WEIRTON, WV – A mother is the most holy, respected, and sacred person on earth. She has the special quality of becoming co-creator with God, because she brings life into the world and thus God’s Creation continues. It is through Mary Ann Psaros, from Weirton, WV, wife of 54 years to George and beloved mother of Michael and Harry, that The National Herald honors all Greek-American mothers this year.

Mary Ann Psaros is a woman of honesty, integrity, ethos, dedication to good works and philanthropy, deep faith in the Orthodox Church and appreciation for Hellenism. She is a mother among mothers, full of wisdom and kindness.

She was born in 1938 in Steubenville, OH, because she said “Weirton, WV did not have a hospital at the time.” The daughter of Greek immigrants, she explained that “both of my parents came from Olympi on the island of Chios. My grandfather, my pappou on my father’s side, was capital Papa Stamatios Loufakis. He was the village priest. On my mother’s side, her father was the village mayor. My mother’s name was Evyenia Gailla.  My father’s name was Harilaos (Harry) Loufakis.”

This is how we started our conversation, which ended up a becoming a really fascinating interview of a woman with charisma and above all love for her husband, sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, sisters, relatives, her church of All Saints in Weirton WV, for everyone.

The interview follows:

TNH: What brought your parents to Weirton?

AP: My father first came to Weirton like other immigrants who heard work was being offered at Weirton Steel. You did not have to speak the language well, just be a good worker and work hard in the mill.

TNH: What do you remember most about your parents?

AP: We had a strong family structure. Each of us had a role to play. Dad left Weirton Steel and opened a small store, a retail store. He called it the Sun Novelty Shoppe. He worked in the store from 6AM to 7PM each day. When we were old enough, we worked with him. Mom was in charge of the house. She cooked, cleaned, planted her garden, took us to school and to church each Sunday.

TNH: What was it like growing up in a Greek Orthodox home and family?

AP: Our parents expected the best from us, and we in turn produced it. In school, we were excellent students. My older sister, Kathie, even helped my dad with the bookkeeping for the store. I helped dad in the store and when he passed away in 1963. I took a leave of absence from the school to close the store. I was familiar with the Sun Novelty Shoppe more than my sisters were. From an early age, I had an interest in music. My mother and father gave me music lessons on the piano at a very early age. My younger sister eventually took violin lessons. Our understanding of the Greek Orthodox faith was based on a very strong family life.

TNH: You went to college and studied to become a teacher. How easy or how difficult was it at that time for a Greek girl to go to college? And what attracted you to education and to teaching?

AP: First of all, my sister Kathie was the first daughter to attend and graduate from West Virginia University (WVU). She majored in journalism. This was the year, 1953. Most Greek girls didn’t major in this field at the time. I was next in line. I, too, went to WVU. I would major in music education. I enjoyed teaching children and this would be my life’s profession. Our youngest sister, Victoria, would also attend WVU and she, too, majored in journalism.

TNH: Where did you teach, what subjects, for how many years?

AP: I was hired by the Hancock County Board of Education in 1960 to teach music history in the classroom as it had been taught for many years. I took the teaching of music to a new level. I received permission to start a chorus during my lunch hour. My first class included 30 students. During the first year, we met during my lunch hour. We even performed at the end of the year. During the next year, I petitioned to get the course in the curriculum as a credited class. What started as an experimental class, blossomed into classes numbering 75 students at a time. When we marched on the stage at the end of the year, we looked like an army. I directed the course at the middle school. Five of those years were also spent at Weir High School.

TNH: What did teaching mean to you? How did you feel every time you entered the classroom?

AP: I loved directing my chorus. Hearing those young voices in three-part harmony was very rewarding. Each year, we would start out slowly, but by the end of the year, seeing what they had accomplished, the proud look on their face; it was very rewarding to me and to them.

TNH: How are schools and teaching today as compared to when you taught?

AP: We did not have computers and cell phones. Teachers taught penmanship, which is no longer taught. We did math in our heads, not on calculators. We read from books, not computers. We typed on typewriters. We did not have locked doors. You entered the school freely. We never even thought of guns or shootings. But then came the Columbine High School shooting in Colorado and things then changed in many ways.   Please note that during my senior year in high school, which was 1956, the Weirton schools integrated. This development went smoothly without any trouble in our area.

TNH: When, where, and how did you meet your husband, George?

AP: George and I grew up in the same community and attended the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church. George went to WVU, enrolled in ROTC. He was sent to Germany in Army intelligence. When he came back to Weirton, he got a job as an electrical engineer at Weirton Steel. At Christmas, George needed a date for the engineer’s ball, and that would become our first date.

TNH: When did you get married, where what do you remember most about your wedding day?

AP: George and I were married at All Saints on July 11th, 1965. It was a beautiful, warm, dry day. Our church had no air conditioning. My brother-in-law Alexander Dematatis escorted me down the aisle and gave me away. My father had passed away in 1963 from uremia. His absence from my wedding brought tears to my eyes. The two families were present as well as my friends and teachers who were important in my life.I feel we were meant to be together. Our union started in 1965 and is still going strong 53 years later. We were both very happy to start a new life together.

TNH: How was life in Weirton back then financially, socially?

AP: The steel mill in Weirton was at its peak with full employment. Steel workers were making a good salary. Socially, Weirton had a diverse cultural population, but everyone got along and we respected one another.

TNH: What was the Greek community like?

AP: From what I remember, in the 60s, 70s, and 80s we still had a major Greek immigrant population. As I attended church each Sunday, you knew who was sitting in each designated pew. What we had then but don’t have now in Weirton is a Greek school. My two sisters and I, and George’s brother and sister, attended American school during the day and Greek school three times a week after American school. We were taught the history of Greece. We were taught to read and write the Greek language. We celebrated all Greek holidays by reciting poetry by memory. My boys wore the Greek Evzones uniform. It was called the fustanella, something that they don’t do today. Today they wear long black pants.

TNH: Did your life change with the births of your children?

AP: Becoming a mother totally changed my life. Our first born, Michael, named after George’s father, was a blessing. A child brings joy, happiness to a family. It brings families together. The grandparents on both sides were overjoyed. My mother, who was a widow, would become a great part in our family as our chief babysitter. It gave her a new purpose in life. She became Mike’s teacher, Mike’s mentor. Their bond until she passed away was indescribable. The only time Yiayia Evygenia flew on a plane, was to fly to Michael and Robin’s wedding. This was one event she wasn’t going to miss.

I remember how lovely she looked that day admiring the young couple. My son Harry and my sister Kathie’s son, Harry, walked my mother down the aisle.  It made for an incredible photo and memory.

Is it possible to describe, how does it feel to become a mother?

AP: As a mother, you bring new life into the world. You feel blessed that God enabled you to have two sons. A child is a gift, each day as you look at each child, their development, their desires. The love and attention you give them will help them in their development. I feel as a mother I should be there for them, support them, and encourage them. But what I won’t do is to tell them what to do.

TNH: Did it cross your mind that becoming a mother and bringing children, or better yet, good children, into the world, you actually have become a co-creator with God?

AP: From the moment each of my sons were born, I felt a deeper connection with my church and with my Orthodox religion because of the blessings that had been bestowed upon me. As they grew up, I was ever mindful to teach them their heritage and the Greek Orthodox religion. The boys attended church on Sunday and went to Greek school three times a week.

TNH: Please talk a little about your children growing up. What was some of the advice you used to give them? Were they good children?

AP: Michael and Harry were six years apart, but they were close growing up. Their goals were the same: to be the best that they could be. They were class leaders, class presidents, honor students. They were members of GOYA. They were involved in church activities. In high school, Mike became a member of the Key Club, a service organization sponsored by Kiwanis. He would run to be elected as Key Club Governor of the State of West Virginia. When he won this position, he met with the middle school principal. He was instrumental in starting the junior high Builders Club, the middle school version of the Key Club. I would become the only sponsor for 18 years, working with the middle school students doing community service, which was even an education for me in that before the Builders Club, I had never experienced a joy of doing for others. Harry would serve as my Builders Club president. In his sophomore year, he would win the statewide position of Governor for the State of West Virginia. Both Mike and Harry would serve as international trustees of Key Club International, representing multiple states. I bring this to your attention because the foundation for community service had its roots with the community service project completed while members of this organization.

TNH: How do you feel seeing our sons now grown up and successful in their fields?

AP: I feel both boys have been successful in their fields.

Michael received a BS/BA degree in finance, minoring in Japanese, at Georgetown University. He also attended Sofia University in Tokyo, Japan. His philanthropic endeavors are well known nationally and globally.  Mike’s generosity to his family, friends, church, and community has no bounds.  He continues to make me proud with his neverending list of accomplishments.  We are especially proud that he is the Treasurer of the Archdiocesan Council of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

Harry is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh in the field of industrial engineering. He is presently the acute care business manager for Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals.  Although his contributions to his community and church aren’t as well publicized, he isvery active and respected.  He is a part of the following activities and organizations: Vice President of All Saints Parish Council; Leadership 100 member; AHEPA member;

Founder and board member of the North Fayette PALS, an organization for the betterment of special needs children; Board of Directors VP of the Autism Caring Center; member of the North Fayette Township Parks and Recreation committee (a committee that organizes all social events in his township); Senior Writer for Pittsburgh Sports News and known in Pittsburgh as “The Pitt Guru.” Lastly, he is an accomplished martial artist in Tang Soo Do karate.

TNH: Do you continue to give them advice today, and if so, what kind of advice?

AP: I only give advice if I’m asked for my opinion. If not, I do not impose on my children.

TNH: What does it take someone to be a good mother?

AP: Every child is different. You cannot advise or treat both in the same way. Every student I taught was different. You must use good judgment. Be understanding of their problems. You must keep a positive attitude and always encourage them to do the very best. That’s all you can do.

TNH: How many grandchildren do you have?

AP: I have five grandchildren. Alexandra, Leo, and Marina are Michael’s children. Costa (Gus) and Maximos (Max) are Harry’s children.

TNH: What is the secret about how your marriage continues to be strong all these years?

AP: Regardless of any problems or obstacles faced, we were always united in putting our children first in our life. Our love and respect for one another, our strong faith instilled by the teaching of our church, have kept our marriage sound.  I would offer the same advice to any young couples.

TNH: If you had a advice to give to today’s mothers, what would it be?

AP: In this digital age of YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, children are exposed to greater environmental distractions, which require a young mother to be more vigilant. Mothers must address each problem individually, whether it be problems from school, problems socially or family situations.

TNH: What are your thoughts on this Mother’s Day?

AP: My first thoughts this Mother’s Day are with my beautiful, intelligent, and lovely granddaughter Alexandra, who will be graduating from Syracuse University. Her pappou and I wish her continuous success in her career and in her life in general. Secondly, I will have the pleasure of being with my two daughters-in-laws Robin and Michelle.  Both have been a blessing in my life.  They are lovely, educated, caring young ladies and phenomenal mothers.  Sadly, on this day, I will miss both my mother, who passed away on this day in 1999, and my beautiful mother-in-law Mary.

TNH: Have you been to Greece?

AP: George and I and Mike’s family traveled to Greece together twice. My grandfather, my pappou Stamati, was the village priest. When the people in the village heard that we were in the village, they opened his church and let us walk through. It was an extremely emotional moment in that I never knew any of my grandparents. Just being in the village is something I will never forget.

TNH: Which were some of the happiest days of your life?

AP: My wedding day. The days of the births of my children and grandchildren. And the joy of watching them mature as young adults with great character.

TNH: Finally, if you were to start your life today, what would you do differently?

AP: I would not change anything. I feel with every step in my life, I have been blessed by good fortune, good health, the love of my children, the love of my grandchildren, and the love and support of my husband, George.

TNH: Any other thoughts to share?

AP: The first Mother’s Day was celebrated in Grafton, WV. I feel so honored to be interviewed for this very special day. Lately, in the news, everyone has heard about the teachers’ strike in West Virginia. Teachers were underpaid when I was a teacher and continue to be. In my career, I was blessed with honors money can’t buy. First, in 1995, the West Virginia Community College honored me as Citizen of the Year for outstanding accomplishments in the field of education. Secondly, the Hancock County Board of Education named the little theater at Weir Middle School, the Mary Ann Psaros Little Theater. Third, in 2012, the city of Weirton voted me in the city of Weirton’s Hall of Fame in the field of the fine arts. Lastly, when my mother passed away, Michael bought the house from my sisters that she lived in.

George and I remodeled the house and kept it in the family. When Michael learned that the Christian Center needed to expand its services, but needed more space, he donated that home on Orchard Street in which I grew up to them. That organization helped young children and young adults in need. My cousin, Archon Nick Latousakis, who is on the board of the Christian Center, named the house Evyenia’s House of Hope.  Today, Evyenia’s House has more meeting rooms and services for children and adults in need. We are so proud of this contribution to the Weirton community.

The post Mary Ann Psaros, a Mother among Mothers, Discusses Her Wonderful Journey of Life appeared first on The National Herald.

PISCATAWAY, NJ – New Jersey’s Greek Festival season kicks off with the 45th Annual Greek Festival at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1101 River Road in Piscataway, May 17-20. New hours of operation are: Thursday, noon – 10 PM; Friday, noon – 11 PM; Saturday, noon – 12 AM, and Sunday, noon – 8 PM.

May 2018 is the 45th Anniversary of this Central Jersey tradition, and as such, several of the Festival’s amenities have been improved and expanded. As always, homemade Greek food and pastries, live music, traditional Greek Folk Dancing, as well as Church tours and cultural information are just some of the features throughout the weekend. Admission is free all day Thursday and Friday until 4 pm; after 4 PM Friday and Saturday and Sunday admission is a $2 donation. Free parking is available on site as well as at Rutgers High Point Solutions Stadium.

“Each year we strive to improve our Festival. We listen to our supporters, and based on their feedback we tweak our amenities to make the experience even better,” said George Athanasopoulos, Festival Chair.

New for 2018: Pre-order your food at: greekfestival.gocnj.org. Secure payment is through Paypal, and all major credit cards are accepted. There is also dedicated parking, and pick-up located in the parking lot for pre-paid orders (look for the Blue tiny house).

“Take-out is one of the most popular amenities, especially during lunch. We have streamlined the process with the online Pre-Order site, and the dedicated pick-up location in the parking lot. We hope this will help relieve lines, and get those patrons who are rushed, in and out quickly,” continued Athanasopoulos.

Outdoors, the Taverna space has been expanded and streamlined to expedite food pick-up, as well as to create more space to enjoy the festivities. The Youth Booth has been expanded to offer more baklava, kataifi, and Greek yogurt sundaes.

Indoors, in addition to the Bakery, a Coffee Shop will debut in the Community Center serving Greek and American coffee, tea, and pastries. The Festival will also be presenting a variety of vendors for their patrons’ shopping needs including a Bakaliko (Greek groceries and gifts), as well as Axia Creations, Mati Jewels, Velvet & Jute Soaps, D’s Jewelers, Anastasia’s Costume Jewelry, and Fun House Productions.

Each year, the parish of St. George works together to host the Festival and bring its well-known Greek hospitality to the community. The event is a staple in Piscataway Township and Middlesex County, and is one of the largest and well-attended Greek Festivals in the state of New Jersey. This Central Jersey tradition is known for its warm hospitality, enthusiastic volunteers, and delicious homemade Greek foods and pastries. The recipes used have been passed down for several generations within the community, a testament to the connection with our Greek heritage.

Founded by Greek immigrants on October 15, 1916, in a temporary location in New Brunswick, NJ, the Community of St. George, presently located at 1101 River Road in Piscataway, is the largest Greek Orthodox parish in central New Jersey with over 800 families.

Its parishioners are engaged in a wide variety of professional, social, and volunteer activities throughout the State. As a 501 (c)3 non-profit, the church not only tends to the spiritual needs of its parishioners, but also serves to sustain and perpetuate the Greek culture through its youth programming, Greek language and religion classes, traditional Greek folk dancing program, and its Annual Festival.

The post The 45th Annual St. George Greek Festival in Piscataway May 17-20 appeared first on The National Herald.

THRU OCTOBER 6

TARPON SPRINGS, FL – The City of Tarpon Springs will present Night in the Islands–a free event on the world famous Sponge Docks (Dodecanese Blvd. between Athens and Roosevelt Streets) on May 19, July 7, August 4, and October 6 this year. Enjoy a Greek panigiri with music, dancing, and dining! And we will offer an hour of free Greek dance lessons by the Levendia Dance Troupe from 6-7 PM. Night in the Islands will feature the engaging music of Odyssey in April and May, and in July, August, and September we will feature Ellada in front of the Sponge Exchange. In April and May, we will also feature Neos Ihos playing Greek music on the block between Hope and Roosevelt Streets. To reserve a table for dinner, please contact participating restaurants Costa’s, Hellas, Mama’s, or Mykonos. This popular event is free, thanks to funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Tarpon Springs Merchants Association. For more information, contact Tina Bucuvalas at 727-916-0235 or tbucuvalas@ctsfl.us.

THRU JULY 8

NEW YORK – The Onassis Cultural Center New Yorkpresents Birds: A Festival Inspired by Aristophanes,comprising a rich array of events that consider the enduring—and, currently, pressing—central themes of Aristophanes’ ancient satire, The Birds, April 22- July 8. The festival is produced by Onassis Cultural Center New York for the American premiere of Nikos Karathanos’ uproarious and poetic adaptation of the original Aristophanes play, presented by St. Ann’s Warehouseand Onassis Cultural Centre-Athens. More information is available online at: onassisusa.org.

MAY 2-13

BROOKLYN – Following its sold-out World Premiere at the open air Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus and a subsequent popular engagement at the Onassis Cultural Center in Athens, Greece, the play- Aristophanes’ Birds, directed by Nikos Karathanos, will run for 12 performances at St. Ann’s Warehouse, 45 Water Street in Brooklyn, Wednesday, May 2- Sunday, March 13. More information is available online at: http://stannswarehouse.org/show/the-birds/.

MAY 3- JUNE 1

WASHINGTON, DC – The Embassy of Greece and the Hellenic Ephorate of Antiquities of Kavala-Thasos invite you to the Opening of the photography exhibition Archaeological Site of Philippi: A Landmark of European Heritage on Thursday, May 3, 6:30-8:30 PM at the Embassy of Greece, 2217 Massachusetts Ave NW in Washington, DC. The Archaeological Site of Philippi is included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Monuments since 2016. The photo exhibition is free and will be on display at the Embassy of Greece until June 1. Visiting Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 AM-3 PM. The exhibition is generously sponsored by Raycap and is part of the European Union Month of Culture in DC. RSVP for the opening on Eventbrite.

MAY 8-11

WILKES-BARRE, PA – Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 32 East Ross Street in Wilkes-Barre, holds its Spring Greek Food Festival on Tuesday, May 8- Friday, May 11, 11 AM- 8PM. Features: Eat-ins and take-outs of delicious Greek food and pastries, Free local delivery (within 2 miles) offered to orders over $30, Church is handicap accessible on the inside (after passing 5 steps leading to entrance of church), All major credit cards accepted. Pre-orders are welcome in advance by phone: 570-823-4805 and email: greekfoodfestival@yahoo.com.

MAY 10-13

WATERBURY, CT – Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 937 Chase Parkway in Waterbury, holds its annual Greek Festival May 10-13. Enjoy authentic Greek food, music and dancing. Raffle tickets and more information are available by phone: 203-754-5189 or email: office@holytrinitywaterbury.org. Festival Hours: Thursday, May 10, Thursday 10 AM-9 PM; Friday, May 11, 10 AM- 11 PM; Saturday, May 12, 10 AM- 12 Midnight; Sunday, May 13, 11 AM- 3 PM.

MAY 11-13

WEBSTER, TX – St. John the Theologian Orthodox Church of Webster holds the 25th Annual Clear Lake Greek Festival at the Landolt Pavillion, Clear Lake Park, 5001 Nasa Parkway, in Seabrook, on Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12, 11 AM-10 PM, and Sunday, May 13, 11 AM-6 PM. Enjoy Greek food, dancing, gift shops, and children’s activities. More information is available online at: clearlakegreekfestival.com.

MAY 12

MANHATTAN – The Ronald McDonald House New York Greek Division invites you to its 23rd Annual Niki Sideris Annual Memorial Walk-a-thon in Manhattan on Saturday, May 12. Registration: 9 AM, Walk: 11 AM. $20/participant. Please visit www.rmh-newyork.org/events/greek-walk-a-thon for details.

MAY 14

MANHATTAN – Hellenic Professional Women Inc. (HPW) is hosting a “Cocktails & Connecting” event at Thalassa,179 Franklin Street in Manhattan on Monday, May 14, 6-8 PM. Please stop by to network, meet someone new or catch up with a friend. “Small Bites” will be provided by Thalassa and there will be a cash bar. Please visit www.hellenicprofessionalwomen.org for details.

MANHATTAN – The American Hellenic Institute Business Network requests the pleasure of your company at its Monthly Informal Networking Reception at Avra Restaurant,141 East 48th Street in Manhattan, on Monday, May 14, 5:30-7:30 PM. Please RSVP to csirigos100@aol.com.

BELMONT, MA – Belmont World Film 2018 presents the North American premiere of

DJAM (France, 2017, 97 min.)on Monday, May 14, 7:30 PM, at Studio Cinema, 376 Trapelo Road in Belmont. The film is directed by Tony Gatlifand is in French and Greek with English subtitles. The subculture of “rebetiko,” an emotionally charged storytelling and singing style that spread from poor urban communities in Greece and Turkey to the islands of the Aegean, is at the heart of this spin on Southern Europe’s current financial woes and migrant worries. The film’s eponymous heroine, a young and spirited Greek woman living on the island of Lesbos, is sent on an errand in Turkey where she meets up with a 19 year-old French girl whose plans to help migrants at the Syrian border backfire. Together they journey back to Lesbos using the same overland route taken by many Syrians today.Speaker: Sandra Theodorou, a musician who specializes in traditional Greek regional music and Greek urban rebetika, as well as chairperson of the Traditional Greek Music Department at Boston Lykeion Ellinidon. Tickets: $11 general admission, $9 seniors & students in advance. $12 and $10, respectively, at the door.More information is available online at:www.belmontworldfilm.org.

MANHATTAN – Cathedral Connect invites you to Wing Night at Blondies, 212 W 79th Streetin Manhattan on Monday, May 14, 7:30 PM. All you can eat wings for $20.95! Please contact connect@thecathedralnyc.org for details.

MAY 16

MANHATTAN – Philo4Thought invites you to its General Meeting at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Manhattan to discuss plans for collaborative educational activities in the 2018-2019 academic year on Wednesday, May 16, 7:30 PM. Those interested in attending can email p4tinfo@gmail.com.

MAY 18-JUNE 30

DETROIT, MI –Angeliki’s Dowry Chest, An Exhibition and Estate Sale, opening Friday, May 18, 6-9 PM and running through June 30, presented by Trinosophes, 1464 Gratiot Avenue in Detroit, MI.Visit Instagram @angelikisdowrychest.

The post Going on in Our community appeared first on The National Herald.

ALEXAKOS, STAVROULA

CHICAGO, IL (from the Chicago Tribune,published on May 1) – Stavroula K. Alexakos, nee Konstandaros, 93, Born in Alepohori, Tripoli, Greece; Beloved wife of 58 years to the late Kyriakos; Devoted mother to Angie (Chris) Goumotsios, Dimitra (Peter) Kappos and Dino (Mary); Cherished grandmother of Eleni (Maryann) Cussen, Staci (George) Costopoulos, Niko, John, Patty, Stacie and Keriakos “Charlie” and great grandmother “Kou PePe Yiayia” of Johnny, Christian, Angelina and James; Loving sister of twin brother Anastasios (Athena) Konstandaros, the late Georgia (the late Panagiotis) Kosivas, the late Nikoleta (the late Andreas) Bisias, the late Penelope (the late Christos) Vergakis and the late Ageliki (the late Panagiotis) Younis; Dearest sister-in-law of Elias (the late Cleopatra) Alexakos, the late Afrodite (the late Vasilios) Giannakopoulos, Georgia (the late Christos) Hougiazos, John (Eleni) Alexakos and the late Christos (Tasia) Alexakos; Dear aunt of many nieces and nephews. Visitation Tuesday, May 1, 2018 from 4 – 9 p.m. at Salerno’s Galewood Chapels 1857 N. Harlem Ave. Chicago. Family and friends will meet Wednesday morning at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 6041 W. Diversey Ave. Chicago for 10 a.m. Funeral service. Interment will follow to Elmwood Cemetery. Arrangements by Nicholas M. Pishos Funeral Director, LTD., 773-889-1700

ALEXIOU, ANTHIE

CLEARWATER, FL (from the Union Leader, published on May 6) – Anthie (Gatzoulis) Alexiou, 92, of Clearwater, FL, formerly of Manchester, passed away in Clearwater on May 1, 2018.She was born in Manchester on September 20, 1925, the daughter of Nicholas and Soultana (Randou) Gatzoulis. She attended the Hillsboro County Hospital nursing school where she received her RN degree. She also did graduate work in nursing. During World War II, she was a cadet nurse. Anthie was a nurse for over 40 years, working at the Elliot Hospital where she was a head nurse and later in FL. She enjoyed swimming, spending time outside and sailing. She also enjoyed making frequent trips to Greece to visit the family’s homestead in Pentalofo, Kozanis and spend time with relatives and friends. She had been a FL resident for over 38 years but often returned to Manchester to visit family and friends.Family members include her husband of 68 years, Dr. Nicholas Alexiou; a son, George Alexiou of Clearwater, FL; a daughter, Vicki Alexiou of Clearwater, FL; two grandchildren, Kristina and Nicholas; and nephews, nieces, and cousins.Calling hours will be at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover St., Manchester on Monday from 4 to 7 PM, with a Trisageon service taking place at 6:00 PM. Funeral service will be on Tuesday at 10:00 in the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. To view an online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net.

CANELLOS,MARGARITA
MILWAUKEE, WI (from the Sheboygan Press,published on May 2)– Margarita “Rita” Canellos, age 96, of Milwaukee, died on Sunday, April 30, 2018 at Elmbrook Hospital in Brookfield. She was born in Koroni, Messinia, Greece on November 15, 1921, the daughter of the late Anastassios and Georgia GeorgoulisKapiniaris. In October of 1951 she was united in marriage to George Kanellopoulos (Canellos) in Kalamata, Greece. She was a member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Sheboygan, as well as a life-long member of the Ladies Philoptochos Society. Rita was an accomplished seamstress, knitter, baker and a master gardener. She also enjoyed cooking, reading, writing, and traveling with her family. Rita spent many summers in her ancestral town of Koroni, where she visited with family and friends. She will be remembered for her wisdom, wit, and tenacity, as well as her generosity and kindness. Survivors include her two daughters, Helen (John Nienhuis) Canellos and Stili (Theodore) Klikizos, both of Milwaukee; grandchildren, George Nienhuis, Arthur Nienhuis, Peter Nienhuis, Sarandos (Mauria) Klikizos and Margarita Klikizos. Rita is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers, Elias Kapiniaris, Panayiotis Kapiniaris, and ConstandinosKapiniaris; three sisters, Aglaia Sarella, Harikleia Gelada, and SmaragdaSipsa. A funeral service for Rita will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 1425 S. 10th Street, Sheboygan, with Fr. Leo Gavrilos officiating. Family and friends may gather at the Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home, 1535 South 12th Street, Sheboygan, on Friday evening from 4:00 p.m. until a Trisagion Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also be held at the church, on Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Wildwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, or The Ladies Philoptochos Society of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Online condolences may be expressed at www.reinboldfh.com.

PALETSOS, ALEXANDER
PHOENIX, AR (from The Arizona Republic,published in on May 2)– Alexander A. Paletsos, age 94, passed away April 29th, 2018 in Phoenix, AZ. Alex was born March 8, 1924 in Athens Greece to Athanasios and Marguerite Paletsos. Alex has resided in Phoenix Arizona since 1958 where he and his wife Else of 60 years raised their three children, Katherine McNeill, AthanPaletsos and Marguerite Anderson. Alex was a graduate of the Greek Naval Academy in Athens Greece followed by many years commanding the Greek Merchant Marine Vessel worldwide. He immigrated to the US in the 1940’s where he spent his early years in Banking in California and New York. An opportunity in Phoenix. AZ arose and that’s where he joined Airesearch as a Programmer Analyst. He retired with them in 1987. Alex was also a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge #52 for 50 years. Alex and Else enjoy their four grandchildren, Alex McNeill, Makenzy and Ashton Anderson and Nikos Paletsos. His nieces and nephews all still reside in Athens Greece. His loving family will hold a funeral service on Friday, May 4th at 10:00am at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1973 E. Maryland Phoenix AZ. In lieu of flowers tributes may be made in honor of Alexander Paletsos to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 781-237-3800, Curealz.org. Arrangements entrusted to A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuary. For more information please visit www.ALMoore-Grimshaw.com.

PARRIS, STELLA

KANSAS CITY, MO (from The Courier-Journal, Published on Apr. 28) – Stella Shemarya Parris, devoted wife of 60 years, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend to everyone she met, died on April 25 following a brief illness — and 88 years of love. Stella was born in Seattle, Washington to parents Rachel and Jack Shemarya, both immigrants from the Mediterranean island of Rhodes, Greece. Stella and her siblings, Jerry, Sylvia and Al grew up in an environment rich with the unique tastes, smells, and especially songs and dances ingrained in their Sephardic heritage. Her spirited mother spoke seven languages fluently (and once played a trick on Stella by teaching her two children a certain unutterable word in all seven). Stella’s work ethic emerged in her mid-teens when she worked at an outdoor Greek market in Seattle. When she graduated high school at 18, she began a government career with the United States Navy’s Military Sea Transportation Service, cutting officers’ orders at Navy Pier 39. Five years later, she would meet a young pharmacist stationed at Madigan Army Hospital at nearby Fort Lewis who valiantly tried to capture a date on her busy social calendar for three weekends in a row. When she saw a cancellation on the fourth weekend, she called him, and Arnold would become her soulmate, husband and the forever love of her life. They married in 1956, and Stella moved with Arnold to his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, where they grew their family with a daughter and a son. They were side-by-side partners as they opened the corner drug store from which their life took shape, Mohawk Drugs. Stella and Arnold raised their two children in the back of that store, teaching them how to properly dust shelves, stock merchandise, serve ice cream sundaes at the soda fountain, help deliver prescriptions to customers too sick to stop by, and eventually, ring the big brass cash register. Each night when the family came home, Stella would take out her big ledger and manage the business from her recliner next to Arnold, while their kids did homework and played on the green shag carpet. When she wasn’t doing work for their store, Stella was very actively working for and/or chairing a broad range of local philanthropies, including the Hadassah Medical Organization, Jewish Community Federation, B’nai Brith and many others. She was a working woman who always found time to give back, an iconic message which her children could not miss. Stella’s life was rich with family and philanthropy, cooking and friends – with opportunities to combine them all at every opportunity. But her purest joy came in the time she savored with her beloved husband, with whom she never, ever stopped holding hands. She and Arnold found great joy in time with their kids, grandkids, and extended family and friends – so many of whom were like family. Until their final days, they spent countless hours on bar stools together in their favorite pastime: watching Kentucky and Louisville basketball. Stella is preceded on her journey by her soulmate and husband of 60 years, Arnold. She is survived her daughter, RoshannShemarya Parris and husband Jeff Dobbs, her son, Harry Jack Parris, two grandchildren, Justin Parris Cohen and Tessa Diana Cohen who lovingly called her “Vava,” three grandpups, and an awesome group of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews to whom Aunt Stella was like a second mother and grandmother. Following a private burial, the family welcomes friends to a memorial service at 6:00 PM at the Parris/Dobbs home on Sunday, April 29 and again on Monday, April 30 at 6:00 PM at Village Shalom. In lieu of flowers, the family would warmly welcome contributions to Village Shalom or the Jewish Family Services Food Pantry. Online condolences at www.louismemorialchapel.com (Arr: The Louis Memorial Chapel 816-361-5211).

POLITIS, GEORGE

CHARLOTTE, NC (from the Charlotte Observer, published on Apr. 17) – George Politis, 71, of Charlotte, NC, passed away Saturday, the 14th of April 2018 at his residence. “Papaandreou”, as he was affectionately known, was born the 28th of July 1946 in AgiaVlaherna, Greece, to the late John and Fotini Politis. The family will greet friends 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, Tuesday, the 17th of April 2018 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM in the Cathedral. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery. He is survived by his two daughters: Fotini Politis and Nickoleta Politis; two sisters: Georgia Tsumas and Niki Poulos and the mother of his two children, Stavroula Politis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Anna Leris. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Agia Elpis Philoptochos Society, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203. May His Memory Be Eternal.

The post Obituaries in Greek-American Community appeared first on The National Herald.

NEW YORK – Mr. Mike Angeliadis together with his partner Reno Christou, have partnered with NYC restaurateur Steve Tenedios, to open the first Kyma in New York City.

There will be a second opening in the 4th quarter of 2018, in Hudson Yards.

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios will be officiating together with Fr. John Lardas from Archangel Michael Church of Port Washington, on Tuesday, May 15.

The grand opening for Kyma is June 1st, 2018.

The post Blessing, Cocktail Party of the New Kyma Restaurant appeared first on The National Herald.

ASTORIA – New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio visited the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York at its headquarters, the Stathakion Center, in Astoria on May 11. He was greeted by Federation President Petros Galatoulas, 3rd Vice President George Kalergios, and businessman John Kalafatis, and signed the guest book in the President’s office.

“You are the first mayor of New York to officially visit the Federation in the Stathakion Center,” said Mr. Galatoulas, noting that in the recent past Governor George Pataki had made a similar visit.

“It is a great honor for me,” replied Mayor de Blasio, joking that “the Governor… does not count.” The President of the Federation then gave him a signed copy of the painting of the parade that he has in his office.

The mayor then addressed the guests and the members of the Federation’s Board of Directors in the Stathakion’s event hall. He said, “You really have to understand how much I appreciate this Community for its contribution not only to Astoria but to the whole city. I had the honor of living in Astoria when I was younger. I have seen for years and years, but especially as mayor, the powerful impact the Greek Community has on this city. So much of the character and culture comes from the Greek community, so much of the economic dynamism comes from the community, and I just want to express my appreciation.”

Mayor de Blasio also referred to his administration’s achievements, noting the significant reduction in crime, and the effort to keep the city accessible to everyone.

“New York must be for everyone,” he said, noting the effort to build affordable housing when rents are so high.

New York City Council Member Costa Constantinides then praised the mayor, noting that “Whether as a City Council Member, as Public Advocate, or as mayor, Bill de Blasio never ceased to care about the people.”

On behalf of the Federation of Hellenic Societies, Despina Galatoula thanked the mayor for his presence.

“We know, Mr. Mayor, the love that you and your wife have for the Greek community, as well as your warm words at the Greek Independence celebration at Gracie Mansion. Greeks in New York work hard and have ambitions. The Federation of Hellenic Societies wants to continue to work with you and your office for the sake of the Community, especially for future generations.”

The speeches were followed by an authentic Greek feast set up in the Stathakion’s backyard, with live music, lambs roasted on the spit, souvlaki, and other dishes.

In honor of the mayor’s birthday, the Federation also presented him with a cake to add to the festive atmosphere of the celebration.

Petros Galatoulas pointed out that the first, historic, official visit of the current New York City Mayor to the Stathakion demonstrates the progress of the Federation.

“The presence of the mayor of New York proves that the Federation is now a significant force,” he said. Galatoulas added that the visit was not limited to statements of praise and ceremony, but that further dialogue had taken place with a view towards future cooperation.

“We talked about important things which cannot be commented on until they are launched,” Galatoulas said.

The post Mayor Bill de Blasio Visits the Federation of Hellenic Societies in Astoria (Vid & Pics) appeared first on The National Herald.

MIAMI, FLA – Commander Demetries Grimes, the son of a navy veteran father and a Greek immigrant mother, runs for Congress in Florida’s 26thCD.

“For more than 25 years as a naval officer, I went into harm’s way to serve all Americans. As your Representative in Congress, I will dedicate myself to serving you with the same values of honor, courage, and commitment that saw me through the challenges of my military career. Together, we must ensure that our government does what is ‘just’…for you, for our district, and for Americca,” he says via his website.

The post Greek-American Veteran Demetries Grimes Runs for Congress appeared first on The National Herald.

PALM SPRINGS, CA – Carol Pappapetru-Hallas grew up in California, in a family with Greek roots. The third-generation Greek-American did not go to a Greek school, however, nor did she attend an Orthodox Christian church. She had also never visited the home of her ancestors.

“I guess they thought it would not be important to us kids…” she told The National Herald about not learning to speak Greek from a young age. Pappapetru-Hallas never ceased, however, to feel a love for Greece and a pride in her heritage.

After researching her DNA research, she found herself and her own family on an amazing trip to Greece for the first time, where she was reunited with relatives she had never met though they shared the same roots.

“I know one thing. When I arrived in Greece, it was like returning to home, like I belonged there, although I was in the country for the first time. I was not born there, but I was home… I know it sounds strange, but that’s just how I felt,” she told TNH.

“I just love Greece and everything about it. I did not have the typical Greek upbringing, we did not go to a Greek Orthodox church or a Greek school, since my father was not particularly religious. When we went to the church, we went to a Baptist church, with my mother and us, six siblings. I have 3 sisters and 2 brothers,” she added.

She always felt drawn to Greece. “When I was still a kid, a place that I wanted to visit was Delos, which fascinated me,” she said. “Even my husband is 16% Greek, according to the survey. We learned it before we left for Greece… he did not know it, in spite of his last name.”

Carol’s story was reported by Sarah Young in the Independent, noting that the Greek-American’s mother had roots in England, Ireland, and Scotland, and her father, Nick Pappapetru, was a second-generation Greek American.

Growing up in California, she assumed she knew all about the past and the origin of her family. She knew, for example, that Jennie Kachevas’s grandmother (Jenny Katsivas) had originated from Homatero, Pilias in Messinia and her grandfather, Vassilios Pappapetru (Vassilios Pappapetrou) in Melisochori.

Her great-grandmother was Evdokia Terpiti. She immigrated to the United States in 1905 and married her grandfather, Nick Kachevas (Nikos Katsivas), with whom she had seven children. Her grandmother, Jennie or Jeanne, married her grandfather Vassilios Pappapetrou in 1926.

The Katsivas family, Carrol told TNH, arrived in the USA via Ellis Island in New York. They then settled in East Moline, Illinois. Her grandfather, Nikos Katsivas, had a food cart and sold hot dogs. It was one of the many jobs he did, as he also worked in restaurants.

Later, her grandfather, Vassilios Pappapetrou, was the owner of a Canton, Illinois tavern in the 1940s. He and his family moved to California in the 1950s.

DNA research revealed that Carol is 39 per cent Greek, and this led her to explore her roots further. So she planned her first ever trip to Greece.

“My grandfather died in 1947 so I wasn’t able to ask him about our Pappapetru roots which are still a mystery,” she said, the Independent reported. However, investigating her grandmother’s side, she found out more about her identity during her visit to Greece.

Among the findings, that she is a descendant of Theodoros Kolokotronis, on his mother’s side, as Pappapetru-Hallas said, “My friend Margarita did a lot of research about my ancestors and my cousin Christos, who lives in Australia, confirmed it to me. There is a book about the origins of my family from Homatero, where this information is found and I’m related to him on his mother’s side with the Katsivas family.”

The trip to Greece

Pappapetru-Hallas visited her ancestral village Homatero with her friend Margarita. She decided to ask a group of local men outside a tavern if they knew anyone with the surname Katsivas who still lives there.

Much to her surprise, they all raised their hands. They were all cousins. Her new-found family members then introduced her to someone who knew her grandfather very well.

“He came right over and it was my great uncle I didn’t know I had. It was so awesome, he took us to his house and I found out my great-great-grandfather had built it,” Pappapetru-Hallas said, the Independent reported.

Her cousins ​​in Greece also told her that when members of the Katsivas family had immigrated years ago, they went not only to the United States, but some went to Australia instead. Pappapetru-Hallas found and contacted more cousins ​​in Melbourne and hopes to visit them one day in the future.

Pappapetru-Hallas told TNH about her enthusiasm for her “epic” journey, as she describes it. And it does not end there. She is learning Greek with the help of her good friend, Roula, who is from Corinth. “I will return to Greece, I want to a great deal. Unfortunately, it will not be this year…, she told TNH.

“If it were not Margarita, my epic adventure in Greece would not have happened. I can not thank her enough for what she has done for us. I owe her a lot and I look forward to returning to Greece to see her again,” Pappapetru-Hallas said.

The post Greek-American Finds Her Roots & Relatives on 1st Ever Trip to Greece appeared first on The National Herald.

I grew up in the northernmost neighborhood of Chicago. Not a place one would suspect of hearing about Koutsovlachs, Slavs, long-barreled Albanian rifles carefully wrapped in kid-skins so its metal-work would not be reflected in the sun, Turkish women in veils, and pitched mountaintop battles against Ottoman forces. So, while among my extended family and their close circle of friends such tales were commonly told (or sung) I never heard of any such individuals or peoples among the Americans I walked among every day.

It never occurred to me, until quite recently, that Americans might have their own tales and legends of these very same peoples who once hailed from those same mountain peaks. And just as now, I am not so very certain that every tale I was ever told is based on real events. While I believe that many of these American tales are based on fact and even the reports of eye-witnesses, some might well be exaggerated fancies simply told to frighten children.

One such American-tale has seen publication many, many times. So, well-known is this horrific account that not only is its published in newspapers and at irregular intervals in books but is a tale told by many a tourist-guide as they visit the actual scene of this alleged monstrous catastrophe. In its present published form this tale appears in Legends of Louisiana: The Romance of the Royal Oak: The brother of the Sultan, by Helen Pitkin Schertz (1877-ca 1971) (New Orleans: New Orleans Journal, 1922). I will let future researchers determine the truth or fancy on which this account of the Sultan’s Palace is now rendered.

The core of Schertz’s account is as follows: “In 1792, a mysterious, rich man sailed into the New Orleans harbor and rented the Gardette-LePrete house, which was the most beautiful home in the city at the time. Since nobody knew the foreigner’s name or his background, the local gossips speculated amongst each other. It was whispered that the man was probably from somewhere in the Ottoman Empire, and was either himself a Turkish sultan or the brother to the sultan. So they started referring to the mansion as the Sultan’s palace.

“The Sultan had a large entourage and seemed to have endless supply of money to support everyone. He moved his servants, harem, and eunuchs into the mansion. He decorated his surroundings with luxurious furniture and opulent rugs. Although this stranger was not exactly laying low, he seemed to be paranoid about some impending danger because he added bars to the windows and hired guards to regularly patrol the house.

“The Sultan hosted extravagant parties at his house complete with loud music and strong incense. The morning after one of these parties, neighbors thought the house was eerily quiet. When the milk cart tried to make its daily delivery, no one answered.

Local authorities became concerned and decided to break in. When they smashed through the front door, people found the almost decapitated body of the Sultan on a couch and the corpses of five young women from his harem posed around him.

No one ever discovered who committed the crime. But locals suspected it was either pirates who robbed the richly furnished mansion and killed all the witnesses, or the sultan’s brother sent assassins to avenge some unknown transgression.”

As stunning as this story of 37 mutilated men, women, eunuchs and boys may be there is no evidence of any type that substantiates any part of it. This has never stopped this tale from being retold over the generations. True, some aspects of the tale are different from one account to another. One striking motif that is continually changed from one account to another is the manner in which the ‘Sultan’s brother’ is ultimately found. The most gruesome twist I have yet read is that the Sultan’s brother was found buried alive. With only his frozen grasping hand marking his impromptu grave in the mansions courtyard.

It must be always be remembered that the house in which the activities of the Sultan’s brother took place actually exists. The Gardette-LePrete building stands squarely in the French Quarter and is even listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. “The Gardette-LePrete house was named after the man who built the home, Joseph Coulon Gardette, and the man he sold it to, Jean Baptiste LePrete. Gardette purchased the land on which the house was built in 1836 then sold it to LePrete in 1839. That means the mansion was not standing in 1792, when the events in the above story were supposed to have taken place. Also, there are no records of a brutal murder, like the one described above, happening in New Orleans about this time (https://strangeremains.com).”

Aside from published accounts and endless local retellings of this story among New Orleans residents, television programs have appeared over the years repeating (in various versions) this tale of the ‘Sultan’s Massacre House.’ In keeping with the advancements in technology various videos on Youtube also report upon this legend. Now while the house at 716 Dauphine Street in the French Quarter still exists this tale is utterly dismissed by historians and many well-informed locals. The origins of this tale have even been charted: ‘Schertz’s legend of ‘The Brother of the Sultan’ is based on the story from Gayarré’s, History of Louisiana. Schertz changed the dates and made the setting for her murder the Gardette-LePrete house.

The earliest version of this legend that I can find comes from a chapter in History of Louisiana by Charles Gayarré, published in 1866, about the origins of a date tree known as the “Tree of the Dead.” This date tree was on the corner of Dauphine and Orleans Streets, which is, coincidentally, where the Gardette-LePrete mansion is located. But this story never names the house or its owner. It simply refers to it as “a small but comfortable house with a pretty garden, then existing at the corner of Orleans and Dauphine streets (https://strangeremains.com).”

Known today as the Le Prète Mansion this tall structure on the corner of Dauphine and Orleans Streets is among the most photographed structures in the French Quarter. The century-old building with its high basement and exquisite cast-iron balconies is now of the most admired houses in the old section. Jean Baptiste Le Prète’s family occupied the house almost half a century before it was taken over by the Citizen’s Bank. Ownership of this French Quarter landmark changed a number of times. At one point it was turned into residence hall for students and then into an apartment building.

But there is one last twist to this tale. Residents of Gardette-LePrete house have reported paranormal activity throughout the 20th century. “There are several events that still occur in the sultan’s brother’s ‘palace,’ all of them directly related to the brutal massacre. Often, tenants hear the faint sound of music from the Orient in the air, even when there’s no one to play it. There have also been numerous reports of phantom footsteps and the sounds of parties, as well as sightings of many of the Sultan’s entourage moving from room to room. All that would be enough, but there are two other things that still happen that earn the old building the dubious distinction of being one of the more frightening places in the world.

The first is the apparition of the Sultan himself, the fair-haired Turk who has been known to zip in and out of lodger’s rooms unannounced. He disappears just as quickly, and have given many the impression that he’s watching them, possibly to add to his harem. The other phenomenon is also the most terrifying. The sounds of screams have pierced the night and darkness, as if the slaughter were still happening (www.dreadcentral.com).”

No origin point exists for this tale. Yet here we find what must be one of the very first ghost stories involving a Turk in North America. How many other such legends exist for peoples hailing from the Balkans and the Eastern Levant?

The post The Grisly Tale of the Sultan’s Brother appeared first on The National Herald.

ASTORIA – A moving farewell event was held in honor of the outgoing Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus, Ambassador Vasilios Philippou, organized jointly by the Federation of Cypriot Organizations, the PSEKA and the Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce at Dionysos Restaurant in Astoria.

“Tonight I do not consider it farewell. I consider it an honorary meeting with my second family,” Amb. Philippou said, noting that his role as a diplomat did not have a simple professional tone.

“It’s not a job, it’s a mission that does not have specific hours or weekends off. The time is for the community, for Cyprus and its struggle. I am glad that I had the opportunity to serve a special Hellenism,” he said, adding that he “has a clean conscience clean.”

“I have found that for each person, the post assigned to him, should not be regarded just as an office, but as a mission. I was wondering if I would meet your expectations. I now have my conscience quiet, towards you and towards Cyprus.”

Closing his speech, Philippou called on his wife, Anthea, to receive the gifts and take commemorative photos. At the start of the event, U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney presented him with a Congressional proclamation.

The event was attended by, among others, the Consul General of Greece in New York Konstantinos Koutras, Consul of Greece Lana Zochiou, PSEKA President Philip Christopher, Federation of Cypriot American Organizations President Kyriakos Papastylianou, Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Nicolas Nicolaou, New York City Council Member Costa Constantinides, andHellenic Medical Society of New York PresidentDr. George Liakeas.

“He has always acted in the interests of Cyprus”

PSEKA President Philip Christopher, who was the coordinator of the event, expressed his respect for Amb. Philippou and noted that he and his predecessors now have the rank of Ambassador.

“Mr. Theofilos is an Ambassador to Germany, Mrs. Sophianou in Spain. Mr. Philippou already had the rank of Ambassador, but he will now be the Ambassador to Canada, where we also expect great things from him.”

Taking the floor, Kyriakos Papastylianou said that “Vasilis Philippou never saw the community as a job” and “never did anything for his personal benefit.”

On behalf of the Cyprus-U.S. Chamber, Nicolas Nicolaou, praised the direct co-operation he had with Philippou whom he did not hesitate to call “Mr. Network,” for the fact that he always connected the Chamber immediately and always with important companies and entrepreneurs.

Consul General of Greece Konstantinos Koutras also spoke warmly about Vasilios and Anthea Philippou noting that they are “two rare people, you were lucky to have them here.”

“Congratulations on the new post and, who knows, the world of diplomats is small and we can meet again sometime,” Consul Lana Zochiou saidin her remarks.

Aristos Constantine- Trade Commissioner of Cyprus also noted Philippou’s hard work and wished they would work together again soon.

Capital Link Founder, President and CEO Nicolas Bornozis acknowledged the important role of the outgoing Consul General in organizing the successful investment forum for Cyprus last March, where important insights were presented from the business and policy areas.

Next month, Amb. Vasilios Philippou assumes his new post as Ambassador to Ottawa, Canada, committed to maintaining contact with his friends and former associates in the United States.

The post Farewell Event in Astoria for Amb. Philippou on His Way to Canada Next Month appeared first on The National Herald.

NEW YORK – The Greek Division of Ronald McDonald House New York (RMHNY) held the 23rd Annual Niki Sideris Memorial Walk-a-thon on May 12. Founded by Niki Sideris of blessed memory, the Greek Division of RMHNY helps to offer a loving “home-away-from-home” to many children from Greece and Cyprus, as well as Greek-Americans and children from across the globe and all 50 states.

The Niki Sideris Annual Memorial Walk-a-Thon raises funds and awareness for those brave children as they battle cancer. The Walk-a-Thon is a fun, family-friendly celebration of philanthropy and Greek heritage and this year, once again, brought out a great turnout of all ages.

Among those present were Consul General of Greece in New York Konstantinos Koutras, Consul of Greece Lana Zochiou, Dean Pialtos President & CEO-P. Pascal Inc., Pauly’s Gift of Love Foundation- Founder & President, and the 2018 Walk-A-Thon Chairman; Spiros Maliagros- Greek Division Clairman, Michael Bapis, Spiridoula Katechis, and Ruth C. Browne- RMHNY President & CEO.

The annual event helps continue Niki Sideris’ service to children in need. The procession kicked off at Ronald McDonald House on 73rd Street between 1st and York Avenues and made its way around the block passing by the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. The Walk-a-Thon returned to Ronald McDonald House where a reception with food and drink awaited all the participants.The entertainment included Ronald McDonald himself, clowning to the delight of the children, and Greek dancing performed in traditional costume.

Founded by the late Mrs. Niki Sideris in 1979 to aid Greek, Cypriot, and Greek-American families with children undergoing cancer treatment, the Greek Division of RMHNY is the only ethnic division of the charity and now helps children from all over the world receive the care and services they need to battle against the various forms of the terrible disease. The social services and caring environment at RMHNY, the largest facility of its kind in the world, are valuable assets in the fight against pediatric cancer. The temporary home away from home helps children and families develop support systems to see them through difficult times. The Greek Division also holds an annual Christmas party in December which along with the annual walk-a-thon are the two fundraisers the organization holds each year.

The post Greek Division of Ronald McDonald House NY 23rd Annual Niki Sideris Memorial Walk-a-thon (Vid & Pics) appeared first on The National Herald.

NEW YORK (AP) — Powerful storms pounded the Northeast on Tuesday with torrential rain and marble-sized hail, leaving at least two people dead and hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses without power.In Connecticut, a man was killed when a tree fell on his truck, according to Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton. A teenager also suffered serious injuries when he was hit by the roof of a dugout on a baseball field, Boughton said.

The Brookfield Police Department said on its Facebook page that First Selectman Steve Dunn had “declared a town disaster.”

“We ask that you remain indoors for the duration of this evening, until we can better assess damages tomorrow,” police in the Connecticut town urged residents. “Please be aware that there are hundreds of downed trees, utility poles and electrical lines.”

The storms downed trees and power lines across the region. Several lightning strikes led to structure fires in New Jersey and Massachusetts. Roads in many towns were impassible and some schools canceled classes on Wednesday due to the damage.

An 11-year-old New York girl was killed when a large tree toppled onto the car she was in. Police in Newburg said the girl and her mother had arrived home and were unloading the car when strong winds knocked the tree onto the vehicle. The mother suffered minor injuries.

Airlines canceled and delayed flights in and out of the region. In New York City, thousands of commuters were stranded in Grand Central Terminal after rail lines were temporarily suspended due to downed trees on the tracks. Concourses were packed with passengers waiting for service to resume.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Twitter Tuesday night that he was declaring a state of emergency in Putnam, Dutchess, Orange and Sullivan counties and “deploying members of the New York National Guard to assist with recovery operations.”

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NEW YORK – Corinne Mentzelopoulos, the daughter of the late Greek supermarket tycoon Andre Mentzelopoulos and a French mother, inherited 1,600 grocery stores, 80 buildings in Paris, the one-time home of Louis XIV that was converted into a hotel, and a vineyard, when her father passed away in 1980, according to a Bloomberg article.

Purchased just three years before he died, the vineyard was rundown at the time, but today Chateau Margaux has made Ms. Mentzelopoulos a billionaire.

The vineyard is also one of the few with the highly esteemed “Premier Cru designation bestowed by Napoleon III in 1855 upon Bordeaux’s very best terroirs for making wine,” Bloomberg reported.

“Margaux is not just a company, it’s something so special. The light is always different. It’s extraordinary in the fall. I get emotional talking about it,” Mentzelopoulos told Bloomberg.

Her father had paid a bargain price, 72 million francs ($16 million), for the vineyard in 1977, Bloomberg reported, noting that “the explosion in demand for fine wine over the past four decades, and a growing crop of billionaires willing to pay top dollar for trophy assets, mean a first-growth estate like Margaux could easily fetch $1 billion—though Mentzelopoulos says her ideal buyer is ‘no one.’”

Though uninterested in selling the vineyard, the estimated price “makes Mentzelopoulos one of France’s wealthiest women and Margaux, with just 81 employees, one of the world’s smallest billion-dollar businesses,” Bloomberg reported, adding that “the vineyard’s 262 hectares (647 acres) of prized gravelly soil produce about 280,000 bottles of wine a year, which can retail at more than $1,000 each for recent vintages.”

Fine wine is a hot investment for the world’s most wealthy people, Bloomberg reported, noting that it “has become the second-best performing luxury asset, behind classic cars, property consultancy Knight Frank says.”

Though Mentzelopoulos did not share financial details, Bloomberg reported that “analysts estimate the chateau’s annual revenue at roughly $100 million” and “with Premier Cru estates yielding profit margins between 70 percent and 99 percent that would mean operating income topping $70 million. Even better, Margaux is paid upfront by merchants, and some wine is sold en primeur, a kind of futures system where a vintage is bought—and paid for—while still in the barrel, a full year before it’s delivered.”

Of the vineyard’s potential, investment advisor affiliated with Christie’s International Real Estate, Michael Baynes, co-founder of Vineyards-Bordeaux, told Bloomberg, “The name Margaux is so iconic. There’s never going to be another 1855 classification. As a seller, you’re in such a powerful position.”

In the 1970s, Andre Mentzelopoulos had read about the vineyard in a newspaper article which detailed the family’s effort to sell after owning it for over 50 years. He took “a brief tour of the grounds, with its acres of vines, cobblestone courtyards, and chateau modeled after the Parthenon,” and “agreed to buy the estate in a handshake deal on the sweeping staircase leading up to the house, Bloomberg reported, adding Ms. Mentzelopoulos’ comment that her father “immediately grasped the importance of how unique Margaux was.”

That a foreigner whose French was not perfect had bought the property was a bit of a shock at the time in Bordeaux, but there were also few buyers who would take the risk in the economically challenged era of the 1970’s.

“The Mentzelopouloses decided to invest for the long-term, Bloomberg reported, “they tore out and replanted vines, bought new vats, and brought in a wine consultant—unheard of at the time—who helped them choose new oak barrels, pinpointed the ideal date for grape-picking, and oversaw the reintroduction of a second wine, a less-expensive offering called Pavillon Rouge.”

Andre Mentzelopoulos was “the son of an illiterate innkeeper,” and “made a fortune trading grain in India and Pakistan,” Bloomberg noted, adding that “after meeting the French woman who would become his wife while skiing in the Alps, he moved to Paris and bought Felix Potin, a grocery chain whose small shops were fixtures of street corners across France. With competition from larger supermarkets growing, Corinne sold the business in 1983.”

The family-owned vineyard will likely stay in the family as Ms. Mentzelopoulos’ second of her three children, 32-year old Alexandra, will succeed her in the business. As Bloomberg reported, it is “a move that both honors her father’s legacy and softens the blow of France’s hefty inheritance tax” and “though Alexandra lives in London, where she owns a wine bar and restaurant, she travels to Bordeaux at key times such as the harvest and the blending of the new wine.”

Alexandra said, “Because it’s a family business, I want to be trained in every part of it. After 500 years, you can’t be too big for your shoes and think you can change everything,” Blomberg reported.

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MAMARONECK, N.Y. (AP) — Health officials in suburban New York say they’ve confirmed that the illness that shut down a Westchester County diner last week was the highly contagious norovirus.

Greg Katsaros’ Mamaroneck Diner & Pizza Restaurant voluntarily closed on Friday after two customers contacted the eatery and said they’d fallen ill. The Westchester County Health Department confirmed Monday that an outbreak of norovirus sickened the customers.

The health department says the diner has been “extremely cooperative” in ensuring every precaution was taken to prevent spreading of the norovirus.

Norovirus is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness and symptoms include severe vomiting and diarrhea. There’s no treatment for norovirus other than to drink plenty of fluids and let the illness run its course.

About the Mamaroneck Diner & Pizza Restaurant

“Twenty-Five years ago George Katsaros, an electrical contractor by trade, bought the former Mamaroneck Inn as a silent partner with his brother and soon found himself managing the increasingly popular establishment,” according to the restaurant’s website.

“A major renovation in 1994, opened up the look of the dining room with the installation of large windows, and at about the same time George’s son Greg took over the kitchen. A graduate of New York Restaurant School, Greg slowly intituted a number of menu changes-including pizza, cooked in an authentic stone deck oven- and this year, Greg decided it was time to re-do the kitchen. The entire kitchen was removed and replaced, from floors, ceiling and all the equipment, during the month long renovation from February 2005-March 2005. This also included a modernization of the dining area: New booths, granite tables, ceilings, LCD Tv’s. The look say’s Liana Katsaros, Greg’s sister, has been described by customers as ‘elegant…classy….modern’.”

(Material from the Associated Press was used in this report)

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NEW YORK – The Archdiocesan Cathedral Philoptochos Society Annual Spring Luncheon took place on May 15 at the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park. The event began with boutique shopping and cocktails at11 AM and lunch at noon. New York University Provost Katherine E. Fleming was the guest speaker, presenting “Her Greek Odyssey” at the event to benefit the Scholarship Fund and the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Archdiocesan Cathedral Philoptochos Society President Dr. Miranda Kofinas, Luncheon co-Chairs Carol Contos, Maria Pyrros Vergos, and Carlene Soumas,  were among those present.

Fr. John Vlahos, the Dean of the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, led everyone in singing Christos Anesti and was joined by Fr. Robert Stephanopoulos for the opening prayer.

Dr. Miranda Kofinas gave the welcoming remarks thanking all those in attendance for their support of the Philoptochos’ mission and their generosity, raising thousands of dollars to help those in need.

Co-chair of the event, Carol Contos introduced the guest speaker, scholar, author, and Philhellene New York University Provost Katherine E. Fleming who gave a charming speech, demonstrating her wit and intelligence, and highlighting her love of Greece. She said, “I am not Greek,” but noted that “despite the fact that I am not Geek, I find that I am Greek.”

Prof. Fleming sad, “It is a tremendous honor to be here and being honored by a society that devotes itself to the most downtrodden members of society to people who are otherwise without assistance, people who are homeless, people who are in despair, people who are despondent, people who are trying to better themselves who would not be able to do that without the assistance of not only the Society but all of you.”

She added that “It’s nice to be honored here and there for this or that, but it’s really, really meaningful when you’re honored by an organization that itself is actually the entity that is deserving of this honor.”

Fleming learned the Greek language from the only two Greek books her parents owned- The New Testament in the original Greek in an inter-lineal English translation and the complete poems of George Seferis as well as through her time spent in Greece, at Chora Sfakion, waiting tables at the Androulakakis family taverna and learning from Kyra Eleni who was a formidable character and the grandmother of the restaurant’s owner. “She was smarter than all of us, even without a smart phone” Fleming said. When she spoke fluently in Greek, the audience was delighted. Fleming concluded by thanking her parents and the Philoptochos Society as representatives of Greece, she said, “Thank you for all the things your country has done for me.”

A gift was then presented to Fleming. Dr. Kofinas said the small sculpture was “a little piece of Greece.”

Katherine E. Fleming was named Provost of NYU in April of 2016. She joined the NYU faculty in 1998. As NYU’s Deputy Provost (since 2013) and Vice Chancellor (Europe) (since 2007), she worked closely with the deans, directors, and schools on academic planning and also provided oversight of the Provost’s Global Research Initiatives program, which she created in 2011.

A historian, she is the Alexander S. Onassis Professor of Hellenic Culture and Civilization in the Faculty of Arts and Science, and served for many years as the Associate Director and then Director of the Remarque Institute.

Beyond NYU, Dr. Fleming has been an associate member of the History Department of the École Normale Supérieure, Paris, and served as the president of the Board of the University of Piraeus, Greece. A specialist on modern Greece, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean, she is most recently author of Greece: A Jewish History, which won several prizes, among them the National Jewish Book Award and the Runciman Award. She holds a doctorate in history from the University of California, Berkeley and an M.A. (Chicago) and B.A. (Barnard/Columbia) in comparative religion.

Also in attendance at the event were Presvytera Nikki Stephanopoulos, Consul of Greece Lana Zochiou, Mrs. Popita Pavli- wife of the Consul General of Greece in New York Konstantinos Koutras, Atlantic Bank President Nancy Papaioannou, Marilena Christodoulou, Yanna Darilis, Olga Alexakos, Aphrodite Navab, Nicole Contos Liakeas, many members of the Philoptochos, and the Greek media.

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CHICAGO – The Hellenic Initiative in partnership with the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation are sponsoring an exclusive Mentorship Luncheon on June 16 at The Racquet Club of Chicago, 1365 N. Dearborn Street.

Mentors representing fields in Business, Medicine, Law, STEM, and Tech, among others will be in attendance. His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago is the keynote speaker for the event.

The mentors include:

Nicholas W. Alexos- EVP, Chief Financial Officer, Dentsply Sorona Board Member, The Hellenic Initiative;

Anna Davlantes- Host, WGN 720 Radio, Broadcaster, Documentarian, 7-time Emmy Award Winner;

Michael Konidaris- Senior Economic Analyst, Macroeconomic Advisers, LLC;

Stephen J. Livaditis- Managing Director, Eastdil Secured LLC;

Doretta Mistras- Managing Director, Goldman Sachs;

Dr. Tim S. Provias, Cardiologist, Northwestern Hospital;

Evonne Sepsis- Managing Director, ESC Advisors;

Dr. Georgia Giakoumis Spear- Chief, Department of Breast Imaging, NorthShore University HealthSystem;

Maria Spiropulu, PhD- Experimental Physicist, California Institute of Technology CMS Collaboration, Large Hadron Collider;

Gregory Tsonis, Esq.- Litigation Associate, Kirkland & Ellis;

Eric Vassilatos- Co-Founder, Vivid Seats;

John Zavitsanos, Esq.- Partner, AZA.

RSVP is required by June 1, since space is limited. PanHellenic Alumni receive priority registration. For more information and to RSVP: phone 312-357-6432 or email: info@panhellenicsf.org.

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NEW YORK – Greek-American TV personality Maria Menounos spoke about her and her mother’s health in an appearance on NBC’s Today show. She told Today co-host Savannah Guthrie that her mother’s condition is “stable” and the family had held a celebration at their home in Connecticut for her mother’s 1 year of life, the anniversary of her cancer diagnosis.

When asked on Today about how she herself was doing after her surgery last June to remove a golfball-size benign tumor, she noted that her post-surgery symptoms are “getting better and better” and “each week you see differences.”

“I still have a hard time chewing on my right side because it was on my right side so it affected the trigeminal nerve which controls all of your face, and so chewing here, my jaw it’s not right yet, little things, I can get dizzy moving my head side to side. Overall I feel so lucky to be functioning and to be almost normal and to not have cancer,” she told Today.

Menounos said that her family noted how quiet she has become, “I’m just so much calmer now, because I just see things so differently now,” Today reported.

She pointed out that turning to the positives and seeing the situation as a gift was important, “Out of every bad thing, something good comes if you open your mind to it.”

There are symptoms that should not be ignored

As reported on today.com, “May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month, dedicated to the 700,000 Americans living with a brain tumor and the estimated 79,000 who will be diagnosed this year, according to the National Brain Tumor Society. Brain tumors are equal opportunity culprits, affecting men and women of all ages and races, experts said. Sen. John McCain became one of the most high-profile patients when he was diagnosed with brain cancer last summer.”

Dr. Steven Kalkanis, chair of neurosurgery at Henry Ford Health System and medical director of the Henry Ford Cancer Institute in Detroit, said, Today reported, that “there’s no more serious diagnosis in all of human medicine than a brain tumor because it not only is a medical issue that has to be treated, but it actually affects the psyche, the soul of the entire personhood of a human being.”

When asked why brain tumors form, Dr. Kalkanis told Today that “it’s a mistake in cell division that could happen at any time. Thankfully, it’s rare.”

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) website, “Most people with brain tumors do not have a family history of the disease, but in rare cases brain and spinal cord cancers run in families. In general, patients with familial cancer syndromes tend to have many tumors that first occur when they are young.”

ACS also noted that “The risk of many cancers in adults can be reduced with certain lifestyle changes (such as staying at a healthy weight or quitting smoking). But other than radiation exposure, there are no known lifestyle-related or environmental risk factors for brain and spinal cord tumors, so at this time there is no known way to protect against most of these tumors.”

The symptoms that should not be ignored are headaches that worsen over time and do not go away or respond to typical headache medicines and are accompanied by other symptoms including balance problems, weakness, numbness, vision changes, seizures, and confusion or mental status changes. Dr. Kalkanis said, “The whole world has headaches so anyone with a headache should not be worried about having a brain tumor,” Today reported, adding that “persistent, worsening headaches accompanied by other symptoms” should be checked by a physician.

In terms of treatment, patients diagnosed with malignant tumors usually undergo surgery, then radiation and chemotherapy, while patients with benign tumors typically only need surgery to remove the growth. Referring to the advances in treatment, Dr. Kalkanis noted that “even though a diagnosis of a brain tumor is very scary, there’s never been a time when there’s been more hope,” Today reported.

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NEW YORK – People struggling with infertility would be guaranteed coverage by their health insurance plans for in vitro fertilization under a bill (A02646A) sponsored by Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas which passed the NYS Assembly on May 15.

In addition, the bill repeals discriminatory restrictions on coverage that are based on age, disability, medical dependency or personal characteristics such as marital status or sexual orientation.

“When people struggle with infertility they are dealing with a heart-breaking medical condition. So it is unconscionable that in-vitro fertilization, which is the gold standard of treatment, is so expensive that it’s out-of-reach for couples wanting to have children. It’s time to give people the benefit of the best treatments available when they want to have a family, without discriminating on the basis of marital status, sexual orientation or other personal characteristics,” said Assemblywoman Simotas.

“This legislation brings an outdated law into current times and allows infertility patients, and cancer patients looking to preserve their fertility, access to a medical treatment that is the standard of care. Passing this bill means New Yorkers will have a better chance of realizing their dreams of becoming parents,” said Barbara Collura, President/CEO, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. She added, “I want to thank Assemblymember Simotas for sponsoring this legislation and the New York Assembly for listening to their constituents and passing this bill to help New Yorkers build their families.”

The bill also provides a clear definition of infertility as a disease characterized by the incapacity to impregnate or the incapacity to conceive, as diagnosed by a physician or the failure to establish a clinical pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse.

The bill would also require coverage for fertility preservation services for cancer patients and others whose necessary medical treatments, such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy threaten reproductive health.

It is estimated that one in eight individuals or couples have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a full-term pregnancy. Yet nearly half of individuals affected by infertility lack insurance coverage for the necessary treatment. Compared to other treatments presently covered under New York state law, in-vitro fertilization results in fewer pregnancy complications and fewer high-risk births.

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BOSTON, MA – Leadership 100 will pay $200,000 to cover the expense of the banquet for the 44th Clergy-Laity Congress, which will be convened from July 1 to 5 at the Copley Marriot Hotel in Boston, where the same event was held in 1988 under Archbishop Iakovos.

Leadership 100 has in its coffers about $100 million and gives annually approximately $2 to $2.5 million for the ministries of the Archdiocese. It is not clear if according to the rules the organization can provide funds to pay for the event, and Leadership has not announced anything officially as yet.

The Copley venue was chosen two years ago by since-ousted Archdiocese Executive Director Jerry Dimitriou, who placed a deposit to reserve the hotel but never even notified the local hierarch, Metropolitan Methodios of Boston.

Typically, the announcement about the Clergy Laity Congress is made early on so that proper preparations can be made and so that parishes can have the chance to convene general assemblies to assign delegates and appropriate the necessary funds to pay for the delegates’ expenses to attend.
The registration prices follow:

Priest/Parish Delegate$625.00 | After June 1st $700.00. Presvyteres $500.00
Archdiocesan Council $625.00 | After June 1st $700.00. Retired Clergy/Presvyteres (Not Serving a Parish) $125.00
Non-Delegates $675.00 |
Non-Delegate Priest. (2nd Priest in Community if attending) $650.00

But this time, due to the Archdiocese’s dire financial situation, the announcement delayed considerably. At the October 20 Archdiocesan Council meeting, Archbishop Demetrios announced the convening of the Congress and charged the Boston Metropolis with its organization. From that point until February 27, no substantial action was taken toward such organization. It is reminded here that businessman and philanthropist George Behrakis was asked to chair the Congress, but refused, despite Demetrios’ pressing requests.

At the February 27 meeting, Metropolitan Methodios appointed Arthur Anton, former CEO of Anton’s Cleaners, who is 90 years old, as honorary chairman. Methodios also appointed two chairmen, attorney Michael Sophocles and businessman Peter Bassett.

Anton sent a letter to his friends in Leadership 100, the Order of Archons of St. Andrew, the Archdiocesan Council and others in the Boston area and across the country, asking for money.

To date, no agenda has been set, except for the theme, given by Demetrios: “All Things Are Possible to the One Who Believes in Christ” (Mark 9:23).

Notably, the Boston Metropolis has not held its own local Congress this year or last, and has not yet released even a vestigial financial report or other notice of financial accountability.

In a special encyclical, Demetrios wrote: “I join with the beloved and respected Hierarchs of the Holy Eparchial Synod and the members of the Archdiocesan Council in announcing that our 44th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress and the national meeting of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society will convene July 1 to 5, 2018, in Boston, Massachusetts. We offer our sincere gratitude to His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios and the leadership, clergy, and laity of the Metropolis of Boston for their willingness to host the 44th Clergy-Laity Congress of our Archdiocese and to welcome the leaders of our parishes and organizations from throughout our blessed country.

Our theme for the Congress will be ‘All Things Are Possible to the One Who Believes in Christ.’ As Orthodox Christians we affirm our faith in Christ, a faith that makes the impossible possible, the unreachable reachable, the non-achievable achievable. We know that our faith in Him leads us in our worship and ministry.”

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NEWARK, NJ – The former CEO, CFO and an executive director of a publicly traded health care services company were charged on Wednesday with allegedly orchestrating a widespread scheme to defraud investors and others out of hundreds of millions of dollars in connection with a merger transaction designed to convert the company into a private entity, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito and Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division announced.

Parmjit “Paul” Parmar, 48, of Colts Neck, New Jersey; Sotirios “Sam” Zaharis, 51, of Weehawken, New Jersey; and Ravi Chivukula, 44, of Freehold, New Jersey, are charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and one count of securities fraud. FBI agents arrested Parmar earlier today near his home. He is scheduled to appear this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre in Newark federal court. Chivukula and Zaharis remain at large.

According to the complaint unsealed today:

From May 2015 through September 2017, the defendants orchestrated an elaborate scheme to defraud a private investment firm and others out of hundreds of millions of dollars in connection with the funding of a transaction to take private a healthcare services company (Company A) traded publicly on the London Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment Market. To fund the transaction, the private investment firm put up $82 million and a consortium of financial institutions put up another $130 million. The scheme utilized fraudulent methods to grossly inflate the value of Company A and trick others into believing that Company A was worth substantially more than its actual value.

The complaint alleges that to present a positive picture of the company’s financial wealth, the defendants allegedly sought to raise tens of millions of dollars in the public markets, purportedly to fund Company A’s acquisitions of various operating subsidiaries. In reality, a number of those entities either did not exist or had only a fraction of the operating income attributed to them. The conspirators allegedly funneled the proceeds of these secondary offerings through bank accounts they controlled and used the money for a variety of purposes that had nothing to do with acquiring the purported targets. The money from one of the offerings was instead used to make it appear as if the operating subsidiary had substantial customer revenue when, in fact, the funds were simply transfers of the money that had been raised in the secondary offering. The defendants went to great lengths to make it appear that these funds were revenue, concocting phony customers and altering bank statements to make it appear as if the funds were coming from customers.

The conspirators allegedly:

• Created fictitious operating companies that Company A purportedly acquired in sham acquisitions.
• Falsified and fabricated bank records of subsidiary entities in order to generate a phony picture of Company A’s revenue streams.
• Generated fake income streams and phony customers of Company A and its subsidiaries.
• Made material misrepresentations and omissions to the private investment firm and others.

The defendants’ alleged actions caused the private investment firm and others to value Company A at more than $300 million for purposes of financing the transaction to take the company private.

The alleged scheme was uncovered around September 2017, when the defendants resigned from their positions with Company A or were terminated. On March 16, 2018, Company A and numerous of its affiliated entities filed for bankruptcy, attributing the company’s financial demise, in large part, to the fraud scheme.

The United States is expected to file a separate civil complaint today seeking forfeiture of four properties that Parmar owns or controls, including a house in Colt’s Neck and three apartments in New York City. Separately, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission also filed a civil complaint today against Parmar, Zaharis and Chivukula.

The conspiracy count with which the defendants are charged carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offense. The securities fraud count carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $5 million fine.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito and Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie, with the investigation leading to today’s charges. They also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s New York Regional Office, under the direction of Regional Director Marc P. Berger and Associate Regional Director Lara S. Mehraban, for its assistance.

The government is represented by Paul A. Murphy, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Economic Crimes Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas P. Grippo of the Economic Crimes Unit, Trial Attorney Leslie Lehnert of the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Devlin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Asset Recovery Money Laundering Unit.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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