HOUSTON, TX – Greece gave the world democracy, philosophy, literature, art, and music.Nowhere is this legacy of wisdom, creativity, tenacity, and grace more apparent than in the immigrants who came to the United States, braving physical and cultural obstacles, to forge new lives for themselves.

Houston, TX, was one such destination.When the first recorded Greeks arrived in 1889, Houston was not much more than a swamp.But their hard work and perseverance became the foundation for one of the largest Greek communities in America. Maintaining their cultural identity while becoming good citizens was crucial to these pioneers.Their desire for their own church, where they could worship as Orthodox Christians, motivated the community to build the Evangelismos of the Theotokos at 509 Walker Street.

Once the church was completed in 1917, the community established a choir to enhance the services and a Greek school to preserve the language of their faith and culture.The formation of Greek-American fraternal, social and educational organizations followed, easing the transition into American society. Believing that, through education, Greeks could peacefully combat the prejudice perpetuated by the Ku Klux Klan, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was formed in 1922.The Greek American Progressive Association (GAPA) was established the following year.The most profound demonstration of pride in their new country was the sacrifice of many men during the World Wars and the contribution of women here at home to the war effort.

Whereas the founders of Annunciation Cathedral began working as fruit peddlers, ditch diggers, dishwashers, cooks, and railroad workers, they assimilated into the Houston community, building businesses and educating their children.But as the community grew, its focus turned, again, to the church.In 1952, the Evangelismos of the Theotokos moved to a larger site on Yoakum Boulevard.The state of Texas declared the Greek Orthodox Church a major faith in 1955, but the immigrants who had arrived less than a century before already knew that. They may have come to escape war and poverty, but in their hearts, they carried the faith of their fathers and, because of their commitment, “the Lord added to the church daily.”In 1967, Houston became the see of the Eighth Archdiocesan District, and the Annunciation Church was elevated to the status of a Cathedral.

Orthodoxy made its presence known, not only in the Byzantine architecture of the church, but through parish participation in the Houston Council of Churches, Interfaith Ministries and, especially, the Philocardiac Ministry in the Houston Medical Center.Houston Metropolitan Ministries programs included the Hunger Pantry and Meals on Wheels.Political involvement helped pass Cooley’s Anemia Act, an initiative that provided research and treatment protocols for this disease, also known as thalassemia, which primarily affected individuals of Greek/Mediterranean descent.

When the parish celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1967, weekend festivities included a Greek Night.Given the energetic participation and hard work of several hundred parishioners and the enthusiastic response of the Houston community to Greek Night, it became the first Greek Festival the following year.Over 50 years later, Annunciation continues to showcase its faith and culture through food, music, crafts, iconography, and church tours, and has become the largest ethnic festival in the southwest.

In 1970, Annunciation Orthodox School was conceived as a preschool by Fr. Nick and Presbytera Diane Triantafilou.Their goal was to create a spiritual environment for the children.The school opened with ten students, and Presbytera Diane, a certified teacher, donated her services the first year.The school has since been extended through the eighth grade and is considered the premier Orthodox parochial school in the country.
Over the years, the Cathedral complex grew in its Montrose neighborhood to accommodate a larger congregation and a growing influence in Houston.In 2011, the parish council initiated an expansion project that would increase the size of the Cathedral, add classroom space, a bell tower, a courtyard, and a Byzantine dome.Construction began in 2017, and the first liturgy in the renovated space was celebrated on September 30, 2018.

During the weekend of November 9-11, the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral celebrated its 100^th anniversary – Keeping the Faith for 100 Years – with a series of activities that included food, music, testimonials, and videos that brought the entire community together.On Saturday morning, Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Isaiah toured the Annunciation Orthodox School.After an ice cream social, parish teenagers engaged in a Q&A with the Archbishop and Metropolitan, asking thoughtful questions as to how to reconcile Orthodoxy to the challenges and demands of the 21^st century.

At the Grand Banquet on Saturday evening that included Houston area clergy and Greek Consul Ioannis Stamatekos, Mayor Sylvester Turner declared the day Greek Orthodox Annunciation Cathedral Day.Guests received a special icon created by the nuns of Agia Paraskevi Monastery, an image of the Panayia and Christo taken from our original iconostasis and beautifully mounted and jeweled onto a piece of the original marble from our church that was lifted during reconstruction of the new building. On Sunday, Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver co-celebrated a Hierarchical liturgy in the new sanctuary with past and present Annunciation clergy.

The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral community initiated dramatic changes over the decades: creation of the Altar Fund; transition to the Fair Share Commitment program; founding of the Annunciation Orthodox School; construction of the Greek Orthodox Community Center; formation of charitable, fraternal, social and academic organizations; outreach ministries to the greater Houston community; liturgies in Greek and in English to accommodate the numerous converts and non-Greek speaking members.And, of course, the Greek Festival.Maintaining their Greek heritage, the immigrant pioneers and their families confirmed through their hard work and adaptability that they were also good Americans.Outreach to the Houston community included military service and stateside contributions by the women during the great wars; participation in the Houston Council of Churches and Houston Metropolitan Ministries; the Philoptochos Philocardiac Ministry in the Texas Medical Center; and even a radio program, “Religion on the Line.”

The founders of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral did not know how their community would grow and thrive.They had a simple dream: a new home, extraordinary opportunities, and a Church that would eternally sustain them.Generations later, the faith and character of their descendants and new arrivals in Houston honor that dream with their dedication to their Church and their Greek heritage.

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NEW YORK – The new Maria Callas movie premiered in cinemas on November 2. Using material from her personal diaries, letters, and interviews, the film tries to shed light on the obscure and more personal aspects of her character.

In fact, the uniqueness of director Tom Volf’s approach lies in the fact that he does not use third person narration in his documentary. Instead, throughout the film, Maria Callas speaks to us in the first person, making the result more personal than ever.

From the beginning of the film, we understand that two different women are the lead actresses of the documentary: one is a superstar of the Opera, who, even 40 years after her death, has remained a part of the pantheon of divas; the other is Maria Kalogeropoulou, a simple girl with simple dreams to have her own family one day.

“I would love Maria,” says Callas of herself. “But Maria must live according to the standards of Callas.”

In another interview, she said, “Fate has brought me to this career. Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid your fate. If I could, I would give up everything to have a family and children.”

“Children should have an amazing childhood, and I just never had that,” she said in another interview, this one with David Frost in 1970.

Maria Callas was born in New York on December 2, 1923, the third child of her family. Growing up, she had a very difficult relationship with her dominant, strict mother. She started taking piano lessons when she was 10 years old, after her mother had decided that Maria would become a great singer. During the war, and after the separation of her parents, she lived in Athens and began her musical studies at the National Conservatory of Greece.

Looking back on those years, Maria would later say, “Difficulties do good to a person.” Her professor, Elvira de Hidalgo, said that she was the model student. “She played the piano perfectly and learned from all her fellow students. She was very hard-working, I never had to repeat anything a second time,” she said.

As a result of outside pressure, she married Giovanni Battista Menegini, a much older, wealthy industrialist. Their differences in opinion regarding her own handling of her career led them to divorce after just a short decade.

The 1950s marked the height of Callas’ career. The documentary showcases her most important business transaction, her successes but also her difficulties and failures. Sick with bronchitis, she gets up on the stage to sing Bellini’s Norma, while she writes to her girlfriend telling her that although her voice is hanging by a thread, she feels compelled to perform. Later on, she would write to Grace Kelly, “an enemy always lurks to find you in a moment of weakness.”

Born with great passion, her relationship with Aristotle Onassis came with a renewed momentum in her life. “If you could see my feelings for you, you would feel like the richest man in the world,” she would tell him in one letter. The details of their romance and its eventual demise are all too familiar for many of us.

The documentary is most successful when we hear Callas sing, but also when she speaks about herself, revealing the most vulnerable aspects of her character. It is also incredibly beautiful to see her play the toughest roles of her life with her characteristic simplicity and honesty. It is also noteworthy that the documentary does not focus primarily on the tragic aspects of her life, but instead highlights the strength of her character, her love for her work, and her endless optimism.

Maria Callas never abandoned her true self and the aforementioned qualities. She was making lofty plans for the future up until the day she died of a heart attack at the age of 53. In a famous monologue from the opera Tosca, the heroine says shortly before her death, “I lived for art. I lived for love.” Maria Callas, definitely did both of these things – very well.

Film critics have praised the documentary enthusiastically, and for those who have not seen it yet, it continues its run this week in cinemas throughout the city.

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CHICAGO – As a result of burdensome economic and legal pressures, Chicago’s historic 121-year-old Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church has received a judgment of foreclosure.

The Church released a statement noting that on December 14, at 10:30 AM, the title of the property on Diversey Avenue must be delivered to MB Financial Bank.

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In her new illustrated book, Gods and Robots: Myths, Machines, and Ancient Dreams of Technology, American Historian Adrienne Mayor, writes that Ancient Greece’s ships and wheeled devices foretold how today’s modern technology would work.

Along with similar discoveries from the Romans, Indians and Chinese, she wrote that what Ancient Greece brought was an invaluable contribution to how the world works today.

Odysseus’s pilotless Phaeacian ships, for example, which guided him back home to Ithaca, draw parallels with modern GPS technology, she said, while Homer’s works described self-driving wheeled tripods that carried nectar and ambrosia, a prediction of modern autonomous delivery services. She said technology experts today should closely analyze the stories of the Greeks as a future of automation and robots looms.

But Mayor also cautioned that while Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be beneficial it needed to be kept under control.

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BARRIS, ANGELO
ST. PETERSBURG, FL (from the Tampa Bay Times, published on Nov. 14) – Angelo Barris, 91, of St. Petersburg, passed away Monday, November 12, 2018. He was born in Crete, Greece. Angelo is survived by his wife of 58 years, Aphrodite; daughter, Sandra (Dan) Johnson; son, John (Wendy) Barris; grandchildren, Christina, Michael and Joseph. Visitation will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Thursday, November 15 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm with Trisagion at 7 pm. Funeral mass will be held at 10 am, Friday, November 16 at St. Stefanos Greek Orthodox Church, 3600 76th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33710. In lieu of flowers, donations in Angelo’s memory may be made to St. Stefanos. Memorial Park Funeral Home.

BOUREKAS, SPIROS
FITCHBURG, MA (from the Sentinel & Enterprise, published on Nov. 13) – Spiros G. “Spike” Bourekas, 91, of Fitchburg, passed away peacefully in his home on November 12, 2018. Spike was born in Northern Epirus, Greece on June 19, 1927. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1947, and after becoming a naturalized citizen, joined the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1952. For several years, Spike worked as an auditor for the IRS and in the early 1960’s, began running his father’s business, George’s Hot Dog Stand. He owned and operated the stand for over 20 years, until his retirement. Upon retirement, Spike enjoyed spending his winters in Florida and traveling with his wife, Nancy, and his son, Gregory. He was an avid reader who enjoyed discussing politics and reminiscing. With his father George being one of the co-founders of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Spike was very active within the church and eventually became president of the Men’s Club in the 1970’s. Spike was a man of great faith and will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his two grandsons, Matthew Bourekas and Alexander Bourekas, both of Ashburnham. Spike was predeceased by his wife Nancy (Lastella) Bourekas in March 2018, and his son Gregory Bourekas in May 2018. Calling hours will be held in Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1319 Main St., Fitchburg on Wednesday, November 14, from 9:30-11:00 am. The funeral service will begin at 11:00am. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1319 Main St., Fitchburg, MA 01420.

GEORGIADIS, EVANGELIA (from the Union Leader, published on Nov. 14) – EvangeliaGeorgiadis, 98, died November 12, 2018 at her home following a brief illness. She was born in Zouzoli, Kastoria, Greece on March 4, 1920. She loved people, she was always very active, enjoyed gardening, going for walks and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, SoteriosGeorgiadis. Family members include two children, Artemis Lazos and her husband, Panagiotis, James Georgiadis and his wife, Soultana, grandchildren, Spiros Lazos and his wife, Alison, Vasilios and his wife, Callaway, Joanna Guarracino and her husband, Joseph, Evangelia Cardoza and her husband, Keith, SoteriosGeorgiadis, great grandchildren, Peter, Thomas and George Lazos, Loukas and EvangeliaLazos, Sylvia and Leonardo Guarracino and Jordan Cardoza. A calling hour will take place on Thursday, November 15, 2018 from 10 am to 11 am with the Trisagion service at 10:30 am in the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 111 Island Pond Rd. The funeral service will follow at 11 am in the church. Committal prayers will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Brown Ave. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Evangelia’s name to the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 111 Island Pond Rd., Manchester NH 03109. J.N. Boufford& Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information and online guestbook please visit www.bouffordfuneralhome.com.

HRONIS, CHRISTINE
PALMER TOWNSHIP, PA (from The Express Times, published on Nov. 15) – Christine “Hrisavghi” Hronis, 95, of Palmer Twp., PA, died Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018, at home. Born July 17, 1923, in Greece, she was a daughter of the late Anastasia (Hadgidemitriou) and TriandafiloHadgistavrou. She had been employed by S & H Sportswear until 1969 and was the co-owner with her husband, Peter, of Pete’s Steak Shop, now Palmer Diner and Forks Diner. She was a member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and was affectionately known to many as Mama and Yiayia. Christine enjoyed cooking, sewing, going to Hess’s/Bon Ton at the Palmer Park Mall, and family events. She had a great love of spending time with her grandchildren. The highlight of her year was attending the wedding of Christina and Richie. Christine will always be with us in spirit. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Peter Hronis; her son, William Hronis and his wife, Tammy, of Palmer Twp.; a sister, SyrmoSaroglou of Middletown, NY; two grandchildren, Christina Capitano and her husband, Richie, and Peter Hronis, and nieces and nephews. Services are at 11 a.m., Monday, in Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 319 S. 20th St., Wilson, with visitation from 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, in the church. Interment is in Northampton Memorial Shrine. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton, is handling arrangements. The family recognizes the staff of Lehigh Valley Hospice/Homecare for the comfort, care, and tenderness given to Christine. Also, the family wishes to thank all the family members and friends who came to visit Christine to furnish thoughts, prayers, and food. Memorial contributions may be made to Annunciation Philoptochos, c/o 319 S. 20th St., Easton, PA 18042. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com. Ashton Funeral Home 1337 Northampton St. Easton, PA 18042, (610) 253-4678.

PLAVOUKOS, VOULA
LIVERPOOL, NY (from the Syracuse Post Standard, published on Nov. 6) – Voula (Kaloskambis) Plavoukos, 86, of Liverpool, went home on All Saints Day, which is fitting as she could have told you about the passion and sacrifices made by each one of them. She reflected upon and lived her last days without fear or complaint and with a cheerful heart instead and that is because she had always equated death with “changing our clothes”. Born in Piraeus, Greece, Voula came to the United States to visit her sister Antonia. When she stepped off the ship in Manhattan where she would meet a charismatic quintessential New Yorker, her future husband John. She mentioned that her favorite singer was Nat King Cole for “if the human heart had a voice it would be his.” So, John and Voula took their seats at the best table in the house at Gatsby’s to see and hear all Voula’s favorite songs. After they were married, Voula and John moved their young family to Syracuse where John’s brothers, Phil and George, had already made a name for themselves in the restaurant business. In 1974, Voula and John introduced fine Greek cuisine to Syracuse when they opened the Poseidon Restaurant in the Regency Tower on James Street and for the next 17 years they entertained thousands of guests including opera star, Luciano Pavarotti, All in the Family actress, Jean Stapleton, Batman movie producer, Peter Gruber, U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, NYS Governor Mario Cuomo, NYC Mayor John Lindsay and of course, their beloved friend, Syracuse Mayor Lee Alexander. After her husband’s death, Voula divided her remaining happy years between Athens, Syracuse, and Los Angeles. She was predeceased by her beloved sister, Antonia Gutow and survived by her sons, Lee and James of Liverpool and Spero (Cassandra) of Los Angeles; grandchildren, John of Liverpool, Nikolas and Zoi of Los Angeles; her niece, Nassia (Lorenzo) Gabrielle of Geneva, Switzerland; two nephews, YiannisGutow of Ft. Lauderdale and Spencer (Marie) Plavoukos of North Syracuse, along with many other beloved nieces and nephews throughout the world. A funeral service in celebration of Voula’s life will take place on Friday, November 9, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) in St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church, 325 Waring Rd., Syracuse, NY 13224. Entombment will follow in Oakwood Cemetery Mausoleum. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Thomas J. Pirro Jr. Funeral Home. Words of comfort may be expressed at tjpfuneralhome.com “Family owned” 315-451-9500.

REMPAS, CHRIS
CHICAGO, IL (from the Chicago Tribune, published on Nov. 6) – Chris S. Rempas, age 84, of St. Constantine, Tripoli Greece, passed away on Saturday, November 3, 2018. Devoted son of the late Sarantos &Diamanto, nee Limberopulos, Rempas. Dear brother of the late Theodore (Penelope) Rempas, the late Nicoletta (the late Minas) Vitogiannis, the late Theodora (Bill) Lazaropoulos, the late John (Dina) Rempas, the late Bill Rempas, Gregoria (the late Chris) Patrinos and fond uncle of many nieces and nephews and their families. Chris, a proud Veteran of the U.S. Army, served in Germany during the Korean War. Visitation Wednesday, November 7, 2018 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home located at 6150 N. Cicero Avenue in Chicago. Trisagion service begins at 5:00 p.m. Family and friends will meet Thursday morning, November 8, 2018 at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, 5649 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago IL 60660 for funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Interment Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church or Greek American Rehabilitation & Care Centre, 220 N. First Street, Wheeling, IL 60090. Arranged by John G. Adinamis Funeral Director, Ltd. For more information please call 773-736-3833.

STATHATOS, PANAGIOTIS
CENTRAL FALLS, RI (from The Pawtucket Times, published on Nov. 14) – Panagiotis “Peter” Stathatos, 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 12, 2018. He was the beloved husband of Eleni “Helen” Stathatos (Marnelakis). Peter was born in the village of Valsamata, on the island of Kefalonia, Greece, to the late Damianos and HarinoulaStathatos (Niforatos). In his youth he served with pride in the Greek Navy and then with the Merchant Marines of Greece, where his travels took him around the world to Costa Rica, Peru, Italy, Great Britain, Australia, and Canada, where he finally settled. Peter met his wife, Eleni, in the Greek community of Montreal, Canada, and they wed in 1959. They began their family, and then emigrated to Rhode Island in 1968 where he was employed as a machine specialist by the Siegel Lace Corporation followed by Providence Braid Corporation for over 40 years. Peter was a longtime parishioner of Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Pawtucket, RI, and with great joy and pride he helped with church festivals and other events; and a prior member of the Order of AHEPA. Peter was a kind, gentle, and thoughtful soul. He loved everyone, always had a smile on his face, and kind words to share. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, most especially with his grandchildren who adored him. Peter will be missed but never forgotten by his wife, Eleni; by his three daughters, Dina Platsidakis and her husband, Michael; ArgiroBitsakis and her husband, Nick; and Harinoula Martins and her husband, Jose; by his five wonderful grand- children, Maria, Loukas, Ellie, Angelina, and Cristiano; and many nieces and nephews. He is further survived by his brother, Spiros Stathatos, of Canada and Angelo Stathatos of Australia. He was the brother of the late Stathis, George, Gerasimos and DionysiosStathatos, Constantina Grigoratosand Sofia Galiatsatos. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend Services on Friday at 11am at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 97 Walcott St., Pawtucket, Rhode Island, followed by interment at Walnut Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday 4 to 7pm at the William W. Tripp Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Ave., Pawtucket. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Building Fund of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. trippfuneralhome.com.

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THRU DECEMBER 9
TARPON SPRINGS, FL – Workshops in Greek Bouzouki with Leonidas Zafiris and Elias Poulos, Sundays, 2-4 PM, October 28; November 4, 11, 18, and 25; December 2 and 9, at Safford House, 23 Parkin Ct. in Tarpon Springs. Fee: $5 donation per class requested. The City of Tarpon Springs is pleased to present a series of workshops in Greek bouzouki for youth and adults by Leonidas Zafiris and Elias Poulos. Classes will be divided into beginning (2-3 PM) and advanced (3-4 PM) sections. Students should bring an instrument, and there will be a few bouzoukis available on site for beginning students. In addition, a limited number of bouzoukis are available through a Bouzouki Lending Program at the Tarpon Springs Public Library, 138 E. Lemon Street. 727-943-4922. More information is available by contacting Tina Bucuvalas 727-937-1130 or tbucuvalas@ctsfl.us. Classes are funded by the National Endowment for the Arts.

DECEMBER 1
GLENVIEW, IL – The Holly Jolly Holiday Faire at Sts. Peter and Paul, 1401 Wagner Road in Glenview, hosted by the Sts. Peter and Paul Philoptochos, on Saturday, Dec. 1, 10:30 AM-4:30 PM. Enjoy a luncheon of delicious Greek cuisine served from 11:30 AM-2:30 PM. Carry-outs are available. Homemade pastries, local artisans and vendors. Santa will visit from 10:30 AM-3 PM. General admission: $3. Students and children: no charge. More information is available by phone: 847-729-2231 and online: ssppglenview.org.

DECEMBER 2
MANHATTAN – You’re invited to Faux-Bia! The Musical, a new musical comedy in the style of Aristophanes, produced by Popular Theater, under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization, the General Consulate of Greece in New York, and AHEPA Delphi Chapter 25, at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan on Sunday, Dec. 2, 7 PM. Please visit www.carnegiehall.org for tickets and www.populartheater.com for details.

MANHATTAN – Comedian Ellen Karis performs stand-up at the Broadway Comedy Club, 318 West 53rd Street in Manhattan on Sunday, Dec. 2. More information is available online: ellenkaris.com.

DECEMBER 7-8
YOUNGSTOWN, OH – Basile the Comedian performs at the Funny Farm Comedy Club, 110 W Federal Street in Youngstown on Friday, Dec. 7, 8 PM and 10 PM, and Saturday, Dec. 8, 7 PM and 9:30 PM. More information is available online: funnyfarmcomedyclub.com and basilelive.com.

DECEMBER 8
MANHATTAN – The Greek-American Writers Assn. invites you to a dynamic and entertaining program of words and music at the CorneliaStreet Café, 29 Cornelia Street in Manhattan, on Saturday, Dec. 8, 6-8 PM. Cast members including AngelikaSandora, Sophia Dama, John Baxter, and Sylvana Gonzalez will perform songsfrom the award-winning new musical comedy Faux-Bia. Dr. Philip T. Yanos willdiscuss his new book, Written Off: Mental Health Stigma and the Lossof Human Potential.The open mic willfeature actress Sophia Yannis, story-teller Nicholas Zaharakos, playwright MaryPerifimos, and pianist Lou Dalaveris playing the Chopin Scherzo No. 3.$10 includes
admission and a drink.

BILOXI, MS – Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 255 Beauvoir Road in Biloxi, holds its International Christmas Festival on Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 AM-5 PM. Featuring Greek music, dancing, and kids activities as well as the different cultures that comprise Holy Trinity’s congregation, with ethnic folk dancing and traditional foods from Greece, Russia, the Ukraine, Romania, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Germany, and Hungary. There will be ethnic foods, baked goods, pastries, and gifts, and church tours.
Admission is free and parking is free around the church. More information is available by phone: 228-388-6138 and online: holytrinitybiloxi.org.

CHICAGO, IL – The Family Christmas Party at the National Hellenic Museum, 333 S. Halsted in Chicago, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 8, 1 PM. More information is available by phone: 312-655-1234 and online: nationalhellenicmuseum.org.

PORTLAND, ME – Holiday Concert at Holy Trinity Greek Church, 133 Pleasant Street in Portland, on Saturday, Dec. 8, 4 PM, featuring the USM Chamber Singers directed by Nicolás Alberto Dosman. A reception will follow the concert. Admission is free, donations welcome. More information is available by phone 207-774-0281 and online: holytrinityportland.org.

CHICAGO, IL – The Greektown Tree Lighting takes place on Saturday, Dec. 8, 5-6 PM at Halsted and Van Buren Streets in Greektown Chicago. In addition to the Christmas tree lighting, there will be carolers and musicians on-site caroling through our Greektown restaurants where you’ll find plenty of food options and starting December 1 you can stop in and see our display of 30+ hand painted Christmas boats, the Greektown Karavakia Display. Mark your calendar to kick off the holiday season! More information is available online: greektownchicago.org.

DECEMBER 13
ASTORIA – The Carnival of Love Foundation invites you to Christmas in Candyland! Join us in celebrating the magic of the past 10 years, as we come home to where it all began… Central Lounge, on Thursday, Dec. 13, 8 PM. No cover. Cash bar, hors d’oeuvres, sweet surprises. Donations raised will support the opening of a Healing Arts Community Center for families living with autism and special needs. More information is available online: carnivaloflove.org.

DECEMBER 15
STAMFORD, CT – Archdiocese Byzantine Christmas Concert jointly hosted by the Archangels community, the Yale University School of Sacred Music and Saint Vladimir’s School of Theology. The renowned Archdiocesan Byzantine Choir will perform with support from the Yale Institute of Sacred Music and St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary on Saturday, Dec. 15, 7-8 PM at the Church of the Archangels 1527 Bedford Street in Stamford. Tickets: $30 per person. Reception to follow in the Greek Cultural Center. More information is available by phone: 203-348-4216 and by email: office@archangelsgoc.org and online: archangelsgoc.org.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Metropolis Christmas Open House takes place on Saturday, Dec. 15, 3-6 PM at Metropolis House, 372 Santa Clara Avenue in San Francisco. Enjoy an afternoon of festive holiday cheer, refreshments, and Christmas Carols to celebrate the beautiful season of the Nativity of Jesus Christ.RSVP by December 7to metropolis@sanfran.goarch.org or 415-753-3075.For more details on this year’s charity and how you can help those in need during this beautiful season of giving, visit: sanfran.goarch.org.

DECEMBER 16
CHICAGO, IL – The Metropolis Christmas Celebration at the Metropolis of Chicago, 40 E. Burton Place in Chicago will be held on Sunday, Dec. 16, 5-9 PM. More information is available by phone: 312-337-4130 and online: chicago.goarch.org.

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

When I was growing up, I heard many times a tale of Greeks, from Classical times to reminiscences shared with me by my grandparents and their generation. One reoccurring set of stories was how Byzantine Empire refugees transmitted culture to the West. We gave the ‘light’ to the West, I was told repeatedly. As Greeks and other peoples of the eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Balkans were escaping from Ottoman domination they brought new information, materials and skills to Europe and so, I was told, helped to launch the Renaissance. I was in college before I found out such claims really bothered my professors.

Academic objections aside, certainly some cultural contributions large as well as small were brought by Greeks and others who moved from east to west. One tale I was repeatedly told as a child was that Greeks had brought the fork to Europe. That before introduction took place, I was told, Europeans ate with their fingers. While a complicated tale it in fact seems to be true, in that, various Greeks are specifically named as the individual who first brought the fork to Western Europe.

Some confusion exists since the introduction of this utensil, according to available information, did not happen once but at least three and perhaps even four times. Strikingly, at its core this tale centers on not one but three Byzantine princesses. I will present these three women and the tale surrounding them chronologically as this helps clarify the published accounts of who brought what, where and when.

The first princess was Maria Argyropoulina (died 1007) the granddaughter of the Byzantine emperor Romanos II and niece of the Emperors Basil II and Constantine VIII. After this point much is in dispute. All sources agree that Maria was married to Giovanni Orseolo, the son of the Doge of Venice Pietro II Orseolo in 1004. But exactly where the couple married is something of a point of contention. Some accounts report that the couple was married in the Iconomium palace in Constantinople with full imperial pageantry with the couple being crowned with golden diadems by Basil II, himself.

In Origins of the Common Fork by Chad Ward, we encounter another version of events: “Imagine the astonishment then when in 1004 Maria Argyropoulina…showed up in Venice for her marriage to Giovanni, son of the Pietro Orseolo II, the Doge of Venice, with a case of golden forks, and then proceeded to use them at the wedding feast. They weren’t exactly a hit. She was roundly condemned by the local clergy for her decadence, with one going so far as to say, ‘God in his wisdom has provided man with natural forks – his fingers. Therefore, it is an insult to him to substitute artificial metal forks for them when eating (leitesculinaria.com).”

The Catholic saint Peter Damian, is credited with witnessing the princess dine, “such was the luxury of her habits…[that] she deigned not to touch her food with her fingers, but would command her eunuchs to cut it up into small pieces, which she would impale on a certain golden instrument with two prongs and thus carry it to her mouth (slate.com).”

When Argyropoulina (along with her husband and small son) died of the plague two years later, Damian wrote again, “with ill-concealed satisfaction, suggested that it was God’s punishment for her lavish ways. Nor did she deign to touch her food with her fingers, but would command her eunuchs to cut it up into small pieces, which she would impale on a certain golden instrument with two prongs and thus carry to her mouth. . . this woman’s vanity was hateful to Almighty God; and so, unmistakably, did He take his revenge. For He raised over her the sword of His divine justice, so that her whole body did putrefy and all her limbs began to wither (leitesculinaria.com).”

Next we learn of Theodora Anna Doukaina (1058–1083) the daughter of Byzantine emperor Constantine X Dukas and his second wife Eudokia Makrembolitissa. Theodora became the wife of Domenico Selvo, Doge of Venice from 1075 until her death in 1083.

Theodora was married to Domenico Selvo in Constantinople (1075) with full Imperial pageantry, and crowned with the Imperial diadem by her brother, Michael VII Doukas. Theodora brought a large Greek retinue to Venice, and rendered herself extremely unpopular because of her aristocratic bearing and haughty manner. What was then perceived as her Byzantine extravagance included the use of a fork, finger bowls, napkins, and sconce candles. As Bridget Ann Henisch, notes in her book Fast and Feast: Food in Medieval Society that Theodora “died of a degenerative illness, which was seen by the Venetians as a divine judgment for her ‘immoderate’ lifestyle. There is an account of her lavish manners written by none other than St. Peter Damian, who ended his description of Theodora by alleging that her ‘body, after her excessive delicacy, entirely rotted away (Pennsylvania State University, 1976).”

But Peter Damian could never have written anything about the marriage of Theodora and Domenico: their marriage took place in 1075 and Peter died in 1072. Clearly, there is some ongoing confusion between Theodora Maria Argyropoulina and Theodora Anna Doukaina. Obviously the very same stories by Damian have been attributed to Maria Argyropoulaina and Giovanni Orseolo who were married in Constantinople in 1005 or 1006. Both died in 1007 when a plague swept through the city-state. Damian was born between 995 and 1007, at most, he would have been, 11 years old when Maria, Giovanni, and their son arrived in Venice.

Our next Byzantine princess is Theophano Skleraina (955/960-991) the niece of Byzantine Emperor John I Tzimiskes (c. 925-976). Theophano was an Empress consort of the Holy Roman Empire by marriage to Holy Roman Emperor Otto II, and then regent of the Holy Roman Empire during the minority of her son from 983 until her death.

“She is credited with introducing the fork to Western Europe (though some sources credit another Byzantine princess with this, Maria Argyropoulaina who married the son of the Doge of Venice in 1004). Theophano’s arrival on the Rhine created quite a stir. “Dressed in silks, she insisted on bathing daily, was quite literate, and most upsetting of all, she used a fork. Chronographers mention the astonishment she caused when she “used a golden double prong to bring food to her mouth” instead of using her hands as was the norm. Theophano was also criticized for her decadence, which manifested in her bathing once a day and introducing luxurious garments and jewelry into Germany (mybyzantine.wordpress.com).”

The last oft-repeated tale concerning the fork occurred in 1533, when Italian Catherine de Medici married Henri II, the soon-to-be king of France. She traveled to her wedding with her Italian silver forks collection. From this point onward forks gradually gained popularity among the royal European families–though later in the 16th century, there was at least one French satirist who mocked Henri III, a successor of Henri II, and his associates, for opting to use forks over fingers for eating meat.

A point I have not raised here is that medieval accounts also note that while the European royals were eating with their hands, and that believing their health would be adversely effected otherwise; they never washed them. With all this being said it seems more than likely that the fork was introduced from the Byzantine east to the European west. I often wonder which of these tales, told to me so long ago by my family and their friends are in fact true historical events that Western scholars still insist never occurred.

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NEW YORK – The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America released a statement sying that it “has taken additional significant steps towards the resumption of construction and completion of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine.”

The statement reads:

A new Board of Trustees for St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine has been named, and on December 6, 2018, the feast-day of St. Nicholas, a ceremony of Affirmation of Office will take place at the headquarters of the Archdiocese, followed by a meeting to set a course forward and discuss issues of immediate concern. The St. Nicholas Board of Trustees will have the responsibility and care for the rebuilding of Saint Nicholas and the management of the related funds.

The new Board of Trustees will be comprised as follows: seven members will be of the original St. Nicholas parish, seven members are appointed by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America and six ex-officio members will be the heads of six major organizations i.e.: The President of the National Ladies Philoptochos Society, the President of the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council, the National Commander of the Order of St. Andrew-Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Chairman of Leadership 100, the President of Faith: An Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism, and the President of AHEPA.

Additionally, a new entity, the “Friends of St. Nicholas, Inc.,” has been created and a Certificate of Incorporation has been filed with the State of New York. It is a not-for-profit corporation, which has been created according to the recommendations of the Phase II Report produced by the Special Investigative Committee and PricewaterhouseCoopers Advisory Services LLC (“PwC”) regarding the rebuilding of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine.

The Corporation has been formed in order to raise, invest, gift and disburse funds for the construction and improvement of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine. The initial directors of the corporation (who shall also be known as “trustees”) are Elaine T. Allen, Olga Pavlakos and Michael Psaros. The number of trustees will be increased up to 15 people and is expected to include individuals from all Metropolises of the Archdiocese. The articles of incorporation provide that the Corporation shall dissolve one year following the consecration of St. Nicholas and all the assets and property of the Corporation shall be distributed to or for the benefit of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine.

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NEW YORK – On Friday, November 30th, the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club hosted its 52nd annual Christmas Tree Ball in New York. Representatives from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), which has provided longstanding support for the organization, attended the event.

Through a network of Clubhouses throughout New York City, the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club gives kids safe and positive environments in which to have fun, build supportive relationships, and develop interests and skills. Since 1884, Madison programming has aimed to help participants succeed in school, live healthfully, and develop into engaged citizens of their communities.

SNF has provided regular support to the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club for programming and operations since 2004. An SNF grant supported construction of a new, fifth Clubhouse in Harlem, for which ground was broken in May 2017.

Source: SNF

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NEW YORK – The 20th Annual Capital Link Invest in Greece Forum will take place at the Metropolitan Club in New York City on Monday, December 10, 2018. This is an International Summit about Greece in New York organized in cooperation with the New York Stock Exchange and major global investment banks.

The Forum will feature government and business leaders from Greece, Europe and the United States, and top executives from the investment, financial and business communities. The timing for this Forum is optimal. After years of recession, Greece is slowly returning to a period of economic growth and aims to position itself as an attractive investment and business destination.

Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos will head the Greek delegation which also includes top executives from the four Greek systemic banks, international banks, representatives of European, international and Greek organizations. The Forum will be attended by company executives, businessmen, investors and bankers from Greece, Europe and America.

Mr. Matthew Palmer, Deputy Assistant Secretary – European and Eurasian Affairs U.S. Department of State, will be the dinner keynote speaker. The Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will deliver a message to the Forum (via webcast), while Evangelos Mytilineos, chairman and CEO in Mytilineos SA, will be awarded with the 2018 Capital Link Hellenic Leadership Award.

This Forum will provide the audience with a unique blend of informational, marketing and networking opportunities. December mark’s the 20 year milestone of Capital Link’s commitment to raising awareness about Greece as an investment destination, to a wider investor universe.

The conference will feature the developments and reforms in the Greek economy and the Greek government programme for the economy and investments. Also, the latest trends in the capital markets and specific sectors with topics such as Government and Corporate Bonds, energy, infrastructure development, real estate, tourism, banking, non-performing loans management, and global shipping.

On Tuesday, December 11th, 2018, the Forum will celebrate “Greek Day at the New York Stock Exchange” where the Greek Delegation, Greek companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange and companies which participated in the forum will ring the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange, an event of unique visibility throughout the world. The event will be broadcast live on major news stations in the United States and abroad to an audience of millions of viewers worldwide.

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PALM HARBOR, FL – Saints Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Greek Orthodox Church in Palm Harbor was destroyed in an electrical fire in September 2014. Now, a dozen Greek craftsmen are working to rebuild the church which will hopefully be completed by Easter. “For me, it’s a miracle that we’re building this church,” Church administrator Erine Koulianos said, Bay9 News reported.

The new 55-foot-tall basilica style church is nearing completion. “We’re going to have this beautiful landmark to share with visitors, tourists, and locals,” Koulianos said, Bay 9News reported adding of the craftsmen, “They compliment each other and they inspire each other, they help each other to achieve this common goal of leaving something for generations.”

Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene were Christian martyrs from the village of Thermi on the island of Lesbos where they were fatally tortured by the Ottoman Empire in 1463. They began appearing in the dreams and visions of the Thermi villagers in 1959, where they revealed their cruel torture and provided clues that led to important excavations. They were canonized as saints on September 11, 1970.

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NEW YORK – There are moments when music and faith come together to lift the heart to a spiritual height that few other experiences can match. Those of us who are lucky enough to hear the incredible voices of gifted chanters during the Divine Liturgy every Sunday at many community churches will recognize these moments, and hopefully not take them for granted.

On November 30, Faith, a Farewell Concert in Honor of His Grace Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, demonstrated the powerful connection between music and faith in an impressive program that included Byzantine and Gregorian chants and classical pieces as well as Gospel, popular, and musical theatre songs.

The concert, presented by Cyprus New York Productions, featuring the undeniable talent and versatility of singer Demetris Michael, a chanter and music teacher at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Whitestone, truly dazzled the audience at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan.

From Axion Estin to the famous You’ll Never Walk Alone from the musical Carousel, Michael moved the audience with his impressive vocal range, accompanied by the gifted musicians Ellie Tsachtani on flute, Peter Pearson on cello, Artistic and Musical Director Phyto Stratis on piano, and singers Ariadne Panagopoulou and Christina Christofi.

The opening piece, an instrumental version of You’ll Never Walk Alone, beautifully arranged and performed by Stratis, Tsachtani, and Pearson, set the tone for the evening. Master of Ceremonies Dino Antoniou then welcomed everyone to the concert, noting his own roots in Cyprus.

The concert can only be described as a historic moment for the artists and all those involved with the production. In saying farewell to Bishop Sevastianos, who is on his way to take up a new position in the Metropolis of Atlanta, the concert also marked the beginning of what we hope will be the start of a long series of productions and concerts for the community and undoubtedly a wider audience.

Before the moving performance of You’ll Never Walk Alone which brought tears to the eyes of many audience members, Stratis thanked all those present, noting that the concert was a farewell to New York for Bishop Sevastianos, a welcome to Atlanta, and a “till we meet again.” He thanked the bishop for his support and attendance at all the Pancyprian concerts and events, adding that he will be missed by all those associated with Pancyprian and that if his schedule allows he is invited to attend future concerts. Stratis also thanked His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and Father John Vlahos, Dean of the Cathedral, for allowing the use of the sacred space, Vicky Tsavalias for her photography and design, and actor Dino Antoniou for serving as the MC.

Michael also expressed his thanks to all those present, noting the unity of faith and love and the feeling from the audience was moving, “and for me this is everything… this was very important for me and to do this concert for the bishop meant even more.”

He added that hopefully this is the start of “more to come in the future and I hope to see you all.”

Bishop Sevastianos said, “This is truly a wonderful evening. I am truly honored by your love, friendship, and you presence, especially your presence.”

“Faith is an expression of the love of God,” he said, adding of the concert, “we are very touched and I am very grateful today… and grateful to all of you for coming this evening in spite of the weather to gather and celebrate this wonderful event.”

“For me, this is an oasis,” he said, as he prepared for leave for Atlanta on Saturday morning, and thanked all those present including Archbishop Demetrios, Consul General of Cyprus in New York Alexis Phedonos-Vadet and his wife Melina, and all those associated with Pancyprian which is “Good to the last drop,” quoting the coffee commercial.

Archbishop Demetrios praised the performers for their wonderful work and demonstrated his knowledge of musical theatre by suggesting The Last Night of the World, a piece from Miss Saigon, which would also have been appropriate for the farewell concert, but they would have needed a saxophone for the solo. His Eminence noted that he and Bishop Sevastianos were trying to figure out if Michael is a tenor, baritone or bass, to which Stratis replied, “He is a superhuman.”

“It was a magic night… It was a night full of dreams, a night full of magic,” said Archbishop Demetrios, quoting from the national poet of Greece, Dionysios Solomos.

The concert concluded with Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas in the spirit of the season. The audience applauded enthusiastically. Many then offered their personal congratulations to the performers and best wishes to His Grace Bishop Sevastianos.

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HOLMDEL, NJ (AP) — Hundreds of mourners gathered Sunday for the funeral of a New Jersey family whose bodies were found at their burning mansion two days before Thanksgiving.

The service for Keith Caneiro; his Greek-American wife, Jennifer, and their two young children, Jesse and Sophia, took place at the Holmdel Funeral home in Holmdel, less than a mile away from their home in Colts Neck. Keith Caneiro’s older brother, Paul, is charged with the killings and has pleaded not guilty.

The couple’s relatives issued a statement Sunday saying they were “grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received” from friends and the community. They also asked for privacy as they grieve.

“The passing of these four beautiful people was tragic, sudden and incomprehensible and, like you, we are heartbroken. May we all take comfort in the wonderful memories and incredible moments of joy they gave to all of us,” the statement read.

Jennifer, originally from Aegina, Greece, is survived by her parents, Bette and Vlassis Karidis; sister Bonnie Karidis; her mother and father-in-law, Sherry and Cesar Caneiro; brothers and sisters-in-law, Elisa and Corey Caneiro and Susan and Paul Caneiro; three nieces and a nephew, Katie, Marissa, Cesar and Carina.

The family was found dead Nov. 20 at their sleek $1.5 million mansion.

Authorities have said Paul Caneiro shot his brother, shot and stabbed his sister-in-law, and stabbed the children before dawn, then set the mansion on fire and returned to his Ocean Township home. He is accused of setting fire to that residence as his wife and two adult daughters slept upstairs. All three safely escaped from the home.

During a court hearing Friday, Paul Caneiro pleaded not guilty to the murder charges and to arson counts stemming from both fires.

Monmouth County prosecutors have called the motive for the slayings “financial” and said Paul Caneiro set the fire at his home to destroy evidence and to make it appear someone was targeting his extended family. However, defense lawyers say they haven’t seen any evidence their client was financially strapped and had no reason to kill his brother’s family.

The brothers had started a computer consulting business in Brooklyn that had grown to have 26 employees by 2001, with clients including Citibank. They had renamed it Square One, and moved to the quieter New Jersey suburbs. They married and started families — with each brother standing up for the other at their weddings — and added a pest control company along the way.

The killings have startled the affluent horse-country community of Colts Neck, home to Bruce Springsteen and where former “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart and his wife run an animal sanctuary.

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WHITESTONE – The Order of AHEPA Andreas T. Stamboulidis Parthenon Chapter #495 of Whitestone hosted a presentation by Dr. Nicholas Kaloudis in the Vasilios and Athanasia Kartsonis Hall at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Whitestone on December 2 following the Divine Liturgy. The presentation focused on serious health issues and the foods we eat.

Chapter President Dimitrios Skartsiaris thanked all those present for attending and supporting the chapter, noting that they hope to conduct more such presentations in the coming weeks and months.

Presiding priest of the Holy Cross community Fr. Dionysios Anagnostopoulos gave the welcoming remarks and AHEPA District 6 Governor Demi Pamboukes spoke about the achievements of the organization, specifically District 6 and the Andreas T. Stamboulidis Parthenon Chapter #495 of Whitestone. Pamboukes noted that District 6 was awarded as best in the nation at the AHEPA National Convention this summer, adding that the credit is due to the dynamic chapters including Whitestone and Ted Stamas, his predecessor as District Governor. The Empire District, as it is also known, again led the nation in membership, but its contribution to AHEPA’s core national projects, including St. Nicholas at Ground Zero, Oxi Day, Saint Basil Academy, the Greek Independence Parade, and the establishment and re-activation of chapters played a significant role in its selection as the best in the nation. Pamboukes also pointed out that visiting the chapter was a bit of a homecoming since he grew up in Whitestone and his grandparents lived on Clintonville Street.

Dr. Kaloudis began his presentation by noting that many of the diseases and ailments affecting people today are caused by the foods they eat. Simple changes in the diet for those suffering from health issues including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can be life-saving. The doctor pointed out that a healthy diet and exercise 3-4 times a week could help people to such an extent that they might no longer need to take medications to manage their conditions. Losing weight helps lower blood pressure, for example and can have positive effects for diabetes, heart disease, and cancer as well. “Losing one pound can result in lowering blood pressure by two points,” Dr. Kaloudis said. Of course, there are those with a genetic predisposition to certain illnesses which require early screenings, Dr. Kaloudis noted, adding that each person should consult their physician for their individual issues. Some medications interact with certain foods as well, so while eating leafy green vegetables is a healthy choice for many, those taking blood thinners are advised to limit their intake, for example.

A lively Q&A session followed the presentation with questions concerning the effects of stress on health, and if dairy products and alcohol can be included in a healthy eating plan. Dr. Kaloudis pointed out that the fat can be removed from dairy products but the sugar remains, so while eating a non-fat yogurt might seem like a healthy choice, it still contains a great deal of sugar. Concerning alcohol he said that one glass of wine a day is beneficial, if there are no problems with the liver.

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ENGLEWOOD, NJ – Maria Paschalidis, DO, a family medicine physician, has joined the Englewood Health Physician Network and Englewood Hospital. Her clinical interests include women’s health, asthma, acute infections, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. She welcomes new patients to her practice on Kennedy Boulevard in Union City.

“I’m proud to provide health care for adults and children in our community,” says Dr. Paschalidis. “Taking care of multiple generations of families gives me great satisfaction. My commitment to providing the best care for my patients includes a strong focus on prevention and wellness, which can be especially impactful when we get the whole family involved.”

“As a member of the Englewood Health Physician Network,” she adds, “I’m looking forward to enhancing the health and experience of our patients through shared medical records, increased communication, and working closely with specialists throughout the region.”

Dr. Paschalidis is board certified in family medicine. She received her DO from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and did her family medicine residency at CarePoint Health’s Christ Hospital in Jersey City, where she was chief resident. With a commitment to community service, as an undergraduate, Dr. Paschalidis volunteered at the University of Michigan Medical Center, where she supported patients, and at Ronald McDonald House Charities, where she organized events and prepared meals for patients and family members.

She is a member of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and the New Jersey Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons. In addition to English, Dr. Paschalidis is fluent in Greek and has a working knowledge of Spanish.

More information is available online: englewoodhealth.org or by phone 833-234-2234.

Englewood Health is one of New Jersey’s leading hospitals and healthcare networks. Composed of Englewood Hospital, the Englewood Health Physician Network, and the Englewood Health Foundation, the health system delivers nationally recognized care in a community setting to residents of northern New Jersey and beyond. The hospital, founded in 1890, consistently earns high marks for clinical excellence and patient safety. Englewood Hospital is among the top 5% of hospitals in the nation to earn the 2018 Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award. The hospital is also nationally recognized for its nursing excellence, earning a fourth consecutive designation by the Magnet Recognition Program® in 2016. Areas of clinical excellence include cardiac surgery and cardiac care, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, spine surgery, vascular surgery, and women’s health, as well as bloodless medicine and surgery. Englewood Health is continually expanding services and enhancing access through the Englewood Health Physician Network, a coordinated network of office-based and hospital-based providers at more than 75 locations in six counties. Through the main acute-care facility, physician network, offsite diagnostic imaging centers, and a variety of community health and wellness programs, Englewood Health delivers a healthcare experience that puts patients at the center.

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ALBANY, NY – Assemblymember Aravella Simotas on December 3 called on Governor Andrew Cuomo to sign her Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights into legislation. “I am shocked and horrified by the illegal practice of billing rape survivors for forensic rape examinations, that Attorney General Barbara Underwood exposed last week,” said Assemblymember Simotas.

“One of the most disturbing aspects of this is that a new law might have prevented this travesty but it has been waiting for the governor’s signature for six months, after passing the Assembly and the Senate in June 2018. Until the governor signs it, the law will not take effect,” said Simotas.

“This languishing legislation, that I sponsored in the Assembly, would give sexual assault survivors a copy of a Bill of Rights and it would clearly tell then that the forensic examination is free, as well as HIV post-exposure therapies and emergency contraception,” said Simotas.

The Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights would also disclose to survivors:

• 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 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.

“No rape survivor should be re-traumatized by bureaucracy, ill-treatment, thoughtlessness or lack of transparency in the health care or criminal justice systems,” said Assemblymember Simotas. “In 2016 the governor signed legislation that I sponsored to mandate the speedy processing of rape kits and end the backlog. I urge the governor to now sign the Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights so that our state continues to protect and advance the rights of sexual assault survivors.

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ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo will deliver his third inaugural address at Ellis Island on New Year’s Day.

The Democrat announced his plans on Tuesday, calling Ellis Island a “fitting” location to begin a new term that he says will be focused on fighting for New Yorkers and setting a “progressive example” for the rest of the nation.

Ellis Island was the nation’s busiest immigration station for decades, welcoming millions of immigrants from around the world. Cuomo calls it an “enduring symbol” of America’s core values of hope and opportunity.

Cuomo won a third term last month, beating Republican Marc Molinaro and three third-party candidates.

The speech’s location is likely to encourage speculation that Cuomo may run for president, though the 60-year-old has said he has ruled out the idea.

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NEW YORK – The Little Baby Face Foundation (LBFF) honored the well-known Greek-American plastic surgeon Dr. Theodore Diktaban on November 29.

The elegant ceremony took place at the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse at Lincoln Center Plaza in Manhattan. In addition to Dr. Diktaban, Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence May were also honored for their contribution to the LBFF.

The Little Baby Face Foundation was founded in 2002 by Dr. Thomas Romo. The principle underlying the Foundation is that every child born with a facial deformity deserves a good future and a higher quality of life, regardless of his or her financial means.

LBFF provides facial reconstructive surgery to children from all over the world. World class surgeons offer their time and services on a pro-bono basis. It is estimated that the LBFF has already provided assistance to more than five hundred children.

Pauline Nicholls, Vice President of the Foundation’s Public Relations, spoke with The National Herald, noting that “the institution heals children from infancy up to the age of 21. It is often necessary for patients to undergo more than one surgery. The goal is to help children below the poverty level and to provide them with the medical care they need in order to lead a normal life so that they don’t burden their families financially.”

According to the information provided by Ms. Nicholls, 80% of the children being treated come from poor regions around the United States and 20% come from the rest of the world. “The Northwell Health and Lenox Hill hospitals offer their operating rooms while the Foundation covers the costs for families to come to New York for the procedures,” she told TNH. The Little Baby Face Foundation also works with the Ronald McDonald House of New York, which provides housing for children and their families.

The purpose underlying the event was twofold: first, to honor the physicians for their incredible work; and second, to fundraise for the Foundation. “This fundraiser covers two-thirds of the Foundation’s need for cash for the whole year,” Nicholls said.

Honoree Dr. Theodore Diktaban told TNH, “I come from Smyrna and from Kavala and although I was born and raised in America, I feel 100% Greek in my heart.”

He first became interested in plastic surgery when he was still a medical student and needed to undergo a rhinoplasty himself. After that procedure, he immediately realized that this was the specialty he wanted to follow.

At the event, Dr. Diktaban revealed that he recently created a groundbreaking surgery technique that he thinks will quickly become popular. The technique is called “Vaper Nose” and aims to reduce the “hump” of the nose without patients undergoing surgical intervention.

“The Little Baby Face Foundation is one of the best organizations with which I have ever been associated. I have been with them from the beginning and will continue to offer my knowledge and to help them in the future,” Dr. Diktaban said.

Dr. Diktaban’s office is located at 635 Madison Avenue. When asked what the most rewarding part of his work is, he responded, “I can change a person’s look and how they feel about themselves. It transforms their lives and gives them confidence.”

Later, visibly moved by the presentation, he received his award from the Foundation and with a cracked voice, he spoke about the significance of the work and the transforming power of the LBFF in the lives of children.

The entertainment portion of the evening was left in the hands of the well-known Broadway actress, Sierra Boggess, who, with her piano accompaniment and crystal-clear voice, sang popular hits from various plays and films including The Phantom of the Opera, The Wizard of Oz, and My Fair Lady. She received enthusiastic applause from the audience for her performance. Ms. Boggess said, “You all cure by using your hands, and I believe in the healing power of music.”

LBFF also recognized and thanked Dr. Joanna Roufos, Greek-American doctor of audiology. Dr. Roufos expressed gratitude for her experience of working with the Foundation and told TNH, “Dr. Diktaban’s speech touched us all tonight. He reminded us how important it is to work collectively in our multidisciplinary teams to transform the lives of these very special children.”

Through the efforts of Dr. Diktaban and Dr. Roufos, two young deaf children from Greece who needed cochlear implants and auxiliary headphones will receive support from the LBFF.

The evening continued with auctions to raise money for the Foundation and concluded in a climate of general optimism for the future.

More information about the Little Baby Face Foundation is available online: littlebabyface.org.

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NEW YORK – New York State Senator Michael Gianaris announced on December 4 new legislation aimed at curbing insider dealing in real estate deals. The legislation prohibits anyone from using confidential government information to buy or sell real estate.

“Trading on insider information is illegal with securities and should be illegal with real estate,” said Senator Gianaris. “No one should be cashing in on confidential inside information.”

The Wall Street Journal reported Amazon employees were purchasing condominiums in Long Island City, Queens in advance of the company’s decision to locate its second headquarters in the neighborhood. This is the latest piece of legislation Senator Gianaris has announced aimed at curbing the lax regulatory environment that led to the Amazon deal. He previously announced legislation to prohibit the use of non-disclosure agreements as part of economic development negotiations.

Senator Gianaris’ legislation would create the Class-E felony of “Insider Dealing in Real Property” for those who use non-public government information to buy or sell real estate.

Senator Gianaris plans to introduce the legislation when the new session convenes in January.

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RYE, NY – The James Plevritis-Joseph C. Keane AHEPA Chapter # 405 of New Rochelle honored Joseph C. Keane, Chapter President for 27 years, for his remarkable tenure, his outstanding contributions and dedication to the organization and its ideals at the 16th Annual Luncheon held on December 1 at the Westchester Country Club.

The event began with the initiation of new members followed by a procession with bagpipe as the honoree and the members of the chapter entered the hall for the luncheon and award presentation. John Metaxas served as the Master of Ceremonies and AHEPA New Rochelle President Harry Fotiadis, the event chairperson, gave the welcoming remarks. A video presentation highlighted Keane’s life, family, and contributions.

The speakers included Keane’s younger brother, Frances Xavier Keane, and two of Keane’s daughters, Dr. Nicole Alexandra and Michelle Eugenie Keane, who were visibly moved in speaking about their father and his dedication to family and the AHEPA ideals.

Fr. Nicholas Anctil, presiding priest of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in New Rochelle and Chapter #405 Chaplain, and Deacon John Catalano of St. Catharine’s Church in Pelham, NY, offered the opening prayer.

The awards presentation followed as Fr. Anctil and Holy Trinity Parish Council President Dino Yotides presented Keane with an icon in honor of his service. Lou Katsos, District 6 Lt. Governor and Delphi Chapter #25 President, and Demi Pamboukes, District 6 Governor, honored Keane with the Seraphim Canoutas Award on behalf of the AHEPA Cultural Commission.

George Karatzia, AHEPA Supreme Governor for Region III, introduced Ahepan David Castro, a veteran, and his service dog Hunter. Castro spoke about the AHEPA Service Dogs for Warriors program and how after serving in Iraq, he was having a difficult time readjusting to civilian life and the VA gave him 14 different medications to deal with his problem. He found out about the AHEPA program and applied for a service dog. Hunter has been with him for a year and a half and has changed his life for the better, saving his life and his wife’s as well. Castro joined AHEPA, too. Karatzia then announced that the next service dog would be named in honor of Keane.

James Zafiros, District 6 Director of Membership and Tom Dushas, Supreme Regional Governor, both longtime members of the New Rochelle Chapter, presented Keane with a plaque in honor of his years of dedication to the organization. Dushas read the inscription on the plaque noting that Keane is an outstanding American and Philhellene. Zafiros said, “No Ahepan in any chapter has been president for 27 years like Joe.”

Keane himself spoke about the way he became a part of the organization though he is “an Irish Catholic from Brooklyn,” and spoke warmly about his brothers in the chapter and especially about his wife Demetra, noting that she is “beautiful, smart, and my best friend.”

When a few years into their marriage someone asked if he had learned Greek, he said, “I just listen for my name,” but he now knows enough to order in a Greek restaurant “without having to point at the pictures.” Keane concluded his remarks by saying that he knows the most important word, “S’agapo.”

At the conclusion of the event, Keane’s wife Demetra was presented with a bouquet of flowers and she thanked everyone for honoring her husband for all his achievements and dedication to AHEPA.

AHEPA Supreme President George E. Loucas spoke eloquently about the meaning of the organization and how the encouraging words of his fellow Ahepans helped inspire him to beat cancer and make it to the renowned AHEPA New Rochelle luncheon as Supreme President this year, an event that he had been waiting eight years to attend, he said. Loucas also thanked his wife Sandra for all her support, asking her to stand up and be recognized. He pointed out the many achievements of the New Rochelle Chapter under the leadership of Joe Keane and encouraged everyone to click on AHEPA’s website and learn more about the latest initiatives and philanthropic efforts.

Among those present were Supreme Vice President James Kokotas, Fr. Alexander Karloutsos and Presvytera Xanthi, Albany Chapter #140 President George Pappis, District 6 Secretary Chris Pappis, last year’s honoree Dr. Nicholas Romas, and District 6 Director of Hellenism Vasilis Chrissochos and his wife Despina.

More information about AHEPA is available online: ahepa.org.

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