NEW YORK – The Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce held its annual Christmas Party virtually on December 17. Despina Axiotakis, Executive Director of the Chamber gave the welcoming remarks, offering best wishes to all, and giving a brief update on the latest news from the Chamber and its members.

She then introduced Chamber President Maria Pappas, the organization’s first woman president, to give her best wishes and greetings to all those present. Pappas thanked all those responsible for organizing the event including Axiotakis, Demetris Comodromos who was in charge of the technical aspects of the online event, the Board and members of the Chamber, and Phyto Stratis, President of Cyprus New York Productions (CNY) for the entertainment at the festive event.

The musical performance by CNY Productions’ Stratis, Ariadne Panagopoulou, Aggeliki Psoni, Louis Panayiotou, and Demetris Michael delighted all those in attendance with classic holiday favorites and traditional Christmas carols. Stratis also presented Consul General of Cyprus in New York Alexis Phedonos-Vadet with a gift from the Chamber after the artists performed the traditional Cypriot Kalanta at the Consul General’s home. Phedonos-Vadet shared his best wishes for Christmas and especially for a happy and healthy New Year.

The Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce Christmas Party 2020 was held virtually on Dec. 17. (Photo: TNH Staff)

Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the United States Marios Lysiotis offered his greetings at the event, congratulating the Chamber on all its efforts, and noting that although 2020 has been a difficult year, important progress has been made in the relationship between the U.S. and Cyprus. He wished everyone a merry Christmas and a happy, creative, prosperous, and healthy New Year.

Cyprus Trade Commissioner Aristos Constantine in his remarks pointed out that saying it has been a hard year is an understatement, but he has also seen how the difficulties brought many closer together and the Chamber has done an amazing job shifting to a virtual environment. He added that he is hopeful for a very good 2021 and congratulated the Chamber president, Board and Cyprus Young Professionals (CYP) for their efforts.

Michael Tannousis, former Board member and CYP member, also shared his best wishes for the season and noted that he is overwhelmed and grateful for the support he received from the Chamber and from the Cypriot and Greek-American community in his election to the New York State Assembly. He pointed out that the support made the difference and what touched him the most was that people believed in him regardless of party.

Federation of Cypriot American Organizations President Kyriacos Papastylianou offered his greetings and best wishes for the holidays, as did Chamber Founding President and Honorary Chairman Andreas Comodromos, and Chamber Treasurer Petroula Lambrou.

Santa Claus (Nicolas Nicolaou) made an appearance at the Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce Christmas Party on Dec. 17. (Photo: TNH Staff)

Santa Claus (Nicolas Nicolaou, the Chamber’s Executive Board Chairman) made an appearance at the party as well while Chris Droussiotis presented Cypriot jokes. Lambrou introduced Cypriot Young Professionals President Chris Odysseos who moderated the fun, 20-question trivia game with the top prize of two tickets to a Giants game.

Chamber President Maria Pappas in her closing remarks reminded everyone to stay safe and have a merry Christmas, happy New Year, and happy holidays.

The event concluded with the artists from CNY Productions performing two well-known and uplifting show tunes, You’ll Never Walk Alone from Carousel and Climb Ev’ry Mountain from The Sound of Music.

Everyone looked forward to next year and seeing each other once again in person at future Chamber and community events.

More information about the Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce is available online: https://www.cyprususchamber.com.