O C V ΓΡΑΦΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ Bringing the news ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΣΜΟΥ to generations of ΑΠΟ ΤΟ 1915 The National Herald Greek Americans A WEEKLY GREEK AMERICAN PUBLICATION c v www.thenationalherald.com VOL. 12, ISSUE 581 November 29, 2008 $1.25 GREECE: 1.75 EURO Rep. Niki Volunteers in Mass. Tsongas Is Deliver 1,050 Smiles to Committed Needy on Thanksgiving To Serving By Theodore Kalmoukos son, Mrs. Voula Manolis. “She does Special to The National Herald not even show me the names,” Mr. Manolis said. Wife of Late Sen. Paul BOSTON – Nicholas Manolis and Mr. Manolis has named this pro- his family passed out 1,050 smiles ject of love and philanthropy “Pro- Tsongas Talks About to less fortunate people of all ages ject Helping Hands” and it has its in order to enjoy a very humane, roots deeply in his heart. This is Issues and Memories rich and joyous Thanksgiving meal. how it started, “When we first im- For the 15th consecutive year, migrated to the U.S. in 1966 from By Evan C. Lambrou Nick Manolis, owner of the Dracut Grevena with my parents, we went Special to The National Herald House of Pizza & Seafood Restau- to New Mexico where there were rant in Dracut, Massachusetts do- no good job opportunities. I was 7 NEW YORK – “While I’m not Greek nated 1,050 festive baskets to years old and I was going to school by heritage, I like to say I’m Greek by needy fellow human beings who without knowing English at all. The osmosis, having lived with my hus- have been stricken by hard times, first day that I went to school I saw band and his family, and in the illness, loneliness, and advanced the other kids at lunch time going Greek American community in Low- age. to the cafeteria and filling up their ell for so many years,” Congress- Having at his side his wife, trays with food to eat. I also took a woman Niki Tsongas (D-Massachu- Voula, his two sons Eftymios, a tray and put on a lot of food be- setts) told the National Herald. pharmacy student at Northeastern cause I was hungry but they Rep. Tsongas was first elected to University of Boston and Elias, a stopped me and they told me that I Massachusetts’ 5th Congressional business administration student at had to pay 25 cents, but I did not District during a special election in Middlesex College in Andover, have any money and they did not 2007. She was re-elected unopposed Massachusetts, his close friend allow me to eat. In the afternoon this past November, and continues John Zaralides of Lowell and a the same thing was repeated with to occupy the same seat once held by huge army of men and women vol- ice cream. The attendants at the her husband, the late Paul Tsongas, unteers prepared and distributed cafeteria did not allow me to have a before he went onto to become a 1,050 baskets with all the necessary little ice cream because I did not U.S. Senator and eventually make a items needed for a complete have 10 cents to pay. At that very bid for the Democratic Presidential Thanksgiving dinner: turkey, bread, moment I swore to myself and said I nomination in 1992. rice, potatoes, stuffing, carrots, Senator Tsongas died on January cranberries, coffee, cake, two liters Continued on page 7 18, 1997 due to complications from TNH/COSTAS BEJ of Coca-Cola and other items. non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was Volunteers of the St. Demetrios parish in Jamaica, Queens prepare to serve the annual Thanksgiving feast Two big trucks loaded with food just 55 years of age. to the community’s senior citizens on Monday afternoon, November 24, 2008. The Jamaica Center for the items were parked outside of Mr. In an interview with the Herald, aged is among the highest rated in New York. Manolis’ store from where the de- WITH THIS ISSUE Mrs. Tsongas, the first woman elect- liveries were done under the super- ed to serve in Massachusetts’ Con- vision of Mr. Manolis who starts the gressional delegation in almost preparation process from Septem- three decades, cited her husband’s ber. commitment to public service as a Everything started 15 years ago key factor in her decision to run for Cyprus Accuses Turkey of Provocations with 30 turkeys that Mr. and Mrs. Congress ten years after he passed Monolis cooked and delivered to away, counting a life in public ser- NICOSIA (AP) – Cyprus accused sovereign rights with determina- cupied north – a breakaway state the needy because the recipients vice among the best ways to lead Turkey this past Tuesday of naval tion,” Christofias said shortly before which only Ankara recognizes – did not have ovens to cook them. one’s life, and said she and her hus- “provocations” over the island re- a new round of peace talks with since 1974, when Turkey invaded to “We never imagined that we band were both inspired by the polit- public’s offshore oil-and-gas explo- Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali exploit a failed Athens-backed coup would be in today’s position to de- ical spirit of John F. Kennedy as ration bid. Talat. of supporters of union with Greece. liver 1,050 portions. We were say- young adults. Cypriot officials said that, on Christofias and Talat restarted Cyprus began searching for oil ing in the beginning we are going to She also noted how closely her two separate occasions this month, reunification talks in September af- and gas off southern Cyprus several reach 50 then 100 and that will be life with her husband was connected a Turkish warship approached a ter a four-year stalemate between years ago. The island has signed it, but we reached 200, then 300, to her Congressional seat, and pair of chartered Norwegian survey the two sides during the presidency agreements with Lebanon and then 500. Last year we had 788 and talked about how they met, adding ships off southern Cyprus and or- of Tassos Papadopoulos. U.N. En- Egypt to mark the undersea bound- this year 1,050.” More than 50 fam- that it was his great intelligence and dered them to leave the area. voy Alexander Downer has said the aries for oil exploration. Cyprus al- ilies of Greek descent are among sense of humor which drew her to Republic of Cyprus President new talks will continue well into so wants to auction drilling rights. those who received the baskets, but him. Demetris Christofias said his gov- 2009. Greek Cypriots have not tried to nobody knows who they are. “Con- “I’ve always felt that a life of pub- ernment is lodging formal protests Cyprus has been divided be- explore the waters off northern fidentiality is strictly observed,” Mr. lic service is one of the best ways to with the United Nations and the Eu- tween a Greek Cypriot south – Cyprus, which are controlled by Manolis said. Nobody knows the lead your life. I think that was borne ropean Union. whose government is recognized names and the agencies except for from my father’s tenure in the Air “We will defend our Republic’s internationally – and a Turkish-oc- Continued on page 9 only one highly confidential per- Force. Both my parents were com- mitted to serving our country, albeit in a very different way. They did it quietly and enjoyed it, and felt it was a valuable experience. The presiden- cy of John F. Kennedy itself also Lucas and Aussie Hellenic drew many young people to politics as a way of public service, and the Penelope Tsilas Studies Center many years I shared with my hus- band when he was in public life – all of those things combined never al- Honored Closing lowed me to change my view about the great value of public service,” she said. By Demetris Tsakas By Stavros T. Stavridis “When this seat opened up, it was Special to The National Herald Special to The National Herald not something I ever planned on or anticipated trying for, but when NEW YORK – The Ladies Philopto- MELBOURNE – The National Cen- Marty Meehan resigned to become chos Benevolent Society of the ter for Hellenic Studies and Re- chancellor of the University of Mass- Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan search (NCHSR) also known by its achusetts in Lowell, there were a Cathedral of Holy Trinity in Man- Greek acronym as (EKEME) will couple of things I felt we truly need- hattan held its annual Chrysanthe- cease operations in about 6 weeks. mum Ball on Friday, November 21. Latrobe University of Australia Continued on page 5 This year’s honorees were The made a decision to close it down Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit and replace it with another Hel- Foundation – whose New York of- lenic Center. This article is a brief fice is currently in its tenth year of exposé of the history of operation – and Mrs. Penelope Tsi- NCHSR/EKEME and the review las, who was recognized for her committee’s findings and recom- HLA Holds contribution to the Philoptochos’ mendations to Latrobe University. philanthropic service. A BRIEF HISTORY OF Annual Gala The Archdiocesan Cathedral NCHSR/EKEME Philoptochos President Catherine This Center was founded in Moutoussis spoke about her organi- 1997 by the Latrobe University In New York zation’s charitable work, noting Council through the generosity of that it was among the nation’s old- TNH/COSTAS BEJ benefactor Dr. Zissis Dardalis and est women’s groups. The Philopto- From left: Mrs. Penelope Tsilas is honored by co-chair of the event Eleni Karatzas, and Ambassador Lucas the commitment and support of the By Demetris Tsakas chos has been aiding the Church in Tsilas, executive director of the Onassis Cultural Center, is honored by Archdiocesan Cathedral then University’s Vice Chancellor Special to The National Herald its benevolent work for over a cen- Philoptochos President Catherine Moutoussis at the Chrysanthemum Ball in New York on November 21. Professor M. J. Osborne. Professor tury, providing support to non-prof- Anastasios M. Tamis held the posi- NEW YORK – The Hellenic it institutions, the less fortunate, tion as Executive Director for 11 Lawyers Association held its twen- orphans, the ill, and everyone who years from 1997-2008. Professor tieth annual dinner dance gala on is genuinely in need. Tim Brown, Acting Vice Chancellor Friday evening, November 21 at Ms. Moutoussis spoke in detail (Research), took over the daily op- The Pierre Hotel in Manhattan, about the work being done by the Judge Tsoucalas, a Force on the Bench eration of the Center and in August, N.Y. The new President of HLA Onassis Foundation, highlighting Dr. Michalis S. Michael, who also Mamie Stathatos-Fulgieri was the large exhibitions and related By Mark Frangos But this is also a man who works St. between Broadway and River- works at the Center for Dialogue, sworn-in that evening and took cultural events it has put together, Special to The National Herald tirelessly for the Greek American side Drive in Manhattan. He spent was appointed Acting Director of over the administration of the asso- in addition to the informative and community. His work in immigra- most of his early years living in the NCHSR till the end of 2008. A ciation together with her newly educational programs it provides. NEW YORK – Walking into the tion law helped keep many Greeks same neighborhood. Board of Management oversees all elected colleagues. Judge Michael She also hailed Ambassador Lucas chambers of Senior Judge Nicholas from being deported. In his 40 He is one of five children of the activities of EKEME through its A. Chagares of the United States Tsilas the Executive Director of the Tsoucalas of the United States years as a judge he has had many George M. Tsoucalas and Maria director. The President of the Hel- Court of Appeals for the Third Cir- Onassis Foundation's New York of- Court of International Trade, the Greek American law clerks and he Monogenis, who were both born on lenic Republic, Carolos Papoulias, cuit was also honored that evening, fice, for his leadership and service. first thing one notices is the small has been president of the Hellenic the island of Nisyros. George Tsou- is the current patron of NCHSR. together with George A. Ms. Moutoussis went on to in- religious shrine behind him. Photos Lawyers Association, the Greek Or- calas moved to the United States in Other patrons were Kostas Tsougarakis, who received the troduce the evening's other hon- of Greek Orthodox priests churches thodox Church of Evangelismos, St. 1909 and worked as a waiter at the Stephanopoulos, former President HLA’s Attorney of the Year Award. oree, Mrs. Penelope Tsilas – Am- and icons fill the desk. On another John’s Theologos Society and the McAlpine Hotel. When he arrived of the Hellenic Republic, Glafkos Finally, the HLA handed out its bassador Tsilas' wife – pointing out wall of his chambers is a shrine to Parthenon Foundation. in the U.S., he had a Turkish pass- Clerides, former President of the merit-based annual scholarship that she was not being honored be- the United States, including a New He is best known for presiding port because Turkey controlled the Republic of Cyprus and former Aus- awards to deserving Greek Ameri- cause she is the spouse of the Onas- York Yankees baseball, and photos over the trial of notorious serial Dodecanese islands at the time. Af- tralian Prime Minister Malcolm can law students attending law sis Foundation’s Executive Director, of U.S. Presidents and other judges. killer David Berkowitz, also known ter working at the McAlpine, he Frazer. Also, there is the Society of but in recognition for her personal Judge Tsoucalas is a man with as the “Son of Sam,” who terrorized opened a cafeteria on 30th St., Friends of NCHSR located in vari- Continued on page 3 contribution to the Archdiocesan characteristics from both his Greek New York City in 1977. After he which he sold in 1917 and became ous capital cities of Australia and in Cathedral Philoptochos and her and American backgrounds. His plead guilty, Judge Tsoucalas and a partner at Le Petit Paris. In 1918, Greece. philanthropic work. fiery demeanor and love of telling two other judges sentenced him to he returned to Nisyros to marry The major benefactors Dr. Zissis To subscribe call: 718.784.5255 During his acceptance speech, stories, even at 82 years old, is defi- the maximum term of 25 years to Maria, who was an orphan. Dardalis, the owner of Marathon e-mail: the Onassis Foundation’s Executive nitely from his Greek side, while his life imprisonment for each of his six “My mother never went to Food Industries, along with Greek [email protected] Director Ambassador Tsilas noted American upbringing gave him his murders. Judge Tsoucalas made school,” Judge Tsoucalas said. “But and Cypriot Governments, con- that he is accepting the award on no nonsense attitude. sure that the terms were to run con- she taught herself how to read tributed large sums of money to- behalf of the Foundation’s Chair- When asked if he was sure cer- secutively, so there would be no Greek and write her own name.” wards NCHSR over the years. Oth- man Anthony Papademetriou, and tain parts of this article could be possibility of parole. The couple returned to New er donors and sponsors included said that the success of the Founda- quoted, Judge Tsoucalas replied, EARLY YEARS York and had five children, the Alpha Bank of Greece, the Bank “Sure. I don’t care what people Nicholas Tsoucalas was born on Continued on page 4 say.” August 24, 1926 and lived at 148th Continued on page 3 Continued on page 6 2 THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 29, 2008 THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 29, 2008 COMMUNITY 3 Hellenic Lawyers Association Honors Tsougarakis as 2008 Attorney of the Year

Continued from page 1 schools all throughout New York. The Consul of Greece in New York Ms. Sophia Veve and New York State Assemblyman Michael Gia- naris were on hand for the event, and were joined by federal and state court judges, local politicians, prose- cutors, and prominent lawyers. Outgoing HLA President John Saketos addressed the audience and spoke about the successes of the pre- vious two years, citing the lectures, educational events and networking opportunities that were offered to educate and entertain the Greek American and legal communities. Mr. Saketos also spoke about the scholarship awards the HLA pre- sents each year, and credited this initiative for helping to spread in- terest about the HLA among young people. He pointed to new HLA President Mamie Stathatos-Fulgieri LEFT: George Tsougarakis accepts the “2008 Attorney of the Year” as an example, noting that she was award from the Hellenic Lawyers Association at the Pierre Hotel on a scholarship recipient fifteen years Friday, November 21. ABOVE: From left: Former HLA President John ago, and through her involvement Saketos, George Tsougarakis, HLA President Mamie Stathatos- in the organization, she has gone on Fulgieri, Michael Tsagarakis and Judge Nicholas Tsoucalas. to become President of the Associa- tion today. and told the audience that it held its next generation of lawyers and le- Greek American has ever had in the Chagares told The National Herald. board of the HLA is comprised of State Assemblyman Michael Gia- first dinner dance in Queens, NY gal scholars. Meanwhile, she ex- U.S. justice system. Judge Chagares George Tsougarakis, who was the following officers: Mamie naris congratulated the HLA on its twenty years ago with approximate- pressed her hope that the HLA will hailed the efforts of the HLA and named the HLA’s 2008 Attorney of Stathatos-Fulgieri, President, Elena ever-growing list of accomplish- ly 100 hundred guests in atten- continue to remain as relevant and spoke about the preservation of the Year said in his acceptance Paraskevas-Thadani, 1st Vice Presi- ments during his speech, and sin- dance. She pointed out that al- helpful for law students in the fu- Hellenic heritage. He also paid trib- speech that “no other ethnic com- dent, Christopher G. Kulakis, 2nd gled out the guest of honor and though that number seems small to- ture as it did for her fifteen years ute to his home parish of St. munity has accomplished as much Vice President, Chrisanthy N. Za- scholarship recipients for their day, it was impressive for an organi- ago. She also pointed out that the Nicholas in Wyckoff, New Jersey, in so many different fields and pro- pantis, Corresponding Secretary, achievements. zation first starting off back then, HLA now has its own website where he was raised and nurtured fessions as the Greek American Leonidas Fampritsis, Recording Judge Nicholas Tsoucalas, who and noted that twenty years later www.hlany.org, and invited mem- with the Greek Christian ideals. Community.” He also noted that Secretary, and Maria C. Miles, Trea- first established the HLA through the HLA’s dinner dance gala is tak- bers to not only visit the site but to In addition, Judge Chagares “my parents, along with all Greek surer. The HLA board of director is his own initiative and led it for ing place in one of Manhattan’s help contribute to its growth and spoke about the role of ancient and immigrants, were and continue to led by Chairperson Kate D. Christo- many years as President, also greet- finest hotels and the number of at- development. modern Greece, and focused on the be true heroes, because although foratos and Co-Chairperson Maria ed the audience and swore-in the tendees has tripled. Tonight this The HLA’s new President then virtues of a good judge, which were they worked the most difficult jobs, Barous Hartofilis. Members include new President. Judge Tsoucalas room was filled titans – the first and proceeded to introduce the outlined in great detail by the great they nevertheless invested more in Tony Andriotis, Bill Gianaris, complemented Mrs. Stathatos- foremost being Judge Nicholas evening’s guests of honor, Judge Athenian philosopher Socrates. their children’s education than any Michael J. Hartofilis, Kerry Kat- Fulgieri, calling her both a good Tsoucalas,” she added. Michael Chagares and attorney “It is a special honor for me to be other ethnic group.” sorhis, Nick Katsoris, Peter Lago- lawyer and an individual worthy of Mrs. Stathatos-Fulgieri told the George Tsougarakes. recognized by an active organiza- Mr. Tsougarakis thanked his nikos, Peter Metis, Ekaterina Pipas, leading the HLA. audience that she was the recipient Federal Judge Michael Chagares tion such as this one, which has of- parents and wife Eve Poniros - also George Poulos, Evridiki During her first address as Presi- of a merit scholarship award fifteen is a second-generation Greek Amer- fered a wide-ranging contribution an attorney – as well as his two Poumpouridis, John G. Saketos, dent, Mrs. Stathatos-Fulgieri years ago, and praised the HLA for ican, who has the distinction of to society and the Greek-American children Kyra, 12 and Anthony 10, Michael Serres and Spiros Tsimbi- looked back on the HLA’s history its contribution and concern for the holding the highest position that a Community in particular,” Judge for their love and support. The new nos. Judge Nicholas Tsoucalas, Still Going Strong After 40 Years on the Bench

Continued from page 1 speak his mind on any topic. abled that’s a different story. If a then go to banks and stock market Commenting about the United person can’t work, you help them and pull out all their money. I don’t Kalliope, Michael, Theodora, States’ decision to leave Greece out out.” think it would be as bad as it is if it Nicholas and Athena. of the Visa Waiver Program, Judge Judge Tsoucalas also weighed in weren’t for the media. It happened He entered the U.S. Navy in Tsoucalas pointed the finger of on President-elect Obama possibly with Washington Mutual. At first 1944 and served until 1946 as a ra- blame across the Atlantic. needing to name new Supreme they were having problems because dio operator on board APD and “It’s their own fault,” he said of Court Justices. of the mortgages.. The media start- transport vessels in the European Greece. “Every time things happen, “I hope that he’s smart enough ed reported that they were going Theater of War as well as the they seem to be anti-American even to name some people that are nei- under. People immediately started Caribbean and North Atlantic. though I know they’re not. I don’t ther liberal or conservative,” he pulling their money out. There “We sank a German submarine,” know why in heaven’s name they said. were lines out the door. he said. “Our ship got orders to do what they do. I’ll give an exam- Asked hypothetically if he Judge Tsoucalas is very proud of transfer the whole crew to a coast ple. In 1954, Greece started con- would take the job if he was offered the success of the Greek American guard transport as passengers. We demning the United States for not he said, “He wouldn’t take me be- community, though he warns about went up the North Sea and we took helping them out in their renewed cause I’m to old, but hypothetically the dangers of success. over the luxury liner Europa and conflict with Turkey. So I asked the of course I’d take it. Anybody who “The Greek American communi- converted it into a troop trans- Consul General, ‘If you are a Sena- says no is crazy.” ty is doing terrific and we ought to porter.” tor in the United States, the Turks Judge Tsoucalas also didn’t be proud,” he said. “We have Greek When he returned from the war have a prominent American lawyer mince words about the news me- Americans that never went to he went to Kent State University and invites you to Turkey all ex- dia’s role in the financial crisis. school who make millions. It goes and finished in less than three penses paid where they put you up “The news media is the one that to some of their heads and they get years. in the best places, why doesn’t caused all this,” he said. “When in trouble like [Adelphia founder In 1949, after graduation, he Greece get a high profile person things were going a little bad, they John] Rigas. He was a nice man, went to Greece for the first time to and pay them to lobby?’ His re- scared the people and made it look but his children got him in trouble visit his uncle. He used the trip as a sponse was, ‘We don’t do things like worse that it really is. The people because they were spoiled brats.” way to visit his parents’ place of that.’ So don’t complain! Who birth, Nisyros. He was almost taken Judge Nicholas Tsoucalas gained fame after sentencing the “Son of would a Senator choose to help? in to the Greek army. He used his Sam” killer David Berkowitz to six consecutive life terms in prison. The guys who treat you well or the craftiness to avoid being unfairly ones that blow their stack at you drafted by stating that his father low mandatory guidelines,” Judge on September 9, 1985, President every time you do something.” held a Turkish passport when he Tsoucalas explained in an interview Ronald Reagan appointed him as Judge Tsoucalas does not be- first left Greece and both his par- with the New York Law School. Judge of the U.S. Court of Interna- lieve that Greece denying ents had Italian parents after they “Maybe before some judges were tional Trade. F.Y.R.O.M. entry to NATO played a returned to the U.S. after World too harsh and some were too le- After 40 years as a judge, he is role in the decision. War I (The Dodecanese were an- nient, but mandatory guidelines re- not looking to stop anytime soon. “I don’t think that has anything nexed by Italy during the war). move a lot of a judge’s leeway. “I’m not retiring at all,” Judge to do with it,” he said. “That’s an He received his L.L.B. from New Sometimes a person just happens Tsoucalas said. “I have a life sen- excuse as far as I’m concerned.” York Law School in 1951 and at- to be there when a crime is commit- tence. I took senior status which is Judge Tsoucalas also spoke tended New York University Law ted but that person gets the same like retirement. I work when I want about President-elect Barack Oba- School for graduate courses in Im- sentence. I am a very stiff sentencer to work.” ma’s win in the general elections. migration Law and Federal Practice when it comes to heinous crimes, His former law clerks never for- “I didn’t want him to win, but and Procedure. but sometimes the facts are such get the role Judge Tsoucalas played I’m holding back on what I think He reentered the Navy during that the crime may not be that in their lives and they created a until I see what he does,” he said. “I the Korean Conflict in 1951 and heinous. I can give a lesser sen- scholarship in his name at New don’t like what he said he wanted served on the aircraft carrier, USS tence but it still has to be in the York Law School. “It’s a hell of a to do. When he says that he wants Wasp, until December 1952. guidelines. Sentencing guidelines feeling having the kids that you to redistribute the wealth, that is a He then was offered a commis- are something that I think should yelled at to do what you want them socialist and communist view. As sion as a legal officer and turned it be advisory not mandatory.” to do appreciate you,” he said. far as I am concerned, if a person down, but when two sailors on his He was admitted to the New In addition to his prestigious po- goes out and earns money, he ship were arrested, the judge York Bar in April 1953. He special- litical and legal work, Judge Tsou- should be able to keep it. If people agreed to assist in their defense. ized in immigration and admirality calas has been very are lazy, don’t want to work and “I helped represent them and we law and was appointed Assistant active in his church and commu- want others to support them, in- won the case,” Judge Tsoucalas U.S. Attorney for the Southern Dis- nity. He is the former president of stead of going out and getting a job, Judge Nicholas Tsoucalas celebrated 40 years as a judge in 2008. He is said. “I felt good when I helped trict of New York from 1955 to the board of directors of the Greek it’s their own fault. If they’re dis- not retiring anytime soon saying that his job is a “life sentence.” them our so then I decided maybe I 1959. In 1959, he was appointed Orthodox Church of Evangelismos, will practice law.” supervisor of the 1960 census for and a member of the St. John’s The- Today, Judge Tsoucalas says, “It the 17th and 18th congressional ologos Society. He was a member of is my love of the law that keeps me districts. the executive committee of the Re- on the bench. I could make a hell of On April 10, 1968, he became a publican Party of New York County. a lot more money on the outside.” judge for the first time as he was Judge Tsoucalas married to Of course, Judge Tsoucalas has appointed judge of the Criminal Catherine Tsoucalas and has two Tutoring: Internet/Telephone seen many changes through the Court of the City of New York. From daughters, Stephanie and Georgia. past 50 years. 1975 to 1982, he served as the Act- He has five grandchildren. “The biggest change is that sen- ing Supreme Court Justice of Kings ON ISSUES tencing now requires judges to fol- and Queens Counties, and finally, Judge Tsoucalas is not afraid to Special Features: 1) Phonetic method / Personalized Law Firm 2) Simple, easy, quick, affordable J O H N S P I R I D A K I S 3) Weekly lessons The Law Firm the Community Trusts 4) References available A perfect ACCIDENTS-MEDICAL MALPRACTICE x/mas gift

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All and co-curator of the exhibition. ordinator, and Dr. Maria Seretis, you need to do is the following: go On view from December 10, 2008, Educational Programs Coordinator, http://hbngroup.org/hbngroup/bic. through May 9, 2009, Worshiping who were both on hand for the nsf/bic?openform. Login, or regis- Women: Ritual and Reality in Clas- evening’s festivities. ter your name and email address. sical Athens brings together 155 ex- He also underlined the fact that Submit up to 1200 words summa- traordinary archaeological ob- the Onassis Foundation derives its rizing your business idea with our jects—including artistic master- inspiration from the Greeks of the user-friendly submission form by pieces from major collections Diaspora and noted that the late December 4th at Noon. You can do throughout the world—in order to Stelios Papademetriou, the Foun- so at the following link: www.hbn- cast new light on the lives of dation’s first Chairman, was born in group.org/BICWarmUps. Wait to women in ancient Athens. Trans- Egypt and always looked favorably hear if you are one of up to 3 win- forming the galleries of the Onassis upon the Greek Diaspora. Ambas- ners who will win $500 each. Join Cultural Center into evocations of sador Tsilas also stated that this us for our December 11th awards ancient Greek sanctuaries filled honor meant a great deal to the ceremony to recognize all partici- with rare and exquisite objects, the Onassis Foundation because its pant submissions, to celebrate the exhibition re-examines preconcep- work was being recognized by an winners, and to find out more tions about the exclusion of women organization like the Philoptochos, about the next phase of the HBN- from public life in ancient Athens, which has been helping the poor, BIC: The BigDeals. The HBN-BIC showing how women’s participa- the less fortunate and those who BigDeals will follow and commence tion in cults and festivals con- are in need of support from their in late January 2009. Teams submit tributed not only to personal fulfill- fellow man for over a century. full business plans, stage oral pre- ment in Classical Greece but also to “This honor does not belong to sentations and attend interviews civic identity. Worshiping Women is me, but to each and every man and with judges. This process culmi- the first major exhibition in the woman who came here tonight to From left to right: Maria Yatrakis, Rallou Zervoudakis, Penelope Tsilas, Reverend Frank Marangos of the nates with the final award in early tenth anniversary season of the honor us with their presence,” Mrs. Greek Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Executive Director of the Onassis Cultural Center Ambassador Lucas May. All tea ms including those that Onassis Foundation (USA) and the Tsilas said, amidst wide audience Tsilas, President of the Philoptochos Catherine Moutoussis, and co-chair Eleni Karatzas gather after the did not play or win in the WarmUps Onassis Cultural Center. R.S.V.P. to applause. She went on to say that award ceremony at the Chrysanthemum Ball on Friday, November 21 in Manhattan. can participate in the BigDeals Kate Blackwell, Ruder Finn Arts & from the first moment she arrived Competition. The Hellenic Business Communications Counselors at in New York she admired the ener- Network (HBN) is an independent 212-593-6379. gy, dynamism and enthusiasm ex- nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) hibited by the Archdiocesan Cathe- organization whose goal is to mobi- DECEMBER 17 dral Philoptochos Society, and that lize and utilize the expertise and re- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Ameri- the work being done by this organi- sources available within our com- can Hellenic Institute cordially in- zation’s members and officials munity that will influence and ad- vites the community to its annual served as an inspiration to her dur- vance the long-term professional Christmas Party at the Institute ing every step of the way. interests of all Hellenes and Phil- (1220 16th Street, NW) on “We are living in difficult times, hellenes. Remember that this is a Wednesday, December 17, 2008, where solidarity, mutual support competition open to all, and the from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. R.S.V.P. by and help are needed now more best ideas win! For more informa- December 15, 2008. For more in- than ever. It is during these times of tion, please call 888-251-5568. formation, please call 202-785- crisis when the Philoptochos has to 8430. be more vigilant, sensitive and ac- ■ DECEMBER 6 tive than ever,” Mrs. Tsilas said. She WOODHAVEN, N.Y. – The New JANUARY 16 - 19 also noted that the Archdiocesan York City Department of Parks & MONTREAL, Que. – Del Sol and Philoptochos has always met the Recreation cordially invites the Portokalada.com cordially invite tasks it has taken on, and expressed community to its Holiday Extrava- the community to “Living It Up,” an her certainty that the organization ganza at the Forest Park Headquar- amazing 21 & over event for MLK will remain vibrant and active in ters Oak Ridge (One Forest Park) weekend from January 16-19, the future as well. on Saturday, December 6, 2008, 2009. “We are flying in DJs from Ambassador Tsilas spoke to The from 11 AM – 2 PM. Enjoy a festive NY and Chicago with special guest National Herald after the event and day with arts and crafts, a visit with DJ John Grammatis!” Save some of expressed his pleasure over the Santa, and a live holiday show. your energy for daylight hours, be- Philoptochos’ decision to honor the Bring your cameras! $2.00 per per- cause skiing, snowboarding and Onassis Foundation. “It was a very son. Tickets available at the door tubing will all be available at the lovely evening. The recognition we only. For more information, please heavenly resort of Mt. Tremblant. If received from an organization of call 718-235-4100. you just want to chill during the such great importance means a day, Montreal is the place to be. great deal to us. We are friends Hundreds gathered to honor Lucas and Penelope Tsilas for their philanthropic services to the Ladies ■ DECEMBER 7 -25 Montreal offers some of the most with all the guests and we feel at Philoptohos Benevolent Society of the Greek Orthodox Holy Trinity in Manhattan on November 21. ATHENS – Come spend Christmas beautiful scenic views and architec- home here. We have felt their on the Athenian Riviera! For the ture, amazing cafes and restau- strong support all throughout the mum Ball organizing committee of the Archdiocesan Philoptochos Philoptochos have greatly expand- second year in a row, the Attica rants, casinos, and don't forget ten years we have been living here, Eleni Karatzas, Maria Yatrakis and Maria Skiadas, and many other of- ed to include support of St. Basil Coastline welcomes The Flisvos shopping and the spa. So are you and this makes us feel proud and Rallou Zervoudakis spoke as well ficials in the Greek American Com- Academy, St. Michael’s Home, Chil- Marina Christmas Wonderland, a ready for 4 Days and 3 Nights of happy,” Ambassador Tsilas said. and expressed their gratitude for munity were all on hand at the ball. drens Medical Fund and social wel- must-visit Christmas destination Living It Up? The “Living It Up” Former U.S. Ambassador to the work being done by the mem- Following the presentation of fare and assistance for disaster vic- for young and old who live along package includes: 3 nights accom- Greece Michael Sotirhos applauded bers of all the other committees awards, Greek American singer tims worldwide. Since 1983, the the Athenian coastline, and not on- modations in Deluxe or Concierge the Archdiocesan Cathedral Philop- who worked along with them to en- Gregory Maninakis and his band Philoptochos has been a founding ly. Debuting in 2007, The Flisvos level rooms, open bar welcome par- tochos for their decision to honor sure the annual ball’s success. They Microcosmos provided the member of the Neighborhood Marina Christmas Wonderland, ty Friday night at exclusive down- the Onassis Foundation and for the also conveyed their appreciation evening’s musical entertainment. Coalition for Shelter Program to just off Poseidon Avenue in Paleo town nightclub, exclusive VIP par- kind words they had to say about for the generous support offered by The first Ladies Philoptochos feed the homeless of New York City. Faliro, gives residents of all Attica ties Saturday & Sunday nights, free the Foundation’s work. the evening’s sponsors and sup- Society was established at Holy An important effort of the Philopto- municipalities a unique choice to VIP admission to over 7 nightclubs, “I’ve been a board member of porters. Trinity Church in 1902. In 1931, chos has been the Golden Circle experience the Christmas holidays complimentary shuttles to parties the Alexander S. Onassis Public Greece’s Permanent Representa- the newly arrived Archbishop Program providing activities for se- in style, and, by the sea. Making each night, complimentary shuttles Benefit Foundation for fifteen years tive to the United Nations Ambas- Athenagoras established a National nior citizens on a regular basis. their Christmas comeback is the to the beautiful “Mt. Tremblant” on now, and can honestly say that sador John Mourikis, the Consuls Philoptochos Organization that The Archdiocesan Cathedral marina's 300-square meter “Frozen Saturday and Sunday, complimen- there is no other foundation in General of Greece and Cyprus in was the beginning of the official Philoptochos holds two major Lake,” the southern coastline's tary Shuttle to Tubing & Snowmo- Greece or any place else in the New York Aghi Balta and Andreas philanthropic arm of the Greek Or- events a year - one being a lun- largest ice skating rink and 12-me- biling, let’s make a deal Casino world that has such a large and di- Panagiotou, the former Dean of the thodox Archdiocese of America. cheon and the other being the for- ter high Christmas tree. Children package wit $20pp Casino Chips, verse body of work to show. The Ex- Archdiocesan Cathedral of Holy During the Great Depression, mal Chrysanthemum Ball held each take the spotlight at The Flisvos complimentary double music CD, ecutive Director of the Onassis Trinity Rev. Robert Stephanopoulos the Philoptochos devoted its main November. At these occasions, and Marina Christmas Wonderland breakfast & hors devours daily with Foundation in New York Ambas- and his successor the current Dean efforts to assisting the poor and through the support of the Church with a roster of special Christmas concierge rooms. Package Price: sador Lucas Tsilas is doing a fabu- Rev. Frank Marangos, the new Pres- needy, and helped with war relief and the events’ guests, thousands activities including a holiday bak- Quad Price $300 per person, Triple lous job.” ident of the National Philoptochos efforts during World War II. Since of dollars are raised and used to ing workshop for kids hosted by the Price $325 per person, Double The co-chairs of the Chrysanthe- Aphrodite Skeadas, the President then, the activities of the Cathedral help the less fortunate. popular TV show Nistiko Arkoudi, Price $375 per person. Convenient- Karagiozis and his Elves shadow ly located in the heart of downtown theatre, marionettes, magic shows Montreal, this hotel boasts a spa- and more. New for 2008 is "The cious, elegant lobby, large well-ap- House of Santa," "The Magic Tent," pointed guestrooms with private "Mrs. Claus Story Hour," and more. balconies and a variety of full ser- 25 Students Receive $250,000 in Scholarship Grants Kicking off the holiday event festiv- vice amenities. The hotel is the ide- ities is the fun-filled "Official Tree- al location for pleasure and only CHICAGO – The Cathedral Hall of Lighting Ceremony." Scheduled to steps to Montreal's finest shopping, the prestigious University Club of take place on Sunday, December 7 restaurants, nightclubs and attrac- Chicago, was filled to capacity by from 5pm to 7pm, the event plans tions. You can book a Deluxe of family, friends and philhellenes to launch the Christmas season by Concierge Room. With 94 runs ser- wanting to share in the PanHellenic offering a holiday program com- viced by 13 state-of-the-art lifts, the Scholarship Foundation’s vision of plete with entertainers and a con- mountain dominates a stunningly the future of America with leaders. fetti fireworks display. True to its beautiful countryside. Those who On Saturday evening, November waterside character, the merry ma- live for the great outdoors and love 15, they saw 25 of Greek America’s rina welcomes the first seafaring to breathe clean air have the per- “best and brightest” receive a cer- Santa Claus who is scheduled to ar- fect playground. A paradise where tificate and a check for $10,000 rive via sailboat. For more informa- ski and snowboard enthusiasts are each, towards their higher educa- tion, please contact Athina Vorillas both spoiled silly: ramps, rails and tion from the Foundation. In his at athina@bluemetromediacom. jumps as well as an Olympic caliber charge to the 2008 Grant Award pipe. Taste the freedom, dare the Recipients, Foundation Founder ■ DECEMBER 9 mountain, live Tremblant to the and Chairman Chris P. Tomaras NEW YORK – The Alexander S. fullest! For more information, go to told them: “This Foundation has a Onassis Public Benefit Foundation www.montrealx.com. single mission: to promote educa- cordially invites the community to tion by which, you, the recipients of a breakfast reception and preview ■ NOTE TO OUR READERS today, will be the contributors to of the exhibition “Worshiping This calendar of events section is a American society of tomorrow. Use Women Ritual and Reality in Classi- complimentary service to the Greek the eternal values that you received cal Athens,” the Onassis Cultural American community. All parishes, from your Hellenic upbringing to Center (645 Fifth Avenue entrances organizations and institutions are benefit yourselves, your families on 51st and 52nd Streets) on Tues- encouraged to e-mail their infor- and this great nation.” day, December 9, 2008, from 10 mation 3-4 weeks ahead of time, The Awards Gala, now in its AM to 12 PM. Remarks begin and no later than Monday of the tenth year, began turning away promptly at 10:15 AM. Speakers to week before the event, to reservations several weeks before include The Honorable Michalis Li- [email protected] the event. This success caps off an ABOVE: 25 Students Receive apis, Minister of Culture of Greece om. unparalleled year for the PanHel- $250,000 in Scholarship Grants lenic Scholarship Foundation, dur- from the PanHellenic Scholar- ing which it received a record 215 ship Foundation. LEFT: Chair- applications from all over the U.S. man and CEO of the X Prize Foun- QUESTION OF THE WEEK The quality of the applicants was dation, Peter H. Diamandis, left, the highest ever with a large num- receives the Paradigm Award ber showing GPAs of 4.0 and high- from President Chris P. Tomaras. Vote on our website! er. Of these, 25 received the Grant Award of $10,000 each and a sec- throughs that benefit humanity . You have the chance to express your opinion on our website on an ond tier of 15 received a Commen- The 25 Scholarship Recipients important question in the news. The results will be published in our dation Certificate. The Invocation are as follows: Dakotah Apostolou, printed edition next week along with the question for that week. and a special prayer were offered Deborah Bouzeos, Julian Chrys- by A second highlight of the savgis, Maria Cucuras, Dimitri The question this week is: Did the financial crisis affect your cele- evening was the presentation of the Fountas, Christina Guliadis, Noa bration of Thanksgiving? Foundation’s annual Paradigm Krugliak, Christianna Kyriacou, ❏ Yes Award to world-renowned innova- Nicholas Lillios, Yanni Louloudis, ❏ No tor in the space arena, Dr. Peter H. Gabrielle Mannino, William Mene- ❏ Other Diamandis. He is the Chairman gas, Ypapanti Meris, Stephanie and CEO of the X Prize Foundation, Michael, Paulena Papagiannis, The results for last week’s question: What will Barack Obama's also of Zero Gravity Corporation Kostas Papamarkakis, Ellie Prous- election mean to Greece's fight in the FYROM name dispute? and co-founder of Space Adven- saloglou, Alyssa-Marie Robidoux, 66.67% voted "He Will Help Greece" tures, Ltd. Dr. Diamandis offered a Margaret Roidi, John Strzelecki, 33.33% voted "He Will Hurt Greece" visual presentation with a focus on Elisabet Tassis, Peter Tselepatiotis, 0% voted "No Difference" the mission of the X Prize Founda- Christopher Tsoukalas, Paraskevas tion offering prizes for break- Xenophontos and Peter Zervakis. Please vote at: www.thenationalherald.com THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 29, 2008 FEATURE 5 Congresswoman Niki Tsongas: A Life in Public Service is a Life Worth Living

Continued from page 1 from Karditsa, and his mother was don’t think you’ll see us failing to act. from the Peloponnese), and then I I think we’ll move ahead on a lot of ed. I felt we needed to change the happened to stop overnight in these issues,” she said. tone of politics in Washington; that Athens this past January on the way “The President-Elect has been extreme partisan politics had too of- back from Iraq and Afghanistan. So monitoring the events closely. The ten become an excuse for doing while I hadn’t been there in many times are so serious that he has to be nothing about the many issues we years, I was very pleased to see all more engaged at least at some level, desperately needed to address – the progress that has been made. more so than previous transitional whether it was the war in Iraq, glob- Athens looked wonderful after all periods. With his choice of Rahm al warming or a failure to have a na- the investment in the 2004 Emanuel as Chief of Staff, he’s cho- tional energy policy or creating af- Olympics. And in our meetings with sen someone who understands the fordable and accessible healthcare Prime Minister Karamanlis, who was House of Representatives, and how for all Americans,” she said. very gracious, it was good to hear Congress works. I think it’s indica- “And in Massachusetts, it had how Greece is playing a leadership tive of Mr. Obama’s intention to been 25 years since a woman had role in the (Southeast Europe) re- reach out to Congress, and to try to been elected to Congress, and I just gion, so I came away feeling very im- work with Congress as we try to ad- felt that women can’t win if they pressed,” she said. dress pressing issues. That really don’t run. And once we run, we have “We have to secure religious free- hasn’t been the case over the past to be judged by the same standards dom for the Patriarchate and a last- eight years, and it will be a refresh- voters have for each candidate. We ing political settlement for Cyprus. ing change. I think it bodes well for have to put ourselves out there, and It’s a thorny issue, but I think we our ability to make headway,” she I was at a point where I felt I really have to end the Turkish occupation said. wanted to do that. It was quite a to bring that country together. The “I can only reflect on the one year challenging primary and election. I name dispute with the Former Yu- that I’ve been here, but what I very had to earn every vote. Fortunately, I goslav Republic of Macedonia is a often saw was we would pass legisla- was successful. But fundamentally, I very emotional issue, and I think we tion in the House that would make think it was also having spent those have to work within the framework it’s way to the Senate, where often it many years with Paul, and seeing of the United Nations to come up wouldn’t even be brought to the the great power that resides in pub- with a solution that’s mutually ac- floor. But if brought to the Senate lic office and how important it is to ceptable,” she added. floor successfully, it would then put it to great purpose. Once you Asked whether the Bush Admin- come to a President who would veto achieve it, it’s something to be used Congresswoman Niki Tsongas of Massachusetts participates in the Greek American Memorial Day Parade istration’s decision to recognize FY- it. The expansion of children’s health very positively because it can be of in Lowell. Rep. Tsongas was re-elected to the House of Representatives this past November 4. ROM as the “Republic of Macedo- insurance was an example of that. great benefit,” she added. nia” can or should be reversed, Mrs. And then it would come back to the Congresswoman Tsongas said had a year of college left, and I also put the necessary organization to- Greek American heritage. And I Tsongas said, “I think we absolutely House, where we didn’t have the her husband was a man of great wanted to work for a while before I gether. You have to earn every vote. think you’ll see us working hard with have to revisit that.” numbers to override the veto. So foresight who imparted his vision to moved to Massachusetts. Paul went And that’s the way it should be. the new Administration. I think the Congresswoman Tsongas said with President Obama, I think that her, and said she still carries it with back to work in Massachusetts, and Every one of us should expect to be change in Administration will serve she is still actively engaged with the obstacle would be removed. I think her to this day in her own political to run for the Lowell City Council. challenged, especially as we go into the issues important to the Greek Greek American community in her he would sign legislation that comes life. We met in the summer of 1967, and the first two years of an Obama pres- Caucus and the Greek American area. across his desk, so we’re going to see “It was his commitment to public were married in the December of idency,” she said. community a lot better,” she said. “It’s such a part of me. In fact, I a real difference,” she added. service and the feeling that it was an 1969. So our lives are very much “But some people won’t vote for Asked to clarify her sense about celebrated the 100th anniversary of Asked why she thinks the bailout important way to spend one’s life. As linked to this Congressional seat. It’s you even if you run unopposed, so the continued persecution of the Ec- Holy Apostles Church in Haverhill package was the right way to re- I said earlier, I never did see any- not something I thought about until we evaluated the blanks versus the umenical Patriarchate in Constan- last Saturday night (November 15). spond the current economic crisis, thing that would change my views I came to Congress myself, and then votes – that’s something you look at tinople (present-day Istanbul), the Paul has two aunts who are still Congresswoman Tsongas it was nec- about that – either during Paul’s it occurred to me what an important when you don’t have an opponent – ongoing Turkish occupation of members of that parish. One of them essary to shore up shrinking credit tenure in Congress or during our role this office had also played in our and we did very well. I received well Cyprus, and the FYROM name dis- is in her eighties; the other is in her reserves. She also said more eco- joint lives in public service. It’s not personal lives,” she said. over 70 percent of the vote. The pute, Rep. Tsongas said she feels a nineties; and they’ve both been nomic stimulus is going to be neces- an easy life, but it always felt signifi- The daughter of a career Air blanks aren’t necessarily a statement sense of obligation to deal with members of that community for sary to help the country pull itself cant because you were working on Force officer, Congresswoman of dissatisfaction and displeasure, those issues in Congress. decades. Beyond that, Haverhill is out of its current financial hole. things that are at the front-and-cen- Tsongas grew up in military bases all but they can be, so I was very grati- “I have felt a responsibility to be- one of the cities I represent, and I un- “Leading up to that vote, it was ter of people’s minds,” she said. over the world. She lived in Ger- fied with the votes I received,” she come familiar with those issues as a derstand how important the Church becoming ever more clear that the “It was also Paul’s great intelli- many as a young girl, and went to an added. member of the Greek Caucus, and is to the Greek American communi- credit markets were freezing up, and gence. He was so forward-thinking. American high school in Japan. Her Congresswoman Tsongas is a while I’m not Greek by heritage, I ty, so I wanted to be there,” she said. that it was going to have a devastat- He could see so far down the road. father was also stationed in Texas member of the House Hellenic Cau- like to say I’m Greek by osmosis, The fact that she is now serving in ing impact across this country if He anticipated issues long before the and Virginia. She is a graduate of cus, and said she believes the incom- having lived with my husband and the United States Congress during a lending suddenly came to a halt. The public became aware of them. We Smith College in Northampton, ing Administration will be more sen- his family, and in the Greek Ameri- critical period of America’s history is rescue package was fundamentally can’t all be made that way, but Massachusetts. sitive to Hellenic issues than the out- can community in Lowell for so not lost on her, Congresswoman designed to free up the credit market watching him engage politics with The Tsongases had three daugh- going Administration. many years,” she said. Tsongas said, adding that she be- so that money could continue to those far-seeing eyes was very valu- ters: Ashley, who works as adminis- “I’m a member of the Greek Cau- “I’ve only been to Greece twice. I lieves President-Elect Barack Obama flow through the system. It’s one of able to me. It was also his great trator for OxFam America in Boston, cus, and I intend to remain so. I’ve was there with my husband and our will tackle the country’s problems those things like plumbing, where sense of humor – I always wished I and served as a policy adviser for been fortunate enough to come to family in 1983 (The late Senator head-on; that, with strong Democra- you don’t really notice anything un- had it when I was out on the trail – Hurricane Katrina relief; Katina, Congress with a class that has a sig- Tsongas had roots in both northern tic majorities in both Houses of Con- til something suddenly goes wrong and how he could use his sense of who was a field director for the Oba- nificant number of new members of and southern Greece. His father was gress, the Legislative Branch can inside your house,” she said. humor to drive an issue home very ma Campaign in New Hampshire; look forward to a cooperative rela- “But we’re dealing with a prob- gently, but with great effect,” she and Molly, who works for a clean en- tionship with the Executive Branch; lem nobody fully understands yet. said. ergy non-profit group in California. and that much of the deadlock be- Nobody fully understands the im- “And whatever level of power he The Tsongases were also mem- tween Capitol Hill and the White pact of globalization and the multi- engaged through the public offices bers of Transfiguration Church in House over the past eight years will layered instruments that were used that he held, it was to make a differ- Lowell. Congresswoman Tsongas is evaporate. to package subprime mortgages to- ence – whether it was in the city of Episcopalian – she and her husband She also said Congress’ recent gether. Obviously, one of the short- Lowell, where he worked so hard to got married in the Episcopalian $700 billion bailout of Wall Street comings at this point is we can’t help revitalize it, or at the national level Church – but her daughters were all and the banking industry was neces- homeowners directly. As we take a to help the country come to grips baptized at the Transfiguration sary. part-ownership interest in some of with the enormous debt we were ac- parish, and when she attends Greek “We obviously live in very chal- these companies, there are incen- cumulating because of the way we Orthodox services, that’s where she lenging times. My first vote after I tives to encourage action to help were structuring our budgets. So at usually goes. was sworn-in last year was to over- homeowners, but it all takes time. every level, Paul made a difference. Though she ran unopposed, Con- ride President Bush’s veto of chil- And that’s the frustration. There’s no Seeing that drew me to him, and I gresswoman Tsongas still captured dren’s health insurance, and the last quick-fix solution to this problem,” grew to understand what’s possible,” more than 70 percent of the vote in vote I took this year before I went she added. she added. her district, a clear sign of con- home for our re-election effort was In recent days, however, rather Congresswoman Tsongas met stituent approval. The fact that peo- on the $700 billion rescue package, than buy up bad mortgages, the her husband while he was interning ple still voted for her, instead of cast- so it’s been an extraordinary year, Treasury has announced that it now for Congressman F. Bradford Morse, ing a blank vote, indicates her popu- and I don’t I could have fully antici- wants to simply turn the bailout who occupied the very same Con- larity among her constituents. pated how serious the times have be- money over to the banks. Asked gressional seat Mr. Tsongas would Massachusetts is also losing a come,” she said. what guarantees the taxpayers have eventually hold himself, in the sum- seat in the House of Representatives, “But there’s also great hope. that the institutions slated to receive mer of 1967. She had another friend and will have to be redistricted, but From being with my husband, I those funds will actually release the who also interned for Mr. Morse, while she expects the Republicans to know how remarkable it is that a new flow of credit, Rep. Tsongas said and it was through that friend that come out gunning for her seat in first-generation American with im- Congress will see to it that the mon- she and her husband first got togeth- 2010, Rep. Tsongas said she does not migrant roots could rise to seek the ey is used for its intended purpose, er. think her district will be affected. office of the Presidency of the United and be on the lookout to make sure “We actually met because he was “It is likely that Massachusetts States, and we have an equally re- the banks behave in a responsible interning for the member of Con- will lose a seat. It’s not automatic at markable story in President-Elect manner. gress whose seat he once held, and this point, but it is something we’ll Obama,” she said. “That’s our fundamental respon- whose seat I now hold. Paul had just have to go through. I’m not certain “Having elected a person who sibility and capacity in this situation. graduated from law school at Yale. I how that will evolve, but historically, has charted a clear course as to what That’s why Barney Frank (of Massa- also had a college classmate who our particular district has been one kind of changes we need; to have chusetts, chairman of the House Fi- was interning for Brad Morse, and I where pretty much the core of it has added to our numbers in both the nancial Services Committee) held a was also working in Washington for been intact for decades. There’s a ge- House and Senate; and to have a hearing to make sure that, if any the summer. My roommates and I ographic logic to it, unlike some. It’s President who will actually sign leg- funds do go to the banks, they start had a little basement apartment in a case we’ll have to make,” she said. islation once it makes its way to his lending again. That’s where the Georgetown. My roommates and I “And I’m sure we’ll have oppo- desk, I think we have a real opportu- oversight role of Congress becomes had a party. My classmate told Paul nents, but we’ll be prepared for that. nity to address so many issues that very important. The legislation also about it, and he came to the party. I expected it with this last round, have been languishing for a long provides for the appointment of a And that’s how we met,” she said. and I was fortunate enough not to time. And then we can be judged ac- special inspector general, whose role “We quickly fell in love, actually, have one. But we’ll do all we need to The memorable TIME magazine cover during the 1992 Democratic cordingly. We really won’t have any will be to oversee this process,” she and had determined to marry, but I do – raise the necessary funds and Primary, featuring candidates Paul Tsongas, right, and Bill Clinton. excuses for a failure to act, and I said.

Gov. Charlie Crist Faces Tough Times at Home D O N ’ T M I S S By Josh Hafenbrack view on Wednesday, November 19, ernor's mansion. gether and do what's right,” Crist South Florida Sun-Sentinel 2008. Still, Crist has a clear vision for a said of his budget strategy session “What people care about, first new Republican national strategy, with Gelber, of Miami Beach. “They Our annual TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – After a wild and foremost, is their pocketbook.” one that pushes divisive social don't really care who wins the polit- ride of an election season that took The new national profile comes causes to the side and embraces di- ical battle of the day.” him from John McCain's Arizona at a dicey time for Crist, with chal- versity. The party needs to do a bet- Gelber said, “We might be get- ranch to Old Europe, Gov. Charlie lenges waiting in Tallahassee. After ter job reaching out to black and ting close to 10 percent unemploy- Christmas Special Crist is in the midst of a quick rise cutting $6 billion in state spending Hispanic voters, said Crist. He not- ment in Florida. We've never had to the national stage, proposing a in the past year, Florida's budget is ed the Republican rhetoric on ille- the declining revenues we've had. I distinctive blend of sunny, pocket- leaking billions more. gal immigration was “less than think this is really going to be a test book-driven politics as Republicans And the governor's personal life friendly, shall we say,” an assess- for the state.” plot a way back to power. is a public curiosity. A month from ment that will hardly endear Crist At the Capitol, Crist faces some Could it be the right message for now, Florida's first bachelor gover- to the party's right wing. tough tests, from fixing Florida's a party demoralized in last week's nor in four decades is planning to “As the grandson of Greek immi- economy to mending a few fences election? marry Manhattan businesswoman grants, I'm very sympathetic that among his party's conservative With the Republican Governors and philanthropist Carole Rome, in we're more inclusive, that we em- ranks to positioning for his 2010 re- Association meeting in Miami to- a small ceremony in Crist's home- brace others with open arms and election bid. day, the potential future faces of town of St. Petersburg. The honey- continue to lead with a caring While the governor's loyalists the GOP, from Crist to Alaska's moon is set for southwest Florida. heart,” he said. “That's what the Re- are dismissive of unrest in the par- Sarah Palin, will be on hand weigh- Crist, who was on the short list publican Party - the party of Lincoln ty, conservative activists think Crist ing how to regain Republican foot- for McCain's vice-presidential slot - should be all about.” hurt McCain's chances at key mo- ing in an era of Barack Obama's that went to Palin, carefully has The ever-optimistic governor ments, like when he extended early presidency. tried to project himself as a leader said the bipartisan spirit he has voting. Crist's centrist message, though, with reach beyond Florida's bor- tried to foster in Florida could be “There's a perpetual struggle be- DECEMBER 20, 2008 might appeal more to independents ders. Over the summer, he took his emulated on the national stage, tween being the governor for and Democrats than to some Re- third trip overseas with a trade mis- noting that he consulted Wednes- everyone and pleasing the base,” publicans, especially in light of qui- sion that included stops in Paris, day with a leading Democrat, state said outgoing House Speaker Mar- et grumbling that's spread through London and Russia. Last month, he Sen.-elect Dan Gelber, on educa- co Rubio, R-West Miami, a conserv- conservative ranks over whether he quietly met for dinner with Gen. tion funding. ative who battled Crist on issues did enough to help the presidential David Petraeus, mastermind of the Florida's budget woes present such as gambling and taxes. ticket carry a crucial swing state. Iraq troop surge. Crist with difficult choices. He has If Crist manages the minefield “We just need to be inclusive, we “The governor's not looking to resisted new taxes, yet without new ahead, what about a 2012 run for need to reach out and do a better be a national figure,” said Brian revenue, public schools could face the White House? The governor de- To advertise or to obtain rates: job leading by approaching issues Ballard, a lobbyist and close advis- cuts. Either route carries political murred. “My job is to think about tel: (718) 784-5255 ext. 101, with a common-sense view,” Crist er. “It comes or it doesn't come risks. the people of Florida every day e-mail: [email protected] told the Sun Sentinel in an inter- based on performance” in the gov- Floridians “want us to work to- when I get up,” he said. 6 FEATURE THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 29, 2008 The End of an Era for Hellenic Studies at Latrobe University in Australia

Continued from page 1 which the review panel pointed out families have donated their person- grave concern regarding the cus- in its report. The lack of coopera- al archives to NCHSR for research tody of the Dardalis Archive. It was of Cyprus, the Hellenic Club of Can- tion between both groups didn’t purposes. There are bound vol- reported that Salamanis said, “The berra, Anastasios and Mary Revis, help the others’ position. The latter umes of Greek, Greek-Australian Greek government would like to and James Lane Motors—just to point shows that the NCHSR’s re- and Balkan newspapers from the know more information about the name a few. Without this financial search focus was built around its 1950s-1990s which would be in- new Center.” support, NCHSR would have never director who did not groom anyone valuable for historians. An expert At the end of the meeting, Pro- gotten off the ground. to succeed him upon his retire- archivist should be appointed and fessor Brown stated that "It's clear The Center’s structure includes ment. given specific guidelines to exam- from the result of the meeting that the Institute of Cypriot Studies, the There were two recommenda- ine the entire Dardalis archive for we have more work to do. I don't Institute of Pontian Studies, and tions that sealed the fate of NCSHR. its research potential in order to think we came to conclusions but, the Australian Institute of Mace- The University decided to close recommend what must be pre- we did expose some ideas and I donian Studies. Furthermore, it has down NCHSR and replace it with a served. think it gives good basis for more an excellent library containing new entity with the provisional LOCAL REACTIONS detailed discussions with various some 25,000 tomes which were do- name, Center for Hellenic Studies On October 30, 2008 the Uni- individuals including the Greek nated by individuals, the Greek and within the Faculty of Humanities versity held a public meeting with government and the Societies of Cypriot Governments as well. The and Social Sciences, and “[to] in- the Greek community to explain its Hellenic Studies and Friends of newspaper and periodical collec- vestigate all financial accounts of decision to close NCHSR. On No- EKEME." tion includes bound volumes of the NCHSR, especially the accounts vember 5, the Greek-Australian In conclusion, the readers may Balkan, Western Europe, and in respect of the Program between newspaper Neos Kosmos reported wish to consult the NCHSR’s offi- Greek-Australian newspapers and PHOTO: JOE ARMAO/THE AGE the Center and the General Secre- on the reactions of the attendees. cial website magazines. There are impressive Professor Anastasios Tamis tariat for Greeks Abroad (GSGA), Bill Papastergiadis, President of the (www.latrobe.edu.au/nhc) and audio visual, photographic and cin- to find out how the income from Greek Orthodox Community of draw their own conclusions as to ematographic collections contain- Greek Studies, London School of view took place with Professor the GSGA has been disbursed and Melbourne, declared his concern whether Latrobe University’s deci- ing interviews and speeches of vis- Economics; and Roderick Beaton, David de Vaus, the Dean of the Fac- to identify the benefits, if any, that by the manner in which Latrobe sion to shut down NCHSR was in iting Greek politicians, photos de- Koraes Professor of Modern Greek ulty and Humanities and Social Sci- have flowed to the University li- University handled the entire re- the interest of Hellenism. picting the life of Greek-Aus- and Byzantine History, King’s Col- ences. The committee reached a brary from this program.” The new view process. The Consul General tralians, and Greek movies and lege, London. unanimous decision regarding entity will be integrated within the for Greece in Melbourne, Christos Stavros T. Stavridis, historian, re- news reels. The review committee’s terms of terms 3 and 4. One interesting faculty allowing a greater trans- Salamanis stated that the Greek searcher, author, and lecturer. During its 11 year history, NCH- reference were “(1) Review the point that emerges from the final parency and accountability in its Government was cancelling its Formerly NCHSR at Latrobe Uni- SR organized two international academic activities of the review document is that due to the daily operation and will work in agreement with Latrobe University versity. Stavridis presently re- conferences titled The Greek Com- Center/Institute and report on “exceptionally tight timescale…, it synergy with the Modern Greek regarding NCHSR and showed sides in the United States. munity of Oceania 1998, and whether these are in accord with was not possible to invite the exter- program. It will be noted that Allen Cyprus in Transition in October the stated aims and objectives for nal members to visit [Australia], Gravier wrote a report regarding 2007. Both events were well sup- the Center/Institute; (2) Report on with the result that they were not his investigations of the processes ported by the Greek community of the quality of publications and any able to form an independent view and finances of NCHSR. CLASSIFIEDS Melbourne. NCHSR won two pres- other research outputs; (3) Review on some points contained in this re- A focus group will be appointed tigious awards. Anastasios Tamis the projected programme of activi- port.” Beaton and Featherstone by the University to work out a re- received a Doctorate of Letters ties for the next five years and com- had no input regarding the build- search agenda for the new Center. Services in all localities - from the University of Athens, and ment on its quality, feasibility and ings and archives of the NCHSR. Whilst the University has stated its HELP WANTED Low cost shipping to Greece NCHSR won the respected Onassis the extent to which it is integral to The two external panel members commitment to Hellenic Studies, it International Prize in October the University/Faculty; (4) Recom- should have been invited to Aus- faces budgetary constraints in LEADING GREEK AMERICAN ANTONOPOULOS 2006. The latter prize raised the mend to the Research and Gradu- tralia to see the National Center funding the new entity. The Univer- NEWSPAPER SEEKS FUNERAL HOME, INC. profile of the NCHSR in the Greek ate Studies Committee on whether and to interview staff as part of the sity does not intend to appoint new Full-time AD sales representatives Konstantinos Antonopoulos - Diaspora. NCHSR published a the Center/Institute be permitted review process. staff members but it is envisaged for both GREEK and ENGLISH lan- Funeral Director number of books covering history, to operate for a further period of up THE COMMITTEE FINDINGS that a senior appointment at pro- guage publications. Applicants 38-08 Ditmars Blvd., biography, art and literature for ex- to five years, including any recom- AND RECOMMENDATIONS fessional level is needed to fulfill its should have some sales and/or mar- Astoria, New York 11105 ample: From Immigrants to Citi- mended changes in the mode of op- The committee’s findings high- commitment towards “research keting experience. Fluency with (718) 728-8500 zens-Greek Migration to Australia eration and academic objectives.” lighted certain deficiencies regard- projects already underway, and ful- computer use and knowledge of In- Not affiliated with any and Canada, by A. Tamis and E. THE COMMITTEE ing the operation of NCHSR. Three fill expectations raised by the high ternet a plus. Bi-lingual command other funeral home. Gavaki; The Vryonis Family: Four DELIBERATIONS examples will be cited for illustra- profile of the NCHSR.” of both languages preferred. This Generations of Greek-American The committee reviewed docu- tion purposes. These are “[1] NCH- Negotiations with external positions offers base salary, plus APOSTOLOPOULOS Memories, by Speros Vryonis Jr.; mentation furnished by the retiring SR has an unfocused and unclear donors will be of great importance commissions. E-mail resume and Apostle Family - Dome, (poems translated by K. Director Anastasios Tamis, Dr. set of aims and objectives that are to ensure the viability of the new cover letter to [email protected] Gregory, Nicholas, Andrew - Haralambidis) by J. Milidis; and Michael, Allen Gravier and submis- not consistently laid out in its own Center. Therefore, it becomes cru- FAX: (718) 472-0510 Attn. Publish- Funeral Directors of Vlase Zanalis-Greek Australian sions from individuals who had an documentation; [2] that the Cen- cial for Latrobe University manage- er or call (718) 784-5255 ask for RIVERDALE Artist, by N. Green and J. Yian- interest in the center. One of the ter’s activities have not been well ment to inform the Greek and Veta. FUNERAL HOME Inc. nakis. documents titled Profile and Vision integrated with research in La Cypriot Governments who previ- 5044 Broadway THE REVIEW PANEL 2001-2008 prepared by Tamis Trobe University, and that there has ously funded the NCHSR of the JOURNALISTS WANTED New York, NY 10034 Latrobe University conducted a sought to explain the achievements been a missed opportunity for new direction in research. It is Nation’s leading Greek American (212) 942-4000 5-year review of its research cen- of NCHSR over the past 7 years. On building links that would strength- hoped external donors will give newspaper needs reporters and as- Toll Free 1-888-GAPOSTLE ters and institutes that also includ- September 11, a teleconference en, rather than dissipate, research generously towards this important sistant editor for English weekly ed NCHSR. The review committee was convened where Tamis, on topics related to Greece, its lan- project for the greater good of Hel- paper. Exceptional writing/report- LITRAS FUNERAL HOME was chaired by Andrew Brennan, Michael and 2 NCHSR staff mem- guage, culture and migration; and lenic studies and research. The ing skills and bilingual fluency a ARLINGTON BENSON DOWD, Professor of Philosophy and Associ- bers were interviewed by the panel. [3] the Center has failed to build up Greek community has a major re- must. Car a plus. Fax or e-mail clips INC FUNERAL HOME ate Dean of Research, Faculty of From the ensuing discussion points a critical mass of researchers in any sponsibility to ensure the survival and cover letter to 718-472-0510 83-15 Parsons Blvd., Humanities, Latrobe University; 1 and 2 of the terms of reference area of its specializations, and has of the Hellenic language and cul- or [email protected]. Jamaica, NY 11432 Judith Brett, Professor of Politics were quickly agreed by the commit- no capacity to continue any level of ture in Australia. 111609/01 (718) 858-4434 • (800) 245-4872 and Head of the School of Social tee. However terms 3 and 4 re- research activity after the resigna- The major issue that needs to be Sciences, Latrobe University; and quired greater thought and reflec- tion of Professor Tamis at the end of addressed is the future of the Dard- FUNERAL HOMES Tim Murray, Professor of Archaeol- tion before a decision could be ren- 2008.” alis Archive located at NCHSR. This TO PLACE YOUR ogy and Head of the School of His- dered. The panel decided to con- Some brief comments are of- archive contains many diplomatic CONSTANTINIDES CLASSIFIED AD, CALL: tory and European Studies, Latrobe vene a week later. fered specifically to items 2 and 3 documents from the Australian FUNERAL PARLOR Co. (718) 784-5255, EXT. 106, University. There were two external Another teleconference was above. In the former case, there ex- Archives including rare letters from 405 91st Street E-MAIL: committee members: Kevin Feath- held on September 18 where Tamis isted some rivalry between NCHSR Greek community leaders and Bay Ridge - Brooklyn, NY 11209 classifieds@ thenationalherald.com erstone, Professor of Contemporary declined to attend; only one inter- and Hellenic Studies Department Church dignitaries. Some Greek (718) 745-1010 THE NATIONAL HERALD BOOKSTORE

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(718) 784-5255 • Fax (718) 472-0510 Please send your order by check to the following address: The National Herald, Inc. 37-10 30th Street, L.I.C., NY 11101 or charge your credit card: ❏ VISA ❏ MASTERCARD ❏ AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD No: ...... EXP. DATE: ...... SIGNATURE:...... RECEIVER’S NAME:...... ADDRESS: ...... TEL: ...... CITY: ...... STATE: ...... ZIP: ...... BOOKS:...... THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 29, 2008 COMMUNITY 7 Volunteers Deliver Thanksgiving Cheer to Those in Need On the City's Continued from page 1 Fringes, and will never let people go hungry and I prayed to God to help me with Worried that.” Since then the heart and the hands of Mr. Manolis are open not About a Ride only once a year during this special holiday season, but all year around. By Cara Buckley He has given directives to his store The New York Times managers and the personnel to give free food to those who do not have If ever there were a bus route that money to pay. He also gives a 15% perfectly linked highbrow and low- discount to the senior citizens. brow New York, the X28 may well be “People go through difficult times” it. It starts, in Manhattan, in front of he said. Mr. Manolis remembers his the Dior boutique on East 57th mother telling him when he was a Street, and makes express stops to young kid, “My son when you give Coney Island's Sea Gate Beach Club, with one hand, God will give you which is painted with turquoise and with his two hands and from that white stripes and cartoons of green, point on I live with that advice” and grinning -- and oddly toothless -- he added “look around you, outside sharks wearing sunglasses. in the parking lot we give away The X28 is also, for many riders, a turkeys and the store is filed to ca- lifeline . pacity from customers, God gives Mitchell Verley has spent 21 of his back.” 45 years driving New York City buses, The preparation for the delivery LEFT: A group of volunteers worked hard for twelve straight hours on Monday, November 24 at Mr. Nicholas Manolis’ store parking lot prepar- and every Sunday he drives the X28. work began early on Monday morn- ing and delivering 1,050 Thanksgiving baskets for the needy, the elderly and the less fortunate people of Lowell and the suburban area. RIGHT: It is a comfortable bus, with soft, ing around 6 o’clock. Among the Volunteer John Zaralides left his J&R Foreign Car Repairs store and rushed to help Mrs. Beth Kelley, with the deliveries. high-backed seats, footrests and tint- first who arrived was John Zar- ed windows, and costs $5 a ride. Sun- alides. Mr. Manolis said that “John days are slow, and in the hour and 15 Zaralides is a man with a big heart, minutes that it takes Mr. Verley to dri- he never says no.” By 12,30 p.m. ve one leg of the route, he might pick more than 400 potions were given. up only 10 or so passengers each way. Elias Manolis had already delivered Among those passengers is Geor- 100 portions to the Retardation gia Mitilineos, a Greek immigrant Center. who lives in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Mrs. Manolis begins the prepa- and works as a weekend housekeep- rations since September. “I have an er at the St. Regis Hotel in Midtown. exceptional feeling in my heart” she 'Without this bus, I would have to said and she added “Christ is here walk to the local bus, take it to 86th present, I see Him everywhere” and and Fourth, take the local R train to while she was saying that two Pride 36th Street, then take the N train to Star Ambulances pulled into the Fifth Avenue, then walk,' she said. parking lot led by Mr. Ed Daly who Her current weekend commute is 45 with his son are owners of the 25 minutes each way, she said, and the vehicle flee of ambulances and had loss of the X28 would double her come to offer their services volun- travel time, at least. 'I'm not going to tarily by making deliveries to insti- like it if they stopped this bus.' tutions and organizations in the The X28 is one of 29 weekend bus cities of Lowell and Dracut. Mr. lines that the Metropolitan Trans- Manolis said “I did not know them, LEFT: Students of St. Demetrios Elementary School in Queens, NY perform to celebrate Thanksgiving. RIGHT: First graders: Markos Efraim, portation Authority is proposing to they came yesterday and they said Konstantinos Andrikopoulos, Melina Tsiropoulos, Dimitris Tzanetatos, George Tsiros, John Boukas, Kerry Emexezidis, Stafanos Chasiotis, cut in 2009, as part of its effort to we want to help and here they are.” Georgiana Tezaris, Evangelos Barous, Christina Folias, James Ligas, Konstantinos Mitrotasios, Anastasios Papazoglou and Stelios Floropoulos. plug an anticipated $1.2 billion bud- Beth Kelly started helping the get shortfall next year. Every borough project Helping Hands some six would be affected by the cuts, and a years ago. Last Monday she took a cursory survey of various routes this day off from her job in a commut- past weekend revealed that the hard- ing company, she took her hus- est-hit passengers are the ones who band’s semi-pick up truck and with live in remote neighborhoods and the help of John Zaralides and work on weekends, or those whose Michael Giannoulis delivered a creaky limbs are ill suited for subway load of 32 baskets to the Dracut Ag- steps. ing Center. Mrs. Kelly told The Na- 'This is the only transit line that tional Herald that “Mr. Manolis is goes down to Broadway -- it's a shop- an exceptional person. I was look- ping area down there,' said Myrtis ing to go somewhere and do volun- Williams, 69, who lives in the Marcy teer work. On Fridays we have din- Houses in Brooklyn and rides the B57 ner at Nick’s place with my hus- bus most Saturdays to shops in band. One Friday I heard them talk- Queens. Ms. Williams has peripheral ing about the project, I asked them artery disease and diabetes; walking If they needed any help and this is to a subway stop was time consum- how I started.” ing, she said, and descending the The cost this year went up to steps hurt. 'It's a physical problem,' $15,000. Until three years ago the she said. cost was assumed by Mr. Manolis Along other possibly doomed personally. There were times that LEFT: Volunteers at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Bridgeport, CT offered abundant Thanksgiving meals to the homeless. RIGHT: Senior cit- weekend bus routes, passengers he paid out of his pocket $30,000. izens gathered to feast on Thanksgiving meals on Monday afternoon, November 24, offered by the St. Demetrios community in Jamaica, voiced similar concerns. Nannies, “This year we established a Queens. The meal is part of an annual tradition at St. Demetrios and is popular among the senior citizen parishioners. home aid workers, store clerks, cus- Foundation and we collected todians and templegoers and church- $35,000 in donations,” he said. goers foresaw big increases in the The remaining $15,000 were length of their commutes. given by him and when he was Shortly before 10 a.m. on Satur- asked why he added the rest of the day, eight people waited, shivering, amount, Mr. Manolis said, “If I do for the Q31 bus at its terminus, at not put the money who is going to Archer Avenue and Sutphin Boule- do it?” vard, in Jamaica, Queens. He explained that “we estab- 'Without the 31, I've got an extra lished the Foundation in order to be commute of an hour and a half,' said able to accept donations because one man, a custodian for the United the project grew a lot. This morning States Postal Service who refused to Fr. Leonard the priest of the Anti- give his name. ochian parish of St. George of Low- By the time the bus was halfway ell came here and he was so en- through its run, passengers filled all thused by what we we doing, he of its 47 seats. Brick single-family said he is going to help us give homes flashed by, most in neighbor- away 2,000 baskets next year.” No hoods accessible only by car or bus. other priest stopped by from the John Yim, 35, a clothing salesman four Greek Orthodox parishes that who works at a shopping mall in Bay- exist in Lowell. The St. George An- side, Queens, shook his head in when tiochian parish gave a donation, al- he heard that the Q31's weekend run so its youth organization and its might end. faithful helped. Students, the elderly and week- The pupils of the Hellenic Amer- end workers have long relied on the ican School of the Holy Trinity route, he said. He owns a car but parish of Lowell also helped by prefers the bus. 'How much do you gathering food items, and the Or- ALEX MAVRADIS save versus the cost to the communi- thodox Council of Churches of Low- Honoring the Fallen ty?' he asked. 'I can see taking out ell contributed $400. The Transfig- some lines in Manhattan, because uration parish where Mr. Manolis A memorable Veterans Day Service was held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England after the Divine Liturgy attended there are so many bus lines and sub- serves as president of the parish by over 600 friends and guests of the Cathedral and veterans. The service was conducted by Chancellor Fr. Theodore J. Barbas, representing ways, but out here, outside the city, council contributed as a parish, its Metropolitan Methodios and Rev. Dr. Alkiviadis Calivas, Emiritus Proffessor of Liturgies at the Hellenic College of Brookline, Mass. Kolivo was things are spread out and bus lines youth and its members. blessed for the more than 450 Veterans who have passed away and the symbol of a flag draped coffin was blessed for the deceased. serve a purpose.' Convicted Millionaire Accused in $50M Scheme Cassiane by Gabriella Kolias is a dramatiza- By Anthony M. Destefano told Judge Larry Alan Burns there other defendants, DLJ said in its Newsday is evidence Kontogiannis and some complaint. tion of the life and times of of his relatives were involved in Even after pleading guilty in GLEN HEAD, N.Y. – A Glen Head mortgage fraud and that there was February 2007 in the Cunningham Cassiane, Byzantine noblewoman millionaire who was a key figure in a pending investigation. Assistant case, Kontogiannis "continued to a Congressional corruption scandal U.S. Attorney Jason Forge told engage in mortgage fraud," Burns of the 9th century. It is based on his- has been accused in a lawsuit by a Burns the probe was "very much an said when he imposed the sentence mortgage company of involvement ongoing investigation" that would last May. Along with prison, Burns tory and legend. The book is avail- in a scheme to steal more than $50 last until the end of the year. fined Kontogiannis more than $1 able at Amazon.com or by calling million through a network of com- Thomas Amato, an attorney for million. panies in the city and on Long Is- DLJ Mortgage Capital, said the firm These are the latest of Konto- $ AuthorHouse Publisher at (888) land. was seeking to attach or freeze as- giannis' legal problems since immi- 14.95 Thomas Kontogiannis, 60, who sets of Kontogiannis and other de- grating to the United States around If purchaded from the au- 280-7715 or the author at (714) is serving an 8-year federal prison fendants. He declined to comment 1970 from Greece and starting, ac- thorhouse publisher or sentence for laundering bribes paid further. cording to court records, a number 524-3962. to former Rep. Randy Cunningham According to the lawsuit, the Thomas Kontogiannis of real estate and development ven- $12.95 (R-Calif.), was sued last week by scam involved "at least 95 real es- tures. if purchaded directly DLJ Mortgage Capital Inc. of Man- tate sales and mortgage loan trans- funding firms, which then obtained Aside from his 2007 conviction from the author Books make great gifts! hattan in Brooklyn federal court actions sold to DLJ and other finan- the money from DLJ and the other for money laundering in the Cun- Give Cassiane this Christmas over what the firm claims was a cial institutions." Also sued are institutions, according to court pa- ningham scandal, Kontogiannis massive scheme over several years. Kontogiannis' wife, Georgia, and pers. pleaded guilty in 2002 with four INCLUDES S+H and spread Greg O'Connell, the Manhattan other relatives, as well as attorneys, DLJ and the other lenders even- other defendants to being part of a defense attorney representing Kon- title agents and various companies. tually discovered that the mort- bid-rigging and bribery scheme in- the glory of Byzantium! togiannis, declined to comment on According to the lawsuit, the gages were never recorded, the volving city Board of Education the case, or on reports that the U.S. scheme involved the preparation of complaint stated, adding that the computer contracts for District 29 BY MAIL: Please mail check $12.95 payable to GABRIELLA K. KOLIAS 402 PONCE AVE., PLACENTIA, CA 92870 Attorney's office in Brooklyn was false loan applications on residen- scheme was only uncovered when in Queens. investigating. tial properties in Brooklyn and monthly mortgage payments end- Kontogiannis was ordered to Name:------Zip Code: ------During recent sentencing pro- Queens, which they either owned ed. pay his share of nearly $5 million in Adress: ------E-mail:------ceedings in San Diego federal court or were planning to develop. A further investigation revealed restitution and forfeitures, Queens City: ------Telephone: ------involving the bribery case, one as The applications were approved that many of the properties were District Attorney Richard Brown County: ------recent as October 2, a prosecutor by one of Kontogiannis' mortgage then sold by Kontogiannis and the said at the time. 8 OBITUARIES THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 29, 2008 Dimitri Trispagonas, “Patriarch” of Greek Tourism George Costacos, 34, Actor was

By Demetris Tsakas fession, because he was won over tion. Their accounts gave us an op- “An Artistic Chameleon” Special to The National Herald by his love for travel and desire to portunity to learn even more about see the world, which led him to his accomplishments in life,” Mrs. Actor and writer George Costa- NEW YORK – Dimitri Trispagonas, seek a career in the travel industry. Mylionis told The National Herald. cos passed away in a hospital in who served the Greek American Aided by his wide-ranging knowl- The late Mr. Trispagonas was a Germany after being treated there community with dedication for edge in history, philosophy, geogra- supporter of the Ronald McDonald for a month. George Costacos was nearly four decades and tried to phy, and his extensive education, in House Greek Division, which helps diagnosed with an aggresive type publicize and promote Greece and addition to his ability to speak children from Greece stricken with of brain cancer recently. His funeral raise its standing as a travel desti- Greek, English, French and Italian cancer receive treatment here in was in Aigina, Greece this past Sun- nation in the United States tourist fluently, he was able to not only se- the United States. day. market - even during the most diffi- cure a job in tourism, but to attain In light of this, the Trispagonas George was born in Greece in cult of times - is no longer among prominence in the field and be- family is asking friends and family 1974 but lived in New York for the us. come an industry leader. to send a donation in his memory past 25 years. He studied theater at The “patriarch” of Greek Soon after starting his career, he to the Ronald McDonald House in Queens College. tourism, as he was billed by his married his sweetheart Artemis. lieu of flowers. According to his mother, “at age partner John Dikeos, died early The couple had one daughter, Mr. Dikeos called his partner’s 3, George heard an organ-grinder Sunday morning, November 22 af- Sophia-Sonia Mylionis, who works death “a loss for the family of Greek passing outside their garden. ter battling cancer for several today as the executive assistant to American travel agents” and added Running to the gate, he decidedly months. He is survived by his wife Atlantic Bank CEO Spiros Voutsi- that “my ever-memorable partner pointed to the monkey and Artemis, lone daughter Sophia-So- nas. came to the United States as a tal- announced: ‘That's what I'm going to nia Mylionis, grandson Dimitri Mr. Trispagonas relocated to ented travel professional and did be!’ The nightmare of every Greek Mylionis, sister Lila Savramis, New York in the mid-1960s and everything he could to help pro- mother. Fortunately, his father George Costacos nieces, nephews and other relatives continued his career in the travel mote tourism in Greece. He made a taught him the alphabet, numbers in the U.S. and Greece. business. great contribution and he is justifi- and time, which got George into theatrical leaders and press alike as The late Mr. Trispagonas’ wake Ten years ago, he partnered-up ably known as the “patriarch” of school before legal age.” “an unencumbered spirit with a was held at Antonopoulos Funeral with John Dikeos of Ulysses tours, tourism. With a restless childhood full of mission,” “an artistic chameleon,” “a Home, and his burial took place on which is located on the ninth floor Homeric Tours President Nick creativity and no TV in the house... particularly distinguished actor,” “a Friday, November 28, in his native of Olympic Tower in Manhattan. Tsakanikas called the deceased “a this painfully shy child found a genuine child of the theater” with “a city of Athens, Greece. The late Mr. Trispagonas also leading figure in the United States natural outlet, front and center on noteworthy career of quality work The deceased was born in served as a parish council president tourist industry,” and noted that the school stage. He not only and talent that is necessary, if not Athens, and was the eldest child of at the Annunciation Church in Dimitri Trispagonas died of can- the family of tour operators lost a performed poems, stories and plays, indispensable.” Esquire magazine attorney Panagiotis Trispagonas Manhattan during the 1980s. cer on Saturday, November 22. remarkable man, and a great Hel- he wrote them as well. So bright was called George Costacos “The most and his wife Maria. The deceased held a deep love lene with a one-of-a-kind sense of his starlight, they nicknamed him important Greek of Broadway.” After graduating high school in for the Greek culture, and en- very first moment that he lost his humor. “Theatrino.” George Costacos holds the honor Athens, he went to Switzerland to deared himself to people through uphill battle with cancer until now “Dimitri loved his job, and He kept performing, making little of performing by Invitation in the study law. Upon his return to his good nature, characteristic hu- our phone has not stopped ringing. Homeric Tours was lucky to have books and theaters, paintings, crafts historic Athens 2004 Olympics Greece, he continued his studies at mor and big smile. His family, friends, and business as- him as manager of our tourism divi- and strange inventions, including a Opening Ceremony, seen by 4 billion Panteion University. “My father was a very good sociates all called us and had some- sion for many years. We have noth- flying hat which luckily didn't work viewers. His image circled the globe Although he earned his degree man. He was loved and held in high thing special to share from their ing but positive things to say about when George climbed to the roof of a and has been issued on the official in law, he never practiced the pro- regard by many people. From the memories of his life and contribu- him,” added Mr. Tsakanikas. 5 story house to try it. That didn't commemorative postcards, books, stop him from trying to reach the sky posters and calendars. The only however. Actors' Equity performer in the George was always fascinated event, George's appearance once DEATHS with the Greek sky and sea, the again made front page news, Acropolis, the ducks and plants in earning him further commendations ■ CAPPAS, DOROTHY was a very generous and kind man of New York, NY; her son, William bio-chemistry. She worked as a lab- the National Garden, and his favorite and the honor of marching in the EAST CHICAGO, Ind. – The Times to all who knew him; after all, he P. Billy Lempesis and his wife Bobbi oratory manager for E.R. Squibb. island Aigina, from where, he would Greek Independence Day Parade reported that Dorothy Cappas, 100, was "Big D!" His dear friends, "The Conner of Mt. Pleasant, SC; her Mrs. Stroumtsos was also a substi- watch his favorite show: the stars in with the Olympic banner. of East Chicago, IN passed away Gateway Posse," will truly miss his daughter, Sunday Lempesis and tute school teacher in Highland the night sky reflecting on the sea, Prior, in the 20th American November 17, 2008. She is sur- presence. The funeral was held on her husband Charles D. Donny Park while raising her family. For meeting the lights of Athens across Anniversary concert of Mikis vived by two sons: Tom (Betty) November 21 at the St. Sophia Schaeffer, Jr. of Charleston, SC; her the past 20 years Mrs. Stroumtsos the water. It was there he learned Theodorakis' “Axion Esti” at New Cappas of Munster and Angelo Greek Orthodox Church in Albany. sister, Sylvia Billias Pappas of St. has been employed as a reception- how to swim, while trying to fly over York's Merkin Concert Hall, George (Mary) Cappas of Schererville; five Memorial donations to be sent to Augustine, FL, two sisters-in-law, ist and bookkeeper at her son's den- the waves toward the stars. became the first artist in the world grandchildren: Samuel (Linda) St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church Katina Lempesis and Ann Lempesis tal office, Dr. John Stroumtsos, A bit on the eccentric side, this history of the epic oratorio to perform Cappas of Cedar Lake, Peter (Anne) in memory of Arriane P. Damaskos, of Charleston, SC; her grandchil- D.D.S., in Somerset. She was a lov- child's pets were three white both the Nobel-prize winning poetry Cappas of St. John, Sam (Helen) for the Greek school fund. Dino was dren: Peter Lempesis, Cassidy and ing and devoted mother, grand- roosters, which he carried of Odysseas Elytis and the celebrated Cappas of Schererville, George incredibly proud of all the students Livy Conner, Remy, Alex and Dax mother, sister and aunt and a friend everywhere in a bag. They couldn't popular songs -- earning praise for “a (Leah) Cappas of Crown Point, and who persevered to learn there Armenakis, and Kyra and Chase to many. She was predeceased by fly either. pioneering double interpretation in Thespena Panos of Schererville; 10 Greek heritage, language and cul- Schaeffer; and many nieces, her husband, James J. Stroumtsos, George's first job in show this landmark work of Greek musical great-grandchildren: Alexa, Tom- ture. nephews, cousins and koumbari who died in 1985. She was also business came at his uncle's island, literature.” Numerous New York my and Julianne Cappas, Sophia who were a very special part of her predeceased by her brothers, An- open-air, real-life "Cinema Paradiso." appearances include City Center, and Evangelia Panos, Maria and ■ DEDOPOULOS, SUSAN life. She was predeceased by her thony Tizzano, Joseph Mosco and There he fell in love with musicals. Musical Theater Works, the 45th Angelo Cappas, Georgia Cappas, NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The brother Michael Billias. The funeral James Mosco, and her sister, An- As little George flew his bike in Street Theater, Hudson River and twins Emma and Grace Cap- Standard-Times reported that Su- was held on November 22 at the toinette Cojocar. Mrs. Stroumtsos is everyday, his aunt's daily quote was Museum, and the legendary Sardi's. pas; one sister, Adamantia Pilaras san (Constantinides) Dedopoulos, Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy survived by her son, Dr. John “here comes our manager.” He His diverse dramatic works have of Greece; cousins: Dorothy (Bill) 90, of New Bedford died peacefully Trinity in Charleston. Memorial do- Stroumtsos and his wife Linda of displayed an unusual organizational been performed at Samuel Becket Bafaloukos of Scottsdale, AZ and on Wednesday, November 19, nations to the Peter W. Lempesis Belle Mead; sisters, Constance Crea ability to put things in order and Theatre, 42nd Street Collective Diane (Frank) Markey; many lov- 2008, at St. Luke's Hospital sur- Scholarship Fund, sponsored by and Marie Russo, both of North Greeks on a line -- a task few have (former Playwrights Horizons' ing family members and friends in- rounded by her family after a long the Brigadier Club of The Citadel, Brunswick, and her granddaughter, ever managed. division), Trilogy Theatre, Alexander cluding devoted nephews and and fulfilling life. She was the wife (171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, Dayna Stroumtsos of Belle Mead. He wrote and published his first Hamilton Auditorium, Don't Tell nieces: Gust and Georgia Samis, of the late Andrew Dedopoulos. SC 29403) or the Greek Orthodox The funeral was held on November “little newspaper” at the ripe age of... Mama, Dicapo Theatre and others. and Irene and Jim Vrehas; dear Born in Lowell, the daughter of the Church of The Holy Trinity, (30 18 at St. George Greek Orthodox 9. It was a delight to everyone and a George starred in the flagship friends: Connie Pantoja and Susan late Costa and Vasiliki (Calivas) Race Street, Charleston, SC Church in Piscataway. Memorial horror to the mailman: the average production of "The Emigrants" Markey. She was the loving wife of Constantinides, she moved to New 29403). donations to the St. George Memo- mail little Georgie received from all celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Sam Cappas, who passed away on Bedford after her marriage in 1948. rial Fund (1101 River Road, Piscat- over the world was a bag a day. the Greek Cultural Center and was August 13, 1977. Also preceded in She was a active member of St. ■ SCHLESINGER, ARISTIA away NJ 08854). (Today it's a registered trademark invited to perform his poetry death by her parents, Andreas and George Greek Orthodox Church, MILWAUKEE, Wisc. – The Milwau- with select readers all over the collection “The Fifth Season” in Argiro Andriotis; brothers: Har- where she was a member of the kee Journal Sentinel reported on ■ VATHALLY, THEODORA world). honor of the first-ever Hellenic alambos, Petros and Angelo Andri- Ladies Philoptochos Society and Friday, November 14, 2008, that NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. ? The A top student and member of the Cultural Month established by New otis; sisters: Ismini Viahogenis and the Daughters of Penelope. Mrs. Aristia Ann Schlesinger (nee Kara- Haverhill Gazette reported that national champion team in York Governor George Pataki. Toula Bafaloukos; nephew, Andrew Dedopoulos and her late husband gunis), 82, passed away. Ann was Theodora (Fanos) Vathally, 87, of gymnastics, in his adolescence Among the countless stellar Bafaloukos and cousin Bessie owned and operated the Orchid born on August 31, 1926, daughter North Andover and formerly of George won medals, honors, two reviews for writing and Samis. Dorothy was born in Evdi- Diner for many years until retiring of the late Peter and Effie (nee Pa- Haverhill, passed away on Tuesday, scholarships and continuing national performance, this “incomparable los, Ikaria, Greece. She came to in 1974. During World War II, she pageorge) Karagunis. Any one who November 11, 2008 at the Prescott publicity. For this, he was flown to interpreter” was... “compared to a East Chicago and married Sam worked for the U.S. War Depart- met Ann knew how proud she was House Rehabilitation Center, North New York for studies, where, he was legendary figure in the Hellenic Cappas in 1930. Along with her ment in Washington, D.C. She en- of her Greek heritage. She was a Andover, after a brief illness. She discovered while accompanying a artistic firmament: that with his husband, she owned and operated joyed reading, spending time with longtime member of the Annuncia- was born in Nashua, N.H. on Octo- friend to an audition. The rest is musical play ‘Greek Gifts,’ George the Indiana Hotel and Restaurant her family, and socializing with her tion Greek Orthodox Church in ber 29, 1921, daughter of the late flying history, over a path that spans Costacos transformed the New York at 3454 Michigan Avenue in Indi- many Greek friends. Known affec- Wauwatosa. When the church festi- George and Kostandina Fanos. Edu- drama, music and literature. stage into old Athens, the way ana Harbor for many decades. She tionately as Yia Yia to her family val took place, Ann could be found cated in the Nashua school system, George Costacos is the recipient Melina Mercouri had transformed it was a lifetime member of the St. and friends, she was especially Greek dancing well into the Mrs. Vathally graduated from of countless kudos for diverse and into the port of Piraeus” in an George Greek Orthodox Church close and devoted to her three evening, only to return the next day Nashua High School, Class of 1939, prolific creativity as an actor and a unforgettable Broadway debut. This and the Ladies Philoptochos Soci- grandchildren. Survivors include to dance again. Ann was the secre- and prior to her marriage was em- writer, “carving the steady and time George didn't dive into the port. ety. The funeral was held on No- three children, Niki Keyser and her tary to the Assistant Dean at the ployed as a Long Distance Supervi- significant course of a dynamic artist A renaissance man who vember 20 at the St. George Greek husband, George of Cincinnati, UWM School of Engineering for sor for the New England Telephone who has bewitched with his consistently defies categorization, Orthodox Church in Schererville. OH, Stuart Dedopoulos of Durham, many years and easily made friends and Telegraph Exchange, Nashua. multifaceted talent, knows how to one of George Costacos' many Memorial donations to the St. NH, and Dean Dedopoulos and his with the students, earning the rep- A Haverhill resident for over 60 magnetize the lens of current events famous quotes is that his favorite art George Greek Orthodox Church of wife, Mary of Bethlehem, PA; three utation of someone who went years, Mrs. Vathally was very active and puts his signature on every to master is “The Art of Life Itself.” Schererville. grandchildren, Rebecca Bryson and "above and beyond" to help all of in civic and community affairs. She aspect of his work” -- to quote a few her husband, Josh, Jonathan them. Ann loved shopping and go- was a member and past president of the glowing reviews in the Portions quoted from "The Flying ■ DAMASKOS, ELIAS Keyser and Meredith Dedopoulos; ing out to eat, but she loved noth- of the Beverly School for the Deaf, abundant international press. Georgie" and "Greek Gifts." All ALBANY, N.Y. – The Albany Times a sister, Helen Otis of Saugus; and ing more than babysitting and Beverly. Mrs. Vathally was a mem- With his passionate sense of press reviews quoted from the of- Union reported that Elias (Dino) several nieces and nephews. She spoiling her grandchildren. She ber of the Greek Orthodox Church drama and “boundless energy,” ficial website www.GeorgeCosta- Damaskos, 71, passed away on was the sister of the late George showed the deepest love and com- of The Holy Apostles, Haverhill, George Costacos has been dubbed by cos.com Monday, November 17, 2008. He Constantinides and John Conn. mitment to her three daughters and was a former member of the was born in Skoura, Sparta, Greece The funeral was held on November throughout her life. Ann was mar- Greek Ladies Society ELPIS serving and came to Albany in 1952 and 24 at St. George Greek Orthodox ried to Fred Schlesinger in 1955, as president for three consecutive had been a resident of Albany for Church in New Bedford. Burial was but he preceded her in death in terms. She was also a former mem- the past 56 years. He was prede- at Pine Grove Cemetery. Memorial 1981. Ann was the beloved mother ber and past president of the Ladies ceas-ed by his parents, Athanasios donations to St. George Greek Or- of Linda (Mark) Lengling, Nancy Philoptohos Society as well as be- P. and Martha Vouth-ounis thodox Church Building Fund, (87 Wolfe and Diane (Kevin) Kennedy. ing very active in the Church choir Damaskos and his beloved niece, Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA Proud yia yia of Melissa, Meghann, for over ten years. Mrs. Vathally Arianne P. Damaskos, who died in 02746). Keri, Ben, Peter, David, Andrew and was the wife of the late Thomas S. Christina. She is also survived by Vathally, Sr., former Mayor of subscribePRINTED EDITION OF THE NATIONAL HERALD 1994 at the age of 22. He is sur- vived by his son, Dean Damaskos, ■ LEMPESIS, FRAN her two sisters, Connie Wells and Haverhill, and mother of the late via the post-office: Ballston Spa; daughter, Dina CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Goldie (Darrell) Helgens. The lega- Jamie Vathally. A loving and devot- ❏1 Month $11.00 ❏3 Months $22.00 Evans, Fla.; his three beloved Charleston Post & Courier reported cy she leaves with all of us is how ed mother, she leaves her children, ❏6 Months $33.00 ❏One Year $66.00 grandchildren, Ashley, Robert, and that Fran Lempesis passed away on important her family was to her. Stephen Vathally of Washington, VIA HOME DELIVERY (NY, NJ & CT): Gregg; his beloved friend and love the morning of November 18, The funeral was held on November George Vathally of No. Andover, ❏1 Month for $14.00 ❏3 Months for $33.00 of many years, Christine Snow; sib- 2008. Fannye Fran Billias Lempesis 15 at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church Thomas Vathally, Jr. of West ❏6 Months for $48.00 ❏One Year for $88.00 lings, Christos (Norma) Damaskos, was the widow of Peter W. Lempe- in Milwaukee. Burial was at Wis- Lebanon, Maine, and Theodore Joanna (the late James) Nollas, He- sis. Mrs. Lempesis, daughter of consin Memorial Park. Memorial "Ted" Vathally of Haverhill; two sis- VIA HOME DELIVERY (NEW ENGLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, lena (Nicholas) Georgelas and George M. Billias and Diana Lasker donations to St. Nicholas Orthodox ters, Bee Giokas of Chicopee Falls WASHINGTON D.C., VIRGINIA & MARYLAND) Athena (Deno) Geanopoulos; his Billias, was born June 11, 1917 in Church. and Lillian Salis of Nashua; sisters- ❏1 Month for $18.00 ❏3 Months for $41.00 much loved nieces and nephews, Charleston, SC, and later moved to in-law, Jenny Fanos of Fitchburg ❏6 Months for $57.00 ❏One Year for $109.00 ■ Arthur (Cathy) Georgelas, Melissa Daytona Beach, FL, where she was STROUMTSOS, DOLORES and Tillie Papageorge of Manches- ON LINE SUBSCRIPTION www.thenationalherald.com (Tommy) Georgelas-Verrigni, Lanie crowned Miss Florida. She married HIGHLAND PARK, N.J. – The Home ter, N.H., as well as several nieces NON SUBSCRIBERS: ❏One Year for $45.95 ❏6 Months for $29.95 (Evan) Damaskos-Christou, Maria Peter W. Lempesis and they resided News Tribune reported that Do- and nephews. The funeral was held ❏3 Months for $18.95 Nollas, Christine (Jimmy) Nollas- in Charleston after World War II. lores T. Stroumtsos, 91, passed on November 14 at the Greek Or- SUBSCRIBERS: ❏One Year for $34.95 ❏6 Months for $23.95 Smith, Demetrios Geanopoulos and The owner and operator of the Roy- away on Saturday, November 15, thodox Church of the Holy Apostle ❏3 Months for $14.95 Athanasios Geanopoulos; and al Cleaners, she was a woman of 2008, at Somerset Medical Center in Haverhill. Burial was at Linwood many great-nieces, nephews and many talents, a homemaker, and a in Somerville. Mrs. Stroumtsos was Cemetery. Memorial donations to cousins and here in America, Cana- tireless contributor to her Church born in New Brunswick and was a the Greek Orthodox Church Of The NAME: ...... da and in Greece. Dino was born in and its youth group. Mrs. Lempesis resident of Highland Park for over Holy Apostles (154-156 Winter St., ADDRESS: ...... a small village near Sparta, Greece was a member of the Greek Ortho- 50 years. She was a member of St. Haverhill, MA 01830). CITY:...... STATE: ...... ZIP:...... called Skoura. He immigrated to dox Church, past President of the George Greek Orthodox Church in TEL.: ...... E-MAIL:...... CELL...... the United States with his family in Ladies Philoptochos Society and Piscataway. Mrs. Stroumtsos was PLEASE SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO: search of prosperity and a better the Daughters of Penelope. She is the first president and a charter NAME: ...... life after he was in Greece. He orig- best remembered for her wonder- member of the St. George Chapter This is a service ADDRESS: ...... inally settled in Albany, where a ful cooking and delicious Greek of The Daughters of Penelope. She to the community. CITY:...... STATE: ...... ZIP:...... large Greek community was form- pastries. The recipes she created for dedicated 19 years to being the Announcements of deaths ing. Dino was a restaurateur for Charleston's Popular Greek Recipes principal of the St. George Sunday TEL.: ...... E-MAIL:...... CELL...... many years with the family busi- are favored by many. Her Sunday School and committed 20 years to may be telephoned to the Please specify method of payment ness, the Gateway Diner in Albany, dinners were enjoyed not only by being a chairperson of the St. Classified Department of I enclose a check/money order for $ ...... made payable to: as well as a businessman in con- family and friends, but also by any- George Memorial Fund. She found- The National Herald at The National Herald, Inc., 37-10 30th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 - 2614 struction and night club endeavors. one in need of a home cooked meal ed the St. George Needy Fund for (718) 784-5255, or please debit my ❏ Mastercard ❏ Visa ❏ American Express He was a longtime parishioner of and a warm environment. She will Parishioners and was found work- Monday through Friday, CARD NUMBER: ...... St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, be deeply missed by those who ing at the gift shop during the St. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST EXPIRATION DATE: ...... SIGNATURE:...... Albany. He was a faithful member knew and loved her. She is survived George Greek Festival. Mrs. or e-mailed to: of the AHEPA Brotherhood and the by her daughter, Diana Lempesis Stroumtsos graduated from Dou- [email protected] Skoura-Varvitsa Brotherhood. He Armenakis and her husband James glass College with a B.S. degree in THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 29, 2008 GREECE CYPRUS 9 HIDDEN GREECE Speckhard's Comments Anger Greek Government Hidden Greece will present pictures of the country that tourists don't see, the main streets but also the back streets and balconies and the By Yannis Sofianos tions abroad, but many other coun- thing more systemic, where the the additional research and devel- way of life of people outside the normal spotlight: workers, the home- Special to The National Herald tries which are also struggling with government of Greece, working opment that’s needed to tackle less, ordinary citizens and some more celebrated, and the places they the cascading effects of a global fi- with its hospitals and doctors, de- many of those health challenges live and work and define modern Greece, as well as its legacy. ATHENS – At a recent U.S. Ambas- nancial meltdown. velops a solution, but obviously en- that are still facing the community,” sador to Greece says the Greek In his remarks, Mr. Speckhard courages them to work rapidly on he said. Government should make sure cited an immense Greek hospital that – in the interest, most impor- “The challenge here in Greece Greek hospitals pay off several bil- debt for pharmaceuticals, which is tantly, of the health of Greeks and for this important industry is get- lion dollars worth of debt to Ameri- projected to reach 3 billion euros the community,” he said. ting paid. Obviously, it’s hard to can pharmaceuticals companies be- ($3.9 billion) by the end of 2008, “I think that it’s important that imagine any businesses that pro- fore the end of the year if those according to the Hellenic Associa- the Government, by the end of this vide goods and services for two to companies are to reasonably be ex- tion of Pharmaceutical Companies, year, show good faith to you, so three years without getting paid – pected to continue providing drugs with at least half of this amount that you can continue providing and continue doing it,” he added. to patients who need them. owed to U.S. companies. For med- and supporting this community Mr. Avramopoulos said Mr. With those remarks, made dur- ical devices, the estimate is 1 billion with your products and your ser- Speckhard’s comments were ing the Innovation & Value in euros ($1.3 billion), owed to vari- vices, and so that you can support “groundless and unfortunate,” not- Health & Pharmaceutical Care as- ous suppliers, he said. ing that the American Ambas- pect of the 6th Biennial Summit of While he acknowledged that the sador’s primary interest, rather Economist Conferences at the Greek Government is taking steps than making sure people in need Athens Hilton this past Monday, to remedy the problem, Mr. Speck- are administered with the proper November 24, Ambassador Daniel hard also called on Greece and its drugs to treat their health prob- V. Speckhard touched off a new hospitals to pay off the debt by the lems, seemed to be to make sure round of controversy in U.S.- end of the year, telling his audience American companies get paid. Greece relations. that the Greek Government needs Mr. Avramopoulos also said His comments sparked the ire of to “show good faith” to those com- that, had Mr. Speckhard had been Health Minister Demetris panies which are still expecting properly informed by companies of Avramopoulos, who said the Am- payment, so that they can continue American interest, he would have bassador’s statements were an at- supplying lifesaving medications to known that more substantive steps tempt to interfere with Greece’s af- patients who need them. have already been taken to resolve fairs. “I am pleased to see that there is the issue. The Greek healthcare system is a lot of discussion about a new law A new committee, which will act undergoing financial stress, as are which will require hospitals and as the facilitating organ between the healthcare systems of the Unit- public organizations to adopt inter- Greek hospitals and their pharma- ed States and many countries in Eu- national accounting standards. I ceutical suppliers, has already been rope, Mr. Avramopoulos said, but think that’s a good first step. But established by the Health Ministry, the Government would not accept this problem has both the immedi- Mr. Avramopoulos pointed out, and being steered by the U.S. or any ate debt issue – that needs some is expected to begin dealing with DAPHNE’s other entity when Greece is taking payment – and also the systemic is- the issues of outstanding debts and responsible measures to tackle the sue of how this cycle keeps recur- payments in short order. A lot of restaurants in Plaka offer tourists bad food and worse service, problem under trying economic cir- ring. So in 2004, a debt was paid, “If he (Ambassador Speckhard) but Daphne’s, at 4 Lysikratous Street shows off its good reviews from cumstances, which have affected and now we’re back there again in knew about this, he wouldn’t have foreign newspapers and has one of the quietest and most attractive not only the United States and 2008,” he said. made those statements,” Mr. locations. Decide for yourself. American companies with opera- “So the solution lies in some- Ambassador Daniel V. Speckhard Avramopoulos said. Greece and China Expand Relations, Finalize Multi-Billion Dollar Port Deal

By Evan C. Lambrou nese exports making up more than Mr. Hu on China’s success, stressing Greek Foreign Minister Dora Special to The National Herald 95 percent of that figure, according that the age-old cultural heritages Bakoyanni said Greece adheres to to data from the Hellenic-Chinese of China and Greece were the foun- the one-China policy, and hopes to NEW YORK – Chinese President Hu Chamber of Commerce. Greek dation for advancing their bilateral see a resolution of the Taiwan ques- Jintao promised to expand mar- companies currently have some relations. tion in a peaceful manner. itime trade with Greece after final- 480 orders at Chinese shipyards, a He also briefed Mr. Hu on the She also expressed appreciation izing a $4.3 billion euros container- Chamber spokeswoman said. name dispute between Greece and for China’s support of Greece dur- port concession deal earlier this This port deal was part and par- the Former Yugoslav Republic of ing its term as a non-permanent week. Under the agreement, Chi- cel of three bilateral agreements, Macedonia (FYROM), the Cyprus member of the United Nations Se- na’s COSCO Pacific LTD will receive one granting a concession to problem, and the status of Greece’s curity Council, as well as its advo- a 35-year concession to manage COSCO to manage the Piraeus port political rapprochement with cacy in settling the Cyprus problem two container terminals at Greece’s container terminal; another for co- Turkey. based on international law and rel- main port of Piraeus. operation between the Hellenic Mr. Hu described his meeting evant U.N. resolutions. The agreement was reached Telecommunications Organization and talks with Mr. Karamanlis as Due to its superb geographic po- amid the global financial crisis (OTE) and the Chinese telecom cordial and constructive, noting sition as a point of convergence for which has affected the shipping in- company Huawei; and a third for that they focused on matters of mu- three continents, she explained, dustry, and commodity shipments cooperation between the Greek tual interest, and that the two Greece has a role to play in China’s in particular. Greek companies con- state-run broadcaster ERT and Chi- countries shared many common relations with Europe in general trol nearly 20 percent of the world’s na Central Television (CCTV). views. and the Balkans in particular. merchant fleet. Piraeus, the port of Mr. Karamanlis praised econom- Since 2006, he said, there has “Greece is also the oldest mem- Athens, is among the ten largest ic relations between the two coun- been great progress in cooperation ber of the European Union and NA- ports in Europe, and the largest in tries, and described them as between the two countries, and TO in southeastern Europe, and container shipping in the Eastern “strategic,” stressing that substan- China is very satisfied with the out- plays an important role toward the Mediterranean. tial progress has been made in that come of its expanded relations with consolidation of peace and stability The deal prompted protests by regard. Greece. in the region. With the excellent bi- Greek dockworkers. The agree- The shipping industry is a The Chinese President also said lateral relations we share with Chi- ment was signed this past Tuesday, “strategic field of cooperation” be- he appreciates Greece’s under- na, we believe we can serve as its November 25, after Mr. Hu met tween the two countries, he said, standing of China’s problems and gateway to the region,” she said. with Greek Prime Minister Costas noting the weighty presence of concerns, adding that his country Karamanlis for talks which focused AP PHOTO/STEFANOS RAPANIS, POOL Greek ship owners in the transport attached great significance to their The above incorporates informa- on strengthening economic cooper- Chinese President Hu Jintao uses a rod to harvest olives during a visit of goods from China, as well as bilateral relations. tion from reports posted by the ation between Greece and China. to an agricultural cooperative in the village of Peza, on the southern their collaboration with Chinese In an interview with the Chinese Athens News Agency, Xinhua and Mr. Karamanlis said Greece is Greek island of Crete, Wednesday, November 26, 2008. shipyards. news agency Xinhua on Monday, the Associated Press. determined to enhance economic The Greek Premier also said Chi- relations with China, and will be- “The Government and the Chi- visits to Latin America. He returned na plays an important role in global come a key transit point for Chi- nese leadership should realize that to Beijing on Wednesday. economic developments, particu- nese goods bound for Southeast we will not allow our ports to be- His visit to Greece was timed to larly in light of the current credit Europe and the Eastern Mediter- come Chinatowns,” a union state- coincide with the signing of the crisis, and emphasized that in light ranean. ment said. port deal. He was greeted by Mr. of the Piraeus deal which was “The concession deal between Several hundred dockworkers Karamanlis at the airport in Athens, signed on Tuesday, Greece was the port of Piraeus and COSCO protested in central Athens, but and met with Hellenic Republic evolving into a transit hub for marks a new and significant chap- were blocked by police from President Karolos Papoulias that af- Southeast Europe. ter in our cooperation. Greece marching to the Prime Minister’s ternoon. The tourism sector also offers places particular importance on its official residence. The rally ended “We have the will to further de- prospects for further development partnership with China, and is de- peacefully. velop our ties. This is happening at in terms of bilateral cooperation, termined to deepen this relation- “There are no guarantees that a rapid pace,” Mr. Hu said on Greek he pointed out, noting that the joint ship,” the Greek Premier said. businesses won’t be set up here to state television. statement of strategic relations COSCO said it would spend an process Chinese goods so that they Greece and China expanded co- signed during his visit to Beijing in additional ?235.5 million ($297 are sold as products of the Euro- operation in the run-up to this 2006 has produced tangible re- million) on pier upgrades. pean Union,” said George Loukou- year’s Beijing Olympics, with sults, and adding that such agree- Dockworkers staged a 24-hour tidis, head of the Piraeus port work- Athens having hosted the 2004 ments of mutual interest would on- strike to demonstrate against the ers association. Olympiad. Mr. Papoulias visited ly cultivate even better relations agreement. Their unions oppose Mr. Hu arrived in Greece this China this past June, and Mr. Kara- between the two countries. the privatization of the container past Monday morning, November manlis traveled to China in 2006. Mr. Karamanlis commended the terminals, and argue that an in- 24, for an official three-day visit af- Last year, the volume of trade Chinese Government for the excel- creased influx of Chinese products ter attending a summit of world between the two countries was lent organization of the 2008 will hurt the local market. leaders in Washington and making ?2.9 billion ($3.7 billion), with Chi- Olympic Games and congratulated

Cyprus Accuses Turkey of Naval Provocations AP PHOTO/ANA, ORESTIS PANAGIOTOU, POOL Chinese President Hu Jintao, right, and his wife Liu Yongqing, seen, in Continued from page 1 Christofias said he associates Ta- front of Parthenon temple on top of the Acropolis hill in Athens, Tues- lat’s action with Turkey’s recent day, Nov. 25, 2008. China's Cosco Pacific Ltd. will receive a 35-year Turkey. provocations in Cyprus territorial concession to manage two container wharfs at Greece's main port of The Turkish naval provocations waters, but said the alleged harass- Piraeus, in a deal worth 831.2 million euro ($1 billion). occurred off the Mediterranean is- ment would not harm the U.N.-su- land’s southern coast, according to pervised peace talks overly since Ta- Cypriot Foreign Minister Markos lat “has no authority or power” over Kyprianou, who said the incidents Turkish naval actions. occurred on November 13, when a “Talat’s complaint was that I Turkish frigate approached the two have stated that that the essence of Norwegian-owned survey ships 27 the Cyprus problem is the Turkish nautical miles off Cyprus’ southern occupation, which does not allow D O N ’ T M I S S coast and ordered them to leave the the Republic of Cyprus to exercise area, and again this past Monday, its sovereignty over the whole terri- November 24. tory of the Republic,” Christofias Our annual The Norwegian vessels reported- said, adding that Talat erroneously ly retreated within Cypriot territori- believes the current Cypriot Gov- al waters, fearing for the lives of ernment will exercise its sovereign- their crew and the integrity of their ty over the whole territory of the Greek American ships. Republic. Christofias is filing protests at But Christofias said that, after a the U.N. and the E.U., objecting to solution to the Cyprus problem is Turkey “contravening international reached, Turkish troops would Scientists law,” Kyprianou said. withdraw; there would be no occu- Turkish authorities had no im- pation; and the two communities, Special Insert mediate comment. Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot, Cyprus contracted with the Nor- Republic of Cyprus President Demetris Christofias, right, with Turkish would jointly exercise the legisla- wegian ships to search for hydro- Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat. Cyprus accused Turkey of naval tive and executive power of a Unit- carbon deposits beneath the seabed “provocations” shortly before a new round of peace talks. ed Federal Republic, based on the inside the island’s 70,000-square- agreement achieved between the Coming in kilometer (27,000-square-mile) ex- should have a say in the island’s oil- disappointment over the fact that, two communities themselves. clusive economic zone. and-gas rights. during the meeting, Talat chose to The next meeting between the December Turkey had warned Cyprus not After meeting with Talat for the read from a written statement two leaders is scheduled for next to search for oil and gas in the off- tenth time this past Tuesday, which criticized Christofias’ recent Tuesday, December 2. shore area, where it claims it also Christofias again stressed that the official visit to the Russian Federa- To advertise or to obtain rates: has legal rights and interests. The Republic of Cyprus has the sover- tion, as well as the common politi- The above also incorporates in- tel: (718) 784-5255 ext. 101, Turkish Government also insisted eign right to conclude agreements cal declaration Christofias signed formation from reports posted by e-mail: [email protected] that breakaway Turkish Cypriots with other states, and expressed with the Russian President. the Cyprus News Agency. 10 EDITORIALS LETTERS THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 29, 2008

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The National Herald A weekly publication of the NATIONAL HERALD, INC. (ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ), The Church Needs Leadership George Bush Has Created a reporting the news and addressing the issues of paramount interest to the Greek American community of the United States of America. After the Katinas Mess Mess and Failed to Clean it Up To The Editor, To The Editor, Publisher-Editor Antonis H. Diamataris Please allow me to congratulate We have less than two months to Assistant to Publisher, Advertising Veta H. Diamataris Papadopoulos you for the fine work you are doing go in the horrible reign of George Managing Editor Evan C. Lambrou providing extensive coverage of is- W. Bush as President of the United Assistant Managing Editor Mark Frangos sues essential to our Church and States. Thankfully, his eight years Production Manager Chrysoula Karametros Community. of incompetence are over. Webmaster Alexandros Tsoukias I have followed the Katinas pe- The only problem is that now he dophile case from the very begin- has gone from being the worst ever The National Herald (USPS 016864) is published weekly by ning and I am glad the five victims president to the worst ever lame The National Herald Inc. at 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 from Texas will experience some duck president. Tel: (718)784-5255, Fax: (718)472-0510, kind of closure with the ordeal they I cannot believe that as the U.S. e-mail: [email protected] went through during the most pre- and world economies crash and cious childhood years of their lives. burn around him, Mr. Bush is Democritou 1 and Academias Sts, Athens, 10671, Greece It is really sad to have to suffer nowhere to be found. He had a Tel: 011.30.210.3614.598, Fax: 011.30.210.3643.776, e-mail: [email protected] such pain and emotional distress chance to reclaim any credibility he Subscriptions by mail: 1 year $66.00, 6 months $33.00, 3 months $22.00, 1 month $11.00 from someone who was supposed had and help the nation regain Home delivery NY, NJ, CT: 1 year $88.00, 6 months $48.00, 3 months $33.00, 1 month $14.00 to be the spiritual father and some optimism going into Obama’s Home delivery New England States, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland: guardian. administration, but instead he is 1 year $109.00, 6 months $57.00, 3 months $41.00, 1 month $18.00 It is imperative that the leader- sitting back doing nothing. On line subscription: Subscribers to the print edition: 1 year $34.95, 6 months $23.95, ship of our Church takes bold and The mortgage crisis, economic 3 months $14.95; Non subscribers: 1 year $45.95, 6 months $29.95, 3 months $18.95 responsible measures today and bailouts, automakers going bank- not tomorrow, by removing indi- rupt and people losing jobs are Periodical postage paid at L.I.C., N.Y. and additional mailing offices. viduals from the ranks of the clergy some tough issues the president Postmaster send change of address to: who might have similar problems should be tackling. Instead, he sits THE NATIONAL HERALD, 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 or behaviors. It will be most wise if back and pardons a few people. He somehow each priest take some is essentially telling the American type of individual insurance, just people that he has washed his like the doctors do, so in case some- hands of this job and his mess is thing happens to be covered as in- Obama’s to clean up. Time for giving thanks dividuals and not to spend the Luckily, Barack Obama looks funds of the Church for legal fees like he is on the right track. He has This Thanksgiving is a most solemn one. Our country – indeed the and monetary settlements. chosen his economic team already whole world – is hurting. We are going through a terrible financial crises, Our Greek Orthodox Church is and three of them went to M.I.T. the likes of which few living among us have ever experienced, and one small in comparison to Roman and two to Harvard. He is bringing that few had foreseen even as recently as a few months ago. Catholic Church and it doesn’t have educated people back to the White It is a crisis which has brought down storied companies on Wall Street; the recourses to pay all those legal House. The cowboys are on their wreaked havoc on the markets; brought despair to those who lost their re- costs and remuneration damages. way out! tirement investments and those who lost their jobs; a crises which has Peter Sakelson John Logothetis changed our psychology, our values and our attitude in life. Florida CHRYSANTHI LIRISTIS / SPECIAL TO THE NATIONAL HERALD Chicago, Ill. These are truly historic days we are living in, the kind of days our chil- dren’s children will read about in school and wonder how could this have been allowed to happen, until someday, just as suddenly, they too will ex- perience something similar. For this is the folly of the human nature. VIEWPOINT Yet, somehow, in a strange but very understandable way, this Thanks- giving seems more meaningful than previous ones; it seems more replete with symbolism of what this holiday, in reality, was meant to celebrate – which is life itself, even when lived under incredibly trying circumstances. And so, even under today’s unpleasant economic conditions, we are Not in the Footsteps of Alexander the Great still all so very blessed to have reached this time of the year again – to ex- perience the heartwarming, humbling, family experience of Thanksgiving, President-elect Barack Obama From the very begin- tentions in Central ing to consume Pakistan and that this unique and befitting American holiday which was set aside by the will be facing serious dilemmas in ning the US implement- Asia. It has been the country at present possesses a nu- wise leaders of this country to afford its citizens an opportunity to thank domestic issues but equally daunt- ed a flawed strategy. practice of the Bush clear arsenal of fifty atomic bombs. their Maker for who we are and what we achieved; not only to remember ing is the future of America’s foreign First the US allied Administration to fol- The US and its allies in Central Asia those who are less fortunate than us – and we must remember, no matter policy and grand strategy as a super- themselves with local low the dictum of “my face the prospect of being caught be- how bleak our situation might be, that there are always those among us power. The lynchpin to the future warlords and minority way or the highway” tween two fires as well as the crisis who are much less fortunate than we are – and also to reach out to them in of the US as a world-class power and groups to fight the Tal- and pursuing a policy in Iraq. Should the government in a meaningful way, especially now; to visit with the downtrodden among leader of the West is what decisions iban most of whom of alienating America’s Pakistan fall to Islamisists America us, to usher in the new Christmas season, a season of hope and goodwill. the new president will make in Iraq were members of the traditional allies. US will have an implacable foe. Unfor- The first American Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 to commemo- and Afghanistan. In this respect, of majority Pashtun tribes. global strategy has not tunately, a large percentage of Pak- rate the harvest reaped by the Plymouth Colony after a harsh winter. That the all the books being recommend- Secondly, when the US been formulated in istan’s population is already viru- year, Governor of Plymouth William Bradford, the primary architect of the ed to Obama, Arian’s Campaigns of Special Forces had al- conjunction with the lently anti-American as are most of Mayflower Compact, proclaimed a day of thanksgiving. The colonists cel- Alexander the Great should be on Qaeda on the run, Don- by DR. ANDRE interests of these allies the people in Afghanistan. ebrated it as a traditional English harvest feast, and invited the top of the list. ald Rumsfeld, the Sec- GEROLYMATOS but in a vacuum. Although at first the ordinary Wampanoag Indians. Alexander, vastly outnumbered retary of Defense, re- As a result, coun- Afghans saw the US presence as an The Wampanoag tribe lived by farming, fishing, hunting and gathering. by the armies of Persia (which also fused to commit Special to tries such as Pakistan opportunity to move their society In the spring, whole villages moved by the seashore to fish and plant crops. included Iraq and Afghanistan), ground forces and trap The National Herald are prey to rumors of and country forward they quickly In the fall, they moved back inland into the New England forests, where managed to overcome incredible the terrorists before dramatic changes in became disillusioned. More of than they hunted deer, wolf, bear, beaver, moose and wild turkey. During the odds and conquer one of the great- they escaped to the Northwestern Central Asia. The Pakistani intelli- not, US warplanes have bombed any winter months, they went ice fishing. est empires of antiquity. Yet, today frontier of Pakistan. The reason, as gence service is convinced that the large gathering of Afghans whether In 1939-41, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, seeking to lengthen Afghanistan is not a Greek state. incredible as it sounds, was Rums- US is working with India to use they were insurgents or simply a the holiday shopping season, proclaimed Thanksgiving on the third Thurs- Alexander’s legacy hung over feld did not wish for the CIA con- Afghanistan as a base of operations wedding or funeral party. US and day in November. Afghanistan for almost four cen- trolled Special Forces to get the against Pakistan. More recently a NATO forces have destroyed the Controversy followed, and Congress passed a joint resolution in 1941, turies after his death but ultimately credit for destroying al-Qaeda. map produced by the Pentagon has poppy plants of Afghan farmers decreeing that Thanksgiving should fall on the fourth Thursday of Novem- time was on the side of the indige- Then in an equally ill-conceived surfaced that outlines a truncated without bothering to replace the lost ber, where it remains to this day. nous population and the country re- move the Bush Administration shift- Pakistan with half its present territo- revenue thus leaving the farmers in It’s interesting that Thanksgiving was formalized as a national holiday verted back to its original inhabi- ed the center of gravity of the “ war ry. The map was made as part of hy- dire straights and leaving them little toward the tail end of the Great Depression, as an antidote for a troubled tants. on terror” to Iraq before completing pothetical scenarios developed by choice but to turn to the Taliban for economy, by a President to whom we are now looking back at 75 years lat- The US invaded Afghanistan in hostilities in Afghanistan. The US Pentagon strategists and not US pol- protection. er for answers to our present-day economic problems. History does indeed October 2001 as a knee-jerk reac- went on to defeat Saddam Hussein icy, but it has served to underscore Alexander the Great succeeded seem to have a way of repeating itself. tion to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and in the interim period left the Pakistani fears of American inten- in Central Asia because in addition We’re not in a depression now, or so economists tell us, but the same against America. Unlike Alexan- war in Afghanistan to NATO and a tions. to his spectacular victories he was sort of economic irresponsibility and frivolity has led us to a similar eco- der’s conquest of the country that small number of American forces. Consequently, for the Pakistani able to win the hearts and minds of nomic situation. was total and well thought out the Over the past six years the Tal- Government, the Taliban represents the local population. He married an That little historical lesson and interpretation aside, the first Thanks- Bush Administration plunged the iban was able to reorganize and ex- a potential ally in a war against In- Afghan princes as well as orchestrat- giving was an act of reconciliation between the early settlers and local Na- US into a war that provided a quick pand by using the tribal areas of dia and to counter a hostile govern- ing a mass wedding of Greeks and tive Americans, and between mankind and the environment. At its core, it and cheap victory but behind the Pakistan’s Northwest frontier as safe ment in Kabul orchestrated in Wash- Persians to symbolize the unity of is also meant to acknowledge that the Judeo-Christian God is a good and early success lurked the quagmire of havens. The Government of Pak- ington to weaken Pakistan. Closer the West with the East. Although he loving God, full of compassion and grace. protracted insurgency. istan not only turned a blind eye but to reality, the Pakistan Government could be ruthless, Alexander under- It is a day when all people – in one nation under God, regardless of The Bush-Chaney perception of Pakistan’s intelligence service (ISI) is not sure who will win in stood that the foundation of empire race, color, political affiliation or creed – can come together as a nation, in an American Empire was a simplis- continued to maintain and expand Afghanistan and hence does not rests on the support of ordinary peo- unified fashion, and give thanks to God for the good fortune He has be- tic exercise in grand strategy as im- its contacts with the Taliban that wish to turn the Taliban into an ene- ple who accept it in return for secu- stowed upon us. potent as the outgoing president’s had developed during the war my. But this does not help the rity and prosperity – the Bush Ad- Many of us will gather at our tables and enjoy feasts which will official- intelligence quotient in foreign or against the Soviet occupation of 33,000 US soldiers and 12,000 NA- ministration provided none of the ly initiate the annual holiday season, the season of giving, sharing and joy; domestic policies. Only after the Afghanistan. Remarkably, while the TO troops that are trying to defend a former and little of the latter. perhaps less bound full than in previous thanksgivings, yet perhaps more collapse of the American economy is Taliban and al-Qaeda regrouped country that is larger than Iraq with appreciated; the season which finds Christians of all denominations antic- the realization hitting home that the and mounted a grim insurgency less than one quarter of the military Dr. Gerolymatos is chair of ipating the yearly commemoration of the Incarnation, the birth of Christ. US could not have afforded such in- against the US and NATO forces in resources already deployed in Iraq. Hellenic Studies at Simon Fraser That anticipation is not meant to be simply celebratory in nature, how- competency in the office of presi- Afghanistan, the US government The situation can become consid- University in Vancouver, British ever. dent. Afghanistan will serve as a continued to provide billions of mili- erably worse because Pakistan itself Columbia and the author of "Red It is also supposed to be one of solemnity, for the Most High deigned to metaphor for imperial hubris and an tary aid to Pakistan’s military. is under threat from within. The Acropolis, Black Terror: The humble Himself and walk among us in our lowliness. That divine act of ul- example of military and political The Pakistanis have been less du- same Islamic forces that have beset Greek Civil War and the Origins of timate humility should compel us to consider the backdrop: His immense blunders rarely matched in history. plicitous than confused about US in- Afghanistan and Iraq are threaten- Soviet-American Rivalry." sacrifice. And it should give us pause: Those of us who are more fortunate than others should be thankful, yes, and Thanksgiving Day is a splendid oppor- tunity to set time aside to relish in our good fortune; to offer thanks to God COMMENTARY for all the good things so many of us enjoy in life, both materially and spir- itually. But in giving thanks for our good fortune, we should also renew our commitments and remember the many who are not so fortunate. Nothing could exemplify this better than Project Helping Hands in Dra- Alas, Hellas: Political Mythology's Threat to National Identity cut, Massachusetts (see related story on page one). The Manolis family, and all who join them, are to be commended for exemplifying a true By Christopher Tripoulas Greece should be very careful in advocated by Adamantios Koraes, a other one. Wolf, who was born over Thanksgiving spirit, and for living up to Hellenic ideals and American Special to The National Herald handling this whole name dispute scholar and intellectual who was half a century after the fall of New standards with their splendid annual philanthropic endeavor. because pillaging Greek history is a based in Paris. Koraes argued that Rome, managed to change the During this joyful yet solemn time, we should pray for our new leaders So, apparently those wannabes favorite pastime of Westerners. Greece should adopt this name be- name – thus altering the identity – as they are about to embark on a historic voyage with no blueprint to fol- over in Greece's ex-Yugoslav north- Take two historic examples: the cause it is the name that all the “en- of one of the strongest and most re- low, but with only their inner fortitude and accumulated wisdom at their ern neighbor have decided to sue prevalence of the name Greek over lightened” Western nations use. silient empires that ever existed, disposal, as they are about to shoulder the heavy responsibility of govern- Greece for blocking their accession Hellene, and Byzantine over Ro- But the capital of the Roman with the aid of political mythology. ing under these excruciating difficult financial circumstances. into NATO last April. They say it's a man. In both instances, the term Empire was officially located in To his credit, Wolf was so effec- We have a new President who seems to exemplify the best in all of us. violation of the 1995 Interim Ac- with the more negative connota- Constantinople for over 1,000 tive that it is virtually impossible to- He is clearly an educated and intelligent man, and appears to be charis- cord between the two countries, tion, or the least prominence, was years. Moreover, at no time during day to refer to the Byzantine Em- matic, level-headed and emotionally well-balanced. Let us pray for God to whereby Greece pledged to allow imposed by the West and accepted this period did the emperors or citi- pire with its proper name and be grant him the strength and wisdom he needs to help the country move for- the northern newbie to join inter- by the Greeks without much ado. zens of the empire ever refer to understood. ward. national organizations, pending The late theologian John Ro- themselves as “Byzantine.” Never- Oddly enough, the ones who Let us remember the war in Iraq, those of our soldiers who fell, and the commencement of negotiations manides writes, “the first and only theless, this somehow became the seem most astute and diligent in those we were wounded in battle, and also the Iraqi civilians who are have in good faith to resolve the ongoing ones who in the 9th Century name used around the world – even protecting the historical continuity paid and are still paying such a heavy price for their efforts to move be- name row between the two coun- stopped calling us Romans and in Greece – to refer to the Eastern and ethnic names of the Hellenic yond the horrors of Saddam and their tribal differences, and pray for a tries. Of course, FYROM's idea of from then on called us only by the Roman Empire. people are their age-old rivals the quick and successful end to this terrible war. good faith is putting up billboards name Greek… are the Franks… The name Byzantium was the Turks, who continue to call the Or- We should also remember the people of Greece who lost everything in of the Greek flag with a swastika all The chief reason for which the name of the Roman capital prior to thodox Church and Greek minority the terrible wildfires which engulfed them at the end of summer two years around its capital, running car- Franks called us only Greeks was its rededication by Emperor Con- in Turkey “Rum (Roman).” Ironi- ago. Many of these same people are still being tried by the elements. toons of the Greek premier dressed that, from the 6th till the 8th Cen- stantine the Great, whereupon it cally, the nation responsible for our Finally, let us not forget that we are all human beings who share the up as a Nazi, and spinning tall tales turies, they had conquered the was renamed Constantinople – New demographic eradication is at pre- same basic needs and that, at the end of the day, we all share the same des- about “Aegean Macedonians.” tremendous Roman populations of Rome. Similarly, New York City – sent keeping this feature of our eth- tiny. If we manage to keep this simple truth in mind each day, we can not None of this should come as a Gaul and North and Central Italy… considered by many today as the nic identity alive. only have a nice holiday season, but also a more meaningful life. surprise since the very existence of In order that the Roman serfs capital of the world – was once And just lets us keep in mind the horrible but nonetheless important FYROM and its claim to the title would forget that free Eastern Ro- called New Amsterdam. However, it Christopher Tripoulas is an Ad- lesson learned from this sudden, deep financial crisis we are going “Macedonia” is predicated on a mania exists, they named her is inconceivable to ever imagine his- junct Professor of Speech and In- through: Nothing in life is permanent, especially money and power. fairy tale. ‘Graecia.’ They named the East Ro- tory books referring to the Big Ap- terpersonal Communication at Things can change in a blink of an eye, and they have. We all know of peo- Still, no one should doubt the ef- mans exclusively ‘Greeks.’ They ple as New Amsterdam and ignor- St. John's University. He holds ple who went from riches to rags in the space of a few short days. The ex- fectiveness of FYROM’s tactics. Po- named the emperor of the Romans ing its far more illustrious name. graduate degrees concentrating amples in history are much too numerous to cite here. litical mythology has been going on ‘emperor of the Greeks’ and the The reasons for this bizarre re- in Speech, Communications and Money and power can not and should not be the basis upon which rela- for thousands of years. And mis- East Roman Patriarchates ‘Greek naming are not without guile. Ger- Second Language Acquisition. In tionships and happiness depend. Love and compassion for others, even guided as they are about their own Patriarchates.’ ” man scholar Hieronymus Wolf is addition, he specializes in trans- those who have been our enemies, is the true foundation of happiness in identity, FYROM's leaders do seem Once Greece regained its free- widely credited with the devious lations, and several works of his life. to have some knowledge about the dom in the 19th Century, the adop- idea of “conjuring up” an entire em- has been published from Greek HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL. workings of political machinations. tion of the word Greece/Greek was pire and burying the history of an- to English. THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 29, 2008 VIEWPOINTS 11 LETTER FROM ATHENS Auto Industry Will Fail if Changes Aren't Made

Dr. John Psarouthakis cept that the value added to distin- Special to The National Herald guish its product from all the others No Asylum in Greece for doesn’t come in the concept or on In 1980s and early 90s, I found- the factory floor. These remain vital ed a company on my dining room parts of the equation, but in terms Iraqi Refugees or Unwanted table that ultimately was listed on of product parity, not in terms of the New York Stock Exchange and business success. Apparently, Greece led to exactly became a Fortune 500 industrial The two weapons that finally didn’t get the memo nowhere, and that’s corporation. Every dollar derived win the car wars these days are from the European why we’re back on the from business was with the auto price and service. Ask any consumer Union that the official same shores, along companies, mostly the American comparing any essentially similar policy of the 27-nation with the asylum seek- auto companies and the private in- high-ticket products. What deter- bloc isn’t to deny asy- ers holding their vestors made 20 times their money. mines his or her choice? Two an- lum seekers even the breaths they won’t be Our business model was ahead of swers: First, cost. And second, what most basic human beaten or pushed back the times. We did not get stuck in will happen when my purchase rights and that means into the sea or sent the ways of the past. However, we needs service? it’s also not alright to back to Iraq, the had great difficulties working with Those two answers drive the send some back to friendly little country our customers then, because they business model of the most success- their certain death, or created by American were strenuously resisting new ful foreign car manufacturers. And puncture the little rub- by ANDY Democracy-in-Action. ways. they define a business model that ber rafts they use try- DABILIS Norway stopped It is no shock to me that the De- Detroit refuses to embrace. Which ing to reach the land sending asylum-seek- troit Three, as the former Big Three CHRYSANTHI LIRISTIS is, of course, what Detroit must do. where democracy was Special to ers back to Greece and now must be called, have become SPECIAL TO THE NATIONAL HERALD Otherwise what used to be the born. Especially if they The National Herald Germany decided to an endangered species – not merely Big Three, now the Detroit Three, are from Iraq, which suspend all transfers of downsized but in mortal danger. Cadillacs from the era when that of a Detroit car. No more. Detroit will be merely the Deceased Three. the EU pretends isn’t at war and unaccompanied minors to Greece Anyone who still does not believe nameplate declared itself “an Amer- builds good cars. With or without your tax dollars. doesn’t exist and wants no part of. (except in cases of family reunion,) this fact simply hasn’t been paying ican standard for the world.” The customer, however, buys on Instead of a bailout I would pre- Actually, Greece did get the memo and everyone in the EU knows attention. So how can this wondrous prod- price and service when he buys a fer to see them in Chapter 11 facing and it’s secret, one the EU doesn’t what Greece does but few really The former Detroit’s Big Three uct, the object of America’s long- commodity. This commodity busi- a tough judge while reorganizing want anyone to know about and it care because it keeps the unwashed need to keep one thought para- standing “love affair with the auto- ness needs an entirely different with our tax dollars supporting the goes like this: Greece will do the and illiterate out of the EU. Curi- mount as they struggle to survive, mobile,” be called – as it reaches its business model than the one man- needed cash to operate while these “wet work” by denying asylum to ously and coincidentally, the EU with or without taxpayers’ help. evolutionary best – nothing more agement uses which has its roots in companies are in the process of re- virtually everyone. Under EU regu- has just set up a Blue Card system It’s this: That the contemporary than a commodity? the 1960s organization. lations that require immigrants to for immigrants, a very tough and automobiles produced are a com- Simple. At least 20 companies, The Detroit Three, or however Whether or not our government seek asylum from the first country diluted one, that hopes to lure sci- modity. around the world, can design, engi- many are left standing when you diverts taxpayer dollars as cash flow they land in, the Great Unwanted entists, engineers, doctors, profes- True, today’s cars are a techno- neer, and manufacture today’s car. read this, must not only accept that for these companies, the American can be returned from whence they sionals and really nice people from logical marvel. We have more com- These cars look alike. They meet the they have become mere assemblers automakers must confront certain came, solving a big problem be- other countries, but sets the bar so puter chips in our vehicles’ engines same safety and environmental rather than vertical manufacturers basic truths or they will die. They cause they are not welcome, cer- high that virtually no one except than we do in our homes. standards. None – including the as when Henry Ford’s lake need to implement changes now tainly not in the European Union, the hand-picked few the EU wants True, today’s cars are incredibly American product freighters brought him raw materi- starting with change of top manage- which has let thousands die in bro- can get in. When you mix the twin durable compared to those of just a will rust out any time soon. als to make his own steel. ment. What are the board of direc- ken-up dinghies overflowing and problems of illegal immigrants and few decades ago. Products must be distinguish- Detroit must accept that talented tors waiting for? So far I see no overfilled with human beings from asylum seekers together, the EU True, even the most modest of able to win the war of the market- people anywhere with good com- signs of that happening. Africa, who drown off the coast of and Greece have hit on a Perfect today’s cars are loaded with crea- place. Detroit has brought its prod- puters can design and engineer cars I guess that the old Detroit cul- Malta, Spain, Italy, and Greece. Solution to keep them out. ture comforts no Duesenberg or uct up from the quality disaster it better and in a fraction of the time it ture doesn’t seem to allow it. That Bill Frelick, an American who It is xenophobia at its worst, a Stutz owner could even dream of. was 30 years ago. That sad deficien- took in the Motor City’s legendary would bail out the Motor City. Oth- works in Athens for Human Rights word Frelick won’t use because he’s True, the smallest and least ex- cy was the major – and of course en- shops of yesteryear. erwise any taxpayer dollars will go Watch (HRW,) wrote a 121-page re- too compassionate and under- pensive model is far safer than tirely negative – distinguishing trait Finally, Detroit must finally ac- down with the ship. port that accused Greece of system- standing, even of Greece’s position. atically rounding up and detaining “The reason is that because of the Iraqi asylum seekers and other mi- agreement (the so-called Dublin II the EU approved for asylum seek- ers) on what country is responsible It is xenophobia at its it means anyone who sets foot in Obama/Biden and their Stance on Turkey worst, a word Frelick Greece is Greece’s responsibility … and it’s not fair to expect Greece to All Americans should be hoping The process is the appli- tions to advise Turkey to tional Convention Committee to stop won’t use because he’s handle it all,” he said, especially that the Obama administration and cation of appropriate get its illegal troops and taking money from currently regis- too compassionate and when the EU, which was found re- the Obama/Biden team have a suc- diplomatic, economic settlers out of Cyprus tered federal lobbyists. He stated on understanding, even of cently to have no idea where five cessful term in office because that and political pressure and let the Greek and June 5, 2008: “I have sent a strong billion euros in one agricultural would mean an economic recovery on Turkey. Turkish Cypriots negoti- signal in this campaign by refusing Greece’s position. budget alone went, won’t kick in to on the domestic front and an end to The question is ate a settlement by the contributions of registered feder- help. Because of its location, the U.S. involvement in the Iraq war, whether the Cypriots free from out- al lobbyists and [political action grants in dirty, overcrowded condi- Greece is a prime landing spot for the defeat of the Taliban in Obama/Biden team side pressure. committees]…They do not fund our tions and forcibly and secretly ex- scores of thousands of refugees, il- Afghanistan and more successes re- will have the political Economic pressure campaign and they will not fund our pelling them to Turkey. In both legal immigrants and asylum seek- garding al Qaeda. will to act. I believe on Turkey would in- party.” countries, he said, they were sub- ers, who make up more than 10 A number of commentators are they could have the po- clude the halt in any Now all lobbyists are not bad. ject to beatings and being sent back percent of the population now. giving President-elect Barack Obama litical will to act if they economic assistance in- Many, if not most, serve a useful pur- to Iraq where many faced further Athens has legalized more than advice on various issues, domestic fully appreciate that the by EUGENE T. cluding loans; a halt in pose in presenting the views of con- persecution or execution. But he 700,000 immigrants and human and foreign. On the foreign front, benefits of a fair and vi- ROSSIDES any military assistance stituents or employers to our elected doesn’t put all the blame on rights organizations estimate that former National Security advisors able Cyprus settlement and acquisitions; and officials. Greece. “There’s a wink and a nod another 300,000 to 500,000 people Brent Scowcroft and Zbigniew will not only create a Special to informing Turkey that it There is however a form of lobby- between the other EU countries to could be in the country illegally. Brzezinski in a recent op-ed urged sound strategic situa- The National Herald will withdraw all exist- ing that is in my judgment harmful let Greece do the dirty work and HRW interviewed scores of asy- Obama to deal with the Palestinian- tion for the U.S. in ing economic benefits, to the interests of the United States, push people into the river,” he said. lum seekers and heard the same Israeli conflict. Others have given ad- Cyprus and a better relationship be- such as textile quotas, if Turkey does namely, the hiring by foreign govern- And it’s not just a metaphor. story over and over, including one vice on Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, tween Greece and Turkey and re- not cooperate. It would also include ments of former U.S. representatives The Human Rights Watch re- from an Iraqi Kurd from Kirkuk North Korea, China, Russia, and Su- move a major obstacle to Turkish no assistance from the International and senators as foreign agents of port, Stuck in a Revolving Door: who said he made five attempts to dan as key front-line issues. membership in the EU, but will have Monetary Fund and World Bank un- that government to lobby the Con- Iraqis and Other Asylum Seekers cross from Turkey into Greece and For what it is worth, I have a few a positive impact on the front-line is- til Turkey’s illegal troops and settlers gress and Executive Branch officials. and Migrants at the Greece/Turkey said he was beaten by both before suggestions for President-elect Oba- sues of Iran, North Korea, the Tal- are removed from Cyprus. Presently, Turkey has on its pay- Entrance to the European Union, being expelled. “I can’t go out. I ma regarding second level issues, iban and al Qaeda and could favor- Vice President-elect Joe Biden roll Dick Gephardt, former Democra- alleges Greek Coast Guard officials can’t stay. Every day, I think I made namely, Cyprus, the Aegean, the Ecu- ably impact the Israeli-Palestinian is- has, during his Senate career, often tic majority leader of the House of have pushed migrants out of terri- a mistake to leave my country. I menical Patriarchate and the Halki sue. called for the removal of Turkish Representatives and Dick Armey, for- torial waters, sometimes punctur- want to go back, but how can I? I Theological School. These issues Having the political will to act in- troops from Cyprus as a necessary mer Republican majority leader of ing inflatable boats or disabling would be killed if I go back. But have a common denominator, volves at least two initial positions precondition to proper negotiations. the House. Both are registered with their vessels. For those who reach they treat you like a dog here. I Turkey. the Obama/Biden administration On July 26, 2007, Senator Biden, the Department of Justice as foreign Greece, the authorities block access have nothing. No rights. No It is my contention that success in must take to demonstrate the seri- Chairman of the Senate Foreign Re- agents for Turkey. Turkey pays to asylum procedures and deny friends.” Another said he made 10 dealing with the Turks on these sec- ousness of its purpose, namely, the lations Committee stated: “Turkey Gephardt $1.8 million for himself nearly all asylum claims, the group attempts to cross into Greece be- ondary issues would be enormously removal of all Turkish armed forces, should begin the withdrawal of and others and Armey several hun- said. “Greece denies protection to fore succeeding, but at the risk of helpful to the Obama administration estimated at over 40,000 troops, and troops from Cyprus. The presence of dred thousand dollars annually. vulnerable people and abuses them his life when caught. “They put us in its dealings with the front-line is- the return to Turkey of the estimated those forces is neither justified nor My suggestion to President-elect in detention,” said Frelick, the in jail for five days and then took us sues because fundamental to all at 180,000 illegal settlers/colonists necessary and complicates efforts to Obama is that he refuse to meet with refugee policy director at HRW. to the river and pushed us back. We these issues are the rule of law and under the Geneva Convention of return the island to a state of lasting Gephardt or Armey and not allow his “Until Greece cleans up its act, EU were 60 persons. They put us in a democratic norms. 1949. peace…Since 2003 there have been cabinet officers and his staff to meet states shouldn’t send asylum seek- small river boat with a motor in Standing up to the Turks, halting Diplomatic pressure on Turkey millions of peaceful crossings at the with them. Such a position would ers back there.” groups of 10. They did it in the mid- the appeasement of the Turks and would include no invitations for Green Line that separates the is- strike a real blow at the odious prac- That’s something that the few dle of the night. It was raining the double standard on the rule of Turkish officials to visit their coun- land’s two communities. Cypriots of tice of hiring former U.S. officials to EU countries which have a con- hard, and the Greek police started law for the Turks, will send an im- terparts in the U.S. until Turkey com- all ethnicities have clearly demon- represent foreign governments seek- science have said too and they are beating us to make us move more portant message to Iran, North Ko- mits to remove its illegal troops and strated their ability to co-exist.” ing money and favors from the U.S. almost always from the Scandina- quickly. I saw one man who tried to rea, the Taliban and al Qaeda as well settlers now. During the presidential campaign vian states, which have the lowest refuse to go on the boat, and they as to the Israeli and Palestinians. Political pressure on Turkey both Senator Barack Obama and Gene Rossides, President of Amer- rate of corruption in the world and beat him and threw him in the riv- How does the Obama administra- would include getting other nations, Senator John McCain make state- ican Hellenic Institute and former are the most compassionate. In er,” he claimed. tion do this? There is no magic in- particularly Britain, a guarantor pow- ments showing concern about lobby- Assistant Secretary of the Trea- May, Greek, German, and Norwe- Turkey gets a full share of blame volved. The process is well-known. er, and the European Union of na- ists. Obama told the Democratic Na- sury. gian refugee rights advocates met in the Human Rights Watch report, in Stockholm to talk about the EU’s but Greece is first in line for trying Common Secret of Greece’s treat- to prevent asylum seekers from en- ment of asylum seekers. Greece has tering or stands in their way when insisted it treats people humanely they do. In 2007, of 25,111 asylum and gives a fair hearing, but when claims, eight were granted. Frelick The Course of the GOA and Succession of Demetrios 996 out of 1000 asylum seekers are said that means they are stuck in a denied, and two percent win ap- revolving door. By Theodore Kalmoukos cese of America, having Archbishop tric. Throne of America after 37 years of peals, that’s not a mathematical ac- “They can’t move onward be- Special to The National Herald Demetrios as its ruling hierarch- On the other hand, the majority ministry had sent a multipage highly cident, but systematic discrimina- cause the Dublin II regulation nor- shepherd (ποιµενάρχης), and on the of the current Metropolitans are confidential letter to Patriarch tion against people who want a mally requires asylum seekers to What is the course of the Greek other hand we have the Metropolis- over 60 years of age, some of them Bartholomew telling him not to se- chance at not being in hell, instead lodge their claims for protection in Orthodox Archdiocese of America es where the local hierarchs are extremely beyond that and only two lect anyone from the pool of the hi- of finding a second one in Greece. the first EU country in which they today and where is it going in the fu- commemorated as “shepherds,” also are under 60, Metropolitans erarchs from America, indicating al- The HRW criticism isn’t the first set foot, and they also can’t move ture are the serious questions that a fact that contradicts the basic prin- Nicholas of Detroit and Evangelos of so the reasons. We will say more on Greece faced on its denial of asy- back home because of fear of war have been asked more frequently cipal of the unity of the Church be- New Jersey, as well as the three aux- this issue in another article. lum. Other groups who’ve lambast- and persecution. They are almost and intensely by many clergy and cause we have here a “dual head” iliary Bishops, Savas of Troas, Ando- The majority of the clergy and ed the policy include the German never provided asylum in Greece,” laity throughout the U.S as of late. situation. nios of Fasiane and Demetrios of laity in America seem to believe that organization Pro Asyl, the Euro- he said. There is an answer though. The course of every organization The Metropolitans are elected by Mokisos. no one from the existing hierarchs is pean Council on Refugees (ECRE,) For those who are not a threat to is closely connected with the ele- the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical The election of the Archbishop of the proper choice to assume the the United Nations Refugee Agency society, it’s the same thing Greeks ment of leadership simply because Patriarchate and when they litur- America is the exclusive ecclesiasti- Archbishopric leadership for rea- (UNHCR,) the Norwegian Organi- sought when they went to the Unit- leadership is sine qua none, in other gize, they commemorate the name cal and canonical privilege of the Ec- sons of age and for other issues as sation for Asylum Seekers, as well ed States at the turn of the 20th- words, necessary. of Patriarch Bartholomew. The lat- umenical Patriarchate. Also, the well. There are some priests and lay as Marianna Tzeferakou, an Athens Century. It’s called an Open Door. It seems that most, if not all indi- ter, in an official letter sent to the government of Greece plays a piv- however that reservedly think that refugee lawyer from Amnesty In- cations up to now show clearly that Metropolitans, stated that he pro- otal role as the late Archbishop there are probably two from all the ternational. Mr. Dabilis was the New England there is a lack of leadership, not only hibits them to communicate (corre- Iakovos had many times explained hierarchs, ruling and auxiliary, who It was almost a year ago exactly editor for United Press Interna- on the Archbishop level, but in gen- spond) directly with him, but only to us in our private discussions dur- could assume the leadership of the that Greece came under fake EU tional in Boston, and a staff writer eral. No visions are manifested, no through Archbishop Demetrios and ing the last ten years of his retire- Archdiocese, but at the same time criticism from countries who knew and assistant metropolitan editor basic directives on very substantial even placing their correspondence ment. We reveal today that Arch- they express serious concerns and what was going on but mocked at the Boston Globe for 17 years issues of ecclesiastical significance in an open envelope. bishop Iakovos had telephoned in they privately say many and differ- shock over a Pro Asyl report accus- before relocating to Greece. His are drawn, but neither are issues of The relations between the Arch- August 1999, the then-Prime Minis- ent things, which we will discuss at ing the Greek coastguard of “sys- column is published weekly in the lesser importance and local caliber bishop and the vast majority of the ter of Greece Costas Simitis and length at the right time. tematically abusing newly-arrived National Herald. Readers interest- are dealt with. Metropolitans are minimal and the asked him to tell the Ecumenical Pa- The Greek government asks refugees,” prompting the govern- ed in contacting him can send e- Without any doubt, Archbishop faithful have sensed that. triarchate to select Bishop around, gets briefings about specif- ment to order an investigation that mails to [email protected]. Demetrios is an educated hierarch, The most important issue that Demetrios of Vresthena, an auxiliary ic persons from within and outside and most certainly has his own seems to be of concern to the Church Bishop of the Church of Greece for of America. The Patriarchate seems charisma, including that cultivated in America, is the succession of 50 years, as Archbishop of America. to be reserved at this point and suaveness. Archbishop Demetrios whenever Simitis sent an official representa- turns its eyes in different direc- GUEST EDITORIALS It is widely believed that the ad- that occurs. Despite the fact that the tive to the Phanar prior to Archbish- tions, because it knows the magni- The National Herald welcomes manuscripts representing a variety of views ministrative structure of the Arch- current, “strange” system of the Me- op Demetrios’ election and some tude of the penury of the Archdio- for publication in its View Points page. They should include the writer’s diocese needs some type of restruc- tropolises seems to downgrade the days later, the over half a century cese when it comes to Archbish- name, address, and telephone number and be addressed to the View Points turing in basic issues because a office and the role of the First (Pri- forgotten Bishop Demetrios of Vres- opric material. “strange” ecclesiological system has mal), the fact remains true that the thena, was elected Archbishop of It has been said that Patriarch Editor, The National Herald, 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101. They can also been developed today with the cre- presence and the role of the First is America. The Herald is in a position Bartholomew doesn’t wish to find be faxed to (718) 472-0510 or, preferably, e-mailed to english.edition@then- ation of the Metropolises. very pivotal and of great ecclesiasti- to know that Archbishop Demetrios himself in the situation he was in ationalherald.com. Due to considerations of space we enforce a strict 1,100- Let me explain. On the one hand, cal and structural significance. It knows that. during the summer of 1999, because word upper limit. We reserve the right to edit. We regret that we are unable we speak of one Ecclesiastical seems to me that the Greek Ortho- We also reveal today that in he knows very well that the Patriar- to acknowledge or return manuscripts, published or unpublished. Eparchy of the Ecumenical Patriar- dox Archdiocese of America was 1996, Archbishop Iakovos upon his chate cannot afford to lose the Arch- chate, the Greek Orthodox Archdio- and continues to be Archbishopcen- retirement from the Archbishopric diocese of America. 12 THE NATIONAL HERALD, NOVEMBER 29, 2008