CHICAGO – The Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois (HBA) named Judge Charles P. Kocoras this year’s honored judiciary at the 12th annual Judges Night, June 7th. Held at the National Hellenic Museum (NHM) in Chicago’s historic Greektown, the event drew a crowd of 350 individuals in the field of law, 150 of them judges, making it the HBA’s most attended Judge Night to date.

Kocoras, who serves as United States Federal Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, received the Socrates Dikastes Award for exemplifying judiciary principles as identified by the great Greek philosopher Socrates: “to hear courteously, to answer wisely, to consider soberly and to decide impartially.”

“Judge Charles P. Kocoras has the attributes that Socrates attributed to a judge, of fairness, impartiality and diligence,” said Frank J. Andreou, Judges Night co-chairman and founding principal at Andreou&Casson, Ltd. “Judges don’t have to be of Hellenic descent…we’ve honored some pretty important judges throughout the years,” he said.

Last year, Judges Night Socrates Dikastes Award recipient was Chief Judge of the Cook County Circuit Court, Timothy C. Evans. Judges in attendance this year included individuals from the Federal Court, Illinois Supreme Court, and Appellate and Circuit Courts from the counties of Cook, DuPage, Lake and Will.

“Judge Kocoras has been serving law in general and making our community proud since the days of Jimmy Carter,” said foreign legal consultant Christos Kiosses.

A celebration of the judiciary, the annual Judges Night serves as one of HBA’s largest fundraising efforts. While judges enjoyed a complimentary invitation, the event’s $175 professional and $75 student ticket included an open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres, and helped raise funds for HBA’s various efforts.

Beginning on the museum’s ground floor, the event escalated to the building’s rooftop overlooking a Chicago city skyline backdrop.

“The museum is so proud to host this event. We always enjoy it because it bring out the best of our community,” said Dino Armiros, NHM board member and partner at Saul Ewing Arnstein& Lehr. “The Hellenic Bar Association is a valued partner for the Hellenic Museum and tonight is really the highlight of the year for both the HBA and the museum in terms of community engagement,” he said.

A casual event, the HBA’s Judges Night is a fun opportunity to socialize with Chicago’s Greek American community, members of the judiciary, law students, attorneys and philhellenes.

“Events like this bring us closer, we get to network and figure out ways to help and support each other and not only bring the community closer, but let people of non-Greek descent know what we do and how strong our community is,” Kiosses said.

“It’s a great opportunity to meet other law students and professionals and to become familiar with the Greek community and those involved in this network,” said Peter Kourkouvis, a law student at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.

Established in 1951, the Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois is comprised of multi-generational Greek-Americans and philhellenes. Just one year after its formation, member James Chelos became the first elected Greek-American judge in Cook County, Illinois, while dozens followed appointment to the judiciary system in later years.

With a diverse membership including individuals in government, judiciary, corporations, small firms, regional firms and international firms, the HBA promotes legal education seminars and social events, and sponsors an annual banquet to raise funds for its charitable arm.

The post Hellenic Bar Association Holds 12th Annual Judges Night appeared first on The National Herald.

JAMAICA, NY – The Greek community flocked to the annual three-day St. Demetrios Festival in Jamaica, Queens on June 1-3. All those present enjoyed the authentic Greek foods, appetizers, sweets, loukoumades, and enjoyed live music, while for the little ones there were rides and games.

The presiding priest of the community, Rev. Fr. Konstantinos Kalogridis, thanked the volunteers for their endless hours of work, the sponsors and donors for their support, and the ladies of the Philoptochos for making the food and pastries, as well as all those who honored the community with their presence at the festival.

“All the proceeds,” he said, “will go towards the church’s operating expenses and especially for the strengthening of our Greek school. As you know, learning at our school is free for church members, with the costs covered by the festival. We are happy and proud of our school as well as the dance department that impresses everyone with its performance.”

The post St. Demetrios Festival in Jamaica a Highlight for the Community appeared first on The National Herald.

NILES, IL – The school year 2017-2018 ended at the Aristotle Saturday Greek School of the Saint Haralampos community in Niles. The curtain for this successful and quite creative year fell with a rich Greek program and, of course, with the graduation ceremony.

The school’s event hall was packed with parents, grandparents, relatives, and friends of over 125 students who gave their best to entertain the audience.

Among those in attendance were Rev. Fr. Constantine P. Botsis, Protopresbyter of the Holy Taxiarhai and Saint Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church who celebrated his 35th anniversary as a priest in 2017, and Fr. George Lamberis, Presbyter of the community. Both Fr. Botsis and Fr. Lamberis are also the priests of the school and wished the students all the best and a good summer.

Andrianna Panayiotou, school director, thanked “all the collaborators who contributed to a successful program” and looked forward to seeing the children in September for the new school year.

The mothers of the PTA were also noted for their efforts. All the mothers are dynamic and active and helped to the maximum not only at the end of the school year, but also in all the activities throughout the year, including children’s parties and financial support for the School’s programs.

For the graduation ceremony, they arranged a meal for the teachers – after the program – to express their gratitude to the school staff.

The celebration of the 2017-2018 school year’s end had a distinct Greek character with many Greek songs and traditional dances. The Kindergarten students sang in fluent Greek Ksekina mia psaropoulo by Dimitris Gogos and without the slightest help from Ms. Panayiotou or the other teachers.

The pre-K sang Aspra, kokkino, kitrina, ble by Yannis Logothetis. The youngsters of the School needed Ms. Panayiotou to… push them a little while singing because they were looking at their parents and… they felt embarrassed, and forgot the song.

The 5th and 6th grade students performed traditional Greek dances, directed by teacher Alexandra Kastani and the celebration concluded with all the children of the School singing the songs Ena karavi by Alexandros Dimas and Ah Ellada by Manolis Rasoulis.

The post Graduation Day for Students at Aristotle Greek Saturday School in Niles, IL appeared first on The National Herald.

BROOKLYN – With the youth of the community taking part in the event, the 41st Annual Festival of the Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen was held in Brooklyn, which ran from June 4-9.

The festival of the parish is considered one of the largest and most successful in Brooklyn, attracting thousands of visitors from the wider New York area.

Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral Board of Trustees President Haralambos Paloumbis, spoke with The National Herald and congratulated the three young people in charge of the festival- Christos Argyriou, Maria Tampakis, and Gregory Poulon, for their excellent organization, and all the volunteers and sponsors for their help and support.

“This year,” he told TNH, “we gave the reins of the organization to the younger generation, young people under the age of 30. They made us proud with their zeal and dedication.”

Christos Argyriou, one of the three new organizers of the festival, thanked the volunteers who spent countless hours working for the good of the parish.

“I remember,” he said, “when I was a little kid with how much joy and longing my friends and I waited every year for the festival, to play, eat Greek sweets, and dance. Now that we have grown up, we have taken over the organization and we hope we have been worthy of the expectations of the council which trusted in us.”

Efstathios Bacas, a 50-year member of the community and three-time board of trustees president, recalled the efforts he and one group of Greek expatriates made for the organization of the first festival in 1977.

“The main purpose of our efforts was to raise money to help the community school Argyrios Fantis. After so many years I feel proud because the school continues to excel, and the festival is the largest in all of Brooklyn. Because of the location, many employees from nearby offices visit and enjoy Greek food and desserts. Many congratulations to the young generation who continue with passion and zeal the work of contributing to Hellenism and Orthodoxy.”

Marjorie Bacas, a member of the Philoptochos Society, noted that the society made all the favorite foods and sweets everyone loves.

Connie Pitsoulis, Co-President of the Parent Teacher Organization at the A. Fantis Parochial School, said that it is a pleasure for parents to help in various areas at the festival since a large portion of the proceeds go towards the school’s needs.

The post The 41st Annual Festival of Saints Constantine and Helen in Brooklyn appeared first on The National Herald.

BALTIMORE, MD – International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), headquartered in Greater Baltimore, is deploying emergency teams to clear homes of debris in the wake of disastrous flooding across the area.

In late May, heavy rains drenched Maryland, causing extensive flooding, flash floods in some places, and at least one death. Among the areas most affected were parts of southwest Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Ellicott City in Howard County. In the City of Baltimore, flash flooding occurred along Frederick Avenue in Beechfield, where some basements flooded with up to eight feet of water, mud, and backed-up sewage.

Beginning June 6, IOCC mobilized its US Program to respond, coordinating with the umbrella group Maryland Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (MDVOAD), as well as with the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management, Team Rubicon, and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief. Specialized staffers are leading teams of volunteers on “muck outs,” working to clear homes of debris and damaged items to prepare them for drying and repair. Muck outs are the first step in the recovery process.

“This flooding hits close to home for IOCC,” said IOCC’s US Country Representative Daniel Christopulos, “and it’s meaningful for the organization to able to help our neighbors this way, right here in Baltimore.”

Supplementing US Programs staff and local volunteer teams, headquarters staffers will also be volunteering to clean up in the coming weeks.

The organization is accepting volunteer applicants for work through the end of June. No expertise is needed; training and equipment is provided. To sign up, visit iocc.org/actionteamsand click “Emergency Action Teams.”

IOCC, the humanitarian and development agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, was created in 1992 in response to the collapse of the Soviet Union and to support innocent people affected by conflict in the former Yugoslavia. Today, the organization applies its expertise in humanitarian response to manmade and natural crises in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the United States. The organization has, since its founding, distributed aid worth over $625 million in more than 60 countries around the world, and offers assistance based solely on need.

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BROOKLYN – The Church of St. Nicholas and St. Marina in Brooklyn hosted the miraculous icon of the St. Irene Chrysovalantou from the Sacred Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery on June 8-10 along with a festival.

On Friday, for the reception of the icon on the feast of the Holy Trinity, the V. Rev. Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne, Meletios Bougas, presided over the service and was assisted by Fr. Gerasimos Ballas- Protopresbyter, Rev. Protopresbyter Apostolos Manoloudis, and Fr. Konstantinos Koumpoulis.

The festival was celebrated immediately following the blessing with the participation of a crowd of people who enjoyed the traditional Greek dishes and pastries.

Archimandrite Meletios Bougas spoke to The National Herald and warmly thanked the volunteers for their service and all those in attendance for their presence. “At the festival,” he said, “we are given the opportunity to promote Orthodoxy, culture, tradition, Greek cuisine and hospitality. I wish everyone health and joy and to get together again next year to celebrate the festival again.”

The Parish Council President, Panagiotis Giannopoulos, expressed the joy and pride that he felt seeing all the members working together harmoniously and lovingly for the good of the church.

Anna Bilarikis, a member of the Philoptochos Society, said that all the food, sweets and loukoumades were made with a lot of love and skill by the society.

Nicholas Kallinikos, a member of the church, referred to the quiet but priceless work that the volunteers perform during the festivals in the communities.

Please note that on Saturday the Paraclesis was celebrated and on Sunday the Panegyric Divine Liturgy and procession with the Holy Icon in the Church.

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NEW YORK – Grigoris Argeros, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Eastern Michigan University, has written an article entitled “Greek Immigration to the United States, 2010-2015: A Descriptive Analysis” which was recently accepted for publication by the Journal of Modern Greek studies. The article focuses on Greek immigration to the U.S. following the economic crisis in Greece in 2008. He spoke with The National Herald about the article and his findings.

Follows the interview:

Ι am the child of Greek immigrants who came to the U.S. in the mid-1970s from a small island off the west coast of Corfu called Othonous (part of the Diapontian Islands). I am a first-generation college educated person of my immediate family – my mom still has no idea what Sociology is other than being a college professor.

While the majority of my life I have lived in the U.S., the country where I was born, I did go to school in Corfu, Greece from 6th-12th grade. Upon returning to the U.S., I went to Queens College/CUNY for my bachelor’s and master’s, and then to Fordham University for my doctorate with a full scholarship.

One of the main reasons I left Greece is because during my time (in 1993 when I graduated high school), it was nearly impossible to enter a university. Given that I was born in the U.S. it was easier for me to return to the U.S. to continue my studies. I initially came here to get a bachelors and then return to Greece, which nearly happened at some point, but decided to remain in the U.S.

All my degrees are in Sociology and my specialization is in urban sociology, race/ethnicity, immigration, and social demography. I’m currently an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Eastern Michigan University.

Why did you decide to conduct this research?

Briefly, intellectual curiosity. Given my interest in the Greek-American community and reports of Greeks migrating to the U.S. after the crisis, I decided to start looking at Census numbers – one of the main and official statistics agency in the U.S.

What is importance and what were your feelings when the Journal of Modern Greek studies accepted your study for publication? 

Given the high rate of rejection in academic peer review publishing (trust me it’s high), my first reaction was joy, relief, and where’s the closest bar to have a beer!

At the same time, I feel honored that my research will be part of the Greek-American studies canon, joining the group of scholars who have contributed to this field and the study of the Greek-American community in general.

Of course, I also have to express my gratitude to the editors of the journal who have been extremely helpful in the review process.

Given the fact that you are a prominent scientist in the United States, what is your opinion of Greece’s  so-called “brain drain” problem?

This is a very important topic that needs to be further studied empirically, both in quantitative and qualitative terms. In brief, I believe we are witnessing a brain-drain, especially during the post-2008 economic crisis in Greece; however more studies are needed on this topic.

My research findings also empirically support the above claim in that newcomers have higher levels of education than their longer-term counterparts. Contrary to previous Greek immigration waves, post-2010 arrivals are more likely to be college educated (have a bachelor’s degree or beyond, such as a master’s, professional, and doctoral degree).

Do you think that the presence of the new Greek immigrants ( 2010-2015 period) in the U.S. is going to be temporary or permanent?

This is the million-dollar question! Based on research conducted for other immigrant groups it depends on a multitude of factors, such as the traditional push-pull factors of immigration both related to the socioeconomic and political context of both the sending and receiving countries.

My study’s findings tentatively suggest that a third wave of Greek immigration, albeit smaller in size relative to the previous two (1890-1924 and 1968-1979), has been occurring since at least 2010.

While Greek immigrants represent a small share of the overall immigrant population in the U.S., their population size has significantly increased between 2010 and 2015.

Specifically, the census recorded just over 773,000 Greek immigrants between 1980 and 2009, as opposed to the nearly 1.1 million newcomers recorded during the 2010–2015 period. In the period 2010–2015, they constituted 58% of the total Greek immigrant population arriving to the U.S. since 1980.

To the extent that the socioeconomic and labor market conditions in post-2008 Greece do not improve, there is a strong likelihood that new Greek immigrants in the U.S. will increase. Also, we must not forget that immigration is highly selective, which adds another element of uncertainty.

Last century’s Greek immigrants faced a great deal of racism and discrimination. How is the U.S. society accepting this new wave of Greek immigrants?

In brief, I believe U.S. society is definitely more accepting of this new wave of Greek immigrants, compared to the conditions Greek immigrants faced in the early-20th century.

It depends on which level one examines the issue, either on an individual or aggregate (group) level. While instances of individual, both direct and indirect, discrimination/racism against Greek immigrants will definitely be present in various domains, I believe U.S. society is much more accepting of Greek immigrants as a group in the 21st century.

How is the integration of the new Greek immigrants with the already established Greek communities in the U.S.?

I believe the Greek-American community has well established institutions to help new Greek immigrants on all levels, such as helping with finding work, housing, and with language barriers to name a few. At the same time, the already established Greek-American institutions will also need to take into account the new realities and needs of these newcomers.

Another important factor to take into consideration, and which is supported by my findings pertains to the newcomers’ geographic distribution. The results suggest that recent immigrants are more geographically dispersed than their predecessors. While descriptive and tentative, the above finding hints at the possibility that post-2010 arrivals may be avoiding the traditional Greek-American ethnic enclaves. Future research should examine in more detail the residential settlement and geographic distribution of recent Greek immigrants.

In what ways can highly educated people like you contribute to improving Greece’s future?

One of the most important ways is for the motherland to be more proactive with Greek-Americans living abroad. For example, by (further) promoting programs for either the repatriation of Greek immigrants to the motherland. Or for the motherland to tap into the vast amount of intellectual talent of all those who decided to leave their mother country – a very difficult task to begin with. In other words, more collaboration on various sociopolitical, economic, and cultural levels. We cannot deny that a brain-drain is occurring, so we might as well make use of it in productive and sustainable ways.

The post Dr. Grigoris Argeros: We Are Witnessing a Greek Brain-Drain to U.S. appeared first on The National Herald.

CYPRESS, CA (PRNewswire) – At a time when Americans are voicing a desire to magnify the greatest aspects of our country to the world, Earth Friendly Products@ (EFP), the maker of ECOST laundry detergent and over 200 other environmentally friendly products, is creating jobs for Americans, paying one of the industry’s highest minimum wages at $17 per hour, as well as distributing and hiring locally.

To showcase its commitment to building a wholly sustainable American business, the company has launched a “Made in the USA / Made Locally” initiative in time for our nation’s Independence Day.

Most of the company’s green formulas behind ECOST products are created using coconut, corn, beet and other plant-derived surfactants and ingredients that are thoughtfully grown in and sourced from the United States and around the globe. The campaign, which features new emblems highlighting the brand’s local ties, will be seen at retail point-of-purchase, on ECOS.com and throughout the company’s social media channels.

Since 1967 when the company was founded by Van Vlahakis, a Greek immigrant, EFP has been dedicated to the ideals of the American Dream: individual well-being, the building of community and the health of the environment in which we live and work. EFP has achieved the “trifecta” of sustainable manufacturing: all four U.S. facilities are carbon neutral, water neutral and Platinum Zero Waste-certified.

With facilities distributed across the country, EFP operates a regional distribution model that shortens shipping distances, minimizing its carbon footprint. EFP has twice been named a U.S. EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year and participates in legislative advocacy to help pass laws that supports Americans’ health and ability to live well.

“EFP is a living example of the American dream,” said Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, President and CEO of Earth Friendly Products. “Since 1967, we have been committed to creating products that are safer for families around the world, and in the process have added 350 U.S. jobs that demonstrate the potential of the green economy. This campaign highlights how we run a sustainable business, through both our products and practices, for the benefit of the country – and the planet.”

ABOUT EARTH FRIENDLY PRODUCTS@:

Family owned and operated since 1967, Earth Friendly Products@ is the maker of ECOST Laundry Detergent and over 200 other environmentally friendly products that are safer for people, pets and the planet. Made with plant-powered ingredients, ECOST cleaners are thoughtfully sourced, pH balanced, readily biodegradable, easily recyclable, and never tested on animals.

Over 100 ECOST products have received the coveted U.S. EPA Safer Choice certification, which means that every ingredient is the safest in its class and that the product has proven superior performance. ECOST, Baby ECOST, ECOST for Pets! and ECOST Pro cleaners are available at major club and grocery retailers and natural foods stores throughout the U.S., in over 60 countries and online at www.ecos.com.

The post Vlahakis’ Earth Friendly Products Introduces “Made in USA” Campaign in Time for Independence Day appeared first on The National Herald.

NEW YORK – Greek and Italian-American Daniel S. Janis III Senior Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager Manulife Asset Management (US), LLC was honored on June 13 by the Hellenic American Association for Professionals in Finance (HABA) at the 36th Annual Executive of the Year Award Dinner in Manhattan.

Mr. Janis is head of Global Multi-Sector Fixed Income at Manulife Asset Management. He is a senior managing director, senior portfolio manager and the lead portfolio manager for the company’s global multi-sector fixed income strategies, responsible for asset allocation, global bond research and currency management. His areas of expertise include global economics, foreign exchange, derivatives and risk management. Prior to joining the company, Janis was a vice president and proprietary risk manager for BankBoston. He also had been a vice president for Morgan Stanley in the foreign exchange department and managed their forward desk from 1991 to 1997. He holds certification from the Association of International Bond Dealers. Janis earned a BA in Economics at Harvard University.

The event began with a reception and continued with HABA President Fanny Trataros who gave the welcoming remarks, thanking all those present, especially the HABA Board members and administrative assistant Ariana Franciscovic for their efforts. Alexis Christoforous- news anchor and business correspondent for Yahoo Finance served as the Mistress of Ceremonies at the event. She noted that the honoree is also half Greek and half Italian like she is.

HABA Vice President Robert Savage introduced the honoree pointing out his many accomplishments. In his acceptance speech Janis thanked HABA and all those who helped him along the way. He said “I am honored to accept this award,” then added his advice in business, “make sure that everything you do, you do with integrity… my word is my bond,” and noting the importance of being “humble, honest, and hungry.”

Janis then spoke about his background, growing up in a blue collar town in Massachusetts, the third of five children, his Italian mother and Greek father instilled values that he still lives by. His Greek dad was “focused, made sure you got respect and earned respect and made sure that was a continuous process and never be content.”

He thanked his wife Stephanie and daughter Sabrina who were both present and highlighted the importance of giving back.

“We’ve been very fortunate,” Janis said, “We’re blessed,” and noted his plan to be more involved with HABA’s efforts, especially the mentoring program, sharing his priceless knowledge and experience with the younger generation.

The award was then presented along with a citation honoring Janis from the New York State Assembly, sent by Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis who could not attend the event. Costas Kellas, member of the HABA Board of Directors, and former president of the organization, gave the closing remarks, encouraging everyone to become active in HABA.

After the ceremony, when asked about his last name’s pronunciation in Greek, Janis told The National Herald that he would have to ask his father, but the family name was originally Giannopoulos and had been later cut to Janis. He also told TNH that his grandmother came to America through Ellis Island.

Also in attendance at the event were Consul General of Greece in New York Konstantinos Koutras, Consul of Greece Spyridoula-Ioanna Zochiou, Georgios Michailidis- Head of Economic & Commercial Affairs at the Consulate, Menelaos Menelaou- Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cyprus to the UN, Aristos Constantine- Trade Commissioner of Cyprus, Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce Chair and Atlantic Bank President Nancy Papaioannou, U.S. Cyprus Chamber of Commerce President Nicolas Nicolaou, New Jersey’s Greek American Chamber of Commerce President Michael Hadjiloucas, HABA Officers- Manny Caravanos- Treasurer and Sophia Prountzos- Secretary, and Nick Lionas- member of the HABA Board of Directors.

The post Daniel S. Janis III Honored as HABA Executive of the Year 2018 appeared first on The National Herald.

NEW YORK – Assemblymember Aravella Simotas announced that the Assembly today passed her bill to give sexual assault survivors increased protections and rights (A8401C). The legislation mandates that the state Health Department compile a sexual assault victim Bill of Rights which will ensure that victims are aware of the existing services available to them and the rights they have under New York State laws. Plus the legislation establishes a new “right to notice” so that victims, who request it, will be given information about the status of the evidence processed from their rape kits.

“This legislation will help to ensure that sexual assault survivors are treated with dignity, compassion, and respect in their encounters with the healthcare and criminal justice systems. It is simply common sense and common decency that victims be informed of their rights and not be traumatized a second time,” said Assemblymember Simotas.

The Simotas legislation requires the victim must be given a copy of the sexual assault victim bill of rights that before the commencement of a victim’s physical examination or interview by law enforcement.

It will inform them of:

– The right to consult with a representative from a rape crisis or victim assistance organization before a physical exam or law enforcement interview and the right to have a representative accompany them through the exam and interview.

– The right to appropriate health care services including the forensic examination, HIV post-exposure therapies, and emergency contraception at no cost.

– The right to contact information for the law enforcement entity with jurisdiction over the crime.

– The right to receive updates on the status of their rape kit and whether a DNA profile was developed and a DNA match identified. A prosecutorial agency would be able to delay release of this information prior to the arrest of a suspect.

The same bill (S8977), sponsored by Senator Kemp Hannon, is pending in the Senate Rules Committee.

The post Assembly Passes Simotas Legislation Increasing Protections for Sexual Assault Survivors appeared first on The National Herald.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The state Senate has passed legislation that would give the unclaimed remains of New York’s veterans a dignified burial.

The measure sponsored by Greek-American and Queens Democrat Michael Gianaris passed unanimously in the Republican-led Senate this week.

The bill would require counties and the city of New York to work with a veteran service organization to ensure burial of any veteran whose remains were unclaimed. The Gianaris legislation would provide a dignified funeral and burial even if a veteran doesn’t have a next-of-kin or didn’t have the means to cover their own burial costs.

Under the measure, local governments would work with veterans’ organizations to contract with funeral homes to provide burial services.

Gianaris says the men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces deserve a respectful funeral and burial.

The post Gianaris’ Legislation to Provide Dignified Burials for Veterans Passes appeared first on The National Herald.

NEW YORK – A fundraiser, hosted by John Catsimatidis, Father Alexander Karloutsos, and Andy Manatos was held on June 14 for Greek-American Sam Galeotos who is running for governor of Wyoming. The event took place at Bobby Van’s Restaurant in Manhattan and brought out a select group interested in supporting the businessman and philanthropist in his election bid.

As Galeotos told The National Herald, there are not many Greeks in Wyoming, and the people have some trouble pronouncing his name, but his campaign is doing well in the state where there is a great deal of interest in electing a businessman for governor. When asked how the Greek community has received him, he told TNH that the Greek community has been very supportive of his campaign. Galeotos’ mother’s side is from Thessaloniki and his father’s side from outside of Tripoli.

He told TNH that his grandfather came to the United States with his two brothers early in the 1900s in search of a better life. They followed the railroads, he said later, adding that they then herded sheep, and eventually like all Greeks, they opened a restaurant. Today, the family owns a restaurant called Uncle Charlie’s.

Andy Manatos who gave the welcoming remarks noted the need for more Greek Americans in office, adding that there is also a senior senator who will be up for re-election in a few years and may or may not run. “Going from the governorship to the senate would be fantastic. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see a Greek-American back in the Senate? We’ll be thrilled to have him as governor of Wyoming,” Manatos said.

“We are planning in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a big Hellenic event, for those of you who haven’t been to Jackson Hole, it is spectacular.”

Catsimatidis said, “I am happy that everyone came out today to support one of our fellow friends here. We need more Republican governors. We need common sense governing without common sense governing, things go out of control. A businessman has common sense that qualifies him.”

Fr. Karloutsos noted that “it is very important to have common sense governing, but from my Greek Orthodox world, and I’ve heard from so many people about you [Galeotos] being such a person of faith, a person involved in the Greek Orthodox Church life, so I’m so happy to see that kind of person going into that governorship, because it brings affirmation and honor to our community and everything you’ve done you bring honor to your father’s name, any time you bring honor to the name then you know you are carrying on the great legacy, so we want you to be the kind of role model that our young people can aspire to so we can continue to pursue excellence as our Greek forebears used to talk about… it’s the name, the legacy, the integrity and that’s what you’re giving to Wyoming and that’s what you’re giving to the community.”

“And you brought another Greek Orthodox into the world,” Fr. Karloutsos added, referring to Galeotos’ wife Stacey who converted.

She told TNH that her heritage is “mixed, mostly German.” The Galeotos’ two daughters, Isabella and Nicolette, are also excited about their father’s campaign wearing the new t-shirts promoting his run for governor.

In his introduction to Galeotos, Manatos noted that “he is an extraordinary Greek Orthodox who has done a lot for the church, an extraordinary CEO for some major companies, and he could really do a lot as governor,” calling Galeotos, “the Governor to be.”

Galeotos then thanked everyone for their presence, noting that “it’s very humbling that you would take the time to be here today,” and then asked how many had been to Wyoming. When most of the people raised their hands, Galeotos was impressed, adding that for those who haven’t visited, “we have to get you there.”

He then gave some facts about Wyoming, noting that it is “the tenth largest state in the union size-wise, it’s 98,000 square miles, and it only has 580,000 people, it’s the least populated state in the nation. Seventy percent of the state’s revenue is generated from the energy industry, mining, minerals, coal.”

Galeotos said it is “a very conservative state, we have two of the greatest National Parks Devil’s Tower and Yellowstone National Park, our second industry is Travel and Tourism… other than government that is the largest private employer in the state.”

Wyoming’s “billion dollar deficit has created pressure on everything in the state,” he said, “our education system, our state agencies, all of our services we provide to people and on our local communities and people are searching for an answer and there is no answer.”

He then spoke about how he “was approached by a group of people from around the state who wanted to get a businessman to lead the state and hopefully, create economic growth for it. I literally drove around the state meeting with politicians and legislators to identify what it is that needs to be done, and the more I learned, the more I became motivated by the prospects that we have to fix the state of Wyoming. It is a unique situation- we’ve never had a Greek-American lead our state. We’ve never had an Orthodox Christian lead our state… We started at zero, nobody knew the name Galeotos much less how to say it, and we’ve received numbers this week that we’re neck in neck with our state treasurer, Mark Gordon.”

Galeotos added that there are six candidates for the Republican nomination, and the primary election is August 21. Wyoming, he pointed out does not have run-offs after the primary, so a candidate can win by even by just one vote.

More information on Sam Galeotos is available online at: www.samforgovernor.com.

The post Sam Galeotos Running for Wyoming Governor appeared first on The National Herald.

BOSTON, MA – John Dos Santos, Vice President of the Parish Council of the Holy Trinity parish in New Rochelle, NY will walk 220 miles from New York to Boston to raise money for Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (HCHC).The duration of the walk trip is going to be 14 days long.

Dos Santos told TNH that he will “depart August 31 and arrive on September 14 on the Feast Day of the Elevation of Holy Cross that the Theological School celebrates its name day.”

He added that he has “one child that is going there now and another one who will be starting in September to Hellenic College.”

He explained that “the idea came by reading that the School is in need of funds, so I did some research and I found out that the attendance is down little a bit. So mu purpose is to raise awareness of the School that needs help within the Greek Community and also to raise funds for the School.”

To the question don’t you think 220 miles is a very long distance to walk, he replied “not really. I have been walking 20 miles a day just to get myself prepared, I think I am definitely up for the challenge.”

He hasn’t walked many miles in the past. “I haven’t done it only when I was in the Army.” He anticipates raising much money as possible. He said “the School is in need of money. I am looking for seven figures because the Greek Community is very blessed to have some very successful people and hopefully they would want to give” and he added that “we have a GoFundme page under the name Walk4HCHC.”

As to why his children have chosen Hellenic College, he said “my daughter wants to be around Greek people because she is Greek herself and my son is going to the Seminary. His goal is to become a priest, we leave it up to God.”

He added “I am not Greek, I am actually Portuguese, I married a Greek woman. I have been loved by everyone. My wife comes from Crete, from the city of Rethymno. It is very beautiful. I can retire there.”

Dos Santos is a Master Electrician and his wife, Eleftheria, an accountant. Greek Orthodox for 21 years and a Parish Council member for 13 years, he said: “I am active in the community because I love the community.”

As for the hike, he said he will walk on Route 1 – Boston Post Road, which goes from Miami, FL to Maine. “I will be mostly by myself.”

The post Man to Walk 220 Miles from NY to Boston to Raise Money for HCHC appeared first on The National Herald.

NEW YORK – Prominent Greek-American businessman and great benefactor of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, Mr. John A. Catsimatidis, in an open letter calls on His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America to resign because he has led the Church to a dire condition.

Catsimatidis wrote that “The financial mismanagement that has occurred is inexcusable. Saint Nicholas at Ground Zero should be our crowning jewel; instead we are a national embarrassment. The Archdiocese has misused funds, the priests’ pensions, and God knows what else! The Seminary is in danger of closing, but the Archbishop refuses to resign, saying that he wants to fix the problems. But he is the one who was in charge when these problems happened in the first place!”

He emphasizes that “unfortunately, Archbishop Demetrios is holding on to his office at the expense of the Church.”

The entire text of Catsimatidis’ open letter follows:

I have been involved in Church affairs my whole life.

As an Altarboy, as a donor to numerous Churches, Ministries and Institutions, as an advisor, as Vice Chairman of the Archdiocesan Council, as a participant in the life of our Archdiocese.

I served both Archbishops prior to Archbishop Demetrios and I have never seen a worse crisis than what we are facing now.

Loss of Credibility

Unfortunately, Archbishop Demetrios is holding on to his office at the expense of the Church.

The time has come for the crisis of Church leadership and management to come to a close.

The financial mismanagement that has occurred is inexcusable. Saint Nicholas at Ground Zero should be our crowning jewel; instead we are a national embarrassment. The Archdiocese has misused funds, the priests’ pension, and God knows what else! The Seminary is in danger of closing, but the Archbishop refuses to resign, saying that he wants to fix the problems. But he is the one who was in charge when these problems happened in the first place!

When I think of my late friends, Nicholas Bouras and Michael Jaharis, and how they supported Archbishop Demetrios, and how their sacrifices have been squandered by a combination of inexperience and pride, I feel embarrassed that this has been allowed to go on.

Archbishop Demetrios is ninety years old, and whatever good he did is now being wasted by his refusal to accept responsibility, and his desire for position and glory. But there is no glory in failure.

All of us, clergy and laity alike, are responsible for the health of our Church. I, for one, know there are many who are ready and willing to step up and fix the problems. But we will only step up to our responsibilities when the Archbishop accepts his responsibility for the mess we are in and steps down.

Even retired Pope Benedict says it was his “duty” to resign from papacy.

Your Eminence its time that you retire.

It should be done before the Clergy Laity Congress.

Let’s have a New Beginning for the Church on America’s 4th of July.

John A. Catsimatidis

Former Vice Chairman of the Archdiocesan Council

The post John A. Catsimatidis Calls on Archbishop Demetrios to Resign appeared first on The National Herald.

NEW YORK – A fundraiser for Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney will be held on Monday, June 18 at the Russian Tea Room, 157 West 57th Street in Midtown Manhattan, 6-8 PM. Rep. Maloney is running for re-election in the 12th Congressional District where the world’s largest Greek diaspora community resides. Congressional District 12 includes Astoria, Long Island City, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and the majority of Manhattan’s East Side.

Maloney is the Founder of the Hellenic Congressional Caucus, which brings a focus on diplomatic, military, and economic issues in Greece, Cyprus, and the Eastern Mediterranean. A champion of strong U.S. relations with Greece and Cyprus, Maloney is outspoken on the issues concerning the Hellenic community, including Turkey’s violations of international law and its illegal incursions into Greek airspace. She also actively supports a just and lasting settlement of the illegal Turkish occupation of the Republic of Cyprus.

Maloney introduced a Congressional resolution to protect Greek Macedonian heritage in a mutually acceptable national name for the former Yugoslav Republic. She emphatically states “Macedonia is Greek.”

Greek-Americans have expressed concerns on recent geopolitical events in Greece, Cyprus, and the Eastern Mediterranean. Maloney stands with the Hellenic Republic of Greece, the Republic of Cyprus and the State of Israel, as nations of the Energy Triangle develop their Sovereign rights as an energy hub for Europe.

Lou Katsos, host of the fundraiser, is a businessman, philanthropist, and concerned citizen who believes the recent events in Greece and Cyprus, require Hellenes and Philhellenes to step up support for Congresswoman Maloney’s re-election campaign. “Our support of Congresswoman Maloney crosses all party lines, for we are united as a community in our support for Greece and Cyprus,” the President and Founder of EMBCA said.

Carolyn Maloney has fought for human rights and religious freedom in Turkey, where the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople resides. She was nicknamed “Bouboulina” after the heroine of the Greek Revolution, by Hellenes in the largest diaspora community outside of Greece and Cyprus.

“Ancient Greek values are the foundation of America’s values, as a democracy and champion of freedom,” said Maloney.

The Democratic Primary Election is on Tuesday, June 26.

The Fundraising Reception will be held on Monday, June 18, at the Russian Tea Room, 157 West 57th Street in Manhattan, 6-8 PM.

To contribute and RSVP: bit.ly/MaloneyRussianTea

By phone: (212) 531-2858 or email Darren@dynamicsrg.com.

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BOSTON, MA – Former Navy Admiral James Stavridis is leaving his position as Dean of Fletcher School of Tufts University in August.

He announced his departure in a letter to the Members of the Fletcher Alumni Community, informing them that “it is with mixed emotions that I share the news that I will be leaving The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy this August to pursue exciting new opportunities in the world of international finance and consulting. I am delighted that Professor of International Law Ian Johnstone has accepted the Provost’s invitation to serve as Dean ad interim during the search for my successor.

“While the past five years have gone quickly, when I reflect on all that we’ve accomplished together, the time feels very full and satisfying.”

He praised the faculty by saying that “I’ve had the honor of working closely with a dedicated and tireless team, from our brilliant faculty who are at the forefront of their fields and devoted to fully preparing our students for global leadership, to our resourceful and perceptive administration. I’m both impressed and inspired by just how much they are able to accomplish. Whether we were conceptualizing a new program or initiative, tackling budget challenges, or addressing a host of other intricate matters, the intelligence, grace, adaptability, and problem-solving skills they consistently demonstrated are second to none. I consider myself truly lucky to have been able to work in this microcosm of constant commitment, collaboration and compassion, where each of us is striving to further Fletcher’s original mission of helping others to better know – and ultimately benefit – our increasingly complicated world.

“Together, we created a strategic plan that built upon and enhanced the strength and success of this academic enterprise. Emerging from that plan, we constructed a 21st century curriculum incorporating the study and analysis of cybersecurity, gender, the social networks, and Russia. We also welcomed a new generation of academic leadership, recruiting top talent to join our first-rate faculty. I’m particularly proud that we have increased the number of women in tenure and the tenure stream, as well as appointing the first woman chair of our Board of Advisors. Fletcher was recently lauded in Pacific Standard Magazine for these efforts and our commitment to teaching gender in the classroom.

“I have had the privilege of graduating 1500 engaging and brilliant students, many of whom I’ve been able to get to know personally. I am in awe of their intelligence, tenacity and originality; their sincerity and commitment to fostering the collegial, supportive and tight-knit community that is so unique to Fletcher; and their ability to engage in discourse that is not always easy. They have been true diplomats every step of their journey at Fletcher, which gives me confidence that many of you will effect meaningful change in your lifetimes and help solve many of the problems the world faces today.

“I am proud to say that we together raised over $70 million, nearly doubling targeted annual goals and bringing Fletcher 60 percent of the way toward our overall campaign goal. As a departing gift to my beloved School, I have personally pledged more than $1 million toward the Brighter World Campaign for Fletcher, which will go toward the Admiral James and Laura Stavridis Scholarship. Fletcher is nothing without our outstanding students, and I’m committed to our continued success in attracting the world’s best and brightest. I’ll continue to be a close friend to Fletcher and a loyal alum, and look forward to remaining deeply involved with the School.”

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From the 1830s onward, Greek merchants were to be found in every port city of the United States. Whether a salt water or fresh water port Greek and other Orthodox merchants were a recognizable presence among the American businessmen of the day. Aside from the Greeks, this mixed cadre of Eastern Orthodox merchants included, but was not limited to Albanians, Arab-Syrians, Bulgarians, Illyrians, Romanians, Russians, and Serbians. Between 1830 and 1860, these merchants and assorted other Orthodox residents, in these seaport settings, worshiped together informally with many such collectives trying to establish a permanent church.

New Orleans was one such community that actively sought, personal ethnic identity and class-standing aside, to establish a church. According to Dr. Richard Campanella, geographer the 1850 U.S. Census reported that 150 Greeks resided in this city including a vibrant working class. Significantly, the Greek merchant class of the 1830s-1870s met and interacted with the Greeks in New Orleans, such as the Dragon-Dimitry clan, who had arrived in New Orleans before this new wave of Orthodox merchants. In point of fact, according to oral traditions within the community, the first wave of Colonial Era Greeks also wanted a church. As I heard one of the Dimitry descendants report her ancestors wanted a church even when there were only twelve such Orthodox faithful, then living in the city.

Nevertheless, two factors converged with the arrival of the new merchant class, first the sheer number of the Greek business men and their families added significantly to the basic demographics of the Orthodox community and secondly, the unquestioned influence this recently arrived Greek merchants had with the Greek business and ecclesiastical classes of Europe and the Mediterranean.

Without question, New Orleans’ situation as a port city for cotton and other goods drew the Greek and other Eastern Orthodox merchants. The Greek merchants were affiliated with the Ralli Company. Stephenos Ralli (1755–1827), from the island of Chios, had settled in Marseille, but quickly recognized that the very nexus of Western European trading (and so world trade) had shifted with the end of the Napoleonic wars. The elder Ralli, quickly sent his eldest son John (1785-1859) to London to explore business opportunities. Soon, Stephenos’ four other sons Augustus (1792-1878), Pandia (1793–1865), Toumazis (1799–1858), and Eustratios (1800–84) along with their brother John founded the Ralli Brothers firm, which is now recognized as the most successful expatriate Greek merchant business of the Victorian era (1837-1901).

The Ralli Brothers partnered with other Greeks around the world dealing in cotton, grain, corn, silk and every other raw or processed commodity imaginable. The leading agents for the Ralli firm in North America were Demetrios Botassi in New York City and Nicholas Benachi in New Orleans. Other Greek merchant representatives and contracted agents soon followed these two pioneers.

Tracking the exact movement of Nicholas Marino Benachi’s first arrival to American shores is difficult. At least one report attests that Benachi first opened a New York City office in 1842 and then another in New Orleans in 1846 (NO Newspaper January 7, 1872). Benachi’s international standing as a merchant is suggested first by his return to American shores on October 23, 1852, when he arrived in New York City abroad the steamship Europa with his wife Catherina Grund (d. 1853) and their first three children. Within record time the Benachi family set foot on the shoreline of New Orleans on November 22, 1852 arriving on the Empire City. Benachi’s overall status is confirmed by the fact that it was in 1852 when he was appointed Greek Consul for New Orleans.

As reported by a host of public and ecclesiastical documents, newspaper reports from the American and Greek press as well as family recollections it was Benachi who ultimately proved the deciding factor in securing a priest for the parish he and a close cadre of other Orthodox faithful managed to finally establish in New Orleans. For his sustained efforts in establishing the first Greek Orthodox church in North America Benachi was awarded the “Cross of the Saviour” by the Greek King.

The 1850 Federal Census, which listed individuals for the first time by place of birth attests to 23 foreign-born Greeks in the New Orleans region. Then in the 1860 census 17 Greeks. Yet the Holy Trinity Archives Committee was able to account another 16 in New Orleans who were not enumerated in the 1860 census. Committee members discovered them in a close reading of city directories and from further information provided by a descendant of the Agelasto clan.

In the 1860 Census individuals were listed, for the first time by place of birth. In New Orleans the following self-identified Greeks were: D. Agapithos, Ph. Arnauet, Spero Bambaca, Demetrius Caroticki, Robert Coffy, Stamati Covas, Nicolas Dennise, Frank Dias, Peter Georges, Nicholas Gunari, Philip Mallegt, Julien Maureau, Antonio Pasino, Frank Rogers, Manuel Roussel, Manuel Seyers, and finally N. Theodore. Magdalene Maag, of the Holy Trinity Archives Committee effortlessly added additional Greek merchants living in New Orleans not cited in this census given that these individuals whose place of birth was not cited as “Greece: Agelasto, Anastasiades, Benachi, Botassi, Fachiri, Franghiadi, Frangopoulos, Gomalis, Kilili, (born in Turkey but an ethnic Greek) Mavrogordato, Negroponte, Nicolopulo, Pandeli, Paterachi, Ralli, and Rodacanchi.

Then unexpectedly, in 1872, a New Orleans newspaper article raises the question of whether or not the day of the Greek merchants in the Crescent City had passed. “In the times before the war, the Greek merchants were numerous in this city; and, from their large capital, their harmony of action, and their close connection with the strong Greek firms in the leading commercial cities of the world, they commanded an influence in mercantile and financial circles that directed more than usual attention to their movements, and made them respected by the boldest operators (January 7,1872).” The writer of this account is careful to report that it is his ‘impression’ that it was the end of the American Civil War (1861-1865) that led the majority of these Greek merchants to other financial markets across the planet.

Yet the evidence, after 1872, for the ubiquitous presence of Greeks within the city of New Orleans, are diverse and totally unexpected. In late 1872, Edgar Degas (1834-1917), was at that moment in time just an aspiring painter who traveled to New Orleans to visit his mother’s brother Michael Musson and his family. Edgar Degas was to return to Europe in January 1873, but when his return trip was delayed, he was asked by his relatives to paint their portraits.

In the course of these family painting Degas completed, “A Cotton Office in New Orleans (1873).” In this painting “Degas depicts his uncle Michel Musson’s cotton brokerage business. In the painting, Musson is seen examining raw cotton for its quality while Degas’ brother Rene reads The Daily Picayune. Another brother, Achille, rests against a window wall at left while others, including Musson’s partners, go about their business.”

Degas’ painting is historically significant for other reasons. First, Degas was the only major French painter of the Impressionist generation to travel to American and paint what he saw there. “A Cotton Office in New Orleans” was the first painting by Degas to be purchased by a museum, and the first by an Impressionist. According to Marilyn Brown, in her book, Degas and the Business of Art: A Cotton Office in New Orleans, Degas’ sale of the piece marked a turning point in his career as he moved from being a struggling, unrecognized artist to a recognized and financially stable artist. Finally this painting is a record of the Greek cotton merchant’s enduring and ubiquitous presence in New Orleans. Two other notable figures are seen in this fabled painting. The second figure on the left leaning on the table is Michel Alexander Agelasto. Next, the individual in shirt-sleeves working at the counter on the far right (standing in the foreground) is John Livaudais (agelastos.com).

Debate exists between scholars concerning the exact numbers of Greek merchants after the Civil War. Various sources report upon various Greek merchants leaving New Orleans such as Agelasto who left sometime in the early 1870s. Other documents such as the Holy Trinity Sacramental Journal records cite the presence of the Nikolopulo family with a baptism in 1883 and the Ralli family with a baptism in 1889.

Nicholas Benachi remained in New Orleans until his death in 1886. He continuously supported the church as evidenced by his correspondence with Patriarch Joachim in 1880, as seen in the Holy Trinity Archives Committee files and news articles in the local press (Weekly Picayune March 26, 1881).

The 1880-1920 period is now credited as the massive Greek migration to North America. By 1900, again following the work of Dr. Richard Campanella, geographer by the time these new Greek arrived some 300 self-identified Greeks were living in New Orleans. Recovering the actions and overall role of Greek cotton merchants in New Orleans is as fundamental a part of American history as it is for Greek-American history.

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CHALIKIOPOULOS, NIKOLAOS

MILPITAS, CA (from the San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times,published on Jun. 7) – Nikolaos Chalikiopoulos July 23, 1970 – June 4, 2018. Resident of Milpitas Nikolaos Chalikiopoulos passed away on Monday, after a valiant battle with cancer. Nikolaos was born in Peiraias, Greece. He was an excellent father, a loving husband, a caring friend. He had a gentle spirit and an always positive outlook on life. He was greatly interested in electronics and computers. Nikolaos is survived by his loving wife, Vasiliki; his daughter Eirini and his son Leonidas. He is also survived by his father, mother, and brother. His generous loving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A funeral service will take place on Friday, June 8, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, in San Jose. Burial to follow at Greek Orthodox Memorial Park, 1148 El Camino Real, Colma, CA 94014.

GERAKOS, IAKOVOS

HARTFORD, CT (from The Hartford Courant, published on Jun. 6)– Iakovos Gerakos – a loving, nurturing, and selfless husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather – passed away peacefully at the age of 95 with his beloved family by his side on Tuesday, June 5th, 2018, at his home in Hartford, CT. Iakovos is survived by his 8 children, 14 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. He was married to the love of his life, Despina for 67 years. She predeceased him in 2016. On July 4, 1975, Iakovos left his beloved homeland of Greece for the United States in order to provide his family with a better life. Determined to ensure that his children and grandchildren could live the American dream, Iakovos worked countless hours and multiple jobs, and fought to open doors for them despite speaking limited English and lacking a formal education. More importantly, Iakovos taught his children and grandchildren that a life well-lived is one that is devoted to family and to serving others. A life that is lived with dignity, integrity, and humility. Through his words and deeds, Iakovos instilled in his children and grandchildren the values of empathy, compassion, and selflessness. A deeply religious person, Iakovos, also taught his children and grandchildren the power of faith and the honor that comes with living a virtuous life. During his 95 years on earth, Iakovos made every minute count. He loved deeply, helped others when they needed help, and provided his family with moral clarity and unconditional love. Funeral services will be 11am, Thursday, June 7, 2018 at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 433 Fairfield Ave. Hartford. Family and friends are invited to the Cathedral beginning at 10am. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. The Giuliano-Sagarino Funeral Home at Brooklawn, 511 Brook St. Rocky Hill, is providing care to his family. For online guestbook please visit www.brooklawnfuneralhome.com

KALAMATIANOS, PETER

CHICAGO, IL (from the Chicago Tribune, published on May 17) – Peter Kalamatianos, age 83, born in Gythio, Peloponnese, Greece, passed away on Friday, May 11, 2018. Cherished son of the late Panagiotis and the late Athena Kalamatianos Beloved husband of Helen (nee Cosmakos); loving father of Athina, Kiki (Jim) Saltouros, Mary and Constantine; proud grandfather of Alexis, Michelle and Dimitri; dear brother of the late George and the late Eleni; fond uncle of many and their families. Family and friends will meet on Friday morning, May 18, 2018, for Visitation from 9:30 am – 10:00 am and Funeral service starting at 10:00 am at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 2350 E. Dempster Street in Des Plaines. Interment at Ridgewood Memorial Park. Kindly omit flowers; instead, Memorial donations may be made to St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church. Arrangements by John G. Adinamis Funeral Directors, Ltd. For information 847-375-0095.

KALAPODAKIS, MICHAEL

NORTH BERGEN, NJ (from The Jersey Journal, published on May 30) – Michael S. Kalapodakis, 54, of North Bergen, NJ passed away on Sunday, May 27, 2018. Born in Chania, Crete, Greece he was a Lab Technician for Quest Diagnostics in Teterboro He also was a Navy Veteran. Beloved son of Chrysi (Stagourakis) and the late Stilianos. Dear brother of Antonia Earley and husband Robert and Mary Schwalm and husband Charles. Loving uncle of Michael, Christopher, Andrew and Lana. Visitation on Thursday from 2-4 & 7-9pm. Funeral on Friday at 11am from the funeral home. A mass will be offered at 12 noon at the Ascension Greek Orthodox Church in Fairview. Interment at Fairview Cemetery. Vainieri Funeral Home 5923 Kennedy Blvd. North Bergen, NJ 07047 (201) 868-6555 www.vainierifuneralhome.com.

KORTESIS, HELEN

EAST LYME, CT (from The Day, published on May 10) – Helen Philip (Kiritsis) Kortesis, 87, of Niantic, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 6, 2018, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. She was born in New London, on Jan. 2, 1931, the daughter of Philip Theodore and Evdoxia (Eva) KurusisKititsis, originally from Epirus, Greece, and established residence in New London. A lifelong resident of New London, she relocated to Ahepa 250 in Niantic shortly after the passing of her beloved husband, Steve. She was married on Jan. 27, 1952 to Efstratios “Steve” K. Kortesis who passed away on Aug. 27, 2007. Helen was a graduate of the Williams Memorial Institute located on the grounds of Connecticut College. She lived her life through simple pleasures; cooking, chatting with friends, keeping in touch with her snowbird friends, snacking and spending time with her visitors. She had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. As a member of St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church, New London she was an active member of the choir, and their school of religious studies where she taught Sunday School for over 22 years. Helen was active with New London School PTA/PTO where she had been a recording secretary, corresponding secretary and a member of the nominating committee. She participated at the C.W. Edgerton School for field trips, school fairs and centennial programs, assisted teachers on school projects, worked with the librarians on bulletin boards at Harbor and New London Junior High School, corrected children’s work papers and assisted students with science projects. From 1975 to 1984 Helen was called upon to set up a program for non-English speaking, especially Greek children. She also worked tirelessly with several Spanish speaking students and with children from Cambodia and the Philippines and tutored at Harbor and Nathan Hale School. Helen always had time for her Alma Mater, WMI and was her class representative for many years, responsible for staying in touch with her classmates and writing classmate notes published in the WMI Ambassador. In recognition of her contributions she was awarded the Tribute to Loyalty Award from the WMI/Williams School. This award honors alumni who have exemplified loyalty and dedication to WMI/Williams School and whose service to the Alumni Association has fostered the traditions and ideals of the school. She is survived by her three sons, Constantine E. Kortesis and his wife, Grazina, of Warren, Mich., Nickolas E. Kortesis and his spouse, Cynthia, of Poughkeepsie, N.Y. and Philip E. Kortesis of Tuscon, Ariz.; a sister, Athena Susi; and a brother, Theodore Kiritsis and his wife, Claire; three grandchildren, Stephanie L., Alyssa C. and Nickolas E. Kortesis II; and three great-grandchildren, Douglas N. Miller, Evy V. Calcutti and Aaron H. Boice. Funeral services and burial in Cedar Grove Cemetery, New London were private. Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London, assisted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church, 200 Hempstead St., New London, CT 06320. Please visit www.Byles.com to sign the guest book or to share a memory.

STRATIS, TULA

BROOKLYN, NY (from the Staten Island Advance,published on Jun. 5) – Tula Stratis was born in Camden, NJ, and moved to New York as a child. Her family moved to Greece during her childhood and she lived there for six years before returning to NY. She married James Stratis in 1948 and had four children, Michael Stratis, Effie& Philip Tefarikis, George Stratis and Marianne and Frank Romero through 1960. Grandchildren Tiana and Bill Clark, Sean and Erin Maher, Athena and Chris Swanson, Demitri and Lillian Romero Jaime & Neil Scarfuto, Natasha and Phil Tzortzatos, Anthony Stratis, SelenaStratis, and Great Grandchildren Aria, Panagis, Athanasios, Matthew, Leonidas, Demetra. She worked diligently for forty years in a Philanthropic organization in Brooklyn, holding various positions on the board along with numerous PTA positions during her children’s school years. She celebrated 53 years of marriage before her husband’s passing and is survived by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.Her family members were near her during all of her life and her legacy for them all is the value of family closeness and loyalty. She will be deeply missed. Eternal be her memory. Donations can be made to The LadiesPhiloptochos Society of Kimisis Theotokou (Friends of the Poor), 224 18th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215. Viewing: Tuesday June 5, 2018 Dahill Funeral Parlor-2525 65th St, Brooklyn, NY 11204 from 4pm to 9pm.Funeral: 10am Kimisis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church 224 18th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215.

TOURNIDIS, JAMES

MANCHESTER, NH (from the Union Leader, published on May 18) – James A. Tournidis, 86, passed away peacefully at Catholic Medical Center on May 15, 2018 after a brief illness. Born May 18, 1931 in Edessa, Greece, he was son of the late Arthur and Virginia Tournidis. He enjoyed 55 years of marriage with his wife, Catherine. Raised in Greece, James moved to Canada as a young man before moving to Manchester in the early 1960s. James worked in many different fields over the years, but was best known as the owner of the Merrimack Restaurant, which he and his wife ran for twelve years. He later worked at Poor Boy’s restaurant in Londonderry. A devoted husband and father, James cherished time spent with his family. He leaves behind his wife, Catherine Tournidis of Manchester; his son, Arthur Tournidis of Manchester; his sister, Freda Peteff of Canada; his sisters-in-law, Shirley Leara of Ohio and Verga Tournidis of Canada; nieces and nephews Vicki Ellis, Madelyn Schneider, Sharon Mertz, Robert and Pano Tournidis, and Danny Peteff, all of Canada; niece and nephew Cassandra Ellis and Alex Leara of Ohio and nephew William Leara of Texas; as well as several great nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends. Services: Visitation will be on Sunday, May 20th from 5-8pm at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH. Funeral service will be on Monday, May 21st at 11:30am, Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 111 Island Pond Road, Manchester, NH. He will be laid to rest at Pine Grove Cemetery in Manchester. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in James’s memory to a charity of your choice. For directions or to leave a condolence message for the family, visit www.phaneuf.net.

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The Order of Saint Andrew issued a statement calling “on Duke University, Princeton University and the Morgan Library to Return Holy Manuscripts Stolen from the Ecumenical Patriarchate.”

Follows the announcement:

The Order of Saint Andrew calls on Duke University, Princeton University and the Morgan Library to Return Holy Manuscripts Stolen from the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

New York, NY
6/11/2018

For more than two years, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has been making efforts to recover certain manuscripts that are currently in the collection of three American institutions, but which were stolen during World War I from the Monastery of the Theotokos Eikosiphoinissa in Drama, Greece. These manuscripts are currently at Duke University, Princeton University and the Morgan Library & Museum in New York City. The Order calls upon these institutions to recognize that the Ecumenical Patriarchate is indeed the rightful owner of these precious and irreplaceable documents, and to return them immediately.

The holy manuscripts at issue, painstakingly written out by hand and diligently preserved for centuries, were stolen in 1917 by marauding Bulgarian troops from the Monastery of the Theotokos Eikosiphoinissa, along with nearly the entire contents of the library.

The volumes were then sold in bookshops all over Europe and either acquired by the institutions or by collectors who then donated them to the institutions.

In matters such as this, the law is clear: a purchaser, even one who had no idea that he is buying stolen goods, cannot acquire valid title to stolen property, and has an obligation to return it. In 2016, when the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago learned that one of the manuscripts in its collection, Eikosiphoinissa Monastery Codex 1424, had also been stolen from the monastery by the Bulgarian guerrillas in 1917, the School’s President, Dr. James Nieman, gave many principled reasons for returning the manuscript to its rightful home. He also movingly noted that when asked that the manuscript be returned, he and his colleagues asked themselves three questions:

“If you could right a wrong you never caused, would you? If you could befriend a stranger, would you? And if you could by a single act show the good news of Jesus to others, would you?”

The answer to these questions for the Lutheran School was a resounding and unqualified yes. The Order hopes that officials at Duke University, Princeton University and the Morgan Library & Museum will also answer these questions affirmatively, and move swiftly now to return to the manuscripts in their collections to their rightful home in the Eikosiphoinissa Monastery.

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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. Upcoming events include the family-friendly Bring the Cool: Express Yourself!Saturday, Jun. 16, 12-4 PM at the Brooklyn Museum,200 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. The event,hosted in partnership with Cool Culture and P.S. 1 Elementary School, and co-presented with the Onassis Cultural Center New York, is free for Cool Culture and P.S. 1 families, and free to the general public with Museum general admission.More information is available online at: onassisusa.org.

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 July 7, August 4, and October 6 this year. Enjoy a Greek panygiri 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. 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.

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. Visit Instagram @angelikisdowrychest.

JUNE 15

THESSALONIKI, GREECE – The Pinewood Commencement Ceremony celebrates the Class of 2018, as we proudly send 32 graduates out into the world. The event will be held on Friday, Jun. 15, 8 PM, the evening ceremony will be followed by a light reception and music. Join us for an emotional send off and a special keynote speech from Mr. Richard L. Jackson, President; Athens College – Psychico College, “John M. Carras” Kindergarten.

JUNE 16

MANHATTAN – The Greek-American Writers Association invites you to celebrate summer on June 16 at the final blockbuster program of the year. World-renowned musician Pericles Kanaris will sing and perform his original compositions at the keyboard. Poet Nicholas Alexiou will debut his fifth poetry collection, The Silver Sphynx. Artist CosmoYannis will share his secrets on how he created the dynamic coloring book, They Were Super-Greeks. Saturday, Jun. 16, Cornelia Street Café, 29 Cornelia Street in Manhattan, 6-8 PM. $10 includes admission and a drink.

JUNE 20

MANHATTAN –The Development, Design & Construction Committee of the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce invites you to a Cocktail Mixer & Networking Event at Jade Sixty Asian Steakhouse, 116 East 60th Street in Manhattan, on Wednesday, Jun. 20, 6:30-10 PM. Come and meet like-minded professionals including architects, engineers, contractors, trades people, real estate professionals, bankers, attorneys, etc. Please contact info@hellenicamerican.cc for details.

JUNE 21

CHICAGO, IL – The National Hellenic Museum, 333 S. Halsted Street in Chicago, presents the exhibition opening of Lives Afloat: The Greek Refugee Crisis through the Lens of Tasos Markou 2015-2017 on Thursday, Jun. 21, 6-8 PM. The event will feature remarks by Dr. Laura Calamos- NHM President, Dimitra Georgouses- NHM Education & Public Programs Manager, and Tasos Markou- photographer. Small bites and cocktails will be served. Reservations required. RSVP to nhm@heronagency.com or by phone: 773-969-5200 by June 18. More information is available online at: www.nationalhellenicmuseum.org.

MANHATTAN –The Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals with Monika’s Café Bar invite you to Rebetiko Night to benefit Merimna Therapeutic Educational Centre on Thursday, Jun. 21, 9 PM. Celebrate the end of the season and welcome summer! Cash bar. Light appetizers provided by Monika’s Café. Please contact info@hellenicamerican.cc for details.

JUNE 21-23

PORTLAND, ME – Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 133 Pleasant Street in Portland, holds its three-day Greek Festival Thursday, Jun. 21- Saturday, Jun. 23, 11:30 AM-9:30 PM. The wonderful family event draws more than 10,000 visitors from around the greater Portland area every year. Along with the exquisite Greek cuisine, enjoy live music, and traditional dancing. More information is available by phone: 207-774-0281 and online at: http://www.holytrinityportland.org/festival.asp.

JUNE 22-24

CAMARILLO, CA – St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church’s 2018 Ventura County Greek Festival takes place June 22-24 at Freedom Park at the Camarillo Airport, 515 Eubanks Street in Camarillo. Admission $5 and includes a free Raffle Ticket for a chance to win $3,000. Enjoy the authentic Greek food, music, dance performances, church tours, shopping, rides and events for kids. Hours: Friday, Jun. 22, 5-10 PM; Saturday, Jun. 23, 11 AM-10 PM; and Sunday, Jun. 24, 11 AM-7 PM. More information is available by phone: 805-482-1273 and online at: http://vcgreekfestival.org.

JUSTICE, IL – Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church,7560 S. Archer Road in Justice, holds the annual Greek Festival June 22-24. Everyone is invited for the authentic Greek food and pastries, kids’ rides and games, vendors, and church tours. Hours: Friday, Jun. 22 and Saturday, Jun. 23, 5-11 PM, and Sunday, Jun. 24, 12-11 PM. More information is available by phone: 708-594-2040.

MILWAUKEE, WI – Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church holds its annual Greek Festival June 22-24 at the Wisconsin State Fair Park, 640 S 84th Street in West Allis, WI. With authentic Greek food, live music and dancing, rides and games, and all proceeds benefitting Annunciation Church. Hours: Friday, Jun. 22 and Saturday, Jun. 23, 11 AM-11 PM, and Sunday, Jun. 24, 11 AM-9 PM. More information is available by phone: 414-461-9400 and online at: www.annunciationwi.org/category/greek-fest/.

OAKMONT, PA Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, 12 Washington Avenue in Oakmont, holds its 43rd Annual Greek Food Fest, June 22-24, one of the premier Greek food festivals in the Pittsburgh area. There is always plenty of authentic Greek food and pastries, along with live music and dance performances late afternoon and evenings. Hours: Noon-11 PM. More information is available by phone: 412-828-4144 and online at: dormitionpgh.org/greek-food-festival/.

JUNE 25

MANHATTAN –The Manhattan Chapter of AHEPA, Delphi #25, invites you to its Monthly Social & Networking Event at Kellari Taverna, 19 West 44th Street in Manhattan, on Monday, Jun. 25, 6-8 PM. Last one before summer recess. All existing members, those interested in joining, and those interested in networking are encouraged to attend. Open to ladies and gentlemen – casual business attire. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres – cash bar. Please contact ahepa25.delphinyc@gmail.com for details.

JUNE 29- JULY 1

IRVINE, CA –St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, 4949 Alton Parkway in Irvine, holds its 40th Annual Greek Festival- A Taste of Greece, June 29-July 1. Enjoy authentic Greek food and pastries, music and dancing, church tours, cooking demonstrations, children’s play zone, boutique and gift items from around the world, and raffle. Admission is $3per person, children under 10 free, Seniors 65+ free on Saturday, 12-5 PM. Hours: Friday, Jun. 29, 5–10 PM; Saturday, Jun. 30, Noon – 10 PM; and Sunday, Jul. 1, Noon – 9 PM. More information is available by phone: 949-733-2366 and online at: irvinegreekfest.com.

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