Investing in Greek Education in the United States

Constantine S. Sirigos

TNH File Photo

NEW YORK – Greeks know what a foundation is. After all, they have been builders for 4000 years. Greek-Americans appreciate that the community has built its success on the bedrock of education, including the character-forming experiences of Greek School and Sunday School, yet support for such schools, always insufficient, appears to be dwindling. As Greek Letters Day is celebrated across the country during this week, TNH is spotlighting a few of our key schools and listening to their officials.

Having FAITH in the Community

TNH staff

TNH File Photo

Faith: An Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism supports the development of innovative educational, cultural, and scholarship programs that promote an understanding of the Orthodox faith, Hellenism, and the relationship of the two to America’s history and multicultural landscape for young people. History In 2004, as a response to a challenge issued by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, a group of ten prominent Greek-American leaders and philanthropists representing a diversity of professional fields and philanthropic values founded “Faith: An Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism.” The core mission of Faith is to promote Hellenism and an understanding of the Greek Orthodox faith (and the relationship of the two to each other and to America’s multicultural landscape) through a series of high quality educational programs and cultural initiatives through an endowment for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

Private Creditors: Deal with Greece Close

Demetris Nellas - The Associated Press

AP Photo

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — A disorderly and potentially devastating Greek debt default is looking much less likely. Greece and investors who own its bonds have reached a tentative deal to significantly reduce the country's debt and pave the way for it to receive a much-needed €130 billion bailout. Negotiators for the investors announced the agreement Saturday and said it could become final next week. If the agreement works as planned, it will help Greece remain solvent and help Europe avoid a blow to its already weak financial system, even though banks and other bond investors will have to accept multibillion-dollar losses.

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Elias Neofytides Opens the First Greek-American Library in New York City

Constantine S. Sirigos

Every January the Greek-American community celebrates Greek Letters Day, but how many of us do anything about it? Elias Neofytides knows that those letters live in books, and books need homes, so he and the dozens of volunteers and benefactors he has marshaled though the years created the first and only Greek library in New York City.

Costas Bej/TNH

Sophia Stavrakis Named TNH Teacher of the Year

Constantine S. Sirigos

Sophia Stavrakis (at the podium) director of the Greek school of the Church of St. George in Trenton, New Jersey, was honored as the 2011 teacher of the year at TNH’s Long Island City headquarters.

Costas Bej/TNH

World Champion Dimas to Lead Boston Parade

Theodore Kalmoukos

Pyrros Dimas, an Olympic and world champion weightlifter, will be one of the grand marshals in this year’s annual Greek Independence Day Parade in Boston – primarily organized by the Federation of the Hellenic Associations and Societies of New England – on April 22, Federation President Themis Karatzas told TNH.

TNH File Photo

Judge Garaufis Castigated for his FDNY Discrimination Case Decree

TNH staff

NEW YORK – New York City officials have attacked Federal Judge Nicholas Garaufis over his ruling that the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) intentionally discriminated against minorities in its hiring of firefighters. The Daily News reports that he was called “media-obsessed and biased.” Garaufis, who as a matter of policy does not address the media regarding active cases, declined TNH’s request for comment.

Gianaris Targeted In GOP Redistricting Plan

NY State Senator Michael Gianaris, a Democrat (R) with Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos jointly appearing at a Community event as Archbishop Demetrios looks on. The Community rose to a new level in NY State politics as Gianaris, a leader in the Democratic party, joined long-serving Skelos in the Senate. Now Skelos' Republican colleagues are working on cutting Astoria - and Greek American representation in the Senate - in half.

Congressman Ed Derwinski, 85, Respected Philhellene

Constantine S. Sirigos

NEW YORK – Edward Derwinski, who represented Chicago’s south side and nearby suburbs in the U.S. House of representatives for more than 20 years, passed away on January 15. The long-time friend of the Greek and Cypriot American communities died of cancer at the age of 85. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Derwinski worked closely with the Community’s leaders in Washington, D.C. Eugene T. Rossides, founder and former president of the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), had worked with him on many Republican political campaigns and on Captive Nation Week commemorations.

Andreas Dracopoulos Wins Admiration for His Philanthropic Initiatives

Christos Zampounis

In the footsteps of the great benefactors He is the nephew of Stavros Niarchos and, in his capacity as president of the homonymous foundation, he manages grants totaling 1 billion euro. With a new program to address the direct effects of the recession, he believes that “the Foundation’s activity will motivate others who are in a position to – and ought to – help.”

TNH File Photo

UN International Holocaust Commemoration Day Marked in NY

Constantine S. Sirigos

Greece’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Anastasios Mitsialis, participated as an honored guest, and spoke during the luncheon that followed the annual International Day of Commemoration of the victims of the Holocaust at Manhattan's Park East Synagogue.

Ex-CIA Agent Kiriakou Charged with Leaking Info to Media

The Associated Press

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - In the latest criminal case in the Obama administration’s effort to punish leakers, a former CIA officer who helped track down and capture a top terror suspect was charged yesterday with disclosing classified secrets about his fellow officers to the media. John Kiriakou, 47, of Arlington is charged with violating the Intelligence Identities Protection Act and the Espionage Act. A judge at a federal court hearing ordered Kiriakou to be released on a $250,000 unsecured bond. According to authorities, Kiriakou told a New York Times reporter classified information about a fellow officer who participated in interrogating suspected Al Qaeda financier Abu Zubaydah in 2002, eight months after the terrorist attacks of Sept 11, 2001.

$130 Million in Aid from the Niarchos Foundation to Greece

TNH staff

Mr. Andreas Dracopoulos, co-president of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, is seen here. SNF recently announced that it is committing up to $130 million over the next three years “to help ease the adverse effects of the deepening crisis” in Greece.

TNH File Photo

John Sitilides: Action and Advice

Constantine S. Sirigos

John Sitilides speaks at a variety conferences. He addresses geopolitical risk issues, including the Greek financial crisis.

TNH File Photo

TNH Writer Taking Case To Supreme Court

TNH staff

Media giants do not have a problem requesting federal mugshot photos from outlets in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, or Tennessee. Outside of news circles, however, few know that such photos are available only to those residing in one of those four states. Accordingly, community media and freelance journalists in the other 46 states are out of luck. But TNH writer Theo Karantsalis has filed a federal lawsuit that has recently reached the United States Supreme Court.

The Enduring Good Works of Father George Mastrantonis – Conclusion

Steve Frangos

Part 2 Greek-American historical writings are considerably impoverished because priests’ careers beyond their local parishes are seldom written about outside of church histories. Accordingly, the average parishioner and scholar might assume that there is very little else worthy to document. But nothing could be further from the truth.

Poll of the Week

Would you vote for a third party candidate for president in 2012 who is of Greek descent?

View poll results

Government Satisfied with Russian FM`s Statement on Cyprus

Cyprus News Agency

The government of Cyprus expressed on Sunday its appreciation for the clear positions of principles expressed once more by the Russian Federation on the Cyprus problem in the light of the outcome of the New York meeting, which took place earlier this week, between the UN Secretary General and the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus. In a written statement, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said that ``the clear positions of the Russian Federation are a confirmation of the long lasting position of principles expressed by Moscow on the Cyprus issue``.

Strike on Summit Day Shows Task at Hand

Raf Casert - The Associated Press

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other European leaders meeting for a summit will only have to look out of the window to see the biggest problem with their steady diet of austerity and belt-tightening to fix the financial crisis: disgruntled workers organizing a nationwide strike to protest the direction in which Europe is heading.

Nightmare of Disorderly Default Focuses Minds on Greece

Ingrid Melander

Argentina's chaotic bankruptcy a decade ago triggered riots, looting and dozens of deaths. The prospect of that horror scenario playing out in Greece is focusing minds across Europe as the threat of default remains all too real.

Germans Float Direct EU Control over Greek Budget

Juergen Baetz - The Associated Press

Germany is proposing that debt-ridden Greece temporarily cede sovereignty over tax and spending decisions to a powerful eurozone budget commissioner before it can secure further bailouts, an official in Berlin said Saturday.

Fitch Downgrades 5 Eurozone Nations

The Associated Press

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — U.S. ratings agency Fitch says it is downgrading the credit ratings of five countries that use the euro, including economic heavyweights Italy and Spain. Fitch said the downgraded countries — also including Belgium, Cyprus, and Slovenia — faced financial and economic headwinds from the eurozone's debt crisis that could diminish their ability to sustain their own debt loads. The downgrade was largely expected, as Fitch had said it was reviewing the country's ratings. It comes on top of a downgrade of nine eurozone countries by another ratings agency, Standard & Poor's, on Jan. 13.

IMF Chief Presses for More Cash to Fight Crisis

Pan Pylas - The Associated Press

International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Christine Lagarde gestures during during a plenary session at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum, WEF, in Davos, Switzerland, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012. Lagarde is pushing to boost the institution's financial firepower so that it can help Europe prevent its crippling debt crisis from further damaging the global economy.

Magnitude 4.9 Earthquake Rattles Crete

The Associated Press

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greek authorities say an earthquake with preliminary 4.9-magnitude has shaken the country's southern Aegean islands, including Crete. No injuries or damage were immediately reported in the quake, which was the third in three days in the area. The Athens Geodynamic Institute says the undersea earthquake occurred at 12:50 p.m. (1050 GMT) Saturday about 243 kilometers from the Greek capital, Athens, between the islands of Santorini and Crete. It says the earthquake occurred at a depth of 31 kilometers. Earthquakes of magnitude 5.3 and 5.2 occurred in the same area on Thursday and Friday, respectively.

Cyprus FinMin Says Banks Won't Need Gov't Help

The Associated Press

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Cyprus' Finance Ministry says it's confident that the island's banks will be able to recapitalize on their own and won't need government support. The ministry says Cyprus' economy has "strong foundations" and adds that it will soon unveil a growth-oriented package of measures that it's preparing in partnership with the private sector.

Vladimir Putin, Greek Opposition Leader Samaras Meet in Moscow

ANA- MPA

The head of Greece's conservative New Democracy party is greeted by Patriarch Kyrill of Moscow during his visit to Russia. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin received New Democracy party leader Antonis Samaras here on Thursday, with talks reportedly focusing on overcoming whatever stagnation in Greek-Russian relations and prospects for boosting bilateral cooperation.

Greece Locked in Parallel Talks Over Debt

Elena Becatoros and Nicholas Paphitis - The Associated Press

Charles Dallara, managing director of the Institute of International Finance, a banking lobby, foreground, and Jean Lemierre, senior adviser to the chairman of French bank BNP Paribas arrive at Maximou mansion to meet Greek Premier Lucas Papademos in Athens, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. Greece will try to revive a debt relief deal needed to avoid a potentially disastrous default when it resumes talks on Thursday with its private creditors in Athens.

Deficit Focus Questioned as Answer to Euro Crisis

David McHugh - The Associated Press

An illustration of a euro coin is displayed on a bank's advertising billboard as a man stands outside the branch in Athens, on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. Europe is getting tough on government debt. After more than two years struggling to rescue financially shaky governments, leaders of the 17 countries that use the euro are putting the finishing touches on a treaty that will force member countries to put tough deficit restrictions into their national laws.

2nd Quake in 2 Days Rattles Greek Islands

The Associated Press

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — An earthquake with preliminary 5.2-magnitude shook Greece's southern Aegean Sea islands Friday, the second in two days, Greek authorities said. Civil protection officials said no damage to buildings was reported, but two people were lightly injured trying to flee their homes on the island of Crete. The Athens Geodynamic Institute says the undersea earthquake occurred at 3:33 a.m. (0133 GMT) Friday about 46 kilometers southwest of the popular tourist resort island of Santorini, and 247 kilometers south southeast of the Greek capital, Athens.

Greek Village Priest Held over Church Treasure Dig

The Associated Press

Police in northern Greece have arrested a village priest and a church elder for allegedly digging for treasure in the chancel of the church.

Poll: Germans Against Increasing Euro Rescue Fund

The Associated Press

BERLIN (AP) — Nearly three-quarters of Germans oppose putting more money into the eurozone's rescue fund, according to a new poll. The International Monetary Fund is among those advocating an increase in the €500 billion ($650 billion) European Stability Mechanism, which is to start work in July. Chancellor Angela Merkel is already holding out against the idea.

Finance Chiefs Reassure Business Leaders at Davos

The Associated Press

German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, right, points to French Finance Minister Francois Baroin, left, during a session at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Friday, Jan. 27, 2012. The meeting lasts until Jan. 29. Leading finance chiefs sought to reassure anxious global business leaders on Friday that Europe is on track to solve its crippling debt crisis before it drags the world's economies down.

Cyprus Finance Ministry to Complete Stimulus Package by Friday

Cyprus News Agency

The Finance Ministry of Cyprus completes on Friday the drafting of a set of measures aiming at boosting growth, Minister of Finance. Speaking during a press conference, Kazamias said the Ministry will complete the drafting of a stimulus package and will submit a proposal to the Council of Ministers. He said the Ministry has already held contacts with other Ministries as well as with the social partners and that he will hold contacts with the political parties before the proposal is submitted to the Council of Ministers.

Greek, Cypriot Ministers Meet to Discuss Energy Issues

ANA- MPA

NICOSIA (AMNA/A.Viketos/CNA) - Cyprus Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Praxoula Antoniadou held a meeting here on Thursday with Greek Deputy Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change Yiannis Maniatis on the occasion of his visit to Cyprus at the invitation of the Institute of Energy for Southeastern Europe (IENE). Speaking to the media after the meeting which was held at the Ministry of commerce, Maniatis noted that the energy sector and particularly the exploitation of hydrocarbons offer the opportunity to develop a new strategic cooperation between Greece and Cyprus.

Clinton Sidesteps Dispute over French Genocide Law

Desmond Butler - The Associated Press

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday sidestepped a delicate dispute between two allies over the World War I-era killing of Armenians in Turkey.

2012 Presidential Race - Update

Constantinos E. Scaros

What a week it was! Rick Perry dropped out Thursday morning and endorsed Newt Gingrich, who received additional standing ovations at that evening’s debate and soundly defeated Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, and Ron Paul in that order, in Saturday’s South Carolina primary. Gingrich’s triumph was impressive but hardly “stunning,” as the sensationalizing (but not sensational) mainstream media like to call any victory by someone who did not win the previous state’s primary.

Greece Tries to Revive Debt Relief Deal

Nicholas Paphitis - The Associated Press

A pedestrian passes a carpet shop's window with signs reading 'Sell out due crisis' in Athens, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012 Greece's prime minister will hold new talks with representatives of the country's private sector creditors on a crucial euro100 billion ($129 billion) debt writedown.

Russian Church Vows to Raise Funds for Crisis-hit Greece

All Orthodox churches in Russia will raise funds to help Greece mitigate the social impact of the euro zone crisis, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia announced on Thursday.

Public Needs to Back Austerity, EU Leaders Say

The Associated Press

British Prime Minister David Cameron, speaks during a session at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. British Prime Minister David Cameron backed the idea of a free trade deal between the European Union and the U.S. on Thursday, suggesting that a trans-Atlantic pact could deliver a much-needed boost to global commerce.

Greek Conservatives Widen Lead over Socialists

Greece's main opposition leader Antonis Samaras is seen outside of the government headquarters. Greece's conservatives have widened their lead over their socialist coalition partners, but would not secure an absolute majority if elections were held now, a poll showed on Thursday.

Greek Cypriot Positions Evident Within UN Chief's Statement

Cyprus News Agency

The clear prerequisites put forward by the Greek Cypriot side at the Greentree meeting between Cyprus President Demetris Christofias, Turkish Cypriot Leader Dervis Eroglu and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon are evident within the UN Secretary General’s statement, President Christofias has said.

Spanish Unemployment Rises Further to 24 Pct

Ciaran Giles - The Associated Press

Spain's Finance Minister Cristobal Montoro speaks at the Parliament before approving the new conservative government's first batch of austerity measures, in Madrid, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012. Montoro said Spain was on the point of relapsing into recession and the economy, with unemployment jumping to nearly 24 percent in the fourth quarter, was stagnant.

Greek Unions, Employers Discuss Wage Cuts (Video)

Nicholas Paphitis - The Associated Press

Riot police guard Athens' Hilton Hotel where senior international debt inspectors are staying, during a peaceful protest, on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012. Greek labor and employer federations started talks Wednesday on government-proposed private sector wage cuts, a week after the same Communist-affiliated protesters blocked a first meeting.

Greece Hopes for Debt Swap Deal by End of Week

Gabrielle Steinhauser and Nicholas Paphitis - The Associated Press

Clouds are seen over ancient Acropolis hill and Athens' historic Plaka district on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012. Europe and private investors were gearing up for hard negotiations on how to cut Greece's massive debt Tuesday, after the region's finance ministers adopted a tough stance on how much rescue money they would pump into the Greek economy.

UN Chief: Cypriot Talks Make Limited Progress

Cyprus News Agency

Two days of talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders aimed at reunifying the divided Mediterranean island of Cyprus made limited progress, the U.N. chief said Wednesday. Two days of talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders aimed at reunifying the divided Mediterranean island of Cyprus made limited progress, the U.N. chief said Wednesday.

Greek Minister Admits He Did Not Read Memorandum

ANA- MPA

Replying to criticism of having only lately discovered what he called "shortcomings" of the previous George Papandreou government, in which he had served as a minister throughout its two-year term, current Development Minister Mihalis Chryssohoidis on Tuesday defended his stance by saying he was unaware of the details of a Memorandum signed by Greece with its EC-ECB-IMF creditors.

Greek Parliament Bucks Gov't, Refuses to Pass Pharmacy Deregulation Bill

ANA- MPA

Greek health minister Andreas Loverdos, left, and finance minister Evangelos Venizelos are seen in Parliament on Tues. Jan. 25, 2012, after a failed attempt to deregulate pharmacies hours of business. Just 101 among the 253 MPs of the 300-member House that were in attendance voted in favor of the article.

Greek Filmmaker Theo Angelopoulos Dies in Accident (Video)

The Associated Press

In this Feb. 12, 2009 file photo, Greek film director Theo Angelopoulos looks on during a news conference for the movie ""I Skoni Tou Chronou - The Dust Of Time" at the Berlinale film festival in Berlin, Germany. Police and hospital officials in Athens said Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 that Greek filmmaker Theo Angelopoulos was killed in road accident. Angelopoulos won numerous awards for his movies, most at European film festivals, during his career that spanned more than 40 years.

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Troika Eyeing More Wage Cuts

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