Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service
Awards Dinner 38th Anniversary of the American Hellenic Institute
Saturday, March 9, 2013 • The Capital Hilton • Washington, DC
Calamos Investments Headquarters | Naperville, IL
Proud Supporter of the American Hellenic Institute With 35 years of experience investing through economic and market cycles, Calamos Investments®* builds and manages flexible, opportunistic and risk-managed portfolios for global asset allocation objectives. An understanding of global markets and the driving economic forces behind them informs our active, fundamental approach to investing. Headquartered in the Chicago metropolitan area, the firm also has offices in London and New York. For John P. Calamos, Sr.’s perspectives on the global economy, visit www.calamos.com/ahi.
*Calamos Investments LLC, referred to herein as Calamos Investments®, is a financial services company offering such services through its subsidiaries: Calamos Advisors LLC, Calamos Wealth Management LLC, Calamos Investments LLP and Calamos Financial Services LLC. Calamos Investments, LLC, 2020 Calamos Court, Naperville, IL 60563-2787, 800.582.6959, www.calamos.com, caminfo@calamos.com © 2013 Calamos Investments LLC. All Rights Reserved. Calamos® and Calamos Investments® are registered trademarks of Calamos Investments LLC.
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program Opening & Introduction of Master of Ceremonies Nicholas G. Karambelas, Esq.
Secretary, Board of Directors, American Hellenic Institute
Master of Ceremonies Alexis Christoforous CBS News Correspondent
Presentation of the Colors
The Marines of Headquarters Battalion Headquarters, United States Marine Corps
Greek and American National Anthems Elena Stavrakas
Invocation
Reverend Konstantinos A. Pavlakos
Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Falls Church, VA
Greetings
Spiro Spireas, Ph.D.
President, American Hellenic Institute Foundation
Nick R. Larigakis
President, American Hellenic Institute
Dinner Special Presentation Gene Rossides
Founder, American Hellenic Institute & American Hellenic Institute Foundation
Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service Awards Congressman Michael Grimm Philip Christopher Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Ambassador Gianna Angelopoulos
Benediction
Reverend Konstantinos A. Pavlakos
Silent Auction After Dinner Cordials Music Provided by Apollonia
M ENU — Soup —
Blue Crab & Corn Chowder with Toasted Coconut Flakes and Cilantro — Salad —
Cast Iron Seared Sea Scallops, Potato Confit, Tomato & Olive Relish, Romesco Sauce with a Frisee Lettuce & Red Cabbage Salad — Entrée —
Duo of Beef Tenderloin & Herb Crusted Sea Bass, Truffle & Chive Yukon Gold Whipped Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Sunburst, Roasted Tomato with a Cabernet Demi — Dessert —
Trio of Mixed Berries with a Mint & Lemon Glaze, Tiramisu with Caramel Sauce and a Chocolate Crème Brulee Freshly Brewed Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee Variety of Herbal Teas — Wine —
2011 NLG Georgakopoulos Attiki Chardonnay Nostos Alexandra’s, 2008 from Manousakis Winery, Chania, Crete
AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE, INC. Board of Directors
Nick Larigakis, President Aleco Haralambides, Esq., Chairman James Lagos, Esq., Vice President Nickolas G. Karambelas, Esq., Secretary Kostas Alexakis Esq. Nicholas E. Chimicles, Esq. Leon Andris James Pedas Prof. Van Coufoudakis, Ph.D. Gene Rossides, Esq. James L. Marketos, Esq. George Tsetsekos, Ph.D. AFFILIATES AHI Business Network Area Representatives Andonis Neroulias, President, AHI-New York George Moutsatsos, M.D., President, AHI-Delaware Paul Sogotis, President, AHI-California Mariyana Spyropoulos, Esq., President, AHI-Chicago
AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE FOUNDATION, INC. Board of Directors
Spiro Spireas, Ph.D., President Ted G. Spyropoulos, Vice President Nickolas G. Karambelas, Esq., Secretary James H. Lagos, Esq., Treasurer John Alahouzos Gus Andy Nick Larigakis Eleni Rossides Gene Rossides, Esq. Kyriakos Y. Tsakopoulos Van Coufoudakis, Ph.D.,Chairman Lt. Col. Harry Dinella, USA (Ret.) Constantine Hatzidimitriou, Ph.D. S. Victor Papacosma, Ph.D. Dan Georgakas, Ph.D. Alexander K. Kyrou, Ph.D.
Fellows
Ambassador Clay Constantinou (Ret.) Andre Gerolymatos, Ph.D. Christos P. Ioannides, Ph.D. George Tsetsekos, Ph.D. Ambassador Andreas Jacovides (Ret.) Elizabeth H. Prodromou, Ph.D.
AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE – Athens Chapter Ilias Malevitis, President, AHI-Greece George C. Economou, President, AHI-Athens Chapter Panagiotis Madamopoulos-Moraris, Director of Development Katerina Papathanassiou Sylvia Gavalla
Staff Yola Pakhchanian, Director, Publications Vasilios Kotsatos, Office Manager Georgea Polizos, Legislative Assistant John Tyler Gazetos, Research Assistant Vasileios Kanellopoulos, Research Analyst/Intern
Master of Ceremonies
Alexis Christoforous CBS News Correspondent
Alexis Christoforous is a New York-based correspondent for CBS News specializing in business and consumer news. Her reports are seen on CBS’ “The Early Show,” “CBS Evening News Weekend,” “CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood,” “CBS Up-To-TheMinute,” “CBS This Morning” as well as over 200 local CBS affiliate stations internationally. Her reports can also be heard on the CBS Radio Network and WCBS News-radio 880.
celebrity interviews including Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, Henry Kissinger, Madonna, Tom Cruise, Ringo Starr, Tony Bennett and Francis Ford Coppola.
Alexis Christoforous is very active in her community. She devotes considerable time to various charities including the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club, LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts Alumni & Friends and “Feast with Famous Faces” Christoforous was anchor and correspondent for which raises money for the Children’s League of the CBS Marketwatch where she anchored the nationally Hard of Hearing. syndicated program “MarketWatch Weekend.” She was also a fill-in anchor for the local CBS affiliate, WCBS- She is also very active in the Greek community, TV, New York. She began her business news career giving her time to organizations including the The at Bloomberg Television and Radio in 1994, where Cyprus Federation, the Hellenic Times Scholarship she anchored the national PBS program, Bloomberg Fund and The Hellenic Bankers Association. She was Morning News and was Bloomberg’s first reporter honored to co-host the Greek Archon’s Humanitarian to report live from the floor of the New York Stock Awards Dinner honoring President George H. W. Bush and Barbara Bush. Exchange. A native New Yorker, Christoforous is a graduate of LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts where she studied theatre; she remains an avid supporter of the arts. Alexis went on to graduate cum laude from New York University with a degree in English and Journalism. She’s also taught a broadcast news writing course at New York University. She resides in Christoforous also conducts many newsmaker and Manhattan with her husband and three children. Christoforous has covered some of the biggest business stories of the past two decades including the internet bubble and subsequent burst in 2000, corporate accounting scandals including Enron and WorldCom, the financial crisis of 2008 and, most recently, Europe’s debt crisis.
Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Award
The illustration of the Hellenic Heritage and National Public Service Award is based upon the many images of the Goddess of Victory that appear on the approximately 300 extant Panathenaic amphorae which—filled with oil from the olive trees sacred to Athena—was the highest prize bestowed upon the victorious athletes, musicians and poets of the quadrennial Panathenaic Festival, the single most important festival celebrated in ancient Athens. The award is carved by sculptor Constantine L. Seferlis. Inspired by the glorious architecture of his birthplace Athens, Mr. Seferlis was best known for his craftsmanship at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC, where for 18 years he designed and carved more than 150 original pieces on the interior and exterior including gargoyles, flowers and the universe of decoration that is the heart of Gothic architecture. Mr. Seferlis worked extensively in Washington, D.C. including at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument. Since 1982, he had been the preservation architect at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC where he was in charge of restoration of the “Castle” and thirteen other Smithsonian Museum buildings. He was inducted into the National Sculptor Society in New York in 1971 and the National Academy of Design in 1974. He also starred in the 1984 Academy Award winning documentary film “The Stone Carvers.” Mr. Seferlis passed away March 27, 2005 at the age of 76.
Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award
Congressman Michael Grimm 11th Congressional District of New York
For his distinguished service in the armed forces and law enforcement and his subsequent public service that so passionately advocates for Hellenic ideals.
Congressman Michael Grimm represents New York’s 11th Congressional District which includes the borough of Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn in New York City. Prior to his election to the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Grimm served in the United States Marine Corps where he received a combat meritorious promotion during Operation Desert Storm. After returning from his tour of duty he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a Special Agent where he served undercover taking down organized crime bosses, crooked politicians and became one of the first FBI Agents to successfully infiltrate Wall Street. Congressman Michael Grimm is proud to represent a thriving Greek and Cypriot population in Brooklyn and Staten Island and in August 2011, as one of his first trips as a Member of Congress, Representative Grimm traveled to Cyprus with representatives from the local Greek and Cypriot community to see firsthand the effects of the Turkish occupation. In Congress, Representative Grimm has been an active member of the Hellenic Caucus, attending numerous events in support of educating his fellow members of Congress on the importance of strengthening the United States’ relationship with Greece and Cyprus.
His fidelity to issues of importance to the Hellenic community is demonstrated clearly in the volume of legislation he has sponsored on behalf of Greek and Cypriot Americans, including H.R. 2597, the American-Owned Property in Occupied Cyprus Claims Act. Outside of Washington, Congressman Grimm has also aggressively petitioned New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to rebuild St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in lower Manhattan. Destroyed in the 9/11 attacks, negotiations with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey recently paved the way for the church to be rebuilt. Endorsed by former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro, Representative Grimm enjoys broad support from a variety of unions, trade associations and civic groups and has earned high marks from constituents for his responsiveness. With gratitude for his outstanding achievements and life-long service to our nation and community, we present Congressman Michael Grimm with the Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award this ninth day of March, 2013, at our Thirty-eighth Anniversary Dinner.
Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Award
Philip Christopher
Founder and President, American Network Solutions President, International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus For his pioneering role in wireless telecommunications and his fervent support of justice and the rule of law for the people of Cyprus.
For nearly half a century, Phil Christopher has been helping to shape the telecommunications industry, largely through his work at Audiovox, where he was president and CEO and as member of the executive committee of CTIA – The Wireless Association.
on Capitol Hill as he is among telecom executives, Phil has dedicated forty years of his life to the Cyprus issue and is a fierce advocate of Hellenism.
Today, as founder and CEO of American Network Solutions, Phil is using his vast experience to assist U.S.-based companies in promoting and exporting their products to the Asian Marketplace.
A rabid soccer fan, and all-American soccer star at New York University, Phil is the founder and president of two successful semi-pro soccer teams: the New York Pancyprians and the New York Freedoms. Together, these two teams have hoisted multiple championship trophies and compete at the highest levels.
Phil’s public service goes far beyond his work defending Cyprus and Hellenic values. He has been honored by The evolution of the wireless industry has occurred organizations as diverse as the New York Mets, Lions at a break-neck speed, and Phil has been there each Club International and the American Jewish Congress, step of the way, helping to drive innovation through Metropolitan Region. He is a recipient of the Ellis Island product development, working with all major wireless Medal of Honor and served as a member of the White carriers in North and South America to utilize the House Economic Council under President Clinton. latest technologies, and helping bring better products Phil is an active and generous member of the Board to the American marketplace. No matter his role – of Trustees of New York Hospital Medical Center of Mr. Christopher has consistently delivered results that Queens and is an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate benefit shareholders and consumers alike. of Constantinople.
A native of Kyrenia, a city on the northern coast of Cyprus, currently subject to Turkish occupation, Phil is a passionate advocate for his homeland. As the founder and president of the Pancyprian Association of American and the president of the International Coordinating Committee for Justice for Cyprus, he works tirelessly seeking justice for the people of Cyprus. As well-known
With gratitude for his outstanding achievements and lifelong service to our nation and community, we present Philip Christopher with the Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Award this ninth day of March, 2013, at our Thirty-eighth Anniversary Dinner.
AHI Religious Freedom Award
Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate For the sacrifices and commitments of the Archons in advocating religious freedom on behalf of His All-Holiness Bartholomew and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
St. Andrew the Apostle was the first among the twelve to be called by Jesus Christ to formal ministry. It is appropriate then, that today, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate look to their martyred patron for intercession and inspiration as the first organization in the United States to advance the cause of religious freedom, a first amendment right, on behalf of the Mother Church of Constantinople. Established on the Sunday of Orthodoxy, March 10, 1966 when His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory first conferred the historic title of Archon upon thirty men, the ranks of the Order of Saint Andrew has grown to nearly 800. Known individually for their generous spirit, piety and humility, the collective work of the Archons over the past four decades is staggering. Under the guidance and inspiration of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, the Archons have developed a comprehensive multifaceted domestic and international strategy to secure the religious liberty for the Sacred see of Saint Andrew, the spiritual center of the world’s 300 million Orthodox Christians. Whether in statehouses across the country – where they have worked with 42 states to pass resolutions in support of religious freedom – or in the halls of Congress, where their work enjoys broad support from both parties, at the White House and the Executive branch of our government, the Archons are a political force that is second-to-none in creating a greater sense of urgency for action at all levels in our nation. Known worldwide for their passionate defense of religious freedom, the Archons routinely meet with diplomats and
heads of state in Europe and beyond as they work to free the First Among Equals in the Orthodox Christian world from the tethers of prejudice, injustice and oppression. The Archons historic religious freedom conference in 2010, held at the European Parliament, was a landmark event that shined a brighter-than-usual spotlight on injustices carried out by the Turkish government against religious minority groups. In the wake of the conference, the Turkish government and Prime Minister Erdogan, have signaled a willingness to budge, albeit slightly, on several key issues. Most significant of these is indication that the Turkish government will return a limited inventory of confiscated properties – a reversal of a previously intractable position. The Order of Saint Andrew, and its commander, Anthony J. Limberakis, MD, has been honored by numerous ethnic, civic and religious organizations alike for its advocacy of the Orthodox Christian Faith. Such recognition is an acknowledgment that throughout the Orthodox Church and, indeed, throughout Christendom, there is no other lay organization that lays claim to such a historic heritage and rich legacy of successful and dedicated service to the ideals of religious freedom and tolerance that are the hallmark of free and just societies. In recognition of the commitment of its members and their collective success in defense of religious freedom, we present the Order of St. Andrew, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate with the AHI Religious Freedom Award this ninth day of March, 2013 at our Thirty-eighth Anniversary Dinner.
Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award
Gianna Angelopoulos Ambassador, Author, and President, ATHENS 2004 For her visionary leadership and continuing advocacy for the rule of law and healthy, vibrant democracies.
Gianna Angelopoulos is well known for winning and saving the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. Additionally, she is an Ambassador of the Greek State, a lawyer by training and a former member of Parliament. She has previously been named one of the 50 most powerful women by Forbes magazine. Today, Ambassador Angelopoulos-Daskalaki is an active member of the Clinton Global Initiative and she serves as Vice-Chairperson of the Dean’s Council for Harvard’s John. F. Kennedy School of Government. In 1995, she helped lead a Kennedy School Symposium titled “The Greek Paradox,” which examined ways in which her country could close the gap between its promise and its performance in the political, economic and foreign policy fields. That work was put to the test in 1997 when Mrs. Angelopoulos was called in to lead the Olympic Bidding Committee for Greece. After waging a successful campaign and winning the right to host the 2004 Olympic Games for her country, Ambassador Angelopoulos was called on again in 2000 to rescue her country. Due to slow progress and gridlocked bureaucracy Athens was in danger of losing the Olympic Games. Mrs. Angelopoulos
was asked to assume the presidency of the ATHENS 2004 Organizing Committee for the Olympics. Under her leadership, Athens made up for lost time and gave the world what IOC President Jacques Rogge called: “an unforgettable, dream Games.” Her voice, having already altered the trajectory of the 2004 Olympic Games, offers valuable insight on ways that Greece can emerge stronger as a nation. As President Clinton has noted, Gianna Angelopoulos “presents a useful guide for those who seek to transform lives, organizations, and even nations.” That story will be on center stage in May 2013, when her new book, MY GREEK DRAMA: Life, Love and One Woman’s Olympic Effort to Bring Glory to Her Country will be published by Greenleaf Book Group Press. A mother of three grown children, she lives with her husband, Theodore, in Athens. With gratitude for her outstanding achievements and life-long dedication to Hellenic principles, particularly democracy, we present Gianna Angelopoulos with the Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award this ninth day of March, 2013, at our Thirty-eighth Anniversary Dinner.
Past Honorees 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1990 Congressman William Broomfield (R-MI); Ms. Deena Speliakos Clark; The Honorable Edward Derwinski; George T. Economos, M.D.; Senator Howell Heflin (D-AL); Senator Larry Pressler (R-SD); NOT PICTURED: Sen. Joseph Biden (D-DE) and General James A. Van Fleet. 1991 George P. Alafoginis; The Order of the AHEPA; Peter B. Caloyeras; Congressman Edward F. Feighan (D-OH); Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman (R-NY); George M. Marcus; Dr. Nicholas Matsakis; The Honorable Barbara Spyridon Pope; George Tames. 1992 John N. Deoudes; Aliki Gregory Bryant; Lt. General William G. “Gus” Pagonis; Icarus N. (Ike) Pappas; Virginia Lucas Nick; George Spyropoulos Voyantzis; Dr. John Brademas; NOT PICTURED: Congressman Gus Yatron (D-PA); Senator Paul S. Sarbanes (D-MD); William P. Tavoulereas. 1993 Congressman Vic Fazio (D-CA); Nicholas Gage; Vice Admiral Michael P. Kalleres; George R. Stephanopoulos; Eva Catafygiotou Topping; Peter Zourdos; NOT PICTURED: Congressman Michael Bilirakis (R-FL). 1994 Michael Dennos; Arianna Stassinopoulos Huffington; The Honorable Nick Petris; Linda Evans; Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME); Conrad Valanos; Yanni. 1995 Ernie Anastos; John Andreas Catsimatidis; Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY); Pete L. Manos; Harry Mark Petrakis; NOT PICTURED: Congressman George W. Gekas (R-PA).
Past Honorees 1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
1996 Olympia Dukakis; Dr. George N. Hatsopoulos; Congressman Ron Klink (D-PA); Kathryn Cameron Porter; John J. Rigas; Efthimios O. Vidalis; David R. Weinberg, Ph.D. 1997 George Bissell; Evangeline Gouletas; Dean C. Lomis, Ph.D.; Congressman Robert Menendez (D-NJ); John Pappajohn; NOT PICTURED: Peter Angelos Esq. and Congressman Michael Pappas (R-NJ). 1998 George D. Behrakis; Stamatios M. Krimigis; Dr. Ioanna T. Morfessis; Congressman Randy “Duke� Cunningham; Harry J. Pappas. 1999 Congressman Robert Andrews (D-1st NJ); Ms. Theodora Sideropoulos Hancock; Dr. Martina Souretis Horner; Dr. Constantine Papadakis; Mr. Peter L. Venetis; C. Dean Metropoulos; Mrs. Alexandra Glekas. 2000 Sen. William Roth, Jr. (R-DE); Dr. Elias Gyftopoulos; Cong. Donald Payne (D-NJ); Thalia Assuras; Nickolas Davatzes; Ted Leonsis; Dr. Ted Lyras. 2001 John C. Metaxas (MC); Ambassador R. Nicholas Burns; Angene George Rafferty; Nicholas J. Bouras; Congresswoman Constance A. Morella (R-MD); The Yeonas Brothers, Stephen Yeonas (and posthumously Constantine, Jimmie and Paul).
Past Honorees 2002
2003
2004
2004 Olympic Honorees
2005
2006
2002 Antonis Diamataris; Nadia Weinberg; Cong. Frank Pallone; Marilyn Rouvelas; Christos Cotsakos; Thalia Assuras (M.C.) 2003 Dr. Charles Moskos; Commissioner Demetrios A. Boutris; Dr. Christine M. Warnke; James N. Gianopulos; Amb. Clay Constantinou. Also pictured (continuing, l-r):Jack Valenti and AHI Chairman James Marketos. 2004 George J. Tenet; Helen Nicozisis; George C. Chrysis; Not pictured: Amb. Thomas Miller. 2004 Olympic honorees: Olympians Christa Dalakis; Irene Andili; and Charles Mooney. 2005 Stylianos S. Zavvos; Judge Stephanie Duncan-Peters; Dr. Helen C. Evans; George Veras; NOT PICTURED: Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. 2006 Mary Filou; Kyriakos Tsakopoulos; Reverend Doctor John Tavlarides; Congressman Chris Van Hollen; and Georgia Skeadas.
Past Honorees 2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2007 John P. Calamos, Sr.; Christopher Hitchens; Margo Catsimatidis; Plato Cacheris; NOT PICTURED: Rep. Thaddeus G. McCotter. 2008 Melina Kanakaredes; Archbishop Demetrios; Anna Lea; Anthony Papadimitriou; NOT PICTURED: Rep. Zack Space. 2009 George Pelecanos; John G. Rangos, Sr.; Cat Cora; Dr. George Tsetsekos; Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). 2010 Executive Director Nick Larigakis, Manny Rouvelas, Niki Leondakis, Peter Carmanos Jr. and AHI President Aleco Haralambides. Not Pictured: Congressman John Sarbanes & John Aniston. 2011 Dr. David Horner, Dr. Takey Crist, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, Michael Constantine, Larry Michael. 2012 Ambassador Tom Korologos, E.J. “Mike� Elliot, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, Dr. Sotirios Vahaviolos and Kary Antholis.
Embassy of Greece Washington, D.C.
2217 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 Tel.: (202) 939 1311, Fax: (202) 939 1324
The Ambassador
Message from the Ambassador of Greece to the American Hellenic Institute
I greatly appreciate this evening’s opportunity to extend my warmest wishes to the leadership and honorees of the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), as well as to all the distinguished guests who are joining us here tonight, on the occasion of the 38th Anniversary Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner. The American Hellenic Institute, throughout its 38 year long history, has played a crucial and unique role in strengthening the bonds between the United States and Greece. The annual visits by university students and the AHI leadership to Greece, in addition to the other many multifaceted events that AHI organizes every year, not only in the United States, but also in Greece, contribute greatly to a better understanding between the people of Greece and the people of the Untied States. Moreover, having been created in the aftermath of Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus, back in 1974, AHI has become the focal point of continuous and tireless efforts for Greek – Americans to become actively engaged in US policy toward Greece and Cyprus. It is commonly known that AHI (and its founder Gene Rossides) played a crucial role in the initiative led by all Greek – American Organizations for the passage of Congressional legislation that enacted the US arms embargo on Turkey. Today, AHI, true to its origins and mission statement, keeps busy promoting causes close to our heart. Over a period of several years, when the Greek economy has been hit by a galloping financial crisis, AHI’s efforts to change wrong perceptions about Greece are highly appreciated and fully recognized by Greeks everywhere. I am really grateful to have been offered this opportunity to extend to the Board of Directors and the members of AHI my best wishes for the continued success in your invaluable endeavors. Christos Panagopoulos
Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus Washington, D.C. Message of the Chargé d’ Affaires of the Republic of Cyprus to the United States, Mrs. Olympia Neocleous, on the Occasion of the 38th Anniversary of the Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner of the American Hellenic Institute March 9, 2013 It is with great honor that I extend this message of warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the American Hellenic Institute’s 38th Anniversary of the Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner. Since its inception almost thirty-nine years ago, AHI has distinguished itself as one of the foremost and prominent organizations of the Diaspora in North America and has been a steadfast proponent of issues affecting Hellenism. It managed to establish itself within the U.S. capital and beyond, due to the indefatigable efforts of its determined and energetic leadership, embodied in the founder and driving force of the Institute, Mr. Eugene Rossides, and in its current President and COO, Mr. Nick Larigakis. Following its establishment just after the brutal Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the American Hellenic Institute has worked tirelessly and persistently for the protection and promotion of freedom, the rule of law, democracy and human rights of the people of Cyprus. It has been at the vanguard of the efforts to end the Turkish occupation of Cyprus and has vigorously advocated for Cyprus’ just cause of achieving a viable and functional solution of the Cyprus problem. AHI has been actively engaged in promoting the interests of the members of the community, providing an effective context and medium for preserving our national identity as well as promoting our rich cultural heritage and traditions in the United States. The Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner is an apt example of this important contribution. I warmly congratulate the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the well-deserved honor of receiving the second ever AHI Religious Freedom Award and wish them continued success in their noble endeavors. We, Cypriots, understand all too well the importance of consolidating religious freedom due to the ongoing flagrant violations and destruction of religious monuments at the occupied part of our country. I am also particularly pleased to join others in paying tribute to this year’s distinguished honorees. I warmly congratulate Philip Christopher for his unwavering commitment and devotion to the struggle for achieving a just solution of the Cyprus problem and for his efforts to promote the interests of the Community. I would like to extend my cordial congratulations to Ambassador Gianna AngelopoulosDaskalaki for her outstanding public service and her commitment in promoting our precious cultural identity. Furthermore, I am honored to congratulate Congressman Michael Grimm for his valuable support to all issues affecting Hellenism and his continuing support to our cause of ending the division of the island. All three of them have clearly earned the Community’s respect and affection and I warmly applaud them for receiving this well-deserved recognition. On this auspicious occasion, I salute the esteemed American Hellenic Institute and its leadership and members for their laudable accomplishments, spirit and ethos, and extend my very best wishes for continued success and well-being to all.
Olympia Neocleous Chargé d’ Affaires a.i.
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HELLENIC AMERICAN NATIONAL COUNCIL ΕΛΛΗΝΟΑΜΕΡΙΚΑΝΙΚΟ ΕΘΝΙΚΟ ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΙΟ 26 West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083 Tel: 610-446-1463, E-mail : paul@hermesexpo.com
H.A.N.C. OFFICERS
www.hellenicamericannationalcouncil.org
PAUL KOTROTSIOS, MBA PRESIDENT PAUL@HELLENICNEWS.COM DIMITRIS ROZANITIS, 1ST VICE PRESIDENT, CHRIS CHRISTAKIS, 2ND VICE PRESIDENT KOSTAS KOUTRAKOS, 3RD VICE PRESIDENT BILL MATARAGAS, TREASURER KOSTAS HATZISTEFANIDIS, A. TREASURER ANDREANNA FILIOTIS, GENERAL SECRETARY STELLA KOKOLIS, ASSISTANT SECRETARY LEGAL COUNSEL AKI BAYZ, ESQ. HARRY J. KARAPALIDES, ESQ. TASSOS EFSTRATIADES, ESQ. GEORGE HORIATES, ESQ. DIMITRIS KALAMARAS, ESQ. HONORARY HANC PRESIDENTS JOHN N. NATHENAS, MD THEODORE G. SPYROPOULOS PRESIDENTS FORUM
DR. SPYROS MEZITIS HELLENIC MEDICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA JOHN MANOS PANCRETAN ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA KOSTAS HATZISTEFANIDIS PAN-MACEDONIAN ASSOCIATION, INC. (USA) ELIAS TSEKERIDIS FED. OF HELLENIC SOC. OF GREATER N.Y. SIAMBOULIS GEORGE PAN GREGORIAN ENTERPRISES INC. KOSTAS KOUTRAKOS PAN LACONIAN FED. OF UNITED STATES & CANADA MR. POTAKIS PAN ARCADIAN FEDERATION OF AMERICA GEORGE KALYVAS PAN-MESSINIAN FED. OF USA & CANADA DIMITRIS N. MOLOHIDES PAN PONTIAN FEDERATION OF AMERICA & CANADA PETER DOUKAS PAN CORINTHIAN FEDERATION W ORLDWIDE TED LALIOTIS HELLENIC FEDERATION OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DIMITRI ROZANITIS. FED. HELLENIC AMERICAN SOC. OF PHILADELPHIA FED. OF HELLENIC AMERICAN SOC. OF NEW ENGLAND MARY PANOS PAN-HELLENIC FEDERATION OF FLORIDA BILL MATARANGAS ENOSIS HELLENIC AMERICAN ORGS. OF ILLINOI DIMITRIS KOUTOULAS PANEPIROTIC FED. OF AMERICA & CANADA ANDRE STEPHANOU NAT. HELLENIC AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TOM SKENDERIS
EVRYTANIAN ASSN OF AMERICA “VELOUCHI” DIMITRIOS KONTOLIOS CHIOS SOCIETIES OF AMERICA & CANADA STELLA KOKOLIS PAN-AMERICAN FEDERATION OF GREEK TEACHERS BILL MATARAGAS IONIAN PELAGOS/ZAKYNTHIAN FEDERATION ELIAS TOMAZOS HELLENIC SOCIETY PADEIA UCONN PHILLIP TREVEZAS FED. OF HELLENIC AMERICAN SOC. OF S. CALIFORNIA ANASTASE NICODEMOU FEDERATION OF THE ISL. OF LESVOS OF USA & CANADA BILL KOTSALOS FEDERATION OF STEREA HELLAS PETER PAPANIKOLAOU CYPRUS FEDERATION OF AMERICA MARY PANOS GEORGIA FED. OF HELLENIC AMERICAN ORG. JOHN SAKALLARIS PAN KARPATHIAN EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION DR. PALLAS DIMITRI AMERICAN HELLENIC CONGRESS STEVE PELARDIS PAN-RHODIAN SOCIETY OF AMERICA “APOLLON” INC. TASSOS EFSTRATIADES, ESQ. FED OF HELLENIC ORGANIZATIONS OF NEW JERSEY, INC.
LOUKAS MARITSAS PAN ELIAN FEDER. OF AMERICA & CANADA STELIOS MANIS US HELLENIC HUNTING, FISHING & SHOOTING ASSOC. JOHN HIONIS FEDERATION OF CEPHALONIANS ODYSSEYS
M arch 9, 2013 Nick Larigakis, President American Hellenic Institute W ashington, DC
Dear Mr. Larigakis: On behalf of the Hellenic American National Council (HANC), representing all the Presidents of the Member American Hellenic Federations, I would like to congratulate the AHI Founder Mr. Eugene Rossides, Nick Larigakis, President, Dr. Spiros Spireas, President of the AHIF and the entire AHI team for their achievements in promoting the Hellenic spirit and public service, and for the celebration of the 38th Anniversary of the Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service Awards Dinner. I would also like to commend members and supporters of the AHI and encourage them to continue their commitment to the organization and our goals as Greek Americans. It is both because of the belief and determination of the organizers and those who support them that we have been able to realize such success. And last but not least, congratulations to the 2013 honorees: Philip Christopher, President of PSEKA, Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, Ambassador, Representative Michael Grimm, Order of Saint Andrew, for their accomplishments, their dedication to society and the attention to our National Issues. We do consider the American Hellenic Institute as the premier organization of the Greek American community, dedicated to the advancement of the ideals of democracy and the Hellenic spirit. AHI is a force not only for the representation of the Greek American community but for the plurality found in American politics through their ad vocation of the rule of law and human rights. It is AHI that is at the forefront of the Hellenic AGONAS on Capitol Hill and for that we should all honor and support them for their commitment to excellence in public service, education, and cultural understanding of the Greek American community and America. On behalf of the Executive Council and all the presidents of the member federations, we congratulate AHI once again and hope they will continue their tremendous efforts. We are honored and obliged to continue our support and cooperation with the AHI. Best regards,
Paul Kotrotsios
Paul Kotrotsios, MBA President American Hellenic National Council (HANC) ΕΛΛΗΝΟΑΜΕΡΙΚΑΝΙΚΟ ΕΘΝΙΚΟ ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΙΟ paulkotrotsios@gmail.com
March 9, 2013
Dear Friends: It is with great pleasure that on behalf of the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus we salute AHI's 38th Anniversary of Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner! It is especially important that now, while Greece faces a terrible economic crises, we recognize individuals whose achievements and successes remind the world of the excellence of Hellenes. The individuals honored this evening by AHI, are truly Greece’s Goodwill Ambassadors. In particular, we are proud to join in celebrating and honoring our own President, Philip Christopher, saluting the distinguished work that PSEKA has accomplished under his leadership! It is through the hard work of organizations such as AHI, it is through the excellence and integrity of individuals such as this year's honorees, it is through the commitment and dedication of thousands of Hellenes and philhellenes throughout the United States, that our community and our children have retained a pursuit of excellence, education and dedication to public service. AHI plays a major role in the struggle of the Cypriot people for freedom and justice. AHI was founded on August 1, 1974, following Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus with the illegal use of Americansupplied arms in violation of U.S. laws and agreements. AHI initiated the rule of law issue in the Congress in the interests of the U.S., thus changing the face of American politics. We will continue our fight for human rights and justice until Cyprus is once again, free and united! This year's honorees are individuals who truly have made great strides in their fields and whose achievements and contributions are the epitome of Public Service and serve as an example to us all! The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle; for their never ending battle for religious freedom HE Ambassador Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, for being a dynamic representative of the Republic of Greece The Honorable Michael Grimm, for being a consistent and dedicated champion of our issues; and Philip Christopher, our tireless President and leader, whose energy and guidance has led our way for 38 years! AXIOS! Congratulations once again to this year's honorees, the Board of Directors, committees and volunteers who have worked towards this evening's success. Sincerely,
Tasos Zambas Alternate President International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus ~ 23-15 31st Street ~ Astoria, NY 11105 ~ psekausa@aol.com ~ 718-545-7202
MESSAGE BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE CYPRUS FEDERATION OF AMERICA PETER PAPANICOLAOU Saturday, March 9, 2013
On behalf of the Cyprus Federation of America, I am delighted to extend my heartfelt greetings and warmest congratulations to AHI and to tonight’s honorees on the occasion of the American Hellenic Institute’s 38th Anniversary of the Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service Awards.
We are extremely pleased to pay tribute to the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate whose mission, responsibilities, deep commitments, and unwavering dedication conform faithfully to the teachings of Christ and the doctrines of the Greek Orthodox Church. Ambassador Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki ‘s accomplishments are too numerous to mention but we will never forget that with her perseverence she was responsible for winning and saving the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. Under her leadership, Athens gave the world what IOC President Jacques Rogge called: "an unforgettable, dream Games."
We take this opportunity to thank our good friend Congressman Michael Grimm who is a true advocate of the Hellenic and Cypriot causes and as a great supporter of human rights issues. As his constituent, I know first hand how hard he works to improve the lives of the people in his district and beyond.
Last but not least, we are extremely proud that our fellow Cypriot, dear friend and former President of our organization, Mr. Philip Christopher is being honored tonight. Over the past forty years, no one has worked harder than Philip to promote the Cyprus cause, including the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation forces, the return of the refugees to their homes, the reunification of Cyprus, and the restoration of the human rights of the Cypriot people. In addition, Philip has also brought to the forefront many other issues that are dear to Hellenes throughout the world, including the Patriarchate, Macedonia, and many others. Thank you Philip and congratulations for a well-deserved honor.
Sincerely, Cyprus Federation of America, Inc.
Peter Papanicolaou President
Theeodore & Erika Spy yropouloss Foundation
Message on the occasion of the 38 3 th Annive rsary A.H.II. Awards D Dinner The “American “ H Hellenic Insttitute” (A.H..I.) has beenn an influen ntial and powerful lobbying organizationn in Washiington, D.C . for the ppast four ddecades and has champ pioned the ruule of law annd American values in forreign policy y. With its foorceful voice has exposed double-standdards and su uccessfully rredressed unj njustifiable poolicy imbalannces, always in the best iinterests of thhe U.S. We accknowledge A A.H.I. and its affiliate orgaanizations for their contin nuous and pi oneering effo forts towards the solutionn and promo otion of issuees affecting U U.S. relationns in Southeaastern Europ pe, a criticallly important region to A American nattional interessts. We co ongratulate thhe founder of A.H.I. Honn. Gene Rosssides, the Presiident & Chieef Operating Office Mr. Nick Larigaakis and all the Board M Members on their achievem ments and tireless efforts to o strengthen and a improve rrelationships between Unitted States, Grreece and Cyprrus as in the best b interests of o the U.S. A.H.I.’s activities, in nitiations of congressional legislationn, policy staatements, annnual conferennces, lectures, seminars and d the summer trips to Greeece and Cypprus for Ameerican collegee students, innform and educcate American n people on issues related d to the Hell enic History,, Education, Culture, issues of Greek an nd Cypriot intterest and Inteernational Rellationships. We take this opportun nity to express our sincere appreciation to all of toniight’s honorees: Order of SSaint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumen nical Patriarchhate, Philip Christopher, president of the Internatio onal Coordinating Com mmittee “Justice for Cyyprus”, Giannna Angeloppoulos-Daskaalaki, Ambassaador of the Hellenic H Repu ublic, Represeentative Michhael Grimm, E Elevent Conggressional District of New York, Y on theirr vision, hard work, excelleence, professiionalism and service in Am merica, Greekk and Cypriot causes, c Hellen nism, Orthodo oxy, Politics and Communnity. Their leaadership and commitment are a blessing to us all! It has beeen a great honor and priviilege for me to t serve as a bboard membeer and I am loooking forwaard to it’s continuing leadersship in public affairs. Sincerely y,
Theod dore G. Spyro opoulos 2155 W. 80th Street, IL 60620 0, U.S.A. Tel: (773) 783 5555 - Fax: (773 3) 994-5037 E Email: theogsp@g gmail.com spyropoulos.org - www.plantyourrrootsingreece.orrg www.s
2012 Annual Report Introduction Dear Members and Friends: It affords me great pleasure to present the 2012 AHI Annual Report. All of AHI’s policy-based programs and initiatives that advance the best interests of the United States on issues of importance to Greek Americans are encapsulated in this report. In 2012, AHI issued 81 press releases detailing our numerous policy activities. These activities included: the 37th Annual Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner; the 11th annual “Future of Hellenism in America” conference; the 9th Annual Awards Dinner in Athens; our annual “Congressional Salute to Greek Independence Day” on Capitol Hill; our annual trips to Greece and Cyprus, including our Study Abroad Program and a continuing commitment to visit Israel; and our numerous public policy conferences and forums. Following the 2010 debut of the documentary Cyprus Still Divided: A U.S. Foreign Policy Failure” that aired on PBS, we embarked on an ambitious series of “Town Hall Screenings” throughout North America. In 2012, the “Town Hall Screenings” helped to elevate awareness of the Cyprus issue to greater heights with events held in nine venues, bringing the total number of screenings in major metropolitan areas to 24. At AHI’s south Florida screening, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee at the time participated. At AHI, the majority of our efforts focus on advancing U.S. relations with Greece and Cyprus as in the best interests of the U.S., and to support the Greek American community. To this effect, we engaged policy makers in the administration and Congress through numerous action alerts, letters, testimony, and face-toface meetings with a significant number of congressional staff persons in 2012. When appropriate, AHI showcased commentaries, letters, and op-ed pieces critical of Turkey’s foreign policy positions as well as crafting our own op-eds and letters to the editor to mainstream and Greek American media outlets. We also continued to keep our audience informed with our Policy Statements, Capital Report, and foreign policy forums. AHI Foundation contributes to this effort with the publication of its Online Policy Journal
which addresses a cluster of national and international issues pertinent to the interests of Greece, Cyprus, and the United States AHI hosted three major policy conferences that took an in-depth examination of the critical issues and developments affecting Greece, Cyprus and Turkey. Topics examined were Greece’s economic crisis, Cyprus’ EU Presidency and the evolution of Turkey’s foreign policy. How Turkey interacts with the development of the U.S. foreign policy via think tanks was also examined in our Noon Forum. Furthermore, we had a parade of visiting dignitaries from Greece and Cyprus visit Hellenic House. This included a Greek parliamentary delegation, several ministers and deputy ministers, military officials, and former Greek Olympic hero. AHI also welcomed new U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus John Koenig and new Greek Ambassador to the U.S. Christos Panagopoulos. We accomplished all of these initiatives thanks to the dedication of AHI’s Board of Directors and Policy Fellows and assistance of our staff. In 2012, we were proud to announce a new hire, Legislative Assistant Georgea Polizos.
2013: Keeping our Policy Agenda Visible amid New Government Officials AHI will look to strengthen the programs and initiatives that were offered in 2012. We are always looking for innovative ways to improve service to our membership base, to better address our core agenda, and to cultivate opportunities to positively influence the Greek American community and U.S. relations with Greece and Cyprus. We aspire to do so amid ongoing challenging economic times. We will continue to seek your support as we strive to meet our basic mission as advocates for the rule of law. The eastern Mediterranean remains a region of crucial importance to U.S. interests, and we must advance and promote policies that embrace the rule of law in the region. Coming off a successful EU presidency, the Republic of Cyprus remains divided and now faces economic challenges. Although 2012 saw little progress with respect to religious freedom in Turkey, the plight of the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Patriarchate continues and Turkey was in fact designated a “Country of Particular Concern” nation by the U.S. Commission on International
Religious Freedom. Turkey’s dubious and troublesome foreign policy direction, which includes Turkish aggression in the Aegean and bellicose threats against Israel and Cyprus as they develop oil and gas reserves within their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), is ongoing. The FYROM namerecognition issue remains at a stalemate, and Greece’s economic condition remains uncertain. All require our collective attention and action. Together, we must work to educate a new Congress on our issues. The 113th Congress will remain divided and there will be new members in key committee positions. In addition, although President Barack Obama has won re-election, we will also be working with new officials and staff within his administration, including a new secretary of State, John Kerry. Therefore, we have plenty of work to do to ensure that our issues remain at the forefront of the Obama Administration’s foreign policy agenda and that the policy commitments he made to the community are kept. Finally, AHI looks to build upon the momentum generated by uplifting programs such as our study abroad initiative for college students or our outreach to the Jewish American community while exploring additional ways to encourage growth in commerce, trade, and investment between the United States and Greece and Cyprus. In particular, AHI will continue to pursue efforts with United Airlines to reestablish a direct airline route to Athens from the United States. On the policy front, AHI is excited about a partnership it will launch with the Hudson Institute in 2013. I am deeply grateful and appreciative of the members, officers and staff for their dedication. Everyone worked together to make 2012 another productive year. Alongside our own activities in Washington, AHI’s strength relies on the many significant contributions and generous support of our members. We also look to you to communicate your suggestions, share your knowledge, and provide your insights so that we can continue to fulfill the needs of our most valuable asset—our members. Thank you. Warmest regards,
Nick Larigakis, President
Public Policy: An Overview 2012 Policy Statements on Greek American Issues The American Hellenic Institute released its 2012 Policy Statements, which present issues affecting the Greek American community as they pertain to United States relations with Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey. In essence, the statements set the course for AHI’s policy direction for the year. The policy statements are distributed to high-ranking government officials and policymakers. They also serve as a guide when communicating positions to U.S. policy makers and the media. The positions are based on the best interests of the United States. The policy statements were approved by several membership-based organizations including: American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), American Hellenic Council of California, Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), Cyprus Federation of America, Evrytanian Association of America “Velouchi,” Hellenic American National Council (HANC), International Coordination Committee-Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA), Pancretan Association of America, Pan-Pontian Federation of U.S.A and Canada, Panepirotic Federation of America, and United Chios Societies of America and Canada.
Greece-Turkey Relations AHI closely monitors Greece-Turkey relations to keep key U.S. government officials apprised of developments that affect U.S. interests in the eastern Mediterranean. AHI supports a policy that encourages a normalization of relations between the two countries and is firmly based on international law and a reversal of aggression. AHI also believes that it is in the best interest of the U.S. to support stable relations between these two countries by proactively promoting the rule of law. In particular, AHI notes the following areas as the fundamental causes of problems between Greece and Turkey: • Turkey’s unilateral claims against sovereign Greek territory in the Aegean in violation of international law, and its refusal to refer its unilateral claims to binding international arbitration; • Turkey’s aggression against Cyprus and its continuing illegal occupation of 37.3 percent of Cyprus; • Turkey’s continuing violations of Greece’s territorial waters and airspace; and • Illegal immigration via Turkey that threatens Greek democracy. In sum, the threat of casus belli still stands and a considerable number of formal complaints were made by Greece over continued violations by Turkey of the Greek airspace and territorial waters.
2012 ANNUAL REPORT
The Cyprus Problem AHI supports a settlement of the Cyprus problem through negotiations based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation in a state with a single sovereignty and international personality, incorporating the norms of a constitutional democracy embracing key American principles, the EU acquis communautaire and EU Founding Treaty, UN resolutions on Cyprus, the pertinent decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and of other European Courts — as is the best interests of the United States. One of AHI’s primary objectives is to keep the Cyprus issue, the basis for a solution, and the ongoing violations of religious freedom and destruction of cultural heritage in Turkish-occupied Cyprus at the forefront of the policy debate in Washington. Fundamental to this approach are AHI meetings with U.S. government officials and their staffs and government representatives from Greece and Cyprus. These meetings are important tactics to help forge closer cooperation, foster greater understanding, and stimulate new ideas as all parties work toward a Cyprus resolution. Furthermore, AHI successfully worked to have Cyprus included in the 2012 Republican Party platform. Additionally, AHI continues to push for greater public and governmental awareness of the issue. AHI accomplishes this task by submitting numerous letters to the editors of prominent print media outlets, sending letters to government officials, producing op-ed pieces, and the dissemination of action alerts. However, it was AHI’s series of “Town Hall Screenings” of the one-hour documentary “Cyprus Still Divided: A U.S. Foreign Policy Failure” that has helped to keep the Cyprus issue in the public’s eye. Thanks to AHI, the documentary has been screened internationally and in 24 major metropolitan areas in North America since its launch in 2010. The documentary has aired on Detroit Public Television and Maryland Public Television. Finally, AHI’s commitment to Cyprus is demonstrated by two annual visits to Cyprus and the newly-added annual visitation to Israel to discuss energy finds in the eastern Mediterranean with the appropriate government and business officials. Finally, AHIF continues to introduce a younger generation of Greek Americans to Cyprus and Greece with its fourth annual Foreign Policy Study Abroad Program.
FYROM Name-Recognition The FYROM name-recognition issue is included in the AHI Policy Statements, which call on the U.S. “to consider withdrawing its 2004 recognition of FYROM as the ‘Republic of Macedonia’”if FYROM refuses to cooperate in negotiations. The statements also advocate for a position that FYROM will not join NATO and the European Union until the name dispute is resolved. Throughout 2012, AHI embarked on initiatives to raise awareness to help end the misappropriation of the name “Macedonia”by the Former Yugoslav Republic of“Macedonia” (FYROM). For example, AHI issued an action alert to elevate awareness of a congressional resolution in the House of Representatives on the issue. AHI also submitted written testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on
Foreign Operations that opposed U.S. aid to FYROM and applauded favorable language on the FYROM issue that appeared in a foreign relations reauthorization bill.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate AHI reiterated its unequivocal position on what actions the U.S. government should take to secure religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Turkey in the 2012 Policy Statements. AHI urges the U.S. government to use its influence with the Turkish government to safeguard the Ecumenical Patriarchate, its personnel, and its property; and to reopen the Halki Patriarchal School of Theology. AHI underscores that, “Under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, the President is obligated to oppose violations of religious freedom in any country whose government ‘engages in or tolerates violations of religious freedom and promote the right to religious freedom in that country.’” Furthermore, the Act obligates the President to take one or more of 15 enumerated actions with respect to any such country. In 2012 AHI continued to raise awareness of religious restrictions in Turkey, including in statements such as the one applauding the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on the release of its 2012 Annual Report which designates Turkey a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC). AHI also activated the grassroots to urge House Foreign Affairs committee members to co-sponsor a resolution calling for the reopening of Greek Orthodox Halki Patriarchal School of Theology without delay.
Public Policy in Action Letters, Statements & Action Alerts AHI sent six letters in 2012 to the Obama administration, Congress, the two presidential campaigns, and to nonprofits and corporations to advocate on behalf of the Greek American community. AHI also issued a number of public statements presenting positions on current events and policy decisions important to the organization’s membership. Moreover, action alerts notified members to respond to these issues.
Letters • January 10: AHI joined with Armenian American and Kurdish American organizations asking Congress to call upon the Obama administration to investigate the use of U.S. arms in a December 28, 2011 Turkish airstrike that killed 35 Kurdish boys and young men along the TurkeyIraq border. In their letter, the organizations requested an investigation and public report to Congress to see whether Turkey violated U.S. arms export laws by using American-supplied weaponry in the airstrike. • January 25: AHI sent a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton regarding Turkey’s reliability as a NATO ally. The letter requests Secretary Clinton to conduct a critical review of United States policy toward Turkey in light of national debate and discussion about the topic that resulted from the January 16, 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Debate held in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
• March 28: AHI and AHEPA sent a joint letter to United Continental Holdings Inc.’s President and Chief Executive Officer Jeffery A. Smisek to express disappointment with United Continental’s November 2011 decision to terminate the seasonal non-stop flight from Newark (EWR) to Athens, Greece, which was a Continental route. • May 10: AHI sent a letter to the Biblical Archeology Society to convey the severe effects of its travel program’s entry into the Republic of Cyprus via illegal ports of entry in the Turkish-occupied area. • October 3: AHI sent letters to the presidential campaigns of President Obama and Mitt Romney requesting that they each issue a campaign statement on issues of importance to the Greek American community. • December 19: AHI conveyed its opposition to H.R.6649, Naval Vessel Transfer Act of 2012 in a letter sent to U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and U.S. Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA), ranking member, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the sponsors of the bill. The legislation includes a provision authorizing the transfer of two naval vessels (guided missile frigates) to Turkey.
Statements • January 18: AHI welcomed the line of questioning on whether Turkey belongs in NATO as raised by Fox News Anchor Bret Baier during the Fox News/Wall Street Journal Republican Debate in Myrtle Beach, S.C. on January 16, 2012. • February 9: AHI welcomed a commentary titled “Kastelorizo: Mediterranean Flashpoint?” by Daniel Pipes, president, Middle East Forum and Taube Fellow at the Hoover Institution of Stanford University, which was published in The Washington Times on Feb. 9, 2012. • February 27: AHI welcomed a written declaration issued by the European Parliament calling on the government of Turkey to act according to UN Security Council Resolutions and previous European Parliament Legislative Committee reports and return the Famagusta sealed-off section to its lawful inhabitants. • April 4: AHI welcomed a March 22, 2012 letter that U.S. Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA), ranking member, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, sent to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that draws attention to two Cyprusrelated developments perpetrated by Turkey and calls for a reassessment of the United States’ Cyprus policy. • April 11: AHI commended the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on the release of its 2012 Annual Report which designates Turkey a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC). • May 15: AHI issued a statement in rebuttal to U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield’s (R-KY) statement on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives that praised the Republic of Turkey on May 9, 2012.
2012 ANNUAL REPORT
• June 11: AHI applauded passage of a congressional resolution by the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs that calls upon the Government of Turkey to facilitate the reopening of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Theological School of Halki without condition or further delay. U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), member, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and co-chair, Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, introduced the resolution, which passed the committee with unanimous consent in June. • June 19: AHI lauded a commentary titled “Time for Turkey to leave Cyprus in peace” by U.S. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, which was published in The Washington Times on June 15, 2012. • July 20: AHI issued a statement on July 20, 2012 in remembrance of the 38th anniversary of Turkey’s invasion of the Republic of Cyprus in 1974. In addition to the tragic results of the Turkish invasion, which included the deaths of innocent civilians, forced removal of 170,000 Greek Cypriots from their homes, and mass destruction of Cyprus’ cultural and religious heritage, AHI’s statement also cited Turkey’s recent threats to Cyprus’ efforts to explore within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and Cyprus’ contributions as a friend of the U.S. on issues of counterterrorism and security in the region. • August 13: AHI applauded members of Congress who submitted remarks for the congressional record to mark the somber 38th anniversary of Turkey’s illegal invasion of the Republic of Cyprus. • October 16: AHI and the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) issued a joint statement calling on the campaigns of President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney to address the policy concerns of the Greek and Armenian American communities.
Action Alerts All chapter presidents, team leaders, members and friends were urged to take action on the following: • April 3: Contact United Continental Holdings Inc.’s President and CEO Jeffery Smisek to express disappointment with the cancellation of the seasonal non-stop from Newark, N.J. to Athens, Greece and to recommend the addition of a seasonal non-stop route from Washington/Dulles to Athens. • April 10: Contact President Obama and encourage the administration to maintain its correct position on FYROM NATO membership in advance of the NATO summit to be held in Chicago May 20-21, 2012. • April 26: Contact their U.S. representatives to urge them to co-sponsor H.Res.627, which was introduced by U.S. Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), cochairs of the Hellenic Caucus. H.Res.627 calls on FYROM to abstain from all hostile activities and stop violating provisions of the United Nations-brokered Interim Agreement and urges the United States Government to work in partnership with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies to uphold previous NATO Summits decisions, with regard to the enlargement issue and extend an invitation to FYROM as soon as a mutually acceptable solution to the name issue has been reached within the framework of the United Nations. • May 11: Contact the Biblical Archaeological Society to convey the severe effects of its travel program’s entry into the Republic of Cyprus via illegal ports of entry in the Turkish-occupied area. • May 14: Contact their U.S. Representatives to urge them to co-sponsor H.Res.650, a stronger congressional resolution on the FYROM name recognition issue. • June 5: Contact House Foreign Affairs Committee members and urge them to co-sponsor a resolution calling for the reopening of Greek Orthodox Halki Patriarchal School of Theology without delay. • July 13: Contact the Senate Foreign Relations committee in advance of the confirmation hearing for John M. Koenig, US Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Cyprus, and urge them to submit AHI’s recommended questions to Mr. Koenig.
AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE
2012 ANNUAL REPORT
• July 20: Contact their U.S. representatives and urge them to oppose H.R.2362, a pro-Turkey trade/investment bill. • August 1: Contact their congressional candidates to urge them to complete AHI’s candidate questionnaire.
Legislative & Policy Initiatives
(D-NV), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), John Sarbanes (D-MD), Ileana RosLehtinen (R-FL), chairman, House Foreign Affairs Committee; Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Joe Crowley (D-NY), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), and Michael Turner (R-OH).
AHI President Attends White House Briefing, Presents Views
Special guest speakers were Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. Vassilis Kaskarelis and Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the U.S. Pavlos Anastasiades.
On March 22, prior to a reception at the White House celebrating Greek Independence Day, AHI President Nick Larigakis attended a White House briefing on U.S.-Greece relations with Administration officials to discuss important topics of concern including: an economic update, GreekAmerican community engagement efforts, and the White House Business Council. President Larigakis shared his views on how U.S.-Greece relations can be strengthened, including ways to assist with Greece’s economic crisis. President Larigakis suggested the United States can send a positive message by having the U.S. commerce secretary lead a delegation of American business leaders to Greece. He noted that there has not been any significant American investment in Greece for more than thirty years. President Larigakis also commented on the foreign policy challenges impacting Greece and the eastern Mediterranean region, which are core policy issues for the Greek American community that require proper resolutions. He cited NATO ally Turkey’s continued occupation of the Republic of Cyprus, which is an EU nation; and the importance of securing religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Congressional Salute to Greek Independence Day
AHI Submits FY13 Foreign Aid Testimony to House Appropriations Panel AHI submitted testimony to the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs on the Obama Administration’s foreign aid proposals for FY2013 on April 24, 2012. In the best interests of the United States, AHI’s testimony opposed: 1) any military assistance the administration will request for Turkey until Turkey removes its troops and illegal Turkish settlers in Cyprus; 2) aid the administration will request for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM); and 3) any reduction that might be introduced in the aid levels for the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus. In addition, the testimony strongly opposed the continued reduction of Economic Support Fund (ESF) funding for Cyprus. The FY2013 proposed level of funding is $3.2 million. However, AHI testified that it supports continued ESF funding for Cyprus as long as it is tied exclusively to bicommunal projects of the island as mandated by U.S. law. The law states U.S. funds are to support only “measures aimed at reunification.”
AHI Releases Congressional Candidate Survey Findings On October 25, 2012 AHI released the results from its 2012 Congressional Candidate Questionnaire. The questionnaire was mailed in August to the campaign offices of candidates from the two major parties and select independent candidates who were running for congress.
(L-R) Nick Larigakis, Congressman Michael Turner (R-OH), (center) students from the Greek School of Saint Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church, (center front) Congressman Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (D-NV), Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Ambassador Vassilis Kaskarelis.
AHI celebrated the 191st anniversary of Greek Independence Day by hosting its annual “Congressional Salute to Greek Independence Day,” on March 21, 2012. The common democratic ideals held by Greece and the United States were reaffirmed by several members of Congress at the event which was held in cooperation with the co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY). Members of Congress who addressed the audience included (in order of appearance): U.S. Reps. Steve Chabot (R-OH), Niki Tsongas (D-MA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Shelley Berkley
AHI received 18 responses of which six candidates stated that they do not complete surveys or questionnaires. Twelve candidates did submit responses, including U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. The overwhelming majority of the 12 respondents were in agreement with each of the 14 policy positions taken by AHI. Policy issues such as the Aegean Sea Boundary, FYROM’s name-recognition, a just and viable Cyprus solution, religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and a critical review of U.S. policy toward Turkey were surveyed. Also in October, sent letters to the presidential campaigns of President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney requesting that the two campaigns each issue a campaign statement to the Greek American community on issues of importance to the community. Finally, AHI successfully advocated for the inclusion of Cyprus in the 2012 Republican Party platform.
2012 ANNUAL REPORT
Awards Dinners
AHI Hosts 37th Annual Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner
AHI honored a distinguished set of awardees based upon their important career or institutional achievements and contributions to the Greek American community or community at-large. The 2012 honorees were: Kary Antholis, president, HBO Miniseries; E.J. “Mike” Elliott, CEO/chairman, GENCOR Industries; U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas, Fifth Congressional District of Massachusetts; Sotirios J. Vahaviolos, Ph.D., CEO/chairman, Mistras Group, Inc.; and Ambassador Tom C. Korologos, former U.S. ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and strategic advisor, DLA Piper. Alexis Christoforous, news correspondent, CBS News, was the evening’s emcee. (Please visit www.ahiworld.org for the honorees’ remarks.)
President Dr. Spiro Spireas, both of whom offered greetings. They reviewed the initiatives and programs that AHI and AHIF provide the community. AHI Board of Directors Secretary Nicholas Karambelas introduced Emcee Christoforous. As part of the weekend’s festivities AHI hosted a tour of the U.S. Capitol, in cooperation with the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, and held a dinner in the famous Cannon Caucus Room on March 9.
AHI hosted CBS News Correspondent Alexis Christoforous for a breakfast presentation on the topic “Why Americans Should Care about the European Debt Crisis?” on March 10 at the Capital Hilton. Christoforous shared her insights on this very complex yet relevant topic based upon her decades of experience as an Emmy-nominated reporter specializing in the business world.
Opening the evening’s program were AHI President Nick Larigakis and AHI Foundation
Dr. Sotirios Vahaviolos receiving the Hellenic Heritage Achievement Award.
(L-R) Ambassador of Cyprus to the U.S. Pavlos Anastasiades, Gene Rossides, AHI Founder, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas and Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. Vassilis Kaskarelis.
(L-R) James Marketos, Board Member, Jim Lagos, former Senator Paul Sarbanes, and Dr. George Tsetsekos, Dean, LeBow College of Business, Drexel University.
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AHI 2012 Honorees: (L-R) Ambassador Tom Korologos, E.J. “Mike” Elliot, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, Dr. Sotirios Vahaviolos and Kary Antholis.
View of the dinner at the Cannon Caucus Room.
Alexis Christoforous, CBS News Correspondent, talking on ‘Why Americans should care about the European Crisis.’
Public Awareness Campaign AHI Hosts Gala Affair in Athens, US Ambassador Smith Delivers Keynote Address U.S. Ambassador Daniel B. Smith delivered the Keynote Address at the Eighth Annual AHI-Athens Hellenic Heritage Achievement and Public Service Awards Dinner where he reported that Greek-American relations are “as strong as they have ever been.” The awards dinner was held May 30 at The Grande Bretagne. More than 220 AHI friends and supporters attended. In his keynote address, Ambassador Smith stated Greece faces significant challenges; however, he expressed optimism that the path of reform taken by the Greek people will “ensure a more prosperous future.” The ambassador reaffirmed the United States’ support for Greece’s reform efforts, cited the importance of Greece’s continued partnership and cooperation to NATO, and acknowledged the important role the Greek-American community plays in support of the cooperation between the United States and Greece. U.S. Ambassador to Greece Daniel B. Smith offering remarks during the 8th Annual AHIAthens Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner.
The honorees receiving their awards. (L-R) General Michalis Kostarakos, Ilias Malevitis, George Economou, Nick Larigakis, Angeliki Frangou and George Economou.
AHI’s “Town Hall Screenings” for Cyprus Documentary Held in 11 Major Metropolitan Areas in 2012
Dr. Nektaria Klapaki, University of Washington Hellenic Studies Program and moderator at the Seattle movie viewing, AHI President Nick Larigakis and Aspasia Bartell, MBA student from the University of Washington, Foster School of Business.
AHI continued its series of “Town Hall Screenings” of the onehour documentary “Cyprus Still Divided: A U.S. Foreign Policy Failure.” AHI originally launched the screenings in 2011. The documentary sheds light and scrutinizes U.S. foreign policy toward Cyprus surrounding the 1974 Turkish invasion. The goal is to create awareness of the documentary’s significance and encourage communities to urge their PBS affiliates to air the program. The “Town Hall Screenings” were held in the following cities in 2012: Falls Church, Va.; Miami, Fla.; Hollywood, Fla.; San Diego, Calif.; Seattle, Wash.; Atlantic City, N.J .at the 2012 Hermes Expo International; Plymouth, Mich.; Boston; Stamford, Conn.; Las Vegas, Nev. at the 90th AHEPA Supreme Convention; and Atlanta. At all venues, a panel discussion followed the screening. Each event could not have been possible without the local support from a whole host of Greek and Cypriot American organizations, especially local AHEPA chapters; local Orthodox churches, government officials, and generous individuals who are leaders of their respective communities. Please reference the individual press releases about each screening for acknowledgments at www.ahiworld.org. “Cyprus Still Divided” finally reveals the web of domestic politics, the realpolitik of Henry Kissinger, and repeated refusal of successive U.S. presidents to demand that the rule of law and fundamental human rights be upheld in Cyprus. For example, the documentary presents a recently declassified 1974 memorandum that clearly indicts Secretary of State Kissinger, who wrote, “There is no American reason why the Turks should not have one-third of Cyprus.” The documentary was produced by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, George Veras and was made possible by the support of the American Hellenic Institute Foundation. A trailer is available for view on YouTube.
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Leadership Visits to Greece, Cyprus & Israel
AHI delegation with President of Greece Dr. Karolos Papoulias.
An AHI delegation successfully completed the organization’s annual leadership trip to Greece and Cyprus where it held substantive meetings with high-ranking government and religious officials and business leaders with the purpose of strengthen- AHI delegation at Israel Defense Naval Base in ing relations and Haifa. addressing issues of mutual concern. The two-week trip, which occurred May 21 to 31, 2012, also included a leg to Israel. During its visit to Israel from May 21 to 23, the delegation met with Ambassador Pinhas Avivi, political director, Multilateral, Global and Strategic Affairs, Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Col. Dr. Eran Lerman, deputy national security advisor for foreign policy and international affairs, Israeli National Security Council; Dr. Einat Wilf (Haatzma’ut), member, Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee; Ambassador Kyriakos Loukakis, ambassador of Greece to Israel; and representatives from the Israeli Defense Ministry. A meeting with Mr. Binyamin Zomer, director, Corporate Affairs-Israel, Noble Energy Mediterranean Ltd., centered on the firm’s efforts to explore for hydrocarbon reserves in the eastern Mediterranean. AHI also attended a dinner in honor of His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem at the King David Hotel on May 22 hosted by a visiting group of Archons. AHI had a separate audience with His Beatitude on May 23. The delegation visited Cyprus from May 24 to 26, where it met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Erato
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Kozakou-Marcoullis during a working luncheon session that she graciously hosted. Also attending the luncheon were Minister of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Petros Eftyhiou, Ambassador Andreas Kakouris, director, Division of Cyprus Question and Turkey, Minister Plenipotentiary ag Director-Division of Overseas and Repatriated Cypriots Argyros A. Antoniou, and Androula Laniti, director, Press and Information Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The delegation also met with Cypriot Government Spokesman Stefanos Stefanou, President of the House of Representatives Yiannakis Omirou, and Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs of the House of Representatives Averof Neophytou. Also in Cyprus, Mr. Miltos Miltiadou, senior press and information officer, Press and Information Office of the Republic of Cyprus, hosted the delegation for a dinner on May 24. An audience with President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias and Greece’s Interim Prime Minister Panagiotis Pikrammenos and extensive meetings with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were highlights of the delegation’s busy itinerary in Greece from May 27 to 31. The itinerary also included the 8th Annual AHI Athens Dinner at the Grand Bretagne Hotel on May 30.
AHI delegation with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem at the Greek Patriarchate in Jerusalem.
(L-R) Demetra Atsaloglou, Gus Andy, Leon Andris, Nick Larigakis, Yiannakis Omirou, President of the House of Representatives, Kostas Alexakis and Antonis Mandritis , Counselor-Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
AHI met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Petros Molyviatis and several directorates of the ministry of Foreign Affairs responsible for various countries and regions, including: Ambassador Yannakakis (Cyprus), Ambassador Touloupas (Turkey), Mr. Kostellanos (FYROM), and Ambassador Aleiferi (North America). Present at these meetings were
ministry officials with expertise in aeronautical matters and energy. The delegation also met with Minister of Defense Fragkos Fragkoulis. The itinerary also included meetings with representatives from Greek political parties, including Alexis Tsipras, president, SYRIZA; former Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos, candidate with Nea Demokratia and Takis Skandalakis, secretary for Hellenes Abroad, Nea Demokratia. American Ambassador to Greece Daniel B. Smith hosted the delegation at his residency on May 29. Delegation Participants: In Greece, AHI President Nick Larigakis was accompanied by: Kostas Alexakis, member, AHI Board of Directors; AHI-California President Paul Sogotis, AHI Foundation Board Member Gus Andy, and Demetra Atsaloglou, AHI director of media relations and research analyst. AHI Board Member Dr. George P. Tsetsekos, dean, LeBow College of Business, Drexel University, attended the awards dinner and introduced U.S. Ambassador Daniel Smith as the keynote speaker. In Israel and Cyprus, AHI Board Member Leon Andris joined Larigakis, Alexakis, Andy, and Atsaloglou to comprise the delegation.
AHI President Works to Strengthen Ties with Greece, Cyprus During Annual Year-end Trip
Extensive Meetings Held with Cypriot Ministry Officials President Larigakis visited Cyprus November 26 to 29. Meetings with Government Spokesman Stefanos Stefanou at the Presidential Palace and Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Neoklis Sylikiots highlighted the visit. In addition, a working dinner with Mr. Miltos Miltiadou, senior press and information officer, Office of Press and Information, was held. Other meetings of importance included: His Beatitude Archbishop Chrysostomos; Mr. Marios Tsiakis, deputy secretary general, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Ambassador Euripides L. Evriviades, acting permanent secretary and political director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Deputy Chief of Mission Andrew Schofer, U.S. embassy in Nicosia; Mr. Giorgios Lillikas, presidential candidate; Dr. George Georgiou, head of Governor’s Office and Communications, Central Bank; Ambassador Andreas Kakouris, director, Division of Cyprus Question and Turkey; Mr. Evangelos Savva, deputy director, Division of Cyprus Question and Turkey; and Mrs. Androula Laniti, director, Press and Information Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In Athens, AHI Hosts Presentation on U.S. Elections to Key Audiences AHI President Larigakis visited Athens from November 30 to December 7, 2012, where a highlight was an AHI and AHIAthens Chapter-hosted presentation and reception featuring Mr. Paul Glastris, editor-in-chief, Washington Monthly, who spoke on the topic, “The U.S. Election 2012: What the Results Mean for America and the World” on December 5, 2012 at the Hotel Grande Bretagne. A Q&A session with the more than 140 persons in attendance followed. On December 3, Mr. Glastris provided his presentation to members of Greece’s diplomatic corps at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
From Left: AHI-Greece President Ilias Malevitis, AHI-Athens Chapter President George Economou, AHI President Nick Larigakis, and editor-in-chief of The Washington Monthly Paul Glastrais.
AHI President Nick Larigakis embarked on a year-end trip to Greece and Cyprus that aimed to strengthen ties between the Greek American community and Greece and Cyprus in sectors such as government, commerce, and defense. The trip took place from November 26 to December 7, 2012.
President Larigakis’ itinerary included a series of meetings with various sectors in Greece, including: government/public, commerce, academia and non-profit/trade association. He met with several ministers, including: Minister of Education Konstantinos Arvanitopoulos, Minister of Interior Evripidis Stylianidis, Minister of Tourism Olga Kefaloyianni, and Minister of Defense Panos P. Panagiotopoulos.
Reception attendees with U.S. Ambassador to Greece Daniel B. Smith (center).
In addition to his meeting with the Defense Minister, Larigakis also met with highlevel officials of the Ministry of Defense, including General of the Hellenic Army Michail Kostarakos, who is the chief of staff for the Hellenic National Defense; Lt. Gen. Konstantinos Gkinis, chief, Hellenic Army General Staff; and Brig. Gen. Alkiviadis Stefanis, director, Hellenic Army General Staff “Delta” Directorate. At the invitation of the Hellenic
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National Defense chief of staff, Larigakis spent the day attending a religious ceremony on the occasion of the Feast Day of Saint Barbara at the Greek Army Artillery School at Nea Peramos. Saint Barbara is the patron saint of the artillery. While in Athens, Larigakis held a series of meetings with officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Deputy Foreign Minister Konstantinos Tsiaras and Ambassador Vassilis Kaskarelis, secretary general, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Other key meetings with officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs included: Ambassador Dimitrios Touloupas, director, A4 Department for Turkey; First Counselor Papameletiou, A2 Department for Cyprus; Greek Ambassador to Bulgaria Thrasyvoulos Terry Stamatopoulos and Ambassador Augustis, director, A4 Department for Southeast Europe; and Ambassador Chrysoula Aliferi, director, A7 Department for North America. U.S. Ambassador to Greece Daniel Smith hosted President Larigakis on December 5 to discuss recent developments in relations between the United States and Greece. Along this theme, Larigakis explored current trends in commerce and trade between the United States and Greece when he attended the annual dinner of the American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce on December 4. Larigakis also visited Hellenic Parliament for meetings with Hon. Miltiades Varvitsiotis, chairman, Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense; and Hon. Adonis Georgiadis, chairman, Parliament Committee for Greeks of the Diaspora. Other meetings of note in Athens were held with: Mr. Alexis Tsipras, head, SYRIZA and parliamentary main opposition leader and Ambassador Georgios Ayfantis, SYRIZA diplomatic advisor; and Professor Babiniotis, Filekpediftiki Etaireia. Finally, President Larigakis held a working lunch with AHI-Athens Chapter President George Economou and AHI Member Ilias Malevetis.
Media Relations In 2012 AHI issued 81 press releases that were widely distributed to mainstream, Greek American, and foreign press; the Obama Administration, Congress, and AHI members and friends. AHI and its members also regularly wrote letters to the editors of major national and community newspapers, commenting on articles that appeared in their publications. In addition, numerous AHI op-ed pieces were published in Greek American media outlets.
Letters to the Editor The Washington Times published a letter to the editor on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 submitted by AHI. AHI’s letter to the editor, “Macedonia is Hellenic Name,” written by President Nick Larigakis, was submitted in response to the February 7, 2012 article “Macedonia complains Greece is ‘irrational,’” by Ben Birnbaum. In the article, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’s (FYROM’s) Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki “complains” Greece is being “irrational” on the name recognition issue and that Greece’s position is “unreasonable.” Larigakis defended Greece by asserting FYROM is acting irrationally with its leadership thinking it can “usurp 2,500 years of Hellenic history and
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culture.” He cited examples of provocative actions taken by FYROM against Greece, including renaming its airport and naming its national highway after Alexander the Great. The Washington Post published a letter to the editor on Monday, July 23, 2012 submitted by AHI. The letter, authored by President Nick Larigakis, was written in response to the July 8, 2012 opinion piece “Old Cyprus feud snares tour group,” by Hershel Shanks, editor, Biblical Archaeology Review. Shanks’s organization, the Biblical Archaeological Society, chose to enter Cyprus via an illegal port of entry when it embarked on a tour of Cyprus’ religious sites despite efforts by AHI and other entities to educate the Society about the detriments of such an action. Larigakis corrected inaccuracies and noted omissions in Shanks’s piece about Cyprus. Larigakis’ letter placed emphasis on the importance of adhering to the rule of law when traveling to Cyprus and clearly defined the legal manner to enter the Republic of Cyprus. AHI released a letter to the editor it submitted to the New York Times in response to an Oct. 1, 2012 article titled “Seeking Return of Art, Turkey Jolts Museums.” The article reports “Thievery and looting are wrong, Turkey says, no matter when they occurred.” In his letter, AHI President Nick Larigakis rebutted Turkey’s claim by citing Turkey’s looting of Cyprus’ cultural and religious heritage following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of the Republic of Cyprus, which has been documented by a Law Library of Congress report. Larigakis also described Turkey’s disregard of the UNESCO Convention and Turkey’s aggressive negotiation tactics that include “stunning ultimatums” to museum directors as nothing new to analysts who follow Turkey’s behavior in the international community. President Larigakis submitted a letter to the editor of The Washington Post on the topic of President Barack Obama’s effort to build a special relationship with Turkey. Larigakis wrote the letter in response to a June 8, 2012 opinion piece by David Ignatius titled “Obama’s friend in Turkey.” The author claimed the Obama Administration can celebrate Turkey as a “beacon for the neighborhood” and touted the close relationship between President Obama and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. “Over the past year, this investment in Turkey has begun to pay some big dividends — anchoring U.S. policy in a region that sometimes seems adrift,” wrote Ignatius. Larigakis rebutted Ignatius’ claim that Turkey is a beacon in the region by citing Turkey’s illegal occupation of the Republic of Cyprus, frequent violations of Greece’s sovereignty and lack of religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Larigakis also refuted President Obama’s push for a greater role for Turkey in NATO as noted by the author by citing examples of Turkey’s wayward foreign policy direction that has led to public scrutiny of Turkey’s NATO membership.
AHI Op-Eds, Commentaries, and Media Placement
President Larigakis Interviewed on Greek News
In 2012, three op-eds were written by AHI President Nick Larigakis that appeared in numerous Greek American publications including: Greek News, The Greek Star, Hellenic News of America, The Hellenic Voice, and The National Herald, among others. The op-eds touched on the spirit of the Athenian Oath, the economic crisis in Greece and the adversity that Greeks have historically overcome, and the presidential candidates.
Larigakis Quoted in Washington Post The January 11, 2012 Washington Post article “Washington can be a frontline for international combatants” by Emily Wax featured a quote from President Nick Larigakis. In the article, Larigakis affirmed proximity to the U.S. government as an explanation to the importance of Washington to the lobbying efforts of ethnic and international advocacy groups.
Larigakis Interviewed in Chicago Tribune Video A video piece compiled by Chicago Tribune Columnist John Kass titled “On America and Greece, lessons to be learned” posted April 4, 2012, featured an interview with AHI President Nick Larigakis. Kass reports on Greece’s economy, its effect on the Greek people, and ponders if it is a foreshadowing of what is to come to America. In his interview, Larigakis affirmed Greece’s resiliency based upon it being the standard-bearer of democratic ideals and the cradle of Western Civilization. “What is happening in Greece today pales by comparison in terms of what has transpired within the glorious history of this country for over 2,500 years,” Larigakis said.
AHI Smyrna Catastrophe Commemoration Covered in the Washington Times AHI’s commemoration of the Smyrna catastrophe at the gravesite of U.S. Consul-General George Horton was covered in The Washington Times’ October 30, 2012 Embassy Row column by James Morrison. Under the heading “An Envoy Remembered,” the columnist wrote: “Most historians blame Turkish forces for torching the city and killing tens of thousands of Greeks and Armenians, beginning on Sept. 9, 1922, at the end of the Greco-Turkish War. Hundreds of thousands of Smyrna’s residents crowded the city’s waterfront, desperate for evacuation as U.S. and other allied warships lay at anchor. Some historians say the allies had orders not to interfere with the destruction of the city.”
AHI Legal Counsel on National Public Radio Nicholas G. Karambelas, Esq., legal counsel for AHI, appeared on National Public Radio’s “The Diane Rehm Show” on June 18, 2012, to discuss the “Results of the Greek Elections and the Future of the Euro Zone.” Susan Page guest hosted the show which aired on WAMU 88.5 FM in Washington, DC. Karambelas explained the results of the Greek election, including the lack of any one party to win a mandate to govern and offered his thoughts on the ability of the Greek political parties, led by leading votegetter New Democracy, to form a governing coalition.
Larigakis being interviewed by Thanassis Tsitsas, Antenna TV reporter, at Hellenic House.
Antenna TV Journalist Thanassis Tsitsas interviewed AHI President Larigakis about the November 2012 election in the United States. The interview took place September 12, 2012 in Washington.
AHIF Student’s Op-Ed Published Stephanos Karavas, a senior at Tufts University who participated on the 2012 American Hellenic Institute Foundation (AHIF) Foreign Policy Program, authored an oped titled “The Greek economic crisis in proper perspective,” which was published in The Tufts Daily, the university’s independent student newspaper on September 10, 2012.
SAVE THE DATE AHF
The American Hellenic Institute Foundation Presents the 12th Annual Conference on
The Future of Hellenism in America Fri., Nov. 22, 2013 – Dinner Sat., Nov. 23, 2013 – Conference
Miami, Florida
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Conferences & Forums Pipes Keynotes AHI Policy Forum on Turkish Policy
Keynote Speaker Daniel Pipes, President, Middle East Forum and Taube distinguished visiting fellow, Hoover Institution of Stanford University.
AHI hosted the policy forum “The Evolution of Turkey’s Policy in the Eastern Mediterranean: Implications for U.S. Interests” featuring Keynote Speaker Daniel Pipes, president, Middle East Forum and Taube Fellow at the Hoover Institution of Stanford University. Pipes was joined by a panel of experts who examined the topic on February 6, 2012 at the Capital Hilton, Washington, DC.
various aspects of the topic on April 25, 2012 at the Capital Hilton, Washington, DC. Ambassador Vassilis Kaskarelis, then-Ambassador of Greece to the U.S., provided closing remarks and participated in a Q&A with the audience. The panel featured: Dr. George P. Tsetsekos, dean, LeBow College of Business, Drexel University; Dr. Miranda Xafa, CEO, E.F. Consulting, former executive board member, International Monetary Fund; Nicolas Véron, senior fellow, Bruegel, Brussels-based, and visiting fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics; and Nicholas G. Karambelas, Esq., partner, Sfikas & Karambelas and AHI legal counsel. AHI President Nick Larigakis, moderated the panel. Each of the four panelists brought their unique perspective and expertise to the seminar topic.
Policy Forum Explores Goals of Cyprus
The panel of experts featured: Dr. Harry Dinella, former U.S. Army Foreign Area Officer for Greece and AHI Fellow; Professor Van
View of the Panel (L-R) Ambassador Kurt Volker, Bill Loveless, Dr. Antonio de Lecea, Professor Van Coufoudakis and moderator Paul Glastris, editorin-chief Washington Monthly.
EU Presidency
View of the Panel (L-R): Dr. Raphael Danziger, James Jatras, Dr. Harry Dinella, Doug Bandow, & Professor Van Coufoudakis.
Coufoudakis, rector emeritus, University of Nicosia, Cyprus and former president, Modern Greek Studies Association and AHIF Fellow; Doug Bandow, senior fellow, Cato Institute; and Dr. Raphael Danziger, senior research advisor, Policy & Government Affairs, AIPAC and editor-in-chief emeritus, Near East Report. James Jatras, principal, Squire Sanders Public Advocacy and former senior foreign policy advisor, Republican leadership of the U.S. Senate, moderated the panel.
Seminar Explores Myths and Realities of Greek Economic Crisis
AHI hosted the policy forum “Cyprus and the EU Presidency: Institutional, Political, Strategic and Economic Challenges” featuring a panel of experts who examined various aspects of the topic on July 18, 2012 at the Capital Hilton, Washington, DC. Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the U.S., Pavlos Anastasiades, provided remarks and participated in a Q&A with the audience. The panel featured Professor Van Coufoudakis, rector emeritus of the University of Nicosia and dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University-Purdue University; Dr. Antonio de Lecea, minister for Economic and Financial Issues, Delegation of the EU to the U.S.; Bill Loveless, host, Platts Energy Week; and former Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker, managing director and senior fellow, Center for Transatlantic Relations, SAIS-Johns Hopkins University and executive director, McCain Institute for International Leadership, Arizona State University. Paul Glastris, editor-inchief, The Washington Monthly, moderated the panel.
AHI Forum Discusses Think Tank’s Report on Turkey
View of the Panel (L-R): Nick Larigakis, Dr. George P. Tsetsekos, Dr. Miranda Xafa, Nicolas Véron, and Nicholas G. Karambelas, Esq.
AHI hosted the policy seminar “The Greek Economic Crisis: Myth & Reality” featuring a panel of experts who examined
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AHI hosted a noon forum discussion on the topic of “The Council on Foreign Relations Independent Task Force Report on Turkey” featuring Ambassador Patrick Theros (ret.), former U.S. Ambassador to Qatar and president and executive director of the U.S.-Qatar Business Council. Ambassador Theros is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. The discussion forum was held July 23, 2012 at AHI.
Hellenic House Visitors AHI Welcomes New Greek Ambassador to U.S. to Hellenic House Greece’s new Ambassador to the United States, Christos Panagopoulos, visited AHI’s Hellenic House on October 5, 2012. AHI Founder Gene Rossides joined Larigakis for the meeting. Ambassador Panagopoulos presented his credentials to President Barack Obama on September 19, 2012. Eugene Rossides, Ambassador Christos Panagopoulos, and Nick Larigakis at the Hellenic House.
Outgoing, Incoming Greek Defense Attachés Visit AHI The outgoing and incoming Greek defense attachés of the Embassy of Greece visited AHI’s Hellenic House on September 19, 2012. After several years of service at the Defense Attaché’s Office at the Embassy of Greece, Defense Attaché Col. Taxiarchis Sardellis has completed his post in Washington. Col. Sardellis’ replacement, Col. Evangelos Papadopoulos, accompanied him on the visit to AHI.
Newly Confirmed American Ambassador to Cyprus Meets with AHI AHI President Largiakis is flanked by Greek Defense Attachés Sardellis (left) and Papadopoulos (right).
(L-R) Gene Rossides, US ambassador to Cyprus John Koenig, US State Department Cyprus Desk Officer Lindsay Coffey.
The newly confirmed American Ambassador to the Republic of Cyprus John Koenig visited AHI’s Hellenic House on August 9, 2012 as part of his preparations before departing for his new post. The discussion included initiatives to strengthen U.S. relations with Cyprus, the Cyprus issue and the current status of settlement talks, the destruction of Cyprus’ cultural and religious heritage, and the importance of increased American investment in Cyprus, especially with the discovery of hydrocarbon reserves in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). AHI Founder Gene Rossides, AHI Board of Directors Secretary and Counsel Nick G. Karambelas, and AHI Media Relations Director and Research Analyst Demetra Atsaloglou met with Ambassador Koenig.
Government Officials from Cyprus Visit AHI Cyprus Government Spokesman Stefanos Stefanou and three mayors representing cities located in Turkishoccupied Cyprus visited AHI’s Hellenic House on June 8, 2012 in separate meetings. The mayors were the Honorable Alexis Ghalanos, mayor of Famagusta; the Honorable Glafkos Cariolou, mayor of Kyrenia; and the Honorable Michalis Pilikos, mayor of Lefkonicou. They were accompanied by Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the U.S. Pavlos Anastasiades.
Cyprus Government Spokesman, Stefanos Stefanou at AHI Headquarters.
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Three-time Olympic Champion Visits Hellenic House
GENERAL NEWS Foreign Affairs Chairman Attends Screening of Cyprus Documentary
Pyrros Dimas visit to the Hellenic House: (L-R) Nick Karambelas, Pyrros Dimas, Nick Larigakis, Demetrios Koutoulas.
Three-time Olympic Champion Pyrros Dimas visited AHI’s Hellenic House on April 25, 2012. Dimas is considered one of the greatest weightlifters of all-time. In addition to being a three-time Olympic Champion, Dimas is a three-time World Champion. He won Olympic Gold at the 1992 Barcelona Games, 1996 Atlanta Games, and 2000 Sydney Games. Dimas is famous for shouting “Gia tin Ellada!” following his clean and jerk lift, dedicating his victory to Greece in 1992. President Larigakis, Board of Directors Secretary Nick Karambelas, and Demetra Atsaloglou, director, Media Relations and Research Analyst, attended the discussion which focused on raising awareness and funds for a Greek school in Himara. Demetrios Koutoulas, president, Panepirotic Federation of America, accompanied Dimas.
Greek Parliamentary Delegation Visits AHI A Greek Parliamentary delegation visited Hellenic House on November 2, 2012. MPs Ioannis Plakiotakis (New Democracy), a former deputy minister of Defense; Andreas Psycharis (New Democracy), a former member of the ministry of Foreign Affairs and the first Consul General of Greece to Tampa, Fla.; Georgios Varemenos (SYRIZA) and Panagiotis Rigas (PASOK) comprised the delegation, which met with President Larigakis. The parliamentary delegation visited Washington as part of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly election monitoring mission. The delegation was accompanied by Mrs. Chara Papazoudi, who is with the Department of International Relations of the Greek Parliament.
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(L-R): President Larigakis, U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), chairman, House Foreign Affairs Committee; Dr. George Kafkoulis chairman of the board, The Archimedean Academy; Aleco Haralambides, founding member and vice president, Archimedean Academy & AHI board member.
U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, was the guest speaker at an AHI “Town Hall Screening” of the one-hour documentary “Cyprus Still Divided: A U.S. Foreign Policy Failure” held February 10, 2012, at the Archimedean Academy Ampitheater, Miami, Fla. In remarks, Chairman Ros-Lehtinen described the “overwhelming military force” used by Turkey in the invasion of Cyprus by citing a BBC interview of Antonis Antoniou, who was five years old at the time, and she spoke of the unfortunate consequences of the invasion that resulted in thousands of Greek-Cypriots killed; sixteen hundred reported missing; and over two hundred thousand forcibly expelled from their homes and driven into exile. The congresswoman also cited the religious and cultural destruction that has occurred under Turkish occupation and the violations of religious freedom, including the interruption of Christmas Day liturgy in 2010.
AHI Book Event Commemorates Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan AHI, in cooperation with the Embassy of Greece, hosted a book presentation and reception in commemoration of the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan, March 6, 2012, on Capitol Hill. Nick Larigakis, AHI President, Ms. Photini Tomai, (L-R) Ambassador Vassilis Kaskarelis, Congressman director, Service of Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Photini Tomai. Diplomatic & Historical Archives, Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made
a presentation about the book, “Documentary History of Greece: 1943-1951, Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan” of which she was the editor. The event was supported by U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), cochairs, Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues and sponsored by the Onassis Foundation.
AHI Honored at Philadelphia Greek Independence Day Parade
(L-R): AHEPA Supreme President Dr. John Grossomanides, U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, AHI President Nick Larigakis.
AHI was honored at the 2012 Philadelphia Greek Independence Day Parade presented AHI Foundation President Dr. Spiros celebrates with his family by the Federation of Spireas members. Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware Valley. It was the first time an institution has received such an honor by the Federation. The parade was held Sunday, March 18, 2012. AHI Foundation President Dr. Spiros Spireas served as the parade’s Grand Marshal, which is the highest honor afforded by the Federation. It was bestowed to Dr. Spireas in appreciation of his many works as a prominent businessperson and efforts on behalf of the Greek American community, Metropolis, and his unwavering support of Hellenic issues. AHI Founder Eugene Rossides and AHI President Larigakis were also unanimously selected Honorary Marshals. Presidents Larigakis and Dr. Spireas celebrated Greek Independence along with Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD), Mr. Georgios Iliopoulos, consul-general in New York, Hellenic Republic, and Ms. Koula Sophianou, consul-general in New York, Republic of Cyprus. Mr. Rossides was unable to attend.
AHI Celebrates Greek Independence Day at the White House AHI celebrated Greek Independence Day at the White House on March 22, 2012. AHI President Nick Larigakis attended the ceremony officiated by President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios.
AHI President Participates at Marine Corps Executive Forum AHI President Nick Larigakis participated at the Marine Corps Executive Forum (MCEF) on July 13, 2012. Hosted by the Commandant of the Marine Corps or his Nick Larigakis and Lieutenant Colonel direct General Officer Representative, this onePeter S. Markakos, Director of the Marine Corps’ Executive Forum. day program allows senior business leaders from a diverse cross-section of industry to familiarize themselves with the Marine Corps’ key interests and initiatives, while meeting with senior officials at the Pentagon and Quantico and examining Marine Corps operations throughout the world.
AHIF Chair of Fellows Appointed Head of Hellenic Educational Agency AHI and American Hellenic Institute Foundation (AHIF) congratulated Dr. Van Coufoudakis, chairman, AHI Foundation Board of Fellows, on his appointment as President of the Council of the Hellenic Quality Assessment Agency in September 2012. The HQAA/ADIP is an independent agency created in 2005 under Greek law and EU regulations that assesses the quality of Greek universities and TEI (technical institutes).
AHI Hosts 9TH Annual Golf Classic
All of the AHI Golf Tournament Participants.
AHI hosted its Ninth Annual Golf Classic at Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria, Virginia, on October 15, 2012. Celebrity appearances were made by Larry Michael, Voice of the Washington Redskins, and Christine Brennan, sports columnist, USA Today, both of whom appeared at a morning panel discussion about current events and issues affecting the sporting world. The Tournament Sponsor was Calamos Investments. The first place team was comprised of: Peter Bota, Dennis Garbis, Mike Gleeson and Dave Riddle. Second place honors went to: Kay Tyler, Mimi Hoffman, Lisa Schlesinger and Janice Calomiris. The third place team included: John Courembis, Louis Courembis, Alexander Courembis and Walter Chuda. AHI is grateful to Tournament Chair Leon Andris, Golf Coordinator Adriana Sifakis, and all the golfers who participated.
2012 ANNUAL REPORT
AHI, AHEPA Host Luncheon for New Greek Ambassador to U.S.
included a wreath-laying, a prayer, and brief remarks about Consul General Horton in appreciation of his telling account, received coverage in The Washington Times.
AHI, Hellenic Society Prometheas Host Film Screening on Byzantium
Eugene Rossides, Ambassador Christos Panagopoulos, Dr. John Grossomanides and Nick Larigakis at the Hellenic House.
AHI and AHEPA came together to host a luncheon welcoming Ambassador Christos Panagopoulos, ambassador of Greece to the United States, to Washington on October 17, 2012 at Kellari Restaurant in Washington, DC. Representing AHI with President Larigakis were: Founder Eugene Rossides, Board Member and Legal Counsel Nicholas Karambelas, Esq., Board Member Leon Andris, AHI Members Ambassador Tom Korologos, former U.S. ambassador to Belgium; Paul Glastris, editor-in-chief, Washington Monthly; Tim Maniatis, executive director, National Hellenic Society; Paul Kotrosios, president of the Hellenic American National Council; John Courembis, Peter Bota, and AHI Legislative Assistant Georgea Polizos. Many community leaders, including several clergymen from the Washington, DC area, were also in attendance.
Smyrna Catastrophe Commemorated at U.S. Envoy’s Gravesite
James Marketos addressing the attendees.
AHI hosted a memorial to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Smyrna catastrophe in Asia Minor at the gravesite of U.S. Consul General George Horton, whose book The Blight of Asia provided a firsthand account about the destruction of Smyrna and the plight of the Greeks of Smyrna. The memorial was held October 22, 2012, at Oak Hill Cemetery, Washington, DC. The ceremony, which
2012 ANNUAL REPORT
The Hellenic Society Prometheas (HSP), in cooperation with AHI, hosted a screening of the documentary “Byzantium after Byzantium” on November 1, 2012 at the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral/Frosene Education Center, Washington, DC. More than 120 persons attended the event, which featured a reception following the screening. The 53-minute documentary is a production of the International Center for Hellenic Research located in Nice, France, and it was produced by Dr. Erato Paris, historian and president of the International Center for Hellenic Research, who made a presentation that evening.
AHI President Participates at Discussion between Greek, Jewish American Leaders
AHI President Nick Larigakis (far left) gathers with participants of the roundtable discussions at the conclusion of the event.
AHI President Nick Larigakis participated at a meeting between Greek American and Jewish American community leaders held at the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish American Organizations in New York City on December 12, 2012. Also participating at the meeting from the Greek American community were representatives from AHEPA, led by Chairman of the Board of Trustees Nicholas Karacostas, and PSEKA President Philip Christopher. In addition, several representatives from the diplomatic corps addressed the participants, including: Ambassador Aryeh Mekel, ambassador of Israel to Greece, who welcomed the group by telephone from Athens; Ambassador Pavlos Anastasiades, ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the U.S.; Consul General of Greece in New York Georgios Iliopoulos, and Consul General of Israel in New York Ido Aharoni.
AHI Foundation Initiatives Students Complete Successful Foreign Policy Trip Abroad
prior to it taking the helm of the EU Presidency on July 1. They received firsthand experience about the foreign policy issues affecting Greece and Cyprus, their relations with the U.S., and the interests of the U.S. in the region. There were meetings or briefings with American embassies, officials from various ministries, including Foreign Affairs; parliament members, religious leaders, think-tank organizations, and members of academia and the private sector of both countries. In Cyprus, the group visited the Turkish-occupied area. The nine students selected to participate were: Stephanos Karavas, Tufts University; Anna Tsiotsias, University of Pennsylvania; Maria Romas, University of Maryland; Alexis Angelo, Trinity University; Christo Galanis, Rutgers University; Evangelia Psarakis, Rutgers University; Manoli Anagnostiadis, University of Maryland; Aletha Vassilakis, University of California at San Diego; and Andrew Pernokas, Boston University.
Meeting with President of Greece, Karolos Papoulias.
“This trip was a highly informative one with access to individuals and opportunities that would seldom be available apart from AHIF. Most importantly, the foreign policy trip offers its participants the opportunity to have instilled in themselves the reality that they, as members of the global Hellenic community, have a stake—and thus, an obligation—in the resolution of crucial matters of policy surrounding Greece and Cyprus. It ought to be a game-changer in influencing the participants’ individual professional aspirations,” said Stephanos Karavas. The program is open to Greek American and Cypriot American college students in good academic standing who are studying political science, international relations, history, and/or foreign affairs.
Visit to the old Nicosia Airport, accompanied by a member of the U.N. Peacekeeping force.
AHIF Hosts 11th Annual Future of Hellenism in America Conference
President of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetris Christofias with the students at the U.S. National Day reception at the U.S. Embassy in Cyprus.
(L-R) Congressman John Sarbanes, Dr. Victor G. Polizos, Karen Stamatiades, Nick Larigakis, Sandy Papadopoulos.
The American Hellenic Institute Foundation (AHIF) Foreign Policy Trip to Greece and Cyprus completed its fourth year as nine students from across the United States participated in the two-week program held June 13-29, 2012.
AHIF hosted its Eleventh Annual Conference on the Future of Hellenism in America, keeping the discussion of the promotion and preservation of Hellenism at the forefront of the community. This year’s conference was held in Atlanta, Georgia at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, Thalia N. Carlos Hellenic Community Center, on November 16-17, 2012.
During the two-week program, the students were in and in Cyprus, June 16-21 and Athens, Greece June 22-29, just
2012 ANNUAL REPORT
AHI Foundation Publishes Online Policy Journal The American Hellenic Institute Foundation (AHIF) published the third volume release of its Online Policy Journal. The Online Policy Journal addresses a cluster of national and international issues pertinent to the interests of Greece, Cyprus, and the United States. Its coverage offers a mix of strategy, documentation, tactics, and analysis that aims to enrich public discourse on the issues. Professor Dan Georgakas edits the Online Policy Journal.
AHI Business Network
Panel I - Greek Education in America (L-R) Dr. Nickitas Demos, Presvytera Evi Kaplanis, Michelle Constantinides and Aleco Haralambides.
Featuring more than 20 prominent speakers from across the country, conference presentations analyzed key issues including the future of Greek American organizations, the political process and lobbying, religious and ethnic identity, promoting Hellenic values through business, Greek education, and perspectives from young Greek Americans. Speakers also identified how Hellenism could be promoted in the future through these various channels. At a dinner hosted the evening before the conference on November 16, AHI President Nick Larigakis opened the conference and welcome remarks followed from Conference Chairman Sandy Papadopoulos. The dinner’s Keynote Speaker was U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD). Atlanta natives Dr. Victor G. Polizos and Karen Stamatides received AHI’s Hellenic Heritage and Public Service Award for the Promotion of Hellenism. The conference covered the following topics: • • • • • • • • •
Opening and Welcome Remarks Greek Education in America The Greek American Community and the Political Process Luncheon Speaker The Cultural Dimension The Changing Nature of the Greek American Community Current Perspectives on Current Changes Looking to the Next Generation of Greek Americans Discussion: Where Do We Go From Here?
Sigmapharm Laboratories LLC sponsored the conference which was held in cooperation with the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation. Additional co-sponsors of the conference included: AHEPA Mother Lodge Chapter 1, AHEPA Mother Lodge Chapter 1 Educational Foundation, Lykion ton Ellinidon Atlanta, and a host of individual sponsors.
2012 ANNUAL REPORT
AHI highlights the professional accomplishments of its members though various communications vehicles to provide the Greek American community with a viable business network. For example, AHI’s semiannual newsletter features the “Member Spotlight” and “Members in the News” sections that highlight the latest “movers and shakers” in the community. In 2012 AHI’s “Member Spotlight” section featured: Theater owner Ted Pedas, attorney Anna Giabourani, businessman Nicolas Bornozis, community leaders James and Nike Lagos, and John Catsimatidis, Chairman and CEO of United Refining Company.
Leadership, Awards & Staff News
AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE
AHI Marks President Larigakis’ 25th Year at Organization
In August, AHI President Nick Larigakis completed his 25th year at AHI, an achievement for which many AHI stakeholders are grateful. “It was clear from the beginning that Nick was a bright, intelligent and hard-working individual who continued to develop his skills, and he quickly became an asset to the point where he became the Institute’s executive director,” said AHI Founder Gene Rossides. “Because of his leadership abilities, dedicated work ethic and vision, I selected Nick to be my successor as president of AHI. His rise has been extraordinary, and the Greek American community is fortunate to have him leading AHI.” AHI hired Larigakis August 1, 1987, and five years later, he became the organization’s executive director. In January 2011 AHI announced his promotion to president.
AHI President Receives National AHEPA Honor
Internship Program AHI Interns Meet with their Members of Congress, Raise Awareness of Greek American Issues
AHI President Nick Larigakis (center) receives the 2012 AHEPA Outstanding Public Advocacy Award from AHEPA Executive Director Basil Mossaidis (left) and AHEPA Supreme President Dr. John Grossomanides (right).
AHI President Nick Larigakis received a national honor from the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) before an audience of 200 prominent Greek American and community leaders on Capitol Hill, March 28, 2012. President Larigakis received the inaugural AHEPA Outstanding Public Advocacy Award at AHEPA’s “Salute to Civic Responsibility” Dinner. The AHEPA Outstanding Public Advocacy Award, which was presented by AHEPA Executive Director Basil Mossaidis, recognizes individuals who demonstrate unbridled passion in the course of advocating for a public policy issue or cause. AHEPA cited Larigakis’ steadfast advocacy on Capitol Hill, in the grassroots, and in the op-ed pages of influential publications as the basis for his honor.
AHI Announces New Legislative Assistant Hire On September 11, 2012 AHI announced the hire of Georgea Polizos as its legislative assistant. “We are fortunate to have Georgea join our staff,” said AHI President Nick Larigakis. “Georgea’s international affairs policy background will be a tremendous asset to our outreach efforts to Capitol Hill.” Georgea holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Georgia and a Master Georgea Polizos of Arts in International Affairs from Florida State University, where she focused on the Balkans. Prior to beginning her graduate studies, Georgea spent two years working with Greek and Eastern European college students as the Student Life Coordinator at the American Farm School in Thessaloniki, Greece. As a graduate student, she interned at the Greek Embassy and AHI, and with the latter, she attended the Student Foreign Policy trip in 2010. Additionally, Georgea spent a semester in London studying the European Union and ethno-national conflicts.
Cady Papageorgiou, Congresswoman Yvonne Clarke and Nick Larigakis.
AHI interns met with their members of Congress in July to discuss issues of importance to the Greek American community. AHI President Nick Larigakis accompanied the interns to the meetings on Capitol Hill. Intern Dimitri Dimitriou (University of California, Berkeley) visited Dimitri Dimitriou with Congressman his member of Congress, Dana Rohrabacher. U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), July 11, 2012. Dimitriou raised awareness about developments in the eastern Mediterranean pertaining to cooperative efforts between Cyprus and Israel, Egypt, and Lebanon to explore for hydrocarbon reserves within Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). He also informed Congressman Rohrabacher about Turkey’s various intimidation tactics in the eastern Mediterranean directed toward Cyprus and Israel. AHI Intern Cady Papageorgiou (SUNY, Geneseo) met with her congresswoman, U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), July 20, 2012. Congresswoman Clarke welcomed the opportunity to become informed on the issues especially because she was familiar with members of the Greek American community of New York. Papageorgiou raised awareness about the Cyprus issue and the latest developments regarding Cyprus with regard to the exploration of hydrocarbon reserves.
2012 ANNUAL REPORT
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Congratulations to the American Hellenic Institute on its 38th Anniversary Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner and to Honorees: Representative Michael Grimm Philip Christopher Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki
Enjoy the celebration! Emmanuel & Marilyn Rouvelas
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Congratulations to the American Hellenic Institute and this year’s honorees Spiro & Emily Spireas
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Congratulations To The Honorees And Best Wishes For Continued Success Jim & Wanda Pedas Ted & Lea Pedas George, Joanna, Theodore & Paulina Pedas Billy, Kelli, James & Teddy Pedas George & Michele Assimakopoulos Lia & William WASHINGTON, DC
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The Behrakis Foundation congratulates all the recipients of the AHI Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service Awards
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CONGRATULATIONS to the American Hellenic Institute American Hellenic Institute Foundation and the American Hellenic Institute Business Network For continuing to promote the Hellenic ideals of democracy, free enterprise and the rule of law James H. & Nike D. Lagos Thomas H. & Matina K. Lagos Lagos & Lagos P.L.L., Attorneys at Law One South Limestone Street, Suite 1000, Springfield, Ohio 45502-1294 937-323-5555 (phone) • 937-323-6564 (fax) James Email: jameshlagos@lagoscentral.com Thomas Email: lagosth@yahoo.com
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Congratulations to the American Hellenic Institute on its 38th anniversary and to this evenings distinguished honorees.
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Congratulations to the American Hellenic Institute on its 38th Anniversary and to all of this year’s honorees! -Aris Melissaratos Baltimore, Maryland ___________________________________________________________________
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The President and Board of Directors of the
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The Order of AHEPA congratulates all the recipients of the 2013 AHI Dinner AHEPA Supreme Lodge: John G. Grossomanides, Supreme President Anthony Kouzounis, Supreme Vice President George Vassilas, Canadian President Philip Frangos, Secretary Anthony J. Drakos, Treasurer George Loucas, Counselor Chris Economides, Jr., Sons National Advisor Ike Gulas, PSP, Athletic Director Supreme Governors: Dalton Respass, FL Ed Guminski, PA Jimmy Kokotas, NY John Tanionos, MA Socrates Kollitsos, OH Nick Kavadas, IN James Peros, CO Chris Mellas, CA Nicholas A. Karacostas, Chairman, AHEPA Board of Trustees Basil N. Mossaidis, Executive Director
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“Congratulations to AHI for its great service to the Greek Diaspora” Our very best wishes to this year’s Honorees – especially to the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic, Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, on this most deserving honor. May your families, friends and the entire community follow your footsteps to help perpetuate your great achievements. Keep up the good work!
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The American Hellenic Institute Foundation Presents the 12th Annual Conference on
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S a v e th e D at e ! March 8, 2014 39th Annual Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service
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American Hellenic Institute would like to thank... Katherine Kallinis and Sophie LaMontagne of Georgetown Cupcake
&
Theodore Manousakis of the Manousakis Winery, Chania, Crete ...for providing this evening’s guests with cupcakes and red wine.
georgetown cupcake Georgetown • Bethesda • SoHo • Boston
www.georgetowncupcake.com
THANK YOU
Our Special Thanks to 2013 NATIONAL DINNER CHAIRPERSONS Mr. & Mrs. Gus Andy, Miami, FL Mr. & Mrs. James H. Lagos, Springfield, OH Mr. & Mrs. James Pedas, Washington, DC Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Pedas, Washington, DC Mr. & Mrs. Gene Rossides, Washington, DC Drs. Spiro & Emily Spireas, New Hope, PA Mr. & Mrs. Ted G. Spyropoulos, Chicago, IL Dr. & Mrs. George P. Tsetsekos, Philadelphia, PA HERITAGE PATRON Mr. & Mrs. George Behrakis, Lexington, MA The Behrakis Family Foundation, Lexington, MA Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas E. Chimicles, Devon, PA Mr. & Mrs. Philip Christopher, Astoria, NY LeBow College of Business, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA SigmaPharm Laboratories LLC, Bensalem, PA National Hellenic Society, Bethesda, MD Mr. & Mrs. George Marcus, Palo Alto, CA CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE Mr. & Mrs. John Alahouzos, Washington, DC Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Alexakis, Arnold, MD Peter Angelos & Lou Angelos, Baltimore, MD Mr. Nicholas J. Bouras, Summit, NJ Calamos Investments, Chicago, IL Mr. & Mrs. John P. Calamos, Sr., Chicago, IL Mr. & Mrs. John Courembis, Washington, DC Mr. & Mrs. Constantine Galanis, Mexico City, Mexico Mr. & Mrs. Aleco Haralambides, Miami, FL Mr. & Mrs. Nick Karambelas, Washington, DC Mr. & Mrs. Thomas H. Lagos, Springfield, OH Order of St. Andrew, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Mr. & Mrs. Panayiotis Peters, Fort Worth, Texas Mr. & Mrs. Manny Rouvelas, Washington, DC The Tsakopoulos Hellenic Foundation, Sacramento, CA
THANK YOU
Our Special Thanks to NATIONAL CO-HOSTS
Special Thank You To Our Silent Auction Sponsors
Leon Andris, Washington, DC Cyprus Chamber of Commerce, New York, NY Cyprus Federation of America, New York, NY International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus, New York, NY Joannides Family Properties & Foundation, Cheyenne, WY Mr. & Mrs. Thanasi Liakos, Nashua, NH Mr. Aris Melissaratos, Baltimore, Maryland Alexia and George Moutsatsos, Wilmington, DE Mr. & Mrs. Nikos Mouyiaris, New York, NY Pancyprian Federation of America, New York, NY The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI
John Alahouzos Leon Andris Mr. & Mrs. Gus Andy & La Mer Beachfront Inn Ambassador Gianna Angelopoulos Peter G. Angelos, Lou Angelos & the Baltimore Orioles Arion Resort & Spa Christine Brennan Capital Hilton Hotel and Greg Brown Cavo Olympo Luxury Resort & Spa Alexis Christoforous & CBS News Constantine M. Constant Costa Navarino Resort John & Mary Ann (Maria Basiliki) DeWitt Aris Drivas Yachting Jim Gianopulos and 20th Century Fox Films Grace Mykonos & Grace Santorini Hotels HBO Films & Kary Antholis Hilton McLean Tysons Corner and Brian Kelleher Hotel Grande Bretagne and Tim Ananiadis Athanasios Kanellopoulos Rick Kay Ambassador Tom Korologos Nick Larigakis & Constantine Larigakis Louis Cruise Lines & Amphitrion Holidays Evangelos Marinakis Larry Michael Miltos Goudamanis & House of Brands Inc. Monumental Sports * Entertainment Mark Moraitakis Petra Fine Art & Euripides “Rip” Kastaris Billy Pedas Elle Sakellis & Otrera The Philadelphia Phillies & John Brazer The Washington Nationals The White Barn Inn Tiny Jewel Box Vanderbilt Grace Washington Tennis & Education Foundation & Eleni Rossides Don and Maria Wills
SUPPORTERS A.G. Kaffes & Associates, Washington, DC Archimedean Academy, Miami, FL Mr. & Mrs. Ted Golfinopoulos, Skillman, NJ Hermes Expo International Kellari Taverna, Washington, DC Mr. & Mrs. James L. Marketos, Washington, DC The McLaughin Company, Washington, DC Metro 29 Diner, Arlington, VA Mykonos Grill, Rockville, MD Nostos Restaurant, Vienna, VA Order of AHEPA The Onassis Foundation (USA), New York, NY US Financials, Falls Church, VA Soma Labs, Inc., Middlesex, NJ Amb. & Mrs. Loucas Tsilas, New York, NY Theodore Vakrinos & Helen Abadzi, Alexandria, VA The Washington Times
NATIONAL COMMITTEE Mr. Dimitris Agouridis, Calgary Alberta, Canada Mr. & Mrs. Peter Bota, Great Falls, VA Gencor, Orlando, FL Mr. & Mrs. Paul Kotrotsios, Philadelphia, PA Mr. Constantine Larigakis, Delran, NJ Mr. & Mrs. Peter Pagonis, Potomac, MD Mr. Gregory Pappas, Chicago, IL Ms. Eleni Rossides, Washington, DC
THANK YOU
American Hellenic Institute Foundation
College Student Foreign Policy Study Trip to Greece and Cyprus June 19 – July 5, 2013
To stand in a place where, for generations, Christians stood in awe and reverence of the Creator of all, where incense and psalmody once rose from earth to Heaven in praise of the God who became man; but now stands abandoned and desecrated, with no respect or honor given to things of the earth or of Heaven, is truly a powerful and moving experience. – Manoli Anagnostiadis, University of Maryland, upon viewing a desecrated Church in occupied Cyprus in 2012.
The AHIF Foreign Policy trip to Cyprus and Greece was an invaluable experience. Through briefings with prominent government officials, and experiences like visiting the occupied territory of Cyprus, I gained an understanding why it is important to lobby for Greek and Cypriot issues in the United States. The study trip made me a betterinformed Greek American and has put me in a position where I can make a difference and advocate for Greek and Cypriot issues in America. – Michael Savvas, University of San Diego (2010 trip)
The AHIF trip is something I will never forget. I am returning to the United States with new friends, amazing memories, and as a more learned person because of this foreign policy trip. I wouldn’t trade those two weeks for anything. – Lia Seremetis, University of Cincinnati (2009 trip)
For more information on how to apply, visit: http://ahiworld.org/for-students/policy-trip.html or email Yola Pakhchanian at yolap@ahiworld.org
Photos, from top: Church ruins in occupied Cyprus. The students at the Acropolis (2009). Student delegation with Honorable Yiannakis Omirou, President of the Cyprus House of Representatives (2012). At the old Nicosia International Airport with a member of the UN Peace keeping forces (2010). Student delegation with the President of Greece, Karolos Papoulias (2011).
ahiworld.org
AHI invites everyone Hellenes and philhellenes alike who shares our passion for the preservation and study of Hellenism and wishes to strengthen ties between the United States, Greece and Cyprus to join AHI as a member. By joining, you help us in two important ways: your membership gives our message greater weight in Washington. And your dues help us to carry out our mission on a day-to-day basis. AHI understands the issues affecting the Greek American community and we share our knowledge of these issues through newsletters, conferences, publications and electronic media.
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Enrollment Form
$100 for members within the U.S.; $150 for members outside the U.S.; $35 for Students • Receive AHI’s newsletter • Be alerted to key action items via e-mail • Be a part of policy discussions with invitations to AHI noon forums and business network events nationwide • A copy of the AHI DVD The Greek American Operational Groups
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AHI members enjoy many benefits at a variety of levels. Please consider becoming a part of our grassroots network at one of the levels below:
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Classic membership benefits, plus: • Receive a 25% discount on all new AHI publications • Receive a complimentary copy of Greece’s Pivotal Role in World War II and its Importance to the U.S. Today
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Please tear at perforation and return with payment to: American Hellenic Institute 1220 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036
Olympic membership benefits, plus: • A special invitation to join the annual delegation trip to Greece and Cyprus and participate in high-level meetings with members of the executive and legislative branches of the Greek and Cypriot governments • Receive a Sustaining Member listing on the AHI Memorial Wall, prominently displayed in the lobby of Hellenic House • Underwriting credit for the year at all AHI events
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Solon membership benefits, plus: • Join a special briefing in Washington, DC exclusively for Olympic and Nike members with the diplomatic corps as well as policy-makers • Two free tickets to AHI’s Athens Hellenic Heritage and National Public Service Awards Dinner at the Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens along with a complimentary full page advertisement in the dinner journal • Free participation for you and a guest at AHI’s Annual Golf Outing
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Pericles membership benefits, plus: • Receive Receive complimentary of of Blood and Tears: complimentarycopies copies Blood and Greece 1940-1949—A Story of War and Love and Tears: Greece 1940-1949—A Story of War and Love Modern Greeks: Greece in World War II: The German and The Truman Doctrine of Aid to Greece: A Fifty Occupation and National Resistance and Civil War Year Retrospective
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The Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate congratulates
THE AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE on the occasion of the Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner Axioi! Axioi! Axioi!
/ OrderStAndrew