NEO magazine - October 2021

OCT

October 28, 1940: Greece Defending the West, again!

Michael Psaros Establishes the Patriarch Bartholomew Chaplaincy at Georgetown University

2021

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Cli s of Freedom Movie Available at Several Streaming Platforms The Hellenic Initiative NY Gala back in person Dino Pavlou's Book on his Greek-American Odyssey

PAUL LOUNTZIS LOUNTZIS THE DEPENDABLE NAME IN THE MONEY GAME

Do you think that preparing it all online takes something away from the fun jitters of getting ready for a school celebration with your friends?

One of the greatest traditions of student life in Greece is the celebration of Greek national anniversaries. Preparing for the “γιορτή” involves rehearsing your poems, trying to memorize lines in order to read the stories behind the historical events passionately and to keep your classmates engaged.

To be honest, this is a part of student life that students remember fondly and with nostalgia after they finish school, but felt slightly weary of when they actually had to do it. This might have to do with the fact that these celebrations, οι γιορτές, are wonderful but have been conducted in the same way for decades.

Not anymore… There is actually a new generation of Greek students, students of the Greek diaspora, little Greeks from every corner of the world, who have brought a new generation of school celebrations that bring tradition together with technology, that unite the old with the new, that bridge the gap between themselves and their Greek grandparents.

Maria Gkeme, a Greek educator and head of the team responsible for the celebrations at the worldwide Greek School, The Greek Online School, which now counts more than 1500 students the majority of whom reside in the US, describes the nature of this new generation of Greek celebrations.

Maria, this period means preparing for the OXI Day γιορτή at the School. What does that entail?

Exactly. Right when October starts, we all start preparing for the OXI Day celebration at The Greek Online School. Just like our lessons our celebrations are online which means two things, first that it takes a lot more organizing and second that we have a lot of tools in our hands to plan a celebration that will be both fun and meaningful for our students. Surely, we will include the classic poems that go hand in hand with the OXI Day celebration but we also prepare fun knowledge quizzes using learning apps as well as language games that they will play in groups on the day of the celebration. This approach suits this new generation of tech savvy Greek students much better.

I would say that precisely because there is a lot of in-class preparation before we get to the day of the actual celebration, they do have a lot of fun together. They just happen to be in different places of the world but this adds something very special to the whole process too. What I mean by that is that to be able to conduct a successful online school celebration you can’t just give students their poems and ask them to memorize them and then expect everything to go as planned on the day of the celebration. We need to talk about the poems or history in class, we need to make sure they understand everything they read, we need to see videos and documentaries explaining the events that we commemorate, we need to discuss everything in class and they need to work well together for all of this to succeed. And they do! They collaborate but they also start asking each other questions about everybody’s Greek heritage. One of them will have a Greek grandparent that fought the Nazis and this always starts big conversations in class that we might even end up including in the actual celebration thus making it a lot more personal for our students and their families.

What do you think is special about this “new generation of Greek student celebrations?”

Our students are diaspora Greeks who attend our Greek School once or twice a week. This is not their main education. So, to get the chance to prepare for something as cultural and traditional as a Greek national celebration is extremely important to them and their families. Which is why it is our duty to make the most of it. To make sure we spend enough time not only preparing for it but also showing these students the importance of keeping these traditions alive and of remembering the people who came before us. We just have to make sure we do it in a way that they understand. And this generation understands technology, they understand motion and visuals, they understand engaging in knowledge rather than passively hearing about it. What is special about it is precisely that they are not passive recipients of knowledge but the main protagonists of these celebrations. These Greek students have reinvented the notion of σχολική γιορτή.

Can someone who is not enrolled in The Greek Online School take part in a celebration like this?

Our school celebrations are exclusively for the school’s young students. However, we have a lot of video material on YouTube from past school celebrations that someone can watch to get an idea of what an online School celebration looks like.

FROM THE EDITOR

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SMALL-TOWN GREEK AMERICA We forget sometimes how Greeks have permeated not just the big cities where they put down roots in ethnic enclaves, but also the small towns of this country.

Weirton, West Virginia had a vital community which produced some eminent men, including industrialists John Rangos and Mike Psarros, who talked about their time growing up in Weirton as the most formative of their lives.

their eyeballs bulging), to the Greek repair shop with its cave-like car bays anchoring the other end of the block.

We would leave Sunday school and linger over the beautiful grounds of the Assumption Church, with its green dome dominating the street, and run across the street to the candy store to gorge on candy and eavesdrop on the men talking about politics—both local and overseas. In fact, one of the biggest talkers later became a minister in Greece, and visiting dignitaries—like the Patriarch Athenagoras—brought out the whole community, which couldn’t fit in the church, so the street spilled over with Greeks accepting his blessing (and giving my father a hug that tickled with beard and smelled of incense).

In our current issue, Paul Lountzis talks about the values he learned growing up in Reading, Pennsylvania and the example of his immigrant parents, who, his father admitted to him once, My best friend lived not far from the house of the “Raised five kids with $30 in the bank.” proistamenos, Fr. Thalassinos, only a few blocks from the church, and his presvytera was the But they did, and created a community, that still formidable lady with the wavy hair in a bun and resonates with the native sons and daughters who nylons with lines in the back who would march up and down the aisle during Sunday school and lead us went on to bigger and greater things. in singing the hymns: Jesus loves us, yes, I know, I grew up in Chicago, not a small Greek enclave, but cause the Bible tells me so! like most Greek American cities, divided into a patchwork of parishes. We were in the suburbs and And for the ultimate community event of Holy were considered middle class. The members of the Week, I would put on my suit, my one suit from school board at our parish school were professors Robert Hall, with my perfect attendance wreath on and lawyers and businessmen. Our houses were the lapel, and during the long hours of service I solid brick, and every year the church raffled off a would stare up in wonder at the stained glass Cadillac that sat on the sidewalk outside the church windows all around us going dark in the night, and on Sunday to temp the willing with its fins—and the dome of God in heaven, and the panel of Christ most years a rich Greek would buy up all the tickets rising from his tomb--and I would count out the Evaggelia being read by the candles being snuffed and add yet another Cadillac to his stable. out on the candelabra, until the very last one was But it was a solid world: every store across the street read, and then we would march out into the night in from my father’s school was Greek, from the Sinclair a community of people that had shared the night gas station anchoring one end of the block and together. waving its inflatable green dinosaur, to the Mouhelious Greek grocery store in the middle of the The memories are still with me. block (which always smelled of oregano and cheese and olives in brine and featured skinned sheep for DIMITRI C. MICHALAKIS the holidays with their tongues hanging out and

:: magazine PUBLISHED MONTHLY IN NEW YORK Editor in Chief: Dimitri C. Michalakis info@neomagazine.com Western Region Desk - Los Angeles Alexander Mizan director@americanhellenic.org West Palm Beach, Florida Desk Vassilios Kukorinis skopelitis@hotmail.com Baltimore Desk Georgia Vavas gvavas@comcast.net Photo/Fashion New York: ETA Press fpapagermanos@yahoo.com Los Angeles: Nick Dimitrokalis (951) 764-5737 photobynikos@hotmail.com Graphic Design NEOgraphix.us Adrian Salescu Athens Desk Konstantinos Rhompotis (01130) 210 51 42 446 (01130) 6937 02 39 94 k.rhompotis@neomagazine.com

Michalel Psaros Donates $3 Million to Georgetown University for the Establishment of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Chaplaincy PHOTO: MIKE MANATOS

PHOTO: GOA/D.PANAGOS

is now in possession of a true Patriarchal Seat, in the name of Bartholomew.

His All Holiness is the longest serving Ecumenical Patriarch in history, and the greatest in modern history.

The creation of this Patriarchal Seat is also in recognition of the recent 30th anniversary of His-All-Holiness’ momentous Enthronement.

I now have the great blessing and privilege to invite the 270th Successor to the See of the Holy Apostle and the First-Called A n d r e w, H i s All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, to the podium, for us to receive his Patriarchal blessing and wisdom.”

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew with Michael Psaros and Metropolitan Bishop Methodios at the Copley Crypt Chapel of Georgetown University I am w h o I am to d ay because of my family, the Holy Orthodox Church, and Georgetown University. All share and reinforce the same values and value system.

On October 25, 2021, Archon Michael Psaros announce d t he est ablishment of t he Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Endowed Orthodox Chaplainc y at Georgetown University, endowed by the Psaros family. The announcement was made at a dinner at Georgetown University held in honor Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. This gift ensures that the Orthodox ministry at the university will be in perpetuity.

Introducing the Ecumenical Patriarch at the dinner, Mr. Psaros, a graduate of Georgetown, stated the following: “Five years ago, Georgetown University asked me to donate an Orthodox Iconostasis and Icons for the “Sacred Space” of Copley Crypt.

The crucial Icon in the Copley Sacred Space is the Icon of St. Andrew embracing his brother, St. Peter. I specifically requested the creation of this Icon because when His All Holiness met Pope Francis in Jerusalem, they greeted each other with “My Brother Andrew, My Brother Peter”. I was there. Many of you were there.

Today, on this historic visit by His-AllHoliness to Georgetown University, my family is honored and humbled to announce the creation of “The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Endowed Orthodox Chaplaincy, Endowed by the Michael Ps a r o s Fa m i l y.” T h e Orthodox Ministry at Georgetown will now last forever.

I was overwhelmed by the ecumenical overture from Georgetown to the Orthodox Community, and therefore this symbolic ecumenical overture from the Western This Endowment is the Church to the Eastern Church. opp or tunity for my family to give back to the I cried when I got the call, but was not C h u r c h a n d t h e surprised – this is Georgetown, a truly global University, a blessing of university which celebrates faith and service, blessings. grounded in the Roman Catholic and Jesuit tradition. This is Georgetown at its best. This I t i s f i t t i n g , t h a t is who we are.

Georgetown University, 14

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NEWS & NOTES

Ac c o r d i n g t o G e orge tow n ' s website, the first ser vice of the Orthodox Chaplaincy is the one for the Beginning of the Academic year and includes all present being individually blessed with Holy Water. Liturgy is the primary expression of the Orthodox faith, and the Orthodox Ministry at Georgetown centers on liturgical services. During most of the academic year they gather weekly for vespers in Copley Crypt Chapel. Vespers, an evening prayer service, reflects the Orthodox Liturgical calendar and marks Holy Days and Saints days. During Great Lent they hold the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts so that students have an opportunity to receive communion on campus. On Sundays students are encouraged to go to one of two local Orthodox churches.

Fo r Pa s c h a t h e u n i v e r s i t y p r ov i d e s transportation to and from those churches for midnight services.

PHOTO: GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY WEBSITE

October 28, 1940: Greece Has a Long History of Defending the West

The first defeat of the Axis changed the climate of the war. The victory demonstrated the low morale of the Italian troops, gave hope and faith to the British and other distraught nations and played a critical role in saving Europe and the Western world from totalitarian rule. Media outlets at the time compared the unexpected conquest to the famous battles of the American Revolution: Lexington, Valley Forge and Bunker Hill. Spain was so impressed with the

by Constance defeat that it signed a financial treaty with Baroudos, M.A. England stating it will not join the Axis. Greeks are so proud of this defeat that each year October 28th is celebrated as a national day of Only five of 28 NATO members meet the alliance goal of dedicating two percent of gross pride as “OXI Day” (which means “no”). domestic product to defense: the United States, United Kingdom, Estonia, Poland and Greece. Since the Greeks pushed the Italian forces back As threats increase around the European to Albania, the United Kingdom gained continent, including a potential conflict advantage by establishing bases on Greek between Russia and the Baltic states, NATO islands, the most important in Crete, tightening members need to increase defense spending the blockade in the Mediterranean and cutting It a l y ’s l i n e s o f obligations to be able to communication to Albania respond with strength. across the Adriatic and to O n e e x amp l e of t h e Africa. The British were also significance of allies is able to transfer ships to Greece’s defeat of the transport troops and Italians in World War II, equipment from the North marking the first victory At l ant i c to t he against the Axis, and Mediterranean and from delaying Adolf Hitler’s Australia to ports in the Red invasion of the Soviet Sea to defend the Suez Canal Union. and to invade Libya. England supported the Greek army in World War II took place the air and placed troops and from 1939 to 1945 and equipment in Greece. was a battle between western democracy and Colonel Constantine Davakes While Europe was t o t a l i t a r i a n i s m , a of the Greek Army. One of the key celebrating, Hitler decided to Greek leaders in stopping political system in which send troops to attack Greece the state holds total the Italian invasion of 1940. from the north and east in the power over society and controls all aspects of public and private life. spring of 1941, delaying the invasion of the The two military alliances that formed were the Soviet Union. Instead of surrendering, Greece allies and the Axis. In 1939, Italian Dictator once again chose to fight and kept the invaders Benito Mussolini viewed Greece as an easy at bay for weeks with help from the British. As a conquest and decided to occupy the country. result, Hitler lost men and material and more First, the Italians torpedoed the Greek cruiser time was gained for the allies to prepare. As the Elli and then Mussolini presented an Germans advanced against Greek and British ultimatum to Athens in writing on October 28, forces, the Greek government of King George 1940 demanding for Greece to allow Italian I I , t h e G r e e k A r my a n d t h e B r i t i s h troops to enter the country or face attack. Greek Expeditionary Force along with Australians Dictator Ioannis Metaxas initially hoped to and New Zealanders were evacuated to the remain neutral during the war, but he rejected Greek island of Crete. the ultimatum. As a result, Italian troops began entering Greece from Albania and the west Greek women fought with men during these invasions. They would roll rocks on the heads coast. of the enemy, shovel snow to clear the roads so Even though Mussolini’s troops were armed Greek soldiers could pursue the opponent, and with tanks, guns, dive bombers and fighter would carry 80-pound packs of supply and planes, they proved ineffective against the ammunition up steep mountains. Women also Greeks. Italian troops had difficulty navigating plowed deep trenches in the farmland where through the mountainous terrain, and enemy planes might land and the uneven overcoming the Greeks’ will to protect their ground caused many German planes to crash. homeland and survive. The mechanized tactics Greek women even used machine guns to down that allowed the Germans to achieve quick enemy planes from the sky. advances in Poland, Belgium and France were ineffective in Greece. After six weeks of battle, a Eventually, Crete was taken over by the population of only 7 million Greeks forced the Germans, Italians and Bulgarians. In response, Italians back to Albania. Greece’s military Greeks traveled in small boats to Egypt to strategy and defense skills impressed the world continue fighting with the allies in North Africa because it was the first defeat of the Axis and and later in the invasion of Italy. The desert seven months’ time was gained due to the front in Egypt consisted of two brigades, an Air Force of 5,000 men, and 30 Greek warships courageousness of the Greeks. operated with the naval units of the allies in the 16

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NEWS & NOTES

North Sea. Greek merchant vessels would also provide assistance to the Russian fleet and air force in large naval operations. Once again, many women were among the fighters in North Africa. Greek guerillas were also resisting the Axis on the mainland and in other parts of Greece.

Greek guerillas along with Australians and New Zealanders would creep from the mountains and destroy invaders’ communications lines and bridges, and attack German military posts and Bulgarian, German and Italian officers in the night. Guerilla tactics were successful because there were few roads that linked Greece and central Europe. Blowing up bridges would disrupt rail traffic to and from Athens for days.

As a result of the German invasion, about 100,000 Greeks died of starvation in the first year. The country grew enough food to feed the population, but the government was unable to organize the collection and transportation of the goods. The Greek population was on the brink of extinction as 1,000 people a day were dying and about one in seven children survived. King George II met with American leaders and addressed the U.S. Congress, asking for aid to Greece. The world tried their best to help: the U.S. provided food and financial help through the Greek War Relief Association and the Red Cross, Canada donated 15,000 tons of wheat monthly, and assistance was also provided by the International, Swiss, and Swedish Red Cross.

Despite the European continent’s suffering, Greece and about 20 other countries wrote off a large chunk of German loans after World War II and restructured the remaining debt by extending the repayment schedule, and granting a lower interest rate in the 1953 London Agreement. West Germany’s debt repayment schedule was linked to its ability to pay because the deal tied repayment to its current and expected trade surpluses. Thus, Germany was free of difficult debt payments, trading partners were incentivized to buy German goods, and its economy was able to grow. Perhaps such a sweet deal should be given to Greece today to help its struggling economy.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt acknowledged t h e G r e e k’s d e t e r m i n a t i o n t o b a t t l e totalitarianism with the allies in WWII. Not only did Greece protect its homeland, marking the first defeat of the Axis in WWII, but it allowed the British to tighten the blockade in t h e M e d i t e r r a n e a n a n d c u t I t a l y ’s communication lines, allowing for extra months of time for allies to prepare. As a result, Greece played a crucial role in saving western democracy and defeating the spread of totalitarianism by allowing allies to create strategic bases that assisted with victory.

Greece’s experience is one example that illustrates the importance of the NATO alliance – countries that stick together will have more opportunities to defend themselves and each other as they respond to crises. However, to be able to protect one another, members of the alliance must all do their part by investing in defense capabilities that at least meet the minimum NATO requirement on spending.

strategy

Endy Zemenides is the Executive Director of the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), a national advocacy organization for the Greek American community. To learn more about HALC, visit www.hellenicleaders.com

στρατηγική

AMERICA’S RETRENCHMENT AND GREECE’S OPPORTUNITY

By Endy Zemenides The end of the era of “forever wars” has launched a new era in American foreign policy, a “post-post-Cold War” phase. This new phase will largely be defined by competition between the U.S. and China – an issue and rivalry over which there is rare bipartisan consensus. But there are many subplots to this greater drama: in how many places – and will the Balkans and Eastern Mediterranean be among those place – will the U.S. asser tively counter Chinese influence? Will Russia ultimately swing against China, returning the favor for Mao’s rapprochement with Nixon to the detriment of the USSR? Will the EU develop a defense identity, or will regional and subregional alliances emerge?

The answers to all these questions will have tremendous bearing on Greece and Cyprus.

Both presently find themselves situated on deadly geopolitical, civilizational, and geographic fault lines. At the same time, the U.S. is starting to pull back from its historic role as the ultimate insurance policy against catastrophes along these fault lines.

There are many reasons for this pullback, but ultimately it is a matter of the American people being tired of the tremendous cost – in both blood and treasure –that they have paid to maintain this role. Much of that cost was incurred when the U.S. abandoned its role as a status quo power and embarked on a bit of a post-Cold War “crusade” to remake the world in its image. In Rise and Fall of the Great Powers, Paul Kennedy ties the downfall of the Holy Roman/Habsburg Empire, despite its overwhelming military advantages and available resources, to the spiraling costs of war left the Habsburgs too weak economically to maintain its empire. One of Kennedy’s observations seems eerily similar to the arguments made in favor of American retrenchment: “the Habsburgs simply had too much to do, too many enemies to fight, too many fronts to defend.”

There are many in Greece, in Cyprus, in the Greek-American community that approach the bilateral relationships between AthensWashington, Nicosia-Washington and broader Hellenic issues as if the U.S. is both able and willing to play its traditional role of the superpower of the Cold War or the hyperpower of the early post-Cold War world.

The U.S will not become isolationist, and will remain the strongest and most able partner, but it would not be wise to bet on it assuming such responsibilities again.

operate. But U.S. capital markets dwarf China’s program, and Athens and Nicosia must find ways to unlock that potential. A clear commitment by US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), w h i ch c an i n c e nt iv i z e t h e s e pr iv ate investments, is a must. The Biden Administration finally has a nominee to head the DFC; Athens and Nicosia must quickly establish ties with him, and the Greek American community must mobilize its friends in the Senate to press him on a commitment to the region.

In many ways, Athens and Nicosia are adjusting accordingly. They are playing central roles in constructing a regional infrastructure in the Eastern Mediterranean which can simultaneously keep the U.S. engaged in the region and fill voids when the U.S. chooses to not lead or be absent. Defense agreements like the one Greece struck with France will also accomplish multiple goals.

This agreement strengthened Greece militarily, its sent clear signals to disruptors – chiefly Turkey – in the region, and it was a welcome de velopment for t he Biden Administration. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan signaled a change from a longs t a n d i n g o p p o s i t i o n b y t h e U. S . t o independent European defense capabilities and arrangements, declaring that the U.S. is open to new ideas when it comes to European security, but do not want the ideas to be theoretical; the Biden Administration wants their European partners to develop real military capabilities, real military tools. The U.S. is in greater need of reliable and stable allies than ever, and Greece is stepping up to the plate.

2. Don’t look for security guarantees, but for assistance in developing capabilities. The recently executed Mutual Defense and Cooperation Agreement (MDCA) between the US and Greece is instructive. Because of the extended time frame, Congress finally has the incentive to commit impactful resources into establishing a permanent, forward U.S. military presence in and around Greece. Joint exercises, military to military contacts and relationships, intelligence sharing will all advance accordingly. This progress also makes it more likely that Greece will find itself as part of the co-production of new American weapons systems. Together with the Foreign Military Finance, International Military Education and Training Program, and excess defense articles provisions of the Eastern Me d ite r r an e an S e c u r it y an d E n e rg y Partnership Act and the pending US-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act, the U.S. is helping stand up a more capable and reliable Greece, rather than turning Athens into a mere protectorate.

Over the last five years, Greece has proven A few other adjustments that Greece and itself. It has gone from a “pillar of stability” to a Cyprus should make while the U.S. is “pillar of dynamism” – rebounding from redefining itself: multiple economic crises, demonstrating diplomatic deftness in managing the Balkans 1. Come to terms with the fact that there will and building an emerging order in the Eastern be no new Marshall Plan. While some may be Mediterranean. Now it is time for the U.S. to looking for a direct competitor to China’s Belt utilize the available tools and resources to and Road Initiative, that is neither how the prove itself a stable partner in the region.

U.S. economy nor the U.S. government

STRATEGY

OCTOBER 2021

17

The breathtaking Delta Restaurant at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation A cosmopolitan experience shaped by gastronomy, sustainability, and culture

design of the views within the space. It is a functional sculpture created by Voukenas Petridis. The curvilinear form and the nature of its surface gives to the space the feeling of a constant dynamic movement and hetero – photic glow. It is the central episode of the architectural narrative and the center of a spatial panopticity and spiralling views’’, explains Stelios Kois, principal architect of Kois Associated Architects, who designed the restaurant.

Haute Cuisine Following a ‘’nothing lost – nothing wasted’’ p h i l o s o p hy, t h e restaurant adopts an operating mode that respects natural resources, while simultaneously raising public consciousness around the importance of food sustainability. In t h is c onte x t , c ol l ab or at i ons w it h small producers from all over Greece supply the kitchen with authentic, original and uncommon ingredients, with an emphasis on organic products. The restaurant also hosts educational programs, activities and workshops, which promote concepts such as sustainability and responsible management of natural resources. It also offers food and wine-tasting seminars.

The menu consists of 17 courses, created by the charismatic George Papazacharias and curated by Thanos Freskos and his team. Both left established careers in “Under,’’ Norway – the world’s largest underwater restaurant - and “Geranium’’, Denmark - one of the best in the world - in order to join forces and place Greece and the SNFCC at the center of the world map of gastronomy. They claim that in order to minimize waste, each ingredient is used throughout a cycle that can start with appetizers, continue through the main course, and end with the dessert.

By Kelly Fanarioti

On the fifth floor of the imposing building housing the Stavros Niarchos Foundation is a restaurant different from anything we have experienced in Athens: Delta, an innovative p r o j e c t t h a t c o m b i n e s g a s t r o n o my, sustainability and culture is the new talk of the town, and not unjustly.

The subdued lighting and simple, yet tasteful, décor, exudes a wonderful feeling of mystery and makes Delta the perfect place for business dinners or romantic dates.

The iconic sculpture bar of the restaurant, 18

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NEWS & NOTES

Herbs, vegetables, edible flowers, fruits, eggs, come -in a large percentage- from the vegetable garden located inside the SNFCC, or from the farm they work with in which can accommodate up to 50 people, is Markopoulos. among the largest in the world, and solidifies the sense of both intimacy and splendor. A ‘’We are two friends with a dream to create a bold combination and innovation of drinks bridge between Nordic and Mediterranean leaves an ‘’aftertaste’’ with its own signature cuisine by opening a restaurant that could fingerprints. The focus is on contemporary represent humble Greek ingredients but also local distilleries of new Greek brandies, the traditional way of cooking and preserving liqueurs, and aged tsipouro, along with top food as people used to do back in the days international distillates such as whiskey, rum, when there were no modern technologies.

Most importantly, the goal is to ensure that tequila and vodka. each serving has its own story, and concept to “The circular bar surrounded by columns of be told and on the same time, coming back to the space is set higher, marking the center of the core of Delta’s philosophy’’, says George architectural path, revealing the strategic Papazacharias.

and emotion, corporeality, architecture and landscape. They incorporate mythological themes into contemporary reflections and connect visual and tactile elements.

“Staying true to the vision and tenor of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, we planned together with the SNFCC, Dipnosofistirion, and Dimitris Skarmoutsos, to create an international gastronomic destination. The restaurant is a unique landmark in fine dining, in accordance with the precedent of quality set by the SNFCC for public spaces globally. From its architecture to its taste identity, the new venture comes to fruition through the robust cooperation of leading professionals who – with team spirit, innovative thinking, deep expertise and, most importantly, outstanding creativity –enrich the already special experience of visitors at the SNFCC,’’ says Co – President Andreas Drakopoulos.

The restaurant's wine list, 685 labels of Greek and international vineyards, satisfies even the most demanding palettes. Aris Sklavenitis and Fedon Dernikos, both award- wining and top of their class sommeliers, have curated the integrated wine list that elevates the gastronomic pairing to the highest point of delight. ‘’In order to achieve the perfect pairing, we work closely with our chefs regarding the ingredients and the way of cooking. These are two of the most important elements in finding the right wine for each course’’, states George Papazacharias.

Last, but not least, Delta collaborates with ARTWORKS and presents works of Greek artists in the restaurant’s venue. Following the concept of sustainability, the managers of Delta think of art as part of diverse ecosystems and interdependent interactions. The works explore the relationships between natural and digital environments, knowledge

PAUL LOUNTZIS THE DEPENDABLE NAME IN THE MONEY GAME

by Dimitri C. Michalakis

And when he struck out on his own and founded Lountzis Asset Management in 2000, not far from his old hometown in Pennsylvania (now also with offices on Madison Avenue in New York), he brought with him the small-town values he learned from home and family and working with small-town titans like Buffett (who is donating his entire fortune) and Bill Ruane (who once adopted an entire block in Harlem and paid for housing and clinics and scholarships for every child on the block).

“It’s my family, it’s my faith, and it’s my work,” he says, “I love what I do. I never belonged to a country club. I never golfed in my life. I don’t do any of that stuff. And I work, because that’s what I love.”

And his many clients love him back, because his firm is one of the most trusted, and his returns among the most dependable in the business.

“I don’t want to go into detail, it’s complicated, but we bought fixed adjustable preferred “So I looked at him and I said, ‘Mr. Ruane, you stocks that were generating attractive returns know, you have to hire me first. And he looked locked in for several years,” he says. at me and smiled and said, ‘I’m going to.’ So he was just an extraordinary human being. And And some of those were $30 million clients, so they would reimburse me for any deductibles. that’s real money, but he says most of his clients are small business owners, and he’s Just extraordinary human beings!” conscientious about providing them not only Paul with Warren Buffett And the employers he was leaving, Chuck with a safe return, but preserving their money Royce and Tom Ebright of Royce & Associates, (“They’re totally relying on us and that’s an even though he was leaving them, paid for his awesome responsibility—I can’t lose their When Paul Lountzis fainted during an autopsy health insurance to cover his son’s medical money”) and making sure their kids are provided for. while he tried studying medicine, he decided expenses. that business was a safer course and the career of investment titan Warren Buffett (“The “You hear a lot of negative things about the “The way to describe us is we’re really focused Oracle of Omaha”) was more his inspiration. guys in this field, Dimitri,” says Lountzis, still on multi-generational wealth preservation moved, “and a lot of these hedge fund guys are and growth,” he says. “We’ll take the kids, even “I was thirteen when I read a story in the all about the money. And Bill Ruane was a if they have $5,000. We want to be a true newspaper about Buffett buying stock in The billionaire, I’m sure Chuck Royce was, but advisor to families and have a personal Washington Post,” says Lountzis, now 61. “So I they were really good to me and my family, relationship.” went to the Reading Public Library to read and really wonderful human beings.”

The issue of trust is why he has his own money more about him and I said this guy isn’t even in the firm and why he never invests without from New York!”

Paul with Charlie Munger doing the dogged legwork and research he’s famous for.

Which made him feel hopeful, since Lountzis himself was a kid from Reading, Pennsylvania, “I was a research animal and I’m still a research the son of Greek immigrants, a bartender and animal,” he says. “I work weekends, I work a seamstress, who couldn’t afford an Ivy 24/7—I just love it—I was up at 3:30 this League education, so he graduated local morning”—on a weekend.

Albright College, and then scrapped and outworked everybody as a business analyst for On one research blitz, he practically moved in a number of investment firms, before he hit with a former CEO in Florida to find out the mother lode and got a job interview with everything about his company.

Bill Ruane at the prestigious Ruane, Cunniff & Company in New York.

“I would go visit him at home and I’m really prepared,” he says. “I’ve read the annual, I’ve “One of Warren Buffett’s best friends, met with private companies in the industry, University of Minnesota, Harvard Business I’ve met with consultants, and I sat with him, School, class of ’49, one of the greatest Harvard even though he’s retired two or three years, Business School classes ever—and I’m sitting because he knows the key players in the there trying to get a job!” Lountzis remembers company and the margins—in other words, with typical excitement. “And you can’t make doing those interviews that no one wants to this up, Dimitri—he spent 90% of the time do. Doing those interviews brings the talking about Tyler, our son, who needed open numbers to life.” heart surgery at ten-months-old and what an operation like that would cost.”

Like a little company in the auto insurance And then Bill Ruane offered to pay for it.

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“And he went in to cook, but he didn’t like the heat,” says Lountzis, “so he became the bartender, and he did that for forty years.”

Kelly and Paul with Father Alex Karloutsos and Aristides Logothetis founder of ARC Athens

His mother, he says, was a “g e n i u s ” a n d a formidable presence.

Her own father was a schoolmaster and she accompanied him on his rounds, where she met her future husband at a neighboring village, and they planned to marry when she came to America.

business which he researched for six months by travelling to Florida and racking up Frequent Flyer miles (“I have gazillions of points”) and which proved a spectacular investment success for his previous firm.

“Only her mom (now widowed) would not allow her to leave, so she snuck out of the house, made her way to Athens on two ferries, and took a ship to the US—wow!” her son still marvels. “I will tell you, Dimitri, I met Bill Gates, I did work for Warren Buffett, I met “I spent six months of my life traveling to people a lot smarter than I’ll ever be, and my Florida,” he jokes. “I had gazillion points at dad was a smart man, but my mom, Marriott, too. But we got insights that nobody Alexandra, had one of the most formidable else had. Nobody did.” minds for any human being I’ve ever met!”

Which is why he’s one of the phenomenal gophers of the investment business, a habit he picked up from having to work harder and longer than anybody else because he was the son of immigrants, who was born in Reading, and worked in a field of Harvard MBAs with sterling degrees who barely knew where the money they were juggling came from: but it came from towns like Reading where people often worked their whole lives at backbreaking jobs.

“And it all starts with my late parents, Yanni and Alexandra, from Katouna, Greece,” says Lountzis. “Just extraordinary people who devoted their lives to us.”

His father came to America and started working at the Berkshire Knitting Mills, until his Uncle Nick asked him to work at his restaurant: Nick’s Chat-a-While Inn.

Zachary Lountzis with Warren Buffett

the pastor, Fr. Tom Pappalas, for once cutting the service short.

“Then trepeses?” Fr. Tom told her son the story later.

(To honor her memory and help the parish her son every Thanksgiving buys and ships over 500 tsourekia made by the St. Xenia Philoptochos Society of Reading to his clients and friends.)

How she came to school with her son on his first day—to the local Catholic high school, where he had transferred to play football.

“I had this 50-60-year-old lady going to every And the stories he tells about his mother are class with me,” says Lountzis, still stunned. “So legion: about her daily routine getting up in finally at the end of the day I said, ‘Mom, why the middle of the n i g ht to go to work making women’s clothes for lo c a l manufac turer’s like Talbots, come home in the afternoon to watch her soaps, g o t o t h e restaurant to have dinner with her husband, take the kids to all their sports, come home and cook dinner and clean the house, read Zachary and Paul with John Catsimatidis and John Catsimatidis Jr.

h e r R o m a nt z o a n d watch Channel 6 Action News, before finally going to bed, only to wake up after midnight to cook her husband dinner when he got home from work.

Paul with friends Nick Tsoulos, Ted Moudis, Chris Tsamutalis, Jimmy and George Pantelidis

did you embarrass me like that?’ And she said, ‘I had to make sure they’re not going to convert you—na eimouna sigouri!’”

When he met the actor Michael Constantine years later (also from Reading), and his sister Patricia Gordon, and he introduced himself, Lountzis says, “Patricia looks at me and says, ‘Paul?’ I say, ‘Yes’—because we met at church many years ago and I hadn’t seen her in a long time. And she says, ‘You’re Alexandra’s son?!’

So here I was 59-years-old and she’s calling me Alexandra’s son!”

How she was so devoted to t he l o c a l p ar i sh c hu r c h , St s .

Constantine and Helen, where she baked the pastries for the bazaar, After his aborted attempt at medicine, that she reprimanded Lountzis used his smarts in math and science COVER STORY

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The rest is history, and in its quarter-century of working for its clients Lountzis Asset Management has survived and prospered by staying true to its small-town values. “ I d o n’t w a n t t o b e showing up somewhere and people look at me think I’m some insurance guy trying to get them as a client,” he says. “I want to build friendships and get them to know I’m honest and high grade, get them Paul and son Zachary with John Catsimatidis and Tom Constance to know me as a person. to get a job in Reading doing competitive Please feel free to call me. I’ll explain analysis for Fortune 500 companies looking everything to you. This is your money. You for mergers and acquisitions (“I worked every bled for this. I don’t want to buy something at weekend and every holiday, and some of the 70 and have it go down to two: I’d have a heart holidays I worked double shifts—once I even attack.” worked a triple shift”)—but he couldn’t quite break the glass ceiling of not having a blue- Lountzis runs the firm with a trusted and longstanding team (“Tina (Schaeffer) has chip college degree. been with me 20 years, Mike Auman forever, “So it was July 4th, and they had promoted and my brother John helped me get a lot of the four consultants to project manager at the business off the ground”). And his son company, and all the work I did was stellar, but Zachary has also joined the firm. they wouldn’t promote me,” he remembers the fateful day. “They thought I was the local kid. “He spent 10 years on Wall Street, he met So, finally, I went in to see the president of the Buffett and Munger at Berkshire when he was company and I said, ‘Greg, what do I need to 11, he graduated the University of Arizona do to get promoted?’ And he said, ‘You’ve done with a 3.87 GPA, he worked for Credit Suisse a great job, but your resume is never included and Jefferies,” says his proud dad. in the proposals because it doesn’t sell: you have a BS in Finance from Albright and these Only he didn’t want to hire him. guys have engineering degrees from Carnegie Mellon and MIT and Harvard and Stanford.’” “I didn’t want any of my kids in the business,” he says.” It’s too hard, it’s too stressful, even though I love it.”

software at Stephens Inc before he moved to Jefferies. Only son Tyler took his dad’s advice and stayed away, and instead joined the military and served in South Korea and Iraq, then went to trade school and became a welder.

“He’s doing very well,” says his dad, both proud and amazed.

And in typical fashion, Lountzis is most enthused about his wife Kelly.

“We’re going on 37 years married, this December will be 40 years since we met, and she has been the greatest blessing on earth.

Our daughter Lauren was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at six months. She was born October 9th. I came home from Europe October 7th: I was doing work for Bill (Ruane) and Buffett. But then I left October 11. So here was a woman with three children under five, and a diabetic daughter she had to get up every night at two or three in the morning and check on her. And in those days I was away almost 200 days out of the year. So I'm just so blessed to have her. Blessed and grateful.”

Lountzis is a member of the Leadership 100 Endowment, the Faith Endowment, the National Hellenic Society Endowment, AHEPA, and on the Board of Directors of the Police Athletic League. And he lectures at various colleges and universities.

“And the reason I do that is not because I’m wonderful,” he says. “I talk investing—I don’t do PowerPoint and all that nonsense—I talk about life, and I talk about how the value and quality of your life will be dictated by the quality of your relationships. Buffett once said the most important factors in your life are who your parents are—and I have been blessed

Until two guys met him f o r l u n c h ( a t Av r a , Madis on Avenue, his regular business lunch stop) and they told him they wanted to hire his son if he didn’t. Only he still didn’t hire him--until Zachary himself told his dad he wanted in.

Our entire family in Santorini, Greece (in order left to right-Paul, son Zachary, son Tyler, daughter Lauren, sister in law Vickie Jones, son Ryan, wife Kelly)

So the next day he went home and started cold-calling all the heavy hitters in the industry—including Warren Buffett—and through a Reading connection got a call back from Tom Ebright at Royce & Associates and another from Chuck Royce on January 1st that hired him and changed his life.

“He left a message on my answering machine-and I kept that little Sony tape for a long time,” he still marvels.

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“So I thought about it, Dimitri: ‘Honey, do you understand the risks and sacrifices?’ I told him.”

With dear friends Joe and Carol Sano.

Joe is Executive Director and Co-founder of St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters feeding thousands in NYC

He did, and his father hired him in 2019, “and he’s been a godsend. He’s h a d a h u g e i m p a c t . I s t u d i e d a there—and who you marry—and I have been (semiconductor) company called Applied blessed there, too. That’s the kind of stuff I talk Materials for thirty years, but he was the one about.” who actually drove me to finally buy it.”

Which made Warren Buffett bring Main Street And though Lountzis wanted his kids to stay to Wall Street and become a legend, and makes out of the financial world, the apple doesn’t fall Paul Lountzis—the son of immigrants, a son far from the tree: his daughter Lauren works of Reading—one of the most trusted names in for Bank of America, and Ryan covered the money game.

The Hellenic Initiative's Annual NY Gala Is Back In Person!

who made the gathering possible. The evening’s entertainment was headlined by one of Greece’s most popular singers, Elli Kokkinou.

With attendance in London limited by COVID restriction – the Gala was one of the city’s first mass events since the onset of the pandemic – ticket sales were supplemented by donations from around the world.

“We are very happy to have organized this event and to be with the Greek and Cypriot communities in London. We succeeded in raising a substantial amount of funds to support two philanthropic organizations that make priceless contributions to society,” said THI’s Executive Director Peter Poulos.

Princess Tatiana, Event Co-chair, Sakis Tanimanidis, Nikos Stathopoulos, Event Co-chair, Constantine Logothetis, Event Co-chair, Peter Poulos, Executive Director The Hellenic Initiative (THI), the leading group uniting the Greek diaspora and philhellenes internationally, is once again hosting its Annual Gala in person after last year’s virtual-only event.

Funds raised will provide continued pandemic crisis relief and help foster Greek economic recovery opportunities after months of fiscal challenges. “Greeks have always come together to aid those in less fortunate situations,” THI Board President and Gibson Dunn Partner George P. Stamas said. “This was true of immigrants who left the homeland at the beginning of the last century and continues today. The spirit of philotimo (φιλότιμο) — interpreted as helping others and pride in community — is alive and well. We’re proud to be the catalyst that helps the diaspora continue this proud tradition.”

Launched in 2014 to train, mentor, and place highly qualified millennials in internships at top Greek and multinational companies, the prog ram has cre ate d 1600+ yout h j ob placements, unlocking more than €11.5 million in salaries. Recognized as the top internship program in Greece, more than 80 percent of participants secure a contract extension or hire.

ELEPAP’s vision is “for every child with a disability, wherever he/she lives in Greece, to have the care he/she needs. In this way, he/she will be able to reach his/her full potential.”

Eliza declares that it is, “our duty is to join forces declaring ‘Zero Tolerance for C hi ld Abuse’ as an essential prerequisite for a healthy society.”

HI’s 9th Annual New The event will be hosted by one of Greece’s most York Gala will be held popular recording artists Sakis Rouvas. December 4 at Cipriani Additional special guests are expected to attend. W a l l S t r e e t i n Manhattan.

For tickets and tables information can be found at https://www.eventora.com/en/Events/2021- Nikos Stathopoulos, THI this-new-york-gala B o a r d Me m b e r a n d London Gala Co-chair, stated, “the mission of The Hellenic Initiative's London THI is simple, and yet so Princess Tatiana, This 9th Annual Gala will be held in person and Gala a Great Success! very profound: to engage the Gala Co-Chair available to stream live online on Saturday, Greeks all over the world addressing the event December 4 at Cipriani (55 Wall Street, New The Hellenic Initiative (THI) raised more than to support our precious York, 10005, between William & Hanover $270,000 for charities that benefit and protect Ellada coming out of these difficult years of Streets).Titled “Moving Forward Together,” the children in Greece at its recent annual London austerity, and to revitalize the Greek economy by event will highlight stories of Greek resilience in Gala. At the renowned Dorchester Hotel 300 p r o m o t i n g G r e e k i n n o v a t i o n a n d the face of adversity. Since its Diaspora Hellenes and entrepreneurship. To date we have invested close founding, THI has raised Philhellenes raised funds to $20 million directly and over $30 million USD $17 million for grants for ELEPAP, one of the indirectly to aid in helping Greeks and Greece. supporting NGOs and o l d e s t c h a r i t a b l e THI has become the most important Greek e c onom i c d e vel opme nt organizations in Greece, Diaspora organization in the world.” projects in Greece. and the ELIZA Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Constantine M. Logothetis, THI London Gala Johnson & Johnson to Children.

Co-chair, said “we are so proud and honoured to Chairman of the Board and convene so many of the Greek diaspora in the Chief Executive Officer Alex C o n s t a n t i n e M . UK for this event. This Gala not only serves to Gorsky will be honored Logothetis, THI London fulfil the goals of The Hellenic Initiative in during the event. Mr. Gorsky Board Member, Nikos supporting Greeks in Greece but also to is one of just seven leaders Stathopoulos, THI Board strengthen the ties in our local community and who have served in the dual Member, and Princess to celebrate our Hellenism.” role since the company was Ta t i a n a , T H I listed on the New York Stock I n t e r n a t i o n a l Princess Tatiana, THI London Gala Co-chair, Exchange in 1944.

Ambassador chaired the said, “our two Gala honorees, ELIZA and The evening’s entertainment was event that has endeared ELEPAP, are working to help the most From 1983 to 1984, Mr. headlined by one of Greece’s most itself to the Greek and vulnerable children in Greece, They provide Gorsky was stationed in popular singers, Elli Kokkinou Cypriot communities in loving and caring support, crucial for the proper Drama, Greece as part of his Western Europe. development of these children. We thank them military service and learned to speak Greek at for their continued commitment to the the Defense Language Institute. A philhellene, ELEPAP’s Video Recognition and Award was betterment of Greek society.”

Mr. Gorsky was instrumental in developing a accepted by Marianna Moschou and Eleni relationship between Johnson & Johnson and Skouteli, and the ELIZA Video Recognition and For more information on The Hellenic Initiative THI. Johnson & Johnson has been an essential Award was accepted by Marina Karella and a n d a c t i v i t i e s t h e i r w e b s i t e i s h i r i n g p a r t n e r f o r T H I ’s s u c c e s s f u l Ileana Makri. Stathopoulos offered closing thehellenicinitiative.org ReGeneration program since its inception. remarks and thanked the guests, donors, and all NEWS & NOTES

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Documentary Series On Greek America comes to VOD and DVD

unparalleled. “We realized there is no other organization or production company that has chronicled in depth the history of the Greek immigrant experience in any geographical area,” says Shelly Papadopoulos, GHS president and executive producer on two of the films.

by Athena Efter

Front Center: Zoye Marino Fidler, GHS Co-Founder and Executive Producer of all three documentaries. Back row L to R: Jim Dimitriou, Christina Bogdanou, Antonia Lianos, Producer of all three documentaries, Shelly Papadopoulos, GHS president and Executive Producer of The Promise of Tomorrow and The New Greek Americans, George Spanos, Anna Giannotis, Director/Writer of all three documentaries, Bessie Lazaris, Associate Producer of all three documentaries, Helen Ellis, accountant for The New Greek Americans The Greek-American experience has found its way on film and TV over the decades.

Numerous films, most notably “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”, have portrayed the culture to varying degrees of popularity. In this mix of works on the subject, documentaries are sometimes eclipsed by their fictional cousins.

But it’s the documentary that provides a level of truth and representation that essentially makes it timeless in what it records. Now, an epic, award-winning documentary series on Greek America - produced by the Greek Heritage Society of Southern California and hosted/narrated by Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis - brings that timelessness to VOD and DVD. The trilogy - entitled “The Greeks of Southern California: Through The Century and Beyond” – actually began just over twenty years ago when the GHS envisioned an historic project that would document the history of Greek Americans in Southern California, from 1900 to the present day. Then President Zoye Marino Fidler and Board Members John Gregory, Gus Dalis, Philip Georgious and Harry Ratner met Anna Giannotis, a playwright and actress. Giannotis came onboard and Part I, “The Pioneers (1900-1942)” went into production. It premiered in 2002. Eight years later part II “The Promise of Tomorrow (1940-1960)” was released followed by the final segment “The New Greek Americans (1960 – 2018)” which was jcompleted in early 2019.

The result is sweeping and momentous, moving and sometimes humorous, edifying and all-embracing. And although the films focus on the Greeks of Southern California, “we wanted to be inclusive so all GreekAmericans throughout the US and immigrants from any background could relate to our stories,” say says Giannotis. This is most certainly true of the films as the universality is part of their appeal.

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The films weave their way through interviews and a treasure trove of archival photos and footage. Each segment takes us through a different generation’s experience. Beginning with “The Pioneers” we are taken through the journey of the first Greeks to settle in the West Coast at the turn of the 20th century, their challenges of assimilation, their struggles to make a way of life, and their efforts to build the first community. “The Promise of Tomorrow” carries us through the mid-20th century as it focuses on the first generation children of those pioneers. This is a generation that navigates the duality of two identities, Greek and American. It’s also a generation that builds upon the foothold of the “American Dream” of their predecessors, achieving success in a wide variety of areas. Finally, the third installment “The New Greek Americans” introduces us to a second generation that must steer a course through the challenges of preserving their culture and identity in an age of changing times in America.

One of the more remarkable accomplishments of the films is how they observe key events in both American and Greek history through the eyes of these Greek-Americans. We are taken t hroug h t wo World Wars, t he Gre at Depression, the Civil Rights era, Vietnam, the invasion of Cyprus, and the war in Iraq to name a few. These are people who served and participated in significant moments in history and these moments have shaped and transformed them.

Then, of course, are the participants themselves. They are energized by the opportunity to tell their stories, bringing to them humorous anecdotes and heartfelt testimonies. “If you believe energy is tangible, the love and pride that permeated throughout these stories was very real to me,” says Giannotis, “and I have been told it is very present in our films.” Indeed, it is so. And amongst the participants are some wellknown Greek-Americans, from the arts and entertainment to professional sports; from politics to business; from the sciences to academia; and everything in between.

The films have made their way through festivals around the world, winning awards at several of them such as the International Panorama in Thessaloniki, the Boston International Film Festival and the Beverly Hills Film, TV and New Media Festival. They have also been cited two “Awards Of Excellence” from the Film Advisory Board, Los Angeles. They’ve also been screened at universities and institutes throughout the US. At the end of the day, it is the extraordinary effort of the filmmakers, the GHS, and the community that brought the films to fruition.

“I was honored to work with some of the most talented, giving, passionate, and dedicated b o a r d m e m b e r s a n d c r e w ,” s a y s Papadopoulos. “These documentaries were truly a labor of love.”

As for the future, the GHS is embarking on an ambitious and historic effort – an oral history project, in collaboration with the Basil P. Caloyeras Center for Modern Greek Studies at Loyola Marymount University. The project will house online over 500 interviews, photographs, footage, and written materials that document the Greek-American history of Southern California. It will be available to the public next spring.

In addition to writer/director Anna Giannotis and executive producer Shelly Papadopoulos, the team includes producer Antonia Lianos; executive producers Zoye Marino Fidler and Harry Ratner; director of photography Philip The breadth and scope of the history the films Georgious; editor Hughes Hall; associate cover are a testament to some painstaking and producers Demetra Koris and Cynthia Spears; revelatory research. “I did a lot of reading and composer Bob Luna. during this time period and communicated with notable Greek-American authors and To get started watching these award-winning historians who were very generous with their films, go to: time,” says Giannotis. The production team https://vimeo.com/ondemand/ghs where you plunged themselves into copious archival can rent or buy them for digital download. research from libraries, churches, and other They are also available on DVD at organizations and the results are rich and https://www.greekheritagesociety.org

In Memory of a Giant:

“If you make mistakes, swallow the mistakes, admit them, and you’ll feel better about yourself.

That’s been my motto.”

John G. Rangos Sr.

IOCC Honors

A deeply intelligent man, Mr. Rangos loved history, the arts, and medicine. Perhaps more importantly, he was devoted to his family, his country, and his faith. He lived his life sharing his treasures in order to serve people near and far through countless charities, foundations, and medical institutions.

John G. Rangos Sr. Whenever there was a disaster, an emergency, or a particular need around the world, Mr. Rangos never hesitated to fund IOCC’s responses. Through his charitable foundation, over the years, Mr. Rangos gave over $3 million in monetary and in-kind support to IOCC’s global work. In the last month of his life, he worked relentlessly to help IOCC raise money for programming in Greece. From IOCC’s first airlift in 1992 and until his last breath, he lived the mission to serve people in need. He was a giant in so many ways, and always ready for action.

Mr. John G. R angos Sr., well-known philanthropist and cofounder of International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), reposed in the Lord this past summer, just one week before his 92nd birthday. Those who

knew him also know that Mr. Rangos spent a lifetime committed to Christ and to serving others. IOCC was honored to be one of his beloved causes from its very beginning, nearly three decades ago.

John G. Rangos Sr. was a pillar of IOCC, key to its establishment and growth. His energy and vision inspired and guided the organization’s leaders, driving its development over the years. IOCC mourns his loss but thanks God for all he gave during his extraordinary life.

May his memory be eternal!

NEWS & NOTES

OCTOBER 2021

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ELEVEN DAYS TO THE PROMISED LAND

BY DINO PAVLOU

dumped down wells. They never saw any of that.”

Unfortunately, or fortunately, the war ended before Pavlou’s unit could be shipped overseas, but he soon made the first of his famous acquaintances.

“There’s a movie company coming down to film some war scenes,” his commander told him one day. “And they can’t have an actor driving a tank. You’re going to be the driver of this movie star.”

The movie star turned out to be Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier of World War II, who after their scenes were shot for the

came to liberate Greece and they were our heroes,” says Pavlou, now 86. “When I got my draft notice I said--now I’m going to be one of them!”

How an immigrant kid became friends with the most famous people in the world

He was barely eighteen, but he soon commanded a tank that won the prize as the best in the battalion, built a baseball field and won a commendation even though he had never seen a game, and while his soldiers groused about army life, he couldn’t wait to go fight the communists.

by Dimitri C. Michalakis

Dino Pavlou was a seventeen-year-old kid f r o m Va l t e s i n i k o , Arcadia who came to America in 1952, we ar i ng Mit s o t h e shepherd’s borrowed sheepskin coat, and started working at a pie factory in New Jersey.

movie invited Pavlou to look him up in Hollywood. Pavlou did, after he got out of the army, a friendship ensued, the first of many, and the rest is history.

“ T he y ne ve r s aw their liberty being “They didn’t pay you by t a ke n aw ay f rom c h e c k t h e n ,” h e them,” he says of his remembers. “They put life back in the village the cash in an envelope. during the Greek I was getting sixty-five c i v i l w a r. “ T h e y cents an hour, and never saw their when I got my first envelope, I locked myself in my room to count father being executed. They never it. I counted $46 and something cents for six saw people being killed and days of work and then I calculated what it was worth in Greece and, I said, I’m rich!”

He also got drafted into the army during the height of the Korean War. “They won’t accept you,” said his Uncle George, who brought him to America. “You don’t speak English well.”

Only Pavlou was accepted and he couldn’t wait to join.

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NEWS & NOTES

Because after the war Pavlou got into the nightclub business and soon was working at some of the most swinging clubs in New York City in the swinging heyday of the ‘60s and ‘70s, where he got to meet most of the famous stars of the day, and most of the infamous.

“I have so many memories from the past,” says Pavlou. “I have a room which is full of pictures,

The singer later did a charity concert in Greece at Pavlou’s suggestion and he serenaded Pavlou’s daughters onstage at one of his concerts.

But when Pavlou became a host for twenty years at the famous Jimmy Weston’s Restaurant and Jazz Club on E. 54th Street—one of the hottest nightspots in the hottest city-he also got to meet everybody else.

There was the man in the deep baritone who asked for a table.

“Will it be long, Dino?” asked Gregor y Peck, ever the gentleman, waiting his turn in line.

And Roone Arledge telling Pavlou about a new night of football he was planning (“How would you like to see a football g ame on Mond ay ? ” ) , and George Steinbrenner dropping in with his Yankees all-stars, and Ya n k e e s’ A l l - S t a r R e g g i e Jackson answering the phone as Reggie Jackson and taking down reservations.

“Reggie Jackson, who?” Pavlou called one night anonymously and teased him.

And there were the frequent visits of legendary movie star and honorary Greek—Anthony Quinn.

“He made the place his favorite stop, and he was always ready to be the life of the party,” And Woody Allen playing with his orchestra remembers Pavlou. “Anthony and I became and keeping his back to the audience—until close friends, and I still keep in touch with the Dino met him in the bathroom and suggested family to this day. I called him ‘Patrioti.’ When maybe the club was not his scene. and all those pictures have stories. So I said to There was Muhammad Ali sparring with Joe Frazier and also plucking at Howard Cosell’s myself let’s put it in writing.” toupee.

And he put them down in his new book, Eleven Days To The Promised Land (Newman And the Apollo 11 astronauts dropping in for their first public Springs Publishing), and writing it outing since brought back even more memories. walking on the moon.

“Honestly I keep reading my book over and over again because it brings “I remember Buzz me back to those good, carefree Aldrin as a very years,” he says. “It was unbelievable.” sociable, talkative p e r s o n ,” s a y s After Audie Murphy, he met Frank Pavlou. “We had a Sinatra at the legendary Mabel nice, interesting Mercer’s By-Line Room in New York conversation, and City, where he stuck up for Sinatra at the end, he during a dispute and Sinatra never scribbled down my forgot it. The next time the singer name and address. came into the club and Pavlou A week later I was addressed him as “Mr. Sinatra,” surprised to receive Sinatra stopped him. a package from Mr. Aldrin containing a “ T o my friends, it’s picture taken on the moon and a golden Frank,” he said. keychain with an emblem, featuring the Ap ol lo 11 and t he A n d Si n at r a American eagle.” became not just a friend, There was Johnny Carson b u t w h e n playing the drums with Pavlou’s wife the band, Jackie Kennedy Agnes suffered out on the town with f rom c anc e r S i n at r a , a n d S h i r l e y and tragically MacLaine out on the town died, Sinatra with writer Pete Hamill. paid all the medical bills, There were Milton Berle, a n d P a v l o u B o b Ho p e , a n d D o n tried to thank R i c k l e s d o i n g a n impromptu roast, and him.

Kirk Douglas standing up for Phyllis Diller.

“Lights out, Greek,” Sinatra cut him short.

he was in the place, he’d come to me and say, ‘Dino, let’s dance the Zorba dance.’”

Also trying to rub shoulders with the famous were the infamous, like John Gotti, who showed up with henchman Sammy “The Bull” Gravano, and one night bought a couple celebrating their first anniversary a bottle of Dom Perignon.

And wise guys with names like Frankie Chi-Chi, Mike Moose, Jimmy Hot-Hot, Vinnie t he Umbrella, and fearsome capo Aniello Dellacroce, who one night asked for cement.

“I’m sorry, I don’t have cement,” Pavlou told him. “What for?”

Dellacroce nodded with a poker face (his usual face) to the ice bowl and the bug floating in the water.

“I got you, didn’t I?” he said with a crocodile smile.

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“Are you making fun of me?” he growled.

“No, no, sir!” said Nick.

Then Pavlou walked over. “Be careful, Andre,” he said. “He says he’s a tough guy.”

And there was a disgraced ex-president who got applause when he got up to leave.

“Is it because I’m leaving?” Richard Nixon asked Pavlou.

But mostly it was a party atmosphere with a cast of Damon Runyon characters, like Boots, the men’s room attendant, who relied on his tips and once got stiffed by baseball manager Leo D u ro c h e r a n d n e v e r stopped talking about it, so it made the rounds of every bar in New York, until Sinatra gave him a tip that was double his monthly salary. Or the punch-drunk limo driver and former boxer who heard a bell once and took off—without his passengers.

“Our customers always applaud for notables, Mr. President,” and shivering and waved them in and treated said Pavlou. them all to rounds of pizza, which they And he still remembers how the gobbled up and forgot about Sinatra. ex-president gave him a strange look when he heard the “Mr. “You see, Frank,” Jilly teased him, “you aren’t President”: “It was like he was as famous as you looking, searching to find out if think you are.”

I t r u ly me ant it . At t h at moment, I actually felt sorry for “If you were as him. It was sad seeing the most hungry and cold powerful man in the world, who a s t h e y a r e ,” had fallen so hard, looking for S i n a t r a s a i d , tears in his eyes, some compassion.” “you wouldn’t recognize me, either.”

And then he put down the money for the free pizzas to keep

But perhaps the most enduring memory for Pavlou came on a snowy night during the Christmas holidays when Sinatra walked in coming through the with his faithful sidekick, club holidays, before they drove owner Jilly Rizzo, and he asked if Pavlou had back downtown mostly in silence.

And man-mountain wrestler Andre the Giant, his Chevy parked outside. who helped Pavlou pull a gag on Pavlou’s “Have you ever been cold and hungry?” cousin Nick, who always bragged about being “Yes, I do,” said Pavlou.

Sinatra asked. a tough guy.

“Greek, you just got yourself drafted,” said “I have,” Pavlou said.

So Andre walked over and towered over him. Sinatra. “Let’s go.”

And they got into Pavlou’s five-year-old Chevy And he wanted to capture these memories in a book because he almost doesn’t believe them Impala and drove uptown in himself. the snow, stopping along the way on Park Avenue so “I often wonder how lucky this Sinatra could get out and kid from a war-torn Greek stare at a sky like a winter v i l l a ge was to have the wonderland. friendship of some of the most famous people in the world,” “Look at this,” he said, “isn’t he says, still marveling at the this marvelous?” room in his house where he keeps all the photos of his And then they drove to “friends” and their letters and Patsy’s Pizzeria in Harlem, t r i b u t e s to him. “I feel w here Sinat ra s aw t he fortunate to have called them homeless standing outside my friends.”

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In 1982, Peter Dion and James Galanos, a leading fashion designer, entered into an agreement under which Dion manufactured fur garments designed by Galanos. Galanos, also a member of Leadership100, who passed away in 2016, said of Dion, "I liked what he had to say. What he wanted to do with me was on the highest level, and he offered me the best skins, the best furs. They treated me like royalty.”

In an interview at the 30th Anniversary of Leadership 100 in 2014, Dion recalled the inaugural meeting of the organization in Denver, CO in 1984 and how it managed to go beyond the initial, very optimistic, goal of 10 members to 18! “That evening in Denver my wife and my daughters became members. And of course, so did the rest of the founders. When we left Denver, we had 18 members! And they all paid the full amount of $100,000! And for some time, we had to pay for operating expenses from our pockets,” he said. He added, “I am so proud to be a founding member of this organization and to be a Greek American. I came from the old country with no shoes and to me it means a lot to be part of this and to have helped start an organization like this.”

A humble and beloved man throughout the Greek American Community and among many others throughout the country, Dion, was a renowned philanthropist and supporter of the St. Paul Cathedral in Hempstead, St. Mark Church in Boca Raton and St. Catherine Church in West Palm Beach. He was an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and was awarded the St. Paul Medal by Archbishop Iakovos, the highest honor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. As a Founding Member, he was a recipient of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Award for Excellence.

Dion is survived by his wife, Diana of 59 years, his daughter Harriet, and his grandchildren Alexander, Diana and Christina. He was predeceased by his daughter Bessi and his two sisters, Olga and Panorea.

In Memoriam, Peter M. Dion Peter M. Dion, the last remaining Founding Member of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Fund, passed away this past September in Palm Beach, Florida. Along with Arthur Anton, Andrew Athens, Thomas Athens, George Chimples, Michael Jaharis and George Kokalis, all of Blessed Memory, he joined Archbishop Iakovos to form the organization in 1984. He served as Chairman of the Nominating Committee for six years and remained a member of the Committee up to his passing.

Chairman Argyris Vasiliou stated, “Leadership 100 mourns the loss of our beloved Peter Dion, a Founding Member, who gave his heart and soul to the organization and to the Church at large.”

Based in New York, Peter Dion was a distinguished designer, manufacturer, and wholesaler of fine fur garments. Born in Greece under the name Peter Dionisiou, he immigrated to the United States in the early 1950's. He changed his legal name to "Dion" in 1973. Dion began his career at the New York firm of Hiller and Becker, a renowned manufacturer of fur garments, and his talents soon became apparent. In 1974 the firm began to manufacture coats under the Peter Dion label. Eventually Dion became the owner of the business and changed its name to Peter Dion, Inc. Later, he acquired Yarmuth Furs, Inc., a fur jobber, and called it Yarmuth-Dion, Inc. He maintained a long association with Nieman-Marcus, which distributed his furs and had a personal relationship with Stanley Marcus, its long-time president and chairman of the board.

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SCHMEMANN FOR OUR TIME CHRIST, THE CRISIS OF OUR AGE

ineffable dimensions of the Spirit, and thus of their personality and manner of being. In perceive the world and all its matter as symbol of Metropolitan Leonty, Schmemann highlights his the kingdom. gentleness and love of children; in the great scholar Bulgakov, not his theories, but rather his At the moment of this writing, America is deep immersion in the luminous experience of enduring domestic terrorism warring upon its the liturgy. Character, not grand works, marks sacred institutions of law and government these personalities. (spurred by leaders publicly ordained to preserve them)—the seditious occupation of the In his excursuses on Russian literature, Fr.

by Fr. Alexis Vinogradov* Capitol—on a day that ironically coincides with Alexander always highlighted the manner of the Christian Church’s celebration of the renewal seemingly insignificant figures, such as the old Each year since his death in 1983, Father of all creation by the immersion of Christ into obscure and annoying woman, the true heroine Alexander Schmemann’s legacy is evoked the Jordan waters. So here we are, concretely in in “Matryona’s House”, “without whom,” through an established annual lecture in his the middle of the cultural cycles of Law and Solzhenitsyn writes, “the whole world itself name at St. Vladimir’s, the theological seminary Revolt, the polarized forces of Conservatism and could not stand”; or about Chekhov’s “Head in New York in which his ideas flourished, Liberation, and here Fr. Alexander speaks of Gardener”, whose protagonist could never see nourishing generations of clergy and faithful Christ as precisely the one Crisis that resolves the his neighbor, no matter how soiled, other than a and, through numerous publications and irreconcilable tension of these extreme poles of glorious child of God. lectures, reaching the broader world. A human concourse that permeate every fiber of permanent academic chair or our lives.

Clearly, not only the Church’s cloud of witnesses annual event implies that the in her saints, but also this rich field of living and individual named represents a If etymologically “krisis” literary characters shaped Fr. Alexander’s own benchmark of thought and m e a n s t h e s i f t i n g t h a t unique personality. I can never read the account achievement for the institution, a separates the toxic from the of the first attempt to arrest Jesus in the gospel, legacy which his spiritual heirs healthy organism, the biblical without thinking of Fr. Alexander. The officers are committed to honor and “chaff from the wheat,” then return empty-handed to the Pharisees and give promote. Here, I ponder how Fr. what Schmemann says must this excuse: “no man ever spoke like this man!”

Alexander might formulate the ring true for every facet of (Jn.7:46).

Church’s response to the crisis of human affairs: our time.

Fr. Alexander drew us who were fortunate to live Father Alexander Schmemann “Christ is the only one crisis in his time, by the manner in which he spoke In a foundational idea of his work, perhaps best which is blessed and saving…in Him the Law is words of life, of truth, and of joy. Even his expressed in his famous lecture, “Between fulfilled as well as Revolution…the whole meaning unequivocal and even acerbic “condemnations” Utopia and Escape”, Fr. Alexander advocates for of Christianity is to soar upwards out of this (peppered liberally among his Journal entries) the middle path between two extremes—a rhythm, this course, these dynamics of the world. are invariably noted in a spirit of grief for the sectarian isolation from the real world at one Christianity makes it possible to live by the truth of errant and wrong-doers, and never to expose pole, and at the other pole, its counterpart of the revolution inside the law and by the truth of the them as enemies that need to be crushed. He was “progress” towards an ephemeral secular utopia. law inside the revolution, their fulfillment in each well aware that even many of his “heroes” and Yet his proposed middle path is not a other—it is the kingdom of God, truth itself, saints failed in the realms of the world’s “success.” compromise between the two extremes, but beauty itself for it is Life and Spirit.” (DEC.8, 1975, For Fr. Schmemann the crisis revealed in Christ, rather the victory of an ascension out of both JOURNALS) the true discernment of spirits, is not to curse the dead-ends towards an eschatological vision of wrongdoer, but to identify and unmask the idols the tangible, real world, the home of the The following words of that same journal entry, that stand in for the truth, and possess their Incarnate Lord of history. give us a sense of how stifling Fr. Alexander victims (1 Jn. 5:21). would find today’s warring “sides” not only in Now, for Fr. Alexander eschatology is not some society but especially in the Body of Christ: A theology denuded of witnesses to the kingdom obscure theological category that deals with the of light and joy, a theology that polarizes man future post-mortem concerns of man, but rather “I see the key to the Christian perception of culture, against his brother, is no theology at all. is the manifestation of the kingdom entering and of politics, and, of course of religion itself—a transfiguring Time itself. For him this ‘holding it all together.’ Christianity is freedom Fr. Alexander stood humbly before the expanse transformation is manifest perfectly in the from conservatism and from revolution. Hence a of history, articulating the difference between Liturgy. In his “The Eucharist” (p.129), Fr. ‘rightist’ Christian is as frightening as a ‘leftist’ the kingdom revealed, made sure and present in Alexander writes that in the liturgy one, and I know why I lean towards the left when Christ—and the manner in which this kingdom dealing with the rightists, and to the right when I is discerned and enacted in its historic and “our remembrance “becomes our entry into am with leftists”. cultural setting. We are perhaps only now, in our Christ’s victory over Time, over its collapse into current crisis of political, cultural, and religious ‘past’, ‘present’ and ‘future’. It is an entry not into If Fr. Alexander alerted us to the curse of the polarization and the exponential tribalism and some abstract motionless ‘eternity’ but into ‘life primordial Fall of man manifest in this cycle of divisions in the Body of Christ, recognizing that everlasting.’” law on one side and the drive towards freedom each of us finds ourselves caught in the deathfrom law on the other, if he was able to show us bound confines of one or another polarity, the This ascendancy over the tyranny of Time is seen h o w i n h i m s e l f C h r i s t e m b o d i e d t h e camp of our own “righteous” group and mindset. in the “kairos” which proclaims the kingdom as reconciliation and fulfillment of the two To walk in the assurance of immortality of “sons the Eucharistic liturgy begins, and further in the opposites — what answers does Schmemann of God” (Lk. 20:36), is to stand liberated from recounting of the saving acts that “have come to himself either show or provide for our own path this cyclical trap, to rise with Christ into the New pass,” including in these acts the “second and in imitation of Christ? What answers does he Creation that he has made of us by his fellowship glorious coming” which we yet anticipate. Here, give that would offer genuine hope for the in our earthly flesh. Only in this freedom do we in the liturgy, the linear sequence of history is Church, and consequently for the world? How have a “word” to offer to the world. suspended within the primacy of eschatology: do we rise with Christ into the New Creation that events of eternal significance, borne in the He has made of us by His fellowship in our Fr. Alexis Vinogradov is Retired Rector (1978timeless One who is now, and remains always, earthly flesh?

2015) of St. Gregory Theologian Orthodox “in our midst”! And while theologians argue Church in Wappingers Falls, NY. about what “happens” to the holy Gifts, they When we look to Fr. Schmemann’s writings on overlook that we first call upon the Holy Spirit to saintly figures, his biographic sketches like the T h i s a r t i c l e w a s f i r s t p u b l i s h e d i n effect the change “upon us,” and in consequence well-known “Three Metropolitans”, or his publicorthodoxy.org Public Orthodoxy seeks to “upon the gifts here offered.” It is us, the gathered eulogies on luminaries like Fr. Sergius Bulgakov, promote conversation by providing a forum for faithful, who are being transformed, shaped into we see that he dwelt less on their theological or diverse perspectives on contemporary issues a New Creation, made able to gaze into the historic achievements than on the small details related to Orthodox Christianity.

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M.O.M.: Mediterranean on a Mission

by Chris. Salboudis It is with a heavy heart that the family and friends mourn the passing of Dr. Nadine E. Sabbagh, M.D. (b. Sept. 10th 1947, d. July 30th 2021), beloved daughter, sister, cousin, mother, grandmother, physician, mentor and friend. Nadine passed a few weeks before the celebration of her 50th year as a proud U.S. citizen. Within her 50 years in the US, Nadine imparted immeasurable wisdom and joy to all those in her path, dedicating time and effort to learn several key languages needed to address non-English-speaking clients.

medical training and certifications before being recruited to St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City for her residency and fellowship in pediatrics and allergy. Ever the diligent student and aspiring physician, Nadine maintained first place throughout her academic path.

Nadine pushed the professional borders for women and young professionals around the world through her medical and administrative work, her public speaking engagements and more. She served as a role model to future generations of Women in STEM and mentored countless young professionals to help them meet their professional and academic goals, to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives.

She dedicated her life to helping others as a physician specializing in pediatrics and allergy. In this capacity, she served the communities at St. Vincent’s Hospital, St. Clair’s Hospital, and the Hotel Union; she also engaged in pro bono rotations at six other local hospitals and clinics across the five boroughs of New York in addition to running her own private practice in pediatrics and allergy.

In Memoriam, Dr. Nadine E. Sabbagh, M.D. Throughout her lifetime, Nadine helped countless individuals in the process of overcoming remarkable strife, having survived her own challenges with wisdom, grace and dignity. To her last days, Nadine served as a staunch advocate for those in need, not only as a celebrated medical professional but as a philanthropic Christian. Her fierce faith was equaled only by her great love for humanity and ability to unlock the potential of others.

In her own private and professional life, she overcame adversity and sociological bias, tackling every project and challenge with a vengeance and with the certainty that God would provide the strength and wisdom she needed to work past whatever obstacle was placed in her path. She is most known for saying, “to a valiant heart, nothing is impossible.”

Nadine attended the Ecole des Soers Franciscains de Marie and the Mere de Dieu academies in Cairo, Egypt for the duration of her elementary education followed by the Sacre Cœur (Sacred Heart) Academy for her secondary education. She was one of the first of 15 women to complete the full medical (MD) program the University of Cairo (Kasr AlAiny School of Medicine) and went on to complete specialized training in pediatric surgery through a fellowship at the Cite Universitaire in France. She later returned to Cairo to serve in the Doctors Without Borders initiative and completed a variety of advanced 52

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In the years to follow, Nadine was recruited to work for the New York City Department of Health & Human S er vices (NYC DOHHS), where she was the first woman to hold each of the following titles: Medical Director of Quality Assurance, Head of STD Control, Deputy C om m i s s i on e r, Ac t i ng Assistant Commissioner. In these capacities she (1) managed the resolution of several major defects in the city-wide healthcare system, (2) created a sustainable checks and balances on examinations and reporting that are still used today, (3) she worked vehemently to the alleviation and rescue of those who had fallen victim to AIDS/HIV, sexual assault, and more, (4) spoke at several elementary and secondary schools as well as prominent colleges and universities to educate youth on preventative medical protocols, etc.

Nadine earned several special recognition awards throughout her career, including a plaque for her outstanding efforts in the medical industry from former President George H. Bush.

times. With her beloved family scattered across various continents for diplomatic and professional services, Nadine’s first 9 years in the US were exceptionally challenging.

Despite this and her many substantial trials, she cared for and protected hundreds of thousands of young people through her work as a pediatrician, successfully cared for her parents and children, and kept in frequent contact with her siblings and extended family across North America, Europe and North Africa with the optimistic perspective that the oceans separating them was “just a bit of water and not enough to deter familial solidarity.”

Above all, she made sure to instill the value of faith, family spirit, unity and love in her daughters so they would grow to understand that these are the sword and shield needed to combat any form of strife. This life lesson is the greatest legacy Nadine has imparted to her daughters, Chris Salboudis and Anne-Marie Sabbagh, and to her beloved grandchildren, Keegan and Zoe. She was widely known to all as a generous spirit. Everyone who knew her was always made to feel welcome at her table, welcome to confide, and welcome to seek refuge or assistance. Like the widow in Mark 12:41-44, she gave everything that she was, body mind and soul, to the service of her family, friends and the greater community. Through every word and action Nadine truly imparted the values of faith, courage, wisdom and attentiveness in work and in life.

While one would expect to feel a great loss at her passing, the past months of grieving, storysharing and laughter has brought about a new level of unity – and with it the ultimate fulfillment of her life’s goal to spread love and joy to others, to offer a helping hand, a patient ear, a bit of adventure… and of course the continual presentation of fantastic mezze and special dishes for every occasion. She will be deeply missed but always remembered for her k i n d n e s s , c r e a t i v i t y, w i s d o m a n d intuitiveness.

DONATIONS:

As a staunch advocate for families and youth in the U.S. and beyond, Nadine has requested that in lieu of flowers and tributes donations be made to Philo4Thought Inc., the Hellenic Me nt o r i n g In i t i at i v e (https://philo4thought.org/sponsors), which Life in the bustling city was never easy, but was inspired by the philanthropic and Nadine was always determined to infuse a professional work of Nadine and her parents, burst of joy into every day even during the Elie and Annette Sabbagh. darkest times – especially during the darkest

Greece defending the West, again!

On October 28, 1940, Greece did what she has been doing for the last couple of millenia, to say the least: she defended the West against a threat that almost destroyed it completely and this time from within, unlike during the Persian invasion, for example. The Axis alliance wanted to remake our western world first, and then the remaining, in a way that not even communism, a little later, managed to contemplate. Fortunately, and after millions of dead people and massive destruction, Fascism and Nazism failed, although they remain alive and well as mentalities of certain individuals, both from the right and the left. In one of history's biggest ironies, Greece in 1940 was under an autocratic regime, similar to the ones in Italy and Germany. Unlike the majority of the people in the aforementioned countries, though, Greeks didn't stop being free and the declaration of war by Italy in the morning of 28 of October gave them a kind of release, a way to reconfirm their freedom by fighting for it.

The rest is history. Thanks to “little” Greece, the tide of the war started to turn, the first victories smashed the undefeated image of the Axis forces. The invading Nazis a few months later in Macedonia, never broke the Metaxas defensive line: they had to surround the unrelenting fighters.

Today Greece is answering the call to another threat for Europe and the West in general: targeted massive illegal migration t hroug h Turke y of most ly-Muslim refugees, or jihadists, with the aim to establish fundamentalist enclaves in various countries in order to use them to advance their plans of initially destabilizing and later Islamizing them. For countries with small and aged populations like Greece, the threat is existential. But also major EU countries like Italy, France and Germany are facing the consequences of this new reality on a daily basis. Watching commandos with rifles patrolling Paris is already part of the sightseeing experience there.

A year and a half ago, Turkey, using the illegal immigrants that have amassed in her territory, and utilizing them as attacking weapons, tried to breach Greece's northern border, sending hundreds of thousands of them to cross it. Without international help, Greek police mostly managed to stop them and this invasion failed. They will come again, though: Erdogan is threatening every day, blackmailing the EU to send him more money. This hybrid war is far more dangerous than any other in the past and the world must come to the help of Greece massively and timely. If the country's borders are breached, it will be too late for Europe to stop the tide: no other line of defense will be possible. Greece again is defending the West, but this time can't and shouldn't do it alone!

NHS celebrates Greece’s Bicentennial by releasing on several streaming platforms

Cliffs of Freedom,

a historical drama romance movie written

by Marianne Metropoulos

deal entered into with a U.K.-based distributor that will launch streaming of the film on several global platforms on Monday, September 13, 2021 which include Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Google Play. The movie

struggles, sacrifices and saga of the Greeks is brilliantly on full display, symbolic of the resiliency, resolve and grit of the Greek people determined to be free. Their deep faith, values and love of family, culture and heritage marks the first time their story is on full display on the silver screen in epic form. The film’s production values, acting, score and the caliber of cast and crew have created a motion picture that has riveted audiences.

Dean & Marianne Metropoulos

NHS celebrates the bicentennial of Greece’s Revolutionary War with the announcement of the film’s availability that is available now on several streaming platforms. Audiences are welcomed to watch and/or purchase the film on major platforms including Amazon Prime, shall be available in 38-English speaking Apple, and Google Play. territories including the United States, Canada, Australia & the U.K., and available in The film’s storytellers, creators and artisans Latin & South America and France. Net have come together to convey a story that will proceeds generated from the TVOD platforms have a profound impact on audiences, inures to benefit NHS’ Heritage Greece especially for those that are the progeny of the forebears that lived so that others that Program. followed would be free. All net proceeds of the film will support NHS’ signature, Heritage Greece Program which in 2022 will sponsor 100+ students of Greek descent on this lifechanging educational and cultural immersion experience shared with a peer group of students from the American College of Greece in Athens.

This past year, the National Hellenic Society, a non-profit foundation that celebrate, share, and pass on Hellenic heritage in America, completed the acquisition of all rights to a major motion picture, Cliffs of Freedom. The film is an independent, historical drama romance movie based and inspired on a novel written by Marianne Metropoulos, Daughter of D estiny. T h e n ove l s e r ve d a s t h e springboard to the film produced by Marianne and Dean Metropoulos with Marianne ser ving as co-writer of the screenplay. NHS is jazzed about a distribution

Cliffs of Freedom story centers on an ill-fated romance between a beautiful young Greek village girl set in the beginning days of Greece’s Revolutionary war. The girl, played by veteran actress, Tania Raymonde, falls in love with and a handsome and conflicted Ottoman Colonel, portrayed by actor Jan Uddin. The Colonel is mentored by a Greek elder and advisor to the Empire, brilliantly portrayed by the late Academy-Award winning actor, Christopher Plummer. The brutality of the war comes to a head when the Greek village girl’s family is massacred, she swears revenge directly implicating the man she loves which ultimately leads to a battle that changes the course of history for Greece and her people.

The National Hellenic Society (NHS) is a nonprofit foundation comprised of a Who’s Who of visionaries, philanthropists and leaders that celebrate, share, and pass on Hellenic heritage in America. NHS programs include its signature Program, Heritage Greece which has reconnected and sponsored 500+ college aged students of Greek descent on a life-changing Marianne’s story is an amalgam of stories, experience hosted by the American College of accounts and events that transpired during Greece.

Greece’s Revolutionary War. The lives, 58

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