Calif. Exec Jailed For Greek Bribe

By Andy Dabilis 

A federal judge in California has sentenced a former Orange County businessman to four months in prison plus four months of home confinement for bribing officials in Greece. City News Service reports 60-year-old David Edmonds was also ordered to pay a $20,000 fine for violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Edmonds worked for Control Components Inc. when authorities said he he bribed officials in the Greek government in July 2003 when the PASOK Socialists were ruling.

The Rancho Santa Margarita-based valve company designs and makes control valves used in nuclear, oil, gas and power-generation industries. Prosecutors said the company has acknowledged its executives offered bribes in more than 30 countries to get about $46.5 million in business.

A new Transparency International report found that despite 2 1/2 years of austerity and reforms, that Greece has become the most corrupt country in the European Union, with bribery and wrongdoing still flourishing and where illicit payments are a part of doing business in many cases.
(Source: AP)

Demetrios Holds Memorial Service for Sandy Hook Massacre Victims

By Christina Flora 

George Iliopoulos, Greek Consul General in New York, represented the Greek government in the area of the tragedy that struck Newtown Connecticut. Archbishop Demetrios of America, held a memorial service for the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre victims at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Archangels in Stamford.

According to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the Archbishop said that this is a terrible, an abominable act of the kind that our society should work hard to prevent. He called upon the Orthodox faithful across the country to pray to God fervently for support and healing of the many families and individuals affected by this violent act and for the repose of the souls of the innocent victims of this enormous tragedy

His Eminence talked with Father Peter Karloutsos, the priest of the nearby Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption in Danbury, Connecticut just after he heard of the tragedy. He expressed his sorrow and offered any support on behalf of the Greek

Καναδάς: Σοκ στο Μόντρεαλ από τις αποκαλύψεις για σκάνδαλο παιδεραστίας

Εκατοντάδες θύματα από το 1940 ως το 1982.

Η αποκάλυψη είναι συνταρακτική. Από το 1940 ως το 1982, πεντακόσιοι ως εξακόσιοι κωφοί ηλικίας 8 ως 17 ετών φέρονται να έπεσαν θύματα σωματικής ή σεξουαλικής κακοποίησης σε ένα οικοτροφείο του Μόντρεαλ. Δράστες ήταν 28 μέλη της τοπικής καθολικής κοινότητας και 6 εργαζόμενοι στο οικοτροφείο. «Τουλάχιστον 300 παιδιά έπεσαν θύματα συστηματικής σεξουαλικής παρενόχλησης, γεγονός που καθιστά το σκάνδαλο αυτό το μεγαλύτερο στην ιστορία με θύματα κωφά παιδιά, μεγαλύτερο κι από εκείνο που αποκαλύφθηκε το 2010 και αφορούσε 200 θύματα ενός αμερικανού ιερέα», λέει ο Κάρλο Ταρίνι, εκπρόσωπος της Ένωσης του Κεμπέκ για τα θύματα των ιερωμένων. «Υπό την αιγίδα της καθολικής Εκκλησίας, το Κεμπέκ ήταν εκείνη την εποχή ο Παράδεισος των παιδεραστών ιερέων!» Στις 22 Νοεμβρίου, μια συγκλονιστική εκπομπή της καναδικής τηλεόρασης έδωσε τον λόγο σε πρώην τρόφιμους του οικοτροφείου. Χθες, το Κέντρο της κωφής κοινότητας του Μόντρεαλ οργάνωσε διαδήλωση μπροστά στο παλιό Ινστιτούτο Κωφαλάλων της πόλης, που μετατρέπεται τώρα σε πολυτελή διαμερίσματα. Το κτίριο αυτό δημιουργεί ζοφερές αναμνήσεις στους κωφούς που στέλνονταν εδώ απ' όλο το Κεμπέκ. Στόχος των θυμάτων είναι τώρα να κινητοποιήσουν την κοινή γνώμη, μετά την προσφυγή που κατέθεσαν την άνοιξη στο Ανώτατο Δικαστήριο. Η διαδικασία όμως είναι πολύ αργή. Ο μέσος όρος των κατηγορουμένων είναι τα 70 χρόνια. Άλλοι ιερείς έχουν πεθάνει, άλλοι εξακολουθούν να ασκούν τα καθήκοντά τους. «Ο χρόνος πιέζει», λέει ο Ζιλ Ριντ, διευθυντής του Κέντρου της κωφάλαλης κοινότητας του Μόντρεαλ, ο οποίος έχει συγκεντρώσει 124 μαρτυρίες και έχει ακούσει ιστορίες φρίκης. «Κτυπούσαν παιδιά με μπαστούνια του μπέιζ μπολ, τα έσπρωχναν στη σκάλα ή τα έδερναν μέσα στην τραπεζαρία επειδή δεν τους άρεσε ένα φαγητό». Ενας οικότροφος αφηγείται ότι από τα 8 ως τα 12 χρόνια του υφίστατο σεξουαλική παρενόχληση τουλάχιστον μια φορά την εβδομάδα από τρεις ιερείς. Από τα 12 ως τα 14 χρόνια του, ο ρυθμός έγινε καθημερινός. Τα κρούσματα αναγκαστικών σεξουαλικών σχέσεων με δασκάλους και επόπτες ανέρχονται σε πολλές εκατοντάδες. «Κάθε Παρασκευή βράδυ, τα παιδιά που δεν επέστρεφαν στην οικογένειά τους ήταν στο έλεος των παιδεραστών», λέει ο Ριντ. Και την Κυριακή το βράδυ, τα παιδιά που επέστρεφαν πρώτα υφίσταντο κι εκείνα σεξουαλική παρενόχληση. «Οι ιερείς ήταν εξουσιοδοτημένοι να εκπαιδεύουν τους νεαρούς κωφούς, αλλά εκείνοι εκμεταλλεύονταν την κατάστασή τους και τους κατέστρεφαν ψυχολογικά». Κωφός και ο ίδιος, στάλθηκε στο οικοτροφείο από το 1973 ως το 1971, αλλά γλύτωσε τα χειρότερα γιατί με την πρώτη καταγγελία του επενέβη ο πατέρας του. Ο Ντανιέλ Κορμιέ, 61 ετών σήμερα, ήταν λιγότερο τυχερός. Αφηγείται σήμερα αυτά που αποσιώπησε όλα τα προηγούμενα χρόνια, καθώς φοβόταν ότι θα τον χαρακτήριζαν συκοφάντη. Αυτό που θέλει είναι να αποκαλυφθεί όλη η αλήθεια και όσοι από τους δράστες είναι ακόμη ζωντανοί να παραπεμφθούν στη δικαιοσύνη. Όπως λέει, στα οκτώ χρόνια που έμεινε στο οικοτροφείο τη δεκαετία του '60, είδε πολλές σεξουαλικές επιθέσεις. Ένας ιερέας τον κακομεταχειριζόταν σεξουαλικά επί τρεις μήνες, ενώ δεν είχε κλείσει ούτε τα δέκα του χρόνια. Ο Μαριούς Πακέν, νευροψυχολόγος, κωφός και ο ίδιος από τα 15 του χρόνια, εργάστηκε από το 1993 ως το 2002 στο Ινστιτούτο Ρεμόν-Ντεουάρ, το κέντρο αποκατάστασης που διαδέχθηκε το Ινστιτούτο των κωφών. Κι έχει ακούσει κι αυτός τρομερές ιστορίες. «Οι καταχρήσεις, οι σοδομισμοί, οι πεολειχίες, ήταν στην ημερήσια διάταξη, και κανείς δεν τολμούσε να μιλήσει». Αργότερα, στο ίδιο αυτό ινστιτούτο, το τρομερό παρελθόν δεν έπαψε να επανεμφανίζεται. «Κάθε φορά που πέθαινε ένας ιερέας του παλιού οικοτροφείου, η σούπα άρχιζε να βράζει», τονίζει ο Πακέν. «Στην αίθουσα των συναντήσεων, η οργή ήταν έκδηλη. Συντάσσαμε τον κατάλογο των εγκλημάτων και των θυμάτων του θανόντος». Όλοι ήξεραν όμως πως ό,τι κι αν έκαναν, το ψυχολογικό τους σοκ οι παλιοί οικότροφοι δεν θα το ξεπερνούσαν ποτέ. Πηγή: ΑΜΠΕ

Εξάρθρωση δικτύου παράνομης διακίνησης Ιρανών μεταναστών προς ΕΕ και Καναδά

Ένα δίκτυο παράνομης διακίνησης μεταναστών που περνούσε Ιρανούς στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση και τον Καναδά εξαρθρώθηκε χθες Δευτέρα μετά τη σύλληψη 18 ανθρώπων στην Ισπανία και τη Βρετανία, όπως ανακοίνωσε σήμερα η Europol. Χθες «έντεκα ύποπτοι συνελήφθησαν στην Ισπανία και επτά στη Βρετανία», αναφέρει η Europol σε ανακοίνωσή της, διευκρινίζοντας ότι οι συλληφθέντες ήταν κυρίως Ιρανοί που ζούσαν στην Ισπανία και σε άλλες χώρες της ΕΕ. Περίπου 20 άλλοι ύποπτοι έχουν συλληφθεί σε διάφορές χώρες της ΕΕ στη διάρκεια της έρευνας για το παράνομο δίκτυο που ξεκίνησε τον Αύγουστο του 2011 από την ισπανική χωροφυλακή, σύμφωνα με την ίδια πηγή. «Οι παράνομοι μετανάστες οδηγούνταν με αυτοκίνητο στην Τουρκία και ακολούθως, αφού περνούσαν τα ελληνικά σύνορα, συνέχιζαν το ταξίδι τους προς άλλες χώρες του χώρου Σένγκεν», επεσήμανε η Europol διευκρινίζοντας ότι οι μετανάστες πλήρωναν έως και 18.000 ευρώ στο δίκτυο. «Οι παράνομοι μετανάστες παρέμεναν στη χώρα διέλευσης μέχρι να τους δοθούν πλαστά έγγραφα ταυτότητας για να μπορέσουν να συνεχίσουν προς τον τελικό τους προορισμό, συνήθως τη Βρετανία ή τον Καναδά», υπογραμμίζει η ίδια πηγή. Τα μέλη του δικτύου διέθεταν «συνεργούς» σε πολλές χώρες, υποστηρίζει η Europol. Εξάλλου το δίκτυο «γνώριζε καλά τους νόμους για τη μετανάστευση και την παροχή ασύλου σε διαφορετικές χώρες, γεγονός που του επέτρεπε να εκμεταλλεύεται τα κενά της νομοθεσίας».

Kazantzakis’ Christ Recrucified in Toronto

By Nicky Mariam Onti 

One of the major Greek cultural events in years, the theatrical production of  He Who Must Die, will be performed in Richmond Hill, Ontario on Jan. 4-6, 2013.

Based on Nikos Kazantzakis’ Christ Re-crucified, this powerful dramatic play will be performed in English. It is a charitable production supporting the AHEPA Toronto Scholarship Fund, The Hellenic Heritage Foundation and the Geneva Centre for Autism.

He Who Must Die is set in the Greek village of Lycovrissi in Asia Minor, which is under Turkish occupation in 1922. The village stages a passion play every seven years. The village council casts a shepherd boy to play Jesus. The town saddle-maker is chosen as Judas. The village widow plays Mary Magdalene.

The rest of the disciples are also chosen. As the play unfolds, the Passion Play becomes a reality. A group of Greek refugees, uprooted and impoverished after uprising against their Turkish overlords, arrive in Lycovrissi led by their priest.

The wealthier citizens of the town want nothing to do with the refugees and cast them out — but the shepherd boy and his disciples intercede. In the context of the 1920′s each of the characters plays out their biblical role in actuality. The play is a testament to the Greek independent spirit and showcases Greek music, dance, culture, history and faith.

The play features many leading Greek-Canadian stage actors, Greek Canadian Mezzo-Soprano Ariana Chris, and an original score of music recorded by Pavlo. Performances are to be held in Richmond Hill Performing Arts Centre. Tickets are available online for $49.00 for adults and $44.00 for Seniors and Students. More information is available at the Boxoffice  905-787-8811 or at www.dmajorproductions.com or via email to dean@dmajorproductions.com.

Byzantium After Byzantium Shows in Montreal

By Stella Tsolakidou 

The much appraised documentary entitled Byzantium after Byzantium by historian and researcher Erato Pari, founder and director of the International Center for Hellenic Research, based in Nice, France, was first screened at the Montreal Centre for Greek Studies of the University of Montreal under the aegis of the General Consulate of Greece to Montreal.

After a successful course in various cities including Istanbul, Mumbai, Calcutta, Alexandria, Bucharest, Iasi, Odessa, Moscow, London, Munich, Paris, Marseille, Athens, Syros and Chios, the 53-minute long documentary was well received and stirred memories among the Greek-Canadians of their Greek cities and hometowns.

The documentary aims at revealing the major contribution of a specific elite, the Greek Phanariotes or Byzantine and post-Byzantine families, in shaping and reconstructing European and international identity in the East and West from the 15th to the 21st century, on a cultural, economic, historical, linguistic, political, financial, religious and social level.

The screening of the documentary (Greek language with French subtitles) was organized by the Montreal Centre and the Hellenic Canadian Association

Βραβείο Αριστείας στην οργάνωση «Ασπίδα της Αθηνάς» του Μόντρεαλ

by Α. Παπαποστόλου 

Βραβείο αριστείας για την «Υποστήριξη Αδύνατων Ομάδων» δόθηκε στην, ελληνικής πρωτοβουλίας, οργάνωση «Η Ασπίδα της Αθηνάς» του Μόντρεαλ από τις υπηρεσίες Υγείας και Κοινωνικής Πρόνοιας του Κεμπέκ.
Η απονομή έγινε στο Κεμπέκ Σίτυ από τον υπουργό Υγείας και Κοινωνικών Υπηρεσιών δρα Ρεζάν Εμπέρ καθώς και από την υπουργό Δημόσιας Υγείας και Προστασίας Νεολαίας Βερονίκ Ιβόν.

Το Βραβείο αριστείας δόθηκε στην οργάνωση για την παροχή πληροφοριών, σχετικά με την οικογενειακή βία, σε πολλές εθνικές γλώσσες. «Εάν υπάρχουν γλωσσικά προβλήματα σε κάποια εθνική κοινότητα, φροντίζουμε να δώσουμε τις απαραίτητες πληροφορίες στα θύματα μέσω κοινωνικής λειτουργού που μιλάει τη γλώσσα τους» δήλωσε η συντονίστρια του οργανισμού Μόντ Ποντέλ .
Τα τελευταία 21 χρόνια ο οργανισμός «Η Ασπίδα της Αθηνάς» έχει αφιερωθεί στην προάσπιση των δικαιωμάτων των κακοποιημένων γυναικών να βγουν από τον κύκλο της οικογενειακής βίας.
(πηγή: ana-mpa)

Greek-Cypriot Small Crime in Ottawa

By Christina Flora 

The 27th European Union Film Festival in Ottawa opened Nov. 17 with the screening of the Greek-Cypriot film Small Crime, directed by Christos Georgiou. The festival will last until Dec 2.

“Canadian Film Institute” describes the story of the film: Leonidas, a young, ambitious police officer, is assigned to a remote island in the Aegean Sea. He dreams of solving important crimes, but there are few to be found in the sleepy beach community where the only action he sees takes place between nude sunbathers. Each day at the town café, Leonidas and the other locals watch Angeliki, the small island’s most famous daughter, as she hosts a popular talk show on national TV. The boredom is shattered when the island experiences what appears to be an actual crime: the island drunk, Zacharias, is found dead at the base of a cliff. Eager to do some real sleuthing, Leonidas soon finds clues that tie the victim to Angeliki.

Two days ago the opening ceremony of the European Union Film Festival was held supported by many European countries and the Canadian Film Institute at the Library and Archives Canada – Auditorium.

The ceremony was attended by Greek Ambassador to Canada, Eleutherios Angellopoulos, the Embassy’s councilor, Lampros Kakisis, the press councilor, Sia Papatriantafyllou as well as members of Ottawa’s Greek community.

Founded in 1984, the European Union Film Festival is an annual showcase of the best of contemporary cinema produced in the European Union. Over the span of eighteen days, the Canadian Film Institute brings Ottawa audiences a wide selection of award-winning films from the Festival circuit, never-before-seen in the capital city.

Experience the drama, comedy, tragedy, and passion of the moving image from across the Atlantic and attend Embassy-hosted receptions, alongside film fans, academics, students, and local expatriate communities at 395 Wellington. Five-film Passports for CFI members, and special prices for members, seniors, and students are made available. Each year, this prestigious event is presented in collaboration with the European Union Member States and the Delegation of the European Union to Canada.

Ντοκιμαντέρ για το Βυζάντιο στο Πανεπιστημίου του Μοντρεάλ

by 'Ελενα Αποστολάκη 

Το ντοκιμαντέρ «Βυζάντιο μετά το Βυζάντιο» σε σκηνοθεσία της ιστορικού δόκτορος Ερατώς Πάρη, παρουσιάσθηκε σε πρώτη προβολή, στο Κέντρο Νεοελληνικών Σπουδών του Πανεπιστημίου του Μοντρεάλ, υπό την αιγίδα του Γενικού Προξενείου της Ελλάδας στο Μόντρεαλ.

Η εκδήλωση, που οργανώθηκε από το Κέντρο σε συνεργασία με τον Ελληνοκαναδικό Σύλλογο Κωνσταντινοπολιτών, προκάλεσε τη συγκίνηση του ακροατηρίου με τις μικρές αναφορές στις πολλές πατρίδες και εστίες του Ελληνισμού της Διασποράς.

Το ντοκιμαντέρ, σε ελληνική γλώσσα με γαλλικούς υπότιτλους, αναδεικνύει τον δυναμισμό και τη δημιουργικότητα του Ελληνισμού ανά τον κόσμο. Αποτυπώνει την «οδύσσεια» των ελληνικών οικογενειών του Φαναρίου, οι οποίες επέκτειναν τις δραστηριότητές τους τόσο στην Κωνσταντινούπολη, όσο και στην Αθήνα, την Αλεξάνδρεια, τη Μασσαλία, την Καλκούτα, την Οδησσό, το Βουκουρέστι, τη Χίο, το Παρίσι κα.

Η δρ. Πάρη, πρόεδρος του «Διεθνούς Κέντρου Ελληνικών Ερευνών» (ΔΚΕΕ), μη κυβερνητικού-μη κερδοσκοπικού που εδρεύει στη Νίκαια της Γαλλίας, αναφέρθηκε στον πολυδιάστατο αγώνα της για να ολοκληρώσει το έργο, το οποίο βασίσθηκε σε 10ετή έρευνά της υπό τον τίτλο «Μασσαλία και Ελληνισμός» (19ος και αρχές 20ου αιώνα).

Την προβολή του φιλμ προλόγισαν ο καθηγητής της έδρας Νεοελληνικών Σπουδών, δρ. Ζακ Μπουσάρ, και ο γενικός πρόξενος της Ελλάδας στο Μοντρεάλ, Θάνος Καφόπουλος.
(Πηγή: ana-mpa)

Παιχνίδια εν ου παικτοίς της Γερμανίας στη Θράκη

Επικίνδυνο παιχνίδι εις βάρος της Ελλάδας παίζουν οι Γερμανοί στη Θράκη, στο πλαίσιο ενός ολοκληρωμένου σχεδίου του Βερολίνου για τη μετατροπή της χώρας σε κανονικό προτεκτοράτο, σύμφωνα με το δημοσίευμα του περιοδικού "Επίκαιρα" που φιλοξενείται στο σημερινό τεύχος.

Το περιοδικό "Επίκαιρα" αποκαλύπτει τις γερμανικές μεθοδεύσεις και τις πιέσεις προς την κυβέρνηση, προκειμένου να επιτραπεί η επιστροφή δεκάδων χιλιάδων απελαθέντων Τουρκόφρονων...

μουσουλμάνων και των οικογενειών τους στη Δυτική Θράκη, ώστε να αποτελέσουν εργατικό δυναμικό για την Ειδική Οικονομική Ζώνη που επιδιώκουν να στήσουν οι Γερμανοί στην ακριτική περιοχή.

Πρόκειται για έναν πυρήνα 50 χιλιάδων και πλέον ανθρώπων που σήμερα ζουν συγκεντρωμένοι από το τουρκικό κράτος στην Προύσα, οργανωμένοι σε ένα δίκτυο συλλόγων, τους οποίους χρηματοδοτούν και καθοδηγούν οι τουρκικές μυστικές υπηρεσίες.

Ο μηχανισμός προπαγάνδας του βαθέος κράτους της Άγκυρας βρίσκει τώρα αρωγό - γράφει το άρθρο του περιοδικού - τη γερμανική task forse, η οποία έχει αναλάβει την επιτόπια υλοποίηση του σχεδιασμού του Βερολίνου, που είναι σε πλήρη γνώση της Άγκυρας.

Συγκεκριμένα, Γερμανοί και Τούρκοι επιχειρηματίες αναμένουν τη δημιουργία Ειδικής Οικονομικής Ζώνης στη Θράκη.

Όταν δοθεί το πράσινο φως, 180 Τούρκοι μεγαλοεπιχειρηματίες – αρκετοί εξ αυτών με γερμανικά διαβατήρια και με επιχειρήσεις στο Μόναχο και την Κολονία - ετοιμάζονται να προχωρήσουν σε επενδύσεις στη Θράκη.

Τόσο οι ίδιοι όσο και οι Γερμανοί επενδυτές έχουν προαποφασίσει την άντληση φθηνού εργατικού δυναμικού από τη μουσουλμανική μειονότητα της περιοχής, αλλά όπως προαναφέρθηκε και απ' όσους έχουν απελαθεί και τις οικογένειές τους και διαβιούν στην γείτονα χώρα.

November 8 - The Holy Archangel Michael and All the Holy Angels

Icon of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael at Holy Cross Chapel in Brookline, MA

November 8

The Holy Archangel Michael and all the Bodiless Powers of Heaven

The angels of God have been commemorated by men from the earliest times, but this commemoration often degenerates into the divinization of angels (IV Kings 23:5; A.V. II Kings).Heretics always wove fantasies round the angels. Some of them saw the angels as gods and others, if they did not so regard them, took them to be the creators of the whole visible world. The local Council in Laodicea, that was held in the fourth century, rejected in its 35th Canon the worship of angels as gods, and established the proper veneration of them. In the time of Pope Sylvester of Rome and the Alexandrian Patriarch Alexander, in the fourth century, this Feast of the Archangel Michael and the other heavenly powers was instituted, to be celebrated in November. Why in November? Because November is the ninth month after March, and it is thought that the world was created in the month of March. The ninth month after March was chosen because of the nine orders of angels that were the first created beings. St. Dionysius the Areopagite, a disciple of the Apostle Paul (that Apostle who was caught up to the third heaven), writes of these nine orders in his book: 'Celestial Hierarchies'. These orders are as follows: six-winged Seraphim, many-eyed Cherubim, godly Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels and Angels. The leader of the whole angelic army is the Archangel Michael. When Satan, Lucifer, fell away from God, and carried half the angels with him to destruction, then Michael arose and cried to the unfallen angels: 'Let us give heed! Let us stand aright; let us stand with fear!', and the whole angelic army sang aloud: 'Holy, holy, holy Lord God of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of Thy glory!' (See on the Archangel Michael: Joshua 5:13-15 and Jude v. 9). Among the angels there rules a perfect unity of mind, of soul and of love; of total obedience of the lesser powers to the greater and of all to the holy will of God. Each nation has its guardian angel, as does each individual Christian. We must keep in mind that, whatever we do, openly or in secret, we do in the presence of our guardian angel and that, on the Day of Judgment, a great multitude of the holy angels of heaven will be gathered around the throne of Christ, and the thoughts, words and deeds of every man will be laid bare before them. May God have mercy on us and save us at the prayers of the holy Archangel Michael and all the bodiless powers of heaven. Amen.

- From The Prologue from Ochrid: Lives of the Saints and Homilies For Every Day In The Year- Part Four: October, November, December, by Saint Nikolai Velimirovich, Translated by Mother Maria, Birmingham, UK, Lazarica Press,  1986.

THE NATIONAL HELLENIC MUSEUM ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF NEW EXHIBITION “AMERICAN MOMENTS: THE LEGACY OF GREEK IMMIGRATION”

THE NATIONAL HELLENIC MUSEUM ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF

NEW EXHIBITION “AMERICAN MOMENTS: THE LEGACY OF GREEK IMMIGRATION”

Museum to Host an Exhibition Opening and One Year Anniversary Event

CHICAGO, IL — The National Hellenic Museum will celebrate the one year anniversary of its 40,000 sq. ft. t state-of-the-art eco-friendly building with the opening of two new exhibitions: American Moments: The Legacy of Greek Immigration and The Spirit of the Marathon: From Pheidippides to Today. The opening and one year celebration will take place on November 15, 2012 (6 to 9 pm) at the National Hellenic Museum (333 S. Halsted, Chicago, IL). Admission is free. Guests are requested to RSVP by November 12, 2012 at events@hellenicmuseum.org or at 312.655.1234 x40.

American Moments: The Legacy of Greek Immigration - traces the Greek journey across the Atlantic and the Greek immigrant path towards becoming American. While fiercely cultivating and preserving their rich heritage, Americans of Greek origin have enriched the American landscape and significantly contributed to the American society. This exhibition showcases these contributions, shedding new light on various chapters of American history, dating as far back as the American Civil War. The exhibition is generously supported by: The Halikias Family Foundation and The Karabots Foundation, Paula & Peter Fasseas, Dr. & Mrs. George Korkos, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Parthenis (Grecian Delight), Mr. & Mrs. John Payiavlas, Mr. Frank S. Kamberos, Mr. John Rangos, Mr. & Mrs. John T. Mathews, A. Thomas & Christy Skallas, and The Father George Scoulas Memorial Fund. The exhibition opens on November 15, 2012.

According to National Hellenic Museum President Connie Mourtoupalas, “The history of mankind has always been marked by migration. The story of immigration is universal, yet, each immigrant brought along a unique culture and a history, which is entwined into what Walt Whitman called the “composite American identity of the future." Mourtoupalas continues, “The exhibit traces the Greek journey across the Atlantic, the Greek immigrant path towards becoming American and the contributions of Americans of Greek origin to the American society. We showcase these contributions and shed new light on various chapters of American history, dating as far back as the American Civil War, and include stories like that of the American Civil War Captain and Chios Massacre survivor, George Colvocoresses, the Director of the Perkins School for the Blind, Michael Anagnos and Helen A. Keller, Archbishop Iakovos who marched with Martin Luther King Jr., and scientific pioneer and the inventor of the Pap Smear test Doctor George Papanikolaou.”

The Spirit of the Marathon: From Pheidippides to Today - explores the history, culture and impact of the Marathon. Pheidippides’ heroic run is mostly legend. Yet, it has inspired a race run by hundreds of thousands of people each year. Introduced in Athens in 1896 as a final event of the first modern Olympics, the Marathon race is now a global fixture: the embodiment of inspiration, determination, and accomplishment. The Marathon race has served to inspire its participants and their followers to reach new heights, to support fellow runners, to bring attention to important issues, and aspire to a better world for humankind. Like the Olympic Games, which gave the race its start, the Marathon has become a unifying force. The Spirit of the Marathon celebrates globalization at its very best: galvanizing national pride through inspirational stories of determination, while providing a global venue for all nations and all people to share their stories. The exhibition is sponsored by the National Hellenic Society and opened on October 4, 2012.

National Hellenic Museum hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (10 am to 5 pm), Thursday (10 am to 8 pm), Saturday and Sunday (11 am to 5 pm) and Tuesday (Closed). Museum admission is adults (id="mce_marker"0), students and seniors ($8), children aged 3 to 12 ($7) and members and children (Free). For more information about the exhibitions and one year anniversary event, please visit www.nationalhellenicmuseum.org.

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The National Hellenic Museum, which opened December 2011, is located in a brand new 40,000-square-foot space. The three-story eco-friendly building is home to interactive exhibits, children’s education center, research library, oral history center, museum store, special events hall, and rooftop terrace. For more information, visit http://www.nationalhellenicmuseum.org or call 312-655-1234.

A Discussion On “Hellenism in the Public Service” Featuring Congressman John Sarbanes

A Discussion On

“Hellenism in the Public Service”

Featuring

Congressman John Sarbanes

Thursday, November 8, 12:00p.m.–2p.m.

Institute of Politics, Littauer Building (L166)

Harvard University

Hellenism in the Public Service is embodied in the many and diverse ways that Greek-Americans are giving back to the broader society. It can be thought of expansively to include not just service in the public sector, but volunteerism that ranges from a school fundraising drive to the service of a successful business entrepreneur on the board of a local hospital or museum. It is a wonderful expression of our proud heritage that Greek-Americans choose every day to contribute to the communities in which we live and work.

For more information visit

Facebook Sarbanes Hellenism in the Public Service

or

LinkedIn Sarbanes Hellenism in the Public Service.

Niki Tsongas Election Night Remarks

 

Niki Tsongas Election Night Remarks

LOWELL, MA – November 6, 2012 – Niki Tsongas joined supporters at the UMass Lowell Inn and Conference Center in Lowell tonight. The following are her election night remarks as prepared for delivery.

“We did it! Tonight would not have happened without the support of all of you and the people who have made their voices heard all across this district!

To those cities and towns I have represented over the past five years, I want to thank you for giving me the privilege of representing you in Congress once again. And, to the new cities and communities that were added to create the Third Congressional District, I want to thank you for placing your confidence in me. I will not let you down.

And, I’d like to recognize and thank Jon Golnik for running a spirited campaign.

Not all of the results have come in yet tonight, and I am as eager to hear them as you are, but as we wait, I can tell you one thing, each and every person in this room worked their hearts out, and you should be proud of the campaign we’ve run.

I know that your tireless efforts weren’t just about winning this election. You are involved because you know how much is at stake for our country, and you take seriously, as I do, the generational responsibility we have to our children and grandchildren.

That’s why, starting tomorrow, we need to join together and get back to work.

We need to join together to build a stronger middle class by creating real opportunities for all people and supporting the business and government partnerships that help to grow our economy.

We must come together to deal with our debt and deficit in a way that is fair and sustainable, that doesn’t weaken our commitment to our young people or those relying on Social Security and Medicare.

We stand united in our gratitude to the men and women serving on our behalf and their families – protecting them when they are on the battlefield with the best body armor we can produce; and giving them the resources they need if, in the line of duty, they suffer a great injustice. And, we must honor our veterans when they return home with the support they have earned, and with help getting an education, or a job, or housing.

And, we must join together to advocate for our shared values of fairness, equality and civil rights for all. Our nation is stronger for its commitment to defending the rights of all people.

I am grateful for all that we have achieved together over the last five years. And, as I visit all of the communities that make up this remarkable district, I see the hard work, determination, productivity, and perseverance that drives the people that live here. That spirit of optimism, resilience, and hopefulness is the inspiration I carry with me every day. What a powerful voice we can have when, in that spirit, we come together and chart a path forward on common ground.

Over the next two years, I am committed to meeting our challenges head on and building on our steady progress. I am confident that together we can continue to make a difference.

This has been a campaign of ideas. But it has also been a campaign of people. And there are some people that I would not be here without.

Of course, it starts with my family Ashley, Maura, Katina and Molly. And I’d like to thank my partner Jim O’Brien and my sisters-in-law Thaleia Tsongas Schlesinger and Vicki Peters and my brother-in-law Jim Peters and all my extended family and friends who are up on the stage with me today.

I also want to thank two people who were there when it counted – Senator John Kerry and Vicki Kennedy.

So many members of the local legislative delegation were crucial to our success and the countless other current and former local officials who pitched in.

And, I want to thank the SEIU and others in Labor made such a difference this year. And, Veterans and Military Families for Progress who represent such an important voice and whose endorsement I so appreciated.

And of course we could not have done this without our talented and dedicated campaign staff and those who supported their efforts—there are so many of you that I want to thank, but there are a few people I especially want to call out tonight:

Our campaign manager Eric Slusher and finance director Carol Kanin who have worked so tirelessly and have been so committed to our campaign effort. And the team that backed them up, Jesse Bragg, Liz Wester, Alli Gold, and Sarah Baughman. And, our fantastic Finance Committee and its chairs, Anna Winter Rasmussen and Mitch Tyson. And, my field marshal Dennis Kanin who has been a lifelong friend and who has provided invaluable advice in all of our political endeavors. And so many of the volunteers and advisors, old friends and new – who have put in countless hours for this campaign – I cannot thank you enough.

Finally, I have a remarkable, talented and committed Congressional staff both in Washington and here in the district. I know that they will continue to do a great job working on behalf of this district over the next two years.

There are so many more of you that deserve thanks – so many coordinators, contributors, footsoldiers, etc., and I want to thank each of you individually as I move around the hall this evening. This victory belongs to each and every one of you.

Thank you all.”

Photo source: msnbc.com

Greece and the Balkan Wars Lecture Held at Transfiguration Church of Corona

       

Greece and the Balkan Wars Lecture Held at Transfiguration Church of Corona

By Catherine Tsounis

            “What did Greek-Americans do for Greece during the 1912 Balkan Wars?” asked Peter S. Giakoumis, keynote speaker at the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Community of Corona event celebrating the 100 years of freedom of Macedonia, Epirus, Crete and the Aegean islands. “Four million dollars (9 million in U.S. currency today) was donated in 2007 for the Balkan wars. Fifty-seven thousand immigrants returned to Greece to fight for freedom. Those who survived returned to the United States to work and send funds back home, primarily to the Peloponnese.”

            Mr. Peter Giakoumis research is original, on primary sources that should be in the archives of a library or in a book. One cannot find his particular information on the internet.  The exact title of the lecture was “Greece and the Balkan Wars: An insight into the contribution of the Greek American Community.” The lecture took place on Sunday, November 4^th at noon in the Transfiguration Community Hall. Rev. George Anastasiou is the presbyter of the Transfiguration of Christ Cathedral.

             Leonidas Korachais, President of the Parish Council who celebrated his birthday at the event, said “we are honoring the struggle of the Greek army for freedom in 1912. Our Culture Committee’s aim is to bring culture, promote Greek Letters, civilization and the Greek Orthodox faith in our community.” Prominent persons included: Koula Sophianou; Consul General of Cyprus, Evangelos Kyriakopoulos, Consul of Greece; Fotis Gerasopoulos of the PanMacedonian Federation; Geroglis Panagiotis; Captain Nikolaos Armpouniotis; Dr. Constantine Kosmas, who made opening remarks and Professor Christopher H. Tripoulas, the “right arm of the community”, according to Rev. Anastasiou.

            Mr. Giakoumis is a military Historian with a Master of Arts degree in Political Science. He is a former Captain in the New York State Guard-Army Division. The speaker is a twenty year Federal Law Enforcement Officer and a Living History practitioner with the Greek Warriors. His presentation was bilingual Greek/English in a power point presentation. He showed bibliography based on eye witness accounts in American sources of 1912. “I am offering this lecture to all groups and universities interested in learning about Phil-Hellenism in Greece’s participation in the Balkan War of 1912.”  Contact Mr. Gakoumis for more information at deltax1940@yahoo.com.  

            The newsletter of the Transfiguration Church gave an excellent summary of the 100 years Centennial of Epirus, Macedonia, Thrace, Crete and the northern Aegean Islands. “The country doubled in size,” it reads. “The Greek American community actively contributed to his victorious campaign through financial and military assistance.” Speaker Giakoumis, who wore military clothing of the 1912 army, said “the soldiers were of the business and blue collar community from the West, South and North. Seven to Eight thousand Greeks in Utah volunteer to go back to Greece to fight. Jane Addams, Noble Peace Prize winner and founder of the Hull House in Chicago and B.G. Hutchinson were Phil-Hellenes. Hutchinson, who was an American soldier in the Greek army, played a significant role. Hellenism and patriotism to America went hand in hand in the struggle.” In 1974, I purchased a lithograph of the 1912 war showing Greece moving to freedom with the Statue of Liberty and the American flag by its side. Love for America and Greece went hand in hand together. Mr. Peter S. Giakoumis rendered an accurate presentation of a glorious period of Greek history. For more information, visit

www.transfigurationcorona.com.

Photo 1 - Peter S. Giakoumis, keynote speaker at the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Community of Corona event celebrating the 100 years of freedom of Macedonia, Epirus, Crete and the Aegean islands.

Photo 2 --Peter S. Giakoumis with artifacts presentation viewed by honored guests and diplomats.