S o C V th ΓΡΑΦΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ W ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΣΜΟΥ

E 10 0 ΑΠΟ ΤΟ 1915 The National Herald anniversa ry N www.thenationalherald.com A weeklY greek-AmericAn PublicAtion 1915-2015 VOL. 18, ISSUE 9232 June 20-26, 2015 c v $1.50 How Marcus Costly Clash? Tsipras Stands Defiant, Bank Report1 Warns Built a Quiet Bank of Greece Sees Chaos if No Deal Real Estate Struck, Tsipras Rejects More Pension Cuts ATHENS - German Chancellor “If Europe insists in this in - Angela Merkel is squeezing comprehensible option — if its Empire Greece to deliver on commit - political leadership insists — ments to carry out reforms, then they must bear the cost of stressing before a meeting of Eu - developments that will not be Location, Location rozone finance ministers that beneficial for anyone on Eu - she wants the country to remain rope,” he said after meeting in Mantra Becomes in the common currency. Athens June 187 with Austrian Transparency Merkel said in a speech to Chancellor Werner Faymann. the German Parliament ahead European Union officials said of the June 18 Eurozone meet - they have already made major If the mantra of selling real ing that that Greece’s govern - concessions, dropping a budget estate is “Location, Location, Lo - ment in February “committed it - surplus target from 3 percent to cation,” then the way to make self to comprehensive structural 1 percent this year. it even more profitable, Greek- reforms. These must now be Athens still needed to come born U.S. property sales billion - tackled with determination.” up with a more realistic plan, aire George Marcus has found Merkel, whose country has EU Commission Vice President is “Transparency, Transparency, put up the bulk of 240 billion Valdis Dombrovskis said. Transparency.” euros ($270.34 billion) in two “It is important that the The California-based Marcus, bailouts from international Greek side actually not only who hails from the island of Eu - lenders, stressed that “Ger - communicates what they do not boea about 60 miles north of many’s efforts are directed to want to do, but also what they Athens, has become the king of Greece remaining in the Euro - do want to do,” he said. private client transactions, those zone.” Markets continued to react listings of generally under $10 She reiterated that “where badly to the news on the talks. Million, which make up the bulk there’s a will, there’s a way — if The Athens Stock Exchange’s of the U.S. real estate business. the political leaders in Greece main index sank another 3.2 His company, Marcus & Mil - show this will, an agreement percent, while the yield on lichap, has more than 2,800 with the three institutions is still Greece’s two-year bond has commercial properties for sale, possible.” That was a reference soared above 30 percent, a sign ranging from a $50 million hotel to Greece’s international credi - investors are more worried on the New Jersey side of the tors. about a default. Lincoln Tunnel, to a Memphis Greece needs to unlock loans BAD NEWS RISING apartment building for $55,000. from its creditors before June Also, Greece’s central bank It’s a dazzling array of offer - 30, when its bailout program ex - issued a dramatic warning in its ings, more than any other Amer - AP Photo/Yorgos kArAhAlis pires but Prime Minister Alexis annual report that, without a ican competitor offers. But list - Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras in his Athens office, listening to Austrian Chancellor Werner Tsipras has been locked in a war ing is one thing, and selling is Faymann's plea for a deal with lenders ahead of the June 18 Eurogroup meeting. of words with the troika of the Continued on page 13 another, and the Marcus for - European Union-International mula, developed years ago Monetary Fund-European Cen - when he got started in a family tral Bank (EU-IMF-ECB) which business, to have his brokers wants him to impose more aus - share information and formalize Much Ado About Kofinas’ Bard Take terity before releasing a long- The Rev. the marketing process, works. delayed 7.2-billion euro ($8.1 Well. billion) installment needed to In 2014, the company han - By Constantine S. Sirigos energy and imagination novices He said “we are going to start keep the country from default - Gounaris dled 7,667 transactions with a TNH Staff Writer Demetri Kofinas, the producer, production of another comedy in ing and crashing out of the Eu - value of more than $33 billion. and director Alexis Confer. a few months, most likely another rozone. His success story was detailed NEW YORK – No argument is Kofinas, is a former technology rendition of Shakespeare. Even - Reform talks have faltered Flees His Post in a feature by the Bloomberg needed in favor of the classics. and media entrepreneur and Con - tually, I would like put on an an - and Greece refused to even news agency. Shakespeare and the great Greek fer has a day job that’s a bit more cient Greek comedy.” bring a new list to the Eurozone “They are the industry tragedians will be read until the challenging than those of many Kofinas is not the only Hellenic meeting setting the stage for a By Theodore Kalmoukos leader,” Mitchell Germain, a end of time, but to get audiences people in theater: Chief of Staff element in the play – besides showdown as the country goes New York-based senior analyst into theaters today, it helps to at Office of the Deputy Mayor for what Shakespeare absorbed from broke and said it can’t pay the TARPON SPRINGS - Father with JMP Securities. “They have bring fresh perspectives to pro - Strategic Policy Initiatives of New the ancients – one of the leads IMF some 1.6 billion euros ($1.8 Anastasios Gounaris, the pastor a database nobody else can ductions. York City. was Clio Contogenis, who re - billion) it owes in bundled op - of the Cathedral of St. Nicholas replicate,” he told the news The recent presentation of It is a contemporary rendition cently graduated from Princeton’s tions due the end of June, when in Tarpons Springs Florida, has agency. Shakespeare’s Much Ado About of one of Shakespeare’s love theater program. a four-month bailout extension abandoned his parish and the Marcus & Millichap’s revenue Nothing at the SoHo Playhouse comedies, Much Ado About Noth - Kofinas took a circuitous route runs out. active priesthood and has fled increased 28 percent in the first had a short but successful run – ing and “it was very successful, to Off-Broadway, but his passion Tsipras lashed at rescue to Greece alone. Even his wife three months of 2015 as sales its last two performances were great fun with great actors,” Ko - lenders for demanding pension Maria Gounaris was not aware volume jumped 30 percent to sold out – thanks in part to the finas told TNH. Continued on page 12 cuts. of what had transpired since $8.1 billion. He owns 55 percent those days she was visiting New of the company, which has al - York, where the news hit her. most quadrupled in value since Fr. Gounaris announced his its October 2013 initial public decision through e-mails to Met - offering, outpacing bigger com - Mertens ropolitan Alexios of Atlanta and panies such as CBRE Group Inc. the members of the community. and Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. According to the latest informa - Marcus also created Essex Interprets tion, his date of departure was Property Trust Inc., the West Thursday, June 11. Coast’s biggest apartment land - The community of St. lord, which owns more than Greek Vases Nicholas Cathedral is distraught, 50,000 units from Seattle to San and there apparently was a su - Diego. He controls about 2.4 perhuman effort to keep the percent of the $15 billion real By Constantine S. Sirigos news from leaking out. estate investment trust. TNH Staff Writer Last Sunday the Liturgy was So how did Marcus do it in a celebrated by Fr. James business notorious for often-vi - NEW YORK – The people who Rousakis. During communica - cious competition? Marcus, who heard Joan R. Mertens speak tions with Fr. Rousakis, he re - has a net fortune estimated at “On the Art of Interpreting fused to comment and referred $1.9 billion – although he never Greek Vases” at the lecture pre - TNH to the Metropolis of At - shows up in wealth rankings – sented by the Hellenic-American lanta. Cultural Foundation (HACF)will Fr. Gounaris had served the Continued on page 3 pay more attention to the details community of St. Nicholas for a the next time they encounter a year. He was transferred there Grecian urn - “in the flesh” as from the Archdiocesan Cathe - she said, at places like the Met - dral of the Holy Trinity in New ropolitan Museum of Art, on its York after outrageous develop - Greeks Just website, Metmuseum.org or in ments that Fr. Gounaris report - photos. edly provoked. The HACF’s and president, In the e-mail send to his Love Their attorney Nicholas Kourides, parishioners on Thursday June thanked the Foundation’s Board 11 Fr. Gounaris wrote among for its work and support, includ - other things that “it has been an Glendi Time ing the two organizers of the honor serving Christ's Church event, John Vasily and Robert AP Photo/thAnAssis stAvrAkis for nearly 32 years and to have Shaw, the Foundation’s vice Immigrant Greek Sea Saga had the privilege of serving St. By Steve Frangos chairman, who introduced the Nicholas Cathedral for the past TNH Staff Writer speaker. A mother gives her baby to a coast guard officer as she disembarks from a vessel at the port of year. During that year I have Martens works at the Greek Mitylene after being picked up by the Greek coast guard near the northeast Greek island of been fortunate to benefit from CHICAGO- I don't really think and Roman Department of the Lesvos on Wednesday, June 17, 2015. Around 100,000 migrants have entered Europe so far the welcome, advice, support its a question of my getting Metropolitan Museum of Art this year as Italy and Greece have borne the brunt of the surge with many more migrants ex - and assistance of many of you. older. Not really. Its just that of and her book “How to Read pected to arrive from June through to September. However it is, at best, naive to all the ways I could (and do) Greek Vases” inspired HACF to spend my time I now enjoy sit - invite her to speak after Continued on page 5 ting down and being with my Kourides and Shaw read about relatives and old friends the it in the New York Times Book most. And while it's true, that Review. Maria Prastakou turns 180DEGREES as the old saying goes: “Who Martens’ opening words WITH THIS ISSUE doesn't like a party?” I'm not caused some muscles to tense, thinking, here, of just any cele - but after the informative and By Constantine S. Sirigos gian in Tenafly, NJ which was was an amazing time of meet - bratory situation. Hellenic Fes - entertaining talk, the guests TNH Staff Writer an amazing move for us,” Pras - ings with people all over New tivals and fraternal organization wanted to learn more. takou said. When Giannakakou York and New Jersey who were annual dances (fine and as they “Greek vases are widely con - NEW YORK – Success has al - spoke with Stavros Soussou, the interested in her clothes, includ - may be in their own right) just sidered a forbidding subject,” ways come from a blend of hard chairman of the festival, he be - ing meetings at boutiques and aren't the same. Somehow time Martens said “because when work and talent with good luck. came excited about the idea of showrooms – some of which seems to be moving faster for you see them in a museum there Maria Prastakou is the founder a Greek designer to come to the bought out clothes straight me now. I get less done. And as tend to be so many of them and and Managing Director of U.S. to present her clothes away. Thomas Jefferson so famously they all look the same.” 180DEGREES180DEGREES, a Dr. Giannakakou opened her CONVERTIBLES DESIGNED noted my daily pursuit of hap - People have told her “Greek brand of apparel and acces - home to Prastakou. “She helped FOR LIVING, NOT DRIVING piness is more a vague goal than vases remind them of Vivaldi’s sories. She worked hard to es - us with everything even though Prastakou’ creations are a re- music because he wrote the tablish her store in Glyfada, but she did not know us yet,” the invention of clothing. Continued on page 11 same concerto over 500 times, a chance encounter helped open latter said. Most of her pieces have two however it’s all a matter of how doors to the challenging but lu - They then began to talk to or three modes, but one of her you look, and how you listen,” crative American market. other people about Prastakou’s dresses can be worn in nine dif - she explained. Dr. Evie Giannakakou was work and connecting us with ferent ways. One item can be For subscription: By narrowing the focus of a shopping during a trip to Athens others in and outside. the com - worn in six different ways: as a 718.784.5255 large field – Greek created vases and entered the 180DEGREES munity top, a skirt and short. [email protected] for many centuries in a variety store. “She saw our work and “Everybody helped out…in - “We design our clothes to of local styles from Southern she loved it,” Prastakou told cluding people whom we met at look beautiful in each of its Italy and Sicily to Asia Minor- TNH. the festival – it was amazing” modes,” which is more challeng - she was able during a brief lec - “She invited us to visit the They stayed for two weeks, ing that it sounds. The has de - recent Greek Festival of the and although they only came for Continued on page 5 Church of St. John the Theolo - the festival, the second week Continued on page 12 2 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20-26, 2015

GOINGS ON...

n THRU NOV. 1 Greek Festival from June 26-28 TARPON SPRINGS, FL – Night in (Friday thru Sunday). Friday 5- the Islands returns to the world- 10PM, Saturday 12Noon-10PM, famous Sponge Docks of Tarpon Sunday 12Noon-8PM. Authentic Springs for 2015! Saturdays, 6- Greek Food & Pastry, Greek 11PM: Jul. 11, Aug. 1, Sept. 12, Wines, Beer Tent, Carnival Rides, and Oct. 3. A free event of Greek Greek Dancing & Music, Greek music, dancing, and dining! And Coffee Bar, Agora Shopping, we will offer an hour of free Church Tours, "Mysteries of Or - Greek dance lessons by the Lev - thodox Christianity", Cooking endia Dance Troupe from 6-7 Demos. etc., can you say "OPA!"? PM. The festival is supported in For more information, please call: part by a grant from the National (262) 632-5682. Endowment for the Arts. Come join us for authentic island fun n JUNE 28 in the warm Florida sun! TARPON SPRINGS, FL – The City of Tarpon Springs is pleased to n JUNE 17 present Greek Music in America: EASTCHESTER, NY – The Make 1945-2000, the third in a series a Difference with Loukoumi of concerts about the history of Dance Party and Awards Gala, Greek music in America. The con - which celebrates Loukoumi’s cert will feature local artists Elias Moving Hamptons Concert by 10th anniversary, takes place at Poulos, Leonidas Zafiris on the the Lake Isle Country Club, 660 bouzouki and vocals, Dino The - Archdiocesan Byzantine Choir White Plains Road in Eastchester ofilos, a keyboardist from Greece, on Wednesday, Jun. 17 at 6PM. and vocalist Mahi Hatzina will be On June 13 at the Church of the Guests include Oscar winner joined by special guests Dimitri Dormition in the Hamptons the Olympia Dukakis and Tony Matsis playing the percussion Archdiocesan School of Byzantine Award Nominee Constantine from Los Angeles and Nikolaos Music offered a moving concert titled Maroulis. Loukoumi, a fluffy little Halikias on the bass. Neos All Creation Rejoices: Hymns in lamb, is the main character from Ihos/New Sound Bouzouki Or - Honor of the Theotokos! Archbishop the Loukoumi book series that chestra, with Savvas Ferekides, Demetrios, Ambassador Georgios wants to make the world a better Dino Siandris, Costas Garoufa - Iliopoulos of Greece and Ambassador place. The Loukoumi Make A Dif - lidis, and George Makris, will Vasilios Philippou of Cyprus were in ference Foundation is a open the concert. Guest artist attendance and welcomed by Father 501(c)(3) non-profit organiza - Matsis has performed for over 35 Alexander Karloutsos and Father tion that seeks to teach children years with Greek artists, including Constantine Lazarakis. A reception to follow Loukoumi’s lead and to Dalaras and Yanni, as well as for followed the concert. make a positive difference in rock and jazz bands. This concert their lives and the lives of others. is dedicated to the memory of For more information about the George Panayote, an avid life- organization and the event, visit long fan of Greek music. His fam - loukoumifoundation.org. ily, the Kacoyannises and Tsairises, graciously created a n JUNE 19 fund for a concert in his memory. CAMBRIDGE – This week will be It is fitting that we dedicate this the annual Saints Constantine particular concert to George, and Helen Grecian Festival on since he often visited New York’s Jun. 19, 20, & 21. On Friday and Greek clubs during this era to lis - Saturday it will run between ten to the many exceptional 11AM-11PM and Sunday from Greek musicians and vocalists. 11AM-10PM. The festival will be And more recently, he studied the held at 14 Magazine Street Cen - bouzouki with members of the tral Square, Cambridge. There Neos Ihos band. The program will will be all time favorites like the take place from 7PM to 10PM at Roasted Lamb, Gyro, Shish ke - Fr. Tryphon Hall at St. Nicholas bab, Pastitsio, Moussaka, Spinach Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 36 N. Pie, Cheese Pie, Baklava, Galak - Pinellas Avenue. Mezedes (hors tombureko, Rizogalo, Louk - d‘oeuvres) and beverages will be oumades, and much more! There sold. Please join us to hear the will be live dancing and music. music of your favorite artists, re - There will also be music by DJ live old memories, or experience Vasilis in the Aftertoons. On top another musical world! of all the music there will be a raffle drawing on Sunday at n JUNE 29 9:30PM with a possible prize of MANHATTAN – Hellenic Profes - anything from $1000-$2000. sional Women and Hellenic American Women's Council pre - n JUNE 22 sent a special cultural event fea - MANHATTAN – The Hellenic turing Ioanna Lalaounis, Director Lawyers Association cordially in - of the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Mu - vites you to attend our annual seum Monday, Jun. 29 6-9PM at Judiciary Night Cocktail Recep - Hughes Hubbard and Reed, One tion Honoring Members of the Battery Park Plaza. The presen - Judiciary Monday, Jun. 22, 6- tation will be illustrated with 8PM at the Friar’s Club - 57 East some of Lalaounis' most exquisite 55th Street in Manhattan. More designs and will explain how his - info on Eventbrite and on our tory and the material remains of website at http://www.helleni - the past provided inspiration for clawyersassociation.org/judi - modern Greek jewelry in the sec - ciary-night2 ond half of the 20th century, while at the same time enabling n JUNE 26 the revival of a traditional craft. CINCINNATI, OH – The St. Greek goldsmith and jewelry de - Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church signer, Ilias Lalaounis, found that of Cincinnati, at 7000 Winton ancient motifs and designs could Road, is happy to present its an - become agents of the spirit of nual Greek festival on the Week - their times, as well as prove de - end of June 26-28. Friday, Jun. sirable adornments for a modern 26: 5-11PM; Saturday, Jun. 27: clientele. More than 25 of the 50 3-11PM; and Sunday, Jun. 28: 1- jewelry collections designed by 8PM. Admission is $2 per person Lalaounis draw their inspiration and children under 12 may enter from the arts of the past: from for free. For additional informa - prehistoric, classical and Byzan - tion, please contact the Church tine Greece to the arts of ancient office at: you can contact our Persia and Scythia, and from Lon - Church office at (513) 591-0030. don at the time of the Tudors to Istanbul under Suleiman the IRVINE, CA – St. Paul’s Greek Or - Magnificent. For more info thodox Church, 4949 Alton Park - www.lalaounis- way in Irvine, celebrates its 36th jewelrymuseum.gr/en/default.as Greek festival Friday-Sunday, p. June 26-28. Friday 5-10PM, Sat - urday Noon-10PM, Sunday n JULY 10-12 Noon-9PM. Delicious Greek Food LIBERTYVILLE, IL – The St. and Pastries, Greek Folk Dancing, Demetrios Greek Orthodox Carnival Rides, Opportunity Church, 1400 N. O'Plaine Road Drawing, Church Tours, Boutique in Libertyville will hold its annual and Gift Items from around the Greek festival from Friday, Jul. 10 world, Carnival Rides, and Cook - through Sunday, Jul. 12 from ing Demonstrations await! $3.00 11AM-11PM on all three days. per person, Children under 10 Our annual Greek Fest is one of are free, Seniors 65+ are free the many ways that our parish Saturday 12-5pm. For more info hopes to share our beautiful visit irvinegreekfest.com or call Greek heritage and traditional Or - the Church at (949) 733-2366. thodox Faith with our entire Lake County community. When you SHEBOYGAN, WI – The St. Spyri - are ready to sample a taste of don Greek Orthodox Church, Greek hospitality, we have pre - 1427 South Street in Sheboygan pared a number of traditional will hold its Greek festival Friday Greek delicacies for your dining through Sunday, June 26-28 at pleasure! At the Food Booth, the following times: Fri: 6-9PM; choose from succulent Souvlaki, Sat: 11AM-9PM; Sun: 11AM- Athenian Chicken, Roasted Lamb, 6PM. Featuring authentic Greek Tasty Gyros, Spanakopita food and dancing at Deland Park (Spinach Puff) or Tyropita on the beautiful Sheboygan Lake (Cheese Puff). While you are din - Michigan shoreline. Free admis - ing on our assortment of Greek sion, ticket purchase for food, delicacies, be sure to save room beverages and children's activi - for dessert! We offer a tempting ties. Lots of free parking. Liturgy variety of Greek Pastries and on the grounds at 9 a.m. Sunday. Loukoumathes (Honey Puffs) to Dine with us, or carry out avail - satisfy your craving. Visit our Kidz able. For a complete list of enter - Zone to entertain your children! tainment and hours, call (920) Browse through our Greek Mar - 452-2296. ketplace and shop for artwork, music, clothing, jewelry, religious RACINE, WI – The Kimisis Tis items, books, and much more! Theotokou Greek Orthodox Free parking and free admission. Church, 1335 South Greek Bay For more info call (224) 513- Road in Racine, will celebrate its 5530.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

How concerned are you about the Obama/Congressional Republican alliance on a “fast-track” trade deal? Please email your response to [email protected] We may publish some responses as Letters to the Editor in a future issue. THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20-26, 2015 COMMUNITY 3 How George Marcus Built His Quiet Real Estate Empire Fast, Made it Last

Continued from page 1 opened his first real estate busi - ness in 1971. “Real estate was almost a fra - ternity club,” Marcus said in a June 2011 interview with the Palo Alto Weekly. “Your uncle or your father or someone in the community knew you and your family and you sat at some real estate office and they told you they want to sell this building or that building and you brought them some offers.” THE GREEK WAY Success keeps him busy. Asked about his current projects Marcus told The National Her - ald: “Oh my God. Lots and lots of different things.” His companies are engaged in many aspects of the business and he is stating new ones. “I have terrific executives and it’s nice to be the Chairman … I’ve been extremely fortunate Among the keys to George Marcus’ success is hiring great peo - finding remarkable talented ple and commitment to the Greek value of excellence, which people.” he defines as “doing it well continually, all the time.” He noted the leadership of

the Essex Property Trust and Make that A+ for Marcus, William Blair & Co. pragmatic business that has as at the same time a consolida - low-key, has another side. added “that team has been to - who always looks sharp. It was in 1976, N and a few busted as many people as it’s tion in the industry could chal - In 2014 he donated more gether for 25, 30 years.” THE RIGHT BUILDING years after he got started, that made rich, the difference lying lenge Marcus’ success and con - than $3 million to the Democ - He holds them the standard BLOCKS Marcus hired now Co-Chairman in the choices and taking advan - tinued growth. ratic party, making him its of the ancient Greeks: “Excel - Marcus sought to get exclu - William Millichap as a salesper - tage of opportunities at the right CBRE and brokerage Colliers eighth-largest contributor, lence is doing it well continually, sive listings from sellers and he son, showing a penchant for moment, along with diversify - International “both have busi - Politico said. all the time,” he said. stuck to his guns about making picking the right people to pair ing, diversifying, diversifying. nesses that compete with Mar - That got the attention of Marcus said he is demanding the whole process of offering, with him in the venture. “Service, investment and cus, they are just a lot smaller,” President Barack Obama, who of others because he makes explaining, listing and selling as “George has been so success - building companies don’t line William Blair’s Dobell said. was a guest at a party at Marcus’ tough demands on himself. transparent as it could be in - ful because he hired the right up,” Marcus said at the Urban “There is a chance that they may Los Altos Hills house. Asked where that comes from, stead of the frequent mumbo people and let them run his var - Land Institute in 2013. “Any one look to build those up at some “For a public person, he is he mused, “That’s a good ques - jumbo that is often part of the ious businesses,” John A. So - sector can be hurt but not all at point.” very private,” Phil Mahoney, tion. I was born into it or I grew business. brato, a California real estate the same time. I’ve been in bro - Marcus & Millichap could re - who lives near Marcus and is an into it. Maybe it’s Greek “Marcus & Millichap built a billionaire whose family-owned kerage for 40 years and made spond by acquiring smaller local Executive Vice President at mother’s love – our fathers are very good business really stay - company developed more than money in every year but one,” competitors to bolster its na - Santa Clara, California-based the disciplinarians and ing true to this idea that the 15 million square feet of prop - an enviable track record in a tional platform, which was part broker Newmark Cornish & providers, and our mothers most transparent market will erties in Silicon Valley, told boom-or-bust business. of their rationale for selling Carey, told Bloomberg. “He and want us to walk on water” – of get the best prices,” said Bran - Bloomberg. It’s also made him a target shares to the public, according his wife Judy are significant course, that includes getting A’s don Dobell, a research analyst Marcus showed imaginative for offers from the commercial to Germain. philanthropists but they don’t and being presentable. and partner at investment bank flair as well in an otherwise property giants, said Germain, Marcus, who is otherwise want a lot of fanfare.”

* in 2013, new York community bancorp, inc. was the top Performing thrift in the nation with assets of $5 billion or more, as reported by snl Financial. new York commercial bank is a subsidiary of new York community bancorp, inc. bank is not responsible for typographical errors. equal opportunity lender 4 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20-26, 2015

Greek Restaurateur Dazzle at The White House

Peter Pagonis, the proprietor of the Mykonos Grill in Vienna, VA and Nostos restaurant in Rockville, MD and chefs Mike Giannotis and Popi Vrentzos worked with White House chefs to prepare sumptuous dishes for the annual White House celebration of Greek Independence Day which was held on April 16. Right: a guest enjoys the display and anticipates how delicious the offerings will be. Below left: Mike Giannotis, Susan (Susie) Morrison, restaurateur Peter Pagonis, Cristeta (Chris) Comeford, and Kalliope (Popi) Vrentsos. Below right: (L-R) Angelo Mitsotakis, President Obama, Nicole Pagonis and Peter Pagonis.

Bittersweet and Hope-Filled William Spyropoulos Day School Graduation

By Demetris Tsakas them that whatever they do in TNH Staff Writer their lives, they should do it with pride. NEW YORK – It was a moving Valedictorian Vasiliki ceremony rich with messages. Lazarides, speaking on behalf of Forty-eight 8th grade students the graduates, welcomed the par - of the William Spyropoulos ents and invited guests and Greek American School, the day thanked them for “the opportu - school of St. Nicholas in Flush - nity to be nurtured with the best ing, bade farewell to the school principles and virtues of our na - and community that was their tion, as well as values that are second home for nine years on timeless and universal. June 12 and spread their wings Michael Pierides, the saluta - in pursuit of new horizons. torian, reminisced about the days Their parents, teachers and and moving moments he and his leaders of their community classmates experienced at the urged to never forget their alma school and the parish that has mata, and Pastor Fr. Paul thrived for six decades. Palesty, who presided over the Athena Kromidas, the princi - graduation, told the students, ple, told her beloved students, “It "We pray for you and the doors is with mixed feelings that I greet of the church and the commu - you today. Joy and sadness to - nity will be open not only in dif - gether. Joy for you have victori - ficult times but also to celebrate ously completed your first acad - your achievements," he added. ABOVE: The blue and gold of the graduates echo the icons at dents. Below right: Athena Kromidas stands with Valedictorian emic marathon. Sadness, so in a PTA president Maria Sakalis, St. Nicholas. Below left: Christopher Stratakis addresses stu - Vasiliki Lazarides and Salutatorian Michael Pierides. short time you won’t be with us Assistant Principal Mary Tzallas, as students…Nine years! How Elaine Mallios, and PC President fast they passed by!” Andreas Tsiolas expressed their “Your teachers,” she contin - love and congratulated, and of - ued, prepared you to become fered their best wishes. valuable members of society… Theodota Kontopoulou you tasted the majesty of the Or - (2011) presented the Alumni thodox faith, walked through the Exhortation and urged the grad - path of our world’s civilizations… uates to be open and tolerant you studied the heroic pages of with each culture they en - Greek literature and history.” counter at their future schools Kromidas spoke of the “life - and throughout their life and time, unbreakable bonds of work hard to achieve their friendship and brotherhood,” goals. they established, and said, “We Attorney Christopher want you to remember that each Stratakis, the keynote speaker and every one of you has a very told them that their grandparents special place in our heart. Re - are proud of their achievements member we will be happy to see and love them unconditionally. you and hear about your accom - After advising them that each plishments,” before concluding: day is unique and that they must “Keep your Hellenic ideals in set ambitious goals for each day, your heart as you very precious he reminded them that they are keepsake. May our Panagia pro - the ambassadors of their families tect you forever and guide your and the community and urged steps in life.” Stathakion Packed in Response to Federation’s New National Issues Committee

By Constantine S. Sirigos Rev. Ieorotheos Zacharis for the In addition to advocacy work TNH Staff Writer invocation. – “we must push back,” Hatzis One of the most touching mo - said, and urged guests to sign the NEW YORK – The challenges fac - ments came when the guests petition to U.S. officials that cir - ing Greece and Cyprus have were asked to join a chorus of culated in the room – the com - prompted the leaders of major children from the schools of the munity can help to promote community organizations to heed Monastery to sing “I Ellada Pote Greece’s beautiful and productive the call of the Federation of Hel - Den Petheni – Greece Will Never northern region as an investment lenic Societies of Greater New Die, and the guests were de - and tourism destination. York to pool their resources and lighted when the students recited Hatzis welcomed the new era better coordinate their efforts. some patriotic poems. in cooperation the new commit - On June 14, the Stathakion Flora Kirou sang beautiful ren - tee promises, but he looks for - Center was packed with people ditions of the national anthems ward to the creation of an even who were briefed by some of the and guests heeded the shouts of more influential national um - members of the Federation’s “all together” of some partici - brella organization. newly formed National Issues pants. Menelaos Tzelios, Vice Presi - Committee on the status of rele - Gerasopoulos said the purpose dent of the Panepirotic Federation vant matter and what is who be of the gathering was to better in - of America, told TNH he is very done. form the community about the On a Sunday afternoon when they could have been enjoying themselves, members of the com - pleased with community’s interest The speakers, reflecting the substance of important issues. munity and a variety of organizations gathered at the Stathakion to discuss national issues. in the Greeks of Northern Epiros main sponsoring organizations, Timoleon Kakouros, president and the establishment of the com - included Demetrios Hatzis, Pres - of the committee and 1st VP of Tsekerides, Federation President, Turkey’s spending to me matched, plished anything but he strongly mittee and proud of the steps the ident of the Pan Macedonian As - the Federation, emphasized the and Phillip Vogias, who repre - but said “the community is afflu - believes that Cyprus would not Epirotes have taken nationally sociation of America, Menelaos important co mobilizing the com - sented AHPEA. During the lively ent and has influence, which it exist today but for the commu - and internationally that have led Tzelios, Vice President of the Pan munity to deal with the problems Q & A Vogias said he will convey must use.” nity’s efforts in Washington. to a number of countries recog - Epirotic Federation, Gus Tsiflidis, Hellenism faces today and invited what he heard to participants at Amb. Vasilios Philippou, Con - Christopher was very pleased nizing the Pontian Genocide, but President of the Pan Pontian Fed - everyone to help in the pursuit of the upcoming AHEPA convention. sul General of Cyprus echoed with the recent PSEKA confer - he is excited about what can be eration of American and Canada, three goals 1) promoting unity in Amb. George Iliopoulos, the Christopher in citing the decisive ences in Washington. Participants accomplished by the community and Philip Christopher, Founder the community, 2) strengthening Consul General of Greece, com - role of the community and con - from across America met with Ex - as a more unified force. and President of PSEKA. its organizations in order to have plemented the passion on display, gratulated it for its contribution ecutive Branch and Congressional The event was well-organized, Gus Tsiflides summed up the a strong base, 3) deepening of which is vital for mobilizing peo - and sense of responsibility to - officials. reflecting the hard work of the endeavor when he told TNH that Hellenism in America, for which ple, by noting that victory in the wards the mother countries,” and Demetrios Hatzis, the Presi - committee, including Sophia “the establishment of a committee he cited Greek language, culture political and international arenas urged them to work towards dent of the Pan Macedonia Asso - Stroumbakis who welcomed like this where we can all show and our national identity and requires cool and dispassionate greater mobilization. “We need ciation of America, provided the guests as they entered our strength as one big unit will uniqueness. analysis of issues to prepare for you at our side.” guest with more details of the FY - Among the guests who were be very beneficial to organization He also declared that Greece discussion with people who “who As usual, Christopher gave a ROM issues and the work of the acknowledge were Elias Tsek - throughout the U.S…If we pool must make provisions for the di - not look at us with sympathy, but passionate and informative Federation. It must be empha - erides, past president of the Fed - our resources and show up as a aspora to participate in its elec - from the standpoint of their own overview of the Cyprus situation sized to officials that U.S. support eration, Demosthenes Triantafil - unified force, we will be taken tions. interests…We must know our and the community’s role. “I see for Greece is a worthwhile geopo - lou, and founding president of more seriously.” Petros Galatoulas, the Federa - strengths and be clear about a lot of faces of people who have litical investment because the the Prometheus organization of Fotis Gerasopoulos invited the tion President, thanked all the or - means and ends, and have good struggled with us since 1974,” country is an island of stability in educators, which will celebrate Abbott of the Monastery of St. ganizers and participants and ac - plans and strategies.” and told them to ignore the critics the volatile Balkans and East its 40th anniversary on Novem - Irene Chrysovalantou, the Right knowledged guests like Elias Iliopoulos does not expect who say they have not accom - Mediterranean. ber 2. THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20-26, 2015 COMMUNITY 5 Rev. Anastasios Gounaris Left Tarpon Springs Church to Return to Greece

Continued from page 1 Gounaris expressed his grat - very first – and our very last New York. itude to Metropolitan Alexios Liturgy” in which he gave some At the New York’s Cathedral believe that one priest can serve and to the St. Nicholas parish. indirect hinds of what was had occurred tragicomedy situ - such a busy and thriving parish He wrote that “I am grateful to about to follow, but no one in ations. In one instance for ex - non-stop without it exacting an Metropolitan Alexios, Metropol - the parish suspected anything. ample Fr. Gounaris had sent an emotional and physical toll. Af - itan Nikitas and Father Rousakis Gounaris had posted recently e-mail to the parish council ter much soul-searching, this led for their kindnesses and to some enigmatic comments on president Den Poll wishing him to my decision to relinquish my Council President Nikitas Ma - his Facebook account. “to lose everything and to end parish duties and leave the ac - nias, Vice-President Costas In one instance he wrote: up homeless on the streets of tive priesthood. I am convinced Sisois and the rest of the officers “And, to think that people waste New York”. that no one benefits when a and members of the Parish their time worrying about and The Cathedral had become priest has been stretched be - Council for their support. At wringing their hands over ISIS stagnated in terms of Church at - yond his human limits.” times like this there is often the when the really dangerous – al - tendance and funds. Finally Gounaris directed his tendency to seek to apportion beit insidious – radical funda - Archbishop Demetrios removed p[parishioners in case of an blame. I can state categorically mentalists lurk right under our him from his Cathedral and emergency to contact Fr. James that there is no blame to be as - noses…”. Metropolitan Alexios accepted Rousakis listing also his tele - signed here. After all, change Gounaris was doing the same him in his jurisdiction and ap - phone number. is the only constant in our lives thing in his parish in Indianapo - pointed him at the St. Nicholas He wrote that “in my ab - and we must all learn to obedi - lis priori going to the Holy Trin - Cathedral in the Epiphany City, sence, please call the office con - ent to its dictates. I believe Ec - ity Archdiocesan Cathedral in Tarpons Springs. cerning any routine matter dur - clesiastes 3:1 says it best: "To ing regular weekday business everything there is a season, a hours. You may also call Fr. time for every purpose under James Rousakis directly at 727- Fr. Anastasios Gounaris is distributing the antidoron. heaven.” 698-3974 for any after hours Fr. Gounaris the previous Metr. Alexios Mystified by emergency requiring the ser - e-mail account. Those e-mailing cess to e-mail and phone going week wrote a strange message vices of a priest. Going forward me should not expect a re - forward and will be retreating in the weekly bulletin of the I will have limited access to this sponse, as I will have limited ac - to assess my future course.” parish entitled “Today is your Gournaris’ Decision to Leave

By Theodore Kalmoukos

Father Andreas Vithulkas New Brookville Pastor ATLANTA .- Metropolitan Alex - ios of Atlanta is shocked by the strange behavior of Rev. Anas - TNH Staff in the presence of the late Father Father Andreas Vithulkas tasios Gounaris presiding priest Emanuel Gratsias, the parish’s of the St. Nicholas Cathedral in NEW YORK – Father Andreas founding pastor. Theofany City of Tarpons Vithulkas has been appointed The first Sunday liturgy for Springs who abandoned the pastor of the Church of the Res - the new pastor, who replaces Fr. parish and the active priesthood urrection in Brookville, NY. John Vlahos – he served from with helping to heal the parish and fled to Greece alone. Bishop Andonios of Phasiane re - May 2008 through June, 2014 and put it back on a good path. Gounaris notified Metropolitan cently made the announcement and is now the Dean of Holy The Church of the Resurrec - Alexios via an e-mail the night at a clergy Syndesmos meeting Trinity Cathedral – will be on tion consists of 375 families and before his departure, on attended by Archbishop July 5. was established in 1976. Until Wednesday June 10th. Demetrios. Fr. Vithulkas will celebrate 1981 the parish held services in In a telephone interview to Fr. Vithulkas will celebrate his last liturgy at the Church of the facilities of the Methodist TNH Metropolitan Alexios said his first liturgy in Brookville on the Holy Trinity of Bridgeport, Church of Glen Cove. In 1981 that “it costed me a lot. When I July 1, on the feast day of the CT June 28. He had he replaced the community moved to a new first learned about it I was pet - Agioi Anaryroi, which is the an - Fr. Demetrios Recachinas, who sanctuary in Glen Cove. In 2005 rified because I didn’t know niversary of his ordination by was removed due to a sexual its current home opened in what to make out of this. I was Metropolitan Savas Pittsburgh scandal. Fr. Vihulkas is credited Brookville. thinking a number of things if for example did something seri - ous down there.” Metropolitan Alexios Metropolitan Alexios ac - of Atlanta cepted Gounaris under his HACF Lecture Reminds Every Vase Has a Tale to Tell omophorion and appointed him Greece, I apologize for causing Dean of the St. Nicholas Cathe - problems to you, but I had to dral in Tarpons after the turmoil leave because I was extremely Continued from page 1 such as a concert at Merkin Hall at the Holy Trinity Archdiocesan tired. For an entire year I didn’t on November 5 by the Olympic Cathedral in New York that no have not even one day off”. The ture and the Q & A that fol - Trio, which he called “a young Metropolitan was willing to give Metropolitan told TNH “this is lowed to suggest numerous per - but terrific” ensemble. him a parish. how much I know”. spectives for observing them, In October the Foundation Metropolitan Alexios said “he Gounaris didn’t tell Metro - and the seven large screens pro - will co-sponsor the New York was doing well at the parish; he politan Alexios his whereabouts vide each guest with close-ups Greek Film Festival, whose di - was praising the parish, the Me - in Greece: “He didn’t tell me of what she was talking about. rector, arrived just a bit too late tropolis, it was good, I don’t where he is, or what he is going She discussed objects made to hear himself called “the in - know what happened. He must to do. He simply said that “I from 600 to 400 century B.C. in comparable Jimmy DeMetro… got sick or probably he hasn’t need time to see what I am go - made in Athens because the art who built the festival from overcome the problems of New ing to do with my life” which was most developed and the scratch and which has become York.” means that he doesn’t want to artists, whom she later explained part of the fabric of New York Gounaris did not notify Met - be appointed anywhere.” were not accorded high social City.” ropolitan Alexios prior to his de - The Metropolitan communi - status despite their brilliance – Inkwell Solutions, the Man - cision. The Metropolitan said cated immediately with pres - were most accomplished. hattan printing house responsi - “he didn’t even make a phone bytera Maria Gounaris but he It is important to bear in ble for the exceptional programs call. He sent me an e-mail late didn’t want to tell us what they mind that the objects were not of HACF events, was praised by on Wednesday night June 10th discussed. meant to be admired on display, Kourides for helping develop the which I read the next morning. Asked if the parish had re - not because the concept the Joan R. Mertens of the Metropolitan Museum of Art spoke “On organization’s brand and repu - I called the president of the duced his salary Metropolitan concept of fines arts did not yet the Art of Interpreting Greek Vases” after being intruded by tation for quality. and he parish council who told me that Alexios said “coming from his exist - art was admired by the Nicholas Kourides, the president of the HACF. thanked principals Bob Scott I don’t know anything, I re - previous parish in New York Greeks and Martens noted that and Diane Wheaton. ceived the same e-mail that you yeas, but he was getting what it civic buildings were adorned by clothing and using the objects twin brother was of a different Kourides also thanked the received.” Metropolitan Alexios was agreed at St. Nicholas.” large scale paintings that de - of the artists’ time. father (the hero’s was Zeus, his event’s sponsors, including the also said that “I wrote him back As to why and how a priest picted the same scenes and When there is doubt about sibling’s father was a mortal) law firm of Debevoise & Plimpton but he didn’t reply to me. After communicates with his Metro - themes of the urns – but be - the use of the objects, symbols Martens conveyed the “ripped which offered its conference many hours he wrote back politan the way Fr. Gounaris did cause the latter were utilitarian provide important clues. On the from the headlines” story of a room with a spectacular view 35 telling me I am in the airplane. the Metropolitan said “that is in nature – many were vessels neck of one vase, palmettes, paternity suit that proved a stories above Midtown Manhat - On Monday I received another why we say that what he did for wine and oil used for various which appear often on Athenian woman’s twins were conceived tan; Vasily is a partner at the firm. e-mail telling me that I am in was unorthodox.” purposes. grave steles, “foreshadow an by two different men. The scenes and people they unhappy end” for the person de - It was a testament to the con - depicted often reflected their picted. tinuing and universal appeal of functions, for example, vessels One of the most fascinating the creations of Classical Greece related to burials contained im - parts of the presentation dealt – which is one of the Founda - ages from the stories of great with ancient Greek symposia, tion’s messages – that guests in - l deaths in history and mythology, drinking parties that included cluded the diplomatic corps of nnua and wedding objects portrayed intellectual discussions. The Peru, Mexico, Brazil, and Israel. rd A GREEK scenes for marriages. kraters in which the wine was In its fourth year, the Foun - 3 Martens provided a valuable mixed with water are now trea - dation has hosted 18 events. description of differences be - sured art works. Kourides called Shaw, “one of tween red figure and black fig - The ratio was a vital matter, our thought leaders” who helps ure vases – in the former the reflecting the nature of the dis - it fulfill its mission of promoting FESTIVAL natural color of the clay formed cussion: the more serious the “high quality and relevant edu - the bodies of the people, and in topic, the stronger the blend – cational and cultural programs the latter the surfaces of the presumably to keep the discus - for persons interested in the his - bodies were glazed. sion friendly. tory and legacy of Greece… and The images on the urns also Mythological scenes were the to engage the community to re - ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH provide valuable evidence for most popular, but our own discover the importance of 1033 West Park Avenue, Ocean Township, NJ the everyday lives of the an - neighbors sometimes imitate Greek contributions.” cients since they people were Greek vases. After she reminded Kourides was pleased to an - www.jerseyshoregreekfestival.com depicted wearing contemporary of the story of Herakles, whose nounce some upcoming events, Friday Saturday Sunday June 26, ’15 June 27, ’15 June 28, ’15 Catsimatidis Tries Again For Riverhead Oil Terminal 5 p .m. - 11 p.m. 2 p .m. - 11 p.m. 1 p .m. - 8 p.m. After withdrawing the plan, The United facility, high on the oil storage facility in New York New York billionaire businessman bluffs over Long Island Sound, State and is attached to a Long John Catsimatidis said he’s was unaffected by the storm, Island Sound oil and gas shipping BE GREEK FOR A DAY... changed his mind and wants to company officials said. platform that is the largest of its proceed with distributing gasoline Catsimatidis dropped the kind on the East Coast. or the entire weekend! OPA! from his oil storage facility in gasoline proposal in April after Distributing gasoline would al - Riverhead. dozens of neighbors in the River - low United to add three or four Homemade Greek Authentic Greek Games, rides and Catsimatidis, who doesn’t give head community of Northville employees to the site’s staff of food & pastries... music & dancing... our marketplace up easy, had backed down in the lobbied town board members to about 20 workers, General Man - face of opposition from town of - reject it. Riverhead Supervisor ager Scott Kamm said. ficials and neighbors who didn’t Sean Walter declined to comment Gasoline reaches eastern Long Purchase 50/50 raffle tickets and win up to $10,000! want the project to go ahead. to Newsday, saying he had not Island via barge from New York Tickets $25 each. 12 chances to win! Now, he said, he’s again con - spoken to Catsimatidis recently. Harbor to Port Jefferson, where Only 2,000 tickets to be sold! N sidering legal options to build two But representatives of a civic it is then piped underground to a WI up to ethanol tanks at the United River - group said they remain opposed Holtsville terminal, said Kevin Drawing to be held at the Festival on Sun., June 28 @ 7 p.m. 00! head Terminal that would allow to the project. Beyer, President of the Long Is - For details or to purchase tickets $10,0 him to mix gasoline - with or “I know he’s someone who’s land Gasoline Retailers Associa - please contact the Church office at 732-775-2777 without approval from Riverhead used to getting what he wants,” tion. officials. Neil Krupnick, President of the Beyer said having another en - “We’re trying to figure out how Northville Beach Civic Association try point in Riverhead could inject No on-site parking. we can legally do it,” Catsimatidis told the paper. “But the law is the competition into the market and Free parking available said during a tour of the 286-acre law.” keep fuel flowing in emergencies. at Ocean Township ADMISSION $2 site in his black Mercedes-Benz, The neighbors said they don’t “I think having it out here won’t Intermediate & High Schools Children Newsday reported. He declined want a parade of gas-filled trucks be the worst thing,” he said. under 6 Free to comment further on possible rolling through their rural com - Catsimatidis said he wants to on West Park Ave. legal strategies. munity, changing its build two 19,000-gallon ethanol X mark the parking spots! Free shuttle buses to Festival! Catsimatidis, whose portfolio character.They said the terminal, tanks -- about 20 feet tall by 10 includes energy and real estate, grandfathered into a quiet resi - feet wide -- that would be par - Portion of the Festival proceeds to benefit local charities said he envisions the facility could dential area surrounded by farm - tially obscured in a slope in the be used for gasoline to reach east - land, cannot expand its opera - earth roughly 20 feet deep. They ern Long Island, potentially low - tions without town approval. would stand between two much Monmouth Medical Center The Unterberg Childrens Hospital ering prices and preventing fuel Catsimatidis bought the field larger existing tanks that would ored by shortages like those hit the region of 20 towering oil tanks in 2012. be modified to hold regular and Spons barnabas health after superstorm Sandy in 2012. United officials said it’s the largest premium gasoline. 6 OBITUARIES CLASSIFIEDS THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20-26, 2015 George Nopoulos, Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain Owner CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE WILTON, Iowa — For most of Notice of formation of KFS SALES GROUP, Notice of Formation of K&A BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LLC a (DOM. LLC), Articles. of Organi-za - LLC. (DOM. LLC) Articles of Organization filed his life, George Nopoulos de - tion filed with the SSNY on 03/27/15. Of - with the Secretary of State of New York lighted customers at his family's fice location: Nassau County. SSNY is des - (SSNY) on 03/03/15. Office location: Nassau soda fountain, helping turn the ignated as agent upon whom process County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC against the LLC may be served. SSNY upon whom process against it may be served. small-town gathering spot into shall mail process to: KFS Sales Group, SSNY shall mail copy of process to: K&A an Iowa landmark visited by LLC, 86 Doyle Street, Long Beach, NY Business Solutions LLC, 57 Eastwood Lane, celebrities and politicians. 11561. General Purposes. Valley Stream, NY 11581. Purpose: Any lawful Nopoulos died of natural 274460/19557 purpose. causes Sunday evening at a re - LEGAL NOTICE 274422/19526 tirement home in Wilton, Iowa, H & Z Associates LLC. Arts of Org filed said his wife and business part - with Secy of State of NY (SSNY)on LEGAL NOTICE ner of 65 years, Thelma Nopou - 10/03/14, Office located in Nassau Co. los. He was 95. SSNY desig as agent of LLC upon whom Uptown Physical Therapy PLLC. Art. of process against it may be served. SSNY Org. filed w/ SSNY 4/6/15. Office in NY With his white apron and shall mail process to: H & Z Associates Co. SSNY designated for service of black bow tie, Nopoulos was a LLC, 150 George Street, Brooklyn, NY process and shall mail to: The LLC, 355 fixture in Wilton, a town of 11237. Purpose: General. Old Tarrytown Rd. #604, Greenburgh, 2,800 in eastern Iowa where he 274457/ 19555 NY 10603. Purpose: Physical Therapy. treated customers to his home - 274432/18796 made ice cream at the Wilton LEGAL NOTICE Candy Kitchen since the 1940s. 245 KINGSLAND LLC, a domestic LLC, LEGAL NOTICE filed with the SSNY on 5/5/15. Office lo - He was known for serving up cation: Kings County. SSNY is designated Notice of Formation of 1420-44 STREET banana splits, chocolate sodas as agent upon whom process against the ENTERPRISES LLC. (DOM. LLC) Articles of and other treats with a smile, LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail Organization filed with the Secretary of process to The LLC, 11 Rolling Hill Rd., State of New York (SSNY) on 04/23/15. singing, whistling and joking be - Old Westbury, NY 11568. General pur - Office location: King County. SSNY is desig - hind the marble counter — pose. nated as agent of the LLC upon whom seven days a week. 274450/10709 process against it maybe served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 1420 - 44th Street "He served happiness to mil - Enterprises LLC, 1420-44th Street, lions of people from all over the LEGAL NOTICE Brooklyn, NY 11219. Purpose: Any lawful world," his wife said in an in - John schultz/the QuAd citY times viA AP Maxine Blake PLLC. Art. of Org. filed w/ purpose. NY Sec. of State 6/2/15. Office in NY Co. 27 4427/19533 terview Monday. This Dec. 28, 2012 photo shows George Nopoulos using the soda fountain from behind the SSNY designated agent for service of With a history that dates to counter at the Wilton Candy Kitchen in Wilton, Iowa. He made his first cherry Coke with the process and shall mail to 175 West 93 St, LEGAL NOTICE 1860, the business gained a rep - soda fountain when he was eight-years-old. Nopoulos, the longtime owner of a landmark Iowa New York, NY 10025. Purpose: Law Prac - tice. utation as one of the last re - soda fountain, has died Sunday, June 14, 2015, of natural causes in Wilton at age 95. LEI Smart LLC. Art. of Org. filed w/ SSNY maining old-fashioned soda 274462/18796 5/7/15. Office in NY Co. SSNY designated for service of process and shall mail to: LEI Smart fountains in operation. Actors Nopoulos' father, Gus, an im - during World War II, he took ture of the Candy Kitchen," she LEGAL NOTICE LLC, 225 Rector Place Ste. 3M, New York, NY Gregory Peck and Brooke migrant from Greece, opened over the store and married said. "We want it to stay open 10280. Purpose: Any lawful activity. "Notice of formation of George Folias & Shields and President Dwight the Candy Kitchen in 1910, after Thelma, who been washing because it's been the pillar of Assc. LLC. Articles of Organization filed 274409/18796 Eisenhower were among those it had recently closed under a dishes there since age 10. They the town of Wilton." with the Secretary of State of New York (SS - who visited the shop. The shop different name. George started kept the shop open until No - In addition to his wife, NY) on April 14, 2015. Office Location: Nas - sau County. SSNY designated for service of FUNERAL HOMES was also the site of first dates working there at age 6, in 1926, vember, when they moved into George Nopoulos is survived by process to C/O The LLC, 408 Waukena Av - and coffee meetings, a place standing on a chair and crank - a retirement home. four children and three grand - enue, Oceanside, NY 11572. Purpose: Any where the regulars were locals ing a Victrola to entertain farm - Thelma Nopoulos said she children. lawful activity." who started going there as chil - ers with music on Saturday hopes to find a way to allow the A visitation is scheduled for 274444/1 9544 APOSTOLOPOULOS dren and would eventually nights. store to remain open. Friday, with the funeral Satur - Apostle Family - bring in their own kids. After serving in the Army "God will take care of the fu - day. LEGAL NOTICE "Notice of formation of C 2 HEALTHCARE Gregory, Nicholas, Andrew - CONSULTANTS, LLC. (DOM. LLC.) Articles of Organization filed with the Sec - Funeral Directors of retary of State of New York (SSNY) on DEATH NOTICES 05/18/2015. Office Location: Nassau RIVERDALE County. SSNY designated for service of process to: THE LLC, 8 Roads End, FUNERAL HOME Inc. n ANGELO, DENA on May 27, 2015 in Norwalk Top of the Hill and later Daly tions and causes. He was a for - Brookville, NY 11545. Purpose: Any lawful JACKSONVILLE, FL (From the Hospital. He was born April 15, City Volkswagen. He was a mer Trustee of Hellenic College- activity." 5044 Broadway 274442/1 9279 Florida Times-Union, published 1953 in Greece and came to the founder of First National Bank Holy Cross School of Theology New York, NY 10034 on Jun. 4) – Dena George An - United States in 1975, where he and Peninsula Bank of Com - and an active council member LEGAL NOTICE gelo, “Constantina”, age 91, died worked as a cook. He was later merce. He opened Bayhill of Alpha Omega. He was a lover (212) 942-4000 Basura LLC. Art. of Org. filed w/ SSNY peacefully on June 2, 2015 sur - partners in several food busi - Lounge, a night club and restau - of the arts and avid supporter of 2/27/15. Office in NY Co. SSNY designated Toll Free 1-888-GAPOSTLE rounded by her loved ones. She nesses. He was an amazing chef. rant in San Bruno. He was a real the Boston Symphony Orchestra for service of process and shall mail to Reg. was born on January 17, 1924 Survivors include his beloved estate broker who developed and was Chairman of the Board Agent: U.S. Corp. Agents, 7014 13th Ave. CONSTANTINIDES Ste. 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: Any in Norfolk, Virginia to John Ma - wife Effie Apazidis; his mother many properties in his home of Alea III, a contemporary mu - lawful activity FUNERAL PARLOR Co. heras and Eugenia Nikolopoulos Anatoli Apazidis; his loving chil - town of Daly City. Having a pas - sic ensemble at Boston Univer - 274440/1 8796 Maheras who immigrated to the dren Anatolia Tsilfides and hus - sion for all things fast, he rode sity. George was a kind and gen - (718) 745-1010 United States from Anogia, band Jimmy, George Apazidis motorcycles, flew planes, col - erous soul who always helped LEGAL NOTICE Services in all localities - Greece, a small village a few and wife Athena and John lected classic cars and enjoyed friends and family in need. He Notice of Formation of BEEKMAN PICTURES, miles from Sparta. When Dena Apazidis; his siblings Avraam boating on the San Francisco truly was a remarkable man who LLC a (DOM. LLC). Articles of Or ganization Low cost shipping to Greece was 7 months old, the family re - Apazidis and wife Linda, Euge - Bay. He will be remembered as was loved by all who knew him. filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 04/28/2015. Office turned to Anogia where Dena nia Kotzageridis and husband a generous and caring friend, a Services will be held at the St. location: Kings County. SSNY is designated was raised along with her sister Christos; grandchildren Yianni devoted family man and his Athanasius the Great Greek Or - as agent upon whom process against the ANTONOPOULOS Stella. She grew up helping her and Eleni Tsilfides; many nieces, great affection for his dogs. thodox Church, 4 Appleton St, LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: THE LLC, 2111 Beekman Pl. Apt. 3G, FUNERAL HOME, INC. family farm olives, figs, grapes nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, Harry lived a full and happy life, Arlington, MA. Visitation hours Brooklyn, NY 11225. Purpose: Any Lawful and wheat on her family's land, and godchildren Friends are in - traveling in his later years with will be held at the church on Purpose . Konstantinos Antonopoulos - baked bread in the large, out - vited to greet the family on Fri - his beloved Artie. He will be Wednesday, June 3rd, from 5- 274447 /1 9548 Funeral Director door community oven, raised day, (today) from 7:30 to missed greatly by his friends and 9PM. and the funeral service will LEGAL NOTICE goats and pigs, and carried wa - 9:30PM at St. George Greek Or - family. He is survived by his be on Thursday, June 4th at 38-08 Ditmars Blvd., ter from the village water supply thodox Church, 238 West Rocks daughters, Patricia Herriott 10AM. Arrangements will be 5TH 26 LLC. Art. of Org. filed w/ SSNY Astoria, New York 11105 that came from the melting Rd., Norwalk. Funeral Service (Don), Donna Curusis Bailey made by Faggas Funeral Home. 5/20/15. Office in NY Co. SSNY snows of Mt. Taygetos, which will be on Saturday 1:30PM at (Mike), granddaughters Lisa In lieu of flowers, contributions designated for service of process and (718) 728-8500 shall mail to: 5TH 26 LLC, 225 5th Avenue towered over the village. Her vil - St. George Greek Orthodox Humphreys (John McNamara) in his name can be made to Ste. 12C, New York, NY 10010. Purpose: Not affiliated with any lage was occupied by German Church. Interment will follow in and Dana Moffitt (Mike) and Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Any lawful activity. soldiers during WWII. Dena St. John’s Cemetery, Norwalk. great-grandchildren Evan and Boston, St. Athanasius the Great 27 4431/18796 other funeral home. planned to become a teacher, The Hoyt-Cognetta Funeral Jenna Moffitt. The family is most Greek Orthodox Church, and but after the war, when she was Home & Crematory, 5 East Wall grateful to Harry's caregivers, Hellenic College-Holy Cross 23, her father sent her to Cali - Street has been entrusted with Oscar and Francis Briones, who School of Theology of Brookline, to PlAce Your clAssiFied Ad, cAll: (718) 784-5255, fornia to live with his brother arrangements. have become an important part MA. ext. 106, e-mAil: classifieds@ thenationalherald.com William, and she later moved to of our family. Friends may visit Danville, Virginia to live with her n ARVANTIS, SPIRO Thursday, May 21, 2015 after n DEMOSS, CAROLYN mother's brother John. She DOVER, NJ (from the Daily 6:00PM and are invited to at - LA JOLLA, CA (from the La Jolla worked in the family restaurant Record on June 10) – Spiros P. tend a Trisagion at 7:30PM at Light, published on May 28) – and her uncle introduced Dena Arvanitis, 84, of Dover, passed Sneider & Sullivan & O'Connell's Carolyn DeMoss, 87, of La Jolla, law, June Francis; and beloved casket before becoming a Gen - to George Angelo of Jack - away Sunday, June 7, 2015 at Funeral Home, 977 S. El Camino California, passed away peace - nieces and nephews, Penny and eral Contractor. He moved to sonville, who travelled to home. Spiros was born in Greece Real in San Mateo. The Funeral fully in her home on May 18, Nickolaos Travlos of Athens, San Francisco in 1977 to be Danville to meet her: it was love and has been a resident of Dover Service will be held Friday, May 2015. She was surrounded by Greece, George and Alexandra near his only surviving brother, at first sight. They married on since 1956. He was a member 22, 2015 at 11:30AM at the family. Born to Greek immi - Scarvelis of Santa Barbara, Rev - Saby. Funeral services will be December 12, 1949 and moved of St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross, 900 grants in Cleveland, Ohio, on erend Fr. Costas Constantinou held at Eternal Home Cemetery, to Jacksonville where (except for Church, Randolph and also Alameda de las Pulgas in Bel - March 7, 1928, Carolyn was the and Dr. Eugenia Scarvelis Con - 1051 El Camino Real, Colma, a very brief move to Detroit) AHEPA. He was the owner of mont. Interment at the Greek fourth child of George and Eu - stantinou of San Diego, Diana CA 94014 on Tuesday, June 2, they raised their children and Spiros Food Market, Dover, and Orthodox Memorial Park in genia Scarvelis. She was the Dennen of Lake Havasu, and 2015. In lieu of flowers, dona - lived out their lives. Dena began retired in 1993. He is survived Colma. younger sister of the late Nolan Stella Scarvelis of La Jolla. She tions can be made to Jewish her life of active membership at by his wife of 52 years, Efrosini; "Nick" Francis, the late Anne Tri - is also survived by her cherished Family Children's Services. St. John the Divine Greek Or - two children Peter of Dover and n DEMETER, GEORGE P. ant and brother, Steve Scarvelis. great-nieces and nephews, Mar - www.jfcs.org. thodox Church, where George Harriet S. Villarrubia of Whar - BOSTON, MA (from The Boston She moved with her family to ianna, Alexandra and Mia Trav - was a life-long member. She was ton; his sister Stavrula Vasiliou Globe, published on June 3) – Los Angeles after World War II los, Steven, Nicholas and Stama - n EVANGELIDIS, CHRYSANTHI also a member of the Philopto - of Greece and two cousins Helen After an especially courageous where she attended Hollywood tia Scarvelis, Christopher WORCESTER, MA (From the chos Society. She was prede - Lori and Mary Provost both of battle with cancer, George Pana - High School and subsequently Constantinou and Bobby and Worcester Telegram & Gazette, ceased by her parents and sister Dover. Visitation Thursday, June giotis Demeter passed away El Camino Community College. Nicole Schindler. A Trisagion published on May 25) – and by her husband George who 11, 2015, 2-4pm and 6-8pm at peacefully at home on June 1, Proud of her parents' heritage, memorial service will be held on Chrysanthi "Chris" (Evangelou) died in September 2008 after 58 Tuttle Funeral Home, 272 State 2015, surrounded by his family. as a young woman she was ac - Monday, May 25, 2015, at Evangelidis, 86, resident of years of marriage. Dena was Route 10 West, Randolph Fu - He was born in Mytilene, tive in the Greek Orthodox 6:30PM at El Camino Memorial Worcester, MA passed away at loved and adored by her family neral Services will be Friday, Greece, son to Panagiotis and Church, teaching Sunday School Park, with a funeral service St. John's Hospital in Yonkers on and is survived by her children June 12, 2015 at St. Andrew Merope Papadimitriou, but lived and serving as a youth coun - 9:30AM Tuesday. Both services the morning of Saturday, May Mary George Angelo, Joann An - Greek Orthodox Church, Ran - most of his adult life in Boston, selor. A true pioneer in her ca - to be held at the St. Demetrios 23, 2015 surrounded by her lov - gelo Graessle (Bill), Jenny An - dolph. Entombment will follow MA as beloved husband to Kate - reer, as in her life, Carolyn was Chapel at El Camino Memorial ing family. Her husband of 41 gelo Connell (Stewart) and Tony at Locust Hill Mausoleum, rina; loving father to Panagiotis one of the first ever woman vice- Park, 5660 Carol Canyon Rd., years, Kostas Evangelidis passed Angelo; her grandchildren Dover. Demeter and his wife Sara, presidents of a company. Her ca - San Diego, followed by burial at away in 1995. She is survived Michelle Angelo Morgan (Ty), Alexandra Psikarakis and her reer included bookkeeper for Oakwood Cemetery in Canoga by her son Fr. Evan Evangelidis, Michael Angelo, and Jonathan, n CURUSIS HARRY C. husband Michael, Evangelia Hollywood Bank, Assistant Vice Park. May her memory be eter - her daughter Dr. Vicky Sakellson Taylor Ray and James Graessle; BELMONT, CA (from San Fran - Demeter, and stepdaughter President for Continental Bank, nal. and her husband, Dr. Stanley and great-grandchildren cisco Chronicle, published on Elena Archimandritou and her escrow officer for Escrow Ad - Sakellson, her granddaughter Maxwell Anthony Sebastian and May 20) – Harry Constantine husband Konstantinos and son ministrators and Malaga Cove n ESKENAZI, MORRIS Alexandra Evangelidis, her Sophie Constantina Morgan; Curusis was born on December Alexandros; cherished grandfa - Escrow and vice president of the SAN FRANCISCO, CA (from the daughter in law, Dr. Oxana nephews Tony Hicks (Kathy) 12, 1923 and passed away ther to Sebastian, George, Yas - title insurance company, Ticor. Syracuse Post Standard, pub - Popescu, as well as her brother and Gordon Harkless; nieces peacefully on May 17, 2015. mine, and Anastasia; faithful She moved to La Jolla in 1978 lished on June 1) – Former Syra - Harisi Evangelou and his family, Maria Evans and Eva Evans Truly a man of the Greatest Gen - brother to Irene Paleologos; where she established a real es - cuse resident Morris Eskenazi along with many other family Sailor (Rick); and Godson eration, his zest for life and de - adoring uncle to Merope tate brokerage practice and was passed peacefully with his wife, members in Greece. She was Stavros Gavaris (Maria). A fu - termination started as a young Kapetanakis and her husband an active member of the La Jolla Josephine (Polomino) and son, born in Konitsa, Greece and im - neral service will be held at boy growing up on a ranch in Constantine, and their daughters Board of Realtors for many Michael Copani at his side on migrated to the United States in 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, Colma during the Depression. and grandson, Irina, Corina, and years. Carolyn devoted herself May 29, 2015 in San Francisco, 1972. She was the daughter of 2015 at St. John the Divine Harry was the son of Gus and Lucio. George, a real estate vi - to numerous La Jolla charitable CA. He is survived by his wife the late Demetrios and Garo - Greek Orthodox Church, 3850 Stella Curusis who immigrated sionary, purchased his first piece activities, including the Museum of 44 years, Josephine; and ufalia Evangelou. Chysanthi was Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, from Greece. After graduating of real estate in Boston's Back of Contemporary Art, the Dar - sons, Mike Copani of San Fran - a loving, kind and gentle woman Florida 32207, with interment from Jefferson High School in Bay in the early 1960s while lington House and The League cisco and Mark Copani of Camil - who was loved by all who knew following at Evergreen Ceme - Daly City, he received a "Greet - working at MIT. While many de - House and Meals on Wheels. lus, New York. Mr. Eskenazi was her. She enjoyed cooking, tery, 4535 North Main Street. In ings from Uncle Sam" letter velopers at the time were com - Throughout her life she im - born in Greece, served as a POW sewing, gardening and crochet - lieu of flowers, memorial contri - inviting him to serve in the mil - promising the integrity of these pressed all with her style, charm, for 4.5 years in Auschwitz dur - ing. Chris was an avid reader butions may be made to St. John itary. Harry then enlisted in the buildings, George was busy wit and graciousness. Carolyn ing WWII before becoming a and could always be found with the Divine Greek Orthodox Army Air Corp. During WWII he restoring the properties back to lived her life with dignity, per - Sergeant in the Greek Civil War. a book in her hands. She was a Church Building Fund or Com - was a Navigator and achieved their original grandeur. In 1974 severance, focus and courage. He immigrated to devoted wife, mother and grand - munity Hospice of Northeast the rank of First Lieutenant. Fly - he purchased the well-known She loved art, the opera, ballet, America/Syracuse in 1951 mother who cherished her fam - Florida. ing B-24 and B-17 aircraft, he Beacon Hill real estate brokerage traveling and shopping. She was where he worked for Marcellus ily and would do anything for flew 33 missions over Germany. firm of A.F. Doyle and Company. a great friend to many people, them. Chris lived with her chil - n APAZIDIS, CHRISTOS Upon his return from war, Harry In 1987, he and a group of in - even those from different gen - this is a service dren in New York for the last NORWALK, CT (From The Hour, met and married the love of his vestors founded Mercantile Bank erations, who were impressed to the community. few months of her life. She will published on May 29) – Christos life, Artemis Eurotas. They were and Trust Company, where he with her sharp mind and active Announcements of deaths be dearly missed by all who Apazidis, age 62, passed away married for 65 years and had was Chairman of the Board of body, practicing yoga even into may be telephoned to the knew her and will always be re - two devoted daughters. After Mercantile Capital Corp until it her 80's. A loyal daughter, sister, classified department of membered with love, affection, earning an accounting degree was sold to Commerce Bank of aunt and friend, Carolyn will be the national herald at and fondness. In lieu of flowers, days and dates of funerals, from Golden Gate University, Worcester. George was an Ar - remembered for her love of fam - (718) 784-5255, donations may be made in memorials, and other events di - Harry started many successful chon of the Ecumenical Patriar - ily and her generosity. Her monday through Friday, Chrysanthi's memory to St. rectly correspond to the original business ventures. Ever the pio - chate, involved in the St. legacy and lessons will continue 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. est Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathe - publication date, which appears neer, he stared the first Toyota Athanasius the Great parish of through those she left behind. or e-mailed to: dral, 102 Russell Street, Worces - at the beginning of each notice. dealership in Northern Califor - Arlington, MA, and a philan - She is survived by her devoted [email protected] ter, MA 01609 which she loved nia, Daly City Toyota Motors at thropist to countless organiza - brother, Steve Scarvelis; sister in and adorned greatly. religion & spirituality

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T H D E L N A AT ER IONAL H www.thenationalherald.com B2 Religion & Spirituality THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20-26, 2015 Heaven and Hell: Do They Exist, and if So, What Are They? A (Gr-Amer) Christian By Constantinos E. Scaros Scientist’s Inevitably and intricately in - tertwined with the study of re - Perspective ligion and spirituality is the self- interest of one’s afterlife. It is By Kari Mashos food for thought, indeed, to wonder how – and if – people One of the most powerful would worship and practice re - teachings of Jesus Christ was his ligion if science and medicine explanation of the kingdom of figured out ways to keep us heaven. Sending his students to alive virtually forever. preach and heal, he told them, In other words, if life on “And as ye go, preach, saying, The earth would go on forever, how kingdom of heaven is at hand. many people currently inter - Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, ested, as they might put it, in raise the dead, cast out devils: having “a personal relationship freely ye have received, freely with my Lord and Savior Jesus give.” Jesus showed by healing Christ,” or those wishing to the sick, reforming sinners, and meet 72 virgins in heaven upon raising the dead to life, that to their death, would really care? understand the kingdom of By the same token, those who heaven brings healing and refor - fear about “burning in hell” mation. Is not this the heaven we would be far less concerned if are all longing for? modern medicine could save Heaven, or the kingdom of them from the jaws of death. God, exists, but to define heaven But that is another question and hell as our final resting places for another time, as our civiliza - for good or bad behavior is of hu - tion in 2015 is nowhere near man design, not of Christ. Jesus the point of achieving immor - makes that clear, “And when he tality. And so, questions about was demanded of the Pharisees, the afterlife remain. when the kingdom of God should In this edition of Religion & come, he answered them and Spirituality, we asked our con - said, The kingdom of God cometh tributors to tell us if they believe Do heaven and hell exist? Is not with observation: Neither heaven and hell exist and, if so, heaven a wonderful reunion shall they say, Lo here! or, lo what are they? of lost loved ones? Is hell an there! for, behold, the kingdom THE GREATEST PARTY eternal torture chamber? If of God is within you.” EVER? not, then what are they? Heaven is a conscious aware - When people speak about ness and expression of our unity “heaven on earth,” they are usu - with God, divine Love, as His ally referring to conditions being loved children. It is this under - as good as they can possibly be. standing of the true nature of “This is paradise,” used to de - SIX FEET UNDER God’s children—pure, honest and scribe an ideal location or envi - Then, of course, there are loving—that impels us to think ronment, is a similar reference. those who maintain that heaven and act in accord with “Our Fa - But is heaven really like that? Is and hell do not exist at all. You ther in heaven,” as Jesus Christ it the greatest party we could live, you die, and they put you taught. By this, heaven becomes ever imagine? Does it contain in the ground – and that’s it. tangible as the presence and all the pleasures of our earthly You stop existing, you stop power of God, good, within us. life we so cherish? Are there big- thinking, you stop feeling, you Hell becomes equally tangible screen TVs and football games, stop being. to the sinner. Doing evil is hell an endless feast of our favorite It is hard to imagine disbelief and so long as a person continues foods and drinks? Spectacular of an afterlife without disbelief to sin, he, or she, is in hell. But beaches? Ample opportunity to in God. In other words, even as sin does not go unpunished. Sin partake in any activity we desire we do not fully understand the causes suffering. This suffering – from bowling to gardening to point of our earthly life, at least impels reformation; it causes us mountain-climbing to skydiv - we can intellectually grasp the turn away from evil in search of ing? concept that maybe when we something higher and holier. Suf - What about the music, and there and say, with unspeakable Jack Dempsey, Frank Sinatra… believe in the divinity of Jesus get to the next life it will all fering, though it may be long for the books? Do we have an end - joy: “wow – this is really true, etc.? Would we all be in the Christ? Does this mean that if make more sense to us. But if the hardened sinner, awakens a less “hard drive” of any song, it’s really happening! We’re all same place? Surely there would - one day you and your Jewish, God created us to live 80 or 90 desire to find God and to express any film, or any literary work together again, forever and ever n’t be a “VIP” section in heaven, Muslim, or atheist friend or rel - years on this planet and then one’s true nature as a child of we could possibly desire? Is that and ever, and this time, with no where we’d have to get security ative die at the same time, you that’s it – what would be the God. In this way, suffering caused what heaven is, or is it some - anxieties, problems, or tragedies clearance to talk to them, would will be thrust to heaven while point? by sin becomes the divine means thing else? And if those things whatsoever!” Will we see our there? Or will what they did he/she will be cast into hell? Es - Accordingly, to believe that of lifting us out of hell. The speed are not available to us in loved ones again (and while here on earth simply not matter pecially if you’ve both been heaven and hell do not exist of which that happens is in rela - heaven, is it because once we we’re on the topic, any of our to us once we’re “up” there? “model citizens” here on earth, probably goes hand-in-hand tion to our willingness to be re - get there, we will have attained non-human loved ones, like a BURNING IN HELL your only difference being that with the viewpoint that God formed. As Jesus Christ said to full growth as God’s creation pet dog, cat, or bird) or is all Exactly where did this notion you believe in Jesus’ divinity does not exist, either. the woman caught in adultery, that we would find those things that another “baby rattle” of our of eternal damnation come and the other person simply ANOTHER APPROACH “go, and sin no more.” utterly trivial – much like an earthly life that we won’t care from? Is that what the Bible re - could never come to grips with Surely, the theories stated As Jesus taught, the kingdom adult has no desire to play with about when we travel to the ally says? Do “bad” people, once that intellectually? herein do not constitute the uni - of heaven within us is seen as the a baby’s rattle? great beyond? That one is they die, go to a place where And what about the sentence verse of views on the topic of expression of love, goodness, GRANDMA AND GEORGE harder to imagine: that the peo - they are eternally tortured? Are length – eternity? Have we re - heaven and hell. Surely there mercy, justice, etc. Didn’t he say, WASHINGTON? ple who meant so much to us they subjected to the type of tor - ally stopped to think what eter - are other ways to explain them. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as Few thoughts make us hap - here on earth will somehow ment that our own Constitution nity means? For those suppos - Just because they may not exist your Father in heaven is perfect”? pier – cause us to feel safer and merely be an afterthought in an - prohibits, as being “cruel and edly writhing in agony amid the in a particular way (for exam - Without these divine qualities, reassured – then the notion that other realm. unusual punishment”? If so, fire and brimstone, who cry out ple, playing gin rummy with heaven does not exist. Conversely, one day we will be reunited Beyond our family and does that make our Founding “I’m sorry, dear God, please give grandma and George Washing - opposite qualities—hate, sin, de - with our loved ones in heaven. friends – the people we knew Fathers more compassionate me another chance!” does God ton in heaven, or screaming ceit, etc. —are not of God, and The people near and dear to our personally – what about others and enlightened than God? simply say “Nope! You had your over the hot flames of hell) does are hell. Heaven and hell are hearts that we have lost. Will who have died and gone to What are the reasons we chance, my ‘no’ is final!” What not mean they do not exist at states of consciousness and we we ever see them again? Are heaven – will we see them, too? might be sent to such a place? if they ask every day – would all. carry them with us wherever we they saving a place at the table George Washington, Abraham Committing mass murder or God change His mind after a We hope, then, that the are. somewhere up there – ready to Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, genocide certainly might seem million years? Two million? A thinkers we have invited to par - Understanding the debt we welcome us with open arms Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, as if they’d top the list, but what billion? A trillion? A trillion tril - ticipate in this edition can shed owe to Jesus, Mary Baker Eddy, when we arrive? Will we get Humphrey Bogart, Bette Davis, about simply not being able to lion? more light on this. the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, wrote, “Only the makers of hell burn in their fire. Concealed crimes, the wrongs done to others, are mill - Why Everyone Won’t Be Saved stones hung around the necks of the wicked. Christ Jesus paid our debt and set us free by enabling By Dr. Eugenia Scarvelis of a place of eternal torment, wants everyone to be saved. But not share a life with one whose us to pay it; for which we are still Constantinou usually referring to it as God does not force himself upon life is profane and sinful. It is his debtors, washing the Way- “Gehenna.” He told us that us. He respects human freedom. true that we are all sinners, and shower's feet with tears of joy.” Why can’t everyone be when he returns to judge the He created all of us with the God forgives our sins, but only Paying our debt by living a life saved? It seems a logical ques - world he will separate the sheep ability to make our own choices, when we acknowledge them of goodness and meekness in tion. After all, as people have (the good people) from the including whether we wish to and attempt to change our lives Christ, we find heaven to be the long observed, if God is love, goats (the bad people) and that have a relationship with Him or to model ourselves after God. atmosphere of sinless thought. why would He send anyone to the sheep will inherit eternal life not. The invitation is open to We are all created in the “im - And, in proportion as we demon - hell? Just as most heresies are and the goats will be sent to all, but the choice must be by age” of God. Our purpose on strate the supremacy of the king - not new but recycled ideas from eternal punishment. We cannot us and it must be made in this this earth is to try to acquire the dom of heaven within us, we can the past, the idea that in the end deny that Christ spoke many life. If we chose to follow the “likeness” of God. If we are not see the diminishing of evil, and everyone would be saved is like - times of both a heavenly king - devil and his angels, then we behaving in a God-like manner, hell, in our lives, here and now. wise nothing new. It had been dom and of a place of eternal will end up in the place which we are deluding ourselves if we To the child caught in the discussed and rejected by the torment. Therefore, the Church was prepared for them. But only think that we could possibly crossfire of war, to the sick and Church long ago. In fact, this rejects the notion that everyone because we have freely chosen share eternal life with God. With dying, to those in desperate idea has a name, in Greek, of will be saved in the end. it. What about people who may whom do you have a close rela - poverty, heaven seems a far dis - course: apokatastasis panton. Besides Christ’s own teach - never have heard of Jesus tionship? With other people like tant thing. But Jesus is proof of This literally means the “restora - ings, why must apokatastasis be Christ? What about people in yourself, who share your values, the willingness of the divine to tion of all (things).” Reportedly rejected? Why can’t it be true? difficult circumstances? Every - your lifestyle, your ideas, etc. touch our lives and lift us out of one of the early proponents of There are three important rea - one knows right from wrong. Do you have those relationships hell—in whatever form that hell this idea was the most famous sons why everyone will not be Everyone is born with a con - because you ignore those people is manifested. By his healing and influential theologian of the saved: (1) Heaven is not a science. Everyone knows what or because you cultivate those works he showed that the will of early Church, Origen, a brilliant “place,” (2) We choose hell be - Origen, a brilliant third-cen - it is to be kind or to be cruel. relationships and because they God, divine Love, is to save all third-century thinker from cause God does not “send” any - tury thinker from Alexandria, We will be judged by God justly, are important to you? It is not our brothers and sisters around Alexandria. Origen and the one to hell, and (3) it is impos - believed in “apokastasis pan - not only on what we know or different than our relationship the globe, “For God sent not his teaching of apokatastasis were sible to share eternal life with ton,” namely, that all will be believe in our heads but on how with God. We cannot expect Son into the world to condemn condemned by the Church at God later if we have not lived a saved. But the opinion of one we have lived our lives. God who is holy to share eternal the world; but that the world the Fifth Ecumenical Council life with God now on this earth. or a small number of Fathers The purpose of this life is to life with us if we chose to ignore through him might be saved.” held in Constantinople in 551. First, what is “heaven” and does not override the opinion gain eternal life. Why doesn’t him, reject Him and chose a life Loving God and our neighbor Reportedly, Gregory of Nyssa, a what is “hell”? Let us divest our - of the Church as a whole. God override human freedom of sin instead. Andrew of Cae - as ourselves—central to following famous and well regarded selves of childish notions that and simply say “You are going sarea, a Father of the Church, Christ—means that we embrace fourth century Father of the heaven is like a lovely park love, hope, beauty, goodness, to live with me eternally”? Be - wrote that hell is unnecessary all in our prayers so that all may Church also may have taught where we will be having a picnic light, joy, etc. cause God is LOVE, he created yet that people “volunteer” for feel the healing, protecting power this. The Fathers of the Church or that in heaven we will be sit - Rather than referring to “go - us to love so He gave us the abil - it. Yes, God is good, loving, for - of the kingdom of heaven within. are considered authorities in Or - ting on clouds and playing ing to heaven” the Orthodox ity to love. Love cannot be giving and compassionate, but Surely this is what Jesus meant thodoxy, and yet even if Gregory harps. These ideas are accept - Church speaks consistently of forced or demanded. Love re - people freely choose evil. Let in the prayer he gave the whole taught or believed it, apokatas - able only for young children obtaining “eternal life.” Salva - quires free will. Without free those who point to the love, world that includes, “Thy will be tasis was rejected. The opinion who cannot conceptualize in an tion is eternal life with God. will we would be robots and we mercy and forgiveness of God done in earth, as it is in heaven. of one Father or a small number abstract manner. By the time we Everyone will not “be saved,” would lack the capacity to love. also remember that he is honest, Answering the question of the of Fathers does not override the reach adulthood we ought to be not because God denies this to Therefore, God will never force fair, righteous and true to His existence of heaven and hell is a opinion of the Church as a capable of deeper and more anyone but because we do not us into a relationship with him word. He neglected nothing for constant search within our own whole. complex thought than this. In desire a life with God. The wit - because any relationship with our salvation, even a death on consciousness. It requires self-ex - Why can’t Gregory of Nyssa the Orthodox Church we rarely ness of the Scriptures are clear: God must be based on love and the cross. He has done and con - amination to see if we are living and Origen be correct that, in speak of “going to heaven,” per - God desires “that all people be must be freely chosen. tinues to do His part. The rest is as children of Love. If so, our lives the end, God will save every - haps because that word conjures saved and come to knowledge Third, it is impossible for us up to us. will continue towards a complete one? In theology, our individual up in our minds a “place,” some - of the truth.” (2 Tim. 2:4). Even to enjoy eternal life with God apprehension and demonstration opinions or wishes play no role. where “up there.” But God is not in the Old Testament the mes - later if we do not live a life with Dr. Eugenia Scarvelis Constan - of the divine reality that God is What matters is what God has “up there” and heaven is not a sage is clear: God “does not de - God now. Why not? Why can’t I tinou is professor of Biblical our Father and we are His blessed revealed to us. We must accept physical “place.” Conversely, sire the death of a sinner but live a profane, immoral, cruel, Studies and Early Christianity children living in the kingdom of that and conform ourselves to what is hell? It is the absence of that he turn from his wickedness greedy, selfish, hate-filled life at the University of San Diego, heaven. His will and revelation, rather God and the absence of all of and live.” (Ez. 18:23) Christ said now and still be with God later and author of the book Guiding than pretend that the truth is the good things he provides. that hell was “prepared for the in the next life? Because God is to a Blessed End: Andrew of Kari Mashos, CSB, is a something else. Christ spoke fre - Without God we would experi - devil and his angels” (Matt. HOLY and “heaven” is not a Caesarea and His Apocalypse practitioner and teacher of Chris - quently of the Kingdom of ence a tormented existence be - 25:41). It was never intended “place” but eternal life in union Commentary in the Ancient tian Science and lectures interna - Heaven and likewise he spoke cause it would be a life without for us. God is a loving God. God with God. God who is holy can - Church. tionally on the subject. THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20-26, 2015 Religion & Spirituality B3 The Reality of Heaven and Hell

By Raphael Masterjohn the Lord legislated saying to who will enter Heaven. Christ Adam: “On the day you eat (sin) does not say that everyone will God is the only immortal you shall surely die.” The word go to Heaven, but on the con - One and is not the creator of sin in the Biblical Greek is amar - trary He says: “Broad and wide death. Death or mortality is a tia, which means “to miss the is the way leading to destruction penalty and the result of viola - mark,” our proper destination. and many are they that go that tion of the law against the sin To come to Christ requires re - way.” of disobedience, which results pentance, confession, and faith HEAVEN AND GEHENNA in death. God is the Source and in the true God who created all. Concerning the idea of burn - Creator of all life, and of all that Christ offers everyone this ing in Hell, a phrase Orthodox exists, but his highest and great - blessed invitation. “Come unto usually do not use, but some est creation is man destined to me you that are heavily laden people imagine a fire and a tor - become His image and likeness and you will find rest for your turing God, but God is not a tor - and live forever. Anyone on souls…Whoever comes to me I turer, for He is good, compas - earth who is seeking immortal - will not cast out.” sionate, and the only Lover of ity will find it only in Jesus HEAVENLY JOY man. He is just and gives each Christ and His holy Body, the Christ’s offer brings genuine person what they deserve. What Church He built upon a rock. joy to the believer, for every - is Hell? The word used in Scrip - MORTALITY thing He teaches is for our ulti - tural Greek is Gehenna and If they lack belief in the Son mate benefit. He teaches, for ex - refers to a permanent prison of of God, Jesus Christ, even mil - ample, that meekness is better misery and torment, the greatest lions of scientists will never than anger, humility is better misery being the awareness of solve the problem of immortal - than pride, holiness is better God’s love but the inability of ity. For they fail to recognize than vileness, faith is greater men to receive that love, which that Jesus Christ, is the only Im - than unbelief, hope is much bet - will torment them. Sin will also mortal One, the source of im - ter than despair, love beats envy, cause torment, though it may mortality, and the source of all and joy is preferable to sorrow. seem sweet for a season, and knowledge and immortality. This is what humanity hungers will cause separation from God. Only from Him can scientists be - for and needs, in order to be Torment is not derived from gin to understand the problem genuinely happy and to stop Raphael Masterjohn, lay preacher for over half a century, talks about the final judgment, when God’s anger but from man’s sin, of immortality and a second life killing each other. the dead will be resurrected and divided like sheep and goats regarding their final destination. and the sinful character he ac - and mortality or death, for this THE LAST JUDGMENT quired while in the world, which is a spiritual subject. The cer - Whether man believes or not world in general believed in they will not repent. Also, HEAVEN AND EARTH in the next life will torment him. tainty that they cannot possibly does not alter the fact that God. While a few worshiped Heaven is conditional and not In Heaven everything is pure GOD’S JUSTICE AND MERCY succeed in solving this problem Christ warned us about the fear - him properly, others worshiped open to the unconcerned masses and undefiled for it is the abode God is just and His justice is is that they are unaware that ful day of judgment when the false gods. Public discussions but to those who keep the Lord’s of the righteous angels and men perfect, and must give each the Source of life Jesus Christ dead shall be resurrected and were common regarding death commandments. Christ says: and the throne of God. There what they deserve. God is mer - came into the world for this very be divided like sheep and goats and life after death. “Narrow and restricted is the are no similarities between ciful and His mercy extends to reason, to solve the same prob - for judgment. The populace was not athe - way that leads to life and few earth and Heaven buy an infi - the repentant ones. All men are lem for which they are seeking The judgment and its results istic because they reasoned there be who find it…If you love nite difference, The earth is a offered His mercy, available a solution. More than this, the is permanent, and there is no rightly and believed in God, as me, keep my commandments.” place where believers prepare, through no one but Christ. One Godman has turning back, for it does not ex - Creator of everything that exists. These words coming from He are sanctified and wage a battle thing is certain: Heaven is be - already permanently solved ist in time but in eternity where During the historical period who is the supreme authority, against pernicious sin which yond our expectations with joy, the problem of mortality, be - time ceases. He also warned (1650-1800) better named “en - so how can a creature contradict plagues the human race. But the exaltation, happiness and life cause He alone is the immortal that few would find the narrow darkenment,” misnamed by his - or judge God the Creator? When kingdom of Heaven is the glori - that will never end, but Hell or Source of all life. way that leads to eternal life. torians as “the enlightenment,” Jesus says, I am the life, we ous and victorious goal where Gehenna, a place of unending By His sacrifice of death on The following is a description of man elevated himself above God need to listen; when He says, I crowns are awarded. “Each man torment, of body and soul of the the Cross, Christ destroyed mor - the last judgment, and resurrec - bringing on the folly of human - am the Truth, we need to listen, will be judged for what he has unrepentant sinner. No one can tality’s power and trampled tion as seen in a vision of Saint ism, elevating man above God. for Christ alone is the only Life done.” The delights and joys of adequately describe the torment down death putting death to Nephon the Ascetic: “The Many of the “enlightened” de - and Truth. If we look elsewhere Heaven are of Gehenna but the prudent will death, granting life to those in archangel was holding the trum - cided that there was no God, no we will remain in darkness. But expressed by St. Paul who as - want to escape its severe pun - the tombs. Scientists who are pet to sound it loudly…with the judgment, no life after death, how we approach Christ is crit - cended and came back telling ishment. seeking the end of death ought first blast all the bodies of the and that man could do any - ical for He laid down rules. us that what he saw was beyond ONLY WAY TO ACCEPT to stop searching, lest they look dead were raised. With the sec - thing, even study the universe CHRIST’S RULES description. It is not a place CHRIST foolish searching for what is al - ond sound the spirit of the Lord and figure out the material When He began preaching, where we will meet our relatives Some say that they cannot ready found, and available to again restored the souls in the source of everything including His first words were: “Repent or old friends or social acquain - accept Christ intellectually so the entire human race. Christ dead bodies. Awe and horror life and the universe. They at - for the kingdom of Heaven is at tances. how can they be blamed? The and His Body, the Orthodox seized the universe. The celes - tempted to accomplish this by hand.” Repentance means We do not know whether answer is that Christ does not Church, is the source of immor - tial and the terrestrial trembled. ridding themselves of God. How changing the way we reason they or we will deserve the joys send His message to intellectu - tality, the same treasure they are And then the third and most ter - sad that many of their distorted about everything, and is a nec - Heaven. Scripture says: “Blessed als (like the Scribes and Phar - seeking. The immortal Christ is rifying trumpet call resounded, ideas have perverted the minds essary condition for forgiveness are the pure in heart for they isees) and the righteous, but to Orthodoxy’s Head and the im - which shook all the world. What of millions and darkened the of sins. Sinners men must sor - shall see God.” The fact is the sinners who confess their sins. mortal Holy Spirit is its Guide. a fearful sight! They surpassed hearts of men in our modern rowfully repent, confess and rid pure in heart have become holy His message always is to repent, THE GREAT INVITATION the sand of the sea in number. materialistic world, who recog - themselves of sins. As soon as and sinless. To enter the king - for this is the only way to reach Expressing these facts will At the same time, like dense nize only matter that perishes, they do so they will receive dom Heaven requires truth and Christ and receive His salvation not cause the masses to rush to rain, the angelic armies de - rather than spirit, which never everything from the kind and struggle, not possible without and great mercy. Christ seeks Christ to acquire the immortal - scending from Heaven toward perishes. generous God! Not only that prayer, fasting and almsgiving. the heart of man, out of His ity He offers, because it requires the Throne of preparation HEAVEN which their souls desire but We cannot know if we or our great love for man and ap - on their part, sincere, faithful shouting: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Does everyone go to Heaven much more, for everything is relatives will be worthy, for it is proaches the whole man repentance, and the decision to Lord of Powers, the whole earth when they die? According to the promised to those who struggle Christ who will judge us. through his intellect and heart. confess their sins and stop sin - is full of fear and trembling.’” Godman Christ, who will judge to acquire sinlessness. Without truth and the proper We must open ning, because sin is the deadly THE “ENDARKENMENT” all men, more will be con - Every sin violates the law of path, the kingdom of Heaven is our hearts to Christ, love and poisonous cause of mortality as For thousands of years the demned than saved, because God and is harmful to man. inaccessible. Christ also qualifies obey Him and keep what He says is the greatest command - ment, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and all your soul, with all your Parallel Universes: Being a Saint and a Sinner at the Same Time strength, and your neighbor as yourself. Christ loves us, and to gain eternal life we must return By Constantine S. Sirigos sons who in all their existences our love to Him. The love of this TNH Staff Writer might reject God, so that His world is the biggest stumbling love is experienced as hellfire. block to the kingdom of Heaven, That is a popular conception so we must make a choice. During the past 300 years, with ancient roots. Those who are unable to believe natural science has made stun - It is also possible that the col - are hypocrites and those who ning progress in understanding lection of lives is only an ab - love the world, and that is why our world. The predictions of stract manifold of unconnected the Apostle John says: “He who physicists are accurate to within possibilities. That essentially di - loves the world hates God.” By many decimal points and for vides us into an infinity of per - world, it does not refer to world many, it is science, not religion, sons, not a single person with God created, but the love of ma - which reveals the truth. an infinity of versions, which terial things and the spirit of the Although philosophers and brings us right back to the ques - world’s inhabitants, which in - theologians would say the the tion of heaven or hell for each cludes, love of pleasure, bar - material and spiritual worlds are of our “selves.” barism, crime, idolatry, fornica - separate realms, some of the Would each of them experi - tion, adultery, robbery, stealing, questions on the other side of ence a “particular judgement,” cheating, false witness, drunk - the lines are close enough that to use an ancient term in a novel enness, etc. It is the love of sin - both believers and non-believers fashion? ful creation instead of the Cre - are fascinated by them. But if those selves ultimately ator. The questions: “what is constitute an organic as op - As no one can be saved with - mind?” and “do we have souls?” posed to an abstract unity – tak - out Jesus Christ whom God the seem related, as are “what is ing Dimopoulos’ idea about Father sent into the world, so no time?” and “is there an afterlife?” communication between uni - one can be saved without His One can speculate about concep - verses to its limit – if each of us holy Orthodox Church which the tual bridges: for instance, are the in all those universes is still one His Son established in the world. flow of time and the stream of We might all be doing exactly what God wants us to do, exactly what God doesn’t want us to organism known to God, one This unique and only Church, is consciousness connected? do, and somewhere in between – all at the same time! If the theory of parallel universes is true. substance, there are interesting now almost two-thousand years Generally, it is only believers spiritual implications. old, and like its Head, is both who are strongly invested in the ence gets into a position to an - and modern, incline to the idea even exist. If versions of our very selves divine and human and the trea - question of whether heaven and swer or raise questions that the that hell is something we create If there is an infinity of uni - commit every possible sin – do sury of immortal life. hell are real. Fathers and Mothers of the for ourselves – through our will - verses where everything we not these versions often con - Of course, Bill Clinton might Church could not? Do we ignore ing evil, or inadvertently, like might think or do, and every front us is our dreams? Is that Raphael Masterjohn was or - say, “that depends on what your it, falling in step with Sunday Anabella Sciorra’s character in possibility in our lives is actual - not the most powerful reason to dained a lay preacher by Arch - definition of ‘real’ is.” school graduates who insist that the Robin Williams film What ized – for example, where this forgive absolutely everyone who bishop Michael, and is editor While it is many centuries the Orthodox Church has not Dreams May Come. writer is a Republican, a Mets hurts us on the grounds that lit - and publisher of: Canons of the since the decrees of clergy changed in 2000 years? One could say such ideas fan, and with ten children – in - erally no one is able to cast the Church: the Rudder. shaped the ideas of educated Educated people cannot ac - leave a huge gap as people with - teresting ethical and spiritual first stone? people about what is real – most cept that, but to what degree out consciences would go un - questions emerge. But opposed to that spiritual people in the church pews claim can an Orthodox Christian ad - punished for their sins. I imag - The discussion can begin bonus is the horror that some the rights of conscience and just his beliefs in response to ine, however, that psychopaths with an examination not of the people will think “if it’s all a even free thinking – human be - what he learns about “the na - have nightmares, and presum - wages of sin, but the general wash and I can’t go to hell, I can ings are so desperate to know ture of reality?” ably those would last an eter - matter of the consequences of do anything I want – even the about things like the afterlife Speculation among the faith - nity. going against God’s will. most unspeakable evils.” that they are willing to mix reli - ful about heaven and hell is in - The basic idea here is that Parallel universes makes the The tempting solution, some gion and science, even if scien - evitable, however, because there God planted in us the moral law notion of going against God’s kind of Purgatory in an inter - tists and theologians are not. is no map of the afterlife in the whose function is to help us dis - will incoherent, since God can - mediate state between death Average persons and intellec - Bible. Christ offered parables, tinguish between good and evil, not be angry with someone for and resurrection for each ver - tuals alike turn to science for but few details. not to execute punishment, and choosing to do one thing and sion of our self, is not permitted ideas, and to determine what is Heaven is not as problematic that we are our own judge and not another, because there is at in Orthodoxy. in the realm of possibility and as hell. Most believers would be jury. least one universe where we do And what would resurrection whether the ideas are coherent. willing to accept any paradise Recent science, however, exactly what we imagine God entail, a kingdom of super souls And while clergy would say created by a benevolent God, opens new speculative paths. wants. subsisting in a way that makes that scientists and philosophers even it is not built to our speci - Now, science is itself in a Parallel universes also raise sin unthinkable because are not qualified to rule things fications, but the modern mind transitional period. Its top cos - intriguing questions about indi - stripped of our personal inter - in or out, most would agree that recoils from the notion of God mologists and physicists face the vidual identity and the nature ests in our particular lives hu - faith should not be founded on willing eternal torment, even for quandary of having exciting of the soul. If I am the same per - mans – all rational beings – will ignorance, superstition, or wish - perpetrators of evil – and it does - ideas – like string theory pio - son in ALL parallel universes, see clearly that we are all broth - ful thinking. n’t help to believe that God out - neered by men like Dr, Savas Di - “who” gets judged? ers and sisters? Science, of course, marches sources the dirty job to Satan. mopoulos of Stanford – that ex - If there a concrete super-soul But that is precisely the vi - forward by superseding if not The Gospel often speaks of plain everything but that can so in which all our existences co - sion that would be needed while outright rejecting prior teach - early followers of Christ walking far not be proven. here, are all our actions a wash? people are alive to stop them ings, but it is a historical fact away because they found his One of their most fascinating Is the love of God, not jus - from sinning with impunity. that the Orthodox Church has teachings “too hard,” but while ideas is that reality is woven out tice, the only principle that is We are now in very muddy always respected the science of believers must be careful about of parallel universes – which Di - relevant, so that all souls are waters, indeed. its times. It is always on guard, what they jettison, they might mopoulos believes can commu - saved (a modern versions of the If parallel universes ever be - however, against reason trans - find solace in less mainstream nicate with each other, but “apokatastasis ton panton” the comes settled science, it will be gressing its bounds – but so was “theologoumena” – theological which another brilliant Greek theory with which St. Gregory resisted by many for its religious Immanuel Kant. opinions. physicist, Dr. Fotini Kalamra- of Nyssa flirted? implications – as evolution is to - So, what happens when sci - Some theologians, ancient Markopoulou, does not believe Of course, there may be per - day. B4 Religion & Spirituality THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 6-12, 2010

addiction, war, violence, narcis - What is Heaven? What is Hell? sism—to name only a few—to witness what is appropriately called “a living hell.” What God has made possible By Dr. Aristotle love that we manifest to our fam - ment often entailing being con - as the Incarnate Christ is not sim - Papanikolaou ily members, friends, spouses, sumed in flames of fire, as in the ply a heaven that is to come, but children, and, even more radi - rector’s vivid description of hell an experience of heaven that is According to the 2013 Harris cally, to the stranger, the home - in James Joyce’s, A Portrait of possible now and that is the pres - Poll, 68% of American believe in less, the prisoners and those we the Artist as a Young Man; but, I ence of the Holy Spirit. This belief heaven, while 58% believe in often can’t but feel are unlovable. do not think this to be a very in the possibility of heaven now— hell. But what exactly do they Love is difficult; it requires work; helpful image. Fear is not the theosis—is what differentiates us believe in, or not believe in? it is a learning, and in learning best motivator, even if it is where from Evangelical Christians, who What is heaven? What is hell? how to love we are learning how the spiritual life begins. St. Max - are constantly putting emphasis As Orthodox Christians, our to become more godlike; we are imus the Confessor says that we on what occurs after death. As understanding of heaven and being deified. must progress from fear to love Orthodox Christians, we believe hell must be viewed through the If the human being has been of God. Ultimately, God does not that we can do the things that lens of a notion that is central to created to become like God in want us to be afraid of God, but open ourselves to experiencing our Orthodox Christian faith – the sense of loving as God loves, to freely love God. Moreover, to God’s love for us in ever-increas - theosis. Technically, theosis then this understanding of what those who suffer from severe ing doses. We do not fast or pray means to be “deified” or to be - it means to be created in God’s anxiety, obsessive compulsive to score points with God; God come godlike. Though it sounds image has at least two implica - disorder, or other similar chal - does not want to tally our good idolatrous, it was never meant tions for our understanding of lenges, talk of the punishment of By achieving theosis, when a human being becomes what God and bad deeds. God has created to signify superhuman powers; heaven and hell. First, heaven is hell and the devil may do more intended for creation, this is heaven on earth – there’s no need us for a living communion with theosis does not mean becoming not a place; heaven is God. We harm than good. to wait until the afterlife. Hell, in turn, is the absence of God. God. Such a living communion like Zeus. Instead, it points to the were created not to be put into The second implication of the with God is the hope of the res - possibility of a divine-human a place, but to participate in Orthodox understanding of theo - our death. Being in the midst of heaven to the degree that we no - urrection. Let us then use special communion in which the human God’s life. Heaven as a place im - sis for our understanding of heaven in this life does not nec - tice ourselves more capable of times of the year like Lent to fig - being becomes what God in - plies that heaven is a space, and heaven and hell is that we can essarily mean performing super - loving our family members, ure out how to love better, how tended for creation. If God is the categories of space and time experience heaven or hell now human feats, such as miracles; friends, spouses, children, the to learn how to love, because love, then to become godlike is only apply to what is created, before the fullness of divine-hu - nor does it mean, as Fyodor Dos - stranger, the homeless, the pris - when this happens, we’ll already to become more loving in such a not to what is uncreated. And man communion is realized at the toyevsky expresses so well with oners and those whom society of - be experiencing the Resurrection. way that one loves God with all God has called us to a commu - end of time. When our Orthodox the character of the Elder Zosima ten deems the unlovables. We heart, mind and soul, and one’s nion with God’s uncreated life, Christian faith affirms that we in the The Brothers Karamazov , know that we are in the grips of Dr. Aristotle Papanicoalou is neighbor as oneself. which is love. If heaven, then, is were created for communion with that one’s decomposed body will God’s love (heaven) when we re - Archbishop Demetrios Chair in To be such a human being God, then hell is absence of God, God, it means that such a com - emit a sweet-smelling fragrance. alize that we are less prone to Orthodox Theology and Culture that loves as God loves is not the lack of communion with munion is possible now in our The measure of the presence of anger, fear, hatred, and other im - and Senior Fellow and co- found only in the monasteries God, “distance” from God. The lifetime. When we experience heaven in our life is the nature pulses, desires and emotions that founder, Orthodox Christian and the desert, but in the every - Christian tradition has imagined God in our lives, then we are ex - and character of our relations destroy our relationships. We Studies Center, at Fordham Uni - day, mundane expressions of such a distance as an eternal tor - periencing heaven, even before with one another. We experience need not look any farther than versity. Heaven and Hell – Do They Exist? What Are They?

By Michael Haldas God’s love. same thing in the parable of the Does this mean we can create and the collective transformation actions and behaviors. This is Jesus expresses His sorrow for wise and foolish virgins a utopia, a place of complete per - of each of us transforms the both what Jesus wants us to do Are Heaven and hell real? If people that make this type of (Matthew 25:1-13), the wise and fection, a literal Heaven on world without. Therefore, what and also the point He was mak - so, what are they? Places, states, choice and lead lives apart from foolish builders (Matthew 7:24- earth? The answer is no. The we create here on earth through ing about the kingdom of or something else? The common God in Matthew 23:37 when He 29), and several other places. In kingdom of Heaven on earth is our devotion to Christ is a Heaven. depictions of places where people pines: the parables, the people that not like an earthly kingdom with glimpse, or manifestation of what The bottom line so to speak, either float around on clouds or “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the ended up with God were those some geographic boundaries. In - is to come but it is still a valid is this: the direction we are mov - burn in eternal fire are very far one who kills the prophets and who were prepared through their stead it begins with the work of present reality that God expects ing in now in this life, either to - from a true and sophisticated stones those who are sent to her! continual focus on God and living God’s Spirit in people’s lives and us to create. ward God as we die slowly to self Christian understanding of How often I wanted to gather rightly. in relationships. The kingdom of When we pray, fast, give to and live for Him, or away from Heaven and hell. your children together, as a hen The Pharisees and other peo - Heaven is a spiritual reality pre - the less fortunate, go to Church God, as we become more and According to our Christian gathers her chicks under her ple in the Bible missed the entire sent with the Christian believer and do everything else the more self-centered, is the direc - faith, Heaven or hell are the only wings, but you were not willing!” significance of Jesus’ presence and within the community of the Church advocates we should do, tion we will move after we die two ultimate destinations or Jesus, the Son of God and among them and that the king - Church. It is what God is doing we embrace the kingdom of God and are in eternity. states of being for us after this God in the flesh, longed for the dom of Heaven was already be - within our hearts and manifests within us and therefore, if done lifetime. Our belief and faith in love of the people of Jerusalem ginning to be here. They kept in how we act towards each with a sincere heart, we begin to Michael Haldas is the author of Christ and our growth in His like - but they were not willing to ac - looking toward some future state other. By embracing the divine transform into becoming more Sacramental Living: Understand - ness during our lifetime deter - cept it. He did not stop loving of when God’s kingdom would presence within us, the kingdom and more Christ-like. We thus be - ing Christianity as a Way of Life mines our destination to be either them and wept over them out of arrive not knowing it was among has already come to us and we gin to collectively usher in the (Eastern Christian Publications) Heaven, which is to be present love. them already. People think and become citizens of the kingdom. kingdom of Heaven among us and other works (www.sacra - with God and have union with Heaven is also not just some act like this today. We transform ourselves within through our Christ-like thoughts, mentalliving.net). Him, or hell, which is not having future place or state and it is a union with God due to our rejec - big mistake to think of it as so. tion of Him. Too often we seem to fall into As Christians, we don’t believe false thinking concerning the pre - God rejects us, confines us to hell sent and the future, and life and Why Does a Loving God Send People to Hell? and withdraws His love; rather death. Death is often discussed we confine ourselves there by our (and portrayed in books, TV, and By Rev. Alexander wonder about this question, es - today want nothing more than gamble that I would not want to refusal to accept His love in which movies) as liberation from the Papagikos pecially as it relates to our loved to be separate from God, because make. I hope that if today you case His love becomes something prison of the body; and that a fu - ones, we must be reminded that they don’t want go to church. are gambling with your soul, that we hate instead of want. Hell is ture state is a goal that is more One of the questions many God does not want anyone to go They say that you do not have to you will turn away from that state of self-centeredness and important than our present state. people want to ask God is: “how to Hell. In fact, God has gone to go to church to show your faith. lifestyle because God is faithful mindset that makes it impossible Both of these teachings are false can a loving God send people to great lengths so that we might The thing is that when people to all His promises. – by our own thoughts, choices according to our Christian faith. Hell?” We know that one of the avoid Hell. He sent His own son die, God gives them just what There are only two kinds of and actions – to be reached, even Christ, who often referred to the characteristics used in the Bible to die for us so that we might they wanted. people in the end: those who say by God. Being in hell doesn’t kingdom of Heaven or the king - to describe God is that He is a avoid this awful place. Hell is just I don’t understand why we to God, “Thy will be done,” and mean that God is no longer pre - dom of God said, “The kingdom God of love. If God loves people, as real as Heaven. For instance, complain about people going to those to whom God says, “Thy sent or that He has ceased offer - of God does not come with ob - then why would He let them go when England closed its Libyan Hell and being separate from will be done.” All those who are ing love to those who reject Him. servation; nor will they say, ‘See to Hell? We read in God’s Word Embassy, Libya’s Muammar God, because they are just getting in Hell choose the latter. We have It just means that in our rejection here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, that he does not want any peo - Qaddafi became so angry that he what they wanted. I believe that a choice for how we live here, of God, His love becomes some - the kingdom of God is within ple to perish. If God does not ordered England to be removed what makes Hell so awful is and many times we choose sepa - thing painful to us instead of you” (Luke 17:20-21). What sep - want any people to perish for from all maps in Libya. If you buy God’s absence. Imagine if you can ration from God. We should ob - something blissful. arates the Christian faith from eternity, then why is there a a map in Libya today, that area being in a place completely void serve that God does not send any - Think of the sun. It brings other faiths is that we believe in Hell? will be represented by a new arm of anything good and completely one to Hell – the ultimate answer light, warmth and life. If we pre - this life, the here and now, we I believe that because of peo - of the North Sea bordered by absent from God. Imagine stand - to today’s question is that we pare properly, put on sunscreen can experience a foretaste of ple’s fear of Hell, and questioning Scotland and Wales. Simply re - ing before God in judgment, per - send ourselves to hell – again – and/or cover ourselves appropri - Heaven. of God’s sending of people to moving England from all maps haps you are expecting to get in, we send ourselves to hell. ately, we can enjoy the sunlight The danger in adhering to the Hell, many have begun to doubt in Libya does not mean it doesn’t perhaps you are shocked that it As C.S. Lewis has put it, sin is and all it brings. But if we go out false thinking of Heaven as some - the existence of such a place. To exist. Just because we’ve never really did matter what you be - man’s saying to God throughout into the sun without sunscreen thing in the future is that we can many people Hell is simply a fig - been to Hell or the world makes lieved and how you lived, and his life, “Go away and leave me and get bad sunburn, we didn’t fall into the trap of thinking we ment of their imaginations and light of it, or says it’s a fairy tale, then hear God saying “depart alone.” Hell is God’s finally saying get it because the sun’s light is have tomorrow to be doing what is not a real place. A recent poll doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Hell from me.” to man, “You may have your evil or its nature changed; we got we should today – namely lead - found that while 89% of Ameri - is very real! I do not think any words that wish.” In this life, my beloved lis - sunburn because we were foolish. ing a prayerful and sacramental cans believe in heaven, only 73% If there is no Hell, then the I say could adequately describe teners, we must choose. We must A life not centered on God, a life on a daily basis for our Christ- believe in hell. However, even Bible becomes a book of blun - the torment that exists in Hell. I make the choice between God self-centered life, is indeed fool - like growth as human beings. this figure is misleading, since ders. Perhaps Hell is not some - do believe this, that as equally and our sins. God’s Word warns ish. The Greek word Hades, often Since God exists in the ever pre - people differ in how they define thing you doubt, but all of us at good as Heaven will be, Hell is us about Hell, we even have used in the New Testament to de - sent now, the most important “hell.” When defined as an actual times wonder why God allows equally as awful. Also notice that warnings from the mouth of Je - scribe a form of hell, means part of our lives is every present location – a place of torment people to spend eternity in such Hell is permanent – there are no sus about Hell. We must decide emptiness. When we are self-cen - moment. Christ emphasizes this where people will be sent – only an awful place. First, we learn a second chances. The conclusion what we love more. We must de - tered, self-absorbed to the point repeatedly. He states in Matthew 3 in 10 adults (31%) believe in lot in the Scriptures about Hell. of this question is that God is cide if we love Jesus more than where we are consumed with 24:44, “Therefore you also be hell. Most Americans believe that Why, because Jesus and the other faithful to His promises, all of His our sin. ourselves, there is no room for ready, for the Son of Man is com - Satan is merely a symbol for evil. New Testament writers had a lot promises, if He says that those If we live our lives faithfully, God and we are indeed empty ing at an hour you do not ex - Only 27% believe that Satan is to say about Hell. Many people who are not in Christ will be then we have the promise of eter - and beyond all help because we pect.” He said this near the end real. I know that for a lot of so- today in their lives do not want judged to eternity apart from nity with God in Heaven. can no longer even see or ac - of a long set of teaching and called intelligent people, Hell is anything to do with God. They God, then we an be sure that He knowledge the truth – all by our prophecies about the end times more of a joke than a reality. assume they will be in Heaven will. Many people every day gam - Rev. Alexander Papagikos is own choice. This is hell and we and His message is simply to turn Before I expand on my mes - because they are good people. ble with their souls because they Pastor of the Church of Sts. Con - begin to experience it in this life - your heart towards God now, not sage, be sure of this: Hell is real. People develop their religions do not think that God will really stantine and Helen in time to the measure we reject tomorrow. He also taught us the And while we may ask and around their lack of faith. People send people to Hell. That is a Fayetteville, NC

The New Church, based on Heaven and Hell: Do They Exist and if so, What Are They? the teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg, teaches that God punishes no one. Yes, By Rob Andrews love. He loves each human com - happiest when they are doing of sensual pleasures for eternity there is a heaven and hell, pletely, and wants to share that something useful and being of would end up being an existence but the inhabitants of each The question of "does heaven love with us, and share it for eter - service to other people. It is our of boredom. Instead, living in place have chosen to be exist" reminds me of the nity. Toward that end, one might choice as to which kind of person heaven is an existence where there. Each door is “locked metaphorical story about two think that He would have made we will be. And this choice ex - souls want to be close to the from the inside.” twins in the womb arguing the everyone perfect and forced tends to the afterlife. We actually Lord, to serve one another, to be existence of "life after birth." I do everyone to go to heaven to be "choose" how to spend eternity. useful. Yes, pleasures like those who loves Me." (John 14:21). not know the origin of this para - with Him. But that would not A traditional view is that just mentioned exist in heaven, The gist of the commandments ble, but one can read it by truly be love, but would instead heaven is a reward for being but that is only part of the exis - is to turn from doing evil, and to Googling "life after birth." One be like loving a log. Love does good, and that hell is a punish - tence. When people love the Lord recognize God. When we recog - twin says there is no such thing not include coercion. Perhaps the ment for being evil. But this goes and other people, they won't be nize that what God wants is for as life after birth, since there is Lord's greatest gift to us is the against my view of God. He does truly happy unless they can be us to obey His commandments, no evidence; there is nothing out - gift of free choice. He wants to not punish. He would not turn useful to others. So an existence to cease doing evil, and to love side the womb and their exis - be close to us, but gives us our away from all those whom He in heaven involves serving others, others, we will try to do that, tence ceases after birth. The other own choice of whether or not we loves. A God who is pure love and enjoying others, as well as purely because that is what He twin says she feels certain there want that. Our life here is really would not cast a person into other pleasures. wants! When we refrain from is life after birth, and their cur - a preparation for our eternal life, damnation for eternity. Instead On the other hand, those who evil, we learn to do good, and rent existence is just preparation our life after death. It is here on heaven and hell exist in the af - love themselves above all else that makes us happy. And for that. Naturally, there is no earth that we develop who we terlife as places where a soul can wouldn't be happy in a place like happy in heaven. Such a person through this, the Lord changes "proof" of life after death, but I are, and choose what we really do the things they want to do. that. They prefer to see and put would never be happy spending our heart. When that happens, firmly believe in its existence. It want; we chose what it is that is God does not turn away from hu - themselves above others. They time with a bunch of "goody-two- we choose to continue on this is a cornerstone of religion. Those important to us. manity, but He does allow hu - do this through manipulating shoes." path, and we have the opportu - who believe in God believe in a New Church theology says manity to choose to turn away others, lying, hurting, cheating, The Bible tells us "Love is of nity to do that for eternity in life after death, believe in heaven that our love is our life. If we love from Him. etc. They must always look out God; and everyone who loves is heaven. and hell, because the Word of ourselves and things of the world Heaven is a happy existence, for others trying to do the same born of God and knows God. He God tells us so. above all else, that determines but it is not a place of endless to them, always looking over who does not love does not know Rob Andrews is the webmaster My religion, or faith, is a how we act: we act solely for our - feasting; or relaxing on a cloud; their shoulder, and in turn hurt - God, for God is love." (1 John of this website (www.new - Christian religion called "The selves and in our own best inter - or listening to fine music or con - ing others and being hurt by oth - 4:7-8). church.org) and helps answer New Church" or "Swedenbor - est. If we love God and other peo - versation; or even perpetual wor - ers in dreadful fashion. And that What does it mean to love inquires of newcomers to the gian." New Church theology sees ple, we will act very differently. ship. It is more than that. If we is what hell is like. God provides God? "He who has My command - New Church. God as a divine being that is pure For these latter people, they are think about it, an existence solely hell for those who would not be ments and keeps them, it is he THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20-26, 2015 COMMUNITY 11

ALL HISTORY Greeks and their Parties, Let’s Keep Them Coming

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a regular experience. To begin with I never seem to have time to do anything. I'm always driving around on one errand or another. Everyday there is something in the house (or around the house) I have to fix, adjust or maintain. If its not that its something that came in the mail, email or by telephone that I have to immediately ad - dress. Compounding all that I have to handle various family duties which must be done. My other job involves research and writing which always offer me a sense of purpose unlike any - thing else in my life. So, as the Greek saying this discussion of parties, if it makes any sense so far at all, may sound to you as if “I am crying with a loaf of bread under each arm.” But its much more than that. The world famous 1896, painting by John William Waterhouse, shows Hylas, a companion of Why did I work my whole life, Hercules who was abducted by the “naiads,” e.g. fresh water nymphs. just to answer the mail or fix the gutters. Honestly, how much of and circumstances in which she ing room of a cousin's home. The parties I am recalling one's mail (or now email) is any came to learn about laments. Somehow the conversation here are not all full-blown holi - more than just a waste of time Aside from fieldwork among a turned to the family house in day extravaganzas. Some are no and energy? Okay, a percentage set number of people and a fixed the rural village of Planetrou. more than halva, bread, black is mandatory and sometimes geographic location for a specific Spiro (who came to call himself, coffee and conversation mixed even enjoyable but in the end length of time she was offering Sam and ended up owning a with laughter in the late after - mindless bureaucracy and ever an additional list of places, cir - string of garages in the southern noon. Now in the summer At one point during the concert, the conductor, Constantinos changing consumer culture are cumstances and individuals that California desert) recalled that months we sit in the backyard Yiannoudes, sang while Betty Harlafti recited as the chorus in the end just draining. taken collectively served to in - there was no lock on the front and talk about the garden and and instrumentalists performed in the background. Family parties or gatherings form the basis of her under - door of the village house. To amongst ourselves. I am sorry of relatives and friends—as I standing of such events. It was keep the children from wander - to report that the impromptu have encountered them among her employment of a wide col - ing about late at night my great- singing and even group singing, the Greeks—are on their own lection of personal experiences grandmother Angelike would I remember as a child, is mostly Harlafti and Kyrenia Opera plane of experience. It is not understood collectively that en - often tell them stories late into gone, now. something that Greeks readily riched her social analysis. the night. One story she often A little over a year ago I was talk about but once you experi - Sometimes I am reminded of told was of the young women at my brother's godmother's fu - Concert Honors Theodorakis ence it when you see it or hear such parties by much simpler down by the village river. These neral. I was talking with the el - about it outside your own family events. I recall once seeing a women, who only came out at dest of the daughters who as a and close friends its general Greek movie (and this is all I night, would sit on the rocks lawyer had moved away years By Constantine S. Sirigos fully performed by the versatile form immediately strikes you as can really recall) where one of next to the river and comb their ago. As we spoke together over TNH Staff Writer Harlafti and deftly conducted by totally familiar. Essentially in its the Greek women was peeling long hair by the moonlight. Ac - the next few days she was sur - Yiannoudes. setting and execution it is struc - an orange with a knife and try - cording to my great-grand - prised to learn how many of the NEW YORK – The Orpheus The dramatic and lyrical ele - turally the same party over and ing not to break the peal. Not mother if any children hap - older and not so old people we Foundation for Greek Music and ments of Harlafti’s voice – fea - over. The social setting(s) much I admit but it triggered pened to go down to the river had grown up with had died. As the Arts and the Kyrenia Opera turing soaring high notes and (home, backyard, some com - any number of fond memories. to see these women they were we recalled our memories of the presented a concert on May 16 stirring chest tones – were mon place where you and yours While I think this general de - often caught spying and taken past I said to her that “our vil - celebrating the 90th birthday of brought out by the eclectic pro - always gather) are always the scription of Greek parties is ac - away. Oh, how my uncle Spiro lage” was disappearing. Now I'm renowned Greek composer gram, including the moving same, the relatives and friends curate—it doesn't sound like laughed at that memory. He not so sure. Mikis Theodorakis. Asma Asmaton – Song of Songs (with death, marriages, births very much fun. But as the event found it especially funny be - I thought of all this because There are numerous ways to from the Ballad of Mauthausen. and occasionally emigration progresses so do the conversa - cause it scared him so as a child. just this past week I went to a measure success. The concert The menu for the musical slowly altering this collective) tions, laughter, eating, dancing But I took his simple recol - party of relatives and old that was co-organized by Or - feast included the men and are the same with the modern and all the rest. lection in a completely different friends. There were children pheus’ founder, Cypriot-Ameri - women of the chorus singing life addition of moving for work Parties are also the occasion way. I was stunned. Unknown running around. Mothers hold - can poet and lyricist Poly Kyria - antiphonally, and delightful sometimes altering this group for private conversations. Some to my uncle Spiro his mother ing babies. Young adults and old cou, and Kyrenia Opera founder duets by Harlafti and Yian - while the reason for the event of these exchanges are long in - was telling him a tale of the people with canes. Roasted Constantinos Yiannoudes, filled noudes, (life cycle observances and an - volved tales others no more Nereid or nymphs. The world lamb, oven baked potatoes, the orchestra and balcony of One of its most touching mo - nual holiday events) are the than a passing but quite telling famous 1896, painting by John tossed Greek salad, feta, olives Manhattan’s Merkin Concert ments was dedicated to Cyprus, core of all such gatherings-- comment. Naturally such gath - William Waterhouse (which I and cheese covered the three ta - Hall. the homeland of Yiannoudes again the new additions of grad - erings are where you learn saw in poster form on many a bles set end-to-end around The singing and clapping of and Kyriakou. Before the perfor - uations and other such social about family history. And often dorm room wall in my college which the family and friends the audience, graciously invited mance of “Chrysoprasino Fillo – advances add to this schedule in ways one would not expect. I years), shows Hylas, a compan - gathered. A table in the kitchen to join in the performance by Leaf of Gold and Green,” Har - of mandatory gatherings. only met my maternal grand - ion of Hercules who was ab - was covered with sweets that featured singer Betty Harlafti lafti introduced it by intoning: Recognizing such gatherings mother's youngest brother Spiro ducted by the “naiads,” e.g. various people had brought. and Yiannoudes, an operatic “For Cyprus, I have nothing among the Greeks is easy and in once. Sometime just before fresh water nymphs—in just the Greek was spoken. Translations baritone, who was also the con - more to say than this, that we a very fundamental way stabi - 1922 the year my grandmother manner described by my great- offered as needed. People cert’s director and conductor, re - seek justice,” prompting a burst lizing because of its familiarity. first arrived in the United States grandmother. Greek folklorists, laughed and some cried. When flected the spirit they generated of applause. Oddly enough I once read an in - Spiro repaired a broken motor - call recollections such as my un - the party ended kisses and hugs along with the Kyrenia Opera Another of the evening’s troduction to an ethnography cycle and took off for California. cle Spiro heard (and as I did in were exchanged along with Orchestra and Chorus. highlights was the presentation about miralogia (laments sung Spiro was just 15 years old and a Skokie, Illinois living room) promises that we should all The true mark of the of “They Were Lost Too Soon,” at funerals) that gave me this as the story goes tired of having “monuments of the word,” by meet more often. It was the evening’s success and beauty from “The Song of the Dead same sense of familiarity. In her to turn over his pay check to his which they mean the manner in same party, I hope I am always was the number of times the au - Brother,” about the Greek Civil introduction the anthropologist oldest brother. When I met my which our Classical past has able to attend. dience called back Harlafti – a War, accented by poignant ref - offered an amazing description uncle Spiro he was in his mid- come down to us in modern record among the many fine erences to “the lost dreams of a of vastly different social settings 80s and having coffee in the liv - times. [email protected] concerts the community has whole generation,” a martial been graced with in recent beat, and the spirited strains of years. There were five encores the chorus. – and still no one wanted to Yiannoudes marveled that GREEK AMERICAN STORIES leave. last year, at the age of 89, The musicians entered the Theodorakis added a new act to stage unobtrusively, but when the play. Everyone Has a Story, Angelou’s Had Greek Side quiet descended on the scene, “Ti Romiosini Mi Ti Kles – the black-clad chorus walked in, Don’t Cry for Hellenism” closed humming a tune. the official program in dramatic By Phylis (Kiki) Sembos by reverse thinking and the self Harlafti then appeared re - fashion but the songs of the five Special to The National Herald love that every cell in our body splendent in a red gown; for the encores left marks of joy in senses. The world’s most famous second half she shone in white. hearts and minds of all. Everyone has a story. Some doctor, Hippocrates, an un - After thanking the audience for Harlafti has performed with of it is written by us; and some matched genius in both medi - attending, she evoked feelings Greece’s top musicians and since are contributions from others, cine and psychology, studied his of solidarity with the people of 2012 has sung with the Mikis good and bad. It’s the basic pat - patient well before prescribing. Greece, illuminating the selec - Theodorakis Popular and Lyric tern of existence with many After close observation, he knew tion of the songs which fol - Orchestra. She is currently variations. how the afflicted would re - lowed, saying “Mikis Theodor - recording an album of Theodor - No doubt, you’ve heard sto - spond. Largely, it depended on akis unites people. He always akis songs under his guidance. ries from grandparents – the the mental attitude. He said, did, he always will.” The musicians included hardships, hunger, failures and “Natural forces within us are the The program interspersed Mavrothi Kontanis, Benny dire disappointments. There had true healers of disease.” One can Theodorakis’ trademark songs Koonyevsky, Takis Manuel, to have been successes, too, mo - only wonder what further won - of struggle and suffering with Maxim Pakhomov, and Kostas ments of bliss and good times drous advances in medicinal his more lighthearted fare, skill - Tsoukalas. but, often, we’re not told them and psychological understand - for fear of losing the awe the ings could have been discovered story teller wishes convey. by the ancient Greeks had Recently, I’d read about the Greece not been plagued by 400 death of the wonderful author years of Turkish domination, re - and poet, Maya Angelou. Long ligious zealots, wars and natural ago, I’d told a friend that the disasters. name sounds Greek. They Today, unfortunately, many doubted it. But, her biography go into the health field because stated that she had been mar - money can be made. Hip - ried to a Greek seaman, An - pocrates said, “Wherever the art gelopoulos, who had simplified of medicine is loved, there is his name to Angelou. I surmised also a love of humanity.” He, the marriage was one of conve - also, said, “Let food be thy med - nience – his! Then, I read about icine and medicine be thy food.” the tragic moments in her life – Most particular, I like what he too many and too awful to re - prescribed to future doctors. count here. She could have “Make a habit of two things; to drowned her sorrows in alcohol, help, or at the least, do no turned criminal or become very constant anger. His body had re - strong had been arrested at harm.” So much of what is pre - ill, physically and mentally. In - turned from Iraq but his mind twelve years old for firing a fire scribed today can be very harm - stead, she rose above them all. and emotions were still there. cracker. He was sent to a juve - ful. Often, pills and injections She began to write. And, her He started writing articles in or - nile home for wayward boys. have a list of side effects longer pen flowed with genius. der to unload the turmoil within There, a priest handed him a than the cures. That’s when Hip - She had the resolve and him – in some, explaining how trumpet to keep him busy. He pocrates’ major words come to strength to heal her soul and, he felt. took it, tried it and the rest is mind. “We know HALF truths thereby, release the torments life One magazine bought his ar - history. Few of us go through are more dangerous than lies; had whammed her with. Inter - ticle. That nonfiction piece was life unscathed. But, how we deal we also know many of the med - estingly, her tormentors had the beginning. Then, after many with it is what determines our ical concepts are half truths.” gone to their reward while she hits and misses, he wrote a book worth, the caliber person we re - That wonderful Greek, also lived to a ripe old age and en - and is hoping to have it pub - ally are. So many of us torment said, and, here, I think of our joyed well deserved celebrity lished. That future is still uncer - ourselves by believing that the kids – their lunches, the video status. Another story involves tain. But, writing had helped to world, “did us wrong.” And, games, cell phones, T.V, no hob - Xenophon, or Ken, a marine release so much of the turmoil probably, in many cases, it may bies. “If we could give every in - from Massachusetts who came plaguing him. It was wonderful be true. dividual the right amount of back from Iraq with serious to take adversity and turn it into But, when we allow it to nourishment and exercise, not post-traumatic stress syndrome. something creative and reward - overcome us we’re doing our - too little and not too much, we He couldn’t sleep, refused to ing. Suddenly, his experiences selves more harm and handing would have found the safest bathe or shave; he didn’t leave began to make sense when he our tormentors satisfaction. A way to health.” Lastly, he said, Constantinos Yiannoudes, the concert’s director and conductor, the house for long periods of could have sunk deeper into de - doctor can prescribe medicine “Walking is the best exercise!” is an operatic baritone and pianist. Caught up in the enthusiasm time. He was alone. His wife, a spair and keep him prisoner in but only we can, to greater ex - Three cheers for our doctor! of the encores, he joined Betty Harlafti for a duet. nurse, had left him due to his that dark infernal. Louis Arm - tent, bring about true healing BRAVO, YIATRE! 12 GREECE THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20-26, 2015 Maria Prastakou turns 180DEGREES to North America, Shows Her Stuff

Continued from page 1 reaucracy, Greece has a lot more steps ahead of her to make it signed three bags that turns into easy to have a company.” dresses. “In the states it is so differ - They have four collections so ent. It was so much easier to far and each has different con - bring the products. I didn’t have vertible and transformable to bring all my receipts to the clothes. IRS. In Greece before you start She has a strong desire to ex - selling you still have to go to plore and create new things. five different places for ap - She took her first steps in the proval,” she groaned. fashion world by making her “But it’s not just government own dresses for her dolls as a that is different, it’s also the peo - child and transforming her jeans ple,” she admitted. “What really into skirts as a teenager, but that impressed me when I came to is where her path veers away the States was that people from her colleagues’. wanted to connect me with oth - Breakthroughs often are ers. It was a strong community made by people who combine feeling ‘I love what you do. Let areas interest that few share. me connect you with this other Prastakou enjoys mathematics, person’ – and they followed up especially geometry, and “In and actually did it.” school I was strong in arts and “That is something that in engineering. It relates to what I Greece we don’t have. It’s amaz - do now because the clothes I de - Maria Prastakou, who earned her degree in Fashion Design ing that Greeks in the States sign are not strictly fashion.” Technology at the London College of Fashion, worked for Vogue have that, but people in Greece One wonders what kinds of magazine and Athens Fashion Week while still in school. RIGHT: don’t have that…they don’t try clothes Da Vinci might have cre - 180DEGREES clothes are intriguing, versatile and comfortable. to make things easier for others ated. After her North American breakthrough, keep an eye out for unless they can gain from it, The engineers in her family items like this from the Spring/Summer 2015 collection. whether it is government or are not in the structural or me - people doing business…even if chanical areas, but as computer Prastakou, is Dean of the Wesley company in ten years, I have ex - they are not competitors.” scientists and electrical engi - J. Howe School of Technology perienced in one,” that’s giving counting support, and “It is very difficult for me to neers, math excellence is re - Management at Stevens Insti - me a lot of strength.” mentoring. There are no able. “My mentor was say this about my people,” she quire, and that includes geome - tute of Technology, and her There are not many startups direct money grants, but an amazing woman said, but she herself is proof that try, so the ability to manipulate mother is in the consumer elec - in fashion, but she connected the services are very valu - who helped me visual - things can change. objects in space in her imagina - tronics industry in Greece. with pioneers in other areas able. ize what I wanted to Prastakou has already told tion vital to her work has ge - Prastakou and her family when her company won a com - “I was in a space working do. She helped with the people running the incuba - netic roots. Her visual and aes - know the Greek business envi - petition for young entrepre - with 20 other amazing people strategy and planning tor that she wants to share her thetic genes must lurk in her ronment well, and she was neurs called EGG – Enter, go, working on projects. We were and business devel - experience with everyone else, siblings DNA too – she has two blunt about its realities. grow, sponsored by Eurobank all fighting for what we opment,” Prastakou so her altruistic side is strong, younger talented siblings, two It is still a difficult place for and Corallia. wanted to do, but we said. but her competitive streak was sisters and a brother, but they entrepreneurs – reforms, what The program gives them a also supported each So there are sharpened in America. are not in the arts – Prastakou reforms – but crises make some chance to be part of an incuba - other.” people building a She is very fired up and will is the family’s artistic miracle. people better. “Any problems tor program that offers free The mentoring new Greece, but be back soon with more items Her, proud father Gregory one would encounter with a work space, tech, legal and ac - was especially valu - “in terms of bu - and her new collection. THE HERALD SQUARE TNH's Crossword Challenge

The production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing at the SoHo Playhouse had two Greek principals, producer Demetri Kofinas, and actress Clio Contogenis (2nd from L). There’s Much Ado About Something Here

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for theater has deep roots. When his parents took him and his younger sister all over Greece, the visits to the great ancient theaters made powerful impressions. His dramatic sense was fired ACROSS 29 Asks for legally up by reading Homer and his fa - 1 Impose 30 Pimple vorite plays are the Orestes plays 6 Blackguard 31 Knot of Aeschylus, but his social con - 9 Grk. soccer team 32 Long time sciousness took him to Washing - 13 Greek godess of wisdom 33 Long-term memory ton DC – his sister Kalli is a lawyer 15 Rainy mo. 34 Foreign Agricultural Service with a social work degree, but a 16 __ matter 35 Inquire not unrelated sprit of humanitar - 17 Largest Dodecanese island 36 Infirm ianism was in the air besides the 18 Utilize 37 Downwind passion for healing of his father, 19 France & Germany river 39 A Cartwright Dr. Alexander Kofinas, and his un - 20 Heredity component 42 Adze cle, Dr. George Kofinas. 21 City in Kansas 43 Became electrically charged He created and was executive 24 Seventeenth Greek letter 44 Point producer for a TV news show 25 Unrefined metal 46 Flurry called Capital Account that fo - 26 Rangers' Fotiu 47 Speaks with a hoarse voice cused on international politics 27 Third Greek letter 48 Mud brick and finance and was globally 29 Oxcart 49 Repudiate broadcast from Washington, DC 30 Sixth Greek Letter 50 Sharp cable, satellite and online. “I was 31 Kojak actor 51 Assumed name also the chief writer – it was my 34 Back of car swerving 52 Stick together baby,” Kofinas said. Demetri Kofinas, whose TV show Capital Account had an audi - 38 Ninth Greek letter 53 Type of alcohol Of his turn to theater, he said ence of hundreds of thousands, started in TV with freelance 39 "blind as a __" 54 Dull “This is the first time I have done reporting in Athens during the 2011 riots there. 40 Island 56 Rocket builders anything fiction related,” but not 41 Resentments 57 Animal insect by design. life’s path, and the human condi - to God,” but after his recent ex - 44 Foot joint 59 Seventh Greek Letter When he returned to New tion. perience, with also his caused his 45 Something in orbit 62 To be in debt York he knew he wanted to move He grew up all over America old passion for Plato to be 46 Greek soccer team beyond the non-fiction focus he “I was born in Cincinnati but my eclipsed by the thought of Niet - 48 Malicious burning had in Washington and into to first memories are from living in zsche, caused him to question 50 Cheese WORD BANK: Abut, ado, adobe, aim, alarm, the arts, but the theater tug came Astoria when I was four years old much of his prior thought, but he 51 Copy alias, alma, ankle, ape, apr, apse, aris, arson, ask, from Confer. She told him “I my father did a residency in was still in Hellas’ gravitational 54 HST's successor astir, athena, bat, ben, beta, cad, cart, caulk, cede, would like you to come on as pro - Brooklynn.” After a fellowship in field. 55 Ancient City on Rhodes claims, dad, dde, drab, dredges, easel, edam, ducer of this play. I could really North Carolina, his father opened “The power of Greek mythol - 57 Bland edged, ene, enmities, eon, ese, eta, ethyl, fargo, use your help with your produc - a practice in Pennsylvania before ogy,” partly seen through the 58 Kimono fas, fishtail, flat, flea, force, gamma, gene, ill, ion - tion background.” She was a the - moving back to New York when ideas of Carl Jung “helped me…I 60 Zig's partner ized, iota, isle, karo, lee, lindos, ltm, matins, ater and political science double he was in middle school. saw that we are all heroes. That 61 Shine moon, nasa, nay, nick, oath, oct, omaha, ore, major, but the play was her first After graduating from NYU he we all have a hero story…it gave 63 Adjoin other, owe, paok, pas, paste, polish, rasps, rebut, production as a director. worked for the university in Italy me a strong sense of destiny.” 64 Compass point rho, rhodes, rhone, robe, saar, sweaty, telly, tie, He figures the artistic DNA after studying the language on And Shakespeare was a mag - 65 Wet toledo, tool, use, zag, zeta, zit. came from their mother Eleni, his own. He loved Italy, perhaps net. Much Ado About Nothing is 66 Second Greek letter who is from Euboea -“my sister is his stomach likes the food, but a comedy and Shakespeare is best 67 Male parent Solution to last week’s puzzle also an amazing photographer,” his soul is Greek. known for his tragedies,” but he Solution: 68 Painting prop but imagination has its place in “I am awestruck by what that does not find them to be downers. F A R G O H O Y J A B S DOWN medicine, so his father, who is society and culture generated,” He now knows, “It’s OK , there is 1 Wells __ O T H E R E V E A F I R E from Elasona in Central Greece, he said of Hellas, and believes suffering” in life but it can be tran - 2 The one left R H O N E L E O A K R O N could have made a contribution. that one of the things we can scended. 3 European river C E D E P E N M E N S S T Genes and inculcation by par - learn from classical Greece is to Kofinas is now a strong advo - 4 Yield E N E N U N A D D S ents are among the forces that balance technology and culture. cate of art and literature as forces 5 Vane direction shape people, but later experi - “I have also worked a lot in that can guide people through 6 Seal off A S T I R N E W P O R T ences can cause people to veer technology and I am fascinated life’s challenges. A society that ne - 7 Recess I C E E R N O L E O off their paths – or provide new by that world,” and the tremen - glects the arts neglects itself. 8 Digs S P A N K S T Y M U D D Y ground in which old seeds can dous technological advances in And they must be shared with 9 Old-fashioned Dads A R I S S P A S I S germinate. our times, “but in the realm of everyone. All of Much Ado's pro - 10 Morning bell In Kofinas’s case, he faced a culture, we have not made the ceeds will go to Art for Progress, 11 City M O D E S T Y P L E B E medical challenge he said funda - same advances.” a nonprofit providing arts pro - 12 Corn syrup brand L I A R C A T I N C mentally altered him. “I’ve over - Philosophy is one of his fa - gramming to underprivileged 14 Active E L F G R I L L S H A T E come and come through it,” he vorite Greek things, and spiritu - neighborhoods in New York. 22 Fall mo. R E A L M D I E R E S I N told TNH, and it reinforced his ality is important, but over time “It’s an amazing non-for-profit 23 Vow feelings that it was time for some - he has learned that organized re - that helps urban youth who are M A L T F F E E C T 26 No A O R thing new after his TV show. ligion and theology is not its only aspiring artists in New York ob - 28 Morning prayer A D A M N E T F A D E S It seems he was born for ex - source. tain the tools they need,” Kofinas ploration, both in terms of his “I was trying to think my way said.

THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20-26, 2015 GREECE CYPRUS 13 Cyprus, Israel Talk Energy Strategy, Reunification Dilemma Answers

Cyprus and Israel have begun versifying. of such a role, even legally, in - Eide earlier had praised the a strategic dialogue on energy The owner of the Delek stitutionally, as a provision,” and two Cypriot leaders for taking a in hopes of a joint exploitation Group, Yitzhak Tshuva, report - that Cyprus should have the more moderate and reasoned of cross-border gas reserves and edly met with Anastasiades to same rights and level of sover - approach to the talks, raising selling gas-powered electricity discuss, among other things, the eignty as other European Union some optimism of a long-elusive from Israel to Europe via Cyprus possibility of the company in - member states. solution that has evaded a raft and Greece. creasing its share ownership of Turkey, which has unlawfully of diplomats for decades. The Cyprus Mail reported the the Aphrodite energy field pro - occupied the northern part of “We either use this moment talks and said the countries are ject. the island since a 1974 invasion, well or there will be a big disap - also examining further long- SOME DELICATE BALANCES had been pressing Greece to step pointment again,” Eide said fol - term energy collaboration in the In foreign policy matters, up its role as a guarantor in re - lowing a meeting with European form of potentially merging Anastasiades talked on the sumed talks aimed at reunifying Parliament President Martin pipelines from Israeli and phone with Greek Prime Minis - Cyprus. Schulz. Cypriot offshore gas fields to ter Alexis Tsipras and Egyptian Kotzias had more meetings Anastasiades and Akinci said Egypt. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi be - set with the United Nations' spe - a missed opportunity now could During a bilateral meeting in fore heading for Israel where he cial envoy to Cyprus, Norway's be the death knell for reunifica - Jerusalem, President Nicos passed on to Netanyahu a mes - Espen Barth Eide as the Cyprus tion talks as time passes and suc - Anastasiades and Israeli Prime sage from the Egyptian lead negotiations are set to pick up cessive generations lose institu - Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushing a re-start in peace talks again behind the efforts of Anas - tional memory about what told their energy ministers to in - with the Palestinians. tasiades and Akinci. happened before. tensify and conclude negotia - Anastasiades, acting as a bro - tions on a deal regulating the Abir sultAn/Pool Photo viA AP ker, is expected to pass on the use of cross-border gas, the pa - Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, left, shakes hands with Is - response to el-Sisi, although it per said, and to begin immediate raeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during their meeting, wasn’t said what that was as the plans on linking the power grids at the Prime Minister's office, in Jerusalem, Monday, June 15. talks between Israel and the Greece Offers Tax Cheats of Israel, Cyprus and Greece. Palestinians are as tenuous as During discussions, Ne - Anastasiades also expressed Anastasiades also expressed those between Cyprus, Turkish- tanyahu was keen to take prac - interest in attracting to Cyprus interest in attracting to Cyprus Cypriots, and Turkey over how Amnesty for One-Time tical steps on energy collabora - some of the many American some of the many American to have a unity plan for the is - tion, saying “let’s create facts," tourists who visit Israel daily. tourists who visit Israel daily. land that’s been divided since an the report said. Netanyahu further raised the It was reported that an EU- unlawful 1974 invasion by ATHENS - Greece's new coali - CEO of Greek construction giant Immediately after the bilat - prospect of setting up a ferry link funded feasibility study on the Turkey. tion government, which vowed Ellaktor, was detained but then eral meeting, Cypriot and Israeli between Israel and Cyprus, not Interconnector is almost com - Tsipras will visit Israel on Au - to go after tax cheats who owe released after paying the 1.8 Energy Ministers, Giorgos just for tourism purposes but plete and that Lakkotrypis and gust 4 while the foreign minis - 70 billion euros, is instead of - million euros that the state Lakkotrypis and Yuval Steinitz also to encourage greater busi - Steinitz briefed each other on ters of the three countries will fering them a tax break. claimed he owed after his name met to discuss the next steps for - ness interaction. If the five-hour gas developments in their coun - meet on the sidelines of the UN The government said people showed up on the list. ward on the long-pending deal. ferry ride is a success, other tries with the Israeli minister General Assembly in September who have undeclared incomes Nikoloudis had criticized the They also looked into devel - countries could also be added to saying he would come to Cyprus to prepare for a new trilateral can escape prosecution - few are country’s tax collection mecha - oping the EuroAsia Interconnec - the network, he said. after the summer. summit in October or the latest charged anyway - if they pay a nism. “The challenge of [com - tor that would link the electricity The newspaper said it was The Mail said Cyprus is November, most likely in Cyprus. one-off tax of 21 percent to bating] tax evasion has been grids of Israel, Cyprus and told by sources that Israel is keen proposing the parallel develop - There was speculation that avoid further penalties, fines or won, pompous as that may Greece, to sell gas-powered elec - to establish political stability and ment of gas infrastructure by the the emergence of energy off criminal action. sound, but what has not yet tricity to Europe via submarine consistency in relations between two countries and that the plan Cyprus could be a catalyst and The deal applies to whether been resolved is the problem in cable. the two countries, regardless of is still in the “theory” stage. But power player in the long-stalled the money is in Greek banks or tax collection, which constitutes The Cypriot side is also said changing governments, creating if there are agreements to sell talks with Turkey, especially with secreted abroad in foreign a public administration issue,” to be proposing the parallel de - fertile ground for promoting Is - Israeli and Cypriot gas to Egypt, the recent election of a moder - banks, a haven for rich Greeks he told Kathimerini. velopment of gas infrastructure raeli investments in Cyprus, in - the two pipelines could merge ate, Mustafa Akinci, as Turkish- who want to avoid paying taxes. He also released data on in - to make it more economically cluding the establishment of so as to share the costs of the Cypriot President. The offer came out of a meet - spections conducted on 28,000 efficient. company bases there. infrastructure needed. Those developments came as ing between Finance Minister taxpayers, saying that “some of On tourism, Netanyahu and On tourism, Netanyahu and Israel was said to be in favor Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Yanis Varoufakis and State Min - them declared annual incomes Anastasiades agreed to work to - Anastasiades agreed to work to - but there is politics involved be - Kotzias said Greece is abandon - ister for Combating Corruption of 20,000-25,000 while having gether to attract more tourists gether to attract more tourists tween Noble Energy and the ing its role as a guarantor of Panayiotis Nikoloudis who con - deposits of 1 million euros.” to the region. The Israeli PM of - to the region. The Israeli PM of - Delek group having a monopoly Cyprus after meeting with his cluded that there should be a He didn’t say why they fered to include Cyprus in a pro - fered to include Cyprus in a pro - on gas in the country, making it counterpart, Ioannis Kasoulides, single rate for the legalization weren’t being prosecuted. A pre - ject to attract tourists from the ject to attract tourists from the unsure whether Israel would al - in Athens. of incomes placed in Greece and decessor, Haris Theoharis, Far East by offering joint pack - Far East by offering joint pack - low the two companies to go Kotzias said the government abroad. stepped down from his position ages. ages. ahead and sell gas without di - does not “want the continuation Originally the ministry had charged with going after tax drafted a bill with a 15 percent cheats because he said the then- tax for deposits abroad and a government of Prime Minister 30 percent tax for those in and New Democracy Conserva - Greece, but Nikoloudis ex - tive leader Antonis Samaras Costly Clash? Tsipras Stays Defiant, Bank Report Warns pressed strong opposition to pressed him not to go after the such a discrepancy as it would privileged with political connec - penalize people who kept their tions while tax evaders owing Continued from page 1 mer of 2014 so obviously we money at home and give a break less were being rounded up. won’t be able to have the money to those who took it out of the Nikouloudis said that 5,500 deal, the country would face to pay that.” country. cases have been identified “deep recession (and) a dra - He lashed out at European The new bill provides for im - where the declared income was matic decline in income levels” and IMF lenders for failing to munity from any legal action far less than bank balances to - that would drive it from the give ground and seeking the over illegal incomes that will be taling some 7 billion euros. euro bloc and even the EU. bulk of concessions from Athens. declared, Kathimerini said. For - The state could get its hands Dombrovskis conceded the “(Negotiations are) a give eign bank account holders who on some 2.5 billion of that, but EU would consider “less favor - and take process, not a conver - legalize their funds will not even Nikoloudis said the problems of able scenarios” when asked gence on the other side’s initial have to repatriate their capital, the tax authorities and the Fi - about a possible Greek exit, or position,” Tsakalotos said. contradicting SYRIZA's tough nancial Crimes Squad (SDOE) “Grexit.” “They’ve moved a bit on fiscal stand when it was in the oppo - have raised obstacles to its col - Economists disagree over targets but in most areas, you sition. lection. “There are difficulties in how bad it would be for the rest would be hard pressed to put an It’s almost unheard of in collection, as the tax authorities of Europe. Many say the region’s A4 paper between what they Greece for major tax cheats to say that they have not per - defenses against market turmoil said in February and what they be prosecuted especially with formed such inspections, while have improved in recent years, now say in June. So that seems courts so backlogged it can take SDOE lacks the staff,” the min - while others note that nobody a bit odd.” up to a decade for cases to be ister stated. really knows what the impact “Pension reform is not a red heard. The government previ - “I do not wish to attribute might be — and that uncer - line for us,” said Tsakalotos. “It ously said it also believes the blame. Everyone has practical tainty can be dangerous. AP Photo/Yorgos kArAhAlis seems to us utterly reasonable bulk of the 70 billion euros or other problems. I now get Lenders want Greece to fur - An army contingent carry a Greek flag in front of the temple of that pension cuts should not be ($79.76 billion) owed is uncol - 600 euros less [per month] than ther cut defense spending and the Parthenon before a hoisting ceremony at the Acropolis hill on the agenda; pension reform lectible because the debtors when I was a prosecutor. But massive pension fund subsidies, in Athens, Greece Thursday, June 18. should be on the agenda.” have gone bankrupt, companies does that mean I should not do and raise more money in sales He said any concessions had closed or are secreting their as - my job? The solution will come taxes. ernor Yiannis Stournaras cus - NO MONEY JUST YET to be “economically viable.” sets away in foreign accounts. from the correct tax law,” he Tsipras’ five-month-old left- tomarily delivers to the house’s Greece’s top negotiator has Athens could accept a deal only The biggest one detected so said. wing government wants new elected head and rejected it, ac - confirmed the country does not if it was sustainable and ad - far is the notorious Lagarde List, Like many others before him terms for its bailout program af - cusing him of “undemocrati - have the cash to make the dressed debt, financing and in - named after then French finance in the same job, he said he ter previous administrations im - cally” trying to subvert the body. €1.6bn payment due IMF at the vestment issues, said Tsakalotos, chief who turned over to Greece would try to convince Swiss of - posed Draconian spending cuts She then said she was “re - end of the month without a new who heads the Greek negotiat - in 2010 a CD with the names of ficials to list their secrecy laws and tax increases for five years. turning this document as unac - deal. ing team. 2,062 people with 1.5 billion eu - so that Greece can get its hands Those austerity measures ceptable,” taking issue with In an interview with Reuters, “If you have that, then the ros ($1.7 billion) in secret ac - on the names of citizens with helped reduce the public deficit Stournaras’ warning that if Euclid Tsakalotos said there was Greek government will sign the counts in the Geneva, Switzer - money in banks in that country. but ravaged the economy and Greeece can’t soon strike a deal no money to pay the IMF and deal,” Tsakalotos said. “If it does - land branch of HSBC. He said the previous agree - made most Greeks poorer. with its bailout creditors it faces said the government was willing n’t have that kind of deal there The list is slowly being vetted ment with Switzerland provided An advisory committee set default and a possible exit from to make concessions but pension is no point in signing onto some - for tax cheats and said to in - for a tax on deposits that never up in Parliament by members of the Eurozone. cuts could not be on the agenda: thing that you know is going to clude so many that the Greek materialized. “It concerned 1.4 the government said it had rec - Main opposition party New “At the moment we haven’t fail.” authorities can’t keep up with billion euros, effectively a de - ommended the non-payment of Democracy described Konstan - got the money,” he said, adding The comments by Tsakalotos the investigation. The scandal posit on the tax the tax evaders any remaining bailout debt, de - topoulou’s comments as “rav - that Athens was already “squeez - - who took over after combative brought down former finance would pay, following checks that scribing it as “illegal, illegiti - ings” that shame Parliament. ing every last bit of drop of liq - Finance Minister Yanis Varo - minister Giorgos Papaconstanti - the Swiss themselves would per - mate, and odious.” Konstantopoulou has caused uidity” to service debt so far. ufakis was sidelined - come amid nou, who got a suspended sen - form. I do not know who was Parliament Speaker Zoi Kon - controversy before. Among “There is no financing, we growing fears that cash-strapped tence after being found guilty responsible for the fact that the stantopoulou received the Bank other things, she has banned po - haven’t got access to the mar - Greece is on track to a default of breach of duty but little agreement did not proceed,” of Greece’s annual monetary lice guards from using Parlia - kets, we haven’t got money that at the end of the month that money has come of it. said Nikoloudis, a common pro - policy report, which bank Gov - ment’s toilets. hasn’t been paid since the sum - paves the way for a euro exit. In April, Leonidas Bobolas, cedure.

This Week in Greek History: Law Firm The Sacred Band is G. Dimitriadis & Associates Defeated by Ottomans

This week on June 19, 1821 Alexander Ypsilantis and the Battle of Dragashani was Athanasios Tsakalov. The young fought in historical Wallachia, men fought with passion to help Romania. The Battle was be - push Greece in the right direc - tween the Ottoman forces of Sul - tion. Ypsilantis and the Etaireia tan Mahmud II and the Greek Fi - had carried out an invasion of liki Etaireia insurgents. The Filiki the Ottoman-dominated Danu - our company aims to provide high quality services, adapted to the Etaireia was a secret 19th-cen - bian Principalities of the Ot - tury organization. There purpose toman Empire. specific needs of our clients. was to overthrow the Ottoman Ypsilantis, was a general in the main areas of our activities include: rule of Greece and establish an the Russian Army and aide-de- independent Greek state. camp to Tsar Alexander I. He • Legal services Many of the group was made had hoped that his actions • Financial managerial services up of the young members of the would cause the Russian Empire Phanariotes. to intervene on his behalf, but • Real Estate The Ottomans were using the Emperor, a leading propo - our wide network of contacts in greece guarantees the immediate Constantinople as its capital. nent of the Concert of Europe, Ambushes Turkish Cavalry in and unified handling of our clients’ matters. They had control of the lands disavowed any relation with Derbenakia. around the Mediterranean him effectively giving the Ot - basin. For six centuries the Ot - tomans the go-ahead to march Austria, to discuss military op - Phone : 01130 210 3390080 • cell .: 01130 6977 469888 toman Empire was at the center into the city and deal with the erations against the Ottomans of all interactions between the insurrection. on the Austrian frontier. Despite Fax : 01130 210 3390044 Eastern and Western worlds. After their defeat Ypsilantis its failure, the revolution in the At the village of Dragashani, beat a hasty retreat to the Aus - Danubian provinces helped in - the Sacred Band, a volunteer trian-ruled area of Transylvania. spire the uprising in the Pelo - e-mail: [email protected] unit mostly made up of young He forged a letter to his troops ponnese in March, from which www.dimitriadislawfirm.gr Greek students from both upper stating that he was summoned the Greek Independence War of - and middle classes, was led by by Francis I, the Emperor of ficially began. 14 EDITORIALS LETTERS THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20-26, 2015

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The National Herald Greek Family Links Kept to say a few things, which I be - become anything he had Kostas and Koula Sfiroudis. A weekly publication of the NATIONAL HERALD, INC. TNH Going For a Century lieve are of interest. wanted, perhaps even Prime And I will conclude by saying (ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ), I read in the article of Mr. Minister of Greece, but the Kyrix that we should give some credit reporting the news and addressing the issues of paramount interest To the Editor: Diamataris that is related to the would have missed out as a re - to Kostas and Koula Sfiroudis to the Greek-American community of the United States of America. In lieu of these days of cele - history of the Kyrix that he came sult of his never coming here and say that the golden age of Publisher-Editor Antonis H. Diamataris bration of the 100th anniversary to America at the invitation had Kostas and Koula Sfiroudis the Kyrix under Diamataris also Assistant to the Publisher, Advertising Veta H. Diamataris Papadopoulos of the Ethnikos Kyrix- National made to him and his family, in - not invited him. I conclude my has as its source Kostas and Herald, and apropos of all we cluding his parents and his sis - reasoning by saying that I doubt Koula Sfiroudis, those two ad - Executive Editor Constantinos E. Scaros have learned about its history ter, by his uncle Kostas Sfiroudis the Kyrix would be here today mirable people. Religion Editor Theodore Kalmoukos and mission, I too would like and his wife Koula, who was the if Mr. Diamataris had not been Dimitrios Georgopoulos Senior Writer Constantine S. Sirigos sister of Mr. Diamataris’s father. that brought to America by Queens, NY On line Managing Editor Andy Dabilis When I read it, I was imme - diately reminded of the restau - Production Manager Chrysoula Karametros TO OUR READERS rant that I owned in the 1960s The National Herald (USPS 016864) is published weekly by the national herald welcomes in Fates Hills. Wollyis Restau - The National Herald Inc. at 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 letters from its readers in - rant, as it was called. Tel: (718)784-5255, Fax: (718)472-0510, tended for publication. they Kostas Sfiroudis was my cook. e-mail: [email protected] should include the writer’s In addition to being a wonderful name, address, and telephone cook, he was also the finest man Democritou 1 and Academias Sts, Athens, 10671, Greece number and be addressed to: I've ever met, even up today. He Tel: 011.30.210.3614.598, Fax: 011.30.210.3643.776, e-mail: the editor, the national her - has never left my memory. His [email protected] kindness, his love for his fellow ald, 37-10 30th street, long man, his stoicism, and his love island city, nY 11101. letters Subscriptions by mail : 1 year $66.00, 6 months $33.00, 3 months $22.00, 1 month $11.00 and sympathy towards me, had can also be faxed to (718) 472- Home delivery NY, NJ, CT: 1 year $88.00, 6 months $48.00, literally made me his slave, that 3 months $33.00, 1 month $14.00 0510 or e-mailed to is to say, the love and apprecia - Home delivery New England States : [email protected] . tion were mutual. 1 year $109.00, 6 months $57.00, 3 months $41.00, 1 month $18.00 we reserve the right to edit On line subscription : Subscribers to the print edition: 1 year $57.60, 6 months $39.50, I write this to pay my respect 3 months $25.00; Non subscribers : 1 year $90.00, 6 months $45.50 , 3 months $22.50 letters for publication and re - to those memories. gret that we are unable to ac - I wish to add that if Kostas Periodical postage paid at L.I.C., N.Y. and additional mailing offices. knowledge or return those left Sfiroudis had not brought Mr. Postmaster send change of address to: unpublished. Diamataris to America, it is george sArAFoglou / sPeciAl to the nAtionAl herAld THE NATIONAL HERALD, 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 likely that latterhe could have

PRESS CLIPPING Does Tsipras Want to Stay in Greece Has Nothing To Lose By Saying No To Creditors the Eurozone or Not? [The following article, by Wolf - position. Comparing those two scenar - happen, but it is not a foregone gang Munchau , appeared in the Unlike the small economies ios reminds me of Sir Winston conclusion. James Galbraith, the son of the late renowned economist Financial Times on June 15.] of northern Europe, Greece is a Churchill’s remark that drunk - The eurozone creditors may John Kenneth Galbraith, has been an advisor of Greek Finance relatively closed economy. enness, unlike ugliness, is a well decide that it is in their Minister Yanis Varoufakis from the days they taught at the Uni - So here we are. Alexis About three quarters of its GDP quality that wears off. The first own interest to talk about debt versity of Texas. Tsipras has been told to take it is domestic. Of the quarter that scenario is simply ugly, and will relief for Greece at that point. He just published an article in the magazine The American or leave it. What should he do? is not, most comes from always remain so. The second Just consider their position. If Prospect whose tone is disconcerting. The Greek prime minister tourism, which would benefit gives you a hangover followed Greece were to default on all of He writes: “… in the end, the Greeks will be forced to take does not face elections until Jan - from devaluation. by certain sobriety. its official-sector debt, France their fate – at enormous risk and cost – into their own hands, uary 2019. Any course of action The total effect of devalua - So if this were the choice, the and Germany alone would stand and to hope for help from wherever it might come”. – Apparently he decides on now would have tion would not be nearly as Greeks would have a rational to lose some €160bn. implying Russia. to bear fruit in three years or strong as it would be for an reason to prefer Grexit. This Angela Merkel and François It appears as if that moment has arrived. Will he really ask less. open economy such as Ireland, will, however, not be the choice Hollande would go down as the for help “from wherever it might come?” First, contrast the two ex - but it would be beneficial to be taken this week. The biggest financial losers in his - However, if such thoughts are really passing through the treme scenarios: accept the nonetheless. choice is between accepting or tory. minds of the rulers of the country, then it is certain that the sit - creditors’ final offer or leave the Of the three effects, the first rejecting the creditors’ offer. The creditors are rejecting uation is more serious than we have imagined. eurozone. By accepting the of - is the most important in the Grexit is a potential, but not cer - any talks about debt relief now, Because – let no one have any doubts – this is a sure recipe fer, he would have to agree to a short term, while the second tain, consequence of the latter. but that may be different once for adventures. fiscal adjustment of 1.7 per cent and third will dominate in the If Mr Tsipras were to reject Greece starts to default. If they Anyway, on the one hand you want to rejoice because the of gross domestic product long run . the offer and miss the latest negotiate, everybody would country seems to have found a voice of its own, on the other within six months. Grexit, of course, has pitfalls, deadline — the June 18 meeting benefit. you wonder if they know what they are doing. My colleague Martin Sandbu mostly in the very short term. A of eurozone finance ministers Greece would stay in the eu - Is everything happening because of a negotiation strategy, calculated how an adjustment sudden introduction of a new — he would end up defaulting rozone, since the fiscal adjust - based on an elaborate plan with alternatives if it does not work, of such scale would affect the currency would be chaotic. The on debt repayments due in July ment to service a lower burden or are they playing with the country’s future for reasons of do - Greek growth rate. I have now government might have to im - and August. of debt would be more tolera - mestic political expediency? extended that calculation to in - pose capital controls and close At that point Greece would ble. The creditors would be able Is Tsipras negotiating the way he is in order to prevail in the corporate the entire four-year the borders. still be in the eurozone and to recoup some of their other - internal battles of his party and to safeguard the prestige of the fiscal adjustment programme, as Those year-one losses would would only be forced to leave if wise certain losses. far-left government? demanded by the creditors. be substantial, but after the the ECB were to reduce the flow The bottom line is that Moreover, even if he wants to, can he impose a solution on Based on the same assumptions chaos subsides the economy of liquidity to Greek banks be - Greece cannot really lose by re - the party? he makes about how fiscal pol - would quickly recover. low a tolerable limit. That may jecting this week’s offer. The Greek Diaspora is monitoring developments with bated icy and GDP interact, a two-way breath, but we do not know what assumptions to make. process, I come to a figure of a We cannot be sure of anything, but if the goal of the govern - cumulative hit on the level of ment is for the country to stay in the Eurozone, then we certainly GDP of 12.6 per cent over four must wonder whether its negotiating approach makes any sense. years. The Greek debt-to-GDP COMMENTARY Instead, many things are explainable by the assumption that ratio would start approaching the government is determined to escape from the tight grip of 200 per cent. the Eurozone. My conclusion is that the ac - The Meaning of Tsipras’ Words in Foreign Is an exit from the Eurozone a reasonable strategy for the ceptance of the troika’s pro - country? gramme would constitute a dual There are several people who agree that there is no other suicide — for the Greek econ - Affairs Counts He Doesn't Know That Yet way out of the crisis as long as the Greek people do not embrace omy, and for the political career the reforms and change the national mindset, which are neces - of the Greek prime minister. By A.H. Diamataris sary for remaining in the Eurozone. Would the opposite extreme, the characterization of his pro - Andreas’ days – by PASOK. And the exit from the Eurozone would be in line with the Grexit, achieve a better out - posals as "absurd,” and he re - That the IMF is to blame for ideological tendencies of the government, since it would be left come? The Greek Prime Minister fused to accept Tsipras’ phone all the suffering in the world free from foreign interference, to follow its own third way. You bet it would, for three Alexis Tsipras has excellent ver - call the next day. and not the irresponsible poli - Will there be some kind of mediation by the United States in reasons. The most important ef - bal ability. It may be his highest Eventually they embraced cies of governments that neces - the few days remaining before the crises explode , or an impor - fect is for Greece to be able to qualification for public office. when they met a few days later, sitated - at the invitation of tant European initiative that will produce a solution, or are we get rid of lunatic fiscal adjust - But his known lack of expe - but the damage was done. those states, I might add – the driving senselessly towards historic, fatal consequences? ments. Greece would still need rience in international affairs is On June 16, Tsipras made an intervention of the IMF to avert, to run a small primary surplus, not helping him to understand even bigger rhetorical lurch. by granting loans, the collapse which may require a one-off ad - that often words expressing the Again in his speech to members of their economies – is absurd. justment, but this is it. political climate and mindset in of his party he accused the IMF Of course, they applied con - Tsipras and Merkel: What Will Greece would default on all Greece reflect negatively ditions to the loans, as do all official creditors — the Interna - abroad. "These declarations lenders. tional Monetary Fund, the Eu - I remember when Tsipras vis - And the irony of course is Be History’s Judgment? ropean Central Bank and the ited the U.S. in January 2013 demonstrate that PASOK – during, mind you, European Stability Mechanism, trying to explain to his inter - 'Provincialism' Latin the premiership of George Pa - and on the bilateral loans from locutors that they should not be American style, causing pandreou, son of Andreas – in - At the end of the day, history’s judgment will fall on the its European creditors. But it scared of the word “Ri - vited the IMF to become part of shoulders of two people: Greek Premier Alexis Tsipras and Ger - would service all private loans zospastiki” –Radical in his party’ temporary applause but ... the troika which would fund man Chancellor Angela Merkel. with the strategic objective to s name. wrongheaded policies" Greece. Do they possess the wisdom, broad perspective and a keen regain market access a few years He said it does not mean the These declarations demon - sense of history that the crisis demands, or are they simply later. same thing at home and abroad, of having "criminal responsibil - strate "provincialism" Latin muddling through the situation in order not to harm their per - The second reason is a re - and as a consequence there was ity" for the damage done to the American style, causing tempo - sonal and partisan ambitions? duction of risk. After Grexit, no - nothing for them and the U.S. Greek economy. rary applause but leading to What will history write about them a few decades from now? body would need to fear a cur - to worry about. Surely there are not many wrongheaded policies, cutting What will the children of the future read about them at school? rency redenomination risk. And Recently, as negotiations are prime ministers in the world us - the country off from financial It appears that June 18 will be the moment of truth. There the chance of an outright de - approaching their end, coinci - ing such words, let alone when sources… and friends. will either be an agreement, that is to say, either Tsipras will fault would be much reduced, dentally (?), during his last two the people being accused with Furthermore, they damage accept a troika ultimatum in order to receive the 7.2 billion as Greece would already have speeches to members of his extreme language – the IMF – the image of the country con - euro he needs to make the payments to the creditors or … defaulted on its official creditors party he used words that elicited will re-appear soon across the siderably. Not a small loss. With Both sides believe the other will blink first. Logically, the and would be very keen to re - applause inside but provoked negotiating table. the global media focused on one who has the most to lose will budge. Logically. gain trust among private in - concern abroad. I have no doubt that this lan - him, the statements of Mr. Ms. Merkel was at first in favor of Greece’s exit from the Eu - vestors. For example, Jean-Claude guage is pleasing to many mem - Tsipras are conveyed at light - rozone. Not now. The third reason is the im - Juncker, president of the EU bers of SYRIZA. This is the old ning speed everywhere. It is said that she has invested too much political capital in pact on the economy’s external Commission, was disturbed by language that was used– during Let's keep that in mind. the Greek case to abandon it now. But she is not willing to pay any price. And now she has to take serious account of the negative at - titude of her powerful Minister of Finance. Wolfgang Schaeuble Observations By Antonis H. Diamataris is said to believe that the Eurozone is better off without Greece. The Eurozone, he says, is not obliged to finance a country that lives at the expense of others, thereby putting the single Greek Lessons from The is, generally, a prosperous continent, at would that be without the Parthenon?” currency at risk. Marshall Plan To Be Heeded peace. However, the dream of a united Eu - Greece, we have to accept it as a fact, On the other hand, Tsipras remains an enigma. rope is in jeopardy. unfortunately, was not properly developed. Is he standing firm because he really believes in the end Ms. During the month of June 68 years ago, The European Union is a historic project It did not build sound institutions. Merkel will back down, ensuring an agreement that will salvage U.S. Secretary of State George C. Marshall that it would be a shame – to say the least It is still experiencing “growing pains.” his “red lines?” stood before the graduates of Harvard Uni - – if it were to be damaged. Henry Kissinger It needs more time, therefore, and effort, An agreement that is, that does not reduce pensions, or in - versity, pulled from his pocket a few sheets did not propose solutions for the current to catch up with its partners. crease taxes, or touch arcane labor relations? And if he indeed of paper and read his plan for the recon - situation in Europe. But he clearly implied This will require courageous and gener - “succeeds,” will that solve the Greek problem? struction of Europe that came to be known that leaders need to make bold decisions ous decisions – “without which there can Many now wonder about his ultimate goal, and whether he by his name. with broad horizons. be no political stability and no assured is part of the solution or the problem. Is it his strategy to show Marshall said the U.S.A. will do “what - Some elements of such a plan could in - peace.” voters that he stood up to the foreigners – unlike previous lead - ever it is able” to help rebuild the continent clude the following: Without these – have no doubt – the cur - ers – and then call for elections using a list of candidates that and restore its “normal economic health,” First, they should take the irrevocable rent political situation in Greece will look like will liberate him from the highly problematic extreme leftist without which there could be “no political decision that the Eurozone will remain a Golden Age compared to what will come. platform of Panagiotis Lafazanis – or does he want to pull the stability and no assured peace” throughout united. And secondly, to “whatever it is So what is to be done? The troika must country out of the Eurozone thinking that things cannot get the world. able” to ensure the success of this objec - make a substantial haircut or extend the re - worse than they are now and that after only a few years the This timely story was repeated by Henry tive. payment period for the loans for decades country will be able to overcome the crisis? Kissinger in an article for Harvard’s news - I recognize that the situation in Greece so the country will be able to see the light His responsibility is huge. paper to remind everyone that earlier gen - is somewhat peculiar. That rather than em - of day. One wonders whether with the percentage of the vote his erations faced worse crises than today’s and bracing the opportunity for modernization, Of course, this cannot be done without party received in January, and given what has occurred since how they acted. it is fighting tooth-and-nail to resist change. conditions: Athens should gradually imple - then, he would be justified in taking on his own such a momen - Regarding the current crisis facing Eu - I recognize that the Tsipras government ment serious reforms. No more monkey tous decision for the country and the nation. rope, the example of the Marshall Plan is is trying everyone’s patience. But, as has business. This suits everyone’s interest. very useful. Europe today is not in ashes. It rightly been said, “What kind of Europe Including Greece’s. THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20-26, 2015 VIEWPOINTS 15 As Pews Empty, Pew Center HuffPost Pollster’s Interesting Numbers on 2016 Races

Findings Call for Reflection NOTE : at press time, two ing staying power sonality to rise (as opposed to one who insists additional candidates, Jeb Bush near the top of the ahead of many of on seeing the long form of Pres - and Donald Trump, officially list, even though as the other names. ident Obama’s birth certificate A study recently facing a major crisis announced they are running for time goes on, that That leaves 11 to prove he wasn’t born in published by the in America and president. is likely to fade. candidates with at Kenya, or distinguishes between Pew Research Cen - more schools are To filter the rest least a plausible “real” rape and other types), is ter contained some closing rather than HuffPost Pollster, which is a of the list, let’s take chance – to varying very important to nonpartisan, disconcerting statis - opening. Educators summary of ten leading national a look at the least degrees. The afore - centrist swing voters. tics regarding Or - continue to have to political polls compiled by the likely candidates to mentioned Bush Here is a ranking of the re - thodox Christians in work two or three Huffington Post, reveals some win the GOP nomi - and Walker may maining candidates, giving 5 America. Amid the jobs to survive be - interesting statistics regarding nation: Carson is not have what it points for Very Much, 3 points general decline of cause of paltry the 2016 presidential race. Let’s not a strong gen - takes, and Rand for Somewhat, and 1 point for Christians in the wages and in - take a look at what they might eral election candi - by CONSTANTINOS E. Paul is far too non- Very Little: U.S. population, the creased uncertainty mean: date. At times he is SCAROS interventionist in HUCKABEE : Likability (5), Orthodox are pur - due to the whimsies The biggest story at the mo - too cerebral, and at the age of ISIS. To Charisma (5), Grownupness portedly posting cer - by Christopher of parish adminis - ment is on the Republican side, other times offends Special to that end, Lindsey (3): 13 points tain extremely neg - TRIPOULAS trators. Retirement so this piece is devoted entirely a large portion of The National Herald Graham is the anti- RUBIO : Likability (5), ative figures, such as Special to plans or benefits are to the GOP. The early June num - the apolitical center Paul, but he’s 15th Charisma (3), Grownupness a staggering attri - The National Herald but a pipe dream, bers reveal Senator Marco Rubio (e.g., like when he said going to in a field of 15. Sure, 17 months (3): 11 points tion rate of nearly while morally, they (FL) ahead of the 15-person prison can make a person gay). until Election Day is an eternity, CHRISTIE : Likability (1), one in two. More specifically, ac - lack the recognition and status pack of both declared and un - Rick Perry and Rick Santorum but even so, that’s quite a daunt - Charisma (5), Grownupness cording to the study entitled they deserve. It appears that the declared candidates, with have absolutely no business be - ing disadvantage to overcome. (3): 11 points “America’s Changing Religious existence of materialism and a 13.2%. At the bottom of the list ing in the race. There are more Carly Fiorina, being a woman, KASICH : Likability (3), Landscape,” only 53 percent of wishy washy approach to ethnic is Senator Lindsey Graham appealing versions in the 2016 is an interesting choice, because Charisma (1), Grownupness people raised as Orthodox Chris - and spiritual identity do not mix (SC), at 1%. Both Rubio and race of what they brought to the she can bash Hillary Clinton all (5): 9 points tians continue to practice their well with mainstream American Graham have formally declared table in 2012. It would be like a day long without being dubbed PATAKI : Likability (3), faith during adulthood, compared society and produce negative re - their candidacies, as have neu - choice between lightbulbs that a sexist by the politically correct Charisma (1), Grownupness to 80 percent of Hindus, 75 per - sults. rosurgeon and conservative dar - have been on for three months, wackos. But she has zero politi - (5): 9 points. cent of Jews, and 64 percent of Again, these findings are not ling Dr. Ben Carson (9.1%), and brand new ones of the exact cal experience and a controver - CRUZ : Likability (1), Mormons. The report also notes precise and therefore, subject to Senator Rand Paul, KY (9%), same kind, for the same price: sial record at Packard. Charisma (5), Grownupness that Orthodox Christians appear scrutiny, but it is worth consider - former Governor Mike Huck - why on earth would anyone buy That leaves the six candi - (1): 7 points to be more affected by mixed ing certain problems that could abee, AR (8.6%), Senator Ted the used ones? dates this column picks as most Then, there are other intan - marriages than other religious be turning off erstwhile or poten - Cruz, TX (7.9%), former Gover - Perry is a Texan – we’ve al - likely to be the Republican Party gibles. Rubio is a youthful groups, with approximately just tial Orthodox Christians. nor Rick Perry, TX (2.5%), for - ready got one in the race, Ted nominee. Here’s why they have Latino, which gives him a big 50 percent marrying other Ortho - To wit, if the infallibility of the mer Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Cruz. He’s also a successful gov - a considerably better chance edge not only among that voting dox faithful, compared to a rate pope created historic disunity Fiorina (1.9%), former Senator ernor – we’ve got those in than the rest: Likability, bloc, but also in terms of making of 91 percent for Hindus, 82 per - within the Church and is re - Rick Santorum, PA (1.5%), and droves this time around. Santo - Charisma, and “Grownupness.” Hillary appear to be the rich, cent for Mormons, 79 percent for soundingly rejected by Ortho - former Governor George Pataki, rum is a populist with strong Americans are not political crea - old, white candidate – a demo - Muslims, and 75 percent for Ro - doxy, what is one to say about NY (1.3%). In second and third family values – only Mike Huck - tures. They vote for candidates graphic usually found among man Catholics. Just about the the myriads of popes who have place overall, however, are un - abee is all that, and with a lot they like. Closely tied to likabil - the Republican hopefuls. only category in which the Or - sprung up in the Orthodox declared candidates Governor more charisma. ity is charisma/personality. Vot - Christie still has the aftereffects thodox place first is per capita in - Church today? It seems that, Scott Walker (WI) at 12.7% and Bobby Jindal is also an unre - ers like candidates who are in - of Bridgegate to deal with, and come, as compared to other more often than not, today’s Or - former Governor Jeb Bush alistic prospect. Granted, he has teresting; who don’t put them chances are that might hurt him, Christian denominations, with 29 thodox priest in America views (10.9%). Also notable is that un - many good things to say, but it to sleep when they talk. Finally, especially as there are other percent posting a six-figure salary himself as the pope of his parish, declared Governor Chris is unlikely that he has the per - being a “grownup Republican” governors running with success (including, of course, many cler - taking license to publicly berate, Christie (NJ) is eighth overall stories to tell. Cruz is too much gymen). embarrass, or even slander mem - (4.6%). Rounding out the list a political “bad boy” – more of Naturally, statistics can be ma - bers of the congregation whom are undeclared Governors John Here are HuffPost’s top 15 Republicans a one-night stand than marriage nipulated and must be taken with he views as a threat to his (usu - Kasich, OH (2.1%), who is 10th (declared candidates in cAPitAl letters) material. And Kasich has the a grain of salt. For instance, ac - ally worldly) administrative au - on the list, and Bobby Jindal, edge over Pataki simply because cording to the study, Orthodox thority. This matter is further LA (1.1%), who finished below MARCO RUBIO 13.2% he is a sitting governor as op - Christians also had the highest complicated by the aloofness of everyone except Graham – who posed to a former one. rate (40 percent) amongst Chris - an Archdiocesan administration only recently declared. Scott Walker 12.7% Therefore, if the party nomi - tian groups of passing on their that bemoans even having to ac - Bush, son and brother of Jeb Bush 10.9% nation were tomorrow, if any - faith to first generation Ameri - knowledge complaints in matters presidents, has the dubious dis - BEN CARSON 9.1% one other than Huckabee or Ru - can-born members (the Muslims of parish administration or en - tinction of being the “perennial” bio got the nod, then that proves RAND PAUL 9.0% have the highest rate overall at forcement of parish regulations. frontrunner – codespeak for the GOP still hasn’t learned how 61 percent), which may account That’s not to say that laypersons “frontrunner by default.” As the MIKE HUCKABEE 8.6% to win elections. And if the for the larger drop in adulthood are not equally culpable, how - HuffPost numbers reflect, he is TED CRUZ 7.9% ticket is Huckabee/Rubio, then – since larger numbers of follow - ever, the matter is doubly worse only third on a list that is quite Chris Christie 4.6% Hillary will have her hands full ers allows for larger attrition when it involves a priest due to tightly packed at the moment. trying to compete with that. rates. Still, the study should serve his leadership status and the in - The problem with Bush is that RICK PERRY 2.5% as food for thought. creased magnitude of havoc his he has the backing of the coun - John Kasich 2.1% Constantinos E. Scaros’ latest For one thing, it might lead to misconduct may wreak. The try club Republicans and the CARLY FIORINA 1.9% book, about the 2016 presiden - questioning the current ecu - Archdiocese apparently has a me - policy wonks – and they’re not RICK SANTORUM 1.5% tial race, will be published this menist practices practiced by diation policy in place, although the ones who decide elections. summer. It is titled Grumpy Old some of the clergy. There’s noth - it would be interesting to see sta - Joe Sixpack finds little appeal - GEORGE PATAKI 1.3% Party: 20 Tips on How the Re - ing wrong with dialogue, but tistically how many times it was ing about the soft-spoken Bush, Bobby Jindal 1.1% publicans Can Shed their Anger, when one’s sense of “otherness” ever implemented. in sharp contrast to Scott LINDSEY GRAHAM 1% Reclaim their Respectability, is not emphasized, it becomes Chancellors in particular – Walker, who is showing surpris - and Win Back the White House. very easy to lump everyone into proud peacocks that they are – the same category. Faithful – es - would do well to reestablish rap - pecially those from mixed mar - port with the people whose riages – should be provided with parishes their often impersonal LETTER FROM ATHENS guidance in distinguishing what decisions affect. Speaking poor separates the Orthodox Church Greek during impromptu ser - from other denominations, rather mons while admonishing the than boiling everything down to congregation or thoughtlessly Debt Deal or Not, Greece Won’t Recover For Decades the lowest common denominator. subjecting parishioners to the Another factor worth consid - slander of vengeful clerics by for - ering is that maybe all this stew - warding their complaints is While politicians in Greece, penser, hiring hun - vaders violating “We will patiently wait for ardship and fundraising brain - downright foul (or in some in - Brussels and Washington decide dreds of thousands the air space, that the institutions to adhere to re - washing is turning people off. stances, fowl; pun definitely in - the fate of Greece – while stay - of needless workers Greece sadly will alism. This is not a matter of The lack of an adequate Greek tended). ing in 5-Star hotels with unlim - in return for votes also have to leave ideological stubbornness. This term for the word stewardship – A little more sobriety would ited expense accounts because and going on wild NATO, kick the US is about democracy,” said at least the way it is being pitched go a long way. Clerics that are nothing clears your head for ne - spending binges so out of its base on Tsipras. No, it’s not. It’s about here in the U.S. – is a good indi - quick to don worldly costumes or gotiations like Lobster Newburg mad a drunken Crete and turn it money. It’s always about the cator that it relates to a different uniforms in exchange for their washed down with Chateau sailor couldn’t keep over to the Rus - money because that’s all almost worldview that is alien to Ortho - robes shouldn’t try to imitate Lafitte Rothschild – the only cer - up, coupled with sians and Vladimir everyone cares about, apart doxy. monastics during Sunday morn - tainty is that when they’re done flat-out theft and Putin so the coun - from the likes of Mother Teresa, The haste with which many ing sermons for 10, 20, 30, or dining and dishing and slapping collusion to keep try won’t be de - some valiant workers, NGO ac - priests and prelates rush to aban - sometimes even 40 minutes. each other’s backs that Greek cartels fat and fenseless. That lit - tivist types and people who can don the Greek language must When words and actions don’t workers, pensioners and the happy and ordinary by ANDY tle gambit out to be found singing Kumbaya in also be reconsidered. The Ortho - mix, perhaps the former do more poor will pay the cost again. Greeks skinny and DABILIS do the trick. cafes with an encore of We Are dox Church has survived for harm than good. With so many And unless he wants to go miserable. Since SYRIZA, The World. 2000 years in the midst of un - would-be preachers quick to down in history as the man who If Tsipras sets Special to like New Democ - Since even a broken clock is speakable persecutions and chal - quote monastics, it’s worth won - destroyed modern Greece, aside his kooky, The National Herald racy and PASOK, is right twice a day, government lenges. It has no need for gim - dering why the latter’s emphasis Prime Minister and Looney Left anachronistic Che unwilling and un - spokesman and paid liar Gavriil micky salesmanship. Certainly, it on silence – or at least laconicness SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras Guevara playbook and agrees able to administer real struc - Sakellaridis was correct when must incorporate local languages – is hardly ever practiced. With will either have to cross his red not to move, at least for now, to tural reforms nor chase tax he said that, “We have largely (especially in the reading of scrip - so many menial seminars being lines and administer more aus - raise the minimum wage back cheats who owe 70 billion euros reached our limits,” when trying ture), but there is no need to re - mandated for lay administrators, terity measures or preside over to 750 euros ($846) a month ($78.97 billion), the only an - to explain why, after months of move relatively short liturgical one would think that clergy the final collapse set in motion (where it belongs) from the 580 swer is to make NECESSARY saying a deal was coming “any phrases or alter exquisite hymns would be in line for some profes - four decades ago when then- euros ($654) to which it was cuts, such as in the Parliament day now,” a patent falsehood set that are also literary and musical sional development. Lessons in Premier and PASOK Anti-Social - cut by PASOK and New Democ - where workers blackmailed for - out for gullible public consump - masterpieces just for the sake of Greek, rhetoric, music, art, tech - ist leader Andreas Papandreou racy – and if he also postpones mer Premier and New Democ - tion, that Greeks can’t take any - watering everything down. nology would all help their min - tried to hire everyone in the his plans to restore collective racy leader Antonis Samaras more. Likewise, the overemphasis on istry, while reducing the sense of country with money Greece did - bargaining for workers, he can into withdrawing austerity mea - It’s still most likely that wealth and the belief that a “nou - infallibility and worldliness that n’t have. ask the troika to put something sures on the threat of a strike. Greece will get another bailout veau riche” caste will save the might be contributing to some of Thus has it always been and on the table: removing its insane Tsipras lives in a delusional extension or an 11th-hour death Church and the national identity the Pew Center’s findings. thus shall it always be because insistence on further reducing Bizarro world where Fidel Cas - row reprieve because while EU requires rethinking. Despite the politicians and the rich, like pensions already slashed 30 per - tro rules the planet and sur - officials want to bury Tsipras apparent wealth of Orthodox Follow me on Twitter cockroaches, survive everything cent and more. geons make the same salary as and SYRIZA in a hole so deep Christians, Greek education is @CTripoulas including nuclear winter and There’s another option to go janitors so that’s not going to that they can’t be exhumed, that everyone else is sacrificed. If the with it. Tsipras could agree to wash, especially as the conserv - they do fear the effect on the heartless Troika of the European cut the highest pensions paid to ative bankers and politicians Eurozone. Union-International Monetary people who got them for cushy who run Europe are eager to It doesn’t matter if Greece GUEST EDITORIALS Fund-European Central Bank jobs but keep his red line not to crush a left-wing revolution be - gets a deal or not because in the (EU-IMF-ECB) spelled out what hurt people who are trying to fore it can get started and put short-run whatever is agreed the national herald welcomes manuscripts representing a variety of they really wanted it would be survive on the likes of 300 eu - some heads on pikes as a warn - upon will hurt the helpless even views for publication. they should include the writer’s name, address, for a 100 percent cut to salaries ros, the princely sum of $337.87 ing. more while exempting politi - and telephone number, and be addressed to the editor, the national and pensions and striped paja - a month, or $84.46 a week – in “One can only suspect politi - cians and the rich, and in the herald, 37-10 30th st., long island city, nY 11101. they may also mas issued to slaves. the year 2015. cal motives behind the institu - long-run (not the one where be e-mailed to [email protected]. we reserve the right There is a way out of the Otherwise, walk away but tions’ insistence that new cuts we’re all dead) that the econ - to edit any manuscripts that we publish, and we do not return or death spiral Greece finds itself leave a note saying that since be made to pensions despite five omy won’t recover for decades, otherwise acknowledge unpublished ones. due to considerations of in, thanks mostly to generations that would leave poor Greece years of pillaging by the memo - leaving a trail of the broken be - space we enforce a strict 850-word upper limit. of PASOK and New Democracy broke and unable to afford fuel randa,” Tsipras said when he hind. Capitalists using the country’s for F-16’s to patrol the skies walked away from stalled talks treasury as a personal cash dis - against would-be Turkish in - with the lenders. [email protected] 16 THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20-26, 2015

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