In a particularly savage review in Eater New York by Ryan Sutton, renowned chef Costas Spiliadis’ new Estiatorio Milos in the so-called Billionaires Playground in New York City was taken apart like a cheap suit.

How bad is it? The review starts this way, saying the “seafood chain that treats diners as if they were marks at a pickpockets convention.” That’s almost a compliment compared to the rest of the brutal critique that noted, “The lobsters bear no price tags, which is dangerous for a main that costs more than round-trip airfare to Chicago.”

The kicker? “Make no mistake: You have been primed for a shakedown, Cartier-style.” Phew, the only way it could be worse is if meals came with French flies.

Expensive? Bring out the calculator on your phone. “That’s the thing about Milos. You can have a reasonably grand meal here. You can have a reasonably average meal here,” the review noted, putting in the final nail: “The one constant is that on every visit, you feel cheated.” Ouch.

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FARMINGTON, Conn. (AP) — The estranged husband of a missing Connecticut mother of five says he had nothing to do with her disappearance and urges the public to trust the criminal justice process.

Fotis Dulos told WNBC-TV in an interview in his Farmington home Tuesday that while he and Jennifer Dulos had their differences during their divorce and child custody case, he wished no harm upon her.

Fotis Dulos and his girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, have pleaded not guilty to evidence tampering and hindering prosecution charges in connection with the May 24 disappearance of New Canaan resident Jennifer Dulos.

Police allege Fotis Dulos and Troconis discarded items containing Jennifer Dulos’ blood in Hartford.

The couple’s five children have been staying with Jennifer Dulos’ mother in New York City.

The post Fotis Dulos, Estranged Husband of Missing Mom of 5, Says He’s Innocent appeared first on The National Herald.

SUNNYSIDE, NY – Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris announced on July 3 that he secured $13,000 in this year’s budget for women’s health programming at Sunnyside Community Services. The funding Senator Gianaris allocated will help Sunnyside Community Services’ senior programs. He announced the funding while attending the Sunnyside Community Services 4th of July program for seniors.

“Sunnyside Community Services provides critical services for older adults in western Queens and I am proud to support their ongoing work,” said Senator Gianaris. “I am pleased to fund their efforts so our seniors can maintain a healthy and vibrant lifestyle.”

“Our range of programs for healthy living include many offerings that help our senior members to stay active and to embrace healthy lifestyle choices,” said Judy Zangwill, Sunnyside Community Services Executive Director. “We are so grateful to Senator Gianaris for helping to remove barriers to healthy aging by providing support for preventative programs, exercise classes, and recreational opportunities that help older adults in our community to live their best, independent lives.”

The funding will provide support to programs that contribute to wellness and well-being among older adults.

Senator Gianaris has successfully advocated for increased funding for community priorities in this year’s state budget, including $13,000 for Hunters Point Middle School and $20,000 for Immigrant Families Together.

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CHICAGO, IL – Attendees have flown in from around the world to convene AHEPA’s annual meeting and to take in all that the Windy City has to offer.

“Over the past week, we were excited to host the AHEPA National Housing Corporation’s quarterly board meeting as a lead-up to the convention. The corporation continues to do amazing work to provide dignified affordable housing for our nation’s elderly,” AHEPA says.

“Over 200 chapters have sent representatives to our Opening Ceremony on Monday evening. The gorgeous Empire Ballroom at the stunning Palmer House Hilton provided the perfect venue.”

The post The 97th Annual AHEPA Family Supreme Convention in Chicago in Full Swing appeared first on The National Herald.

KOMIANOS, NICK
CAMPBELL, CA (from the San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times, published on Jun. 20) – Nick Komianos Aug. 15, 1932 – June 17, 2019. Resident of Campbell, Nick Konstadinos Komianos passed away on Monday surrounded by his family. He was born on the beautiful island of Corfu, Greece. After high school he joined the Greek air force followed by service in the Greek Royal Security. His next position was with the Greek Tourist Police which led him to a position in Sparta, Greece where he met his wife Antonia. They moved to California and raised their family. He was a wonderful family man who always had a positive outlook on life and a smile on his face. Nick is survived by his loving wife, Antonia; devoted children Anna Tsellas (Vangeli) of Campbell; Angela Komianos of Athens, Greece; grandchildren Niko Tsellas, Irini Tsellas, Nikoleta Memou, Antonis Memos; and siblings in Corfu and many nieces and nephews both in Greece and the United States. All are welcome to attend and celebrate the life of Nick. A Trisagion Service will be held Thursday, June 20th at 7:00pm. The funeral will be on Friday, June 21st at 11 am. All services will be at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at 1260 Davis St. San Jose 95126. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer that donations be made in Nick’s memory to the American Cancer Society

KOUNALIS, SOFIA
SALT LAKE CITY, UT (from the Deseret News, published on May 18) – Sofia G. Kounalis, passed away May 15. Born November 3, 1928 in Crete, Greece, the Daughter of George and Argyro Findikakis. She married George A. Kounalis in 1947, and emigrated to Salt Lake City, UT in 1954. She was preceded in death by her husband. She retired from Salt Lake County Motor Vehicle Division in 1995. Her passion was to go to Wendover and Las Vegas and play the slot machines. She enjoyed life to its fullest, cooking for her family, and baking baklava and Greek cookies for family and friends. She is survived by her son Anthony (Tony), Daughters Evangelia (Lilly Stireman), Argie Barry, and Irene (Rita) Kounalis. Daughter-in-law Sandra Kounalis, son in law Martin Barry, 6 Grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren and her sisters Rita Findikakis Fleming, Stella Drakakis, and brother Stratis Findikakis, preceded in death by her sister Eva Marinos. She was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church, Philoptochos Society and Daughters of Minos. The funeral service was held at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Salt Lake City. Please share your photos and memories with the family at www.starksfuneral.com.

LIKAKIS, EMMANUEL
EDISON, NJ (from the Asbury Park Press, published on Jun. 5) – Emmanuel Likakis, 67, of Edison, passed away at Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, June 1. Born in Greece he was raised in the city of Heraklion on the island of Crete. He moved to Montreal Canada in 1971 where he met and married his wife Eleni before settling down in Edison, New Jersey. Emmanuel worked as a mason for Cretan Concrete in Highland Park for 20 years before finishing up his career as a Driver/Laborer at Winding Woods Apartments in 2019. Emmanuel was a talented craftsman. There wasn’t a project he couldn’t complete as long as he had a cup of black and sweet coffee. Summer Sundays were spent fishing with his sons, tending to his garden, and spending quality time with his grandkids that he loved and adored. Family and friends will remember how kind, giving and selfless Emmanuel was. We will miss his kind soul. He is survived by his wife, Eleni Likakis; sons, George Likakis and his wife Lynette of Hazlet and Kirk Likakis and his wife Kerri of North Brunswick; his daughter Theoni of New Brunswick; and his 4 beautiful grandchildren who meant the world to him Alexander, Marilena, Damian, and Iliana. Letters of condolences can be sent to www.jacquelinemryanfh.com.

LOUTSION, KOULA
CANONSBURG, PA (from the Observer-Reporter, published on May 28) – Koula Loutsion Jr., 79, of Canonsburg, passed away Saturday, May 25 after a 39-year courageous, graceful battle with multiple sclerosis. She was born October 27, 1939, on the island of Limnos, Greece, a daughter of John and Sonia Zervos Papavasilis. She survived the German occupation of Greece and immigrated to Ellis Island at the age of six. Her family settled in the town of Aliquippa, along with many other Greek families. Koula was a steward of the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church. She worked for many years at the annual food festival and with the GOYA youth group prior to her illness. She was past president of the All Saints Ladies Philoptochos Society, and she sang in the church choir for many years. Her kindness touched everyone she came in contact with, and through all her challenges, she never complained. She always had a lovely smile on her face and a beautiful heart that loved everyone. Her family was her life. Koula was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and homemaker. Surviving are her loving son, George T. (Becky) Loutsion III of Canonsburg; her three loving grandchildren who were her pride and joy, Zachary, Alexander, and Stellanie Loutsion; many godchildren; and loving family members. She will remain in our hearts forever. May her memory be eternal. The funeral was held at the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church of Canonsburg with Father George L. Livanos officiating. The family kindly suggests memorial contributions be made the Ladies Philoptochos Society of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, in Koula’s name. To leave condolences, visit www.sollon.com.

MARIS, MICHAEL
CHICAGO, IL (from the Chicago Tribune, published on Jun. 5) – Michael S. Maris, age 85, born in Chios, Greece passed away June 3rd. He is survived by his loving children, Steve (Jodi) Maris, Peter (Kim) Maris, Katey (Andy John) Kalkounos, and Dean (Angela) Maris; adoring grandchildren, George Kalkounos, Maggie Kalkounos, and Michelle Maris; dear brother John Maris. Michael was preceded in death by his wife Despina Maris (nee Kalamaris), his parents, Stamatis and Despina (nee Lourie) Maris, and brother Kostas Maris. In lieu of flowers donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation are appreciated at either https://parkinson.org/ways-to-give or 200 SE 1st Street Suite 800 Miami, FL 33131. The funeral was held at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago.

PREKEZES, JAMES
CHICAGO, IL (from the Chicago Tribune, published on May 27) – Dr. James John Prekezes passed away peacefully with loved ones in Athens, Greece on May 20 at the age of 92. Husband of the late Calliope (Dorizas), he is survived by his children, Dr. Christine (Peter) Vranas, John (Lily), Irene and Joann as well as his many grandchildren and step-grandchildren. He was a dedicated Family Practitioner and General Surgeon for over 30 years with a reputation of going above and beyond for his patients. He travelled the world well into his 80s and was an avid reader until the end. Known for always sharing oranges and a quick wit, he was a vibrant member of the Greek community in Chicago until his retirement, when he poured himself into gardening and restoring a home in his beloved Arahova. He was buried in a quiet ceremony at Agios Trefonas in Kifisia. As James lived his life quiet and simply, family requests you make a donation to your charity of choice in his memory.

ZARKOS, GEORGE
CHICAGO, IL (published online, Jun. 19) – George S. Zarkos “Big Z”, born on February 12, 1937 in Stimanga, Corinth, Greece, to the late Spiro and the late Athanasia Zarkos, passed away at age 82 on June 18, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Beloved husband of Dena, nee Romas; Loving Father of Nancy (Tom) Stamatelos, Eleni (George) Moutidis and Spiro G. (Lili) Zarkos; Proud Grandfather of Zoe, Dena, Patricia, Anastasia, Dena, Alexia, and George; Dear Brother of Vaso (Andonis) Strigas, Elias (Ageliki) Zarkos; Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Restauranteur and Businessman. Family and Friends will meet at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 601 S. Central Avenue, Chicago, IL 60644, for Visitation Thursday, June 20, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. until the Funeral service begins at 10:30 a.m. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, River Grove, Illinois. Arrangements made by John G. Adinamis Funeral Director, Ltd. For more information please call 847-375-0095.

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JULY 8-10
BOSTON – Cooking Festival Preparation Workshops at the Annunciation Greek Cathedral of New England, 514 Parker Street in Boston, take place July 8-10. Learn from our master chefs. All workshops begin at 9 AM. More information is available by phone: 617-731-6633 and online: www.bostoncathedral.org.

JULY 9
MANSFIELD, MA – Family Fun Night at St. Gregory the Theologian Greek Church, 1007 West Street in Mansfield, takes place on Tuesday, Jul. 9, 6-9 PM. Celebrate Mansfield Downtown Business Association’s 23rd Annual Family Fun Night. More information is available by phone: 508-337-9986 and online: www.saintgregorythetheologian.org.

JULY 12-13
PRICE, UT – Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 61 S. 2nd Street in Price, holds its annual Greek Festival July 12-13, 11 AM-11PM, both days. Enjoy Greek food and pastries, vendors, church tours, traditional Greek coffee, bookstore, raffle, silent auction, bingo, 5k run, live Greek band and dancing. More information is available by phone: 435-637-0704 and online: www.agoc.ut.goarch.org.

JULY 12-14
REDONDO BEACH, CA – St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 722 Knob Hill in Redondo Beach holds its annual Greek Festival July 12-14. Enjoy Greek foods, pastries, church tours, raffle, marketplace, live Greek music and dancing, and games for the kids. Admission: $2, Seniors: $1, Kids Under 12: Free. Hours: Friday, July 12, 5-10 PM; Saturday, July 13, Noon-10 PM; and Sunday, July 14, Noon-9 PM. More information is available by phone: 310-540-2434 and online: www.sbgreekfestival.com.

MERRILLVILLE, IN – Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 8000 Madison Street in Merrillville, holds its annual Greek Festival July 12-14. Enjoy Greek foods, pastries, market, raffle, live Greek music and dancing. Hours: Friday, July 12, 5-11 PM; Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14, Noon-11 PM. More information is available by phone: 219-769-2481 and online: ssconstantineandhelen.org.

JULY 13-14
IPSWICH, MA – Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Church holds its annual Greek Festival July 13-14 at the Hellenic Center, 117 Country Road in Ipswich. Enjoy Greek foods, pastries, Baklava Sundaes, raffles, Greek and American music and dancing, Dance troupes, live music by Enosis, music mixed by DJ Charlie Pentikis. Admission is $5 and is valid for both days. Children under 10 are free. Plenty of free parking. Hours: Saturday, Jul. 13, 1-11 PM and Sunday, Jul. 14, 1-7 PM. More information is available by phone: 978-356-9730 and online: greekfestivalipswich.weebly.com.

JULY 15
SALEM, MA – The 27th Annual Nicholas J. Bouras Memorial Hellenic College Holy Cross Golf Classic takes place Monday, July 15 at the Kernwood Country Club, 1 Kernwood Street in Salem. The event begins with a gift and brunch followed by souvlaki and loukaniko served on the course, golf, hors d’oeuvres, complimentary cocktails, and a surf and turf dinner. Group and individual trophies will be awarded at the dinner along with raffle prizes. A $50,000 cash prize will be awarded for a hole-in-one. More information is available online: www.kernwood.org.

JULY 18-21
SCHERERVILLE, IN – St. George Hellenic Orthodox Church, 528 77th Avenue in Schererville, holds its annual Greek Festival July 18-21. Enjoy Greek foods, pastries, live Greek dancing and music. Free admission. Hours: Thursday, Jul. 18, 4-10 PM; Friday, Jul. 19, Saturday, Jul. 20, and Sunday, Jul. 21, Noon-10 PM. More information is available by phone: 219-322-6165 and online: stgeorgenwi.org/greek-fest.

JULY 19-21
NILES, IL – Holy Taxiarhai and Saint Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, 7373 North Caldwell Avenue in Niles, holds its annual Greek Festival July 19-21. Sample the scents, sounds and especially tastes of a Greek village festival. Enjoy homemade pastitso, moussaka, tyropita, spanakopita, Greek pastries and, of course, loukoumades. Entertainment includes live Greek music and an authentic Greek Dance Troupe. Kid’s Korner is a secure area where parents can bring their children to play and enjoy family friendly entertainment, face painting, crafts, a clown balloon artist, games and much more! Admission is free, donations are appreciated. Free parking. Hours: Friday, Jul. 19, 5 PM-Midnight; Saturday, Jul. 20 and Sunday, Jul. 21, 3 PM-Midnight. More information is available by phone: 847-647-8880 and online: biggreekfoodfestofniles.org.

JULY 20-21
DUNKIRK, NY – The Siatista Association-USA holds its 97th Annual Convention July 20-21 at the Clarion Resort Hotel, 30 Lake Shore Drive East in Dunkirk, NY (west of Buffalo). For additional information contact the Association Secretary Argery Cooke by phone: 703-360-0213 or email: argbit.cooke@gmail.com or Association Historian Peter J. Plumpis by phone: 716-692-0028 or email: pplumpis@aol.com.

JULY 26-28
CHICAGO, IL – St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2727 W. Winona Street in Chicago, holds its 70th Annual Greek Festival July 26-28. Enjoy Greek food and pastries, raffle, marketplace, live Greek band, music, and dancing. Hours: Friday, Jul. 26, 5-11 PM; Saturday, Jul. 27, 3-11 PM; and Sunday, Jul. 28, Noon-10 PM. More information is available by phone: 773-561-5992 and online: stdemetriosgreekfest.com.

OCEAN CITY, MD – St. George Greek Orthodox Church holds its annual Greek Festival July 26-28 at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 41st Street & Coastal Hwy Bayside in Ocean City. Enjoy authentic traditional Greek cuisine, all menu items are available for lunch or dinner times, dine in or carry out, including: baked lemon chicken, lamb shank, keftedes, dolmathes, spanakopita, tyropites, Greek salad, pastitsio, moussaka, baked veggies, and gyro. For dessert, real Greek coffee and Greek pastries, loukoumades and rice pudding. Entertainment: Live Greek band and authentic Greek dance performers. Air-conditioned hall, handicap access, ATM on site. Visa/Mastercard/Discover accepted for food and vendor purchases. Free admission and free parking. Hours: Friday, Jul. 26 and Saturday, Jul. 27, Noon-11 PM; and Sunday, Jul. 27, Noon-9 PM. More information is available by phone: 410-524-0990 and online: oceancitygreekfestival.com.

SIOUX CITY, IA – Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 900 6th Street in Sioux City, holds its annual Greek Festival July 26-28. Enjoy Greek foods like gyros, spanikopita, baklava, Greek music and dancing, gift shop with jewelry and clothes, and a Mediterranean grocery store. Hours: Friday, Jul. 26, 6-10 PM; Saturday, Jul. 27, 11 AM- 10 PM; and Sunday, Jul. 28, 11 AM-3 PM. More information is available by phone: 712-255-5559 and online: holytrinity.ia.goarch.org.

JULY 27-28
SANTA BARBARA, CA – St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church holds its annual Greek Festival at Oak Park, 600 West Junipero Street in Santa Barbara, July 27-28, 11 AM-7 PM, both days. Enjoy delectable Greek festival favorites like gyros and moussaka, live Greek music and folk dancing, raffle, and vendors. Free admission and free parking. More information is available by phone: 805-683-4492 and online: santabarbaragreekfestival.org.

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

NEW YORK – The Manhattan AHEPA Family, Delphi Chapter #25, Daughters of Penelope-Evryklea Chapter #36, and The Sons of Pericles-New Renaissance Chapter # 5, held their 3rd Annual Greek Wine, Food & Music Cruise around Manhattan on June 28. About 250 people attended the sold out event.

AHEPA Empire State District 6 Governor Louis Katsos greeted everyone as they boarded the Art Boat, a colorfully decorated vessel, for the cruise. Guests enjoyed three complimentary Greek wine tastings sponsored by Oinos Wine and Purely Greece Imports, a Greek buffet featuring foods from Anemos Estiatorio, Greek music and dancing, as well as the spectacular views as the boat made its way towards the Statue of Liberty and back to Manhattan’s Skyport Marina at 23rd Street.

District 6 Governor Katsos thanked everyone for attending the event and then turned the microphone over to the recently elected Delphi Chapter #25 President George Eliopoulos, who congratulated Katsos on his recent election as governor and thanked him for his tenure as chapter president, which had just drawn to a close. He also thanked prior president Argyris Argitakos, and Jimmy Douloumbakas for organizing the event.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the scholarship programs of the International Summer School of the World Hellenic Biomedical Association (WHBA), an organization that is global in scope. WHBA’s annual Summer School program brings many of the future global leaders of the medical and biotech arena from all over the world to Greece. More information about WHBA is available online: www.whba1990.org.

Dr. Konstantinos Drosatos spoke about the WHBA and thanked AHEPA and everyone present for their support over the last three years for scholarships and programs for Greek scientists. Dr. Drosatos noted that AHEPA and the WHBA share a vision and values including, among others, education.

Among those on the cruise were the former Supreme President Andrew Zachariades, former District 6 Governor Demi Pamboukes, Tom Dushas, Daughters of Penelope past district governor Marie Kratsios, Daughters of Penelope-Evryklea Chapter #36 President Effie Streida, AHEPA Constantine Cassis Chapter #170 President Anastasios Stampolis, and Delphi Chapter Vice President-Strategic Steering Theodore P. Klingos. Also present were Director of the Office of Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Consulate General of Greece in New York Georgios Michailidis, artist and ARCAthens Founder and Executive Director Aristides Logothetis, Deme Savopoulos, Flavia Sgoifo, Jeannie Kouros, Demetria Daniels, and Evangeline Plakas, who was presented with a cake for the one-year anniversary of her Hellenic Daily News.

The dancing continued throughout the cruise with music by DJ George Andreakos, founder and General Manager of International Sounds. The event concluded with best wishes for a happy summer to all.

The post The Manhattan AHEPA Family Holds Its 3rd Annual Cruise  appeared first on The National Herald.

NEW YORK – Greek-American opera star and actor Spiro Malas passed away at the age of 86 on June 23.

The son of Greek immigrants Sam and Lillian Malas, he was born in Baltimore, MD January 28, 1933. The family owned Duffy’s, a restaurant in Baltimore’s Southwest neighborhood.

According to his online obituary, Malas told his father he did not want to go into the family business, the elder Malas paid for his singing lessons. Malas attended Towson State College in Maryland and taught geography for a year after graduation while continuing his vocal training at Peabody Conservatory, where he caught the attention of Rosa Ponselle. In 1960, he was a winner at both the American Opera Auditions and the Met National Council Auditions.

When his mother passed away at the age of 95 in 1999, Mala told The Baltimore Sun that “his mother didn’t understand why he took up singing as a career when he could work at Duffy’s.”

“She said, ‘Come home and get a job in the restaurant and stop all this running around,'” he said, The Baltimore Sun reported, adding that “later, when her son became famous, Mrs. Malas traveled to London and other cities to hear him sing and to cook Greek dishes of lamb and moussaka for Luciano Pavarotti and her son’s other friends. And when opera stars like Beverly Sills performed in Baltimore, they ate at Duffy’s.”

Malas told The Baltimore Sun, ”Mama Malas was never in awe of these stars because she never knew the opera scene,” adding that “to her, even Mr. Pavarotti was just ‘a very nice boy.’”

He made his City Opera debut as Spinelloccio in Gianni Schicchi in 1960 and over the next 20 years appeared in hundreds of performances with the company, in roles ranging from Mozart’s Figaro and Daland in Der Fliegende Holländer to General Boom in The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein, Don Magnifico in Cenerentola and King Dodon in Le Coq d’Or.

Malas first worked with Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge in 1964, as Giorgio in I Puritani with Sarah Caldwell’s Boston Opera Group. His collaboration with the soprano–conductor team lasted many years and included a tour of Australia in 1965, the Decca recordings of Semiramide, La Fille du Régiment and L’Elisir d’Amore and the children’s television series Who’s Afraid of Opera?

Though based mostly in the U.S., Malas appeared at the Edinburgh Festival, Florence’s Maggio Musicale, and the Salzburg Festival. His Met debut came in 1983, when he joined Sutherland and Bonynge for a Fille revival, as Sergeant Sulpice. He went on to appear with the company 155 times over seven seasons playing Frank in Die Fledermaus, Capulet in Romeo et Juliette, Zuniga in Carmen, the Police Commissioner in Der Rosenkavalier, and the Innkeeper in both Manon and Manon Lescaut, among his many roles.

A high point in Malas’ career came later in life when in 1991, at age 58, he starred in a revival of Frank Loesser’s 1956 musical/opera hybrid The Most Happy Fella at Connecticut’s Goodspeed Opera House. The production earned rave reviews, especially for Malas. The New York Times’ theater critic, Frank Rich, wrote, “The scrupulously truthful Mr. Malas… makes Tony enormously appealing without shortchanging the character’s obtuseness… [He] surely fulfills Loesser’s highest intentions when, in his final aria, he seems to be thinking in song while sorting out what remains of his life.”

The production moved to Broadway the following season and ran for 229 performances. Later on, Malas appeared in episodes of Law and Order and Sex and the City, among other television shows. He also served on the faculties of the Manhattan School of Music and Curtis Institute of Music.

Malas married mezzo-soprano Marlena Kleinman, a City Opera colleague, on September 30, 1963, in a City Hall wedding that took place between opera rehearsals. As Marlena Malas, she is now a celebrated voice teacher. They had two sons, Alexis and Nicol.

The service was held on June 27 at the Riverside Memorial Chapel on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Spiro Malas. May his memory be eternal.

The post Greek-American Spiro Malas, Opera Star and Actor, Was 86 appeared first on The National Herald.

PARIS – Metropolitan Emmanuel of France participated as a keynote speaker at a meeting of the World Council of Churches and the International Jewish Commission of Interreligious Dialogue that was held in Paris.

He noted that the historic record contains numerous heroic acts by Hellenes to save and protect Greek Jewish citizens during World War II, including actions taken on the island of Zakynthos by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of blessed memory. He also noted the actions in Thessaloniki by Metropolitan Gennadios and the famous letter of March 23, 1943 by Archbishop Damaskinos of Greece, the only Church leader in Europe to condemn the Nazis for their treatment of Jews.

In his speech titled The Normalization of Hatred: Challenges for Jews and Christians Today, Metropolitan Emmanuel said among other things: “On behalf of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, I would like to congratulate you on the occasion of this joint meeting between the IJCIC and WCC on the crucial topic of hatred.

“Last May, I accompanied His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on his visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, in Poland. In the history of humanity, very few places have inspired so much terror, abomination and horror. Auschwitz-Birkenau encapsulates what humankind, moved by pure hatred, can do to dehumanize and desacralize the image of God placed in each and every person.

I was profoundly moved by this opportunity to stand at this place where so many died, victims of hatred and a bloody thirst for injustice. The world continues to mourn this disaster, this unspeakable tragedy. “While walking on the ground of what is today a memorial, the words of Prophet Jeremiah sprang to mind: “How long will the land mourn and the grass of the field wither, because of the vices of those who dwell in it?” (Jr 12:4).

Metropolitan Emmanuel continued:

“The Orthodox Church has many historic ties to Judaism and to the Jewish people. During the Second World War, the people of Greece and the Orthodox Church fought for their Jewish brothers and sisters and saved many of them.

“On July 11, 1942, for example, the German Nazis surrounded the Jews in the city of Thessalonica in northern Greece, in order to send them to the concentration camps. The community paid 2.5 billion drachmas for their freedom, but all they could do was to delay the transfer until the following March. 96% of the members of the Jewish community in Thessalonica, 46,091 people, were sent to Auschwitz. Only 1,950 of them returned to find most of their sixty synagogues destroyed, their cemetery sacked, and their schools dilapidated. Some of the survivors migrated to Israel and the United States. “The Jewish community of Thessalonica survived and currently has about 1,000 members and maintains four synagogues. We remember with pride the bold and courageous behavior of the late Metropolitan Gennadios of Thessalonica who repeatedly took initiatives to protect the city’s Jewish community.”

Emmanuel also said that, “Orthodox Christians stand with sorrow in front of human pain and war. Our faith teaches us that we must not be unfair and irresponsible towards our brethren” and he added that “unfortunately, even today, extremist groups continue to cultivate anti-Semitism. In recent years, the Jewish community in France has been deeply wounded by several vile attacks and murders, clearly showing that anti-Semitism is still real and very much alive. It is unacceptable for us, as Christian leaders, to look the other way while this vile trend spreads across Europe.”

In its statement, the European Council recognizes that Jewish communities in various EU countries feel particularly vulnerable to terrorist attacks following the increase in violent incidents in recent years. It notes that anti-Semitic hatred remains widespread, as confirmed in the 2018 Anti-Semitism Report of the Fundamental Rights Agency.

The declaration calls on the Member States to adopt and implement a holistic strategy to prevent and combat all forms of anti-Semitism in their strategies for the prevention of racism, xenophobia, radicalization and violent extremism. Member States are also invited to step up their efforts to guarantee the safety of Jewish communities and institutions, and Jewish citizens.

The ongoing outburst of religious fundamentalism and terrible acts of violence perpetrated in the name of religion lend credence to modern critiques of religious faith and support the identification of religion with its negative aspects. The truth is that violence is the negation of our fundamental religious beliefs and doctrine. True faith does not release humans from responsibility for the world or the obligation to respect human dignity and struggle for justice and peace. On the contrary, it strengthens our commitment to action and enlarges our witness for freedom and human core values.”

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NEW YORK – A2A Pharmaceuticals Inc. (A2A), a biotechnology company committed to the advancement of innovative scientific research and new therapeutic agents, announced on July 2 the appointment of Dr. Sotirios G. Stergiopoulos as President and Chief Executive Officer, according to a press release which appeared on PR Newswire. He has held the position as Founder and Chairman of the Board since 2016 and will maintain a seat on the Board of Directors.

Dr. Stergiopoulos joins A2A from Ipsen where he served as the Chief Medical Officer, SVP and Head of Global Medical Affairs since January 2017. In this role, he was responsible for the overall medical and clinical governance of the company, as well as the creation of a global medical affairs organization. Dr. Stergiopoulos played a key role in Ipsen’s oncology TA strategy. He held numerous leadership positions in the pharmaceutical industry with companies including Novartis, Bayer, and Celgene.

Dr. Stergiopoulos is a physician executive with a BS from Stony Brook University, an MD from Poznan University of Medical Sciences, and an MBEE from the Johns Hopkins University. He has trained at the National Institutes of Health, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Harvard University.

Edward Painter, who has served as CEO of A2A since 2016, will take the role of Chief Investment Officer and Chairman of the Board. Mr. Painter will work with Dr. Stergiopoulos to optimize the allocation of capital across A2A’s programs and build the management team.

Mr. Painter remarked, “I am delighted to have succeeded in recruiting Sotirios to the CEO role at A2A.  His leadership in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as experience in clinical medicine and Oncology drug development, will be critical to A2A’s advancement of therapeutics for Oncology and other life-threatening diseases into the clinic for the patients that need them.”

Dr. Stergiopoulos said, “A2A’s novel approach to drug development has the potential to bring true best in class therapies to patients suffering with cancer and other difficult to treat diseases. I am encouraged by the platform utilized by A2A to pursue difficult targets and look forward to working alongside Edward and the team at A2A to translate the technology into therapies for patients.” 

About A2A Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

A2A Pharmaceuticals Inc. is committed to the development of new therapeutic agents that serve highly unmet patient needs. Their focus area is oncology and a program for Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy.

More information is available online: www.a2apharma.com.

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BOSTON – One of the most memorable and touching moments at Archbishop Elpidophoros’ Enthronement at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York on June 22, was the scene when the Archbishop entered the church and before ascending to the Archieratical Throne, he bowed and kissed his mother’s Nantima hand, and she reciprocated by kissing his while tears came to her eyes.

Nantima Lambriniadis spoke exclusively to TNH, and when asked how she felt about the unanimous election and enthronement of her son as Archbishop of America, she said “on one hand I am very happy, but on the other hand I am sorry, because I will leave and leave my son here.” She added that “but I glorify God because here he is in good hands, people here have shown him so much love and respect.”

When she was asked about the thoughts going through her mind seeing him ascend the throne as an Archbishop, she said “I was so emotional I couldn’t even speak,” and she added “it is not easy, as you understand.”

Elpidophoros was a studious pupil from an early age, in school and progressing further in his education on his own. He was an excellent student, he earned scholarships, established good friendships, and pursed graduate studies, after which he was elected full time professor at the Theological School of the University of Thessaloniki. His mother told TNH Elpidophoros “he was a very good boy since he was a child.”

The National Herald also spoke with His Eminence Metropolitan Avgoustinos of Germany who supported wholeheartedly Archbishop Elpidophoros during his student years when he was pursuing graduate studies in Germany. He told TNH that “I experienced an atmosphere full of life and joy – I was so happy about his success and [attending] the enthronement of a great Archbishop. I am sure that he will write history in America. I am certain that he will care for all, and especially the children” and he added, “I am sure the nave of St. Nicholas will be ready in a few months.”

Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionia and Nea Philadelphia in Athens, who at the enthronement represented the Church of Greece and His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos spoke to TNH with much reverence and honor about Archbishop Elpidophoros. They are connected through strong friendship since both were chief secretaries of Holy Synods, Elpidophoros of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and Gabriel of the Church of Greece. Metropolitan Gabriel, speaking about the enthronement said that “it was a historic day for the Greek-American Community and the Church of America.” He added that “Archbishop Elpidophoros is a person whose name promises that he will offer many things to the Church in America and to the entire world of Orthodoxy. I convey to him the warm wishes of His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos and I wish him from the bottom of heart to have a good and blessed Archpastorhsip. I wish him strength to unite the People in America and to move forward, bringing hope and love to all.”

Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, who had traveled to Constantinople and accompanied Archbishop Elpidophoros to the United States, told TNH that “Archbishop Elpidophoros is a good person. See how he behaves towards everybody and to former Archbishop Demetrios with honor and love? These things show noble mindedness and nobilty. It can be called simple politeness, which is something that is missing today from many.”

Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Patras spoke very highly about Archbishop Elpidophoros. He told TNH that “Archbishop Elpidophoros is an exceptional hierarch of the Orthodox Church, who has lived at our Ecumenical Patriarchate; he is the spiritual son of our Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.” He added that “I am connected with Archbishop Elpidophoros with close personal friendship since both of us were Archimandrites. I am so happy for him and I pray to God to help him in the difficult work he assumes, which is a work for the Glory of God, the salvation of the people, and the glory of our Orthodox mother country Greece.”

Metropolitan Kirillos of Rhodes told TNH that “a new day begins for the Archdiocese of America with a person who promises so much, and we believe that the problems of the past will be overcome forever.”

The post Archbishop Elpidophoros’ Mother and Close Friends Speak to TNH appeared first on The National Herald.

CHICAGO – AHEPA fulfilled its $1 million donation to rebuild Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at World Trade Center with a presentation of the remaining pledge balance to His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the 97th Grand Banquet, July 5, 2019, announced Supreme President George E. Loucas and Chairman of the Board Nicholas A. Karacostas.

Supreme President Loucas, and Chairman of the Board Karacostas, who also served as the chairman of AHEPA’s Capital Campaign to rebuild Saint Nicholas, presented the donation to Archbishop Elpidophoros.

“Since 1922, AHEPA has stood by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America thus creating the ‘Twin Pillars of Hellenism’ in America that we see today,” Loucas said. “We are deeply grateful to the AHEPA family; to our amazing grassroots network of districts, chapters, and dedicated members, all of who made this landmark donation a reality.”

Karacostas added, “We are proud to be the only secular organization to make and fulfill a one-million-dollar donation to this campaign. I echo the sentiments of Supreme President Loucas in convey our sincere appreciation to all our donors.”

Additionally, Loucas and Karacostas expressed confidence Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine will be rebuilt and both hope AHEPA’s fulfillment of its pledge will provide the springboard for the additional support the project needs.

The 97th Grand Banquet is the pinnacle event of the 97th Annual Supreme Convention, which took place this week in Chicago, Ill.

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CONSTANTINOPLE – Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew met with the new head of the Metropolitan City Council, the Mayor of Constantinople Ekrem Imamaglu at the Mayoral Hall on July 4 and congratulated him on his recent election.

His All-Holiness wished that Mayor Imamoglu, on behalf of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and his homeland, would be successful in his multifaceted work and would contribute during his term of office to improving the quality of life in the developing urban fabric of the Metropolitan Municipality, with the implementation of more environmental and social policies to the benefit of all the inhabitants of the City.

During their heartfelt discussion, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew referred in particular to the importance and magnitude of the institution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which has always been based in this historic city, and also to the initiatives of the Ecumenical Throne to sensitize every human being of good will to the need for the protection of the natural environment, as well as to promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue with a view toward mutual understanding, respect for diversity, and the peaceful coexistence of human beings of different origins and religious beliefs.

After the meeting the Ecumenical Patriarch said, among other things, that with his visit, he wanted to congratulate the new mayor for his election. It was particularly important that the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which is the Center for Orthodoxy, is located in such a multicultural and multi-religious city, and he pointed out that this is not only a religious foundation, but an institution that has made a significant cultural contribution over time. He expressed the certainty that the new mayor, who is a man of good intentions, will work for all citizens without discrimination.

“I convey the prayers of the Patriarchate and the Homeland for success in your work,” His All-Holiness said.

For his part, Mayor Imamoglu expressed his joy at the visit of the Patriarch and stressed that he would attach great importance to the cultural dimension of the city, and that he would soon take initiatives to implement this commitment. He underlined the fact that the Ecumenical Patriarchate, a leading institution in the world, is based in the city, and announced that he intends to create a body that will deal with and cooperate with all the religions of the city.

It should be recalled that in recent months, Imamoglu, accompanied by his colleagues, twice visited the Ecumenical Patriarchate, where he was received by His All-Holiness.

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NEW YORK – Peter Allan (Albanidis), retired professor of Management at the Pace University Graduate School of Business and Archon of the Greek Orthodox Church, died on July 7 after a short illness. He was 93 years old.

A native New Yorker, his studies were interrupted for two years during World War II when he served as a rifleman with the 104^th Infantry Division (known as the Timberwolves) in the European theater of operations. Returning to civilian life, he completed his studies at City College, graduating cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, with a degree with honors in Economics. He received his MS degree in Industrial Relations from the Columbia Graduate School of Business and PhD in Business Administration from the New York University Graduate School of Business Administration.

He began his career in New York City’s Department of Personnel in 1955 where, among other responsibilities, he helped develop and implement new testing methods and personnel programs for City-wide use. Reaching the position of Deputy Personnel Director for Agency Services, he left city service after 27 years to pursue a full-time academic career at the Pace University Graduate School of Business.

Widely published in scholarly journals, his professional affiliations included the Academy of Management, the American Economic Association, the Industrial Relations Research Association and the Society for Human Resource Management.

Dr. Allan was a member of the Board of Trustees at the Holy Trinity Cathedral for thirty years and served as director of the cathedral’s highly regarded cultural event series. In 1989, Archbishop Iakovos conferred upon him the honor of Archon Aktouarios for his services to the Church.

Dr. Allan is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-three years, the former Marjorie Gabriel of New Bedford, Massachusetts, and his devoted sister-in-law Elizabeth K. Gabriel.

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ATHENS – Newly elected Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has appointed Antonis H. Diamataris as the Deputy Minister for Expatriate Greeks.

Mr. Diamataris, Publisher-Editor of the National Herald since 1979, is from the village of Thanos on Lemnos and lives with his family in New York.

According to the list of appointees for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

Minister: Nikos Dendias

Alternate Minister for European affairs: Miltiadis Varvitsiotis

Deputy Minister for economic diplomacy and extroversion: Kostas Fragogiannis

Deputy Minister for expatriate Greeks: Antonis Diamataris

About Mr. Diamataris:

1950
Born in Lemnos.

1968
He immigrates to New York City.

1977
MBA from Columbia University.

1979
He buys 100% of the shares of the publishing company Ethnikos Kyrix, becoming the publisher for the historic newspaper.

1982
Ethnikos Kyrix moves for the first time to privately-owned facilities in Long Island City.

1997
Issues the weekly English edition of the newspaper, The National Herald.

2004
The newspaper launches its websites.

2007
He is honored with the Hellenic Republic’s Phoenix Award.

2015
He is honored by President Barack Obama at the White House, for 100th Anniversary since the founding of Ethnikos Kyrix.

2016
New York City renames the street in front of the headquarters of Ethnikos Kyrix to “Ethnikos Kyrix Way.”

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PARIS – Metropolitan Emmanuel of France attended and spoke at the graduation ceremony of a special program of the Paris Institute of Political Studies which aims to train religious officials for participating in interreligious dialogue.

The Metropolitan of France is one of the founding members of this program, now in its third year of operation under the auspices of the French State.

Protopresbyter Father Andriy Svynarov and the orthodox theologian and hagiographer Maciej Leszczynski graduated this year from the program which is attended by students from France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy.

During his service to the Church, His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel (Adamakis) has become an advocate for peace and dialogue. Born December 19, 1958 in Crete, his advanced studies in Philosophy and Theology were at the Faculty of Humanities of the Catholic Institute of Paris and St. Sergius Orthodox Institute. He continued his studies in Religious History at the Sorbonne (Paris IV) and the Higher Institute of Ecumenical Studies at the Institute Catholique de Paris, an later matriculated at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Boston.

He was ordained a deacon and priest in 1985 and in 1987 was appointed as the Chancellor of the Metropolis of Belgium while serving as Dean of the parish of the Taxiarchae in Brussels and teaching Orthodox Religion at the European Schools.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew appointed him to head the Liaison Office of the Orthodox Church to the European Union at its inception in 1995. In 1996 he was elected Bishop of Reggio, and was appointed auxiliary Bishop of the Metropolitan of Belgium. In early 2003 he was unanimously elected by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to be Metropolitan of France. Since 2001 the Ecumenical Patriarchate has entrusted him with responsibilities for the International Interreligious Dialogue with the Monotheistic Religions. He also represents the Ecumenical Patriarchate in theological dialogues with the Vatican, the ancient Oriental Churches, and among the Autocephalous Orthodox Churches.

He continues to direct the representation of the Orthodox Church to the EU. He is Vice President of the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and of the Assembly of Orthodox Bishops of France, co-president of the Council of Christian Churches of France, as well as co-president of the World Conference of Religions for Peace. He speaks fluent Greek, French, and English. Metropolitan Emmanuel has been named Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur in France, among other Church and state distinctions. He also currently sits on the Board of Directors of Kaiciid in Vienna.

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LONG ISLAND CITY, NY – Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris announced on July 9 that he secured $30,000 in funding for the Gantry Parent Association in this year’s state budget. The funding will support developing the Long Island City-based organization’s online presence and hosting future public forums. Senator Gianaris announced the funding during the “Summer Kids at the Landing” programming, organized by the Gantry Parent Association and the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy.

“The Gantry Parent Association does critical work helping Long Island City’s parents and school community stay informed and engaged and I am proud to support their ongoing work,” said Senate Deputy Leader Gianaris. “I look forward to joining the Gantry Parent Association in their efforts to help western Queens families thrive.”

“Gantry Parent Association (GPA) is grateful for the foresight and support of Senator Gianaris as we build a robust, online information hub for local families regarding education. The Senator understands that by working together we can make navigating educational opportunities easier and advocacy efforts more impactful. Senator Gianaris’ support of GPA underscores how deeply important education is in the infrastructure we are building in Long Island City. The future of the area will be built on the thoughtful planning and roll-out of schools and educational opportunities,” said Meghan Cirrito, GPA Chair. 
This funding will be used to support the GPA’s new web presence as well as a series of community forums, helping parents in the area learn about issues impacting the school community.

Senator Gianaris successfully advocated for increased funding for community priorities in this year’s state budget, including $13,000 for Sunnyside Community Services, $13,000 for Hunters Point Middle School, and $20,000 for Immigrant Families Together.

About the Gantry Parent Association

Gantry Parent Association is local educational advocacy group dedicated to serving as a central resource for area families, as well as a voice of advocacy surrounding educational issues. GPA is a group of parents working with and on behalf of families in Hunters Point and Court Square.

The post Gianaris Announces $30,000 in Funding for Gantry Parent Association  appeared first on The National Herald.

BOSTON – In an interview with The National Herald Metropolitan Theoliptos of Iconium, one of the most prominent hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and a close associate of Patriarch Bartholomew, described Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, whom he has known since they were students, as a “charismatic and talented clergyman.”

The interview follows:

The National Herald: Thank you, Your Eminence, for the opportunity to talk about the new Archbishop of America, Elpidophoros. Let’s start with the question of where, when, and how you met him – do you remember?

Metropolitan Theoliptos: I thank you very much, Mr. Kalmoukos, for giving me the opportunity to talk about our holy and beloved brother, Elpidophoros of America. I met him on Mount Athos when he was still a student at the Theological School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. I was recommended by the Metropolitan and by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, with whom we were officially visiting Mount Athos. He knew him.

I remember him telling me that “after his studies he will come to serve in the Patriarchate.” The second time I met him was when, as a second deacon, I accompanied our Patriarch on a visit to the holy Church of St. Paraskevi in Kazlicesme, where the Patriarch received a German group and called him in to be translator. The background of the holy Archbishop of America (who comes from Macrohori in the historical Metropolis of Derkoi, of which I am a scion) led me to approach him.

TNH: I saw in the photos that you served at his diaconal ordination with the current Metropolitan of South America, Tarasios.

Theoliptos: That is true, at his diaconal ordination, in 1994, the holy Metropolitan of Buenos Aires, Tarasios, served as tertiary, and my inferiority as secondary, among the Patriarchal deacons.

TNH: What are your thoughts today about Elpidophoros being the Archbishop of America?

Theoliptos: As you know, the Archdiocese of America is the largest and most important province of our Ecumenical Patriarchate abroad. And the concern of both our Patriarch and our Patriarchate in general is great and sincere for this great Province.

Its flock is a pious people, close to the Church, people who, away from their homeland, are trying to remain faithful to Orthodoxy and the customs and traditions of our People and our Nation. Thus the Ecumenical Patriarchate always made sure that the hierarchs of this province were remarkable hierarchs of the Throne, as were, for example, the blessed Archbishop Athenagoras, (later Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I) and Iakovos Coucouzis. The new Archbishop of America, Elpidophoros, is the best our Patriarchate had to offer from its hierarchs to the Archdiocese of America. And that is precisely what the Patriarch’s interest in and love for those in the Archdiocese calls for.

Although there is a shortage of people born in Constantinople and with Turkish citizenship, our Patriarch did not hesitate to propose to the Holy and Great Synod the Metropolitan Elpidophoros of Proussa, and I repeat, as the most suitable for this position, while he could have kept him here for the needs of the Patriarchate.

TNH: Did you predict that one day Elpidophoros would ascend to such a high level?

Theoliptos: I admit that I did. The new Archbishop since the early years of his ministry in the Patriarchal Court has shown himself to be a charismatic and talented clergyman.

TNH: How would you describe him? What kind of man is he?

Theoliptos: Describing a talented and charismatic man, such as your new Archbishop, is difficult, dear Mr. Kalmoukos, because there is always the fear that you might not do him justice. Nevertheless, I will attempt it, and I will tell you that the holy Archbishop of America, Elpidophoros, is a man of faith in God, with love and devotion to our Ecumenical Patriarchate and to our Patriarch.

He is a man with an immense theological education, a linguist, knowledgeable about the ecumenical movement, a man of dialogue, of every dialogue, with love for his fellow man, with dedication to his duty, laborious, systematic; whatever the Church has entrusted to him so far, he has done in the best way.

He has experience in management. He demonstrated this as Metropolitan of Proussa, but above all as Abbot of the Monastery of the Holy Trinity of Halki, where there is also the historic Theological School.

He manned the holy Monastery, in a short period of time, with new people whom he chose, young, educated, and cultured, who not only manned the holy Monastery, but also filled priestly positions in the Archbishopric of Constantinople and in the Metropolises within the country and abroad. He organized, always with the permission and blessing of our Patriarch, various conferences at the Theological School of Halki with theological and ecological content, and successfully hosted musical concerts featuring well-known great musicians, as well as exhibitions, etc.

The holy Archbishop of America is a laudable clergyman because everything that he has acquired, education, character, communication ability, diligence, he owes only to himself. It does not come from his home, or from a wealthy family of note.

He is a child of simple, hardworking parents. He worked, tiring himself out, without the help of anyone; on the contrary, he continued in spite of many difficulties that tested him and proved the talents given to him by God, his gifts and abilities, and thus he won the love and confidence of our Patriarch, as well as most of the hierarchs of the Throne. And today, with the blessing of God and the love of our Patriarch, he holds this high rank of Archbishop of America. He is a bold, brave and determined man.

TNH: What do you think the Church and the United States of America should expect?

Theoliptos: The local Church and the United States of America should expect their Archbishop to work and return the holy Archdiocese again to the former glory that it had in the era of the late Archbishop Iakovos, which it unfortunately lost over the past 23 years, and I dare to say, he will surpass it, first, and secondly, as he himself says, restore the Archbishopric and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

These things will, of course, be done on his own initiative, but also with the cooperation and support of the people of the United States. And then I’m convinced that he will succeed. He is willing and determined to work for the sake of the Archdiocese, the people, and our Patriarchate.

TNH: What would be some of the brotherly advice that you would give him?

Theoliptos: I do not think he needs any advice. He is also a graduate of the University of the Phanar, and has 25 years of experience, which he has acquired from the positions he has held in the court of the Phanar up until today. All I want to ask him is to be who he is. Keep that, which I described before.

TNH: How do the Patriarch, the hierarchy and the other fathers feel in the Phanar about his reception and enthronement?

Theoliptos: I would not like to say how the hierarchs and the other fathers feel in the Phanar. But what I can tell you with certainty is that our Patriarch, with whom I have spoken, is happy and satisfied with the promising messages arriving at the Phanar from New York and with the affection of the pious flock of the United States for their new prelate. Of course, I am very happy and proud of my holy brother of America.

I pray that God will give him strength and patience to deal with the great problems he has inherited, and enable him to carry out the work commissioned by our Ecumenical Patriarchate.

The post Metropolitan Theoliptos of Iconium Speaks to TNH About Archbishop Elpidophoros appeared first on The National Herald.

TORONTO – On Friday, June 28, with the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop, the Assemblies of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada took place in Vancouver.

The youth conference, with one hundred and seventy (170) participants between the ages of 16-28 from across Canada began on June 28 and ended July 1.

The Ladies Philoptochos conference began on June 28 and also ended on July 1st. One hundred and ten (110) ladies from across Canada participated.

The Clergy-Laity Conference started with the celebration of a Divine Liturgy at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Vancouver, where all the participants of the three assemblies, of the Youth, the Ladies Philoptochos, the community delegates as well as the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Canada all attended along with the plenitude of faithful of Vancouver.

The Clergy-Laity Conference with one hundred and seven (107) representatives from communities across Canada commenced on June 30 and ended its work sessions on the afternoon of July 3.

The work of all the assemblies was carried out in an orderly fashion and in the best possible manner. The Clergy-Laity Conference was presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios.

It should be noted that every day from June 29 thru July 3, with the exception of Sunday, Divine Liturgy was celebrated from 8:00 until 9:15 AM by His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios, serving as a simple priest, at an area of the hotel which was transformed into a chapel. All the representatives of the three assemblies: the youth, the ladies Philoptochos, and the Clergy-Laity attended these Divine Liturgies. Thus, in this spiritual manner did every day begin. Each day ended in similar fashion with vespers service.

His All-Holiness Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew sent his greetings and a message which was read aloud by Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Dean of the Patriarchal Theological Academy of Toronto, the Very Rev. Fr. Athenagoras Ziliaskopoulos.

At the official dinner, among the many other dignitaries in attendance, were Tasoula Berggren, Honorary Consul of Cyprus, and Athanasios Ioannou, Consul General of Greece in Vancouver.

The theme of this year’s Clergy-Laity conference was:

“And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand” (Matthew 12:25).

At the youth and Philoptochos assemblies, many relevant topics of concern to each, were discussed. The topics and subject matter of the Clergy-Laity was as follows: The Youth as a Bridge between the Past, Present and Future. Speaker: Fr. D. Antonopoulos; Philanthropy: Internal and External. Speaker: Fr. T.  Alamanos; Greek faith & Orthodox Education: Connecting salvation with Greek Education. Speaker: Archon Depoutatos – Spyros Volonakis, Director of Greek Education; Internet Ministries: Importance, Budget and Expectations. Speaker: Archon Ostiarios – Evangelos Sotiropoulos; The Church at Home: Contemporary Challenges. Speaker: Fr. K. Kaltsidis; Greek Orthodox Community: Unifying the Faithful – Spiritual Life – Administration – Conformity and Journeying together in harmony with the Holy Metropolis and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Speaker: Archon Prostatis Ton Grammaton – Michael G. Ikonomou.

All the topics were studied and discussed in depth and in a spirit of love and harmony, motions and resolutions were received and adopted.

Participants expressed their deepest gratitude for what was a successful conference to the four local communities of Vancouver, East Vancouver, Surrey and Victoria, and to priests Fr. Constantinos Economos, Fr. Constantinos Kaltsidis, Fr. Timoleon Prattas, and Fr. George Tolias, and to the organizing committee.

Archbishop Sotirios expresseed his warmest thanks to all, and especially towards His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew for the elevation of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada.

The post Archdiocese of Canada Ηolds Assemblies appeared first on The National Herald.

BOSTON – The Order of AHEPA honored with its Socrates Award the prominent global businessman and philanthropist Michael Psaros at the Grant Banquet of its 97th Supreme Convention in Chicago on Friday, July 5 at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America was the main speaker at the banquet, and Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago was also present. It was the Archbishop’s first official visit to the Metropolis of Chicago.

Τhe Socrates Award is the highest award bestowed by AHEPA. Typically, it is awarded to U.S. presidents, heads of State, or Patriarchs. The first one was presented in 1964. Previously, 22 Awards had been given to highly esteemed persons and Psaros was the 23rd.

Michael Psaros wasn’t able to accept the Award in person due to previous commitments but he communicated with the thousands of the banquet guests via a video message.

In a telephone interview with The National Herald, he said that “I am humbled, honored and grateful to receive the 23rd Socratic Award from AHEPA. I cannot believe I now share an honor bestowed on Ecumenical Patriarchs, Presidents of the United States, Bob Hope, and many dignitaries.”

Psaros in his acceptance speech among other things said the following:

“I thank you for presenting me with the 23rd Socratic Award. I accept this extraordinary honor with humility and respect.

I cannot comprehend that AHEPA has presented me with an honor bestowed to Ecumenical Patriarchs and Presidents of the United States.

I dedicate this prestigious award to my family, to my parents, but above all, to my grandparents: που ειταν προτοποροι και μεταναστες – who were pioneers and immigrants.

I dedicate this prestigious award to that generation.

I am proud to be an AHEPAN because AHEPA was originally created to defend those metatastes from discrimination.

AHEPA was critical in helping the generations of metanastes assimilate. When they were in need, AHEPA answered the call.

I am proud to be an AHEPAN, because it was created to promote Hellenism and the Hellenic ideal.

Hellenism is God ‘s gift to human civilization and represents the best of humanity: philotimo, philanthropia, philoxenia and agape.

Central to Hellenism is the primacy of the individual in society, of free will, of free choice, of free expression, of free action.

These values form the foundation of this Republic.

I am proud to be an Ahepan because of its diakonia to Holy Orthodoxy, the Mother Church of Constantinople and the Holy Archdiocese of America.

Hellenism can only be viewed through the brilliant prism of Orthodoxy.

From its creation, Ahepa has been a defender of the Faith from our Parishes to the World Stage.

I am proud to be an Ahepan because it exists to serve others. AHEPA is the joyful giver referred to in the gospels.

It is a selfless organization.

The impact of AHEPA’s philanthropia over the decades in our Hellenic Community is extraordinary.

I am proud to be an Ahepan, because it has given so much back to our country that has fulfilled the dreams of the Hellenic diaspora.

Ahepans understand that the United States is and always will be the land of opportunity, a shining city on the hill, a beacon of hope for the world.

Ahepans are proud to be Americans of Hellenic Descent. We know where we come from.

This grounds us.

This provides us with confidence. This provides us with dignity.

We have a sense of place, and that is powerful.

The need, the imperative, for AHEPA has never been greater than today. We all know why.

Greece remains in an economic crisis, and is confronted by a hostile power that is even questioning the territorial integrity of the country. Cyprus remains illegally occupied.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate is under assault by a hostile government and even within the global Church.

AHEPA, with its size, resources, and commitment, is the critical organization to leverage Washington and the will of the American people to help our mother country and our mother Church.

I know AHEPA will answer the call.

In conclusion, I thank God for the blessing of providing me with the inspiration to serve his Church and our Hellenic Community. Ευχαριστο με αγαπη και σεβασμο – thank you with my love and respect.”

Michael Psaros is a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of KPS Capital Partners, LP, and a member of its Investment Committee and Management Committee. KPS Capital Partners, LP is the manager of KPS Special Situations Funds, a family of private equity funds with approximately $5.0 billion of assets under management (as of March 31, 2019) focused on making controlling equity investments in manufacturing and industrial companies across a diverse array of industries, including basic materials, branded consumer, healthcare and luxury products, automotive parts, capital equipment and general manufacturing.

Psaros and the Partners of KPS have successfully developed and executed a proprietary investment strategy of creating new companies to acquire assets or businesses from large corporations, businesses owned by families or entrepreneurs, and businesses presented for sale in connection with financial restructurings, including companies owned by former creditor groups. KPS then transforms these businesses into independent, world-class, industry-leading enterprises by structurally improving their strategic position, competitiveness, and profitability.

The KPS Funds’ portfolio companies have aggregate annual revenues of approximately $5.8 billion, operate 100 manufacturing facilities in 27 countries, and have over 22,000 employees, directly and through joint ventures worldwide.

Prior to joining its predecessor and creating KPS in 1997, Psaros was an investment banker with Bear, Stearns & Co., Inc.

He received a BS/BA in Finance from Georgetown University and attended Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan and serves on the Board of Directors of Georgetown University.  He also serves as the Vice Chairman of the Executive Board of Advisors of Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business and the Board of Advisors of the Georgetown University Center for Financial Markets and Policy. He and his spouse created The Michael and Robin Psaros Endowed Chair in Business Administration at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business in 2013.

Psaros is an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarch, Order of St. Andrew, where he serves on its National Council. He is a founding member of FAITH: An Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism; serves on the Board of Trustees of Leadership 100 – Advancing Hellenism and Orthodoxy in America, and on the Executive Board of The Hellenic Initiative. He is the Vice Chairman of Friends of St. Nicholas, the organization responsible for constructing the new St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox National Shrine at Ground Zero.  He previously served as the Treasurer of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and served on its Executive Committee.

Thus far the “Socrates” Award has been given to following personalities: Henry R. Luce (1964), Publisher of Time and Life magazines, Lyndon B. Johnson (1966), President of the United States of America; Everett Dirksen (1968), U.S. Senator from Illinois, Richard M. Nixon (1971), President of the United States, His All Holiness Athenagoras I Ecumenical Patriarch (1972), Constantine Karamanlis (1976), Prime Minister of Greece, Hubert H. Humphrey (1978), former Vice-President of the United States; Bob Hope (1984), Entertainer, Ronald Reagan (1986), President of the United States; Archbishop Iakovos (1988), Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America, George W. H. Bush (1990), President of the United States, William “Gus” Pagonis (1992) – Lt. General, William Clinton (1996)  President of the United States, His All Holiness, Bartholomew I, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome, and Ecumenical Patriarch (1997), Alex G. Spanos (1997),  Entrepreneur/Philanthropist, George W. Bush (2002) President of the United States, George A. Kalogridis (2014),  President of Walt Disney World Resort.

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