Faith Fund Enriched by Five New Founders Patriarchate Asks for Title

Home , Cretan School, George Dragas, Ionian Village, Karolos Papoulias, Louka Katseli

O C V ΓΡΑΦΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ Bringing the news ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΣΜΟΥ to generations of ΑΠΟ ΤΟ 1915 The National Herald Greek Americans c v A WEEKLY GREEK AMERICAN PUBLICATION www.thenationalherald.com VOL. 13, ISSUE 635 December 12-18, 2009 $1.25 Faith Fund Papandreou: The Financial Crisis is a Threat to Greek Sovereignty Enriched by Newly Installed Prime Minister May Have to Five New Abandon Election Promises to Calm Markets By Christopher Tripoulas targets for deficit cutting. Over the The National Herald Staff Writer next few days, Greece will commu- Founders nicate the elements of the plan not NEW YORK - Greek Prime Minister only to Greek citizens, employers George Papandreou may have to and workers but also to the interna- Founders’ Circle jettison the promises that won him tional community, Papandreou October’s election if he’s to con- said. Expands with New vince investors he can tackle his "The new government's aim is to country’s worst fiscal crisis in 15 bring back hope to Greek citizens Gifts of $1 Million years. and reverse the lack of credibility Greece is in the throes of an eco- and lack of confidence brought by BOSTON - Five new Founding nomic and fiscal emergency that the previous government," he said. Members were recently added to threatens its national sovereignty, "These problems have made us the Founders’ Circle of the “Faith and the government is determined stronger and more confident to Endowment Fund for Orthodoxy to implement measures that will re- march ahead...We will systemati- and Hellenism”. Each Founder has duce debt and bring back interna- cally make efforts to protect and re- given or pledged a minimum of $1 tional and domestic confidence, the store confidence in the economy." million each to support educational country's Prime Minister George Papandreou warned that "the and cultural programs related to Papandreou said Wednesday. Greek economy is in a profoundly Hellenism and Orthodoxy across "I will speak with sincerity and difficult position" and requires "a the United States through the conscience because times are diffi- huge national effort in order to re- Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of cult and the country is an emer- cover economically and achieve fis- America. The new members are: gency state," Papandreou said. cal consolidation." Mr. Jim Chanos, Mr. Andre Dimitri- "There are big problems which we He added: "The fiscal problem is adis, Mr. Constantine Iordanou, will deal with through specific poli- threatening our national sovereign- Mr. Chris Spyropoulos and Mr. cies." ty for the first time since 1974 George Tsunis. He reiterated that the govern- [when there was a dictatorship in Faith was originally founded in ment will soon unveil a four-year power]. We have several difficult 2004 by a group of ten prominent plan to address many of the prob- battles ahead, but the road towards Greek American leaders and phil- lems, including retirement and so- fiscal stability is the only way anthropists in response to the invi- cial security programs, taxation Greece will not lose its sovereignty tation and calling of Archbishop and measures aimed at supporting rights." Demetrios, to secure the future of growth. Within weeks of coming to pow- the Greek Orthodox faith and Hel- The plan, which Greece intends er promising higher spending and lenism in America. EUROKINISSI to submit to the European Commis- more pay for civil servants, his gov- Today, the Endowment has Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou (center) met with the President of the Hellenic Republic, Karolos sion at the beginning of January, ernment revised data to show more than half of the fifty Founding Papoulias, at the Presidential Mansion on Thursday. Mr. Papandreou asked President Papoulias to convene a will include measures on those is- Members which will comprise the meeting of the political party leaders to discuss the financial crisis and combating the problem of corruption. sues and other reforms, as well as Continued on page 9 Founders Circle. Faith has begun its promotion of the Greek Orthodox faith and Hellenism through a series of innovative educational programs and cultural initiatives under the auspices of the Greek Or- Patriarchate Asks for Title to U.S. Church Property Greek Credit thodox Archdiocese of America. Peter T. Kikis, president and one By Theodore Kalmoukos other eparchies (ecclesiastical ence and abuses of Turkish officials and the Patriarch stated in his letter Rating is Cut of its original founders, stated that, The National Herald Staff Writer provinces) outside of Turkey that be- have been reported in the interna- that, “We were led to the decision to “We are very pleased to welcome long to the ecclesiastical and spiritu- tional media for decades and occa- urge, though this Patriarchal letter, the five newest Founders to the En- BOSTON - The Ecumenical Patriar- al jurisdiction of the Patriarchate, sionally elicit protests from U.S. and the hierarchs of the Eparchies Amid Finance dowment – their professional as chate – in an official letter recently that they “register at least one real other government officials and agen- abroad to register in the Registry of well as philanthropic accomplish- sent to the Greek Orthodox Archdio- estate property irreversibly in the cies. Patriarch Bartholomew in his Deeds in the country in which their ments are exemplary by all stan- cese of America and its local Metrop- name of the Patriarchate.” letter (protocol number 861) stated Eparchy is located, at least one real Problems dards. When we complete the olises - requested the official transfer By taking this action, the Patriar- that “The (Turkish) authorities estate property, community or Founders’ Circle with fifty mem- of the ownership of at least one real chate is trying to secure its legal posi- refuse to recognize the legal status of parish in the legal name of the Ecu- NEW YORK - Greece was jolted on bers, we will create an endowment estate property belonging to each tion vis-a-vis the Turkish govern- our most sacred institution.” Ankara menical Patriarchate as follows: “Ec- Tuesday December 8 by the down- of approximately $75 million metropolis to the Patriarchate. Arch- ment. The Turkish government does considers it to be a Turkish institu- umenical Patriarch, instituted ac- grading of its debt rating to the which will serve as a powerful basis bishop Demetrios of America and the not recognize Ecumenical Patriar- tion in the Phanar district of Con- cording to the International Law lowest level in the euro zone as for truly creative action for pro- metropolitans have yet to notify the chate as a legal entity or its ecumeni- stantinople under the administrative whose See is in Constantinople (Is- worries grow about its public fi- grams for the young people as well parishes of the Archdiocese of the re- cal nature and mission, and has jurisdiction of the district’s prefect. tanbul).” nances, driving bank shares, bonds as adults of our community. Our quest of the Ecumenical Patriar- treated the institution with disre- The issues that pertained to the The Patriarchal letter appeals to and the euro down in its wake. The Founders’ Circle is composed of chate. spect since the creation of the Turk- property request were discussed at financial blow came as the govern- men and women who are proud of The same request was made to all ish Republic in 1923. The interfer- the Holy Synod in Constantinople Continued on page 3 ment struggled to calm two days of their Hellenic heritage and Ortho- youth riots on the anniversary of dox faith and are committed to pro- the police shooting of a 15-year-old moting the Endowment’s mission.” boy last year that triggered wide- In 2009, Faith funded 34 Faith spread violence fueled by anger Ionian Village Travel Scholarships, over the economy. 37 Faith Scholarships for Academic NIMH Grant Citing fiscal deterioration, Fitch Excellence, approximately 25 St. Ratings cut Greek debt to BBB+ John Chrysostom Scholarship To Dr. George with a negative outlook from A-; Awards, and also supported the the first time in 10 years a major publication of a series of new text- ratings agency has put Greece be- books, “Ta Ellinika Mou”, for Greek Alexopoulos low an A grade. Two other agen- Language instruction at the ele- cies, Moody's and Standard and mentary level for all of the students Poor's, have put Greece’s credit out- at parish and other parochial BOSTON - The National Institute of look on negative watch due to a schools. Mental Health (NIMH) recently debt mountain forecast to hit 125 Brief biographies of the new granted a competitive award of $10 percent of gross domestic product members of Faith follow: million dollars to George Alexopou- next year, making it proportionate- James Chanos is the founder los, M.D., Director of the Weill-Cor- ly the most indebted member of the and Managing Partner of Kynikos nell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry, 16-member currency bloc. Associates, the largest exclusive Westchester, New York. The Insti- Finance Minister George Papa- short selling investment firm, pro- tute was founded and is still direct- constantinou said in a statement ed by Dr. Alexopoulos, a leading that the Socialist government Continued on page 5 physician-scientist. NIMH awarded would do everything in its power to the grant in recognition of the pio- narrow the yawning budget short- neering research on the biological fall it inherited after a general elec- causes of late-life depression and of tion in October. "We will do what- the development of novel treatment ever it takes for the reduction of the interventions by Dr. Alexopoulos deficit in the mid-term," he vowed. Ex-Archbishop and his colleagues. This was the The European Union, exasperat- largest grant ever given to a medical ed by repeated sharp revisions of Spyridon At school for this kind of research Greek statistics, has given Athens a work. few weeks to come up with further Dr. Alexopoulos is a modest man, deficit-cutting steps or face possible Condakes Rite dedicated to science and to the im- sanctions. provement of the care of older per- Papaconstantinou has pledged BOSTON - Prominent Greek Amer- sons. His distinctions honor Greece, to reduce the budget gap, forecast ican businessman and philan- where he was born and originally to reach 12.7 percent of GDP, by at thropist Leo Condakes was laid to studied medicine, as well as the TNH/COSTAS BEJ least 3.6 percentage points to 9.1 rest on Tuesday, December 8. His Greek American Community. His Greek Minister of Culture and Tourism Lauds Onassis Center’s “El Greco” Exhibit percent in 2010. But markets doubt funeral was held at the Greek Or- impressive curriculum vitae in- the government, elected on a thodox Cathedral of the Annuncia- cludes numerous American and In- Minister Pavlos Yeroulanos addresses guests at New York’s St. Regis Hotel who gathered there after the promise to help the poor and tax tion of Boston. Former Archbishop ternational Awards, more than 350 opening reception of the Onassis Center’s “Origins of El Greco” exhibit. Related story on page 5. the rich, can push through painful Spyridon of America officiated at original scientific publications, and spending cuts. the Funeral Service. It was the first many distinctions for training a new Although Greece has suffered a time that the former prelate of the generation of researchers. Dr. Alex- milder recession than many euro Greek-Orthodox Church in Ameri- opoulos is also an avid marathoner zone countries, it faces long-term ca presided over a Sacred Service who has run both the New York and problems of low growth, dwindling since he resigned from the Throne Athens Marathons. The Little Orchestra’s Big Repertoire economic competitiveness, poor of the Archbishop ten years ago un- Dr. Alexopoulos told The Nation- revenue collection and an aging der difficult circumstances. al Herald that the 10 million dollar By Angelike Contis tor on Jim Henson’s Muppets. audiences range, as the conductor population. Speaking of Leo Condakes, who grant “is the culmination of 20 years The National Herald Staff Writer The show is just one in The Little points out “from 3 to 93” years in "While Fitch believes that the was very dear to him, Archbishop of work by my colleagues and me. Orchestra’s bustling year-long age. government's target to narrow the Spyridon said, “Leo was really a This was a difficult competition with NEW YORK - The youthful singers schedule. “There’s not a very long Maestro Anagnost hails from fiscal deficit by 3.6 [percentage prominent and great man, who many able participants and during a are seated on one side of the Co- break between concerts,” says mu- New Hampshire and studied at points] of GDP to 9.1% in 2010 is gave to the Church and to good period of limited financial re- lumbia University classroom. The sical director Anagnost. This Boston University, The Julliard achievable, the lack of substantive deeds. He had a good and pure sources.” He added that “Although I seasoned orchestra plays on the month, for instance, there will be School and Columbia (where he structural policy measures reduces heart and he is really going to be am the principal investigator, this other. In the middle, perched on a the Cathedral Candlelight Concert now also teaches). He has per- confidence that medium term con- missed because there are just a few grant was given to the whole re- stool, with a thin baton, is a bear of on December 13 at the Greek Or- formed some 1,000 concerts with solidation efforts will be aggressive like him.” He also said that, “The search team. It signifies recognition a man, Maestro Dino Anagnost. He thodox Archdiocesan Cathedral of The Little Orchestra. A third-gener- enough to ensure public debt ratios Church is losing one of its most of our work as a research team and conducts both sides at once, keep- the Holy Trinity and a performance ation Greek American (from Thes- are stabilized and then reduced demonstrates the reviewers confi- ing time, motioning, turning to of “Babes in Toyland” at Lincoln saloniki), he often peppers his over the next three to five years," Continued on page 8 dence in our research plans going speak to people located 360 de- Center on December 19. There are rapid-fire English with Greek. the ratings agency said in a state- forward.” grees around him. He doesn’t raise also ongoing Lolli-Pops concerts for The orchestra is devoted to “mu- ment. DEPRESSION AND THE BRAIN his voice, but instead often breaks youngsters and educational pro- sic that hasn’t been done, New York Fitch also said Greece's rising To subscribe call: 718.784.5255 Dr. Alexopoulos talked about his into a smile at the verbal and musi- grams in schools and senior facili- and American premieres” he says. debt levels could leave the nation e-mail: studies, which “attempt to identify cal jokes flying everywhere. ties. For instance, after hearing Polish exposed to shocks. [email protected] biological brain abnormalities that It’s obvious that this is fun. It Dino Anagnost has been at the composer Karol Szymanowski’s "One such shock is the aging prevent depressed patients from re- should be. After all this is The Little head of the 62-year-old orchestra “Veni Creator” on a recording, Mr. population which, in combination sponding to antidepressant drugs. Orchestra’s rehearsal of the musical since 1979. The Little Orchestra, Anagnost decided to include it in with a highly generous and unre- While our work focuses on older “Babes in Toyland”, which includes which was named after Felix the upcoming Candlelight event. formed pension system, will lead to adults, many of our findings are per- baby “waaaa” and sheep “bahhh” Mendelssohn’s Little Orchestra of “We have to stay ahead of the one of the largest projected increas- sounds in its lyrics. It’s a new ver- London, was the first to bring chil- Continued on page 4 sion by Craig Shemin, a collabora- dren’s concerts to New York. The Continued on page 6 Continued on page 9 2 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, DECEMBER 12-18, 2009 In the Spotlight: Jeannine Callea Stamatakis GOINGS ON... ■ DECEMBER 11 ■ DECEMBER 17 By Eleni Kostopoulos church – I taught Sunday School a lens into someone else’s experi- CHICAGO, Ill. - Celebrate with NEW YORK, NY – The Officers and The National Herald Staff Writer when I was in high school. I am fas- ence. As I live near San Francisco, I Chicago’s Hellenic Professional So- Directors of the Hellenic American cinated with Greece’s history and enjoy the fine arts (including the ciety of Illinois at their 84th Annual Bankers Association present, The NEW YORK - Jeannine Callea ,Sta- contributions to the world; namely symphony and ballet) and love at- Christmas Party at Le Passage on Recovery is for Real: Solid and Sus- matakis is a California-based psy- democracy. I am proud to be an tending museums as well. I further December 11 at 7:00 p.m. Appetiz- tainable lecture, featuring Chris chology instructor and clinical psy- American with Greek roots. enjoy spending time with family ers will be provided and each guest Varvares, Macroeconomic Advisers, chotherapist, who also runs an edu- TNH: What has been your great- and friends. will receive (1) complimentary LLC. The event will be held on De- cational consulting business, in ad- est accomplishment thus far, and TNH: Share with us some words drink ticket. Additionally, from cember 17 at 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Bar- dition to devoting much time to what do you hope to achieve in the of wisdom. 7:00-7:30, the mixologist will be clays Wealth. Wine and Hors d'oeu- volunteerism. She is interested in future? JS: Always strive for excellence! providing a complimentary cocktail vres will be served. The event is collaborating with other Hellenes JS: I am quite proud to have There are so many things that can to guests created specially for the free for members and $40 for non- and Philhellenes alike, particularly competed graduate school! My be done easily and quickly, howev- event and tailored to Greek culture. members. Pre-registration is re- vis-à-vis general medicine. goals for the future are to have a er, there is nothing more inspiring Le Passage will be closed to NON- quired. Barclays Wealth is located TNH: How did you get to where private practice, continue to teach than doing something well, HPSI guests until 11pm. Member at: 745 Seventh Ave, 32nd Floor, you are today? at the college level, and create a thoughtfully, and with care. Price: $30 before December 6, $35 New York, New York 10019. For JS: I was born and raised in philanthropic organization to help TNH: Are there any current or after December 6 and for non- further information and registra- Piedmont, California – I am a Cali- others achieve educational goals. future projects you're working on? Members: $40 before December 6, tion, visit: fornian through and through! I am TNH: Do you have any role JS: I am, at heart, a writer, and $45 after December 6. For more in- www.haba.org/events_show.php?eid a clinical psychotherapist (intern) models? currently have a novel I am shop- formation and registration, visit: =100 and a psychology instructor at a lo- JS: I have many role models ping around for publication. It has http://www.hpsi.org/calendar.asp cal community college. I do what I whom I would like to mention! always been a dream of mine to ■ DECEMBER 18 love and love what I do – I am very First, my grandparents, who came walk into a bookstore and see my ■ DECEMBER 12 NEW YORK - The Hellenic Univer- blessed! to these shores with very little, novel being perused by patrons. I FOSTER CITY, Calif. – Celebrate sity Club of New York (HUC) will I attended U.C. Berkeley for my merely suitcases full of dreams. have contributed several articles to Greek TV’s Annual Christmas Gala host a Christmas Reunion Party Fri- undergraduate degree in They were quite courageous to ven- the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of in celebration of 27 years of com- day, Dec. 18 at the elegant and his- History/English Literature. After ture to a land where they did not America Online Journal (Guest Au- munity service on December 12 at toric Town House at 3 West 51st college, I worked at the District At- know the language and customs to thors). Also, I am looking for op- the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Cocktails Street (near Rockefeller Center - torney’s Office in San Francisco build a life where opportunity was portunities to work with returning begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by din- visit their web site at (primarily within the Domestic Vio- abundant. My grandmother, Cal- Jeannine Stamatakis is a clinical veterans and their families. There ner at 7:30 p.m. Live music pre- 3westclub.com). Guests will enjoy lence Unit). I then attended Saint liope Tsucalas Ivales (who was ac- psychotherapist and instructor. is a vital need to not only welcome sented by Mythos Band with special a beautiful holiday setting of de- Mary’s College, where I received tually born in New York City, but and support our troops, but to appearance by Greek singer, Pavlos lightful decorations, music and de- my graduate degree in Counseling- was raised in Greece) has led an TNH: What's the greatest lesson make sure they can readjust to Papageorgiou. Contact: Greek TV licious food that includes a choice Psychology, with an emphasis in amazing life. My parents, Nicholas you've ever learned? civilian life. at: 3653 Walnut Street, Lafayette, of beef, chicken and seafood buf- Marriage and Family Therapy and Catherine (Ivales) Stamatakis, JS: Everything is possible! In regard to community out- CA 94549;Tel (925) 962-3332 or fets, 3 hours of open bar with wine, (MFT). In graduate school, a col- are also my role models as they TNH: What are some of your reach, I have donated a tree to the by e-mail: [email protected]. For beer and soft drinks topped off with league and I created a Graduate have instilled in me the value of ed- pastimes? New York Restoration Project further information, call: (925) coffee and dessert. Guests are invit- Student Network to assist other ucation and contributing to the JS: I very much enjoy traveling (NYRP) which is a foundation in 858-3120 ed to come and celebrate the holi- graduate students to succeed in community around you. They and being immersed in new cul- the city seeking to beautify neigh- days with all their old friends and classes, meet their fellow peers, taught me to “think outside the tures. Within the past few years, I borhoods with gardens. Also, I ■ DECEMBER 13 to make new ones! Married or sin- and do community outreach. My box” and to excel in all of my en- have traveled to Australia and New contributed a chair to Zellerbach ALBANY, N.Y. – AHEPA, Daughters gle (did you meet your mate at family has been extremely instru- deavors. Additionally, I am a vora- Zealand, South America (specifi- Hall (at my alma mater). The arts of Penelope, Sons of Pericles and HUC?), you will be welcome. It mental in helping me get where I cious reader and have read many cally, Argentina and Uruguay), are an essential part of people’s Maids of Athena will host their An- will be a gala evening filled with am today – without their love and non-fiction books regarding people throughout Europe, and the United psyches and, unfortunately, due to nual Christmas Party on December food, drink, surprises, and music. support, I would not have been overcoming insurmountable odds States as well. Stepping into anoth- the current economic situation, the 13 at the Saint Sophia Parish Hall. Guests are strongly encouraged to able to reach my educational goals. to achieve their highest aspirations. er framework is necessary for arts are usually the first on the Enjoy a festive evening of food, make reservations in advance at TNH: How does your Greek her- I am constantly reminded and growth and expansion – becoming chopping block. You can contact drink and music with family and $75. Tickets are $85 at the door. itage influence what you do? humbled by people not only im- isolated in your own microcosm is Jeannine at [email protected]. friends. Open bar at 5:00 p.m. and You may send checks to HUC, P.O. JS: My heritage has been an in- proving their lives, but giving back not beneficial. Also, I enjoy read- buffet begins at 5:30 p.m. For more Box 1169, GCS New York, NY tegral part of my life thus far. I to the community to provide sup- ing, particularly non-fictional and Contact Eleni Kostopoulos at information, e-mail: 10163. For information call speak Greek fairly well and attend port on someone else’s journey. classical literature, which provides [email protected]. [email protected] or call: (202) George at (914) 381-5192 or Paul 232-6300 at (718) 884-9224. Credit card reservations are accepted. HUC is a SCHILLER PARK, Ill – The Hellenic cultural and educational organiza- Link–Midwest presents Professor tion whose members are college Artemis S. Leontis, in a lecture ti- graduates of Hellenic descent rep- tled “Greek Theatre in Modern resenting a wide range of profes- Dance: an alternative archaeology.” sions. It was founded in 1918 un- The event will take place on De- der the leadership of Dr. George N. cember 13 at 3:00 p.m. at the Four Papanicolao and over the years the Points Sheraton Hotel. Admission is mission has expanded to award free for HLM members and $5 for scholarships to deserving students non-members. The hotel is located of Greek descent. To learn more at: 10249 West Irving Park Road at about HUC, visit its website at Schiller Park. hucny.org

■ DECEMBER 14 ■ DECEMBER 20 WASHINGTON, D.C. - The South- WHITESTONE, N.Y. – The Greek east Europe Project invites you to a Orthodox Community of Holy forum, “America, Europe and Glob- Cross in Whitestone presents a cel- al Security: Convergent Goals, Di- ebration benefit concert, “A Musi- vergent Capacities” with Ambas- cal Passage Through Our Hellenic sador Vassilis Kaskarelis, Greek Heritage.” Byzantine, Smyrnaika Ambassador to the United States on and Rebetika songs, along with Monday, December 14, 2:30 – 4:00 Christmas songs will be performed p.m. 5th Floor Conference Room. by Grigoris Maninakis and The For directions visit www.wilsoncen- Mikrokosmos ensemble. The con- TNH/COSTAS BEJ ter.org/directions. All events, un- cert will take place inside the newly Culture and Tourism Minister Visits Archbishop Demetrios A Warm and Colorful Reception for the Archbishop of Crete less otherwise noted, are held at built Holy Cross church and will al- the Woodrow Wilson Center 1300 so feature third generation Greek Greek Culture and Tourism Minister Pavlos Yeroulanos met with Arch- Irenaios, Archbishop of Crete, is impressed by the skills of the mem- Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washing- American young singers as well as bishop Demetrios. During his trip to New York he also visited UN bers of the Minos Society of Cretans' dance group, seen here perform- ton, D.C. the Holy Cross Greek school chil- Headquarters, where he spoke following the approval of a proposal ing traditional dances in Astoria. During his visit to N.Y. the Archbish- dren choir. The event will take for the restitution of cultural property to their countries of origin. op attended events related to the “Origins of El Greco” exhibit. NEW YORK, N.Y. – The Annual place on December 20 at 5:00 p.m. Christmas Party of The AHI Business Holy Cross is located at: 12-03 Network and The New York Chapter 150th Street , Whitestone, N.Y. For of American Hellenic Institute will information and reservations, call: be held at the Lafayette Grill & Bar (718) 747-3803. Monday, December 14, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. $30 admission includes buffet ■ DECEMBER 31 dinner and complimentary wine, TAMPA, Fl. – The Acropolis Bar and mixed drinks, beer and soda. Guests Grill in Tampa will host a New must RSVP by December 11 to Col. Year’s Eve party on December 31 at Andonios Neroulias at 10:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m. Enjoy [email protected]. The Lafayette is at Champagne toasts, a DJ, Greek 54 Franklin Street between Broad- food and drinks. The Acropolis Bar way and Lafayette Street; (212) and Grill is located at: 1833 E. 7th 732-5600. For more information on Ave, Tampa, Fl, 33605 or call: AHI activities and membership visit (813) 971-1787 www.ahiworld.org. ■ DECEMBER – JANUARY 9 ■ DECEMBER 15 CHICAGO, Ill. – The National Hel- SAN DIEGO, Calif. - George lenic Museum is featuring the ex- Stephanopoulos, writer George hibit, Neolaia/Pathos on Tuesdays Pelecanos, and real estate magnate through Saturdays until January 9. George Argyros will highlight the The exhibit features the work of 13 19th Annual Leadership 100 Con- young Greek-American artists us- ference at Hotel del Coronado, ing various media, including paint- Coronado, California (near San ing, photographs, sculpture and TNH/COSTAS BEJ Diego), from February 4-7, 2010. video. A $5 donation is suggested Holiday Joy at the Society of Epirotes SAE Leaders Visit New Acropolis Museum Registration is open until Decem- and it is free for kids under age 12. ber 15, 2009. The conference The National Hellenic Museum is The youth of the Anagennisis Society of Epirotes are seen together World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) President Stephanos Tam- theme is ‘The Torchbearers of Our located at: 801 W. Adams St., with ASE President Efthimios Pappas. The New York Christmas party vakis, second from left, SAE U.S. Regional Coordinator Theodore Spy- Faith and Hellenic Heritage: The Chicago, IL 60607-3034. For fur- was organized by Sophia Kalemkeridis. The children make the presi- ropoulos, second from right, and Professor Demetrios Pandermalis, New Generation of Leaders”. His ther information, call: (312) 655- dent and Ms. Kalemkerides very optimistic about the society’s future. third from left, at the New Acropolis Museum in Athens. Eminence Archbishop Demetrios 1234. and Metropolitans from throughout the country will join the confer- ■ NOTE TO OUR READERS ees for a program that includes the This calendar of events section is a Grand Banquet and, a special treat: complimentary service to the Greek San Diego’s St. Spyridon Greek American community. All parishes, Dance and Choral School’s Aegean organizations and institutions are and Ionian Dance Groups and encouraged to e-mail their infor- Youth Choir who will perform at mation 3-4 weeks ahead of time, the traditional Glendi on Friday and no later than Monday of the night. To register call (212) 308- week before the event, to Από το 1915 2627 or visit www.L100.org. [email protected] για τον Ελληνισµό QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Vote on our website! You have the chance to express your opinion on our website on an important question in the news. The results will be published in our printed edition next week along with the question for that week. The question this week is: Are you worried about the economic situation in Greece and her ability to pull through the current crisis? ❏ Yes ❏ No ΤΟΤΕ και ΤΩΡΑ ❏ Maybe The results for last week’s question: In light of Dora Bakoyanni's defeat in the election for ND party leader, do you believe Greece is Εγκυρη και έγκαιρη ενηµέρωση µε µέτρο ready for a woman to be Prime Minister? 20% voted “Yes” (718) 784-5255, 888-547-9527ext. 108 - 109 • Fax: (718) 472-0510 25% voted “No” e-mail στο [email protected] • www.ekirikas.com 55% voted “Maybe” Please vote at: www.thenationalherald.com THE NATIONAL HERALD, DECEMBER 12-18, 2009 COMMUNITY 3 Hellenic Medical Society Celebrates 73rd Annual Scholarship Gala at N.Y.A.C.

By Stavros Marmarinos award] comes from colleagues ders as well. The result is that they Special to The National Herald whom I have known for years, and find themselves in an environment whom I love and respect. They of constant stress. NEW YORK – All the honorees pre- have helped out many new doctors “With this in mind, we devel- sent at this year's Hellenic Medical for the United States, and from oped a treatment that teaches pa- Society Scholarship Gala, which Greece as well. There were many tients to adapt to their environ- was held on Saturday, December 5 times that I turned to my col- ment, and not to expose themselves at the New York Athletic Club in leagues at HMS for help in assign- to constant stress,” the Greek Manhattan, expressed their pride ing new doctors coming over from American psychiatrist continued. in their Greek heritage and their Greece to various positions.” “We maintain that this type of strong belief in the abilities of Dr. Alexopoulos also expressed treatment has beneficial results Greek American doctors. U.S. Con- his pride over the fact that there are even for patients suffering from de- gresswoman Carolyn Maloney, who four Greeks serving on his research pression that does not respond to was also honored that evening as a team. “I took them on board with antidepressants.” Distinguished Philhellene, was me because they are the best in the Dr. Alexopoulos also comment- greeted by the audience with a field in regards to the project we ed that most patients with geriatric standing ovation, in appreciation have taken on. I think that Greeks depression can speak to their pri- for her continual show of support stand out for their skills, their con- mary physicians about their condi- and sponsoring of resolutions for tribution, and their leadership abil- tion. A new type of medical care is Greek national issues. ities.” now available to these individuals, In addition to Congresswoman Past HMS President Dr. George with the help of social workers and Maloney, this year's honorees in- Dangas presented Dr. Lyketsos, nurses. cluded Dr. Kostantinos G. Lyketsos, who thanked HMS and spoke about During his lecture Dr. Lyketsos, HMS Distinguished Physician, John the research work taking place in Professor and Chair of the Depart- Rangos, HMS Distinguished Hel- the medical profession. Dr. Lyket- ment of Psychiatry at Johns Hop- lene, and Dr. George Alexopoulos, sos also praised Greek American kins, spoke about Alzheimer's Dis- HMS Distinguished Colleague. doctors for contributing to the ad- ease, calling it a “worldwide epi- HMS President Dr. George Tsioulias vances being made in the field of demic.” According to Dr. Lyketsos served as the evening's Master of Medicine. 35 million people around the world Ceremonies. PHOTOS: TNH/COSTAS BEJ The previous day, Friday, De- are currently suffering from this During her acceptance speech, (Above) HMS officers and hon- cember 4, HMS held its annual disease, and the number is expect- Congresswoman Maloney spoke orees, including Cong. Carolyn medical symposium at the Holy ed to grow to 115 million by the with great enthusiasm about Maloney. (Right) Medical stu- Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral year 2050. “Our efforts are aimed Greece, Cyprus, and the Greek dents Socrates Kakoulides, Maria Center in New York. This year's at detecting this disease's biological American Community, drawing ap- Louizou, Alexandra Coutavas, event was dedicated to Psychiatry, signature during its early state so plause from the guests. She placed Panayiotis Kerwick, Debbie and featured guest speakers Dr. that we can offer treatment to peo- special emphasis on the resolution Bakes, Demitris Haldeos, Paul Pe- George Alexopoulos and Dr. ple before the symptoms set in,” Dr. of the Cyprus issue, the intransi- trakos, Margarita Sergonis, De- Kostantinos G. Lyketsos. HMS's an- Lyketsos said. “We can do this with gent position being adopted by spina Siolas, Vassillios Tsopas. nual scholarship prizes were also the help of various biomarkers, Greece's northern neighbor FY- handed out during the symposium. proteins, and lipids in the blood or ROM in regards to the name issue, American Community. In his ad- Dr. Alexopoulos' lecture was re- cerebrospinal fluid. We also rely on and also spoke to the audience dress to the audience, Mr. Rangos lated to advances in the field of brain MRIs.” about the current situation in the expressed his thanks to HMS for Geriatric Psychiatry, and had a par- HMS handed out its scholarship United States. Congresswoman the award he received, and stressed ticular focus on depression. Among awards for the current year imme- Maloney also complimented HMS the importance for Greek American other things, Dr. Alexopoulos spoke diately following the evening's lec- for the scholarship awards they of- doctors to work together with their about factors that predisposed peo- tures. This year's recipients includ- fer medical students each year. Dr. colleagues in Greece. He empha- ple to depression. Specifically, he ed Socrates Kakoulides, Maria Florentia Christodoulidou intro- sized how significant it is for this explained that disorders in various Louizou, Alexandra Coutavas, duced the Congresswoman prior to cooperation to be promoted, and parts of the brain – especially the Panayiotis Kerwick, Debbie Bakes, her speech. made particular mention of Johns frontal lobes – may be responsible Demitris Haldeos, Paul Petrakos, Well known philanthropist and Hopkins University Medical Xethalis presented Dr. George Alex- of Cornell University. Dr. Alexopou- for such a tendency, and noted that Margarita Sergonis, Despina Siolas, businessman John Rangos was in- School, which is widely considered opoulos, Professor of Psychiatry los thanked HMS for the honor, and depression that arises from these Vassilios Tsafos, and Antonios Tsis- troduced by Markos Marinakis, the finest in the entire United and Vice Chairman for Geriatric noted in his speech and in state- types of disorders is resistant to an- menakis. The awards were handed who praised his work and contribu- States. Psychiatry in the Department of ments afterwards that the award tidepressants. He added that those out by Dr. Mike Michelis and Dr. tion to America and the Greek HMS 1st Vice President John Psychiatry at Weill Medical College meant a great deal to him. “[This patients develop behavioral disor- Theodore Diktaban. Patriarch Bartholomew Asks U.S. Hierarchs for Property Hellenic Music Foundation Continued from page 1 Presents Gala Concerts the good faith and respect of the hierarchs, reminding them that it was NEW YORK - On Saturday, Novem- the month at Saint Peter’ s Church the Patriarchate that elevated them ber 7 the Hellenic Music Founda- honoring the memory of the to the rank of metropolitans and tion presented its 2009 Annual beloved Greek opera composer archbishops. The Patriarch requests Gala Classical Concert at Saint Pe- Nikos Hatziapostolou. that the hierarchs send “all the ter’s Church in Manhattan. This This time the Foundation fea- signed documents of their transac- concert was the first in an ambi- tured 3 singers and a pianist. Cele- tions of the recording of the real es- tious series of concerts employing a brated Greek American award-win- tate property to the Patriarchate in medium sized orchestra and pre- ning pianist and author Eleni Tra- order to be placed in their file.” senting not only instrumental ganas made her debut appearance It was not clear if this request in- works – showcasing talented with the Foundation. cluded the Metropolises of the so- soloists – but also extensive ex- The Foundation makes great ef- called New Lands (sees whose ad- cerpts from mainly neglected op- forts to promote new artists as ministration was delegated to the eras or operas that have a Greek much as possible and give them an Church of Greece in 1928 but are subject and/or take place in opportunity to present their talents spiritually under the Ecumenical Pa- Greece. in front of diverse audiences in triarchate), or the Metropolises of The opera presented this time Manhattan and Queens. the Dodecanese or the semi-au- was the mostly forgotten “Il Cor- tonomous Church of Crete, which saro” by Giuseppe Verdi, which is fall into the ecclesiastical, canonical based on the poem “The Corsair” by The Foundation and spiritual jurisdiction of the Ecu- Lord Byron. makes great efforts menical Patriarchate. The Hellenic Music Foundation, The prefect of the Phanar often with a 12-piece orchestra under the to promote new artists gets involved in issues that have to direction of Yannis Xylas on the pi- and give them an do with the life and operation of the TNH/COSTAS BEJ ano, presented 50 minutes of this opportunity to present Ecumenical Patriarchate and there is Above: Patriarch Bartholomew short and little-known opera. concern that any transferred proper- bestowed the Athenagoras Hu- The role of the Corsair (Corra- their talents ties and parishes would be exposed man Rights Award upon National do) was taken by Angelo Mazzone to interference from Turkish authori- Commander Anthony J. Limber- and the two soprano leads were This time, newcomer soprano ties. akis, MD, during the Annual Ar- sung by the Greek American from Thessaloniki, Mrs. Olga Xan- Prefects have been aggressive to chon Banquet at the Waldorf-As- Maryann Mootos (as Gulnara) and thopoulou, offered a charming ren- the point that they the Patriarch into toria Hotel on October 31. by the Greek soprano from Thessa- dition of the last section of “Mar- their office to give explanations and Right: The Patriarch appears loniki Eleni Calenos (as Medora). guerite’s Jewel Song” from the clarifications. The National Herald is with Turkish PM Tagip Erdogan The program began with the opera Faust by Charles Gounod. in a position to know of many in- last August during a visit to the Bach “Sonata for Flute and Cello, The second half of the program stances when the Ecumenical Patri- island of Pringipo, near Constan- BWV 1034” performed by Gina Izzo offered lighter fare as Ms. Katia arch was called into the prefecture of tinople. and Benjamin Capps, accompanied Zallas sang one of her favorite the Phanar. The most revealing and on the piano by Manolis Papasi- songs which is also a great favorite egregious case of this kind took place fakis. with audiences: “To Layiarni” by in August, 1990 and involved the 12, that “The government of Turkey The world premiere of the Spathy. late Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios. seems to be willing to grant Turkish “Suite for Trombone and Piano” by Greek Operetta was again well After his return to Constantinople citizenship to all those hierarchs of composer John Ellis - who was pre- represented in this concert with se- from a month-long, historic visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate who sent in the audience – was per- lections from the perennial favorite the United States. The Patriarch was serve outside of Turkey. Turkish citi- formed by talented Greek Trom- “Apachides ton Athinon”. summoned to the prefecture and zenship will allow them to freely par- bonist Achilles Liarmakopoulos The charming “San Oneiro”, was put through an exhausting ex- ticipate in all the administrative ac- supported by Yannis Xylas on the was sung as a duet by Katia Zallas amination by the authorities. It has tivities of the Patriarchate including NIKOS MAGGINAS piano. and Julie Ziavras. been said by his close associates that the right to be candidates for the Ec- the Carlyle Hotel after the Patriar- Turkey.” The second half of the program After a series of old Greek songs, Patriarch Dimitrios became so upset umenical Throne when a vacancy chal Liturgy at the Archdiocesan To this day the Archdiocese has started with an extensive instru- the singers presented selections that - a few weeks later - he suffered arises. It was made clear by the Ecu- Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New not officially notified the Greek Or- mental section featuring talented from American musicals. a stroke which led to his death. menical Patriarch himself that ‘they York on Sunday, November 1.” thodox people and the community in cellist Benjamin Capps (whose Olga Xanthopoulou sang “And There is some speculation at to will have the right to elect and to be This newspaper also reported general about which and how many mother is of Greek heritage) team- this is my beloved” from Kismet fol- whether the letter about the proper- elected.’ Ecumenical Patriarch that “Prime Minister Erdogan told metropolitans will become Turkish ing with Greek pianist Manolis Pa- lowed by Katia Zallas’ rendition of ties is related to other recent devel- Bartholomew broke the news to Patriarch Bartholomew that his re- citizens, including Archbishop pasifakis in the “Sonata for Cello “I could have danced all night”. opments regarding the relations of Archbishop Demetrios of America quest will be satisfied and asked him Demetrios himself. and Piano” by Debussy. Julie and Katia sang To Yelekaki hierachs outside of Turkey with the and to the hierarchs of the Archdio- to send the appropriate information Two weeks later on November as an encore to round off a memo- Patriarchate. The National Herald cese during his recent visit to the with names of the hierarchs and oth- Contact Theodore Kalmoukos at 21, the Hellenic Music Foundation rable evening of beautiful exclusively revealed, on November U.S. at the luncheon that has held at er details to the government of [email protected]. presented their second concert of melodies.

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By Sylvia Klimaki partment from 1997 to 2001. Mrs. Katseli identified Greece's Special to The National Herald Giving a detailed analysis of the competitive advantages in the glob- Greece’s economic situation, the al economic arena as being its NEW YORK - On December 3rd, new minister pointed out that strategic location, natural environ- Jean-Claude Trichet, the President Greece's GDP is expected to drop by ment, cultural heritage, renewable of the European Central Bank, was 1.2% for the year 2009, while the energy potential and human capi- asked about Greece’s fiscal difficul- Eurozone average drop is 4%. She tal. The main challenge, she said, ties and the risk of a possible de- explained the increase in the gov- “is turning these advantages into fault. He said that he was confident ernment’s deficit to be a result of “4 concrete opportunities.” the Greek government will be tak- billion euro increases in previous The minister itemized three ing "the appropriate decisions.” On state budget expenditures”. She main ways in which the new gov- the same day, Mrs. Louka Katseli, vouched, however, that “trans- ernment would accomplish this. It the Greek Minister of the Economy, parency and accountability consti- needs to, she said, “simplify all pro- Competitiveness and Shipping, tute top priorities” for the current cedures for start-ups”, by cutting said, "Greece has proven to be quite government that is determined to through red tape and promoting resilient in the current financial cri- “improve sustainability" and re- “one-stop shop services”. New leg- sis." store confidence in the economy. islation for small and medium size Mrs. Katseli was speaking Mrs. Katseli pointed out the eco- businesses must give them the op- among distinguished Greek busi- nomic goals that the PASOK gov- tion to “restructure their loans”, nessmen and investors at Capital ernment has set forward in order to she added. Finally “greenfield in- Link's 11th Annual Forum in Man- promote “healthy competition” and vestments” will improve the coun- hattan. The purpose of the confer- “combat corruption", stressing that try’s competitiveness. Mrs. Katseli ence was to bring together entre- “time is running fast”. First, she also announced the formation of a preneurs, public officials and in- noted that all major appointments Hellenic Development Fund vestors to discuss Greece’s invest- for public sector jobs are being ad- (HDF), which will back “promising ment future. vertised at www.opengov.gr. Minis- investment projects”. Mrs. Katseli was on her first offi- ter Katseli pointed to Mr. Mantzo- The minister concluded that cial visit to the U.S. as a newly-ap- ufas, the Special Secretary of Public Greece’s major challenge is “to en- pointed minister. The economist Private Partnerships, as a great ex- hance its productive base and com- had previously spent 15 years in ample of this procedure. Present at petitive advantage in global mar- the U.S., having studied at Smith the Capital Link forum, he was re- kets" and "produce new wealth." College and Princeton University, cruited through the open govern- TNH/COSTAS BEJ Mrs. Katseli said that Greece has and taught at Yale University. Mrs. ment procedure. Louka Katseli, the newly-appointed Greek Minister of The Economy, Competitiveness and Shipping, gave her fi- the EU's second lowest spot on the Katseli served as economic advisor Second, the minister announced nancial projections for Greece in 2010 at the Capital Link Forum at the Metropolitan Club on December 3. union’s Index of Economic Free- to Greek Prime Minister Costas that the government’s deficit will dom. It remains to be seen whether Simitis between 1993 and 1996. be reduced to 9.1% of the country’s cal Service will become an indepen- for all public servants “in order to will be introduced along with an the current government will take Most recently, she chaired the Uni- GDP for the year 2010. Third, she dent body. Furthermore a Unified minimize wage expenditures”. Fi- “elimination of the current tax ex- the necessary bold decisions for a versity of Athens’ economics de- emphasized that Hellenic Statisti- Payment System will be established nally, she said, “a unified tax scale” emptions”. more competitive Greek economy. Dr. George Alexopoulos Gets Grant for Work on Modern Plague of Depression

Continued from page 1 son with abnormalities in some “rapidly cycling disorder”, a subtype to understand the brain, we do it frontal lobe functions [who is facing of bipolar disorder. He explained: with one specific goal in mind, to tinent to young depressed patients.” challenging situations] may develop “The most common form of bipolar help patients.” He said that “We have identified depression. He explained that, “If disease consists of episodes of de- During the interview with Dr. specific abnormalities both in the the brain is intact and the person has pression that last months or years Alexopoulos, the word “psychother- structure and in the function of no predisposition, it is very difficult and fewer manic episodes, usually apy” was used a few times and the some brain circuits that inhibit refor stress alone to elicit depression. of shorter duration. During manic question arose, “How can you have sponse to antidepressant treatment. We have examples of people who episodes patients believe that they psychotherapy without the concept Most of these abnormalities are lo- suffered enormous losses and did are on top of the world, that they of a soul?” - psyche being the Greek cated in brain circuitry whose main not develop depression. A normal have endless capabilities, that they word for soul. Dr. Alexopoulos re- function is to identify conflict reaction for a person who looses a are better than anybody else.” sponded, “The term psychotherapy among the various information bits loved one is to develop a mourning He explained that bipolar disor- is a leftover from the past when psy- that a person receives from his envi- reaction, but depression will be de- der in young patients is a genetic chotherapy was not related to biolo- ronment.” He explained: “When I veloped by a person with a predispo- disease. People who present this dis- gy. What we do with psychotherapy say conflict, I do not mean psycho- sition.” order for the first time at an older is help patients develop a number of logical conflict [explored by people Talking about the prevention of age may have a weak genetic predis- behaviors that assist their adjust- like Freud]. Many times a day, the depression, Dr. Alexopoulos said, position and develop symptoms on- ment and lower the stress they expe- individual is presented with infor- “There is a common belief that when ly when old age leads to abnormali- rience. We now have sound experi- mation that is difficult to reconcile. one loses a dear person one must cry ties in brain areas responsible for mental methods and have begun to When this happens, a brain circuit is because if he holds the sorrow inside mood regulation.” Dr. Alexopoulos know what psychotherapy changes activated which [registers] that in- he will later on develop depression. said there are treatments for this dis- in the brain. If, for example, I give congruent data are being presented Although this is a popular view, it is ease: “An investigator of our Insti- psychotherapy to a person suffering to the individual (e.g. it cannot be not grounded in facts.” He added: tute has received the only grant by from depression and that person both day and night at the same “What we know is that all persons the Institute of Mental Health to test gets better we already have the time) and then other brain circuits who lose a significant other develop the efficacy and risks of treatments imaging technology to see the are recruited to reconcile the incon- a reaction of mourning, but only for late-life bipolar disorder.” changes taking place in the brain as gruous information (e.g. why some- 20% will show depression and the Asked if bipolar persons can be- a result. In other words, psychother- body said that it is daytime when it question is why? The most informed come violent he said, “Yes, when the apy leads to improvement of depres- is so dark. Maybe it is dark because answer to this question is that some patient believes that someone op- sion and this process results in brain it is a very cloudy day). To go back people are biologically predisposed poses or threatens him.” He also changes.” Asked what he feels when to our findings, we have shown that TNH/COSTAS BEJ to depression and others are not.” said: “When mania worsens, pa- he helps a person, he said, “This is good functioning of the conflict net- Dr. George S. Alexopoulos, left, addressing guests at the Hellenic Regarding the most successful tients may develop paranoia and what all our work is about.” work is necessary for a response to Medical Society’s Gala on Dec. 4, seen together with Dr. John Xethalis. therapies for depression in people of delusions, and commit acts of vio- Dr. Alexopoulos added that brain antidepressant drugs. Further, we advanced age, Dr. Alexopoulos said: lence.” abnormalities can cause physical ill- observed that depressed patients ops special qualities in order to per- cle cells can tighten to lift a weight, “The most effective treatment for When we asked what attracted ness: “Not only can they cause a with impairment in the conflict net- form the complex functions that the heart cells can be flexed periodi- depression across ages is a combina- work are unable to manage their en- mammals are able to carry out. cally and pump blood, the liver cells tion of psychotherapy with antide- vironment because they are disorga- The nerve cells in particular have can break down food into simple pressant medication. He also added nized and end up living a chaos, the capability to transfer informa- molecules, which the organism can that “late life depression often does which makes them experience their tion in the form of weak electrical then use to be nourished or to syn- not respond to antidepressants” and lives as very stressful. The observa- current and by secreting substances thesize proteins or other complex clarified that late-life depression is tions have implications for treat- called neurotransmitters. The end molecules that can be used by many not a single disorder but many disor- ment development. First, drugs that product of this information transfer of the organism’s cells to renew ders with different brain abnormali- optimize the function of the neuro- is what we call “thought”. However, themselves. ties that present the same symp- transmitter systems of the conflict in its simplest form, information As cells specialize they need di- toms. He emphasized that “some of network are available and can be transfer may allow the brain to or- rection so that they can coordinate these types of depression have brain tested in the subgroups of depressed der the leg or the arm to move. Cells their work to the benefit of the or- abnormalities that make patients re- patients with abnormalities in those in other parts of the body have ganism. This coordinating function sistant to classical antidepressant networks. Second, psychotherapies equally specialized properties. Mus- is the responsibility of the brain. So drugs. Knowing the abnormalities of are being invented by our research the brain can regulate the function nerve circuits that prevent response institute targeting the specific dis- of the heart, the gastrointestinal sys- to the currently used antidepres- abilities of depressed patients with tem, and the muscles of the body. sants would allow us to create sever- abnormalities in their conflict net- For example, when you run and al new forms of medication therapy works. These therapies improve the need a lot of blood in the muscles, and new, effective types of psy- ability of such patients to cope with the brain will order the heart to chotherapy.” their environment, reduce the stress pump faster than when you read Dr. Alexopoulos explained that they experience, and ultimately im- and the only organ that needs some “Individuals with abnormalities in prove their depressive symptoms.” extra blood is the brain. The brain some frontal lobe circuits develop a Asked about the brain’s influence cell function can be as simple as reg- characteristic behavioral distur- on the overall psycho-somatic ulating the heart’s pace or creating bance. These patients cannot plan health of the individual, Dr. Alex- the sensation of pain and heat, and and organize their actions, or follow opoulos said, “The brain is the it can be as complex as generating through in their activities. The result body’s director. It regulates every thoughts, plans, and actions. is that they always live under pres- activity of the body’s organs.” He For depression to develop, there sure and stress. In collaboration TNH/COSTAS BEJ then noted that “The brain consists must be predisposing and precipitat- with colleagues of the University of HMS President Dr. George John Tsioulias, left, is seen with Dr. George of nerve cells, the neurons, and of ing factors. When the predisposing California, San Francisco, we have S. Alexopoulos, and Dr. John Xethalis at the 2009 HMS Gala in N.Y. supporting cells, the glia, and ex- factors are strong, even minimal developed a therapy that essentially plained the specialized functions of stress may lead to depression. Re- teaches patients how to identify him to the field of psychiatry he medical illness but they can worsen the cells. “Man belongs to the cate- garding what predisposes people to their daily problems and organize said, “The fact that psychiatry is the course of medical illnesses. De- gory of mammals. Unlike low level depression, Dr. Alexopoulos said, and sequence their behavior so that multidimensional and allows biolo- pressed patients have mortality organisms in which each cell per- “This is the goal of my personal they can address them effectively. gy, psychology, social sciences, and rates that are 2 to 4 times higher af- forms many basic functions, mam- work. Findings of our Institute and We have shown that we can train pa- philosophy to work together in or- ter a myocardial infarction com- mals start with a group of cells that of other centers show that damage tients with frontal lobe related der to understand human behavior. pared with patients who suffer a my- have the same basic structure in the Dr. Alexopoulos (left) with his in some of the frontal lobe circuits deficits to utilize this approach, im- In the beginning I was interested in ocardial infarction but are not de- embryo, but as the organism devel- friend, Dr. Andreas Loucopoulos, predispose to depression. A difficult prove their daily life and achieve re- classical and political philosophy, pressed.” ops, various groups of cells begins to at the Naval Hospital of Salamis environment to negotiate can serve mission of their depression.” later in the philosophy of science Dr. Alexopoulos studied at specialize. So, while the same basic with a friend during his military as a precipitating factor, so that a He mentioned as an example a and finally in psychiatry which pro- Athens Medical School and worked structure is retained, each cell devel- service. predisposed individual, e.g. a per- person who has lost the ability to or- vokes the scientist to find a way for as a general practitioner in Myce- ganize his day, wears the same the co-existence of the different nae, Greece. He had his psychiatric clothes day and night, does not fields.” residency in the U.S., initially at the shave, does not go out and does not THE PSYCHE AND THE SOUL New Jersey Medical School and lat- eat normally. “What we do is teach At one point the discussion er at Cornell Medical College. After Stay informed all year round, anytime, anywhere this patient in very simple terms turned to the nature of the soul. Dr. his graduation, he had a research how to sequence his actions and Alexopoulos said of the soul that, “In fellowship on the Psychobiology of Become an online subscriber of The National Herald and get... meet his basic and some of his more biological terms it means nothing, Depression under Professor Peter complex personal needs. By doing because there is no definition of soul Stokes, one of the pioneers in the ☛ daily updates with news covering so he no longer has to live in the mis- that biology can address.” Asked to field of Psychoendocrinology. ery of his completely malfunction- offer a intellectual point of view he Since 1980 Dr. Alexopoulos has the community, Greece and Cyprus. ing, disorganized life. And he said it is “something that transcends worked in the field of geriatric de- ONLY* ☛ immediate access to our previous editions. added, “We started with the identifi- experience,” and he added, “medi- pression, conducting studies rang- ☛ cation of some disturbances of the cine does not deal with the soul.” He ing from clinical biology to the de- $34.95 edification that every Greek American should have! frontal lobe functions in depression, explained that “medicine is a practi- velopment of novel treatment inter- we then described the behavioral cal discipline whose basic reason of ventions. In 1994, he founded the a Year! disturbances that these abnormali- being is the relief of the patient. To- Weill-Cornell Institute of Geriatric Visit us online at ties cause, and we developed a day’s medicine is based mainly on Psychiatry and received a competi- method of psychotherapy to target science but not exclusively. When tive grant from the National Insti- www.thenationalherald.com them. This is a pattern that we fol- the approved treatments do not tute of Health, which allowed him to low in all our research programs.” work, a good physician should not form the first Clinical Research Cen- or call us: 718-784-5255 ext.108 Dr. Alexopoulos was asked about abandon his patient. He should use ters of Cornell’s Department of Psy- people who exhibit major changes his relationship with the patient and chiatry which consist of approxi- *The price indicated above is for current subscribers. Regular price is $45.95/year. in their behavior, e.g. a person who his experience to offer hope and mately 40 specialized investigators, Alternative for current subscribers is per 3 months $14.95, per 6 months $23.95 is polite and considerate at 10 a.m., comfort. This is not science. This is research fellows, and technical per- becomes irritable and even violent the wisdom of medicine accumulat- sonnel. WR The National Herald two hours later, and looks depressed ed over many centuries and taught Από το 1915 για τον Ελληνισµό Bringing the news to generations of Greek Americans in another 2 hours. He said that in to new physicians by their wise men- Contact Theodore Kalmoukos at all likelihood such a person has a tors. When my colleagues and I try [email protected]. THE NATIONAL HERALD, DECEMBER 12-18, 2009 COMMUNITY 5 Art for the Ages: Capturing the Origins & Significance of El Greco in New York

By Eleni Kostopoulos States Vasilis Kaskarelis, Ambas- on Byzantine tradition is so clearly The National Herald Staff Writer sador of Greece to the United Na- emphasized throughout the exhibitions Anastasios Mitsialis, Consul tion.” NEW YORK – “The role of Byzan- General of Greece in New York Aghi His Eminence Archbishop of tium in the development of the Balta Mr. Antonis S. Papadimitriou, Crete Eirineos also spoke at length world, its contribution to global president of the Onassis Public about his admiration for all those culture, its association with faith Benefit Foundation (USA), stressed who made the exhibition a reality, and religion, its participation in sci- the importance of institutions that his appreciation to the institutions entific discovery, its ease with mul- continue to bring the American that generously loaned their art- ticulturalism, will not go unnoticed public even closer to the values of work for the exhibition and his af- in this country for very long,” Mr. our common heritage. He noted the fection and love of the Cretan peo- Pavlos Yeroulanos, Minister of Cul- significance of the exhibition from ple who are always ready to wel- ture and Tourism of Greece, said at both a historical and cultural per- come others to the island. the atrium of the Olympic Tower in spective. Accompanying the exhibition is New York City on Tuesday, Decem- “In an era of political and cultur- an illustrated 132-page catalogue, ber 8. al flux, El Greco and the other im- featuring entries on each painting Referring to this anticipated portant Cretan iconographers bring in the exhibition and essays by cu- Byzantine-American encounter, back the message of hope and cre- rator Dr. Anastasia Drandaki; Dr. Yeroulanos said, “The associations ativity that stems from interaction Olga Gratziou, Professor of Byzan- are way too obvious to miss. And and dialogue between different tine Art and Archaeology, Universi- the question is, what happens cultural and geographical environ- ty of Crete; and Dr. Nicos Hadjini- when they do meet? It really de- ments,” he said. “Their message is colaou, Professor of Art History, pends on how they get introduced, clear: human genius will always be University of Crete. Visiting hours and that is why I would like to able to win over alienation and for “El Greco” are Monday through thank and congratulate the Onassis prejudice.” Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 6 Public Benefit Foundation for offer- Mr. Papadimitriou also extend- p.m. with free admission. ing this wonderful cultural bridge ed special thanks to several people Among the Greek lenders to the between these two worlds.” and institutions including members exhibition are the Alexander S. The evening marked the highly of the Hellenic Institute of Byzan- Onassis Public Benefit Foundation, anticipated opening reception of an tine and post-Byzantine Studies in Athens; Antivouniotissa Museum, extraordinary group of 15th and Venice, which loaned out pieces for Corfu; Benaki Museum, Athens; 16th century paintings, including Above: The President of the the exhibition and have also con- Byzantine and Christian Museum, several early works by El Greco, Onassis Foundation Antonis S. ducted extensive research on that Athens; the Holy Metropolis, and the era to which Mr. Yer- Papadimitriou addressses guests particular period. Church of the Dormition of the Vir- oulanos was referring to, in an ex- at the opening reception for the President of the Benaki Museum gin, Ermoupolis, Syros; Collection hibition titled, “The Origins of El widely acclaimed “Origins of El in Greece, Emilia Yeroulanou, who of Ecclesiastical Art, Saint Cather- Greco: Icon Painting in Venetian Greco: Icon Painting in Venetian also happens to be the mother of ine of the Sinaites, Heraklion, Crete”. Mr. Yeroulanos noted, the Crete” exhibit at the Onassis Cen- Minister Yeroulanos, recapped Crete; National Gallery of Athens; aesthetic and historical display, ter in New York on Tuesday, De- some of the many exhibitions host- Paul and Alexandra Canellopoulos which launched on November 17 cember 8. Right: Enthusiastic ed by the Onassis Cultural Center Museum, Athens; Public Library of and will run through February 27, philhellenes and art lovers pack and emphasized the importance of Lefkada; Municipality of Herak- 2010, welcomes approximately Olympic Tower lobby during. bringing such artwork to the public lion, Crete; and Marianna Latsis 1,500 visitors on a daily basis. eye. Collection, Athens. Among the “[They] come to discover beauty of the Byzantine Collection at the “A particularly [noteworthy ex- lenders in Europe, the United in a passion that they’re not used Benaki museum in Athens, include hibition was] ‘Coming of Age in An- States and Canada are the Hellenic to,” said Mr. Yeroulanos. “Their re- the paintings “Baptism of Christ” cient Greece’ which took the theme Institute of Venice; the Metropoli- sponses and the responses of the belonging to the Municipality of of childhood, presenting children’s tan Museum of Art, New York; the media have been incredible. It has Heraklion and an “Adoration of the toys games and even some relevant State Hermitage Museum, St. Pe- always been my firm belief that Shepherds” belonging to Queen’s legends,” she said. tersburg; and Queen's University, when America discovers Byzan- University in Kingston, Ontario. An Of the current exhibit she said, Kingston, Canada. tium…they will fall in love.” early painting by El Greco, “The “This exhibition brought together The exhibition is organized in “The Origins of El Greco” has Dormition of the Virgin”, which more than 45 important icons from collaboration with the Benaki Mu- been described by the New York travels rarely from its church in Er- 15 different collections. The way seum in Athens and the Archdio- Times as a “triple-layered visual es- moupolis, Syros was lent by the the subject has been presented will cese of Crete and is exclusively say” that “roughs out the complex Metropolis of Syros, and a late Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Onassis Center, Ambassador Lou- certainly stimulate the interest of funded by the Alexander S. Onassis texture of a specific, cosmopolitan, Spanish-period work by El Greco, Foundation. cas Tsilas, were His Eminence Arch- visitors both because of the excep- Public Benefit Foundation (USA). East-meets-West island culture.” “The Coronation of the Virgin”, on Among the distinguished guests bishop Demetrios, His Eminence tional quality of the exhibit and es- Some highlights of the exhibition, view in New York City for the first at the Olympic Towers for the event Archbishop of Crete Eirineos, Am- pecially because Dominicos Theo- Contact Eleni Kostopoulos at by curator Dr. Anastasia Drandaki time, was provided courtesy of the hosted by Executive Director of the bassador of Greece to the United takopoulos, El Greco’s dependency [email protected]. FBI Investigating Financial Scandal at St. Barbara’s Parish in Orange, Connecticut

By Theodore Kalmoukos its endowment and building funds. Capital Management listing Loles’ council that the community needed The National Herald Staff Writer Although the legal advisor of the name and a now-defunct telephone to know that we had some concerns parish, who spoke to The National number ran in church newsletters about our funds, even thought it BOSTON- A financial scandal has Herald, refused to reveal the per- as late as 2007. But according to a was clear to us that we did not have roiled the parish of St. Barbara’s son’s name, the Connecticut news- 1997 Securities and Exchange a great deal of information, but Greek Orthodox parish in Orange, paper “New Haven Register”, in its Commission news release, Ape- there was enough to compel us to Connecticut as potentially massive December 8 edition, named him as iron’s broker-dealer registration call a meeting as a family and share embezzlement of funds is being in- Gregory Loles. with the regulatory body was can- even the preliminary information.” vestigated. Preliminary examina- The newspaper article stated celed that year for failing to “com- The meeting was attended “by a tions suggest at least one million that “Loles was in charge of manag- ply with applicable requirements of fair number of parishioners,” who dollars from the endowment and ing the church’s building fund and the Securities Investor Protection were invited through an email list, building funds being at stake. endowment, and several church Corp.” or failing to “be a member of said the attorney. The sum might be much higher members allowed Loles to handle a self-regulatory organization.” Mr. Stamas is not a member of – perhaps in excess of $1.8 million their personal retirement and col- The article also stated that “SEC the parish council but he said, “I am of the church’s money, plus monies lege investments, several sources registration is required for han- the general (legal) counsel, but we that individual parishioners en- within the church community dling more than $25 million of total have retained a specific council as trusted to their fellow parishioner, said.” investments. A search of state data- well to handle this issue.” a financier, to be “invested”. The In 1995, Loles registered a fi- bases shows no record of Loles be- Concerning who discovered the person who is accused of commit- nance firm called Apeiron Capital ing a certified financial planner.” issue, Stamas said, “Fr. Peter (Or- ting the embezzlement was a mem- Management Inc. with the secre- Loles is also registered with the fanakos) and myself received a ber of the parish and had access to tary of the state. Ads for Apeiron secretary of the state as the princi- telephone call that triggered some pal of Farnbacher Loles Motor serious concerns on our part.” Sports, LLC., an independent re- Exterior view of the new community center of the St. Barbara church. When asked to give the caller’s pair shop that specializes in after- name, Mr. Stamas said, “The attor- market performance upgrades to serious concerns about the invest- cerned about its endowment fund, I ney has cautioned us that until the Porsches. He also is part owner of ments and there has been a referral can tell you that if fully intact, it is FBI clears our ability to share more a racing team. The business is near to the [FBI] as of Friday morning, about $1.8 million and the scope of information, we need to be very cir- Danbury Municipal Airport. Farn- December 4.” the loss is being determined”. cumspect on details.” bacher Loles Motor Sports also has Asked about his name, Mr. Sta- When asked to specify the With regard to who oversaw the a racing team that operates on both mas said, “At this point we have amount of money missing, Mr. Sta- man under investigation he said, sides of the Atlantic Ocean, accord- [retained] another attorney who mas said, “It is not a matter of how “There was a seven person endow- ing to the company’s website. has indicated that we should be much is missing; at this point we ment committee.” When asked if Fr. Peter Orfanakos, who has cautious with sharing names until are investigating every dollar of the they sensed anything strange was been the priest of the parish for 13 that is cleared by the [FBI].” Ac- endowment fund to determine if it going on , he said, “Again, the FBI years, did not respond to The Na- cording to Stamas, the alleged em- is properly secured.” He said that has told us we are not to get into tional Herald’s telephone calls. Nei- bezzler is not a member of the they are investigating all of the any particulars and we need to fol- ther did Nicholas Lousidis, presi- parish council, but “He is a member funds to see which are “secured, low the dictates of the FBI,” though dent of the parish council. The Her- of the parish.” Stamas added, “We unsecured or missing,” adding: he stated that the individual “has ald left a message with the answer- are talking about large sums of “We are talking in a very, very pre- not been arrested to the best of my ing service late on December 7 for money.” liminary stage.” knowledge. The referral was made Fr. Orfanakos. Instead, Mr. Stamas, Asked if they are in the millions, Concerning the building fund on Friday morning.” the legal advisor of the parish of St. he said “Yes.” He said, “I am talking Mr. Stamas said, “In addition, we The parish which consists of 750 Barbara, called TNH. Attorney Sta- now on behalf of St. Barbara’s and are investigating whether any por- families, which just this past Octo- mas and Fr. Orfanakos discovered we are one of many victims. The tions of the building fund are com- ber inaugurated a new community, the irregularity in the church’s impression we are arriving at is that promised and the issue there is ap- cultural and educational center. funds after receiving a phone call there are many individual claims proximately a quarter of a million This state-of-the-art facility con- TNH ARCHIVES from a parishioner. both by parishioners and non dollars.” tains 8,031 square feet and will Archbishop Demetrios with philanthropist and founding member of To the Herald’s question of who parishioners, so the magnitude is The parish called a special meet- house 13 Sunday school classes, a “Faith” Michael Jaharis. the person is who committed the something that we are not certain ing on Sunday night, December 6. book store, meeting rooms, library embezzlement, Mr. Stamas said, about at this point.” Stamas said, “It was not a general and a 5,632 sq. ft. banquet hall. “There is a gentlemen that made in- Asked to be specific about the assembly. It was an informational vestments on behalf of the endow- St. Barbara’s funds in question, Mr. meeting. There was no action tak- Contact Theodore Kalmoukos at “Faith” Endowment Grows ment committee and we have some Stamas said, “St. Barbara is con- en. It was the decision of the parish [email protected]. For Orthodoxy, Hellenism Continued from page 1 Inc., the largest retailer of furs in Writings of Harris P. Jameson the world. Mr. Spyropoulos was viding investment management born in Kastoria Greece and moved services for both domestic and off- to the United States with his par- shore clients. Born and raised in ents when he was twelve years of I. Jameson’s Chronicles Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mr. Chanos age, settling in Washington currently lives in New York and is Heights, New York . He now lives in Volume I...... $6.95 active in many charitable founda- Old Brookville New York with his tions and educational institutions. wife and three children. Volume II ...... $6.95 Andre Dimitriades has served as Mr. George Tsunis has been in the Chief Executive Officer of LTC the hotel business since 1992. The Properties Inc., a healthcare real Tsunis family has owned and oper- Both for ...... $12.00 estate investment trust, which was ated hotels since 1985. founded in 1992. He was born in Mr. Tsunis worked in the family Constantinople and currently lives enterprise, eventually becoming in California. President and CEO, and he oversees II. Novel “For Sully’s Sake” $10.25 Constantine Iordanou has been his family's real estate and restau- the President and CEO of the rant holdings which include shop- All three for ...... $20.00 Bermuda-based Arch Capital ping centers, office buildings and Group Ltd. of Arch Insurance storage facilities in New York and NAME: ______Group Inc., since 2003. He is also New Hampshire. ADDRESS: ______27-02 Astoria Boulevard, Chairman of Arch Capital Group He’s also a television political Ltd. since November 2009. Born in commentator, appearing on Fox-5's CITY: ______STATE: ____ ZIP: ______Astoria, NY 11102 Nicosia, Cyprus, Mr. Iordanou cur- Good Day New York. Mail to: Mr. Harris P. Jameson rently lives in New York. For more information about Τηλ.: (718) 932-7858 Chris Spyropoulos is President Faith, visit the Endowment’s web- 6 Louders Ln, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130-3423 and CEO of BC International Group site: www.faithendowment.org. 6 FEATURE THE NATIONAL HERALD, DECEMBER 12-18, 2009

GREEK MUSIC ...PLUS Café Aman Amerika: A Musical Tribute to the First Greek Immigrants in America

NEW YORK - “Ladies and gentle- COSMOS FM in New York, met Di- ous and undisputable spontaneous reaction of the most characteristic ones in- were adopted and sung by some men, the Greek hour is coming. no Pappas (Konstantinos Papakon- historical value. The was: “They must be re- cluded in the CD, in terms of their well known Greek singers, perhaps Station WWWW, New York, Bosto stantinou), a retired Greek Ameri- lyrics, the melodies, the vived through a CD theme and gringlish content: “Giati because of their original theme and (Boston), Pitsivourgo (Pittsburgh), can policeman from Detroit. Mr. stories, the themes, the production.” On the Glyko Mou Sweet Heart”: The love their fresh and unusual musical Clevela (Cleveland), Detroit, San- Pappas was born in 1931 and since self-satire and the spot, we even came up struck singer laments over a girl content. As a result, our Cafe Aman frantzisko (San Francisco). Ladies the age of 9, he was an avid collec- “gringlish”, English with the title of such a who apparently does not recipro- group was invited to Greece in and gent-le-men, Mr. Tzanetos tor of old and rare records and words turned into CD. “Cafe Aman Amer- cate his amorous sentiments as he 1997, where we gave several con- speaking. Today me produce to you songs produced in America by the Greek by changing ica” we said, “with a says: “...na vgenis date every night certs, in Salonika as well as at the important stuff. The tenor and the first Greek immigrants of the 1920s their ending, (i.e. strong accent on the sto xanaleo black and white na sou Herodion and Lekabettus theatres other bunch, they are going to sing and 30s. strike=straki, club=klo- word “aman”, as the zitao ena filaki kai na mou les pos in Athens, with rave reviews by the the Greek song, his name is, “∆Ε In 1994, his collection numbered bi, cent=sentzi, pure sentiment of the ehis straki. Aaahh! Giati gliko mou media. During the same year, we ΜΕ ΞΕΡΕΙΣ ∆Ε ΣΕ ΞΕΡΩ ΑΛΛΑ ΣΕ nearly ten-thousand such record- chance=tsensi, word was most cer- sweetheart na me pligonis toso were invited by the ministries of ΚΑΤΑΛΑΒΑΙΝΩ”, rough translation ings, and being keenly aware of roof=roofi, by GRIGORIS tainly felt and shared hard.” culture of Holland and Belgium is, “Me don’t know you, you don’t their unique historical value, he was mistake=misteki, etc.), MANINAKIS by Greek immigrants “To Misteki” (The Mistake), is a and gave concerts in the symphony know me, but I love you just the eager to find a way to keep and were all a true reflec- to America, for all the humorous gringlish song in which halls of Utrecht and Brussels. For same…et cetera, et cetera”. maintain them for the newer gener- tion of the life and Special to difficult times they the singer imparts advice to young our readers, I have provided a link If you happened to be living in ations. He transferred several of hardships the first The National Herald faced during the first Greek American girls not to make to a performance of the song “To New York in the 1930’s, you would these songs onto cassettes, gave Greek immigrants had half of the 20th Centu- the misteki (mistake) as Anna did, Misteki”, as performed by the have very likely heard the above them to Michael Adam and soon af- to cope with. ry. while taking a ride in the group at the Lekabettus theatre in clever satire, broadcast on one of ter, Michael and I were listening to Moved and amazed, listening to Our next step was to search for “parki”(park): “...ta cocktails kai i Athens in 1997 (you might even the Greek radio programs. It is in the songs, truly moved by their obvi- these songs, our immediate and musicians. Within a month or so, “bara” (bar) kai ta fluid-drive kara recognize some of the performers: fact a 1932 verbatim segment from we had brought together a group of (cars) kai mia volta mes’ to ‘parki’ view it on our new website at: Titos Demetriadis’ radio 10 individuals, an appropriate and ki’ena kleftiko filaki. Epi telous ena www.thenationalherald.com) show/satire, “Tzanetos on the ra- necessary mix of first generation ride mes’ ton kipo einai all right ma The front cover of the “Cafe dio”. Greeks living in America, and sev- min prohoris pareki na min pesis Aman America” CD says: “Old Titos Demetriadis was a Greek eral U.S.-born Greek Americans as sto misteki…etc. “O Koumartzis songs of the Greeks of America as immigrant producer, singer, actor well. I was designated the male vo- (The gambler) is another very char- seen by their descendants”. In my and owner of the “Orthophonic calist of the group and my long acteristic song commenting on a opinion, it is indeed a historically Recording Company” in New York, time friend Anna Paidousi, the fe- gambler’s attempt to cheat, and yet unique and well-deserved musical responsible for most of the Greek male vocalist. The band was still lose, playing “poka”(poker) at tribute to the first Greek Immi- American productions in America named “Cafe Aman America” and the “klobi” (club), a very familiar grants to America. during the 1930s. This same seg- everyone in it was thrilled and to- scene for Greek Americans. Other Be well and don’t hesitate to ment was also used verbatim, as an tally enthused about the project. common gringlish words used in contact us! original, authentic text introduc- We started rehearsing in November the song are: “tzokari” (Joker), tion to the “Cafe Aman Amerika” 1994, spent hundreds of hours in “aseous bek-te-bek” (Aces back to Grigoris Maninakis is a Professor CD, produced in 1995 in New York recording studios, in New York City, back), “douses” (Deuces), “pati” of Engineering Technology at by “World Music”, a Greek Ameri- New Jersey and Staten Island, of- (pot) and a few others. SUNY Farmingdale. He has been can-owned company, and a group ten until the early morning hours, Surprisingly, however, and de- active in Greek music since the of Greek and Greek American musi- made several promotional video spite its content, the Cafe Aman early 70s as a founding member cians. clips, and finally in May of 1995 the America CD never became widely and singer/soloist of the Greek The CD was meant as a tribute “Cafe Aman America” CD became a known in the U.S. mainly because Popular Chorus of N.Y. estab- to the first Greek immigrants to reality and was formally released in the producers hardly promoted it to lished by Mikis Theodorakis. He America. I am thus truly honored to New York. It contained fourteen Greek Americans. The group gave has organized quality Greek mu- have been involved in this project, carefully selected songs from the but one concert at the Hellenic Cul- sic concerts all over the U.S. and from its inception to its full comple- thousands in Dino Pappas’ collec- tural Center of the Archdiocese in occasionally in Greece. His col- tion, and I am no less pleased to tion. Astoria and just one concert in umn will appear twice a month in write about it in this column. The The most important criterion in Toronto after an invitation by a lo- The National Herald. For com- story begins in 1993-94 when selecting the songs was the lyrics, cal agent. On the other hand, it ments and suggestions email or Michael Adam, a friend of mine, The passion and commitment of the musicians who created the Cafe and more specifically the gringlish was enthusiastically accepted in visit: [email protected], and producer of a radio show at Aman America CD are apparent in this photo of a recording session. words in each song. Here are three Greece, where some of its songs www.gmaninakis.com George Stephanopoulos to Maestro Dino Anagnost's 'Little Orchestra' a Gem Host “Good Morning America” Continued from page 1 derful diets of world music.” In 1984, Mr. Anagnost formed the Lol- curve,” he says, in New York City. li-Pops program for children aged 3 NEW YORK (Politico.com) - ABC Stephanopoulos.' ...Stephanopou- The Little Orchestra often com- to 5. “We teach them how to listen,” News will announce George los was named Chief Washington missions new work. In March, they he says. As youngsters learn about Stephanopoulos as an anchor of Correspondent in December 2005 presented “Honest Abe: Four loud and soft, high and low, their “Good Morning America,” to start and began anchoring 'This Week' in Scores and More”, a concert cele- parents do too. It’s no small feat, he as soon as Monday. The announce- September 2002. Previously, he brating the President Abraham Lin- says, for a person in today’s “surf- ment is planned for Thursday, De- was an ABC News correspondent, coln Bicentennial at Lincoln Center. ing” age to focus for 10 whole min- cember 10. Stephanopoulos, 48, reporting on a wide variety of polit- Actor James Earle Jones narrated. utes on a piece. joins Robin Roberts at the anchor ical, domestic and international Now, the maestro has an Earth Day Dino Anagnost is also the desk of the lucrative morning show. stories for 'This Week,' 'World News concert in mind. “I have to find mu- founder of the Metropolitan He will succeed Diane Sawyer, who Tonight,' 'Good Morning America' sic for it,” Mr. Anagnost explains. Singers/Greek Choral Society and has her last day on the show Friday and other ABC News programs and Though he’s short on “creative Dean of Music of the Cathedral of and begins December 21 as anchor special event broadcasts. time”, or the time for attending the Holy Trinity. of “World News.” Stephanopoulos joined ABC News concerts or absorbing art, The Little It was only two weeks after Mr. Stephanopoulos may keep his in 1997 as a news analyst for 'This Orchestra’s musicians help him Anagnost arrived in New York that Sunday show, “This Week,” for a Week.' seek out the new. Archbishop Ioakovos invited him to transition period. The network "Prior to joining ABC News, The orchestra, he says, is devot- help out. In 1975, the young musi- brass don't want to disrupt that Stephanopoulos served in the Clin- ed to “combining various art forms: cian organized the first-ever con- show, which is doing well. Eventu- ton administration as the senior ad- dance, mime, illusionists, illustra- cert in a Greek Orthodox Church in ally, a new host would be named. viser to the president for policy and tions…” In their recent staging of the United States at Holy Trinity The Manhattan-bound strategy. He is the author of 'All Too “Cinderella”, for instance, there Cathedral. Stephanopoulos also was ABC's Human,' a No. 1 New York Times was a 16-foot fairy godmother and Mr. Anagnost, who studied chief Washington correspondent. best-seller on President Clinton's a 40-foot dragon. Byzantine music at Hellenic Col- From Capitol Hill to presidential first term and the 1992 and 1996 It’s not just puppets that grab lege and worked with Greek com- politics to the White House to net- Clinton/Gore campaigns. the audience’s attention. “Dino’s al- posers including Mikis Theodor- work news, Stephanopoulos has re- Stephanopoulos received his ways a part of the action, the dra- akis, continues to seek out tradi- peatedly triumphed in hostile envi- Master's degree in theology from matic action,” notes the orchestra’s Dino Anagnost has been conducting The Little Orchestra since 1979. tional as well as new material at ronments through charm and Balliol College, Oxford University, executive director, Joanne Bern- The orchestra, he says, features a full program for those aged ‘3 to 93’. Holy Trinity. This year’s Candlelight dogged preparation, and has exe- England, where he studied as a stein-Cohen. The orchestra is never Maestro Anagnost also is the Dean of Music at Holy Trinity Cathedral. Concert features soprano Indra cuted a remarkable series of seam- Rhodes Scholar. He holds a Bache- in a pit, but always on stage – with Thomas. Alongside the works of less reinventions. lor of Arts degree from Columbia a very interactive maestro. Ms. child in him” that he communicates cal musicians,” Mr. Anagnost clari- composers Randol Bass and Arvo According to his network biog- University and graduated summa Bernstein-Cohen thinks it’s because with children so well. fies, adding: “We’re trying to make Part, will be Byzantine nativity raphy: "George Stephanopoulos is cum laude in political science. Mr. Anagnost has “the spirit of a “We’re not trying to make classi- classical music part of their won- chants and Greek carols. ABC News' Chief Washington Cor- Stephanopoulos and his wife, respondent and host of ABC's... Alexandra Wentworth, live in Sunday morning political affairs Washington, D.C., with their two program, 'This Week with George daughters." Dr. Papadakis and COSMOS-FM: Hellenic Pillars By Constantine Sirigos Boston Cretans Going Strong: The National Herald Staff Writer NEW YORK – For a community to The PAA’s Rathamanthus-Ide stand and thrive it needs pillars of many kinds. Some are individuals By Theodore Kalmoukos A notable guest of the evening that stand tall and cast long shad- The National Herald Staff Writer was the Consul General of Greece ows when they are gone, others are Konstantinos Orphanides, who com- institutions that survive even as BOSTON – On November more than plimented the Cretans for their an- people come and go. On December 300 guests gathered at the Cathedral niversary milestone and congratulat- 4th at the Pierre Hotel the Greek Center in Brookline, Massachusetts ed them for all they do to promote American Community honored to celebrate the 90th anniversary of good citizenship, education, and both kinds, the memory of one of the Rathamanthus-Ide Chapter of philanthropy. “The Cretans are its great individuals, the late Dr. the Pancretan Association of Ameri- known for the good work that they Constantine Papadakis, and one of ca (PAA). The evening was highlight- do,” he said to the National Herald. its vital organizations, Hellenic ed by an authentic Cretan dinner “I have observed that they work ef- Public Radio, COSMOS-FM. that the members of the chapter pre- fectively, they volunteer in large COSMOS-FM celebrated its pared and served, along with danc- numbers and this is the key to their 22nd year on the air. At 91.5 FM in ing performed by the association’s success. They are united in offering New York and on the internet at groups, accompanied by musicians their love and support to Greece and GAEPIS.org. At its fall Gala, Hel- who came directly from Crete to par- Crete and my hope is that they con- lenic Public Radio presents its ticipate in the occasion. tinue to do so in the future.” Phidippidis award for their “pas- The president of the chapter, Left- Mr. Dimitris Hatzis, PAA’s First sionate advocacy of Hellenism.” Dr. eris Travayiakis, Esq., welcomed the District governor, in his address to Constantine Papadakis, president guests and reminded everyone that the attendees, noted that: “The of Drexel University from 1995 to they were gathered thanks to the pi- name Rathamanthus-Ide is synony- 2009, was this year’s posthumous oneering Cretans who established mous with philanthropy and recipient. the original Cretan association in progress”, while Dimitris Mattheos After welcoming remarks by Boston in 1919, under the name of pointed out that, “Tonight’s event is Mistress of Ceremonies Anthoula ‘Minos’. “I am privileged to preside very successful because the Cretans Katsimatides, the guests were also Dr. Papadakis’ daughter Maria brought tears to the eyes of guests with a moving tribute: “I am so honored during this historic period of our take pride in everything they do. greeted by Stavros Sousou, the new that so many people can say such wonderful things about my father. I will cherish your words forever.” chapter,” said Mr. Travayiakis, “and They have a future and tonight’s suc- chairman of GAEPIS. He expressed to represent so many people that cess is a testament to the effective- his gratitude to the station’s listen- Irenaios. Ireainaios is on a special tive parent and he made sure I was goulis. have worked hard and are dedicated ness of their members.” ers and donors, to the volunteers visit to New York and said of Dr. Pa- an active part of his life and work Athena Kromidas, principal of to preserving our heritage and cul- Mr. George Chryssis, a past PAA who produce and host the pro- pdakis that he had a “heart filled and his many amazing experi- the William Spyropoulos Day ture. I especially want to thank the and chapter president added, “Those grams, to the Director of Opera- with humanity and love.” ences.” She added “when I was 11 School, recited a moving poem by Board of Directors for their hard who founded the chapter would be tions Ioanna Giannopilos and the Consul General of Greece in years old I had a private audience Yiannis Ritsos, “Mboreis- You can”. work and dedication. I am also very proud to see that the Cretans of Program Director Ionanna Xan- New York Aglaia Balta was present, with the Dalai Lama and he spoke In his official Drexel biography pleased to see the attendance Boston not only kept the society thopoulou. as was Polixei Mastroperou, direc- to me for more for more than 2 Constantine Papadakis is described tonight. It exceeded all my expecta- alive but grew it. I am particularly The invocation was offered by tor of the Greek Press Office in New hours.” as “an innovator in higher educa- tions and makes me feel confident pleased to see so many young people His Eminence Metropolitan Evan- York. The evening was tastefully pre- tion with extensive experience in that there is hope for the future. For participating tonight, for it is these gelos. His Eminence Archbishop Dr. Papadakis’ daughter Maria sented, with tributes to Dr. Pa- both academe and the corporate any organization to succeed and per- persons who will continue the legacy Demetrios was also present and spoke for herself and in behalf of padakis interspersed with presen- world.” During his presidency full- petuate its vision, it requires hard and the traditions of our heritage. said of Dr. Papadakis, “Besides his her mother, Eliana, about his devo- tations of arias from his beloved op- time undergraduate enrollment work from its members and new The young people are the connect- ecumenical, universal values, he tion to his family, and about the re- eras by singer Emily Dunkan- grew from 4,500 in 1996 to more blood from the young. We have both ing link between generations and was an unyielding Cretan.” He then markable life she was privileged to Brown and pieces by pianist Areti than 11,000 in 2009 and added here tonight.” represent the future.” introduced the Archbishop of Crete enjoy, saying, “he was such an ac- Giovanou and violinist Maria Fran- medical and law schools. THE NATIONAL HERALD, DECEMBER 12-18, 2009 FEATURE 7

BIBLIA: A BOOK REVIEW COLUMN “El Greco”: Still Dazzling, Expressing Ancient Traditions, Inspiring Modern Artists

By Alexandros K. Kyrou dedicated to religious subjects. In- 1567. “At this stage in his career, and For some time, many in the West Special to The National Herald deed, Professors Davies and Elliott for someone of his ambitions, a move scorned his painting as the byprod- present an authoritative analysis of from the provincial society of Crete uct of mental illness or vision distort- DAVID DAVIES and JOHN H. EL- the spiritual and aesthetic environ- to the cultural metropolis of Venice ed by astigmatism. His disregard for LIOTT. El Greco. London: National ment—the religious, cultural, and would have offered irresistible at- rules of perspective and form, as well Gallery Company; New Haven, CT: even political, milieu—that crucially tractions. Many of his compatriots as his use of illumination to achieve Distributed by Yale University informed El Greco’s unique artistic had made the same move before symbolic functions, were unappreci- Press, 2005. Pp. 319. $70.00 (pa- genius. him, lured by the greater economic ated. The Western Baroque style, ac- perback). VENETIAN CRETE and social opportunities to be found tively promoted by the Catholic In the Latin partition of Byzantine in Venice, the head of a great mar- Church, was too restrained and rigid On November 20, 2009, both the territories after the capture of Con- itime empire” (p. 20). to recognize that El Greco’s approach The New York Times and The Na- stantinople by the forces of the Venice, with a population of attempted to express spiritual phe- tional Herald published lead stories Fourth Crusade in 1204, Crete was 170,000, contained a Greek émigré nomena rather than depict physical on the sixteenth-century artist wide- acquired, in 1211 by the Republic of community exceeding 20,000. events. El Greco was routinely ly known as El Greco. The Times’ Venice. Crete immediately became a Domenikos appears to have had no deemed as incomprehensible. two-page, illustrated story by Hol- vital strategic asset and economic re- interaction with the local Greeks’ re- With the emergence of Romanti- land Cotter and The National Her- source for Venice, crucial to the religious or social institutions during cism in the late eighteenth century, ald’s article by Sophia Stratakis Hul- public’s maritime empire and its lu- his three years in Venice. Despite an the works of “The Greek” were favor- ing reported on an exhibit showcas- crative trade network in the Eastern appearance, manner, and accent that ably reevaluated. Indeed, El Greco’s ing icon painting in Venetian Crete, Mediterranean. disclosed his ethnicity, Domenikos importance and stature has grown which opened at the Onassis Cultural Initial Venetian occupation policy immersed himself in elite Venetian steadily since his rediscovery by Center in Manhattan on November aimed at two goals: the exploitation society. Ironically, it was during this artists. Today, scholars often identify 17, 2009, and will run until February of Crete’s economic resources and time that Domenikos became known El Greco as the great proto-modern, 27, 2010. Of the almost 50 religious human labor; and the imposition of within Italian artistic and intellectual the progenitor of modern art and the images that make up the exhibit, sev- Latin, Catholic domination over the circles as Domenico Greco, and even- avant-garde. His expressiveness and en were produced by El Greco. It is a island’s Greek and Orthodox popula- tually simply as El Greco (“The approach to color significantly influ- clear testament to the towering im- tion. Directly appointed by Venice, Greek”). All the same, in Italy, the enced both the romantic artist Eu- portance of El Greco—a looming, Italian lords took over Crete’s lands artist himself continued to sign his gene Delacroix and Edouard Manet, primary figure both in Renaissance and carved out large estates for work, as he would throughout his a pivotal figure in the transition to painting and in the development of themselves, effectively creating a se- life, in cursive Greek letters either impressionism. The post-impres- modern art—that such a relatively ries of fiefdoms across the island. with his initials or else as Domenikos sionist Paul Cezanne’s use of depth small presentation of the artist’s vast The rights and privileges of the na- Theotokopoulos in full. and perspective acquired its founda- body of work draws such major at- tive Greeks, elites and commoners, Domenikos dedicated his three tional analogies from El Greco’s tention. were eliminated, and most of the years in Venice, followed by a period work. Pablo Picasso drew extensive- The Onassis Center program is population was pressed into serfdom of five years in Rome, to studying ly from “The Greek,” whom Picasso the first showing in the U.S. of the or other forms of labor bondage. and assimilating the techniques of himself identified as his major influ- artist’s work since the dazzling ex- Church properties were seized, the artists of the Renaissance. In par- ence during his early cubist explo- hibit “El Greco,” of New York’s Met- Crete’s Orthodox hierarchs, who ticular, the greatest living Venetian rations. Jackson Pollack and other ropolitan Museum of Art which ran were attacked and expelled, were re- masters, Titian and Tintoretto, had a prominent abstract expressionists al- from October 2003 to January 2004. placed by Catholic bishops. The Ital- profound and transforming impact so found in El Greco a major source That unparalleled exhibit remains ian bishops headed a new “official” on El Greco’s work. It was also dur- of inspiration and direction. the most comprehensive and focused Church regime and attempted to ing this time that El Greco began to Modern artists’ affinity for, and ever devoted to El Greco. In recog- forcibly impose papal control over were blending to create a distinctive before the end of the empire—made favor canvas over the wood panels debt to, “The Greek” stems from El nizing El Greco’s significance and the the surviving clergy and their coreli- Venetian-Cretan culture” (pp. 19- a dramatic impact on Cretan iconog- that he had originally painted on as Greco’s origination of conceptual art extraordinary value of their incom- gionists. 20). raphers. Moreover, after the fall of an iconographer. that is not constrained by descriptive, parable exhibit, the directors of the The Cretans both resented and re- THE CRETAN SCHOOL Constantinople in 1453 and the sub- Through connections to Iberian natural conventions regarding color, Met undertook to catalog, contextu- sisted Venetian domination. Heavy It was in this environment, one in sequent Ottoman conquest of Mistra royalty he had established while in form, and perspective. In short, El alize, and publish the entire contents taxes, demands for feudal labor, and which Orthodoxy and Catholicism in 1460, Crete benefited enormously Rome, El Greco left Italy in 1576 in Greco’s contribution to the develop- of the showing. other exploitive policies were fiercely coexisted and overlapped, that from the influx of a steady stream of pursuit of greater opportunity in ment of art is enormous in its scope The result of that ambitious pro- opposed. Religious oppression fu- Domenikos Theotokopoulos, the fu- Greek artists and intellectuals fleeing Spain, the Catholic world’s wealthi- and revolutionary in its underlying ject is the magisterial volume, “El eled intense antagonism. Dissent of- ture “El Greco,” was born in 1541 in Turkish subjugation. As a result, est and most powerful kingdom. De- philosophy. “The Greek” paved the Greco”, authored by two preeminent ten led to revolts throughout the thir- the port city of Iraklion, known to the Crete soon became home to a spec- spite “The Greeks” repeated efforts, way for freeing art, specifically West- authorities on the artist—art histori- teenth and during the fourteenth Venetians as Candia, the capital of tacular outpouring of creativity and he would not win the favor of Spain’s ern art, from its formalist limitations. an David Davies, of the University of centuries. As Professor Elliott points Crete. Domenikos was a member of scholarship. monarch in Madrid, Philip II, cham- El Greco formulated new artistic London, and cultural historian John out, the Cretans, “clinging tenacious- an affluent family which had pros- As the immediate successors to pion of the Papacy’s Counter-Refor- themes or transformed existing ones H. Elliott, of Oxford University. Al- ly to their Greek culture in the face of pered as a result of service to the the Byzantine tradition in the post- mation and wars against Protes- in original ways. He experimented though a variety of scholars provided a repressive Venetian regime, en- Venetian state. Indeed, Domenikos’ Byzantine era, the Greeks of Crete tantism. Indeed, El Greco, an out- with an innovative iconographic vi- supplemental contributions to this gaged in periodic insurrections father, Georgios, was a tax collector nurtured the many artists, iconogra- sider from distant Greece, who spoke sual language, one founded on his book, Professors Davies and Elliott against Venetian rule, and fiercely re- and merchant with far-flung ship- phers, scholars, theologians, and very little Spanish, and whose reli- training and experience in Orthodox authored the book’s textual writing sisted Venetian attempts to impose ping and trading interests, the owner writers who settled and flourished in gious identity was not entirely clear, icon painting. Finally, he blended and determined its scope and organi- upon them measures…to end the a family business which would be Crete. Likewise, stimulated by the found it difficult to be easily integrat- these currents with Western Renais- zation. Furthermore, while “El Gre- schism between Greek and Latin passed on to Domenikos’ older broth- work of these refugees, native Cre- ed into a militant environment over- sance modes of depiction to produce co” contributes significantly to the churches” (p.19). These many rebel- er, Manoussos. tans began to emerge as important shadowed by the Inquisition. a groundbreaking style. growing scholarship on the artist and lions culminated in a particularly se- As native Cretans, the contributors in their own right to this Failing to obtain secure patronage This book makes it clear that the his times, the book is intended for rious, large-scale uprising in 1363. Theotokopoulos family was Greek veritable Greek Renaissance. Indi- from the royal court in Madrid, “The meaning of El Greco’s unique, mysti- non-specialists as well. This insurrection, which lasted two and Orthodox. Indeed, one of vidual Cretans produced extraordi- Greek” found commissions for work cal imagery can be understood if Of course, the heart of “El Greco” years before being put down with Domenikos’ uncles was an Orthodox nary achievements in literature and in nearby Toledo, a historic city long viewed in its devotional and liturgi- is the book’s color portfolio of the ex- considerable violence, had sufficient- priest. It is, nonetheless, quite likely scholarship during this time. Yet, it dominated by its ecclesiastical estab- cal contexts. Professor Davies, espe- hibit’s 83 catalog entries, as well as ly shocked the Venetian regime to that the Theotokopoulos family, like was in the realm of iconography that lishment. “The Catholic Church was cially, argues that the roots of El Gre- some 175 other illustrations, each produce significant concessions for other Orthodox families in Crete’s ur- Cretan society made its greatest im- ubiquitous in this city, and members co’s style are to be found in the intel- sensitively treated by accompanying the Greeks and to lead to an overall ban centers, may have had informal pact on the Greek and Mediter- of the civic elite, who were proud of lectual sources of the artist’s Christ- commentary, each the subject of a relaxation of Venice’s colonial poli- links or contacts with Catholicism. ranean cultural worlds. the Roman and imperial heritage of ian education, study of Greek philos- veritable individual study. The first cies. Such interaction was not uncom- The originality and popularity of their native city and keen to modern- ophy, and in the world of his recollec- hardback and paperback editions of As a result of Venice’s new ap- mon. Indeed, “by the mid-sixteenth Cretan icon painting stemmed, in ize and beautify its public buildings, tions from the liturgical and theolog- the book, which accompanied the proach to Crete, persecution of the century Venice’s more relaxed reli- part, from influences arising from were no less concerned to found and ical aspects of the Orthodox Church. opening of the New York exhibit in Orthodox Church was ended. Al- gious policy had dispelled many of Crete’s unique position, after 1363, adorn churches, chapels and con- According to the authors, El Greco 2003, as well as the more recent though the Greeks remained eco- the old tensions between the Greek as a comparatively amicable meeting vents which would help to win them sought the essence of the religious 2005 paperback edition, are beauti- nomically and politically subordi- and Latin cults [sic]. In the new, place and center of exchange be- a place in Heaven and perpetuate drama, the spirit rather than the let- ful, coffee-table size tomes. nate to the Venetians, the restoration more tolerant climate of religious co- tween the Greek and Latin, between their memory on earth. As an itiner- ter of the law. This conceptual goal Above all, like the exhibit which of religious rights to the Orthodox existence, the adherents of the two the Orthodox and Catholic, tradi- ant foreign artist in search of employ- could be achieved only by the invoca- was its inspiration, this volume con- Church was crucial in settling one of faiths would frequent each other’s tions. Indeed, the distinctiveness of ment El Greco, therefore, had chosen tion of the principles of iconogra- stitutes the most comprehensive col- the Cretans’ chief grievances against churches, while both communities the Cretan school was to a consider- his city well, even if he had done so phy—that is depiction not of physical lection of El Greco’s work in print. Venetian rule. Furthermore, by es- would participate in the innumer- able extent attributable to the local more by accident than design” (p. realism but of spiritual significance. Moreover, the authors’ several con- tablishing legal equality between the able religious processions that en- interaction of Greek and Latin artis- 28). By applying Byzantine iconographic cise, yet brilliant, essays on the bio- two Christian faiths, the Venetian au- livened the street life in Candia and tic forms. The Cretan school, in fact, During the next forty years, El style and Orthodox perspectives of graphical, cultural, historical, intel- thorities unwittingly established the the island’s other towns, celebrating “produced works of a hybrid charac- Greco lived and worked in Toledo. the sacred to religious subjects in a lectual, and religious influences that foundations for a social process that their shared devotion to the Virgin ter, in which Byzantine traditions His work in his studio drew consider- Western trope, El Greco created shaped the complex and evolving di- would lead to the integration, assim- Mary and Saint Francis” (p. 20). were modified by Western influences able interest from intellectuals and paintings with universal appeal, rele- mensions of El Greco’s life and art of- ilation, and cultural admixture of Another bridge between the two brought to the island by Venetian local elites, many with whom “The vance, and importance. fer astonishing and perceptive in- Crete’s small foreign Catholic elite in- religious worlds on Crete was pro- prints and paintings or by returning Greek” formed close friendships. In- One of the most intriguing impli- sight into the sources behind the to the large local Orthodox popula- vided by spiritual art. Cretan work- artists” (p. 20). deed, “it was among such people— cations of El Greco’s work is the sug- artist’s work and legacy. tion. Indeed, within a century, the shops of the later fifteenth and early The nascent but obvious artistic scholars, collectors and connois- gestion that Orthodox Christianity This lavish, gloriously illustrated differences between Venetian and sixteenth centuries enjoyed a flour- talents of the young Domenikos seurs—that this proud foreigner and modernity are indeed compati- catalog, containing many world-fa- Greek Cretans in daily life were es- ishing trade in icons. These sacred Theotokopoulos qualified him for seems to have felt most at home. His ble and synergistic. After all, it was mous images, provides a vivid look at sentially indistinguishable. images were produced both for the training in one of the many icon intellectual approach to the arts the highly conceptual theology of Or- El Greco’s wide range of creative me- This increasing interaction and domestic market in Crete and for ex- workshops in Crete. Eventually made their company congenial to thodoxy, whose visual corollary was dia and thematic interests. The au- absorption across ethnic lines creat- port to Venice and the Eastern Domenikos studied alongside the him, while they admired his virtuosi- expressed through iconography, as thors consider, for example, El Gre- ed an entirely new social, and even Mediterranean. In fact, well before great icon painter Damaskinos in the ty. As they sang his praises, so his opposed to the rigid formalism of Ro- co’s work as an architect, iconogra- economic, environment in Crete by the birth of Domenikos, a distinct prestigious iconographic center of fame began to spread…Toledo may man Catholicism that made El Gre- pher, and sculptor. Likewise, atten- the sixteenth century. “The once school of iconography had emerged Haghia Ekaterini in Irakleion. By his not have been what El Greco had in co’s art so revolutionary. By drawing tion is given to the artist as a painter sharp divisions between colonists in Crete. early twenties, Domenikos was one mind as his final destination when he from Orthodoxy’s view of God as un- of classical mythologies, landscapes, and colonized were gradually The Cretan school, as the island’s of the most accomplished icon left Candia on his westward journey, knowable, El Greco offered an ab- and portraits. Yet, and as one would blurred. Intermarriage at all levels of particular form of icon painting came painters in Crete. Domenikos’ sur- but…it offered him the opportunity solutely innovative, mystical, and expect, most of the book’s images, society had brought the two commu- to be known, had been decisively in- viving works from this period and the stimulus to resolve with new presentation, or re-presenta- like most of El Greco’s paintings, are nities closer, and the Venetian ruling fluenced by changing currents in demonstrate the artist’s extraordi- supreme originality the artistic prob- tion, of the sacred, one that broke elite…was assimilating the Greek Byzantine art and iconography that nary execution of the methods, tech- lems arising from the personal en- with the stiff formalism of Catholic language, Greek dress and Greek appeared at the beginning of the niques, and aesthetic of the Cretan counter of a painter formed in the thought that had dominated Western ways. Urban life came to reflect the fourteenth century. Such trends school. His icon paintings were char- Greek tradition with the art and depictions of the sacred until that new prosperity of an island that moved towards realism while safe- acterized by the minuteness of detail, artists of the Latin West” (p. 29). point. It was precisely through Or- GREEK POETRY reaped increasing benefits from its guarding the traditional principles of the calligraphy of drawing, and a DECONSTRUCTING EL GRECO thodoxy’s apophatic notion of God as participation in Venice’s expanding iconography. Indeed, although the highly innovative, subtle, and com- Despite his prodigious and ulti- unknowable that El Greco was maritime and commercial empire, Cretan school created new modes of plex technique of precise, parallel mately successful career, not long af- forced to find hitherto unimaginable The Four Walls exporting olive oil, salt and raisins icon painting, it reaffirmed the tradi- brush strokes known as “open paint- ter his death in 1614, El Greco had ways of rendering the sacred, inspir- and serving as a staging-post for tional beliefs and purposes upon ing”. Above all, Domenikos mas- fallen from popularity. His work was ing even secular modern artists in Venetian shipping. Cretan families which icon painting was predicat- tered the Cretan school’s distinctive so personally individual that it be- their examination of the nature of re- of My Room sent their sons to study at Padua Uni- ed—namely, the aesthetic of express- use of sumptuous coloring, made es- longed to no conventional Western ality. In this sense, through the ge- versity on the Venetian mainland, ing spiritual realities for reverence pecially intense by the way color was school of art, and, consequently, pro- nius and the interlocutor of El Greco, I know that they are all and Cretan cultural life began to re- and prayer rather than material de- plunged into shadow and then duced no followers of any conse- Orthodoxy is the inspiration for the impoverished, spond to the Renaissance breezes pictions of the physical world. emerged into light to produce an iri- quence. Moreover, El Greco’s reli- modern in terms of art. that these friends of mine blowing from Venice—which itself The new expressive tendencies descent effect—a style that in the gious mysticism and sophisticated should have was indebted to the Greek refugees flowing from Constantinople and West would become synonymous conceptual forms were supplanted Dr. Kyrou is Associate Professor of other ornaments, who fled to the West after the fall of Mistra—the seat of Byzantine ad- with El Greco. by the new direct, visceral Baroque History at Salem State College in more distinguished Constantinople…Gradually, in the ministration in the Peloponnesus “THE GREEK” IN THE WEST style. Salem, Massachusetts, where he and more numerous, more grand. late fifteenth and early sixteenth cen- and the center of a brilliant cultural Using family contacts, Domenikos El Greco was misunderstood and teaches on the Balkans, Byzan- turies, Greek East and Latin West and intellectual revival in the years Theotokopoulos moved to Venice in disdained for several generations. tium, and the Ottoman Empire. But what do these words mean? My walls have finer manners; not for any gifts do they love me. They are not like men. London Byzantium Exhibit the Focus of 6th Collis Lecture in Cleveland Besides, they know they’ll hold my possessions for but a moment, CLEVELAND, Ohio - The sixth An- This endowment brings nationally could not compare to the recent one Cormack took the audience on a 3D modeled glass paste face of St. and me as well. My joys nual Dr. John and Helen Collis Fam- and internationally recognized ex- because its organizers were unable tour of the London exhibition begin- Michael on loan from Venice’s trea- and my woes ily lecture was presented at the perts in the field of art history and to obtain loan objects from the Unit- ning with the discussion of the sury of San Marco; images from the and whatever I have here below Cleveland Museum of Art earlier archeology to the Cleveland area. ed States or Greece. Also little was Cleveland Museum of Art’s Jonah Paris Psalter; a stage set for Wagner’s this fall. 600 people were in atten- The lectures are free to the public then known about the extraordinary marbles and their importance in the Ring cycle based on the interior will pass quickly. To gifts dance to hear Professor Robin Cor- and the Collis family gift which items in the collection of St. Cather- history of relationship of classical view of Aghia Sophia in Constan- like these mack, a consultant for a recent ma- makes them possible is the first of its ine’s Monastery at Mount Sinai; a and hellenistic art to the develop- tinople; the Antioch Chalice, and the sturdy walls are indifferent. jor Byzantine exhibition in the Royal kind at the Cleveland Museum of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sev- ment of Byzantine art. Visitors to impressive images of the interior They are long-lived Academy of London titled “Byzan- Art. eral works from the important the museum on the day of the lec- and exterior of St. Catherine’s and of my brief tium 330-1453”. Speaking of the recent exhibition monastery were featured in the re- ture were able to see two of the Jon- Monastery at Mount Sinai. life they ask for nothing. The Dr. John and Helen Collis in London, Cormack said it has been cent exhibition and Dr. Cormack is ah marbles on display in the muse- The lecture was followed by a Family Endowment to the Cleveland fifty years since visitors to that city currently at work on a book about um lobby. reception hosted by The Hellenic Constantine P. Cavafy Museum of Art provides for annual and its residents were treated to a the collections at St. Catherine’s Dr. Cormack displayed images Preservation Society, a Greek Ameri- Translated by Daniel Mendel- lectures whose subjects alternate comparable exhibition. He ex- Monastery. and described his favorite objects can organization based in Cleve- sohn between Greek and Byzantine Art. plained that the earlier exhibition Over the course of an hour Dr. from the exhibition including a rare land, Ohio. 8 OBITUARIES CLASSIFIEDS THE NATIONAL HERALD, DECEMBER 12-18, 2009 Former Archbishop Spyridon of America officiates at Leo Condakes’ Funeral

Continued from page 1 of the Archdiocesan Council, a participated. Greek Orthodox who had gathered member of the Board of Trustees of Fr. Barbas, chancellor of the Me- at the Cathedral in order to pay their faithful children…My prayer is that Hellenic College and Holy Cross tropolis of Boston, read letters of respects to Mr. Condakes. Many there will be more people like Leo School of Theology” and he empha- condolences from Patriarch prominent Greek Americans such as in the immediate and distant fu- sized that “his directness was ex- Bartholomew and Archbishop George Behrakis and George Siofil ture.” emplary.” Archbishop Spyridon Demetrios. Mr. Condakes was went into the Holy Altar and they Archbishop Spyridon had a very completed his eulogy by saying: buried at the Mount Auburn Ceme- warmly greeted Archbishop Spyri- close and friendly relationship with “Leo did good and those who do tery and the memorial meal took don. Mr Behrakis told The National the Condakes family for many good will pass from death into life.” place at the Church of the Taxiar- Herald, “It is always good to see years. Eve Condakes was one of the Mr. George Behrakis told the chae community center of Water- Archbishop Spyridon. I have been most able and successful presidents Herald that “Leo was a very dynam- town. an admirer of his. I think he is a of the National Philoptochos of the ic individual, opinioned to the Leo Peter Condakes was born on good man; it just happened that he Archdiocese. She served under the point; he was a very strong individ- June 3, 1924 and he passed away was in a bad position and unfortu- archpastoral tenure of Archbishop ual and very hard-working. In that Friday morning, December 4, sur- nately these things happen.” Spyridon and she has continued type of business he had to get up at rounded by his wife, Evanthea, and Mr. Behrakis was referring to under Archbishop Demetrios. 2 o’clock in the morning to service his beloved family at the age of 85. Archbishop Spyridon’s resignation Archbishop Spyridon, in his eu- the produce for the supermarkets Born and bred in Boston, Massa- in August of 1999 after three years logy, spoke about the mystery of and the restaurants.” He also chusetts, Leo Condakes has never of archpastoral ministry. death, quoting from St. John the added, “The whole family is a very strayed far from his home and his Speaking exclusively to The Na- Evangelist that, “The hour is com- philanthropic family.” church. The scion of an old Boston tional Herald, Archbishop Spyri- ing and now is” and he comforted At the funeral service, in addi- Greek American family, whose pa- don, projected professed love and triarch founded Peter Condakes forgiveness for all, saying that, “I Company, Leo and his brothers, do not think it is to the benefit of a George, John, and James, parlayed man to hold sentiments of hatred their passion for work and their or other feelings, which are not creativity into transforming their pure love for his fellow men,” and father’s small family produce busi- he added, “We must love all, those ness in Boston into a New England Archbishop Spyridon consoles Eve Condakes during the funeral ser- who love us, and those who do giant. vice for her late husband, philanthropist Leo Condakes. Annunciation not.” Leo was educated in the Boston Cathedral Dean V. Rev. Cleopas Strongylis is seen far right. Asked how he felt about being public school system, and later took back in the U.S. and whether he classes at Wentworth Institute, be- an active member of five other area ing contributions to their commu- missed the Greek American com- fore being drafted into the U.S. Greek Orthodox churches, thus so- nities, their nation and the world. munity, he said, “It is like I never Army. Leo's tour of duty in the lidifying his reputation as one of As patrons of the arts, he and his left; it seems like I never departed. I army extended through the Korean the church’s best known philan- wife were major benefactors of see beloved persons and I am hap- War. Upon his release, Leo carried thropists. In recognition of his ser- Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts and py to see them advancing and pro- forward his commitment to citizen- vice to the church, Leo became one funded the establishment of its gressing.” ship and service, developed in the of the first members of the Arch- Gallery of East Greek Art, which When it was pointed out to him army, to his life in the church and bishop Iakovos Leadership 100, bears their names. that he loves America, Archbishop community-at-large. and was a major benefactor of the Leo is survived by his wife, Spyridon said, “Of course, I was Upon his discharge from mili- Ecumenical Patriarchate in Con- Evanthea (Collatos), six children born here, I went to school here; tary service, he rejoined his father stantinople. He also served on the and their spouses, two sisters and this is my country, but Greece is my and brothers at Peter Condakes Archdiocesan Council and on the 12 grandchildren. motherland. He added, “I miss my Company. United again, the com- Executive Board of Trustees for Former Archbishop Spyridon, good friends, but from time to time pany grew to be the largest produce Hellenic College-Holy Cross, of who officiated at the funeral, was I come and visit them.” wholesaler in New England, along Brookline. He was granted the title warmly received by Mrs. Eve Con- the way notching a few "firsts” for of Archon of the Ecumenical Patri- dakes, the children and grandchil- Contact Theodore Kalmoukos at its industry. For instance, the fami- archate. dren of Leo, and also by the many [email protected]. Archbishop Spyridon, formerly of America, presided over the funeral ly business was the first produce In 2003, ever the proud Hellenic for Leo Condakes at the Annunciation Cathedral, Boston. Cathedral wholesaler to import products from American, Leo received the Ellis Is- Dean V. Rev. Cleopas Strongylis is next to the Archbishop. the rest of the nation and the land Medal of Honor, presented by world. the National Ethnic Coalition of Or- CLASSIFIEDS the faithful by saying: “But do not tion to the presiding priest of the Companion to Leo’s prodigious ganizations (NECO). The awards despair like those who have no Cathedral, Archimandrite Cleopas work effort was his faith. A lifelong are presented annually in Ellis Is- hope.” He said that: “Leo did good, Stroggylis, Frs. Emmanuel member of the Annunciation Greek land’s Great Hall – in a tribute to Legal Notice/LLC ANTONOPOULOS a lot of good. His faith was pure, his Metaxas, Nicholas Triantafilou, Orthodox Cathedral of Boston, Leo the ancestry groups that comprise FUNERAL HOME, INC. 209 Sumpter St LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with respect for the traditions, authen- Theodore Barbas, George Dragas, served on its board of trustees. He America’s unique and dynamic cul- Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/13/09. Konstantinos Antonopoulos - tic.” He added that, “He offered his Costas Sitaras, Constantine Com- also helped expand the church's tural mix - to American citizens of Ofc location Kings Cty. SSNY designated Funeral Director agent of LLC upon whom process against it services to the Church as a member bitsis and Demetrios Tonias also reach in the Boston area, becoming diverse origins for their outstand- may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 38-08 Ditmars Blvd., 199 Lee Ave Ste 365, Bklyn, NY 11211. Astoria, New York 11105 Purpose any lawful purpose. (718) 728-8500 270484/16424/01-09-10 Not affiliated with any other funeral home. DEATHS HELP WANTED APOSTOLOPOULOS ■ BILLERIS, NICHOLAS George H. Fotos, 88, passed away ian Hospital. He was born Septem- in sculpture working with her fa- LEADING GREEK AMERICAN Apostle Family - ST. PETERSBURG, Fl. – The St. Pe- peacefully on November 27 at Port ber 29, 1932, in Kzelsmeno, Evryta- ther. After raising her children NEWSPAPER SEEKS Gregory, Nicholas, Andrew - tersburg Times reported that Dr. Healthcare. He was born in New- nia, Greece. He was a devoted and Denise continued to practice sculp- Full-time AD sales representatives Funeral Directors of Nicholas Billeris, 86, passed away buryport on August 16, 1921; he was loving father, brother, grandfather ture, casting many of her pieces in for both GREEK and ENGLISH lan- RIVERDALE on November 23. He was a past one of six children of the late Harry and great-grandfather. He enjoyed bronze. She continued her work in guage publications. Applicants FUNERAL HOME Inc. president of The Manatee County and Panagiota (Stavropoulos) Fotos. taking care of his family. He is sur- Glyfada Greece, where she lived should have some sales and/or mar- 5044 Broadway Dental Association, a member of He attended Newburyport High vived by his seven children, his with her husband for the last ten keting experience. Fluency with New York, NY 10034 The American Dental Association, School. A veteran of World War II, brother, his sister, eight grandchil- years. Denise's principal passion computer use and knowledge of In- (212) 942-4000 The West Coast Dental Association, stationed in Belgium, he served with dren and four great-grandchildren. was music. She earned her Diploma ternet a plus. Bi-lingual command of Toll Free 1-888-GAPOSTLE The Florida Dental Association, the United States Army from Sep- Funeral services and a Trisagion in Music and a Master of Arts De- both languages preferred. This posi- The Academy One Hundred Field tember 21, 1945, until his honorable service were held at Holy Trinity gree in Piano and Music Theory tions offers base salary, plus com- LITRAS FUNERAL HOME of Dental Education, and the discharge on February 3, 1947. Cathedral with Father Michael Var- from the National Conservatory of missions. E-mail resume and cover ARLINGTON BENSON DOWD, Braidentown Masonic Lodge #99. George had worked for the City of varelis and Father Efstathios Var- Music in Athens. She was an active letter to [email protected] FAX: INC FUNERAL HOME He was born on March 12, 1923 in Newburyport with the Department varelis officiating. Arrangements performer in Athens, most notably (718) 472-0510 Attn. Publisher or 83-15 Parsons Blvd., Youngstown, Ohio to John and An- of Public Works as well as the Water are in the care of Hankins & Whit- at the Parnassos Theatre. Denise's call (718) 784-5255 ask for Veta. Jamaica, NY 11432 na Billiris of Kalymnos, Greece. He Department until his retirement. He tington Funeral Service. Please promising piano career earned her 111609/01 (718) 858-4434 • (800) 245-4872 graduated valedictorian and presi- was an active member of the Church share condolences online at a Scholarship which sent her to San dent of his class from Tarpon of the Annunciation, where he www.hankinswhittington.com. May Francisco in the early 1960's, where FUNERAL HOMES Springs High School in 1941. He served on the Board of Directors for his memory be eternal. Mayor George Christopher be- pursued his education by hitchhik- many years. He was predeceased by stowed upon her the key to the city. CONSTANTINIDES ing to Tennessee, then traveling on his siblings, John Fotos, Rose Anton- ■ KOSTOPOULOS, Denise was an active member of the FUNERAL PARLOR Co. TO PLACE YOUR to California to attend UCLA at akis, Catherine Tickelis and Mary Fo- KONSTANTINOS San Francisco Greek community. 405 91st Street CLASSIFIED AD, CALL: night where he was employed with tos. He is survived by his brother, CHICAGO, Ill. - The Chicago Sun- Most of the rotating Greek Consul Bay Ridge - Brooklyn, NY 11209 (718) 784-5255, EXT. 106, the Douglas Aircraft Factory during Soteros; his nieces, Irene (Nicholas, Times reported that Kostantinos E. Generals and their families would (718) 745-1010 E-MAIL: the day. In 1943 he served as Sgt. Sr.) Katsoulis, Daphne Tikellis, Patri- Kostopoulos, 70, passed away be greeted graciously in her home Services in all localities - classifieds@ thenationalherald.com with the Army Air Corps Weather cia (Arthur) Vemis and Joanne peacefully. He was born in Athens, after their arrival for their tenure. Low cost shipping to Greece Squadron 2nd Division. He also (Alex) Zavalianos; his grand- Greece. He was a proud member of She is survived by her husband, served as a Greek interpreter for nephews, Nicholas Katsoulis, Jr., Ja- the United Athenian Pireas Society. Socrates; her children Nicholas, Army Intelligence and received son Katsoulis, Gregory Vemis and He is survived by his beloved wife, Christina, Laura (Stathis) Triphyllis REAL ESTATE four Bronze Stars for his service in Zachary Zavalianos; two grand- Stavroula; his sons, Steve (Tisha) and Mark; her granddaughters, the European Theater. A very intel- nieces, Kristina, and Alexis; and sev- and Pete (Pamela); his grandchil- Kleo and Arrieta; her sisters, and ligent, kind, and loving man, he al- eral great-grandnieces and great- dren, Dean, Gia, Stacy and Marina; many nieces and nephews. In mem- ways put his family and patients be- grandnephews. Visitation and funer- and many nieces and nephews here ory of Denise's and in honour of her fore himself. Visitation was held at al services were held at the Church of and in Greece. The funeral was contributions as musician, artist, Griffith-Cline Funeral Home. In Annunciation. Donations in his held at Salerno's Rosedale Chapels. wife, mother and grandmother, her lieu of flowers, memorial donations memory may be made to the Church, Funeral services and visitation family has established the Denise may be made to Tidewell Hospice P.O.B. 575, Newburyport, MA were held at St. Demetrios Church. Mamakos Foundation to support and Palliative Care, 5955 Rand 01950. Arrangements are by Elliott, Arrangements by Nicholas M. young aspiring musicians. For fur- Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238. He is Woodworth & Rogers Family Funer- Pishos, Funeral Director, LTD. 630- ther information please contact survived by his loving wife of 61 al Home, 35 Green St., Newbury- 889-1700. [email protected]. years, Kelly Billeris; his children, port. Anna (Gregory) Billeris-Boast and ■ LYSSIKATOS, GEORGE ■ NELLOS, KATERINA John (Holly) Billeris; his brother ■ KALOGIROU, DROSOULA PHOENIX, Az. - The Arizona Repub- BROCKTON, Mass. – The Enter- Harry Billiris; his sister-in-law PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Provi- lic reported that George Lyssikatos, prise reported that Katerina Nellos, Jacqueline (Fred) Langford; and dence Journal reported that 73, passed away peacefully on No- 4, passed away on November 27, at his nieces and nephews, Toni Drosoula Kalogirou, 61, passed vember 24 with his wife of 43 years, the Children’s Hospital in Boston, (Charles) Hampton, Tom Billiris, away on November 26 at Carolinas Katerina, at his side. He was born in after a lengthy illness. She was a James (Cina) Moore Jr. and great- Medical Center. She was born in Melana, Greece. George was the daughter of Peter and Joann Nel- los. She enjoyed Dora the Explorer, subscribePRINTED EDITION OF THE NATIONAL HERALD nephew Jason Edwards Moore. Elea, Greece, on May 20, 1948. She fifth of seven children. As a teenager was predeceased by her parents, he immigrated to Montreal, Canada the Little Mermaid and eating via the post-office: ■ BORDOKAS, DIONISIA Evangelos and Vasiliki Lambrou. and then married and moved to the chicken fingers, fish and especially ❏1 Month $11.00 ❏3 Months $22.00 LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The Los An- She is survived by her husband of United States. He was a successful onion rings from her family’s ❏6 Months $33.00 ❏One Year $66.00 geles Daily News reported that 40 years, Manthos Kalogirou; her restaurateur. George was an avid restaurant. She loved praying and VIA HOME DELIVERY (NY, NJ & CT): Dionisia Bordokas, 77, passed children, Elias (Judith) Kalogirou Boston Bruins fan and enjoyed trav- adored angels. She especially loved ❏1 Month for $14.00 ❏3 Months for $33.00 away peacefully on November 28. and Christine Kalogirou; her grand- eling and exploring the world. He going to the beach, playing in the ❏6 Months for $48.00 ❏One Year for $88.00 She was born on February 4, 1932 son, Alecos Kalogirou and many was a firm believer in the American sand, going to her godmother’s in Abelokabos, Greece. Dionisia is brothers, sisters and extended fam- Dream and ardent supporter of edu- house for lunch and going to Maine VIA HOME DELIVERY (NEW ENGLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, survived by her children, Athens ily members. A funeral service was cation. George is survived by his to drive her padrinhos speedboat. WASHINGTON D.C., VIRGINIA & MARYLAND) (Ileana), Kostantina (Gary) and held at Holy Trinity Cathedral. wife, Katerina; his children, John In addition to her parents, Katerina ❏1 Month for $18.00 ❏3 Months for $41.00 George (Penny); eight grandchil- Arrangements are in the care of (Emily) and Gregoria (Troy); his is survived by her siblings, Steven ❏6 Months for $57.00 ❏One Year for $109.00 dren; three great grandchildren; Hankins & Whittington Funeral brothers, Constantine and Basil; his and Aires Nellos; her grandmoth- ON LINE SUBSCRIPTION www.thenationalherald.com and Vas. A Trisagion prayer service Service. Please share condolences sister Eleni; and many nieces and ers, Katerina Nellos and Maria NON SUBSCRIBERS: ❏One Year for $45.95 ❏6 Months for $29.95 was held at Bastian & Perrott, Os- online at hankinswhittington.com nephews. Visitation was held at the Gomes; her Godfather, Peter ❏3 Months for $18.95 wald Mortuary. Funeral services Queen of Heaven Mortuary Chapel. Panagopoulos; her Godmother, ❏ ❏ ■ SUBSCRIBERS: One Year for $34.95 6 Months for $23.95 were held at St. Nicholas Church. KAMARIOTIS, DOMNA Funeral services were held at St. Maria Ines (Joe) Couto. Funeral ❏3 Months for $14.95 Bastian & Perrott Oswald Mortuar- CHICAGO, Ill. – The Chicago Tri- Katherine’s Church. In lieu of flow- was held at the Farley Funeral ty Chapel. (818) 886-8600 bune reported that Domna Kamari- ers, the family requests donations be Home. Funeral services were held otis passed away peacefully. She made to the Humane Society of at the Annunciation Church. In lieu NAME: ...... ■ BOSBONIS, ANGELA was predeceased by her parents, Southern Arizona 3450 N. Kevin of flowers, donations in Katerina's ADDRESS: ...... TORONTO, CANADA – The Toronto Eleni and John Fenerli and her Blvd. Tucson, Arizona 85716 or the name may be made to the Chil- CITY:...... STATE: ...... ZIP:...... Star reported that Angela Bosbonis brother, Gregory Fenerli. She is sur- Michael J. Fox Foundation for dren’s Hospital, 300 Longwood TEL.: ...... E-MAIL:...... CELL...... passed away peacefully at the Scar- vived by her beloved husband, Parkinson's Research Church Street Ave., Boston, MA 02115. PLEASE SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO: borough General Hospital on No- Spiros and her son, Bill Kamariotis. Station, P.O. Box 780, New York, NAME: ...... vember 29. She was predeceased Funeral services were held at St. New York 10008. ADDRESS: ...... by her husband, Paul. She is sur- Andrew Church. Visitation was This is a service CITY:...... STATE: ...... ZIP:...... vived by her siblings, Gionoula, held at Smith-Corcoran Funeral ■ MAMAKOS, DENISE to the community. TEL.: ...... E-MAIL:...... CELL...... Emilia, Stavros and Peter. She will Home. Memorial donations to St. SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The San Announcements of deaths Please specify method of payment be lovingly remembered by other Andrew Church would be appreci- Francisco Chronicle reported that may be telephoned to the family and friends. Visitation was ated. www.smithcorcoran.com or Denise Mamakos passed away on I enclose a check/money order for $ ...... made payable to: Classified Department of The National Herald, Inc., 37-10 30th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 - 2614 held at the Paul O’Conner Funeral 773-736-3833. November 15, surrounded by her The National Herald at or please debit my ❏ Mastercard ❏ Visa ❏ American Express Home. Funeral services were held husband and children in Athens, (718) 784-5255, ■ in St. John's Church. KARAS, WILLIAM Greece, from complications of lung Monday through Friday, CARD NUMBER: ...... CHARLOETTE, N.C. - The Char- cancer. Denise was born in Piraeus, EXPIRATION DATE: ...... SIGNATURE:...... ■ 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST FOTOS, GEORGE lotte Observer reported that Greece, to Martha and George Or- or e-mailed to: NEWBURYPORT, Mass. – The Daily William Spero Karas, 77, passed fanos, a sculptor, inventor, and en- [email protected] News of Newburyport reported that away on November 29 at Presbyter- gineer. Denise developed her talent THE NATIONAL HERALD, DECEMBER 12-18, 2009 GREECE CYPRUS 9 Police, Protesters Clash on Anniversary of 2008 Riots, but the Worst is Averted

By Christopher Tripoulas calls for the Greek Government to re- "Before his death, Alexandros was The National Herald Staff Writer visit Greece's liberal university asy- just a kid like all the others. But now lum policy, which is frequently taken he has become a symbol of the chil- ATHENS, Greece — The nightmare advantage of by fringe groups. dren of his generation," Tsalikian told of last year's riots, plunging Greece As night fell, about 200 masked the weekly Veto newspaper, chal- into a protracted two-week state of demonstrators were holed up in the lenging claims by a police officer chaos and looting – the worst civilian neoclassical university building, charged with her son's murder that protests in decades – was briefly re- smashing marble chunks off the uni- the boy had been hit by a warning visited this past weekend, on the one- versity steps and ripping up paving shot. "He was shot in cold blood — all year anniversary of the death of stones from the courtyard to use as the eyewitnesses say this," she said. Alexandros Grigoropoulos, which missiles against the police, before Grigoropoulos was shot when two triggered last year’s riots. Masked eventually leaving the building. police officers on patrol confronted a youths hurled firebombs and chunks Clashes between demonstrators group of youths in Exarchia, where of marble at police during a march in and police continued late into the protests frequently occur. Athens on Sunday to mark the first night at another campus building, Two police officers have been anniversary of the police shooting of the Athens Polytechnic, after about charged with murder and attempted the 15-year-old boy. Police retaliated 400 people gathered at the site murder for the teenager's death. by firing volleys of tear gas to dis- where Grigoropoulos was shot dead Their trial is to begin on Jan. 20. perse the youths in running street in central Athens' Exarchia district. Skirmishes continued on Monday battles in the center of the capital. Masked youths holed up in the build- during mass student demonstrations Over 6,000 officers had been as- ing, which police are barred from en- to mark the anniversary. Masked sembled over the weekend to deal tering, and emerged to hurl rocks youths smashed store windows and with protestors, in what was the new and bottles at the officers, who re- hurled rocks and firebombs at riot Socialist Government's first big test sponded with tear gas. police who responded with tear gas. regarding public order. The new So- Civil Protection Minister Michalis Monday's clashes broke out dur- cialist government, which came to Chrisochoidis defended tougher tac- ing a demonstration by about 3,000 power in October and now must cope tics used by police, despite criticism people, mostly high-school stu- with the surge in armed attacks by from left-wing opposition party dents, through the center of Athens. far-left and anarchist groups after last SYRIZA which said the government's Several dozen youths at the tail end year's shooting, had vowed a zero- response had been heavy-handed. of the march attacked riot police tolerance approach to violence. EUROKINISSI "Police detentions, when justified, with rocks, firebombs and firecrack- Despite the two-day outbreaks of Anarchists burn the Greek flag during clashes in Athens on Dec. 6. Protesters hurled rocks and burning are not illegal in a democratic society. ers, smashing some of the bus stops, violence, the Government was gener- garbage at police during a march to mark the first anniversary of the police shooting of a teenager. Neither is it illegal for judicial officials telephone booths and storefronts ally successful in maintaining order. to press charges," the minister said. not damaged in Sunday's demon- Political leaders, including Greece's people arrested during the raid. Mr. also clashed with protesters in the pulled down a Greek flag, replacing it "Vandals and hooligans have nothing stration. President Karolos Papoulias and Niotis’ daughter, a 30-year-old southern city of Patras and the north- with a black-and-red anarchist ban- to do with democracy." Protesters injured a passer-by Prime Minister George Papandreou lawyer, and son, a 25-year-old gradu- western city of Ioannina. At least five ner. Authorities said the university's In Thessaloniki, Greece's second- who attempted to intervene, beating had issued calls late last weekend for ate student, both face felony charges. protesters and 16 police were injured dean was injured when the youths largest city, youths threw gasoline the middle-aged man unconscious. restraint during events associated On Sunday, December 6, rioters in the violence, police said. broke into the building, and he was bombs at police, set fire to several Police detained at least three youths. with the staged protests. Police also smashed bank windows, overturned Police on motorcycles chased riot- hospitalized in an intensive care unit. cars and smashed 10 storefronts, in- raided a firebomb-making hideout trash bins and set them alight as they ers amid scenes of chaos at Athens' Athens University Rector Christos cluding a Starbucks cafe. This story incorporates reports on Saturday December 5 in an effort hurled rocks and fire crackers at riot main Syntagma Square, with youths Kittas remained hospitalized after In a newspaper interview pub- from The Associated Press, the to proactively prevent a repeat of last police. Police detained protesters in punching and kicking officers who suffering a mild concussion and a lished Sunday, Grigoropoulos' moth- Athens News Agency, and Greek year's situation. Two children of Athens, as well as in the northern city were pushed off their bikes. mild heart attack on Sunday night, er, Jina Tsalikian, described her son daily To Ethnos. Greek Parliament Vice President of Thessaloniki, where a similar At Athens University, masked pro- after being hit in the head by masked as a quiet and friendly boy who Contact Christopher Tripoulas at Grigoris Niotis were among the 22 demonstration turned violent. Police testers broke into the building and youths. The attack has prompted stayed away from demonstrations. [email protected]. PM George Papandreou Calls Financial Crisis a Threat to Greek Sovereignty

Continued from page 1 country must take "harsh" measures government of Greece, being lucid halfway through his second term to crackdown on tax evasion, a chronic nounce on Dec. 9 it’s cutting spend- to shore up its economy, Eurogroup ... will take the appropriate deci- seek a new mandate to tackle problem in Greece that a series of ing by 4 billion euros, or 10 percent Greece’s deficit will reach 12.7 per- chairman Jean-Claude Juncker said sions," he said. Greece’s economic woes, pledged governments have pledged to com- of GDP even after public-sector pay cent of output this year, four times on Sunday. Investors appear skeptical for wage and hiring freezes and possi- bat. cuts triggered the biggest strike in the European Union’s limit. Greek "I am surprised, if not angry, with now. The difference, or spread, be- ble tax increases. He lost by the “Its banking on the hope that 30 years. stocks and bonds were then roiled news stories spreading (the impres- tween the yield on Greek 10-year widest margin in almost 30 years. everything will turn your way,” said when the Dubai crisis made in- sion) to the public and markets that government bonds and German Unions have already flexed their Elwin de Groot, an economist at This story incorporates reports vestors question whether the EU Greece is entering a condition of equivalents stood at 177 basis points muscle under the new administra- Rabobank Groep in Utrecht, the from Bloomberg, The Associated would stand behind Greece’s $450 bankruptcy," Juncker told the Eleft- on Dec. 4, up from 108 basis points tion. A threat by ADEDY, the union Netherlands. “There are no strong Press, AFP, and MNI. billion in outstanding bonds. herotypia daily in an interview. "Yes, in August. That compares with 159 of civil servants, to call a strike measures like we are seeing in Ire- Contact Christopher Tripoulas at “The Greek government has to Greece must take harsh measures, basis points for the debt of Ireland, forced the government to limit the land.” The Irish government will an- [email protected]. create a platform with the people so but under no condition is it under a which the EU predicts will have the number of civil servants it would ex- that they are behind the new plans,” state of bankruptcy," he said. I am a bloc’s second-biggest deficit this clude from a planned 1.5 percent said Rob Dekker, who helps manage bit concerned... (but) I am confident year at 12.5 percent of GDP. Greece’s wage increase. $145 billion in funds at F&C Asset that the government, which faces a benchmark stock index has dropped The EU can fine Greece as much Management Plc in Amsterdam. tragic situation, will take responsi- 12 percent in a month, compared as 0.5 percent of gross domestic They must show the EU and in- bility for the necessary measures." with a 3.3 percent gain in the Stoxx product every year until the shortfall Greek Credit Rating is Cut vestors “they are serious about re- Mr. Juncker, head of the euro- 600. is back in line. Whether the commis- ducing the deficit. I don’t think they zone finance ministers' group Greece’s widening deficit and sion would implement sanctions Amid Finance Problems can spend their way out of the bud- pledged that "we will monitor the constant revisions of its own statisti- that would only aggravate Greece’s get deficit, that’s not how it works. situation in Greece every month… cal data prompted EU Monetary Af- deficit and could harm the credibili- The deficit is too big.” (But) the Eurogroup council is re- fairs Commissioner Joaquin Almu- ty of the EU’s economic governance Continued from page 1 Papandreou’s government will lieved that reliability and honesty nia to say on Dec. 2, “the problems remains to be seen, economists said. present a new deficit plan to the EU have returned to Greek statistics." in Greece are problems of the euro “We are all determined to do the es in aging-related expenditures - in January as Greece tries to stave European Central Bank President area.” right thing,” Minister for Economy, at 15% of GDP - in the EU between off possible sanctions for violating Jean-Claude Trichet expressed simi- Papandreou won the election, Competitiveness and Shipping Lou- 2010 and 2050 according to the the deficit rules. Investors say he lar feelings on Monday, speaking gaining a 10-seat majority in ka Katseli said in a Dec. 4 interview. European Commission," Fitch said. needs to reverse course and sell from Brussels. "The situation in Greece’s 300-member parliament, Still, “it will take three years” to TURKEY GAINING ON GREECE unions, voters and his own allies on Greece is a very difficult situation, on promises of a 3-billion euro ($4.5 bring the deficit down to the EU’s 3 Tuesday's ratings downgrade the need to cut spending and boost very difficult," Trichet told members billion) stimulus package, that in- percent limit. drove yields on Greece’s 2-year revenue by about 10 percent of eco- of the European Parliament here. cluded higher wages, a one-off “soli- About 75 percent of the deficit bonds above Turkey’s for the first nomic output to get the shortfall "Obviously we all know the figures darity” benefit for poorer Greeks, reduction plan comes from raising time as investors cited Greece's rat- back within the limit. and we all know the very important and more spending on health and revenue rather than cutting spend- ings downgrade and signs that the BANKRUPTCY FEARS QUELLED and courageous decisions that have education. ing, Deutsche Bank AG economists Turkish economy is emerging from Fears that Greece faces imminent to be taken to put the situation back Former Prime Minister Costas Mark Wall and Thomas Mayer esti- recession. The yield investors are bankruptcy are unfounded but the on track. I am confident that the Karamanlis, who called the vote mate. Much of that will come from a willing to accept to buy Greece’s 3.8 percent bond due March 2011 jumped 45 basis points to 2.52 percent. Yields on Turkey’s 9.5 percent euro-denominated bonds due Jan- uary 2011 fell about two basis Mr. Erdogan Goes to Washington, as EU Pressures Turkey points to 2.06 percent. It’s the first time since the Greek WASHINGTON (AP/DPA) — Seek- However, it has resisted repeated were killed and several others annual U.S. statement on the World debt was issued in January 2008 ing more help in the war in U.S. requests to send its troops on wounded in an ambush Monday in War I-era massacre of up to 1.5. that yields are higher than in neigh- Afghanistan, President Barack Oba- combat operations. central Turkey. Authorities have not million Armenians by Ottoman boring Turkey. “On a standalone EUROKINISSI ma praised Turkey for its "outstand- Last week, Obama ordered identified the attackers, but Kur- Turks. Breaking a campaign basis, Turkey is a better credit,” Greek Finance minister George ing" contributions there. 30,000 more U.S. troops be sent to dish and leftist militants are active pledge, Obama has refrained from said Timothy Ash, head of Europe, Papaconstantinou told the For- Speaking in the Oval Office after Afghanistan. The administration in the area. referring to the killings as geno- the Middle East and Africa research eign Press Association on Wed. a private meeting with Turkish expects its allies to provide up to Monday's meeting between the cide, a term widely viewed by at Royal Bank of Scotland Group Dec. 9,2009 that he anticipates Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdo- 10,000 reinforcements. two leaders comes at a time of ris- genocide scholars as an accurate Plc in London. “Greece will contin- turmoil for the Greek economy gan, Obama said Turkey's commit- Obama also expressed his con- ing Turkish influence in the Middle description. ue to suffer from the fact that it’s on the international markets ments have helped bring stability dolences for a recent terrorist at- East and southeast Europe. Before The Obama administration has got very weak fundamentals. The over the next few months. to Afghanistan. Turkey took over tack in Turkey, and said the two leaving for Washington, Erdogan said it is concerned that the sensi- division between emerging and de- the rotating command of the NATO leaders reaffirmed their commit- said Turkey has already con- tive issue could upset talks that veloped countries is weakening. Fitch said in a statement the peacekeeping operation in Kabul ment to defeat terrorism "regard- tributed the "necessary number" of could lead to reconciliation and a Greece probably is going back- downgrade "reflects concerns over last month and doubled the num- less of where it occurs." troops in Afghanistan, and that reopening of the border between wards.” the medium-term outlook for public ber of it troops to around 1,750. At least five Turkish soldiers Turkish military and police will Armenia and Turkey. It remains un- Turkey’s credit ranking was lift- finances given the weak credibility train their Afghan counterparts and clear how the administration will ed two levels to BB+, the highest of fiscal institutions and the policy press ahead with health, education handle the issue in the future, espe- speculative-grade status, by Fitch framework in Greece, exacerbated and infrastructure projects there. cially if talks between Turkey and last week. The ratings company cit- by uncertainty over the prospects for Turkey's participation in the Armenia falter. ed the economy’s “resilience” dur- a balanced and sustained economic HIDDEN GREECE Afghan mission carries enormous Tensions have eased over coop- ing the global financial crisis. Turk- recovery." symbolic importance because it is eration in Northern Iraq. Turkish ish industrial production unexpect- Markets' broader concerns are Andy Dabilis’ camera captures the texture of life in today’s Greece, in the only Muslim country working complaints about a lack of U.S. help edly rose in October from a year that deeper troubles for Greece all its colorful variations. with U.S. troops to beat back the in rooting out Kurdish militants earlier, the first increase in 15 would also throw the spotlight on resurgent Taliban and deny Al-Qae- launching attacks on Turkey from months, the statistics office said to- other euro zone borrowers such as da a sanctuary. Iraq loomed over Erdogan's White day. Ireland, Portugal and Spain which More broadly, however, the House visit with former President PRESSURE MOUNTING have been hit hard by the financial United States would like Turkey to George W. Bush in 2007. "The pressure for the govern- crisis. use its sway as a regional power Since then Turkey has boosted ment to do something bolder is defi- "Fiscal slippage relative to cur- and Muslim majority ally to help trade in the region and improved nitely mounting because all Euro- rent plans could result in a further solve some of America's trickiest ties with members of the Kurdish pean institutions and ratings agen- downgrade, while the emergence of foreign policy problems, but the minorities living on both sides of its cies are definitely sending messages a much stronger policy commitment two sides disagree on many of the border with Iraq. to Greece that the situation is unsus- and its consistent implementation important issues. Meanwhile, during their meet- tainable," Citigroup economist Gia- could see the outlook revised to Sta- Turkey has sought to become a ing on Monday, Dec. 7, 2009 Euro- da Giani said. ble," Fitch said in the statement. mediator for the United States with pean Union foreign ministers pres- The euro extended its losses to The downgrade could make it Iran and Arab countries, but it is sured Turkey to open its ports to hit a day's low, while bund futures harder in the long term for Greek unclear whether the Obama admin- Cypriot vessels in a bid to make hit a one-week high and Greek bank banks to use government bonds as istration is eager for Ankara to play talks over re-unifying the island shares' falls on the day reached al- collateral to borrow funds from the that role. The two sides disagree on easier. most 8 percent after the Fitch state- ECB, although Greek central bank sanctions against Iran, and the EU member states have frozen ment on Tuesday. governor George Provopoulos said Obama administration is uneasy Turkey's bid to join the bloc be- The premium that investors de- there was a "safe distance" before about recent Turkish disputes with cause of its refusal to allow Greek mand to hold 10-year Greek govern- any collateral problems would arise. Israel. Cypriot ships and aircraft into its ment bonds rather than euro zone Greece makes up about 2.5 per- Greater friction is looming as ports. But the EU is keen to improve benchmark German Bunds rose to cent of the euro zone economy, but the Obama administration intensi- relations with Ankara so that around 230 basis points, its widest RBS calculates that Greek banks ac- fies pressure on Iran to end its nu- Turkey will help push for a peace since April 21. count for about 7 percent of out- clear ambitions. A U.S. push for settlement on Cyprus. Jean-Claude Juncker, who chairs standing ECB liquidity, making sanctions at the U.N. Security “On Turkey, the train must move the Eurogroup of euro zone finance Greek banks the second most depen- TNH/ANDY DABILIS Council, where Turkey currently on: we should avoid a crash. We of ministers, said last week that Greece dent on ECB funds after Ireland. No One home sits as a nonpermanent member, course hope that Turkey would faced no risk of bankruptcy, and Eu- will force Ankara to choose be- move a little bit on the Ankara Pro- ropean Central Bank President This article incorporates reports Greece is full of abandoned homes like this one in Marathon, and you tween a NATO ally and an impor- tocol as well,” Finnish Foreign Min- Jean-Claude Trichet said he was from the Wall Street Journal, can only wonder, as you walk by, what scenes happened there. The tant neighbor. ister Alexander Stubb said as he ar- confident the government would Reuters, and Bloomberg noise and laughter of people and families are long gone now, but the The two allies also will need to rived in Brussels for talks with EU take the necessary "very difficult, Contact Christopher Tripoulas at echoes still bounce. navigate the perennial issue of an counterparts. very courageous" measures. [email protected]. 10 EDITORIALS LETTERS THE NATIONAL HERALD, DECEMBER 12-18, 2009

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The National Herald A weekly publication of the NATIONAL HERALD, INC. (ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ), What New York Needs Today pipelines from these two republics, reporting the news and addressing the issues of paramount interest going through Afghanistan to a Pak- to the Greek American community of the United States of America. Is a New Greek ‘Boite’ Scene istani seaport in the Indian Ocean. Publisher-Editor Antonis H. Diamataris To the Editor: I remember seeing a photo of for- "I thoroughly enjoyed reading the mer Vice President Dick Cheney, sit- Assistant to Publisher, Advertising Veta H. Diamataris Papadopoulos article on Greek American Boites, ting down with the leaders of the Executive Editor Constantine S. Sirigos written by Mr. Maninakis. I was not Taliban, trying to negotiate a On Line Assistant Editor Christos Tripoulas a part of the boite "scene" of the pipeline deal. The deal fell apart be- Production Manager Chrysoula Karametros 1980s, but I often long for a place cause the Taliban demanded an ex- Webmaster Alexandros Tsoukias where I can listen and sing along to orbitant amount of money. The oil quality Greek music. Unfortunately, companies refused to pay. The National Herald (USPS 016864) is published weekly by such a place does not exist today in After this fiasco, the Bush admin- The National Herald Inc. at 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 Tel: (718)784-5255, Fax: (718)472-0510, the New York area. Mr. Maninakis istration immediately began plans e-mail: [email protected] and the Mikrokosmos Ensemble have to overthrow the Taliban and take attempted to resurrect the intimate control of Aghanistan. This was all Democritou 1 and Academias Sts, Athens, 10671, Greece atmosphere of a boite at several local done before 9/11 and the invasion Tel: 011.30.210.3614.598, Fax: 011.30.210.3643.776, e-mail: [email protected] restaurants, private homes and small of Iraq. The oil companies never got concert halls. Lets hope the idea their pipeline. The Afghan people Subscriptions by mail: 1 year $66.00, 6 months $33.00, 3 months $22.00, 1 month $11.00 Home delivery NY, NJ, CT: 1 year $88.00, 6 months $48.00, 3 months $33.00, 1 month $14.00 catches on and this truly unique style got only death and destruction of Home delivery New England States, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland: of musical performance becomes their country. The rest is history. 1 year $109.00, 6 months $57.00, 3 months $41.00, 1 month $18.00 popular and accessible once again." In conclusion, former president On line subscription: Subscribers to the print edition: 1 year $34.95, 6 months $23.95, Pauline Tampakis Dwight Eisenhower, in this farewell 3 months $14.95; Non subscribers: 1 year $45.95, 6 months $29.95, 3 months $18.95 New York speech to the American people, Periodical postage paid at L.I.C., N.Y. and additional mailing offices. made the following remark: “Be- ware of the military-industrial com- Postmaster send change of address to: Of Pipelines and Presidents: ‘Why Are We In Afghanistan?’ plex.” Since the time of Lyndon THE NATIONAL HERALD, 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 Johnson, to the present administra- To the Editor: tion of Barack Obama, we have gone Your editorial, “What is the policy from one disastrous war to another. on Afghanistan?” Should be Let us hope that this young presi- changed and called “Why are we in dent has the wisdom and insight to Give us your property!!! Afghanistan?” Does Afghanistan get our troops out at an earlier date, have oil? Absolutely not. But, two despite the objection of the military- The demand - for that is what it is, in essence - by the Ecumenical Patri- former Soviet republics which bor- industrial complex. arch Bartholomew to our Metropolitans, presented in a letter signed by der on Afghanistan, do have oil. U.S. Nicholas Golegos CHRYSANTHI LIRISTIS / SPECIAL TO THE NATIONAL HERALD him, to transfer ownership of at least one building from each one of them oil companies want to build Flushing, N.Y. to the Patriarchate, is a terrible idea and the request should be withdrawn immediately. If it is not withdrawn, then the metropolitans ought to make it clear to Barthlomew that for the sake of maintaining the unity of the church, and ΛΟΓΟΣ the ties to the Patriarchate, they will refuse to obey or even discuss it with the laity. If there should be a metropolitan who, acting to serve his narrow self interest, tries to pressure the parishioners into transferring a property of their community or the diocese to the Patriarchate, then the people should deny him his request and hold him in low esteem. Recipe for Healthy Holidays: Exercise the Freedom to Choose Because, should this outrageous demand be obeyed, it could lead to the breaking up into pieces of our Church, and to its being controlled by forces SANTA FE, N.M. - The holiday sea- the same fate unless he seem to fully under- Sometimes this is very hard to do. It in Turkey, which would work toward its neutralization, if not its dissolu- son is not always the most relaxing changes his attitude stand or appreciate requires a letting go of old ways of tion as an ethnic group. time of year. For many people, it about Christmas, hu- this aspect of their thinking, pain, remorse, disappoint- We wish there was a nicer way to say it, but this demand by can be highly stressful; for others, it mankind, and what re- freedom of will. More- ment, frustration, perhaps even Bartholomew has crossed the line. It is so unacceptable and offensive, but can even be downright depressing. ally matters in life, and over, there are many grief and anguish. also so revealing of his designs on our Church and its assets, that it raises In most cases, how we choose to alters his behavior ac- people who, while they Experience has shown that this many questions about his relationship to this community. deal with and experience the holi- cordingly. know in their hearts simple exercise opens you up to This newspaper - as well as our Greek language sister publication – has days, just like any other time in our We must not be and minds that they deep optimism no matter how chal- been very sensitive and supportive of the Patriarchate as a religious insti- lives, comes down to a question of “prisoners of our have the freedom to lenging your circumstances. In all tution, with its long and important history. We have also been supportive attitude. Yes, this is even the case thoughts” (or hold oth- choose their attitude, cases, people come to acknowledge of its continuing ecclesiastical authority over our Greek American Church. during hard economic times like to- ers prisoners in our don’t know how to ex- that they are free to choose their at- However we hold nothing more dear than the interests of our commu- day. All things considered, having a thoughts) if we want to ercise this ultimate titude and view their nity. It is to the community that we owe our total dedication and alliance. positive attitude is a prescription for change our attitude by Dr. ALEX freedom. Stuck in neg- circumstance(s) from many differ- The Patriarchate's letter to the metropolitans does not serve its inter- a healthy holiday(s) no matter what about something. I re- PATTAKOS ative or unhealthy ent perspectives. And, no matter ests. It sounds innocent: Transfer ownership of "at least" one building to us your personal circumstances! call a conversation that thoughts, they become how desperate the situation or con- from each metropolis so that we can, somehow - even if it is not very clear This advice applies to everyone, I had with one reader Special to immobilized and dition confronted, everyone ulti- how - save the Patriarchate. It is hard to believe that a Patriarch would at- including those Ebenezer Scrooge of my book, “Prisoners The National Herald trapped in a vicious cy- mately acknowledges that some- tach his signature to such a proposal. wannabees who, as in Charles Dick- of Our Thoughts”, who cle of “poor me/why thing positive could result from it. Still if all it took to save the Patriarchate from the reach of the Turks was ens’ 1843 novel, “A Christmas Car- happened to be a medical doctor, in me” suffering, victimization, exis- Importantly, through this exercise, transferring a number of buildings to it, we would probably be the first ol”, are bent on despising Christmas which he said the following: “Alex, I tential angst, and despair. If only people learn an effective way to re- ones to support the plan. But of course it is not a transparent solution. and all things that may engender really like your book. I only have they could change their attitude, lease themselves, at least partly, Thus, what Barthlomew is demanding is totally unacceptable, and rais- happiness at this particular time of one question. I don’t really under- perhaps they would be able to find a from their self-imposed thought es a number of issues and troubling questions: year. I say “bah humbug” to them! stand the first principle: Exercise thread that would lead them out of prisons. First of all, our people work too hard to come up with the money need- The familiar story of Scrooge’s re- the freedom to choose your atti- their dark labyrinth of misery and Although we may not be totally ed to buy the properties that belong to the communities and to the me- demption by the three “Ghosts of tude. Why would I want to do that into the light of inspiration, health, free from the various conditions or tropolises to give them away. Christmas” (Ghost of Christmas if I already have an attitude?” happiness, and meaning. situations that confront us - in our Second, the Ecumenical Patriarchate is - by political necessity - a Turk- Past, Ghost of Christmas Present, Needless to say, this reader didn’t So here is a quick exercise that personal and work lives - the impor- ish institution subject to the interference, if not the control, of the Turkish and Ghost of Christmas Yet to get the message that I was trying to can help you exercise your freedom tant thing is that we can choose state. Come) has become a defining tale of convey! Fortunately, after further to choose a positive attitude during how we respond, at the very least Even if the transfer of properties were to be hidden in a web of interna- the Christmas holiday. I am con- discussion, the meaning behind the the holiday season (and after- through our choice of attitude. tional corporations, at the end of the day, ownership would be traced back vinced that the warning visit by the principle was revealed to him and wards). And even if you don’t see the to where it would belong, to the Turkish State. ghost of his deceased business part- he was able to use it effectively, Whenever you confront a situa- cognitive or emotional benefits of Third, by taking over at least one building in each metropolis – and one ner, Jacob Marley, also was a pivotal both in his medical practice and in tion that is especially stressful, neg- maintaining a positive attitude to- wonders why so many building are needed - the Patriarchate would estab- “meaning moment” for Ebenezer his personal life ever since. ative, or challenging for you, I want ward a situation you are facing, lish direct ownership authority at a local level. In due time, they might ask and, metaphorically-speaking, The bottom-line is that all of us you to take a deep breath and list please consider the physiological for a second building and so on, thus moving towards controlling the fi- should be the same for the rest of us. possess, whether we know it or not “ten positive things” that are or benefits. One of the real powers of nances as well of each metropolis and through them, the parishes. For those of you who don’t know or want to admit it or not, the ulti- could be associated with (or positive thinking is that it is good Fourth, sending this kind of letter was made possible after breaking up or remember the tale, Marley (who mate freedom to choose our atti- could/did result from) this situa- for your health! With this in mind, I our archdiocese into Metropolises, thus weakening its administrative co- had died seven years earlier on tude in all of life’s situations. This tion. That’s right, I said ten “posi- wish everyone a Healthy Holidays! hesiveness and the office of the Archbishop. Christmas Eve no less) spent his life fundamental principle is a corner- tive” things! Stretch your imagina- Fifth, should a building been transferred to new owners, who would exploiting the poor and as a result stone of Viktor Frankl’s unique ap- tion and suspend judgment, listing Dr. Pattakos, author of “Prisoners collect any income it might have or pay for its maintenance? was damned to walk the Earth for proach to meaning-focused psy- whatever comes to mind, no matter of Our Thoughts”, is currently Finally, Bartholomew should learn to trust and communicate openly eternity bound in chains forged by chotherapy. And it is this principle how silly, far out, or unrealistic your working on a new book on how to with our people. In our system and way of life, our leaders consult with the his own greed. Much like the Greek that Dr. Frankl famously espoused thoughts may appear to be. Feel live a meaningful life inspired by people, explain their proposals and ask for their approval. They do not use hero, Sisyphus, who had been or- in his classic bestselling book, completely free to determine or de- Greek culture (see: www.theop- others to manipulate them. dered by the gods to push a big rock “Man’s Search for Meaning”: fine what “positive” means to you away.com). His column is pub- The argument that Bartholmew uses to appeal to the metropolitans to uphill only to see it slip out of his “Everything can be taken from a and recruit family members, lished weekly in The National do his bidding troubles us greatly: he appeals to the sense of indebtedness hands in the last moment, Marley man but…the last of the human friends, colleagues, etc. to help you Herald. Readers may contact him the metropolitans might feel toward him. "We do not doubt at all,” he was forced to experience his own freedoms - to choose one’s attitude with your list, if necessary. with questions, comments, writes, “that your Eminence too, in its known love and devotion to the form of endless—and joyless— in any given set of circumstances, to After you’ve completed your list, and/or suggestions for topics at: Mother Church that fed you and made you what you are, that you will act, striving in the afterlife. So it is choose one’s way.” look at it closely, and let the positive [email protected] according to the above ecclesiastical decision as soon as possible, and in- against this backdrop that Marley Unfortunately, many people become possible in your frame of or visit his web site: www.prison- form us in writing, attaching all the signed related documents and title of warns Scrooge that he risks meeting (like the physician above) don’t reference regarding the situation. ersofourthoughts.com. ownership of a property or titles of ownership of properties so that we can file them in the proper place.." How naive do they think we are? COMMENTARY The sick economy of Europe?

Greece was in the international news this week. It was accused of being Modern Political Alignments are All Talk and No Substance the weak link in the euro zone, bringing upheaval to the stock exchanges and raising doubts about the vitality of the euro. By Christopher Tripoulas Greece’s 12.5 percent budget deficit guage by the media, or the prob- and historical integrity of the mod- Was this an overreaction? Probably. But it did have its merits. The National Herald Staff Writer under the EU-mandated 3 percent lems of teaching Greek to the Hel- ern Greek state is a racist…that’s an Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou went so far as to state that threshold, or face sanctions. Hence, lenic Diaspora. interesting choice for a high level the country was faced with a “fiscal emergency that threatens its national NEW YORK - One of the biggest Greece’s finance minister might as A quick search on the Internet re- official in the “Greek” Ministry of sovereignty”. These are breathtaking words, probably intended to prepare anachronisms in the post-Soviet well be Adam Smith. In Greek poli- veals major concerns over the ap- Education. the grounds for what is to follow: an austerity program aimed at rescuing era is the notion of right and left- tics, when it comes to the economy, pointment of Thalia Dragona as the Mrs. Dragona’s statements make the Greek economy by bringing it in line with acceptable European stan- wing politicians. The terms, which the EU has the final word. The So- Education Ministry’s Special Secre- Maria Repousi’s history book, dards of foreign debt and deficit. originally derived their meaning cialist-Conservative dilemma is an tary for the Education of Greeks which caused such a stir in 2006-07 This past Tuesday, a credit agency downgraded the country’s ratings to from the seating arrangements in imagined one. Abroad and Intercultural Education. because it minimized the impor- BBB+ from A-, which is still within investment grade, but the lowest level the 18th century French parlia- Greece gave up the right to a If Mrs. Dragona’s philosophy re- tance of the Greek War of Indepen- in the euro zone. The world markets declined on fears that Greece might ment, have become practically use- sovereign economy (arguably even mains the same as the positions pub- dence or the Asia Minor Catastro- not be able to meet its obligation and that countries like Portugal, Spain or less in today’s world of grand coali- sovereign statehood) the day it lished in her book “Τι ειν η πατρίδα phe, look almost ethnocentric. even England might also follow. tion parties, where members of the agreed to stop printing its own cur- µας;” (What’s our country?), printed Of course, Ms. Repousi’s book In Athens, the stock exchange took a beating, dropping over 6%, with same party may actually hold oppo- rency and setting its own interest in 1997, then the choice becomes was ultimately removed from the the banking sector dropping the most. Officials of the European Union site views on the same issue. This is rates. And unless there is a govern- downright alarming. school curriculum following the were not sure what to do. true both in the U.S. and Europe. ment willing to pull the country out Some of her key arguments are Greek voters’ decision to vote out Greece wrote the Wall Street Journal, in its Wednesday edition “could In today’s world, it would make of the euro zone, the only real ques- as follows: Greek identity did not the then Conservative Education present the European Central Bank and the European Union with a dilem- just as much sense voting for an MP tion is which politician will be bet- exist prior to the 19th century; any- Minister Marietta Giannakou out of ma: whether to bail out the country or possibly see a euro-zone member based on which soccer team he or ter at implementing Brussels’ in- one wanting to critically discern be- Parliament because of her insensi- face a debt crisis. The first course could reduce the pressure for fiscal disci- she supports, as on their party affil- structions. And so, politics is re- tween cultures is a racist and does- tivity to the issue. Sadly, the only pline, while the second could damage the credibility of Europe's great sin- iation, since the “catch-all” parties duced to technocracy. n’t even know it; anyone arguing way to get politicians’ attention is gle-currency experiment.” they belong to often advertise de- Sadly, the most appealing thing that the Turkish culture has ad- to take their job away…although, Greece in fact is facing double, yet parallel, crises: one is the tangible fi- ceptive positions to appeal to the about the Socialists – a commitment versely affected the Greece people ex-Premier Costas Karamanlis nancial crisis and the other is one of credibility due to the fact that she was lowest common denominator. to work towards a more equitable and who doubts the immense pow- chose to thumb his nose at the vot- cooking her books for many years. One of the problems with the distribution of wealth - is the one er and importance of the Ottoman ers’ will and place Mrs. Giannakou To get out of the first one, Greece first needs to repair the damage done Socialists in Greece is that everyone thing that they cannot implement, Empire is equally a racist; anyone as his party’s lead Eurodeputy, by the second. Words alone will not be enough to do the job. Actions - spe- – with the exception of Greek vot- by virtue of the EU’s design. Thus, to who believes that the Greeks con- shortly before voters showed him cific, concrete actions, taken as soon as possible - are needed to convince ers – seems to know that it is impos- justify their supposed uniqueness, tinue to be bearers of the ancient the door as well. the E.U. and the world markets that the country is serious about fixing its sible to implement a socialist agen- they have no recourse but to imple- Greek culture is also a racist; any- The EU made sure that it devel- problems. da in the country based on the cur- ment some of their ancillary, much one wishing for ancient Greek to be oped an apparatus to keep its mem- There is no one to blame but Greece herself. Years of low productivity rent EU financial guidelines. When less desirable, policies. taught in middle school is guilty of ber states’ politicians in check re- and competitiveness, coupled with rampant corruption, brought this the Maastricht Treaty and the rules One area of particular concern ethnocentrism; and finally, anyone gardless of party affiliation. Greek hubris about. It could not go on indefinitely. governing the euro zone were set should be Education. Current Edu- concerned about Greece being voters must do the same, across all The new government won the elections by making impossible promis- up, the EU was led mostly by “right cation Minister Anna Diaman- overrun by immigrants is also prac- party lines, if they want to keep any es. Still it must be saluted for trying hard to do the right thing now. And for wing” governments, which saw to it topoulou already should be on the ticing racism (sic). sense of sovereignty intact. In a that, Athens deserves our support. But still the markets do not yet seem to that fiscal conservatism became the watch list, considering she once ad- So essentially, what Mrs. Drago- country that has had three national be convinced. They are waiting to see a program implemented that tar- EU’s prevalent ideology. vocated establishing English as the na would have us believe is that elections in the past 5 years, voting gets financial woos that doesn’t give political “costs” the top priority. That means that at the end of the country’s official second language, anyone who is proud of their Greek can be a very powerful tool. Use it, Such a program cannot be avoided. The sooner it is implemented, the day, as much as Socialists in Greece but has never to my knowledge ex- heritage, believes in the immense or lose it. better for Greece and the government in the long run. promise to redistribute wealth, tax pressed concern over the nation’s and timeless cultural dynamic of In this time of crisis, Greece needs our understanding and support. In the rich, or protect the working growing lack of proficiency in the Greek language and culture, Contact Christos Tripoulas at on- crises, they should know we are standing by them. class, they have no choice but to get Greek, (mis)use of the Greek lan- and wants to defend the territorial [email protected]. THE NATIONAL HERALD, DECEMBER 12-18, 2009 VIEWPOINTS 11 LETTER FROM ATHENS Poor Cyprus: Once Again They Have the Timing Wrong

By Nicos A. Rolandis their rational approach, stripped of ed the UN initiative. AKEL severed European commitments, she must Special to The National Herald any vestiges of sentiment, to such an its own relations with Kyprianou in be reprimanded and she must pay Here We Go Again, This extent that sometimes their position December 2004. Cyprus has paid - the price for her misdeeds. Sanc- On February 12,1981, I accompa- was painful to listen to. and is still paying - the bitter price of tions must be imposed. However, is nied Cyprus President Spyros Kypri- I remember that they “played” the above inaction. this the right time for such actions? Time Give Me a Brick anou on his visit to the Federal Re- with the notion of time. “The issue In those years the conditions for a Now, when the Cyprus dialogue is at public of Germany, where he was in- of missing persons is one of the large solution were arguably much better a critical juncture? Now that we an- This is war. Not the sures won’t be taken – vited by German President Karl human tragedies,” the chancellor for us than they are today. The ticipate that the talks may come to phony fights in the against the working Carstens. We met President Carstens said. “There are hundreds of thou- “Turkish Republic of Northern fruition by April of next year and that streets of Athens by class, which always and Chancellor Helmut Schmidt in sands of missing persons in the Cyprus” had not been declared. The the partition (for which, unfortu- hooded, cowardly an- suffers when you let Bonn. world and Germany has her own ex- occupation was not yet deep-rooted. nately, many politicians and the me- archists who shame politicians near mon- The relations between Kyprianou perience. Very few cases have been The number of Turkish settlers was dia are studiously working) may be the memory of Alexan- ey, especially if it’s not and the Germans, and in particular brought to light thus far wordwide very small and they were prepared to avoided? We have been rejecting all der Grigoropoulos - their own. Greece has with Foreign Minister Hans-Dietrich and I do not think that the rest of depart on the basis of a compensa- the proposals and initiatives of the the 15-year-old boy until January to give Genscher, were not good at all, in the them will be resolved. Unfortunate- tion scheme which I had proposed. United Nations and of the Interna- gunned down by po- the EU a plan to bal- wake of the “Great Conspiracy” of ly, the missing persons issue will only The Greek Cypriot properties in the tional Community for half a century. lice last year, whose ance the books some- the summer of 1978. It was at that be settled when the close relatives, north were almost intact. The first Why must we insist on imposing name and death they time down the road, time that Kyprianou had charged the those who remember and suffer, will U.N map (Gobbi map) was favorable sanctions on Turkey now (and prob- usurped to hide their and in the meantime Germans and, specifically, the Prime pass away” he said. “Time only will for us. The “one and only sovereign- ably “kill” the dialogue) and not six real intentions of try- by ANDY the debt-ridden state Minister of Bavaria, Josef Franz give an end to this tragedy.” ty” was not disputed. The concept of months later, if the attitude of Turkey ing to bring down a DABILIS will have to pay big Strauss, and the German diplomat in Regarding the political problems a “virgin-birth” for a new Cyprus in the talks proves to be negative? state that supports penalties in higher in- Cyprus, Paul Kurbjuhn, with conspir- and the overall Cyprus issue, howev- state was not yet conceived. Is this the acumen we possess? them - but the real en- Special to terest rates to borrow ing against both Cyprus and himself, er, “The lapse of time will prove dis- Since then almost 30 sterile years And how can we explain the fact that emy, an array of gov- The National Herald money, the traditional personally. According to Kyprianou, astrous,” Schmidt and Genscher in- have elapsed. Years dotted with a lot we cannot convince anybody in Eu- ernments who allow way of getting revenue Tassos Papadopoulos was the chief dicated, adding that “In the political of rhetoric, populism, childish ap- rope - and that all of them vote mas- state coffers to be pilfered by since your taxes aren’t enough. conspirator. I rushed to Bonn to ex- field as time goes by, the faits accom- proaches. I have to confess that dur- sively contrary to our own position? thieves they employ with patron- Greece will be monitored every tinguish the colossal political fire – plis will be solidified and will not be ing all those years when I was in pol- There are another 25 countries in age pay-offs, leaving no money to month by EU officials in Brussels, which I did, but Genscher never for- reversible any more. Consequently itics and in the government, I often Europe (i.e. all the members of the pay real workers, and now threat- where they are going to raise the gave Kyprianou. you should take action with no delay. felt ashamed and embarrassed for EU with the exception of Greece, ening to take away the two months salaries of workers by 3.7 percent, Genscher, president of the Free The solution may be difficult and my country when I heard some which has to support us) amongst annual bonuses they get as com- a really sweet deal since they al- Democrats party, vice-chancellor painful, but it will be much better politicians speaking like three-year- which we have many friends, but pensation for being paid like Alban- ready have a starting pay of about and minister of foreign affairs of Ger- than what you may achieve many old toddlers. they all think and vote against us in ian cleaning ladies. $4,000 a month for an entry level many for many years, was one of the years later.” Now we have to move moun- the Commission, in the Council and Greek workers, in the public and clerical worker, almost four times leading personalities of his time. The above position coincided tains. We have missed opportuni- in the European Parliament. Do we private sector, are paid 14 salaries a what a veteran teacher in Greece Sharp-minded, with a penetrating with what I believed. I was conver- ties. Today we watch Demetris not appear like thickheads who are year instead of 12, receiving two gets, so don’t shed any tears that and practical approach to foreign af- sant with the international and Euro- Christofias (who has committed seri- always surprised at each and every weeks extra pay at Easter and the EU workers don’t get bonuses be- fairs, he had a good knowledge of pean developments and balances. I ous mistakes during the past five development which concerns us in summer, and a full month’s more at cause they do – every week. With the Cyprus problem. He was a fre- felt that the climate was fertile for a years of his presidential tenure) try- Europe? Christmas. It sounds like a sweet Members of the European Parlia- quent traveler all over the globe, to solution at the time. Kyprianou how- ing hard to achieve what is almost If this country had a smaller num- deal until you realize most of them ment, including Greece’s contin- such an extent that the following ever was oscillating between the impossible. In his titanic effort, he is ber of historic leaders and ethnarchs are making less than $12,000 a gent, of course, pulling down a anecdote circulated in political cir- pragmatic approach of his AKEL par- the target of attacks and mud sling- and a larger number of correct judg- year, so the extra $2,400 isn’t a lux- base pay of $11, 340 a month – a cles: “Two planes collided over the ty allies and his personal wishful ing not by the Turks but by his own ments, if what was discussed on that ury bonus, it’s survival. If you think year’s pay for a civil servant in Atlantic Ocean. Genscher was in thinking. When Andreas Papan- political allies, who sit on his cabi- winter day in Bonn, Germany was there’s panic in the streets of Greece – along with other benefits both of them”. dreou became prime minister of net! It is really incomprehensible implemented, perhaps we might Athens now, try cutting workers’ in secret contracts and a $428 in- Our meeting with Chancellor Greece in October 1981, he intro- that all those rejectionist forces, have avoided the separating wall be- pay - already so measly most peo- centive per DAY to show up, that Schmidt and Minister Genscher took duced a new dogma, that the Turkish which by their past actions have tween the two communities, and we ple need two jobs – by 17 percent could bring the monthly total to place on February 13, 1981. The troops should depart from Cyprus brought about the present impasse, might have been living without the and anarchists will be joined by more than $40,000 - they could Cyprus problem was in the doldrums before we could have any intercom- have the audacity to drag through occupation forces, without excessive workers getting slave wages. That’s care less if workers drop dead in at the time. Two years earlier, in De- munal talks. Kyprianou adopted the the mud all those who try today to nationalism and without the Turkish real anarchy, not the type practiced the streets because some underpaid cember 1978, the Greek Cypriot side above stance as of the beginning of eradicate the problems which the re- settlers, whose numbers will soon by rich and disaffected children garbage collector will scoop them had rejected the Anglo-American- 1983 and the Cyprus problem jectionists themselves created. exceed the number of Cypriots. up. Canadian Plan. Thereafter the “Eval- moved into a complete standstill. And it seems that the above is not We might have been living today Papandreou may find himself uation” of U.N. Secretary General Later on, as Papandreou became enough. During the past three like all other European citizens and Greece’s central bank having to do what he decried when Waldheim was submitted. It resulted more experienced with European af- months, through repeated state- not as a “south” and a “north” of a di- chief has decided the former New Democracy gov- in a long and unproductive dialogue. fairs, he realized that he was wrong ments and other actions that put vided country. ernment in March threatened to President Kyprianou analyzed the and he corrected his course. But it pressure on Christofias, his allies to cut his salary freeze public salaries as part of an Cyprus problem and the issue of the was already too late… have tended to create a climate of Mr. Rolandis was Cyprus’ Foreign by 20% to set an austerity plan PASOK blasted as un- missing persons. The Germans lis- I disagreed and resigned from the complete isolation of Cyprus from Minister (1978-83) and Minister example in curbing fair to workers, although you can’t tened carefully. They were well post of foreign minister in Septem- the rest of Europe. Naturally, if of Commerce, Industry & Tourism blame them too much because the known for their realistic stand and ber 1983, when the president reject- Turkey does not finally abide by her (1998-2003). public spending. category “worker” can’t be found in the politician job description. Eight who have nothing better to do than months ago, then finance minister throw stones from their glass hous- Yiannis Papathanassiou said es or, as a couple of mobs of their Greece’s deficit would be 3.7 per- finest did, beat up two police offi- cent, so he only missed the target Linguistic Adventures: The Rise and Fall of Gringlish cers walking down a street near the by 400 percent or so, and you can University of Athens and broke into only wonder what he thinks of his AMHERST, Mass. - I was recently in- zled or amused native- required a boat trip that sense of the beauty of Greek and its the office of a dean and beat him words: “We’re creating a safety net terviewed by Nicos Panoutsopoulos, speakers. Thus, when I involved at least a constant evolution to Greeks and senseless. Last time we looked, the for the economy and also giving a the director of what will be an 8-part proclaimed, “Peyeno sto month in travel time for non-Greeks alike. Demakopoulos’ faculty was generally on the side of boost to Greece’s credibility documentary on Greek America to be downtown meh to karo a round trip. Although hopes for a revival of modern Greek protesters and that’s why demon- abroad.” That’s not the type of guy aired on Greek National Television mou (I go downtown in there were Greek-lan- in America have been belatedly en- strators are offered asylum inside you want watching your back, or (ERT). I was delighted by how well my car),”my Greek guage newspapers and hanced by the communication made the gates of Athens’ universities, so holding the safety net when you’re he and his coworkers had prepared friends were baffled. radio programs in possible by the Internet and a new ac- they can have a safe haven retreat on the paycheck-to-paycheck themselves for their task. A question A host of similar America, phone calls to ceptance in America of bilingualism. after they’ve tossed Molotov cock- trapeze. that I did not expect, however, was words readily come to Greece were dreadfully Scholars who have argued that the tails. So in the face of all this fearful the query about the present status of mind: “farma” (farm), expensive and the resurrection of Greek language usage There’s plenty of blame to news comes someone to do the Gringlish. The filmmakers were sur- “freezarita” (refrigera- postal service was un- in America is probably essential for spread around in the police state, right thing. Greece’s central bank prised when I replied that Gringlish tor), “spetali” (hospital), reliable. The advent of the survival of Greek identity in the but just as much in the ranks of chief George Provopoulos has de- was all but dead. “blockos” (neighbor- by PROF. DAN dictatorships and wars United States have been heartened. hooligans who don’t know what cided to cut his salary by 20 percent The term Gringlish arises from hood block), “keki” GEORGAKAS further disrupted com- But no one is supporting the revival they really want, although it’s sure- to set an example in curbing public Spanglish, a language usage that (cake), “moteli” (mo- munications. The study of Gringlish. ly not a job. That’s distracting from spending. “It is a symbolic gesture arose in the Puerto Rican sections of tel), and “marketa” Special to of Gringlish was the A remarkable achievement of the the real dilemma the new PASOK for the difficult times we are in,” a the Bronx, Harlem, and Brooklyn. (market) are but a few. The National Herald lifelong passion of the generation of the Great Migration is government of Prime Minister senior central bank source told What marks Spanglish as more than Many American-born late Steven De- that most of them became functional- George Papandreou faces, how to Reuters, the key word being sym- Spanish-speakers making mistakes Greeks knew perfectly well when makopoulos, a student of the Greek ly bilingual. Gringlish is a linguistic get out from under a 12.7 percent bolic because when you’re knock- with their English is that Spanglish they were speaking English, but we language in general. Demakopoulos map of some of the amusing gram- deficit, an escape act that requires ing down a six-figure salary in has continued to be used to some de- didn’t know when we were speaking originally learned Greek from his matical formations and nouns they cutting public expenditures and Greece a 20 percent cut won’t put a gree by succeeding Puerto Rican gen- Gringlish. I think the immigrants parents, but developed a more pro- invented as they incorporated a new holding the line on workers pay – dent in how much caviar you buy, erations born and educated in the were far more conscious that they found connection with Greek in lan- language into their everyday life. or cutting it through the cheap, and to prove it, the bank refused to mainland USA. In that regard, it is al- were not speaking proper English. guage classes he took at a Greek Rather than indicating linguistic back-door ploy of eliminating say what is salary is or how much it most a dialect and has gained a de- What made our movement to parochial school. In early 1977, he shortcomings, Gringlish is better un- bonuses – instead of raising it for will be cut. Maybe Papandreou can gree of cache. New York City has even English different from that of Hispan- wrote the first of many columns on derstood as an aspect of the immi- some sectors, as he had promised. make him say, although you can bet named a street or two in Spanglish. ics has some cultural elements that language for Ethnikos Kirix. A collec- grants’ commitment to forge a better That’s enough to put people used to neither he nor any members of par- This language phenomenon largely are not accidental and some histori- tion of them appeared in 2000 under life in the new world. They under- sitting at home watching TV kick in liament will making the same lame results from the circumstances that cal elements that are. The most deci- the title “Do You Speak Greek?” stood that their own Greek education the screen and take to the streets gesture anyway, and that’s why numerous Puerto Ricans continuous- sive cultural element was that Greek A distinguishing aspect of De- had not been superlative and were themselves. these people always wonder why ly move back and forth from the immigrants insisted their children makopoulos’ lifelong fascination determined that their children’s edu- Papandreou won the election on they wind up getting paid with Spanish-speaking island to the Eng- speak English well in order to ad- with Gringlish was that instead of cation would be of a much higher cal- promises of a three billion euros bricks. lish-speaking mainland. vance themselves socially and eco- mocking the “incorrect” usage of un- iber. Their zeal for education is leg- ($4.5 billion) stimulus package, The experience of the Greeks has nomically. This was recognition of schooled immigrants, he related the endary. That commitment produced that included higher wages, a one- Mr. Dabilis was the New England been totally different. Gringlish con- the reality of America’s monolingual use of Gringlish to the evolution of American-born generations who off “solidarity” benefit for poorer editor for United Press Interna- sists of language constructions that snobbery. By the early 1920s, impor- modern Greek. Numerous foreign formed one of America’s best-educat- Greeks, and more spending on tional in Boston, and a staff writer occurred when Greek immigrants of tant community organizations such words and constructions obviously ed and most affluent ethnic commu- health and education, so what will and assistant metropolitan editor the Great Migration of 1900-1924 as AHEPA were using English as their have entered contemporary Greek as nities. he do now? at the Boston Globe for 17 years grappled with a new language. A official language. they have entered every other living The economic crisis has pushed before relocating to Greece. His whole string of Gringlish nouns came On the circumstantial side, during language. Without attempting to val- Contact Dan Georgakas at: geor- Greece to the brink of bankruptcy, column is published weekly in the into being. I for one did not know un- the period of peak Greek immigra- idate Gringlish, he showed how some [email protected]. Prof. Geor- but it won’t go under because the National Herald. Readers interest- til I went to Greece as an adult that tion maintaining continuous commu- Gringlish formations had become gakas is Director of the Greek European Union won’t let it. Still, ed in contacting him can send e- “karo” (motor car) and “hoteli” (ho- nication with a distant Greece was standard usage of Greek. More American Studies Project at that doesn’t mean Draconian mea- mails to [email protected]. tel) were Gringlish words that puz- difficult. The technology of the day broadly, he wanted to pass on his Queens College – CUNY. Tax Evasion, Underground Economy, Corruption: A Hellenic Unholy Trinity

The new government of Greece ed GDP (Gross Domestic Product) report their income in a Greek peculiarity. It is ceipt and pay, in exchange, a lower be lowered by $1,320. The net gain under George Papandreou is facing does not include that part of the full or even at all. evident in all countries. fee. for the public treasury will be $880, a an uphill struggle with the country’s economy. As a result the official sta- The bigger the un- In advanced countries To break this implicit collusion, sum that otherwise would have not mounting public dept and budget tistics and other data are inaccurate. derground economy, like the United States, the customer must be given an incen- gone to the treasury. deficits. Predictably, demands to in- The unreported gross of the under- the lower the state rev- Japan, or Switzerland it tive to demand an accurate receipt. Although this is a simplified illus- tensify the fight against tax evasion ground economy is estimated at enues. On the other is estimated at 8-10 per- The simplest way is to offer her, un- tration, the basic logic is very clear. are again heard with increasing $130 billion! hand, the underground cent, in France, Great der the tax laws, a deduction based The public treasury will receive a force. On its part, the new govern- It may be appropriate to present economy provides in- Britain or Germany 13- on the amount quoted on the receipt sum that under current conditions it ment, as did other Greek govern- specific illustrations. You need an come and employment 16 percent. In the Scan- he has received, something similar to will not. ments in the past, is vowing to “crush electrician for a job that ordinarily to people that might dinavian countries a deduction given to U.S. taxpayers A reform of this type will have tax evasion.” [Πάταξη της would net to him $500. If the electri- otherwise be unem- around 18 percent. in the for charitable contributions. more than just monetary signifi- φοροδιαφυγής] cian were to include this income in ployed. Among the mem- To be more specific. Suppose that cance. It will help change over time This is more a slogan than a policy. his tax return he would pay approxi- Empirical evidence by DR. D.G. bers of the Euro zone, a taxpayer, by not asking for receipts, an accepted dishonest and dysfunc- In Greece the most serious form of mately 20 percent or $100. To avoid shows that lowering tax KOUSOULAS Greece and Italy have paid during the year $10,000 for un- tional culture. Receipts will become tax evasion is related to the large un- this, the electrician proposes to the rates has no effect on the largest under- reported services or products. If he important and hiding income will be- derground economy that in Greece is customer to charge him only $450, the underground econ- Special to ground economies had asked for receipts his cost would come more difficult. If the use of known as paraoikonomia. This term provided he pays cash and does not omy. The high economic The National Herald reaching 27-30 percent have been $11,000. By not asking for checks instead of cash for larger refers to legitimate economic activi- ask for a receipt. The electrician will gain from not reporting (some say 40 percent). receipts he has saved himself $1000. transactions becomes the norm, the ties that go unreported and for that receive $50 less; the customer has taxable income compared to the ben- Of course very large underground On the other side of the ledger, the picture will change even further. Al- reason are not being taxed. saved $50. Who is the loser? Obvi- efit from lower taxes (to be enjoyed economies are found in less devel- providers of the services or goods ready, the use of credit cards has re- Given Greece’s large service sector ously, the public treasury that will not only if one first reports the income oped economies, reaching 45-60 per- would have to pay zero to the public duced to some extent the opportuni- and the great number of small retail receive the $100 the electrician and pays taxes) is not an effective in- cent. In fact, the size of the under- treasury since the transactions re- ties for tax evasion. and family businesses, many people would have to pay if he were report- ducement to turn people away from ground economy in a country is a re- main unreported. Suppose now that Cynics, of course, will say that in in Greece have legitimate incomes ing the transaction. the underground economy. liable yardstick of the country’s mod- receipts have been signed, and the Greece a way will be found to go which they do not report, thus paying Or, take one of the thousands of Of course, agreeing to pay less by ernization. vendors have to report a taxable in- around this new approach. Neverthe- no taxes. Visitors to Greece often ex- mom-and-pop businesses. Most not asking for a receipt is a form of With regard to Greece, any effort come of $11,000. At an income tax less, the Papandreou government press surprise that although people – transactions are still conducted in corruption. Thus, corruption, under- to reduce tax evasion is directly relat- rate of 20 percent, his tax will be will do well to consider this sugges- and the media – paint a picture of cash. Without verifiable records, the ground economy, and tax evasion go ed to the size of the underground $2,200, money that will go to the tion as part of its overall reform ef- economic hardship, most Greeks owners are likely to report to the tax hand in hand, perpetrated by people economy. Under current conditions, public treasury. On the other side, the fort. seem to live quite well. The explana- authorities the least possible income who do not consider themselves dis- the customer agrees not to ask for a customer has a receipt for $11,000 tion is that almost 30 percent of the that will not trigger suspicion. Family honest. This unholy trinity actually receipt because he has nothing to entitled, say, to a 12 percent deduc- Dr. Kousoulas is Professor Emeri- Greek economy is of the under- members who are employees may be becomes part of the accepted culture. gain if he does. Instead, he can save tion, in this case $1,320. In other tus of Political Science at Howard ground variety. The officially report- paid in cash and they usually do not The underground economy is not money by agreeing not to ask for a re- words, his overall tax obligation will University in Washington, DC. 12 THE NATIONAL HERALD, DECEMBER 12-18, 2009