Armenians
who live in Greece light candles during a protest near the Turkish
embassy in Athens, Monday, April 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Petros
Giannakouris)
ATHENS – Two-day events commemorating the genocide of 1.5 million
Armenians by the Young Turks movement in 1915 concluded on Monday night
with a march from Syntagma Square to the Turkish embassy.
The participants were blocked by police from approaching the embassy at the corners of Vass. Sofias and Rigillis Streets.
The events were organised by the Region of Attica and the Armenian
Community of Greece. The main event was held on Sunday morning at Pallas
Theatre to celebrate the centennial of the Republic of Armenia, with
keynote speaker Ioannis Kasoulides, former foreign minister of the
Cyprus Republic, with messages by a representative of the Greek
parliament and by Deputy Foreign Minister for the Diaspora Terens Quick
representing the government.
Armenians
who live in Greece shout slogans during a protest near the Turkish
embassy in Athens, Monday, April 23, 2018. Hundreds of Armenians took
part in the protest to commemorate the anniversary of the 1915 mass
killing of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire.(AP Photo/Petros
Giannakouris)Armenians
who live in Greece shout slogans and wave Armenian flags during a
protest near the Turkish embassy in Athens, Monday, April 23, 2018.
Hundreds of Armenians took part in the protest to commemorate the
anniversary of the 1915 mass killing of Armenians in the Ottoman
Empire.(AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)Armenians
who live in Greece shout slogans during a protest near the Turkish
embassy in Athens, Monday, April 23, 2018. Hundreds of Armenians took
part in the protest to commemorate the anniversary of the 1915 mass
killing of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire.(AP Photo/Petros
Giannakouris)
Τhe Greek Independence Day Parade in New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)
NEW YORK – The Greek Independence Parade in New York City drew a
great crowd on April 22. Organized by the Federation of Hellenic
Societies of Greater New York, the parade celebrated the 197th
anniversary of Greek Independence.
The bright sunshine and mild temperatures gave an added incentive to
attend and participate this year, one of the best in terms of weather in
recent memory. Many remarked that it was “a Greek day” with blue skies
and only a wisp of cloud here and there, as the blue and white flags
waved all along 5th Avenue.
The parade began with the New York City Police Department Mounted
Color Guard, the NYPD Ceremonial Band, the Fire Department of New York
Hellenic Society, New York City Parks and Recreation Department, the
Color Guard with the banner of the Federation, the Greek and American
flags, followed by the Federation Board of Directors led by President
Petros Galatoulas, Vice President Basile Gournelos, 2nd Vice President
Cleanthis Maimaroglou, and 3rd Vice President George Kalergios.
The Grand Marshals, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, Nassau County
District Attorney Madeline Singas, and businessman and philanthropist
Pantelis Boumbouras marched along with Honorary Parade Chairman His
Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church of
America, Parade Chairmen Emeritus John Catsimatides and Philip
Christopher, and Parade Chairwoman Nancy Papaioannou.
Also marching, Parade Co-Chairmen Aris Kourkoumelis and Paul
Kotronus, Parade Coordinator Athanasios Aronis, Parade Executive
Director Georgea Kontzamanis, New York Senator Chuck Schumer, Rep.
Carolyn Maloney, Consul General of Greece in New York Konstantinos
Koutras, Consul General of Cyprus in New York Amb. Vasilios Philippou,
Consul of Greece Lana Zochiou, and other representatives of Greece and
Cyprus and elected officials including New York City Mayor Bill de
Blasio, Mayor of Kerkyra Konstantinos Nikolouzos, and Mayor of Chios
Manolis Vournous.
New York’s Greek-American elected officials State Senator Michael
Gianaris, Assemblymembers Aravella Simotas and Nicole Malliotakis, and
City Council Member Costa Constantinides also marched proudly in the
parade.
The honorary battalion included the much-anticipated Evzones- the
Presidential Guard, who impressed everyone at the parade as they do
every year. Their presence always inspires pride and appreciation among
all those in attendance. This year, when the Evzones reached the
grandstand, and turned to face the dignitaries, there was a moment of
silence for Greek Air Force pilot Giorgos Baltadoros who was tragically
killed when his plane crashed in the waters off the coast of Skyros.
After the solemn moment, the National Anthems of the United States
and Greece were performed. The Evzones then continued their march up 5th
Avenue to the applause and shouts of “Long live Greece” from the crowd.
Τhe Greek Independence Day Parade in New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)
Consul General of Greece Konstantinos Koutras spoke with The National
Herald and noted that it was wonderful day and very moving to see all
ages participating in the parade.
The parade’s family atmosphere was highlighted by the many parents
and children dressed in traditional costume, among them Effie Andreou
and her twin daughters, Constantia and Barbara, marching with the
Pancyprian Association Dance Division.
Effie Andreou with her twin daughters, Constantia and Barbara. (Photo by Eleni Sakellis)
Anthoula Katsimatides and Nomiki Kastanas- General Secretary of the
Federation, served as the parade emcees, announcing the various groups,
associations, churches, and schools, along with facts about each.
The parade was also broadcast on My 9 with Greek- Americans Ernie
Anastos- veteran anchorman, and Nicole Petallides- Fox Business Network
anchor, hosting and Fox 5 meteorologist Nick Gregory conducting
interviews. Mike Woods, also a Fox 5 meteorologist, conducted interviews
as well, noting his love of Greece, the culture and the people. He
posted on Twitter, “We had an amazing day for the #GreekIndependenceDay
#parade #centralPark #spring #workfamily #fun.”
Gregory, an avid Greek dancer, changed into traditional costume to
perform with his dance group at the end of the broadcast. Anastos,
Petallides, and Woods joined in the dancing which continued even after
the broadcast ended.
Nick
Gregory, the Fox 5 meteorologist, showed off his dance moves at the
parade with Ernie Anastos, Nicole Petallides, and Mike Woods. (Photo by
Eleni Sakellis)
Petallides told TNH that it is wonderful to be a part of the
celebration of Hellenic heritage and to see so many people and
dignitaries participating in the parade.
Mike
Woods, Ernie Anastos, Nicole Petallides, and Nick Gregory posed for
photos after the TV broadcast of the parade ended. (Photo by Eleni
Sakellis)
The parade continued until late in the afternoon with thousands
participating. Thanks to the mild weather, many parade-goers lingered
hours longer than they have in recent years when the parade was held
closer to March 25th. Many headed to their favorite Greek restaurants in
Manhattan or Astoria to continue the celebration. All looked forward to
next year’s parade.
Τhe Greek Independence Day Parade in New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)Τhe Greek Independence Day Parade in New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)Τhe Greek Independence Day Parade in New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)Τhe
Greek Independence Day Parade in New York, April 22, with businessman
and philanthropist Pantelis Boumbouras, Greek Tourism Minister Elena
Kountoura, Mayor Bill de Blasio, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios,
Governor Andrew Cuomo, Nassau County DA Madeline Singas, and Federation
President Petros Galatoulas. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)Τhe Greek Independence Day Parade in New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)Τhe Greek Independence Day Parade in New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)Τhe Greek Independence Day Parade in New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)The reception prior to the start of the Greek Independence Day parade in New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)The reception prior to the start of the Greek Independence Day parade in New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)The reception prior to the start of the Greek Independence Day parade in New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)The reception prior to the start of the Greek Independence Day parade in New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)The reception prior to the start of the Greek Independence Day parade in New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)The reception prior to the start of the Greek Independence Day parade in New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)The reception prior to the start of the Greek Independence Day parade in New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)The
Liturgy at the Archdiocesan Cathedral in Manhattan, prior to the start
of the Greek Independence Day parade, New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo
by TNH/Costas Bej)The
Liturgy at the Archdiocesan Cathedral in Manhattan, prior to the start
of the Greek Independence Day parade, New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo
by TNH/Costas Bej)The
Liturgy at the Archdiocesan Cathedral in Manhattan, prior to the start
of the Greek Independence Day parade, New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo
by TNH/Costas Bej)The
Liturgy at the Archdiocesan Cathedral in Manhattan, prior to the start
of the Greek Independence Day parade, New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo
by TNH/Costas Bej)The
Liturgy at the Archdiocesan Cathedral in Manhattan, prior to the start
of the Greek Independence Day parade, New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo
by TNH/Costas Bej)The
Liturgy at the Archdiocesan Cathedral in Manhattan, prior to the start
of the Greek Independence Day parade, New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo
by TNH/Costas Bej)The
Liturgy at the Archdiocesan Cathedral in Manhattan, prior to the start
of the Greek Independence Day parade, New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo
by TNH/Costas Bej)The
Liturgy at the Archdiocesan Cathedral in Manhattan, prior to the start
of the Greek Independence Day parade, New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo
by TNH/Costas Bej)The
Liturgy at the Archdiocesan Cathedral in Manhattan, prior to the start
of the Greek Independence Day parade, New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo
by TNH/Costas Bej)
The armed forces parade in Athens is also held annually to commemorate Greek Independence. The history of the paradein
the U.S. could easily fill the pages of a book since it follows the
rich history of the Greek community. While parades have been held in
many U.S. cities over the years, some of the most popular annual parades
are held in New York, Chicago, Boston, Tarpon Springs, Baltimore,
Detroit, and Philadelphia.
The celebration of pride in our Greek heritage, history, faith, and
language, along with the memories shared by family and friends lasts a
lifetime.
With nerves at a razor’s edge and talk of war fears circulating in
Greece, a Turkish F-16 fighter jet flew low over the Greek island of
Farmakonisi in the Dodecanese chain near the Turkish coast on April 3,
military officials said. Turkish fighters regularly violate Greek airspace with no rebuke from
NATO, to which both countries belong and as the defense alliance chief
Jens Stoltenberg said he won’t intervene and Greece will have to deal
with Turkey on its own. The Turkish Air Force F-16 descended to 3,200 feet while passing over
the southeastern part of the island after entering the Athens Flight
Information Region at 10.55 a.m. the military report said. That came a day after seven Turkish aircraft, four of which were
armed, violated the Athens FIR on four separate occasions, the Greek
military said, adding that they were chased off by Greek fighter jets
who regularly engage in mock dogfights with their rivals. Turkey disputes Greek airspace and waters and has sent warships past
Greek islands and increased the number of invasions of airspace with
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stepping up provocations,
particularly in the Aegean. That comes after a record 3,317 airspace and 1,998 territorial water
violations recorded in the Aegean last year—respectively double and
quadruple the previous year’s numbers, journalist John Psaropoulos wrote
in The Weekly Standard in a piece about worries there could be an
intra-NATO war between the countries. While the European Union which Turkey wants to join has chided
Erdogan, he has chided European leaders and the United States and United
Nations have also kept their distance from the troubles between the
countries.
by Nicholas L. Moraites, Ph.D.* Most of humanity is generally unaware of the fact that has been a reinterpretation of Balkan history, counterfeiting of historical myths, and artificial nationality and language by the “Sclavineaes”. Further, most are unaware that the Macedonians were part of the ancient Greek world. This is proven by the archaeological findings in conjunction with linguistic analysis and the discovery of large numbers of Greek inscriptions with a vast range of Greek names proves that was never any cultural, language or history break in the unity of the Macedonians with the rest of Greeks. Indeed the dissemination of the Greek language and Greek culture throughout the known world by Alexander the Great provides the most irrefutable confirmation of this. The unity of Macedonians and the rest of the Greeks is proved once more with the finds brought to light at the major archaeological sites of Vergina, Pella, Sindos and Dion, and also, in Thessaloniki, Florina, Chalkidiki, Edessa, and many other areas. That we are unaware that historical evidence and the archaeological finds point to the existence of Greek-speaking inhabitants of the North Pindus mountains in the period 2200-2100 B.C. The Greek antiquities dating back to the 4th century B.C., especially the ivory portrait of Philip and Alexander, from the Vergina tomb. All findings demonstrate the artistry achieved in Macedonia at the time of Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic era his conquests introduce. Macedonia, even under the Roman domination, continued to be a Greek-land under the successors of Alexander the great and for some two centuries was the core of larger state units ruled by Macedonian kings. Until the Byzantine period, the Greek population of Macedonia remained unchanged until the 7th century A.D., when various Slav races, the Drogovites, Strumonites, Sagoudates, and others began to settle in the area of Macedonia. With the permission of the Byzantine authorities, these tribes formed the small Slavic enclaves known as ‘Sclavineae’. In the 14th century, the Serbian empire of Stefan Dusan spread into Macedonia. However, this short-lived empire had no effective impact on the ethnological nature of Macedonia. It is important to mention here that even under the ottoman rule in Macedonia, there was not any regional part named “Macedonia”. The designs of the Slavs, involves a geopolitical calculation and the search for an outlet to the Aegean. As, it was the plan during the Second World War, and in the post-war decades, Tito constructed an artificial nationality, the ‘Macedonian’ nationality. The task was difficult because the new nationality did not have the features, which are essential for its establishment as such. It followed that these components had to be discovered or invented. Another feature of the nationality was its language. It was generally accepted that the language spoken by the Slavs of Macedonia is a dialect of Bulgarian. In order to sever the substantive linguistic bond between the Macedonian Slavs and the Bulgarians, a separate ‘Macedonian’ written language had to be invented. This was done by exploiting local peculiarities and by borrowing from Serbian and other Slav languages. However, despite the painstaking efforts of forty years, the new language remains an offshoot of Bulgarian. Here they reinterpreted the history of the Balkans, since the most ancient times. In this way it would be possible to explain into existence the myth of a ‘Macedonian nation’. Their countless examples should suffice to make clear the extent of this campaign of counterfeiting, and these historical myths, and distorting historical misinterpretations have been accepted by people with absolute ignorance of history, which went hand-in-hand with absolute toleration. I should add that we, as Greeks, must not loose our sense of history, of whence we came, of who we are, and of what we are becoming. Is it possible today in America, where we constitute an affluent, politically powerful, and highly educated Hellenic diaspora, that we know so little about something so simple and yet so fatefully significant about the myth of a “Macedonian” nation? It is a matter of great national importance for the modern history of Greece and Hellenism, that it is our national duty to restore the historical truth that purposefulness, aspirations and interests continue to reproach and distort our history. Our duty is permanent vigilance to preserve our national integrity and ensure peace. Nicholas L. Moraites, Ph.D., teaches International Relations-Comprarative Politics-USA Foreign Policy. He is a member of the International Hellenic Association (USA), at the website of which this analysis first appeared.
This is in effect Turkey’s position with regard to the hydrocarbon energy resources of the Republic of Cyprus, an independent member state of the British Commonwealth, Council of Europe and European Union. Having ethno-religiously cleansed more than 170,000 Greeks and Christians from 36 per cent of the territory (and 57 per cent of the coastline) of the Republic of Cyprus and having arbitrarily appropriated the homes and properties of the indigenous people it forcibly displaced, the Turkish government is now brazenly attempting to deny this sovereign state access to its own energy resources. This is nothing other than neo-imperialism from the modern incarnation of the Ottoman Caliphate and Empire, the imperial ruler of the Island of Cyprus from 1571 until 1878.
On 10 February, Turkey’s belligerence was shamelessly demonstrated by its harassment of the drilling vessel Saipem 12000 which belongs to Italian oil giant ENI. The Italian vessel was blocked from entering a location within block 3 of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone by Turkish warships. A stand-off continues. On the one hand, Turkey asserts that its illegal subordinate entity in the Turkish-occupied zone is an ‘independent state’. Yet Turkey lays claim to the energy reserves in the area of the Republic of Cyprus to the south that Turkey does not occupy. At the same time, Turkey refuses to recognize the Republic of Cyprus. In a similarly hypocritical vein, Turkey has purported to invoke international law while remaining one of a minority of states which have never become state parties of the UN Law of the Sea Convention of 1982; the others in the same boat as Turkey include North Korea. Ankara’s cynical contention that the resources of the Republic of Cyprus should be ‘shared’ by ‘the two communities’ exposes its mendacity. It also exposes Ankara’s segregationism and neo-imperial desire to control Cyprus as a territory and to exploit its people and resources. Since its two invasions of the Republic of Cyprus launched in 1974, Turkey showed the world its unique interpretation of the concept of ‘sharing’. To begin with, Turkey purported to carve Cyprus into two, including an ethno-religiously cleansed Turkish-occupied northern zone. By means of an illegal puppet regime owing its loyalty to Ankara, Turkey then Illegally usurped the properties belonging to forcibly displaced persons. These properties were then Illegally distributed to Turkish citizens who had been Illegally imported to Illegally colonize the Illegally occupied north. Ankara’s claim that it is acting to secure a ‘share’ of Cyprus’ energy resources for the Turkish Community is as bogus as its absurd claim that it invaded and occupied part of Cyprus for the sake of ‘peace’. In truth, Turkey invaded the Republic of Cyprus with the pre-planned aim of transforming its north into a de facto province of Turkey. The increasingly unhinged President Erdogan has reacted with his usual brand of neo-imperial outbursts mixed with naked threats. In his view: “Those who think that we’ve erased from our hearts the lands from which we withdrew in tears a hundred years ago are wrong.” With regard to companies commissioned by the Cyprus government to explore the island’s energy reserves, President Erdogan has claimed: “Their swagger lasts only until they come across with our army, ships and planes… our rights in the Aegean and Cyprus are the same”. What President Erdogan really means is ‘might is right’. We welcome statements by EU officials such European Parliament President Tajani who called on Turkey to respect international law and refrain from engaging in dangerous provocations in what he called “Cyprus’ territorial waters”. However, the response from the United Nations, as ever, was found wanting. To quote one of its recent statements: “The [UN] Secretary-General regrets that tensions over hydrocarbons exploration has escalated once again, and emphasizes that all concerned parties should do their utmost to defuse tensions.” The UN Secretary-General did not explain that, under his nose, only one party is raising tensions. That party is Turkey. Perhaps President Erdogan should come to terms with the fact that the days of the Ottoman Caliphate and Empire are long gone. He should refrain from destabilizing the eastern Mediterranean region and threatening a member state of the EU. He should accept that the resources of the Republic of Cyprus belong to it as an independent sovereign state. He should also ensure that Turkey becomes a state party to the UN Law of the Sea Convention and if Turkey has any dispute with the Republic of Cyprus this should be addressed by the dispute resolution mechanisms built into the Convention. Turkey’s policies of partition, segregation, colonization and exploitation do not serve the interests of any citizen of the Republic of Cyprus or of the European Union of which it forms part. It is high time that the Republic of Cyprus, its properties and its resources were left to it and, by extension, to its citizens of all ethnic, religious or other backgrounds. In the meantime, we call upon the UN, the EU and all sovereign states to do what they have hitherto failed to do in relation to the bully of the eastern Mediterranean known as Turkey: they should impose sanctions and other restrictive measures. Notes
In 1974 Turkey invaded the Republic of Cyprus and continues to unlawfully occupy 36 per cent of the territory and 57 per cent of the coastline of Cyprus, with approximately 40,000 troops, in violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
More than 170,000 Cypriot refugees are prevented from returning to their homes, properties and lands in the occupied north.
Turkey continues its policy of colonising the occupied territory of Cyprus with Turkish nationals, in violation of the Geneva convention. This analysis was provided by Lobby for Cyprus, a non-party-political human rights organizationbased in London that campaigns for a Cyprus free from Turkish occupation and a unitary Cypriot state without segregation along ethnic and religious lines.
[L-R] Earth Friendly Products President and CEO, Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks; Real Estate Developer, political activist, and Leftist Aris Anagnos; Archaeology Prof. John KempMore than 400 Greeks, Greek-Americans and philhellenes gathered at the American Hellenic Council’s 44th annual gala to honor three distinguished individuals who have championed Hellenic ideals throughout their careers, in Los Angeles, CA, on Saturday, March 31.Earth Friendly Products President and CEO, Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks was awarded the “Aristeion for Excellence” highlighting her leadership role at one of the most eco-friendly companies in the USA. World-renowned archaeologist, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Professor of Classics, and Director of the Athenian Agora, American School of Classical Studies at Athens, Professor John Kemp, received the Theodore Salutos Award. Breaking the organization’s protocol, the American Hellenic Council honored for the second time with a lifetime achievement award one of its co-founders, Aris Anagnos – a well known political activist and communist sympathizer , with the Greek Communist forces against the Greek Army . Following the dinner and award ceremony the Takis Kokotas Band entertained the guests with authentic Greek music. Watch our coverage and interviews from the event: The American Hellenic Council is a non-partisan political advocacy organization that aims to promote democracy, human rights, peace, and stability in Southern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, with an emphasis on Greece and Cyprus. The group also informs the American public and public officials about on-going issues and conflicts in the area and about the threat arising from the economic crisis in Greece. The Council has become an effective and respected political advocacy group whose primary purpose is to educate and inform the U.S. Congress for the protection and promotion of Greek-American interests. Since its inception, it has been the focal point of political activities of Greek Americans in California.
Aris Anagnos was born in Athens, Greece in 1923.[1] He came to the U.S. in 1946 and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from UCLA in 1951. He then worked several years in the insurance industry before going into real estate investments and development, where he earned a billion-dollar fortune.
In the late 1960s and early '70s, Anagnos and his wife Carolyn organized the Committee for Democratic Freedoms in Greece. When Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 the Anagnoses established the Save Cyprus Council, which evolved into a political lobbying group dedicated to the promotion of Greek-American interests.
Throughout the 1980s, Anagnos was a vocal opponent of U.S.-backed regimes in Central America, particularly in El Salvador. Moreover, he supported the Marxist Sandinistas in Nicaragua, Marxist rebels in Chiapas, and Fidel Castro in Cuba.
In the 1980s as well, Anagnos was a prominent financial backer of the Christic Institute. Indeed, he contributed some $600,000 to the Institute's infamous lawsuit which falsely alleged that the CIA was scheming with the U.S.-backed Nicaraguan Contras to use drug money to finance their war against the Marxist Sandinistas. For details of this case, click here.
In January 1989 the FMLN, a Marxist-Leninist revolutionary group based in El Salvador, solicited Anagnos, his wife, and a radical Catholic nun (Sister Pat Krommer) to ceremoniously deliver to U.S. congressional leaders a document outlining the organization's proposed peace plan for El Salvador. Sixteen years later, the FMLN awarded Anagnos its 25th Anniversary “Farabundo Marti Medal,” named in honor of the late Salvadoran Communist revolutionary.
In the summer of 1989, Aris and Carolyn Anagnos donated $1 million to the Nicaraguan government for “humanitarian, educational and relief purposes” which included the construction of the Che Guevara Housing Project for Sandinista soldiers who had been disabled in the Nicaraguan civil war. Anagnos was subsequently awarded the Comandante Enrique Schmitt Medal, the highest Sandinista honor for non-Nicaraguans.
In 2000, Anagnos told the Los Angeles Times that he considered Fidel Castro to be "one of the outstanding statesmen of the world today." "He [Castro] has served his people faithfully and unselfishly and is a model for presidents to imitate," Anagnos added.
In 2002 Anagnos was a signatory to Not in Our Name’s “Statement of Conscience,” which condemned the Bush administration's “stark new measures of repression” domestically, and its “unjust, immoral, illegitimate, [and] openly imperial policy towards the world.”
For years Anagnos was a major donor to the Pacifica Radio Network, whose station KPFK held its local advisory board meetings at Anagnos' Los Angeles Peace Center.
Today, Anagnos is a member of the publishing consortium associated with the socialist journal In These Times.
NOTE:
[1] In 1941, during the Nazi occupation of Greece, he escaped to the Middle East where he joined the exiled Greek army which was fighting on the side of the Allies. After World War II, Anagnos returned to his home country and worked briefly with the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Association.
Metropolitan of Kalavryta and Aigialeia Amvrosios launched a new attack against Justice Minister Stavros Kontonis after the appeal against the court decision that found Amvrosios not guilty of hate speech.
The Metropolitan was recently acquitted after a 2015 suit against him by LGBT groups for comments against homosexuals. His acquittal had caused an uproar since Amvrosios; through his blog, had called on all Orthodox Christians to spit on gays whenever they see them.
Now Amvrosios accuses the justice minister for intervening to change court decisions and being a “protector of gays”. He further accuses him of “infecting the Honored Body of Judges”. At the same time; again in his personal blog, he insists that people should spit on gays.
“Please accept my wholehearted congratulations! Your public intervention in the work of ‘independent’ Justice has brought the effect you desired!” the Metropolitan wrote in his blog, addressing Kontonis. “As a result of the published appeal, the decision of the Aigio Court was annulled (judgment of March 15, 2018)”
“You became the de facto gay protector… By Your Unlawful Interventions You Infect the Honored Body of Judges!” he wrote further.
In his open letter to the justice minister Amvrosios refers to the recent acquittal of Defense Minister Panos Kammenos by a Thessaloniki court. Kammenos was found not guilty for urging Halkidiki residents to lynch a local governor over some wrongdoing. Amvrosios accuses Kontonis for double standards.
“The words ‘lynch him’ uttered loudly was much more an incitement to violence, since lynching includes physical violence and it also referred to a particular person! On the contrary, we wrote ‘spit on them’, which has only symbolic, meaning ‘despise them’, and our incitement was not intended to be a SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE, but it was general and had a metaphorical meaning!” Amvrosios further wrote.
The Amvrosios text continues with the incidents that took place after his acquittal: “Our adversaries after March 15 committed the following offenses: They attacked people here in Aigio, they broke windows in the court house, they wrote insulting slogans against us on the walls of Aigio, they tore down the Greek flag and raised their own, the gay flag, they desecrated churches in Aigio, Athens and elsewhere.
I wonder: Was the ‘spit on them’ much heavier than all this?”
And the posted text concludes: “Greek Brothers, look who who are governing us!”
On Holy and Great Wednesday, many Orthodox remember the fact of Christ’s anointing with myrrh by a “sinful woman” before his crucifixion. It is also a time in Greece when churchgoers are anointed themselves in a solemn evening event.
In the afternoon, in all churches, the mystery of the Holy Gospel is held, and then the secrecy of the Last Supper and the Sacred Washbasin. The faithful also remember the plans of Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus.
On Wednesday people remember the woman who anointed Christ’s feet as he sat in the house of Simon.
In the hymnography of the day, the account in Matthew 26:6-13 is combined with that in Luke 7:36-50 (cf. also John 12:1-8).
A second theme is the agreement made by Judas with the Jewish authorities: the repentance of the sinful woman is contrasted with the tragic fall of the chosen disciple.
The triodion, or short hymn, makes it clear that Judas perished, not simply because he betrayed his master, but because, having fallen into the sin of betrayal, he then refused to believe in the possibility of forgiveness: “In misery he lost his life, preferring a noose rather than repentance.
“Many Orthodox also choose to fast on Wednesday in remembrance of Judas’ deal with the authorities to deliver up Jesus.
On the evening of Holy Wednesday the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is usually celebrated in church and all are anointed, whether physically ill or not.
It is believed there is no sharp line between bodily and spiritual sicknesses, and this sacrament confers not only bodily healing but forgiveness of sins, thus serving as a preparation for the reception of Holy Communion on the next day.
That we are unaware that historical evidence and the archaeological finds point to the existence of Greek-speaking inhabitants of the North Pindus mountains in the period 2200-2100 B.C. The Greek antiquities dating back to the 4th century B.C., especially the ivory portrait of Philip and Alexander, from the Vergina tomb. All findings demonstrate the artistry achieved in Macedonia at the time of Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic era his conquests introduce.
Metropolitan of Kalavryta and Aigialeia Amvrosios launched a new attack against Justice Minister Stavros Kontonis after the appeal against the court decision that found Amvrosios not guilty of hate speech.