NEW YORK – The American Hellenic Institute of New York (AHI) held its annual holiday party on December 12 at Kellari Taverna in Midtown Manhattan.

The event brought together professionals from a variety of fields including architecture, finance, law, medicine, music, real estate, and journalism, to support the efforts of AHI in promoting Hellenism and Greek and Cypriot issues.

Constantine Sirigos, Louis Katsos-President of the East Mediterranean Business Cultural Alliance (EMBCA), architect John Fotiadis- Vice President of EMBCA, writer Alexander Billinis, composer and real estate agent Billy Chrissochos, members of AHI-NY, AHEPA, and other Hellenic organizations were among those in attendance at the party.

The warm and inviting atmosphere of Kellari along with the excellent food and wine added to the already festive spirit of the attendees celebrating the holiday season.

Sirigos welcomed everyone to the party, thanking all those who continue to support the efforts of AHI in promoting Hellenism and religious freedom.

Katsos noted the danger to Hellenism right now and the importance of uniting all the Hellenic organizations to promote Hellenism and the causes affecting Greece and Cyprus.

Among the issues mentioned, Hagia Sophia, the continuing Greek air space violations, and the refugee crisis will require the combined effort of all groups.

After encouraging those who are not already members to join AHI, Sirigos and Katsos wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

AHI is a Greek American organization created in 1974 to strengthen U.S.-Greece and U.S.-Cyprus relations, as well as relations within the Hellenic-American community in response to the Turkish occupation of Cyprus. The AHI Business Network was created in 1989.

As noted on the AHI website, “From our Hellenic House headquarters, just steps from the White House, AHI’s professional staff works with legislators, the Department of State, the diplomatic corps, and educational institutions to advance the best interests of the U.S. on issues of importance to Greek-Americans.

“Each year, AHI initiates congressional legislation, issues policy statements, and serves as an effective watchdog on issues affecting U.S. relations in Southeastern Europe. Key issues have included ending the illegal occupation of Cyprus, the treatment of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, aggression in the Aegean Sea, and the U.S. response to the dispute between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) over the latter nation’s name.

“While U.S. public policy is fundamentally important to AHI, so is the Greek-American community. AHI is its public policy standard-bearer not just on Capitol Hill but in the nation-at-large.

Each spring, AHI’s gala Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner honors the best and brightest in the Greek-American community and beyond for achievements in public service, business, education, science, and the arts.

AHI’s conference on The Future of Hellenism in America, held each year at different locations around the country, is a traveling symposium on the evolving Greek-American community. The AHI Business Network unites professionals for networking and educational exchanges.”

On the second Monday of the month AHI holds a networking reception with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar at the restaurant AVRA at 48th Street off Lexington Avenue from 5:30 to 7:30 PM hosted by Lou Katsos.