The Onassis Foundation supports the victims of the catastrophic wildfires.

In moments like these, there is not much to say, only much to do.

Faced with the pressing need to bring relief to the people and families who fell victim to the catastrophic wildfires that struck Western and Eastern Attica, the Onassis Foundation declares itself “present” in the national solidarity effort and announces on social media its decision to support the Greek State with €5,000,000.

The support will be provided to cover urgent needs in collaboration with the Greek State and enhance its effort to rebuild the affected areas and, moreover, to address the issue of fires in our country.

The Onassis Foundation expresses its profound sorrow for the victims of the deadly fire and its full support to their families and loved ones.

The Onassis Foundation expresses its profound sorrow for the victims of the deadly fire and its full support to their families and loved ones. #solidarity pic.twitter.com/9XjEYvFlO2

— Onassis Cultural Center New York (@OCCNY) July 26, 2018

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According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, a nine-count indictment was unsealed Wednesday, July 25, in federal court in Central Islip, charging Steven Pagartanis, a formerly licensed financial advisor and affiliate of a registered broker-dealer, with securities fraud, mail and wire fraud conspiracies, as well as money laundering, for orchestrating a Ponzi scheme over the course of more than 18 years.

Pagartanis was arrested and was arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay.

Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and James Robnett, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI), announced the charges.

According to the indictment and other court documents, from January 2000 to March 2018, Pagartanis solicited elderly victims to invest in real estate-related investments, including those affiliated with a publicly traded Canadian company. Pagartanis promised the victims that their principal would be secure and earn a fixed return, which he typically claimed to be between 4.5 to 8 percent annually.

At Pagartanis’s direction, the victims wrote checks payable to an entity that was secretly controlled by Pagartanis. Pagartanis utilized a network of bank accounts to launder the stolen funds, which he then used to pay personal expenses, buy luxury items and make the guaranteed “interest” or “dividend” payments to other victims. Pagartanis created fictitious account statements reflecting ownership interests in the purported investments to induce investment and conceal the scheme. In all, the victims invested over $13 million and sustained actual losses of over $8 million. Many lost substantial portions of their life savings as a result of the scheme.

“As alleged, Pagartanis conned vulnerable members of the community who had entrusted him with their hard-earned savings,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “Protecting the elderly and the community at large from predators like the defendant is a priority of this Office and the Department of Justice and with our law enforcement partners we will continue to pursue that mission.” Mr. Donoghue also thanked the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority for their assistance in the investigation.

“The elderly are among the most vulnerable members of society, as they are common targets of fraudulent schemes,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “As alleged, Pagartanis preyed on the elderly with his own interests in mind. While causing significant financial loss to his victims, Pagartanis experienced significant financial gain – allegedly paying personal expenses and making extravagant purchases. As we persistently investigate bogus Ponzi schemes, we aim to protect all targeted citizens from the threat of financial loss.”

“The agents of IRS-CI along with our law enforcement partners will vigorously pursue fraudsters who allegedly victimize the elderly,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent-in-Charge Robnett. “We will gladly dedicate our specialized skillset to such investigations to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”

The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Pagartanis faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorney Artie McConnell is in charge of the prosecution.

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WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), co-chair and co-founder of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, spoke on the House floor on July 25 during a Special Order organized by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), the co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus, to highlight the importance of the U.S.-Cyprus relationship. Maloney represents one of the largest communities of Greek Americans in the country. Her remarks as prepared for delivery are below.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to show my strong and unwavering support for the U.S.-Cyprus relationship.

“As co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus, I would be remiss if I did not mention the tragic wildfires that tore through Greece yesterday, killing dozens, and injuring and displacing hundreds more. I am heartbroken by the loss of life and destruction these rapidly moving fires left in their wake, and I send my deepest condolences to the Greek people at this time. I know that the Hellenic American community – many of whom are my constituents – are affected by this disaster as well and have already begun efforts to help.

“I want to thank my fellow Hellenic Caucus co-chair Representative Gus Bilirakis for organizing this special order hour. I founded the Caucus with his father, former Representative Mike Bilirakis in 1996. And it remains one of the largest and most active caucuses in Congress.

“Cyprus is one of our staunchest allies in the world. Strengthening our alliance must remain a constant foreign policy priority for the United States.

“We just acknowledged a solemn anniversary last week – it has been 44 years since the illegal invasion by Turkish troops in the northern third of the nation of Cyprus. And to this day, the island and the people living on either side of the UN-monitored buffer zone remain separated. There are some 40,000 Turkish troops occupying northern Cyprus today.

“They pose a looming threat that the Cypriot people have been forced to live with every day.

“Negotiations on reunification are unfortunately stalled for now, after some signs of progress early last year.

“Turkish troops are undeniably a hinderance to peace. No just and lasting settlement for either Greek or Turkish Cypriots can be achieved with the presence of the Turkish military.

“We are here today to show the support of the U.S. Congress for a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation that is in the best interest of the United States, the entire eastern Mediterranean, and most of all, Cypriots themselves.

“Two years ago, I joined a Congressional delegation to Cyprus. As we toured along the buffer zone or ‘Green Line’ that partitions the country, the ‘ghost towns’ of Famagusta and Varosha illustrated the drastic impact that a divided Cyprus has on its people. It was a visualization of the opportunities lost, the time wasted, and development forgone because of this extended conflict.

“Some may not be aware that the buffer zone is patrolled by UN Peacekeeping forces. The U.S. must maintain its financial support for this mission.

“It is an effective investment in peace, especially now.

“There are numerous examples of Turkish aggression in the Eastern Mediterranean. Violations of Greek airspace and territorial waters are commonplace.

“Turkey continues to intimidate and interfere with the companies operating in Cyprus’s Exclusive Economic Zone – and violate Cyprus’s sovereign claims to its territory.

“Fortunately, there are near-term initiatives that Congress is pursuing right now to defend Cyprus’s stability and sovereignty.

“The NDAA Conference Report released Monday includes a provision to study lifting the arms embargo on Cyprus that has been in place since 1987.

I think we need to go much further than that. I think the embargo should be lifted today. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of Rep. Cicilline’s bill to do that, and this study will hopefully be at least a step in that direction.

“The NDAA also prohibits the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. That provision is long overdue.

“Cyprus is a vital U.S. partner in global and regional security, economic cooperation and energy development.

“I am very proud to champion this relationship in Congress through the Hellenic Caucus, and to have the support of so many of my Hellenic American constituents in that effort.

“I yield back.”

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WASHINGTON, DC – Alexis Tsapralis and Alexander Velis, two students who participated in the 10th annual American Hellenic Institute Foundation’s Foreign Policy Trip to Greece and Cyprus, were interviewed by Huffington Post Greece on June 28 in Athens.

They spoke about the Foreign Policy Trip and their Hellenic heritage with journalist Emi Livaniou Zisiopoulou, head of Huffington Post Greece’s Special Edition report. Zisiopoulou is also the publisher of H Dinami tis Prosforas, hosts a weekly radio show for an Athens radio station, and is a former anchorwoman at Star Channel.

Alexis Tsapralis is a rising junior at Barnard College of Columbia University where she studies political science and international relations. “As a student of international relations and a member of the Greek diaspora, it is so important we recognize that not only are Greece and Cyprus pillars of stability in an incredibly volatile region, but they are also key assets in US foreign policy. I can’t thank Ms. Zisiopoulou enough for the opportunity to speak about this life-changing trip.”

Alexander Velis is a rising sophomore at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he studies finance and international business. “This trip has enlightened me on how the United States has a particular interest in the Eastern Mediterranean and how we, as students, can affect US foreign policy. I want to thank Ms. Zisiopoulou for her time and the opportunity to talk about this amazing trip.”

The American Hellenic Institute is a non-profit Greek American public policy center and think tank that works to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and within the Greek American community.

More information is available online: ahiworld.org.

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NEW YORK – Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP announced the arrival of experienced real estate lawyer Arete “Arlene” Koutras as Special Counsel and resident in the New York, NY office.

Koutras joins from another mid-sized New York law firm with proficiency in advising clients on a wide range of real estate matters with an emphasis on the representation of institutional lenders in mortgage loans and affordable housing transactions. She focuses her practice in secured and unsecured lines of credit, construction and permanent financings, direct debt transactions, bond financings, and even tax credit equity investments.

The full-service law firm looks forward to having Koutras’ significant experience in portfolio and cross-collateralized loans on a national level, as well as other loans involving affordable housing subsidies, complex structures, ground leases, master leases, and more.

Koutras is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Association of the Bar of the City of New York. She received an LLM in International Business and Trade Law from Fordham University School of Law, a JD from Brooklyn Law School and a BA from Columbia College, Columbia University.

Koutras spoke with The National Herald about joining the prestigious firm. She told TNH, “I am pleased to join Windels Marx – the 7th largest real estate practice in New York. The firm provides a broad platform on which I can continue to expand my real estate practice on behalf of institutional lenders and other industry participants. I am excited to be able to join such a robust practice, which includes loans to non-profit entities, private placements of tax exempt bonds to finance the acquisition, and development of schools and other non-for-profit organizations, and also affordable housing transactions.”

About her family background, Koutras said, “My family originates from the mainland of Greece which is called Sterea Ellada. My father is from a small seaside village named Spilia which is on the coastal mainland in the prefecture of Fokidas. My mother’s family originates from Serres which is a small city in the Macedonian section of Northern Greece. My grandfather, Iakovos Zagarola, was a famous criminal defense attorney in Athens in the 1960’s and had many notable law clerks, one of which is Anna Benaki, a notable politician, who served as speaker of the Hellenic Parliament from 2004 to 2007. “I grew up spending my summers in Rafina, a small seaside town 30 minutes outside of Athens, also one of the towns recently devastated by the wildfires in Athens. Rafina is a small port town where many tourists flock to in the summer months to take the ferries to the various islands, mostly the Cyclades Islands.

“I am very proud of my Greek heritage and carry it with me wherever I go,” she told TNH, adding that “I speak the Greek language and have passed it on to my children, Eraklis (age 8), Eleni (age 4), and Andreas (age 5 months).”

“I reside in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, New York with my husband, George Hristodoulou and my three children, which is also where I grew up. My husband George is the founder and CEO of www.beachdibs.com which is an online beach chair reservation system designated to give beachgoers on the Greek Islands a hassle free experience where they can reserve their beach chairs and packages in advance prior to arriving at the beach. This is really handy when tourists from all over the world descend on the Greek Islands in the summer months which can make getting a prime spot on the beach quite tricky and stressful.

She noted, “I will be traveling to Greece in the coming weeks with my family and I am looking forward to the Greek hospitality, wonderful people, and amazing food!”

About Windels Marx

With offices in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP is a full-service law firm formed in the mid-nineteenth century. Today, Windels represents domestic and international clients in banking and finance, energy and environment, government and tobacco interests, healthcare, hospitality, insurance, manufacturing, real estate, technology and intellectual property and transportation. Learn more at www.windelsmarx.com.

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ASTORIA – The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York announced on July 24 an open meeting on raising funds for Greece which will be held on Friday, July 27 at the Stathakion Center 22-51 29th Street in Astoria.

“We all have seen the results of the devastating fire that plagued Attiki, Greece. The Federation of Hellenic Societies and its members, with the help of the Greek community and all of the tristate area will do our best to help the people that are now suffering,” said Federation President Cleanthis Maimaroglou.

The Federation has created a bank account at Atlantic Bank for donations and online donations can also be made on the Federation’s website: hellenicsocieties.org.

More information is also available by phone: 718-204-6500.

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LOS ANGELES, CA – Aris Anagnos, a successful real estate developer, philanthropist, and political activist, has passed away at the age of 95. Born in Athens in 1923, he served in the Greek Army with the Allied Forces in the Middle East during World War II.

Anagnos returned to Greece and worked with the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Association (UNRRA) in general relief work for war-devastated Greece.

In 1946, he came to the United States to study at the University of California at Los Angeles. Graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a major in Finance, Anagnos went into the insurance business, then later into real estate investments and development. Successful in business, he was also dedicated to many causes throughout his life.

Anagnos became politically active for human rights, civil rights, equal rights, civil liberties and the peace movement, serving on the Board of Directors of the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California for over twenty-five years, including a term as President for two years.

With his wife, the late Carolyn, Anagnos donated in 1984 to the Saint Sophia Foundation for the construction of a senior citizen home. By 1993, the donation was close to $1 million, and added to a donation from the Philoptochos, built The Senior Citizen’s Home in honor of Archbishop Makarios next to Saint Sophia Cathedral.

On March 31 of this year, Anagnos received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Hellenic Council. When Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974, Anagnos with some fellow Greeks established the Save Cyprus Council (later renamed the American Hellenic Council), which then grew into a lobbying group dedicated to promoting Greek-American interests.

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MOURATIDIS, GEORGE  

TOLEDO, OH (from the Toledo Blade, published on Jul. 19) – George H. Mouratidis, 83, passed away on July 17, 2018 at St. Anne’s Hospital in Toledo. He was born on March 15, 1935 in Melantheon, Greece. George emigrated from Greece to Canada before settling in Toledo where he opened first Central and later Ideal Hot Dog Restaurants with his partners Alex Tokles and Nick Verikakis. He was well known for his chili mac and was an avid player of Black Jack. George had a wonderful sense of humor, but most importantly he will be remembered for his daily acts of kindness and love. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Nicki; sons, Haralambos and Vasilios; sisters, Kanella and Koula as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Kosta, Dimos, and Despina. Friends are invited to visit on Thursday July 19, 2018 from 2:00-8:00 p.m. in the Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 W. Sylvania Ave. where Trisagion Prayers will begin at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. Friday at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral and will be followed with burial at Toledo Memorial Park. Rev. Larry Legakis Officiant. In lieu of donations, please remember George by performing daily acts of kindness. To send his family online condolences, please visit www.ansberg-west.com. 

PAPAIOANNOU, STAMATIOS  

STAMFORD, CT (from the Stanford Advocate, published on Jul. 18) – Stamatios “Stamati” Papaioannou, 87, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away on Friday, July 13, 2018 at his home in Stamford. He was born in Mikropoli, Drama, Greece on January 25, 1931, to the late Petros and Maria (Andriathis) Papaioannou. Stamati is survived by his son Petros Papaioannou and his wife Sofia; two granddaughters Stacie Asteria and Ourania; two brothers Dimitros and Andreas Gouzouasis and sister Ekaterinia Nalbandi of Greece; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister Evangelia and his loving wife Asteria. Stamatis worked in the construction industry in Greece for over 20 years before he moved his family to the United States in 1974 mainly for a brighter future for his son. He worked at Pitney Bowes in Stamford as a machinist for over 20 years until he retired in 1995. He loved to fish, garden and take long walks. He enjoyed many summers in Greece and loved spoiling his granddaughters during their visits. He was a kind, simple man with a good heart who will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his memory to: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 1230 Newfield Avenue, in Stamford, CT 06905. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, July 19th at 11 a.m. at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 1230 Newfield Avenue, in Stamford. Father Evan Evangelidis will officiate. The interment will follow at St. John R.C. cemetery in Darien, CT. The family has entrusted the funeral arrangements to Bosak Funeral Home. 

PARASKIS, EVELPIS  

KENHORST, PA (from the Reading Eagle, published on Jul. 8) – Evelpis Paraskis, 97, of Kenhorst, Pa., passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, July 6th, at Reading Hospital and Medical Center, West Reading. Evelpis was born in Filia, Mytilini, Lesvos, Greece, on January 16, 1921, a daughter of the late Ariadne (Krideras) and Antonios Kazazi. She was the widow of Therapon Paraskis, who she married in 1947, and emigrated from Greece, residing briefly in Brockton, Massachusetts, prior to settling in Reading, Pa. Evelpis began working for Sieber’s Kiddi Shop in the early 1950s until 1964, designing children’s dresses. She then worked as a seamstress for Bloom’s Bridal Shop and later worked at Bruno Furs Reading, Pa., for over 40 years. Evelpis is survived by a daughter, Constantina (Paraskis) Marmarou, widow of the late Michael Marmarou, Kenhorst; and 3 sisters: Evangelia Tsirakis, of Mytilini, Greece, Georgia Kefalas, and Maria Marmarou, of Reading. She is also survived by 2 granddaughters, Evelpis Marmarou-Spohn, wife of Robert, of Wyomissing, Pa., and Rallia Marmarou, of Kenhorst; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Dimitrios Kazazi, who passed away in 1996; and a sister, Marianthi Kakalelis, who passed away in 1994. Evelpis was the matriarch of her family and was a devoted mother and grandmother. She had been loved and respected by everyone whose life she touched. She had been the first of her family members to emigrate from Greece and was very instrumental in facilitating immigration of many family members and helping them find employment and housing. In addition to working, Evelpis enjoyed sewing, cooking, baking and spending time with her granddaughters and family. She had a heart of gold and will be missed by all who knew her. May her memory be Eternal. Evelpis had been an active member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church where a viewing will be held from 10:30 a.m.-12 noon on Friday, July 13th, at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa. A Religious Service will follow at 12 noon. Graveside Services will follow at Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, Pa. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., West Reading, PA 19611. Arrangements entrusted to John P. Feeney Funeral Home Inc., 625 N. 4th Street at Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601, 610-372-4160. Obituary and condolences at www.johnfeeneyfuneralhome.com. 

PSARAKIS, JAMES  

MANCHESTER, NH (from the Union Leader, published on Jul. 11) – James “Jimmy” Psarakis, 93, of Manchester, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 7, 2018, at Villa Crest Nursing and Retirement Center, with his family at his side. Born in Manchester, he is the son of the late Nicholas and Angeliki Psarakis. Raised and educated in Manchester, Jimmy was a graduate of Central High School and the New England College of Accounting and Commerce. Later, he attended Columbia University. An honorably discharged veteran, James proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy as the conductor of the Navy band. A talented musician and businessman, Jimmy entered the music industry following his military service. The former conductor of a swing band, Jimmy was best known as a producer and agent for record companies in Canada and Australia. For many years, Jimmy wrote a music review column for the Union Leader under the pen name “Jim Parks.” After retiring from the music industry, Jimmy was employed by the State of NH as the Supervisor of Industrial Development. He revolutionized the business development statewide. Jimmy promoted the business-friendly attributes of New Hampshire, attracting regional and international companies to the state. He most notably developed business parks on East Industrial Drive and surrounding the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. A devoted husband, brother, uncle, and friend, Jimmy was the pillar of strength for his family. He cherished time spent with family and friends, recalling favorite memories of his worldwide travels. Married at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Jimmy was a longtime and active member of the church. Jimmy will be best remembered as a stoic but charismatic man with an affinity for storytelling. Jimmy is survived by his wife, Georgette (Rivard) Psarakis, with whom he shared nearly 47 years of marriage; sister, Mary Jones of SC; stepdaughter, Carol Proulx and husband Renald of Avon, CT; several nieces, nephews; and extended family in Greece. Arrangements: His Visitation will be held in the St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 650 Hanover St., Manchester, on Friday, July 13 from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by His Funeral Service at 11 a.m. Committal will be held privately at a later date. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium. To view Jimmy’s Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net. 

SIFANTONAKIS, JOSEPH  

SALT LAKE CITY, UT (from the Salt Lake Tribune, published on Jul. 10) – Joseph (Sifi) J. Sifantonakis July 10, 1925 ~ July 7, 2018 died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, July 7th, 2018 at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sifi was born in Fres, Apokoronou, Crete on July 10, 1925 to Elpitha and Ioannis Sifantonakis. He grew up in the village and attended Highschool in Vamos, Crete. He served in the Greek National Navy and eventually moved to Chania where he met his wife, Evangelia (Vaggelio) Mitritsakis whom he married in 1951. They had three children before emigrating to the United States and settling with his brother and sister-in-law, Kosta and Elsie Sefandonakis, in 1968. Sifi worked at Ajax Press and then later at Buehner Concrete Company. He enjoyed making wine and tending to his garden, Krevatina (grape arbor), and Sikia (Fig tree). Sifi worked very hard and made sacrifices to give his family every opportunity possible. In his last years his wife cared for him tirelessly – making his daily coffee and kalistounia just as she had done every day of their 67 years together. He is survived by his three children Elpitha Votsis (Apostolos), Dimitri Sifantonakis (Katina), Maria Katsanevas, and nephew, Jim Sefandonakis (Elenie); eight grandchildren Joy Kapos (Todd), Angie Hillas (Steve), Elpitha Tsoutsounakis (George), Sifi Sifantonakis (Tori), Katerina Butler (Buck), Eva Sifantonakis, Angie Katsanevas, and Yanni Sifantonakis; twelve great-grandchildren Yanni Hillas, John Kapos, Elpitha Kapos, Yanni Paulos, Apostoli Hillas, Elpitha Paulos, Niko Hillas, Vaggeli Tsoutsounakis, Pavli Tsoutsounakis, Isaac Butler, Preston Butler, and Dimi Tsoutsounakis. In Greece he is survived by his sister Irini Maravelakis, sister-in-law Katina Sifantonakis, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by five of his six siblings: Athena Vatsakis, Evangelia Bourbakis, Dimitri Sifantonakis, Andonis Sifantonakis, Kosta Sefandonakis, and his granddaughter Jamie Votsis Paulos. The family would like to thank Valeo Hospice Care and Right At Home Care for their compassionate assistance in his care over the last several years as well as Wasatch Lawn Memorial for their services. Friends and family may pay their respects on Wednesday, July 11th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral (Trisagion at 7:00 pm). Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 12th at 11:00 am at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Internment at Mount Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family welcomes donations to the Greek Orthodox Church of Salt Lake. 

SKANDALIS, THEODOTA  

SYRACUSE, NY (from the Syracuse Post Standard, published on Jul. 11) – Theodota “Dorothy” Skandalis, age 94, died on July 9, 2018. Born in Flambouro, Greece, she immigrated to the United States with her two daughters, Celia (Vasoula) and Athen (Anthoula) in 1954, joining her husband, Venizelos, who previously immigrated to the United States in 1951. They obtained their US citizenship in 1962. She was a life-long member of the Greek Orthodox Church. She was predeceased (June 2014) by her husband, Venizelos (Vincent); her brother, Taki, and her sisters, Ekaterini (Katina) and Litsa. She is survived by two daughters, Celia and Athen of Syracuse; a son, George (Teresa) of Dewitt; five grandchildren, Demetrius, Amalia, Lisa, Maria and Anna, and two great-grandchildren, Niko and Teah. She also is survived by brothers, Niko and Yianki Papadimopoulou in Greece, and several nieces and nephews in Canada and Greece. Calling hours will be held at the Burns Garfield Funeral Home, 3175 East Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13224 on July 12, 2018 from 4-6 p.m. A funeral service will be on July 13, 2018, at 10 a.m. at St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church, 325 Waring Road, Syracuse 13224. Burial will be in Oakwood Morningside Cemetery. 

TZIOLIS, EVANGELIA  

CHELMSFORD, MA (from the Lowell Sun, published on Jul. 19) – Evangelia “Eva” (Krosaris) Tziolis, of Chelmsford, loving mother, grandmother, sister, and a former longtime resident of Lowell, died July 17, 2018, at home, following a long, courageous battle with renal failure, aged 83 years. She was blissfully married to her sweetheart, the late Anastasios “Tasios” Tziolis, with whom she will celebrate their 54th Wedding Anniversary, in Heaven, on July 26th. Born in Kalambaka, Greece, January 20, 1935, a daughter of the late Nikolaos and Dimitra (Triantafillou) Krosaris. Her education was cut short, at the age of five, when Greece was first invaded by the Italian army and, after defeating the initial attack in 1940, was later invaded by the German army in April of 1941. Her father Nikolaos passed away at a young age, leaving behind her pregnant mother Dimitra, four other siblings, three sisters and a brother, who together struggled to survive the occupation of Nazi Germany until 1945. Her hard-working “career” began at the age of ten, when she worked in the fields tending crops to help her mother support the family. Twice she faced death – once a snake bite almost took her life, and later, a blood infection from blisters on her calloused hands almost won. In 1964, she married the love of her life, Tasios, who passed away on December 15, 2004. They immigrated to Germany where Eva worked as an aid in a German Hospital and Tasios worked at the Opal Automobile Company. In 1968, they immigrated to America with their two young sons, ages six months and two years old. Hence began their American dream. Tasios worked at Paris shoe factory, and once her two children enrolled in school, Eva went to work for Solomon’s factory stitching nightgowns. Although Eva had a difficult early life, you would not have known it. She was happiest in the kitchen making her spanakopita and baklava for family gatherings. Her family would like to thank Drs. Meltsakos and Rosacci for the great care they gave her, and also the staff at Fresenius Dialysis Center. A very special thank you to her “Best Friend” and caretaker, Christine Fleury, without whom Eva would not have survived her three year struggle with renal failure. Eva is survived by two sons, Nicholas A. Tziolis and his fiancé Sheryl O’Donnell of Chelmsford, and Charlie Tziolis and his wife Shannan of Westford. Four grandchildren, Anastasios “Nicholas” Tziolis of Chelmsford, and Tyler, Zachary and Charlie Tziolis, all of Westford. Four sisters, Mrs. Paraskevi Tsiantikos of Trikalla, Greece, Mrs. Fotini Panaras of Lowell, Mrs. Georgia Vangos of Lowell, and Mrs. Athanasia Xaxamis of Trikalla, Greece. She also leaves behind several nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Elias Krosaris of Kalambaka, Greece. Friends will be received at the Morse-Bayliss Funeral Home, 122 Princeton Boulevard, Lowell, on Friday from 4 until 7 PM. Her Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Lewis St., Lowell, at 10:00 AM. Interment in Westlawn Cemetery, Lowell. Friends who wish may make memorial donations in her name to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 62 Lewis St., Lowell, MA 01854. Funeral Director, Frederick W. Healy. Please visit Eva’s memorial tribute page at www.morsebaylissfuneralhome.com. 

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THRU OCTOBER 2

ASTORIA – Greek Nights at Athens Square Park, 30th Avenue and 30th Street in Astoria, presents live music every Tuesday at 7:15 PM, July 10-October 2. Thirteen musical events are scheduled, including performances by Nikos Nikolaides and the Cosmopolitans with Olga Pantelis, Giorgos Fotakis and the Laiki Compania, and the Noora Belly Dancers. Free admission. More information is available online: athenssquarepark.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 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.

AUGUST 1

CHICAGO, IL – Hellenic American Women’s Council Summer Picnic takes place on Wednesday, Aug. 1 at Millennium Park, Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E Randolph Street in Chicago. Meet at the back of the grassy area at the metal columns (South end). Picnic: 5 PM, Concert: 6:30 PM. The Shakespeare-inspired program includes- Strauss: Macbeth, Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet, and Dvorak: Othello Overture. Guests are welcome. RSVP by phone: 773-338-0346 or email: akmoreno@comcast.net.

WATERTOWN, MA – Cook the Books: Greek Cuisine Event at the Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main Street in Watertown, on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 7-8:30 PM is a potluck at the library. Join us as we cook the cuisine of the world in 2018. Bring a dish based on the monthly theme, prepared from any cookbook, to share with the group. More information is available by phone: 617-972-6431 and online: watertownlib.org.

AUGUST 2-10

MANHATTAN and BROOKLYN – The 2018 New York Euripides Summer Festival presents Suppliants, an American Thymele Theatre Production, with six free performances at New York City Parks in Manhattan and Brooklyn and at The Glicker-Milstein Theatre, Columbia University. On Thursday, Aug. 2 and Friday, Aug. 3 at the East River Park Amphitheater: John V. Lindsay East River Park – FDR Drive overpass – Exit 4 (Grand St.), 6 PM; Monday, Aug. 6 and Tuesday, Aug. 7 at The Richard Rodgers Amphitheater: Marcus Garvey Park, 120-124 Sts. Bet. Madison Av. & Mt. Morris Pk. W, 6 PM; Thursday, Aug. 9 at the Almira Kennedy Coursey Amphitheater: Herbert Von King Park 670 Lafayette Avenue in Brooklyn; and Friday, Aug. 10 at The Glicker-Milstein Theatre Columbia University, 3009 Broadway, Diana Center- Lower Level 2 (118th St.), 8 PM. Amphitheater Listings and Maps: bit.ly/euripidesfest. Reservations are not required but recommended for the August 10 performance. For Reservations by phone: 1-212-868-4444 or visit SmartTix. Just like in antiquity, all performances are free of charge to the public.

AUGUST 4

WEBSTER, MA – The Living Bread Monthly Luncheon at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 37 Lake Parkway in Webster, takes place on Saturday, Aug. 4, 12:30-1:30 PM in the church hall. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the free, delicious, home-cooked meal. More information is available by phone: 508-943-8361 and online: schwebster.org.

AUGUST 10

BRAINTREE, MA St. Catherine’s Greek School Open Registration, 119 Common Street in Braintree. Register between June 21-August 10 and receive 15% off discount if tuition is paid in full. Register online, at the Greek Festival children’s tent, or at the church office. St. Catherine’s Greek School is a ministry of the church. Its goal is teaching the Modern Greek language, Greek history and culture, as well as the Greek Orthodox faith. Classes from Pre-K to Adult with the ability to receive a Certificate of Attainment in Modern Greek through the Ellinomatheia Track. Contact Greek School Director Maria Dimitriadis for more information: mdimitriadis@bostonpublicschools.org or call 781-843-0047.

AUGUST 10-11

SOMERVILLE, MA – Myrrh Streaming Icon of Theotokos Kardiotissa (Tender-Hearted) from Taylor, PA Viewing at the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 29 Central Street in Somerville on Friday, Aug. 10 and Saturday, Aug. 11. Schedule for Friday: 6 PM Icon Arrival; 6:30 PM Paraklesis to the Most Holy Theotokos; 7:30 PM Talk with Fr. Mark Leasure; 8:30 PM Anointing of the faithful. Schedule for Saturday: 8 AM Matins Service; 9 AM Divine Liturgy and Anointing. More information is available by phone: 617-625-2222 and online: dormitionchurch.org.

AUGUST 12

CHICAGO, IL – The Classics Book Club at the National Hellenic Museum, 333 South Halsted Street in Chicago, discusses The Bacchae by Euripides, translated by William Arrowsmith, University of Chicago Press edition, on Sunday, Aug. 12, 1-2:30 PM. Led by Dan Perkey the book club offers dynamic discussion of classic Greek works in translation for all levels. Free for museum members, $10 for non-members. Register at nationalhellenicmuseum.org.

AUGUST 16

CHICAGO, IL – Thursdays at NHM Sip & Paint at the National Hellenic Museum, 333 South Halsted Street in Chicago, takes place Thursday, Aug. 16, 6-8 PM. Come join us for BYOB Sip & Paint Classes on the roof! Each session, students will be guided to paint a unique Greek scene such as: Island sunsets and the Parthenon. Cost: $20 Non-Members, $10 NHM Members and Students. Must be 21 and over on or before the day of the event. Those under 21 are not permitted. This event is BYOB and allows wine, wine coolers, beer, and hard cider. Hard alcohol is not permitted. NHM will not serve alcohol nor provide supplies to open bottles or cans. Register at nationalhellenicmuseum.org.

AUGUST 17-19

ANCHORAGE, AK – Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 2800 O’Malley Road in Anchorage, holds the 24th Annual Alaska Greek Festival August 17-19. Enjoy the tastes, smells, sights, and sounds of Greece, Greek music and dancing. Admission and parking are free! Bouncy house for the kids. Hours: Friday, Aug. 17 and Saturday, Aug. 18, 11 AM–10 PM, and Sunday, Aug. 19, 11 AM-8 PM. Car Raffle for BMW X1 xDrive 28i, tickets $100 each, drawing on Sunday, Aug. 19, 7 PM. Winner need not be present to win. More information is available by phone: 907-344-0190 and online: akgreekfestival.com.

CASTRO VALLEY, CA – Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church, 20104 Center Street in Castro Valley, holds its Greek Festival August 17-19. Delicious Greek foods and pastries. Coffee bar, shopping, and children’s activities. Free admission, free parking, free shuttle. Live Greek music, dancing, and dance lessons. Hours: Friday, Aug. 17, 5-10 PM; Saturday, Aug. 18, 11 AM–10 PM; and Sunday, Aug. 19, 11:30 AM-7 PM. More information is available by phone: 510-581-8950 and online: greekfestival.me.

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church, 2215 Paseo Road, holds the 20th Annual Greek Festival August 17-19. Enjoy traditional Greek foods and pastries, imports, guided church tours, gift shop, Greek groceries, Greek music and dancing. Free admission. Hours: Friday, Aug. 17, 4-10 PM; Saturday, Aug. 18, 11 AM–10 PM; and Sunday, Aug. 19, 11 AM-4 PM. More information is available by phone: 719-634-5678 and online: amgoc.org.

PAWTUCKET, RI – Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church, 97 Walcott Street in Pawtucket, holds its 91st Annual Grecian Festival, August 17-19. Authentic Greek cuisine and pastries, baking with fillo demonstrations, Kafenio-Greek Cafe, Agora marketplace, live Greek music and dancing, and church tours, available. Free and open to the public, rain or shine, under the tents, ample free parking. Hours: Friday, Aug. 17, 5-10 PM; Saturday, Aug. 18, Noon–10 PM; and Sunday, Aug. 19, Noon-9 PM. More information is available by phone: 401-725-3127 and online: greekfestivalri.com.

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Laiik, the new, accessible luxury sandal brand redefining the classic Hellenic sandal for a new generation of conscientious women will be available at its very own Georgetown Pop Up at 1037 33rd Street, NW in Washington, DC, for six weeks, July 27-September 7.

Responsibly handmade in Athens by 3rd generation craftswo/men, the sandals offer the timeless, yet modern look with added comfort. “We will be featuring our entire collection plus hosting another new Greek brand called Holyday Swim, their collections of swimsuits are designed and sustainably crafted in Greece with the finest Italian fabrics, providing comfort and perfect fit to all body types,” the Greek-American siblings behind Laiik, Helene Theros and Nickolas Theros told The National Herald.

Available in a variety of colors made from vegetable dyes, Laiik sandals with their unique and elegant geometric designs are the perfect summer sandal for any outfit and occasion. The luxury leather-rubber sole mix make Laiik the perfect transition sandal: worn for work and play, the beach and the boardroom.

Previous trunk shows in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC were a hit with fashionistas and Greek sandal fans. On July 25, Helene Theros told TNH, “we partnered with a local, Greek-British owned boutique in Philadelphia called Bus Stop, for a Trunk Show Happy Hour,” and on July 26, their DC Swim Week’s Summer Showroom Pop Up in Washington, DC was held at the French Embassy. “DC Swim Week’s yearly show highlights the latest global trends in swimwear fashion and summer lifestyle,” she noted, adding that the Summer Showroom Pop Up featured up and coming brands in the area.

More information about Laiik is available online: laiik.com.

The post Laiik Sandals Latest Pop Up in Georgetown July 27-September 7 appeared first on The National Herald.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), co-chair and co-founder of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, released the following statement after the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2019 which includes provisions holding Turkey accountable for its aggressions. The Congresswoman represents one of the largest communities of Hellenic Americans in the country.

“I am glad to see that the NDAA conferees agreed that the immediate transfer of F-35s to Turkey should be paused and reassessed. I have joined many colleagues in opposing this transfer.

“There are numerous examples of Turkey’s persistent aggression and destabilizing activity in the Eastern Mediterranean today. Turkey must be held accountable by the U.S. for its provocative behavior that threatens our allies. Turkey continues to intimidate and interfere with the companies operating in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone to explore and extract natural gas in violation of Cyprus’ sovereign claims to its territory. I am pleased that the United States is making clear that we stand with our allies and that Turkey’s unacceptable behavior needs to stop.”

Included in the NDAA for 2019 is a provision that requires a report on the impact of Turkey’s bad behavior, including an assessment of the U.S. bilateral relationship on U.S. security interests in Turkey, an assessment of Turkey’s participation in the F-35 program, as well as an assessment of the operational and counterintelligence risks posed by the deployment of the S-400 air and missile defense system on weapons systems and platforms operated jointly with Turkey, including the F-35. It prevents delivery of F-35 to Turkey until the report is complete.

The post Maloney Praises NDAA Provision Holding Turkey Accountable for Its Aggressions appeared first on The National Herald.

NEW YORK – Robert Crumb, age 46, was sentenced on July 23 to 47 years to life for fatally stabbing his wife Maria Kontonis-Crumb, age 41, at their suburban Bethpage, Long Island home in 2016.

The couple’s then-16-year-old daughter, Tiffany, suffered defensive stab wounds to her hands, forearms, and ankle during the incident while her then-12-year-old brother, Robbie Jr., who called 911, was not physically harmed, the Nassau County police said at the time.

Judge Terence Murphy said, “You stabbed her in the back with a carving knife. You paralyzed her. She screamed out, ‘I can’t move!’ and then you went back and split her throat from ear to ear,” the New York Post reported, adding that the graphic details the judge mentioned upset many Kontonis family members who left the courtroom.

The children, Tiffany and Robbie Jr. attended the sentencing. Their grandmother Patty Kontonis tearfully read a statement, the Post reported, “So Robert Crumb, as you said to my daughter at the end as you killed her, ‘Are you happy now, Maria?’ Now, I ask you, are you happy now? You made Maria feel she was never good enough for you when in fact she was too good for you. I often wonder if Maria could feel her heart breaking when she knew she was leaving her children forever.”

She told reporters outside the courthouse, “I got justice. I got what I wanted. It won’t bring my daughter back, but I got what I wanted, and he got his,” the Post reported.

Kontonis and her son Nikolas, the late Maria’s brother, were both granted custody of Tiffany and Robbie Jr., and have set up a GoFundMe campaign “to build bedrooms for the motherless pair,” the Post reported, since the family is living in “very cramped conditions,” in their Hicksville home.

The post Robert Crumb Sentenced for Murdering His Wife, Maria Kontonis appeared first on The National Herald.

NEW YORK – Greek-American William (Billy) McFarland plead guilty on July 26 in Manhattan Federal Court to engaging in a fraudulent ticket scam, committing bank fraud, and making false statements to a federal law enforcement agent.

McFarland, the son of Renee (Irene) Zervakos and Steve McFarland, grew up in the Greek Orthodox Parish of Holy Trinity in Westfield, NJ and was raised in a privileged environment, attending private schools. McFarland was named for his grandfather Bill (Vasilis) Zervakos who owned the Arcadia Florist in Newark for many years.

McFarland, while awaiting sentencing for defrauding investors of Fyre Media Inc. and Fyre Festival LLC, made false representations to customers of NYC VIP Access, business associates, and federal law enforcement, according to the statement released by the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York.

Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, made the announcement that McFarland pled guilty to one count of wire fraud, in connection with his operation of a sham ticket scheme in which he purported to sell tickets to exclusive fashion, music, and sporting events though NYC VIP Access, a company controlled by McFarland. McFarland also pled guilty to one count of bank fraud for writing a check with the name and account number of one of his employees without authorization, and one count of making false statements to a federal law enforcement agent in which he, among other things, falsely denied the wire fraud and bank fraud conduct to which he now has pled guilty.

McFarland pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald. During the plea proceeding, McFarland affirmed his previously entered guilty plea to one count of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud investors in a company controlled by McFarland, Fyre Media Inc. (“Fyre Media”), as well as its subsidiary (“Fyre Festival LLC”), which was formed to hold a music festival over two weekends in the Bahamas. McFarland also affirmed his previously entered guilty plea to one count of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud a ticket vendor for the Fyre Festival. Sentencing is scheduled for September 17 at 3:30 PM before Judge Buchwald.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Berman said: “William ‘Billy’ McFarland, CEO of Fyre Media, previously pled guilty to defrauding investors of Fyre Media and the infamous Fyre Festival and a ticket vendor of over $26 million. While that fraud case was pending, McFarland engaged in yet another scam, purporting to sell tickets through a company called NYC VIP Access to exclusive events, such as the 2018 Met Gala, Burning Man 2018, Coachella 2018, the 2018 Grammy Awards, and the Super Bowl. McFarland concealed his association with NYC VIP Access so that he could solicit customers of Fyre Festival and his other company Magnises to buy tickets without raising suspicion. These customers later learned that the tickets didn’t exist, and that this was just another fraud in McFarland’s disturbing pattern of deception. McFarland’s fraudulent schemes cost real people real money, and now he faces real time in federal prison for his crimes.”

According to the statement: McFarland, 26, of New York, New York, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud while on pretrial release, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, one count of bank fraud while on pretrial release, which carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, and one count of making false statements, which carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison. McFarland also affirmed his previously entered guilty plea to two counts of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. In connection with his previously entered plea, McFarland agreed to forfeit $26,040,099.48. In connection with today’s guilty plea, McFarland agreed to forfeit an additional $151,206.80.

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by Judge Buchwald.

Mr. Berman praised the investigative work of the FBI’s New York Field Office.

The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant United State Attorney Kristy J. Greenberg is in charge of the prosecution.

The post Greek-American William McFarland Pleads Guilty in Manhattan Federal Court appeared first on The National Herald.

If you are a meat lover the best dish you can enjoy in the Greek countryside and on the islands is local lambkin or goat. Souvlaki is either served as one big portion with French fries and rice or as individual small sticks. Burger lovers can enjoy in Greece home-made burgers, μπιφτέκια. Small fried meatballs served with French fries, κεφτεδάκια, are the children’s favorite dish.

IMPORTANT VOCABULARY

Greek word        Pronunciation         Meaning
Θέλω                        THElo                               I want
Ένα                          Ena                              one (for masculine grammatical gender nouns)
Μία                         MEEa                          one (for feminine grammatical gender nouns)
Ένα σουβλάκι     Ena sooVLAki             one souvlaki
Δύο σουβλάκια   DEEo sooVLAkia       two souvlaki
Τρία σουβλάκια TREEA sooVLAkia    three souvlaki
μπιφτέκι                biFTEki                             burger
κεφτεδάκια          kefteDAkia                       meatballs
Αρνάκι                   aRNAki                                lamb
Κατσικάκι              katsiKAki                           baby goat
Ο φούρνος           O FOOrnos                           the oven
Αρνάκι στο φούρνο aRNAki STO FOOrno   roasted lamb
Κατσικάκι στο φούρνο katsiKAki STO FOO  rnoroasted goat
Αρνάκι στη σούβλα   aRNAki STEE SOOvla   lamb on the spit
παϊδάκια                        paiDAkia                        lamb chops
Μία μπριζόλα         MEEa briZOl                       a one steak
χοιρινή                     hiriNEE                               pork
μοσχαρίσια            moshaREEsia                      beef
Ένα φιλέτο              Ena fiLEto                         one filet (for masculine nouns)
μοσχαρίσιο φιλέτο  moshaREEsio fiLEto     beef filet
κοτόπουλο φιλέτο  koTOpoolo fiLEto            chicken filet
ψαρονέφρι               psaroNEfri                        pork filet
Γίδα βραστή         YEEda vraSTEE                 goat soup
Γίδα                            YEEda                              old goat
Βραστή                    vraSTEE                          boiled, soup
μοσχαράκι             moshaRAki                           beef
κόκορας                   KOkoras                                rooster
κοτόπουλο             koTOpoolo                         chicken
Κόκκινο                   KOkino                              red color
Μοσχαράκι κοκκινιστό moshaRAki kokiniSTO  beef in tomato sauce
Κόκορας κοκκινιστός    KOkoras kokiniSTOS      rooster in tomato sauce
Κοτόπουλο κοκκινιστό     koTOpoolo kokiniSTO  chicken in tomato sauce
Μία μερίδα                         MEEa meREEda             one portion
Δύο μερίδες                 DEEo meREEdes                two portions
Με                                      ME                                      with
Με ρύζι                       ME REEzi                             with rice
Με πατάτες τηγανητές  ME paTAtes tiyaniTES   with French fries

GREEK YOU ALREADY KNOW

Φιλέτο, like the English filet.
Σούβλα means spit and souvlaki is the meat on a small spit. When we add the ending – at the end of a noun, the noun means something small of the same category. (σούβλα / σουβλάκι, αρνί / αρνάκι, κατσίκι / κατσικάκι).

Κεφτές, κεφτεδάκι. Turkish kofte has become in Greek κεφτές and the small meatball, κεφτεδάκι.
Ο φούρνος, from the Italian word il forno.
Μακαρόνια from the word macaroni.
Πατάτες, like potatoes.
Ρύζι, like rice.

ORDERING YOUR PREFERED MEAT DISH

Θέλω ένα σουβλάκι.
THElo Ena sooVLAki.
I want one souvlaki.

Θέλω δύο / τρία σουβλάκια κοτόπουλο / χοιρινά.
THElo DEEo / TREEa sooVLAkia koTOpoolo / hiriNA.
I want two / three chicken / pork souvlaki.

Θέλω μία μερίδα σουβλάκι.
THElo MEEa meREEda sooVLAki.
I want a portion of souvlaki.

Θέλω μία μερίδα παϊδάκια.
THelo MEEa meREEda paiDAkia.
I want a portion of lamb chops.

Θέλω ένα μπιφτέκι.
THElo Ena biFTEki.
I want a burger.

Θέλω μία μερίδα κεφτεδάκια.
THElo MEEa meREEda kefteDAkia.
I want a portion of meatballs.

Θέλω μία μπριζόλα χοιρινή / μοσχαρίσια.
THElo MEEa briZOla hiriNEE / moshaREEsia.
I want a pork / beef steak.

Θέλω ένα φιλέτο μοσχαρίσιο / κοτόπουλο.
THElo Ena fiLEto moshaREEsio / koTOpoolo.
I want a beef / chicken filet.

Θέλω μία μερίδα αρνάκι σούβλας.
THElo MEEa meREEda arNAki SOOvlas.
I want a portion of lambkin on the spit.

Θέλω μία μερίδα κόκορα / κοτόπουλο κοκκινιστό.
THElo MEEa meREEda KOkora / koTOpoolo kokiniSTO.
I want a portion of rooster / chicken in tomato sauce.

Θέλω μία μερίδα μοσχαράκι κοκκινιστό.
THElo MEEa meREEda moshaRAki kokiniSTO.
I want a portion of beef in tomato sauce.

Με πατάτες τηγανητές/ με ρύζι / με μακαρόνια.
ME paTAtes tiyaniTES / ME REEzi / ME makaROnia.
With French fries / with rice / with spaghetti.

PRONUNCIATION KEY
i (ill), ee (beer), e (ever), o (organ), oo (boot), y (yes), h (helium), th (theory), d (the). The capitalized syllables are accented.

The post Our Everyday Greek: Survival Guide for Greece Travelers – Meat Lovers appeared first on The National Herald.

DETROIT, MI – Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit in an interview with The National Herald spoke about the recent Clergy Laity Congress in Boston, the budget which was voted again “unbalanced,” the finances of the Archdiocese, the St. Nicholas National Shrine, the Holy Cross Theological School, Archbishop Demetrios, and Autocephaly. He is the second Archdiocesan hierarch (Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta was the first), to speak with TNH about these matters.

The interview follows:

TNH: What are your thoughts about the recent Clergy Laity Congress?

MN: I was happy because we opened the issues of the financial difficulty and other issues that the clergy and the laity had to discuss. Something good came out of it because we entered the way of dialogue and cooperation.

TNH: If your congregants asked you what decisions you made, how would answer?

MN: For me the biggest decision was that we have to have transparency. Also, what was going to happen with the budget because the people of the executive committee were creating a balanced budget, at the end we finished with a deficit budget and that is exactly part of the problem.

TNH: How and why did the Archdiocese arrive at this dire financial situation?

MN: Some people say the archbishop, the Eparchial Synod, or the Archdiocesan Council is at fault, but we made the decisions on the information we were given.

TNH: By whom?

MN: By the Archdiocese, by the people of the administration in terms the budgets and the finances.

TNH: You are a member of the Synod. Where have you been? Why you didn’t ask?

MN: We didn’t discuss it in the Synod. We were discussing the finances separately from the Synod. Some of the committee and Jerry Dimitriou would come up, and other people, and talk to us about the finances. The Synod dealt with finances along with the whole of the Archdiocesan Council. The Synod alone doesn’t make any financial decisions.

TNH: The Archdiocesan Council and Jerry Dimitriou didn’t tell you that there were financial problems?

MN: We really didn’t see it at that level; the Archdiocesan Council didn’t see it on that level either.

TNH: Who knew?

MN: That I cannot answer. We saw it when the monies were not matching, some of the funds were taken, but we didn’t see that funds were taken from one account to cover the other account.

TNH: No one told you?

MN: No. Michael Psaros told you in his interview, the numbers that were given weren’t real, they weren’t correct.

TNH: Why was Mr. Dimitriou given all that power and responsibility?

MN: It was part of the system. I would suggest the other issue because it has an impact here: When Nicholas Bouras and Michael Jaharis were helping to cover additional expenses, we weren’t always made aware of that.

TNH: Archbishop Demetrios knew about it because many times he had asked for money from Jaharis and Bouras. Didn’t he tell you anything in the Synod?

MN: I can’t answer that.

TNH: What about in your Metropolis? Is all clear, are you transparent?

MN: Everything is clear here. Let me tell you, if I am going to spend more than a thousand dollars, I call and get the authorization from the president of the Metropolitan Council. We have two required signatures on every check, one clergy and one layman.

TNH: Why didn’t they have the same system at the Archdiocese?

MN: I can’t answer that.

TNH: You are a member of the Synod.

MN: Yes, but we don’t write checks in the Synod.

TNH: You should have known what was going on in the Church.

MN: We were hearing it in general when it became public. When the news starting coming, that is when everyone was seeing it.

TNH: How do you feel about the St. Nicholas National Shrine?

MN: I think everyone is concerned that it should be built, but there is also a concern of the cost because it is unclear how the cost keeps rising, now is up to $80 million.

TNH: Your Eminence, you didn’t know about the finances of the Archdiocese; you didn’t know about the situation with St. Nicholas. Don’t you think there is a problem here?

MN: Yes, yes, there is a difficulty and part of it is the restructuring. We all inherited a system.

TNH: Who created the system?

MN: You tell me, it was there before us, before I got there. I can’t answer that.

TNH: Would you advise Archbishop Demetrios to obey Patriarch Bartholomew and submit his resignation, as he was urged to do?

MN: I cannot address that. In my mind and in my heart our service to the Church is a calling from God, and we have to hear that call and we have to hear that guidance as well. The archbishop knows what is in his heart and how he is moving, and I can’t do more than that.

TNH: What about the Theological School?

MN: That is another difficulty and you saw some of the people involved in the committees have expressed concern come from the Metropolis of Detroit as well. We are all concerned.

TNH: How do you feel about this Autocephaly talk?

MN: No one specifically is talking about it in the Metropolis of Detroit. I don’t even deal with the topic because my people generally don’t talk.

TNH: But how do you feel about it as a hierarch?

MN: Well this is a decision of the Church as a whole. We are under the Ecumenical Throne and it may come the time that the Ecumenical Throne in its wisdom would say: “children, bye-bye.” I don’t really deal with it. People are not talking about it, but they are concerned and the concern really is that the Mother Church be able to reflect and respond to needs that are in the United States and that is not always the same as what they see. Our realities are a little a bit different.

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ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – The AHEPA 96th Annual Supreme Convention convened July 22-27 at Harrah’s Atlantic City, NJ Hotel & Casino and included sessions on the organization’s philanthropic efforts and on the issues facing Greece and Cyprus, elections, the AHEPA 5K Fun Run with Dean Karnazes, World Ultra Marathoner, the Grand Banquet and the awards ceremony.

The recipients of the 2018 AHEPA Hellenism Award were Dr. Spiro Spireas, Sigmapharm Laboratories founder, and Demosthenes Vasiliou, CEO/president, Astra Foods. Both honorees spoke with inspiration about the ideals and meaning of Hellenism and the importance of passing it on to future generations. George Rigos, Founder of the Odyssey Charter School (OCS), received the AHEPA Lifetime Achievement Award, and Dimitri Dandolos, OCS Founder and Immediate Past Board President, received National Ahepan of the Year for 2018.

Video by TNH/Costas Bej.

The proceedings of the convention began on Sunday, July 22 and were completed on Friday, July 27 with the participation of over 1,000 members from the United States, Canada, and Europe.

The AHEPA Supreme Lodge is the international governing body of the organization. The Executive Committee of the 2018-19 Supreme Lodge is comprised of: Canadian President Christos Argiriou, Winnipeg, Manitoba; Supreme Vice President James Kokotas, Brooklyn, NY; Supreme Secretary George Horiates, Esq., Moorestown, NJ; Supreme Treasurer George Booras, Danville, CA; and Supreme Counselor Lou G. Atsaves, Esq., Lake Forest, IL; Sons of Pericles National Advisor is Sandy Papadopoulos, Atlanta, GA, and Supreme Athletic Director Chris Atsaves, Glenview, IL.

The nine Supreme Governors are: Region I: Peter Nassos, Stone Mountain, GA; Region II: George Papaspyrou, Riva, MD; Region III: George Karatzia, Morganville, NJ; Region IV: Jack Isaac, New Britain, CT; Region V: Craig Theros, Ann Arbor, MI; Region VI: Peter Lekas, Chicago; Region VII: Nick Dixie, Dallas, TX; Region VIII: Wynn Storton, Palm Desert, CA; and Region X: Phanos Pitiris, Nicosia, Cyprus. Elected to the Executive Committee of the AHEPA Board of Trustees were: Chairman Nicholas A. Karacostas, PSP, Bayside, NY; and Vice Chairman Carl R. Hollister, PSP, Mason, OH.

Newly-elected Supreme President George E. Loucas is a 37-year member of Chapter 480, North Royalton, OH. He has served AHEPA in numerous leadership positions, including most recently, supreme vice president. In addition, Loucas comes from an AHEPA legacy of leaders. His grandfather, George, served as Supreme President in 1959. As supreme president, Loucas’ responsibilities include being the chief executive officer, and principal spokesperson, of the entire AHEPA domain, which includes chapters in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Loucas, a pharmacist and 3rd generation lawyer, founded Loucas Law in 1995 with a vision of helping families who have suffered catastrophic injuries and wrongful death in the area of complex civil litigation. Loucas is regarded widely as a leader in fighting Drug Overdose Death (Drug OD) cases from prescription painkillers.

AHEPA Family Elections were also held during the convention. Demi Thomas, Ridgewood, NJ, was elected Daughters of Penelope Grand President; Gregory Vourloumis, Atlanta, GA, was elected Sons of Pericles Supreme President; and Tatiana Tsaprailis, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, was elected Maids of Athena Grand President.

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, in his speech, congratulated the honorees and referred to the work of AHEPA which, as he noted, for almost a century supports and helps the Greek community and Hellenism.

The outgoing AHEPA Supreme President, Carl Hollister, spoke to The National Herald and noted the efforts to provide immediate relief to the regions hit by the devastating fires in Greece.

“We have,” he said, “activated the Emergency Fund and we are in constant contact with the relevant authorities in Greece as well as with U.S. Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt so that we find the most appropriate way of using the money and all the goods we will send. Our priority is to help our fellow humans who are suffering so they have shelter, food, and medicine.”

AHEPA’s new Supreme President, George E. Loucas, spoke with TNH, thanking the members for the trust they showed him and expressed his conviction for the continuation of the ideals and values of the organization.

“I undertake my new duties,” he said, “with a sense of responsibility. I will make every effort to continue and strengthen the great work that AHEPA has been doing for decades. My first concern is the direct sending of humanitarian aid to the affected areas of Greece. The Greek community deserves many congratulations for the charity they’ve shown once again.”

Dr. Zenon Christodoulou, head of the charitable effort, said that so far AHEPA has raised almost $100,000, a figure that he said would certainly increase as even more people participate which is extremely moving.

“In recent days,” Dr. Christodoulou said, “AHEPA telephone lines as well as our website have been inundated by the calls from everyone asking how they can help.”

Dr. Spiros Spireas wished for God to give strength and courage to the Greek people who, he said, experienced a great tragedy and congratulated AHEPA on raising such a large sum of money for the victims in just a few days.

“AHEPA,” he said, “from the very first day of its foundation until today, is based on the values and ideals of Hellenism and Orthodoxy, and that is why it deserves respect, appreciation, and support from all of us.”

Demosthenes Vasiliou warmly thanked AHEPA for the award and referred to the importance of preserving the Greek heritage. “Family, homeland, and Orthodoxy,” he said, “are the fundamental institutions I have faithfully served all my life. It is the obligation and duty of the new generation to preserve and continue these values with passion and faith.”

Greek-American Republican Congressman from Florida, Gus Bilirakis, congratulated AHEPA on its efforts to defend national interests and thanked the leaders for their close and excellent cooperation.

Angelo Kostarides- President, AHEPA National Housing Corporation, referred to the work being done and handed over a check for $10,000 to the Sons of Pericles and the Maids of Athena.

Sons of Pericles Supreme President Bill Poulos III and Maids of Athena Grand President Sophia Shakolas, warmly thanked the members for their dedication and support.

Saint Basil Academy Board President Evellyn Tsiadis received a $35,000 check from AHEPA Supreme President Carl Hollister for the purchase of a new generator.

“On behalf of the Academy, I express my great thanks to AHEPA for this great donation. At a recent meeting with President Carl Holister, I informed him about the needs of the Academy and he promised me immediate help. Today, with the delivery of this check, AHEPA once again showed how great a charity it is, with members always willing to help whenever they are asked,” Tsiadis said.

Finally, the presenter at the ceremony was the famous comedian Basile Katsikis and Philadelphia’s Akrites dance group entertained the guests.

The post AHEPA Honors Dr. Spireas, Vasiliou, Rigos, Dandolos – Elects New SP, Officers (Video & Photos) appeared first on The National Herald.

ASTORIA – The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York held an open meeting of all its member organizations and the community to coordinate the relief effort for the fire victims of Attica at the Stathakion Cultural Center on July 27.

The new President of the Federation, Cleanthis Meimaroglou, began the meeting with a moment of silence in memory of the victims who perished in the deadly fires.

He then noted that the Greek community should once again stand up for their homeland and those affected by the fires, in the appropriate manner and proceeding with transparency.

Federation Treasurer, Athanasios Aronis, welcomed the response of the Greek community so far, despite the fact that a large percentage are away on summer vacation.

“We have to rally, reach into our pockets and help the situation. I see many individual donations, especially on GoFundMe platforms, which are not always effective. There should be unity, not competition between us on who will raise the most money,” Mr. Aronis observed.

It is noted that the account number for the Federation of Hellenic Societies at Atlantic Bank is 06096751. In addition to the donations raised on Friday, ranging from $100 to $2,000 from individuals and businesses, another $3,000 has already been deposited in the account.

In this way, the existing money creates a good financial “springboard.”

Along with Meimaroglou and Aronis, First Secretary Dionysios Pylarinos and the First Assistant Secretary Spyridoula Tsoukalas were also present at the meeting.

The representatives of the various member associations and ordinary expatriates referred to the efforts already underway, either by collecting money or material goods.

On behalf of the Messinian Benevolent Association “Aristomenis,” Stavros Giannopoulos noted that their own members have already mobilized, besides financial aid, also collecting clothing, while he expressed the opinion that, given that a large part of the Greek community is still on vacation, a first sum should be sent immediately by the Federation, if possible.

In response, Meimaroglou said that the release of funds is difficult at the moment for a bureaucratic reason, since the Federation’s First Vice President, Petros Galatoulas, is away, and his is the second required signature for the account. Nevertheless, he assured everyone that the deposits will continue and announced that a meeting will be held on the issue after September 15.

Federation of Cypriot American Organizations Executive Vice President Nicos Paphitis spoke about the possibility that the donation could be used for a public service project for the fire-stricken areas.

“We need time to gather a respectable amount for a specific project,” Mr. Paphitis said.

Meimaroglou addressed the practical issues for this project, “If there is a project, someone should be there who will be supervising for the duration,” he said.

Elli Stephanede, who has relatives in the affected areas, said there were political engineers from her family who would take on this role.

Concerns about the use of the financial donation were also noted by the former president of the Greek American Homeowners Association, George Alexiou, who recalled the uncertainty that still remains today about what happened to the $16,000 that his Association had donated for the relief efforts after the fires in Ilia in 2007.

Chian Federation President John Kontolios voiced his and the Board of Directors support for the relief effort. “We have some connections with organizations and can ship containers of pharmaceutical material and anything else needed.”

It was also noted that, according to the law, donations are used for specific purposes with the corresponding service receipts. In other words, no cash will be given directly to individuals affected by the fires or to other persons.

The post Federation of Hellenic Societies NY Holds Meeting on Fire Relief Effort appeared first on The National Herald.

ASTORIA – The faithful gathered once again for the feast day of St. Irene Chrysovalantou on July 28 which included the procession of the miraculous icon, and the festival which began on July 26 in Astoria.

The official representative of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was His Eminence Metropolitan of Chicago Nathanael, who presided over the Divine Liturgy during which he read a message from the Patriarch, who sent his warm greetings to the Greek community.

In his address, the presiding priest of Saint Irene Chrysovalantou, His Grace Bishop Ierotheos of Efkarpia, referred to the importance of the feast and called on the Greek community to always support the Holy Monastery, which is under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

At the same time, he praised Metropolitan Nathanael, referring to his ethos and his young age, noting that he would like to see him more often at St. Irene and not just as the representative of the Patriarch.

The procession of the miraculous icon of St. Irene Chrysovalantou in the heart of “Greek” Astoria followed the Divine Liturgy. Then, everyone returned to the church, while on the 23rd Avenue and 36th Street, stalls and tables were set up for the festival.

The faithful had the opportunity to choose from favorite Greek dishes, such as gyro and souvlaki, as well as sweets including loukoumades which are always a highlight of any Greek festival.

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Following the recent announcement issued by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) to express its great sadness for the tragic losses suffered by so many families and individuals in the recent catastrophic fires, the SNF’s Board of Directors has decided to support once more the work of the Hellenic Fire Department which is of national importance, with a €25 million grant, in order to “contribute to the difficult work of the men and women of the Fire Department fighting for the protection of the country’s residents and its natural resources,” the SNF says.

The grant will cover the maintenance and the potential procurement of equipment for the Hellenic Fire Department, as well as training programs, aiming to contribute towards the prevention of and immediate response to emergency situations.

This new grant, which is unfortunately, announced in the wake of the recent tragic events, is not without context or precedent. Since the beginning of its grant making activity in 1996, the SNF has supported the Hellenic Fire Department through a series of grants totaling more than €19 million. Among these, during the last 20 years, the SNF has provided a Super Puma helicopter, which was heavily used in combating the recent catastrophic fires, 15 vehicles to cover the Department’s needs and has funded the construction and operation of a training center for the Fire Department’s Disaster Relief Team. The SNF has also supported the work of volunteer firefighters in the islands of Cephalonia and Samos. Furthermore, the SNF has previously supported firefighter education by funding a multi-year training program in forest fire prevention in collaboration with the British Columbia Fire Service in Canada. Upon their return, program participants were able to train their colleagues in Greece.

This national tragedy, which has cost the lives of so many and destroyed the households of thousands, requires that all of us, as a society, find ways to provide a collective remedial response. Even more importantly, it requires a collective effort to prevent the future recurrence of these tragic events that have marked the lives of many of our fellow citizens.

Through this grant initiative, the SNF hopes it can contribute towards the response to a grave national matter—one that transcends politics—in a manner that unites the country’s leading forces against current and widespread polarization.

In line with the SNF’s commitment to adhere to full transparency in its grantmaking activities, the background of the discussions that preceded the SNF’s decision to proceed with this grant follows:

In the wake of the devastating fires, the Leader of the Main Opposition Party, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis contacted the SNF Co-President Mr. Andreas Dracopoulos to propose that the SNF supports the repair and maintenance of the Hellenic Fire Department’s aircrafts over a period of five years. Mr. Dracopoulos agreed in principle to support this important work, especially given the SNF’s long-standing support of the Department. Mr. Dracopoulos suggested that Mr. Mitsotakis discusses the idea with Prime Minister, Mr. Alexis Tsipras, and if both agreed that the project is a priority for the Greek State, the SNF would be willing to support it. In addition, the Minister of State, Mr. Alexandros Flambouraris, also contacted Mr. Dracopoulos to suggest that the SNF participates in a state effort to support rehabilitation projects in areas affected by the fires, to which the SNF was pleased to learn other foundations had already contributed. On July 27th, 2018 Mr. Dracopoulos met with the Minister of State at the Maximos Mansion, followed by a meeting with the Prime Minister. During the meeting with the Prime Minister, the parties discussed in detail current State needs in terms of fire protection, both in a financial and operational context, prevention and rehabilitation of the affected areas. Both parties agreed that the SNF will collaborate primarily with the Hellenic Fire Department as well as the Ministry of Citizen Protection to determine how the SNF can effectively contribute to their work.

The SNF’s commitment to provide a €25 million grant for the support of the Hellenic Fire Department is a given. A series of meetings with relevant authorities will follow to further specify the framework within which the grant will be implemented. As always, any news and updates concerning the SNF’s grants and initiatives will be announced in detail on the Foundation’s website and social media.

As a philanthropic organization, the SNF cannot and does not seek to replace the work of the State. Rather, the SNF strives, to the best of its abilities, to contribute towards it.

The course the SNF follows in implementing and monitoring its grants allows it to ensure, to the extent possible, that the projects funded by the SNF will be implemented according to a specific budget and timetable and in full transparency. This has been the SNF’s prior experience with the construction of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, the launch of the recent Health Initiative, and the procurement of 143 ambulances to the National Center for Emergency Care that took place a few months ago, indicative of the SNF’s support to the Greek State.

According to the SNF’s Co- President, Mr. Andreas Dracopoulos, “Our decision to support the men and women of the Hellenic Fire Department in their important work comes on the heels of a national tragedy that we all wish the country does not go through again. The new grant follows a series of previous grants to the Fire Department, as well as other organizations, whose work has at its core the importance of prevention and timely response to emergency events. The fact that the new SNF grant is based, in essence and in principle, on political and social consensus holds a special meaning for us as citizens. Disaster thrives in polarization. Our hope, our only hope, ultimately lies in our humanity.”

The post SNF Grants €25 Million to Support the Hellenic Fire Department appeared first on The National Herald.

WASHINGTON, DC – The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) marked the 44th anniversary of Turkey’s illegal invasion of the Republic of Cyprus by hosting a congressional briefing to discuss the current state of affairs on the island at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill, July 17. The briefing allowed prominent members of Congress to convey their perspectives for a solution more than a year after the collapse of the Conference on Cyprus in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. The legislators also discussed opportunities for the United States to work on this matter.

AHI President Nick Larigakis moderated the briefing. He thanked the attendees for their insights on the issue and their support for Cyprus. Larigakis also reflected on the ongoing struggle of the people of Cyprus who for 44 years have endured an illegal occupation and massive violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms by Turkey, a NATO ally of the United States.

“We know who is right and who is wrong in this conflict,” he said. “I do not advocate for the freedom of Cyprus out of ethnic obligation, but rather as an American who values the geostrategic importance of the region to the United States as well as the moral obligation to end an injustice.”

In attendance were Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. Haris Lalacos; Consul Konstantinos Polykarpou- Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus; and from the Embassy of Greece- Colonel Panagiotis Kavidopolos- Defense attaché; Captain Charalampos Pegklidis- H.N. Naval attaché; and Colonel Stefanos Ampouleris- Air attaché.

The briefing, held in cooperation with the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, featured as speakers: U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), member, Senate Committee on Appropriations; U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), co-chair, Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues; U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), co-chair, Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues; U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), chairman emeritus, House Committee on Foreign Affairs; U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), member, House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats; U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL), co-chair, Congressional Hellenic Israeli Alliance, and member, House Committee on Foreign relations; U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA); U.S. Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI), member, House Committee on Foreign Affairs and Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats; U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), member, House Committee on Appropriations and member, Congressional Hellenic Israeli Alliance; U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ); and U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ).

In his remarks, Consul Konstantinos Polykarpou spoke about how the American Hellenic Institute was founded on the principles of justice and the rule of law; and these principles also are the causes of Cyprus as the government works toward finding a solution to the more than four-decade-old problem. The consul vehemently called for an end to the injustice in Cyprus and assured that Greek Cypriots are willing, and have been always willing, to negotiate. He also noted the Greek Cypriots were the first to suffer from the horrific and illegal invasion and called upon all friends of Cyprus for further support. Consul Polykarpou concluded by thanking the efforts of AHI and the United States Congress and conveying hope for the adoption of effective legislation that will lead toward a unified Cyprus.

Ambassador Lalacos: F-35s to Turkey is the single most alarming issue in the region

Ambassador Lalacos’ remarks primarily centered on the threat Turkey poses to the already volatile Eastern Mediterranean. The ambassador called upon the international community to question the presence of Turkish troops in the occupied region of the island and to push back against the alarming upgrade in the Turkish government’s military strength. He also made the point that Turkey is already well-equipped to fight off legitimate threats, such as Iraqi terrorist militias. The Russian S-400s and American-made F-35s are not at all necessary for the purposes the Turkish government has stated and its ambition to obtain additional arms and planes does nothing but threaten the stability of NATO and the greater Mediterranean region.

Highlights of Members’ Statements:

Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN): As a member of the Congressional Hellenic Israel Alliance Caucus, Congressman Fleischmann capitalized on the importance of the tripartite alliance among Greece, Cyprus, and Israel.The congressman emphasized that Israel is a steadfast ally of the United States, and Greece’s and Cyprus’ close relationship with their Mediterranean neighbor is promising.The congressman also acknowledged the urgency of the perennial problem in Cyprus and encouraged the continued good-relations among Americans, Cypriots, Greeks, and Israelis.

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY):Congresswoman Maloney, founding co-chair of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, stressed the need to expel the more than 40,000 Turkish troops from the occupied area of Cyprus. Touching on one of the most pressing challenges currently facing Cyprus, Congresswoman Maloney stated that Erdogan has created more of a dictatorship in Turkey than ever before, making peace efforts increasingly arduous. The congresswoman also referred to the once glamorous city of Famagusta, now in ruins on the occupied side of the island, as a paradigm of the incredible damage the Turkish military has brought to Cyprus. Congresswoman Maloney concluded by encouraging the American Hellenic Institute and fellow members of Congress to “keep pushing” for a solution.

Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD): Senator Van Hollen discussed the importance of bipartisanship, particularly relating to Turkey’s potential acquisition of the S-400 Russian anti-aircraft weapon system. In a step toward further security in the Eastern Mediterranean, Senator Van Hollen, along with Senator Lindsey Graham, offered amendments that would effectively halt the delivery of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 jets to Turkey until talks of Turkey receiving the S-400 systems are officially off the table. The senator also proposed an amendment prohibiting the sale of firearms to Erdogan’s bodyguards, following their attack on peaceful U.S. protesters last year. Senator Van Hollen closed by asserting we need a “concerted effort in the United States” to ensure safety and balance in the region.

Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL): Congressman Deutch, co-chair of the Congressional Hellenic Israeli Alliance, discussed the importance of a bi-zonal and bicommunal federation to be established within the Republic of Cyprus. The congressman also noted that Erdogan has only made the challenge of reunification greater. However, Congressman Deutch remains hopeful the United Nations will move in a positive direction with regard to resuming peace talks, and he looks forward to the time when we can come together to celebrate the eventual reunification of the island.

Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ): Congressman Gottheimer began his speech by expressing that it is critical that Cyprus is “on the front burner” at all times. The congressman also noted the United States’ failure to intervene in the illegal Turkish occupation of Cyprus is forever a “blemish” in the history of U.S. foreign policy. He also emphasized the importance of a strong relationship between the United States, Greece, and Cyprus, particularly because of Turkey’s increased hostilities such as holding Pastor Brunson hostage and beating American protestors in the streets of Washington, DC. After discussing the geostrategic importance of the island in the Eastern Mediterranean, the congressman declared that “enough is enough” and that a solution needs to be made.

Rep. Pallone began by stating that the “arms race with Turkey” is an entirely destabilizing force in the region. The congressman also emphasized the importance of prioritizing Cyprus in U.S. foreign policy. Particularly, Congressman Pallone called on the Trump administration, and specifically Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to pay more attention to raise Cypriot interests on the agenda.

Rep. Bilirakis, co-chair of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, asserted that “we are not going to rest until Cyprus is reunified.” As a long-time advocate for Hellenic issues, Congressman Bilirakis also concurred with previous statements that the current administration needs to put more pressure on Turkey to reach a resolution on the Cyprus problem. The congressman poignantly ended his speech by stating that this is “not a partisan issue, it is a human rights issue.”

Rep. Ros-Lehtinen spoke about the importance of “ensuring Turkey’s departure” from Cyprus and letting “the island’s true inhabitants determine their future.” The congresswoman also criticized Erdogan’s authoritarian leadership and stated the United States needs to enhance its security ties with Cyprus as the island is an important strategic partner. Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen ended by expressing, “in unity there is strength.”

Rep. Cicilline began by drawing parallels between long-established American and Cypriot values. The congressman stated Turkey’s perpetual belligerent behavior expressly vies against NATO’s core principles and is the reason why the international community calls into question how peace talks can go forward. As a possible step toward a solution, the congressman is a strong advocate for lifting the arms embargo on Cyprus, thus strengthening the relationship between the United States and Cyprus.

On a slightly different note, Rep. Sherman began by identifying three key components that immediately require the United States’ attention: the rights of Greek Cypriots, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, and, of course, the reunification of Cyprus. The congressman remains convinced it is essential for all 40,000 Turkish soldiers to leave the occupied region of the island as he believes the Greek and Turkish Cypriots can have peace without their presence. The congressman also discussed his concern over the gas exploration potential surrounding Cyprus because Turkey is stifling Cypriots’ right to explore and exploit their resources within their Exclusive Economic Zone.

Rep. Chu began by dubbing the illegal invasion a “war of displacement” with effects that are still felt today. The congresswoman drew parallels between Turkey’s invasion and lack of recognition of the true Republic of Cyprus with their lack of recognition of the Armenian genocide. The congresswoman emphasized that the Greek Cypriot community needs help and that diplomacy and respecting the rule of law is a way to help them. Congresswoman Chu concluded by stating that we cannot give up on a peaceful settlement.

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