WASHINGTON, DC –The American Hellenic Institute Foundation’s (AHIF) Fourteenth Annual Conference on the Future of Hellenism in America recently held in Baltimore, MD perpetuated its mission of keeping the discussion of the promotion and preservation of Hellenism at the forefront in the community.

Each year the conference is held in a different U.S. city to spread the seeds of ideas it generates and to obtain feedback from local Greek-Americans. Conference speakers identified key challenges and opportunities facing community and offered suggestions for the future.

The conference was presented in cooperation with the National Hellenic Society (NHS), and was sponsored by SigmaPharm Laboratories LLC.

The event featured nearly 20 prominent speakers from across the country who analyzed key issues including the future of Greek-American organizations, religious and ethnic identity, promoting Hellenic values, and Greek education.

The political process and lobbying efforts were highlighted and speakers also identified how Hellenism could be promoted in the future through various channels, including business activities.

The perspectives of young people were also aired and one panel was titled “Looking to the Next Generation of Greek Americans.”

The concluding discussion tied everything together with the theme: “Where Do We Go From Here?”

AHIF held a dinner on the eve of the conference. Andreas Akaras served as Emcee and remarks were offered by Conference Chairman Aris Melissaratos Ambassador and Christos Panagopoulos of Greece.

Longtime Baltimore community supporters and members Nitsa Morekas and the Korologos brothers, Tom, John, and Lou, received AHI’s Hellenic Heritage and Public Service Award for the Promotion of Hellenism in America.

Congressman John Sarbanes delivered the keynote address. He spoke to the audience about the importance of Hellenism in the Public Service, a concept that he promotes in his travels across the country.

Sarbanes shared his belief that Hellenism and its values provide Greek Americans with a way to give back to the community and engage with the broader society and of the importance of spotlighting Greek-Americans striving to better the communities in which they live and work.

The congressman and the honorees spoke highly of AHI’s role in the community, and how its mission serves to advance Hellenism – its issues, and its principles – in the United States.

In acceptance remarks, Morekas and the Korologos brothers – the latter were sponsors of the event – spoke about how humbled they were to receive these awards, and Morekas said there were many she’d like to thank in the Baltimore community, adding how much they have meant to her.

Tom Korologos, on behalf of his brothers, said that in addition to the advancement of Hellenism in America, the community’s national issues and supporting Greece, Cyprus, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate should not be overlooked, and noted how important it is that AHI champions these issues and works to strengthen the vital relationship between Greece and the United States.

All the sponsors were thanked by AHI President Nick Larigakis, who emphasized that “We sincerely appreciate the generous sponsorship of SigmaPharm Laboratories, which is under the leadership of Dr. Spiro Spireas…Without its support, the Conference on Hellenism would not be the successful event that it is.”

For more information about AHI, visit ahiworld.org.

AHIF conference Honorees Nitsa Morekas and the Korologos brothers with Kaliope Parthemos (Chief of Staff, Office of Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake), Senator Paul Sarbanes, Congressman John Sarbanes, and AHI President Nick Larigakis.