ASTORIA – The Pan-Rhodian Society Apollon New York Chapter 3 held its annual cutting of the vasilopita on February 9 in the church hall of St. Catherine and St. George Church in Astoria. The new Board was also sworn in at the event with Nikos Kartalis as President, Kalliopi Ziangos as Vice President, Thalia Tzorzis-Vlepakis as Treasurer, and Eleni Sakellis as General Secretary.

Rev. Fr. Anastasios Pourakis presided over the swearing in and also presided over the blessing and cutting of the vasilopita. Fr. Pourakis congratulated the new Board and noted that he is from Nisyros but also has a house in Rhodes.

Pan-Rhodian Society Apollon NY President Kartalis gave the welcoming remarks and thanked all those present for attending the event, including those who donated the food and refreshments, Paraskevi Saviou, Thareni Tzorzis, Stella Tzortzis, Diamanto Sakellis, Evangelia Platella, Fay Bardou, Eftychia Ziangos, Evangelia Kammas, Kathy Frangopoulos, Sotiria Zouroudis, Evdokia Koulias Kampouris, Stacy Figetakis, Irene Yamalis, and Victory Sweet Shop.

He also thanked the notable attendees: Manolis Cassotis, Demosthenes Triantafillou, Timoleon Kokkinos, Adamantia Mari (Secretary Dodecanesian Federation), Evdokia Koulias Kampouris (Kalymnos Society President), Evangelia Kammas (Symi President), Alex Constantopas (Symi Vice President), Andreas Goustas, (Tilos President), Vasilis Konstantas (Dodecadesian Federation board member and Patmos Representative), Stacy Figetakis (Nisyros), Sotiria Zouroudis (Dodecanesian Youth President), and Savvas Sotrillis, previous president of the Pan-Rhodian Society Apollon NY Chapter.

The Pan-Rhodian Society Apollon New York Chapter 3 held its annual cutting of the vasilopita in Astoria at St. Catherine and St. George Church hall. Photo: Courtesy of the Pan-Rhodian Society Apollon NY

Among those not present but who sent warm wishes and support were Dodecanesian Federation President Maria Marangos, Pan-Rhodian Society of America President Ilias Tomazos, and former presidents of the Pan-Rhodian Society Apollon Steve Pelardis and Christos Kotiadis

Kartalis also gave a brief update on the Society’s efforts and the upcoming events for the chapter and also the other member societies of the Federation.

Mihail Mantalis found the lucky coin in the vasilopita.

More information about the Pan-Rhodian Society Apollon New York No. 3 is available on Facebook and via email: [email protected]