NEW YORK (AP) — A spokeswoman says U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney is “feeling better” and “in good spirits” after becoming ill at an event and going to a hospital.
The spokeswoman, Jennifer Bell, said that Maloney was waiting for doctors to determine when she could go home and rest.
There was no word on what caused her ailment.
According to the Daily News , the 73-year-old Democrat told a staffer earlier Monday that she felt pain and could not see. She was escorted to a bench where she sat for about 15 minutes as 911 was called.
Maloney and other politicians were attending a vigil about the weekend killing of four homeless men in Manhattan’s Chinatown section.
Maloney has represented Manhattan in Congress since 1993.
BOSTON – Greek Street, a new casual Greek restaurant opens October 7 at Time Out Market, the food hall in Fenway, 401 Park Drive in Boston. James Beard Award-winning chef Jody Adams and her partners Eric Papachristos and Jon Mendez, the team from Saloniki, the fast-casual Greek restaurant which opened in March 2016 in the area, are bringing even more of the flavors of Greece to Boston with their new venture, Eater Boston reported.
The team was inspired by their visits to Greece, the classic street foods, as well as homemade meals they shared while there, Eater Boston reported. The menu includes spanakopita, citrus-marinated swordfish souvlaki, pork schnitzel with Greek herbs, and of course, salad topped with feta.
In a Time Out Market Boston press release, Chef Adams said, “Great food no longer depends on a fine dining environment and white tablecloth formality. Greek Street will offer guests a fine-casual experience and traditional Greek dishes full of simple and natural flavors and prepared with fresh and exceptional ingredients. I can’t wait to offer our mouth-watering dishes at Time Out Market Boston alongside the city’s most outstanding culinary talent.”
Didier Souillat, CEO of Time Out Market, commented, “Jody Adams is one of Boston’s most celebrated chefs. We have been dedicated to bringing her to Time Out Market Boston right from the beginning and we are very excited that she will now join our curated mix of the city’s top chefs and restaurateurs. It is our mission to showcase the best of Boston under one roof and an incredible range of food to choose from, so we regularly offer our guests something new to give them another great reason to keep coming back. It is truly exciting to welcome Chef Jody Adams and her Greek Street team to Time Out Market Boston—I know our guests will love the outstanding food they will serve.”
Chef Adams has truly left a mark on Boston’s culinary identity. For over twenty years she helmed Cambridge’s celebrated fine dining institution Rialto; in 2011 she opened the award-winning TRADE; in 2016, Porto followed with its mouth-watering Mediterranean cuisine, quickly becoming a local favorite just like fast-casual Greek restaurant Saloniki, which opened in the same year. Now she will bring Saloniki spinoff Greek Street to Time Out Market Boston with partners Papachristos, who grew up in Greece and joined forces with Adams in 2011, and Mendez, hospitality and operations expert, and co-founder of Saloniki.
Greek Street opens at 11 AM daily and will be a permanent addition to the food hall.
More information is available online: https://www.timeoutmarket.com/boston/.
PHILADELPHIA – The Cyprus Society of Greater Philadelphia presented the legendary Cypriot singer Michalis Violaris in concert with Greek singer Andriana Kollia and the Pancyprian Choir of New York under the direction of Phyto Stratis at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre in Philadelphia on October 4. The audience was delighted with the show which included classic songs from Violaris’ impressive repertoire.
The evening began with a reception where fans could meet the singer famous for his hit songs sung in the Cypriot dialect, including Ta Rialia which hit the top-10 in Greece in 1973. The delicious Cypriot mezedes were by Zenon Taverna of Astoria.
04 October 2019: The Cyprus Society of Greater Philadelphia organized a Live Concert at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, featuring Cypriot Singer & Composer, Michael Violaris, Greek Singer, Andriana Kollia and the Pancyprian Choir of New York. Below a short video clip: pic.twitter.com/fetb5XSgzj
Led by Dance Director Karoline Kokolis, The Cypriot Dancers of Greater Philadelphia, dressed in traditional costume, performed traditional dances and impressed everyone during the pre-concert reception.
Cyprus Society of Greater Philadelphia Executive Board President Georghia Kurnellas gave the opening remarks at the concert thanking all those present for their continuing support, noting that it was a true honor to have Violaris, his musicians, and Kollia, who all traveled from Greece to perform in the concert.
The Pancyprian Choir under the direction of Phyto Stratis performed with the renowned Michalis Violaris and Andriana Kollias and then posed for a commemorative photo with Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus Alexis Phedonos-Vadet. Photo: Facebook
Kurnellas then introduced Violaris who was welcomed enthusiastically by the appreciative fans. The concert included hit songs and fan favorites by Violaris himself and by well-known composers including Mikis Theodorakis.
Accompanying Violaris and Kollia were the talented musicians George Salvanos on piano, Michalis Giatrakis and daughter Maria Giatrakis, both on bouzouki. Violaris gave a brief introduction to each song, adding to the congenial atmosphere of the concert by sharing memories of his longstanding career with the audience.
The Pancyprian Choir, along with Ellie Tsachtani on flute, joined Violaris onstage for the later portion of the concert. Violaris handed the microphone to Pancyprian Choir Artistic and Music Director Phyto Stratis for some brief remarks. Stratis thanked the Cyprus Society and Mr. Violaris for inviting the Choir to perform in Philadelphia, and especially thanked PSEKA President Philip Christopher for his continuing support. Stratis also mentioned the upcoming concert on October 13 at the Queens Theatre in New York and hoped to see everyone there as well and for the Choir to perform again soon for all those present in a free Cyprus.
The Choir began with the beautiful and poignant To Spiti pou gennithika with lyrics from a poem by Kostis Palamas and music by Michalis Terzis. Violaris noted that the song was dedicated to Kyrenia and to all those who cannot go home again wherever they are from and added that his dear friend for many years Philip Christopher is from Kyrenia.
The Cypriot Dancers of Greater Philadelphia, dressed in traditional costume, performed the traditional dances and impressed all those present during the pre-concert reception. Photo by Eleni Sakellis
Among the songs the Choir performed with Violaris were Varka Horis Pania, To Delfinokoritso, and the ever-popular Oulla Halali Sou. The concert concluded with the well-known Theodorakis song Palioi Dromoi from the 1973 film Serpico starring Al Pacino which was then followed by an encore of two additional songs.
Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus in New York Alexis Phedonos-Vadet was among those present for the event and posed for a commemorative photo at the conclusion of the concert. Coffee and traditional desserts were also served following the show.
Everyone is looking forward to Violaris next concert with the Pancyprian Choir at the Queens Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 13.
More information is available online: queenstheatre.org.
The Pancyprian Choir with PSEKA President Philip Christopher following a rehearsal at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre in Philadelphia. Photo by Eleni SakellisThe Suzanne Roberts Theatre in Philadelphia. Photo by Eleni SakellisThe program for the concert. Photo: Eleni Sakellis
A new preservation project is underway that few in Greek America would have dreamed possible. For the first time, a group of professional specialists from around the country have undertaken to identify, collect, contextualize, preserve, and make public an integrated collection of Greek music produced in North America. The Greek Music in America Archives Project (GMAAP), a collaboration between Florida Cultural Resources, Inc. and the Archives of Traditional Music/Indiana University, is now in progress and has shifted into its second phase.
Directed by Tina Bucuvalas for Florida Cultural Resources, the project was awarded a grant by the National Endowment for the Arts/Folk and Traditional Arts Program. I will quote extensively from the grant application so that the nature and complexity of this archival venture is understood:
The Greek diaspora brought with them the many permutations of music in Greece. During the early 20th century, a flood of immigration combined with commercial record production to generate unparalleled documentation of ethnic music. From 1896 to 1942, over 1000 analog discs with Greek recordings appeared in the U.S. on labels large and small – and thousands more have since appeared. Encompassing not only traditional music from all regions, but also emerging urban genres, stylistic changes, new songs of social commentary in traditional music forms, and reflections of the daily lives of Greek immigrants, they are invaluable documents of community practices and preferences. Music was one of the most prized and enduring creations of the diaspora, and an important element for most social occasions. Greek music generated in the U.S. continues to have an enduring influence on the musical culture of Greece and other diaspora communities.
Grant funds will support the creation at the Archives of Traditional Music/Indiana University (ATM) of a comprehensive, contextualized, and publicly accessible collection of commercially released Greek music recorded in America or recorded by American companies in Greece from 1896 to 1985. The collection will encompass multiple formats, including analog discs, audiotapes, piano rolls, cylinders, and associated ephemera such as record catalogs, sheet music, or images. At this time there is no comprehensive collection of Greek recordings – and in recent years several excellent private collections were dispersed upon the collector’s death. We estimate acquisition of ca. 2000 items that fit the project scope.
People of all ages and backgrounds may benefit from the increased knowledge about the history and development of Greek music in America, but for some there will be greater benefits. The intended audiences for project results include Greek Americans and Greeks with an interest in their musical and social history, folklorists, anthropologists, ethnomusicologists, Modern Greek studies scholars, world music enthusiasts, music archivists and historians, and others…Scholars in Greece have already expressed strong interest in the development of this collection, which will provide them with a needed resource to extend their knowledge of the development of Greek music in the diaspora…For them and for other scholars and enthusiasts, the collection could provide the groundwork for many future publications.
Among the potential audiences named above, there are between 1.3 and 3 million Greek Americans in the U.S. They constitute the project’s primary community base, and for them the project will have particular importance because they will be able to more easily access and learn more about their musical history…
This project has three major components:
Survey existing collections: in partnership with ATM staff, GMAAP staff will survey ATM holdings of US-recorded, commercially released Greek music. Efforts will be guided and informed by ATM catalogs, collection descriptions, and staff knowledge as well as through consultation with discographers and project partners Meletios Pouliopoulos, Steve Frangos, Dick Spottswood, Michael Kaloyanides, and Panayotis League and their extensive published or unpublished discographic resources.
Acquisition: GMAAP staff will determine the recordings needed and seek to acquire them for deposit with ATM via donation. In addition, the team will conduct national outreach to Greek American communities, American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) and other nation-wide organizations.
Cataloging: Working in partnership with ATM staff, Pouliopoulos will describe acquired recordings using ATM’s system, as well as the standards-based archival database created by the National Folklore Archive Initiative, Folklore Collections Database (FCD http://www.folklorecollections.org)….Archivist Andy Kolovos will train GMAAP staff in FCD use.
The Archives of Traditional Music was chosen as a project partner not simply for its history of preservation and dedication to disseminating the world’s music and oral traditions. Serving scholars, public patrons, and those whose cultural heritage is represented, its holdings cover a wide range of cultural areas through commercial and field recordings of music, folktales, interviews, oral history, as well as videos, images, and manuscripts. It is a leader in preservation and access strategies and a key player in preserving 300,000 recordings at Indiana University.
GMAAP project staff has already acquired about 1,000 items – primarily 78 rpm recordings, but also items in other formats as well as related materials such as sheet music and record catalogs. At this time they are searching for up to 1,000 additional items in order to complete the collection. Particular items of interest include those released on small independent labels. Among items needed are the following:
Greek Orthodox Church Music from throughout the U.S.
Early recordings of traditional and popular music: Kyria Koula, Sotirios Stassinopoulos,
Marika and Gus Papagikas, John Kiriakatis
Alexis Zoumbas, Kostas Papadakis aka Naftis
Zembillas. and Maillis (early Grecophon 78 rpm recordings). Early rebetika: Kostas Dousas, Kostas Besos aka A. Kostis, Manolis Karapiperis, Jack Gregory (78 rpm – Athena Recordings, New York, NY). Early Greek vocalists: George Helmis, Marius Lyberopoulos. Greek orchestras: Lucianos Cavadias, Diomidous Avlonitis aka Don Avlon. Record companies: Greek National Opera Company Records, New York, Greek Record Company, Chicago, Okeh 12″ records – 82500 Series, Columbia “E” Series, Arion Records from New York. Independent Greek labels: A.H. Records (LPs and 45s), Athens Recording Company, Chicago, IL (45s), PAS Records (45s),PSP Record Company, New York, NY (LPs, 45s)
If you are willing to donate and send any of the above items, or if you need more information on particular items needed, please contact Project Music Specialist Meletios Pouliopoulos at Meletios@GreekCulturalResources.org or (603) 502-9425.
This is your opportunity to contribute to the creation of the only publicly accessible archive of Greek music recorded and listened to in the United States. Projects like the one outlined above, and this is no exaggeration, may only come once in a lifetime.
CHICAGO – Calamos Investments Founder, Chairman, and Global Chief Investment Officer John Calamos, who will be honored by the Washington OXI Day Foundation with the prestigious Michael Jaharis Service Award on October 24, was recently featured in Real Leaders magazine for his leadership skills and the legacy of values which helped build the $25 billion company he founded in 1977.
The son of Greek immigrants, Calamos decided three years ago to “turn over the reins” of the company to another Greek-American, John Koudounis, who has served as Calamos Investments’ Chief Executive Officer since that time, Real Leaders magazine reported. Calamos “wanted someone who embodied the qualities of a leader, and not just the qualities of an efficient manager,” and “found that person in the form of then 50-year-old John Koudounis, who’s leadership qualities were best suited for the ebb and flow of financial markets — someone with a broad worldview; who can comfortably accommodate diversity of thought and who is not afraid of change,” Real Leaders reported.
“Koudounis, who has now been at the helm of Calamos Investments for three years, is a shining example of a succession plan and the role that values can play across generations, while Calamos, who has no immediate plans to retire, is delighted to have found a partner with values that translate well into a company culture he has nurtured for decades,” Real Leaders reported, adding that the company’s headquarters in Naperville, IL, a suburb of Chicago, has “a welcoming atmosphere that exudes family.”
At the National Hellenic Museum’s Annual Golf Outing (left to right): Calamos Investments Founder, Chairman, and Global Chief Investment Officer and NHM Chairman John P. Calamos, Sr., Calamos Investments CEO and NHM Trustee John Koudounis, Jim Regas, and NHM Trustee Dr. George Korkos. Photo: Elios Photography
“The acceptance of my Greek heritage while growing up in the U.S., certainly influenced my later decision in life to become more accepting of others,” said Calamos, who has created an extended family of more than 300 employees, Real Leaders reported.
As questions arose concerning his retirement plans, Calamos “realized that the hallmark of a great leader is to have a good succession plan in place,” Real Leaders reported.
“It was less about finding someone with financial and investment skills, and more about someone with strategic planning skills,” Calamos told Real Leaders. “It helped move the company from a one-team system to a multi-team system. After being a company founder for 41 years, it was important to remember the value of fresh talent and ideas for a successor — the same energy that kickstarted my company decades ago.”
Calamos has done well with the values of hard work and appreciation for heritage, and reminds people that “you don’t know where you’re going unless you know where you came from,” Real Leaders reported.
Koudounis had previously worked for large corporations and told Real Leaders that “Partnering with John in a much smaller company was not a step down. It was instead a step toward partnering with shared values and ethics. I got to know John as a person first, over many years, and only then as a business partner.”
Koudounis said of Calamos, “John is highly successful, and could have generated a lot more wealth in the world of finance if he was unethical, but he isn’t, and that’s why I work with him. You’ve got to get up every morning, look in the mirror, and be able to live with yourself.”
Koudounis’ grandparents both immigrated to the United States from Sparta, Greece at the turn of the last century and Koudounis noted the ancient legacy of the Spartans, “It’s rumored that it took 15 men to bring down one Spartan in battle,” he told Real Leaders reported. Koudounis’ support for Calamos allowed the company’s founder to focus on investments and interacting more with his employees.
Calamos told Real Leaders, “Company culture is so important; I’d hate to think there is talk behind people’s backs here. Keeping lines of communication open, and an accepting attitude creates positive working environments.”
A talent program which began early in the company’s history trains interns from school as potential staff members and some have continued on with the company for 20 years.
“I like to build teams for the future,” Calamos told Real Leaders which noted his background as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot in Vietnam.
Though technology has changed business dramatically, Calamos said, “It’s still people who drive the markets. Why would you want to lose sight of that?”
Calamos was also an early investor in technology and one of the first to use an Apple computer. He told Real Leaders, “I recall thinking, ‘boy, imagine the smarter decisions I could make with access to more information and data. Today, we’re so swamped with data; it’s difficult to know what to use! We’re almost back to a time before big data; another great reason to keep nurturing human interaction.”
His parents owned a grocery store in Chicago where Calamos learned his work ethic.
“I used to run downstairs as a child to give customers a quart of milk at 10 pm,” Calamos told Real Leaders. “It was the foundation for my work ethic and an early lesson in how to treat customers with respect.”
That shared Greek-American experience and values were something he recognized in Koudounis. “We came here to live the American Dream, not to be given a check, but to earn it and succeed,” Calamos told Real Leaders.
Among Calamos’ keys to success, “You can’t assume things will stay the same from year to year, change is inevitable, and this assumption must be built into your business plan,” he told Real Leaders.
“Just acknowledge that the only thing certain is change, and you’ll already be halfway in solving that problem. Training yourself for change will future-proof your product and leadership style. Pay attention to global events and realize that they can affect your business from anywhere in the world. With the volatility we see in today’s markets, short-term market timing doesn’t work anymore. You can get out at the right time, but you’ll never get back in — farsighted, longterm investments will ultimately deliver more value, as will your investment in the right people,” Calamos concluded, Real Leaders reported.
ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT – Deputy Foreign Minister for Hellenes Abroad Antonis Diamataris said that he and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis support Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa. The Primate of the Church of Alexandria warmly welcomed the deputy minister to the seat of the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
Diamataris was accompanied by the Ambassador of Greece to Egypt, Nikos Garilidis, and the Consul General in Alexandria, Athanasios Kotsionis.
Diamataris stated that “it is a great pleasure and a blessing for me to visit the historic Patriarchate of Alexandria and Patriarch Theodore, for whom I myself and the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, have great esteem and respect.”
The Patriarch of Alexandria warmly welcomed the Deputy Minister and said, “I would like to express my delight at being able to welcome Antonis Diamataris here today. It is a great honor to be a Greek expatriate, to have served the Greek Community in many parts of the world. Now as the spiritual father of Alexandria and all Africa, I would like to welcome the Deputy Minister.”
Patriarch Theodoros also said that “Egypt, our Greece, and our Cyprus will be three countries that will send a great message of peace and love in the Mediterranean Sea. We would like to thank you and we are grateful to you.”
ATLANTA, GA – Six European Union countries will join in the 49th Annual Atlanta Pride Parade on October 13. This is the first time that the EU consulates in Atlanta will march together, including Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland and the Netherlands.
The Greek Consulate released the following statement about the participation in the parade on behalf of the six EU countries, “As members of the European Union, we reject and condemn acts of violence and discrimination in all regions of the world, committed against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.
“We advocate for the respect of LGBTI+ rights and equal rights for all people, regardless of sexual orientation. We encourage further steps in every country to ensure the equality and dignity of all human beings and we welcome positive developments at the international, national and regional level. We believe that celebrating diversity is a sure way to promote respect for human rights.”
CONSTANTINOPLE – The Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presiding, promoted Bishop Nikandros of Dorylaion to Metropolitan of Irenopolis, and Bishop Seraphim of Apollonias to Metropolitan of Sebasteia.
Both the newly elected Metropolitans had been serving until now as auxiliary Bishops at the Archdiocese of Australia.
Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who was visiting Constantinople, wished the Metropolitans Seraphim of Sebasteia and Nikandros of Irenopolis a long and thriving high priesthood “for the glory of Christ and the Church.”
Archbishop Makarios, standing before the Ecumenical Patriarch and the two new Metropolitans said, “the promotion of these two Brethren is worthy and just. I am pleased with this development and I call on the brothers to continue to stay with me for as long as they want. Australia has been and will continue to be their home.”
The new Metropolitans, visibly moved, gratefully thanked the Archbishop for his love and promised that they would continue to contribute in every way to the progress and unity of the Archdiocese of Australia.
Finally, Archbishop Makarios offered them an ‘engolpion’ and a cross with the request to remember him, the clergy, and the people in their prayers.
Also, the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate decided to forward to the Mother Church the request of Metropolitan Seraphim of Kastoria to canonize Markos Markoulis from Klisoura, Noultzos from Kastoria, Georgios from Kastoria, priest Vasilios Kalapalikis, vicar of Hiliodentri in Kastoria, and Αrchimandrite Platon Aivazidis.
The Synod also decided, at the request of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, to promote to Titular Metropolitan Bishop Elias of Philomelion, the ruling bishop of the Albanian Orthodox Diocese of America.
JERUSALEM – Deputy Foreign Minister for Hellenes Abroad Antonis Diamataris made a one-day visit to the Holy Land where he met with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem.
Diamataris venerated the Holy Sepulchre of Christ at the Church of the Resurrection and he also visited the place of the Crucifixion of Christ.
Patriarch Theofilos honored Diamataris with the Cross of the Holy Places of Jerusalem, the highest medal awarded by the historic ancient Patriarchate of the Orthodox Church.
Afterwards, Diamataris paid his respects to the World Holocaust Remembrance Center at Yad Vashem, where he laid a wreath to honor the memory of the Holocaust victims.
The deputy minister met with the Head of the Jewish Agency for Israel, Isaac Herzog, at the Embassy of Greece in Tel Aviv. They exchanged views on how the Greek Diaspora could be organized. He also held a meeting with the central Board of the Association of the Holocaust Survivors from Greece in Israel, also at the Embassy of Greece.
CAMPBELL, OH – Mary Limperos, 45, fell asleep in the Lord peacefully on October 3. According to MyValley Tributes, “Mary was a very bright light in the world. Her smile was so warm and infectious. She touched the lives of every person she encountered with her kindness. One of her most defining characteristics was that she put others’ interests and needs before her own. Mary led a passionate life of loving, giving, and serving.
“Born in Youngstown, she spent her adolescence growing up with her loving family and friends in Campbell. Mary graduated from Campbell Memorial High School in 1992 and was an active member of Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church.
“On May 24, 2009, Mary married the love of her life ready to start what became an amazing journey. She pursued a successful career in retail sales, which eventually landed them in South Florida as a district manager in 2009, where she became involved with the community.
“Mary joined Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church and became an active member where she was devoted and loved. She served as the vice president for the Saint Mark Philoptochos Society, which was one of Mary’s favorite organizations. Mary enjoyed being a greeter on Sunday and helping lead the pastry booth for the annual Greek Festival.
“Mary is survived by her loving husband, Andrew ‘Dru’ Limperos; parents, Nick A. and Gail Koulianos; sister, Kitsa (Steve) Rotunno and their daughters, Gianna and Maria; brother, Anthony ‘Tony’ Koulianos; in-laws, Tom A. and Mary Limperos; brother-in-law, Richard C. (Lindsay) Limperos and their daughters, Isabella, Olivia and loving godchildren. Mary is also survived by numerous beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and an abundance of friends.
“To know Mary was to love her. Everyone she met was touched by her. Mary’s influence and time spent here inspired so many people near and far. Her memory will live in our hearts forever. Mary lived a beautiful humble life, one rooted in her faith in The Lord. Her life taught us all how to love and how to support one another.”
The Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell received family and friends on October at Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church, where the funeral service followed.
BOSTON – His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain returned recently to his roots in Tarpons Springs, Florida where he was born and raised and experienced a “Godly sign” when on the Epiphany Day of 1974 he retrieved the cross that Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory tossed into the waters. Archbishop Nikitas, in a telephone interview with The National Herald spoke about the situation in England and the infamous Brexit debate.
He told TNH that, “I am the son of the Tarpons village and I still feel that way and this is how the people see me. Everybody welcomed me with love and joy. The St. Nicholas nave was full to capacity and Bishop Sebastianos of Zela came on behalf of the Metropolis of Atlanta, as well as a number of priests.” He added that, “it was for me a great opportunity to see the people again. I walked on the street, I visited the cemetery – not only my parents’ graves, but many graves of our compatriots here.”
Archbishop Nikitas also said, “I was thinking about my years as a small child, then as a young adult, and as clergyman, what could I take with me and apply it in England.”
Archbishop Nikitas of Thyatira and Great Britain during the Service of Great Minima (Announcement) at St. George Patriarchal Cathedral. Photo: Ecumenical Patriarchate-Nikos Manginas
He also said that “I remembered that day of the Feast of the Epiphany that I retrieved the Holy Cross. The first cross that Archbishop Iakovos threw into the water was lost for some time. Then he said, “it is the will of God for me to throw the golden cross and be careful not to lose it.” Then I remember that the moment that Archbishop Iakovos threw the cross it came right onto my hand before I was ready to jump into the waters. For me it was an answer from God to my many supplications and questions. It was the same year when to dove flew and sat on Archbishop Iakovos’ mitre.”
Tarpons Springs’ mayor Chis Alahouzos invited Archbishop Nikitas to speak at City Hall. The Archbishop said, “I know the mayor since I was a young boy, also present was congressman Gus Billirakis who is the son of my first cousin. My parents were his Godparents and we grew up together like brothers.”
Regarding his first experiences as Archbishop in England he said, “I visit the parishes to get to know the faithful. I preach in both languages, in Greek and English because we have fourth and fifth generations. Also, ten percent of the congregation are not Greeks, they are converts, Romanians, and Ukrainians and these people should hear the gospel and the sermon in English.”
He said that “his relations with the Anglican Communion are exceptional. I know the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby for many years; we cooperate on issues like human trafficking. He is a very good person and he loves very much the Ecumenical Patriarchate and His All Holiness our Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. He invites me to all of his events. When they asked me recently how many people you represent, I replied half a million.” He added that “we need to cultivate the existing structures but we will need new Bishops not only for London but for the entirety England, Scotland, and Ireland because we have about three thousand faithful there as well.”
Speaking about the political situation in England he said, “this is a very difficult period not only for England but for all of Europe because at this moment nobody knows what is going to happen with Brexit. Parliament was dissolved and its president resigned, the bother of the Prime Minister resigned and nobody knows where we are going,” though he added, “I don’t believe that Brexit will materialize.”
STORRS, CT – Dr. Thomas C. Katsouleas was sworn in as the 16th President of the University of Connecticut (UConn) on October 4 at the UConn’s Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts in Storrs, CT.
Richard Brodhead, the former president of Duke University from 2004-17 and former Dean of Yale College, was the Keynote Speaker at the event. He hired Katsouleas at Duke and said that he is a “warm, decent, genuinely nice person. That’s not enough to qualify you to be president but, believe me, when combined with other gifts, it certainly doesn’t hurt,” The Connecticut Mirror reported.
Brodhead added that Katsouleas, a leading plasma scientist and engineer, is a problem-solver, noting that “at heart, engineers are people who see tough problems as challenges to their ingenuity. When you see a dead end, Tom is going to want to get creative and he’s going to expect you to join that fun as well,” The Connecticut Mirror reported.
Among those present at the ceremony were His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros and members of the Greek community. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont also spoke at the event. Andrea Dennis-LaVigne, master of ceremonies and vice chair of the UConn Board of Trustees, spoke a few words of Greek at the event.
Pictured with Archbishop Elpidophoros from right are Dr. Thomas Katsouleas, his father Steven Katsouleas and Rev. Alex Karloutsos, Vicar General of the Archdicoese. Photo: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Dr. Katsouleas was unanimously elected by the UConn Board of Trustees earlier this year as its new president. In his speech, Katsouleas thanked Gov. Lamont, UConn Board of Trustees Chairman Dan Toscano, and three former UConn Presidents, Susan Herbst, Philip E. Austin, and Harry Hartley.
He quoted Isaac Newton, “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.”
Katsouleas said, “There are so many family and friends here and wonderful guests, about half of whom I know, with whom the few hours we have together are a glowy and emotional blur, that it feels a bit like a wedding, and since the Greek community is well-represented… From the moment Andrea LaVigne spoke Greek and the Greek community is been here, including Archbishop Elpidophoros, Fr. Alex Karloutsos of New York, and my father who traveled from Greece to be here today, I’m going to call this my ‘big fat Greek inauguration.’”
He then joked, “But please don’t break the plates” at the reception following the event.
Katsouleas then referred to the high quality level of education and the excellent students at UConn.
He also announced a new program, The Connecticut Commitment in which lower-income residents admitted to UConn as undergraduates will receive free tuition starting with the fall 2020 entering class. The news was greeted by a standing ovation from the audience.
“But affordability is not enough,” Katsouleas said. “We must continue to invest in excellence, including doubling research over the next seven to 10 years to ensure that we attract the the most distinguished faculty and diverse faculty to teach our students,” The Connecticut Mirror reported.
“To paraphrase the words of Alexander the Great, and of course I have to bring in another Greek at some point, ‘To my parents I owe my life, to my teacher I owe my love of life.’ Of course his teacher was a pretty good one, if you remember it was Aristotle… Becoming president of one of the nation’s leading, public, flagship universities, especially one with a sense of community and school spirit that is so extraordinary, was honestly beyond my dreams, so it is really better than a dream come true. So, to my partner and the love of my life Anna Maria I will say thank you for sharing this dream with me and for proving that nothing is too wonderful to be true, even two dreams realized at once,” Katsouleas said.
He concluded his speech with “Go Huskies!”
LaVigne closed the event with an invitation to the audience to address President Katsouleas in Greek as “Axios,” meaning worthy.
NASHUA, NH – Priscilla Betses of Nashua, NH passed away at home on Friday, October 4 with her loving family by her side.
Priscilla was born on May 13, 1935 in Lowell, MA daughter of the late Dionysius and Georgia Logothetis and sister of the late Bessie Seakas. She married the love of her life George Betses in 1956, and has missed him dearly since his passing into eternal rest in 2009.
Priscilla graduated from Lowell High School, Salem State College, and Cambridge College where she earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling. She was a respected, dedicated, and beloved teacher, guidance counselor, Director of Guidance, and Assistant Principal at Tewksbury Memorial High School in Massachusetts until her retirement in 1994.
Priscilla was a devoted parishioner at St. Philip Greek Orthodox Church and an active member of the St. Philip Ladies Society AGAPE, the Pan Macedonians, and the Nashua Senior Center. She enjoyed baking and serving pastries at the annual church festivals. Priscilla cooked the best Greek meals and desserts every day for her family and all of their friends who affectionately called her Yiayia. She spent time comforting the elderly at area nursing homes, counseling friends who sought out her advice, and making generous donations to charities that provide for those in need. Taking walks in the sunshine at the beach made her happy. Above all, she loved being close to her children and grandchildren who will always remember her words of wisdom, witty sense of humor, and unwavering love and support.
Her family was the most important part of her entire life. Priscilla is survived by and will be forever loved by her four children and their spouses Starr and Dr. Charles Pipilas, Attorneys Georgiana (Gina) and Steven LaFortune, Dimitri (Mitch) and Robin Betses, and Dayna and Apostolos (Paul) Grillakis, as well as her grandchildren whom she adored: Krystal and Alexander Betses, Drs. Daniel and his wife Alexandra Pipilas, Emily Pipilas, Steven Jr. and Victoria LaFortune, and Christina and Priscilla Grillakis. She also leaves behind her beloved niece Dori Anne Seakas, her sister-in-law Josephine Betses, her three godsons, and her many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Visitation was on October 10 at the St Philip Greek Orthodox Church and was followed immediately by the funeral service. Donations in her memory may be made to St Philip Greek Orthodox Church in Nashua or Home, Health & Hospice Care in Merrimack, NH.
LOS ANGELES – Demi Moore recently released her memoir, Inside Out, in which she reveals shocking details about her past, including being raped at the age of 15 by a man who had a key to the family home. The man was alleged to be Greek-American Basil Doumas, landlord of the popular La Cage Aux Folles club in Los Angeles, who then paid Moore’s mother, Virginia King, $500, The Mirror reported.
Moore, 56, writes in her book, “It was rape and a devastating betrayal.”
In an exclusive interview with ABC’s Diane Sawyer, Moore was asked if she thought her mother “had sold her to the man for sex,” she replied that she wasn’t sure, The Mirror reported.
Moore continued, “I think in my deep heart, no. I don’t think it was a straightforward transaction but she still did give him the access and put me in harm’s way.”
The actress claims that her mother, “who was an alcoholic, started taking her out to bars to get attention from men when she was very young,” The Mirror reported, adding that Moore left home at 16 and her mother died in 1998.
Moore and her mother would eat at a Mirabelle restaurant run by Doumas at the time and soon he began showing up at Moore’s school and then raped her, she said, The Mirror reported, adding that Doumas would have been 48 years old when he raped her, and he died in 1997 at age 68.
George Germanides, who ran the restaurant with Doumas, told the Sun on Sunday, “his real name was Basil and his nickname was always Val. He was a sort of silent partner of mine from 1974. He had a lot of money…I bought him out after seven years,” The Mirror reported, adding that Germanides “had no idea” if the allegations of rape were true.
EAST BERLIN, CT – George Psillas, 97, of East Berlin, CT passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Saturday, September 21, 2019. George was born in Chios, Greece on November 17, 1921 one of seven children born to Athanasios and Helen (Markopoulos) Psillas. He served his country in the Air Force during World War II and was stationed in Alexandria, Egypt. After the war, he immigrated to the United States, too, marry the love of his life, Chryso (Stavrinou) Psillas. They spent sixty-seven happy years together.
George began his career in the U.S. as a carpenter after graduating from the Chicago School of Capentry. He shifted his career to the restaurant business but maintained his skills and love for carpentry throughout his life. George owned and operated the Center Coffee Shop in New Britain and then opened the Route 72 Diner in East Berlin, CT in 1966 and retired from business in 1983. He built the Rt. 72 Plaza in East Berlin and also extended and built the cul de sac on Ice Pond Lane, East Berlin. George and Chryso then spent seventeen Winters in their condo in Hallandale, Florida before returning to CT to live out their retirement closer to family. He served the Greek Orthodox Community as a member of the Parish Council and also oversaw the construction of the St. George Community Center in New Britain.
In addition to his beloved wife Chryso, he is survived by their four children, Thomas G. Psillas of Marietta, GA, Nicholas G. Psillas of East Berlin, CT, his youngest son James and his wife Mari-Beth of Tolland, MA And their children James Psillas and his wife Jennyfer and their daughter Audrey Victoria of Stockbridge, MA, Alexander Psillas of Sandisfield, MA, Karin Abalan and her son Ryder of Winsted, CT, Kaleb Abalan also of Winsted , CT, his daughter Helen (Psillas) Christodlous and her husband Sam and their three children, Chrystina Eleni Christodlous, Demis Eleni Christodlous and James George Christodlous also of East Berlin, CT. George is also survived by many family members in Greece, South Africa, Austrailia, Cyprus and here in the United States notably his closest niece Evanthia Tsakopoulos and her husband Apostolos and their children Constantine and Paul.
A special thanks to the wonderful staff at Apple Rehab, Cromwell for their outstanding care. Funeral Rites for George will be held Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at 10 a.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 301 West Main St., New Britain, CT. Committal Service and final resting place will be in Wilcox Cemetery, 273 Berlin St., East Berlin, CT. Relatives and friends may call at the Paul A. Shaker Funeral Home, Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and at St. George Greek Orthodox Church Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Directions to funeral home – I-84 east or west, exit 37 (Fienemann Rd) right off exit – one mile down on right. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in George’s name may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 301 West Main St., New Britain, CT. To extend condolences to the Psillas family or to share a memory of George, please visit ShakerFuneralHome.com Paul A. Shaker Funeral Home, L.L.C. 764 Farmington Avenue New Britain 06053, phone: 860-229-9006.
“President Donald Trump’s decision to have United States Armed Forces stand down in Northeast Syria, allowing Turkey to proceed with an invasion that will result in the certain wiping out of Kurds, a staunch partner in the fight against ISIS, has drawn significant bipartisan criticism. It is yet another example of how the West condones Turkey’s deceitful demands and hostile behavior.
“The American Hellenic community is outraged, and frankly, frustrated, with the West’s inability to take appropriate measures to stop Turkey from: pursuing its expansionist agenda, maintaining its ties with terrorist organizations, and perpetuating its violations of international law in the Eastern Mediterranean; all at the expense of the security and best interests of the United States, our NATO allies, and strategic partners. It bears repeating, Turkey is not a United States ally.
“Turkey has proven throughout its history it is incapable of maintaining a Western orientation and even more so under its current authoritarian regime. Sadly, Hellenes have witnessed the consequences when the West has failed to act and stand-up to Turkey’s wrath–the Greek Genocide, the Smyrna Catastrophe of 1922, the pogrom of Istanbul in 1955, and the 1974 invasion of the Republic of Cyprus. Currently, Turkey’s drillships are present in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus, including Block 7, which is licensed to international oil and gas companies based in EU-member nations. Turkey repeatedly violates Greece’s airspace and waterways where it engages in mock dogfights and practices gunboat diplomacy, respectively, placing lives unnecessarily at risk.
“We urge Washington and Brussels to act now. We reiterate our call for targeted, swift and overwhelming sanctions to be placed on Turkey, specific to illegal actions Turkey has taken in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus. We welcome the bipartisan call for sanctions should Turkey conduct military operations in Northeast Syria against the Kurds. Additionally, NATO partners must scrutinize Turkey’s place in the Alliance. Further, Congress must hold hearings on Turkey’s threats to peace and security in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, including its ties to terrorist organizations, based on these recent developments.
“The international community must hold Turkey accountable. The West repeatedly has turned a blind eye. It must not fail to act again.”
Founded in 1922 in Atlanta, Georgia, on the principles that undergirded its fight for civil rights and against discrimination, bigotry, and hatred felt at the hands of the Ku Klux Klan, AHEPA is the largest and oldest grassroots association of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes with more than 400 chapters across the United States, Canada, and Europe.
AHEPA’s mission is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence through community service and volunteerism.
BOSTON – On October 3 a Chicago Court issued on an order that “froze” temporarily the sale of the nave of the historic community of The Holy Trinity.
It is reminded here that on September 10 the sale of the nave had been authorized for the price of $2.5 million dollars to the Religious Organization Universal Life Church as The National Herald had reported.
On the initiative of Spiros Kezios, a real estate businessman, and a group of members of the Holy Trinity parish, a lawyer was found that specializes in bankruptcies and proved to the court that the sale of the nave was illegal because it did not have the authorization of the general assembly of the Community.
According to court documents the group that filed the motion is constituted by the following members of Holy Trinity: John Karamitsos, Stavros Haidos, Olympia Haidos, Maria Vlahos, George Horaites, and Spiros Kezios.
In a telephone interview with TNH Kezios said “the hearing on Thursday October 3 was to overturn the September 10 order which approved the sale of the Holy Trinity church to this buyer – Universal Life Church – for $2.5 million dollars. The court issued the Order preventing the sale of Holy Trinity until it hears legal arguments from both sides as to whether or not the sale should proceed or should be canceled.”
His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago. Photo: Metropolis of Chicago
He added that “we based our argument on the fact that the general assembly of the parish didn’t approve the sale of the church. We found a new bankruptcy attorney who filed the motion in court. The bank and the buyer will be filing motions in support of their position and we will reply, objecting to their position, and we will have a court hearing on October 15 for the judge to rule.”
Asked if they have the money to buy the church back, he said “we feel we have about $2.1 to $2.2 million dollars and we need to raise the difference over the next ten days. We need to raise about four to five hundred thousand dollars to give us a little cushion in case some unexpected expenses.”
Asked if they will be able to raise the money, Kezios said, “we are hoping for it. Already there have been several people who have contacted us and they have expressed an interest donating money before, but when they heard that on September 10 they court approved the sale they said ‘well it’s lost, its gone,’ but now they have been notified that we have a small window of opportunity and they are coming back and are putting up their money and making commitments again.” They hope to have the money in escrow accounts next week. “We will try to collect donations because when we submit our offer we have to submit proof that we have the money,” he added.
Asked what Metropolitan Nathanael has done to save the parish, Kezios said “he notified all the churches to pass an extra tray for Holy Trinity and supposedly reached out to some wealthy Greek people to get some money for us. He did find someone who offered that if Holy Trinity was to rent another church, he was willing to pay the rent. We are going to ask him if the person…instead of paying the rent…can make a payment every month to help the church to cover its bills until it stabilizes, because the number one priority is to remove ourselves from this nightmare and then down the road the church can control its own destiny. There is value in that nave, more than $2.5 million.”
Asked if he notified the Metropolitan of this latest legal development, Kexios said, “his attorney was present in court and I am sure she notified him. I haven’t. I don’t know if anybody from the church notified him.”
Kezios said, “there is one person who is going to give us half a million dollars and he doesn’t want any loan payments at all for five years and that is the most difficult part. The easy part is for the other loan to be paid in full in four and one half years from the rents the parish is getting from the Chicago public schools that are renting the church’s school. The school’s rent is $14,800 a month and is being taken by the bank. If we settle with the bank that $14,800 will be used to pay the loan.”
He also said that “all donations to save the Church are deposited in a restricted account that can only be used to pay the bank and save the Church. In the event the Church is unsuccessful, the donations will be returned.
Donations can be mailed to: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church; 6041 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60639.
Donations can also be made in the GoFundMe Page of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Chicago.
BOSTON – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros paid an archpastoral visit to St. Demetrios in Weston, MA on the occasion of the parish’s 60th anniversary.
The Archbishop was enthusiastically welcomed by the officials of the parish council and the Philoptochos while the children gave him flowers.
He officiated at the Divine Liturgy assisted by the local hierarch Metropolitan Methodios of Boston, the presiding priest of the parish Fr. Nicholas Krommydas, and many clergy, most of whom were retired.
The Archbishop in his sermon said among other things that “every Sunday is a kind of Pascha and a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. We may not sing Christos Anesti all year long; but on each new Sunday, we commemorate Christ’s victory over death. With every Gospel reading – every parable, every miracle, every commandment of our Savior – the new and better life is revealed, the hope of resurrection shines forth.”
Archbishop Elpidophoros with children of the St. Demetrios parish in Weston Massachusetts. Photo: GOA
He added:
“In today’s Gospel, this truth is proclaimed directly. Saint Luke tells us how Christ came to the gates of a city just as a funeral procession was passing by. It was for a young man, the son of a widow.
“The mother’s grief must have been overwhelming! Of all that we have in this world, nothing is more precious than the people we love. For any parent, the loss of a child is an unspeakable sorrow. How much more so, for this woman who lost her only son, and did not have even the comfort of her husband to bear this pain with her. One can hardly imagine the mourning and lamentation on that day.
“This is the scene that Christ encountered as He entered the city. Or rather, this is the moment that Christ chose to come to the city, in order to meet the procession at that sad moment. For in the ways of the Lord, there is no chance or accident: He weaves all things together according to His will and His wisdom.
“Christ came there to show the compassion of God: not just for this one widow, but for all of us in our sorrows and woes. He came also to show the power of God that can undo even the worst human sufferings. And so to this mother, He speaks words that we hear in the Scriptures over and over again: Do not weep!”
The Archbishop went on, saying, “the procession stops. Christ lays His hand on the casket. He speaks to the dead: ‘Young man, I say to you, arise.’ And immediately the boy sits up; he begins to speak. With joy the mother receives her son alive again; but the crowd is seized with great fear. For they realize how close they have come to the immeasurable power of God.”
At the end of the Liturgy the parish held a reception in honor of Archbishop Elpidophoros, and the parishioners of all ages had an opportunity to greet their new spiritual leader.
CALGARY, ALBERTA – Greek Olympic champion and legend in weightlifting Pyrros Dimas was welcomed with enthusiasm and emotion at the first event in Western Canada co-hosted by The Hellenic Initiative Canada and the Greek Community of Calgary on October 2.
The event featured the screening of a documentary by Greek-Canadian director Panagiotis Yannitsos titled Freedom Besieged: Unshackling the Youth of Greece about the impact of the financial crisis on Greek youth and the search for creative ways out. In an effort to build the new generation’s lost communication bridge in Greece with the world around them, the documentary captures individual and collective initiatives that create hope for the future. At the same time, it is targeting experts, scientists and politicians to document the solutions they offer – from intellectual Noam Chomsky to communications expert Peter Economides.
During the post-crisis debate on film and Greece that followed the screening, the filmmaker noted that his intention was to allow all voices to be heard, whether that was the voice of 15 year-old boy or Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. A special role in the film was played by the Greek-Canadian volunteer coach of Kiveri Basketball Camp, John Karkalatos, and athletes including George Karagounis, Dimitris Diamantidis and Pyrros Dimas, who have successfully sparked national pride and inspired young Greeks of the diaspora.
Alexander Georgiadis, Amb. Robert Peck, Former Ambassador of Canada to the Hellenic Republic, and Pyrros Dimas. Photo: Courtesy of The Hellenic Initiative
The four-time Olympic medalist, Dimas received the admiration of the young students at the Calgary Greek Community School, whose evening classes he attended before the event. The children sing the national anthem and Dimas visited them in their classrooms. During the discussion, he also talked about how he sees Greece from Chicago, where he is currently working as Technical Director for the U.S. weightlifting team. Dimas said that he sees Greece as “more beautiful but [still] with problems.” Dimas was involved in politics and commented that he “never regretted taking a stand” as in 2012 he felt compelled to join the then-government’s effort to help the country, adopting a non-negotiable stance against racism and a bold position in favor of Greece’s European future in the 2015 referendum.
A special highlight of the event was when Dimas was awarded a white cowboy hat at the famous White Hat Ceremony by Calgary City authorities for its distinguished visitors, as an indication of the famous Western hospitality. Dimas was also awarded a gold wreath from THI Canada. The president of the organization, Alexander Georgiadis, noted that Greece may have turned a page, but the social and economic problems created by the crisis remain intense, and invited attendees to be inspired by the example of their compatriot John Karkalatos to do what they can to help Greece’s recovery.
THI Canada and the Greek Community of Calgary welcomed Olympic legend Pyrros Dimas at an event which included the screening of the documentary film Freedom Besieged and raised funds for SOS Children’s Villages in Greece. Photo: Courtesy of The Hellenic Initiative
It is noted that all the proceeds of the event will be donated to the SOS Children’s Villages Babies Home in Greece. Thomas Bauer, President and CEO of SOS Children’s Villages of Canada, expressed his gratitude and talked about the important social work of the charity in Greece, Canada, and worldwide. Dimas noted that he has been a supporter of SOS Children’s Villages Greece since the beginning of his athletic career in Greece and as their ambassador knows firsthand the importance of the social service they offer, especially in times of crisis, when many families no longer have the financial means to provide even the basic necessities for their children.
THI Canada is the latest addition to The Hellenic Initiative’s global network. It was founded in the summer of 2016 to add the contribution of Canada and its historic Greek community to the worldwide effort of the diaspora and philhellenes to assist Greece in its recovery from the unprecedented financial crisis.
The Greek Community of Calgary was founded 62 years ago, and this year it is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Greek Orthodox Church of Agios Dimitrios. The community serves the cultural and religious needs of approximately 7,000 Greek-speaking residents.
More information about The Hellenic Initiative Canada is available online: https://ca.thehellenicinitiative.org/
BOSTON – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America will visit Bahamas over the upcoming weekend, October 12-14.
The National Herald had written about the Archbishop’s planned visit on September 11, shortly after Bahamas was struck by hurricane Dorian, leaving behind many dead and wiping out entire towns and islands.
The Archbishop will bring with him financial assistance of $150,000 on behalf of the Archdiocese, which was collected through contributions from Leadership 100, the National Philoptochos and other sources.
His Eminence will be accompanied by Vice Chairman of the Archdiocesan Council John Catsimatidis and members of the Council, Protopresbyter Alexander Karloutsos Vicar General of the Archdiocese, and officials from IOCC.
The Archbishop will officiate at the Divine Liturgy on Sunday October 13 at the Annunciation of the Mother of God parish. The nave is located at 11 West Street, Nassau, Bahamas. It was established ninety years ago by Greek immigrants and today efforts are underway for the renovation of the nave and its community buildings. The Presiding Priest since 2015 is Fr. Irenaeus Cox and the parish is under the direct pastoral responsibility of Archbishop Elpidophoros.
It was his wish is to visit Bahamas in person, to encourage the faithful members of the parish and other Bahamians who suffered from Dorian’s deadly force, and to also provide them with spiritual comfort and humanitarian assistance.
The Annunciation parish has roughly 130 families, mostly from Kalymnos and Skopelos, but there are also some Greeks from Crete and a few from the mainland of Greece. From outside Greece there are also Russian, Romanian, Bulgarian, Ukrainian, and Serbian members of the Orthodox Church from Europe, as well from as Lebanon, Egypt, India, and a few Bahamian convert families.
The Greeks first came to the Bahamas in the late 1800’s and by 1917 were incorporated as a Greek Orthodox Community, being served by Bishop Germanos Polyzoidis of blessed memory. In 1932 they established a Church building and received their first Priest, Fr. Theodoros Spirtos from Kalymnos, where he returned when he retired. Fr. Theophanis Kolyvas became the second Priest and he served there with Presvytera Maria for over 50 years. When he retired, he continued to live in Bahamas with his family until his repose. Since he was the longest serving priest of the parish he was honored by being interred with his Presvytera next to the Chapel in which the faithful continue to worship.
