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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. 12, ISSUE 610 June 20, 2009 $1.25

EUROKINISSI Athenians and visitors to the Greek capitol enjoy an evening crowned by the illuminated Parthenon at a sculpture garden in the vicinity of the new Acropolis Museum that will have its Grand Opening June 20. New Acropolis Museum Opens in Athens to Great Acclaim

NEW YORK - On Saturday June 20 ple of Athena. More than half were frieze and metopes which are not even polite to call them the Elgin sculptures in human art history so the artwork and the genius of the the new Acropolis Museum in taken away beginning in 1801 by missed by ancient stones and living Marbles anymore. For decades intimately associated with a particu- artists who created it. Hitchens be- Athens, Greece will have its long- Lord Elgin. The sculptures that sur- Greeks alike remain far away in the there were two strong counter argu- lar building and there are few build- gan his article by saying that “The awaited grand opening. Designed vived the ravages of time and men British Museum. Mr. Tschumi’s new ments. One, that there was no prop- ings more closely tied to a single na- great classicist A.W. Lawrence once by renowned Swiss-French New could be seen until recently in the building may be a force for changing er place for them in Athens – Mr. tion. remarked of the Parthenon that it is York-based architect Bernard Tschu- humble museum on the east end of that reality. Tschumi’s building is an eloquent Among the more passionate of ‘the one building in the world which mi, this masterpiece of modern ar- the sacred rock of the Acropolis. Prompted by the imminent grand and powerful response to that case, the recent articles about the may be assessed as absolutely right” chitecture will finally provide a Those were carefully transferred opening, scholars, journalists and and two, that the return of the mar- Parthenon marbles is Christopher which for him illustrates the chal- home for the masterpieces of Greek two years ago to their new home artists around the world have been bles would set a legal precedent that Hitchens’ piece in the July edition of lenge faced by the building’s current antiquity. which is a mere thousand feet away. making strong calls for the return of would empty the worlds great mu- Vanity Fair. Hitchens stressed the restorers. “Putting the rightest, or The centerpieces of the muse- Its was a short journey marbles that the works of the great Greek sculp- seums. There is now a vehicle for uniqueness and historical signifi- most right, building to rights” re- um’s collection are the Parthenon remained in Greece, but the sibling tor Phidias and his colleagues to the long-unspoken answer to the cance of the Parthenon and its sculp- Marbles that once adorned the Tem- pieces of the brilliant and famous Greece. Newsweek notes that it is second argument: There are few tural decoration, the brilliance of Continued on page 9 AHEPA Unity Star of My Life in Ruins Regains 'Kefi' Forum Starts By Eleni Daniels Movie”), and co-stars Richard Drey- Hanks and his Playtone partner Gary Special to The National Herald fuss (Irv), which was a real highlight Goetzman about it and said, “I think of the production for Ms. Vardalos. there’s something here.” So they To Take Shape Writer-actress and newly adoptive Nia is a quick-witted burst of pos- brought Mike Reiss in and Nia put mother Nia Vardalos talks with Eleni itive energy. She looks svelte and ter- her unique comic spin on it. Daniels in New York City about her rific these days having shed 40 “When you play in someone’s By Evan C. Lambrou work from screenwriting to acting and pounds as a result of a health kick sandbox, you have to be very re- Special at The National Herald about her new film. but it can also be attributed to find- spectful of their script. He [Mike Following an overnight success ing her kefi again. She sees this Reiss] had written a great script. I NEW YORK – Most of the Hellenic story with her breakthrough role in movie as a celebration of Greece. was very, very pleased to be a part of American organizations plan to the indie blockbuster of all time “My My Life in Ruins is the first script it.” send representatives to the unity fo- Big Fat Greek Wedding” (2002), Nia that was written for her. It fell on her “At the time, I was going through rum AHEPA is trying to organize at is back reminding us that her ances- lap while she was writing a movie for a personal angst – a situation where I the tail-end of its upcoming annual tral homeland of Greece may hold Tom Hanks. “I was at Playtone, his had lost a ten-year battle with infer- national convention, which this year the key to finding your kefi, as company, almost every day, and the tility and I didn’t want to be on cam- is being held in San Francisco be- Greeks call it, or zest for life. script came to me. It was very differ- tween June 29 and July 5, according While not a contender to top the ent,” recalls Vardalos. She told Tom Continued on page 6 to current leaders of several organi- gross revenues of “My Big Fat Greek zations who spoke to the National Wedding” –a whopping $368 million Herald. worldwide, “My Life in Ruins” will be AHEPA Supreme President Ike known as the first movie to ever be Gulas is inviting leaders of the com- allowed to shoot at the ancient site of munity’s largest organizations to at- the Acropolis; its was also filmed at Turmoil in Iran: The Dawn tend a summit on Saturday, July 4, Delphi and Olympia. and said that, while his tenure as In her new film, with Tom Hanks president of AHEPA expires when and Rita Wilson in the executive pro- of the Post-Khomeini Era? the AHEPA convention concludes its ducer lineup as was the case in “My proceedings, he hopes that the unity Big Fat Greek Wedding”, Nia plays a By Dr. Christos P. Ioannides can CIA. The plans for the coup were forum can kick off an ongoing dia- Greek American history professor Special to The National Herald made in utter secrecy in the Spring of logue. TNH PHOTO/COSTAS BEJ (Georgia) who decides to upend her 1953 at the British military Head- “I feel it’s important that our "Pontian Grandma" Sano Halo Given Greek Citizenship at Age 100 life and become a tour guide in NEW YORK - It was 30 years ago, on quarters in Nicosia. Cyprus was a community’s major organizations Greece. The film is directed by Don- February 1, 1979, that Ayatollah British colony at the time. The Amer- discuss a common strategy in order Stavros Pappas, far left, of the Greek Consulate of New York, and Con- ald Petrie (“Grumpy Old Men”,” Miss Khomeini returned triumphantly to ican role in Iran traumatized the to formulate a unified message sul General Aghi Balta look on as Sano Halo, known to many as "the Congeniality”, “How to Lose a Guy in Iran following 15 years of exile. An Iranian psyche and was to weigh about Hellenic issues,” he said. Pontian Grandmother" and mother of Thea Halo, far right –the author 10 Days”), written by Mike Reiss estimated crowd of five million gave heavily on Iranian politics since then. Archbishop Demetrios of Ameri- of the book "Not Even My Name" - signs the paperwork granting her (“Ice Age”,” Ice Age 2”, “Horton him a heroes welcome for he was the ca is also taking Mr. Gulas’ call for an Greek citizenship at the age of 100 . See page 4 for story. Hears a Who”, “The Simpsons Imam, a divine-like figure rooted in Continued on page 9 inter-organizational summit seri- the Shia’a faith. He was allso the ously enough to change his travel leader of the Islamic revolution that arrangements. The Archbishop typi- will go down to history as one of the cally attends the AHEPA Convention great mass rebellions, one that suc- each year, but Demetrios’ office noti- ceeded in overthrowing the ancien Leadership 100 fied AHEPA that the Archbishop has Peterson Donates $1 Billion to Foundation regime, that of the Shah. It was a changed his departure time to Sat- regime supported and armed by the urday afternoon in order to attend By Christopher Tripoulas get our act together,” he told ABC’s His first education in running a United States and was considered Boosts Grants the unity forum that Saturday morn- Special to The National Herald Cynthia McFadden during an inter- business was given to him by his fa- unshakeable, but in the course of ing. view on Nightline on June 11. ther, who ran a 24-hour eatery in 1978, it gradually but steadily lost its By Theodore Kalmoukos Most of the leaders of the com- NEW YORK - Billionaire Peter G. Growing up in the Great Depres- Kearny, Nebraska. Mr. Peterson, legitimacy until it was eventually Special to The National Herald munity’s major secular organiza- Peterson – the third richest Greek sion was a factor that played a key who was the oldest child in the overthrown. tions hailed Mr. Gulas’ initiative, American in the United States in role in Mr. Peterson’s financial phi- family, watched his father handle The ideology of the revolution BOSTON – The board of directors calling the anticipated summit of 2009 according to The National losophy, as did the core values of everything from looking for whole- was based on Shi’a Islam; its leader- of Leadership 100, an endowment Hellenic American organizations Herald’s annual list published earli- hard work, savings and giving back sale deals on produce, to printing ship was provided by the ulama, the fund of the Greek Orthodox Arch- long overdue, but said they them- er this spring – has made a name to the Community instilled in him the daily menus, to coming up with learned men of religion, the clergy; diocese, recently voted unanimous- selves will not be able to attend be- for himself as a fiscal conservative at an early age by his Greek immi- marketing plans like discounts on and its organization was based on the ly to fund its grant commitments with a social conscience. In fact, grant parents. pre-purchased meal tickets, to carv- vast network of mosques throughout for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 Continued on page 5 Mr. Peterson recently made head- Mr. Peterson even wrote about ing up hunks of meat into steaks the country. For the overwhelming for a total of $2 million. By 2010 lines when he donated $1 billion of his father’s constant calls to econo- and chops to ensure nothing went majority of Iranians, Shi'a Islam rep- Leadership 100 will have distrib- his assets to his foundation, which mize in his new book “The Educa- to waste – a trade he learned dur- resented a liberating force from the uted grants and scholarships in the To subscribe call: 718.784.5255 he established in July 2008 in an tion of an American Dreamer.” ing his first job in America as a secular but oppressive regime of the amount of $30 million since the in- e-mail: unprecedented effort to study the “I remember my mother's shouts meatpacker in Milwaukee. Shah seen as subservient to the Unit- ception of the Organization in [email protected] major financial problems threaten- to ‘close the lights!’ when someone “Visiting the cafe's sole bath- ed States. The Iranian people never 1984. ing America, including the national left a room, knowing that lights left room brought one face-to-face with forgot the August 1953 coup that Leadership 100 continues to debt, budget deficits and the viabil- burning would bring my father's the sign my father had taped to the overthrew the democratically elected pursue its goals and fulfill its com- ity of key federal programs like So- wrath. ‘Economia!’ he hurled at paper towel dispenser: ‘Why Use Premier Mohammed Mossadeq and mitments in support of the educa- cial Security and Medicare. her. ‘Economia!’ Even today, when I Two When One Wipes Dry.’ It was restored the Shah to his throne. The tional and ecclesiastical ministries “We’ll look like a third-world leave a room, I need to ‘close the coup was jointly engineered by the country in 5 or 10 years if we don’t lights’.” Continued on page 3 British secret services and the Ameri- Continued on page 5 2 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20, 2009 In the Spotlight: Katerina Nicholas Gagkas GOINGS ON... ■ JUNE 21-22 ■ JUNE 28 By Eleni Kostopoulos from their balconies. FLEMINGTON, N.J. - The Greek Or- LOS ANGELES, CA - A reading of the Special to the National Herald TNH: You are featured in Pel- thodox Parish of Hunterdon County romantic comedy “Drinking the ham 1 2 3. Tell us about it. What will host its 5th annual food and Sun” will be staged at the Pan-An- TNH: Briefly tell us who you are was it like working with Tony Scott, cultural festival, “Opa! Big, “Fat” dreas Theater Sunday, June 28 at 2 and what you do. Denzel Washington and John Tra- Greek Festival, A Taste of Greece in p.m at 5125 Melrose Ave. in Holly- KNG: My name is Katerina volta? Hunterdon County”, at Razberry’s wood, CA. Athan Karas directs the Nicholas Gagkas. I am from Sparti, KNG: The three months I spent Banquet Center on Route 12 in reading of Penelope Karageorge’s Greece. I was born in New York, but working on Pelham has inspired me Flemington on Saturday, June 20th play which “explodes the Greek I was raised in West Palm Beach to be in the film industry 100%. I (12-10 p.m.) and Sunday, June tourist island cliches to take you in- Florida. I studied in Greece for two saw the dedication and undying de- 21st (12-8 p.m.). Free admission side a real world,” beyond “Mama years on a Greek American scholar- votion that goes into making a film and parking. Featuring: Delicious Mia”. A reception follows. Reading ship, and returned to the U.S. to and I want to be apart of it even Greek Food (with menu overseen is by invitation only due to limited graduate with a BA in Theatre and more now! by author of Made in Greece: A seating. Contact kerry@indiepro- Communications. I moved to NYC The 6 train was recreated on set Guided Tour of Greek Cooking); ducer.net or Ms. Karageorge 212- two and a half years ago, and I cur- at Kaufman Studios in Astoria. door prizes; raffles and dance con- 661-8026. rently reside in Astoria, NY. I am a Most of the film was shot there. tests and more! Patrons can “Treat professional actor both on stage This is where I spent most of my Dad like a Greek God for Father’s ■ JUNE 30 and on camera. I also dance with time playing a hostage. It was Day!” For more information call the NEW YORK, N.Y. - The Officers and H.D.C. on scholarship. The Hip Hop amazing to work so closely with parish office at 908-782-9741. Directors of The Hellenic American Dance Conservatory is the only one John Travolta and Denzel Washing- Bankers Association(HABA) invite of its kind in the country! My latest ton. They were fascinating to watch ■ JUNE 25-28 you to join us in welcoming, for the work on the New York stage was in in rehearsal, and when I saw the LOS ANGELES, CA, – The 3rd an- first time, our guest speaker from the a dance-filled, comedic, film I was completely blown away nual Los Angeles Greek Film Festi- financial industry in Europe: Elena murder/mystery at the Broadway by their performances! One of my val announces Christos Georgiou's Ambrosiadou, Co-Founder and CEO Comedy Club, and filming “The fondest memories on set was when “Small Crime” as the festival’s of IKOS, discussing the state of Taking of Pelham 123” here in As- JT was speaking to Denzel through Opening Night Gala presentation hedge funds - how they will survive toria at Kaufman Studios! the radio and Denzel played music and Alexis Kardaras' “Guinness” and thrive on Tuesday June 30, 2009 TNH: Has your life path been Katerina Gagkas poses on the set of The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, an ac- over the radio and JT started danc- starring Antonis Kafetzopoulos, as from 6:00 p.m to 8:30 p.m at The influenced by your Ancient or Mod- tion-packed film about a highjacked New York City subway train, with ing for us "hostages" on the train! its Closing Night Gala presentation. Harvard Club 35 West 44th Street, ern Greek heritage? Director Tony Scott. The film from Columbia Pictures (June 2009) He even got some of us up, and The festival runs June 25 through New York, NY 10036 (between 5th KNG: My Greek Heritage and stars Denzel Washington and John Travolta. dancing with him! He was so fun, June 28, and will feature 7 feature Avenue and the Avenue of the Amer- my Spartan roots have always been nice, and down to earth! films, 7 documentaries and 8 icas). Wine and Hors d'oeuvres Re- an integral part of who I am. Ever lives of all Spartan boys and men. epitome of fulfilling the “American In addition, working with Tony shorts, with 15 films enjoying their ception. Admission: This event is since 300 came out everyone TNH: What has been your great- Dream”! Scott was a dream! We would be U.S. premieres. The four-day festi- free for members in good standing knows about the courageous Spar- est achievement so far? TNH: What’s your ultimate goal shooting for over 12 hours, and all val highlights include: Opening (2009). Membership renewals may tans! My parents are from Sparti, KNG: I am always looking for in life? of us "hostages" were beat, but Mr. Night Ceremonies; a tribute to di- be paid at the event or online at and I spent all my summers there. I new ways to challenge myself. The KNG: To reach success through Tony Scott was full of energy - Al- rector Penelope Spheeris. The www.haba.org. Friends of HABA are would take walks around the stadi- most challenging thing for me was my passions and to continue to though, he said he hadn't slept for screenings will take place at the always welcome to attend. The non- um under the giant statue of King to come to NYC and chase my grow and develop as a performer, days! He was jumping up and Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood member admission is $40 Tickets Leonidas and I remember my father dreams. My parents and sister now and to touch the lives of others down, making us laugh and lifted Blvd in Hollywood, CA. For more may be purchased online, with your telling me the story of what live in Greece, and being far away through artistic expression. all of our spirits. He was so kind to information please visit www.la- credit card or PayPal, by visiting Leonidas told the Persian leader, is the hardest thing for me. They TNH: If you could change some- us, and really appreciated every greekfilmfestival.org. http://haba20090630.eventbrite.com Xerxes, when he asked the Spar- are very supportive though, espe- thing about yourself, what would it one's work on the film. He even tans to hand over their weapons: cially my sister, Fotene. I would be be? gave each of us a leather-bound ■ JUNE 25 ■ JULY 1 THROUGH FALL 2009 «Μολών λαβέ», translated from an- lost without her! KNG: This one is tough...hmm- copy of the script with our name WASHINGTON, D.C. - The South- NEW YORK, N.Y. - A fleet of 15 white cient Greek, "Come and Get them". TNH: What’s the greatest lesson mm! Just kidding! I would love to engraved on it as a gift, personally east Europe Project invites you to a plaster “boats” will hover in mid-air WOW! This simple example of you've ever learned? more be organized and time effi- signed. My experience on Pelham forum: Turkey’s Reforms and For- over a fountain, bearing a metaphor- Spartan courage always struck me, KNG: I am still learning this cient! was fantastic and I am very eager eign Policy Choices: The Impact on ical cargo of birth, migration and and I understood why pride and one: Listen more, talk less. You will TNH: What’s your most enjoy- for my film acting career to gain U.S. and Euro-Atlantic Relations change, as the Onassis Cultural Cen- honor glistened in my father's eyes be surprised what you can learn. able pastime? momentum. I look forward to big- with Gulnur Aybet, Lecturer in In- ter presents Perpetual Transitions, as he told the story. I am also fasci- TNH: Do you have a role model? KNG: My Summers in Sparti ger and better roles! ternational Relations, University of the first New York exhibition of art- nated by the role Spartan Women KNG: My father. He is not per- playing on the street with the TNH: Share with us some words Kent and Caterbury (UK) and work by the contemporary Greek played in Ancient Sparta! They fect, but he is pretty close! I admire neighborhood kids till midnight! of wisdom. Southeast Europe Policy Scholar. sculptor Kalliopi Lemos. The site- were treated as equals to men AND his kindness, devotion to family, We would be over 20 kids playing; KNG: You will never be alone as Thursday, June 25 10:00 – 11:30 specific installation, created for the they played an integral role in the drive and perseverance. He is the while our parents watched over us long as you have your dreams. a.m. 6th Floor Boardroom. . All atrium of Olympic Tower in Manhat- events, unless otherwise noted, are tan, will be on view to the public free held at the: Woodrow Wilson Cen- of charge from Wednesday, July 1, ter 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. through the fall of 2009. To learn RSVP acceptances only more about the Foundation and the [email protected]. Onassis Cultural Center, please visit Holy Trinity Cathedral: Jewel of the Community www.onassisusa.org. The Onassis ■ JUNE 27 Cultural Center, which is located in By Eleni Kostopoulos NEW YORK, N.Y. - 11th annual the Olympic Tower (645 Fifth Av- Special to the National Herald New York Family Arts Festival enue; entrances on 51st and 52nd Greek Cultural Village will be pre- Streets) is open to the public from 10 NEW YORK- For the parishioners of sented on Saturday, June 27, 2009 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sat- the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan at 2- 8 p.m. The Hellenic Dancers of urday, and admission is free. Cathedral of the Holy Trinity the N.J. will present music, dance and words of the late Archbishop Iakovos other traditions of Greek culture. ■ NOTE TO OUR READERS hold as true today as they did in The program is free, but RSVP is re- This calendar of events section is a 1960 when he said, “The Cathedral quired for the Greek Crafts Work- complimentary service to the Greek is not meant to be solely a religious shop and the evening perfor- American community. All parishes, center or simply a place of worship mances. Please contact the River- organizations and institutions are or a home of Christian benevolence. side Theatre for more information: encouraged to e-mail their informa- It must be made to symbolize Ameri- Phone: 212.870.6784. The River- tion 3-4 weeks ahead of time, and no ca’s Greek Orthodox Church and side Theatre is located in the his- later than Monday of the week be- community and in general to reflect toric Riverside Church: 91 Clare- fore the event, to the entire Hellenic ‘Omogenia.’ It mont Ave at 120th Str, NYC. [email protected] shall be our primary commitment to elevate and expand it in all religious aspects so that we shall ever be proud of the Jewel of Orthodoxy.” Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos, who QUESTION OF THE WEEK has been at the Cathedral for almost two years, has witnessed the ever-ex- panding programs and unique at- Vote on our website! tributes that define the Cathedral as a “jewel” of the community. You have the chance to express your opinion on our website on an “It’s such an extraordinary min- important question in the news. The results will be published in our istry and community,” Fr. Marangos printed edition next week along with the question for that week. said. “I was a parish priest for many The question this week is: The Order of St. Andrew has honored years and then I worked in Boston as hundreds of men through the years for their service to the Ecumenical a professor, so I’ve seen different Fr. Frank Marangos heads a service for Sunday of the Paralytic last month at the Cathedral of the Holy Patriarchate. These men have also dedicated themselves tirelessly to kinds of parishes and communities. Trinity in Manhattan. Parishioners were given the opportunity to speak to specialists regarding health is- the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and many of the insititu- The Cathedral is unique in that it has sues ranging from to Alzeheimer's and ageism to alcoholism and other addictions. tions of the Greek American community. For decades, Greek Ameri- so many kinds of leaders here - there can women have devoted themselves in similar ways, yet there are no is a large number of Archons, Lead- cultural activity. I’ve spoken with the homeless run and a Toys-for-Tots As with FOS, learning plays a fun- female Archons. Since this is a secular order dedicated to serving the ership 100 members, the Philopto- Consul General of Greece as well as Christmas gift drive. We also have damental role in the community as a Mother Church and not a religious order, is it time for the Patriarchate chos - they are really the movers and the Department of Tourism and Movie Nights on Fridays, a series whole, particularly in the three edu- to finally honor the women of our community by creating female ar- shakers of the Archdiocese; they of- we’re going to start having, on a reg- where the spiritual themes in movies cational programs associated with chons? fer the Cathedral the resources and ular basis, exhibits of artists, sculp- such as the Matrix and Lord of the the Cathedral: the Sunday School, ❏ Yes the talent to do all it does. The tors and poets, with [coinciding] re- Rings are highlighted…So the core the Greek Afternoon School and the ❏ No Cathedral is not parochial; I find it to ceptions, so that the Hellenic com- purpose of FOS is to bring people in- Cathedral School and Children’s ❏ Maybe be more focused on emphasizing munity can gather here at our facili- to a deeper connection with Christ Center, in which 130 students are outreach and what we can do for the ties.” and with each other. To do this, Fr. currently enrolled, according to prin- The results for last week’s question: Greek Americans Nia Vardalis greater Church. Nothing is ever rou- Another successful and highly-re- Marangos, in a sophisticated way, cipal Sonia Celestin. and Zach Galifianakis are currently starring in two feature films. tine at the Cathedral.” garded program is one recently initi- applies spiritual lessons to everyday “Half of our population is non- They are to be commended, and comedy performs an important so- The Cathedral is home to 750 ated by the Cathedral, called the Fo- life and gives us the deep meaning Greek, but our goal is to teach each cial function, especially in trying times like ours, but many Greek families, to whom are offered many rum on Orthodox Spirituality (FOS). behind the activities and things we and every one of our students Greek Americans yearn for feature films about serious Hellenic topics. and diverse services and programs. At a recent social gathering for FOS, grew up with, but don’t know why and to spread our Hellenism to New Should affluent Greek Americans and their fellow Hellenes in Hol- “We do a number of different things organizer Dorothy Poli spoke about we do them or what they mean. Fr. York and to the Philhellenes in our lywood try to bring together investors to produce films with Greek as an institution: we have a group the importance of that educational Marangos uses contemporary area,” said Mrs. Celestin, adding that themes? called the Fellowship, we have a program. themes because we live in the now, The Cathedral School this year cele- 91% voted “Yes” bookstore that runs every week, we “Our relationship with one anoth- in today’s society, dealing with to- brates its 60th anniversary. A series 6% voted “No” help promote the Archdiocese while er is of paramount importance to day’s issues. As both a theologian of events have been scheduled to 3% voted “Maybe” ministering to the needs of the Christ, which is why a sense of com- and as a clergyman, and through his honor the occasion, the first of which parishioners who come to the Cathe- munity is so important for FOS and own personal experiences, Fr. Frank was a Cavafy poetry reading that fea- Please vote at: www.thenationalherald.com dral. We have lectures for Hellenic for Orthodoxy in general,” Poli said. is able to take a high theological idea tured translator Daniel Mendelsohn studies as well as lectures for theo- “As a group we have mounted big and bring it down to earth, explain- this past May. According to Mrs. Ce- logical studies. We host the parochial team efforts that have included a ing its relevance to our lives.” lestin, low tuition rates compared to schools on January 30 on behalf of other private schools in Manhattan the Archbishop and we have the in addition to a very high standard of Stay informed anytime, anywhere name day feast and reception for the academics (the school teaches An- Archbishop. We host political and re- cient Greek starting in 7th Grade), is Become an online subscriber of ligious dignitaries from all over the what makes the institution “a jewel”. world when they’re visiting the Arch- “I’ve been here since 1982, and The National Herald and get... bishop. Besides the Cathedral this is my life,” Mrs. Celestin said. School, we have adult Greek classes “One of the parents here once said, ☛ daily updates with and adult dance classes,” said Fr. ‘we’re the best kept secret of Manhat- ONLY* news covering the Marangos. tan’, and I agree. Our ultimate goal is community, Greece Part of the Cathedral’s success to not only be a great school, but a $34.95 and Cyprus. can be attributed to the consistent Greek cultural center.” ☛ adding of new programs that re- The history of the Holy Trinity a Year! immediate access to spond to the contemporary world parish begins in 1894. The members our previous editions. and to accomodating those in need. of the Athena Brotherhood are cred- ☛ edification that every Sermons are broadcast on television ited with the creation of the original Greek American and on the internet, where they are parish but it wasn’t until 1904 that a should have! archived. “Recently we started min- permanent church building was pur- istries for those with emotional as chased at 153 East 72nd Street in well as physical disabilities,” said Fr. Manhattan. Father Methodios Visit us online at Marangos. “We did a special liturgy Kourkoules assumed the pastorate www.thenationalherald.com that was in sign language so the and remained the church’s leader hearing impaired could understand until 1940. On January 18, 1927 the or call us: 718-784-5255 ext.108 it. Additionally, we’re going to have Holy Trinity Church at burned to the ministries for people with substance ground, but two years later, land was *The price indicated above is for current subscribers. Regular price is $45.95/year. abuse, for those going through di- purchased to house the new Cathe- Alternative for current subscribers is per 3 months $14.95, per 6 months $23.95 vorce, for people dealing with death Students from the Cathedral School of the Holy Trinity with their dral and in 1931 Holy Trinity moved and dying, and for addictions like al- teacher, Aspa Papazaharias visit The National Herald offices and Pub- to its present location. WR The National Herald coholism and gambling.” He added, lisher Antonis Diamataris (center) in April. One hundred-thirty stu- For more information about the Bringing the news to generations of Greek Από το 1915 για τον Ελληνισµό “The Cathedral is becoming more dents are currently enrolled at the school, which offers Greek courses Cathedral, visit thecathedral.goarch Americans and more centered on religious and daily and religious courses weekly as part of the curriculum. .org. THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20, 2009 COMMUNITY 3 Greek Orthodox Parish in the Hamptons: Building and Focused on its Mission

By Theodore Kalmoukos mits, we are updating the architec- guage and Culture Institute and Special to The National Herald tural design, and we believe we are right now we rent facilities at a going to start around October.” He high school so we can educate our BOSTON, Mass. - The ever- explained that the project “will in- young people. We have our Greek growing Greek Orthodox parish of clude a brand new church facility, festival and the Hamptons Hellenic Kimisis Tis Theotokou of with a proper sanctuary that will Dancers. We celebrate the Greek Southampton New York is prepar- face east; right now this church heritage in liturgy, in dance, in edu- ing to fulfill its dream of building a faces west.” cation, in all of our expressions in new Byzantine-style church and The new church will be a majes- the community. We are a very parish center. Seeking to build in tic building in the Byzantine style strong and vibrant Greek American order to better meet the communi- with a sixty-five foot dome. “We Community.” ty’s needs, the realizations of the want to bring into the Hamptons a When Father Alex was asked parish’s vision has been delayed for church which will be a landmark what he treasured most about the five years due to legal obstacles not only for the Hamptons but for parish, he replied, “the altar.” He raised primarily by the parish’s the rest of the Archdiocese; it will explained that, “from the altar I am neighbors in the town of be properly done.” The initial cost able to reach out to the young and Southampton. was budgeted at $4.5 to 5 million, the old, to those who are poor and Recently, however, the New York “but that was five years ago. Now those who are rich. I am able to State Supreme Court (Suffolk we will see what the cost will be be- touch people those who are handi- County) ruled in favor of the cause we are also building class- capped, some emotionally, some parish. This is the second favorable rooms, an administrative center spiritually and some physically. So ruling and the latest major legal and a community hall.” He antici- from the altar, because of the Eu- milestone in the church’s six year pates costs up “to 6.5 millions” and charist, [my ministry] becomes a struggle to move forward with completion by 2011. thanksgiving. And so I have a real plans for its expansion project. According to Fr. Alex, the parish sense of gratitude, especially to Parishioners believe the Hamp- is now comprised of “254 families. Archbishop Demetrios, who gave tons church has outgrown its cur- Our budget is $450,000. When he me the parish in the Hamptons so rent facility, which was originally first arrived some eleven years ago people can know that Fr. Alex is not built in 1986. Church services are Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew honors Church of Kimisis Tis Theotokou with a visit on February 14, there were just 85 members and just simply a “public relations man” celebrated on Sundays to standing- 2006. The Southampton, N.Y. parish is preparing to build a new church and community Center. the budget was $100,000.” or a “political priest” but ultimately room-only congregations. The The project is possible due to the a servant of God who offers the Eu- church’s growing Sunday school project to meet the needs of its ton, the Suffolk County Depart- In an interview with The Nation- generosity of the parishioners. Fr. charist, and that is the central mat- program and its Greek language in- young, elderly, and special needs ment of Health Services (SCDHS) al Herald the pastor of the parish, Alex said “we also have a person ter.” stitute function without class- members, a small but outspoken and the New York State Depart- Rev. Alexander Karloutsos, who has who just came here, Koula In 1977, a few Greek Orthodox rooms, while all church business group of Southampton residents, ment of Environmental Conserva- served there since 1998, said “we Johnides. She is from the island of families started discussing the pos- must be conducted in the cramped led by two former parish members, tion (NYSDEC). won a case that allows us basically Limnos and in memory of her fami- sibility of building a church in the basement of the sanctuary, which initiated what would become a se- The church purchased the exist- to proceed as planned with the ly she is giving a million dollars to Hamptons. By 1980 Father Nectar- now doubles as a community hall. ries of legal actions against the ing parcel of land in 1980 from building.” the church. We also have Mr. Nick ios Kehagias was assigned to serve In 2004, the church community, church. Southampton College with unani- He added, however, that “there Booras who is giving us the steel for the faithful who were holding which is comprised of Orthodox In an April 21, 2009 decision, mous approval from the Town of is another case that is pending in the church and we are going to be- meetings in their homes and wor- Christians from a variety of cultural the state Supreme Court denied a Southampton and was issued a spe- regards to the environmental im- gin our fundraising program as ship services at Southampton Col- backgrounds, contracted an archi- request for a temporary restraining cial exemption for use of the prop- pact study, but we have done the soon as we have the permits.” lege and by 1986 there was a tectural firm to design and build a order in connection with one of erty for religious purposes. best environmental study and I do According to Fr. Alex there are church building. somewhat larger sanctuary, and to three pending Article 78 proceed- The recent victory has instilled not anticipate any problem at all.” 39 different Orthodox nationalities The Parish was truly blessed on build a community center that in- ings filed by local residents who are confidence in the members of the The new construction is antici- that belong to the parish but it February 14, 2006, when Ecumeni- cludes classrooms. As the church challenging the approval of the parish as they make final prepara- pated to start soon. Fr. Alex said maintains its Hellenic identity. Fr. cal Patriarch Bartholomew made a prepared to move forward with the project by the Town of Southamp- tions to apply for building permits. “now we are going for our final per- Alex said “we have the Greek Lan- Patriarchal visit to the Hamptons. At Age 83, Greek American Billionaire Pete Peterson Still Dreaming

Continued from page 1 Despite this seeming disconnect tunity when his economizing father mountains of corporate America, with American society, Mr. Peterson made good on his promise to pro- this second-generation Greek not a question. To my father, ‘big description of his father’s reaction vide him with "the best education American wants to ensure that the spender’ was a big-time insult,” Mr. to the bombing of Pearl Harbor money can buy." This promise American dream his parents Peterson wrote. proves that his love for his adopted gained momentum when Mr. Peter- crossed the Atlantic in search of re- Mr. Peterson spoke about his fa- country was just as great for that of son won the New York State Re- mains alive for the generations to ther’s influence during his Night- his birthplace. “Though I some- gents' prize, which provided a come. Through the Peter G. Peter- line interview on June 11, 2009. “I times heard him singing ‘God Bless scholarship at a New York universi- son Foundation he now strives to got a tradition out of him – uncon- America’ softly to himself as he was ty. promote awareness among Ameri- sciously maybe – certainly of work shaving in the morning, with all his “My favorite word is “efcharisto” ca’s citizens and bring back good ethic, because he was the hardest Greek attachments I had never fully - which means “thank you” – and I government and transparency to working man I ever saw. And one realized his devotion to America. have a great feeling of thank you to Washington. thing I loved about him…he be- His voice shook and tears filled his my parents and to this country, be- Explaining his impetus during lieved in the American dream not eyes as he spoke of the sneak attack cause what’s happened to me could his Nightline interview this past just for himself, but for his kids.” on ‘the greatest of all countries.’ not have happened anywhere else month, Mr. Peterson said “Suppose Nevertheless, oddly intertwined Soon afterwards, the son of in the world,” Mr. Peterson told I were on my death bed and it were with his father’s economic austerity Greek immigrants from the Pelo- Good Morning America’s Diane 10 years from now, and a lot of bad came the Greek concept of “philo- ponnesian towns of Vahlia and Nia- Sawyer in an interview on June 9. things had happened – which I timia” – love of honor. “For all of ta was ready to leave behind Now a multi-billionaire, at age think they will if we don’t reform my father's cost cutting, the Central Kearny and tackle Washington DC 83 Peter Peterson is still looking to our ways – and I did nothing… Cafe was the town's only white and Wall Street. He got his oppor- give back. After scaling the highest How would I feel [if] hadn’t tried?” tablecloth restaurant. This appar- ent contradiction to my father's ‘economia’ gave the restaurant a feel of quality that set it apart in Kearney,” Mr. Peterson recalled in (Left to right) Peter G. Peterson Foundation President and CEO David- his book. Walker and Chairman and Founder, Peter G. Peterson, who recently This love of honor extended to donated $1 billion to the foundation. Mr. Peterson, wrote about his www.pgpf.org acts of charity as well. As Mr. Peter- life in his new book "The Education of an American Dreamer". He was son notes, “dozens of jobless and the first Greek American to serve on a U.S. Presidential Cabinet. underfed men found their way to the Central Cafe's back door beg- our family, my father enforced the time went on; learning early on not ging for food and my father never saving habit rigidly. He brought me to take no for an answer was a valu- turned a single one away. He didn't a piggy bank… I was not allowed to able lesson.” just hand out meals for free, how- raid the piggy bank for something I As if growing up in Depression- ever; sensing that their pride de- might want. Savings were meant to era America wasn’t hard enough, pended on it, he always found be saved. Rather, I stuffed the bank Mr. Peterson had to also cope with some chore that they could do in until it weighed a ton. Only then the family conflict “at being Ameri- exchange for a heaping plate of would my father unlock it and let can but nonetheless determined to stew. It was his version of a welfare- me spill out its treasure of coins on- remain loyal to Greece, its religion, for-work program.” Elsewhere, he to my bed…I had to count them and its customs.” In his book, he re- writes how his mother made food and stack them in wrappers to be counts the razzing he got from his baskets and sewed clothes for poor taken to the bank to put into my schoolmates over the homemade families in Kearney. passbook savings account, which clothes his mother would make for Despite the distance, the Peter- slowly grew larger. My father care- him, or the foustanellas and other sons’ (the original family name was fully supervised this rigorous ethnic outfits she would dress him Petropoulos) could never forget process for years. This personal up in on holidays. Even meals set their homeland. “Their charity also savings account helped pay for col- him apart, as he recounted trying to went back home to Greece in the lege.” explain to his teachers what his form of the clothes my mother It was in the family store that morning drink of “tsai” consisted made and the money my father Mr. Peterson also learned the value of. gave to benefit their villages—half of persistence. Manning the cash Greek school was another right his savings when the times were register, Mr. Peterson always tried of passage for the future Nixon Ad- prosperous. It was to be a lesson I to keep pushing customers to re- ministration advisor and Chairman never forgot,” the billionaire Greek new their meal tickets. When his Emeritus of the Council on Foreign American investor of Pelopon- pitches were met with resistance, Relations. “Classes were held in nesian heritage wrote. Depression or not, Mr. Peterson re- one of our classrooms at Kearney The habits of fiscal conservatism calls that, “I responded with ag- Junior High after regular school began at a young age for Mr. Peter- gressive salesmanship, a trait I hours. The teachers were Greek Or- son, at his father’s insistence. “In would refine and depend upon as thodox priests who journeyed forty or so miles….Their job was to teach us how to speak and write the mother tongue. While we struggled to grasp the strange shapes of the twenty-four-letter Greek alphabet and connect them to words and words to comprehension, our non- Greek classmates passing in the hall would cast glances at us in the classroom with eyes that said, ‘How strange!’ Here again, I was driven to excel. I mastered Greek to the ex- tent that I could write letters to our Greek relatives in their home vil- lages and read the ones that we re- ceived.” Mr. Peterson describes the soli- darity existent among Greeks im- migrants in his mid-Western home- town. “Outside the cafe my parents' social exposure to Americans was at best limited. I do not recall ever being with my parents in a non- Greek home. This lack of interac- tion resulted far more from fear than any real distaste. Like many immigrants, past and present, my parents worried that popular cul- ture, represented then by things like jazz and swing (they only played Greek music!) and the TNH/COSTAS BEJ equivalent today of hip-hop, rap Governor Corzine Creates Long-awaited Commision music and suggestive advertising, would engulf their children and N.J. Governor Jon Corzine signed the executive order creating the sweep away their values, even their Hellenic-American Heritage Commission, in the presence of Metro- respect for their customs and politan Evangelos and more than 350 prominent Greek Americans. rules.” 4 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20, 2009 Graduation 2009: Hellenism’s Marathons and Parthenons Live On in Flushing by Christopher Tripoulas quired at our school and the Hellenic that she feels a bond with all the Special to The National Herald ideals we taught you to advance in graduates because they are fellow your learning and to grow in Christ.” alumni, she encouraged them to re- “It’s the Marathons that give rise He also reminded students that al- main close to the St. Nicholas Com- to the Parthenons,” Class of 2009 though they were graduating from munity and Church, “where there Valedictorian Nicholas Napoleon the community’s day school, their re- will always be a home for you.” Tzallas told the 50 graduating se- lationship with the parish and their The Director of the Archdiocesan niors at the William Spyropoulos involvement with the community District Office of Education, Maria Day School in Flushing, NY, as they would now be entering a new phase. Makedon, was on hand representing prepared to embark on their high Echoing the students’ right of pas- Archbishop Demetrios of America. school journey. For many of these sage, Mrs. Krommydas quoted She was joined by Education Coun- students, the graduation ceremony Plutarch, saying that “‘education is selor at the Greek Consulate of New held inside the St. Nicholas Shrine divine and immortal’. This is the kind York George Vlikidis, who was repre- Church was the culmination of 10 of Paideia that the St. Nicholas senting the Consul General Aghi Bal- years of hard work and preparation. William Spyropoulos School offered ta. The Saint Nicholas Community’s They successfully completed a you, vesting it with our faith and cul- grand benefactor, Stephen Cher- scholastic marathon that began with ture. Now, we know you are ready to pelis, was also in attendance. their entry into the William Spy- open your wings!” This year’s graduates are Angela ropoulos Pre-K back in 1998. In her closing remarks, Mrs. Amor, Eleftherios Amperiadis, Julia “This is the happiest day of my Krommydas sent her students off Anastos, Katerina Apostolopoulos, life,” Mr. Tzallas said, while he cred- with the wish “may the eternal light Emilios Artemiou, Billy Athana- ited his alma mater for teaching him of Hellenism and Orthodoxy illumi- sopoulos, Stephanie Athanasopou- the value of hard work and inspiring nate your way always.” los, Alexandros Avlonitis, Dennis him with the Hellenic ideals. In his Ronnie Nanos, Esq., School Board Bizios, Maria Figetakis, Gregory speech, he asked his classmates to Chairman – and a Class of 1986 Gatanas, Themi Goumakos, Christ- strive and sacrifice for these ideals alumnus herself – noted that, “in its ian Hadjigeorgiou, Virginia just like the ancient Greeks did at the short history our School has grown Kalapodis, Pelayia Karasavidis, Vasili Battle of Marathon, so they too could significantly, producing honorable Katergaris, Antonios Kentrotas, go build their own personal and successful members of society. Samantha Koloniaris, Nikolas Parthenons, because, as the great The foundation of their success be- TNH/COSTAS BEJ Koulouris, Despina Leontiadis, Geor- Greek poet Kostis Palamas said, any gan here at the William Spyropoulos Teachers and eighth-grade graduating seniors at the William Spyropoulos Day School pose for a commem- gia Linaris, Nina Lygeris, George great work requires sacrifice. School, and the principles taught 26 orative photo outside the adjacent St. Nicholas Shrine Church in Flushing, NY, where the school held its Mavrikis, Labrini Moutopoulos, On an emotion-filled Friday after- years ago continue to resonate to- 28th annual commencement exercises on Friday June 12, 2009. Maria Moutopoulos, Steven Neo- noon, on June 12, teachers and day.” cleous, Markos Nionakis, Christos school administrators bid the The event’s keynote speaker was per. “This degree represents the ture is predicated on hard work and the William Spyropoulos school in- Orfanos, Nicholas Pallis, Simeon William Spyropoulos Day School se- Mamie Stathatos, Esq., President of decade of schooling you attended perseverance and that is why, as a so- vited a former alumnus who was just Panides, Michael Panos, Demetra Pa- nior class a fond farewell at the the Hellenic Lawyers’ Association of faithfully to reach this point; it sym- ciety, the Greek Americans are such a graduated from high school to speak padopoulos, Chrysie Papagianakis, school’s 28th annual commence- New York. Mrs. Stathatos, who is al- bolizes the knowledge you have successful group.” as well. This year’s speaker, Calliope Nicole Papagiannakis, Alexandra ment exercises. Principal Athena so a product of a Greek American gained throughout the years and it She went on to applaud the grad- Pantazis, was the Class of 2005 Pappas, Nicole Pierides, Kyriaki Ri- Krommydas and Vice-Principal Mary day school, spoke about the virtues signifies the deep rooted culture you uates for their educational accom- William Spyropoulos Valedictorian. zos, Markos Rombolakis, Kosta Tzallas tried hard to hold back tears and knowledge she received, which are a part of.” plishments and for attaining fluency Joined by several of her former class- Rosvoglou, Panagiotis Sacoulas, as they recalled the seniors’ special helped her go on to become the Highlighting some of the charac- in the Greek language, while calling mates, Ms. Pantazis told the Class of Maria Savvides, Anastasios moments all throughout the year, youngest graduating student from teristic qualities of Greek Americans, on them to “follow your dreams, pur- ’09 that, “the lessons learned here Stathopoulos, Mario Stefanidis, while the Pastor of the St. Nicholas St. John’s School of Law in 1994 at Mrs. Stathatos commented that “it’s sue your goals, but always honor will be crucially important in the Alexander Theodosopoulos, Themis Greek Orthodox Community of the age of 20. been said that the culture we belong your heritage.” years to come.” She also called on Theodosopoulos, Evangelos Flushing, Rev. Paul Palesty, urged the In her speech, she urged students to and the legacies passed down by Along with the traditional them to be true to their roots, “be- Tsourapis, Nicholas Napoleon Tzal- graduates to “use the teachings of to appreciate their diploma, noting our forbearers shape the patterns of speeches by the Valedictorian and cause where you come from will af- las, Aphrodite Varellas, Demi Varis the Church, the knowledge you ac- that it is more than just a piece of pa- our achievement. Our Hellenic cul- Salutatorian of the graduating class, fect where you are going.” Noting and Kyriakos Vontas. Greece Confers Citizenship Upon Centenarian Sano Halo and Her Daughter Thea by Christopher Tripoulas this issue had been open for the past Thursday, Mrs. Halo walked up the gan handing in papers on the Pontian wealthy from the confiscated proper- universities around the country – in- Special to The National Herald decade and was finally tabled at a stairs of the Consulate along with genocide to the IAGS in 2003. I no- ties and businesses, and opened the cluding UCLA’s Teachers as Scholars meeting between the Pan-Pontian four of her ten children and many ticed that one of the real problems door to German economic designs Program – for a variety of subjects in- Sano Halo, the heroine of the nov- Federation of the U.S.A. and Canada members of the Greek Community to that existed is that Greeks were never within Asia Minor (Anatolia).” cluding, genocide studies, "the end of el “Not Even My Name,” which has and Greek Foreign Minister Dora take her oath. “I want to thank every- represented among the Christian mi- As such, she does not believe it ex- childhood," social studies, European helped bring awareness about the Bakoyannis during the latter’s visit to one for their love. I worked hard in norities massacred in post-World pedient to make genocide an ethnic and Asia Minor history, immigration Christian Genocide committed by New York last September. my life to raise my ten children, and I War I Turkey. It came to be known as issue. When asked if she was encour- studies, tolerance studies, etc. To Turkey in the early 20th century to According to Pan-Pontian Federa- have love for everyone,” she said. a strictly Armenian genocide and so I aged by the progress the Armenian date, it has been translated into readers throughout the United States tion Alternate President George Tsil- “I really have to commend Consul decided to start going to the biennial American Community was making in Greek, Dutch, and Icelandic. and abroad, was sworn-in as a Greek fidis, “the granting of Greek national- General Balta and Mr. Pappas, for be- conferences and making waves,” Ms. the recognition of the Armenian Thea Halo has also created the citizen on Thursday afternoon, June ity to two women who are not only ing so kind as to make the long drive Halo recalled. Genocide, she answered “absolutely Sano Themia Halo Pontian Heritage 11 in a touching ceremony at the Greeks, but who have promoted the to the hospital. It was a wonderful In 2005, Thea Halo was invited to not.” Foundation, which has a branch in Greek Consulate in New York. For values and suffering of Greek Pon- thing,” Thea Halo said. give a lecture to other scholars at Yale “Their big mistake is that they the United States and one in Greece Mrs. Halo and her daughter Thea – tians to the entire world is a special Back in 2000, Ms. Halo published University on a paper she had writ- turned it into an ethnic issue. now. More details are available about the author of “Not Even My Name” occasion. That is why we insisted on her book “Not Even My Name,” ten about the exclusivity of suffering, Whether we like it or not, Turkey this project on the Web at haloher- who also received her Greek citizen- this issue. Through the direct inter- which drew international attention in which she outlined the natural holds a [powerful] strategic position itagefoundation.org. The founda- ship – it was the culmination of a vention of Mrs. Bakoyiannis and oth- to the slaughter of almost 3 million tendency of ethnic groups to claim geopolitically and many politicians tion’s Greek branch is located a mere long process which began when they er Government officials and agen- Christian Greeks, Assyrians, and Ar- exclusivity in regards to calamities consider Turkey more important 30 minutes from the northern Greek first began to discover their ethnic cies, our request was successfully menians through a personal account that befall the populace of a certain than Armenia. The Armenians did metropolis of Thessaloniki. “Hope- heritage. met.” of her mother Sano’s survival of the region. “After my speech, IAGS mem- themselves a disservice by trying to fully the land will be donated for the In an exclusive interview with The event was not without some forced death march that annihilated ber Adam Jones asked me if I wanted go up against Turkey alone.” construction of a Pontian Village Mu- The National Herald, Halo said, “It drama, as the official ceremony was her family and countless others. to put together a resolution and we Ms. Halo believes that it would be seum soon,” Ms. Halo said. makes me feel great,” Thea Halo said delayed by a week after Sano Halo Since then, Thea Halo has dedicated fought for the issue together. On De- easier to gather support in the U.S. Thea Halo appealed to those who upon officially obtaining her Greek suffered a mild stroke on June 4, just herself to bringing attention to the cember 16, 2007 the resolution we Congress to pass a resolution recog- want to see the genocide recognized nationality. “I spent most of my life one day before the originally sched- atrocities committed upon the in- drafted passed overwhelmingly and nizing the genocide in Turkey if the by saying “if everyone contributed not knowing I was Greek.” Mean- uled date of the ceremony. Greek digenous Christian peoples of Asia IAGS officially recognized the geno- issue were presented as a genocide just a little instead of leaving it to just while, for centenarian Sano Halo, Consul General in New York Aghi Minor. cides against Pontian and Anatolian against Christian peoples, as op- the Pontian organizations, etc., you the event was especially touching. Balta and consulate employee For Thea Halo, one of the most Greeks, as well as Assyrians to be posed to an ethnic issue. would be amazed by what could be “From now on my U.S. passport will Stavros Pappas decided to adminis- important developments in the quest comparable to the Armenian Geno- She also feels that there has to be accomplished.” not list me as having Turkish origin. I ter the citizenship oath to Mrs. Halo for international recognition of the cide,” Ms. Halo commented. Visit more cooperation between the dif- She urged individuals to become will be listed as a Greek,” she said at the hospital where she was recov- Christian genocide in Turkey was the TNH’s website to see the full text of ferent communities affected by this more active in the effort and to use with tears of joy. ering, but the latter assured them resolution passed by the Internation- the IAGS Resolution. genocide. “Greeks have played a key the resolutions being passed to cre- The naturalization of these two that she would come to the Con- al Association of Genocide Scholars – Noting the significance of a reso- part in supporting Armenian posi- ate change. “When you have resolu- champions of Pontian Hellenism was sulate for the official ceremony. one of the world's leading scholarly lution from a worldwide organiza- tions over the years. Now the time tions, people have to get after school a victory for Pontians everywhere, as Sure enough, the following organizations on genocide. “I first be- tion like IAGS, Ms. Halo said that has come for the Armenian Commu- boards to include them in the cur- “The IAGS passed a resolution some nity to reciprocate the help that the riculum. There are so many books years ago for Armenians and it really Greeks gave them by joining forces out there and there is a need to lobby helped them.” She also stressed the with us on this issue.” decision-makers to incorporate importance of telling the world that Regarding efforts to promote them.” the atrocities that occurred in post- awareness of the Christian genocide This will also encourage scholars WWI Turkey constitute “a Christian in Turkey, Ms. Halo suggested that to write more books and papers, aid- genocide, not just an Armenian the Greek American community in- ing the information campaign, Ms. genocide.” vest more money in cultural projects. Halo said. She noted that the Inter- Ms. Halo told TNH that an official “There used to be a lot of e-mails go- national Network of Genocide Schol- resolution adopted by prominent ing around about how the Greek ars – a European institution – recent- scholars from all over the world “is a Community contributed ‘x’ amount ly devoted an entire journal to the really, really big deal. The IAGS reso- of money to particular politicians. genocide of the Christian peoples of lution is a global resolution, not just a But if you took this money and invest- Anatolia. statewide [measure].” She also ed it in producing books and docu- Ms. Halo told TNH that she pointed out that it can be the step- mentaries, offering scholarships, or wished to thank the Pontian organi- ping stone from which to bring about funding cultural events you would zations for helping her and her moth- resolutions by national legislatures, get better results. It is important to er Sano Hal in their quest to attain as well as influence school curricu- reinvest money in the community. Greek citizenship. “Without their lums and academic literature. There is a lot of validity behind the help, this probably would not have Ms. Halo is a strong proponent of old saying ‘the pen is mightier than happened,” she said. Ms. Halo credit- presenting the event within the his- the sword’. The written word outlasts ed the Pan-Pontian Society of USA torical context of a Christian geno- violence, and it just goes to show you and Canada and its President cide, although she stresses that she what a powerful force culture is.” Michael Mouratidis, Alternate Presi- does not adhere to anti-Muslim or These days, Thea Halo is working dent George Tsilfidis, Secretary Gen- anti-Turkish rhetoric. “I'm proud of on several projects including the eral Dimitris Molohidis, Haralambos my mother for not raising us to sim- script for her book “Not Even My Michailides of the Panagia Soumela ply hate the Turks. Even at 10 years Name,” which she would like to pro- Institution in New Jersey, and Elias old, she knew it was the Ottoman duce as a film. She is also working on Tsekerides, President of the Interna- and Kemalist governments who or- a book and documentary which she tional Confederation of Pontian Hel- dered the death marches and mas- hopes will provide a synopsis on the lenes. Ms. Halo also expressed her “Experience a Taste of Greece” in N.J. sacres. She placed the blame where history of the Christian peoples of appreciation to Pontians from Greece the blame belonged. Genocide is al- Asia Minor and their plight during who offered their assistance to her in The Church of Saint Andrew presented its annual Greek festival on Friday, June 12. The Hellenic Dance most always, if not always, motivat- the genocide committed against this effort, including Kostas Gavrides group is led by Angelo Gergatsoulis, Eleni Rotsides, Anastasia Mitrakos, and Cathy Barrett. ed by territorial, resource, and busi- them in the 20th century. and Anatolis Mentesidou of the Euxi- ness competition. Getting rid of the “Not Even My Name” is now be- nus Leshi of Thessaloniki, Apostolos Christians made many in the empire ing taught in many high schools and Apostolides, and others. 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a b the past 24 years [email protected] • www.lawhelp1.com You may contact the author by e-mail: [email protected] OFFICES: Manhattan, Queens (Astoria), Brooklyn, Long Island, LICENSED: New York, New Jersey THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20, 2009 COMMUNITY 5 Which Organizations Will Participate in Unity Forum at AHEPA Convention?

Continued from page 1 has been attempted, but I think the full extent of the problem. They cerning Epiros,” he said. of course. I hope the leaderships of idea is a very good one. It’s great for don’t realize that FYROM is already “It’s important for the leaders of the other organizations do the same. cause they will be in Greece of us to try and be more united in our an acronym for a composite name – Greek organizations to discuss these We’re all very involved with our own Cyprus. They told the Herald they efforts. Personally, I can not go. I Former Yugoslav Republic of Mace- issues together and formulate a activities, but we need to think and hope to be sending surrogates, how- have to be in Cyprus for a wedding. donia. FYROM already has the word common strategy. The idea is noth- step outside the box. We need to ever. But we are having our next board ‘Macedonia’ incorporated into its ing new. SAE has also tried to orga- take such efforts seriously whenever SAE & AHI meeting this week, so I will find out name,” she said. nize a Pan-Hellenic forum. But they come up because the come up Theodore Spyropoulos, regional if another member of our board can “And that, in and of itself, is a re- AHEPA has not really dealt with so seldom,” he added. coordinator of the World Council of go, and I will encourage someone to al problem. It has emboldened these Epiros issues in resolutions, as far as OMOSPONDIA Hellenes Abroad (SAE) in the Unit- go,” Mr. Papanicolaou told the Her- people. It has made them more de- I know, so it’s good if AHEPA wants James Kalamaras, the first Amer- ed States and founder of the Hel- ald. manding. I have watched them to include issues concerning Greek ican-born President of the Federa- lenic American National Council, Emmanuel Velivasakis, president closely over the years. They are very minorities in Albania with the other tion of Hellenic American Societies was the one notable exception. of HANC and national president of intransigent; very stubborn. There’s issues that are usually discussed, of Greater New York (a.k.a., Omo- Speaking to the Herald by phone the Pan-Cretan Association, told the no question that they are fanatics like Cyprus and Macedonia,” he spondia), the organization which from Greece, where he was travel- Herald that he can not attend be- with an irredentist agenda. And said. organizes the Greek Independence ing this past week, Mr. Spyropoulos cause he is traveling to Greece, but they want to claim Thessaloniki as “Greek Americans don’t know Day Parade in New York each year, said he is hoping to attend the unity said he will try to send surrogates to their territory,” she said. enough about Northern Epiros, and said he would like to go, but the pro- forum personally. represent HANC and the Pan-Cretan it would be good to have an inter-or- posed unity forum is taking place on “As Greek Americans, we have so Association. ganizational forum to discuss our a holiday weekend at an distant lo- much to be proud of. Ours is such a Mr. Velivasakis said he is going to views about the problems there. cation, although he also said he will rich cultural legacy. It is an honor Greece on July 6 for personal busi- Hellenic American organizations discuss the possibility with members and a privilege to meet with other ness, and to prepare for the 41st an- need to pull themselves together in of the Omospondia’s board of direc- Greek Americans who lead our com- Archbishop Demetrios nual Pan-Cretan Convention, which a more organized fashion. This, in tors. munity’s great organizations, so I is being held in Crete on July 17-23. and of itself, is an issue, and AHEPA “I haven’t seen the invitation yet. hope to participate in the unity fo- America, Chios Societies of Ameri- He is also planning to attend the is certainly large enough to try and Off the top of my head, though, I’d rum myself. We need to gather to- ca, Pan-Pontian Federation of Amer- Pan-Macedonian Association’s 63rd organize a summit of this kind,” he love to be there. I just wish it was be- gether and discuss our issues in a re- ica & Canada, and the United Hel- annual convention, which is being said. ing held somewhere on the East sponsible, intelligent and coherent lenic Federation of Northern Califor- held in Greece on July 9-13. AHEPA is often focused on its Coast. For me personally, it’s at an manner. And I applaud Ike Gulas nia. “I think it’s a very good idea. I own activities, he added, “so it’s very unusually inconvenient time and lo- and AHEPA for taking this initiative. The policy themes covered by the think our community’s major orga- good that they are trying to be more cation – the 4th of July and San It’s very commendable, and long Policy Statements, a 24-page docu- nizations should finally get together inclusive,” he added. Francisco. But it’s a great idea, and overdue,” Mr. Spyropoulos said, ment, include the Aegean maritime and figure out how to pull in the Mr. Galitisis also said he will ask I’m glad AHEPA is taking the lead on adding that, if he is unable to attend boundary; FYROM’s name recogni- same direction, and if AHEPA is tak- Demetris Karapanos, a member of it,” he said. himself, he will try to make sure SAE tion; Greek minorities in Albania; ing this initiative, I applaud the ef- the Pan-Epirotic Federation’s Board is properly represented. Greece’s inclusion in the United fort,” he said. of Directors who lives in California, American Hellenic Institute Pres- States Visa Waiver Program; a solu- “I myself can’t go, but that does- to attend the unity forum. ident Aleco Haralambides and Exec- tion for the Cyprus problem; reli- n’t mean we won’t send somebody PAN-PONTIANS & utive Director Nick Larigakis were gious freedom for the Ecumenical to San Francisco. I could send my PAN-ARCADIANS also in Greece this past week for Patriarchate of Constantinople; the 1st vice president (John Sargetis, Speaking to the Herald from AHI’s annual awards dinner in need to recognize the Pontian Geno- who is from Sacramento) to repre- Toronto, Michael Mouratidis, presi- Athens, which was held on Wednes- cide; Turkey’s threat to peace; and sent the Pan-Cretans there. I could Theodore Spyropoulos dent of the Pan-Pontian Federation, day, June 17, and were unavailable the need for a critical review of U.S. also send the 1st vice president said he could not commit to attend- for comment. policy toward Turkey. (John Kokolakis) of HANC. We need “These are the kinds of things ing the unity forum himself because AHI Founder Gene Rossides said CYPRUS FEDERATION, to see the invitation first,” he added. that Greek Americans need to un- he may be traveling to Greece in ear- he could not speak for either Mr. HANC & PAN-CRETANS PAN-MACEDONIANS derstand better, so that we can come ly July, but said he believes it is im- Haralambides or Mr. Larigakis, but Panicos (Peter) Papanicolaou, Nina Gatzoulis, President of the together with greater zeal in order portant for the Pan-Pontian Federa- said AHI is very supportive of the president of the Cyprus Federation Pan-Macedonian Association, also to prevent problems from spinning tion to be represented, and plans to AHEPA initiative, and said he hopes of America, said he supports Mr. Gu- said she will be traveling to Greece, further out of control. If we don’t discuss the possibility further with AHI will be represented in San Fran- las’ initiative, but said he will be out- but told the Herald her organization speak with one voice, then we are his executive board. cisco. of-country in early July, although he will be represented at the unity fo- sending mixed messages to policy- “The idea is perfect. I would like Mr. Rossides also stressed that also said he will try to persuade at rum. makers, who are in a position to to go myself. Unfortunately, I don’t the level of unity among Hellenic least one member of the CFA board “Unfortunately, I will be in make decisions that will affect us. think I can go on July the 4th. I may American organizations is greater to attend the unity forum. Greece at that time, but Marina That’s why this initiative by AHEPA need to be in Greece the first ten than most people realize, citing the “This is not the first time that this Moustakas, our governor of the Pa- is so important. A gathering of the days of next month for another annual Greek American Policy cific States, will be representing us leaders of our community’s largest event. But I was talking about it with Statements, which AHI released this there. I think it’s a great idea. We organizations is long overdue,” she a member of AHEPA Canada. I think past May 4. need to determine who the added. it is important, so I am going to dis- Nina Gatzoulis “The unity is already there. The spokesperson of the omogeneia is, PAN-EPIROTES cuss it with our committee to see if message is already unified. All you but even if it isn’t one person, then Fotis Galitsis, President of the someone can go to San Francisco,” “I’d also like to know what the have to do is look at our annual pol- we at least need to be able to say the Pan-Epirotic Federation of America, he said. agenda is going to be. We need to icy statements, which are endorsed same things about our issues,” she told the Herald he will not be able to Demetris Filios, president of the know ahead of time what it’s going by a number of Hellenic organiza- said. attend the unity forum because the Pan-Arcadian Federation of Ameri- to be so we can discuss it and prop- tions. We released this year’s policy “Whichever organization has an 36th biennial Pan-Epirotic Conven- ca, said he thinks the AHEPA initia- erly prepare for it if we’re going to statements just last month,” he said, issue, that particular organization tion will be held in New York on tive is important, but said he had not send someone. But it’s a very impor- adding that, at the very least, the should be able to direct a common June 26-27, and he is traveling to yet received an invitation. tant initiative because we do a lot of policy statements can serve as useful position on that issue, and the other Canada and Greece immediately af- “I can not make any commit- talking, and we’re not as united as frame of reference and basis for dis- organizations should follow suit. terwards, but said he felt the AHEPA ments until we receive the invitation we ought to be,” he added. cussion. Right now, we follow different lines. initiative is a positive development and discuss it formally, but it sounds The Herald also tried to contact The 2009 Greek American Policy Unfortunately, there are too many and hopes to send a member of the like a very nice gesture, one that is Andrew Athens, president of the Statements, prepared by AHI, have Greek Americans who don’t fully un- Pan-Epirotic Federation’s national overdue. Any effort that endeavors United Hellenic American Congress been endorsed by eight Hellenic derstand their own issues,” she said. council to San Francisco. to bring Greek Americans and their and chairman of the National Coor- American organizations, including “The Macedonian issue is a per- “Unfortunately, I will not be able major organizations together is dinated Effort of Hellenes; Philip AHEPA, and the Armenian National fect example. We still have Greek to go. We have our own convention good, and deserves to be applaud- Christopher, president of the Inter- Committee of America. The other Americans who say, ‘what’s in a in New York at the end of this ed,” he said. national Coordinating Committee – seven Greek organizations are: name?’ And we have others who month. Then I have to go to Toron- “I’m not sure I will be able to go Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA), and vice HANC, Cyprus Federation of Ameri- think it’s okay for FYROM to have a to, and then I’m going to Greece. But myself, but I will certainly discuss it chairman of CEH; and CEH Presi- ca, Pan-Cretan Association of Amer- composite name like ‘Upper Mace- I think it’s a very good idea. It’s long with our board to see if any of us can dent Andrew Manatos, but had not ica, Pan-Macedonian Association of Emmanuel Velivasakis donia.’ They don’t understand the overdue, especially for issues con- go – once we receive the invitation, heard back from them by press time.

D. PANAGOS Archbishop Demetrios at meeting of Leadership 100, endowment fund of Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Leadership 100 Grants Support Community Priorities

Continued from page 1 in need through 2010.” dox Archdiocese that advance Or- From its initial 100 members at thodoxy and Hellenism. Members of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese its historic beginning in 1984 under commit $100,000, which is paid ei- TNH/COSTAS BEJ of America with sizable grants and the archpastorship of the late Arch- ther at once or over a period of ten Archdiocesan Metropolitan Youth Choir Holds Spring Concert scholarships despite the nation’s bishop Iakovos of North and South years or less. Contributions to the economic problems. America, Leadership 100 now Fund remain permanently restrict- The Archdiocesan Metropolitan Youth Choir of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America held a Spring As The National Herald reported counts 820 members. The group ed and inviolate. Only assets in ex- Concert and Silent Auction to benefit the Choir on Thursday evening June 11, at Sotheby’s in New York. The last year, Leadership 100, in re- has set a goal of reaching the level cess of that amount are used for the Choir, which is comprised of approximately 50 Greek American children from the parishes of the Greek Or- sponse to the current economic cri- of 1,000 members prior to its 30th distribution of grants in accordance thodox Archdiocese in the New York metropolitan area, is under the direction of choir master Maria Kole- sis and its effect on its Endowment Anniversary. with the purpose of the Fund. va, far left, and was established on Archbishop Demetrios' initiative and direction eight years ago. Fund, formed the Leadership 100 Leadership 100 has demonstrat- Grant Fund to support its prior ed leadership in the Greek Ameri- grant commitments and to resume can community for more than two- future grant distributions. Headed and-a-half decades through its sup- by Charles H. Cotros, a member of port for such programs at the Greek the Executive Committee, the spe- Orthodox Archdiocese as Internet cial fund was initiated with a chal- Ministries, Information Technolo- lenge grant of $250,000 by Michael gies, Parish Development and In- Jaharis, a Founder of Leadership terfaith Marriage and Family Min- 100. The Grant Fund raised more istry, Home Mission Parishes, Greek than 1 million dollars from mem- Education, Religious Education, bers to fund the Leadership 100 Youth Ministry and Outreach and Scholarship for Excellence Program Evangelism. Over that period, it at Holy Cross School of Theology provided $10 million for scholar- www.GreekKitchennyc.com for the year 2009. ships for students of Holy Cross Stephen G. Yeonas, Chairman of School of Theology who are study- Leadership 100, in a written state- ing to become priests, $1 million to ment said those actions “put the or- eliminate the student loan debts of ganization on a steady course for the clergy, and $1 million to ease the fi- future, especially since membership nancial burdens of retired clergy has now reached 820 with events and presvyteres and clergy in need planned in 2009 to recruit more of assistance. members.” Mr. Yeonas also stated Total grants since the inception that “the positive action of our Board of Leadership 100, including the will allow Leadership 100 to contin- special fund, will reach $28.6 mil- ue support of the National Ministries lion in 2009, an average of $1.2 of our Greek Orthodox Church while million a year. continuing scholarships to prepare The Leadership 100 Endowment our priests, fund technology infra- Fund Inc. is a separate endowment structure at Hellenic College/Holy fund corporation that exists for the Cross School of Theology, and pro- purpose of seeding and nurturing vide assistance to our Retired Clergy the ministries of the Greek Ortho- 6 ARTS THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20, 2009 Lina Orfanos & Poetica Ensemble Present Lorca

By Constantine S. Sirigos “Adelina Walking”, which was trans- Special to the National Herald lated by Sotirios Trivizas and was set to music recently composed by Dim- Joe’s Pub was the scene of a re- itris Maramis. markable presentation of music and The audience would not let Lina poetry by Lyric Soprano Lina Or- and the Poetica Ensemble leave with- fanos and the Poetica Ensemble on out one more, so the musicians treat- Sunday, June 7. The concert was ed their fans to a delightful encore, dedicated to the “The profoundly “The Gypsy Nun” from the “Ro- humane poetry of Federico Garcia mancero Gitano”. Lorca,” and suggested powerful The audience that filled Joe’s Pub affinities between the cultures of from the tables to the bar was a mix Spain and Greece. of Lina’s loyal following and new lis- The evening began with a descrip- teners. Dora Zionga was drawn both tion of Lorca’s life and work by the by the music and her love of Lorca,“I event’s narrator and producer, Dr. loved his poetry as a student,” she Spyros Orfanos. said. Calliope Lappas said it was a Lina Orfanos resurrected the powerful experience and that Lina’s words of the poet as set to his own artistry transported her. “It was like Cypriot-born singer Alkinoos Ioannides donated his talent at a “Canciones Populares” and the music being taken to another era.” fundraising concert for Cosmos FM in Manhattan’s Tribeca of two of the twentieth century’s Federico Garcia Lorca was a Span- greatest Greek composers. Manos ish poet, dramatist and theatre direc- Hatzidakis’ set Nikos Gatsos’ transla- tor. He became involved in Spain's tion of “Blood Wedding” to music in Lyric soprano Lina Orfanos and the Poetica Ensemble mingle Greek avant-garde but was murdered at the 1948 and Mikis Theodorakis’ “Ro- and Spanish Culture at Joe’s Pub in N.Y.C on June 7. beginning of the Spanish Civil War. Alkinoos Ioannides Draws mancero Gitano” was based on He is believed to be one of the many Odysseus Elytis translation of Lorca’s ments on cello. Other songs from the husband-to-be at the altar to elope victims who were 'disappeared' and poem. cycle featured plaintive cello notes with her childhood sweetheart. In executed by the Nationalists. Lorca Large Crowd in Tribeca Ms. Orfanos joined her confident accented by bells. The effect of the the Spanish culture steeped with the published poetry collections includ- and expressive soprano voice to the music and lyrics of the song cycle was ideal of honor and shaped both by ing Canciones (Songs) and Primer By Eleni Kostopoulos Vibe. subtle and passionate playing of the heartrending. Roman Catholicism and Islam, retri- Romancero Gitano (translated as Special to The National Herald “I have wanted to perform with Poetica Ensemble - Spiros Exaras and Ms. Orfanos provided her audi- bution was swift and violent.” Gypsy Ballads, 1928), his best known this guy for such a very long time,” Emre Yilmaz on guitar, Trevor Exter ence with a change of pace and of- The emotions stirred by the music book of poetry. His family arranged NEW YORK - Cypriot singer-song- said Ioannidis of the artist. on cello and Mathias Kunzli on per- fered a tempting taste of the rest of and poetry and by the fusion of Iber- for him to take a lengthy visit to the writer, composer and lyricist Alki- Besides performing his inspiring cussion. Spiros Exaras is the ensem- her repertoire with “Take This Waltz” ian and Hellenic passion and history United States in 1929-30 where he noos Ioannidis made his way to the and mostly self-written music, ble’s music director and arranger. by composer Leonard Cohen, who were palpable. stayed mostly in New York City. His United States last week for a Ioannidis had the audience laugh- The evening’s music began with was personally inspired by Lorca’s The concert concluded on lighter collection “Poeta en Nueva York” ex- unique benefit concert, drawing in ing throughout the concert with his the song “Antonio Heredia” from the poetry. notes with three songs set to music by plores alienation and isolation an enthused audience of all ages comical remarks. Romancero Gitano (Gypsy Romances The evening reached its dramatic Lorca himself as “Popular Can- through some graphically experi- and backgrounds. “Most of the songs will be per- ) song cycle. The emotional force of climax with the performance of ciones”. Lina sang “La Tarara” and mental poetic techniques. Ioannidis graced the stage of a formed in Greek so those of you the piece was established by the dri- Manos Hatzidakis’ setting of “Blood “Los Reyes de la Baraja” with the bit- packed BMCC Tribeca Performing who don’t speak Greek, probably ving rhythms on guitar and drums Wedding”. Dr. Orfanos described the ing lyrics “If you want a king, a pack For more information about Lina Arts Center in Manhattan on Friday won’t understand the words - but which alternated with tender mo- theme: “a young bride abandons her of cards has four”, and closed with Ofanos visit www.linaorfanos.com evening, June 12 to help raise this is not a problem, because I funds for Hellenic Public Radio know a lot of Greek people who al- Cosmos FM 91.5. so won’t understand a word of my Ioannidis performed a number music, myself included some- of his classic hits as well as songs times,” he joked. from his newly-released album, Ioannidis is Cypriot-born but Dino Anagnost and the Little Orchestra Society Shine Neroponti (March 2009). moved to Athens at the age of 20. “Me Tosa Psemata”, “Ela Konta” At 23, he was signed by Univer- By Sophia Stratakis Huling two recorders, played by Nina Stern and “Pou Disin Os Anatolin” (From sal music and for more than two Special to The National Herald and Daphna Mor. To bring out the West to East) were among the decades now, he’s achieved success dramatic color in the music, Anag- crowd-pleasing tunes he per- as a singer-songwriter and produc- NEW YORK - Antonio Vivaldi, the nost drew a fuller, meatier sound formed. er, performing with some of eighteenth-century Italian compos- from the orchestra than he present- Although Ioannidis’ band-mates Greece’s most noteworthy artists er and virtuoso violinist best known ed in the brighter Vivaldi. The didn’t take the trip to New York City like Eleftheria Arvanitaki. for his dynamic violin concerto “The piece’s relentless pace seemed no for the gig, Ioannidis was joined by He’s collaborated with orches- Four Seasons”, heard on countless challenge for Cooper, who brought a special guest for the majority of tras and ensembles including the television programs and commer- an elegant expressiveness to his the evening: vibraphonist Christos Greek Radio and TV Symphony Or- cials, was nicknamed “The Red playing. Rafalides, who is the founder of ac- chestra, the Athens Kamerata and Priest” for his vocation and his red Wincenc and Cooper teamed up claimed jazz group Manhattan The Thessaloniki State Orchestra. hair. Perhaps that moniker explains for Vivaldi’s “Flute and Harpsichord why his music appeals to Dino Concerto in D minor”, an unusual Anagnost, who besides directing combination of dissimilar instru- New York’s Little Orchestra Society, ments which created some lovely also has served as the dean of music contrasting textures. During their of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox duet passages, the flute seemed to Star of 'My Life in Ruins' Archdiocesan Cathedral in New soar, bird-like, above the harpsi- York City for more than 35 years. chord’s solid foundation. Talks about Life & 'Kefi' Tuesday, June 2 at Carnegie One of the evening’s most Hall’s, Zankel Hall, Anagnost direct- charming performances was the ed the Little Orchestra Society in a “Concerto for Two Recorders in C Continued from page 1 is in theaters nationwide. Nia stars program of Baroque music titled major” by Tomaso Albinoni, which next in the romantic comedy “I Hate “Venetian Carnevale,” focusing on again brought out the recorder- era for years and years. I started to Valentine’s Day” (July 2009), which the music of Vivaldi and his contem- playing duo of Stern and Mor. A Vi- layer into the script this girl losing she directs from her original screen- poraries – the kind that would have valdi contemporary and accom- her kefi and what happens when you play, and co-stars John Corbett. been performed during the six- plished singer and violinist, Albi- need to take a step back away from month-long carnival season in noni was unfortunately barred from yourself to find yourself again. What Eleni Daniels is a writer, public re- Venice in the 1700s. Created in Dino Anagnost directs The Little Orchestra Society and is the music performing in public because he better backdrop than in Greece,” lations consultant, and radio pro- 1947, the Little Orchestra Society is director of Holy Trinity Cathedral in New York City. was not a member of the Performers said Vardalos. ducer/host based in New York. a small string orchestra, perfect for Guild – proving that union control As for Reiss, he never intended it Her interview with Nia Vardalos creating that light Baroque sound got to the five years we realized we sans entertained their customers over how professionals exercise to be a movie. His script was based was featured on her show All that sounds almost too thin com- haven’t even tapped his concertos.” with music,” he said with a grin. He their craft is nothing new. As a re- on 50-plus trips he and his wife had Things Greek, Hellenic Public Ra- pared to the lush orchestras we’re With Tuesday’s concert, he noted, described Venice during carnival as sult, Albinoni turned his energies to taken, including trips to Greece, and dio (WNYE FM 91.5). You can used to hearing today. But the “We really tried to show the various making no distinction among the composition. Bringing a delightful his wife encouraged him to send it to reach her at danielsmedia- group obviously has the “right mod- colors of Baroque music,” from the classes: everyone from the highest energy to the lively piece, Stern and Nia. An accomplished writer, Reiss [email protected]. ern stuff” as it has also presented delicate textures of Vivaldi to the officials to the lowliest laborers Mor started out in absolute unison, has won four Emmys and a Peabody more than 65 world premieres of weightier sound of the German- wore masks and costumes, and par- their melodic line resembling twin Award during his seventeen years new compositions. born George Friderich Handel took equally in the celebrations. puppies leaping together after the writing for The Simpsons. He is Anagnost assumed the orches- (1685-1759), who most people Most of all, “opera was the chief same ball. They switched to larger thrilled that Nia loved the script. tra’s music director position in 1979 know as the composer of “Messiah”. passion of carnival,” said Anagnost. recorders for a darker sound during Since then she and her husband, and in 1990 he launched the or- The conductor clearly enjoys “We simply cannot conceive the the slower second movement, then actor Ian Gomez, have adopted a lit- chestra’s annual festival showcas- what he’s doing – he practically Venetian passion for opera. They back to the smaller, higher-pitched tle girl –a pre-schooler from Ameri- ing Vivaldi’s music called “Vivaldi’s bounded on stage flashing a broad wanted something new every recorders to end the piece. can Foster Care. “And she’s perfec- Venice”, which still thrives today. smile before grabbing his baton and night.” And Vivaldi complied: he is Anagnost closed the evening tion. It made me realize it’s just like The June 2 performance was the opening the concert with Vivaldi’s said to have composed more than with a humorous preview of the fes- my character in the movie. You have first of two in this year’s festival; the 10-minute “Sinfonia in G major”. 50 operas. A small taste was provid- tival’s second show on June 16, a plan, and God has a plan, and your second, “Vivaldi’s Big Band”, will be The energetic piece was lilting and ed by Ukrainian-born coloratura so- which will explore the composer’s plan doesn’t count.” held Tuesday, June 16 at 7:30 at light-hearted, even when it modu- prano Julia Kogan with three arias, stint in Dresden in modern-day Ger- The Greek Canadian Winnipeg Zankel Hall. The composer lated into a minor mode for a few each from a different Vivaldi opera. many. The royal court there, led by native got her start in local theater. (1678–1741) was a native of Venice bars. The flutist Carol Wincenc was the spendthrift King Frederick Au- She won a scholarship to Toronto's and spent many successful years Between numbers, Anagnost featured in Vivaldi’s “Flute Concer- gustus, sponsored a well-equipped Ryerson Theatre School, and was a there, and Anagnost takes great gave an entertaining commentary to in G majo”r, a piece Anagnost orchestra. “Our next concert on performer/writer for the Toronto pleasure in highlighting Vivaldi’s describing the Venetian carnival in said might have been performed be- June 16 will answer such pressing and Chicago Second City theater work in the context of that vibrant exotic detail; so entertaining, in tween acts of an opera, or on St. questions as ‘Did Frederick August I troupes. She won Chicago’s Jeff city. fact, that no one seemed to notice Mark’s Square amid the colorful actually father 365 children?’ and Award for Best Actress and has since “’The Four Seasons’ is the most there was no intermission in the tableau of fortunetellers, puppet ‘Will Warsaw and Dresden, bank- received numerous awards and hon- popular piece of music in the world, hour-and-a-half concert. He por- shows, and street hawkers. rupted by the Frederick August I ors including an Oscar for screen- but Vivaldi wrote more than ‘The trayed the carnival of the 1700s as The “Harpsichord Concerto in B- and his son Frederick August II, re- writing and an Independent Spirit Zach Galifianakis Four Seasons’,” Anagnost said, ex- lasting half the year: from October flat major” by Handel brought a ceived bailout money from the King Award. Her blockbuster “My Big Fat plaining his motivation for embark- to the beginning of Lent. It was a pe- full-size harpsichord and harpsi- of France?’” With both words and Greek Wedding” surpassed any ex- ing on the Vivaldi festival 19 years riod of 24-hour music perfor- chordist Kenneth Cooper to the cen- music, Anagnost and the Little Or- pectations she ever had for the $5 ago. “It was supposed to be only a mances, festivities, gambling, revel- ter of the stage. Besides the orches- chestra Society succeeded in bring- million film. She refers to her Oscar Galifinankis’ five-year celebration, and when we ry and cross-dressing. “Even courte- tra and soloist, the piece calls for ing the 18th century to life. nod as the ‘Smart Girl’ category. “My mom had always told us – looks fade but you have to develop “Hangover” your brains. Be funny, be smart. I was an actress who had written a Tops Week 2 Birds of a Feather: Greek Theater is Alive and Well in NY/NJ screenplay, and I was nominated as a writer. And I realized that my mom NEW YORK - Stephen Diacrussi They now have more than act- was right – about everything! As we NEW YORK, N.Y. - Zach Galifi- and Olympia Dukakis are two of a ing in common. Dukakis is the all learn about our Greek moms,” anakis’ star and bank balance con- kind. They are two performing Artistic Director of the Whole The- said Vardalos. tinues to rise. His new movie “The artists-directors who never seem to atre, a New Jersey-based company, “I’m so, so proud that my family Hangover” finished number one for stop working and who have been while Diacrussi is the Artistic Direc- encouraged me to write that story. To two weekends in a row. Variety re- promoting Greek ideals to Ameri- tor of the critically acclaimed write the story about my marriage to ports ticket sales totaling $105.3 can audiences for decades. After a American Thymele Theatre, a tour- my husband who did get baptized million in its first ten days. limited run, "The Singing Forest" ing company that Mr. Diacrussi Greek Orthodox. And it taught The movie is a about a bachelor recently closed at The Public The- founded more than 15 years ago. It me...what I know. Subsequently, I party in Vegas gone bad. Three men ater, the former Astor Library that specializes in rare, Greek-themed have written about eight, nine — Stu, Phil, and Alan (Galifi- Joseph Papp turned into a multi- productions. screenplays and there’s always some anakis) — drive to Las Vegas with stage theatre complex on Lafayette American Thymele Theatre will facet of my life that I pull up.” Doug, who is getting married. The Street in Manhattan. It starred be producing the rarely staged She wanted to do this movie [“My three wake up hung over and Doug Olympia Dukakis as a Jewish holo- tragedy "Rhesus", Euripides’ play Life in Ruins”] as a teaser. She has an is gone. caust persona. The Oscar-winning based on Book 10 of the Iliad, in idea for the sequel to “My Big Fat The reviewer for The Times actress was receiving nightly stand- mid-July 2009 at the 2,500 seat Greek Wedding” but the lead charac- writes the movie “is often very fun- ing ovations for her performances. Amphitheatre in Lower Manhattan. ters, John Corbett’s (Ian) and hers ny. This is partly thanks to the three Other than Katina Paxinou, Ms. This ATT production of “Rhesus” is (Toula), have to get a bit older. principal actors,” Cooper, Helms Dukakis is the only other actress of dedicated to the memory of Joseph “You have to wait a little bit. But I and Galifianakis, “who incarnate Greek descent to have won an Papp, who originated the idea of wanted to do a Greek movie – so you familiar masculine stereotypes in Academy Award. presenting quality theatre free of know, we thought let’s do this one ways that manage to be moderately After one of her memorable per- AMERICAN THYMELE THEATER charge to the public, and following first.” I mentioned to her how My Big fresh as well as soothingly famil- formances, Ms. Dukakis met with Stephen Diacrussi and Olympia Dukakis appeared in Jules Dassin’s the ancient Greek tradition that Fat Greek Wedding gets funnier with iar.” Though The Times said the Diacrussi to discuss their work and film “The Rehearsal”. Both are artistic directors of theater groups. theatre in general ought to be free each viewing. Nia laughed and movie “peaks early and runs out of passions. Olympia and Stephen Diacrussi’s American Thymele Theater presents Euripides’ “Rhesus” for all people, "Rhesus" will be per- quipped, “I have one thing to say steam long before the end,” the re- had co-starred in Jules Dassin's this summer at the East River Amphitheater in N.Y. formed without an admission fee. that I always say to my cousins – viewer seems to have enjoyed it classic “The Rehearsal” more than Detailed information will soon “Einai keki mori – it’s a cake stupid!” enough to add sympathetically, 30 years ago. In this film, also star- while Mr. Diacrussi was featured as soon became Greek post-dictator- be released. The East River Park “My Life in Ruins” aims to be a “This is probably inevitable, since ring Laurence Olivier, among oth- The Singing Polytechnic Student, ship era hits. He has since appeared Amphitheater is just off the FDR fun, feel-good movie that reminds us even the craziest stuff has a way of ers, Ms. Dukakis had played an in- introducing two popular songs by in dozens of motion pictures, TV se- Drive at Cherry Street, near the life can be so much sweeter with just becoming less so in the course of terrogated political activist victim, eminent Greek composers that ries, and stage roles. Williamsburgh Bridge. the right amount of kefi. The movie being explained.” THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20, 2009 FEATURE 7

GREEK GASTRONOMY

Names of the most common Greek Cooking: Treasures of the Greek Sea Mediterranean fish and seafood in Greek & English By Georgia Kofinas Ingredients for 8 meze servings Special to The National Herald • 1 kilo medium-size whole squid FISH • 1 cup (approximately) feta cheese Sardella-Sardine As the waiter placed before us cut in cubes small enough to fit in Gavros-Anchovy the platter of crispy fried “barbou- bodies of squid Heli-Eel nia”, my gaze was drawn to the fish- • 1-2 tomatoes cut in small cubes Zargana-Garfish ing boat chugging into the small bay • 2 garlic cloves finely chopped Bacaliaros-Hake adjacent to the taverna. It was June • 1/2 cup chopped parsley Lavraki-Sea bass and the first of our many summer • 4-5 tbsp. olive oil Rophos- Dusky Grouper visits to our favorite fish taverna . As Sphyrida-White grouper the tail of a cat swept across my leg 1. Remove tentacles and head Perka-Perch under the table I recalled the famil- from squid and clean, discarding Tsipoura-Gilt-head sea bream, iar Greek riddle: “Why do cats not the entrails and the thin membrane. porgy eat the heads of “barbounia”? Be- 2. Chop head and tentacles and Fagri-Sea bream cause people don’t give them the sauté in olive oil until tender. Drain Synagrida-Dentex heads.” Truly, the head of a barbouni and combine with feta cheese, Sargos-White sea bream is a delicacy not to be shared with a tomato, garlic and parsley. Gopa-Bogue cat! 3. Stuff each body of squid with Mourmoura-Striped sea bream The love which Greeks have for mixture leaving enough space at the Melanouri-Saddled sea bream seafood goes back to antiquity when top to close opening with a tooth- Lithrini-Pandora, Red sea there was an inexhaustible food sup- pick. bream ply from the waters around the ex- 4. Brush with oil and grill on all Marida-Picarel tensive undulating coastline of the sides for about 6-8 minutes turning Barbouni-Red mullet mainland and the islands. Surpris- carefully. Remove to platter and Mayatiki-Amberjack ingly, before the 5th century BC, garnish with lemon wedges. Serve Scoumbri-Mackerel Homer and Plato did not have much with other appetizers. Palamida-Bonito regard for fish. Homer described it Xiphias-Swordfish as “a wretched food, the last re- Baked sardines Kephalos-Grey mullet source of shipwrecked sailors.” in grapevine leaves Caponi-Piper or Gurnard However, as time progressed, fish Glossa-Sole became the favorite staple food of exhaustible supply of seafood in an- finished with egg-lemon sauce (av- smaller shrimp can be offered as (A take-off on Archestratus’ Peskandritsa-Monkfish or our ancient ancestors and fishing cient times, the Mediterranean golemono). “saganaki” baked in a tomato sauce recipe for fish cooked in fig Angler developed into a lucrative business. basin can no longer sustain the de- As mentioned earlier, Greeks pre- and covered with chunks of feta leaves, this dish will delight your The ancient Greek menu offered mand for these amounts. According fer their fish fresh, but will conde- cheese. All seafood can be cut up guests) fish in various ways, including a first to renowned food writer and author scend to using other frozen seafood and put into pilafs or in sauces for course called “opson”, meaning “rel- Alan Davidson, the inadequate sup- items such as shrimp, octopus, pasta, or simply boiled and marinat- Preparation time: 35 min. ish”. Actually, the Modern Greek ply of plankton in the eastern basin squid, cuttlefish and mussels from ed in vinaigrette to be used as a sal- Cooking time: 10-15 min. word for fish, “psari”, is the deriva- due to various natural phenomena, the Atlantic or as far east as Viet ad topping. tive of this word. Archestratus, the limits the population of pelagic fish. Nam or India. When fresh indige- RECIPES Ingredients for 8 servings renowned 4th century BC cook, This, coupled with over-fishing and nous seafood is available, Greeks With the onset of summer out go • 16 small fresh sardines, heads re- philosopher and gastronome, writes weak sustainability laws, has result- prefer simple cooking methods such the chairs and tables onto the bal- moved and scaled extensively about fish dishes which ed in a depleted supply and exorbi- as grilling or pan-frying to retain the conies and gardens which will host • 16 preserved grapevine leaves were later recorded in the 3rd cen- tant prices of seafood. Alternatively, distinctive aroma and taste of the happy gatherings of family and • 1-2 garlic cloves, finely chopped tury AD by Athenaeus, author of the fish farming has become a lucrative Mediterranean waters. friends for “ouzakia”. Here are two • 1 teaspoon oregano famed literary work on gastronomy, business in Greece and has brought Most seafood is used in Greek of my favorite recipes for these sum- • salt and pepper to taste Depnosophistae. One of these some resolution to some of the de- “mezedes” (appetizers) and the mery occasions. • 1/4 cup olive oil recipes is a bonito wrapped in fig mand and supply problem. While recipes are as numerous as the re- • lemon wedges leaves and cooked in embers, bear- most seafood-loving Greeks still pre- gions from which they originate. Oc- Grilled stuffed squid ing resemblance to various gourmet fer the distinct flavor of free-range topus, cuttlefish and squid can go in- 1. Clean and wash fish. Open dishes created by today’s top chefs! fish, fish farming offers the option of to a rich tomato stew laced with (The tomato and feta stuffing add and gently rub thumb over back- Among the fish eaten most com- reasonably priced fresh fish rather wine, or combined with pasta for a a special zing to the flavor of the bone. Remove bone carefully with- monly back then were sardines, an- than the less desirable frozen fish. wholesome Lenten meal. Squid is squid making it a perfect accom- out detaching tail. Pat dry with chovies, and parrotfish. Delicacies While most Greeks like their versatile and can be fried, stuffed paniment to ouzo) kitchen towel and season with salt included northern bluefin tuna, yel- fresh fish simply grilled and served with rice and baked, or stuffed with and pepper. SEAFOOD lowfin tuna, red mullet, ray and with a lemon-oil sauce or dredged in fresh tomato and feta and grilled. Preparation time: 30 min. 2. Rinse out grapevine leaves Garida-Shrimp or Prawn swordfish. Shellfish, squid and con- flour and shallow fried, there are a Large shrimp is marinated in a gar- Cooking time: 6-8 minutes and let drain. Astakos-Lobster ger eel were also favored, with the myriad of regional recipes from the lic-based sauce and grilled while 3. Mix garlic with oregano and Karavida-Scampi wealthier class extending their diet traditional coastal villages of the roll each fish in the mixture being Kavouras-Crab to include caviar, oysters and mainland and the rich repertoire of sure to fill cavity of fish as well. Petalida-Limpet smoked fish imported from the the island cuisines. Here are just a 4. Wrap each fish with a Stridi-Oyster Black Sea. Fresh-water fish such as few variations of these recipes: “Pla- grapevine leaf leaving tails to show. Mydi-Mussel pike, sturgeon and carp were not as ki” is a larger fillet of fish baked with Arrange in shallow baking pan side Kteni-Scallop desirable, an attitude reflected in to- a rich onion, vegetable and tomato by side and drizzle oil over fish. Kydoni-Cockle day’s preference for salt water fish. sauce, The Ionian Islands present a Bake in moderate oven for about Ghialisteri-Smooth Venus Recent statistics reveal that the nice “bianco” with lots of garlic, 10-15 minutes being careful not to Soupia-Cuttlefish people of Greece, as do the French potatoes and chunks of fish; com- overcook. Kalamari-Squid and the Italians, consume about 45 bining whole fish with vegetables is 5. Serve with lemon wedges. Thrapsalo-Flying squid pounds of fish annually compared to another favorite, such as the Cretan Ochtapodi (often, Chtapodi)- the average 35 pounds per capita dish of baked red sea bream with Variation I: For an extra tang Octopus world-wide. However, unlike the in- tomatoes and okra. All-time favorite scatter 2/3 cup finely chopped fresh Moschoctapodo-Curled “kakavia” is a fish soup originally tomatoes over wrapped fish before octopus Greek Gastronomy is a new made by boiling together the day’s baking. Achinos-Sea urchin column by Georgia Kofinas. It catch of whatever small fish the nets Variation II: Substitute oregano Gavros- Anchovy will be published every second gathered. Today’s “psarosoupa” with other herbs such as fresh Cheli-Eel week. (fish soup) may include carrots, cel- thyme, mint, basil or a combination Christopsaro-John Dory ery, onions and potatoes and is often of various herbs.

ALL HISTORY The Greek Outsiders: Artists Lost to Hellenism

By Steve Frangos tects and interested others began to tors and architects. James Malbon atically present the work of a wide Special to The National Herald seek him out, he was a night watch- Harrison, a local architect, led the range of Modern Greek artists work- man for the Spokane, Portland & charge. Portland filmmaker Vanessa ing in North America: the Fall 1947 PART FOUR Seattle Railway. Renwick has been documenting the issue of Athene Magazine and then For reasons difficult to under- Tom Stefopoulos worked in the entire process from the early protests the exhibition that led to the cata- stand the five Greek American artists Spokane, Portland & Seattle Rail- to the restoration to the new place- logue: Modern Odysseys: Greek who have individually been ac- way's Hoyt Street freight yard located ments, in her ongoing project enti- American Artists of the 20th Century. claimed as American Outsider artists in northwest Portland, Oregon. The tled simply “Lovejoy.” As improbable We can excuse those involved with have never been recognized as a col- Lovejoy ramp was constructed in as it may seem, ten of Stefopoulos’s the 1947 project because the Out- lective. With each passing year these 1926 and 1927 to carry Lovejoy columns were saved. siders I have identified in this series five Greek American Outsider artists Street over this vast complex of train On October 5, 2005, two of the were either not working at that time, are, individually, receiving ever tracks, warehouses and light indus- Stefopoulos columns were erected or were not known outside of their greater critical distinction. Yet, just as trial buildings known locally as the on street corners in a courtyard of the immediate families. these artists are gaining in prestige Northwest Industrial Triangle. From Elizabeth Lofts on NW 10th street, Taken collectively there are com- and overall recognition among art 1948 to 1952, Stefopoulos began to between Everett and Flanders. This mon motifs and even presentation collectors and museum curators the first sketch in caulk on the columns of preservation effort did not come styles shared by the five Greek Out- world over, so in equal measure are the Lovejoy ramp. Part of Stefopou- cheap; local funds supplemented by sider artists. None of the five artists is they all but forgotten among the los’ duties was to help in the coupling donations from developer John Car- a representational painter. Animal Modern Greeks. of freight trains. As various cars were roll saved this uniquely urban art- figures and design motifs seen in all The Greek American artists who routed from different parts of the work. five clearly harken back to Greek re- excel at American folk and/or Out- freight yard to be part of a new train, But where the original oil on con- ligious and folk art. One also hears sider art (perhaps predictably they there was a great deal of down time. crete paintings were under (and so that the work of a given Greek Out- have each blurred these distinctly dif- Stefopoulos, as he later claimed, to protected by) an overpass, they are sider artist is perspective-less, which ferent categories greatly) include He- simply pass the time, began his com- now exposed to the sun and weather. in one sense means the images are len Contis, Peter Contis, John W. Per- plex sketches. Friends began to en- Consequently, the original paintings flat. But then, so too are traditional ates, Tom Stefopoulos and Drossos P. courage Stefopoulos to really apply have been covered over by large pho- Eastern Orthodox icons. Motifs such Skyllas. Certainly other Greek folk, himself to these images and the to-reproductions which are them- as butterflies, birds and what-not primitive and/or Outsider artists may Greek soon switched to oil paint. As selves encased in plexi-glass. The that are seen in every one of the well exist. Yet aside from David Stefopoulos worked he painted over eight others are still lying in the field Greek Outsiders can each also be Lewis’ book-length study on Peter his original sketches and began to in the North Pearl. seen in artwork found in the homes and Helen Contis ‘Byzantine Butter- add very stylized calligraphy to many Much controversy exists over how and churches of Greek villages. flies: the Folk Paintings of Peter Con- of the paintings. In order to paint his to finally deal with Stefopoulos’s art For those of you who have not tis and Helen Contis Greek Immi- murals Stefopoulos would stand be- This column, by Stefopoulos, is one of the two that's been raised in the and as far as I can discover nothing is been to Greece it is not uncommon grants in America’ (Woodstock, New tween the train cars and work his yuppie neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. resolved. The Regional Arts and Cul- for houses in rural Greece to have York: Overlook Press, 1995) no acad- way down a column. Consequently ture Council and the Portland Devel- wall paintings and/or colorful mo- emic or art critic is writing about any many of these murals are 10’ to 12’ closes his 1989, movie “Drugstore newal that has taken place includes opment Commission, the two city tifs. Elaborate wood work, some- of these artists. Even Lewis’ fine study tall and often 4’ to 6’ wide. No one is Cowboy” with shots of the columns the removal of a viaduct and the con- agencies taking the lead on the pro- times painted, is also a part of the never considers that there might be sure how many paintings Stefopou- and the underworld neighborhood in struction of the Portland Streetcar. ject, have decided to remove the orig- Greek countryside I have walked other Greek American artists whose los completed. City work crews, be- which they once existed. Now remember, Stefopoulos’ inal artwork from the columns. The through. The inside of a work is strikingly similar to the Con- lieving the murals were just graffiti, Toward the very end of his life ‘canvas’ of choice was a series of con- plan is to take the original art and re- Sarakantsani shepherd’s tent I once tis’s overall project. painted over a number of Stefopou- Tom Stefopoulos was identified as crete columns that each weighs sev- locate it to the interior of the Eliza- visited had embroidery done by the That these artists, with the no- los’ elaborate paintings. the artist of these towering paintings. eral tons. Not unreasonably, if money beth Lofts and then recreate the very wife of the owner about shoulder table exception of the complicated Stefopoulos’ work is today recog- But Stefopoulos’ renegade art was and profit are all you live for, the Ste- same artwork on the columns for high completely surrounding the in- circumstances surrounding the Con- nized as a mix of Americana and not to last. Whether you call it urban fopoulos columns were marked for public display in the courtyard. It terior while the outside was rough tis couple, worked alone, yet still Classical Greek mythology. Surviving renewal or gentrification, the vast destruction as the sweeping Lovejoy should be noted that the Elizabeth animal hide. I immediately got the seem to share not only inspirational murals include Diogenes with a lamp area once covered by railroad yards, ramp was to be taken down to open Lofts are private condominiums. sense that they were surrounded in sources but actual motifs in their held high looking for an honest man; warehouses and light industrial up dozens of blocks for development. The future of all ten Stefopoulos the interior by this band of art. work will be discussed momentarily. huge birds in twisting trees; swans, li- buildings was marked for destruc- A rescue effort began in 1997. The columns is still very much undecided, Ultimately the point here is that First, let us get the very latest infor- ons and musical notations, all mixed tion. Stefopoulos artwork, it was argued, but Hellenes everywhere owe a debt while none of these five artists (with mation on the monumental work together with various slogans such as Years ago I wrote a short account was not graffiti but rather treasured of thanks to the unique public and the exception of the Contis couple) known as the Lovejoy Columns. “God is Love.” of Tom Stefopoulos’ fantastic paint- creations that identified what was private coalition that has to date ever saw the work of the others, they TOM STEFOPOULOS As far as the average person was ings. At that time their ultimate fate distinct about Portland Oregon. A saved some of the greatest art yet cre- all share themes, presentation, and Little is publicly available about concerned in the late 1940s and early was uncertain. While the overall cir- highly diverse group soon formed to ated by a Greek living in the United other traits. I am left with one final Athanasios Efthimou Stefopoulos’s 1950s, these enormous paintings just cumstances have changed the urban ‘save the columns’ including the Pearl States. Be aware that you can be part question, when will these five re- (1900-1979) early life in America. came out of nowhere. For the people art Stefopoulos is so recognized for District Neighborhood Association, of the preservation solution. Tax free gional American artists be unappre- We do know that for a time he had of Portland these enormous colorful creating may yet be destroyed. Portland’s Greek community, devel- donations to preserve Tom Stefopou- ciated for their common Greek been a calligrapher and art deco murals, scattered about a forest of Beginning in the 1990s the North- oper Homer Williams and then May- los’ columns can be made to the Re- roots? artist. Yet, for whatever reasons, huge concrete columns, soon became west Industrial Triangle was re- or Katz. gional Arts and Culture Council by Athanasios - who in time became accepted as distinctly local creations. named the Pearl District and is now a Arguably the most vocal and calling 503-823-5111. Readers interested in contacting Mr. Tom - could not support himself as an A native Portlander, filmmaker Gus place of art galleries, upscale busi- demonstrative elements within this To the best of my knowledge there Frangos are welcome to e-mail him artist. By the time reporters, archi- Van Sant intentionally opens and nesses and residences. The urban re- group consisted of local artists, cura- have only been two efforts to system- at [email protected] 8 OBITUARIES CLASSIFIEDS THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20, 2009 Helen Boosalis 1st Female President of Conference of Mayors

By Paul Hammel and talented woman, and she accom- enough wonderful memories to last Voters, after moving to Lincoln Martha Stoddard plished much." multiple lifetimes. She was and al- with her husband, Mike, a plant World-Herald Bureau The campaign, noted for being ways will be looked upon as one of pathologist at the University of Ne- issue-oriented and displaying little Lincoln's great civic leaders."Boos- braska. Boosalis was elected to the LINCOLN, Neb. - Helen Boosalis negativity, drew a near-record alis moved to a Lincoln hospice care Lincoln City Council in 1959. Dur- was remembered Monday as a "true turnout for a non-presidential year. center about a week ago, Brasch ing her 16 years on the council, she Nebraska treasure" who blazed a Boosalis lost. By then, the woman said. "She was a dynamic person," helped spearhead the city's change trail for women in politics. The for- described as a dynamo and a whirl- she said. "She had the ability to to a strong mayor form of govern- mer Lincoln mayor, who competed wind already had "way more than bring people together. People may ment. in the nation's first all-female gu- her share of firsts," said longtime not like politics, but people liked Don Wesely, a former Lincoln bernatorial race, died Monday at friend Beatty Brasch. her and trusted her." mayor and former state senator, age 89. She had been recently diag- Boosalis was elected Lincoln's Boosalis held strong opinions said Boosalis was a decisive mayor nosed with a brain tumor. mayor in 1975, and she was the but wasn't a "hoity-toity" politician who was not afraid to take on the Boosalis "changed the political first woman to be elected mayor of or person, Brasch said. "She once "good old boys" network. She de- landscape, especially for women in a U.S. city with a population of said, when she was mayor, that 'the feated a sitting mayor in her first DAVID HAWLEY/THE SACRAMENTO BEE politics," said Sen. Ben Nelson, a more than 100,000.She served as only thing I do to keep myself mayoral election. "She changed the George Tsakopoulos with his grandson fellow Democrat who was chair- mayor until 1983. During that time, grounded is I scrub the toilet every dynamic of city government in Lin- man of her historic campaign for she also was elected the first female Sunday night.' " coln," Wesely said. "She was the governor. "She was an able leader, president of the U.S. Conference of Born Helen Geankoplis, Boosalis person that came in and opened up George Tsakopoulos Helped very public-minded and always full Mayors. When she left city govern- was the daughter of Greek immi- city government." Former State of energy," he said. "She was a great ment, she took a job with then-Gov. grants and grew up working in her Sen. DiAnna Schimek said Boosalis friend and I will miss her counsel." Bob Kerrey's administration. father's Minneapolis restaurant. didn't shy from controversy. "That Transform City of Sacramento Family: husband, Mike; daughter; On Monday, Kerrey praised She developed an interest in pol- was a hallmark of Helen," the fel- two grandchildren Boosalis' values: "her determina- itics as a teenager, while working at low Democrat said. "Once she SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP, Sacra- Tsakopoulos, John Tsakopoulos, sis- In 1986, Boosalis squared off tion to finish every job to the best of her uncle's restaurant, which was a made up her mind, she wasn't mento Bee) George Tsakopoulos, ters Maria and Stavroula, and many against Republican State Treasurer her ability, her kind and consider- gathering place for local politicians afraid to go forward and take the one of a family of real estate devel- nieces and nephews. Kay Orr in a race that attracted na- ate approach to others, her fearless- such as Hubert Humphrey, who lat- heat." opers whose office buildings Tsakopoulos family members are tional attention. "We made the light ness against the toughest opponent er was vice president under Presi- Boosalis is survived by her hus- changed Sacramento's skyline, died among California's largest Democra- shine on Nebraska," Orr recalled and her dedication to the truth." dent Lyndon Johnson. Boosalis first band Mike Boosalis, and a daugh- Monday, June 15 at the age of 82. tic donors. They helped bankroll the Monday. "I had great respect for her Said current Lincoln Mayor became involved in politics as a vol- ter, Mary Beth Davis. Funeral ser- Brooks Erickson, the general man- failed 2006 gubernatorial bid of De- at the time. She was an energetic, Chris Beutler: "Helen left us with unteer for the League of Women vices were pending. ager of his company, said Tsakopou- mocrat Phil Angelides, and George's los died after battling lung cancer. niece, Eleni Tsakopoulos- A native of Greece, he began in- Kounalakis, was a Democratic vesting in Northern California real fundraiser during the 2008 presi- estate with his brothers after coming dential campaign. DEATHS to the U.S. in 1955. His family built Visitation was held June 18 at office towers in Sacramento, the the Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Fu- ■ ADAMS, ANNA leaves behind her sister Paula He was born on March 20, 1929, in lieu of flowers direct all donations to state capital, and developed resi- neral Home and Trisagion services SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Sacra- (Chuck) Lein, her nephew and niece Mikro Horio, Evrytanias, Greece, to Holy Trinity Holy Cross Greek Ortho- dential areas. George was born on were held that evening at The mento Bee reported that Anna Grant and Amanda Lein, in-laws the late Chris and Athena Flegas. He dox Cathedral in memory of Anna July 7, 1927 in Rizes, Tegea, Tripo- Church of the Annunciation. Funer- Adams, born December 10, 1937 in Nicholas and Frances Bissias and sis- was also preceded in death by his sis- Karagiannis. lis, Greece to Kyriakos and Aiketeri- al Services will be held Friday at the Glyfada, Greece, died on June 10 in ters-in-law Diane and Elaine Bissias. ters, Agapoula Tsipoyiannis and ni Tsakopoulos. He is survived by same church with the makaria im- North Highlands, CA. Mrs. Anna She also leaves behind many aunts, Maria Panayiotou (Greece); and ■ LINGOS, NICHOLAS Drosoula, his loving and devoted mediately after the services. The Adams, a widow, passed away uncles, cousins, god-children and brothers, John Flegas and George NEW YORK, NY – The New York wife of 43 years, his daughter burial will be private. In lieu of flow- peacefully in her sleep, at her North friends whom she so loved. In life, as Flegas. Paul came to America in Times reported that – Nicholas Lin- Katherine and her husband ers, the family has asked that contri- Highlands home. Anna was sur- in her passing, she showed elegance, 1951. He owned many restaurants gos, D.D.S., 91, passed away on June Socrates, his son Angelo G. butions be made to the Sutter Can- vived by daughters, Diane Keefe, grace and beauty. Her exquisite while in Roanoke, the most success- 4. Dr. Lingos was a loving husband Tsakopoulos and his wife Katerina, cer Center at 2800 "L" Street, or to Phyllis Smith, Pam O'Brien and manner, impeccable sense of style ful being Paul's Restaurant and the of the late Amalia, beloved uncle of and his grandson, George. He is also the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Michelle Echelberry; son, Jeffrey was evident in all she touched. Her Coach and Four Restaurant. An ac- Marika and Nikitas Drakotos, great- survived by his brothers Angelo K. Church Building Fund. Adams; sons-in-law, John Adams- unmistakable laugh and smile which tive member of Holy Trinity Church uncle of Mark and Penelope, uncle Handy, David Smith, Kerry O'Brien lit up her eyes, gave warmth and and was a member of Ahepa and and relative of many others. Doctor and Jon Echelberry; grandchildren, comfort to those fortunate enough to Megdova Association. Surviving are of Dentistry for many years and Adam, Amanda, Ryan, Blake, Han- have known her. Trisagion and fu- his wife of 49 years, Connie Flegas; served in the U.S. Army during CLASSIFIEDS nah, Aubrey, Gracie, Evan, neral services were held at St. Antho- son and daughter-in-law, Chris and WWII. Nick was also a member of Matthew, Spencer and Ashley. An- ny's Church. In lieu of flowers, dona- Maria Flegas; daughters and son-in- the AHEPA Greek organization. A na also had many friends, living in tions may be made to St. Anthony's law, Athena and George Economy Funeral Service and Trisagion was FOR SALE (GREECE) ANTONOPOULOS the area for almost 40 years. She Church Building Fund or USC/Nor- (Florence, S.C.) and Angela Flegas; held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral. FUNERAL HOME, INC. will be greatly missed. Memorial ris Comprehensive Cancer Center four beloved grandchildren who Donations may be made to Saint PAROS ISLAND. FOR SALE 8 stu- Konstantinos Antonopoulos - Services were held at East Lawn Office of Development (http://usc- knew him as Papou, Paul and Christi- Michael's Greek Old Age Home, 3 dio E.O.T. licensed complex with Funeral Director Mortuary, 5757 Greenback Lane at norris cancer.usc.edu/) na Flegas and Phyllis and Paul Econ- Lehmann Terrace, Yonkers, NY penthouse apartment on 4 strema- 38-08 Ditmars Blvd., 7:00 p.m June 15. omy; several nieces and nephews, 10705. ta, overlooking bay towards Astoria, New York 11105 ■ CAFANTARIS, GEORGE both in the United States and Parikia’s port. Walk to beaches, 5 (718) 728-8500 ■ AKSOMITAS, ALBERT LOWELL, MA – The Lowell Sun re- Greece; and a special cousin, Jimmy ■ MALLES, BILL H., min. Livadia & 10 min. Krios . Not affiliated with any HARTFORD, Conn. – The Hartford ported that George Cafantaris, 95, Basis. The family wishes to thank CHICAGO, IL. The News Sun report- [email protected], 011-30- other funeral home. Courant reported that Ret. Lt. Col. formerly of Lowell, died April 26, in Care Unlimited for their services, ed that Bill H. Malles, 78, of Park 6972459346 Albert Aksomitas, U.S.A.F., 91, Long Branch, New Jersey, at the age specifically Danna Owen, Jackie Ear- City, passed away June 8 in V.A. a/a/46 APOSTOLOPOULOS beloved husband of Geraldine, of 95. George grew up in Lowell and ly and Dot Johnson for their special Medical Center of Milwaukee. He Apostle Family - passed away at Hartford Hospital on was part of the Holy Trinity Greek care and love. The family received was born January 16, 1931 in Chica- HELP WANTED Gregory, Nicholas, Andrew - June 1. Albert was born and raised Church community. His family was firneds and held a Trisagion on June go, IL. He was an active member at Funeral Directors of in Hartford by his mother Domicely from Langadia, Greece. He graduat- 12 at Oakey's North Chapel, 540- St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox JOURNALISTS WANTED RIVERDALE Mocha. He graduated from Hartford ed from Lowell High School, and 362-1237. The funeral service was Church and a U.S. Army Veteran of Nation’s leading Greek American FUNERAL HOME Inc. Public High School with many served in the US Army during World held June 13 at Holy Trinity Church. the Korean War. He is survived by six newspaper, The National Herald, 5044 Broadway awards for his swimming prowess in War II. For almost 40 years, George The Rev. Father Dean Nastos officiat- children, Pam (Rick) Bannister, needs reporters and assistant editor New York, NY 10034 the breast stroke and the butterfly. was the owner of Junior's on the ing. Those preferring memorials, Leslie (Tony) Guisti, Harry (Virginia) for English weekly paper. (212) 942-4000 He was a graduate of Trinity College Boardwalk, a popular restaurant on please make donations to Holy Trini- Malles, Victoria (Louis) Malles-Ross, Exceptional writing/reporting Toll Free 1-888-GAPOSTLE and pursued other studies at Yale the Jersey Shore. He started Junior's ty Greek Orthodox Church, 30 Hunt- Larry (Danielle) Malles, and Christo- skills and bilingual fluency a must. University while in the service. Al- as a small ice cream stand and built it ington Blvd., Roanoke, Va. 24012. pher (Jackie) Malles; grandfather of Car a plus. Fax or e-mail clips and LITRAS FUNERAL HOME bert served 25 years in the air force into a boardwalk favorite, serving "Dad, your will and determination 18 and one great-grandson; one cover letter to 718-472-0510 or ARLINGTON BENSON DOWD, and is one of the last World War II breakfast, lunch and dinner. It was will not be forgotten." brother, Angelo Malles; many nieces [email protected]. INC FUNERAL HOME veterans. He also served as an advi- the place to go for his famous frozen and nephews and special friends. 111609/01 83-15 Parsons Blvd., sor to the Greek and Turkish War custard ice cream and fresh lemon ■ GAITAS, ALEXIOS Visitation was held at Marsh Funeral Jamaica, NY 11432 and spent two years in occupied ice. George was a fixture on the col- GLYFADA, Greece – The Houston Home of Gurnee, IL and services and FUNERAL HOMES (718) 858-4434 • (800) 245-4872 Japan after the war. Albert took orful boardwalk, working seven days Chronicle reported that ALEXIOS a Trisagion were held at St. great pride in his service record. Af- a week, sunrise to sunset, providing GAITAS, of Athens, Greece, passed Demetrios Church in Libertyville. In CONSTANTINIDES ter his retirement from the service his long-time friends and new cus- away on June 5, 2009 at his home in lieu of flowers, donations to the St. FUNERAL PARLOR Co. he joined the United Technology tomers from all walks of life a good Glyfada GR. He was born on Novem- Demetrios Church. 405 91st Street TO PLACE YOUR Corporation as an aerodynamic en- place to meet and eat and enjoy his ber 21, 1979 in Athens. He attended Bay Ridge - Brooklyn, NY 11209 CLASSIFIED AD, CALL: gineer for ten years. Albert and his engaging personality and wonderful Evangeliki School of Smyrna gradu- ■ NICOLAU, ARETI (718) 745-1010 (718) 784-5255, EXT. 106, wife Geraldine were circumnaviga- sense of humor. A prodigious reader, ating in 1997 and attended Middle- LODI, NJ – The LodiNews reported Services in all localities - E-MAIL: tors. Together they enjoyed their George loved professional sports, sex Univ. UK and Univ. of Derby UK that Areti Nicolaou, 87, of Lodi, Low cost shipping to Greece classifieds@ thenationalherald.com many travels to twenty countries. traveling to Europe, and attending graduating in 2007. He lived and passed away peacefully on June 5 Albert has the manners and courtesy Broadway shows. He is predeceased worked in the UK, Greece, Wiscon- at a local convalescent hospital. of an "old-world" gentleman and by his beloved wife, Madeline (Rau- sin, Texas, and Alabama until May She was born on August 24, 1921, will be sorely missed by his grieving so) of Spring Lake, NJ, where he 2009. Alexios suffered from epilepsy. in Naoussa, Greece, to Demetrious REAL ESTATE wife Geraldine. Albert leaves behind resided for over 50 years, and his During the months of April and May and Catherine Bekiari. She moved his wife of 24 years, daughter three sisters, Madeline Cafantaris, 2009 his health deteriorated while to the United States in February of Leeann Bartkoski, three grandchil- Connie Parsons, and Helen Hollis, all working in Mobile Al. He passed 1952 and settled in Lodi one year dren; Ryan, Shannon and Caitlen, of Lowell. He is survived by his away at his home in Athens during a later. Areti was a homemaker, and son Allen and his daughter Shelly daughter, Sandy, and son-in-law, severe epileptic seizure. Alex was also worked seasonally at the local Guthrie, step-son John Wisniewski, Rick Pozniak, of Billerica; and his 2 most kind, gentle, sensitive, brave canneries. She enjoyed crocheting, three step-grandchildren; Brianna, grandchildren, Alexa, of Hartford, and giving person. Alex will be knitting and especially cooking. Emma and Maddy, step-daughter CT, and Jonathan, of New York City. mourned by all. His compassion and Areti was well known for her ex- Joanna Cooper and step-grandchild Burial was in Sea Girt, New Jersey. humor will accompany us forever. ceptional skills in the kitchen and Miles. Contributions in his memory He is survived by his parents, Kostan- was always preparing Greek dishes may be made to Autism Speaks, ■ CHRONES, JACK tinos and Mayda, two brothers, An- and pastries, as well as homemade 5455 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2250, Los SASAKATOON, Saskatchewan - The gelo and Raul, grandmother, uncle bread. She was also a member of Angeles, CA 90036. Saskatoon Star-Phoenix reported George, and nephews, Arionas, St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church John Donald (Jack) Chrones died Kostantinos, Alexios and Kynthia. for many years. Areti was a loving ■ BARRETT, LEONIDAS peacefully at his home in Saskatoon The funeral service will be held on mother, grandmother, great grand- NEWARK, N.J. - Leonidas Barrett of on June 8. Jack is survived by his June 9 in Boula Greece. For flowers mother and friend and will be dear- Roseland died on June 10. Lee Bar- wife, Lou Chrones; his four children, or just to contact the family please ly missed. Mrs. Nicolaou is survived rett was an industrial psychologist and many other loving family mem- email [email protected] by her children: Bill (Anna) Nico- with CSX Corporation. He graduated bers and friends. Born in Weyburn, laou, Alex (Popi) Nicolaou, Harry ■ KARAGIANNIS, ANNA (Olga) Nicolaou, Jim (Linda) Nico- subscribePRINTED EDITION OF THE NATIONAL HERALD magna cum laude from Seton Hall Saskatchewan in 1927, Jack moved University undergraduate school to Saskatoon with his parents and BIRMINGHAM, AL. – The Birming- laou and George Nicolaou; grand- via the post-office: and Fairleigh Dickinson University siblings as a young child. Jack and ham News reported that Anna Kara- children: Gus Nicolaou, Steve ❏1 Month $11.00 ❏3 Months $22.00 graduate school. He was inducted Lou met in Saskatoon and were mar- giannis, 92, passed away June 7. An- (Claudia) Nicolaou, Angie ❏6 Months $33.00 ❏One Year $66.00 into the FDU Chapter of Psi Chi Na- ried on Valentine's Day in 1955. Lou na was born in Tarpon Springs, FL. (Manuel) Gergiannakis, Georgia VIA HOME DELIVERY (NY, NJ & CT): tional Honor Society. At commence- was always the centre of his life. Anna had a great gift of giving (Jason) Offman, Melissa (Dave) Pe- ❏1 Month for $14.00 ❏3 Months for $33.00 ment, he was awarded the Medal for Jack's life in the restaurant business throughout her long life. She passed ters, Steve Nicolaou, Christina ❏6 Months for $48.00 ❏One Year for $88.00 the Department of Psychology. His was a profession that spanned on many gifts to her family -- from Nicolaou and Areti Nicoloau; great thesis was published in The Journal decades. He worked first in his fa- Christian and family values, her love grandchildren: Vasilis, Annastasia, VIA HOME DELIVERY (NEW ENGLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, of Industrial Psychology. He received ther's restaurant, The Gem Cafe, and of the Greek Orthodox faith, to the Katrina and Gianna Nicolaou, WASHINGTON D.C., VIRGINIA & MARYLAND) seven medals during his World War then established his own restau- loving recipes that came from her Joanna and Christopher Gergian- ❏1 Month for $18.00 ❏3 Months for $41.00 II U.S. Navy service. Lee was the rants. Although he had a gruff exteri- grandparents. She was loved by all nakis, Preston Offner and Brett and ❏6 Months for $57.00 ❏One Year for $109.00 beloved husband of Elaine Barrett; or, Jack was known for his hospitali- who knew her. She was preceded in Gavin Peters. She was preceded in ON LINE SUBSCRIPTION www.thenationalherald.com loving father of Michael, Gary and ty to his friends and customers, and death by her husband, George Kara- death by her parents, her beloved NON SUBSCRIBERS: ❏One Year for $45.95 ❏6 Months for $29.95 Leslie; adored brother of Greg Bren- his generosity to many. His personal giannis and sisters, Kallie Choucalas husband, Efstathio "Steve" Nico- ❏3 Months for $18.95 don; loving father- in- law of Mar- friendships were very important to and Katy Koutouzis. She is survived laou and daughter: Angie Nico- SUBSCRIBERS: ❏One Year for $34.95 ❏6 Months for $23.95 lene and Cathy; loving grandfather him and included people from all by her daughters, Emerald Chiotakis laou. Visitation was held at Lodi ❏3 Months for $14.95 of eight grandchildren and one walks of life. As Jack grew older and and Nancy Drakos; six grandchil- Funeral Home. A Trisagion and fu- great-grandchild, He was prede- his health deteriorated, he grew dren: Evelyn Klund (Tim), Andria neral services took place at St. Basil ceased by his parents, Michael and more mellow. Jack enjoyed his fami- Garbis (John), Dino Drakos, Kiki Greek Orthodox Church. Virtual NAME: ...... Antonia and beloved sister, Norma. ly immensely, particularly the ba- Kartos (Petros), George Drakos register books may be signed at ADDRESS: ...... The funeral service was held at the bies. In the last few years when (Robin), Andria Clark (Dan); and www.lodifuneralhome.com and CITY:...... STATE: ...... ZIP:...... St. Andrew Church. Arrangements asked how he was, Jack would an- ten great grandchildren: Maria Bell www.lodinews.com/obits, where TEL.: ...... E-MAIL:...... CELL...... were by Farmer Funeral Home, swer, “well, I'm still here and he al- (Rick), Louis Garbis, Steven Klund, memories can be shared. PLEASE SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO: Roseland. (973) 226-1111. ways will be here in the minds and Elena Klund, Nancy Kartos, Vasili NAME: ...... hearts of his family and friends.” Kartos, Angelo Kartos, Alexandria ADDRESS: ...... ■ BISSIAS, MICHELE CROCKETT Memorial donations may be made to Drakos, Adrianne Drakos, Angelo This is a service CITY:...... STATE: ...... ZIP:...... SAN DIEGO, CA – The San Diego St. Paul's Hospital Foundation, 1702 Drakos; and special friends, the to the community. TEL.: ...... E-MAIL:...... CELL...... Union-Tribune reported that 20th Street West, Saskatoon SK S7M Shalhoop family. Special thanks to Announcements of deaths Please specify method of payment Michele Crockett Bissias passed 0Z9. The funeral service was held Anedia Jackson and the caregivers at may be telephoned to the away June 3. She is preceded in June 11 at St. John's Anglican Cathe- Shelby Ridge for the loving care they 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 death by her parents, Tom and dral. Email condolences may be sent gave her; to Father Paul and Father The National Herald at or please debit my ❏ Mastercard ❏ Visa ❏ American Express Dorothy Crockett. She is survived by to [email protected]. Elias for visiting and the Sunshine (718) 784-5255, Peter, her loving and devoted hus- Committee of the Greek Orthodox CARD NUMBER: ...... ■ Monday through Friday, band, who she so fondly referred to FLEGAS, PAUL Church for helping Anna stay con- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST EXPIRATION DATE: ...... SIGNATURE:...... as "Sweat Pea" and her precious and ROANOKE, VA - The Roanoke Times nected to her church. A Trisagion or e-mailed to: cherished daughter, Taia, who will reported that Paul C. Flegas, 80, of and a funeral service was held at the [email protected] always be her "Sweet Love." She Roanoke, Va., passed away June 9. Holy Trinity Holy Cross Cathedral. In THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20, 2009 GREECE CYPRUS 9 Acropolis Museum Finally Here – Can Parthenon Marbles Be Far Behind?

Continued from page 1 demands.’ parency throughout. But don’t look The Vanity Fair article then be- down for too long. Raise your eyes quires a lengthy and painstaking gins to make the case for the return and you will be given an arresting process undertaking by skilled and of the marbles to the people of view of the Parthenon, from a build- dedicated craftsmen and techni- Greece by connecting the Parthenon ing that has been carefully aligned cians. In others words, the Greeks and its sculptures to the rest of the to share its scale and perspective care deeply about the Parthenon miracle that is the Golden Age of with the mother ship.” and everything associated with it. Greece, suggesting a mystical con- Professor Dimitrios Pan- Hitchens continues about the Greek nection of the sculptures marbles to dermalis, the director of the muse- genius that created it, “Did you ap- the ground from which their marble um, took Hitchens to the gallery on preciate that each column of the was extracted and in which their the top floor. The later reported that Parthenon makes a very slight in- creators were burying. “the concentric arrangement where- ward incline, so that if projected up- “When we think of Athens in the by the sculpture of the pediment is ward into space they would eventu- fifth century B.C.,” writes Hitchens, nearest the windows, the high-relief ally steeple themselves together at a “we think chiefly of the Euripides metopes are arranged above the symmetrical point in the empyrean? and Sophocles and of philosophy head height (they are supposed to The “rightness” is located some- and politics—specifically democrat- be seen from below), and finally the where between the beauty of sci- ic politics, of the sort that saw Peri- frieze is running at eye level along ence and the science of beauty.” cles repeatedly re-elected in spite of the innermost wall. At any time, Hitchens, being both an art lover complaints that he was overspend- you can turn your head to look up and a social critic, felt compelled to ing. And it’s true that Antigone was and across at the architectural con- tie the restoration of an ancient mas- first performed as the Parthenon text for which the originals were so terpiece to the reconstruction of the was rising, and Medea not all that passionately carved. At last it will be American economy. “The original long after the temple was finished. possible to see the building and its construction of the Parthenon in- From drama to philosophy; Socrates main artifacts in one place and on volved what I call Periclean Keyne- himself was also a stonemason and one day.’ sianism: the city needed to recover sculptor, and it seems quite possible It is hoped that the British Muse- from a long and ill-fought war that he too took part in raising the um will follow the examples of other against Persia and needed also to edifice. So Greece might have some- great cultural instiutions. The Vati- give full employment (and a morale thing to teach us about the arts of re- can returned marble head of a youth boost) to the talents of its citizens. covery as well.” NIKOS DANIILIDIS that belongs in panel 5 of the north Over tremendous conservative op- As for the sculptures themselves, Parthenon Gallery at the New Acropolis Museum. Original Metopes shown with reproductions of missing pieces frieze. The foot of the goddess position, Pericles in or about the “the most lavish and beautiful sculp- Artemis was sent by Salinas Muse- year 450 B.C. pushed through the tural treasury in human history,” least be partially undone. Early in ment that Greece did not have a the sculptures in place. That leave um, in Sicily. From Heidelberg an- Athenian Assembly a sort of stimu- Hitchens informs us that “under the the 19th century, Britain’s ambas- proper place for the marbles. us with the next-best thing…the as- other foot was returned home, that lus package which proposed a labor- direction of the artistic genius sador to the Ottoman Empire, Lord Hitchens tells us the Greeks stepped tonishing new Acropolis Museum,” of a youth playing a lyre. Hitchens intensive reconstruction of what Phidias, the temple had two massive Elgin, sent a wrecking crew to the up and did their duty to the marbles, which Hitchens informs us will con- ponders “Perhaps these acts of cul- had been lost or damaged in the pediments decorated with the fig- Turkish-occupied territory of both the ones in their possession tain ten times the space of the old tural generosity, and tributes to Second Persian War. As Plutarch ures of Pallas Athena, Poseidon and Greece, where it sawed off approxi- which were under attack by 20th museum. artistic wholeness, could ‘set a phrases it in his Pericles: the gods of the sun and the moon. It mately half of the adornment of the century pollution, and the remain- The new museum, according to precedent,’ too?” ‘The house-and-home con- then had a series of 92 high-relief Parthenon and carried it away. Ex- der being held hostage at the British Hitchens, “has had to be mounted The New Acropolis Muse- tingent, no whit less than the sailors panels, or metopes, depicting a suc- cept that half the cast of the tale is Museum. “Beginning in 1992, the above ground on 100 huge rein- um will present the original sculp- and sentinels and soldiers, might cession of mythical and historical still in Bloomsbury, in London, hav- endangered marbles were removed forced-concrete pillars, which allow tures in its possession next to casts have a pretext for getting a benefi- battles. The most intricate element ing been sold well below cost by El- from the temple, given careful you to survey the remnants of villas, of the pieces now in London-held. cial share of the public wealth. The was the frieze, carved in bas-relief, gin to the British government in cleaning…and placed in a climate- drains, bathhouses, and mosaics of Hithchens likes the idea, saying materials to be used were stone, which showed the gods, humans 1816 for $2.2 million in today’s cur- controlled interior. Alas, they can the recently unearthed neighbor- “This has two effects: It allows the bronze, ivory, gold, ebony and cy- and animals that made up the annu- rency to pay off his many debts. never all be re-positioned on the hood below. Much of the ground visitor to follow the frieze round the press-wood; the arts which should al Pan-Athens procession: there (His original scheme had been to Parthenon itself because…Lord El- floors are made of glass so that nat- four walls of a core “cella” and see elaborate and work up these materi- were 192 equestrian warriors and use the sculptures to decorate gin’s goons succeeded in smashing ural light filters down to these exca- the sculpted tale unfold (there, you als were those of carpenter, molder, auxiliaries featured, which happens Broomhall, his rain sodden ances- many of the entablatures that held vations and gives the effect of trans- suddenly notice, is the ‘lowering bronze-smith, stone-cutter, dyer, ve- to be the exact number of the city’s tral home in Scotland, in which case heifer’ from Keats’s ‘Ode on a Gre- neerer in gold and ivory, painter, heroes who fell at the Battle of they might never have been seen cian Urn’). And it creates a natural embroiderer, embosser, to say noth- Marathon. Experts differ on precise- again.) thirst to see the actual re-assembly ing of the forwarders and furnishers ly what story is being told here, but “Ever since Lord Byron wrote his completed.” of the material…It came to pass that the frieze was quite clearly carved as excoriating attacks on Elgin’s colo- The British must be feeling the for every age almost, and every ca- a continuous narrative. nial looting, first in ‘Childe Harold’s heat. It has offered a compromise pacity, the city’s great abundance Hitchens notes that these great Pilgrimage’ (1812) and then in ‘The but Greece will not accept a loans of was distributed and shared by such works of art had their ups and Curse of Minerva’ (1815), there had some works from the British Muse- downs in their homeland. “Five cen- been a bitter argument about the le- um. Maria Patrakis of Bloomberg turies after the birth of Christianity gitimacy of the British Museum’s News reported that Greece would the Parthenon was closed and deso- deal.” Hitchens wrote a book about not accept the museum’s loan condi- lated. It was then ‘converted’ into a the affair that he did not recount in tion – that Greece acknowledge the GREEK POETRY Christian church, before being Vanity Fair except to say “If the fifth-century B.C. antiquities as the transformed a thousand years later Mona Lisa had been sawn in two property of the British Museum. Cul- into a mosque. Turkish forces also during the Napoleonic Wars and the ture Minister Samaras said “Accept- On Poetry and used it for centuries as a garrison separated halves had been acquired ing this is tantamount to legitimiz- and an arsenal, with the tragic result by different museums…would there ing the snatching of the marbles and that there was a disastrous explo- not be a general wish to see what the carving up of the monument 207 Painting sion in 1687. they might look like if re-united. If years ago.” Samaras said Greece After his lesson in art history and you think my analogy is over- would, however, be willing to loan The word is the image of the thing. ancient history, Hitchens addresses drawn,” he says, “consider this: the other works to the Museum “to fill the injustices of the recent past. He body of the goddess Iris is at present the gap when the marbles are re- Poetry is painting that speaks. writes that “The damage done by in London, while her head in turned to the country where they be- Painting is poetry that’s silent the ages to the building, and by past Athens. And so on. This is long.” empires and occupations, cannot all grotesque.” The museum has a brand-new Simonides be put right. But there is one dese- The new Museum is a powerful web site you may visit: Translated by Sherrod Santos cration and dilapidation that can at rebuttal to the longstanding argu- Terracota Nike statues. 1st-3rd c. AD in new museum gallery. www.theacropolismuseum.gr Turmoil In Iran: The latest Enigma Wrapped in God Knows What

Continued from page 1 lamic regime’s security forces opened ernment. There is a very important at reforming it. This was reflected true Islamic revolution that was enti- might be overwhelmed by the protest fire and several demonstrators were point to consider in this regard. The among Monday’s demonstrators. In tled to govern precisely because the vote and rushed to declare the land- By the Fall of 1978, Iran entered a killed. The question everyone is ask- leader of the protest movement who this regard, on Tuesday, the New York people of Iran legitimized its rule that slide “victory” by Ahmadinejad. Ap- revolutionary turmoil as daily mass ing is whether we are witnessing a challenged Ahmadinejad and galva- Times quoted a young demonstrator, is based on Shi’a precepts of Islamic parently this tactic backfired and demonstrations, peaceful ones, de- repetition of the mass protest move- nized the masses, in urban centers es- Ali Reza: “These people are not seek- government. Now the regime is con- now the Islamic regime is faced with manded the ouster of the Shah and ment that toppled the Shah 30 years pecially, is not someone who can be ing a revolution. We don’t want this fronted with this dilemma: To put these painful dilemmas. It’s conces- the return of Khomeini from exile; he ago. There is no easy answer to this considered an opponent of the Islam- regime to fall. We want our voices to down the mass protests with brute sion that the Guardians’ Council will was in Paris at the time. The Shah’s question; an affirmative answer ic character of the regime. Mir Hos- be counted, because we want re- force or accept that there was mass deliberate over the charges of elec- regime was doomed from the mo- would mean that we are faced with sein Mussavi is among the dedicated forms, we want kindness, we want voting fraud and seek a way out by toral fraud and might consider limit- ment his security apparatus started the dynamic of another revolution, a leaders of the Islamic revolution and friendship with the world.” accommodating the reformists. If the ed recounting of the vote, could shooting and killing demonstrators. revolution within the revolution and served it with commitment as Prime This sums up what the anti-Ah- Supreme Leader and the clerical es- mean that the top clerical leadership The Shi’a custom of 40th day memo- against the Islamic revolutionary Minister from 1981-1989. In fact, madinejad protests are about. Over tablishment resort to brute force, giv- under Khamenei has realized that rial services for those killed earlier regime. This is the theocratic regime during his tenure as Premier, the 65% of the Iranian population is un- en the enormous support for Mussavi what is at stake is the very legitimacy provided the rhythm of the revolu- led by Khomeini’s successor, the regime faced the challenge of the der 30 years old, meaning that they and the reform movement, they will of the Islamic regime and that some tion as huge crowds attended these Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Mujahedin Khalq, an Islamo-Marxist were born after the Islamic revolu- risk losing their greatest asset: Their reforms might be necessary. But it ceremonies that turned into anti- Khamenei, the true holder of power opposition group that had a falling- tion of 1978-1979. They are faced legitimacy at home and their appeal might also mean that the regime is Shah demonstrations. in the country. out with Khomeini and started a vio- with a deteriorating economic situa- to the rest of the Muslim and Arab playing for time, hoping that the This past Monday, an enormous The situation in Iran resembles a lent campaign against his regime. tion, students have no future, and world as an alternative form of gov- mass protests will die down. On its crowd, close to one million strong, chaotic cauldron - there is no way to Among others, the Mujahedin assas- above all they are yearning for more ernment with respect to existing part, the opposition considers these gathered at Tehran’s Azadi (Free- predict the course of events. Both the sinated a key figure of the revolution, freedom as they are chafing under regimes, secular, semi-secular and moves, including the ruling by the dom) Square to protest the official re- Islamic regime and the opposition Ayatollah Mohammed Beheshti, the austere and repressive rule of the pro-American. This grave risk is un- Guardian Council expected in ten sults of last Friday’s elections that are confronted with enormous dilem- whose close associate was Moussavi. theocratic regime. Moreover, derstood by at least some elements of days, a whitewash. That is why the gave President Mahmoud Ahmadine- mas. The first question that needs to With Khomeini’s blessings, a resolute women, who are playing a very im- the clerical establishment. They in- mass protests have not abated and jad a landslide victory over his oppo- be answered is whether the opposi- Premier Mussavi confronted ruth- portant role in this protest move- clude former President Hashemi Raf- are continuing with intensity. nent, Mir Hossein Mussavi. It was a tion represents a reform movement lessly the Mujahedin Khalq and neu- ment, are also yearning for a more sanjani, a close Khomeini associate, As for the United States, President political earthquake. The opposition or, since Monday’s mass rally, the tralized their role in Iran. In other open society that will allow them to who sided with Mussavi and the re- Obama struck the right tone in his was convinced that only through sheer number of protestors trans- words, Mussavi, a true child of the Is- escape the “morality police” which formers. cautious statement on Monday and widespread fraud could Ahmadine- formed it into a revolutionary force lamic revolution, does not aim at roams the streets and harasses them Whether there is going to be a se- Tuesday, expressing sympathy for the jad win a two to one victory. The Is- bent to overthrowing the Islamic gov- overthrowing the Islamic regime but if their hair is not completely covered rious split among the clerical rulers reformers and their demands for by a scarf, if they wear lipstick or if remains to be seen. There are signs their vote to be counted but also they hold hands with their boyfriend. that some senior clerics are sensing avoiding explicit condemnation of This younger generation also wants that the very foundation of the Islam- the Islamic regime. For had he de- to see Iran change its role in the inter- ic Republic is at stake and they might nounced it, it would have provided national arena. They are tired of the be willing to abandon Ahmadinejad. the regime with the ideal excuse it is continuous confrontation with the If this happens, we might witness an seeking: To brand the reformists as a West and are willing to open a dia- Iranian form of “perestroika”. Conse- tool of America. The painful memo- logue with the United States, based quently, if the Supreme Leader ries of past American involvement in however, as President Obama has Khamenei and the Guardian Council Iran would be used by the regime to stated, on mutual respect. We are accede to Mussavi’s demands for a discredit Mussavi and the reformist dealing, therefore, with a reform new election, the Islamic regime will opposition. Moreover, the Obama ad- movement, and not a revolutionary open the way to a different Iran, Is- ministration is seeking to engage Iran one, as things stand now. But no-one lamic oriented, but more tolerant do- with regard to its nuclear program so can predict the course of events if mestically and more willing to en- it can deter it from developing nu- mass protests continue and if the gage the West and the United States clear weapons. As in the past, Ameri- regime employs brute force, as it is internationally. If, however, Ayatol- can foreign policy is faced with its capable of doing, to quell the lah Khamenei does indeed retreat own Iran dilemma. protests. and accept the reformers demands, In the end, how this latest chapter The question here is whether Mir then the absolute power monopoly of of the Iran saga will be played out is Hossein Mussavi can harness the the fundamentalist clergy will suffer not amenable to any meaningful pre- mass protests and prevent an escala- an irreversible blow. This would be diction. One can only paraphrase tion of the violence or will the pro- unacceptable to the diehard clerics of what Churchill said about the Soviet testers move ahead of their leader. the Islamic revolution and several of Union: “[Iran] is a riddle, wrapped in The answer is unclear as it is also un- the agencies they control, including mystery, inside an enigma.” That is clear whether the reform movement the army, the powerful Revolutionary why the question whether Iran is en- can be sustained in the form of mass Guards and the Basij, the dreaded tering the post-Khomeini era and protests or fizzle out. But now the militia. They are the ones who have what this could mean, does not have protesters have new and potent tools. been roaming the streets in motor- an answer at this point. They are using the internet, twitter, bikes beating up and intimidating AP PHOTO/PETROS GIANNAKOURIS youtube, face book and cell phones to protesters. Their tactics remind many Dr. Christos P. Ioannides is Director Greek anti-terror officer shot dead in attack organize, things that are difficult for Iranians of similar tactics used by the of the Center for Byzantine and the regime to control. Shah’s security agencies and his Modern Greek Studies, Queens A police officer gathers evidence at the scene of a suspected terrorist attack where a policeman was shot The Islamic regime is also faced dreaded SAVAK. College, CUNY. He is the author of dead, in Athens on Wednesday, June 17, 2009. The murdered officer was guarding a witness in a terrorism with a dire dilemma, more dire per- All this does not mean that the Is- the book, America’s Iran: Injury trial. The murdered officer is seen in the background, in the car covered with a white sheet. Greece's conser- haps than that faced by the reform lamic regime under Khamenei and and Catharsis, based on his experi- vative government denounced the "cowardly attack." There was no claim of responsibility but police movement. Up to the present, the Is- Ahmadinejad is devoid of popular ence in Tehran in February-March matched bullets from at least one of the weapons used to previous attacks carried out by Greek far-left mili- lamic regime of Iran presented itself support. But it appears that the 1980. tant group Sect of Revolutionaries. It was the first targeted killing attributed to domestic terrorism in years. as the expression and symbol of a regime panicked as it feared that it 10 EDITORIALS LETTERS THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20, 2009

The National Herald LETTERS TO THE EDITOR A weekly publication of the NATIONAL HERALD, INC. (ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ), reporting the news and addressing the issues of paramount interest Clinton-NATO Policies In Kosovo, the KLA was caught one third of FYROM into a greater be hearing the ‘Guns of August’ to the Greek American community of the United States of America. A Disaster for the Balkans twice trying to smuggle weapons to Albania. again. their Albanian supporters in FY- In Conclusion, U.S. foreign poli- Respectfully Submitted, Publisher-Editor Antonis H. Diamataris To the Editor: ROM. It has been the dream of the cy and NATO have failed to keep Nicholas Golegos Assistant to Publisher, Advertising Veta H. Diamataris Papadopoulos Professor Stavrou’s article, “The KLA to unite Albania, Kosovo and the peace in the Balkans. We may Flushing, NY Irrelevance of NATO: Sour Grapes Managing Editor Evan C. Lambrou and Bitter fruit,” shows the disas- Assistant Managing Editor Constantine S. Sirigos trous Clinton foreign policy which On Line Assistant Editor Christos Tripoulas has brought suffering to the people Production Manager Chrysoula Karametros in the Balkans. Webmaster Alexandros Tsoukias It all began with the confirma- The National Herald (USPS 016864) is published weekly by tion hearings of Madeleine Al- The National Herald Inc. at 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 bright, for Secretary of State. A Tel: (718)784-5255, Fax: (718)472-0510, question was asked, how can Amer- e-mail: [email protected] ican foreign policy be enhanced? Democritou 1 and Academias Sts, Athens, 10671, Greece Her reply was as follows: “You have Tel: 011.30.210.3614.598, Fax: 011.30.210.3643.776, e-mail: [email protected] this magnificent military machine, why don’t you use it.” Not a single Subscriptions by mail: 1 year $66.00, 6 months $33.00, 3 months $22.00, 1 month $11.00 senator asked her to explain how to Home delivery NY, NJ, CT: 1 year $88.00, 6 months $48.00, 3 months $33.00, 1 month $14.00 use it and why do we need it. Home delivery New England States, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland: We soon saw this military ma- 1 year $109.00, 6 months $57.00, 3 months $41.00, 1 month $18.00 On line subscription: Subscribers to the print edition: 1 year $34.95, 6 months $23.95, chine in action, in the shameful and 3 months $14.95; Non subscribers: 1 year $45.95, 6 months $29.95, 3 months $18.95 disastrous Balkan wars. Bill Clinton dragged a reluctant NATO in this Periodical postage paid at L.I.C., N.Y. and additional mailing offices. conflict, forcing it to bomb Ortho- Postmaster send change of address to: dox Christians. This was to show THE NATIONAL HERALD, 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 the Muslim world that we were even-handed. Unfortunately, in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, our even-handedness is nothing but a Under one magnificent roof joke and hypocrisy. The Clinton-NATO creation in If it was once possible to argue that Modern Greece did not care enough the Balkans is starting to come to properly protect its ancient treasures, that argument is now put to rest. apart. In Bosnia, the Afghan fight- One can argue convincingly, in fact, that Athens has become the place to pro- ers, who volunteered to fight for tect and see the antiquities not only of Greece, but also of the whole world. Bosnia and stayed there, are de- That’s because of the new Acropolis Museum, scheduled to open its doors manding that Bosnia be an Islamic on Saturday, the opening of which will be attended by more than 100 heads state. The Croats and Serbs who live CHRYSANTHI LIRISTIS / SPECIAL TO THE NATIONAL HERALD of State and governments and other dignitaries from around the globe. in the same country want to secede. The reviews of the new museum are terrific, thus far, and the demand for those much-sought-after invitations to the opening ceremony is astonishing. Indeed, the level of excitement in the Greek capital these days is reminiscent of the 2004 Olympic Games. ΛΟΓΟΣ Almost everyone understands that this is a historic occasion, an event that takes place once in a lifetime, where generations of citizens of the world will spend time marveling at masterpieces created by the Ancient Greeks some 2,500 years ago. Naturally, the new museum can not overshadow the Acropolis standing What Would Socrates Do - The Reel Meaning of Greek Film majestically nearby. Nothing in the world could even begin to do that. The Acropolis is one of those breathtaking monuments which define the excel- I admit it, I’m a film buff. Not only which depicts, albeit in- As Socrates pro- third year in 2008. And the third an- lence of human spirit, made possible by extraordinary creative brilliance do I enjoy going to the movie theater famously, my great-un- claimed, “the unexam- nual Los Angeles Greek Film Festival nourished during epic times. to watch films of various genres, I al- cle, Stylianos Pattakos, ined life is not worth liv- will take place this month (June 25- Just seeing the Acropolis is enough reason to travel from the ends of the so love watching them in the privacy who was one of the ing.” Let me hypothe- 28) and will showcase new films Earth to Athens, in fact. But now, visitors will also be rewarded with seeing of my own home and office. I also leaders of the 1967 size that if he were alive from Greek filmmakers worldwide the great artifacts, which once adorned the Acropolis and the surrounding find myself eager to read the movie coup d’état in Greece. today and were he to with the goal of promoting Greek cin- area, under one magnificent roof and – finally – in the comfort and elegance schedule on airline flights so I can Putting political persua- change his view about ema and cultural exchange while they so richly deserve. catch up on films that I might have sion aside, with dark the arts, Socrates would “bridging the gap between Greek The absence of the Parthenon Marbles (what came to be called the “Elgin missed at home. While I don’t con- humor, a faux-docu- be open to using the filmmakers and Hollywood.” Marbles”), therefore, is now an almost unbearable void, much more than be- sider myself to be a film “addict” and mentary style, and a medium of film as a Of course, this says nothing about fore. therefore haven’t yet found it neces- soundtrack by Mikos conceptual and practi- the growing popularity of showcas- It is for these reasons that we believe even more firmly than before that it sary to begin a twelve-step recovery Theodorakis, Z made cal tool for examining ing all things Greek in such new re- is only a matter of time before they are returned to their place of birth, in the program, I may be getting close to be- Gavras’s name and it by Dr. ALEX life. As a filmmaker, I leases as the “feel good” movies, My new brilliant museum just across the street from the Parthenon. coming “powerless” over my need to won an Oscar for best PATTAKOS suspect that Socrates, in Life in Ruins and Mamma Mia. Nor The British Museum has already taken a timid first step in that direction, watch movies! foreign-language film in all his wisdom, would does it explain the phenomenal suc- offering to loan them to the new Acropolis Museum for three months. Fortunately, I also live in a state 1969. Special to want to produce films cess of My Big Fat Greek Wedding Greece could not accept an offer which would forfeit their permanent re- (New Mexico) that is known interna- In addition to view- The National Herald that advanced the hu- and all of the derivative references to turn, however, and the more the realization of the new museum’s excellent tionally for its commitment to ad- ing films and movies as man quest for meaning “My Big Fat Greek” whatever. Like- conditions sinks in, the more strange it will seem to keep the Parthenon Mar- vancing the film industry—nick- an important form of entertainment, by probing deeply into the nature of wise, consider the meaningful legacy bles in London. named “Tamalewood”—and in a I am serious about the intrinsic value our very existence. Today’s Greek of such classics as Never on Sunday community (Santa Fe) that even has and deeper meaning that they pro- filmmakers would benefit from pur- (Pote Tin Kiriaki) and Zorba the its own film festival. In fact, I am a vide as slices of life and story arcs. suing such a lofty goal, in order to Greek (Alexis Zorbas), two existen- member of the Santa Fe Film Festival This applies to both dramatic works make a positive difference in an in- tial dramas that will never be forgot- which has been growing significantly and comedies across the full spec- creasingly uncertain and unstable ten or replaced. Personally, I’m still What’s good for the goose… in popularity and industry recogni- trum of creative expression by film- world. Film, in this meaningful con- waiting for El Greco, which was re- tion. At the 2008 Santa Fe Film Festi- makers of all genres. Indeed, film is a text, provides a needed mirror to re- leased last month in the USA, to There’s an old saying: “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.” val, I’m proud to say, my friend, medium that knows no bounds and mind us who we are and why we ex- come to a theater near me and I can’t What does that mean, however? A gander is a male goose, so if it’s good for James Chressanthis, an extraordi- that can influence, both positively ist. Socrates, you should be proud! wait to see A Touch of Spice (Politiki the female, then it’s also good for the male. Thus, if it’s good enough for one nary cinematographer/director and and not-so-positively, the psyche and Furthermore, films and movies kouzina) when it finally comes to person, it’s also good enough for the other. fellow Greek-American, won the Best the human condition in ways that we comprise a cheaper and easier DVD in a new version (the film was Similarly, if something is good for one group, it’s also good for another, or Documentary Award for his fascinat- are only now beginning to fully ap- method for discovering meaning in originally released in 2003!). And others. ing and meaningful film, “No Subti- preciate. life—and work—than many alterna- the list of Greek films worthy of view- Applying that logic to our own community, then, we want to encourage tles Necessary: Laszlo & Vilmos.” The value and meaning of films tives that require significant invest- ing goes on and on…. In the final the leaders of the various Hellenic American organizations to attend the pro- My personal connection to film, I and movies apply to the imagination ments of time, effort, and money. analysis, it appears that the challenge posed inter-organizational summit, which AHEPA President Ike Gulas has should also add, goes much deeper and resulting products of modern Again, movies pervade our culture. is not a production issue, but a distri- dubbed a “unity forum,” at the upcoming AHEPA Convention in San Francis- than a fancy to watch movies. For Greek filmmakers, as well as to con- Who hasn’t filled an uncomfortable bution issue. It’s time to get “reel” co, prospectively set for Saturday, July 4. many years, I have incorporated the temporary films about Greeks and silence with: “So, have you seen any and ensure that Greek film is ready In an effort to determine what the various organizational leaders thought use of film and movies in my univer- Greece. Even though some ancient good movies lately?” Everyone, it and available for prime time! about Mr. Gulas’ call for a unity forum – the purpose of which is to get peo- sity teaching, business seminars, and Greek philosophers, like Socrates seems, likes talking about movies. ple in the same room and discuss a common strategy to formulate a unified consulting practice as a way to accel- viewed the arts with suspicion be- As Greek Americans, we are fortu- Dr. Pattakos is the author of the message about Hellenic uses for American policymakers – they all agreed it erate and sustain learning. In addi- cause they may “lead away from a life nate to have more of our own “story” international bestselling book, is a very good idea (see story, page 1). tion, I currently have the good for- of reason and depict only an illusory and “personality” reflected and rep- Prisoners of Our Thoughts: Viktor But most of them also said they already have plans to be elsewhere, al- tune of collaborating with some virtue,” there were opposing views. resented in all aspects of the film in- Frankl's Principles for Discover- though they will at least consider sending surrogates to represent them and award-winning Canadian filmmak- Aristotle argued that tragic drama dustry, including production, acting, ing Meaning in Life and Work, their organizations (vice presidents or governors, ostensibly). That’s not a ers (DLI Productions) on a feature- can play a central part in culture and and content. Witness also the recent and the founder of the Center for bad thing. In our view, that’s the least each organization can and should do. length documentary film based on politics, “provided that it is written emergence of “Greek Film Festivals” Meaning, based in Santa Fe, New But it’s striking that, while everyone we spoke to said they are supportive the meaning-centered message intro- and performed so as to achieve the in the USA and around the world. Mexico, USA. His column will be of Mr. Gulas’ initiative – and while some sounded like they had good reasons duced in my book, Prisoners of Our appropriate cathartic harmony of the The sixth annual San Francisco published weekly in The National for not being able to attend personally – almost none of them are actually Thoughts. soul, and thus supports the develop- Greek Film Festival was described as Herald. Readers interested in planning to be in San Francisco, the notable exceptions being Archbishop And this connection goes back ment of virtue.” Movies are one of “a gateway to the rich and vibrant contacting him with questions, Demetrios of America and Ted Spyropoulos, U.S. regional coordinator for even further. This year marks the the central artistic forms of our time, culture of contemporary Greece comments, and/or suggestions the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) and founder of the Hellenic 40th anniversary of Costa-Gavras's playing a role analogous to tragic through cinema.” The New York City for topics can send emails to: American National Council. Academy Award-winning film, “Z,” drama in ancient Athens. Greek Film Festival completed its [email protected]. The Archbishop and Mr. Spyropoulos are clearly taking the prospect of a unity forum seriously, so if it’s good enough for His Eminence and the leader of SAE to be there, then it should also be good enough for the others to do the same. COMMENTARY We understand that some of the leaders we interviewed need to be over- seas, but we also believe there is wiggle room for some of them to perhaps modify their plans in order to accommodate this rare opportunity. To be fair, there seems to be a lag in communication. Some of the leaders told us they hadn’t received their invitations yet. AHEPA tells us the invita- The Rule of Law versus Connect the Dots tions started going out on May 27. Whatever the case may be, Mr. Gulas has been trying to talk up the unity By Steve Frangos state. For those of you who think against Turkey after Turkish inva- Whose national interests are being forum since the spring, and while receiving an official invitation is certainly Special to The National Herald this is all pie in the sky nonsense of sion of Cyprus in 1975 recalled. Is served by that annual rejection of desirable, there’s nothing wrong with picking up the phone: “Hey, I heard little consequence in everyday life noted that Turkey was allowed to do documented history? you want to organize this. Don’t you want me to be there, too? How can I Does ultimate sovereignty really let me ask you a question: ‘when this by treaty, because Greek adven- The late Howard K. Smith was a help?” reside with the express will of the was the last time you voted for a for- turers had seized Cyprus. Result of member of the ‘liberal media’, but I We also understand that the forum would be taking place at the end of American people? I’ve been think- eign policy on a ballot?’ United States arms embargo on re- don’t think you could call him a pro- Mr. Gulas’ presidency; that there will be a new AHEPA president after this ing about this question since I found Why is Turkey, which has the lations between Turkey and United gressive radical journalist of the ex- year’s AHEPA Convention concludes its proceedings. But that shouldn’t dis- Howard Zinn’s book ‘Disobedience 17th largest economy in the world, States as well as with NATO (North treme Left! In fact, why is the vast suade organizational leaders from making an effort to be there. It’s an op- and Democracy: Nine Fallacies on also the third largest recipient of Atlantic Treaty Organization) and majority of the ‘liberal media’ all portunity to say farewell to an out-going leader; lay the groundwork for fu- Law and Order (New York: Vintage American foreign aid after Israel Turkey's incrd. relations with USSR owned by billionaires and multina- ture discussion with an incoming leader; and set the stage for future inter- Books, 1968).’ Zinn wrote this book and Egypt? Did you vote for that? reported Comment is on Greek- tional corporations? Wouldn’t liber- organizational relations and communication. in response to a 55 page booklet And let us get to the core of this American's placing nation of ethnic alist journalists be against the poli- We would also like to offer a word of caution. ‘Concerning Dissent and Civil Dis- question, ‘why can’t we vote for how origin above ints. of actual cntry.” tics of the conservative rich? The One of the arguments being tossed around concerning the prospect is obedience’ written by Supreme our tax dollars are spent in foreign Now wait a minute. Who is de- media wouldn’t be lying to us about that specialist organizations should be allowed to take the lead on narrower Court Justice Abraham Fortas aid?’ termining what the actual foreign what is liberal and what is conserva- issues (e.g., the Pan-Macedonians should lead on the Macedonia name dis- (1910–1982). Zinn’s book is a de- The last time Greek America rose interests of the country are in this tive so that they could frame the ar- pute), and that the other organizations should follow suit and stay on-mes- tailed response to nine specific up and challenged public policy was specific matter? And what are these gument and push all arguments fur- sage. points raised by Fortas. during and immediately after the in- interests? ther and further to the right of the On the surface, that sounds fine. But it’s also potentially divisive. While While I encourage everyone to vasion of Cyprus. Dubbed the ‘Greek Has it not been your experience political spectrum – would they? we do not doubt that the Macedonians, Epirotes and Cypriots feel more pas- read Zinn’s account, the overall de- Lobby’ this successful grass roots that Greek Americans or any other I took enough Greek school to sionately and generally know more about their specific issues and concerns, bate can be distilled into a single op- challenge to Washington foreign ‘ethnic’ American has a grasp of the know the difference between a plu- we must point out that we’re all people of Greek heritage here. position. Fortas sees the rule of law policy brought with it a hail storm of ‘other country’ in question that is far tocracy and a democracy. If in the fi- As such, those whose ancestries are tied to a particular part of Greece and the courts as the final arbitra- negative press. Among the most fa- different than the average Ameri- nal analysis the Washington politi- must also be willing to let others of Greek heritage offer their opinions – tors of all public life. For Fortas, civil mous of these critics of the Greek can’s? Be they your neighbor or cians are using the rule of law sim- from the outside looking in, as it were. We need to be less parochial and disobedience is framed by the laws lobby was Howard K. Smith’s com- your state senator? ply as a cover for seizing and consol- think more about the bigger picture. of the land and must ultimately bow mentary on the ABC Evening News Why, if the United States’s politi- idating their class-based power It’s crucial that the various organizations agree on the message for each to the law and arbitrators of those for Friday, Apr 07, 1978. cal system is based on the will of the what is to be done? Are we to obey individual issue, and then stay on-message about it, but no single organiza- published texts. You can actually order and see people, do you hear newscasters laws designed to enslave us? Or as tion should insist on dictating policy. The whole point is to fine-tune each For Zinn, the ultimate founda- this historic telecast from Vanderbilt speak out against legal and lawful true citizens are we rather called on message so that all can agree, and not to be stubborn about it if, after reason- tion for law rests with the will of the Television News Archives dissent against a specific foreign to disobey these false mandates pos- able discussion, the majority feels a particular message should change a lit- people. So civil disobedience is but (http://tvnews.vanderbilt.edu/pro- policy? Can you imagine Smith or ing as law and see to the speedy ar- tle. one way to express how the people gram.pl?ID=53752). The descrip- any other American newscaster rest and conviction of the criminals Finally, we urge the organizations to use the most recent policy state- want their servant government to tion for this program reads as fol- speaking out against the Anti- posing as saints? ments released by the American Hellenic Institute, which were endorsed by change or to repeal a law they col- lows: Headline: Commentary Defamation League or say even the eight different Hellenic organizations, as a starting point for discussion. The lectively believe is wrong. (Greek-American Lobby, Turkey Episcopal Church? Yet every year Readers interested in contacting Mr. foundation for unity and a unified message is there. We just need to organize Zinn throughout the book draws Arms Embargo and Cyprus) Ab- the Armenians are refused a Con- Frangos are welcome to e-mail him ourselves a little better, treat each other with courtesy and respect, and build a sharp distinction between the in- stract: (Studio) Greek-American gressional sanction against Turkey at [email protected] on that foundation for an effective lobby. terests of citizens and those of the lobby's passage of arms embargo for the Asia Minor Holocaust. THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20, 2009 VIEWPOINTS 11 LETTER FROM ATHENS Obama Is George W. Bush All Dressed Up

Politicians and members of the breath of fresh air gy that Bush negotiated. ily discernible, particularly on social media who are firmly entrenched with his soaring Some experts now be- issues, though certainly not at odds Alexander the Great Will within their camps are quite dramat- rhetoric and all- lieve that the timeline with one another. Obama is no more ic storytellers. Nuance and complex- around finesse. needs to be extended willing to embrace gay marriage ity are not their strong suits. Take Panache aside, be- and that a small Ameri- than Bush had been, and Bush was Rise Again Over the Slavs their versions of current affairs, for yond the natty attire can force ought to re- no less open to a progressive immi- example. According to the left, and the cosmopolitan main there for decades, gration policy than Obama is. Grant- It was a grand ges- years to adore him and America was in good shape during elocution, Bush and but Obama is unlikely to ed, our country is spending more to ture by FYROM (For- say he’s one of them. the President Clinton’s 1990s. But Obama are not so easy buck conventional wis- accelerate economic growth than it mer Yugoslav Republic FYROMians love then George W. Bush became presi- to differentiate so far. dom. Moreover, while ever has, but let us not forget that of Macedonia,) the Alexander even more dent after “stealing” the election, Obama is extending most analysts concede both President Bush and Republican poor, tiny, neighbor- than the Greeks do, be- and ruined everything. “The worst many of the Bush poli- that America’s invasion presidential candidate John McCain hood with a population cause you can’t find president ever,” Bush supposedly cies into a third term. by CONSTANTINOS E. of Afghanistan in 2001 endorsed the original bailout, before of two million Bulgari- much about him in destroyed everything he touched. At least with regards SCAROS was a war of necessity, Obama ever took office. As for any an-dialect-speaking Greece, although per- Just in the nick of time, the country to foreign affairs, they contend that the re- notions that Obama would be an an- Macedonian Slavs just haps they’re still sore saved itself by electing Barack Oba- Obama has followed Special to cent surge there, advo- ti-Wall Street populist, he has north of the real Mace- that on his way to con- ma president. Obama has done in his predecessor’s The National Herald cated by Obama, is a awarded a heck of a lot of money to donia in Greece, to an- quering the world he everything right so far and the only footsteps. In his recent war of choice. How do big banks and large corporations. nounce plans to build a burned down Thebes reason many of America’s problems speech at the University of Cairo, those who view Obama as the an- The politicians and their syco- 22-meter (72-foot) by ANDY and sacked Thrace, remain unsolved is because even the Obama echoed Bush’s sentiments, tithesis to Bush differentiate be- phants will continue to spin their ex- high statue of Greek DABILIS which made the Atheni- mighty Obama cannot undo in a few albeit with a more polished delivery. tween the Iraq offensive in 2003 and treme tales, labeling one president a hero Alexander the ans – who stood up months all of the damage that Bush Rather than rile the largely Muslim the recent surge in Afghanistan? hero and the other a goat – take your Great, the young war- Special to against the Persian em- had done over eight years. crowd by referring to terrorists as, Those who clamored for the presi- pick as far as who is who. The cynics rior who conquered the The National Herald pire – think twice about The right-wing does not lack flair well, “terrorists,” Obama called dent to bring our troops home at will insist that Obama never intend- world by the time he angering their young for the dramatic, either. According them “violent extremists.” Nonethe- once should have voted for Democ- ed to bring change to American poli- died in 323 B.C. at the age of 33. imperialist hero-in-waiting. It’s too to the Republicans, Obama is a So- less, he made it clear that his num- rat Dennis Kucinich or Republican tics, but said whatever it took to get Alexander was determined to spread bad the FYROMians didn’t go all the cialist who will destroy America. ber one priority is to protect the Ron Paul – the only two major party elected. If it makes all of them feel Hellenism, having learned of its glory way and have the statue cast in “The most liberal president ever,” American people from their attacks. candidates in a sea of contenders any better, they can rationalize their from his tutor, the great Greek Greece, where they know a thing or Obama is naïve at best, an anti- That’s what Bush has been saying who promised to do just that. confusion by thinking of Obama as philosopher Aristotle. That was two about sculpture. Instead, they American terrorist sympathizer at for the past eight years. On the domestic front, the differ- Bush all dressed up. 2,332 years ago. are leaving it to the Italians, who worst. In fact…gasp…he may not As for exiting Iraq, Obama’s ences between the two presidents’ It would be encouraging, howev- FYROM’s Prime Minister, Nikola were great copiers of ancient Greek even be an American citizen! timetable is based on the exit strate- approaches are somewhat more eas- er, if they could evolve from their Gruevski, 38, didn’t forget his fami- art, in a deal signed secretly last year If America’s left and right wings stubborn views and be open to a ly’s roots in his magnanimity, his pa- because the government didn’t want would step down from Mount Hy- more plausible explanation. Name- ternal grandparents coming from the public to know how much it perbole for a moment, perhaps they ly, that Obama the candidate, bril- Achlada, a village in the Florina pre- would cost, a mistake since all FYRO- would begin to understand that not liant as he was, could not possibly fecture of northern Greece. It was Mians would have opened their wal- every story needs a hero and a vil- have envisioned what Obama the wonderful he put aside his usual an- lets, which have little in them, and lain – at least, not every story that is president sees. That the problems tagonism toward Greece to recognize their hearts, to welcome home their true. In fact, as reluctant as they facing us both at home and abroad Greece’s number one hero, as voted Greek hero. might be to admit it, Bush and Oba- are more complex than presidential by Greeks during a television poll, in- There was some trepidation in FY- ma have a lot more in common than campaigns make them out to be. stead of a Slavic hero, which would ROM that building the statue would their respective supporters and de- Perhaps Presidents Bush and Obama have taken him 2,332 years to find. anger Greece, which has been locked tractors would lead us to believe. have a mutual respect and under- In his desire to honor the great Greek in an 18-year-long war of words with One might say that Obama is standing for one another because of hero, who will be shown astride his FYROM over its name, has blocked “George W. Bush all dressed up.” their unique vantage points. They horse Bucephalus – just as he is in a FYROM’s entry into NATO and Much like the time Otis Campbell, are, after all, presidents. The rest of statue in the Greek city of Thessaloni- threatens to do the same for its Euro- Mayberry’s town drunk on “The us are not. ki that FYROM wants – Gruevski pean Union bid. How silly! Greece Andy Griffith Show”, surprised the doesn’t care that the plans to build welcomes this honor! How can townfolk by showing up to a dinner Constantinos E. Scaros is a pub- the statue in his capital city of Skopje, Greece be upset that FYROM claims in his honor well-dressed, clean- lished author and expert in Amer- with a church and another dozen Alexander as its own, as any self-re- shaven and as sober as a judge. Con- ican presidential history, with a specting country would when they trary to what some might believe, or background in Ancient Greek his- don’t have their own hero. The Alba- would like the rest of us to believe, AP PHOTO/ LEE JIN-MAN tory. He teaches history, political How can Greece be nians claim him too, saying his moth- Bush is neither the town drunk nor A protester holds a composite photograph of President Barack Obama science, and law at New York Uni- upset that FYROM er was Albanian, and they have indis- the village idiot. To the extent that and former President George W. Bush during a rally opposing a meet- versity, and is the Dean of Crimi- putable proof, a video on Youtube, many of the Bush-bashers perceive ing between Obama and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak in nal Justice at Katharine Gibbs Col- claims Alexander apparently discovered in a time cap- him as such, however, Obama is a the United States, near the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, Tuesday, June 16. lege. as its own? sule buried 2,000 years ago, so you know it’s accurate. “Slowly, slowly statues of historic figures – unknown the Greek lies that everybody famous outside FYROM - will cost $14 mil- was Greek is going the opposite,” the lion, and the statue alone will cost video states, so maybe they can build $6.2 million. Sure it’s expensive, es- a statue of Alexander in Tirana too, The Need to Engage Turkey with Pressure pecially in a country which actually although that guarantees nobody boasts to would-be investors, if they will see it as no one has been there There is an urgent need in the in- the Aegean. Communi- its Armenian Geno- U.S. to strengthen our position and can find any, the average monthly since 323 B.C. terest of the United States to engage ty organizations and in- cide, Pontian Greek interests in Southeastern Europe wage is $440 and unemployment is Everybody wants a piece of Turkey with pressure in order to dividuals should call on Genocide and Assyri- and the Eastern Mediterranean. 35 percent. Maybe he can put some Alexander, as the Greek and Iraqi make progress and to settle a num- the U.S. to state pub- an Genocide. The infa- The fifteen specific actions listed in of them to work building the statue. governments agreed to put up a stat- ber of outstanding issues. Words are licly the law regarding mous burning of IRFA regarding violations of reli- Gruevski is such an admirer of ue of the conqueror near the port city important but they are not enough. the maritime boundary Smyrna and slaughter gious freedom can obviously be ap- Greek history, inasmuch as FYROM of Mosul, at the battlefield of Words need to be followed by ac- in the Aegean and of the Armenian and plied to other foreign policy issues doesn’t have any, that he’s even had Gaugamela where he crushed the tion – by specific acts to get results. specifically request the Greek Christians of such as Cyprus and the Aegean. The the airport, which was named for a Persian army in 331 B.C. Not since Meeting with photo opportuni- U.S. to inform Turkish Smyrna ordered by President and the State Department tiny village, renamed to Alexander the Australians adopted Waltzing ties can be helpful, but if they are officials that if they do Ataturk should never should do so. the Great Airport, even though only a Matilda, the song that describes the not combined with calls for action not stop their threats be forgotten. And the These actions range from an offi- few major airlines go there since no- awful slaughter of their soldiers at they can become quite harmful be- against Greece in the catastrophic pogrom cial public demarche, a public con- body else wants to either. Perhaps Gallipoli in Turkey in the First World cause they leave the obvious im- Aegean and aerial en- by EUGENE T. against the 100,000 demnation, a denial of working, of- that’s why he’s adopted Alexander, so War, has a country sought to glorify pression the community is not real- croachments in the ROSSIDES Greek Christians of Is- ficial or state visits, to directing the FYROMians can have someone to its worst defeat, so you can imagine ly serious. All meetings with Execu- Aegean, that the U.S. tanbul on September U.S. EXIM bank and other U.S. in- look up to, which would be a nice the awe in which Alexander, a Greek tive Branch officials or members of will take actions to Special to 6-7, 1955, brilliantly stitutions not to approve any cred- change of view since everyone is al- hero, is held even in the old Persian Congress and their staffs should in- pressure Turkey to The National Herald described by Professor its, guarantees or insurance; to ways looking down on them, just the Empire. The only unfortunate side- clude specific requests for diplo- comply. Speros Vryonis, Jr. in withdrawing U.S. security assis- way Alexander will be when the stat- effect is that this has gone to Gruevs- matic, political and economic pres- ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE his monumental book The Mecha- tance; to directing U.S. executive ue is finished in 2010. They just can’t ki’s head, because his nationalist par- sures on Turkey to achieve our ob- It is not enough for the U.S. to nism of Catastrophe (2005), should directors of the IMF and World get enough of Alexander in FYROM ty said not only was Alexander the jectives. call for religious freedom and pro- never be forgotten. Bank to oppose and vote against and there’s even a big bust of him in Great a Slav, but that the white race CYPRUS tection for the Ecumenical Patriar- Contrary to the false and mis- loans; and to impose trade sanc- the Alexander the Great Airport, so came from Slavic territory it said was It is not enough for the U.S. to chate and for the reopening of the leading statements of State Depart- tions; among others. it’s a nice jump that they went from Macedonian and not Greek. But un- say it supports a Cyprus settlement Halki Patriarchal School of Theolo- ment officials and certain former COMMUNITY ACTION NEEDED showing his head to showing all of less they can cite a legitimate historic based on bi-zonal, bi-communal gy. Our community organizations U.S. ambassadors to Turkey and Call and write to the President him, instead of doing a bas relief or reference like Youtube or Twitter you federation with a single sovereign- and individuals should call on Exec- Turkey’s paid U.S. foreign agents of and ask him to stop the appease- just half. can’t believe it, and 2,332 years from ty. In any meeting or one-on-one ex- utive Branch officials and members influence registered with the De- ment of Turkey and to take specific Sadly, there have been some now Alexander the Great will still be changes with Congressional or Ex- of Congress to state publicly their partment of Justice, Turkey has not actions against Turkey in the inter- naysayers in FYROM, but maybe Greek and there will be a statute of ecutive Branch officials, members support for religious freedom and been a “loyal ally.” ests of the U.S. to settle the Cyprus that’s because they’re a landlocked him in FYROM to prove it. of our community should call for protection of the Ecumenical Patri- As I have written previously and Aegean problems and to region and can’t get to the Greek the removal now of Turkey’s illegal archate and the reopening of Halki, Turkey is an unreliable ally who ac- achieve religious freedom in Turkey beaches they think belong to them. Mr. Dabilis was the New England occupation forces, estimated at and the return of over 7,000 church tually aided the Soviet Union’s mili- and the reopening of Halki. “There has been a fuss made in the editor for United Press Interna- 40,000, and its illegal Turkish set- properties confiscated by the Turk- tary on several occasions during the Contact the President as follows: public as if we are doing terrible tional in Boston, and a staff writer tlers/colonists from Anatolia, esti- ish government; and specifically re- Cold War over the objections of the President Barack Obama damage to the state,’’ said Skopje’s and assistant metropolitan editor mated at 180,000, and specifically quest that the U.S. inform Turkish U.S. and NATO. And more recently The White House Mayor Vladimir Todorovic. ‘‘I regret at the Boston Globe for 17 years request that the U.S. inform Turkish officials that if they do not respond the Turkish parliament voted in 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW this. The monuments are marvelous, before relocating to Greece. His officials that the U.S. will take ac- affirmatively that the U.S. will take March 2003 not to allow use of Washington, DC 20500 fascinating. We will have something column is published weekly in the tion to pressure Turkey to comply. actions to pressure Turkey to do so. Turkish territory to open a second Tel. 202-456-1111 (Comments) to be proud of in two or three years,’’ National Herald. Readers interest- Similarly, regarding other as- It is a disgrace and a strain on the front against Saddam Hussein be- 202-456-1414 (Main Switchboard) he added. That seems fair enough, ed in contacting him can send e- pects of the Cyprus problem, for ex- State Department that it has failed cause they wanted a total of 32 bil- Fax: 202-456-2461 since they waited more than 2,000 mails to [email protected]. ample, the return of the ghost city to apply the specific terms of the In- lion dollars from the U.S. The U.S. E-mail: of Famagusta, as promised by the ternational Religious Freedom Act Treasury negotiator called Turkey’s [email protected] U.S. and Turkey in the 1978 debate of 1998 (IRFA) to Turkey. The Act actions “extortion in the name of al- Send copies to Secretary of State on lifting the rule of law arms em- lists 15 specific remedial actions the liance.” Hillary Clinton, Secretary of De- GUEST EDITORIALS: The National Herald welcomes manuscripts repre- bargo, the community needs to re- President can take against countries Appeasing Turkey these past 50 fense Robert Gates, National Secu- quest action to pressure Turkey to violating religious freedom. years has not worked. It is past time rity Adviser General James Jones, senting a variety of views for publication in its View Points page. They should return Farmagusta now. TURKEY to take action against Turkey to (Ret.) and Congress. include the writer’s name, address, telephone # and be addressed to the AEGEAN BOUNDARY Turkey is an anti-Christian and achieve U.S. aims. View Points Editor, The National Herald, 37-10 30th St., LIC, NY 11101. They It is not proper nor in the inter- anti-Semitic nation. In the 20th cen- U.S. ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN Mr. Rossides is President and can also be e-mailed to [email protected]. Due to con- ests of the U.S. for the U.S. to refuse tury Turkey was the leading anti- There are a number of specific Founder of the American Hellenic siderations of space we enforce a strict 850-word upper limit. We reserve the or fail to state what the law is re- Christian nation in the world, actions the U.S. can and should take Institute and a former Assistant right to edit. garding the maritime boundary in killing over 2,500,000 Christians in against Turkey in the interest of the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury. Elevate Greek Festivals with Culture and the World Will Beat a Path to Our Door by Christopher Tripoulas and Aeschylus’ works is just as pro- could attract national audiences. is more a question of cooperation weeks ago. Schools and universi- to Greece than just souvlaki and found and meaningful today as it An examination of the potential and synergy than it is of funding. ties engaged in similar theatrical syrtaki. Pastries and foods are a A conversation with Queens was nearly 2,500 years ago. In an that universities and foundations Some noteworthy examples are efforts could cooperate with other nice attraction, but there’s got to be College’s Director of Byzantine and era where most fads don’t even last have in shaping public opinion and the establishment of the Archdioce- local Greek (and non-Greek) com- more to a show than just the pop- Modern Greek Studies Dr. Christos for more than a couple of months – policy reaffirms that one of the san Metropolitan Youth Choir, or munities to help bring attention to corn if it’s ever going to serve a Ioannides is always a wise invest- tops – that’s saying a lot for the con- Greek American community’s local choruses and musical compa- the Greek theater and raise funds meaningful purpose. ment of time. Whether it’s listening tinuity and universality of the Hel- greatest assets is the world nies at Greek schools and commu- for related cultural events. Adding some more culture to to his expertise on Greek studies, lenic perspective. The same was the renowned reputation of the Hel- nities. This effort can and should be Theater has occupied a promi- Greek festivals would be smart discussing the needs of Greek Edu- case when Euripides’ anti-war “Tro- lenic legacy. And while no one insti- nent role at Greek festivals since “cultural diplomacy.” It is an invest- cation and its future here in the jan Women” or “Iphigenia in Aulis” tution can or should claim exclusiv- ancient times. The Greek festivals ment in Greek America’s future. It’s United States, or talking about was being promoted by opponents ity in the handling of this legacy, as The Greek festivals that Greek Orthodox parishes also the surest way to ensure our Greek national issues and interna- of the Iraqi War, not to mention many as possible should display a that…parishes across across America produce annually community will be linked more tional affairs, there is much to be Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata”, which vigorous interest. would benefit greatly from the pre- with the grandeur of Hellenic cul- learned. served as the impetus for a Many times, culture is automati- America produce sentation of theatrical perfor- ture – which is admired and re- One of the very valid points that women’s political reform move- cally written-off as the prerogative annually would benefit mances. From large cities to sub- spected all across the world – and Dr. Ioannides brought up (see the ment in Kenya that received exten- of museums, galleries, or major greatly from thea- urbs all over the United States, an- not just with ouzo and tzatziki. Our article “Queens College Greek sive coverage worldwide this theater companies. There is a ten- nual Greek festivals draw crowds. efforts with translate into increased Studies Center Celebrates 35 Years Spring. dency to believe that if you do not rical performances People in local neighborhoods look political influence and social of Service to Greek Paideia in Dr. Ioannides was right in cred- have the resources to exhibit some forward to the food, music, danc- prominence. America” in its entirety on our Web- iting institutions like the Onassis major artifact of antiquity, feature extended to the university level. ing, games, etc. Some visitors plan site) is the timeless and relevant Foundation and its Cultural Center an A-list tenor or soprano, or an ac- Another example is the presen- their entire day around these festi- Christopher Tripoulas is an ad- nature of Greek culture. As an ex- in New York for trying to promote tor from the National Theater Com- tation excellent Greek plays by vals. junct professor of Speech and In- ample, he cited the ancient Greek Hellenic culture across mainstream pany, the responsibility for propa- Greek schools like the Plato Acade- While there’s nothing wrong terpersonal Communications at plays “Ajax” and “Philoctetes,” American society. Their annual gating culture lies elsewhere. my in Brooklyn, which produced with appealing to the people’s de- St. John's University. He also spe- which are being presented on a na- events draw the interest of our non- Another excellent point from Sophocles’ “Antigone” last month, sire for ethnic food and pop music, cializes in translation, and sever- tional tour for Iraqi War veterans. Greek fellow citizens from all over the interview with Prof. Ioannides or the William Spyropoulos in popularizing theatrical perfor- al of his translations from Greek The idea behind this is that the the New York Metropolitan area. that is worth thinking about is his Flushing, which presented a drama mances at these festivals would let to English have been published. message delivered from Sophocles Conferences with expert panels belief that promoting Greek Paideia on the Pontian genocide a few the public know that there’s more 12 THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 20, 2009