The National HeraldA weekly Greek-AmericAn PublicAtion

July 21-27, 2012

www.thenationalherald.comVOL. 15, ISSUE 771 $1.50

c v

Bringing the newsto generations ofGreek-Americans

o C VΓΡΑΦΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΣΜΟΥ

ΑΠΟ ΤΟ 1915NEW

S

Fires Rage near Third Largest City in GreeceFires burn in a forest above the village of Drepano, near the Western Greek port city of Patrasin the Peloponnese on July 18. Greek authorities declared a state of emergency on Wednesday,but officials said no inhabited areas were under immediate threat.

By Steve Frangos

PART 2The era of silent film can be

roughly marked between 1894and 1927. During that periodGreeks in Hollywood often en-joyed a privileged position.From the early 1900s to theGreat Depression, AlexanderPantages owned and operatedthe largest independent chainof vaudeville and movie theatersin North America.

Pantages was a born show-man and so his name and ac-tions were often in the nation'spress promoting one of his ven-tures or another. Two of Pan-tages’ children, Lloyd and Car-men, were often covered bywhat today is called thecelebrity press. Given their fa-

ther’s prominence, Carmenseems to have associated withthe Hollywood stars and studiopersonnel, and Lloyd took on aneven more active role.

Lloyd Pantages (1907-1987)appeared on stage as first adancer and singer. Officialrecords only cite one movie inwhich Lloyd appeared Dante'sInferno (1935), where heplayed an uncredited role as adrunk in the ship's cafe. Never-theless, various newspaper ac-counts and columnists frommuch earlier report on Lloyd'sbeginnings in Hollywood film.The features were not alwayscomplimentary, such as: “An-other millionaire movie extra!Lloyd Pantages, son of the fa-mous Alex of vaudeville fame,is working at the De Mille Stu-

dios." The June 24, 1925, edi-tion of the Kingsport Times inKingsport, TN wrote: “LloydPantages, son of Alexander Pan-tages, owner of the Pantagesvaudeville circuit, is seekingfame in the movies. Lloyd is verydark, has dramatic ability andis a dandy dancer. He makes hisdebut with Rod LaRocque inThe Coming of Amos.''

Lloyd’s role in this 1925 filmmust have been practically in-significant, as no mention of hisname appears in official descrip-tions. But young Lloyd musthave tried to make a go of a filmcareer. An example would be a1927 review of The Last Trail, afilm adapted from a Zane GrayWestern novel. Tom Mix (1880-

Greek Actors of The Silent Film Era

By Constantine S. SirigosTNH Staff Writer

THESSALONIKI – Despite beingsituated in a country filled withmuseums, the Jewish Museumof Thessaloniki stands out. Allvisitors immediately encounteran attractive well-conceptual-ized place filled with interestingobjects and their stories, butGreek visitors in particular aregiven an opportunity to learnabout a part of their own historyof which they have been de-prived.

To those who are familiarwith the history of the city’sJewish community, the mu-seum, although a secular estab-lishment, has the feel of a sacredspace, honoring the memoriesof the departed. The museum’sexcellent website, www.jmth.grpoints out that “on the groundlevel are monumental stonesand inscriptions that were oncefound in the great Jewishnecropolis that lay to the eastof the city walls.”

There are also beautifully-displayed items of clothing andhousehold objects that evokeeveryday life in the community.Impressive stone carvings thatonce marked places of busi-nesses owned by Jewish familiesgreet visitors.

A separate exhibit on theShoah [the Holocaust], showshow it affected the Jews ofThessaloniki. Thessaloniki hadthe largest Sephardic commu-nity [in the world]. It has virtu-ally disappeared, and becausethere are few left who can tellits story, the history of the com-munity is unknown. Erika Per-ahia Zemour, the museum’s di-rector told TNH that “thecommunity was wiped out. Inplaces like Athens, humble citi-zens and religious and politicalleaders were able to save manyof the Jews in their communi-

For subscription:

718.784.5255subscriptions@thenationalherald.com

By Demetrios TsakasTNH Staff Writer

NEW YORK – The Board of Di-rectors of the Holy Institution"Panagia Soumela," the religiousand cultural center establishedby the Pontians of the US andCanada, hosted a press confer-ence to inform the communityabout an initiative regarding or-ganization’s finances on July 12at the Astoria headquarters ofthe Pontian society Komninoi ofNew York.

The Institution, which isheadquartered in West Milford,NJ, features a chapel and cul-tural center at that locationwhich is the focus of religiouspilgrimages and special events.

Foundation President Dr.Haralambos Vasiliadis and thePresident of Pan-Pontian Feder-ation of USA Dimitris Molo-hides, called for the meeting,which was attended by mem-bers of the boards of both orga-nizations, and presidents andrepresentatives of the associa-tions in New York and Connecti-cut.

The participants discussedthe challenges involved in fi-nancing the 20-year mortgageon the West Milford property,which was signed with Ponce deLeon Bank in 2006. Although a2007 refinancing reduced therate to 7.25, the monthly pay-ment plus escrow, insurance,and other costs related to theloan constitute a substantialburden.

The Board members have de-cided to cut the financial “Gor-dian knot,” by replacing themortgage with a promissorynote. They will appeal to itsmembers throughout the UnitedStates and to the community atlarge by inviting 100 people tolend the institution $5000 atthree percent interest.

The instrument was de-scribed as a “typical unsecuredpromissory note. “The onlyguarantee is the current site ofthe Holy Institution and the sa-cred and national purpose thatwe serve,” according to an offi-cial note. They plan to repay infull five or six people each yearto be selected by lottery, how-ever there will be provision topay back up to two people eachyear who are in urgent needs ofthe funds.

At the meeting Vasiliadis de-scribed the efforts of the HolyInstitution to date, noting thatthe original loan was for

Hope OverPanagiaSoumela’sFinances

By Demetrios TsakasTNH Staff Writer

NEW YORK – The heart of Dim-itri Manguravdos could not giveany more. The man who lovedhis family, his community, andall humanity was betrayed bythat organ that stopped beatingthe evening of July 10. He wason a business trip in MexicoCity.

Manguravdos was still work-ing at the office because hewanted to finish an hour earlierso that he could return to NewYork in time to see off his 10year-old daughter Chrysoula,and his mother before they leftfor a vacation to Sparta.

The news of Manguravdos’sudden death shocked his fam-ily, relatives, and friends be-cause he was healthy and neverrequired a doctor’s services.

As soon as his boss, the pres-ident and CEO of Sotheby's, oneof the world’s largest auctioncompanies, and all of Mangu-ravdos’ colleagues learned

ManguravdosPasses AwaySuddenly, 46

By TNH Staff

ATHENS – Greece’s Ambassadorto the United States, VassilisKaskarelis, has been appointedGeneral Secretary of the GreekForeign Ministry. The announce-ment was made this week inconjunction with those of thegeneral secretaries of all theministries of the Greek govern-ment.

Kaskarelis has served withdistinction in Washington sincehe presented his credentials toPresident Barack Obama on July20, 2009. Greek-American lead-ers are unanimous in expressingtheir congratulations and bestwishes.

Speaking on behalf of the Or-der of AHEPA from its Washing-ton headquarters, Executive Di-rector Basil Mossaides told TNH,“it was an honor to work withsuch a professional diplomat. Heis one of the most talented gov-ernment officials we ever hadthe privilege to work with.” Hesaid, “we wish him the best inhis new position, but we lookforward to continuing our rela-tionship with him personallyand professionally.”

Rev. Alexander Karloutsos,Protopresbyter of the Ecumeni-cal Patriarchate told TNH, “I be-lieve it is very clear that PrimeMinister Samaras and ForeignMinister Avramopoulos recog-nized the best talent in the field,a man of great integrity and re-spect among his fellow ambas-sadors.” He echoed the wordsof many who know him whenhe added, “We will miss him,but because we love him wewish him well and we know hewill do the best job for Greeceand for Greeks all over theworld.”

Ambassador Kaskarelisjoined the Greek Foreign Servicein 1974. To Washington hebrought almost two decades of

KaskarelisTo be For.Ministry’sSec. Gen.

Continued on page 6

Cyprus 38 Years Later - Never ForgetClockwise from above: Greek and Cypriot officials and mem-bers of the community gather for a memorial at St. Demetrios(story on p. 2); a Turkish warning to “trespassers” at theghost-town of Famagusta-Varosha; Greek Cypriot children ata refugee camp in 1974; Turkish landing craft about to dis-gorge invaders on July 20, 1974.

By Andy DabilisTNH Staff Writer

ATHENS – New Greek PrimeMinister Antonis Samaras’ un-easy alliance government hasdecided to postpone makingmost of the $14 billion in cutsdemanded by internationallenders, but said it had agreedon a basic framework andwould not impose any moreausterity measures, apart froma big hike in heating oil taxesthat could hit the poor and el-derly the hardest.

Samaras, who is overseeinga coalition of his New Democ-racy Conservatives and his rivalPASOK Socialists and tiny De-mocratic Left, had vowed tomake the cuts himself if his min-isters failed to reach an agree-ment with Finance MinisterYiannis Stournaras, but backedoff. Instead, he said, they hadagreed only in principle how tofind ways to raise the revenuesover the next three years andwould reveal the plan only afternegotiating with the Troika ofthe European Union-Interna-tional Monetary Fund-EuropeanCentral Bank (EU-IMF-ECB)that put up a first series of $152billion in rescue loans but iswithholding a second bailout of$173 billion until the govern-ment imposed more reformsand found ways to save or cut$14 billion.

Samaras, PASOK leaderEvangelos Venizelos, and Demo-cratic Left leader Fotis Kouvelissaid they would try to renegoti-ate some of the harsh terms at-tached to the bailouts, althoughSamaras and Venizelos sup-ported them and signed a mem-

Coalition:No AccordOn Cuts inSpendingGreek Gov’t Unableto Reach Agreementon New Auesterity

Continued on page 7

Continued on page 4

MuseumPreservesThessaloniki’sJewish Past

Continued on page 9

AP Photo/thAnAssis stAvrAkis

Continued on page 3

Continued on page 9

COMMUNITY2 THE NATIONAL HERALD, JULY 21-27, 2012

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Vote on our website!You have the chance to express your opinion on our website

on an important question in the news. The results will be pub-lished in our printed edition next week along with the questionfor that week.

The question this week is: Do you plan to watch the Demo-cratic and Republican Conventions?o Yeso Noo Maybe

The results for last week’s question: Do you think thatGreece will be in better shape this time next year?44% voted "Yes"45% voted "No"11% voted "Maybe"

Please vote at: www.thenationalherald.com

TNH Staff

ASTORIA – New York State As-sembly member Aravella Simo-tas and State Senator Jose Per-alta hosted a rally at AthensSquare Park in support of theNew York Family Leave Act,which they introduced in theirrespective legislative bodies.The bill will extend unpaid fam-ily leave for mothers from 12weeks to 24 weeks.

Numerous speakers empha-sized the purpose of the pro-posed law is to eliminate fear-based decision-making infamilies about how to care fornewborn babies. For Simotas,the point is for New York Stateto support its families, and herlogic is simple: “it is unrealisticto give a new mother only threemonths’ leave,” especially whena bill like hers comes at no ex-pense to the state or its busi-nesses. She declares it is a badindicator of a society’s prioritiesthat mothers are forced tochoose between caring for theirchild and losing their jobs.

Simotas introduced Peraltaas a father of two who under-stands what it takes for a womanto recuperate after childbirth. Heis the ranking Democrat on theState Senate’s Labor Committeeand “he plans to push this billvery hard this year,” she said.There will be a special sessionof the State Legislature this yearafter the November elections,and Simotas and Peralta hope toget the bill passed.

Peralta told the crowd, “thedays where the stay at homeparent was the norm have comeand gone,” adding, “it is essen-tial that New York recognize thebenefits of extended familyleave to early childhood devel-opment and the quality of lifeof working parents.” He notedthat there is now powerful sci-entific evidence that a child’sfirst four months are “absolutelycritical to its future development– physical health, scholastic per-formance, social adaptation.”One of the event’s speakers saidthat pediatricians consider thechild’s first 12 weeks the fourthtrimester because it is still de-veloping all of its major systems,and Simotas noted that is takeseven longer for mothers to re-cover from C-sections.

Peralta called the legislation“a targeted, common-sense so-lution,” and said it does not ap-ply to small businesses, also em-phasizing that it does not forceemployers to pay workers dur-ing the leave. “All it does is in-sure that the parent can takethat all-important extra timewithout fear their jobs won’t bewaiting for them when they get

back...this is a win-win-win:great for the children, the par-ents and business.” He urgedeveryone to spread the wordand get people to reach out totheir legislators and ask them tosupport the bill.

The idea came to Simotasduring a conversation with a fel-low attorney who had taken ma-ternity leave and was greatlydistressed about having to re-turn to work after three months,even though her child was notready to be left alone with ananny – she was afraid of losingher job. “What does that sayabout New York, about our poli-cies and what we value here,”Simotas asked, who is waitingto give birth to her own child ina few weeks.

She herself was put on amodified bedrest regimen by herdoctor and said she is fortunatethat as a State Legislator shehad a flexible schedule, “butmany women have jobs that willnot allow them to do that,” shesaid.

“Three months just doesn’tcut it. Compare the U.S. to othercountries. These facts are shock-ing,” she said. “England givesmothers one year maternityleave,” adding that it is paidleave. Japan provides 14 weeksof paid and an additional yearof unpaid leave. “We are so farbehind these industrializedcountries,” and numerous lessadvanced economies.

Marie Torniali of Central As-toria Business Development Dis-trict declared the bill is good forbusinesses and Laurie Nichol-son, owner of Raising Astoriaand recent new mother herself,said she will be happy the work-ing mothers she employs will be

under less stress when the billis enacted, adding that the timeshe spent with her baby was themost amazing time of her lifeand that she “can’t imagineother women not having that.”

Simotas said it is importantto highlight this bill now be-cause it is an election year, butif it is not passed this year, sheand Peralta are both committedto making its their main focusfor the new legislative term. Shesaid citizens should ask for theirlegislators’ public commitmentto the bill.

Peralta made the point thatthere is so much partisan fight-ing across the country onwomen’s issues, reproductiverights, etc., and this is an op-portunity for Democrats and Re-publicans to support womenjointly because it is a win-winfor everyone. Simotas addedthat she is very proud of the bi-partisan support for the bill inthe Assembly and urged SenateRepublicans to put themselvesin the shoes of their wives,daughters, and nieces, “and dothe right thing.”

Simotas and Peralta Support Working Mothers

NY Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas speaks in support of her New York Family Leave Act. ItsState Senate co-sponsor Jose Peralta said, “it is essential that New York recognize the benefitsof extended family leave to early childhood development and ...working parents.”

Athens Square Rocks Greek on TuesdaysThe Summer Events series presented by The Organization ofAthens Square and the NY Federation has begun in Astoria.The third helping of delicious Greek music was offered byYiannis Papastephanou and his orchestra this week.

Hellenism and Kefi at Hamptons FestivalThe Hamptons Hellenic Dancers thrilled guests at the annualfestival of The Dormition of the Virgin Mary Church of theHamptons. Fr. Alexander Karloutsos, Protopresbyter of the Ec-umenical Patriarchate was very proud of all of them.

tnh/costAs beJ tnh/costAs beJ

n JUNE 14-AUGUST 31CHICAGO, IL – Looking for funand educational activities to dowith the kids this summer? TheNational Hellenic Museum hasweekly summer programmingfor children ages 3-10. YoungMuses: Arts and Crafts, takesplace every Thursday, startingon Jun. 7 and runs until August30. The activities are free withmuseum general admission, $10for adults, $8 for seniors andstudents and $7 for children.The inaugural exhibit Gods,Myths and Mortals will be fea-tured through August 31. Visi-tors of all ages can meet thegods, experience Ancient Greekdaily life and interact with theepic poems The Iliad and TheOdyssey through over 25 engag-ing interactive components –climb into a 12-foot tall TrojanHorse, journey into a CyclopsCave and then a karaoke caveto sing like a Siren. The Mu-seum is located at 333 S. Hal-sted St. in Chicago. http://www.nationalhellenic-museum.org/

n JULY 19-22NORTH ROYALTON, OH – TheSt. Paul Greek Orthodox Churchwill be holding a Greek festivalfrom Thursday, July 19 to Sun-day, July 22 at its churchgrounds at 4548 Wallings Road.The hours will be from 11AMto 10PM on Thursday, 11AM to10PM on Friday, 11AM to 11PMon Saturday and 11AM to 10PMon Sunday.

n JULY 27-29 MATTITUK, NY - The Churchof the Transfiguration in Matti-tuck, Long Island invites every-one to its annual Greek Festivalfeaturing food and drink, spe-cialty vendors, and live musicon Saturday night, July 28. Thefestival will be held on churchgrounds at 1950 BreakwaterRoad in Mattituck. For addi-tional information call Kosta at631-276-6182 or Maria at 631-2998-9199.

OCEAN CITY, MD – The St.George Greek Orthodox Churchwill be holding it’s Greek festfrom Friday, July 27 to SundayJuly 29. There will be deliciousauthentic cuisine with plenty offree parking. There will also belive Greek dinner & dance musicby Zepharos. It will be held atthe Roland E. Powell Conven-tion Center, at 4001 CoastalHighway. The hours will be fromNoon to 11PM on Friday andSaturday and Noon to 9PM onSunday.

BEAVERTON, OR – The St. Johnthe Baptist Greek OrthodoxChurch is having a Greek Festi-val from Friday, July 27 to Sun-day, July 29 at 14485 SWWalker Road in Beaverton. Joinus for the Glendi Greek Festival,a celebration of ethnic culturesfrom around the world. Wewant to share our heritages(Greek, Middle Eastern andEthiopian), music, traditions,customs, and culinary skills withyou, our neighbors, families,and friends. Come to the GlendiGreek Festival and partake ofthese fine foods, pastries, andactivities…and you’ll see whyyou will want to come back yearafter year.

NEWBURYPORT, MA – The An-nunciation Greek OrthodoxChurch is holding a Greek Fes-tival from Friday, July 27 toSunday, July 29 at 7 HarrisStreet in Newburyport. Therewill be gyros, lamb shanks,moussaka, pastichio, souvlaki(chicken and lamb kebobs),keftedes (meatballs), dolmades(stuffed grape leaves), spanako-pita (spinach pie), loukaniko(sausage), Greek salad, fish"plaki" (Friday only) and manydelicious homemade Greek pas-tries! It is also air- conditioned,with free admission rain orshine.

BURLINGTON, VT- The SummerGreek Food Festival will be heldon Sunday, July 29 from 12 to5PM at the Greek OrthodoxChurch of the Dormition of theMother of God featuring a fullGreek menu, pastries, music,and dancing and more. Thecommunity will also be holdingits annual Golf Outing on Sun-day, August 19. For more infor-

mation call 802-862-2155.Thechurch is located at 600 SouthWillard Street in Burlington. Formore information: (802) 862-2155.

n AUGUST 1-5CHICAGO, IL – The Laugh Fac-tory is hosting a Greek StandupComedy Show from Wednesday,August 1 through Sunday, Au-gust 5. Angelo Tsarouchas andHarry Basil are the Greek com-munity’s premiere comedians.Performing together for the firsttime in My Big Fat Greek Show-case, this dynamic duo plans totake audiences by storm withtheir incomparable charismaand flare. Angelo Tsarouchas isa hot commodity, appearingboth on the Russell Peters WorldTour and Vince Vaughn’s Com-edy Roadshow. Basil was alsoRodney Dangerfield’s exclusiveopening act for 17 years. $10off tickets with promo code:OPA! The Laugh Factory is lo-cated at 3175 N Broadway inChicago, IL.

n AUGUST 10-19CHIOS, GREECE - The Panchi-aki “Korais” Society of New Yorkinvites all Chians and membersof the Greek American Commu-nity to celebrate the 100th an-niversary of the liberation fromOttoman rule by visiting beau-tiful Chios this summer and par-ticipating in the numerousevents that await them.SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CHIOS2012: Official Opening - MusicalPerformance & Reception. Site:Homeric Center on Friday, Au-gust 10; First Excursion. Sites:Aghia Markella and Surround-ing Villages on Saturday, August11; Second Excursion. Site:Southern Villages - MastihohoraDate: Monday, August 13; For-mal Dinner-Dance. Site: GoldenSand on Friday, August 17;Archieratical Liturgy. Site:renowned Byzantine monasteryof Nea Moni on Sunday, August19; Farewell Luncheon at theChandris Hotel on Sunday, Au-gust 19. For more informationcall the society’s office at 718-224-4846 or 917-209-3330.Email: koraisny@verizon.net.

ISLAND PARK, NY – Panaghiaof Island Park is hosting a GreekFestival from Thursday, August16 to Sunday, August 19 at 83Newport Road in Island Park.The event will take place rainor shine and will feature au-thentic Greek cuisine as well asa daily raffle.

MANHCESTER, NH – The As-sumption Greek OrthodoxChurch‘s annual two-day festivalGreekfest 2012. The annual fes-tival is held as a celebration ofthe parish’s August 15 Feast Day.All festivities will take place un-der a big tent. Visitors will beable to sample a variety ofGreek food and pastry – allmade by the parish’s excellentchefs. DJ Meleti will provideGreek music all day Saturdayand Sunday. A variety of ven-dors will be selling fine jewelry,gifts, crafts, and ethnic and re-ligious items. Other highlightsof the festival include a multi-prize raffle, a penny sale, chil-dren’s activities, and tours of thechurch. The event will takeplace at 111 Island Pond Roadin Manchester.

n AUGUST 25-26VALLEJO, CA – The Sts. Con-stantine & Helen Greek Ortho-dox Church will hold its annualGreek festival from Saturday,August 25 to Sunday, August 26at 1224 Alabama Street inVallejo. Free parking / admis-sion $1.00. Live band both days,secure kids area, with games,and much more. Best food fromthe best Greek Yiayiathes,homemade. Everything held un-der large tents, Greek food,wine, beer and pastries. Boothswill sell Greek items and food.

n NOTE TO OUR READERSThis calendar of events sectionis a complimentary service tothe Greek American community.All parishes, organizations andinstitutions are encouraged toe-mail their information regard-ing the event 3-4 weeks aheadof time, and no later than Mon-day of the week before theevent, to english.edition@then-ationalherald.com

GOINGS ON...

POCKET-LESS PITA BREAD

Kontos Foods

manufacturers of Authentic ethnic hand stretched Flat bread.

kontos the first family in fillo dough and fillo products.

Fillo kAtAiFi, bAklAvA, sPAnAkoPitA, tyroPitAnut roll, melomAkAronA

and the trADitionAl meDiterrAneAn Desserts.excellent quality and service.

We distribute in USA and Canada. special prices for communities, schools, churches

festivals and other events

Kontos Foods, Incbox 628, Paterson, nJ 07544

tel.: (973) 278-2800 � Fax: (973) 278-7943kontos.coma

b

The Leading Company in Flat BreadsWell known for the Pocket-Less Pita

By Demetrios Tsakas

NEW YORK – The InternationalCoordinating Committee Justicefor Cyprus (PSEKA) and theCyprus Federation of America incollaboration with the ConsulateGeneral of Cyprus in New Yorkorganized the annual memorialfor the victims of Turkish inva-sion on July 15 at the Cathedralof St. Demetrios in Astoria.

Archbishop Demetrios, whopresided over the memorial, re-ferred to the tragic events of1974 and called for the Greekand Cypriot-American commu-nities to continue the strugglefor the re-unification of Cyprusand the end of the Turkish mili-tary occupation.

The Permanent Representa-tive of Cyprus to the UN, Am-bassador Nikos Emiliou, whowas the featured speaker said,"For those of us who experi-enced the events of July and Au-gust 1974, the memory of thoseunfortunate events, of thosedays 38 years ago, remains aliveand vivid. First, those related tothe coup, and the after that, theinvasion; the victims, the miss-ing, ruins, refugees, the tram-pling of the human rights of theGreek Cypriots. And unfortu-nately we live with the conse-quences of everything that hap-

pened 38 years later.”After recounting more of the

painful recent history of Cyprus,he declared that "the memoryof all that happened is an invi-tation to continue the strugglefor the return, the restorationour rights, and of course the vin-dication of our country.”

He then referred to the roleof the community and amongother things said: "I take this op-portunity to thank our brothersand sisters here in the U.S. forall their support, for their laborsand sacrifices since 1974. TheChurch remains the spiritualfoundation of the community,which is very important. We arecontinuing and we will con-tinue.”

Emiliou also noted that “38years after this disaster that oursmall country has achievedmany things. First, we rose upfrom the ruins, later with thesupport of Greece, we joined theEU. Transcending the wreckageof 1974 we arrived at the joyousday of July 1, 2012, when weassumed the Presidency of theEU.”

He concluded by saying, "Al-though today's memories arepainful and the struggle is diffi-cult, I have faith that we willsurvive, prosper and and con-tinue the fight for Justice.”

Community in NY HonorsVictims of Turkish Invasion

The boiled wheat offered up in memory of the dead of 1974also speaks to the hope for the liberation of all Cyprus.

tnh/costAs beJ

tnh/costAs beJ

COMMUNITYTHE NATIONAL HERALD, JULY 21-27, 2012 3

By Scott HuverNBCNewYork.comNEW YORK – Nia Vardalos hasmoved on to parenthood, onscreen and off. After getting fa-mous as a big screen bride inher breakout indie film a decadeago, Vardalos takes on her firstmovie role as a mother, in “AnAmerican Girl: McKenna ShootsFor the Stars,” which debutedon home video July 3 and airedon July 14 on NBC. The film,based on the wildly popular dollbrand, casts the actress as themom of a competitive younggymnast who struggles to findbalance between her everydaylife and her big dreams.

This must've been a reward-ing project to get involved with.

I saw Debra Martin Chase,the producer, at a party and likeall good things that come myway, they're always not from anaudition or a meeting that's setup. It's always by some sort ofsocializing and this is exactlywhat happened. She said, 'I'mdoing a movie in Winnipeg.' Isaid, 'Oh, that's my hometown.If you need anything, here's mycell phone number' – because ofcourse all Canadian middle chil-dren, all we ever want to do ishelp people. She took my cellphone number and she calledthe next day, and she said, 'Nia,there's a mom role in this movie.'I went, 'What?' She said, 'It's the"American Girl" movie.' I went,

'Stop talking!' I was so excited. 'I'm sure he made certain you

didn't. I have to tell you, I would've

done it for just a week of dolls.My daughter thinks that I'm cooland that's all that matters.

Where were the AmericanGirl dolls on your personal radar,in your life, before this project?

Actually, it's almost too tiedin. I'll tell you what happened.

We were at The Grove. We hadadopted our daughter when shewas three years old, and wewere at The Grove and pa-parazzi were there and we weretrying very hard – this was in2008 – to keep her privacy andanonymity. So we ducked intothat store, and this was a storethat I avoided like you wouldn'tbelieve. Motherhood for me washard to come by, and so I would

never have gone into the storebefore that. I was so charmedby the place because of how it'sabout child empowerment.'What's your talent? Oh, it'shorseback riding. Mine is gym-nastics. Oh, you're a reader? I'ma writer.' I just love that aboutthe whole American Girl world.So as we walked around thisplace, I said to my daughter,'Choose a doll that you feel looks

like you,' in helping her form heridentity and also keep who sheof course is in the first place,when she came to live with us.So she chose a doll that day andthe American Girl people wereso kind to us and didn't even actlike that it was out of the normthat suddenly I had a child withme. That was it. We left and thatwas it, and so it's kind of beauti-ful and very full circle for me tobe playing my first mom role ina place that helped my daughter.

Did you feel that it was al-most a give back, that you gotsomething great from AmericanGirl and so you wanted to giveback whatever you could?

No, because I still think thatI win in this situation, to get toplay the mom. I still win becausemy daughter threw her arms upin the air. She had no interestwhatsoever in my career beforethis. She'd been seeing the‘American Girl’ movies for years,and when I told her that I wasgoing to play the mom in thenext movie she threw her armsup in the air and screamed'That's my favorite!'

What's the thing that sticksout in your mind about how be-ing a mom changed you, some-thing that you never really sawcoming?

I think the thing that got methe most is that I've always beenan organized person, to thepoint where Ian Gomez, my hus-band, makes a joke about how Imake lists of lists that I have tomake, and yet nothing preparedme for how organized you haveto be as a parent. Otherwise youwill slowly keel over grey andhave a heart attack from theamount of goldfish crackers thatyou eat as your daily intake.That's how I felt. I suddenly feltlike, 'I'm not taking care of me,'and I had to really find time forexercise, taking my supple-ments, eating a balanced dietand go to my classes, my exer-cise classes. Otherwise I justwasn't present. I felt a little bitalmost foggy and sleep deprived.So, that scene in the moviewhere the mother charactertalks about finding balance, find-ing time to do things with bal-ance. For kids that makes a lotof sense because kids are overscheduled these days, and forparents, I think they'll be able torelate to that moment.

Did you have a toy growingup that you had an especiallysignificant connection to?

Yes. I had a dog that was awiener dog that I pulled on astring all over the neighborhood.I was that kid. Because of the'Toy Story' movies – and alsonow seeing how my daughterfeels so incredibly safe with herdog, one that looks exactly likeour real dog and certain thingsthat she holds and sleeps with –I don't throw anything of hersout now – anything! If she's notreally playing with it I'll just putit in a box and put it away, be-cause of those movies wherenow I look at her toys and I won-der when the lights go out, 'Dothey come to life? Sure.' Thosemovies have captured somethingin them that makes us all reliveour childhood…

What's going on for you be-hind the camera these days? Anyprojects as a writer or directoron the horizon?

Yeah. I have a project withRob Riggle that I've written, andalso a film called 'For A GoodTime, Call…' that I'm in thatcomes through Universal Focusin the fall, I think. Just all thesedifferent things: John Corbettand I just sat down and said,'Hey, we should do somethingtogether soon.' You never know.Our ideas are always so far-fetched. We're like, 'Hey, maybewe're in a spaceship and we'relooking for alien planets!' 'Yeah,maybe that's it – and we playguitars!'

It seems that with everyonethat you became close to on ‘MyBig Fat Greek Wedding,” likeJohn, you've remained profes-sionally and personally veryclose to. What's it been like tohave that extended Hollywoodfamily and have those bonds re-ally last over this time?

Very, very lucky. The beautyof 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' isthat first of all Rita [Wilson] andTom [Hanks] treated me likegold before the movie made adime, ever. They were absolutelyon my side, and then the cast,we became friends on the set be-cause we didn't know we werelow budget. We were just havinga blast. There was catering. Wewere happy. Then the moviecame out and that explosionhappened, but it didn't really af-fect us because we were alreadyfriends. Subsequently, everymovie after that… RachelDratch, we were friends fromour days at Second City. I justmade her be in two movies withme just so we could hang out.

Beyond the Big, Fat, Greek Wedding: Nia Vardalos a Mom in New Film

The characters portrayed by John Corbett and Nia Vardalos begin their Greek-American “happilyever after.” In “real life” the two actors have become good friends.

THE CHIAN FEDERATION ANNOUNCES THAT

ADMIRAL JAMES G. STAVRIDIS, USNCOMMANDER U.S. EUROPEAN COMMAND (USEUCOM)

AND

NATO’s SUPREME ALLIED COMMANDER EUROPE (SACEUR),

HAS BEEN NAMED AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE

33rd HOMERIC AWARDBESTOWED BY THE CHIAN FEDERATION

AT THE 33rd HOMERIC AWARD GALA

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012AT

THE CHIAN FEDERATION CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL CENTER

44-01 BROADWAY,

ASTORIA, NEW YORK 11103

For more information contact us at718-204-2550

chianfed@chianfed.org

international experience in keyinternational organizations anda unique knowledge of Euro-pean affairs, transatlantic rela-tions and global issues.

Nick Larigakis, the ExecutiveDirector of the American Hel-lenic Institute (AHI) congratu-lated Kaskarelis “on a very well-deserved promotion. He bringsa wealth of experience from im-portant posts with NATO and inthe USA to his new position,where he will assist the new For-eign Minister in his efforts tomove forward in defense ofGreece’s interests.”

When Kaskarelis presentedhis credentials, the Presidentnoted about Greece and theUnited States: “Our relationshipis strong, and I look forward toour continued collaboration inthe great international efforts ofour time -- to protect democracyand freedom, to deal with theglobal economic crisis, and toconfront terrorism. I look for-ward to working with you Mr.Ambassador, to advance ourcommon agenda and deepenthe strong and abiding friend-ship of our countries. It is a plea-sure to welcome you to Wash-ington.”

His colleagues and friendswill miss him.

Prior going to Washington,

Kaskarelis served in Brussels asGreece’s Permanent Represen-tative to the European Unionwhere he was involved is deci-sion-making on major EU issuesin international affairs. He wasinvolved with matters pertain-ing to the Lisbon Treaty, EU fi-nancial perspectives, enlarge-ment, transatlantic relations,and relations with Russia andTurkey.

He was Permanent Represen-tative to NATO From 2000-2004, serving during 9/11 andits aftermath events, the stabi-lization of the Western Balkansregion, the commencement of

operations in Afghanistan, andthe start of the Iraq war. He alsoserved as head negotiator forthe Confidence Building Mea-sures between Greece andTurkey.

The community first got toknow him when he served inNew York as Ambassador,Deputy Permanent Representa-tive to the United Nations from1994 to 2000. He was responsi-ble for the coordination and anoverview of all U.N. issues at acritical juncture for the Organi-zation. “His other posts includedAnkara and Nicosia, giving himfirsthand experience in the re-

lating issues, as well as WestBerlin, where he witnessed thefall of the Wall and the subse-quent events that changed theface of Europe,” his biographyalso noted.

Kaskarelis was born inAthens on November 26, 1948,and holds an Economics and Po-litical Science Degree from theUniversity of Thessaloniki anda Degree in Law from the Uni-versity of Athens.

Among his numerous distinc-tions, Kaskarelis has receivedthe Grand-Cross of the Order ofthe Phoenix, and Grand Com-mander of the Order of thePhoenix, which the President ofthe Hellenic Republic bestowedupon him. The President of theFrench Republic made him aKnight of the Order of Merit.

Ambassador Kaskarelis to be Foreign Ministry Sec GenContinued from page 1

Ambassador Vassilis Kaskarelis.

By Clark BoydThe World

The European Union held asummit in Brussels last month,with Greece at the top of theagenda. The new Greek primeminister has said he wants torenegotiate the tough austeritymeasures being imposed on itby the EU and the InternationalMonetary Fund. But some in Eu-rope, chief among them Ger-many, want the Greeks to holdto their agreements.

Meantime, the situation formany small Greek businesses isvery difficult. But one Greek-American, Ari Vezene, is findinghis own path through the crisis.

The head chef and owner ofVezene restaurant in Athens saidit’s still kind of strange how heended up here.

“I cannot say that I was oneof those examples where I knewI wanted to become a chef, arestaurateur from the age offive,” he said. “That would be atotal lie.”

Vezene was born in New YorkCity to Greek parents. His familyreturned to Greece when he waseight. Vezene went back to theUS to go to college in theChicago area. To make endsmeet, he got his first restaurantjob: “In Burger King in OrlandPark, IL,” Vezene said. “As funnyas it sounds, that was my veryfirst job.”

Vezene didn’t last long atBurger King. Instead, he endedup in Chicago’s “Greek Town”working for a restaurant. Hemoved up from dishwasher, towaiter, and finally into thekitchen. Vezene said he fell inlove with the food business.

Then in June 2005, he de-cided to return to Greece.

“I was losing my father. SinceI’m an only child, the family as-pect of our culture is very im-portant. So I felt it was my oblig-ation to return to Greece to

reunite with my family,” he said.Vezene wanted to start his

own business right away. But therents in Athens were too high sohe got a job working at therestaurant in the Hilton Hotel.He worked double shifts to earnmore money — and he learnedabout Greece’s unusual ap-proach to credit.

“The term ‘line of credit’ inthis country had no substance,”he said. “There were no creditbureaus, no background checks.What does that boil down to?

We had companies coming tothe restaurant hosting parties of30 to 50 people and expectingto pay us three months later.”

In 2009, Ari Vezene startedhis own restaurant, an Italianplace on the Greek island ofMeganisi. He didn’t get a loan;he paid for it all out of his ownpocket.

The restaurant was so suc-cessful that he decided to takeanother big risk and opened hisplace, Vezene, in Athens lastyear. He admits that opening inthe midst of a financial melt-down seems “a bit crazy” now.But he did his homework. Hegot a good location — in theshadow of the Hilton where hestarted out.

Vezene serves a mixed menu— some Greek stuff, some Ital-ian. His specialties are top qual-ity beef and fish dishes. Vezenesaid he pre-pays in cash foreverything, which means he getsbetter deals.

Vezene does cater to ahigher-end Greek clientele,many of whom have stopped go-ing out quite so much — not be-cause they have less money, hesaid, but because they don’t

want to draw attention to thefact that they still have themoney to go out.

There is a secret to his suc-cess, according to Vezene.

“I have to say that my win-ning point was being Greekwhen I need to be Greek, andbeing American when I need tobe American.”

The American side comes outwhen he has to negotiate andmake tough business decisionswithout letting personal feelingsget in the way, he said, and theGreek side helps him adapt toreality.

“I cannot just go to city halland turn everything upsidedown. I’m not going to changeit. There’s no point of my fight-ing the system. I don’t have tolike it, nor can I entirely changeit. It takes more than one or twoor 100 romantics to change thiswhole thing.”

So far, Vezene’s mix of oldand new worlds has been suc-cessful. The restaurant is fullybooked most nights but AriVezene said he knows it couldall change at any moment, par-ticularly with the economic sit-uation in Greece.

If the restaurant fails, he’s al-ready decided that he’s not go-ing back to the US.

“If all hell breaks loose to-morrow and for some reasonthis doesn’t work out, I wouldmuch rather go back to myhome island, or any island in theAegean, and do a little businessthere,” he said. “Make lessmoney but wake up everydayand look at the crystal clear sky,and the crystal clear water. Thisis me being Greek, and sayingno to the American dream.”

Vezene said he always keepsin mind an old Greek sayingabout spending money:

Only stretch as long as yourarm can.

If only the Greek governmenthad remembered that one.

Successful Business in Greece, for a Change

An American-bornGreek opens a restaurantin Greece.

$559,000; the current balanceis $ 495,000.

Four years ago they wereable to purchase an adjacentparcel of land, which, as TNHhas reported, was made possibleby the gift of Basil and DemetraKakoulidis of Atlantic City, NJ.

Vassiliadis said that after tak-

ing into account the input ofmembers and participants indiscussions at two conferencesof the Holy Institution, it wasdecided that internal borrowingshould be pursued. With thehelp of legal advisers Constan-tine Stamos and Stergios Kos-mides, the first promissorynotes have been issued andwere presented at the Thursday

night meeting.He said that early indications

are more than encouraging, andthey have already receivedpledges for $ 115,000. The gath-ering was also informed thatAvgi Ioannidou, who could notattend the meeting due to travelcommitments, said that whenshe returns to New York she willsend $ 5,000.

Ioannidou had previouslymade three separate donationstotaling $11,000. She told TNH"My children, my grandchildren,and great grandchildren do nothave financial needs. But sinceour protector, the Virgin ofSoumela, needs our help, I willoffer $5000 dollars and Ipromise I will donate to themonastery any money I have left[after my annual expenses]. It'sa sin to pay loan charges andthus work for the bank. By pay-ing off the loan we can [better]utilize this paradise we have cre-ated in West Milford."

Ioannidou was born in Kiklisin Central Macedonia, but herroots are in Trapezounta on theBlack Sea coast. She is 83 yearsold and has two daughters,three grandchildren, and sixgreat-grandchildren. She praysto the Virgin of Soumela to giveher health so that she can con-

tinue to help the Holy Institu-tion

"Money does not have anyintrinsic value, and more impor-tantly, you can’t take it with youto paradise, so I urge those whoare able to help to help us real-ize this goal," she concluded.

The officers who spoke dur-ing the press conference re-ported on the enthusiasm thatthe initiative has caused amongthe membership and expressedconfidence that during the up-coming Soumeliotissa religiousfestival, there will be a miracleand they will be able to "burnthe mortgage.”

The annual celebration at theshrine in West Milford will beginAugust 17 and run through Au-gust 19. As in previous years,Arch-Hierarchic Vespers will becelebrated on August 18, alongwith the procession of the mira-cle-working icon. On Sunday

the Divine Liturgy will be cele-brated, which will be followedby the big Pontian festival.

It was also announced that $17,075 was raised during thespring excursion to the HolyMonastery of Panagia Soumela.George Karvounidis, who wasunable to attend, made a dona-tion of $5000, which made itpossible to make some overduepayments.

Vassiliadis said that “It is ourgoal to communicate with theTrustees of the Foundation, withthe President and the adminis-tration of the Pan-Pontian Fed-eration, and all clubs to keepthem officially informed aboutthe process.

Your assistance is both wel-come and necessary.” The HolyInstitution is a nonprofit(501.c.3) and all donations tothe Foundation are tax de-ductible.

U.S. and Canadian Pontians are Optimistic about Panagia-Soumela Loan

By John Zurz

CHICAGO, IL – The FilmHel-lenes organization, in associa-tion with the National HellenicMuseum, hosted their GreekFilm festival kick-off event onJune 23 in the Museum’s Dr.Mary Dochios-Kamberos SpecialEvents Hall.

“The National Hellenic Mu-seum and its beautiful newbuilding are proof and testamentof the commitment of theChicago Greek-American com-munity to Greek culture,” saidConnie Mourtoupalas, NationalHellenic Museum Director.” Atthe Museum, it is our mission tonot only celebrate Greek culture,but to introduce Greek cultureto the wider community, and bypartnering with FilmHellenes, tonot only host their kickoff event,but to help them showcase andscreen Greek films we are ableto do just that,” she added. Theevent, meant to start 2012Chicago Greek Film Festival, in-cluded a tribute to Greek direc-tor, and Academy Award winner,Alexander Payne.

“We could have not asked fora better person than Alexander

Payne to kick off the Greek FilmFest Chicago’s 2012 schedule,”

said Zoe Iltsopoulos Borys, VicePresident of the FilmHellenes.

“Alexander was genuine, sin-cere, and shared his passion and

experiences with the crowd thatmade it authentic of what it isto be a celebrated filmmaker,”she added. Payne was presentedwith an honorary FilmHelleneAward that was inspired by aprop used in the opening andclosing scenes of his film Side-ways. The award’s design wasmodeled after the Cycladic stat-uette from the Museum of Cy-cladic Art, by Panos Fiorentinos.

Payne answered a few ques-tions before mingling with thecrowd and talked about Greekfilmmaking: “I think that thenicest thing we could do is toencourage our fellow Greeks tobecome individually developedartists no matter what story theywant to tell. If it’s telling the im-migrant story then awesome butultimately each story has to tellthe story of that artist’s ownheart and I think that’s how Iinterpret Hellenic storytelling.That the Greek elements insideof all of us will come out with-out trying if simply a degree ofartistry is encouraged.”

FilmHellenes President andCo-Founder Niko Franghias de-scribed a FilmHellene as “some-one who has passion for Greek

cinema and has passion for film-makers of Hellenic ancestryworldwide. Passion is that littlecraziness that makes us go outand do things. Passion is action.So, welcome FilmHellenes.”

FilmHellenes Board MemberDino Vlahakis announced thefestival dates: October 4-8, atthe following venues: GeneSiskel Film Center, National Hel-lenic Museum, and PickwickTheatre. The preliminary lineupincludes the following featurefilms and documentaries: Fish-n-Chips by Ilias Dimitriou, Wel-come to All Saints by SotirisGoritsas, Unfair World by Filip-pos Tsitos, Kisses to the Childrenby Vassilis Loules, The OtherTown by NefinDinc, and Nostosby Nicolas Panoutsopoulos.

The event featured music byRythmos and was catered byChicago’s 9 Muses Restaurant.

The FilmHellenes organiza-tion is a not-for-profit allianceof media people, filmmakers,educators, businesspersons,diplomats and others who arededicated to identifying, pro-moting, and celebrating Greekfilmmaking talent no matterwhere it originates.

Special Guest Alexander Payne Starts off Chicago’s Greek Film Festival

Press conference participants included (R-L) George Tsiflidis, Elias Neofytides, President ofthe Pan-Pontian Federation of USA Dimitris Molohides, President of the Holy Institution, Dr.Haralambos Vasiliadis, and Theophilos Vasiliadis.

Greek-American director Alexander Payne and his mother Peggy arrive before the 2012 AcademyAwards in Hollywood.

COMMUNITY4 THE NATIONAL HERALD, JULY 21-27, 2012

By Ron LeonardiErie Times-News

Pete Gianaris has been at all24 Panegyri Greek festivals,working as a volunteer helpingto prepare gyros. Friday's open-ing day of the annual festival atthe Assumption Greek OrthodoxChurch, 4376 West Lake Road,was one of the hottest Gianariscould remember.

With afternoon temperaturesreaching 90 degrees and humid-ity high, Gianaris, 80, tried tokeep hydrated, drinking waterand taking an occasional breakto down a Greek beer. "It'ssomething to keep you young,''he said with a laugh.

Organizers are hoping thethree-day festival celebratingGreek culture and cuisine at-tracts more than 40,000 people,like it did in 2011.

The pastor of the Father The-ofanis Nacopoulos, the festival’schairman, Michael Geanous –Sallie Capotis was the co-chair -and Stefanos Paliouras, thelong-standing pillar of the com-munity, told The National Her-ald it was their 24th festival,but the first one that faced suchintense heat.

Friday's scorching afternoonheat sent many people scurryinginside the church, where a din-ner station and a 30-foot-longtable of pastries awaited.

"The food is the top draw,''said Sally Capotis, the festival'sco-chairperson. "Everybodywants a lamb shank and a pieceof baklava. Then they want to

go outside and sit and watch thedancing and music.''

That worked for MichelePulice, 56, of Millcreek Town-ship. Food and dancers are hertwo favorite festival highlights."I've said this every year I'vecome, that the dancers pass ontheir culture and their traditionsto their children, and they keeppassing them on,'' Pulice said."It's a pleasure to see that theystill pass that on.''

The guests, including thenon-Greeks, enjoyed perfor-mances by the parish’s youth,the Olympic Dancers of the Me-tropolis of Pittsburgh, and dancegroups from Cleveland, Ohio,and Buffalo, NY.

Two Greek-American stu-dents from New York State whoare participating in a 10-weekprogram at General Electricgathered their friends and at-tended the festival on Thursdaynight. They were thrilled. “Wehad the chance to experienceGreek delicacies, to dance andto show our pride to our class-mates in our Greek culture,” oneof the students said.

A large tent outside featuredan assortment of Greek mer-chandise, including cookbooks,jewelry, plates, T-shirts, sweat-shirts, dresses and traditionalGreek attire.

Another outside tent cateredto those who wanted hot dogs,sausage and Greek fries. Liba-tions could be purchased at an-other tent.

Then there was the gyro tent,where Gianaris and several oth-

ers began preparing their spe-cialties earlier Friday morning.

"I don't want to downplay thebaklava, because that's verygood, but with the gyros, peoplecome to this tent because they'respecial,'' Gianaris said.

He estimates people will gob-ble up about 5,000 to 6,000 gy-ros this weekend.

By the time the event endsSunday night, Capotis estimates

festivalgoers will have con-sumed 800 lamb shank dinners,720 chicken dinners, 200 fishdinners, 500 sausage sand-wiches, 60,000 pieces of pastryitems and 8,000 hot dogs.

Church staff and volunteersmade 15,000 pieces of baklava,a festival favorite that usually issold out by late Saturday orearly Sunday.

"I tell people, 'We are a

fundraiser, we are not a restau-rant,''' Capotis said. "My goal isto run out of everything. Mygoal is that on Sunday at 9 o'-clock when we're closing, I'd liketo know that I got one box ofhot dogs left, I'd like to knowthat all my pastries are gone,that everything is gone.''

Gerakis, who was born andraised in Erie, Pennsylvania’sfourth largest city, and who has

run the festival for the past eightyears, told TNH this year’s wasone of the best. He expressed hisdeep appreciation for all the vol-unteers, and noted the festival isthe parish’s major source of funds,which enables them to continueimportant work, especially its pi-oneering program for the youth.

Fr. Nacopoulos has serveserved the parish for fivedecades. Its current sanctuary isa Byzantine-style basilica whichis considered an architecturallandmark. It was built after theprevious building burned downin 1985. Rather than despair,within days of the tragedy theparishioners took action to builda new home. The parish hasthree dance groups, a Sundayschool and a Greek school.

Father also spoke of theparish’s miraculous icon ofMary. “There was a woman whowanted to have a child but shecould not conceive. She went tothe best doctors, with no results.One day Presbytera saw her indistress and urged her to prayat the icon,” he said. Ninemonths later, on the very daythe new sanctuary was inaugu-rated, her child was born, a boynamed Alexander.

He told TNH his parishioners“are small in numbers, but weare one of the most dynamicethnic groups in Erie. They areall successful, and lead goodfamilies whose children excel inschool.”

The above article includes addi-tional reporting by TNH.

Assumption Church Festival in Erie One of Hottest in Recent Memory

Festival highlights included performances by the Assumption parish’s youth, the OlympicDancers of the Metropolis of Pittsburgh, and dance groups from Cleveland and Buffalo.

MAVROMIHALIS PARDALIS & NOHAVICKA, LLP34-03 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106

718.777.0400WWW.MPNFIRM.COM

Accidents / Serious Injury / Negligence / Medical Malpractice Construction / Wrongful Death

The law firm of MAVROMIHALIS PARDALIS & NOHAVICKA, LLP has assembled a team of experttrial lawyers to serve the community’s need for representation in serious personal injury andwrongful death cases.

If you or a friend has suffered a serious injury you need to retain a firm that has a reputation forinvesting the time, money and efforts needed to get the best results. Some law firms do not have the resources needed to fight for a bigger award for their clients. Insurance companies know that the law firm of MAVROMIHALIS PARDALIS & NOHAVICKA,LLP is always prepared to go trial and will always fight for the best possible result for our clients.

When you choose a firm like MAVROMIHALIS PARDALIS & NOHAVICKA, LLP you are getting ateam of lawyers that has a reputation for taking cases to trial when a fair settlement is not offered.

Don’t make the mistake of choosing a lawyer that will be quick to settle your case prematurely.Make the right choice for your family’s financial security and future.Contact the Law Firm of MAVROMIHALIS PARDALIS & NOHAVICKA, LLP by phone at (718) 777-0400 for a free consultation.

As all injury cases are taken on a contingency fee arrangement, there is no fee for our services unless we win or settle your case.

WWW.MPNFIRM.COM

Continued from page 1

AP Photo/chris Pizzello

COMMUNITYTHE NATIONAL HERALD, JULY 21-27, 2012 5

Message by World Council of Hellenes Abroad,

U.S.A. Region Coordinator Mr. Theodore G. Spyropoulos on the 38th Anniversary

of the Turkish Invasion of CyprusAnother year is added to the decades of concerns and troubles of the Greek Diaspora around

the world for a just, viable and functional settlement of the Cyprus dispute. The “Black

Anniversary” of July 20 brings back, even more intensely, the painful memories of those days and

the events that followed.

Today, 38 years later, with a clear voice, we are actively promoting the message “I won’t forget”,

which for us Greeks Abroad does not constitute a “dead letter”

Complacency cannot be our ally in the case of Cyprus. Under no circumstances should we allow

oblivion to overshadow the blatant injustice that occurred in 1974 against the Greek and,

subsequently, the Turkish-Cypriot Community in the martyred island.

We would like to remind you:

• The presence of Turkish occupation forces

• The brutal violation of human rights

• The illegal settlers

• The violation of Greek – Cypriot properties in the enslaved homeland

• The atrocious plundering of the invaluable Cultural and Religious heritage of our Cyprus;

• It is estimated that over 520 Greek Orthodox churches and chapels and 17 monasteries in the

occupied areas have been pillaged, vandalized or destroyed.  Some have been turned into stables

while others have been converted into hotels, casinos and bars.

• That the determination of the fate of all missing persons in the Cypriot tragedy is still pending

These are only a few of the issues, for which, we all have a sacred duty to continue the struggles

together.

In this course, we, both Greeks and Cypriots, continue to seek valuable allies. We know that we

are not alone and for that we are grateful.

The latest resolutions, numbered S. Con. Res. 47, introduced by Senators Robert Menendez and

Olympia Snowe, and H.Res.676, submitted in the U.S. House of Representatives, respectively, by

Reps. Gus Bilirakis and Eliot Engel on June 5th 2012, primarily condemn Turkish policies

threatening the efforts of Cyprus to develop its natural resources, as well as the excessive settlement

of the region.

These resolutions must be supported by all means by Greek American organizations, byevery Greek – American individually, knowing that we have the power to exert our influenceto the U.S. Government, employing our local representatives in the U.S. House and Senate.

Let’s not forget to stress to everyone that Cyprus, an equal Member of the European Union, still is,

for nearly four decades now, the only divided country in the civilized world.

“I won’t forget” and “I continue to fight”; this is our motto, until we celebrate the much desired

reunification of Cyprus, where the future of Hellenism is determined.

Με θερμούς πατριωτικούς χαιρετισμούς

Θ. Γ. Σπυρόπουλος

ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΙΟ ΑΠΟΔΗΜΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΣΜΟΥ (ΣΑΕ)ΠΕΡΙΦΕΡΕΙΑΣ Η.Π.Α.

WORLD COUNCIL OF HELLENES ABROAD (S.A.E.)U.S.A. REGION

2155 W. 80TH STREET, IL 60620, U.S.A.  Tel: (773) 783 5555 - Fax: (773) 994-5037

E-mail: theogsp@gmail.comhttp://www.spyropoulos.org • http://plantyourrootsingreece.org

It is estimated that over 520 Greek Orthodox churches andchapels and 17 monasteries in the occupied areas have beenpillaged, vandalized or destroyed. Some have been turnedinto stables while others have been converted into hotels,casinos and bars.

WASHINGTON, DC (From theWashington Post, published onJul. 12) – Peter Nicholas Kyrosa former U.S. Representativefrom Maine, died July 10th. Ky-ros was born on July 11, 1925,in Portland, Maine. Peter at-tended public schools in Maine,and the Massachusetts Instituteof Technology. Both his father,

Nicholas, and his uncleserved in the U.S. Army inWorld War I. In the summer of1942, Peter worked buildingLiberty ships at the Todd BathShipyard in Maine, developingan early love for ocean ships.

After graduating from Port-land High School in 1943, Peterenlisted in the U.S. Navy in a V-12 engineering program at MIT.He was one of seven cousinswho served in World War II. Hegraduated from the UnitedStates Naval Academy in 1947.He served in the United StatesNavy from 1944 to 1953, servingon destroyer tours in the NorthAtlantic and the Mediterranean.

Upon discharge from theNavy as a lieutenant in 1954,Peter attended Harvard LawSchool,receiving his law degreein 1957. Peter was admitted tothe bar in 1957 and practicedlaw in Portland, Maine. Heserved from 1957 to 1959 ascounsel to the Maine Public Util-

ities Commission, and as chair-man of the Maine State Democ-ratic Party. In 1966 Senator EdMuskie asked him to run forCongress, and Peter was electedto represent the first district ofMaine.

In the U.S. Congress Peterserved on the House MerchantMarine, Energy and Commerce,and Banking Committees. As amember of the Merchant Marineand Fisheries Committee, Peterhelped develop legislation topromote and regulate the U.S.maritime industry and pressedfor legislation establishing a200-mile offshore fishing limitto protect U.S. fisheries, sup-porting coastal zone protectionand clean water. The enactmentof the 200-mile limit, passedwith the help of allies fromNorthwestern states, protectedthe U.S. fishing industry and theenvironment from the destruc-tion of fisheries in U.S. waters.It stands today as the rule oflaw.

Peter also worked to main-tain the destroyer and subma-rine shipyards in Maine. He wasresponsible for the inclusion ofMaine waters and rivers underthe protection of the Wild andScenic Rivers Act.

While in Congress, Peter'stours of Vietnam caused him toreassess his position on the Warfrom one of initial support to

opposition to administrationpolicy, which he expressed earlyon. As a member of the Health

Subcommittee, Peter wasalso involved with the enact-ment of major health legislationand funding for the National In-stitutes of Health. His effortswhile in Congress were dedi-cated to the State of Maine,which he loved.

Upon leaving Congress, Peterserved in the United States De-partment of State as a liaison toCongress on trade and shippingissues,and resumed a legislativeconsulting practice in Washing-ton, D.C. as a member of thefirm Finley, Kumble andDowney, McGrath. He repre-sented biomedical research sci-entist as an advocate for scien-tific and medical research. Peterorganized a Congressional bio-medical research caucusthrough which scientists haveprovided briefings to membersof Congress and staff for thepast twenty years. During thistime, Peter also taught congres-sional procedure to senior fed-eral officials. He also repre-sented federal administrativelaw judges ensuring that theirjudicial independence and in-tegrity be maintained.

Former Secretary of InteriorManuel Lujan said: "Peter had a

quick warm smile and was alifelong loyal friend." FormerCongressman George Gekas(PA) noted that Peter was "acharming man, classical in everyway but for his golf swing." Hisformer law partner, RichardDavis of Cape Elizabeth, said:"He was a true friend, elegantin conversation, and devoted inhis love for Maine, its historyand people."

Peter was a lifelong memberof the Holy Trinity OrthodoxChurch in Portland, Maine. Hewas predeceased by his belovedson, Peter N. Kyros, Jr., hisbrother George Kyros and AliceW. Kyros. He is survived by hiswife, Susan, his daughterJoanne Carol Kyros, his son-in-law Thomas Schaufelberger, hisdaughter-in-law Valerie Kyros,and his five prized grandchil-dren: Katie, Lindsey, Nicholas,Caroline, and Peter III. The fam-ily received friends at Gawler's,5130 Wisconsin Avenue N.W.,Washington D.C. on SundayJuly 15, 2012 from 1 to 3 pmand there was a Trisagion prayerservice at 2:30 pm.

OBITUARIES CLASSIFIEDS6 THE NATIONAL HERALD, JULY 21-27, 2012

to PlAce your clAssiFieD AD, cAll: (718) 784-5255, ext. 106, e-mAil: classifieds@ thenationalherald.com

REAL ESTATE

Vicky Lewisbroker-Associate

experience the difference… …the difference is experience

239-777-4904Vicky@TheNaplesExperience.comwww.TheNaplesExperience.com

DOWNING-FRYE REALTY, INC.Μιλώ Ελληνικά

NAPLES FLORIDA REAL ESTATE

2715

97/1

7902

/01-

05-1

3

CLASSIFIEDS

GRPHX.CO. LLC, A DOMESTIC LLC,ARTS. OF ORG. FILED WITH THE SSNYON 5/29/12. OFFICE LOCATION: KINGSCOUNTY. SSNY IS DESIGNATED ASAGENT UPON WHOM PROCESSAGAINST THE LLC MAY BE SERVED.SSNY SHALL MAIL PROCESS TO: THELLC, 462C 36TH ST., BROOKLYN, NY11232. GENERAL PURPOSES.

272035/10709

264 DEAN ST LLC, A DOMESTIC LLC,ARTS. OF ORG. FILED WITH THE SSNYON 3/27/12. OFFICE LOCATION: KINGSCOUNTY.  SSNY IS DESIGNATED ASAGENT UPON WHOM PROCESSAGAINST THE LLC MAY BESERVED.  SSNY SHALL MAIL PROCESSTO: THE LLC, 264 DEAN ST., BROOKLYN,NY 11201. GENERAL PURPOSES.

272034 /10709

Notice of formation of NyabinghiProductions LLC. Articles of Org.filed with SSNY on 2/24/2012.Office loc.: Kings Co. SSNY hasbeen designated as agent uponwhom process against the LLC maybe served. SSNY shall mail processto: 790 Washington Ave., #118,Brooklyn, NY 11238. General pur-poses.

271972/18148/07-21

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF KING ANDKING INVESTMENTS LLC. ARTS. OFORG. (DOM LLC) FILED WITH THE SEC.OF STATE OF NY (SSNY)ON 02/03/2012.OFFICE LOCATION: KINGS COUNTY:SSNY DESIGNATED AS AGENT OF LLCUPON WHOM PROCESS AGAINST ITMAY BE SERVED. SSNY SHALL MAILCOPY OF PROCESS TO: MR. IDRIS M.O’BRIEN, 315 FLATBUSH AVENUE, APT.,#179, BROOKLYN, NY 11217. PURPOSEANY LAWFUL ACT OR ACTIVITY.

271969/18145/07-21

Notice of formation of 337 11TH STREETLLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the Secretaryof State of NY (SSNY) on 05/29/2012. NYOffice location: Kings County. SSNY des-ignated as agent of the LLC upon whomprocess against it may be served. The postoffice address to which the SSNY shallmail a copy of any process against the LLCserved upon him is Nicholas G. Malafis,285 15th ST, No. IB, Brooklyn, NY 11215.Purpose any lawful act or activity.

271986/18158/07-28

Notice of formation of BROOKLYN LIVINGLLC Arts. of Org. (DOM LLC) filed withthe Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on06/12/2012. NY Office location: KingsCounty. SSNY designated as agent of theLLC upon whom process against it may beserved. The post office address to whichthe SSNY shall mail a copy of any processagainst the LLC served upon him is: TOTRINH QUAN, 407 9th Street, Brooklyn,NY 11215. Purpose any lawful act or ac-tivity.

272003/18171/0804

Despotidis & Associates (Tax Accountants, Advisors, Auditors)is one of the most successful taxconsultancy firms in Greece. Weundertake with great responsibilitythe completion-submission of anytax return. Willing to cooperate withlaw firms. 203 Syngrou Avenue 17121Athens, Greece.

Tel.: 01130-210-9330-900E-mail: info@despotidis.gr

URL: http://www.despotidis.grΑΑ 75

ANTONOPOULOS FUNERAL HOME, INC.Konstantinos Antonopoulos - Funeral Director38-08 Ditmars Blvd.,Astoria, New York 11105(718) 728-8500Not affiliated with any other funeral home.

APOSTOLOPOULOSApostle Family - Gregory, Nicholas, Andrew - Funeral Directors of RIVERDALE FUNERAL HOME Inc.5044 BroadwayNew York, NY 10034(212) 942-4000Toll Free 1-888-GAPOSTLECONSTANTINIDESFUNERAL PARLOR Co.(718) 745-1010Services in all localities - Low cost shipping to Greece

LITRAS FUNERAL HOMEARLINGTON BENSON DOWD, INC FUNERAL HOME83-15 Parsons Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11432(718) 858-4434 • (800) 245-4872

FUNERAL HOMES

Accountants

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Legal Notice/Notice of FormationLEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

about the tragedy, they con-tacted his wife and brother toexpress their condolences andsympathy. They praised him forhis leadership role in the com-pany where he served as SeniorManager for IT.

Manguravdos’ untimelydeath plunged his family intomourning. He is survived by hiswife Kondilia, his children, 13year-old George and 10-year-oldChrysoula, his parents Georgeand Chrysoula Manguravdos,his brother, Panagiotis and hiswife Helen, his mother-in-lawMaria Parisi, and numerous rel-atives and friends.

The funeral was held at Sts.Constantine and Helen churchin Brooklyn on July 16.

Mangouravdos was born andraised in Sparta and in 1983came to study in the UnitedStates. He worked hard atrestaurants to make his livingand pay for tuition while study-ing at Pace University.

He paved the way for hisyounger brother, Panagiotis,who joined him in his studies,and for their parents to come tothe U.S.

The deceased was a Greekthrough and through, heart andsoul. He and other expatriateGreeks and their fellow studentsfounded a Greek Student Asso-ciation at Pace University, and

its name, “Olympians” is due tohim.

Around the time he wasgraduating from Pace University,another Greek woman, KondiliaParisi from Aigion, had just ar-rived here. Dimitri’s kind andsmiling face, his compassionand magnanimity, his generos-ity, and leadership qualitieswere a magnet for the freshmanfrom Greece.

"I was 20 years old. My par-ents and my sister did not wantme to marry early, but whenthey saw Dimitri they blessedour relationship,” the bereavedwife said with trembling lips.

His brother pointed out thatDimitri was a workaholic. Hisefforts and his genius drove himfrom one professional success toanother.

Despite working late, how-ever, he strove not to miss evena minute by the side of the wifehe adored, his beloved children,and his parents. He did every-thing he could so the childrencould grow up in a Hellenic en-vironment, and entrusted themto the A. Fantis School.

TNH Production ManagerChrysoula Karametros remi-nisced about the key role Dimitriplayed in the 1980s in the stu-dent associations. "We were abig ‘parea’ and Dimitri andPanos held a special place in thegroup…All of us who returnedto Greece are in mourning andexpress sincere condolences tohis wife, children, relatives, andfriends.”

His brother said: "Our phonehas not been silent for a minute.His classmates and friends havecalled to honor his memory,telling us many stories illustra-tive of his work and character.

“He was a great family man.When asked about his hobbieshe always smiled and repliedthat his favorite hobby was hisfamily and his children. He wasalways there for us, a guardianangel for us and for his parentsand brother.”

May his memory be eternal.

Dimitri Manguravdos, 46, Touched ManyContinued from page 1

Former Congressman KyrosPasses On Eve of 87th B-day

Death Notice

Fr. Constantine Nicholas Mitsos(Mitsopoulos)

Reverend Constantine Nicholas Mitsos (Mitsopoulos) wasborn in Elatou, Nafpaktias, Greece on March 21,1924. Hewas the fifth child of six children of Nicholas and SophiaMitsopoulos. Constantine attended elementary school in Ela-tou and then went to the town of Nafpaktos where he at-tended high school. He graduated from the high school inNafpaktos, Greece in June, 1943. He then attended the LawSchool of the University of Athens for two years.

In 1946, he was offered a scholarship to attend the HolyCross School of Theology in Pomfret, Connecticut. After athree-month journey, he arrived at the School along withten other students from Greece. He attended the School inPomfret and then was transferred to the Holy Cross Schoolin Brookline, Massachusetts from which he graduated inJune, 1951. He then attended the Crozer Baptist TheologicalSeminary in Chester, Pennsylvania for one year.

On September 7, 1952, Constantine married EvelynLiarakos in Wilmington, Delaware. He was ordained as adeacon in New York City on November 7, 1952. He was as-signed to the parish of Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Churchin Santa Barbara, California. Upon his arrival, he was or-dained as a priest on December 14, 1952. He served thatparish for 2 Y2 years. As the priest of the parish of SantaBarbara, he also served all parishioners from Oxnard, Ven-tura, Pismo Beach, and all the parishes in between.

In March, 1955, Reverend Constantine was assigned tothe Saint George Greek Orthodox Church of Huntington,West Virginia where he served for four years. During histenure in Huntington, Father Constantine served the Ortho-dox faithful of southern West Virginia, western Ohio andnorthern Kentucky. With his encouragement, the Saint JohnGreek Orthodox parish of Charleston, West Virginia was es-tablished.

While he was the parish priest in Huntington, Father Con-stantine also attended Marshall University for 1 Y2 years.

On September 1, 1959, Father Constantine was assignedto the Holy Trinity / Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Churchof Cincinnati, Ohio. He was instrumental in the transfer ofthe old church in downtown Cincinnati (a former Jewishsynagogue) to the establishment of the new church on Win-ton Road in the suburb of Finneytown, Ohio. During histenure in Cincinnati, Father Constantine received a Master'sDegree in Theological Studies (STM) from the HammaSchool of Theology of Wittenberg University in Springfield,Ohio in June, 1968.

Father Constantine served on the Board of the MinisterialAssociation for many years, representing the Orthodox com-munity of Greater Cincinnati. As a member of the Associa-tion, he served on many committees. In 1984, he was hon-ored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews withan award which reads:

"For Outstanding Service to the Ideals of Brotherhood,the National Conference of Christians and Jews cites FatherConstantine Mitsos, Pastor of Holy Trinity - Saint NicholasGreek Orthodox Church, NCCJ Dialogian, Teacher and Shep-herd of your distinguished congregation, sponsoring for 10years a widely renowned annual Panegyri Greek Festival at-tracting tri-state residents of all faiths. A humble man ofGod, you are steadfastly dedicated to our community's strate-gic ecumenical endeavors as visually epitomized in stainedglass which you commissioned in the church's beautiful sanc-tuary depicting the historic meeting of Greek Orthodox Pa-triarch Athenagoras and Roman Catholic Pope Paul VI toprovide the vision of ecumenical cooperation among all peo-ples in the service of one God and Father of us all."

Upon his retirement, Father Constantine established aScholarship Fund for any student from Cincinnati whowished to attend the Hellenic College or the Holy CrossSchool of Theology. Several young people, including priestsand presvyteres, have been helped by this scholarship.

"After serving the parish of Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas forthirty-one years, Father Constantine and Presvytera Evelynmoved to Florida to be close to their daughter PresvyteraGeorgia and Father Christopher Metropulos and their grand-children: Eleni (Anthony) Alexiou, Constance, Constantine,Lucas, Evdokia and Nicholas Metropulos. Their son Nicholaswho lives in New York is married to Dorothy, and they haveone son Constantine Nicholas. Father Constantine also hastwo great-granddaughters: Nicoletta and Christina Alexiou.

Father Constantine passed away on July 4,2012. His fu-neral was held at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Churchin Fort Lauderdale on July 7th with Metropolitan Alexios ofAtlanta and Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh conductingthe service along with fourteen priests. May his memory beeternal.

8013016/18187

Roger Stevens of the Kennedy Center, left, talks with Rep.Peter N. Kyros, right, and former wife Alice in Washington,D.C. on January 20, 1972.

FrAnk Johnston/the wAshinGton Post

Dimitri with his family: WifeKondilia and children Georgeand Chrysoula.

1940) describes that Lloyd hada “prominent role” in the film(Lima News March 5, 1927).But it seemed clear to everyonethat Lloyd's appearance in filmswas more a gimmick than an at-tribute to his acting abilities.

Olive Borden (1906-1947)was a noted starlet of silentfilms and early talking movies.Borden was nicknamed “TheJoy Girl,” and much was madeof her jet-black hair and overallbeauty. At the height of her ca-reer, Borden was paid $1,500 aweek appearing in eleven filmsfor Fox Studios while workingwith such directors as John Fordand Howard Hawks. One wireservice story that circulatedaround the country under theheadline, “Olive Has HighPriced Support,” states: “Direc-tors seem to be getting ratherparticular about the 'atmos-phere' they put on their sets. Ananonymous background for a bitof Olive Borden's acting theother day included CissyFitzgerald, one of the first ac-tresses who ever faced a motionpicture camera; Queenie Vassar,the former musical comedy star;Lloyd Pantages, son of thevaudeville magnate; Geno Car-rago, the Nebuchadnezzar ofBiblical film fame, and Car-olynne Snowden, leader of acabaret review. Seventy-five dol-lars a day instead of the custom-ary $7.50 was what the ‘extras’were getting.” (Sandusky Reg-ister June 5, 1927)

To be sure, Lloyd Pantages’socializing with Hollywood andBroadway stars was seen regu-larly in newspaper stories andin photographic layoutsthroughout the early 1900s and1920s again with the leading ac-tors, actresses, and entertain-ment promoters of the day. It isdifficult from this distance intime to really judge how his con-

temporaries understood him.Given that Lloyd did appear invarious silent films and in earlysound movies, however, he mustbe included in any survey ofearly Greeks in Hollywood film.Perhaps, in the future, a moreprofitable study of his impact

will emerge from how individu-als living in Kingsport, Lima, OHor Sandusky, OH responded tothose and other news accountsof rich Greeks living in Americain the 1900s through the 1920s.

An extremely popular Greekimmigrant character actor wasGeorge Kotsonaros. Known as“Kots” by his movie andwrestling fans. He appeared in18 films from 1926 to 1931.Kotsonaros had achieved greatpopularity in wrestling long be-fore his debut in Hollywoodfilms. Physically unattractivevery astute business-wise, Kot-sonaros made a highly success-ful career out of wrestling. Var-ious news articles aboutsuccessful professional wrestlersalways cited Kotsonaros asamong those who had quite lit-erally become millionaires.While the 1929 stock marketcrash had forced Kotsonarosback into a heavy wrestlingschedule, he was far from a poorman even after the financial dis-aster.

In 1926, the year Kotsonarosgot into Hollywood films, hefirst established annual pattern:He would spent most of the yearwrestling on a large loop aroundthe country, and then in the win-ter months he made movies inCalifornia. Unlike many other ofthe Greek silent to sound actors,Kotsonaros' movie roles are welldocumented. He first appearedin 1926 in the silent films: Van-ishing Millions, Cupid's Knock-out, and While London Sleeps.

Then in 1927, and it is unclearhow many of these films wereactually sound films (aka“talkies”), in : When a ManLoves, The Tender Hour, Catch-As-Catch-Can, The King of theJungle, The Wizard, The PrivateLife of Helen of Troy, and TheLove Market. Kotsonaros madefour films in 1928: The Fifty-Fifty Girl, Street of Sin, BeggarsLife, and the Laurel and Hardyshort film – still unavailable onDVD – We Faw Down. Then,only two films in 1929: TheShakedown and The BodyPunch. Next in 1930 and 1931,Kotsonaros only made one filmeach, Dangerous Paradise andHoneymoon Lane, respectively.

Given Kotsonaros' physicalappearance. he mostly por-trayed characters such as box-ers, convicts, wrestlers, hench-men, and even a gorilla. Heoften told reporters that he onceplayed the part of a monkeywithout using any make-up!Kotsonaros also played Hector

in the 1927 film The Private Lifeof Helen of Troy, probably thefirst Greek immigrant to play aclassical Greek figure in a Hol-lywood movie. Once Kotsonarosbegan to appear in motion pic-tures he was not above promot-ing them while he was touringthe country and speaking withreporters in all the various ham-lets, villages, towns, and citiesin which he wrestled. Those in-terviews did not go unnoticedin Hollywood.

Various remastered DVDs ofKotsonaros’ films are readilyavailable nowadays, such asWhile London Sleeps, The Wiz-ard, The King of the Jungle, WeFaw Down, and others.

Perhaps there is no betterway to appreciate the history ofthose early Hollywood Greek ac-tors than to watch these films.Meanwhile, expect to read evenmore about them in a future in-stallment of this column.

grecianmon@yahoo.com

By Phylis (Kiki) Sembos

It was almost five o’clock. Ichucked my homework asideand dashed out of my house, sit-uated in brick building in In-wood, to stand on the stoop likeI always did that that hour. Iwas in love – again. I stood onthe stoop waiting for my latestcrush – “him” – to walk by as heusually did at that hour. Whenhe walked by I got a tingly sensein my legs, my heart fluttered,too. He was tall, had jet blackhair and a profile like Apollo atthe museum. Lean, but muscu-lar, he might have been an ath-lete, thought I, dreamily. Trou-ble was he never glanced myway – always straight ahead likea sentry at the royal palace. Ihad to find out who he was.

So, I asked Mrs. Casey, theneighborhood’s know-it-all. Sheknew who was getting married,who was seen coming out ofwhose apartment, the price of

sirloin steak, tomorrow’s fore-cast, had a cure for athlete’s footor rheumatism and what horsewas a best bet at Belmont in thethird race.

“Oh! You mean Alphonso TallTree. Oneida Indian from up-state, New York. Studying to bea medic. Lives with a family inmy building. Nice fellow.”

“Indian?” I was clearly dis-appointed he wasn’t Greek likeI suspected – like I hoped. Still,he was sure nice to look at. So,I continued standing on thestoop hoping he’d look my way.Not a chance! He’d alwayslooked straight ahead and neverat me. Medic! Hmmm, maybe ifI can fall off the stoop. Nah!What if he just walked awayleaving me to get up and limphome. Did I really expect thathunk to notice a skinny, stringy-haired Greek girl; a high schooljunior? He may not have noticedme, but Papa did.

“Don’t you have homework

– or, something?” he asked,waving his hand as signal to getin the house. Oh, yeah! Home-work! I almost forgot. That day,he’d have to go by without meon the stoop watching and wait-ing for him. Hey! Maybe, he’d

notice I wasn’t there and asksomeone where’s that girl – myadmirer?

That evening we all sat –Mama, Papa and my brotherNickie, in front of our preciouspossession, a black and white,

17 inch TV, watching a cowboywestern. Cowboys on horseswere kicking up dust, shootingtons of bullets at an enemy be-hind them as they headed to-wards a fort to safety. JohnWayne, face covered with a ker-

chief, led the way. Not far behindthem came a band of hoopin’ n’hollerin’ Indians, in war paintand little clothing, shootingbows and arrows at the escapingcowboys whose chances for sur-vival seemed slim. I searched theband for someone who might re-semble Alphonso Tall Tree.Nickie got excited. He cried out,“Oh, my God! Here comes thebad guys! They’ll kill them poorcowboys. Gee, they’re mean.They’re dangerous and…”

Papa, leaning back, his armsbehind his head, gave a swiftglance at me before returninghis attention on the TV said, “Bequiet, Nickie! That’s no way totalk about our future in-laws.”

That helped put a bigdamper on all my romantic no-tions about Alphonso Tall tree.At least, with my curiosity andmy latest crush, crushed, safelyharnessed, I could concentrateon homework a little more – justa little.

COMMUNITYTHE NATIONAL HERALD, JULY 21-27, 2012 7

Crushed

Between Silence and Sound: Greek Actors of the Early Hollywood Era

In the 1928 Laurel and Hardy movie, We Faw Down, the fighter"First Round" Kelly, who is “the boyfriend,” is played by actorand professional wrestler George Kotsonaros.

ALL HISTORY

GREEK-AMERICAN STORIES

2012 Presidential Race - UpdateBy Constantinos E. Scaros

Oh how much fun it is to watch the masses in action! Theold adage that if you stand in Times Square and look straightup, a crowd will gather and soon enough, there will be over100 people looking straight up, too – at nothing in particular!

That “Times Square” moment was captured about a weekago, when rumors began to circulate that Mitt Romney isstrongly considering former Secretary of State CondoleezzaRice to be his running mate. Never mind that Rice herself hasinsisted that she is not interested in that job specifically, or inpolitics in general, any longer. Quite often, folks prefer to be-lieve in rumors, because they are juicier than the truth, afterall. Why else would conspiracy theories flourish as prominentlyas they do?

Pollster Frank Luntz recently conducted a survey among afocus group of voters – some leaning toward voting for BarackObama, some toward Romney, and others yet completely un-decided. When asked whom they would consider a viable run-ning mate for Romney, almost all of them mentioned Rice. Aweek earlier, many probably would have forgotten that sheeven existed, let alone thought to include her among the list ofpossible VP prospects.

One has to wonder: if the rumor had been that Romneywas considering Mickey Mouse as a running mate, would folksbegin their analysis of whom Romney should pick with: “well,there’s Mickey Mouse, of course, and then there’s”…..?

Stop looking straight up, people! There’s nothing there!

Continued from page 1

Orthodox Christian Laity Celebrating 25 Years of Service

CONGRATULATES and CELEBRATES AHEPA’s 90 Years of History

your civic, educational, athletic, medical, scholarship and philanthropic programs are exemplary.AhePA is also the premier benefactor and patron of the orthodox christian church inu.s. together it is our duty and responsibility to monitor, offer help and feedback to theAssembly of canonical orthodox bishops of north and central America as they work toward developing a blueprint for orthodox unity in the united states. building a newchurch order is the work of all the people clergy and laity.

In this spirit OCL invites you to attend its 25th Anniversary Program Meeting:Our Orthodox Past Our Orthodox Present Our Orthodox Future

Library of Congress Special Program Honoring OCL Friday October 26, 2012 12:30pmVesper and Keynote: St George Orthodox Church 4335 16th Street Washington D.C.

6:00pm Friday October 26, 2012 Panel Discussions: Mt Vernon Campus of George Washington University West Hall,

2100 Foxhall Road NW, Washington, DC Saturday October 27, 2012 8:30am

Guest hierarchs, Panelists and speakers include: his eminence Archbishop nathaniel, Pri-mate, romanian episcopate, his Grace bishop maxim, serbian orthodox church-Dioceseof the west; his Grace bishop michael, Diocese of new york and new Jersey, ProtodeaconPeter Danichick consultant to the Assembly of bishops, Dr. nicholas Govsdov, Professoru.s. naval war college, nicholas marinides, visiting scholar Dumbarton oaks, Fredericamathews-Green, author commentator, lecturer, matthew namee, student, independentscholar and Associate Director of society for orthodox christian history, Dr Andrew nat-sios, Distinguished professor walsh school of Foreign service, marilyn rouvelas, author,speaker, John sitilides, Principal trilogy Advisors llc, manages professional developmentprogram for senior us Diplomats in Greece, cyprus and turkey, member of us –Qaterbusiness council and wilson council, member of board trustees iocc. michael tsakalos,business professional, active layman and board member of iocc, Dr. John J, yiannias,byzantinist and Professor emeritus Art history university of virginia, Dr. Andrew h. walsh,Assistant Director of leonard Greenberg center for the study of religion in Public life,trinity college, hartford, ct, Dr. Gayle e. woloschak, Professor, researcher, Peer re-viewer, Patent-inventor, member of Departments of radiation oncology, radiology, andcell and molecular biology, robert lurie cancer center, Feinberg school of medicine,northwestern university, chicago, il.

Keep Updated on Conference details and Orthodox News at www.ocl.orgOCL P.O. Box 6954 West Palm Beach, FL 33405

Theater mogul Alexander Pan-tages.

“A book is a gift you can open again and again.”

- Garrison Keillor

The National Herald Bookstore(718) 784-5255 • info@thenationalherald.com

Immigrants learned all they needed to know about Native Americans from John Wayne.

PROTARAS, Cyprus (AP) –Cyprus' former foreign affairsand defense ministers on July 16pleaded not guilty to manslaugh-ter charges in a trial over lastyear's deadly naval base blast ofconfiscated Iranian gunpowder.

Markos Kyprianou and CostasPapacostas resigned in the wakeof the July 11 blast that killed13 people, wrecked the island'slargest power station and trig-gered a political and economiccrisis that severely damaged thepresidency of DimitrisChristofias.

Kyprianou, Papacostas andfour other defendants including

the former deputy NationalGuard Chief and suspended FireDepartment chief pleaded notguilty to a total 208 charges ofmanslaughter and causing deathdue to a reckless and dangerousact. Manslaughter, the most se-rious charge, carries a maximumsentence of life in prison.

The trial has been adjourneduntil Aug. 27.

The explosion touched offweeks of street protests overwhat many saw as the official in-eptitude and the government'sbotched handling of the island'sworst peacetime military disas-ter.

A public inquiry found thatthe gunpowder packed in some98 containers had spontaneouslycombusted after becoming un-stable from prolonged exposureto wide temperature swings. Thecontainers had been left piled inan open field inside a naval basefor more than two years.

The gunpowder was confis-cated in February 2009 from aCypriot-flagged ship suspectedof transporting them from Iranto Palestinian militants in Gazathrough Syria in breach of aUnited Nations ban on Iranianarms exports.

According to the inquiry's

non-binding findings, meetingsbetween senior government andmilitary officials in the monthsprior to the blast produced nofirm decisions on what to dowith the gunpowder, despitewarnings that it could becomeunstable.

Christofias rejected the in-quiry's conclusion that he wasprimarily responsible for the cir-cumstances that led to the ex-plosion, saying his subordinateshad failed to inform him eitherabout the gunpowder's storageconditions, or the risks associ-ated with its prolonged exposureto the elements.

CYPRUS8 THE NATIONAL HERALD, JULY 21-27, 2012

By Ray LegendreThe Columbian

They listen to Maroon 5,Aerosmith and Bon Jovi, watchTV programs such as "CriminalMinds" and "Modern Family," andenjoy shopping at Forever 21.

The sister tastes of Aria Louisand Cagla Izkan, residents of theRepublic of Cyprus in theMediterrean Sea, provide noinkling they are children of long-time territorial enemies. How-ever, the history books and theirfamilies' collective war stories re-mind them of the literal and fig-urative walls that divide theirpeople.

Louis, a Greek Cypriot, is aGreek Orthodox Christian, whileIzkan, a member of the TurkishCypriot minority, is Muslim.Their relatives fought on differ-ent sides of a military conflictduring the 1960s and 1970s thatleft hundreds dead and tens ofthousands displaced. Travel be-

tween the two sections of the is-land was restricted until spring2003.

The wounds of the deadlystruggle and the bad blood thatfollowed remain fresh, the teensagreed.

Today, the 17-year-olds areroommates in Battle Ground aspart of the monthlong CyprusFriendship program designed toshow teens from the two Cypriotfactions they have much in com-mon even if decades of historysuggests otherwise. Louis andIzkan are among 60 studentsparticipating in the program. Themajority are on the East Coast.

"I didn't want to grow up hat-ing the unknown," Louis saidwhen asked why she enrolled inthe program. "I decided thiswould be a great opportunity toform my own opinions."

Louis and Izkan are learningabout American food and agri-culture, sustainability practicesin the Portland metro area and,

perhaps most important, eachother's lands and customs.

Greek Cypriots make up

around 80 percent of the island'smore than 1.1 million residents,and live in the south and central

area of the island. Turkish Cypri-ots live on the northern part ofthe island. Until 2003, the twosides rarely interacted becausetravel was restricted.

Louis' and Izkan's childhoodswere spent wondering who theenemy was. Borders wereblocked. The idea of visiting theenemy's side was far-fetched.

"I didn't even know whatGreeks looked like," Izkan said,joking she wondered if they weresmall or green.

Louis lives in rural Cyprusand has an olive complexion andspeaks fluent English, courtesyof a childhood spent partially inToronto. Izkan has darker skin,lives near the water and speaksEnglish with an Eastern Euro-pean inflection. They bondedover their love of Forever 21clothing store -- a store that doesnot exist in Cyprus.

Their camaraderie is easy,natural, effortless, like longtimefriends.

Louis and Izkan are stayingwith Tammy and Vern Haas.The couple have hosted kidsfrom Japan, Chile and Columbiain previous years. The experi-ences affords them the oppor-tunity to learn about other cul-tures, said the host mother, whois the Battle Ground RotaryClub's president-elect. Sponsorsare vital because travel costs arearound $4,000 round-trip, shenoted.

The past won't be buried,Izkan noted, but perhaps the pre-sent and future will be better be-cause of what they learn thismonth.

"I can't forget but I can for-give," Izkan said, repeating a lineher mother uses. Her mother, sheadded, originally opposed herparticipation in Cyprus Friend-ship.

"We have lost loved ones,"Louis added, "but, at the end ofthe day, why can't we give eachother a chance?"

Teaching Adults to be Civil: Teen Greek and Turkish Cypriots Get Along

Greek Cypriot Aria Louis, 17 (L) and Turkish Cypriot CaglaIzkan, 17, are excited about the Cyprus Friendship program.

By Van Coufoudakis

July is a historic month forthe Republic of Cyprus. For thefirst time since its accession tothe European Union (EU),Cyprus assumed the organiza-tion's rotating presidency. Julyalso marks the 38th anniversaryof the treasonous coup orga-nized by the junta ruling Greeceat the time that led to the Turk-ish invasion and the continuingoccupation of 37% of the Re-public of Cyprus. The conse-quences of the Turkish invasion,continuing occupation, and ofthe gross violations of interna-tionally recognized humanrights have yet to be remedied.On the contrary, internationalefforts continue to impose aCyprus solution legitimizing theoutcome of the Turkish invasion.

Cyprus gained its indepen-dence in 1960. Since then,Cyprus has become a successfulliberal democracy despite exter-nally instigated political discord,foreign interference, foreign in-vasion, the economic dislocationcaused by the Turkish invasion,and continuing plots to disman-tle it as an independent andsovereign state. There is noother precedent in post-WWIIEurope where this has hap-pened. Despite these problems,the Republic of Cyprus has ma-tured as a democratic state. Ithas taken advantage of chang-ing socio-economic conditions,new demographic employmentpatterns, economic growth andits early harmonization with theacquis communautaire to be-come a member of the EU.

EU membership for Cyprusmarked the fulfillment of a ma-jor objective of successiveCypriot governments. It was anatural choice for Cyprus, whichhas been part of Europe in termsof history, civilization, culture,economic and political ties.Cyprus and the then EECsigned, in December 1972, anEconomic Association agree-ment aiming to establish, overa ten year period, a CustomsUnion. The 1974 Turkish inva-sion and the economic and so-cial dislocation caused by theinvasion delayed the implemen-tation of that agreement.

Cyprus formally applied forEU membership in 1993. A fewyears later, the European Com-mission concluded that acces-sion negotiations with Cypruscould start even in the absence

of a political settlement of theCyprus problem. The Commis-sion also ruled that the negotia-tions would take place with thegovernment of the Republicwhich was the only authorityrecognized under internationallaw. That was a clear responseto Anglo-American and Turkishobjections to the Cypriot acces-sion case, and to Turkey's de-mands for separate negotiationsbetween the EU and the unrec-ognized regime Turkey had setup in occupied Cyprus. Eventhough the government ofCyprus invited the TurkishCypriots to join the Republic'snegotiating team, Turkey re-jected that offer.

Most people do not realizethat the accession talks betweenthe EU and Cyprus were theshortest on record. They com-menced on March 31,1998 andwere successfully concluded inDecember 2002. Cyprus was thefirst among the ten candidatecountries to complete its acces-sion talks thanks to its negotiat-ing readiness and the harmo-nization of Cypriot legislationwith the acquis communau-taire. Cyprus signed the EU ac-cession treaty on 16 April 2003and the treaty took effect on 1May 2004. I want to stress an-other important legal point. It

was the Republic of Cyprus of1960 that was admitted to theEU under its internationally rec-ognized government. The EUrecognized the territorial in-tegrity and sovereignty of theRepublic. In view of the contin-uing occupation of 37% of theRepublic's territory by Turkey,the acquis communautaire hasnot been applied to occupiedCyprus. The EU expressed itsreadiness to accommodate a fu-ture settlement of the Cyprusproblem as long as, and this is acritical statement, “it is in linewith the principles on which theEU is founded,” i.e., the rule oflaw, democratic governance andhuman rights guaranteed underthe European Convention. Thiswas another clear message tothe UN, the US and the UK whocreated the Annan Plan, whichdiscriminated on the basis ofethnicity, religion, and lan-guage. The Plan violated EU lawand contained major deroga-tions from European law.

Most readers are not awareof Anglo-American attempts touse the Cypriot EU accessionprocess for Turkey's benefit. Twoexamples will suffice. The firstwas the argument that Cyprusshould not enter the EU as a di-vided country. This, however,gave the United States and

Turkey, two non-EU members,an indirect veto over EU expan-sion. The EU unanimously re-jected that effort in December1999. The United States andBritain had conveniently forgot-ten that another EU member,Germany, was a divided countryuntil the end of the Cold War.The second example was the at-tempt by Sir David Hannay andthe late Richard Holbrooke tolink the Cypriot accession tothat of Turkey. Again, the EU de-cided that the two applicationswould be judged separately andon their own merits.

Five other examples showthe irrationality of internationalpolitics:

First, Cyprus, along with theother 26 EU members, agreedthat Turkey could open EU ac-cession talks in September2005. However, Turkey has yetto comply with conditions setfor these talks including theopening of Turkish ports andairports to Cypriot ships andcivilian aircraft and the recog-nition of Cyprus by Turkey.

Second, Turkey, a candidatestate for EU accession, refusesto participate in EU meetingsduring the Cypriot presidencybecause it does not recognizethe Republic of Cyprus. This isan unprecedented situation in

the history of the EU.Third, Turkey and its sup-

porters are now calling for thelifting of the so-called “TurkishCypriot isolation” and for ex-tending to occupied Cyprus theEU's direct trade regulations.These moves aim to grant defacto recognition to the illegalregime of the so-called "TRNC,”forgetting that the so-called “iso-lation” was the direct outcomeof the Turkish invasion and themeasures imposed in occupiedCyprus by the Turkish Army.Turkey's claims also neglect toacknowledge the beneficialmeasures introduced by the gov-ernment of Cyprus on behalf ofthe legitimate Turkish Cypriotpopulation following the partialopening of the “green line” bythe Turkish Army in April 2003.

Fourth, the repeated militarythreats against Cyprus followingthe discovery of hydrocarbon re-sources in the exclusive eco-nomic zone of Cyprus. WhileCyprus has acted under the pro-visions of EU law, Turkey refusesto comply with European lawand threatens the territorial in-tegrity and sovereignty of anEU member.

Fifth, various pro-Turkish in-terests have joined Turkey to de-mand that Cyprus share its hy-drocarbon wealth with the

occupation regime. Revenues tobe derived from hydrocarbon re-sources belong to the Republicof Cyprus and not to the com-munities on a percentage basis.Following the future reunifica-tion of Cyprus, revenues fromnatural resources will be allo-cated through legislative bud-getary procedures to address thenation's economic and social pri-orities. It is ironic that thosewho refuse to acknowledge theexistence of the Republic ofCyprus stand ready to lay claimto its wealth.

Thirty eight years after theTurkish invasion, the latest UNeffort to resolve the Cyprusproblem has reached anotherdead end. In 2004, in a free anddemocratic referendum on theAnnan Plan, the overwhelmingmajority of the Greek Cypriotswisely rejected that plan. De-spite its rejection, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon resur-rected the failed plan and, likehis predecessor, once more at-tempted to disband the Republicof Cyprus, this time just beforeits assumption of the EU presi-dency. Kofi Annan attempted todo the same just before the ac-cession of the Republic ofCyprus to the EU.

Both Ban Ki Moon and KofiAnnan sought to disband a sov-ereign state and replace it by aconfederation of two au-tonomous states legitimizing theoutcome of the 1974 Turkish in-vasion. Moreover, the proposedsystem of the “bi-zonal bi-com-munal federation” violated Eu-ropean law and the EuropeanConvention on Human Rightsbecause it is based on ethnic,linguistic and religious discrim-ination.

No self-respecting country inthe 21st century will accept todisband itself in order to placatean aggressor state and its sup-porters. The accession of Cyprusto the EU offers a unique oppor-tunity to resolve the Cyprusproblem on the basis of the prin-ciples the EU is founded on thatis democracy, the rule of lawand human rights protected un-der the European Convention.Cyprus, as a sovereign andequal member of the EU can ac-cept nothing less for its legiti-mate citizens.

Van Coufoudakis, PhD, is Pro-fessor and Dean Emeritus in theIndiana University and PurdueUniversity system

Cyprus Takes on its First Euro Presidency Since Becoming a Member

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) – Infor-mation provided by foreign se-curity services led to the arrestof a foreign national in Cypruson the suspicion he was helpingto plot a possible terrorist attack,the island's justice minister saidon July 15.

Loucas Louca said "coopera-tion and information" from for-eign agencies had resulted in lastweek's arrest. He declined toidentify the agencies involved.

"Let's leave the case to run itscourse, allow investigators to fin-ish their job and we'll see wherewe'll conclude," he told reporters.

Police said the 24-year-oldman remains in custody after hisarrest in the coastal town of Li-massol, and is being investigatedon charges relating to nationalsecurity and terrorism.

State CyBC radio has reportedthe suspect is a Swedish passportholder of Lebanese origin, and

that documents and photographswere found in his possession de-tailing movements of Israelis onthe island.

Police have not identified thesuspect, his role in the possibleattack, or the intended target.

Israeli Prime Minister Ben-jamin Netanyahu on Saturdayblamed Iran for the alleged plot,but offered no proof to supporthis allegations.

"After Iran sent its people to

assassinate the Saudi Ambas-sador on U.S. soil at the SaudiEmbassy, and carry out attacksin Azerbaijan, Tbilisi, New Delhiand Africa, now it has been ex-posed that it intended to commita terror attack on Cyprus soil,"he said in a statement.

"The international communitymust fight against the biggest ex-porter of terror in the world."

Israeli officials could not bereached for comment.

Israel and Iran are bitter ene-mies. Israel considers Iran athreat to its existence because ofits nuclear and missile develop-ment programs, frequent refer-ence to Israel's destruction byIranian leaders and Iran's sup-port of violent groups in Lebanonand Gaza.

Terrorist Suspect Arrested in Cyprus; Netanyahu Blames Iran

Cypriot Minister of Justice &Public Order Loucas Louca.

Bombing of Nicosia in 1974.

Cyprus’ Ex Ministers Plead Not Guilty Regarding Last Year’s Naval Blast

Markos KyprianouCostas Papacostas

zAchAry kAuFmAn

orandum with the Troika whilesharing a previous shaky hybridgovernment.

Stournaras said governmentofficials insisted that they werein agreement but had no realplan yet after ministers in Sama-ras’ Cabinet – all from NewDemocracy or technocrats – re-sisted cuts to their departmentsand agreed on little more thanhalf what the Troika wants, orabout $9.2 billion. One seniorparty official told the newspaperKathimerini that some ministriesfailed to submit their proposalsfor cuts ahead of the meeting,delaying efforts to finalize them.Stournaras said the governmenthad agreed on “the basic direc-tion” for the cuts.

He is to meet with Troika of-ficials in Athens on July 26, al-though Venizelos got Samarasto agree that the PASOK leaderand Kouvelis would joinStournaras in dealing with Eu-ropean officials. Venizelos is aformer Finance Minister whodoubled income and propertytaxes and taxed the poor – allof which will stay under the newAdministration, and someGreeks said they’ve already re-ceived additional property taxbills of as much as $5,700 ontop of a first property tax billplus two coming income taxbills.

Samaras said he would try tohold the line on taxes when hewas campaigning ahead of theJune 17 elections that he barelywon over the Coalition of theRadical Left (SYRIZA) leaderAlexis Tsipras, who opposed thepay cuts, tax hikes, and slashedpensions that Samaras sup-ported. Samaras also has madeno move to restore reduced andeliminated auxiliary pensionsfor Greece’s poorest elderly ashe promised.

A VAGUE ROAD MAP“We still have a long road

ahead of us,” said Stournaras."We agreed on everything in ageneral outline," he told re-porters. “We did not discussspecifics but a basic framework.”

Samaras underscored the dif-ficulty of trying to reach an

agreement in a governmentwith three voices when heopened a meeting with his part-ners by stating that, “There isno scope for more measures.More measures will blow our ef-forts to contain the recessioninto the air,” Kathimerini re-ported he said. Clinching agree-ment on the unpopular cuts islikely to be Samaras’ first majortest since assuming power lastmonth. His government made apositive impression with EUleaders by saying he would keepimposing the measures they de-manded before seeking changes,but that upset critics in Greecewho said he was kow-towing.

After the meeting, Venizelosand Kouvelis said the govern-ment would try to reduce theburden that New Democracyand PASOK had put on Greece’sworkers, elderly and the poorwhile letting tax evaders costingthe country some $70 billion es-cape.

Venizelos promised therewould be no further austerity

measures this year despite re-ports the government wouldmake another 2 billion euro, or$2.45 billion in cuts. He saidthat instead the governmentwould try to get the Troika togive Greece more time to im-pose measures – a stance Tsiprassaid he would have taken hadhe won but for which he waspilloried by Samaras andVenizelos at the time althoughthey have mimicked many of hisideas since. A temporary coali-tion government in Marchagreed to make 3 billion euro,or $3.6 billion in cuts this year.

Tsipras said, “They are lyingwhen they say there will be nonew measures. There will beand they will be catastrophic forthe Greek people. This govern-ment obeys the Troika and doesnot protect the people.” He saidthe coalition leaders shouldrefuse to meet Troika officialsand instead seek a summit withEU leaders to discuss the Greekprogram. German Finance Min-ister Wolfgang Schaeuble mean-

while said that “far-reaching ad-justment measures are neededin many areas” in Greece butthat creditors would await theTroika’s report before taking anydecisions.

SOME PRIVATE PLANSVenizelos said Greece would

have to speed the pace of priva-tization which lagged when hewas Finance Minister, to sellmany of its entities to privatecompanies and sell or lease statelands and properties, whichTsipras said would lead to a firesale of assets that would be letgo for far less than their valueand lost forever for the sake ofa one-time write-down in debt.

Venizelos said the measures“will be finalized in the comingdays after the first discussionswe will have with the Troika onthese issues.”

Samaras had vowed to rene-gotiate with the Troika, butchanged his mind after beingelected, only to change his mindagain after being pressed by themore demonstrative Venizelos.

Talks between the three leaderswill resume next week aboutmore specific plans for cuts orsavings that would meet theTroika targets. Kouvelis, mean-while, said he was worriedabout the effect of a new heat-ing oil tax and said the govern-ment had to find a way to sub-sidize the cost for the poor orelderly but offered no solutionother than talk.

Greece has little time to talkto the Troika. The country couldrun out of money to pay itsworkers and pensioners by themiddle of August because rev-enues have fallen far short ofexpectations as the austeritymeasures have worsened a deeprecession, creating 22.5 percentunemployment, shrunk theeconomy by 6.7 percent and isclosing 1,000 businesses a week.New pensioners are being toldthey will have to wait at least ayear before being paid, and un-der the curious Greek laws theyare banned from holding other

jobs, leaving those without anysavings no source of income.

The new loan installmentfrom the Troika, for $38 billion,is due in September but thelenders said it could be delayedor withheld if inspectors find thereforms and cuts have not beenmade. Greece also is unable topay back a loan installment of3.1 billion euro ($3.8 billion) inlate August and the governmentsaid it would seek another loanto pay that loan as it has nomoney.

The Samaras-Venizelos-Kou-velis Administration said itwould also change track and askfor some of the future loanmonies to go toward boostingthe country’s growth, althoughunder the previous government,Samaras and Venizelos agreedthat all tax revenues needed torepay investors would go into aspecial escrow account, limitingthe availability of funds forGreek programs.

GREECETHE NATIONAL HERALD, JULY 21-27, 2012 9

Greece’s Coalition Government Cannot Seem to Agree on Spending Cuts

Tourists get directions from security on how to travel by buses to the port during a workstoppage at Monastiraki station in Central Athens on July 17. Subway services connectingcentral Athens with the port of Piraeus were suspended for four hours on Tuesday by a workstoppage. Employees at state subway operator ISAP are protesting a recent public health fundmerger that their union says has led to cuts in health services.

ties…Things were different inThessaloniki,” she said, notingthat elements of the story andthe actions of Jewish and Greekleaders are controversial to thisday.

One factor in the commu-nity’s destruction is that it wasmainly young Jews who spokeGreek in 1941. They were thefirst generation after the libera-tion of the city from Ottomanrule in 1912 to speak Greek,having learned in in publicschool. “It was thus difficult tohide those who did not speakGreek,” she said.

In 1900 almost half of Thes-saloniki's 173,000 inhabitantswere Jews; 60,000 of them livedthere before the Nazi conquest,

but 96.5 percent were extermi-nated in the death camps ofPoland. About 1000 people re-main today of a community thatwas established 2000 years ago,long before it became domi-nated by the Sephardim whowere expelled from Spain andreceived by the Ottoman statein 1492.

The website is filled with in-formative texts and images. Anarticle by Yakov Benmayor in-forms that “It is believed thatJews from Alexandria, who ar-rived in 140 BCE, were amongthe first Jews to settle in Thes-saloniki…The center of their so-cial and religious lives was theirsynagogue, Etz haHayim. Leg-end has it that the apostle Paulpreached for three consecutiveSabbaths in this same syna-gogue.”

Despite hardships, which in-cluded periods of forced conver-sion and second class legal sta-tus, the Jews of the city

flourished throughout theByzantine, period, as the world-traveller Benjamin of Tudela –the Jewish Marco Polo - sawfor himself in the 12th century.Their descendants are known asRomaniotes, and despite theirmore ancient roots, they meltedculturally into the city’sSephardic community.

“The Jewish Museum ofThessaloniki was founded tohonor the rich and creativeSephardic heritage as it evolvedin the city after the 15th cen-tury,” according to the website.Benmayor noted that a high-point was reached in the 16thcentury and the city eventuallybecame known as Madre de Is-rael - Mother of Israel.

Located in a handsome build-ing on Agiou Mina Street that

dates to 1904, the Museum,which includes exhibition spaceand a library, is housed in oneof the few Jewish buildings thatsurvived the fire of 1917 thatdestroyed much of the heart ofthe old city, including the Jewishquarter.

Under Ottoman rule, dividedby language and religion – untilthe Turks were expelled in 1912the Jews spoke Judeo-Spanish– relations between Greeks andJews in the city were limited.Still, there were situations inThessaloniki where leaders ofthe Greek and Jewish commu-nities cooperated in order todeal with Ottoman authorities,the bankers for example.

Zemour said affluent Greeksand Jews did have at least com-mercial relations, but she knowsfrom her father that otherclasses socialized, using what-ever languages they had in com-mon. They gathered in tavernas,sharing the great music and

food of the city.During the discussion with

Zemour it was also noted howtragic it is that two peoples whoshare many values in ancientand modern times, such as acommitment to learning and ed-ucation, were kept at a distancefrom each other by historicforces, rivalries and misunder-standings.

“Education is the most im-portant thing, but especially fora diaspora people because it’sthe only thing you can take withyou freely when you are forcedto leave another place,” shesaid.

OVERCOMING ANTI-SEMITISM

Moreover, education is thekey to better relations between

Greeks and Jews. “Today – andit has always been the case –anti-Semitism in Greece is theresult of shortcomings in edu-cation. I believe that the anti-Semitism in Greece is that sameas that in places like France,which I know well from livingthere,” said Zemour, whichcauses her to believe it can beameliorated through education.

“Unfortunately, when aGreek Christian hears someonetalking about Jews, they hearonly anti-Semitic discourse.There is no place or means bywhich students can hear some-thing neutral let alone positiveabout what it means to be a Jew.The Christian Hellenes do notknow what a Jew is,” she said.

It is particularly distressingthat a large portion of the Greekpopulation still believes that ifsomeone is not an OrthodoxChristian he is not really Greek.“That is a great problem,” sheacknowledged.

TNH noted few Greeks knowabout the Romaniote Jews whohave lived in Greece almostsince the days of Alexander theGreat. She agreed, pointing outthat “nobody knows the history.Even in Thessaloniki, becausethe city has received so manyrefugees over the past hundredyears, many people do not knowthe city’s history because it is

not their history.”A recent New York Times ar-

ticle highlighted the rise “a rightwing party that only recentlygained representation in theGreek parliament and nowholds 18 of its 300 seats, raisingconcerns among Jewish andnon-Jewish Greeks about intol-erance and racism.

Zemour recently attended a

public meeting of the city’s mu-nicipal council where “I person-ally heard one of the membersof the city council criticize, orrather, say he was not pleasedwith a recent meeting at Inter-national Hellenic University inThessaloniki about “The Jews ofSalonika in the Modern Period.”She said it was a very well-edu-cated man and that she did notexpect to hear such things fromhim.

The man criticized mayorYiannis Boutaris “for pushing toalways be talking about theJews of Thessaloniki.” She saidthe mayor has undertaken anumber of initiatives related tothe history of the city.” She saidhe is trying hard to give back tothe people of the city their his-tory regarding relations with theJews, the Ottoman period, thestory of the Greek refugees…and generally the history of thecity.”

She noted that until recentlymaps create for tourists con-tained historical summaries thatmentioned Alexander the Great,the Romans, the Byzantines,and then jump to the modernperiod in 1912, adding thatBoutaris is trying to fight suchthings.

Nevertheless, through theyears members of both groupsin Greece and the US havereached out to one another, andthe recent strengthening of re-lations between Israel, Cyprusand Greece has given these ef-forts a new impetus.

Institutions like the museumare keys elements in efforts tobuild bridges and explore com-mon interests. In addition tothe museum’s permanent andtemporary exhibitions, the mu-seum’s officials are committedto cultural and educational pre-sentations in order to informtheir fellow Greeks.

“The museum was estab-lished to also have an educationdimension, for visitors of themuseum to learn about the his-tory of the Jewish people ofThessaloniki… We also publisharticles and host lectures to pre-sent this history from variousperspectives.”

Their work has gotten harderwith the financial crisis. “Unfor-tunately, where there is an eco-nomic crisis, supporting culturalendeavors is the last thing peo-ple think about.” Many Hellenesinside and outside Greece havebelieve, however, that these arethe very times when cultural en-deavors have their greatestvalue.

Zemour is optimistic that thedissemination of informationabout the museum will inspirepeople in Greece and abroad tobecome benefactors and to visitits impressive facilities.

Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki Informs While it Connects CommunitiesContinued from page 1

Left photo: Erika Perahia Zemour, the Museum’s director.Above: The clothing and household items of the Museum’spermanent exhibits evoke everyday life in the Jewish commu-nity of Thessaloniki. Below: A display case with some of theMuseum’s interesting collection of historic objects and photosaccompanied by informative notes.

Continued from page 1

AP Photo/thAnAssis stAvrAkis

AP Photo/thAnAssis stAvrAkis

Greek Socialists leader Evangelos Venizelos, left and the leaderof the Democratic Left party Fotis Kouvelis exit the Prime Min-isters office in Athens, Wednesday, July 18, 2012. The headsthree parties supporting Greece's month-old coalition govern-ment are meeting to try and finalize a new round of austeritymeasures worth 11.5 billion Euros ($14.1 billion) demandedby international rescue creditors.

EDITORIALS LETTERS10 THE NATIONAL HERALD, JULY 21-27, 2012

Reader Accuses BishopAndonios of Indifference

To the Editor:While I generally agree with

the premise of Evangelos Pap-pas’ letter (Jun. 30), he failedto include important, thoughperhaps uncomfortable ques-tions that the Greek Orthodoxcommunity and all its benefac-tors need answered.

When Bishop Andoniosfailed to characterize a priesthaving sex at truck stops as im-moral, did the archbishop referhim for mental health screen-ing? Was he disciplined in anyway? Aside from the egregious

religious sins in question, Ando-nios failed to address an obviousand perhaps deadly health issueto parishioners, thereby failingto protect a substantial numberof people, while fully aware ofwhat Fr. Rechachinas’ activitieswere. Rechachinas reportedlyhad dozens of sexual interludesthat were homosexual in nature,then on Sundays drank from thesame chalice from which hegave parishioners communion.Only a complete idiot would notfind that type of activity im-moral. This leaves the Archdio-cese with a huge dilemma. Howdo those that continue to con-tribute large sums of money to

an organization that is operatedby individuals with no moralsdo so with any conscience?

Metropolitan Iakovos was ab-solutely correct. Andonios spentvery little time at a parish, unless

we include time spent atZoodohos Peghe in the Bronx,from where he was unceremoni-ously removed. We now see why.

John KerpinisEast Williston, NY

Never Say NeverNews gets old fast in our mass media and technology-driven

times: ask someone who is not of Greek or Turkish descent aboutthe 38 years that have passed since Turkey’s invasion and occupa-tion of Cyprus, they might say “Give it up. The Cyprus problemwill never be resolved.”

“Never” is an ugly and downright dumb word as far as Cypriotsare concerned. In 1954, British Foreign Secretary Anthony Edendeclared Cyprus will “never” be independent. It happened withineight years, though British policies left a political and humanitariancatastrophe in their wake.

So, we will ignore that word. The fight for Justice for Cypruscontinues. The community stands firm and united in the strugglefor Cyprus’ reunification.

For 38 years, the community has made the case to our officialsthat it is in the United States' interest to revolve the Cyprus conflict.It puzzles us that Washington can periodically put pressure onIsrael to resolve its dispute with the Palestinians, yet reacts withhorror when the community insists on twisting Ankara’s arm toget Turkey to end its occupation of a country that is a member ofthe very EU it has tried so hard to join. EU officials are not so shy.They have made it clear that the Cyprus issue must be resolved.

There are signs, however, that the EU’s view is increasinglybeing shared by more policymakers on this side of the Atlantic,and that the community is ramping up its efforts: see, op-ed piecesby Endy Zemenides and Andy Manatos in this week’s TNH.

Of course it helps that the Republic of Cyprus has recently dis-covered offshore hydrocarbon deposits. The United States and theEU – not to mention investors – want oil and gas to flow freely,and that requires peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey’s recent bellicosity is raising eyebrows even among itsfriends.

But idealism and passion sometimes carry the day. There arenew grass-roots Cyprus initiatives all over the world. At this year’sPSEKA conference in Washington, a London-based group calledLobby for Cyprus and the Famagusta Association of Great Britain,presented a video of a seminar titled “Famagusta: From Tragedy toOpportunity – The case for the return of the fenced-off area ofFamagusta in Cyprus to its lawful inhabitants.”

The deserted city of Famagusta-Varosha was supposed to be re-settled prior to a comprehensive Cyprus settlement. An internationaleffort to return the city to its inhabitants can succeed, and it canbe a wedge issue for progress on other fronts.

So, we do not believe time is running out for Cyprus, thoughthings might be different for the historic players.

We are still waiting for former Secretary of State Henry Kissingerto speak or write in detail about the circumstances surroundingthe 1974 invasion. We are not holding our breath. Despite somedramatic shifts in Ankara’s foreign policy – ones not for the better– Kissinger has not lost faith in Turkey. Last fall the Wall StreetJournal reported he said, “Turkey can play a significant role,” inthe Middle East as the United States withdraws from Iraq andAfghanistan.

Has he no regrets about the “tilt towards Turkey” he engineered,and the Turkish lobby he is said to have helped build? Does he stillbelieve that Cyprus was worth sacrificing for the U.S.-Turkey rela-tionship?

Greek and Cypriot American organizations have worked hardto counter the myth of Turkey as a reliable ally. When communityleaders made the case to Kissinger himself, he would point to thewall and say in his gravelly voice, “Look at the map!” Did he con-tend that any country sitting at the confluence of Europe, Asia andthe Middle East during the Cold War, no matter what its characterand sins, was worthy of blind American friendship?

If his message was that the Turkish army would never leave,then we reply: the Cold War is over Dr. Kissinger – Eden’s “never”did not prevail and neither will yours.

Septembers in GreeceAs the weather warms and spring turns into summer, one of the

questions Greek-Americans often ask one another is: “are you goingto Greece this summer?” The answer is usually a variation of oneof these three responses: “yes,” “no,” or “I’m not sure yet.” But aswe enter the second half of July, those undecided that have yet topurchase tickets often shrug their shoulders and proclaim that “Au-gust is almost here; now it’s too late.”

Is it really too late? Why do we limit ourselves to traveling toGreece only during the summer months? The current heatwave inthe New York Metropolitan area and in other pockets of the UnitedStates ought to serve as a reminder: this is what it is like in Greece– worse yet, without the benefit of air conditioning not only insome homes, but also on crowded buses. Why travel to a swelteringsauna now? After all, New Yorkers do not jet down to Florida inthe summertime, do they?

Granted, schoolchildren – and, in turn, their parents – have nochoice. July and August is when school is not in session. Collegestudents do not have much of a choice, either, and neither doGreek-American educators.

But what about the rest of the Greek-American population?What about the single 20-somethings and 30-somethings, finishedwith college or graduate school, who have full-time jobs that letthem to go on vacation whatever time of year they prefer? Whyare they tied to a summer schedule when planning trips to Greece?Presumably, their parea – both fellow prospective travel buddiesand friends and family in Greece – have also grown up and they,too, are not bound by the 10-month academic year. What aboutparents in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond, whose children aregrown? Why should they travel to Greece when it is a boiling in-ferno over there?

It is not too late, fellow Greek-Americans, to plan a trip toGreece this year. Change your thinking and shift your internal cal-endar by a month: go there in September. The weather is morecomfortable, the rates are cheaper, the islands are less crowded,and the water is still gloriously warm. Do not let the fact that Julyis almost over ruin your vacation plans.

When faced with the question: “you didn’t go to Greece thisyear?” Answer this way: “Oh, I’m still going, I’m just waiting forthe heatwave to end.”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

TRIBUTE

By John Collis

This essay is about an out-standing person and friend, Fa-ther Peter Gillquist – a minister,a priest, an apostle, a biblescholar, a friend.

Phenomenal goals and amaz-ing achievements characterizethis devoted individual. Formuch of his life, Father Peterstruggled with physical pain, yetaccomplishing more than imag-inable. Before my completingthis paper, he suddenly becamecritically ill and died. ST. PAULTHE APOSTLE

Paul was born in the Greekcity of Tarsus. His parents gavehim the Hebrew name Saul, inhonor of King Saul. Paul studiedunder the guidance of leadingteachers and received a superblyreligious, Jewish education.

Paul became the most influ-ential voice in the history of theChurch, except for Jesus. Themiraculous conversion of Paulon the road to Damascus con-vinced him that the crucifiedGalilean was indeed the Mes-siah and Son of God. Hepreached that the message ofthe Messiah was not only forJews, but also for Gentiles. Thefollowers of Christ were firstcalled Christians at Antioch(Acts 11:27).

Later, Paul began a new en-terprise. He began to write let-ters. Paul was to write a totalof 13 letters (13 books of theBible), or 14 books if Hebrewsis accredited to Paul. As theApostle to the Gentiles, he lefta permanent stamp on Chris-tianity by transforming it froma movement confined to Ju-daism to a faith for all nations.

During the height of his min-istry, Paul was arrested. Whileawaiting trial, Paul undauntedlystated, “…the time of my depar-ture has come. I have foughtthe good fight, I have finishedthe race, I have kept the faith”(2 Tim. 4:6-7). FATHER PETER GILLQUIST

The spiritual journey of Fa-ther Gillquist is heartwarmingand inspirational. His path ofgrace and perseverance led Fa-ther Gillquist to become the ac-knowledged foremost evangelistin all of modern day OrthodoxChristianity. That spiritual jour-ney follows…

Father Gillquist grew up as aLutheran. He attended the Uni-versity of Minnesota and wasactive in Sigma Alpha Epsilonfraternity. While at the Univer-sity he became involved in theCampus Crusade for Christ, anoutstanding evangelistic organi-zation.

Father Gillquist pursuedgraduate studies at the presti-gious Dallas Theological Semi-nary. After graduating, he be-came a staff member of Crusadefor Christ in 1960, later startinga ministry at the University ofNotre Dame. After several yearswith Campus Crusade, FatherGillquist worked at the Univer-sity of Memphis spending 11years with Thomas Nelson Pub-lishing Co. in Nashville. Therehe became a senior editor in1975, and served on theoverview committee for Nelson’sNew King James version of theBible.

As a priest and advisor, hebrought many to the Lord. Hediligently sought “the truechurch of the New Testament.”Initially, he believed that per-haps the original church hadbeen lost. He examined thedoctrine of many churches, in-

cluding the Episcopalian,Catholic, and the Greek Ortho-dox.

After much prayer, searchand deliberation, he and 2000others asked to become mem-bers of the Greek OrthodoxChristian Church. ArchbishopIakovas and the Holy Synodturned down his request, al-though Metropolitan Maximoshad pleaded on his behalf foradmission into the Greek Ortho-dox Church. Father Gillquist wasreferred to the Ecumenical Pa-triarchate. He then traveled toConstantinople and was able tospeak to a representative of thePatriarch, who at the time wasMetropolitan Bartholomew. TheMetropolitan informed FatherGillquist and the 2000 otherhopefuls that they could not beaccepted into the Greek Ortho-dox Church.

This was discouraging. Fa-ther Gillquist then turned to theAntiochian Orthodox ChristianChurch. The Antiochians re-ceived him with open arms. In1987 Father Gillquist led 17parishes with 2000 membersinto the Antiochian OrthodoxChurch. During his outstandingministry of 22 years, FatherGillquist has brought 120churches to Christ as membersof the Antiochian Church.

The Antiochian Church hasbeen fortunate and blessed withthe ministry of Father Gillquist.He was an inspiring priest anda convincing preacher. His ser-mons are memorable. His mes-sage brought thousands toChrist.

The sparkplug and movingforce behind the creation of ourOrthodox Study Bible was Fa-ther Gillquist. He initiated, nur-tured and edited the Study Biblewith his foresight and prayer.The Orthodox Study Bible ishaving enormous and lasting ef-fects. The Orthodox Study Bibleis actually a library, or more pre-cisely a compendium of books,topics, essays and ideas, all phe-nomenally well-planned and su-perbly compiled. The OrthodoxStudy Bible may well becomethe single most valuable bookever published for modern dayOrthodoxy.

Saint Paul speaking to Timo-thy says, “…from childhood youhave known the Holy Scriptures,which are able to make you wisefor salvation through faithwhich is in Jesus Christ. AllScripture is given by inspirationof God…” (II Timothy 3:15-16).

Father Gillquist was the fa-ther of six children and grand-father of 19 grandchildren. Heand his lovely wife, Marilyn,were long-term residents ofSanta Barbara, CA. Father Peterretired from 25 years of serviceto the Antiochian Archdioceseas Director of the Departmentof Missions and Evangelism inJanuary, 2012. He was associ-ated with All Saints AntiochianOrthodox Church in Blooming-ton, Indiana where his son, Fa-ther Peter Jon Gillquist is thepastor. ST. PAUL AND FATHER

GILLQUISTSaint Paul was a Jew who

was converted miraculouslywhile on the road to Damascus.Father Gillquist was a Lutheran,who was converted to OrthodoxChristianity while searching for“the true church of the New Tes-tament.” Through his exhaustivesearch, Father Gillquist foundthat church to be the OrthodoxChurch. Despite physical andemotional beatings, leading to

his martyrdom, St. Paul was thepre-eminent evangelist of theearly church period. Likewise,after an arduous search for thetrue church of the New Testa-ment, Father Gillquist ultimatelyjoined the Antiochian Churchand became the pre-eminentevangelist of modern day Ortho-dox Christianity.

Saint Paul pursued his evan-gelistic journey, first by traveland then by personal messages.He later in life turned to writing,which ultimately became 13(perhaps 14) books of the NewTestament. Similarly, FatherGillquist led an intense andhighly successful evangelisticministry. He also turned to theBible. He became editor of thehighly acclaimed OrthodoxStudy Bible.

This Orthodox Study Biblecontains the first Orthodox Eng-lish translation of the Septu-agint. The Septuagint is theGreek version of the Old Testa-ment always used by the GreekOrthodox Church.MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

I first met Father Gillquist ata Greek Orthodox Retreat in thefall of 1994. After his final pre-sentation, I noticed that he wasexperiencing some serious phys-ical discomfort. I advised him toobtain medical tests to deter-mine the cause of his pain. Twoyears later, I phoned him at hishome in California to congratu-late him for an inspiring article,only to discover that he hadbeen confined to bed because ofback

pains. He explained that hisCalifornia HMO believed mysuggested tests were unneces-sary, and prescribed only restand pain medication.

After convincing him to cometo Cleveland, the next day,March 28, 1996, Father under-went an MRI scan. The test in-dicated that Father Gillquist wassuffering from a huge slippeddisc in his back. Surgery wasscheduled the next morning. Onarrival to the operating room,and despite his premedicationand sedation, he promptly sat

up and asked for everyone’s at-tention. He announced to all inthe operating room that theNew York Yankees were to playthe Cleveland Indians that veryday. He asserted that he was anIndians fan and hoped that theYankees would lose. All in theoperating room applauded.

My patient, Father Gillquist,became a close friend. We vis-ited and communicated fre-quently. His wisdom and insightdominated our conversations.He enjoyed his work. He waskind, sensitive and humorous.He loved his family, and heloved his friends.

After completing the Ortho-dox Study Bible, and havingbrought thousands to Ortho-doxy, I asked him what hewanted more than anythingelse. Without hesitation, heagain thanked the Lord forbringing him to the “true churchof the New Testament,” andhoped that one day he might bewith his Lord and Savior.

He wanted more Englishused in the liturgy. He hoped formore Bible studies and moreBible-oriented sermons. Heprayed for an increased evange-listic outreach. He dreamedthat all Orthodox Christians inAmerica would one day unite.

I asked Father Gillquist if hewas disappointed or angry atthe refusal of the Greek Ortho-dox Church to admit him andhis 2000 journeyman. He feltneither disappointment noranger. He felt that the HolySpirit led them to the Antiochi-ans because the Greeks weresimply not ready for either evan-gelism or Bible studies.

I asked him why the lack ofenthusiasm for evangelism andBible studies. He insightfully re-minded me of the four centuriesof oppression by the OttomanTurkish rule, and the continuedoppression by the atheistic andtotalitarian regime of Russia.During that time many weremurdered. He knowingly smiledand remarked that Turkish andRussian oppression were defi-nitely not conducive to evange-lism or bible studies.

Reflecting on support for theOrthodox Study Bible, we foundthe Archdiocesan Council andLeadership 100 unwilling tosupport the Study Bible project.Those decisions left

both of us disappointed, yetFather Peter remained calm andnever lost focus. He was neverdeterred. Eventually he foundthe spiritual and financial sup-port, and completed the Ortho-dox Study Bible.

EPILOGUEFather Gillquist died on July

1. Ironically, his funeral serviceswere in a Greek Orthodoxparish, the Church of the HolyTrinity in Indianapolis.

He has completed his searchfor “the church of the New Tes-tament.” The ministry of FatherGillquist and his OrthodoxStudy Bible will have an ever-lasting impact. He brought thou-sands to Orthodox Christianity.Father Gillquist is our modern-day Saint Paul.

If Saint Paul were ever askedto describe Father Gillquist,Saint Paul would perhaps an-swer, “We have fought the goodfight. We have finished the bat-tle. We have kept the faith.”

John Collis, MD, currently amember of the ArchdiocesanCouncil, teaches Sunday Schooland practices Neurosurgery inCleveland, OH.

A Tribute to Fr. Peter Gillquist – St. Paul for Our Times

The National HeraldA weekly publication of the NATIONAL HERALD, INC.

(ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ),reporting the news and addressing the issues of paramount interest to the Greek-American community of the United States of America.

Publisher-Editor Antonis H. Diamataris

Assistant to the Publisher, Advertising Veta H. Diamataris PapadopoulosAssociate Editor Constantinos E. Scaros

Senior Writer Constantine S. SirigosOn Line Assistant Editor Christos TripoulasProduction Manager Chrysoula Karametros

Webmaster Alexandros Tsoukias

The National Herald (USPS 016864) is published weekly byThe National Herald Inc. at 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614

Tel: (718)784-5255, Fax: (718)472-0510, e-mail: english.edition@thenationalherald.com

Democritou 1 and Academias Sts, Athens, 10671, GreeceTel: 011.30.210.3614.598, Fax: 011.30.210.3643.776, e-mail:

athens@ekirikas.com

Subscriptions by mail: 1 year $66.00, 6 months $33.00, 3 months $22.00, 1 month $11.00Home delivery NY, NJ, CT: 1 year $88.00, 6 months $48.00,

3 months $33.00, 1 month $14.00Home delivery New England States:

1 year $109.00, 6 months $57.00, 3 months $41.00, 1 month $18.00On line subscription: Subscribers to the print edition: 1 year $34.95, 6 months $23.95, 3 months $14.95; Non subscribers: 1 year $45.95, 6 months $29.95, 3 months $18.95

Periodical postage paid at L.I.C., N.Y. and additional mailing offices.Postmaster send change of address to:

THE NATIONAL HERALD, 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614

TO OUR READERS

the national herald welcomes letters from its readers intended forpublication. they should include the writer’s name, address, andtelephone number and be addressed to: the editor, the nationalherald, 37-10 30th street, long island city, ny 11101. letters canalso be faxed to (718) 472-0510 or e-mailed toenglish.edition@thenationalherald.com. we reserve the right to editletters for publication and regret that we are unable to acknowledgeor return those left unpublished.

Call us for any information pertainingto the paper or anything else at 718-784-5255.

• Home Delivery service is available in themajority of the East coast. We start it any-time and stop it anytime. Call us threedays in advance at 718-784-5255. Goingon vacation, call to discontinue and wewill easily renew upon your return.

• Mail Delivery service is available fromcoast to coast. Delivery is dependent onPost Office and region. Any unforeseen de-lays please contact us at 718-784-5255.

• Newsstands carry our papers in NY, NJ.CT & MA. Cannot find us on newsstands?Please call us at 718-784-5255 and we willmake arrangements to get it therepromptly.

• Online websites to our subscribers to beaccessed online anytime of the day or nightwith up-to-date information. Read us online at www.thenationalherald.com.

• Classified services available with a widecategory selection and well read world-wide. It’s the go to paper in the GreekCommunity. To get results call our profes-sionals at 718-784-5255.

• Display advertising available to promoteyour business to the Greek American Com-munity. Want to reach the movers andshakers of the community advertise withus. Call our advertising experts at 718-784-5255.

• 20% off your subscription by enrolling afriend or family member.

Services to our readers:

Father Peter Gillquist died onJuly 1.

The Greek Churchturned down FatherGillquist’s request toconvert to Orthodoxy,but the AntiochianChurch welcomed himand his flock warmly.

VIEWPOINTSTHE NATIONAL HERALD, JULY 21-27, 2012 11

By Andy Manatos

WASHINGTON, DC – Turkey’smost important friends in Wash-ington, DC, many of whom aremembers of the CongressionalTurkish Caucus, recently took theunprecedented step of publicallycalling for Turkey to withdrawfrom Cyprus.

The Republican Chairwomanof the House Foreign AffairsCommittee, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,published an op-ed piece in theWashington Times on June 15 ti-tled “Time for Turkey to LeaveCyprus in Peace, Long-StandingOccupation Amounts to Annexa-tion.” Also, the Democratic Rank-ing Member of the House ForeignAffairs Committee, CongressmanHoward Berman, sent a letter toSecretary of State Hillary Clintonon March 22 expressing deepconcern about Turkey’s actionson Cyprus and urging a thoroughre-assessment of US policy to-ward Cyprus.

Joining this chorus that isputting pressure on Turkey wasPresident Barack Obama andSecretary Clinton, both of whomqualify as friends of Turkey. Bothrecently pressed Turkey’s PrimeMinister Recep Tayyip Erdoganto stop his threats of war againstCyprus for drilling for their hy-drocarbons.

This public position by friendsof Turkey comes at an opportunetime. The United States Senateis considering the confirmationof America’s newly proposed Am-bassador to Cyprus, John Koenig.We are hopeful that this new Am-bassador will follow in the foot-steps of a few of his predecessorson Cyprus and some of America’sfinest Foreign Service Officers,like Marc Grossman and DickHolbrooke. They were such tal-ented diplomats that they could,on the one hand, help Turkey un-derstand the clash between their

actions on Cyprus and the stan-dards of America and the modernworld and, at the same time, con-tinue to be seen by Turkey as afriend. Early indications ofKoenig are encouraging.

Hopefully, Koenig will not belike those predecessors who fre-quently ignored the sovereignrights of Cyprus as they lookedthe other way or covered upTurkey’s gross abuse of thoserights. Today, American securityinterests are paying the price forthose actions. Obama and Clin-ton have been put in the veryawkward position trying to stop

a Turkish momentum againstCypriot sovereign rights that wehelped generate.

Other extraordinary friends ofTurkey, like the co-founder of theTurkish Caucus, former Congress-man Robert Wexler (D-FL), andthe co-chair of the Turkish StudyGroup, Congressman Dan Burton(R-IN), have attempted to helpTurkey understand that its ac-tions against Cyprus were not inTurkey’s best interests. Both menaltered their position on Cyprusafter becoming Chairman of theHouse Europe and Eurasia Sub-committee and learning more de-tail of Turkey’s actions on Cyprus.

Turkey’s best friends onCyprus, the Turkish-Cypriot com-munity, have expressed opposi-tion to much of Turkey’s actionson Cyprus. Turkey’s heavy-handed military and enormousinflux of Turkish colonists, whichnow significantly outnumber theTurkish-Cypriot population,

caused about half of all Turkish-Cypriots to emigrate from theirhomeland of centuries. Of thehalf that remained, an over-whelming majority demonstratedagainst Turkey during the “ArabSpring,” some carrying signs thatread “Get Your Hand Off OurShores.” Their articulation of thisposition grows monthly.

Nothing in Washington hap-pens spontaneously, and thisbreakthrough by friends ofTurkey is no exception. A lot ofeffort, particularly by those in-volved with the Coordinated Ef-fort of Hellenes and Manatos &Manatos (CEH/M&M) led by PhilChristopher, Peter Papanicolaou,Nikos Mouyiaris, Andy Athens,Mike Manatos, Endy Zemenides,others and myself; went intohelping achieve this develop-ment. We worked step-by-stepwith friends of Turkey as theymoved to speak out so stronglyon the Cyprus issue. We broughtto their attention and consultedwith them about new crucial in-formation regarding America’ssecurity interests in the region.

As well, the CEH/M&M effortworked very hard to put intoplace the steps that helped leadto this breakthrough by Americanpolicymakers. Those steps in-cluded: getting 1/4th of theHouse and Senate to sign a letteradvocating Cyprus; recastingTurkey as a colonizer, whose 38-year presence on Cyprus confersno ownership; exposing to Jew-ish friends and others that Turkeyis drastically altering Cyprus’s de-mographics in a bad way; show-ing that the issue is Turkey vs.Cyprus and not Greek-Cypriot vs.Turkish-Cypriots; meeting withfriends at top levels of the Ad-ministration to encourage Presi-dent Obama and Secretary Clin-ton to stop Turkish threats of waragainst Cyprus and to improveour embassy’s treatment of

Cyprus; drafting and communi-cating a five page paper that doc-uments US disregard for Cypriotsovereign rights contributing toTurkey’s recent dangerous disre-gard for Cyprus sovereign rights;consulting closely with SenatorBob Menendez on a recentCyprus letter to PresidentObama; working closely with ourCongressional Hellenes Gus Bili-rakis and John Sarbanes; andworking closely with House andSenate leaders on introduction ofH Res 676 and S Con Res 47,which innumerate Turkey’s vio-lations of Cyprus’ human rights.

Cypriot officials visiting Wash-ington and Cyprus’ Ambassadorhave contributed as well duringtheir visits with top American pol-icymakers. The Cyprus govern-ment’s cooperation with Americahas also been an important ele-ment in this development.

The Greek-American media’sfocus of attention on this issuehas also contributed to our com-munity’s understanding and in-volvement. PSEKA, the CyprusFederation of America, the Pan-cyprian Association of America,UHAC, the Hellenic AmericanLeadership Council, the Ameri-can Hellenic Council of Califor-nia, AHEPA, AHI, SAE and othercommunity organizations havedone so as well. The Archdioceseand its network of churchesacross America have also playedan important role in this positivedevelopment for Cyprus.

This is a very significant, un-precedented step in the right di-rection. However, we all havemuch more work to do beforethe US government fully engagesin ending the occupation and di-vision of Cyprus.

Andy Manatos is President ofManatos & Manatos andPresident of the Coordinated Ef-fort of Hellenes.

Turkey’s Top DC Friends Want Withdrawal from Cyprus

Greece may be a EuropeanUnion member longer thanCyprus, but when it comes topolitical astuteness, it some-times seems like it is light yearsaway from its Southern neigh-bor. Two examples from finan-cial and foreign policy illustratethis difference.

Example one: Cyprus is seek-ing a second Russian loan tohelp provide liquidity for itsslumping banking sector, which,like many other once economi-cally promising countries (e.g.Slovenia), has fallen victim tothe flaws of the euro. Comparethis to Greece, which blindlyagreed to forego loans fromRussia and China as part of itsobligations to the troika, whose“shock therapy” has clearlyfailed. Russia and China weresaid to have offered more favor-able terms to Greece, whichwere ignored by the Papandreougovernment.

As OECD Principal Adminis-trator Reza Lahidji recentlypoint out, the terms of the fiscalprogram implemented by thetroika in Greece are ineffective

and the extent of the financialand social cost that was unjustlyimposed upon the country is toogreat: five straight years of re-cession and joblessness tripling.

Meanwhile, Cyprus, whichholds the rotating EU presidencyfor the next six months, is think-ing about a new Russian loan.The symbolism of the act wouldbe a major slap in the face to itsEU partners and highlight themismanagement of the EU fi-nancial crisis by EU authorities;namely Germany.

Cyprus blamed the decisionto restructure Greece's debt fordestroying its own economy,and defended its right to seekfinancial assistance from Russia.According to Reuters, Cyprusnow needs as much as 10 billioneuro to restore order to its fi-nance and banking sector. AsCyprus’ Finance Minister VassosShiarly explained, ”Cypriotbanks that owned Greek sover-eign bonds lost about 80 or 81percent of their total invest-ment, which in actual termsamounts to 4.2 billion euros" -a quarter of Cypriot output.

Shiarly arguedthat the Greek hair-cut should havebeen distributed onthe basis of the sizeof each Eurozoneeconomy. Thatwould have meantGermany paying themost – around 27percent of the total– and Cyprus just0.2 percent. "Whatwe should havedone is share thatloss fairly, on a levelplaying field, as theEuropeans do," Shiarly said. "Ifour share had been fairly evalu-ated ... our total loss might havebeen in the order of 200 millioneuros - one would say petty cashthese days."

Cyprus President DemetrisChristofias was even morefrank. He told the European Par-liament that "the conditions of-fered by Russia are more favor-able" because it does not"impose any conditions" and of-fers "a lower interest rate."

In response to calls to push

through EU re-forms, Christofiasretaliated that"strict austeritypolicies imple-mented in reactionto the crisis notonly did not re-solve the problemsbut they worsenedthem."

The financeministry in Nicosiahas also said thatthe low corporateincome tax ratewill not be up for

discussion. At 10 percent,Cyprus has one of lowest cor-porate tax rates in Europe whichit sees as vital to attracting for-eign investment.

"Cyprus will fight to keep thissystem in place, our survival de-pends on it," said Christofias.Raising the tax to 15 percentwould immediately lead to aflight of businesses to neighbor-ing countries, he added. Irelandsuccessfully made the same ar-gument when it applied for aidfrom the European Stability

Mechanism.Far be it from me to dub

President Christofias an eco-nomic genius, but at least hehad the good sense to negotiateand seek other options. Doingso now when his country is atthe helm of the EU presidencymakes for great timing and willhelp underscore that the prob-lem with the euro is systemic

Example 2: Cyprus is reapingthe economic and geopoliticalbenefits of its exclusive eco-nomic zone, which it declaredback in 2004. The EEZ has ledto a lucrative partnership withIsrael regarding Cyprus’ hydro-carbon rich sea bed, whichpromises to make the island anenergy hub. It should be pointedout that the island took this ac-tion (infuriating Turkey) duringthe same year that it rejectedthe Annan Plan. Neither of thesetwo developments harmed thecountry’s entry into the EU orinclusion into the Eurozone.

News reports had Israel en-couraging the Papandreou gov-ernment to delineate Greece’sEEZ and even pledged to be

among the first countries to rec-ognize it. To date, Greece hasstill not acted.

In its latest bid to appeasethe “katastroika,” the new Greekgovernment pledged to speedup privatizations. As a show ofgood faith, it sold off four air-buses from the old Olympic Air-lines fleet that were taking upspace in Eleftherios Venizelosairport for $40 million. The onlyproblem is that the initial askingprice was three times thisamount and the previous gov-ernment reportedly rejected a$90 million offer.

If this same model applies tostate properties and businesses,then it will resemble more of aliquidation sale than a privati-zation campaign. Lenders are ofcourse looking out for their ownbest interest and will push everyopportunity to make a “steal.”With the euro system still veryflawed and Greece’s position inthe Eurozone far from stabi-lized, sooner or later, it will haveto start coming up with viablealternatives or sell off its assets“for a bowl of lentils.”

Greece Can Learn a Thing or Two from Cyprus about a Financial Rebound

by ChristopherTRIPOULAS

Special to The National Herald

By Endy Zemenides

CHICAGO, IL – In 1998-1999,as a policy fellow at GeorgetownLaw Center's Harrison Institute,I advocated for justice in a faraway country most Americansknew nothing about: Burma(Myanmar). At that point, amilitary junta had invalidatedelection results, suspendeddemocracy and the rule of law,and there was little hope for anyprogress. But activists took theirstory to elected officials aroundthe United States, and even per-suaded some of them to passlaws prohibiting companies do-ing business in Myanmar fromdoing business with Americanstates. To the surprise of many,these activists succeeded ini-tially. But think tanks, the Na-tional Association of Manufac-turers, the Burmese junta, andothers argued against their ef-forts. Ultimately, these oppo-nents successfully challengedthe Massachusetts "Burma Law"before the U.S. Supreme Courtand thus removed one of themost serious pressure points

against the junta. I recall thisstory on this 38th "black an-niversary" of the invasion ofCyprus because of the resilienceof the Burmese activists. Afterthe Supreme Court struck downthe "Burma Law", there was lit-tle reason for hope. Aung SanSuu Kyi remained under housearrest for another decade. Polit-ical repression did not let up.Violent actions by the militaryagainst minority groups in-creased. Asian powers contin-ued to support, and in somecases court, the junta. YetBurmese activists did not relent.And out of the blue, in 2012 thejunta reversed course. Aung SanSuu Kyi was released fromhouse arrest, and was allowedto run for Parliament (andwon). Political prisoners werereleased. Open and fair elec-tions (only for a few spots) wereheld. The West started liftingsanctions. As amazing as the de-velopments of 2012 were, thefight of the Burmese activists formore than a decade prior iswhat will always stay with me.Even facing a regime that atsome points was as mercurial asNorth Korea's, they proceededlike committed warriors, withthis slogan: "When spidersunite, they can tie down a lion."Every July 20th, I rememberthese activists, and I ask myselfwhether our community hasthat same resilience. Have webeen beaten down after 38years, or do we have as muchfight as ever?

When the Hellenic AmericanLeadership Council (HALC) wasformed, I was shocked at howmany people in leadership po-sitions of Greek-American orga-nizations expressed doubt thatthe community would rallyaround Hellenic national issues.I was dismayed to witness cer-tain hierarchs of our Church de-

clare Turkey's foreign policy as"progressive" even as the U.S.Commission on InternationalReligious Freedom was down-grading it. My head was leftspinning as I heard one commu-nity leader say "who cares?" andanother claim that he didn't be-lieve that Cypriots want a solu-tion. Over the last six months,this community has proven thedoubters wrong. President Lyn-don Johnson once famouslycalled Greece and Cyprus"fleas." Instead of fleas, we havestood up like those united spi-ders ready to tie down a lion.The number of people sendingemails to Congress or the WhiteHouse. Hundreds of responsesto newspaper and magazine ar-ticles. Tens of thousands of peo-ple reading up on our issues on-line. Visits with legislators. Tripsto Washington, DC and to localcongressional offices. And thisactivity comes from all genera-tions, but especially from that25-45 year old group that otherinstitutions feared was lost.Greek-Americans very muchwant to make a difference.When given the opportunity,they will. The best example isHALC's email campaign in sup-port of House Resolution 676and Senate Resolution 47 – bothdenouncing Turkey's illegalcolonialization of Cyprus. In thepast, a few community leadersand some of our champions inCongress had to do all the workto secure co-sponsors and movesuch resolutions forward. Thisyear, we developed the tools togive the entire community avoice. A special advocacy page(www.hellenicleaders.com/SaveCyprus) was made available tothe community, and allowedthem to contact their membersof Congress urging them tocosponsor the resolutions. Injust two weeks, nearly 10,000emails were sent to Congress.All 100 Senators have been con-tacted. Seven Senators havebeen contacted more than 300times each, and 20 have beencontacted at least 50 times.More than 340 members of theHouse were contacted.

We are witnessing progress,but not enough. Thirty-eightyears later, Turkey is still occu-pying Cyprus. Thousands arestill missing. Famagusta is stilla ghost town. In fact, Turkey'spolicies may be worse than ever,as it is committed to changingCyprus' demographics, destroy-ing Cyprus' cultural heritage,and claiming Cyprus' natural re-sources.

A reunified Cyprus is notonly not a lost cause, but recentatmospherics present opportu-nities. Holding the EU Presi-dency, the significant naturalgas finds, the developing rela-tionship with Israel make the in-ternational political environ-ment as positive as it has beenfor Cyprus in a while.

Are you ready to play yourrole? Read the resolution atwww.hellenicleaders.com, andthen send your emails to Con-gress: www.hellenic -leaders.com/SaveCyprus. Wehave the tools to unite, and nowis the time to unite. Let us allget together and tie down thatlion.

Endy Zemenides is ExecutiveDirector at the HellenicAmerican Leadership Council

We are not Fleas, We areSpiders: New OpportunityTo Advocate for Cyprus

LETTER FROM ATHENS

It was about 107 degrees inAthens, a charmless city of dirty,grey concrete warehouses thatpass as apartments, and so hotthat politicians were too tiredto put their hands in other peo-ple’s pockets. They had alreadyfleeced the sheep, which is whythere is no virgin wool left inGreece.

The heat wave of July, havingalready wilted the political willof a new coalition governmentto do anything but buckle underthe pressure of internationallenders who want 100 percentpay cuts, 100 percent tax hikesand for the elderly to die as soonas possible to reduce the coun-try’s debt, was relentless. Itforced the rich to use air-condi-tioned scooters to drive fromtheir back door to the backyardswimming pools they usuallycover with camouflage so gov-ernment airplanes cannot takeaerial photos to spot tax cheats.

Air conditioners wheezed,cold showers felt tepid and intiny, sweatbox concrete apart-ments in poor areas, Greekswithout money and the inno-cent children of immigrants hadno respite from the heat. TheAcropolis closed, saving surlyworkers from having to bark atpeople, and uncivil servants hadan excuse why they were asleepat their desks, but no one no-ticed. It was the kind of blister-ing summer day where childrenin New York and Boston couldswim free at public pools be-cause governments and philan-thropists there figured out thatif they didn’t do anything elsehumane with taxpayer’s moneyor their largesse, that fundingmunicipal pools was a good

idea.In Athens, if

you’re not rich anddon’t have a poolor $35 daily accessto those at 5-Starhotels with $15sandwiches and $8beers, or privateclubs owned bypeople whoworked out dealswith corrupt publicofficials to stealpublic beaches andcharge people 10euro a day, or$12.50 to usebeaches that should be free forall, then you just sweat and waitto die. While Mayor GeorgeKaminis – who was born in NewYork and should know better –was planning a massive failureof a renovation of a city withlittle public art, almost no

greenery and devoid of any realneo-classical meaning anymore,nowhere on his drawing boardwas a public swimming pool.

If the new coalition of NewDemocracy Capitalist leader An-tonis Samaras has any heart(bad example, as it wouldn’t beshocking if the New EnglandJournal of Medicine study findsconservatives don’t have any

and their blood isso blue it is uselessfor transfusions ex-cept for withintheir own kind) itwould build a pub-lic swimming poolfor Athens’ chil-dren. One, please,just one.

Athens has threepublic swimmingpools – two areclosed in the sum-mer because theyare indoors and insuch bad conditionthat the chlorine

gives off dangerous fumes fromthe heat. That leaves one swim-ming pool for a metropolitan cityof 3.7 million people. And it’s notfree and it’s not easy to reach. Itis in Goudi, and unless you havea car the only way to get therewith your children in tow is totake the Metro to Katehaki Sta-tion and take bus 1040 towardGlyfada. Be prepared though,and if you haven’t fainted fromthe heat and your kids aren’t cry-ing, “are we there yet?” don’t ex-pect to just jump in the pool.You’ll need a medical certificatesigned by a Greek pathologist orcardiologist that you are healthyand fit to exercise even if all youwant to do is just fall into somecool water. You will also need acertificate signed by a Greek der-matologist signifying you haveno dermatological disease, aphoto, an ID or passport, andhave to pay 30 euro, or $36.81per person per month – whichleaves out the poor, especiallywhen you figure in the bribes forthe doctors to sign the certifi-cates. That $36.81 will get you

only 15 visits a month, so it’s re-ally only for two weeks, or youcan pay 5 euro, or $6.13 per visit,and if you don’t have the doctor’scertificates you’ve taken a hot busride for no reason and try ex-plaining that to the kids if theyhaven’t suffered heat stroke.

There is an answer: howabout some of the big-shot, big-mouthed philanthropists tryingto raise money to pay offGreece’s debt to use the moneyto build free public swimmingpools in Athens, and maybeother Greek cities while they’reat it. Where are the breast-beat-ing jingoists of the tax-free ship-ping industry? Why can’t theybuild swimming pools for thepoor and children and elderly?The Hellenic Initiative, a laud-able idea of wealthy Greek-Americans to help Greek chari-ties by raising $100 millionmight want to divert some ofthat to building a swimmingpool. Please, just one.

Debt-Free Greece, a brainlessnotion to pay off the debt notjust of Greece, but in effect ofpoliticians who stole much ofthe money and got away scot-free, wants to raise hundreds ofmillions of dollars to give to yetanother government without aclue. By July 16, some 22 daysafter hoping Greeks of the Dias-pora were as naïve as peoplebuying products from homeshopping networks, it hadreached enough suckers to raise$2,963,370 to pay off rich peo-ple’s debt in Greece. Sounds likeenough to build a pool, but nopoliticians, please, because theyare already in the tank.

adabilis@thenationalherald.com

Athens in July: Hot Time, Summer in the (Corrupt) City

by ANDYDABILIS

Special to The National Herald

Things are lookingup for Cyprus. EvenTurkey’s staunchestallies in DC are nowseeking a withdrawal.

In Athens, where manypoliticians have stolenor squandered moneyin astronomical amounts,is it too much to ask themfor just one public pool?

President LyndonJohnson once saidthat Cyprus was a flea. Recent turnsof events, however,render it more likea spider.

Comments?The National Herald welcomes your response to any article or editorial Please send e-mail to

english.edition@thenationalherald.com

VIEWPOINTS12 THE NATIONAL HERALD, JULY 21-27, 2012

TRIAL OFFER FOR THE NATIONAL HERALD ONLINE EDITION!

8 WEEKS FOR ONLY 99 CENTS

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS SPECIAL TRIAL OFFER

EASY ACCESS WHEREVER YOU MAY TRAVEL THIS SUMMER

tell your FrienDs, your FAmily, everyone you know!

reAD current inFormAtion on the Greek AmericAn community.

STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE ECONOMIC CRISIS IN GREECE.

SUBSCRIBE NOW TO THE VOICE OF GREEK AMERICA.

triAl oFFer exPires AuGust 31, 2012.oFFer is GooD For new subscribers only.

stArtinG sePt 1, reGulAr Price oF $45.95 For one yeAr.

37-10 30th street, long island city, ny 11101-2614

718-784-5255 ext 108-109subscriptions@ekirikas.com

www.thenationalherald.com

THE NATIONAL HERALD

By Irene ChappleCNN

ATHENS – Wanderingthrough central Athens' Syn-tagma Square, Maria Papanagio-taki and Aristotle Skalizos stopto perch on a sun-soaked benchas they consider their future.

The couple, who have beendating for two-and-a-half years,belong to Greece's post-juntageneration, growing up as thecountry emerged into its moderndemocracy.

As Greece's turbulent historyfaded into its past, the country'spolitical landscape remainedfraught with nepotism and mis-management.

Read more: Is Greek democ-racy regressing?

But the boom times had be-gun. Greece entered the euro in2001, and ex-pat money floodedback into the country.

It hosted the Olympic Gamesin 2004, swelling the countrywith pride.

But by 2009 -- when thecountry admitted its deficit wasout of control -- the financial mi-rage evaporated. Maria, 34, and25-year old Aristotle's generationwas caught in the fallout.

The couple belong to a youngprofessional class that will helpshape their country's future. To-gether, they must decide if theyare willing to live through -- andhelp alleviate -- Greece's pain.

Their views differ dramati-cally, and it weighs on their rela-tionship.

A few meters away fromwhere Maria, an electronic mo-bile technician, and Aristotle, anelectronics tester, chat, a manstumbles to his knees, droppinga begging cup. Grasping for it asit rolls away, he ends up splayedon the ground.

It's a disturbing sight, but onewhich has become increasinglycommon in Athens since auster-ity measures began to bite.

Greece's poverty, suicide andcrime rates have increased along-side unemployment and emigra-tion.

It is this environment Mariawants to leave. She dreams oflife outside of Greece, in the UKor the U.S., where she has rela-tives. "I have to go," she says. "Ihave to leave from here."

Aristotle wants to remain. "Iwant to stay and fight," he says."I don't want to abandon mycountry."

His reasoning is clear: "I love

my country."MARIA AND ARISTOTLEMaria and Aristotle began

dating after meeting at theirworkplace, a Germany-basedtelecommunications company.The relationship blossomed after,in Maria's words, "he saw methere, we became friends, he wastrying to approach me in any[way]... and finally after eightmonths we were together."

They moved in together, butsay their financial situation hasbecome increasingly difficult asthe crisis has unfolded. Each hastaken a significant cut in paysince April, in part because bothhave seen their work week re-duced to four days a week.

They now earn €1,160($1,415) a month betweenthem, down from €1,480($1,805) two years ago.

They pay €300 ($366) in rentand around €65 ($79) a week ingroceries, but face extra costs be-

cause of the crisis. Since Aristo-tle's father's sculpture businesswent bankrupt in the recession,the young couple must also helphis parents get by, he says.

Neither voted in the June 17elections, because they could notspare the cash to return to theirhome villages -- €15 ($18) forMaria, and €40 ($48) for Aristo-tle -- to vote.

Pro-austerity package partyNew Democracy won the elec-tion, despite soaring support forthe radical left Syriza party.

Alexis Tsipras, who headsSyriza, is, like Maria, is in his30s. Tsipras's vociferous rejectionof Europe's austerity-driven de-mands for Greece appealed todiscontented youth, with theparty capturing 33% of 18 to 34-year-olds, compared to 20% forNew Democracy.

The surge is all the more dra-matic given that Greeks, born ina country where family loyalty

is embedded deep in the nationalpsyche, usually vote the way oftheir forebears.

Maria, for one, would havefallen behind her parents andvoted New Democracy. The partynow leads a fragile coalition, butthat provides no comfort forMaria.A COUNTRY FIGHT FOR ITS

FUTUREGreece's new government is

now renegotiating its bailoutpackage, but there is no guaran-tee the country will emerge fromyears of recession. And the coun-try could lose people like Mariaand Aristotle overseas, whilethose with less hope could givein to despair.

More than 50% of workingage Greeks under 26 are withouta job. Those just entering theworkforce are particularly hard-hit, with 2011 figures from Eu-rostat showing 56% unemploy-ment among those aged 15 to19. Around one in four workersunder 39 years old are unem-ployed.

Eurostat figures show the ex-tent of the exodus of youngworkers fleeing Greece's crisis.In 2010, almost 2.5% of those intheir mid-to-late 20s left thecountry, while around 2% ofthose aged 30 to 34 emigrated.DREAMS OF GOING ABROAD

Those choosing to leave muststruggle against the desire to stayand help their family, and over-come a deep loyalty to a countrywhich has suffered under civilwar, dictatorship, and foreignrule under Germany, now itsmain paymaster.

Those entering the workforcecarry a cultural weight of respon-sibility to family. Aristotle's 19-year-old brother, Nick, a student,wants to move to the Nether-lands to study fine arts. Hollandattracts him because of its placein art history, and the "countryand the color of the sky are beau-tiful," he says. But any money heearns -- after he's made enoughto get by -- will be sent back toGreece, to help his family.

Marios-Aristotle Koulouris, a23-year-old soldier, also wantsto go abroad, and study politicalscience. But he wants to return,to break his generation's "con-sciousness of dependency."

Greece, he believes, needs to"rise up and develop its ownpower, to protect our people'sbenefits. Economically and po-litically, we need to rise up."

The country's next generation

needs to be taught the value ofproductivity, he believes. The cri-sis represents a chance "tochange people's minds.... to abol-ish the mentality of dependency."

COMING BACK HOMESome of those who have left

Greece have already returned inan effort to help the country theylove.

Christina Psarra, a 27-year-old who works in policy at hu-manitarian organization Doctorsof the World studied at the Lon-don School of Economics, whileGeorge Stathopoulos, a 33-year-old investment banker studied atMiddlesex University.

Although their educationsopened a world of possibility,both opted to forgo careersabroad to return to Athens.

Christina says when her stud-ies in London were coming to anend last year, she knew it wastime to "feed my heart not mymind."

Christina and George de-scribes Greece as a countrywhere one always cooks extrafood in preparation for a guest,where a feisty debate over sportwill end with friendly drink, andwhere parents maintain closecontact with children after theyleave home.

But this often idyllic countrytoday finds itself immersed inanger and fear. And Christina,who is passionate about helpingthe vulnerable and now workswith drug addicts, says she does-n't know which is more danger-ous.

"I'm afraid for other peopleand myself," she says.

With the option to work over-seas, she believes she may beforced to leave, due to Greece'slack of opportunities. "I have thechance, I have the choice to de-cide to live abroad. If I am forcedto do it, I can do it," she says.

George believes the countrycan -- should it follow the exam-ple of others, such as Turkey --restructure itself into a viable Eu-ropean economy. The revelationsof its financial irresponsibility,which led the spiral into bailout,were akin to the country beingcaught "skinny-dipping" whenthe tide went out, he says.

George wants to see the coun-try's red-tape unraveled to allowinvestment into its promising in-dustries such as tourism andshipping. The problems forGreece are structural, he says,and that can be a "glass half full...you can see that as an oppor-

tunity. [If] you realize you havea problem, you can transformhow you do business."

The way he sees it: "The gameis not lost but we are two goalsbehind."

Marios-Aristotle also sees op-

portunity in Greece's future, andhe is not afraid of the pain thatmay still come. "My country[during] its history has passedmany greater disasters. So I amnot afraid."

For Aristotle, there is one an-swer to a difficult question. Itgoes against his wishes but hewill put his relationship withMaria ahead of his country. "Ilove [Maria], and I will followher. I will sacrifice," he says.

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Greek Youths Ponder Immigrating Abroad

Marios- Aristotle Koulouris and Nick Skalizos both want toleave Greece and study abroad. But they also feel the pull offamily and loyalty to their country, and want to help bringtheir homeland out of its crisis.

Maria Papanagiotaki and Aristotle Skalizos, part of Greece'syoung professional class. They have been dating for more thantwo years but have different views on whether to stay in Greeceor leave for opportunities elsewhere.

George Stathopoulos, an in-vestment banker, studied inLondon but returned toGreece, which he believes hasthe potential to use the crisisas an opportunity to create avibrant European economy.

Christina Psarra, who worksin policy at humanitarian or-ganization Doctors of theWorld, studied at the LondonSchool of Economics but re-turned to Greece, she says, tofeed her heart rather thanmind.