NEW YORK – September 11, 2017 marks the 16th anniversary of the horrific attacks on the World Trade Center which took the lives of innocent victims and destroying buildings including St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, the only house of worship completely levelled in the attack.

In time for the grim anniversary, the Port Authority on August 21 finally signed the formal lease and purchase agreement for the Saint Nicholas National Shrine Church at the World Trade Center. Rick Cotton, the new executive director of the Port Authority signed the deal only a few days after starting his new job. The deal is for a 198-year lease through July 31, 2215 and includes a 99-year extension as well as an option to purchase the land from the Port Authority, as the New York Post reported. The rent is $1 a year for the church.

Jerry Dimitriou, executive director of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America said, as reported in the Post, “Most importantly, the church also has an option to purchase the site at any time during the term of the lease for a nominal [i.e., $1] purchase price.

The current plan is to exercise the option to purchase soon after the completion of construction and after the church officially opens its doors.”
Construction continues at the church located at 130 Liberty Street, the former location of the Deutsche Bank which stood from 1974-2007 but was closed after 9/11 due to contamination from the collapse of the South Tower.

St. Nicholas Church was founded in 1916 and was located at 155 Cedar Street. The 1,200-square-foot church was destroyed on 9/11 and plans to rebuild the structure were delayed by the rebuilding efforts and plans for the new World Trade Center.

In 2009, talks between the Port Authority and the church fell apart leading to legal action in 2011. An agreement was made in order for construction to begin without a formal lease. On October 18, 2014, a ground blessing was performed by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios.

The new St. Nicholas Church was designed by Santiago Calatrava. As noted on the St. Nicholas website, Calatrava developed his plan from a wealth of Byzantine precedents, including the famous Church in Chora and Hagia Sophia itself for the design of the domed church. The topping out of the church took place in November 2016. The opening is planned for November 2018 to coincide with the church’s 102nd anniversary.

Archbishop Demetrios said, as noted on the church website, “This church will not be just a national shrine, but also an international shrine. It will show the will of all people to rebuild and resurrect from the ashes of 9/11. This will be a church for all to light a candle for the beloved that were lost on September 11th. This church will be a Greek Orthodox National Shrine on Hallowed, Sacred Ground.”

Among the casualties on September 11th were 36 Greek-Americans. One of them was an employee on one of the airplanes that terrorists crashed into the Twin Towers. The others worked in the buildings themselves. The number of victims is much higher than the 3,000 if we estimate the people who indirectly lost their lives as a result of illness (carcinogenic diseases in first responders) and fallen heroes of wars that followed.

Also, the number of Greek-Americans may be greater, because it is very likely that there were other Greeks who died that day without easily-discernible “Greek-sounding” names.

One Greek-American victim was Vassilios Haramis from Staten Island. He was born and raised in a poor family in Neapolis in Greece. At 18, he came to the United States to study and to pursue a better life. After earning a degree in electrical engineering from Columbia University, he worked for the Washington Group International at the World Trade Center.

President of the Parish Council at the church of Holy Trinity in Staten Island Gretchen Theodorakis told The National Herald that “Vassilios was very kind man with great humor. He cared for everyone and loved his family dearly. He was one of the best people I have ever met in my life.”

Those who knew Haramis describe him as a man with many hobbies: he loved football, gardening and above all Greece, which he visited almost every year to see family and friends. He was a great family man and a good Christian who always offered his help to the community of Holy Trinity.
The street in front of the church has been renamed Vassilios Haramis Way in his honor.

A tragic irony is that during the first terrorist attack on the Twin Towers in 1993, Haramis was on Tower 2’s rooftop with a colleague in her seventh month of pregnancy at the time. He remained with her until help arrived and when she was rescued by helicopter, he went down 110 floors on foot. It took him three hours to get down but he was exhausted and happy that he stayed to help his pregnant colleague. He never turned his back on those in need.

Another victim of the terrorist attack was Constantine Economos, a prominent member of the community of Holy Cross in Brooklyn and a member of the Church Committee. The street in front of the church has been named Economou Way in his honor. He was a partner in the firm Sandler O’Neill & Partners and on that tragic day, he was working on the 104th floor of Tower 2.

His daughter Katerina told TNH, on behalf of his family: “Our family lost a true renaissance man. As he worked a rigorous job in finance, he always found time for his family and community. Gus took his wife and children on trips, coached his children in sports and spent the most memorable times of our lives upstate with his family, parents, sister, brother, father-in-law and mother-in-law, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, cousins, aunts and uncles, nieces, and nephews. He also took time out of his busy schedule to be a part of the Holy Cross Parish Council, where he served as president, and ran the annual Greek Festival. He was always there for anyone who needed help. He showed us all how to work hard and love hard and that lesson will never leave our hearts. Although Gus is no longer here physically, his family carries his love with them every day of their lives.”

Also among the victims: Michael Tarra was a member of the crew of United Airlines.

Three victims were born in Greece: Katerina Bandis, Vassilios Haramis, and Procopios Zois.
According to the New York City Coroner’s office the list of Greek-American victims were: Joanna Achladioti 27, Ernest Alifakos 43, Arlene Bampakidis 47 Katerina Bands 48, Peter Brennan 30, Thomas Damascus 33, Antonios Dimas 61, Konstantinos Economos 41, Michael Elferis 27, Anna Fosteris 58, Dimitrios Gkrekiotis 56, Kenneth Grouzalis 56, Basil Haram 56, Nicholas John 42, John Katsimatides 31, Daniela Kousoulis 29, Thomas Kouveikis, 48 Dimitris Maun 42, Philip Mastrandreas, 42 Georgios Merkouris 35, Stylianos Mousouroulis 38, Peter Mouton 44, Nikolaos Papadopoulos 29, James Pappageorge 29, Georgios Paorce 60, Theodoros Pigis, Daphne Pouletsos 47, Richard Poulos 55, Stefanos Poulos 45, Antonios Savvas 72, Muriel Fay Siskopoulos 60, Timothy Soulas 35, Andreas Stergiopoulos 23, Michael Theodoridis 32, William Tselepis 33, Jennifer Tzemis 26, and Procopios Zois 46.

The address at 98th Street between 38th Ave and Roosevelt Ave in Queens has been renamed James Pappageorge Way in memory of firefighter James Pappageorge. He had realized his dream of becoming a firefighter for only six weeks when his life was cut short on September 11th.

The post St. Nicholas WTC Agreement Signed in Time for 16th Anniversary of 9/11 appeared first on The National Herald.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Palestinian Christians have protested against the Greek Orthodox patriarch of the Holy Land, demanding the resignation of Theophilos III for allegedly selling church land to Israelis.

Some 200 demonstrators rallied Saturday outside the Greek Orthodox patriarchate in Jerusalem’s Old City. Some raised banners reading “Theophilos is unworthy.”

The church is one of the largest real estate owners in the Holy Land. It is dominated by Greek clergy while the flock is overwhelmingly Palestinian.

Activists have presented documents they say show the patriarch sold land in sweetheart deals. They demand that the church open its books and that the patriarch resign.

Last month, about 300 Palestinian Christians and lay groups filed a complaint against Theophilos with the Palestinian attorney general, accusing him of “selling land to the enemy.”

The post Palestinian Seek Ouster of Greek Orthodox Patriarch appeared first on The National Herald.

School begins and a common question is which school do you or your kids attend. This is how you may response in Greek.

WHICH SCHOOL DO YOUR KIDS ATTEND?

Greek phrase            Pronunciation          Translation

Κυρία Ελένη, keREEA eLEni,        Mrs. Eleni

σε ποιο σχολείο SE piO shoLEEo which school

πηγαίνουν τα παιδιά σας;   piYEnoon ta pediA SAS? do your kids attend?

-Η κόρη μου πηγαίνει          EE KOri moo piYEni My daughter goes

στο Λύκειο     sto LEEkio to St. Demetrios High School.

του Αγίου Δημητρίου.          TOO aGEEoo dimiTREEoo.

-Ο γιος μου πηγαίνει            O yiOS moo piYEni My son goes

στο Γυμνάσιο                        STO yiMNAsio          to St. Demetrios Middle School.

του Αγίου Δημητρίου.          TOO aGEEoo dimiTREEoo.

-Tα παιδιά μας πηγαίνουν   TA pediA mas piYEnoon    Our kids go

στο σχολείο STO shoLEEo                        to St. Demetrios School.

του Αγίου Δημητρίου.          TOO aGEEoo dimiTREEoo.

WHICH SCHOOL DO YOU ATTEND?

Greek phrase            Pronunciation          Translation

Παιδιά, σε ποιο σχολείο      pediA, SE piO shoLEEo     Kids, which school

πηγαίνετε; piYEnete? do you attend?

-Εγώ πηγαίνω          eYO piYEno  I go

στο Λύκειο     STO LEEkio  to St.Demetrios High School.

του Αγίου Δημητρίου.          TOO aGEEoo dimiTREEoo.

Είμαι μαθητής.          EEme mathiTEEs. I am student (pupil).

-Εγώ πηγαίνω          eYO piYEno I go

στο Δημοτικό STO dimotiKO to Agia Ekaterini Primary School.

της Αγίας Αικατερίνης.         TEES aYEEas ekateREEnis.

Είμαι μαθήτρια.         EEme maTHEEtria. I am a student (pupil).

-Είναι πρωινό EEne proiNO          Is it a morning

ή απογευματινό EE apoyeumatiNO          or afternoon

σχολείο; shoLEEo? school?

-Eίναι πρωινό σχολείο.EEne proiNO shoLEEo. It is a morning school.

-Εγώ πηγαίνω eYO piGEno           I go

σε σαββατιανό σχολείο. SE savatiaNO shoLEEo. to a Saturday school.

-Εγώ πηγαίνω eYO piYEno I go

στο Πανεπιστήμιο STO panepiSTEEmio to Columbia University.

Κολούμπια. koLOOmbia

Είμαι φοιτητής. EEme fitiTEEs.      I am a student.

-Εγώ πηγαίνω eYO piYEno           I go

στο Πανεπιστήμιο STO panepiSTEEmio to New York University.

της Νέας Υόρκης. TEES NEas iOrkis.

Είμαι φοιτήτρια. EEme fiTEEtria.   I am a student.

BASIC VOCABULARY

Greek word    Pronunciation          Meaning

Κυρία kiREEA Mrs

Σε SE to, at

Ποιο    piO      which

Το σχολείο     TO shoLEEo school

Τα παιδιά       TA pediA        kids, children

Σας     SAS    your

Η κόρη EE KOri daughter

Ο γιός O yiOS           son

Μας     MΑS   our

Το Δημοτικό  TO dimotiKO Elementary School

Το Γυμνάσιο  TO YiMNAsio                        Middle School

Το Λύκειο       TO LEEkio     High School

Τα παιδιά πηγαίνουν TA pediA piYEnoon           the kids go

Εγώ πηγαίνω            eYO piYEno  I go

Αυτός/αυτή πηγαίνει                        afTOS /afTEE piYEni          he /she goes

Εσείς πηγαίνετε;       eSEES piYEnete     do you go?

Το Πανεπιστήμιο      TO panepiSTEEmio            University

Στο      STO    to, at

Είμαι   EEme I am

Είναι   EEne Is

Ο μαθητής     O mathiTEES primary or secondary school student (male)

Η μαθήτρια    EE maTHEEtria        primary or secondary school student (female)

Ο φοιτητής     O fitiTEES College or University student (male)

Η φοιτήτρια    EE fiTEEtria  College or University student (female)

Το πρωινό     TO proiNO     morning

Το απογευματινό      TO apoyeumatiNO   afternoon, evening

Το σαββατιανό          TO savatiaNO           Saturday school

GREEK WORDS USED IN ENGLISH

Το παιδί is the root of the Greek word παιδαγωγική (=παιδί+αγωγή). In English it is familiar to you from the word ped+agogy, the children’s education.

MAIN PHRASES

Try to match the phrases in English with their translation in Greek:

1. Εγώ πηγαίνω σε Σαββατιανό σχολείο. 1. Our kids go to afternoon school.
2. Είμαι μαθήτρια στο Λύκειο. 2. I am a University student.
3. Είμαι φοιτητής στο Πανεπιστήμιο. 3. I am a High School student.
4. Τα παιδιά μας πηγαίνουν 4. I go to a Saturday school.

σε απογευματινό σχολείο.

PRONUNCIATION KEY

i (idiom), ee (needle), e (energy), o (organism), oo (boot), y (yes), h (helium), th (theory), d (the). The capitalized syllables are accented.

The post Our Everyday Greek: This September We Speak in Greek about the School We Attend appeared first on The National Herald.

ASTORIA – New York City Council Member Costa Constantinides celebrated the co-naming of 31st Avenue & 54th Street in honor of Jimmy Lanza on Saturday, Sept. 9. He was joined by the Lanza family and friends, Congressman Joe Crowley, Assemblyman Brian Barnwell, Alan Feuer, current Commander of American Legion Post 1836, FDNY Queens Borough Commander Ed Baggott, Kurt Lester, a retired firefighter who served with Lanza, and members of the community.

Earlier this year, the City Council unanimously passed INT. 1613, which co-named this street as well as other streets throughout the city.

Lanza showed dedication and sacrifice to his country and city through his service in the military and as a first-responder. He joined the U.S. Navy in his youth and served in Vietnam. He later served as an FDNY firefighter for 28 years. On September 11, 2001, Lanza rushed to the World Trade Center to assist with rescue efforts, further showing his commitment to his fellow New Yorkers. There, he helped pull 16 survivors out of what became known as the “miracle stairwell.” In April of this year, he died of 9/11-related cancer, making the ultimate sacrifice.

In addition to his service in Vietnam and on September 11th, Lanza also performed many charitable acts. He worked with the Wounded Warrior Project, helped take care of the widows and children of fallen FDNY comrades, and served as the commander of American Legion Post 1836 in the Boulevard Gardens Co-op that he called home for many years.

Council Member Constantinides said, “I am proud to recognize Jimmy Lanza’s memory with this street co-naming. We honor Jimmy’s service in the Navy and at FDNY, especially his assistance at the World Trade Center. His legacy of selflessness and devotion to his community serve as a role model for our entire city through this co-naming. I thank his dedicated family and friends for joining us in commemorating his work and contributions.”

Marian and Stephanie Pennachio, sister and niece of Jimmy Lanza, said, “On behalf of the Lanza Family, we want to thank everyone involved for this wonderful tribute and honor bestowed upon Jimmy Lanza. He will never be forgotten. Every time a person looks up and sees this street sign, he will be remembered. He was a genuine American Hero and we are so very proud of all his accomplishments. He truly was a gift from God and lived his whole life helping others. He taught us well and now it is up to us to carry on his legacy. Rest in Peace Jimmy Lanza, our hero.”

“Jimmy Lanza was a pillar of the Woodside community who left behind a legacy of selflessness, service to our country, and goodwill for his fellow neighbors,” said Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), who earlier this year honored Lanza with a statement submitted into the Congressional Record. “Co-naming this street is a fitting tribute to him and his family. I thank Council Member Constantinides for ushering this effort in the NYC Council to ensure Jimmy’s contributions to Woodside and our nation are never forgotten.”

Assemblyman Brian Barnwell said, “Jimmy Lanza served his country in Vietnam, and the New York City Fire Department. He was a community leader, a friend, and a good man. Jimmy was always helping other people in his neighborhood, and throughout the United States. It is fitting that we honor him with this street renaming so that future members of the community learn what Jimmy was all about: service to others.”

Council Member Costa Constantinides represents the New York City Council’s 22nd District, which includes his native Astoria along with parts of Woodside, East Elmhurst, and Jackson Heights. More information is available online at: council.nyc.gov/costa.

The post Vietnam War Veteran and September 11th Hero Honored with Street Co-Naming appeared first on The National Herald.

By Michalis Kakias

STATEN ISLAND – Thousands of people attended the festival at the Holy Trinity-Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Staten Island on Friday September 8 through Sunday, September 10. Both Greeks and non-Greeks enjoyed Greek traditional cuisine, sweets, loukoumades, entertaining music and traditional dances, a marketplace with a variety of goods, and many games for children.

Bishop Sebastian, who visited the festival on Saturday, said, “Every time we attend a Greek festival, we feel joy and pride. It is striking to see the crowd attending the Staten Island festival, especially with the participation of the children and youth actively involved in living Hellenism and Orthodoxy.”

The presiding priest of the community, Fr. Nicholas Petropoulakos, spoke about the importance of the festival, which, he said, gives the parishioners, Staten Island residents, and expatriates from other communities the opportunity to get together and have fun.

Tasos Anastas, president of the Parish Council and festival director, noted that every year preparations begin months in advance with the planning and organization. “In the last few weeks leading up to the event,” he added, “we are even more active. The festival has grown to the largest in all Staten Island with thousands of people attending.”

Paulina Grillos, Vice President of the festival, congratulated all members of the community on the harmonious and flawless cooperation they had with each other and noted that all the proceeds would be allocated to the church’s operating expenses and programs.

New York State Assemblymember and New York City mayoral candidate Nicole Malliotakis expressed her joy at participating in the festival of the community in which she grew up and where she is a member today. “It is the only Greek church,” she said, “in Staten Island and we are all loved as a family. Celebratory events like this give us the opportunity to show our tradition, heritage, and culture all over the world.”

The post Excellent Turnout at Staten Island Greek Festival (Video) appeared first on The National Herald.

HICKSVILLE, NY – The 41st Annual Greek Festival at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Hicksville, Long Island, took place on Friday, Sept. 8 through on Sunday, Sept. 10 and was a huge success.

The school and community dance groups stole the show in traditional costumes and performing dances from various geographical areas of Greece.

On Saturday, September 9, the Democratic candidate for Nassau County Executive George Maragos visited the festival and was warmly welcomed.

On Sunday, after the Divine Liturgy presided over by Father Theofanis Papantonis, the parishioners went to the courtyard and enjoyed their coffee and remembered moments from their childhood in the homeland.

The increased attendance, as mentioned to The National Herald by both the leader of the community, Fr. Theofanis and the festival director George Pieris, is due to the excellent organization as well as the love of the members and friends for the community. The weather conditions were also ideal throughout the week.

Both Fr. Theofanis and Pieris expressed their gratitude for the three generations of volunteers who worked hard in different areas and ensured the success of the festival.

Fr. Theofanis referred to the festival’s aims and noted that he relies on the fervor and love of the members for the community and the aim of promoting our culture and traditions.

At the same time, he said that it is the 41st festival organized by the community and is one of the most important cultural events, which is open to the wider American public and if anything, promotes Greece and its culture.

It is also one of the biggest fundraising events of the year. Its revenue will be earmarked to support the community’s educational and cultural programs.

Asked about this year’s festival, Fr. Theofanis noted that there were many innovations and they promoted many products from the homeland, including Fix beer.

He added that the director of the festival George Pieris, co-director Harry Charalambous, and the other members of the community worked hard during the last two weeks and ensured the smooth running and success of the festival.

Referring to the educational programs, Fr. Theofanis said that on the afternoon of Tuesday, September 12, immediately after the blessing, classes will begin at the Greek afternoon school. Classes are held Monday to Thursday, depending on the grade, while on Friday the children attend dance and song programs.

On Sunday, September 17 the Catechism School will begin its operation. The total number of students in the Greek afternoon school is expected to exceed last year’s total of 240 students.

Speaking to TNH, Michael Christodoulou expressed his satisfaction with the success of the festival and noted the festive character and many surprises this year.

The Holy Trinity Community of Hicksville is one of the most dynamic Greek communities of Long Island. It was founded in 1977, and not even three years later, on Palm Sunday 1980 the first Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the beautiful new building.

In 1990, the community-cultural center opened and at the same time the community envisioned the construction of a state-of-the-art Gymnasium so that the GOYA and children’s groups and teams would have their own space in which to practice.

The two neighboring properties were purchased in order to meet the community’s last ambitious goal. The construction of the Gymnasium is currently stuck in bureaucratic red tape, but the community is determined not to yield.

The post Holy Trinity Hicksville Greek Festival a Huge Success (Video) appeared first on The National Herald.

Something Beautiful Happened by Yvette Manessis Corporon is a work of non-fiction that tells the remarkable story of the author’s own family, history, and the present day search for the Jewish family her grandmother helped save during World War II. Out of unspeakable tragedy, the horrors of the war and Occupation, the book highlights the power of faith, hope, and kindness, as well as the need for understanding and having the courage to stand up for what is right. Yvette Manessis Corporon, a three-time Emmy Award–winning writer, author, and producer, took time out of her busy schedule to talk to The National Herald about the inspiration for the book, her family, and her upcoming projects. Her debut novel, When The Cypress Whispers (Harper, 2014), has been translated into fourteen languages and was an international bestseller. She has received the Silurian Award for Excellence in Journalism and the New York City Council and Comptroller’s Award for Greek Heritage and Culture.

When asked about the inspiration for the book, Yvette Manessis Corporon told TNH, “As a journalist, I felt an obligation to write, Something Beautiful Happened. I’ve spent my entire career telling other people’s stories. I realized that the story of my own family was just as incredible, if not more so, than all of the other stories I had heard and told through the years.”

She continued, “Our family is from Erikousa, which is a tiny island off the coast of Corfu. I grew up listening to my Yiayia’s stories about how difficult life was on Erikousa during World War II. My Pappou had left for America and Yiayia was left on Erikousa during the German occupation with two small children. She also told me how she, and other islanders, all worked together to hide and save a Jewish family from the Nazis. My first novel, When The Cypress Whispers, was inspired by my Yiayia’s stories. My new book, Something Beautiful Happened, is the real story of what happened on Erikousa during the war, and how the entire island worked together to save their Jewish friends. It is also the untold story of the Jewish Community of Corfu, who up until now, felt largely forgotten by history.”

“After years of searching for the family my Yiayia helped save, I finally found them. In June of 2014, we all met in Corfu and traveled together to Erikousa where the entire island was honored for their bravery. The island received the Award of Moral Courage from the Association of Friends of Greek Jews, and the island was also designated as a House of Life by the International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation. Israel also issued a commemorative stamp with Erikousa on it! After the reunion and ceremony, I was approached by a friend in publishing who said I should write a book about the search and experience. Things moved quickly from there. I took a year to write the book and it will be released on September 12 by Howard Books (Simon and Schuster).”

When asked what is next for her, she said, “I am working a new novel, which like When The Cypress Whispers, is steeped in history and a little known Greek myth. I also work very closely with the family history website, MyHeritage.com. The brilliant researchers at Myheritage helped me find the family my Yiayia helped save. I am also a Senior Producer with the television show, Extra – as well as a wife and mom to two incredible teenagers and a yellow lab puppy. It’s a busy time right now! But a wonderful time.”

Yvette Manessis Corporon’s debut novel, When The Cypress Whispers (Harper, 2014), has been translated into fourteen languages and was an international bestseller. She has received the Silurian Award for Excellence in Journalism and the New York City Council and Comptroller’s Award for Greek Heritage and Culture. She lives in New York with her husband and two children.

Something Beautiful Happened by Yvette Manessis Corporon is available online and in bookstores. The book trailer is available on YouTube:

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The post Yvette Manessis Corporon Talks to TNH about New Book (Video) appeared first on The National Herald.

NEW YORK – The World Trade Center has now reached its final form and 90% has already been handed over to tourists and New Yorkers. The unique aspects of the site that keep alive the memory of September 11, 2001 include the historic St. Nicholas National Shrine Church, which has taken its final form, the National September 11 Museum and Memorial, the monuments that have been created at the foundations of Twin Towers, and the sculptures dedicated to the heroes and witnesses of that fateful day.

Every year, the journalistic staff of the National Herald performs its own pilgrimage.

This year was different from all the previous ones because it is the first time after 16 years without the construction noise and an overwhelming presence of the police and security forces.

It is the first time you feel that the World Trade Center belongs to you, to the New Yorkers and the tourists who flood Lower Manhattan.

The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas is the only place of worship that was completely destroyed on September 11 and the last structure on the site to be built and has attracted the interest of the media and international agencies including the Associated Press.

St. Nicholas National Shrine Church is located within the one-acre Liberty Park. At the westernmost point of the park is the America’s Response Monument with the HorseSoldier Statue, dedicated to the heroes of the World Trade Center and the United States Special Forces.

Two weeks ago, The Sphere, a large metallic sculpture by German sculptor Fritz Koenig, which once stood in the middle of Austin J. Tobin Plaza, between the Twin Towers and was recovered from the rubble after the September 11 attacks was placed in the middle of Liberty Park. The 2001 damage to The Sphere is visible.

The Greek-owned restaurants in the area TNH visited on Thursday, September 7 were busy, but most of the owners were vacationing in the homeland.

Essex World Cafe at 112 Liberty Street is the closest restaurant to St. Nicholas, which had been hit by the terrorist attack. The owner, Yannis Kostallas, told reporters from the Reading Eagle about the importance of photographs from the World Trade Center in New York, and even talked about his relationship with firefighters and police officers who sacrificed their lives on duty.

This newspaper is headquartered in the town of Reading, Pennsylvania, and journalist Jim Lewis spoke with awe for the historic community of Saints Constantine and Helen, for former President Konstantinos Kraras and other Greek expatriates who celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Kostallas pointed out that “the World Trade Center, 16 years later, is unrecognizable.” “The 3rd and 4th skyscrapers have already been completed and most of them have already accepted the tenants, so you realize that now the World Trade Center has been handed over to the citizens,” he said.

Christos Tsatsaris, who along with John Boutsis owns the John Street Florist at 100 William Street in Lower Manhattan, said that on the busy day of September 11, 2001 he was on vacation in Greece.

His store was not damaged by the attack itself, but was affected by the fact that many of his clients – mostly large companies – were leaving Manhattan.

“Today, the situation in Lower Manhattan has changed, 50 hotels have been built and tourism is booming. This affects restaurants and other shops in the area including the Greek community,” Tsatsaris said.

The post The National Herald Visits the World Trade Center and St. Nicholas Church appeared first on The National Herald.

FLUSHING – With smiles and open arms the students of the William Spyropoulos Greek-American School of St. Nicholas were welcomed by the teachers on Wednesday morning, September 6, along with the Principal Athena Kromidas and Assistant Principal Mary Tzallas.

The streets leading to the School and St. Nicholas Church were crowded with parents and grandparents rushing to get the children and grandchildren there on time to start the new school year. Stepping into the courtyard of the church, the parents greeted each other and the children were embraced, demonstrating the sense of belonging to the large family at the William Spyropoulos School.

Among the 443 students who attend the school are the children of a family who recently came from Greece and another from Cyprus.

“The new school year starts dynamically and I think we will have a very good year with dynamic and advanced programs. The number of students is a solid 443 and we are expecting others as well,” Principal Kromidas pointed out.

Asked about the innovations for the new school year, she noted, “We are trying to get into electronic teaching. Especially the English program this year will be taught with smart boards. The teaching staff, which stands at forty, remains stable, and this enables us to make constant improvements.”

“We are building on the foundations of the previous year. In 2016-2017 it was a great school year. The results of the 8th grade were excellent both in terms of their performance in state examinations and in the admission of graduates to the best high schools in New York,” she added.

As far as the classrooms and books are concerned, she noted that “everything is ready and the lesson will start dynamically from the very first day.”

Assistant Principal Mary Tzallas said, “We are very happy to start the new school year. We see the children we had last year and the new ones with smiling faces and bright eyes and our enthusiasm is growing. We aim for a creative and efficient school year.”

Dr. Antigone Vlachoyanni, who teaches Fine Arts, said, “I wish the children, teachers, and parents a good start with health. A good year for all the students of the Greek community and we thank the National Herald that is once again with us at the beginning of the school year.”

John Balis, who accompanied his two children, John (4th grade) and Ermioni (3rd grade), noted that they are all happy to start their lessons again and for the family return to the normal pace.

Arietta Xylas, a 7th grade student and her brother Stelios, 4^th grade, said that “they spent a wonderful summer in Kalymnos and Athens.” Arietta pointed out that Kalymnos stole their heart because of its clean beaches and tranquility. At the same time, she noted that she is proud of both Chios and Kalymnos where her parents originate.

Their mother, Irene Xylas, noted that the Greek school is a one-way street not only for Arietta and Stelios, but also for the youngest son, Antonis, who will start Kindergarten at William Spyropoulos School.

Irene Xylas and her husband Nikolaos belong to the second generation and are graduates of Argyrios Fantis Parochial School in Brooklyn and St. Demetrios School in Astoria, respectively, and are both lawyers.

Asked why they invest in Greek education, she said, “It is very important for our children to learn their tradition, the Greek language, and to grow in a Greek-Christian and safe environment. With regard to education, like my parents and my in-laws who made no discounts [for their children’s education], we are also determined to provide our children with the opportunity to participate in Greek education.”

“We love this school very much, because our children love it,” Xylas concluded.

The post Dynamic First Day at Spyropoulos School in Flushing (Video) appeared first on The National Herald.

BAY RIDGE – With great enthusiasm the moving ground-breaking ceremony for the Educational, Cultural, and Community Center of Plato in Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge took place on Sunday afternoon, September 10.

The Greek School of Plato’s new school complex at 670 92nd Street in Bay Ridge will be a four-story structure, and one of the most modern, environmentally-friendly, and accessible school buildings in New York. The building will have an amphitheater, community hall, 15 classrooms, and will cost more than $5 million.

The Board of Directors has so far already gathered $2.5 million, the largest part of which was spent on the purchase of the land, the demolition of the existing two-story building, the elaboration of the architectural plans, and securing the required permits.

The President of the Board of Directors, Maria Abazis-Doukas, and the Vice-President and Chairman of the Building Commission, Spiros Geroulanos, speaking with The National Herald, pointed out that the ground-breaking ceremony is one of the top events in the 40-year history of the Greek School of Plato and at the same time the beginning of a titanic struggle to raise the $2.8 million shortfall to complete the project.

The aim of the Plato School Leadership is to complete the project by the summer of 2018 so that the new school year starts in the new school complex.

The Plato Cultural and Community Center, as Geroulanos pointed out, will be at the disposal of the large family of the Plato School and the greater Brooklyn community and will function as a beacon of education and culture.

It will be a place in which the principles and virtues of our race will be cultivated and perpetuated, including hospitality, philosophy, philanthropy, charity, noble competition, and excellence in the general sense of the term.

The ceremony was attended by students, teachers, parents, the board of the Plato School, the benefactors Haralambos Geroulanos and the Vice President of Investors Bank Paul Stathoulopoulos, the principal of the Hellenic Classical Charter School Christina Tettonis and the chairman of the School Committee Charles Capetanakis, the President of Kimisis tis Theotokou Brooklyn- John Haskopoulos, the chairman of the Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen Brooklyn Harry Paloumbis, John Vasilantonakis- co-owner of Corona Ready Mix, and the former President of the Pan-Messinian Federation Anastasios Kokaliaris.

The faces shone with joy after a two-year struggle to secure the permits that would allow them to build an extra floor apart from the main building.

Also happy to support the community were Senator Martin J. Golden, New York State Assemblymember Pamela Harris, Nicholas Chamberas- spokesman for New York State Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis, Andrew Gounardes- Counsel at the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President, and New York City Council Member Vincent Gentile.

They all praised the dedication of the executives and members of the Plato School to the struggle for the dissemination of Greek education and their contribution to Brooklyn’s wider society, and noted that “the struggle that they have given in the last two years and its realization is continuation of the miracle that has been taking place for four decades in Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge.”

The blessing was performed by the presiding priest of the community of Kimisis tis Theotokou Brooklyn, Fr. Damaskinos Ganas, and Fr. Meletios Bougas, priest of the community of St. Nicholas and St. Marina Church of Brooklyn who congratulated the leadership and members of the Plato School.

Fr. Damaskinos Ganas pointed out that the executives and members of the school belong to the Kimisis community and welcomed both the Hellenic Classical Charter School and the Greek School of Plato, which originated from the Kimisis community.

Fr. Meletios Bougas said that the School had a good reputation and he had heard a great deal about it before he came to America. Then he referred to Agios Kosmas, Aetolos, who said, “you build schools and schools will open churches.”

The coordinator of the event was the attorney Kyriakos Tzanides, who was one of the first graduates of the School and who pointed out that today the alumni of the School hold the reins.

Tina Demetis stressed that her first contact with the Plato School was in 1986 when it was time for her first child to go to school.

Her late husband, Dr. Spiro Demetis, had been for many years president of the school board and was one of the pillars, who, she said, “laid a solid foundation for the school and today establish the new foundation, which will be a beacon of education and culture and a center for Brooklyn’s Greek-American community.

The show was stolen by second grader Vasiliki Christakou who spoke about her school and noted that she “is a Platonaki” herself.

The post Ground Breaking Ceremony for Greek School of Plato (Video) appeared first on The National Herald.

TARPON SPRINGS, FL – “I am extremely happy to say that there are no casualties and no injuries that I know of, and that is the most important thing” regarding Hurricane Irma’s storming through Tarpon Springs on September 10, Mayor Chris Alahouzos told The National Herald.

Elected in March, 2016 as the first Greek-born mayor of Tarpon Springs, FL, the city with the highest Greek population per capita in the United States, Alahouzos has used not only his political skills – he previously had been Tarpon’s vice mayor – but also his business acumen – he managed a Fortune 500 company for over 40 years – to govern. Unlike other elected officials who live in the present but do not plan for the future, “I focused on balancing the budget and not spending the surplus,” Alahouzos said, so that the funds would be available in case of an emergency, such as Irma’s barreling through the Gulf Coast town. Even though Tarpon’s growing tax base, about which the local Tarpon paper the Beacon recently reported, generates greater revenue, Alahouzos remains focused on not overspending, which in hindsight, regarding Irma, turned out to be very beneficial. Literally, he “saved for a rainy day.”

Alahouzos described the process, which lasted several days, and counting, regarding the preparation for Irma’s pending arrival, measures to secure public safety during the actual storm, and how to best handle the aftermath so as to restore the community – which is not only residential but also enjoys year-round tourism – back to normal, pre-Irma conditions.

PREPARATION

From four days before the storm began, the mayor and other city officials participated in daily conference calls with Florida Governor Rick Scott, “who demonstrated excellent, excellent leadership. He offered to us guidance, support, and any assistance we needed,” Alahouzos told TNH. “Locally, we evacuated Zone A (people living near the water). It was mandatory evacuation for them. We asked them to leave and go to our shelters” or to other places in the country outside of Irma’s path. “We moved the elderly and persons with disabilities to different centers.” That process took two days.
The day before the storm, when the forecast indicated that Irma would target Florida’s Gulf Coast rather than Miami and head up Eastern Florida, as originally predicted, “we evacuated Zone B,” which were areas not quite near the water but still potentially at risk for significant damage.

“Our shelter (the Tarpon Springs Middle School) was so big” that they accepted everyone who sought refuge “and still had room for 500 more people.” Alahouzos and his team secured the services of two other shelters in the area, East Lake and Palm Harbor High Schools, which are in elevated areas unlikely to be ravaged by Irma.

IRMA’S CRASH LANDING

“On the night of the storm, we had every employee in City Hall working – it was all hands on deck,” Alahouzos said. We had an Emergency Control Center established. Every director and manager in the city was there, answering calls and providing information.” Police officers and firefighters were on the streets and in the neighborhoods, helping to take people out of harm’s way, until the winds became too intense and even they were pulled into shelter, for their own safety. Once the winds subsided, out they went again.
THE AFTERMATH

The morning following the storm, Alahouzos and the team went out to assess the damage Irma had caused. While Alahouzos is extremely grateful that there were no known casualties or injuries, it is not as if Irma left Tarpon completely unscathed. At the time of the interview (September 11, mid-afternoon), power had yet to be restored and there was considerable debris scattered around by the high winds. Emergency generators are being used to provide power to where it is needed the most.

THANKING THE CITY’S EMPLOYEES

“The main thing is we stuck to the plan that we had, from guidance from Gov. Scott to the preparedness by our city, and I want to emphasize the great work all of our employees did, every one of them. They deserve the credit,” Alahouzos said.

“Today, we are opening the city’s main streets, and then we will go to the subdivisions (side streets). They are doing a very good job. I am so proud of them.”

SOLIDARITY FROM GREECE

Alahouzos was grateful for the words of support he received from various Greek officials, not least of which Prokopis Pavlopoulos, President of the Hellenic Republic. “The man called me every day to find out what was going on. He was very concerned about the Greek-Americans in Tarpon. He was giving me not only advice, but also encouragement. Every day,” Alahouzos said. He also was in frequent touch with Ioannis Galouzis and Michalis Patros – Mayors of the Greek islands of Kalymnos and Chalki, respectively, whose capitals are Sister Cities of Tarpon Springs – among others.

ST. NICHOLAS THANKSGIVING

Fr. Athanasios Haros, presiding priest of Tarpon’s main Greek Orthodox church, the St. Nicholas Cathedral, continued to keep the parishioners abreast of Irma’s path. His emails were filled with hope, included prayers, and a promise of thanksgiving to the city’s patron saint and to God. His email the morning after the storm was a message by Fr. Haros, Fr. Sampson Hasapakis, and Parish Council President Nikitas Manias which, among other things, stated: “We made it past the rough part of the storm because of our preparation, our prayers, St. Nicholas’ intercession, and our strength given by God. This morning we entered the Cathedral and prayed a doxology of thanks for our entire community. Now that the storm is making its way north, it will be time to clean up and restore our homes and community back to their original condition, if not better.”

BUSINESS AS USUAL? SOON

So, for those who have traveled away from the area and are anxious to return, as well as for tourists around the nation and the world – Greek and non-Greek alike – who are ready to travel to Tarpon for some sunshine, seaside, and Greek culture, when will the city be back to normal? Although Alahouzos could not give an exact time and date, he indicated that “days” rather than “weeks” seemed most likely. How about in late September or early October, is it okay for tourists to visit there then? “Oh yes,” Alahouzos said.

The post Irma Spares Tarpon Springs; Mayor Alahouzos Wisely Saved Surplus for “Rainy Day” Cleanup appeared first on The National Herald.

NEW YORK (AP) — Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday handily defeated a crowded field of challengers to win the Democratic mayoral primary as he continued his quest for a second term as the leader of the country’s largest city.

With more than 90 percent of precincts reporting, de Blasio had more than 74 percent of the vote, according to unofficial returns. He had been considered the easy favorite against Sal Albanese, Richard Bashner, Robert Gangi and Michael Tolkin, none of whom had his organizing power or financial muscle.

De Blasio goes on to face Republican state Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, of Staten Island, and independent candidate Bo Dietl, a private detective, in November’s general election.

In his acceptance speech, de Blasio renewed a promise, made before his first term, to make New York more hospitable to people feeling squeezed out in a city with a huge gap between rich and poor.

“I’m not going to stop until we build that fairer city for every New Yorker,” he said.

Albanese, his closest rival, noted the campaign isn’t finished because he’ll be on the ballot in the general election as a Reform Party candidate.

“When you are up against a mountain of special interest money, it is tough to compete,” he said.

New York held primaries statewide Tuesday for other local offices.

Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, who stepped into the role when his predecessor took ill and later died, won the Democratic primary election for that job. He had more than half the votes with almost 90 percent of precincts reporting, according to unofficial results. He defeated five other candidates.

Gonzalez took over as acting district attorney when Kenneth Thompson announced toward the end of last year that he was ill and would be undergoing treatment for cancer. Thompson died shortly after, and no replacement was named, leaving Gonzalez in place.

One City Council race in Queens attracted attention because of the candidacy of Hiram Monserrate, a former councilman and state lawmaker who was expelled from the state Senate after he was convicted of assaulting his girlfriend. Monserrate, who later served nearly two years in prison after pleading guilty to fraud and corruption charges in a separate case, lost to state Assemblyman Francisco Moya in the Democratic primary.

Several other notable primary races were also decided across the state.

Democrats in Syracuse picked Juanita Perez Williams, a former assistant state attorney general and former associate dean of students at Syracuse University, as their nominee in a race to succeed incumbent Democratic Mayor Stephanie Miner, who is term-limited. Perez Williams defeated City Auditor Marty Masterpole and city Councilman Joseph Nicoletti.

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan defeated challenges from two fellow Democrats, City Common Councilman Frank Commisso Jr. and Council President Carolyn McLaughlin.

Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren defeated former journalist Rachel Barnhart and Monroe County legislator James Sheppard in their Democratic primary.

In Buffalo, Mayor Byron Brown won a Democratic contest with City Comptroller Mark Schroeder and county lawmaker Betty Jean Grant.

The winners move on to the November general election.

And on Long Island, Nassau County Democrats decided the county executive primary matchup in favor of Laura Curran over George Maragos. Republican Jack Martins, a former state senator, will be on the November ballot. Incumbent Ed Mangano, a Republican under federal indictment in a case in which he’s alleged to have taken bribes, is not seeking another term. Mangano has pleaded not guilty.

Most party primaries in New York state are closed contests, meaning a voter must be a registered member of the party in order to cast a ballot.

DAVID KLEPPER, Associated Press
DEEPTI HAJELA, Associated Press

The post De Blasio Wins Democratic Primary for New York City Mayor appeared first on The National Herald.

JAMAICA, NY – Queens residents, including elected officials, participated in a protest on Tuesday, September 12, expressing their support for the popular Flagship Diner, which after fifty-seven years of operation is threatened with a padlock due to the plans of the new owners of the property.

“We will fight and we will not shut up,” said the restaurant owner Jimmy Skartsiaris in an interview with The National Herald. “Our restaurant is a fixture of the area and with our customers we are a family. There are patrons and neighbors, our customers for decades, and we cry at the idea that the restaurant is likely to close,” he added.

As dnainfo.com wrote, the owners of the restaurant shortly after the acquisition of the property by White Rock Management (headquartered in Jamaica), for $6.125 million, were told that the plans of the new owners was to build a seven-story structure at the location of the diner.

“We have 35-40 staff, we help as much as we can in the local community – the homeless, etc. – and we now claim our right to justice,” Skartsiaris told TNH.

Last Tuesday, patrons and neighbors expressed their sympathy to the owners of the restaurant with placards with slogans that read “No More Buildings – Save the Flagship” and “Stop the Harrassment White Rock.”

The three owners of the restaurant, Skartsiaris, Frank Lountzis, and Vincent Pupplo, said that the new owners of the property initially offered them a buyout, with $100,000 for each of the three shareholders, but they refused the proposal.

Since then, in fact, the controversy has begun with the new owners who have begun to issue “compliance” notes, pointing out various controversial claims, such as the requirement to improve the steps, pavements, and parking within five days, otherwise they would proceed with eviction.

The lawyer for the Flagship has managed to secure an order that temporarily suspends the period of time to meet the requirements of the owners of the property, and in July, Skartsiaris, Lountzis and Pupplo filed a lawsuit at Queens Court alleging harassment by the owners.

The first hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, September 19. For his part, the lawyer of the new landlords, Steven Schlesinger, said on Tuesday that White Rock Management had originally proposed to the owners of the restaurant to rent the ground floor at the same rate when the new seven-story building is built.

He also added that the takeover bid made to the three owners was “fair” as about that amount of money would be earned ($100,000 each) by the end of the lease period (October 2019) based on their declared earnings. Schlesinger noted that due to the poor maintenance of the property, the new landlord is required to pay more for insurance coverage.

However, the position expressed by the owners of the restaurant is different. Pupplo confirmed that he was offered to rent the space on the ground floor of the new building, but the company never mentioned anything about the exact amount of the rent. He labeled “ridiculous” the claims that the site is not maintained well.

Skartsiaris reiterated the fact to TNH, calling the company claims about the property untrue.

“We will fight” is the decision taken by the three owners of the Flagship, which, as has been said, has the support of the local community and the Greek community as well with an estimated 2,500 signatures already collected.

Officials who participated in Tuesday’s protest, New York City Councilman Rory Lancman and New York State Senator Tony Avella, argued that new owners have never come into contact with the local community to recommend and discuss their plans for the site.

The post Protest to Save Greek-American Flagship Diner appeared first on The National Herald.

NEW YORK – On Tuesday, Sept. 12, a fundraiser was held for, New York State Assemblymember and New York City mayoral candidate Nicole Malliotakis at the Russian Tea Room in Midtown Manhattan. The event was organized by Lou Katsos and was attended by many members of the Greek community and others who support Malliotakis in her bid to unseat the incumbent, Mayor Bill de Blasio. The fundraiser took place at a key moment in the campaign for Malliotakis who needs to meet the deadline on Monday, Sept. 18 for the matching funds program that would guarantee two debates with the mayor. She told The National Herald that she needs 175 people to donate $175 each to meet the required amount, but said that any amount would help to reach the goal.

When asked about the recent New York Times article that said the mayor should debate her regardless of whether or not she receives the matching funds, Malliotakis told TNH that she appreciated the sentiment but noted that de Blasio would not debate her at all if he had a choice. She also told TNH that she would like to debate the mayor five times, once in each of the five boroughs of New York City.

The matching funds would help with TV commercials to spread the word about Malliotakis, who she is and what she stands for as a candidate. One supporter at the event noted that he wished she had started her campaign earlier so that her name recognition would be even stronger than it is today among more New Yorkers. Katsos observed that it was the perfect time for the fundraiser, coinciding with the primary election.

Malliotakis noted that the current mayor is doing a “lousy job” managing the city of New York and is distracted by national and international issues rather than focusing on the city. When asked about President Trump, Malliotakis noted that in New York, supporting Trump doesn’t help and she would “do what’s best for New York City” and her constituents.

In his introduction, Katsos called her a fantastic candidate who deserves to mayor of New York City. Malliotakis then thanked all those in attendance for their support and asked that they also reach out to the community, observing that spending has increased in New York City in the last three years by $15 billion and the mayor should be held accountable for his failures. She said, “The city that never sleeps needs a mayor that stays awake.”

Noting the “tale of two cities” has gotten worse during the de Blasio administration, Malliotakis said, “I want to do the job… [The city] cannot afford another term of Bill de Blasio.”

She noted that five times, New Yorkers elected the Republican candidate for mayor. Most recently Rudolph Guiliani and Michael Bloomberg, and the last time there was a Democratic mayor of New York City it was David Dinkins who she said was also not a good mayor and lasted only one term in the office. She echoed the sentiment of many present at the fundraiser when she said we have to keep de Blasio a one-term-mayor.

Malliotakis noted that before the mayor defines her for the New Yorkers who are not already familiar with her, we have to introduce Nicole, especially through the TV commercials that have already begun to run on some channels and that would reach even more New Yorkers once the matching funds come through.

When the polls closed at 9 PM in New York City, Malliotakis addressed the local media present at the event including NBC4New York and WPIX 11, having already spoken to the Greek media earlier in the evening. After being informed of the unofficial results of the primary that Mayor de Blasio would indeed be her opponent in the election, Malliotakis said she was ready to challenge him on the issues that are important to the people of New York regardless of their status, socio-economic background, race, or ethnicity.

Among those present at the event were Malliotakis’ parents, her Greek immigrant father, George, originally from Crete, and Cuban immigrant mother, Vera.

More information about the matching funds program and about Malliotakis and her plans for issues including education, homelessness, and mental illness, is available online at nicole4mayor.com.

The post Fundraiser for NYC Mayoral Candidate Nicole Malliotakis appeared first on The National Herald.

YOUNGSTOWN, OH –Flags in public buildings across the State of Ohio were ordered to be flown at half-staff today by Governor John Kasich, in honor of the passing of former State Senator Harry (Haralambos) Michelakis Meshel, who died on September 4.

He was 93 years old, born in Youngstown on June 13, 1924, to Evangelos and Rubini (Markakis) Michelakis of Kokkino Chorio, Crete. His love of his Cretan and Greek heritage dominated his outlook, and he often spoke of Classical Greek philosophy as the source of western civilization. The Cleisthenes Project, in which busts of classical Greek philosophers were placed in the Ohio State House in Columbus, Ohio were in large part the result of his efforts, and just one of his many tributes to his Greek heritage.

The Cleisthenes Project brought state recognition to persons who have had a positiveimpact on democracy. This was accomplished through creation of busts of great figures for display inside the Ohio Statehouse. The first bust honored Greek statesman Cleisthenes, the Father of Democracy. The Statehouse’s bust of Cleisthenes was the first ever made. It was crafted by Anna Christoforidis, a native of Greece and a world-renowned sculptress.

As a World War II Seabee Veteran and recipient of two bronze stars for the Battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944, Meshel was particularly cognizant of the role of Greece and Crete in World War II. On his many excursions to Crete, he visited and examined all the major World War II battle sites and memorials, and often spoke of the heroism of the Cretan people in inflicting the major losses on Hitler’s paratroopers during the Naziairborne invasion of the island of May 20, 1941, in which his relatives took part.

Meshel was a longtime member of the Pancretan Association of America, and was a charter member of the Peroulakis-Theodorakis Association of the Mahoning Valley. Hewas instrumental the initial organization of this chapter in 2002, and also served several terms as its president. He also served as president of the AHEPA Lincoln 89 Chapter in Youngstown, OH, and was active in the Eastern Orthodox Men’s Society, as well as a member of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, where he served on the church council and on the building committee for the Church’s construction.

His outspoken pride in Cretan and Greek heritage and culture and his deep knowledge of history was and is an inspiration to all who were privileged to know him.He often was the keynote speaker at the Greek Independence Parade held in nearby Warren, OH.

Meshel graduated from Youngstown University, and earned a master’s in urban economics from Columbia. He served as a Democrat for 22 yearsin the Ohio State Senate, two terms as Senate President, as well as Minority Leader for eight years, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee for eight years, and as State Chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party.

It was often said that he was the most powerful politician in the state, and he produced results that demonstrated this, including $150 million in funding for Youngstown University (which has a building named for him), helping to establish the first medical school in Northeastern Ohio, obtaining an additional $160 million in grants and funding for the Youngstown area, helping to establish area business incubators, as well as the establishment of a reliable state-wide infrastructure program for roads, bridges, sewer and water.

Sen. Meshel is survived by his daughter, Melanie Thompson, and son Barry Meshel, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Donations may be made to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 220 N. Walnut, Youngstown, OH, or to the Harry Meshel Scholarship, c/o the Y.S.U. Foundation, 655 Wick Avenue, Youngstown, OH.

The post Fmr. Ohio State Senator Harry Michelakis Meshel, 93 appeared first on The National Herald.

ΝEW YORK – Across the globe, the faithful celebrated the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross on September 14. The vespers service began the celebration the night before on September 13 at Holy Cross Church in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and Holy Cross in Whitestone honoring their namesake feast with many priests, members of the community, and Orthodox Christians in attendance from all over the New York tri-state area.

In Bay Ridge, the faithful gathered for the services led by Fr. Gerasimos Makris assisted by other priests from the region. The service included the procession of the Holy Cross through the streets. The Parish Council President Demetris Kalamaras told The National Herald that the community is going through a period of regeneration and social contribution.”

At the same time, he noted that the Greek community festival, which is one of the biggest cultural events and one of the biggest fundraisers of the year, will take place from Thursday until Sunday.

The festival is the only one that takes place in the area during this period and Kalamaras invited the entire Greek community to attend the event for a taste of the homeland in Brooklyn, assuring them that they will have a wonderful time and enjoy Greek hospitality.

Kalamaras took over the duties of the President in January 2016 and has set as a priority the strengthening and upgrading of the Dimitrios and Georgia Kaloidis Parochial School, the Greek Afternoon School, and the Sunday school.

The Parish Council is working to strengthen the organization of the Greek-Orthodox Youth GOYA, Scouts, and other community groups.

“The goal remains to upgrade the role and prestige of the Holy Cross community in the wider American society,” concluded Kalamaras.

The celebration of the feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross culminated in the Divine Liturgy on Thursday, September 14.

Ierotheos Bishop of Efkarpia of St. Irene Chrysovalantou in Astoria presided over the vespers at Holy Cross Whitestone and thanked His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and the community for inviting him to celebrate the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross. Archbishop Demetrios officiated the vespers at Hellenic College–Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline, MA. Ierotheos noted the significance of the Cross as a symbol of the faith, mentioning many examples from the Old Testament that foretold the Cross, and how it reminds us of the life everlasting that awaits all the faithful. A meal was shared by everyone in attendance in the Vasilios and Athanasia Kartsonis Hall of the church following the vespers.

The post The Worldwide Elevation of the Holy Cross Celebrated (Video) appeared first on The National Herald.

NEW YORK – Building on its long-standing commitment to libraries worldwide and to The New York Public Library in particular, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) is partnering with The New York Public Library and the City of New York to support the complete renovation of the system’s largest circulating branch, Mid-Manhattan Library.

The Foundation’s transformational $55 million gift will support the creation of a modern, central branch to hold the Library’s largest circulating collection and offer countless programs for children, teens, and adults. In addition, it will help establish an inspiring “Midtown campus” that will reconnect the circulating library with the Library’s iconic research center, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, across Fifth Avenue, creating a free, open destination for thought and ideas in the center of Midtown. The gift also establishes an endowment for programming at the renovated library.

The New York Times reported on the historic gift, announced on September 13, noting that the “100,000 square-foot renovated circulating library, designed by the lesser-known Dutch firm Mecanoo, will not be without eye-catching design features, including what the library describes as the only free, publicly accessible roof terrace in Midtown.” The SNF gift is the second-largest in the Library’s history, as the Times reported, after the $100 million donated in 2008 by Stephen A. Schwartzman for the iconic Fifth Avenue Beaux-Arts building just across from the Mid-Manhattan branch.

The Mid-Manhattan Library renovation is expected to be complete in 2020, when the building will reopen as The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL), a testament to the importance of this gift as well as the Foundation’s extensive previous support. In total, the Foundation has supported the Library with grants of over $60 million. The Library’s Board of Trustees Executive Committee approved the renaming at a recent meeting, and it was announced at the full Board of Trustees meeting this evening.

The gift is the second largest individual gift in the history of the Library, and contributed to a record year of private fundraising: in Fiscal Year 2017, the Library raised $133.38 million in new major gift commitments, more than in any other year in its history.

“This gift is a culmination of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation’s long-standing and unwavering commitment to libraries around the globe,” said Library President Tony Marx. “We are so appreciative of the Foundation’s generosity, vision, and support as we transform our largest central branch into the library New Yorkers deserve and have never had. The project—also supported by our partners in New York City government—will allow for more use and a better flow of ideas and learning back and forth across Fifth Avenue.”

“With over 21 years of global grant-making history, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation has committed significant resources towards supporting public institutions across each of its four main programmatic areas. Public libraries are paradigmatic public institutions offering communities an array of critical services that extend far beyond the lending of books. The varied roles of public libraries place them, more than ever before, at the heart of our civic societies, at a time when many had been predicting their demise,” said Andreas Dracopoulos, Co-President of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. “We are very proud of this new partnership with NYPL, which continues a long and impactful collaboration. Our shared vision is that this landmark gift will not only transform one of the city’s most democratic and accessible spaces, Mid-Manhattan’s central circulating branch, but will also create a hub of knowledge, creativity, and innovation in the center of one of the world’s greatest cities.”

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) is one of the world’s leading private, international philanthropic organizations, making grants in the areas of arts and culture, education, health and sports, and social welfare. The SNF has a long-established relationship with The New York Public Library, supporting educational programs and exhibitions that make the work and collections of the Library more accessible to all. In that vein, the SNF is currently working closely with NYPL and the Revson Foundation on a program to make one-day passes to cultural institutions available for checkout in branches across all three New York City library systems.

The SNF has also shown unwavering commitment to libraries around the world, supporting, among other projects, the construction of the new facilities for the National Library of Greece at The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) in Athens, designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop.

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) will have a dramatic, three-story atrium facing a five-story Long Room of book stacks; a business library occupying a full floor and an adjacent floor providing job-search help and an employment skills center; a full floor dedicated to separate libraries for children and teens; one of the only free public roof terraces in Midtown; and hundreds more seats than the current branch. The design of the Library’s Midtown renovation is from the Dutch architecture firm Mecanoo, known for its visionary approach to libraries, with New York City-based firm Beyer Blinder Belle, a renowned expert in historical renovations.

The $200 million renovation is being funded with $151 million in City capital funds, as well as the generous private gift from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.

Key elements of the new 100,000-square-foot library will include:

·         Capacity for approximately 400,000 books and other materials, the largest capacity for circulating materials in the Library system.

·         A “Long Room”—the largest element in the new branch—offering five floors of open, browsable book stacks and two floors of meeting rooms

·         One of the only rooftop terraces in Midtown that will be free and open to the public

·         A dedicated business library occupying an entire floor and offering the services and circulating collections of the Science, Industry and Business Library

·         An adult learning center—one of the largest in the city—which will provide a seamless continuum of educational opportunities

·         A floor of separate spaces for kids and for teens

·         Approximately 17,000 square feet of general reading and study space, including seating for almost 1,500 library patrons

·         Over 11,000 square feet of multipurpose space that can be used for classes, events, one-on-one consultations, seminars, and a host of other programs

The renovated branch will also be a central part of the Library’s plan to create a world-class learning center in the middle of Midtown, uniting in one central campus the Library’s full spectrum of resources—from the Library’s renowned historical collections cherished by scholars from around the world to our much-needed circulating materials, programs, and events for all ages.

The renovation is essential for the Mid-Manhattan branch, which opened in the 1970s in a space originally designed as a department store. The branch receives approximately 1.7 million visits annually and circulates approximately 2 million items each year, making it one of the busiest circulating libraries in the country.

Planning for the Mid-Manhattan renovation began in fall 2015 with the selection of the design team following more than a year of discussion and input led by librarians and informed by expert and public feedback. Preliminary designs were released in the fall of 2016. Mid-Manhattan Library closed on August 1, 2017, so construction could begin. The target date for completion is early 2020.

More information on the project is available at nypl.org/midtown.

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BROOKLINE MA – Prominent professor, teacher par excellence, clinician  Dr. Lawrence J. “Larry” Seidman of  Brookline died suddenly on September 7. Larry was the beloved husband of Ilene (Bachrach), the loving father of Josh and Sarah Seidman, father-in-law to Angela Louison and David Fresko, adored grandfather of Rafaela Juliette Seidman and Nico Seidman Fresko, dear brother of Bennett Seidman and son-in-law of Millie Bachrach.

A native New Yorker, he was a proud graduate of the City College of New York. Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Seidman was an eminent neuropsychologist, clinician, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts Mental Health Center and the Commonwealth Research Center at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. His pioneering research on early detection and intervention for people with schizophrenia helped countless patients and clinicians across the globe.

Larry was a dedicated scientist, a passionate fan of the Celtics & Red Sox, and a devotee of Bob Dylan. Mainly he was a great husband, father, and friend to all in need of mental health treatment, justice, or just a kind word.

Those who wish to honor his memory may make contributions to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, (NAMI of Massachusetts), The Schrafft Center, 529 Main Street, Suite 1M17, Boston, MA 02129 or The Victim Rights Law Center, 115 Broad St., Boston, MA 02110. (From the Boston Globe, published on Sept. 10.)

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BOSTON, MA – The Middlesex Superior Court ruled in favor of Rev. Nicholas Kastanas, who had filed an injunction asking the court to prohibit the Metropolis of Boston to open his computer and also to return it to him along with other personal documents taken from his office by members of the parish council, via a directive of the Metropolis.

Fr. Kastanas was ousted from Saint Athanasius in Arlington, MA by Metropolitan Methodios of Boston on July 27 after almost 28 years of service.

The Court’s ruling was announced to parishioners and Parish Council members in a memorandum on September 8 by Kastanas’ attorney John Sofis Scheft. He wrote: “you should also know that the court recently ordered the Metropolis to return Fr. Nick’s personal property and his personal computer, and established a confidential and fairprocess to review the contents of his computer – so parishioner communications withtheir priest of over 27 years will not be compromised.

“As you know, Fr. Nick was removed as your pastor on July 27th. Although he was toldthat he would be meeting with Metropolitan Methodios, Fr. Nick discovered, after heentered the room at the Metropolis, that the Metropolitan was in Greece. TheChancellor, Fr. Barbas, and two Metropolis attorneys told him that Sunday, July 30^thwould be his last service, and he could go to his office the next day to get hispossessions. There was little additional discussion.When the Metropolis published news of Fr. Nick’s removal, reaction was swift. Overtwelve hundred people came to his last Liturgy on July 30th. There were tears, surprise,and disillusionment at the decision. The mainstream media reported about the service and the anguished reactions of manyparishioners.”

Scheft’s message continued: “for Chancellor Barbas, this overwhelming support for Fr. Nick was unexpected andunwelcome. Instead of reassessing Fr. Nick’s situation or understanding that he has nocontrol over what thousands of congregants write and say, Chancellor Barbas sent anincendiary email at 3AM blaming Fr. Nick for what he called a ‘despicable display.’Even though he had promised that Fr. Nick could go to his office at St. Athanasios andremove his personal property accumulated over 27 years of service, the chancellorchanged his mind. He told Fr. Nick that the locks would be changed, his propertyconfiscated and packaged, and his personal computer (filled with private andconfidential communications with parishioners) would be seized and searched.”

Regarding his attempts to communicate with Barbas, Scheft wrote that he called him

twice on July 31 and then sent an email “reminding Fr. Barbas about theimportance of laws relating to priest confidences and computer privacy. I suggested,in conciliatory terms, that we overcome this tense situation with communication.I received no response from the chancellor” – not even acknowledgment of receipt.

Metropolitan Methodios of Boston in a September 9 letter to parish characterized Scheft’s memorandum as “offensive, inaccurate, inappropriate and unprofessional.”

He wrote that “the Court has issued an Order, and the Metropolis shall continue to respect and follow it.”

He also wrote that “my decision to remove him (Fr. Kastanas) was only made after many months of thoughtful consideration, and made in what I firmly believe are the best interests of St. Athanasius community and the Church at large. In my 33 years as shepherd of the Lord’s Church in this Metropolis, I have never removed a priest unwillingly from a parish.”

Methodios emphasized the efforts he made in order for things not to have reached this point. He wrote that “this situation reached a crescendo when Fr. Kastanas filed a complaint against the Metropolis in the Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn. This is the first time that the Metropolis has ever been sued by one of its priests.”

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NEW YORK – On Thursday, September 14, a fundraiser was held for New York State Assemblymember and New York City mayoral candidate Nicole Malliotakis at the Park Avenue penthouse of Liz Peek co-sponsored by Greek-American John Veronis and his wife Lauren, and Gail Wilson. Malliotakis met with her supporters at the event and spoke with them about the issues facing the city and her plans once she is elected mayor.

Veronis, whose roots are in Crete, is a founding partner of Veronis Suhler Stevenson, the media-based private-equity firm that bears his name and from which he withdrew his partnership in 2010, spoke with The National Herald about the event and about the candidate, noting that he “just met Nicole. She’s lovely. We have to work hard for her to win.” He added, “She needs our help to win.”

Also among the attendees who met the candidate for the first time was Maria Spears, also Greek, who said she is supporting Malliotakis in the election because incumbent Mayor Bill de Blasio is “terrible.” She also mentioned that the Greek community especially should support Malliotakis whose father is from Crete.

Malliotakis is very close to the goal amount to receive matching funds that would force two debates with the mayor and also allow more TV commercials to spread her message throughout New York City, she noted in her speech at the event. Ed Cox, chairman of the New York Republican State Committee, introduced the candidate. He said, “We’ve got a problem here in New York,” noting that the mayor is undoing the reforms of previous mayors Rudy Guiliani and Michael Bloomberg. Cox observed that Malliotakis’ experience in the minority in the New York State Assembly is an excellent training ground.

Liz Peek, one of the first women on Wall Street to become a partner of a “major bracket” firm and now a columnist and contributor on politics and economics for the Financial Times and Fox News, noted that she had never done a fundraiser before but felt it was time for two reasons- because she was appalled that “we rolled over and elected a terrible person to be mayor” and “we have someone who can win- Nicole.”

Noting Malliotakis’ margin of victory in the last three New York State Assembly elections, Peek said “61, 73, and 100 percent, that last one sounds like Cuba,” referring to the numbers usually reserved for dictators and to Malliotakis’ Cuban heritage on her mother’s side. Peek also thanked the candidate for running and later asked once she is elected that the first thing she should do is get rid of the bike lanes in the city.

Malliotakis spoke about the deterioration in the quality of life in the city, highlighting the failure of the mayor to even work with members of his own party like Governor Andrew Cuomo on the transit issue, mentioning that just today there were delays on five subway lines. The rise in homelessness, the problems with education and graduation rates, and “skyrocketing sex crimes” are at odds with the results the mayor claims under his administration, Malliotakis said.

She observed that Democrats are “disenchanted” and not excited to vote for the incumbent mayor, citing the low turnout in the primary election on September 12 and the many New Yorkers who have told her that “de Blasio has got to go.”

Malliotakis also noted that her campaign needs about 175 people to donate $175 each to reach the goal for matching funds by the deadline on Monday, Sept. 18 and the first debate would take place on October 10, urging those present to spread the word about her campaign to their friends. She concluded by reiterating her reasons for running for mayor, “This is the city that I love. My parents came here to live out the American dream… We can’t afford another four years of Mayor de Blasio.”

Malliotakis then answered questions from those in attendance, one of whom began by saying he is a Democrat and noted that Malliotakis was “running with Trump on your shoulders” to which she replied that she would like to be judged on her own merits and her plans for the city and not on any other Republican politician. Malliotakis noted that she had worked on the Marco Rubio campaign early on.

When asked in former mayor Michael Bloomberg would be endorsing her, she answered that she has spoken with him but believes he will not be endorsing anyone in this mayoral election.

Veronis mentioned that he spoke with Bloomberg and invited him to attend the fundraiser but the former mayor was unable to attend though he spoke favorably of Malliotakis to Veronis. She was pleased to hear it, but noted that an endorsement by Bloomberg may or may not help her campaign since the former mayor was not universally loved throughout New York City. Getting a high voter turnout was more important, Malliotakis said, especially among the disenchanted Democrats, women, and Hispanic voters who could keep the incumbent mayor from a second term in office.

More information about Malliotakis and her campaign is available online at nicole4mayor.com.

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