O C V ΓΡΑΦΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ Bringing the news ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΣΜΟΥ to generations of ΑΠΟ ΤΟ 1915 The National Herald Greek Americans A WEEKLY GREEK AMERICAN PUBLICATION c v www.thenationalherald.com VOL. 11, ISSUE 565 August 9, 2008 $1.25 GREECE: 1.75 EURO Snowe and Menendez Team Up on Greek Issues Senators Compel Administration to Answer Concerns about Next Ambassador to FYROM

By Evan C. Lambrou Special to The National Herald

NEW YORK – The United States Senate confirmed the Bush Admin- istration’s nominee as ambassador to FYROM after U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) and Robert Menendez (D-New Jersey) compelled the Administration to clarify some of its policies on FY- ROM. Lawmakers had also delayed consideration of Marie Yovanovitch’s nomination to Arme- nia in a dispute over the U.S. re- fusal to label the World War I-era mass killings of Armenians in Turkey as genocide. Ambassador Philip Reeker’s posting to FYROM late last week had been held up by Senators Snowe and Menendez, who ex- pressed concerned about U.S. posi- tions on a dispute with Greece over FYROM’s name, a thorny issue U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe which remains unresolved, and which was behind the hold up of ROM has engaged in hostile propa- AP PHOTO/DIMITRI MESSINIS Mr. Reeker’s nomination (Mr. Reek- ganda. Maps used in textbooks Replacing the Flag er, a career diplomat, had recently showing parts of Greece within the served as spokesman at the U.S. small country’s borders, while Soldiers take the unusual step of lowering the flagstaff on the ancient Acropolis to replace a Greek flag torn by strong winds in Athens on Embassy in Baghdad). schoolchildren are taught that Wednesday, August 6, 2008. The 2,500-year-old Parthenon temple is seen amid scaffolding, left. Both legislators were unhappy Thessaloniki is really the capital of with the White House policy on FYROM under Greek occupation. Greece’s small Balkan neighbor, A United Nations envoy has which insists on being recognized been brokering talks aimed at by a historically Greek name – i.e., reaching a name both countries can “Macedonia” – even though most of accept (FYROM is currently listed The School of Theology and the Future of Orthodoxy what has been known as Macedo- at the United Nations under the nia since ancient times lies within provisional name of Former Yu- By Theodore Kalmoukos Greek American community in gen- far as the Greek American communi- any organized structure to receive the Hellenic Republic’s geographic goslav Republic of Macedonia). Special to The National Herald eral, would not be able to survive ty is concerned, pioneering Greek any type of support. territory. In a letter sent to Secretary of without able priests – well educated Orthodox immigrants from Greece Many Greek pioneers sold their Two days after being re-elected State Condoleezza Rice this past BOSTON, Mass. – When then Arch- academically and well formulated in brought Orthodoxy here. The Greek rings and other golden valuables to in November 2004, President July 10, Senator Snowe criticized bishop Athenagoras (Spirou), who Christ, men with ethos and con- Orthodox Archdiocese of America buy materials to build their local Bush’s State Department an- the Bush Administration’s policy eventually became Ecumenical Pa- sciousness of their dual mission: the was not established by missionary church and Greek school, as was the nounced that the U.S. Government for recognizing FYROM as “Mace- triarch, founded Holy Cross Greek salvific ministry of the Church and clergy, bishops, the Church of case of the Holy Trinity community officially recognizes FYROM as the donia,” and asked Dr. Rice to con- Orthodox School of Theology in virtues of our Hellenic cultural and Greece or the Ecumenical Patriar- in Lowell. In Worcester, Greek immi- “Republic of Macedonia,” sending a firm that the Administration is en- 1937, he knew very well that with- spiritual heritage. chate, but is the sacred work of the grants used to buy bread from a spe- stinging message to longtime ally couraging FYROM to cease “hostile out such an institution the future of I am talking about Hellenism hands and hearts of those pioneer- cific bakery, and the owner of the Greece, which argues that the activities or propaganda.” Orthodoxy and Hellenism in Ameri- here, not Helladism; Hellenism as ing Greek immigrants, who built our bakery would keep one cent from name “Macedonia” implies expan- In the letter, Senator Snowe, ca would be in doubt. the historic cultural flesh of Chris- churches and parochial schools, each loaf they sold. At the end of the sionist claims on its northern who is of Greek heritage, also told The community-parish, which is tianity and its pure and most au- while suffering many sacrifices week, a committee headed by the province of the same name. Dr. Rice that the Administration’s the basic cell of the organizational thentic form, which is Orthodoxy. themselves because of their limited Governments in FYROM dismiss structure of the Church and the It is also historically true that, as financial resources and the lack of Continued on page 3 and deny the Greek claim, but FY- Continued on page 5 George Zaharias: The Golden State Senate Greek of Cripple Creek, A Star Nominee In Wrestling’s Golden Age Keeps the Faith

By Steve Frangos Grange boxing’s Jack Dempsey and By Theodore Kalmoukos Special to The National Herald tennis’ Bill Tilden (Pueblo Chieftain Special to The National Herald May 27, 1984).” Vetoyanis is said to Theodore Vetoyanis was one of have received his ring name of BOSTON – Attorney Thomas Con- America’s most recognized “George Zaharias” from none other stantine Simones from Connecti- wrestlers and sports promoters. Ve- than sports impresario Tom Packs cut, son of the prominent family of toyanis’ professional standing was (1894-1964). During the first half the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of on a par with “baseball’s Babe Ruth of the Twentieth Century, Packs (a America, Fr. Charles and Presvytera and Lou Gehrig, football’s Red Greek immigrant born Anthanasios Joan Simones of Waterford, Con- Pakiotis) was among the most pre- necticut, has recently been nomi- eminent wrestling promoters in the nated by the Republican party to United States. Packs, was so im- represent the 20th District as state pressed with young Vetoyanis that senator. he called him “Sugar Boy,” in Mr. Simones decided to run for Man Beheads Greek, and so ‘Zaharias’ was born. Public Office because he wants to Unexpectedly, George Zaharias’ make a difference in the people’s Girlfriend career as a professional wrestler lives as well as to attempt to bring and sports promoter has been over change into his perspective state, shadowed by his 1938 marriage to Connecticut. He said, “this is the On Santorini Mildred (Babe) Ella Didrikson Za- year of change and I would like to harias (1911-1956). Babe Zaharias see certain things changed in Con- is widely recognized as one of the necticut.” He said that “I am a ATHENS (AP) – A 31-year-old greatest all around athletes in his- strong believer of term limits, a Greek beheaded his girlfriend and tory. An Olympic gold metal win- politician should not serve more carried her head round the popular ner, Babe Zaharias, while always an than terms in his or her position, tourist island of Santorini before he amazingly diverse athlete, eventu- just like the president, to get some was arrested, police said on Sun- ally became one of the world’s best new blood in. I have promised to day, August 3. professional golfers. Even though it serve two terms which is four Police said restaurant cook is well documented that George Za- years.” Thanassis Arvanitis severed the harias’ skill as a sports promoter re- Patmos is the most northerly of the Dodecanese group of islands. It is a beautiful island that has main- Speaking about the constantly head of his 25-year-old girlfriend vived and directed his wife’s career tained its religious traditions and has many monasteries and churches. The Book of Revelations in The increasing gas prices and the de- on the holiday island of Santorini he has somehow nearly disap- Bible was written on the island by John the Evangelist. A monastery there honors his name. pendency on oil Mr. Simones has a and tried to escape in a police car. peared from the pages of history. dream “to see Connecticut going to A police officer and three female Since quite literally thousands solar geothermal technology in this bystanders were also injured in the of pages of newspaper accounts ex- generation.” incident that occurred Sunday in ist on George Zaharias’ career, be- Education is extremely pivotal the village of Bourboulos, near the fore his marriage to Mildred Ella A Divine Time in Picturesque Patmos to him. “State schools have become island's main town of Fira. Didrikson, it is astounding that no very expensive,” he said. “We have Following an argument, “the concise account of his life and ca- By Vic Francis ing mainly from the altar area be- Turks, Venetians, Italian fascists no degrees of the University of Con- [suspect] slaughtered their dog reer is widely available. New Zealand Herald hind life-size icons. Even though it's and Nazis, before returning finally necticut available online.” With the and threw it out of their home and Theodosius George Vetoyanis early in the season, tourists, quiet to Greek hands in 1948. price of gas and the ease of putting on to the street and proceeded to was born on February 27, 1908, in An early morning chill mixes and respectful, outnumber the The oldest settlement is on the a camera in every room to film kill the woman totally severing her Pueblo Colorado to Greek immi- with keen anticipation as we leave faithful, who come and leave quick- Castelli Hill - the walls of the old every class, this would allow these head,” a statement from the South grant parents Kostandenos (Gus) our cruise ship and board a launch ly, crossing themselves, lighting Acropolis with its remains of the degrees to go online and we are Aegean Police Department said. and Demetra (Rembas) Vetoyanis. heading for Patmos. candles, kissing icons. temples of Apollo and Dionysus talking about a tuition price drop “The attacker walked around The Vetoyanis couple had immi- It's Sunday, and this is the island The service is mysterious, an- and a hippodrome dating from the from $25,000 to $5,000 per year.” the village carrying the head of the grated to Pueblo from the village of where St John the Divine received cient, mesmeric - unfamiliar to us 6th and 4th centuries BC can still Speaking about the issue of victim in one hand and the cleaver Manzagra (known, today, as Aghios the Revelation - recorded under Western believers - and yet there is be seen. But it is the religious histo- health he said, “I believe that the in the other.” Kostandenos) near Tripolis in the that name in the last book of the a sense of richness and holiness ry of Patmos that is truly remark- time has come. We need to move The cleaver had a 30-centimeter Peloponnesus. The Vetoyanis cou- Bible - and as theological students that transcends culture and lan- able. towards some hort of healthcare (12-inch) blade. ple had two children in Manzagra, “following in the footsteps of Paul guage. Christianity progressively dis- foe everybody. Absolutely we have The police statement said Ar- Harriet (who was known as Mary in and John” this is a profound mo- This is the way it's been for 2000 placed pagan worship of traditional the resources.” Mr. Simones’ priori- the United States) and Helen (Dim- ment for my wife, Fran, and me. years on tiny Patmos, just 34 sq km Greek gods and goddesses, with St ty is to return businesses back to Continued on page 5 itrieau). Once in the United States, As we descend the steep steps to of Greek territory in the Aegean John's presence and the events sur- Connecticut. He said, “we have to the Vetoyanis family owned a the Cave of the Apocalypse, where Sea near the coast of Turkey, but an rounding him on the island setting decrease to cost of doing business To subscribe call: 718.784.5255 house at 1203 Elm Street in the the Revelation is said to have been island that holds a disproportion- it apart. in Connecticut and the biggest cost e-mail: Bessemer neighborhood of Pueblo, received, we're greeted by chanting ately large place in history. Patmos became St John's home is health care. We all have to learn [email protected] Colorado. The four other Vetoyanis and incense and, when we're in- In legend, The Iliad's Orestes “because of the word of God and that we have to give up something. children were born in this house: side, by a sense of reverence. It's took refuge there, pursued by the the testimony of Jesus'” (Revelation It is going to reform the state.” George (1908); Joan (1910, Za- the kind of environment where Furies. It has been occupied since 1:9). Tradition has it that John was Asked if he thinks that the Re- vichas), Chris (1913); and Athana- your pace slows, your eyes drop, around 500BC by Carians, then Do- taken to Rome where he was publican Party is responsible for the cios (who was known also as Tasso your senses quicken. rians, Ionians and, from the 2nd thrown into boiling oil at the Latin condition of the economy in Con- Five laymen chant a cappella in century BC, the Romans. It was tak- Continued on page 4 stalls on the left, the priest respond- en over by the Byzantines, then Continued on page 4 Continued on page 3 2 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, AUGUST 9, 2008 Pancretan Association Announces $70K in New Scholarships

By Demetris Tsakas tion, its members, and its long list of tions made by the PAA, hospital said. ation Greek American professionals Special to The National Herald significant accomplishments during equipment was purchased for the “The Pancretan Association of to attend seminars and other educa- the past 80 years. The Pancretan As- Thalassemia Medical Center operat- America needs to be able to adapt to tional programs in Crete,” he added. NEW YORK – The Pancretan Associ- sociation of America has always ing in Crete, a statue dedicated to the changing times so it can meet the Mr. Velivasakis also spoke about ation of America recently announced sought to assume an active role in its Cretan revolutionary war hero Spy- unique needs that its members have the efforts that the PAA has undertak- it would granting $70,000 in scholar- members’ life, and touch their hearts ros Kagiales was commissioned, the today, with the new and complicated en to form a Pancretan Young Adult ships and study abroad grants to out- and souls. Moreover, we try to play a start-up donation and subsequent challenges that they are called to League, which will be based in New standing college students and gradu- significant role in the lives of all funding for the University of Crete’s face. I am talking about the chal- York, but will soon branch out all ating high school seniors. Greek Americans, as well as our publishing house Crete University lenges that young mothers and fa- across the United States. The President of the Pancretan brothers and sisters living in Crete Press, the botanical gardens at the thers have to not only teach their “We are also going to offer our Association of America Emmanuel and the rest of Greece. Our associa- Polytechnic Institute located in children the Greek language, but to young adults the chance to live their Velivasakis stressed that “the youth tion has managed to leave a great Akrotiri, Chania, and the DIAS pro- also help them understand and em- own ‘Odyssey in Crete’ during the and Greek language education repre- legacy, and we are all very proud,” gram, which includes summer study brace our rich heritage and tradi- summer of 2009, in conjunction with sent the two pillars of our historical Mr. Velivasakis said. abroad classes in Rethymno and tions,” Mr. Velivasakis said. the PAA’s annual convention. The organization. Our generation owes it Some of the PAA’s most important Chania for college students from “The young adults and new par- purpose of this program is to give to posterity to motivate our youth historical contributions include the abroad was undertaken. It should al- ents are the ones whom the Pancre- them a chance to come to Crete, and afford them the opportunity to provision of humanitarian aid all so be noted that several million dol- tan Association turns its attention to drink a raki [traditional Cretan take their own initiatives, because throughout Word War II, the granti- lars in scholarship monies have been today. We have to offer them new drink], smell the Cretan air, speak the youth represent the Pancretan ng of dowries to hundreds of young distributed over the past 50-60 years tools to help them with their chil- the language of their parents, and be Association’s most important invest- Cretan brides whose parents had to thousands of PAA members. dren’s education. We need to pro- rebaptized in the font we call Crete! ment. They are our future. We con- died during and after WWII, the con- Mr. Velivasakis also addressed the mote educational and cultural pro- We need to fulfill all of these goals if tinue to offer our youth college schol- struction of a hospital in Iraklio, challenges facing the PAA youth in grams streamlined for second and we want to remain an active force in arships for academic excellence Crete, as well as hospital wings in the today’s rapidly changing world. “To- Emmanuel Velivasakis third generation Greek Americans, the lives of our young adults. The through our organization’s Venize- Cretan cities of Rethymno and Cha- day, we are living in a different for many of whom Crete is but a dis- truth is that the more that our chil- lion Scholarship Endowment Fund, nia. The PAA has also provided sig- world. Poor immigrants struggling to dynamic group of young profession- tant memory from their childhood. dren and young adults come into which total upwards of $50,000 an- nificant financial support to numer- survive and raise their children no als who are fully incorporated into We need to provide opportunities to contact and begin to understand the nually, and we also send college-age ous institutions operating in Crete, longer make up the vast majority of mainstream American society. Many our college students to go to Crete value of Cretan history, the Greek tra- students to Crete for summer study including the Kallyviani and Kaste- our membership base. The children of them remain totally devoted to the and to attend classes at local Cretan ditions, and our duty to uphold this abroad programs through our lion orphanage in Chania, a large of the last wave of Greek immigrants Cretan ideals that their parents universities, as well as to experience heritage, the greater their chances of “DIAS” program, which is funded by number of churches and monasteries are now adults, and most of them are raised them with, and are faithful to the wonders of Crete in person. In remaining ‘Greeks’ and ‘Cretans,’ and the Pancretan Endowment Fund, the on the island, and the Orthodox college graduates and highly trained the cultural legacy left to them by addition, we need to offer opportuni- of becoming active in our organiza- Vidalakion Scholarship Fund, as well Academy of Crete. Thanks to dona- professionals. They are members of a their parents and grandparents,” he ties to young second and third gener- tion,” Mr. Velivasakis concluded. as the Pancretan Association itself, with grants totaling $20,000 annual- ly. We consider these expenditures to be an investment in the future of the Pancretan Association of America and its members,” he said. Menounos Calls Obama Family Interview "Greatest Moment" of Career Eight of these scholarships for academic excellence will go to high NEW YORK (ERT) – Access Holly- family, it was only natural to expect “Our producer fought many school graduates of Cretan heritage wood's Maria Menounos - a Greek that they would have been nervous, months to get us this interview with from the United States. These stu- American journalist and TV person- restrained, and careful with their Barack Obama. A small window of dents are Asimina Bouzoukas, ality - and her cameraman called words. According to Access Holly- opportunity opened on July 4, Sophia Elefter, Nicholas Hatzis, An- their July 4 interview with Barack wood's hostess, however, they all when the Obamas were celebrating thony Kokolas, John Kokolakis, Efty- Obama and his family the greatest seemed totally relaxed – especially Malia's birthday in Montana, and chia Newhauser, Vasiliki Papas- moment in their professional lives. Mr. Obama's two daughters, Sasha because the days was a holiday as tavrou, Stella Polykarpou, Marissa Ms. Menounos called this interview and Malia. well. Naturally, we jumped at this Tatakis, and John Votzakis. a defining moment in her career, “The truth of the matter is that chance. Of course, we never expect- Another 24 scholarships for acad- and thanked the Obama family for the children were shy before the in- ed that the children were going to emic excellence were granted to the making this possible by being so terview began. In spite of this, my participate in this interview too. following college students: George fun-loving and entertaining. colleague [cameraman] Keven Un- This was something that no one in Barzini, Christina Basias, Argy Ms. Menounos spoke to the dergaro gained their trust when he production expected,” Ms. Me- Kandilerakis, Katherine Kiagias, Greek Sunday edition of “Ethnos” offered to give them a tour of the nounos said. Maria Kiagias, John Kopasakis, Basil and told reporter Matina Demeli museum where the interview was “When I did a series of shows on Kostakis, Anastasios Kountis, Maria about her unforgettable moments going to take place. When the girls NBC entitled “The candidates' chil- Manolis, Michael Manolis, Angela with the Obamas during the filming returned from the tour along with dren,” I wanted Obama's children Nikolakis, Maria Nikolakis, of their four-part interview, which agents from the Secret Service, they on the show as well. I had already Stephanie Novotnie, Elizabeth Pal- aired on NBC from July 8 to July 10. were constantly laughing and much managed to get interviews with the las, Costas Papamarakis, Maria Sk- According to Ms. Menounos, the more at ease than they were earli- children of all the other candidates oulas, Pantelis Stathoudakis, Stavros Obamas were a lot of fun to be with. er,” Ms. Menounos said. and the only ones who were deny- Stathoudakis, John Stratigis, Loretta She characterized the interview sin- An excited Ms. Menounos said ing my requests were the managers Tsisakakis, Chris Tzortzis, Gregory cere and authentic. “The impression that this interview “does not com- from the Obama campaign,” Ms. Varypatakis, Aristea Vasilakis, and they gave me is that they are a com- pare to any other interview” she has Menounos recalled. Sophia Williard. pletely down to earth and healthy ever done in the past. According to the popular TV Graduate scholarships will also be family. They could not have been Her answer was justified, consid- hostess, the Democratic presiden- given to Sandy Barzini, Anastasia more charming and cute; or more ering she had to wait an entire eight tial nominee and his wife did not Binieris, Aspasia Kalogeropoulos, truthful. I was really surprised by months for Mr. Obama's campaign say “no, kids” when they saw their and Katherine Stephanou, who are their family dynamic. They are managers to agree to the interview. daughters taking the microphone pursuing graduate degrees. cuter than I could have imagined. and sitting down next to them. The Mr. Velivasakis said that the PAA They are such a real and loving fam- girls might be young, but it seems will celebrate its 80th anniversary of ily,” Ms. Menounos said. that Senator Obama's daughters establishment next year. “We certain- Being that it was the first time Maria Menounos - a Greek have taken after their father when it ly feel that we have every right to be that the Obamas were appearing American journalist and TV comes to their affinity for public proud of this outstanding organiza- before millions of Americans as a personality. speaking. THE NATIONAL HERALD, AUGUST 9, 2008 COMMUNITY 3 GOINGS ON... Connecticut State Senate Nominee Ready for Change ■ AUGUST 14-17 Phenomenal Fireworks on Friday WINDHAM, N.Y. – The Greek Ortho- night. Sweepstakes Drawing of 270 Continued from page 1 College in Brookline thinking of dox Church of the Assumption cor- "Fantastic Prizes on Sunday night. some day becoming a priest just like dially invites the community to its Sweepstake $100 donation (limited necticut, he said, “There is no his father, the Rev. Constantine Si- Greek festival in celebration of the to 3,999 tickets; 1 out of 15 prizes doubt about it. The war and the bil- mones, who serves the church with Koimisis Tis Theotokou holiday, at wins!) Prizes include 2008 Mercedes lions of dollars we are spending success and dignity and honor for the church from Thursday, August Benz, 2008 Jeep Wrangler X, 2008 have hurt the economy. I saw we almost half a century. 14 to Sunday, August 17. The church Maxum Boat & Trailer, 2008 Nissan passed the mark of the Vietnam “I did not go into the priesthood is located at Route 47 and 52, State Frontier King Cab, 2009 Toyota War.” because I know my wife cannot live Route 23 in Windham, NY. Take Corolla, 2008 Toyota Yaris Sedan, “I talked to a young man who the life of a presbytera and I could- New York Highway to Exit 21: 2008 Seadoo Jetski & trailer or any was going over to Afghanistan and n’t live the life of a priest,” he said. Catskills. Then 23 West for 24 miles one of the other 263 prizes. You can I asked him if I can give the Ameri- “My father was very lucky because to Windham, NY. The church is at buy a ticket through church's web- can people one message what he got to stay in one parish for 43 the beginning of the town. Times: site: www.kimisis.org or send a would it be, he said, ‘Don’t send me years and he was only transferred Thursday: 7 – 11 PM, Friday: 1 – 11 $100 check payable to the Greek Or- somewhere, with my hands tied be- once from Quebec to his second PM, Saturday: 1 – 11 PMM and Sun- thodox Church of Assumption (in- hind my back,’” Mr. Simones said. parish in New London.” day: after the Divine Liturgy – 5 PM. clude your name, address & phone “I support the troops because they He did nor rule out the idea of For more information, please call number). Admission is $2. Under are there. They are our boys and taking Theology lessons through 518-734-4631. 18, free. Free shuttle buses to and they need to know that they are the Internet and even some day to from Ward Melville High School supported one hundred percent. become a permanent Deacon. ■ AUGUST 15-17 (Old Town Rd) to Festival Grounds. However, some choices were made “That is in the back of my head of PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Travel to a Greek For more information or for tickets during this process to start one war, that something I could possibly do village this summer – right here in you may call church office: (631) then two wars and to continue before I become too old,” Mr. Si- Rhode Island. In an effort to address 473-0894 or (631) 473-0829. spending and spending with deci- mones said. the present economic crunch, high sions that could have been made a Growing up in a Greek Orthodox gas prices and the rising cost of air- ■ AUGUST 29-31 lot more wisely. Now that we are in priestly family setting, Mr. Simones fares, the Assumption Church in SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Annun- this war, we can’t just leave these was taught to always be good to Pawtucket will transform its parish ciation Greek Orthodox Church cor- people. We can’t pull out and let others, and that teaching follows grounds into a virtual Greek Island, dially invites the community to its them starve and die. We have creat- him today, urging him to do a lot of and cordially invites everyone to at- 2008 Greek Festival. The festival will ed a mess over there. Whether jus- Connecticut State Senate Republican nominee Thomas Simones with pro bono legal work for those who tend its 81st annual Greek Festival be held in the Sacramento Conven- tified or not, we have a moral duty.” his wife Katina and three sons, Constantine, George and Dimitri who at- cannot afford an attorney. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Au- tion Center (1400 J Street) on Fri- Mr. Simones considers himself tend Waterford schools. Mr. Simones speaks fluent Greek. His only complaint seems to be gust 15-17, right on church grounds day-Sunday, August 29-31. The “a Lincoln Republican.” that as a priest, his father was al- (97 Walcott Street, TEL: 401-725- three-day event opens at 11 AM on Mr. Simones has been a lifelong Simones in Waterford, Connecticut. drea Stemen. ways busy in his clerical duties. 3127). Friday, 5-10 PM; Saturday, Friday, with free admission until 3 member at St. Sophia Hellenic Or- From March 1998 to March 2000 he “She is a very fine politician, she “He never came to my baseball 12-10 PM; Sunday, 12-9 PM. Direc- PM for that day only. Admission for thodox Church in New London, was an associate attorney with the knows her stuff, but the question games because he was always mar- tions: Exit 29 off I-95N (to School Saturday and Sunday is $5 for adults Connecticut where his father was Law Offices of Bruce Chamberlain comes down to are we better off to- rying, burying or baptizing some- Street) or I-95S (to Broadway). Just and $4 for seniors over 65 years of the priest for 45 years before retir- in New London, Connecticut. From day than we were four or eight body,” he said. “My father’s first follow the signs. This is a time when age. Children under 12 years of age ing in October 2006. He was very October 1992 to December 1997, years ago?” he asked. “She has calling before I came into being was the Pawtucket parish community are admitted free. Opening time is active in church related activities he was an associate attorney with served 12 years in the Legislator to Jesus Christ, I realized that he showcases its Greek heritage, cul- noon on Saturday and Sunday. Clos- such as GOYA (Greek Orthodox the Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos, and I she is going for a fourth term gave me far more than showing up ture, and Orthodox faith as it com- ing is set for 10 PM, but “Greek Youth of America). Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. as senator.” to the baseball games. He gave all memorates the feast day of the Dor- Time” usually prevails, extending He attended Waterford schools Mr. Simones is married to the Asked why the people should the love and the time and taught me mition (Falling Asleep) of the Virgin that closing time generously. For and graduated from New London former Katina Spanos of Waterford vote for him, Mr. Simones was life’s tools.” Mary. Enjoy Greek food and pastries; more information, please call 916- High School in 1982. During his and is the father of three sons: Con- blunt. Speaking about his Greek Ameri- cooking demonstrations; traditional 443-2033. school years, he took part in stantine, George and Dimitri who “I will vote in the best interest of can identity, he said, “I feel very dancing & dance demonstrations; weightlifting and track. attend Waterford schools. He the 20th District,” he said. “If I have proud of it. It is an honor to be an live music; the agora (open market FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – Saints Mr. Simones attended the Uni- speaks fluent Greek. to, I will break with the party and American and I owe a lot to my place); kafenio (café); church tours Markella and Demetrios Greek Or- versity of Connecticut at Avery Mr. Simones has been a practic- that is the reason I have told them grandparents. I will not forget their and more. Featuring a Greek Island thodox Church cordially invites the Point and Hellenic College in ing attorney for 16 years, concen- that people should be limited only sacrifice to keep the faith alive.” Trip Raffle for a 10-day trip for two Northwest Florida community and Brookline, Massachusetts, graduat- trating primarily in the areas of to two terms, because many people He has been to Greece many to Greece’s picturesque island of everyone vacationing in our beauti- ing from Connecticut College in workers’ compensation, personal are party politicians and they are times, including the Ionian Village Skiathos at the Nostos Luxury Hotel ful resort area over the Labor Day New London in 1987 with a B.A. de- injury, and Social Security disability. forced to vote. I look at my oppo- Camp of the Archdiocese, and he al- & Resort. Includes roundtrip airfare Weekend to its 2008 Greek Festival. gree in Government and Religion. While at the Law Offices of Peter G. nent and I think there were 274 so spent eight weeks at Anatolia from Boston, lodging and meals (do- The festival will be held at the Emer- In May 1990, he graduated from the Angelos, he concentrated primarily votes on bills put forth by the Demo- College in Thessalonica. nation, $20 per ticket). Special kids ald Coast Conference Center on University of Connecticut School Of on civil and asbestos toxic tort liti- cratic Party last year and she voted He spoke very highly of his wife activities are also planned. A true Okaloosa Island, Hwy 98E, Fort Wal- Law with a J.D. degree. He has been gation. with them 274 times, and I am ask- and their three boys and also of his glendi of family fun. Rain or shine, ton Beach from Friday 5:00 PM- admitted to the Bars of the states of He is a registered Republican ing was every bill right? I can’t see in laws. under the tents. Admission is free 9:00 PM, Saturday 11:00 AM - 9:00 Pennsylvania and Connecticut. He “who votes his conscience” and was myself agreeing one hundred pre- Asked if he thinks we should and open to the public. Ample park- PM and Sunday 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM has also been admitted to the Bar in honored to accept the nomination sent of the time and I also can’t see keep the Hellenic identity of Ortho- ing with shuttle bus service avail- with an admission charge of $2.00 Washington, D.C., and to the U.S. to run for the 20th District as state myself voting with the Republican doxy or should we turn it into an able. For more information, call Elli per adult. There will be live Greek Federal Court. senator. He emphasizes that “I am Party if they were to do something Anglo-Saxon America churchn, he Panichas at 401-383-4711 or 401- Music as well as dancers who will He is presently a partner in the not a career politician, but “eager to contrary to the reasons that I am said, “No, we should never abandon 943-1219, or send e-mail to take the audience on a tour of law firm of O’Brien & Simones, LLC, represent my district as a public ser- running in the first place, which is it. Hellenism and Orthodoxy go to- [email protected]. Greece as they perform dances from at 87 Boston Post Road, Waterford. vant.” to represent the 20th District.” gether. When you try to rip one of all over the Greek diaspora in au- Before that he had his own law of- He spoke in a very dignified way In his early college years he them away you will leave the other ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. – The As- thentic regional folk attire. Enjoy fice, the Law Offices of Thomas C. about his Democrat opponent, An- spent two years studying at Hellenic bleeding.” sumption Greek Orthodox Church Greek favorites such as gyros and cordially invites the community to souvlaki, and relax at the kafenion its festival at the church (21800 with a coffee and delectable pastry Marter Road) from August 15-17. while watching the dancers. There More than 2,000 are expected to will be rides for the kids and a Silent gather throughout the weekend to Auction as well as kiosks featuring Holy Cross and the Future of Orthodoxy enjoy live music, visit the gift shop, crafts, jewelry, collectibles, wine and enjoy homemade Greek foods and beer, a bakaliko and much more. Continued from page 1 lenic College and Holy Cross in the Archbishop, Metropolitans, priests, something historic and essential for pastries, take a chance at the raffle Take the Chapel Tour which is an past academic year was only 178 parishes and parents – examined the the advancement of the School, and much more. Festival highlights ever popular feature. For more infor- priest collected the pennies, and this students. issue of the cultivation of priestly since he had taught there for a num- include: Opening Ceremony with mation, call 850-244-0822. is how the church of Saint Spyridon According to the official booklet, callings? How is it possible that a ber of years and knows its matters community dignitaries and lighting and its school were built. we read on page 20 that, “over the such large and vibrant community inside-out. It is not possible for Hel- of the “Festival Torch” on Friday. Eat ■ SEPTEMBER 5-7 Dozens of parishes throughout last two years, the incoming Holy like our own Greek American com- lenic College to continue at its pre- and drink in the tavern. Enjoy Greek WYCKOFF, N.J. – The St. Nicholas the United States were started as ei- Cross class averaged 21 Greek Or- munity is not able to have 30 young sent pace with just 71 students and favorites like gyros and souvlaki. Re- Greek Orthodox Church cordially in- ther Greek schools of Greek cultural thodox Master’s of Divinity students. men per year with the right ethos with a volunteer retired dean, be- lax at the coffee café and enjoy vites the community to its 2008 associations because the main prior- Sixty-five percent of these students and faith go to Holy Cross, but in- cause no one takes us seriously. Ei- Greek pastries and coffee. For more Greek festival on the church grounds ity of those pioneering immigrants were married. Half of the married stead collects leftovers from Roman ther Hellenic College should be de- information, call 586-779-6111. at 467 Grandview Avenue. The three was the preservation and continua- students have children. The median Catholicism and Protestantism, peo- veloped as a prominent center of day festival has a lot to offer, home- tion of Hellenism with everything age of the 25 Greek Orthodox semi- ple who often carry a certain Greek Studies in America, or it ■ AUGUST 16-17 made food, Greek Pastries, Live that it embraces, including the narians ordained as priests, per the amount of baggage? should close. It is meaningless to PALOS HILLS, Ill. – Saints Constan- Greek Music for your dancing plea- Church. When the laity established 2008 Archdiocesan Yearbook, is 35. One more thing, it is unaccept- keep a half-dead body on continu- tine and Helen Church cordially in- sure. The Youth of the St Nicholas parishes, bishops and priests were At today’s ordinations rates, it will able after four or seven years of ous life support in the intensive care vites the community to its annual church will dance to traditional sent from Greece and the Patriar- take approximately 30 years to re- study at HC/HC for graduates not to unit without hope for recovery. Greekfest 2008 at the church on Sat- Greek dances. Additional activities chate to minister to Greek Orthodox place all of our active priests,” many be able to liturgize or to perform the The theological school can not urday, August 16, 4:30-11 PM, and are Wine and Ouzo, Indoor Taverna, congregations in America. of who are already at retirement Sacraments. Forget Holy Week. continue with its usual rhythms, Sunday, August 17, 12:30-11 PM. Kafenio, Folk Dancing, Children’s The priest of the parish was also age. On the one hand, it seems that it numbers, spending and mentality The menu includes Souvlaki, Greek Rides and Games, Cultural Exhibits, the teacher of the Greek School, According to a report given out all starts from the Ecumenical Patri- because it does not go anywhere. Chicken and Gyros, among other Boutiques and Flea Market. There is where pupils were taught the holy by Archbishop Demetrios during the arch, the Greek Government and the The options are either to advance it specialties. Greek pastries will be additional parking in three nearby things of God and the cultural things plenary session of the recent Clergy- Greek Orthodox Archdiocese trying, to its fullness and educate Greek Or- abundant and delicious. Greek mu- locations and free shuttle buses. of Hellenic heritage. The early grad- Laity Congress, the Archdiocese has and very justly so, for the reopening thodox priests in a complete way – sic and dancing provides a festive Hours: Friday, noon to midnight, uates of Holy Cross had a very clear 591 active priests, with 184 retired, of the Theological School at Halki, make them able to serve our Greek backdrop to the games, kiddie rides, Saturday, noon to midnight and mission: priestly-ecclesiastical and for a total of 775. Many retired but here we have a college and a the- Orthodox parishes – or to close and and marketplace activities. Dona- Sunday noon to 7 PM. Free admis- also ethnic-Hellenic. On this twofold priests continue to serve either in ological school right in the academic send 30 or more students to theolog- tion of $2 for adults and children un- sion and parking. For more informa- diptych, the foundation of our Greek small parishes, which can not afford center of America, and unfortunate- ical schools in Greece, where they der 12 are free. This wonderful tion please call 201-652-4774. American community was built in to pay the salary of a full-time priest, ly, they are in an insensible condi- will learn Theology, Homiletics, event benefits the many needs of the America – not without difficulties or or as supplementary priests on the tion. New Testament Exegesis, ecclesiasti- Church and its School, Koraes. ■ SEPTEMBER 7 obstacles, including racial discrimi- weekends. I think all of us should start to cal music, Liturgics and Teleturgics, Saints Constantine and Helen WILMINGTON, Del. – Holy Trinity nation. Not mentioned anywhere is the care a little bit more about our theo- Patrology, and certainly the Greek Church is located at 11025 South Church in Wilmington cordially in- I remember vividly a discussion number of converts from other de- logical school in Boston as much as language to enable them to study Roberts Road, Palos Hills, Illinois, vites the community to its annual with the late Archbishop Iakovos, nominations who go to Holy Cross we do about the closed one near the Bible, the writings of the Fathers, 60465. For more information, please picnic on Sunday, September 7 at who marched with Martin Luther for four years, and are ordained and Constantinople. It is evident that the the hymnology and decisions of the contact Church Office at (708) 974- the church (808 North Broom King in Alabama, placing his very assigned to the Greek Orthodox condition of the School, its numbers Holy Synods in their original forms. 3400. Street) immediately following the life on the line, and who was in- parishes as priests. There is yet an- and certainly its mentality need to If we do not do something serious Divine Liturgy. There will be enter- spired by a sign at the door in a park other phenomenon in the Archdio- be looked at. immediately, we can not even begin ■ AUGUST 21-24 tainment for the children, sign up in the south: “Entry is Prohibited to cese: the admission of already or- Someone would have hoped that to speak about the future of Ortho- PORT JEFFERSON, N.Y. – The Greek sheets for the Sunday School, Greek Blacks, Greeks and Dogs.” dained priests coming from other ju- the current Archbishop would do doxy and Hellenism in America. Orthodox Church of Port Jefferson School and all Youth Ministries and There is no doubt that Holy Cross risdictions of Slavic and mostly Ro- cordially invites the community to of course food and fun. For more in- Seminary has played a very pivotal manian origins. These priests, as its four-day Greek Festival from Au- formation, please call 302-654- role in the sustenance and life of the was widely observed by clergy at the gust 21-24 at its church (430 Sheep 4446. Church and Greek Orthodox com- Clergy-Laity, come to the Greek Or- Pasture Road). Festival Times: munity in America, and certainly thodox Archdiocese because it is Thursday, August 21: 5 PM to 10:30 ■ NOTE TO OUR READERS continues to play a crucial role to- considered a “cash cow,” meaning PM; Friday, August 22: 5 PM to This calendar of events section is a day. It is true that most things, if not that Greek Orthodox parishes pay POCKET-LESS 10:30 PM; Saturday, August 23: 1 - complimentary service to the Greek all, in a parish depend on its priest. good salaries. The Metropolis of At- 11 PM; Sunday, August 24: 1 - 10 American community. All parishes, But I believe that the theological lanta, as well as other Metropolises, PM. Delectable Greek Food and Pas- organizations and institutions are school is in dire need of a general has accepted quite a few Romani- PITA BREAD tries; Live Greek Music and The Hel- encouraged to e-mail their informa- overhaul in its mentality and mis- ans. lenic Dancers of NJ for Entertain- tion 3-4 weeks ahead of time, and no sion. The annual operational cost of Kontos Foods ment. Carnival Rides and Games for later than Monday of the week be- Starting from the very basic issue Hellenic College/Holy Cross is al- the entire family; Magic Show; Pet- fore the event, to english.edition of enrollment numbers, the size of most $10 million, for a total of 178 The Leading Company in Flat Breads ting Zoo; Cooking Demonstrations. @thenationalherald.com. the student body which, in recent students. It seems to me that the ex- Well knwon for the Pocket-Less Pita years has become the focal spinning pense and the number of students point of many, including Archbishop are greatly incommensurate. Manufacturer’s of Authentic Ethnic Hand Stretched Flat bread. Demetrios himself, who claim the Just to call things as they are, we QUESTION OF THE WEEK school has experienced a huge in- can not continue with those num- Kontos the first family in fillo dough and fillo products. crease in numbers. bers. Seventy-one students for Hel- The facts contradict the spinsters, lenic College and 107 in the School FILLO KATAIFI, BAKLAVA, SPANAKOPITA, TYROPITA Vote on our website! however. According to the official of Theology, for a total of 178 alto- NUT ROLL, MELOMAKARONA booklet which was passed out at the gether, is not a number which can be and the TRADITIONAL MEDITERRANEAN DESERTS. You have the chance to express your opinion on our website on an recent Clergy-Laity Congress in used in any serious discussion that Excellent quality and service. important question in the news. The results will be published in our Washington, we see on page 14 that we have an undergraduate College printed edition next week along with the question for that week. the total number of students at Holy and a graduate School of Theology. The question this week is: Do you believe that drastic changes need Cross for the year 2007-08 was 107, Also, the complaints about the readi- We distribute in USA and Canada. to be made to Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School out of which 29 were from other Or- ness of the graduates are many. Special prices for communities, schools, churches of Theology? thodox jurisdictions with only 78 There are some golden excep- festivals and other events ❏ Yes students from the Greek Orthodox tions, of course, but the vast majori- ❏ No Archdiocese of America. ty of Holy Cross graduates can not ❏ Maybe The number of Hellenic College function adequately as priests in the students is much more disappoint- parishes. Many don’t know their The results for last week’s question: Do you think that $20 million ing, since the total of its student Greek, for example. will be enough money to properly rebuild St. Nicholas Church? body was only 71, out of which 20 Understandably, societal dynam- Kontos Foods, Inc 65.51% voted "Yes" were from other jurisdictions and 51 ics have changed today, and it is only Box 628, Paterson, NJ 07544 27.58% voted "No" from the Greek Orthodox Archdio- natural those changes reflect on the Tel.: (973) 278-2800 ñ Fax: (973) 278-7943

6.89% voted "I don't know" cese of America. theological school, but the question a b Kontos.com Please vote at: www.thenationalherald.com The total number for both Hel- is, how seriously have all of us – the 4 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, AUGUST 9, 2008 George Zaharias: The Golden Greek of Cripple Creek CLASSIFIEDS

Continued from page 1 rings. Zaharias snorts and storms ficult to assess for various reasons. FOR SALE IN GREECE out to tackle his foe. He applies a George Zaharias is documented as or Tommy) (1916). semi-strangle hold. Maybe it’s a saying that “wrestling was pretty GRIBOVO/NAUPAKTOS: APART- As a boy Vetoyanis delivered headlock, with George gouging good to me. I received purses as MENT 80sq., corner on the 3rd newspapers and shined shoes dur- eyes. He’ll pull at ears. He’ll whack high as $9,200. That doesn’t com- floor, 2 brms, LR, DR, kitchen, ing hard economic times. Never a the stomach with his knees. The pare with the big ones Jim Londos large verandas, sea views, 100 feet good or even regularly attending crowd is in an uproar. and Ed (Strangler) Lewis collected. from the beach and restaurants, be- student young Vetoyanis quit The referee warns Zaharias that But it wasn’t hay, as they say.” In atiful neighborhood. 165,000 euro. school forever after the 8th grade. he must comply with the rules of time, it is reported that George Za- Call Georgia at (914) 968-9774. As a teenager Vetoyanis reached 6 the game. George pleads with the harias was making $100,000 a 269828/12436/08-09 feet in height and weighed 225 arbiter. After he has used his fists year. pounds. It is well remembered that for vicious uppercuts or jolts to the In 1941, Zaharias retired from BEACHFRONT PROPERTY FOR Vetoyanis began wrestling at the lo- chin, he displays two open hands. wrestling. Never one to sit around SALE ON A GREEK ISLAND cal YMCA. He tramples on everything that re- Zaharias promoted professional Attractive one acre (about four Sometime in 1926, George and sembles sporting ethics. He wins, football in San Diego and later pro- stremmata) property – excellent in- his sister Joan went to live in Chica- or he loses, but always with the moted wrestling in first Los Angeles vestment and location, with a fan- go. Joan supported herself and crowd hooting, yelling and jeering and then Denver. Real estate in- tastic view and just steps away George through her job as a tele- hiss performance.” vestments and partnerships in vari- from a magnificent beach. Close to phone operator. George, besides Assuming this role was a very ous businesses also occupied all amenities and services, in the spending a great deal of time in cof- conscious choice on Zaharias’ part. George Zaharias’ time, energy and upscale neighborhood of Agios An- fee shops on Halsted Street also As he explained to Sid Keener, “I monies. In 1946, Zaharias was in- dreas, Malakonda, town of Eretria worked out at the gym of man re- had been a straight wrestler for sev- strumental in the creation of what on the island of Euboea (Evia), called today only as Mr. Martin. It eral years. By that I mean that I had was to evolve into the Ladies Pro- Greece. Serious offers only. Tel was Martin who sent George to Al confided my work to legitimate fessional Golf Association and the (613) 731-4360 or email: Haft a promoter in Ohio. For the holds. I had won something like Associated Press’ Woman Athlete of [email protected]. next two years, Zaharias was con- 100 matches…but…I seldom re- the Year Award, called the Babe Za- 269785 /16314/08-16 stantly training and barnstorming ceived a cheer from the audience.” harias Award. around the country trying to break In his first bout with Rudy Dusek, in Babe Zaharias died of cancer in HELP WANTED into the professional wrestling cir- Memphis, Tennessee, the young 1956. George married twice after cuit. Money was so tight that on Zaharias contended it was also his her death. Betty Burgges was the VIDEO PHOTOGRAPHER/ one occasion he was forced to bor- first match with a unrepentant ‘vil- first and the second Harriet Aposto- CINEMATOGRAPHER row the tires off his sister Joan’s car lain.’ los a childhood friend from the INTERN WANTED so he could keep traveling. Dusek really punished the Pueblo Greek community. A 1974 Have an eye for video? The Nation- In 1928, Zaharias finally got his young Greek. In their next en- stroke confined Zaharias to a wheel al Herald is looking for college-lev- chance to enter professional counter, Zaharias “was determined chair. el VIDEO PHOTOGRAPHERS for wrestling. Zaharias later recalled to give Dusek a sample of the stuff On October 23, 1975, the movie internship opportunities. Earn this pivotal moment for Sports he handed out in Memphis. I didn’t “Babe” first aired. Alex Karras por- credit towards your degree and Magazine: “I’d been training for stop at anything. I copied his style trayed George Zaharias while Kar- gain valuable experience in the two years, and had had only a few and enlarged on it a lot. We were ras’ real-life wife actress Susan world of journalism. Send current small bouts. I was working around both exhausted at the end of thirty Clark played Mildred (Babe) resume, cover letter, and optional- Columbus, Ohio, when one day a minutes, but you should have Didrikson. This film surveys Didrik- ly, a link to a web-based example of telegram came asking was some heard the reception we received. son’s experiences as a gold medalist your work (e.g. YouTube) to: pho- fellow handy they could send to COPYRIGHT ZAHARIAS/ZAVICHAS FAMILY ARCHIVES The people stood on their feet and in the 1932 Olympics, her later ca- [email protected] South Bend, Indiana. There was no George Zaharias’ career as a professional wrestler and sports promoter screamed throughout the bout.” reer, and her valiant fight against one else around except me, so I was overshadowed by his marriage to Mildred (Babe) Ella Didrikson. Zaharias never looked back. He too cancer. “Babe” won the 1975 Gold- LEADING GREEK AMERICAN took the bout. I was to meet Leo would be ‘the villain.’ en Globe while Susan Clark won NEWSPAPER SEEKS Alexander and he was undefeated harias wrestled would have to in- that year. Around 1935, George Zaharias the Emmy Award for Outstanding Full-time AD sales representatives in 49 bouts. I beat him. For my end, clude Dick Shikat, Rudy Dusek, In the 1930s, during the height began to wrestle as a team with his Lead Actress in a Drama. for both GREEK and ENGLISH lan- I was paid $25. That was a big pile Hans Kampfer, Matros Kirilenko, of his career, Zaharias was known two brothers Chris, Tommy and his George Zaharias died of heart guage publications. Applicants of dough to me then, but it did me Ed (Strangler) Lewis, Everett Mar- by a number of honorifics such as nephew Chris Davros. This ‘broth- disease on May 22, 1984 in Tampa should have some sales and/or mar- almost as much good when Leo shall, Jim McMillen, Ray Steele, the “The Weeping Greek from Crip- ers troupe’ of wrestlers stayed to- Florida and was buried in Pueblo’s keting experience. Fluency with said, “Boy you’re a comer (April Gus Sonnenburg and many many ple Creek”; "The Crying Greek from gether roughly fifteen years. Mary Roselawn Cemetery (block 18, plot computer use and knowledge of In- 1949).” others. Cripple Creek"; and even "The Vetoyanis had married Theodore 4) after services at the St. John’s ternet a plus. Bi-lingual command By early spring 1929, George Notably, Zaharias wrestled Jim Greek Hyena.” The crying came Davros their oldest son Chris was Greek Orthodox Church. Just eigh- of both languages preferred. This Zaharias’ wrestling bouts were a Londos, the heavy weigh champi- about because George actively born in 1914. Chris Davros took the teen months before his death positions offers base salary, plus regular appearing item on the on, 15 times. Zaharias also toured chose the role of the villain or sore professional wrestling name of George Zaharias had been inducted commissions. E-mail resume and sports pages of the New York Times Europe, wrestling Londos there on loser. After a solid performance as a “Babe” Zaharias. The four wrestled into Athletic Hellenic Hall of Fame cover letter to [email protected] and newspapers around the nation. occasion. Unquestionably, one of villain, Zaharias would often break under the titles: “Wrestling’s Out- and the Hall for Greek American FAX: (718) 472-0510 Attn. Publish- The life of the professional wrestler George Zaharias’ most celebrated down, cry and act as he had been laws” and “The Greeks from Crip- Athletes. er or call (718) 784-5255 ask for forced all those involved to be on bouts was the 1932 match with Jim cheated out of winning the match. ple Creek.” This family of wrestlers Unquestionably, more precise Veta. the road nearly 365 days a year. Londos. A sold-out match featured Sid Keener, the revered sports proved extremely successful. details about George Zaharias’ The 1930s was the Golden Age of at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto it columnist for the St. Louis Star- Again, each of these individual wrestling career, his later career as JOURNALISTS WANTED American wrestling with promoters was a hard-fought contest which Times offers us a succinct account wrestlers, and not just George Za- a tremendously successful sports Nation’s leading Greek American such as Tom Packs expanding the Londos won. Especially memorable of the typical “Zaharias Perfor- harias, deserves his own separate promoter, and his unquestioned newspaper, The National Herald, wrestling circuits to “bring the best is that the 14,500 audience at this mance:” “Local wrestling patrons historical account outlining his life role as sole promoter for his wife needs reporters and assistant editor in wrestling right to the doors of Zaharias-Londos contest was the are familiar with Zaharias’ style. He and professional wrestling career. Babe Zaharias’ career as a profes- for English weekly paper. the smaller communities.” highest attendance for any single enters the ring to a stirring salvo of Judging exactly how much these sional golfer all need to be re- Exceptional writing/reporting Even a partial listing of those Za- North American wrestling match boos. He takes a bow. The bell men made on an annual basis is dif- searched and written out in full. skills and bilingual fluency a must. Car a plus. Fax or e-mail clips and cover letter to 718-472-0510 or [email protected]. 111609/01 A Divine Time in Picturesque Patmos FUNERAL HOMES

Continued from page 1 As we depart, worship at the CONSTANTINIDES cave and the monastery continues, FUNERAL PARLOR Co. Gate, emerging unscathed, and apparently unaffected by our visit. 405 91st Street was then exiled to the island. It's been like this pretty much for Bay Ridge - Brooklyn, NY 11209 He is believed to have lived in the last 2000 years. Neither, one (718) 745-1010 what we now know as the Cave of suspects, will it change much in the Services in all localities - the Apocalypse and the voice of next millennium. Low cost shipping to Greece God is said to have issued from a Our tour takes us 16 days crack in the wall. The cave is now through Greece and Turkey, travel- ANTONOPOULOS surrounded by a monastery com- ing from Philippi and Thessaloniki FUNERAL HOME, INC. plex and every niche and hollow in northern Greece down to Athens Konstantinos Antonopoulos - has its own story relating to John, and Corinth, then across the Funeral Director including a three-fold seam in the Aegean via Patmos to Turkey where 38-08 Ditmars Blvd., ceiling which apparently appeared we see the ancient sites of the seven Astoria, New York 11105 during the Revelation and repre- churches of Revelation chapters 2 (718) 728-8500 sents the Trinity. and 3. Not affiliated with any The Christian presence on Pat- It's a study tour - part of our other funeral home. mos can be traced back virtually masters in ministry through St unbroken to the time of John. Stephen's University in Canada - APOSTOLOPOULOS Different peoples, civilisations and is preceded by three or four Apostle Family - and religions have come and gone months of intensive preparation. Gregory, Nicholas, Andrew - for two millennia, but Christian It's also something of a personal Funeral Directors of worship has been maintained - pilgrimage: walking where Paul RIVERDALE through equal measures, perhaps, and John walked, wrote and were FUNERAL HOME Inc. of God's divine protection and prac- inspired; getting a sense first-hand 5044 Broadway tical defence mechanisms, such as of the immensity of the miracle that New York, NY 10034 15m walls with a little balcony was the spread of the early church; (212) 942-4000 known as “the Killer'” for pouring seeing places that for a New Toll Free 1-888-GAPOSTLE boiling oil on the heads of any who Zealand reader of the Bible are easy sought to break in and make off to dismiss as just names rather than LITRAS FUNERAL HOME with the monastery's treasures. literal towns and cities where peo- ARLINGTON BENSON DOWD, For security, the monastery only ple lived and breathed. INC FUNERAL HOME has two entrances and the town is But the pilgrimage aspect is 83-15 Parsons Blvd., deliberately labrynthine to confuse blunted by a hectic travel schedule: Jamaica, NY 11432 attackers. up at 6 a.m., on the bus at 7:30, in- (718) 858-4434 • (800) 245-4872 Patmos has had one of the most The Monastery of St. John the Divine is a fortress-like Orthodox monastery on the island of Patmos. to a new hotel at 6 or 7 at night. important and best-organised li- There's regular amazement at braries in Christendom for nearly a - another service, more incense, lous icons including one from the and already it's time for we tourists knowledge gained, understanding TO PLACE YOUR thousand years, since the founda- more chanting - and at the com- great artist El Greco and ancient to leave, the tyranny of a sailing dawning and a sense of walking in CLASSIFIED AD, CALL: tion of the monastery in 1088 by a pelling little museum, which fea- vestments which, incredibly, are schedule which allows only a few the path of the founders of the (718) 784-5255, EXT. 106, monk named Christodoulos (Slave tures some of the earliest remain- still used as part of Easter celebra- hours on the island. Besides, pa- Christian faith, but spiritual experi- E-MAIL: of Christ). ing handwritten translations of the tions. thetically, we are hungry, having ences need time for reflection and classifieds@ thenationalherald.com The island was granted world Bible (5th and 7th centuries), fabu- But by now it's mid-morning left the cruise ship before breakfast. processing and on this trip such heritage status by Unesco in 1998, time is rare. This is not, nor is it which said, “There are few places meant to be, walking the Santiago in the world where religious cere- de Compostela. monies that date back to early Nevertheless, after having read the smaller, poor cousin to the Christian times are still practised the plaques and inspected the arti- Parthenon on the Acropolis, but for unchanged. The monastery, the facts like a tourist, I find myself my money way more impressive. Cave of the Apocalypse and me- connected, by faith more than prac- In Mycenae (Greece) and Troy dieval town constitute an excep- tice, to these ancient yet still active (Turkey), we struggle to compre- tional example of a traditional and powerful expressions of Chris- hend how these walls could truly Greek Orthodox pilgrimage centre tianity in what has been dubbed have been built 3000, 4000, even of outstanding architectural inter- ``the other Holy Land'' and I leave 5000 years ago. est.” feeling a little wiser, a little less We also see the sites of Paul's Pilgrimage, of course, is experi- trapped in the box of my own spiri- and John's New Testament writ- encing a renaissance among believ- tual experiences and a little more in ings: the pipes in Laodicea where ers and non-believers alike. awe of God and his church. I had no the water was “neither hot nor The Santiago de Compostela revelation on Patmos, the place of cold” (Revelation 3:16): the the- across northern Spain and the pil- the Revelation, nor in any other of atre in Ephesus where Paul's pres- grimage of Lourdes in France are the biblical sites we visited. But, ence caused a riot among the silver- alive with modern pilgrims - some spiritually, and naturally, I am en- smiths who made idols to the fast- on day trips, some spending weeks riched by having been there. fading goddess Artemis (Acts walking these well-worn routes - as However, it's not just believers 19:23-41); and Mars Hill in Athens they seek to encounter God, or per- who can expect a rewarding experi- where Paul preached to members haps just the time and space to re- ences in places like these. of the Areopagus to reveal the iden- flect more deeply on life and its In Thessaloniki, we swallow tity of their “unknown god'' (Acts meaning. gritty, sand-warmed Greek coffee 17:16-34). Patmos, too, has long been a and sample heavenly pastries sit- Such places are compelling, place of pilgrimage, and as a site ting under the arch of Galerius, the overwhelming even, as hundreds which is holy to both Western and Roman emperor from 305 to 311 and thousands of years of history, Eastern Christians is alive with (and a ruthless persecutor of Chris- tragedy, achievement and human breadth and depth of faith. tians, by the way). ebb and flow become an almost We only get about 20 minutes in In Athens, we drink ouzo while physical presence. St John's cave, then spend an hour bathed in the light of the breathtak- Pilgrim or not, it's good for the in Christodoulos' monastery nearby Residents of Patmos take great pride in the island and many of the old houses have been restored. ing 5th-century BC Erechtheion, soul. THE NATIONAL HERALD, AUGUST 9, 2008 GREECE CYPRUS 5 Snowe and Menendez Team Up for Hellenic Issues

Continued from page 1 prime minister was recently pic- sent on July 25, Mr. Barroso indi- met with deaf ears by your govern- tured in front of a map depicting rectly reminds the FYROM premier ment. Among other things, our decision to recognize FYROM as much of northern Greece as part of that healthy relations with Greece brethren wish simply to use their the “Republic of Macedonia” inter- FYROM; and videotapes show FY- are a prerequisite for staying on a forefathers’ surnames, and not the fered with U.N. efforts to help ROM state schools teaching that successful E.U. course. Slavic ones forced upon them. They Greece and FYROM resolve the on- parts of northern Greece are actual- “I regret, however, that the bilat- wish to form self-funded organiza- going name dispute, and pointed ly, or should be, part of FYROM. eral relations between your govern- tions and teaching institutions for out that FYROM, bolstered by the The American Hellenic Institute ment and the government of a the promotion of their Hellenic eth- Administration’s failure to apply praised Senator Menendez, a mem- neighboring country, a member nic and religious identity – as de- the necessary diplomatic pressure, ber of the Senate Foreign Relations state of the European Union, are fac- nied them to date – without any has been uncooperative about solv- Committee who has been a strong ing these problems. A fundamental disrespect to their new country. ing the problem. supporter on issues affecting U.S. re- aspect of having a European voca- These are fundamental and univer- “The Administration’s hasty lations with Greece and Cyprus, for tion is to approach such difficulties sally recognized human rights that recognition of FYROM in November insisting that the small Balkan coun- with a constructive and cooperative your government must guarantee 2004 under the name ‘Republic of try be known as FYROM instead of spirit open to dialogue, and to find- all its people, if it ever hopes to be- Macedonia,’ in the midst of efforts the “Republic of Macedonia.” ing an agreed way forward. Main- come a member of NATO or the by Greece and the United Nations to AHI Executive Director Nick Lari- taining good neighborly relations E.U., let alone a respected govern- resolve the disagreement through gakis told the Newark Star Ledger remains essential for the progress of ment on an international level,” negotiations, undercut the momen- that the New Jersey Democrat is your country towards the European they wrote. tum of the U.N.-sponsored process, “acting in the best interests of the which continues with little progress United States to help create stability made to date,” Senator Snowe in a region where Greece is an im- wrote. portant player… The issue is not just “As this effort languishes due to a the name. It’s what the name im- lack of engagement by FYROM and plies, and how that will be interpret- inadequate pressure from the Ad- ed, which Greece sees as an attempt ministration, distasteful irredentist to claim its territory.” and anti-Greek propaganda contin- The Greek Government has al- ues to feature in FYROM’s school’s ready blocked FYROM from joining and official events,” she wrote. NATO, and has vowed to prevent its “I respectfully request that you small northern neighbor from ac- confirm the Administration will 1) ceding to the European Union until encourage FYROM to stop the uti- the name dispute is resolved. lization of materials that violate pro- In a letter of reply Greek Prime visions of the U.N.-brokered Interim Minister Costas Karamanlis’ sent to Agreement between FYROM and his FYROM counterpart Nicola Greece regarding ‘hostile activities Gruevski on July 18, the Greek Pre- or propaganda,’ and work with the mier underscored that Greece and A visitor looks at a model replica of an ancient astronomical calcula- United Nations and Greece to FYROM, in accordance with rele- tor, the Antikythera Mechanism on Wednesday, July 30, 2008. achieve longstanding U.S. and U.N. vant U.N. Security Council deci- policy goals of finding a mutually sions, have been committed to U.N.- acceptable official name for FY- brokered negotiations for resolution ROM, and 2) recognize FYROM by of the protracted name dispute for the name which is agreed upon by the past 15 years, and that U.N. Spe- 2,100-Year-Old Gadget Greece and FYROM, should the two cial Envoy Matthew Nimetz has, in countries decide on a mutually ac- recent weeks, presented a series of ceptable name,” she added. new ideas which could move the ne- Tracked Olympic Games Senator Snowe and Senator gotiations forward. Menendez’s efforts have apparently Mr. Karamanlis warned that Mr. had some effect, although the State Gruevski’s letter, far from promoting By Derek Gatopoulos device's corroded and sediment-en- Department continues referring to negotiations and good neighborly Associated Press crusted remains. FYROM as “Macedonia.” relations, raises non-existent and The scanner allowed scientists In a letter sent to Senator Menen- unsubstantiated issues; aims at in- ATHENS, Greece (AP) – An astro- to peer into razor-thin sections of dez on August 1, an assistant secre- terfering with Greece’s domestic af- nomical calculator considered a the device's 80-odd surviving frag- tary of state acknowledged that the fairs; and deviates from objectives of AP/MIKE DERER technological marvel of antiquity ments to understand its mechanics name “Macedonia” could have irre- the ongoing negotiations. U.S. Senator Robert Menendez talks to reporters outside the immi- was also used to track dates of the and read hundreds of tiny Greek in- dentist implications. “There is no ‘Macedonian’ minor- grant detention center in Elizabeth, New Jersey this past July 28. ancient Olympic games, re- scriptions. “We seek a solution that resolves ity in Greece. There never has been. Menendez is proposing a bill to standardize healthcare procedures searchers said in a report Thursday. “It's like a medical scanner, but confusion between the country of In this respect, any allegations re- for those held in immigration custody. He is a strong proponent of The 2,100-year-old Antikythera instead of putting people in it, we Macedonia and the larger historical garding the existence of such a mi- Hellenic issues. Mechanism – with some 30 bronze put the Antikythera Mechanism,” geographic area of Macedonia. nority are totally unfounded, politi- gears – was known to have been said Bitsakis, of Athens University's Some in Greece have expressed cally motivated, and disrespectful of Union,” Mr. Barroso wrote. “While the Hellenic community used to calculate phases of the Center for History and Paleogra- their concern that this confusion the historic realities of the region. As The Federation of Hellenic Soci- living in your country numbers in moon, eclipses and other celestial phy. could give rise to irredentism… Our for any property issues, any individ- eties of Greater New York also sent a the tens if not hundreds of thou- movements. “The inscriptions are in very ambassador will, as well, help these ual could make use of any legal re- letter to Mr. Gruevski. In the letter sands, your government numbers But experts from Britain, Greece faint layers, like one-tenth of a mil- leaders understand the dangers of course before the courts, including dated July 21, Federation President them at less than one thousand. and the United States said they dis- limeter in depth, and the letters are irredentism in any form, and the im- the European Court of Human Demetrios Kalamaras and General- This, of course, is the same census covered a tiny inscription of the 1 millimeter high, so it's almost portance of avoiding the implica- Rights in Strasbourg,” Mr. Karaman- Secretary Petros Galatoulas urged that numbers Bulgarians at less word “Olympia” on one of the de- nothing,” he said. tions of irredentism in any form, as lis wrote. FYROM’s leader to practice what he than two thousand, even though vice's bronze dials, as well as the The researchers found that the well as the need to develop good re- The future of Balkan countries preaches by being more mindful of hundreds of thousands of your names of other games in ancient gear structure – including the num- lations with all of its neighbors.” lies within the framework of Euro- the significant Greek minority in his countrymen hold Bulgarian pass- Greece, according to the report ber of teeth cut into the wheels – The Administration had previ- pean and Euro-Atlantic institutions, country, and to allow them the free- ports, much like your former prime published in the science journal corresponded to known theories of ously refused to use the term “irre- he added, “and not in nationalist dom to be who they are culturally, minister, Ljubco Georgievski,” they Nature. celestial cycles. dentism” when describing FYROM’s formulas of a bygone era.” even though they live in another added. The findings suggest the dates They also found that the names desire to call itself “Macedonia.” European Commission President country. of Greece's ancient games, which of the months etched onto the An- This was the case even though Jose Manuel Barroso sent a letter to “… there remains a large Hel- The above incorporates informa- held religious significance, were al- tikythera Mechanism were consis- Macedonia is an ancient geographi- Mr. Gruevski, whose election was lenic minority in your country tion from reports posted by the so used as an important time refer- tent with those used in Corinthian cal area, the majority of which is lo- approved by FYROM’s parliament whose demands for recognition Athens News Agency and the As- ence, said Yanis Bitsakis, a research colonies in Sicily, according to their cated in northern Greece; FYROM’s on July 26. In the letter, which was and basic human rights have been sociated Press. team leader who discussed the pro- report. The scientists said this im- ject with The Associated Press. plied a possible connection with “We were astonished because the Greek mathematician this is not an astronomic cycle but Archimedes, who died there in 212 an Olympian cycle, one of social B.C., about 100 years before the de- events,” Bitsakis told the AP. “One vice was probably built. Man Beheads Girlfriend on Santorini does not need a piece of high tech- “This is an interesting, not direct nology to keep track of a simple link, but possible link, with the Continued from page 1 Athens and hospitalized in the four-year cycle.” town where Archimedes used to Greek capital. He is being treated Instead, he said, the mechanism work. It is the first link of this kind,” vanitis agreed to surrender to po- for gunshot wounds at a state hos- might have been seen as “a micro- Bitsakis said. lice officers, before attacking one pital in Athens after being shot by cosm illustrating the temporal har- Information was also gleaned officer with the cleaver and escap- police and remains in a critical con- monization of human and divine using another technique of making ing in a patrol car. He was shot dition, Health Ministry officials order.” composites from high-resolution three times in the chest and lower said Monday. The Antikythera Mechanism digital photographs taken of the torso by police while trying to flee. “My thoughts are with the two was accidentally discovered by mechanism fragments under varied A 21-year-old Greek female doctors who were caught up in the sponge divers and recovered from lighting conditions. tourist was injured by a ricocheting middle of this terrible situation,” an ancient shipwreck in 1901 near Bitsakis said computer improve- police bullet, while the suspect Health Minister Dimitris Antikythera, an island north of ments, including better memory crashed into an oncoming motor- Avramopoulos said. Crete. processing power and more power- bike, injuring two female doctors, “They are both making a good Its insides looked like those of a ful graphic cards, also made the lat- both aged 26. recovery after suffering leg in- clock, with dials on the front and est discoveries possible by allowing Arvanitis was eventually juries.” back displaying the results of its for existing scans and images to be stopped when his vehicle was The 21-year-old tourist was in a calculations on celestial events. But analyzed more extensively. rammed by a police car, the state- stable condition and being treated the workings of the lunch box-sized “Without this we couldn't see ment said. at a state hospital in Athens for a gadget, which no longer has any the inscription because you have to “It's hard to believe that people gunshot wound to the leg, hospital functioning parts, only came to increase the resolution and the re- like this circulate among us,” San- officials said. The injured police- light with recent advances in scan- sult is a very big file,” Bitsakis said. torini Mayor Angelos Roussos. “The man remained on Santorini and re- ning technology and computer pro- The ongoing research project in- attacker must have had some pres- ceived treatment for facial wounds. cessing power. to the Antikythera Mechanism is ence of mind because he pretended Tourism Minister Aris An 8-ton X-ray tomography ma- being led by Mike Edmunds, pro- to surrender and then attacked the Spiliotopoulos vowed earlier this chine was brought from Britain to fessor of astrophysics, and his col- police.” week to make Greek resorts safer the National Archaeological Muse- leagues at Cardiff University in Thanassis Arvanitis, 31, severed the head of his 25-year-old girlfriend The alleged attacker and three after a spate of violent incidents at um of Athens in 2005 to scan the Britain. on the holiday island of Santorini on Sunday, August 3, 2008. injured women were flown to the peak of the tourist season. As Greek Team Arrives in Beijing, Katerina Thanou Determined to Compete

By Derek Gatopoulos (banned substance) ... I don't think the 2000 Olympic gold medal won Thanou, who narrowly qualified Associated Press any other runners are subjected to by Jones. for the 100 in Beijing at a Greek this.” Thanou's lawyer Gregory Ioan- track meet last month, said she ATHENS (AP) – Doping-tainted During the news conference, nidis told The Associated Press that doesn't expect to be a medal con- sprinter Katerina Thanou is deter- Thanou displayed her Beijing ac- he had written to the IOC to an- tender this time despite consider- mined to run at the Beijing creditation issued by Greece's nounce his intention to take the ing extending her athletics career Olympics, saying on August 1 that Olympic Committee. sporting body to court unless it by another four years. lingering doubts about whether the Thanou's lawyer, Gregory Ioan- handed over the medal or started “I have tried to make the public IOC will let her compete are unfair. nidis, accused the International negotiations about the issue with proud,” she said. "Perhaps people The 33-year-old Thanou served Olympic Committee of hypocrisy. him. are expecting a medal from me, but a two-year ban after missing a drug “There is a case of discrimina- The letter to the IOC marks the after 10 years of competing at the test before the 2004 Athens tion against Ms. Thanou,” Ioannidis formal start of his legal proceed- top level, this might be more about Olympics. She is now on the Greek said. “There are other athletes who ings, he said. participation. (Greek) people still track team for the Beijing Games have been convicted for serious “The situation is embarrassing like to see me run at big events. after qualifying for the 100 meters. doping offenses who are being al- for the Olympic movement,” Ioan- “I don't know what will happen An IOC disciplinary committee lowed to participate in Beijing nidis said. “I think that what they in Beijing, or if my career will end is met on August 7 – the eve of the without any problem.” are doing is quite discriminatory.” there. But I am thinking about an- opening ceremony – to decide He indicated Thanou would Thanou, 33, won the silver other Olympic participation ... whether she can participate. take legal action against the IOC if medal in the 100 meters at the Syd- 2012.” “There is no official charge she is barred from running. ney Olympics, finishing second be- LARGE GREEK TEAM against me, so why am I being “We have many legal options ... hind Marion Jones. Greece will send 156 athletes to asked if I want to take part in the we are ready to react and we will Jones was later stripped of that the Beijing Games, its largest team Olympics even though I have quali- react,” Ioannidis said. gold medal – as well as golds in the ever for an Olympics held abroad fied under the rules?” Thanou said The 2004 doping scandal in- Doping-tainted sprinter Katerina Thanou said she was determined to 200 meters and 1,600-meter relay despite a series of recent doping at a news conference, speaking volving Thanou and fellow Greek run at the Beijing Olympics, on Friday, August 1, 2008. and bronze medals in the long jump scandals. publicly for the first time since sprinter Costas Kenteris was a ma- and 400-meter relay – after she con- Greece had more than 400 ath- 2004. jor embarrassment for the organiz- Thanou won the silver medal in IOC has not yet decided whether to fessed to using performance-en- letes competing at the Athens “I have been maligned and my ers of the Athens Games. The two the 100 at the 2000 Sydney award the gold to Thanou. hancing drugs. But the IOC has not Games, while the largest team pre- career was damaged ... This is still sprinters claimed they had been in- Olympics. The gold medalist in that Mr. Ioannidis said he planned to yet decided whether to hand the viously sent abroad included 146 going on. Enough is enough. I have volved in a motorcycle accident af- race was Marion Jones, who later sue the International Olympic medal to Thanou, who was later in- athletes at the 2000 Sydney never tested positive for any ter missing a doping test. was stripped of her medal, but the Committee for failing to hand her volved in a doping scandal. Olympics. 6 OBITUARIES THE NATIONAL HERALD, AUGUST 9, 2008 Michael Leonardou, 47, Chian Was Proud of Heritage

By Demetris Tsakas The Vice President of the Chian players on the team "Daphne," Special to The National Herald Federations Stavros Chaviaras was which was renamed "Chios." He on the same flight back to Kennedy was also a member of the associa- NEW YORK - Michael Leonardou, Airport in New Yorklas Mr. Leonar- tion's board of directors. 47, was in good spirits over the past dou's wife and children, last Thurs- "He was a good man, a hard few days and was eagerly waiting day, July 31st. The only difference worker, and he was always ready to for the time to come when he was, he knew the whole truth. make any sacrifice he had to so he would board the airplane to Greece The wake for the late Mr. could help his his fellow man. He so he could join his wife and daugh- Leonardou was held at the loved his family and wanted his ters, who had left several weeks McLaughlin & Sons Funeral Home children to grow up in a Greek en- earlier and were vacationing in in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn last Friday, vironment, which is why he would Daphnona, Chios and Komi, and his funeral service was held the send them to Greece so frequently. Lesvos. Sadly, on the afternoon of next day at Kimisis tis Theotokou His unforeseen death had plunged Wednesday July 30, while Mr. (the Dormition of the Theotokos) his family into mourning, along Leonardou was working with his Church in Brooklyn. with all the people of Daphnona cousin, he turned pale, complained Mr. Leonardou was born on Au- and all the Chians living in the of pains, and asked to be taken gust 14, 1961 in Daphnona, Chios, United States," his cousin Nick home because he was not feeling and moved to New York at the age Leonardou said. well. Unfortunately, despite his of 10, along with his parents Mr. Leonardou leaves behind his cousin's pleas to go to the nearest Nicholas and Maria Leonardou. "He grieving widow and three daugh- hospital, Mr. Leonardou insisted on never stopped working for even a ters, along with his parents, One of the last photos of the late Chris Vasiliou, age 14. going home so as to avoid the long moment from the first day that he Nicholas amd Maria Leonardou, his wait and other unpleasentries asso- got here. He worked in restaurants, mother-in-law Evangelia Giakallis, ciated with a hospital emergency An old photo of Michael Leonar- like many other Greek Americans, his siblings Roula and Stavros room. Left with no other choice - dou. He was a hard worker, good and soon afterwards, he opened his Kouimanis, Apostolos and Calliope Chris Vasiliou, 14, Star Student and unaware of the seriousness of natured, a devoted husband, a own restaurant along with his Leonardou, his brothers and sis- his condiition - he assented to Mr. loving father, and a loyal patriot. brother Apostolos, which they sold ters-in-law John and Helen Gi- Leonardou's wishes and drove him just three years ago. Michael was akallis, Panagiotis and Maria Gi- And Athlete Loved by Many to his house. tempt to protect her, he did not tell currently managing the family es- akallis, Aphrodite and George Kila- As the two men were approach- her the whole truth. "We told her tate," his cousin Nick Leonardou ditis, Panagiota and Dorris ing just two blocks away from Mr. that he was in the hospital and was said. Kalafatis, as well as his nieces, By Demetris Tsakas is a second generation Greek Amer- Leonardou's home, the ill man's very sick, and that she should come The late Mr. Leonardou was nephews, cousins, and remaining Special to The National Herald ican whose family hails from Asga- condition worsened and his cousin back home right away because she married to Despina Giakallis, who relatives in Greece. ta, Cyprus. immediately called the parademics, might not reach him in time. She is was born and raised in the island of At the request of the Leonardou NEW YORK - The hearts of thou- The deceased's father moved to but alas, it was too late. Mr. Leonar- traveling back the U.S. right now Lesvos. The couple met in New family, anyone wishing to make a sands of family members, friends the United States in 1982, where he dou was pronounced dead by doc- along with her children. As she is York, and following their wedding donation in memory of Mr. Leonar- and classmates of the late Chris met and married his wife. Mr. Vasil- tors as soon as he arrived to the praying for her husband to recover, they had two daughters, Paraskevi, dou is kindly asked to send their Vasiliou, 14, were shattered on iou is an electrician, and operates hospital. Although the official we are here making the final prepa- 10 and Alexandra, 7. The deceased gift to the Holy Cross Church and Tuesday morning July 29th, as Rev. his own business with his brother. cause of death has not yet been list- rations for his burial," Nick Leonar- has another daugther from his first the Kimisis tis Theotokou Church in Constantine Kombitsis performed Mrs. Vasiliou teaches Sunday ed, according to doctors' initial con- dou, a first cousin of the deceased, marriage, Maria, 21, who is very Brooklyn, as well as the Agioi the funeral service at Panagia of Is- School at the Church of Panagia in clusions Mr. Leonardou died of a told The National Herald. Mr. close to her two half-sisters and Saranta Church and the Transfigu- land Park Church for the star Greek Island Park. heart attack. Leonardou said he shares a very stepmother. ration of Christ Church in Daph- Cypriot student and talented young His wife Despina was informed close bond with his late cousin's Mr. Leonardou was a very active nona, Chios, or the St. Theoktisti soccer player from Rockville Center of the sad news by the deceased's family and thought of him as a member of the Daphnona Society, Church in Komi, Lesvos in lieu of in Long Island, NY, who died on brother Apostolos, but in an at- brother. as well as one of the best soccer flowers. Thursday July 24. His heartbroken parents Harry and Maria Vasiliou and his older sister Maria, 17, together with his grandparents Christos Vasiliou and DEATHS Makis Pavlou, along with uncles, aunts and cousins could not bear ■ BALATSIAS, KLEOMENIS including trips to Europe, Australia, ■ MOSKONAS, REV. ANDREAS tee, the Family Counseling Com- the pain and sorrow of this tragic CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Egypt and, just two years ago, vaca- HOLIDAY, Fla. – The St. Petersburg mittee for Newport News Public loss, and broke out into frequent Observer reported that Kleomenis tioning in Italy at a Tuscan villa, all Times reported that Father Andreas Schools and the Kiwanis Club. He cries of despair making the atmos- Balatsias, 77, of Charlotte died at trips taken in the company of her Moskonas of Holiday, passed away attended St. Paul’s Episcopal phere in the packed church even his residence on Sunday, July 27, family, or with her good friends on Sunday, July 13, 2008. He is sur- Church and later St. Andrew’s Epis- more heart wrenching. 2008.He was born June 20, 1931 in Tom and Yvette Ehr. Kay was gener- vived by his children Emanual copal Church, serving as president The previous day, over two Paparousi, Evrytania, Greece son of ous, kind, and loving to all she met, (Stamatoula) Moskonas and Maria of the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Men’s thousand people gathered at the the late Antonios and Theodora and had a well-deserved reputation (Nikolaos) Megaris; siblings Niko- Club. In 1949, he joined Sts. Con- Thomas A. Glynn and Sons Funeral Apostolopoulos Balatsias. He was a for hospitality, especially for cook- laos, Kalliopi and Erasmia; grand- stantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Home in Rockville Center, includ- veteran of the Greek Army, where ing wonderful meals, often on short daughters, Aphrodite and Tri- Church, serving on its parish coun- ing classmates of the deceased, to he attained the rank of sergeant. In notice! Always a bit of a feisty rebel, antafilia. He was a retired Greek cil and chairing its annual Greek pay their final respects to the de- 1962 he came to the United States her childhood hero was aviatrix Orthodox priest who assisted in Festival. Among his many interests parted adolescent and offer their and since 1965 was the owner and Amelia Earhart, and after high church and community services in were gardening, reading, hiking, condolences to his parents and rel- operator of the Copal Grill. He de- school, she parted company with Pinellas and Pasco counties. The fu- discussing politics, attending cul- atives. veloped loyal patrons with each her friends and insisted upon join- neral was held on July 18 at St. tural events, playing the harmonica According the the deceased's generation. His talent for cooking ing the Navy WAVES during World Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathe- and winning at Scrabble. Most im- uncle Vasilios Christou, the unfor- brought them to the grill, but his War II, serving in Long Beach, Calif. dral. Burial was at Cycadia Ceme- portantly, Dr. Orphanidys enjoyed tunate 14-year-old had no known genuine care and concern for his She thoroughly enjoyed decorating tery. Dobies Funeral Home. “Sto spending time with his family. He health problems. In fact, he exer- customers and employees kept her home with artwork and fashion- kentro ston Paratheso na paei H also had a special group of cher- cised regularly, and excelled in bas- The late Chris Vasiliou and his them coming back. Mr. Balatsias able furnishings, and often com- psixi sou, Kai meis na zoume aionia ished friends who shared a 47- year ketball, baseball and soccer. About older sister Maria, during a visit was a member of Holy Trinity mented that she would've liked to me tin anamnis; sou. Dipla ston bond, playfully referring to them- six weeks ago, he fell ill and his par- to Rockefeller Center in Manhat- Greek Orthodox Cathedral and have worked as an interior decora- throno tou Xristouna kaneis selves as the 'choir group.' He was ents took him to his pediatrician, tan last December. The two sib- Evrytanian Association of America. tor. As passionate in her politics as katikia, To homa sou nane elafro an avid Redskins fan who never who diagnosed the illness as a cold. lings were very close and they He enjoyed spending time and with all else in her life, no one was kai H mnimi aionia.” missed watching or listening to a Since the child's health was not each tried to do everything they playing with his grandchildren. He more devoted to the cause and can- game, and he had a terrific sense of showing signs of improvement, could to make the other happy. will be loved and remembered as a didates of the Democratic Party, at ■ ORPHANIDYS, PAUL G. humor. He could entertain an en- they took him back to the doctor, noble man who helped so many the local, state and national levels. NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Daily tire room with his jokes. His zest for who began to suspect that that the According to Christina Christou, people and didn't want any fanfare One of the few regrets in her well- Press reported that Dr. Apollon life and learning was contagious adolescent was suffering from first cousin to the deceased, the un- for it; he simply rolled up his lived life is that she would be un- (Paul) George Orphanidys, 94, and never ceased. And yet for all his something more serious. Soon af- fortunate 14-year-old was an excel- sleeves and took care of whatever able to cast one last vote against the passed away peacefully in his own accomplishments, he was a humble terwards, young Chris Vasiliou was lent student, a friendly person, and needed to be done. He had an in- Republicans in November, and home. He passed into eternal life man who rarely accepted public being rushed to New York Hospital a loving brother and cousin "He credible memory knowing all sorts would not be around next January surrounded by his loving and ador- recognition for his work. He is sur- of Queens in an ambulance after he had a heart of gold, and he know of minute details and telling stories to celebrate the day when our in- ing family. He was preceded in vived by his beloved wife and best experienced difficulty breathing. At better than anybody else how to of the past like they were yesterday. cumbent President finally leaves of- death by his parents, Egnatios and friend of 61 years, Katie, and his the hospital, doctors placed him on make himself endeared," Ms. Chris- Growing up during the great de- fice. An avid reader and constant Olga Orphanidys, and his brother, four children, Dr. George Or- a respirator, but once they saw they tou said, while expressing her grat- pression and WW II, he received movie-goer, Kay also enjoyed the lo- George Arony Orphanidys. Dr. Or- phanidys; Helen Arnold and her severity of his condition, they itude to all the people who came to only a limited education but had a cal arts scene, and was very excited phanidys was born on May 15, husband, Dr. Fred; John Or- transferred him to Columbia Pres- the Vasiliou family's aid during this thirst for knowledge and became a when the Overture Center opened a 1914, on the island of Mytilini, phanidys and his wife, Jeanna; and byterian Hospital in Manhattan. difficult moment and offered them teacher and mentor to many. An few years ago. Both of Kay's parents Greece. In 1920, the Orphanidys Diane Herman and her husband, The young boy's health contin- some solace. avid gardener, he could be found were born in Greece and -- proud of family settled in Newport News. Dr. Marty. He is also survived by his ued to deteriorate, and only im- Members of the Panagia of Is- among his flowers and vegetables, her heritage and faith -- Kay was an Orphanidys graduated from New- adoring grandchildren, Dr. Paul proved slightly when he was given land Park Community spoke to The happily nourishing them as much active member of the Assumption port News High School, and went Arnold and his wife Stephanie; chemotherapy. Unfortunately, this National Herald and expressed as he nourished our souls. You Greek Orthodox Church in Madi- on to attend Virginia Polytechnic Matthew Arnold; Nicholas Arnold; improvement did not last long be- their sorrow for the unfortunate knew you could always fall back on son, and a regular participant in the Institute as a pre-dental student. At Joshua Orphanidys; Katie Or- cause his immune system could not and untimely death of this 14-year- him for love, support and an en- "Greek Ladies" breakfasts on Satur- VPI, he was a member of the Cadet phanidys; Aletheia Orphanidys and fight off the latest infection that at- old boy, who was born and raised in couraging word. His legacy lives on day mornings. Kay was a loving, Corps in the Coast Artillery and his great-grandchildren, Jack Apol- tacked him. Chris Vasiliou breathed their community. They also spoke in his children, their spouses and supportive and loyal wife to Andy, represented his battery in the annu- lon Arnold and William Attileo his last breath on Thursday July 24, very highly of his parents - especial- his grandchildren, as well as any- her husband of 35 years. She was al drill as 'Best Drilled Cadet.' In Arnold. In addition, he leaves be- and since then, his parents, sister, ly his mother, who is a Sunday one who ever came in contact with always loving, supportive and gen- 1934, Dr. Orphanidys matriculated hind numerous nephews, nieces and other family members been School teacher there. "His family is him. He will be truly missed and erous to all three of her children. at the Medical College of Virginia and cousins in the United States, overcome by an inconsolable grief. a part of our community, and that is will be remembered in our hearts And above all, she had the most spe- School of Dentistry, where he was a Greece and Australia. The funeral The late adolescent was born in why we are all grieving and sharing and minds for the rest of our lives. cial place in her heart reserved for member of the Xi Psi Phi dental fra- was held on July 18, at Sts. Con- New York. His father, Harry, was in their pain," a community official May his memory be eternal. In ad- her two granddaughters, loving ternity. He served on the staff of the stantine and Helen Greek Orthodox born in Kalavasos, and his mother said. dition to his parents, Mr. Balatsias, them both very much and cherish- college newspaper and played on Church in Newport News. Arrange- was preceded in death by his ing the time she spent with them. the baseball and basketball teams. ments were by Riverside Altmeyer granddaughter, Evin Ashley and Katherine is survived by three chil- He also participated in horse racing Funeral Home in Newport News. brothers, John and Aristotle Balat- dren, Christopher (Connie) Damon events at Deep Run Hunt Club in Memorial donations to Gloucester- sias. Survivors include his wife of of Oak Park, Ill., John (Betsy) Da- Richmond, winning such presti- Mathews Free Clinic, (2276 George 46 years, Evdoxia Zangotsis Balat- mon of Osseo, and Patricia Damon gious awards as the blue ribbon Washington Memorial Hwy., Hayes, sias, sons, Terry Balatsias and wife, of Kohler; two grandchildren, Beth and silver cup. Dr. Orphanidys re- VA 23072); or The Boys and Girls Cindy and Lambros Balatsias and Damon (Andy Ulrich) of Chicago, ceived his DDS in 1938. After grad- Club of the VA Peninsula, (11825 wife, Sandy; daughter, Maria Balat- and Laura Damon of Oak Park, Ill.; uation, he worked for the Virginia Rock Landing Drive, Chesapeake Health Department for two years, Building, Suite B, Newport News, subscribe sias; son, Johnny Balatsias and four siblings, Louis (Phyllis) Van- PRINTED EDITION OF THE NATIONAL HERALD wife, Katina all of Charlotte; sib- galis of Rochester, Minn., Betty traveling through the state admin- VA 23606). via the post-office: lings, Demetrios Ballas, Maria Tsi- Towle of Wausau, Alyce Meyers of istering dental treatment to rural ❏1 Month for $9.95 ❏3 Months for $19.95 amis and Aliki Drosinis all of Char- Wausau, and Aaron Vangalis of school children. He opened his den- ■ PAPPAS, THEODORE N. ❏6 Months for $29.95 ❏One Year fo $59.85 lotte and Fotini Vonortas of Greece; Wausau; and many nieces and tal practice in Newport News in CHICAGO, Ill. – The Chicago Tri- grandchildren, John, Taylor, Kallie, nephews and many wonderful 1939 and successfully maintained bune reported that Theodore N. VIA HOME DELIVERY (NY, NJ & CT): ❏1 Month for $12.95 ❏3 Months for $29.95 Alexa, Clay and Chloe Balatsias. friends. She was preceded in death it until his retirement shortly before "Ted" Pappas passed away. He was ❏ ❏ The family would like to thank by her parents; her husband, An- his 90th birthday. He adored his pa- the devoted son of the late Nicholas 6 Months for $43.99 One Year for $80.00 Presbyterian Hospice and Palliative drew in 1985; and three siblings, tients and staff, considering them and Anna Pappas; loving brother of VIA HOME DELIVERY (NEW ENGLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, Care and especially his nurse, Lau- Andrew, Georgia and Dennis. The to be his second family. Dr. Or- Maria P. (George)Economos, Betty WASHINGTON D.C., VIRGINIA & MARYLAND) ra Ferrell. The funeral was held on funeral was held on August 2 at the phanidys served his country as a 1st J. (Chris) Ellis, George N. (Sally) ❏1 Month for $15.95 ❏3 Months for $37.45 July 29 at Holy Trinity Greek Or- Assumption Greek Orthodox Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Dental Pappas and the late Marina Pappas; ❏6 Months for $51.75 ❏One Year for $99.00 thodox Cathedral in Charlotte. Church in Madison. Burial was at Corps, stationed at Langley Field proud uncle of Kristen Ann (Clint) ON LINE SUBSCRIPTION www.thenationalherald.com Memorial donations to the Holy Sunset Memory Gardens. Memorial and then at Fort Moultrie, S.C. He Squier, John G. (fiance Jenny Lam- ❏ Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral donations to the Assumption Greek was one of eight select progressive bropoulos) Economos, Peter (Jen- NON SUBSCRIBERS: One Year for $45.95 ❏3 Months for $18.95 Foundation (600 East Blvd. Char- Orthodox Church (11 N. 7th St., thinkers appointed by the governor ny)Ellis, Nicholas Ellis, Theodore ❏ ❏ lotte, NC 28203) or Presbyterian Madison WI 53704), or a donation to organize a non-profit dental in- (Danielle) Ellis and John Ellis; SUBSCRIBERS: One Year for $34.95 3 Months for $14.95 Hospice Palliative Care (P.O. Box made to any Democratic Party can- surance company, the Virginia Den- great-uncle of MaryElisabeth Ellis 33549, Charlotte, NC 28233). didate of your choice in her memo- tal Services Plan, serving as its pres- and Maria Patricia Ellis;Nouno of NAME: ...... ry. ident. Today, the company is known Maria. Ted was an avid Cubs Fan. ADDRESS: ...... ■ DAMON, KATHERINE as the highly successful Delta Den- "Go Cubs!" The funeral service was CITY:...... STATE: ...... ZIP:...... MADISON, Wisc. – The Wausau ■ MATARANGAS, EMILY M. tal Plan of Virginia. Throughout his held on July 18. Memorial dona- TEL.: ...... E-MAIL:...... CELL...... Daily Herald reported that Kather- HARTFORD, Conn. – The Hartford career, Dr. Orphanidys was a firm tions to the Greek American Rehab PLEASE SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO: ine J. Damon, 83, passed away on Courant reported that Emily believer in continuing education, & Nursing Centre (220 N. First St., NAME: ...... Tuesday, July 29, 2008, while at her (Macris) Matarangas, 82, of ensuring that he used the most ad- Wheeling, IL 60090). home surrounded by her family. Wethersfield, beloved wife of the vanced and innovative techniques. ADDRESS: ...... Katherine was born Jan. 6, 1925, in late Nick Matarangas, died peace- He was a fellow of both the Virginia CITY:...... STATE: ...... ZIP:...... Wausau, the daughter of John and fully at St. Francis Hospital on Fri- Dental Association and the Ameri- This is a service TEL.: ...... E-MAIL:...... CELL...... Jennie (Booras) Vangalis. She mar- day, July 11, 2008 with her loving can College of Dentistry. He to the community. Please specify method of payment ried Andrew Damon on May 13, and devoted family at her bedside. presided over various organiza- Announcements of deaths I enclose a check/money order for $ ...... made payable to: 1950, in Crown Point, Ind. Kay Da- The funeral was held on July 15 at tions, including the Peninsula Den- The National Herald, Inc., 37-10 30th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 - 2614 may be telephoned to the ❏ ❏ ❏ mon led an active, busy life. From the St. George Greek Orthodox tal Society, the Mental Health Asso- Classified Department of or please debit my Mastercard Visa American Express 1948 through last season, she regu- Cathedral in Hartford. The burial ciation, the Mental Health Clinic The National Herald at CARD NUMBER: ...... larly attended Wisconsin Badger was at Rose Hill Memorial Park, Board and the Community Health (718) 784-5255, EXPIRATION DATE: ...... SIGNATURE:...... football games, including going Rocky Hill. Memorial donations to Coordinating Committee. Addi- Monday through Friday, with her family to the 1994 Rose the St. Francis Hospital Cancer tionally, he was a member of the 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Bowl. She loved planning and re- Center, (114 Woodland Street, Peninsula Health Planning Council, or e-mailed to: membering her many world travels, Hartford, CT 06105). the Virginia Dento-Legal Commit- [email protected] THE NATIONAL HERALD, AUGUST 9, 2008 VIEWPOINTS 7 LETTER FROM ATHENS What About Turkey’s War Criminals?

The recent arrest of former Bosn- January 23, 1977, nals for their actions in In his memoirs., which the Turk- ian Serbian leader Radovan Karadz- published excerpts of ordering the invasion ish daily newspaper, Milliyet, pub- Gold Medals of Shame Go ic by the Serbian government in the report and stated: of Cyprus. And the en- lished in October 1990, General Belgrade in late July and his extra- “It amounts to a mas- tire Turkish National Evren stated: dition on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 sive indictment of the Security Council in “The truth is that the Turkish To Thanou and Kenteris to The Hague to face a U.N. war Ankara government 1974 of eleven mem- troops occupied more land than crimes tribunal raises questions for the murder, rape bers were all war crimi- they planned to occupy.” The second-greatest At least Kenteris, about Turkey’s war criminals and and looting by its army nals. Keep in mind that The then-Turkish Premier Ecevit moment in modern disgraced after the why no action has been taken in Cyprus during and in the massive second said: “Let it be in our hands, we will Olympic history – after staged accident set up against them. after the Turkish inva- wave of the invasion on give it back in the talks as a conces- Spyridon Louis capti- to prevent him and Karadzic, the former president of sion of summer 1974.” August 14-16, 1974 sion.” vating his nation’s Thanou from having to the Bosnian Serb republic was ar- BULENT ECEVIT Turkey committed war TURKISH ARMY heart when he won the take their drug tests, rested in late July after 11 years on AND GENERAL by EUGENE T. crimes, ethnic cleans- COMMANDERS IN CYPRUS inaugural marathon in had the decency to van- the run. He was commander of the KENAN EVREN ROSSIDES ing and applied a poli- The Turkish army commanders 1896, striding into ish and hide behind a Bosnian Serb forces and faces two Turkey’s premier in cy of apartheid to in Cyprus also qualify as war crimi- Panathinaikon Stadi- rock. Thanou, after charges of genocide arising from 1974 was Bulent Ece- Special to Cyprus; that it was nals for the killing of innocent civil- um to the cries of “Hel- serving a two-year sus- the 43 month siege of Sarajevo and vit, since deceased. The National Herald three weeks after the ians on a substantial scale and the lene! Hellene!” – pension with Kenteris the massacre in 1995 of 8,000 Mus- Ecevit ordered the in- legitimate government rapes and inhuman treatment of would have been at the because they missed, lims at Srebrenica. vasion on the recommendation of of Cyprus had been restored on July prisoners. Further they should have opening ceremony in by ANDY uh, three drug tests, A war crimes court in Bosnia re- the Turkish military. At that time 23, 1974 and Turkey’s actions had been charged as war criminals for Athens in 2004 when DABILIS has been reinstated to cently convicted seven Bosnian the head of the Turkish military was no justification and no alleged pre- the murder of 5 American citizens Kostas Kenteris, the the Greek Olympic Serbs of genocide for their roles in General Kenan Evren. text. It was pure aggression and who were kidnapped and killed by gold medalist in the Special to team and hoped to mass killings in the city of Srebreni- Under the Turkish constitution those responsible were and are war Turkish forces and Turkish Cypriot 200-meter race in Syd- The National Herald compete in the Beijing ca in 1995. They were former po- in 1974, Turkey’s National Security criminals. militia. ney four years before, Olympics, although the licemen at a time when Karadzic Council made the decisions on na- The evidence has been clear for TURKEY’S WAR CRIMES would have carried the Olympic International Olympic Committee was their political leader. tional security, defense and foreign some times that the Turkish inva- AGAINST ITS 20 PERCENT torch into the stadium in the city was trying to find some legal way to War crimes by Turkey’s political affairs matters. It was chaired by sion and land grab of over one-third KURDISH MINORITY where the games began. It would ban her. Since she has no shame – and military leaders involve two the military chief of staff, General of Cyprus was long planned. It Since 1984, the Turkish military have been singular: the first Greek none – and is lower on the disgrace matters: 1) Turkey’s invasion of Kenan Evren, and a majority of its turns out that in the second wave of has killed over 30, 000 innocent gold medalist in a track event since meter than Paris Hilton on an Inter- Cyprus in 1974 and its continuing members were military officers. aggression from August 14 to 16, Kurdish civilians and an estimated Louis, carrying the torch into net sex video, Thanou petitioned to occupation since 1974 of 37% of Premier Ecevit was a member of 1974 the Turkish troops seized 5000 Turkish rebels of the PKK Kur- Athens, alight in real glory. get the gold medal from the Sydney Cyprus, and 2) Turkey’s actions Turkey’s NSC. more territory, including Varosha dish rebel organization. Instead, Kenteris and fellow games because Jones, who beat her, since 1984 against its 20% Kurdish Both Premier Ecevit and General (Famagusta), than they had orders The Turkish military, during this sprinter Katerina Thanou, who had has been sent to an American prison minority. Kenan Evren were both war crimi- to take. period has also destroyed 3000 Kur- won the silver medal in the 100-me- after admitting she took drugs for TURKEY’S WAR dish villages and created three mil- ter race in Sydney, never participat- those Olympics and lied about it. CRIMES IN CYPRUS lion Kurdish refugees. The Turkish ed after they missed mandatory Jones goes to jail, Thanou goes to Turkey’s war crimes and crimes military and political leadership re- drug tests on the eve of the games Beijing – and will get the 2000 gold against humanity stem from its in- sponsible for these atrocities are and an investigation found they medal because the IOC said there is vasion of Cyprus on July 20, 1974 war criminals. (See Eric Rouleau, faked a motorcycle accident as a nothing they can legally do to stop and its massive second wave of ag- “Turkey’s Dream of Democracy” ruse to get around it, showing they her from being awarded the ulti- gression from August 14 to 16, Foreign Affairs Nov/Dec 2000, were just as fast at dodging as run- mate symbol of victory. It’s fitting, 1974, three weeks after the legiti- pp100-114) ning in a straight line. What they because now she and Kenteris can mate government of Cyprus had THE U.N AND brought to Greece was everlasting go down in the record books as been restored, in which Turkey was TURKEY’S WAR CRIMINALS shame. Greece’s lying, doping, drug cheat found guilty by the European Com- When is the U.N. going to estab- gold medalists, which should make mission on Human Rights in its re- lish a U.N. war crimes tribunal for Louis turn over in his grave and be port of July 10, 1976, (1) of 10 Turkey’s war crimes in Cyprus Less than a year after enough for all Greeks to turn them killing innocent civilians on a sub- against the Greek Cypriots and in they brought scandal to away as pariahs. But, because this is stantial scale; (2) of the rape of Turkey against the Kurdish minori- 2008 and you can have sex on the women of all ages from 12 to 71; ty? themselves and their Internet and be famous for it, you (3) of inhuman treatment of prison- Many will say it will not happen country, they were can take drugs and win gold retroac- ers and persons detained; (4) of the and not to bother about it. I dis- cleared of any tively for it. Too bad Jones didn’t deprivation of liberty regarding de- agree. The fact that it is very diffi- think of pulling a Thanou and not tainees and missing persons; (5) of cult to achieve does not mean we wrongdoing by the IAAF. showing up for drug tests or just do- the displacement (the forcing from should not try. It is most important ing it the Greek way and blaming their homes and properties) of per- to try and by trying we focus public Kenteris, the first white male to somebody else, as the Greek sons creating more than 170,000 opinion on the issue of Turkey’s war win the 200 meters since 1980, a Olympic weightlifting team did Greek Cypriot refugees in their own criminals. year in which Pietro Mennea of Italy when it was found to have doped, country and refusing to allow these won in a diluted field because the but said it was the fault of a Chinese refugees to return to their homes AP PHOTO/ JERRY LAMPEN, POOL Gene Rossides is President of the US had boycotted the Moscow company for sending steroids in- and properties; and (6) of looting Former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic, centre, enters the American Hellenic Institute and Games, was jokingly reported to stead of vitamins. and robbery on an extensive scale. courtroom for his initial appearance at the U.N.'s Yugoslav war crimes former Assistant Secretary of the have said after his victory that, “I Doping is not limited to Greek The London Sunday Times, on tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands, Thursday July 31, 2008. Treasury. had to win. Seven black guys were athletes and is the equivalent for the chasing me.” It’s an apocryphal sto- Olympics of American baseball’s ry, of course, but Greece was so joy- steroid era, when former weaklings ous (just replay the race on YouTube were suddenly setting home run on the Greek national station and records. But what piles on the odi- you’ll get goose bumps of patriotic um is that Thanou and Kenteris’ dis- The Universal Church: Now is the Time to Mobilize pride for e patreetha) that Kenteris honor has been expunged by was suddenly as great as Louis and Greece. Less than a year after they His Eminence Archbishop not match. But they al- tendom and the rise of per, as a call to abandon Hellenism. even had a ship named after him. brought scandal to themselves and Demetrios electrified our commu- ways retained the con- lethally and murder- Many reasonable people inter- Kenteris’ gold was in many ways their country, they were cleared of nity at the 2008 Clergy-Laity Con- sciousness of a distinct ously attractive ex- pret the call as an exhortation to more spectacular than Louis’ be- any wrongdoing by the Greek ath- gress by announcing, “In spite of community which had tremist fringe ele- abandon our Greek identity and cause of the kind of competition he letics federation and then reached the continuous, but in recent years, no intention of losing ments among Chris- merge into a larger anonymous faced and the odds against him. an out-of-court settlement with the more limited phenomenon of im- its identity in the mass tians, Muslims and group. Do I believe that His Emi- What’s amazing about that race, International Association of Athlet- migration, our Church is by no of foreign customs and Jews – all the faiths nence and His All Holiness intend and should have sent up warning ics Federations (IAAF) stipulating means any longer a Church of im- mores, many of which which claim a place in such? No, clearly not. But they flares, was the way Kenteris came that they missed the tests, which migrants, or an ecclesiastical entity clashed harshly with the continuum of the must spell out just how Hellenism out of nowhere to destroy a world- they did, but that they would not be of the Diaspora, but a Church our own. faith of Abraham – fits into the picture they paint. class field like they were little girls charged with missing the tests, just which is naturally, firmly and We were all in- have created a need The Greeks remain the most dy- on tricycles, even though incompa- the kind of deal that official bodies proudly rooted in American soil. formed, as well, by the for the Church to once namic and effective Orthodox in rable US runners Michael Johnson, and countries and athletes like be- There is a new reality in the reli- fact that the Church by AMB. PATRICK N. again take responsibil- this country, and in many other and the then 100-meter world cause it absolves everyone of every- gious landscape of contemporary preserved our cultural THEROS ity for a larger Univer- places around the world. Without champion Maurice Greene were not thing. You can call it a Greek Com- America. This is the existence of the identity, language and sal Christianity. Re- convincing the Greek American in the field. Still, Kenteris had beat- promise because that’s the way busi- 60 million people characterized as history, as well as our Special to peated challenges to community that its identity will not en Greene in the 1999 indoor world ness is done in Greece all the time. unchurched.” faith during the long The National Herald Moscow’s ongoing at- be lost, the Patriarchate can not championships after being eliminat- While they’ve been eligible to His most controversial state- dark night of Turkish tempts to assert its earn their support. Badly handled, ed himself in the 400-meter race. Af- compete for since December of ment followed: “We can not be a occupation. We were raised to be- over the Orthodox in the old USSR we could see a repetition of 1821, ter an injury kept Kenteris from 2006, Kenteris, knowing his glory self-centered, self-enclosed Greek lieve that Orthodoxy is Greece and appear to be part of this same out- with the Patriarch seeking to co-opt competing in the 200-meter final, days are done, has stayed out of the Orthodox ecclesiastical body, limit- Greece is Orthodoxy. Furthermore, ward-bound effort. the Ottoman Empire gradually, and he came to Sydney as an unknown, public eye, while Thanou, now 33 ed to itself and directing its energy the call to convert other Americans In the same vein, Bartholomew his flock determined on seizing although the way he won prelimi- and not tested in world class compe- exclusively within itself. We can not raises an even more perplexing has mobilized the Orthodox world, freedom by force. nary heats showed he had an uncon- tition, will get smoked in Beijing if be a ghetto Church. God calls us to question: We were instructed that and forced the politically omnipo- The role of the laity, as His Emi- querable surge in the backstretch as she is allowed to run and finally get gather His people. In order to gath- our Church has a long history of re- tent Israeli State (supported by rad- nence made clear, remains para- he ran away from his rivals the same the real cloak of opprobrium put er God’s people we have to go out fusing to actively proselytize ical elements within American Ju- mount. But that same laity, writ way Seabscuit did to War Admiral in over her. If there’s a Greek god, to look for them; to search places among the people of God. daism) to recognize the canonically large, has failed to embrace its re- their 1938 classic match horse race. she’ll finish dead last where she be- and find them; and lead them to In the Church’s eyes, the “people elected Patriarch of Jerusalem. sponsibilities either in governance Super-K dusted the field and be- longs. God’s home. The theme of the Con- of God” extended beyond the nar- Turkey’s current attempts to suffo- or in contribution. I believe we are came a Greek athletic hero. If not for But winning at any cost is the re- gress calls us, in no uncertain row Christian circle. A plaque in the cate the Ecumenical Patriarchate the best-educated and wealthiest the unbeatable American sprinter al opium and athletes and countries terms, to reach out; to move out Jewish Museum in Thessaloniki within narrowly defined geograph- Christian community in America. Marion Jones, Thanou would have are blind to how it’s done, as long as and start gathering the souls who commemorates the intervention of ic and national limits also demands We have abandoned the leadership stood side-by-side with him as a it brings the illusion of glory. At the look for a spiritual home – for a liv- the Church to prevent Emperor Leo that the Patriarchate reach out to of the Church to overworked, un- gold medalist in her homeland, and Olympic Stadium in Athens four ing community and ultimately for a III from forcibly converting Jews to the world. If ever there was a his- derpaid and grossly under-appreci- Greece could have had the spectacle years ago, after he’d pulled out of communion with God.” Christianity, because Jews are not torical necessity to reassert the role ated clergy, rather than contribut- of the two parading into the stadi- the games, Kenteris was surprised to And then he called on us to pagans or idolaters but the precur- of “Oikoumenikos,” this would ing even a small percentage of our um, holding the torch together, tri- hear his fellow Greeks delay the evangelize these souls into the sors of Christianity who can not be seem to be the time. enormous human and material re- umphant, enough to bring tears to start of the 200-meter final he was body of the Orthodox Church. forced to convert. Gathering in new However, this outreach (for sources. Many of us complain Greeks everywhere. supposed to win with a drumbeat His Eminence spoke of his heart- Orthodox can only be accom- want of a better term) carries with about the governance of the That was the dream before it be- chant for him. “Kenteris! Kenteris! felt desire to see our Church ex- plished by the example of our tradi- it many internal contradictions. Church, but few are willing to step came the never-ending nightmare. Hellas! Hellas!” He said, “When I pand beyond its immigrant base. tion. While seeking to restore the Uni- up to the task. Kenteris went on to win the 2001 heard all these people, the thou- He pointed out that the Church “is How then, honest people may versal Church, the American The Medieval Church served World Championship and got his tri- sands of people, shout my name, it no longer preoccupied” with the ask, and why should His Eminence branch of the Patriarchate simulta- Man by providing the social safety fecta by winning the 2002 European was the most beautiful thing that I survival of its immigrant members suddenly and unexpectedly call for neously enforces an exclusiveness net, education and rescue of the championship before disappearing have heard in recent years.” in a new country. He also re-em- an ingathering of 60 million people which drives away the parishioners unfortunate and oppressed for the into training. Because he ducked his Seabiscuit’s jockey, at the crucial phasized the fact that, in terms of into a community which does not we do have. Byzantine Empire. It did so by drug test the day before the opening moment as he pulled away, turned education and wealth, we are sec- exceed two million and, by doing We punish and ban from the working closely with and in sup- ceremony where he would have car- to his rival rider and uttered a ond to none as a community in this so, drown its identity? Church those who have strayed or port of the Emperor. Logically, we ried the torch, his hopes for eternal phrase that is now part of American country. He called on the members On the other hand, His Emi- broken some rules of doubtful have no emperor, but in a democra- honor ended with the phony motor- parlance when announcing good of the Church to focus intensely on nence serves the Universal Church canonical basis, rather than gather- tic society, the laity must play that cycle crash and a conspiracy of doc- riddance and goodbye. “So long, promoting the Orthodox Christian – the Church of the “oikoume (in- ing them back to the bosom of the role. tors and Greek officials who aided Charlie,” he said. Kenteris has al- faith, and on cultivating the univer- habited world)” – which has eccle- Church. Interfaith marriages are a We have few if any charitable, and abetted his transparent alibi, ready heard it, so now it’s time to sal human values of Hellenism. siastical jurisdiction over the “new reality and a challenge. Hypocriti- educational and social institutions and it will never be known whether say to Thanou: So long, Katerina. The Archbishop noted that the lands.” cal conversions are not the answer. serving the larger American com- his gold was drug-tainted and Church faces an existential chal- When Church boundaries were Bringing the non-Orthodox into munity. Very few devote the time whether he was supercharged by Mr. Dabilis was the New England lenge: an increasing number of our first demarcated by the early Ecu- our community through love, com- and money to pay for institutions steroids. And who wouldn’t have editor for United Press Interna- youth are disconnecting them- menical Councils, Constantinople passion and understanding should like universities, schools, orphan- relished seeing Kenteris running for tional in Boston, and a staff writer selves from the Church. Although it alone was allocated the “rest of the be our goal. ages and nursing homes for the gold in Athens in 2004. If he’d won and assistant metropolitan editor is a problem common to all reli- world.” This meant all lands out- Historically, our Church has rec- public that a Great Church must that race, he would have gone down at the Boston Globe for 17 years gious communities in the United side the Roman Empire. Had 1453 ognized the imperfection of man have, and thus justify the laity ex- in history as the greatest Greek ath- before relocating to Greece. His States, this distancing of our youth not occurred, and had a Greek Or- and worked with that imperfection panding its role in governance. We lete ever, instead of slinking away column is published weekly in the creates a special problem for a rela- thodox state survived into the Age for the greater good. When was the can not grow a Great Church if all into the shadows, all because of National Herald. Readers inter- tively small religious community of Exploration, we probably would last time we heard someone repeat our charitable contributions go to drugs. Anyone who saw him run ested in contacting him can send outside the mainstream of Chris- not have the numerous ethnic Or- the axiom, “The Church is for Man brick and mortar. would have seen he didn’t need e-mails to tianity in America. thodox Churches in America, and and not Man for the Church?” The grand dreams enunciated them. [email protected]. These statements are both the Church of England’s American The Archbishop spoke of Hel- by His Eminence can be achieved, breathtaking and controversial be- offspring, the Episcopalians, would lenism’s role in the outreach effort. but only if he His All Holiness can cause they represent perhaps the be in full communion with the Or- In truth, Hellenism has always mobilize the full power of the com- GUEST EDITORIALS greatest break with the traditions thodox. And by any definition, the been at the core of our Church munity and set the Church upon a of the Greek Orthodox Church in Americas and Australasia should throughout its greatest, most glori- road it has not traveled for a thou- The National Herald welcomes manuscripts representing a variety of views the Diaspora. exclusively be part of the See of ous and most oppressed times. The sand years. for publication in its View Points page. They should include the writer’s Our immigrant experience in Constantinople. Slavs and Arabs, the vast majority name, address, and telephone number and be addressed to the View the United States demanded that In my opinion, His All Holiness of Orthodox in the world, are con- The Hon. Ambassador Theros Points Editor, The National Herald, 37-10 30th Street, Long Island City, NY Church provide its communicants Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew scious of the role Hellenism played served in the U.S. Foreign Service with an identity which would pro- has decided that the time has come in giving them a Christian identity. for 36 years, mostly in the Middle 11101. They can also be faxed to (718) 472-0510 or, preferably, e-mailed tect and nurture our families in this for Constantinople to reassert its Modern Christianity’s temporal East, and was American Ambas- to [email protected]. Due to considerations of space huge nation-continent. Our parents ancient role. An excellent case can form is a Hellenic creation. Yet His sador to Qatar from 1995 to we enforce a strict 1,400-word upper limit. We reserve the right to edit for and grandparents adopted this be argued that the collapse of the Eminence’s call for the ingathering 1998. He also directed the State repetitiveness, diction and syntax. We regret that we are unable to ac- country with energy and con- Soviet Empire and international of the unchurched and the expan- Department’s Counter-Terrorism knowledge or return manuscripts, published or unpublished. tributed to its wellbeing in a fash- communism, the deterioration of sion of our role has been interpret- Office, and holds numerous U.S. ion most other immigrants could the organized Churches of Chris- ed by many, including this newspa- Government decorations. 8 EDITORIALS LETTERS THE NATIONAL HERALD, AUGUST 9, 2008

The National Herald LETTERS TO THE EDITOR A weekly publication of the NATIONAL HERALD, INC. (ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ), reporting the news and addressing the issues of paramount interest Rational Voters Will Elect he may be among the many of rightwing policies which have fied in the story published on July to the Greek American community of the United States of America. Senator McCain President tenured leftwing “intellectuals” benefited only a select few.” If this 26. Please excuse the omission. He who make up the Greek chorus of is true, why is it that so many peo- is rector emeritus of Intercollege in Publisher-Editor Antonis H. Diamataris To the Editor: anti-American Bush bashers, whose ple continue to risk their lives to Cyprus, and he is a former dean of Assistant to Publisher, Advertising Veta H. Diamataris Papadopoulos I am responding to Evan C. Lam- clandestine agendas know no leave their own country to come to Purdue University, where he is pro- Managing Editor Evan C. Lambrou brou’s article which was published bounds. the United States? Why is it that, fessor emeritus of Political Science. Assistant Managing Editor Mark Frangos on the front page of the July 26 edi- As a subscriber to the Herald, I faced with natural and other disas- He was also a member of the gradu- tion: “Coufoudakis: McCain is am disappointed that it saw fit to ters, many countries cry out to ate faculty at Indiana University, Production Manager Chrysoula Karametros Bush’s Clone.” The writer identifies print this story on the front page, America for help? where he served as assistant and as Webmaster Alexandros Tsoukias Dr. Coufoudakis as “one of the with a full-page continuation. The The real danger America faces is associate vice chancellor for Acade- The National Herald (USPS 016864) is published weekly by country’s most eminent Greek Herald has joined the ranks of the leftwing ideology, which seeks to mic Affairs from 1986 to 1995. The National Herald Inc. at 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 American Scholars.” American liberal press and its re- undermine its existence. Tel: (718)784-5255, Fax: (718)472-0510, Dr. Coufoudakis, whose creden- porters who always find a way to Although Dr. Coufoudakis is of e-mail: [email protected] tials and background are not men- facilitate attacks against any Re- the opinion that the American elec- Democritou 1 and Academias Sts, Athens, 10671, Greece tioned in the article in support of publican Party Presidential candi- torate has lost its sanity in voting TO OUR READERS Tel: 011.30.210.3614.598, Fax: 011.30.210.3643.776, e-mail: [email protected] his reported eminent scholarship date. for Mr. McCain, he offers no opin- reputation, is of the opinion that Dr. Coufoudakis believes that ion as to the mental state of the The National Herald welcomes Subscriptions by mail: 1 year $59.85, 6 months $29.95, 3 months $19.95, 1 month $9.95 the American electorate has lost its Greek Americans should “take a Greek American electorate. letters from its readers intended Home delivery NY, NJ, CT: 1 year $80.00, 6 months $43.99, 3 months $29.99, 1 month $12.95 collective mind. He is quoted as chance” on Senator Obama be- I respect the good doctor’s right for publication. They should in- Home delivery New England States, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland: 1 year $99.00, 6 months $51.75, 3 months $37.45, 1 month $15.95 stating, “I don’t see how any ratio- cause he is for change. On the one to his opinions, but detect a touch clude the writer’s name, address, On line subscription: Subscribers to the print edition: 1 year $34.95, 6 months $23.95, 3 months nal person can support John Mc- hand, he states that Obama has of disrespect for any opinions to the and telephone number and be $14.95; Non subscribers: 1 year $45.95, 6 months $29.95, 3 months $18.95 Cain, who is basically a clone of promised many things on social, contrary. I wish to assure him that addressed to: The Editor, The Na- George W. Bush, and I don’t see economic and foreign policy issues. both groups of “mentally chal- tional Herald, 37-10 30th Street, Periodical postage paid at L.I.C., N.Y. and additional mailing offices. how any rational American can On the other hand, he states that he lenged” voters are alive and well; Long Island City, NY 11101. Postmaster send change of address to: vote for him.” would like to see more tangible politically alert to the issues at Letters can also be faxed to (718) THE NATIONAL HERALD, 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 The writer begins the article plans as to how Obama will bring hand; and that they will help deliv- with, “No American in his right about the changes he is promising. er the White House to Senator Mc- 472-0510 or e-mailed to mind should vote for John McCain This intellectual exercise in politi- Cain in November. english.edition@thenationalher- in November… according to Dr. cal mumbo-jumbo is precisely the George A. Koutras ald.com. We reserve the right to Coufoudakis.” problem with Obama’s “change for Frederick, Maryland edit letters for publication and re- The Cold War is over Dr. Coufoudakis candidly ad- the sake of change” campaign. gret that we are unable to ac- mits that he is an “active Democ- Dr. Coufoudakis further believes knowledge or return those left Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine and Senator Robert Menendez of New rat,” with no further elaboration. In that America needs change because EDITOR’s NOTE: Several read- unpublished. Jersey deserve to be commended for their efforts in delaying the Bush Admin- the absence of any background in- its position as a free world leader is ers have noted that Dr. Coufou- istration’s appointment of Philip Reeker as the new U.S. Ambassador to FY- formation, I can only speculate that in serious danger “after eight years dakis’ credentials were not speci- ROM. That’s exactly they type of action we need at the Congressional level to make our issues and positions known and, more importantly, clearly under- stood. PRESS CLIPPINGS Senator Snowe, a Greek American, and Senator Menendez, a Philhellene, have rubbed elbows before. Last September, they introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate encouraging the Turkish Government to end its military occu- pation of the Republic of Cypress. That resolution, introduced in the House by Congressman Albio Sires of Plot Against Turkey: Latest Salvo in AKP Versus the Old Guard New Jersey, called on the United States to help Turkey understand the bene- fits of withdrawing its occupation troops from Cyprus; urged Turkey to im- By Mustafa Akyol tem. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. He and his and privilege. Cengiz Aktar, a liber- mediately withdraw those troops; and to do so quickly in order for all sides Newsweek International This battle is sometimes defined followers were deeply influenced al E.U. advocate, likens the plot to can see the benefits. in the Western media as a tension by the French Enlightenment, and the coup attempted by Lt. Col. An- “I can see no reason for even one Turkish soldier to remain on Cyprus. Things are getting very hot this between “Islamists” and “secular- were convinced that the influence tonio Tejero in Spain in 1981, when Turkey’s pretext for this military occupation has been refuted over and over summer in Turkey – and it’s not just ists,” but both terms are mislead- of religion must be swept away he stormed parliament to halt the again by millions of peaceful crossings by Turkish and Greek Cypriots,” Mr. the weather. A long-simmering ing. While AKP leaders, including from society. Ethnic and cultural di- E.U. accession process and restore Menendez said then. constitutional crisis is boiling over, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdo- versity were seen as threats – hence the Francoist regime. “The entire world recognizes the unlawful nature of Turkey’s actions, and and the country is experiencing one gan, share an Islamist past, they the decision to “Turkify” the Kurds. Like Tejero, the alleged Er- the time has long passed for Turkey to withdraw its military presence on the of its most turbulent periods in abandoned that years ago and re- The Kemalists’ project was, in fact, genekon conspiracy has failed. But island… Our resolution is an unequivocal statement that the United States decades. Over the past several defined themselves as “conserva- a cultural revolution and a govern- the ideology behind it persists. One stands ready to lend its support to these reunification efforts,” Ms. Snowe weeks, Turkish authorities have ar- tive democrats” who champion free ment they defined as “for the peo- clear sign is the shocking case added. rested two dozen members of a markets, traditional (including reli- ple, in spite of the people.” launched by Turkey’s chief prosecu- This year, they reached across the aisle again and, in genuine bipartisan covert ultra-nationalist group gious) values and pro-E.U. reforms. tor, Abdurrahman Yalcinkaya, fashion, worked together on an issue which is important not only to people of named Ergenekon for allegedly Since it came to power in No- against the AKP four months ago. Greek heritage, but also in America’s best interests. plotting to provoke a military coup vember 2002, the AKP has proved Though Kemalists Defining the party “as an anti-secu- Senator Snowe, who consistently delivers for her state, is also doing her by staging political assassinations highly successful, winning a solid succeeded in building a lar threat to the regime,” he asked job as a Greek American. She is currently the only Greek American in the Sen- and whipping up social turmoil. electoral victory in July 2007. So- the Constitutional Court to close ate. There are three Greek Americans in the House: Representatives Gus Bili- Among the plotters: two retired top cially, the AKP represents Turkey’s strong state, undesired the party and ban from politics 71 rakis of Florida, John Sarbanes of Maryland, and Zack Space of Ohio. generals, the leader of a paramili- economically minded masses, reli- social groupls persisted of its members, including Erdogan We need more Greek Americans in Congress to help advance Hellenic is- tary group and Kemal Kerincsiz, a gious conservatives – including the in their demands for and President (and former Foreign sues in Washington. lawyer who has sued dozens of lib- rising “Islamic bourgeoisie” – and Minister) Abdullah Gul, a former Because of his exposure to Greek Americans in New York and New Jersey, eral intellectuals in the past for vio- even most Kurds. As for those la- freedom and democracy. AKP member. Their crimes, accord- many of whom support him, Senator Menendez has become cognizant of lating Turkey’s law against “insult- beled secularists, they are not what ing to Yalcinkaya, include passing a Hellenic issues, and typically agrees with the Greek point of view. ing Turkishness.” one might think. Turkey’s defini- Though the Kemalists succeeded constitutional amendment to allow We need more Greek American citizens making efforts to cultivate rela- The Ergenekon case is only the tion of secularism is based not on in building a strong state, most of headscarves in universities, and tions with our elected officials. There simply aren’t enough Philhellenes in latest salvo in a political war be- the separation of mosque and state, the undesired social groups – such comments by Erdogan such as Congress like Bob Menendez. tween the ruling Justice & Develop- but the dominance of the latter as pious Muslims and the Kurds – “Turkey needs a more liberal secu- The other important factor in the political equation, of course, is the Exec- ment Party (AKP) and Turkey’s na- over the former – all mosques are persisted in their demands for free- larism like the American one.” utive Branch. For many reasons – over-arching concerns about terrorism and tionalist and staunchly secularist simply run by the government. dom and democracy. Yet Turkey’s The notoriously illiberal Consti- its threats to homeland security and world peace, among them – the Bush Ad- old guard. The charges, if proved, Secularist ideologues argue that establishment, represented by the tutional Court is expected to give ministration has been largely unsympathetic to our community’s issues. point to a brazen conspiracy to un- the state also needs to safeguard military and the high courts and its verdict on AKP’s fate sometime Even though a number of prominent Greek Americans are counted among do the liberal reforms implemented society from religion. The Constitu- supported by urban elites, remains in August. If the AKP prevails, it the President’s friends, Mr. Bush still allowed his State Department to recog- by the AKP in recent years as part of tional Court, one of the enforcers of attached to Kemalism, which has will likely continue on the path to nize FYROM as the “Republic of Macedonia,” and still lobbied hard to get FY- its effort to move Turkey toward this ideology, ruled in 1989 that turned into a rigid ideology perpet- the E.U., but should the court rule ROM into NATO earlier this year, straining relations with Greece, a tradition- entry into the European Union. The “society should be kept away from uated by an official cult of person- against the party, it will also in the al friend and longtime ally. plot seems to have grown out of thoughts and judgments that are ality. The reverence shown to process strike a major blow to Turk- One of the reasons the Bush Administration has ignored Greek sensibili- fears which have been growing not based on science and reason.” Ataturk, evident in his omnipresent ish democracy and the country’s ties regarding FYROM is because it wants to prevent Russia from expanding among Turkey’s nationalists since The result is a complete banish- image and oft-repeated mantras, E.U. dreams. There will no longer its influence in the Balkans. Russia has a lot to say in the region for historic 2004, when the nation’s accession ment of religion from the public approaches the level of leader wor- be any need for gangs like Er- and economic reasons: process began and nationalists re- square, including a ban on religious ship you see in places like North Ko- genekon; the coup will have been The Russians are a Slavic people, and Russia is a major energy provider alized that, as well as offering some symbols such as headscarves. rea. realized by legal means. not only for the Balkans, but also for Europe; so the Bush Administration is economic advantages, the process This illiberal secularism goes The Ergenekon gang seems to strategically nervous about Russia. That’s why it has pursued divisive policies could require Turkey to grant con- back to the formative years of the have been an attempt by the most Newsweek International pub- in the Balkans – e.g., supporting FYROM’s desire to call itself Macedonia and cessions on Cyprus; give greater Turkish republic, born from the radical extreme secularists to pre- lished the above on July 21 (vol. the ethnic Albanian agenda to declare Kosovo, a historically Serbian freedoms to minorities; and devel- ashes of the Ottoman Empire in serve the old regime, which has giv- 152, no. 3). Mr. Akyol is deputy province, and independent state. op a more democratic political sys- 1923 under the leadership of en the old elite unchecked power editor of the Turkish Daily News. And in spite of prolonging Mr. Reeker’s appointment until the Administra- tion would “clarify” that it would make sure its new ambassador would en- courage FYROM to refrain from pursuing an irredentist agenda, the U.S. Gov- ernment continues to call FYROM “Macedonia.” COMMENTARY The Bush Administration continues to throw the weight of its support be- hind that little country of two million, even though FYROM has experienced a series of violent attacks among its ethnic Albanian minority, which led to vi- olent disruptions in the country’s parliamentary elections this past June and forced many areas to hold reruns twice. If You Know the Meaning of Apergia, You Know Your Greek Just this past May 7, the State Department’s Bureau of European & Eurasian Affairs issued a statement: “The two countries wish to enhance their By Jan Pierce fellow students, a mix of all ages This left only Mathias, a young covered that half the shelves were strategic relationship through intensified consultation and cooperation in the Special to the National Herald and several nationalities, smiled Swiss man with a gentle demeanor empty. This time, truckers protest- areas of security, people-to-people ties and commerce… In the interest of an encouragingly or shrugged their and clever sense of humor, and my- ing high fuel costs had set up barri- intensified partnership, the United States intends to immediately provide ad- One of the first words a new- shoulders in resignation. I complet- self. Mathias had tickets booked for ers in Patras, and were preventing ditional assistance to Macedonia to help build prosperity; strengthen securi- comer to Greece should learn is ed sections 1 & 2, and was just a visit to Switzerland the following trucks from getting on the ferries to ty; and foster deeper ties between our two countries… Sharing a desire to ex- “apergia (strike).” During the first starting on my essay. Suddenly, the day, and had to finish the exam that Kefalonia. Suddenly, the value of pand trade and investment, the United States and Macedonia will seek to en- six months of my time on Kefalonia, classroom was swallowed by total night. For personal reasons, I also an island’s lush vegetable gardens hance their economic ties and undertake additional measures to strengthen I had been aware of various strikes, blackness. I was still trying to deter- preferred to finish. and farms became apparent. My the competitiveness of Macedonia’s economy and expand opportunities for but as a recent immigrant, I was mine just what had happened when It was then that I remembered friends sent me fresh eggs, and I American and Macedonian businesses.” unable to evaluate the rights and a fellow student, Guido, a young my tiny hand-cranked emergency stocked up on bread and milk. Let’s not kid ourselves. That’s America expressing an awful lot of interest wrongs of the government and Dutch tour guide, rescued us all. He flashlight in the trunk of my car. I I thought I had worked my way in FYROM, and unless a different mindset is cultivated in Washington, Amer- union positions. felt my way out through pitch-black through another strike when I ica will continue to maintain that level of interest. And since the people of FY- During one national strike, my hallways to the school entrance and learned that the whole island had ROM are so passionately convinced that they are “Macedonians,” the estab- Greek-language class was can- Truckers protesting along the unlit street to retrieve it. run out of gasoline. It took only a lishment in Washington continues to placate them. celled, but the effect on me was high fuel costs had set Since it needed no batteries but only few days for me to move back a Leaving Kosovo aside for a future discussion, FYROM (Former Yugoslav minimal. An evening spent com- human energy, this small LED could hundred years in time, traveling on Republic of Macedonia) craves a national identity, and wants to be recog- fortably at home instead of trying up barriers in Patras, last as long as someone still had the foot and by bicycle and foraging for nized as the “Republic of Macedonia.” The trouble is, Macedonia is historical- to learn Greek in an unheated high and were preventing strength to crank the handle. The horta (wild greens) to supplement ly Greek, and has been since the days of Alexander the Great. It is a province school classroom under the watch- trucks from getting on only problems were that the area of my supply of food. in northern Greece, though some of its ancient territory now rests inside FY- ful eyes of an icon of Christ was not light was small, and it was impossi- Will I get my coveted Level I cer- ROM’s current boundaries. really too disappointing. I was a lit- ferries to Kefalonia. ble to write and turn the handle at tificate? I think I deserve it even if I To support their propaganda-driven agenda, the Slavic leaders of FYROM, tle more inconvenienced when my the same time. Mathias moved to haven’t mastered all the grammati- which borders northern Greece, claim Alexander the Great was a “Macedon- bank went on strike, since I actually had had the amazing foresight to my table, and we set our exam pa- cal twists of the Greek language. ian” and therefore a Slav, but this is based on revisionist attempts to falsify needed to get some money. The ac- pack a huge flashlight in his back- pers side by side. After all, I now understand an es- history. Alexander the Great was a Greek from Macedonia, much the same quisition of a bankcard will mini- pack, and within seconds, the room The second problem was solved sential aspect of Greek culture, and way President Reagan was an American from California and President Clin- mize future problems. was almost back to normal (I’m when Stella, our patient teacher, have fully absorbed the meaning of ton an American from Arkansas. The strike that created rolling thinking of going on one of his bicy- took over flashlight duty. There the word, apergia. What’s in a name? A name is not an empty concept. If FYROM gets its way, electricity blackouts was rather dif- cle tours since I am convinced he were the three of us: Stella working the Slavs and Albanians in FYROM could seek to “unify” with Slavic and Al- ferent, however. The first night I ar- will be ready for every emergency). hard, and Mathias and I trying to Ms. Pierce is a freelance writer banian minorities in Greek Macedonia. They have, in fact, openly expressed rived home from language class to As his battery gradually ran out, see well enough to write. and local historian in Vancouver. expansionist desires to do so – against a friendly country, Greece, which in- total darkness, it actually seemed most of the students were able to I thought I had seen the worst She is writing a book on the his- vests more in the Balkans than any other country in Europe. rather romantic. My husband lit gather their materials, and hand in impact of apergia, but more was to tory of Kitsilano, the geographic What the U.S. needs to understand is that, if FYROM manages to achieve candles, and we sipped a pre-bed- their unfinished exams to Stella for come. One day I walked into one of and cultural center for the Greek official international recognition as “Macedonia,” the global community not time glass of Greek brandy. The sec- completion the following week. my favorite grocery stores, and dis- community in Vancouver. only insults the Hellenic Republic, history is falsified, and the door opens to ond blackout, just as we were future instability in the Balkans. preparing dinner, was also easily Thus, Balkan security is potentially at stake. If nothing else, history shows overcome, since we had planned a us that the Balkans have always been the powder keg of Europe. And Balkan barbecue to take advantage of a instability is against U.S. interests, so it’s a door that’s better off staying shut. summery March evening. The National Herald Classifieds To put it in more practical terms, the question America needs to ask itself I developed a deeper under- is this: How would the United States react if Mexico wanted to “reunify” with standing of the meaning of apergia Looking for employees? Whatever your needs may be, Texas because there are millions of Mexicans now living in Texas? on the night of my language In order to change its outlook and modify its policies in the Balkans, per- course’s final exam. Would I get my Want to buy or rent a new home? The National Herald Classifieds haps the U.S. Government and foreign policy establishment should try a Level I certificate, or would all the In the U.S. or in Greece? more relaxed approach to Russia. Perhaps more effort should be made to look shivering winter evenings and long Selling your house, car or boat? are here to help... at Russia more as friend and partner, and less as foe and threat. It might open drives through wind and rain to the a few minds in Washington and help ease tensions in Southeast Europe. local high school have been futile? The Cold War is over. Ultimately, the American juggernaut needs to stop The exam started well. The kind To advertise or to obtain rates: throwing its weight around, and stop acting like a bull in a China shop. In the teacher, Stella, calmed us with her 21st Century, might no longer makes right. sense of humor. As they arrived, my (718) 784-5255 ext. 106, [email protected] THE NATIONAL HERALD, AUGUST 9, 2008 9

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