the Obama President Obama and Secretary of of some 40,000 Turkish troops in questions dealt with the religious eign policy, Europe, the Middle carries the title, “Why France Administration, which promised to State Hillary Clinton, Senator northern Cyprus is an occupation. freedom of the Ecumenical Patriar- East, NATO and Turkey. Shouldn’t Legislate Turkey’s Past” undo the foreign policy damage Menendez told the Herald he al- “Let me read this statement to chate in Constantinople. Dr. Gor- He is also a member of the Coun- (The New Republic Online, October done by its predecessors. ready made his concerns clear to you and ask you if you agree with it don’s written answers indicate he is cil on Foreign Relations, the Board 30, 2006). Karamanlis Clinches Talks General Strike Against Spending Cuts in Athens With Obama ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greek off tax increase on higher-income public services closed down and earners. The move angered unions, transport was disrupted across the which said high-earning businesses ATHENS, Greece (E- Kathimerini)- Sources said that the two leaders’ country Thursday as thousands of should shoulder the burden. They Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis aides were in the process of finaliz- workers went on strike to protest also oppose a government decision appears to have secured a much ing the details of the meeting, which government spending cuts. to let struggling businesses relax la- sought-after face-to-face meeting is due to take place on Saturday Up to 10,000 people marched bor rules. with US President Barack Obama lunchtime on the sidelines of a NA- peacefully through central Athens The conservatives — who hold a this weekend, marking the begin- TO summit in Strasbourg, France. shouting "No compromise! Capital- one-seat majority in parliament ning of an intense period of diplo- Athens has been trying to ism must pay for the crisis!" in a and trail the main opposition So- matic activity for the premier. arrange a meeting between Kara- Communist-affiliated protest. cialists in the polls — are struggling manlis and Obama for some time The country's two biggest um- to cope with the economic down- but so far only Secretary of State brella unions representing the pri- turn. Hillary Clinton and Foreign Minister vate and public sectors, the GSEE Although the global crisis has Dora Bakoyannis have met. and ADEDY, planned a separate ral- not yet hit hard in the form of bank- Sources said that during Satur- ly and march to parliament later in ruptcies and mass layoffs, Greece day’s meeting, Karamanlis will likely the day. has scaled down its 2009 growth place particular emphasis on The nationwide general strike, forecast to 1.1 percent from 2.7 Greece’s dispute with the Former called by GSEE and ADEDY, shut percent. The deficit is forecast to Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia down all government offices and reach 3.7 percent of gross domestic (FYROM) over the name issue but state schools, while state hospitals product in 2009. the two leaders are also expected to functioned with emergency staff. The European Commission has discuss relations with Turkey and Air traffic controllers started a told the government to rapidly the situation on Cyprus. Obama is three-hour work stoppage at noon bring the deficit under 3 percent by due to begin a three-day visit to (0900 GMT, 5 a.m. EDT), halting the end of 2010 and control spend- Cyprus on Sunday. all flights to and from Greek air- ing to reduce overall debt, which at Karamanlis is also likely to hold ports. The country's largest airline, AP PHOTO / THANASSIS STAVRAKIS about 94 percent of GDP is one of talks on Saturday with German Olympic Airways, said it was can- Strikers shout slogans during a protest in central Athens on Thursday, the highest in the EU. Chancellor Angela Merkel. Discus- celing 140 flights. April 2, 2009. Greek public services closed down and transport was In December, Greece suffered its sions are expected to focus on eco- Most ferry and railway sched- disrupted across the country as thousands of workers went on strike. worst riots in decades after the fatal nomic issues and investment by Ger- ules were canceled, while public police shooting of a teenager in man companies in Greece. transport in Athens was disrupted. the air and preventing Friday's lis' conservative government this Athens. The unrest triggered a Just a few days later, on April 9, Journalists also joined the newspapers from being published. month announced a salary freeze surge in anarchist and far-left vio- Karamanlis will fly to Paris to meet strike, keeping news programs off Prime Minister Costas Karaman- for many civil servants and a one- lence. with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who invited the Greek prime minister to visit. Karamanlis will follow this up with a two-day trip to Cyprus on Greece Beats AP PHOTO/ PETROS GIANNAKOURIS April 22, where he will hold talks Star-Studded Premiere with Cypriot President Dimitris Christofias, during which the two Israel 2-1 in Canadian born actress Nia Varda- men will discuss ways of getting re- los who is of Greek origin, and unification talks moving with the Greek actor Alexis Georgoulis, Turkish Cypriots. WCup Qualifier right, pose prior the presentation The premier will then travel to of Hollywood movie “My life in Sofia to take part in an international IRAKLIO, Crete (AP) — Dimitris Ruins” at the Museum of Cycladic summit on the use of natural gas in Salpigidis and substitute Georgios Art in Athens, on Wednesday, Europe. Should Russian Prime Min- Samaras scored a goal each to help April 1, 2009. The world pre- ister Vladimir Putin attend, it is like- Greece beat Israel 2-1 in a World miere of the movie is going to be ly that Karamanlis will meet private- Cup qualifier. in Athens on Friday, April 3, 2009. ly with him. Salpigidis beat Israel goalkeeper Dudu Awat in the 32nd minute, shooting through defenders from outside the area after a corner kick HIDDEN GREECE was badly cleared. Substitute Elyaniv Barda leveled Hidden Greece will present pictures of the country that tourists don't for Israel in the 60th minute, before see, the main streets but also the back streets and balconies and the Samaras scored from the penalty way of life of people outside the normal spotlight: workers, the home- spot seven minutes later. less, ordinary citizens and some more celebrated, and the places they The Israelis came alive when live and work and define modern Greece, as well as its legacy. Yossi Benayoun came on in the sec- ond half, but the hosts, with several regulars benched, missed a string of chances at the Pankritio Stadi- AP PHOTO um. Greece's Georgios Samaras scores a penalty against Israel during a World Cup qualification soccer match. Archaeologist: Oldest Cyprus Temple Discovered

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — An Ital- cred site has yet to be confirmed," accounts of temples in ancient ple. Their origins are unclear, but ian archaeologist claimed Friday, Cyprus Antiquities Department of- Palestine is a pair of 6-meter (20- they had trade links with ancient March 27th, to have discovered ficial Maria Hadjicosti told state ra- foot) stone "channels" extending Egypt and Palestine, she said. Cyprus' oldest religious site, which dio. from either side of the altar that al- A major earthquake destroyed she said echoes descriptions in the The 200-sq.-meter (2,150-sq.- lowed sacrificial animals' blood to the settlement in 1,850 B.C. Bible of temples in ancient Pales- foot) building was discovered last flow out of the structure. The earliest settlements exca- tine. year outside Pyrgos, a village near Other evidence includes a stone vated so far on the island date back Maria Rosaria Belgiorno said the the south coast, where previous water basin, which she said might to around 9000 B.C. Cyprus then 4,000-year-old triangular temple digs unearthed a settlement dating have been used in the ritual cleans- saw successive waves of coloniza- predates any other found on the to 2,000 B.C. that included a per- ing of the channels. tion, including Phoenicians, Myce- east Mediterranean island by a mil- fumery, winery and a metal work- Belgiorno said the temple was naean Greeks, Romans and — in lennium. shop. situated across from the industrial the Middle Ages — Franks and "For sure it's the most ancient re- Belgiorno, who heads an Italian area in the heart of the settlement, Venetians. It was conquered by Ot- ligious site on the island," she told archaeological mission in Cyprus, which she estimates covered 35 toman Turks in 1571, and became The Associated Press from her initially disclosed the find to Eng- hectares (86 acres). Most of the set- part of the British Empire in 1878 home in Rome. "This confirms that lish-language The Cyprus Weekly. tlement now lies under village before winning independence in religious worship in Cyprus began She said evidence points to a homes and holiday villas. 1960. much earlier than previously be- monotheistic temple with a sacrifi- The industrial area was built Violence between Cyprus' ma- lieved." cial altar that resembles Canaanite around a large mill producing olive jority Greek community and the But authorities on the island say places of worship described in the oil that was used as fuel to fire up Turkish community broke out TNH/ANDY DABILIS they cannot confirm her claim be- Bible. "The temple has a very pecu- the metal workshop and as a per- shortly after, and the island has The Chestnut Man fore further study. liar shape for a building, which is fume base. been divided along ethnic lines "That the site is dated to around very rare." Although it is difficult to say since a Turkish invasion in 1974 — You can still get roasted chestnuts on the streets of Athens, but it takes 2,000 B.C. is certain, but the inter- Belgiorno said a key piece of ev- with certainty, she said the settle- prompted by a failed coup aimed at time to get the fire hot enough to make them. pretation that it's a temple or a sa- idence linking the site to Biblical ment was home to around 500 peo- union with Greece. 10 EDITORIALS LETTERS THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 4, 2009

The National Herald LETTERS TO THE EDITOR A weekly publication of the NATIONAL HERALD, INC. (ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ), reporting the news and addressing the issues of paramount interest Setting the Record Straight on would have learned that the reason his side of the story and he did. Fulbright Had the Right Idea, to the Greek American community of the United States of America. the Bannings in Oak Lawn, Ill. I went to court on the day of Pa- The tone, the style, the language Students Should Learn Abroad padopoulos’ sentencing was to and the characterizations of his let- Publisher-Editor Antonis H. Diamataris To the Editor, speak privately to the State’s Attor- ter are certainly indicative of many To the Editor: The recent articles of Mr. ney and instruct her that we didn’t things and I will let the readers I would like to commend the Assistant to Publisher, Advertising Veta H. Diamataris Papadopoulos Kalmoukos in reference to some in- want him to spend any time in jail. draw their own conclusions. Fulbright Foundation in Greece Managing Editor Evan C. Lambrou ternal disturbances at St. Nicholas And, of course, he won’t. He was Instead of any other reply, how- and Ms. Zenetou, in particular for Assistant Managing Editor Mark Frangos Church of Oak Lawn, IL, contain sentenced to six months court su- ever, to his letter, I simply would stressing the importance of Greece- Production Manager Chrysoula Karametros much detail and truth. But Mr. pervision and was directed to stay like to remind him of the following U.S. relations and for encouraging Webmaster Alexandros Tsoukias Kalmoukos is guilty of journalistic away and leave us alone. portion of his interview to The Na- dialogue between the two nations, The National Herald (USPS 016864) is published weekly by dishonesty. He leaves out impor- The door of repentance is al- tional Herald (Feb. 4, 2009) which as mentioned on the front page ar- The National Herald Inc. at 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 tant details, manipulates the infor- ways open. But none of the six for- is self explanatory: ticle of last week’s issue. Tel: (718)784-5255, Fax: (718)472-0510, mation and leads the readers to mer parishioners have shown any “TNH: How do you justify the To say “knowledge is power” is e-mail: [email protected] wrong and unfair conclusions. interest in this “primitive concept fact that sums of $20,000-$25,000 an understatement here - in this Democritou 1 and Academias Sts, Athens, 10671, Greece In 2007, Mr. Papadopoulos and of repentance.” were moving through that ac- case, knowledge is peace, and there Tel: 011.30.210.3614.598, Fax: 011.30.210.3643.776, e-mail: [email protected] five other former members of St. Not one of them has said they count? is no better way to gain knowledge Nicholas Church, were banned are sorry for the harm they have JA: There is a pious and gener- about another nation than to expe- Subscriptions by mail: 1 year $66.00, 6 months $33.00, 3 months $22.00, 1 month $11.00 from the church at the request of caused. One of them has quietly ous lady who cooperated with Fr. rience it first-hand. I hope there are Home delivery NY, NJ, CT: 1 year $88.00, 6 months $48.00, 3 months $33.00, 1 month $14.00 many faithful parishioners, shown some “signs’” of remorse Bakakos and she made from time to willing supporters out there who Home delivery New England States, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland: 1 year $109.00, 6 months $57.00, 3 months $41.00, 1 month $18.00 through the initiative of the Parish and has already been allowed to re- time huge donations for various will make financial donations to On line subscription: Subscribers to the print edition: 1 year $34.95, 6 months $23.95, Council and Pastor, and in consul- turn to St. Nicholas Church. purposes. I checked that instance the Fullbright Foundation to ensure 3 months $14.95; Non subscribers: 1 year $45.95, 6 months $29.95, 3 months $18.95 tation with and the blessing of the I conclude with this important myself and I discovered that she its existence despite economic bar- Holy Metropolis of Chicago. They thought. Without order and disci- had given a lot of money which Fr. riers. Not only is this program ben- Periodical postage paid at L.I.C., N.Y. and additional mailing offices. were banned not because “they pline (tough love) there will be Bakakos, for reasons of conve- eficial to Greek-U.S. relations and Postmaster send change of address to: asked questions about finances,” chaos in the Church. It must always nience, deposited into the GOYA ac- dialogue, but it encourages dia- THE NATIONAL HERALD, 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 but for the following reasons: be exercised with fairness and dis- count and used it to make pay- logue between counties all over the They defied the decision of the cernment. Where there is repen- ments. They purchased new chairs world. Parish Assembly that ruled that an tance, forgiveness and mercy (ten- that cost thousands of dollars. I believe one of the biggest con- independent, certified and costly der love) are always available. TNH: Why did Fr. Bakakos de- cerns among our youth in the U.S. audit was not needed. When the Without repentance, not even God posit the donation of that lady into is apathy for what is going on in the Exclusionary tactics must go regular audit took place with the is able to offer mercy and forgive- the GOYA account and not into the rest of the world. In some cases it supervision of a committee from ness. Lent is an excellent opportu- regular accounts of the parish? goes beyond apathy to just absolute A clearer picture is finally starting to emerge about the way the annual the Metropolis and the books were nity for all of us to do some serious JA: It is a good question. I would ignorance. The same can be said White House ceremony commemorating Greek Independence Day is han- found to be in order, they defied the soul searching. say that it was a mistake by Fr. about a good deal of adults in this dled. Our story in this week’s edition, which is published as our mother Metropolis and did not accept its fi- Father John E. Artemas, Bakakos. It would be better to de- country who tend to focus on do- publication, Εθνικος Κηρυξ, celebrated its 94th anniversary this past nal ruling and report. They spread Protopresbyter posit the money into the parish’s mestic issues instead of realizing Thursday, April 2, is both revealing and eye-opening (see page 1). false rumors, divided the communi- Pastor of St. Nicholas Church account. But he probably did it out that the U.S. is only one piece of a What we’re finding is a number of people in our community, particular- ty, caused the former pastor to have Oak Lawn, IL of carelessness. The money that greater puzzle. I almost wish it was ly those whose lobbying and political activities are closely tied to this an- a heart attack and continued to dis- was deposited in that account was a requirement to send every stu- nual event, are jumping through hoops to make sure the White House isn’t turb the congregation. They filed Reporter Theodore Kalmoukos used for the purpose that it was giv- dent abroad to learn-not only about “offended” by community infighting concerning who gets invited each lawsuits against the church and Replies to Fr. Artemas’ Letter en. Greece, but other countries as well- year, and what the actual purpose of the yearly commemoration is. forced the church to spend thou- TNH: Then why did you throw to experience and learn as much as For years, we’ve pretty much known that the Coordinated Effort of Hel- sands of dollars in attorney’s fees. Mr. Papadopoulos out of the possible about diversity and hu- lenes, a lobbying group headed by the Manatos family in Washington, and These lawsuits were eventually I thank Fr. John Artemas for his church? manity in general. If this were to Rev. Alexander Karloutsos, on behalf of the Archdioceses, have been run- thrown out because they had ab- letter-testimony of the accuracy of JA: First of all I did not do it happen, I believe there would be a ning the show and controlling the community’s “access to the President.” solutely no merit. my articles about the events at his alone. Whatever I did, I did it al- lot less hate in the world, and a lot The extensive reporting of our own Evan Lambrou confirms that this is the Shame on Mr. Kalmoukos for parish in Illinois which he admits ways in consultation with the Me- more productivity in coming to- case. suggesting that someone among “contain much detail and truth.” tropolis, the general assembly and gether to move the world in the This year, we managed to obtain the ever-elusive invitation list which the clergy is lying. Metropolitan The reason for contacting him - the parish council.” right direction morally, politically CEH always refuses to circulate, even though it’s public information. We Iakovos spoke the truth when he and he was kind enough to grant I am wondering who should be and socially. With understanding, are making the list available for public scrutiny on our website said “I don’t know about these me an interview - was to give him really ashamed. hate is impossible. (www.thenationalherald.com), and encourage our readers to look at it. things. Speak to Bishop the opportunity to provide details, Sincerely, Michael Georgopoulos The list has 154 names on it. CEH never wants the community to know Demetrios.” Bishop Demetrios explain the situation and present Theodore Kalmoukos Boston, Mass. who they actually invite each year. They’ve been treating it like a state se- spoke the truth when he said that cret. Could it be because five members of the Manatos family are on it? he had not authorized the arrest of Naturally we don’t have a problem with the Manatos family enjoying Mr. Papadopoulos. And I spoke the the fruits of their labor. But we do have a problem with their turning a truth when I said that the banning community celebration into their private affair. of Mr. Papadopoulos and the other Nor do we have a problem with most of the guests. But we don’t under- five was done in consultation with stand at all the unjustified if not insulting exclusion of the leadership of and the blessing of the Metropolis. the most important Greek American organization, AHEPA, from it. Five of the six former members And we do, also, wonder, why some of the Archbishop’s staff need to go at least had the good sense to stay year after year. Go once; go twice; perhaps even a third time after five or away from the church. But not Mr. six years. Would it not be more effective had they given their place on the Papadopoulos. No one wanted him list to somebody else? to be arrested, but apparently that’s Moreover, we’re not “quibbling” about who gets invited. But when dif- what he wanted. He refused to ferent groups and individuals are so fiercely territorial and mysterious heed the pleading of the Parish about an event so central to the life of the entire community, they actually Council and the warnings of the po- invite the scrutiny they try so hard to avoid. And make no mistake, who lice. And now, with the expert help gets to go is not a minor issue. There wouldn’t be an event if nobody went, of Mr. Kalmoukos, Papadopoulos and those who go every year wouldn’t be so defensive about it. has become a full-size “martyr.” To be fair, Andy Manatos informed us that the event is costly, and that Shame on Mr. Kalmoukos for ac- His Eminence persuades individuals to underwrite it. By inference, there- cusing an honorable and senior fore, it is a quasi-private affair, as some actually pay to enjoy an audience Metropolitan of “chasing away the with the President on a solemn day celebrating democratic ideals and the faithful from the church.” With the liberation of the Modern Greek nation from centuries of Ottoman domina- anti-church and anti-clergy “spin” tion and oppression. on some of his stories, Kalmoukos That being the case, it becomes obvious that the event organizers feel is himself guilty of that sin. they have a right to decide who gets to go. They want their friends there I have always championed first; the usual dignitaries second; and if there’s any room left over, per- openness and transparency in the haps a few seats get doled out to people who aren’t part of the club. Church. Truth, the whole truth, But this is a community celebration and by applying those standards must be spoken and defended. Or- many individuals who should by right be there, given their level of accom- der and discipline must be exer- plishment and contribution do not get to be invited. Just lake a look at the cised, whether it has to be directed list… toward the clergy or lay members. One individual in particular, from Chicago associated with CEH has Above all, the integrity of the crossed the line this year by interfering with AHEPA. CEH apparently “rec- Church must be protected. That is ommended” two seats for AHEPA, which normally gets to seat at least five why I felt it my duty to write this re- people (its national officers), but that’s certainly not doing enough, and it sponse. smacks of disrespect. If Mr. Kalmoukos had bothered So AHEPA President Ike Gulas is to be commended for standing up fi- to call me back and ask me, he CHRYSANTHI LIRISTIS / SPECIAL TO THE NATIONAL HERALD nally to counter-productive shenanigans, and for criticizing the “gatekeep- ers” folly. As for “access to the President” and the overall purpose of the event, CEH contradicted itself. ΛΟΓΟΣ Mr. Gulas is unhappy with the White House Public Liaison’s inadequate response to AHEPA’s overtures. That’s why he wrote an even-tempered let- ter to President Obama, which also expressed concern that “the list of invi- tees was compiled by individuals outside the White House, and possibly involved vetting by lobbyists.” The Meaning and Spirit of Dialogue CEH then rushed to produce an apology, acting as if they needed to de- fend the White House from undue criticism. In his keynote address to more question, “why is dia- ways consistent in his relationship with others if you be- No one is blaming the President, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong than 50,000 people during the logue easier said than use of the term, clearly lieve that you have a monopoly on with voicing concern about the way a public office is handling the public, Seeds of Compassion Conference in done?” Let’s begin to established it as be- truth. True dialogue will only oc- but CEH seems quite afraid of losing the benefits of controlling this event Seattle, Washington, last year, His answer this question longing only to the cur if the participating stakeholders and whatever privileges they feel they have: Holiness the Dalai Lama, urged by first seeking to un- “spiritual” realm. In- are willing to enter the spiritual “Do not be surprised if you never see another Greek Independence Day everyone to have hope for the fu- derstand what is deed, Philo sometimes realm of the logos and “converse,” celebration at the White House,” Mr. Manatos said when asked why CEH ture and called for a “century of di- meant by the word dia- suggested that the lo- if you will, on this deeper level. felt the need to respond to a letter AHEPA sent to the President. alogue.” Importantly, the Dalai logue at its “root” lev- gos is the “highest idea Cognitive, so-called “knowledge- He also told us that the annual White House event commemorating the Lama's message sought to replace el. As I pointed out in of God that human be- based,” interactions are not suffi- 25th of March is the reason Cyprus acceded to the European Union: the current period of civil strife and my inaugural ΛΟΓΟΣ ings can attain…high- cient for authentic dialogue to oc- “Cyprus got into the E.U., and without the Greek Independence Day meet- unrest, conditions that seem to column (February 14, er than a way of think- cur. ing with the President of the United States, I can show you how that would have no bounds (The National Her- 2009), the word dia- ing, more precious One must be open and willing to not have happened,” he said. ald provides plenty of evidence to logue actually comes by Dr. ALEX than anything that is entertain a diversity of thought and After making a clear effort to emphasize the real or imagined policy- support this contention), and what from two Greek PATTAKOS merely thought.” For discover a common ground by go- making benefits of the annual Greek Independence Day celebration at the he called “constant war” with one words—dia, meaning Philo, the logos was ing to a higher ground. And, to be White House, Mr. Manatos made an astonishing about face. that had dialogue at its core. “through,” and logos, Special to Divine, it was the sure, this is extremely difficult, if He said the community shouldn’t overly emphasize the policymaking I think that you would agree most frequently but The National Herald source of energy from not seemingly impossible, for most dimension of the event because the well-funded Turkish Lobby would with me that the Dalai Lama’s mes- only roughly translat- which the human soul of us to do, especially when the move to kill it. sage not only is a reflection of the ed in English as “the meaning.” Up- became manifest. Consistent with “stakes” are high. He also chided us for noting that the President didn’t respond to the “audacity of hope” but also is a on closer examination, the various the logocentric character of Philo’s This said, I don’t believe that we Archbishop’s public remarks concerning the ongoing Turkish occupation manifestation of his authentic com- translations of the word logos, a thought, “it is through the Logos have to become a “Dalai Lama” to of Cyprus; the Turkish Government’s longstanding persecution of the Ecu- mitment to meaningful values and common Greek word (λόγος), re- and the Logos alone that man is ca- have hope for the future. I also menical Patriarchate; and Greece’s thorny dispute with FYROM concern- goals or what I refer to in my book, veal that it has deep spiritual roots. pable of participating in the Di- don’t believe that we have to be- ing the latter’s official name. Prisoners of Our Thoughts, as the In fact, the concept of logos can be vine.” come a “Dalai Lama” to engage in “His Eminence did that during his private audience with the President, “will to meaning.” found in most of the great works Moreover, Philo’s confidence in authentic dialogue with others as well. But (a public setting is) not where policy is made,” he said. I also believe that hope itself is describing the history of Christiani- the human mind rests on the self- (and with ourselves). The Dalai So on the one hand, Mr. Manatos is stressing the policymaking benefits not a strategy and that the pursuit ty, as well as throughout the litera- assurance that the human intellect Lama’s call for a “century of dia- of being able to meet with the President at the White House once a year; of meaning takes much more than ture on religion and Western phi- is ultimately related to the divine logue” is not only possible but is on the other, he’s saying we shouldn’t expect too much in terms of the an- words alone. So what is dialogue losophy. Logos, “…being an imprint, or frag- within our reach, should we choose nual event’s policymaking potential; and all the while, it’s perfectly fine and why is it so difficult to do? We In this regard, one of the first ment or effulgence of that blessed to pursue and authentically commit for the Archbishop to make public appeals to the President to “cut the Gor- all hear the word “dialogue” bat- references to logos as “spirit” came nature, or…being a portion of the to such a meaningful value and dian knot of these unresolved issues,” even though such appeals could in- tered around rather loosely, used from the Greek philosopher, Hera- divine ether.” To Philo, the origins goal. Once again, this requires that cite the Turkish lobby to riot. indiscriminately (like the boy who clitus, around 500 BC. The logos of of logos as “spirit” were clearly well we discover common ground in While Mr. Manatos tries to make up his mind, we don’t believe Mr. Oba- learns how to use a hammer and Heraclitus has been interpreted in documented in the writings of the and through our relationship with ma will stop commemorating Greek Independence Day just because then finds that everything could various ways, as the “logical,” as early Greek philosophers and the others. AHEPA is calling for a change in the way some in our community are han- use a bit of hammering!), and re- “meaning,” and as “reason”; but, as theologians of his era. This kind of dling this event – especially since AHEPA played an instrumental role in ferred to in ways that would seem the German philosopher Martin interpretation of logos also re- Dr. Pattakos is the author of the persuading Greek Americans to vote for the Democratic ticket last fall by to make it an easy thing to do. Be- Heidegger has pointed out, “What ceived attention more recently in international bestselling book, giving high marks to Obama-Biden in its congressional scorecard on Hel- sides suggesting that we all need to can logic…do if we never begin to Karen Armstrong’s bestseller, A His- Prisoners of Our Thoughts: Viktor lenic issues. use the process of “dialogue” in pay heed to the logos and follow its tory of God, in which she notes that Frankl's Principles for Discovering In response to such fear-based concerns, Mr. Gulas said, “When the group settings as a way to resolve initial unfolding?” To Heraclitus, St. John had made it clear that Je- Meaning in Life and Work, and Greeks fought for their independence, they didn’t just take the cream of conflicts, solve problems, and even this “initial unfolding” viewed the sus was the Logos and, moreover, the founder of the Center for the crop in Greek society. They took people from all over Greece – people promote innovation, we also are logos as responsible for the har- that the Logos was God. Meaning, based in Santa Fe, New from small villages; from the islands, mountains and countryside; people frequently called upon to have an monic order of the universe, as a Herein, however, lies the diffi- Mexico, USA. His column will be from all walks of life – to fight the oppressor. So for us to say this is an ex- “inner dialogue” with ourselves. cosmic law which declared that culty associated with engaging peo- published weekly in The National clusive event for a select few defeats the whole purpose of celebrating and Perhaps in this way, we’ll actually “One is All and Everything is One.” ple in “authentic” dialogue—it can- Herald. Readers interested in commemorating Greek Independence Day.” get to “know” ourselves better and The doctrine of the logos was not and will not happen if we are contacting him with questions, In other words, those in our community who practice the tactics of ex- increase the likelihood of achieving the linchpin of the religious think- “prisoners of our thoughts.” In this comments, and/or suggestions clusion should open up and become more inclusive. If we lose the annual our highest potential! ing by the Jewish philosopher, Phi- connection, I learned a long time for topics can send emails to: privilege, they will have only themselves to blame. This brings us back to the basic lo of Alexandria, who, while not al- ago that you can never enter into a [email protected]. THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 4, 2009 VIEWPOINTS 11 LETTER FROM ATHENS Adding Insult to Injury

Now we learn that President than Turkey in action, if to do the same to to- ence. The Arabs share with us a Obama will not visit the Ecumenical not in word. day’s moderate Islamist common history of suffering at the The 4 Greatest Greeks For Patriarch during his upcoming visit We can not ignore administration? The hands of the Turks. The Arabs appre- to Turkey. This comes despite a what my friend says. U.S. may ignore these ciate the risks Greece has taken on Greek Independence Day reception On his first point, I ugly facts; other Mus- their behalf. Greece rescued thou- Dinner – Who Are Yours? at the White House at which His Em- think he was too kind. lims do not. sands of Palestinians from Beirut in inence Archbishop Demetrios of We can be insufferable, Turkey’s size, large 1982 and sent its naval frigates More than 30 years shined only by his ego America emphasized the persecu- rude and self-destruc- population and its geo- through an Israeli blockade into ago, American televi- as he stands before a tion of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. tive. Greeks convey an graphic location are ir- Beirut harbor in 2006 to rescue sion entertainer Steve watermelon truck in I do not know how Mr. Obama re- attitude which can be refutable, but so what? thousands, including hundreds of Allen, a brilliant talent his program and dis- sponded to the Archbishop’s appeals roughly summarized We have bases in U.S. citizens abandoned by our own and man of letters, penses what he thinks – I (and apparently many others) as, “I know I’m right. If Turkey which would be government. One can argue that if created an ingenious are pearls of wisdom was not among the Greek American you don’t agree with by AMB. PATRICK N. invaluable if we en- Obama asked the Greeks for help in PBS-award television but will have you political establishment invited to the me, I’m not going to THEROS joyed the same free- the Arab world, he would get a bet- nonpareil program reaching for an airline event – but it does not appear to waste time telling you dom to use them as we ter return for his trouble. Meeting of Minds, vomit bag in disbelief. have resonated with our President. why you’re wrong.” Special to have in our facilities in Finally, Greece has spent the last called “the ultimate This is what hap- The U.S. foreign policy establish- His other arguments The National Herald Greece. In point of fact, decade supporting Turkey’s bid to talk show,” in which pens when you get the ment, based in the think tanks and have the advantage of Turkey regularly closes join the E.U., and generally trying to he had four, or occa- hoi-polloi involved in extending into the bureaucracy, has simplicity. Rather obviously, Turkey down the bases whenever it sees improve the relationship; Turkey’s sionally three, of the by ANDY these affairs, just as it been sold a bill of goods by compe- is larger than Greece, has a bigger such action in its national interests, idea of improving the relationship is greatest minds and DABILIS did in 1957 when tent Turkish diplomacy, and cares Army, shares borders with several as it did in 2003 when it denied U.S. to continue sending fighter planes to personalities in history baseball fans in Cincin- not one whit for Greek American difficult countries and has an over- staging rights in its offensive against buzz over Greek islands. sitting around a table Special to nati stuffed ballot box- posturing. whelmingly Muslim population. The Iraq. I don’t know how to change debating, either using The National Herald es and put seven of the Recently, an active duty Ameri- think tanks and the bureaucracy Turkey’s large population hides Greek bad manners. But I do believe their own words or in- Cincinnati Reds team can diplomat with great experience have built U.S. policy on that foun- the fact that a large part of its popu- that our leadership has the brains to stilling in them dialogue that came in the starting line-up of the All- in Greece and the Balkans, told my dation. The think tanks, which do lation does not regard itself as Turk- educate the think tanks and the bu- from their philosophy and what Star game. The first part of this bal- wife why U.S. foreign policy sup- the intellectual heavy lifting for all ish. A very senior Turkish official – reaucracy – if it were willing to put history knew of them, since there loting had 38,472 people voting for ports Turkey against Greece. He American administrations, thus sav- while enumerating Turkey’s struc- in the hard work. Our gala events were no recordings of those like At- the top 100. Among the Great Un- summed it up as: 1) Greeks need to ing an overworked bureaucracy mil- tural problems – told a group of and commemorations are impor- tila the Hun. It’s an educational deserved nominated by dint of the get over it; i.e., stop defining them- lions of man hours of work, have American banker, “I am a Turk. I do tant, but they come once a year, and tool par excellence and it was mes- dimwits were Georgios Pa- selves by what Turkey does, 2) been targeted by Turkey for years, not believe that more than 20 per- do little to advance our issues – is- merizing to watch the actors por- padopolous, the Colonel who led Turkey is strategically more impor- and ignored by Greece and Greek cent of my fellow citizens would sues which benefit the United States, traying the characters duelling the junta in 1967 and whose fa- tant than Greece because of geo- Americans. agree with that statement. Most be- Greece and Turkey. In the meantime, with their wits and brains. vorite sport was having people’s graphic location, size and military Countering these mindlessly sim- lieve they are Kurds, Laz, Alevi, our Archdiocese should do every- You could watch, at the same bare feet beaten with shovels, and prowess, and 3) Turkey is a Muslim ple arguments is difficult precisely Arabs and so forth, whose allegiance thing it can to ensure that Mr. Oba- time, Cleopatra, Teddy Roosevelt, 1960s film actress Aliki, a cutey in- state at a time when we need to im- because they are so mindlessly sim- to the Turkish state has been co- ma raises Cyprus, the Patriarchate Thomas Paine and Thomas deed, but whose head was lighter press Muslims. ple. In fact, few of the arguments erced, and might not survive a seri- and Halki, and religious freedoms Aquinas, or, in another show, than helium. Theodoros Zagorakis, His views are typical throughout would survive serious examination. ous national crisis.” with Mr. Erdogan in Ankara. Ulysses S. Grant, Marie Antoinette, also on the list, has as his only claim the bureaucracy, even if his argu- Take, for example, the thesis that A very senior Turkish diplomat Thomas More and Karl Max. Allen to fame leading Greece’s soccer ments are weak. But what surprised Mr. Obama’s visit to Turkey will im- told me that the appeal of the Is- The Hon. Ambassador Theros is put together figures from different team to the 2004 European cham- me is that he maintained such a dis- press Muslims. Doesn’t anyone lamists in Turkey lies in the fact that president of the U.S.-Qatar Busi- periods of history to show nothing pionship, but he’s there alongside missive attitude toward Greek is- know that Mr. Obama will visit an they respect the dignity of minori- ness Council. He served in the U.S. really had changed in man’s nature. the likes of Pythagoras, Euripides, sues, despite having served years in avowedly secular state which was ties. Although himself avowedly sec- Foreign Service for 36 years, most- Charles Darwin matched minds Sophocles, Aeschylus, the great po- the U.S. Embassy in Athens. I worry founded on the massacre of thou- ular, he believes that Turkey is inher- ly in the Middle East, and was with poetess Emily Dickinson, ets Cavafy, Elytis, Seferis and Yian- that so many U.S. diplomats leave sands of Muslim clerics in the ently unstable under current gover- American Ambassador to Qatar Galileo and Attila, people of differ- nis Ritsos, so you figure out the IQ Athens with such little empathy to- 1920’s; actively persecutes Muslim nance. from 1995 to 1998. He also direct- ing fields: philosophers, poets, war- of some of these voters. But what ward Greek issues, and little regard religious manifestation (e.g., head Greece enjoys enormous good- ed the State Department’s riors, religious leaders, politicians, can you expect when director for the fact that Greece has main- scarves); has overthrown, tortured will in the Arab and Islamic worlds, Counter-Terrorism Office, and and thinkers. “I felt that putting the Theodoros Angelopolous, who tained its responsibilities as a and executed Muslim-leaning elect- a fact to which I can attest from holds numerous U.S. Government greatest figures of all time together makes films for insomniacs, is also stronger ally to the United States ed officials; and threatens every day three decades of personal experi- decorations. and showing them interacting was there. If you made up a list of the top 100 people of all time, it would be heavy with Greeks, so why the If you made up a list of Greek list is laden with light- the top 100 people of all weights is a mystery, except when you realize that history isn’t such March 25th at the White House, A Lost Opportunity time, it would be heavy an important class for Greek stu- with Greeks, so why the dents anymore, a tad disappointing By Nick Larigakis pecially since this year there was no its walls and long history, as you real- Park Marriott Hotel. President Greek list is laden with for the country whose history is the Special to The National Herald seating. Also, it’s worth noting that I ize you are arguably in the most George Bush standing on stage un- most important in the world. ran into someone there who had no identifiable symbol of freedom, pow- der the shadow of Archbishop lightweights is a mystery. Among those deserving to be Once again, the President of the connection to the Greek American er and influence. Demetrios and leading Greek Ameri- considered, but who didn’t make United States invited members of the community. He was an American Therefore, given this unique op- can businessman Alex Spanos and an entertaining way not only to the top 10 were Aeschylus, Maria Greek American community to join working overseas for an American portunity and given the number of with a room full of prominent Greek have a better understanding of Callas, Melina Mercouri, Homer, him on March 25th at the White firm who happened to be in town serious issues of concern that we Americans, went on to deliver a 20 what is going on in the world today, Herodotus, Hippocrates, Nikos House to commemorate and cele- and heard about the event and have as they relate to U.S. interests minute speech that could have been but also to be in a better position to Kazantzakis, Mikis Theodorakis, brate Greek Independence Day. In somehow received an invite. with Greece and Cyprus, it is more given to any American ethnic group. make decisions for the future,” Aristotle Onassis, Pythagoras, addition, a presidential proclama- In a letter to President Obama imperative than ever that, in addi- Unbelievably, the words Greece or Allen said. Themistocles, Thucydides, and tion was issued to commemorate the dated March 25, 2009, Ike Gulas, tion to the Archbishop, other leaders Cyprus were never mentioned! Over four years, he selected 45 Praxiteles, the first to sculpt a life- 188th anniversary of Greece’s inde- President of AHEPA, expressed his representing major organizations Back to President Obama. After people from history to appear and size form of the female nude, an pendence and to reaffirm the strong “disappointment” as to the process who espouse to these issues, be in- the White House ceremony, the three were Greeks: Socrates was achievement not surpassed until bonds of friendship between Greece of how the invitees were “vetted.” As cluded in the discussion with the problem got compounded by the an- teamed with Francis Bacon, Mexi- the Playboy centerfold came along. and the United States and to bring we all know by now Mr. Gulas de- President prior to the beginning of nouncement issued the next day that can revolutionary Emilio Zapata The top 10 so far are: Alexander the attention to the fact that this rela- clined to attend the White House cel- the event. This will not only serve to on his forthcoming visit to Turkey, he and Susan B. Anthony; Plato was Great, Aristotle, Ioannis Capodis- tionship is etched intrinsically by ebration in order to protest what he would not be visiting the Ecumenical put at a table with Martin Luther, trias, Constantine Karamanlis, virtue of the principles that guided deemed as a “lack of respect which Patriarchate. This would have been Voltaire and Florence Nightingale, Kolokotronis, Doctor Georgios Pa- our founding fathers in establishing was displayed towards” AHEPA. I AHEPA opened the door a wonderful opportunity for Presi- and, in perhaps the best for conver- panikolaou, Pericles, Plato, our own country. congratulate Mr. Gulas and AHEPA to all of us who shied dent Obama to send a strong mes- sation, Aristotle with Machiavelli, Socrates, and Eleftherios Venizelos. The proclamation in part states: for bringing to the fore what has sage to the Turkish Government re- Elizabeth Barrett Browning and So who would YOU pick, and why? “The relationship between been for a longtime now a con- away from this issue and garding our concern for this Holy Sun Yat-Sen, the father of modern The criteria isn’t necessarily only Greece and the United States owes tentious issue every year as to who provided us with the See. China. Of all the countries in the those who are the four greatest much to the vision of democracy and should receive an invitation. opportunity to engage in In his campaign statement of Oc- world then, Greece perhaps above Greeks, but who are or were great liberty forged in Greece. In con- AHEPA has opened the door to all tober 2008, he stated that he had all has the right to claim a predom- and who would make the best con- structing a modern democratic of us who have shied away from this a constructive dialogue. “signed a letter to President Bush in inant number of the greatest the versation at the dinner table with framework, our Nation’s founders issue and provided us with the op- 2006 urging him to press Turkey to world has ever seen, but you can’t you or you and your partner. drew upon the immutable principles portunity to engage in a constructive further unite our community so that restore the full rights of the Ecumeni- exactly tell that in a new series on If you go by the strict rules and of the ancient Greeks. All who cher- dialogue so that this does not repeat we can speak with one message cal Patriarchate...” And he called on Skai TV in Greece, in which people include only Greeks and not those ished the ideal of democratic gover- itself in the future. And while I un- through many voices, but will also “Turkey to respect the Ecumenical are voting for the 10 Greatest in the diaspora, my table for four is: nance are beneficiaries of the Greek derstand that you can’t have dozens serve to illustrate to the President Patriarchate’s rights and freedom…” Greeks, after selecting the top 100. Kazantzakis, Mercouri, Socrates legacy.” of entities controlling this process, the diverse and strong multi-faceted He further stated that “Turkey The final balloting isn’t done yet. and Leonidas, because I want pas- Unfortunately, as this annual ritu- nonetheless, a more conscientious dimension of the Greek American should allow the reopening of the The problem is that instead of sion and explanations on life, love, al starts to take shape every year, so effort needs to be made to reach out community. Patriarchate’s school of theology on leaving it to a panel of selected peo- philosophy, war, courage, friend- to begins the annual jockeying for to a greater number of organizations It is high time that U.S. policy Halki Island and guarantee the right ple, intellectuals, academicians, ship and the human spirit, with lots those coveted invitations allotted to in order to include a greater cross makers engage our community to train clergy of all nationalities, not historians and people in a position of ouzo, wine, raki, food and verbal the Greek American community. sectional representation of our com- when it comes to decisions on issues just Turkish nationals.” to elucidate what makes a man or fist-fighting, and some dancing and Who receives one and how the list is munity. This can’t and shouldn’t be of importance to our community. We A visit to the Ecumenical Patriar- woman great, it’s been left to televi- spirited debate too. put together is still somewhat of a controlled be a handful of persons or can no longer allow ourselves to be chate would have been a good place sion and Internet voters, the same If you include Greeks from the mystery. In previous years there by any one organization. Further, told by policy makers what they have to start. types who, in a world contest last diaspora, John Cassavettes is at my have been hundreds of invitations is- this event should never be seen in already decided without consulting Opportunities for the President to year, left the Acropolis off the list of table too, and standing by the door sued and many were accommodat- the vein of partisan politics. It’s a cel- with us first. The Archbishop high- hear from leading segments of the the Seven Modern Wonders of the waiting their chance are Telly ed. This year however, for whatever ebration of the rich legacy of our lighted our concerns and issues dur- Greek American community are few World. Savalas, Plato, Pericles and Euripi- the reason, the list was drastically re- community steeped in the values ing his comments standing along and far in between. They should So while just by the weight of des. Who’s at your table for four? duced. I would estimate by as much and traditions of our nation as side the President and Vice Presi- never be lost. And although one can history the top 10 in voting so far Let me know. as 75%. This obviously did not sit drawn from ancient Greece. dent. Incredibly, the President did argue that a celebration is not a place are mostly deserved, more than a well with many, and rightfully so, An invitation to the White House not refer or allude to any of these is- for such a discussion, the problem is handful of those left behind in the Mr. Dabilis was the New England who felt they should be included and is truly a unique and special invita- sues. That’s unfortunate. we don’t have many opportunities to remaining 90 range from silly to editor for United Press Interna- for organizations who have been ac- tion, regardless of the circum- This isn’t without precedent. I get our points across with the most stupid, proving that what H.L. tional in Boston, and a staff customed to receiving more than just stances, and I have been to many — will never forget when under the important and powerful person of Mencken said about Americans, writer and assistant metropoli- a few invites, as for instance AHEPA. including Rose Garden State visits, guise of the Greek American com- the free world—save this occasion. that nobody ever lost money under- tan editor at the Boston Globe for One reason given was that many the reception hosted by then First La- munity, 2 million dollars was raised The good news is that we have estimating their intelligence, ap- 17 years before relocating to more members of Congress were in- dy Hillary Rodham Clinton for His for President George W. Bush during 351 days until next Independence plies to Greeks as well. Before we Greece. His column is published vited this year than in the past. And All Holiness, a Stanley Cup champi- his campaign for a second term in day to rectify the situation. get to the best, those who were ac- weekly in the National Herald. while it was true that I did see more on celebration and a round-table the spring of 2004. I attended the tually in the running included tele- Readers interested in contacting Members, there were no more than meeting with President Bill Clin- event as a guest of a contributor, held Nick Larigakis is the Executive Di- vision vaudeville performer Lakis him can send e-mails to andyd- twenty and that still left plenty of ton—it doesn’t get old. There is mys- in one of the largest ballrooms in rector of the American Hellenic In- Lazopoulous, whose inanity is out- [email protected]. space for more people to attend. Es- tique about the place that transcends Washington, DC at the Wardman stitute. Turkey’s Social and Political Divisions

The Turkish ruling Islamist AKP Party) with 16.1 percent. The CHP's with the Turkish mili- der these conditions, municipal elections, the AKP ex- Under these worsening circum- (Justice and Development Party) increased its share of the vote tary. Not long after, an attempt to establish pended the country's limited eco- stances the AKP will undoubtedly won most municipal elections held mainly in the coastal cities and in the AKP Government a new "centre-right" nomic resources in order to expand face growing opposition and will on Sunday, but lost several key Turkish Thrace. Not so remarkably allowed the army to party that would try to its political fortunes. On the eve of face two difficult choices: stand by cities and registered a reduced vote the Alawi minority once again gave cross the border and pull away some oppor- the elections, subsidized coal was and watch its support quickly erode compared to its landslide victory in their support to the CHP. The CHP conduct a military ac- tunistic elements from handed out to the urban poor, and or undertake further coercive the national elections held in July increased its votes in these areas tion in Iraq. the AKP would not even free fold-up beds, refrigera- means to remain in power. 2007. because of its more secularist tradi- The other and more come as a surprise. tors and washing machines were There is another option, one Although the AKP managed to tion supported by a middle class “orthodox” Islamist POLITICAL AND distributed in rural areas. All of that has been the mainstay of Turk- win most of the mayoral and dis- suspicious of the rising power of party SP (Felicity Par- ECONOMIC CRISIS these election abuses were commit- ish governments in trouble – the trict administrator posts available, the Islamists and anxious to protect ty), from which the SET TO DEEPEN ted quite publicly and with impuni- call to nationalism with Greece as it managed only just 38.9 percent its Western lifestyle AKP leadership origi- The results of the ty. the villain. A Turkey in trouble has of the vote, less than the 46.6 per- Concurrently, the MHP garnered nated, succeeded in al- by DR. ANDRE March 29 municipal Due to an increase in govern- always meant trouble for Greece in cent it secured in 2007. more support in many Anatolian most tripling its sup- GEROLYMATOS elections reveal that ment spending and a decline in tax the Aegean, Thrace or Cyprus. The AKP won a majority in Is- cities, especially in cities where the port to 5.2 percent. It the political map of the revenues, the budget deficit rose to Turkish saber rattling has been an tanbul and Ankara, along with oth- fascist movement has been histori- appears that a sub- Special to country is character- 7.4 billion TL (US$4.35 billion) in effective distraction and a vote get- er major cities but support for the cally strong. At the same time, The stantial layer of disillu- The National Herald ized by sharp and ex- February 2009, an 824% rise com- ter. The question is – is Greece AKP decreased significantly due to Kurdish nationalist DTP (Democra- sioned hardcore Is- plosive internal socio- pared to the same period in 2008. ready? the ongoing and deepening eco- tic Society Party) managed to con- lamists decided to shift their sup- political schisms that have been ex- Turkey is already deeply in debt, Perhaps, President Obama does nomic crisis. The AKP has come solidate its control of the Kurdish port to the SP, and in the next na- asperated by a very deep economic while the foreign exchange re- not realize but he will soon be fac- ahead at the polls since 2002 and southeastern provinces. The DTP's tional elections the SP could crisis that began in the last quarter serves of the Central Bank are rela- ing his first Aegean crisis. increased its votes in the last three candidate in Diyarbakir, Osman emerge as a serious rival to the AKP. of 2008 and has caused a serious tively weak. consecutive elections. But on Sun- Baydemir, won the elections with a The once mighty and now de- economic downturn. Such a deficit is not sustainable Dr. Gerolymatos is chair of day, this trend was checked. sizeable 65% majority. funct so-called "centre-right par- Ultimately, because of the global and can only bring about a reduc- Hellenic Studies at Simon Fraser In second and third place be- One reason for the success of the ties," the ANAP (Motherland Party) economic and financial predica- tion in the creditworthiness of the University in Vancouver, British hind the AKP was the Kemalist-na- DTP is that after the 2007 elections, and the DP (Democratic Party), al- ment, the protracted political crisis country and further capital flight Columbia and the author of "Red tionalist CHP (Republican Peoples the AKP leadership adopted nation- most totally disappeared from the of Turkey will deepen in the imme- with disastrous consequences for Acropolis, Black Terror: The Party) with 23.1 percent and the alist rhetoric with respect to the political scene scoring 0.7 percent diate future. the economy and the working pop- Greek Civil War and the Origins fascist MHP (Nationalist Movement Kurdish question and aligned itself and 3.7 percent, respectively. Un- In the months preceding the ulation, in particular. of Soviet-American Rivalry." 12 THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 4, 2009

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