ΤΗΕ ΝΑΤΙONAL HERALD,update

 

'Mazi' with our Sponsors June 26, 2025 ­ Good morning, Mazi readers!  This week, PM Mitsotakis floated going nuclear—yes, nuclear—after solar and wind hit 50% of Greece’s grid, while foreign universities await approval to land on Greek campuses. Americans are splurging $3,500 per trip on luxe Greek adventures, even as our resorts juggle private-beach dramas. Back in the States, Christos cut his two-year man bun for Locks of Love, and Spartan-turned-Saugus guard Konstantinos Agganis shared crown-jewel stories (and how he learned to read via the National Herald). From HPW’s Empower & Elevate Brunch to the Maids of Athena’s $56K sensory-room triumph, community spirit is thriving. Thanks to North Shore Farms, Limani Restaurant, Divani Collection Hotels, and Kofinas Fertility Group for making this Mazi Minute possible—let’s dive in!  Respectfully, Eraklis A. Diamataris   ECONOMIC ESPRESSO ⚛️ Nuclear Notion Global and U.S. Market Pulse ­ Join the Convo: PM Mitsotakis suggested that, despite Greece’s seismic challenges and lack of prior experience, the country should “be prepared to join the nuclear alliance” as part of its shift away from fossil fuels. He noted that with renewables already covering over 50% of electricity and ambitious solar and wind plans underway, nuclear power may be essential for achieving true carbon neutrality. CROSS-ATLANTIC CURRENTS ⏳🇬🇷 Guilfoyle’s Athens Seat Still Empty Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America ­ Tick Tick: Despite a high-profile “ambassador school” graduation and photo-ops from Super Bowl LIX to the White House’s Greek Independence Day party, Kimberly Guilfoyle is still only calling herself the next U.S. envoy to Greece. The Senate hasn’t even set a confirmation hearing date, leaving the post open since George Tsunis exited in January. 💸 Dollar Dive Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America ­ Splurging: Americans are splurging in Greece—dropping an average $3,500 per trip (and 1 in 5 budgeting over $20 k) on luxury stays, private tours, and gourmet dining as airlines add routes to meet record arrivals. With 41% heading to Athens, 31% to the South Aegean, and growing eco-travel and AI-planning trends, Greek resorts race to cater to big spenders even as private beach takeovers spark controversy. 🌐 Ioannina Goes Global Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America ­ Interesting Initiative: The University of Ioannina inked a memorandum with Archbishop Elpidophoros—launching an Archdiocese-based International Office to promote Epirus–U.S. academic ties, school twinning, and student scholarships. Fr. Grigorios Stamkopoulos will steer the initiative alongside Ioannina’s Rector Anna Batistatou and Greek‐language dean Nikoletta Tsitsanoudi‐Mallidi. The North Shore Farms Promise to You ­ We will always value our customers, offer the freshest food of the highest quality at prices that you can be happy about... that's our promise to you. ­ Start Saving, Start Making HELLENIC HORIZONS 🗳️ Kefalas Takes GOP Lead in NYC Comptroller Race Greek & American Business Highlights ­ Greek Representation: With more than 89% of votes counted, Greek-American Peter Kefalas is projected to win the Republican primary for NYC Comptroller, securing over 60% in every borough. A vocal critic of city leadership, Kefalas pledges transparency, aggressive audits, and small business support as his top priorities ahead of the November showdown. 🩺 Code to a Groundbreaking Cure Greek & American Business Highlights ­ Truly Amazing: Oakville’s own Anthony Efthimiadis snagged an $11,000 prize and national acclaim from the Rideau Hall Foundation for developing M-SCAHN—a point-of-care AI dermoscopy tool that swiftly screens for skin cancers. His breakthrough tackles diagnostic delays and racial bias in medical imaging, proving that today’s teen innovators are rewriting the future of healthcare. 🐙 Telly’s 35 & Thriving Greek & American Business Highlights ­ An Astoria Veteran: Astoria’s beloved Telly’s Taverna—where fresh, to-order Greek classics meet seaside-tavern charm—celebrates 35 years of hospitality under the helm of chef-owner Dianna Loiselle. From kafteri to “nobody-beats-it” grilled octopus, loyal diners keep filling its tables in tuxedos or swimwear, proving that when Nana and Telly built this “home,” they created a true neighborhood institution. COMMUNITY NEWS ➡️ From Seminary to University Diaspora in Focus ­ The Story that Has Traveled around the World: Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology is gearing up to become Holy Cross University, with a $15 million fundraising push—now under hallowed review by the Archdiocese—while adding new programs from counseling to public health. Critics note the plan barely mentions “Hellenic” roots or the future of its famed Theological School, sparking stunned hierarchs and calls for clarity. 💔 Tragedy in Damascus: Suicide Bombing Hits Greek Orthodox Church Diaspora in Focus ­ Heartbreaking: A suicide bomber killed at least 25 and injured 63 during Sunday liturgy at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church near Damascus—the deadliest attack on Christians in Syria in years. The bombing has reignited fears over sectarian violence and underscored the vulnerability of minorities under Syria’s shifting rule. 🪖 From Sparta to Saugus: An Evzone’s Odyssey Diaspora in Focus ­ A Feel Good Story: Retired Presidential Guard Konstantinos Agganis welcomed TNH and Boston’s Consul General into his Massachusetts home, sharing tales of guarding King Constantine, building a life from Montreal to Saugus, and teaching himself to read via the “National Herald.” His proud Spartan roots, family legacy linked to Harry Agganis, and faith shine as a testament to living “the right way”—with honor, humility, and seafood stew. ✂️ Snip for a Good Cause Diaspora in Focus ­ Locks of Love: Senior Christos Daoulas traded his two-year man bun for a Locks of Love donation—raising over $100 and rallying his Saint Demetrios classmates to fund wigs for children suffering hair loss. His bold cut not only stripped his morning routine but aimed to boost confidence for kids battling alopecia and cancer by helping them “feel like they belong.” 🩷 Hope in Pink Diaspora in Focus ­ What a Turnout!: Over 3,000 walkers flooded the Bayside–Whitestone route in a sea of pink for the Joanna Sophia Foundation’s 6th Annual Epilepsy & SUDEP Walk, blending awareness, research funding, and community spirit. From the kickoff at St. Nicholas in Flushing to the celebratory finish at Holy Cross Whitestone, families honored Joanna Sophia’s memory while pushing for better epilepsy support and SUDEP education. 🎗️ Empower & Elevate Brunch Diaspora in Focus ­ Scholarships Galore: Media maven Yanna Darilis lit up Anassa Taverna with a rallying call for women to “be yourself” and “do the work” at HPW’s Empower & Elevate Brunch, where five rising stars—Anthoula Pavlidis, Vasiliki Asimelli, Maria Marinakis, Mariella Andrews, and Fotini Anastopoulos—each earned scholarships to fuel their futures. Dr. Evelyn Bilias Lolis and HPW founder Maria Frantzis led heartfelt tributes. 🏆 Queen of Crete Reigns On Diaspora in Focus ­ Unanimous: Diane Kounalakis sailed to another unanimous term as Pancretan Association of America President in West Palm Beach, where delegates also raised $21,500 for a KEFMAAA therapeutic pool and honored Cretan champions old and new. Here’s to four more years of culture, community, and Cretan pride—Opa! 🎓 Hellenic School Graduations Celebrate Faith, Heritage & Bright Futures Diaspora in Focus ­ Congrats Grads!: From Staten Island to Brooklyn and Flushing, Greek school communities celebrated the end of the academic year with heartfelt ceremonies. At the Hellenic Classical Charter School, kindergarteners performed songs and poems; the Greek School of Plato students received diplomas and praise for their commitment to language and heritage; and the St. Nicholas Cherpelis Hellenic School honored its 8th graders with prayers, speeches, and scholarships—each event a tribute to learning, culture, and community. 🛍️ Monastiraki in Brooklyn Diaspora in Focus ­ Coming Together: Hana House’s Greek Pop-Up Market made Downtown Brooklyn feel like Athens with 10+ vendors serving everything from Agno honey and Flokati rugs to Tipsy Scoop’s ouzo-spiked ice cream. Greek coffee, wine tastings, and artisan finds drew fans old and new—no plane ticket needed! 🧩 Sensory Sanctuary Unveiled Diaspora in Focus ­ Child Care Center Maids of Athena District 6 transformed St. Basil Academy in Garrison, NY, with a $56K sensory room—raising $34,310.18 in donations plus expert services—to give resident children a therapeutic haven. Governor Sophia Theodorou was named Volunteer of the Year, while AHEPA honored student Gianna Massas with a scholarship and awarded Chris Pappis its highest Heroes Medal. FOOD & CULTURE 🎭 Final Bow at Herodion Tastes and Traditions Explored ­ The Final Season: Athens’ iconic Odeon of Herod Atticus kicks off its 70th festival season—then goes silent for at least three years of restoration. Don’t miss your last chance to catch opera, dance, and world-class music under the Acropolis before the curtains close. 🎬 “Pirateland” Makes a Splash at Tribeca Tastes and Traditions Explored ­ Standing Ovation: Stavros Petropoulos’s Greek short—one of just 93 chosen from over 9,000 entries—had its North American premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, marking the first Greek short ever screened there. The wintery Crete-set drama stars Kostas Koronaios and follows a B&B family navigating the wild demands of pirate-obsessed tourists. 🍓 Fourth of July Greek-Style Desserts Tastes and Traditions Explored ­ Recipes of the Week: Whip up three festive sweets featuring Greek ingredients—an olive-oil sheet cake frosted and striped with strawberries and blueberries, a lemon-zested olive-oil & yogurt blueberry cake, and a layered lemon-yogurt loaf filled with frosting and berries. These simple, crowd-pleasing recipes bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your backyard barbecue. 🍲 Greek Chickpea Magic Tastes and Traditions Explored ­ More Recipes of the Week: Tender chickpeas simmered in tomato paste, honey, and orange zest build sweet-savory depth reminiscent of Ikaria’s famed braises. Finished with fresh herbs and a honey drizzle, this one-pot wonder comes together in under an hour for a standout Greek-style side or main. 🎨 Greek Gallery Gains Tastes and Traditions Explored ­ The Greek Sale: THI teamed up with Bonhams and Art Expertise to showcase masterpieces by Tsarouchis, Fassianos, Engonopoulos, and Moralis—turning a €500K estimate into a stunning €2.9 million Greek Sale success. From Athens previews to a Paris soirée with Michelin-starred canapés, this collaboration proves that when Hellenes and Philhellenes unite, contemporary Greek art truly shines. 🎶 Mountain Maestro Tastes and Traditions Explored ­ From the Mountains to Manhattan: Legendary Epirus clarinetist Petroloukas Chalkias lay in state at Athens Cathedral—an honor usually reserved for prime ministers—before returning home for a final salute in his native Delvinaki. Over a 70-year career that spanned smoky Manhattan jazz clubs (where Benny Goodman and Louis Armstrong listened in awe) to village festivals, his improvisational magic made him a Greek folk music icon. 🥙 Pita Power Moves East Tastes and Traditions Explored ­ Expanding: Lindenhurst’s beloved Leunes family–run Pita Bowl is set to spice up Merrick on July 1 and soon West Islip, bringing their “Build Your Own” gyro and pita bowls to new neighborhoods. Freshly prepped Greek favorites and fast-casual vibes are just a short drive away. 🍽️ Bowl Bliss in Westbury Tastes and Traditions Explored ­ Bowls Are Still In: Astoria native Nick Ntzelves channels his Naufpakos heritage into a build-your-own Greek bowl concept at Taste Greek Grill, recreating sun-soaked summer flavors on Long Island. Choose Greek rice or quinoa, gyro meats, spiced sweet potato or chickpea fritters, and house-made spreads—and savor simple, authentic tastes he hopes will delight every customer. ECONOMY & SOCIETY 🔥 Chios Charred Snapshots of Change ­ Praying for Chios: Wildfires have raged for a third day on Chios, deploying 444 firefighters and eight water-dropping aircraft as northerly winds fan the flames and force hundreds from their homes. With the island’s famed mastiha trees—and the summer tourist season—hanging in the balance, officials warn the blaze could devastate both livelihoods and the unique resin harvest. ⏸️ Foreign Uni Freeze Snapshots of Change ­ Back to School?: Thirteen European universities—mostly from the UK—are poised to launch branch campuses in Greece this September but remain in limbo, awaiting a Council of State ruling on constitutionality and final approval from the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education. This landmark shift toward allowing foreign institutions to operate here raises big questions for Greece’s existing private colleges and coincides with PM Mitsotakis’s drive to deepen ties with top global schools like Yale. ⛰️ Siege on the Holy Mountain Snapshots of Change ­ An Occupation: Abbot Bartholomew warns that Esphigmenou Monastery remains illegally occupied, with monks facing assaults, threats, and daily vandalism while Greek authorities stand by. He calls on the rule of law—and Greek-American allies—to help end decades of impunity and restore safety to Mount Athos. 🚀 Orbiting Hellenic Eye Snapshots of Change ­ The Future: Greece’s first home-built microsatellite DUTHSat-2 rocketed into orbit aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9, carrying the Greek flag 510 km above Earth for next-gen environmental monitoring. Over the next six months it’ll test new optical cameras and secure telecom tech to track soil moisture, oil spills, and marine pollution. 🏗️ Prison Pivot Snapshots of Change ­ Build, Build, Build: Greece has unveiled a €268 million, five-year prison expansion plan – adding 6,800 beds across eight new facilities (including a 2,000-inmate mega-prison in Aspropyrgos) while shuttering five outdated detention centers. The overhaul also rolls out nationwide electronic monitoring in 2026, plus community service alternatives and hundreds of new guards, admin staff, and medical personnel to tackle chronic overcrowding and inhumane conditions. 🤖 AI Alert Snapshots of Change ­ The Children: PM Mitsotakis warns that unfettered AI use is “an unprecedented global experiment” on kids’ mental health, likening addictive algorithms to Big Tobacco and urging strict limits, filters, and “Kids’ Wallet” tools. He insists that without regulatory guardrails—and more real-world play and sports—children risk digital addiction and eroded social skills. 🏊‍♂️ Pool Proficiency Snapshots of Change ­ A Mandate: After a string of child drownings, Greece is rolling out mandatory swim-and-survival lessons for all 3rd and 4th graders—complete with free bus rides to pools. Uptake has already jumped 26% year-over-year, as schools race to keep kids safe in and out of the water. 🤝 Cyprus Connection Snapshots of Change ­ Getting in Line: Two Indian tech heavyweights—BCentriqe AI and NPCI’s NIPL—have signed on to launch subsidiaries in Nicosia after PM Modi’s talks, with 20 more companies exploring similar moves. Backed by Invest Cyprus, these expansions will bring advanced AI solutions and India’s UPI payments system to the island, deepening EU–India economic ties. TRAVEL & CONNECTIVITY ✈️ Skies Supreme Expanding Horizons ­ A Big Congrats!: Aegean Airlines has snagged Europe’s Best Regional Airline crown for the 14th straight year (and 15th overall), also landing 4th globally at the Skytrax World Airline Awards in Paris. With a record-busting 21.2 million seats on tap for 2025, Greece’s flag-carrier is all set to soar even higher. 🚤 Yachting Your Dreams Expanding Horizons ­ Make Dreams a Reality this Summer: Kalamata Yachting turns Messinia’s turquoise waters into your private playground—think VIP cruises to hidden bays, sunset cocktails on deck, and bespoke parties under the stars. Perfect for Greeks abroad (and celebs alike) craving a taste of home with luxury service and unforgettable sea-borne adventures. The North Shore Farms Promise to You ­ We will always value our customers, offer the freshest food of the highest quality at prices that you can be happy about... that's our promise to you. ­ Start Saving, Start Making ­ 🚘 GOINGS-ON: JUNE 26TH - JULY 6TH Spotlighting some upcoming community events: PORTLAND, ME – Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church hosts its 41st Annual Greek Festival (June 26-28) SIOUX CITY, IA – Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church hosts its annual Greek Festival (June 27-29) MATTITUCK, NY – Transfiguration of Christ Church hosts its annual Greek Festival (June 28-29) NEW YORK, NY – Kehila Kedosha Janina Synagogue and Museum presents ‘From Salonica to Aleppo: Narratives of the Alliance israélite universelle under the Ottoman Crescent’ (June 29) ­ 🕰️ THIS WEEK IN GREEK HISTORY ­ June 29, 1850 ­ On this day, the Ecumenical Patriarchate officially recognized the autocephaly of the Church of Greece. Though declared independent in 1833 during King Otto’s regency, formal recognition ended centuries of oversight by Constantinople & affirmed the Church’s autonomy following the War of Independence. ­ ­ June 30, 1938 ­ On this day, Apostolos Nikolaidis was born in Drama, Greece. In 1972, he became the first Greek artist to re-record banned rebetika songs with original lyrics, launching a global revival of the genre. His groundbreaking album, recorded in Manhattan, gained international acclaim and cemented his legacy. ­ ­ July 1, 1995 ­ On this day, Pavlos, son of Greece’s deposed King Constantine, married Marie-Chantal Miller. The couple met on a blind date arranged by Alecko Papamarkou. After a romantic proposal in Gstaad, their engagement was blessed by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I earlier that year. ­ Throwback Headlines The National Herald Archive Digitalization thanks to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) June 26, 2012 ­ “In Difficult Times, Only Solidarity Can Save Us” Says the Farmers’ Union President from Crete to EK Obama to Samaras: The U.S. Will Be an Ally Cyprus Formally Requests EU Bailout Mechanism Support Far-Right MP Ilias Kasidiaris Speaks to EK Golden Dawn Party Spreads Fear among Immigrants Partial Enforcement of Arizona Immigration Law Pre-K Graduation at St. Demetrios in Merrick Mass Shooting in Heraklion Leaves Two Dead Younger MPs on the Rise ­ ­ THINGS THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE THIS WEEK ­ What to Read ­ The French seafood gastronomy classic Le Grand Livre de la Mer has just been released in Greek as To Megalo Vivlio tis Thalassas. With 80 refined recipes, stunning photography, and expert techniques from top chefs, the book is a deep dive into seafood cuisine—blending sustainability, tradition, and culinary innovation. Available now at cucina.gr. ­ Reading ­ What to Buy ­ Elevate your summer look (or gift-giving game) with a white button-down shirt featuring black sketches of women in traditional Greek costumes. Stylish, meaningful, and undeniably Greek, it’s a versatile piece that blends heritage with fashion—perfect for destination weddings, summer celebrations, or showing off your Hellenic pride. ­ Buying ­ What to Watch ­ Watch the official trailer for Moon, 66 Questions, a poignant Greek drama. After years of distance, Artemis returns to Athens to care for her estranged father, uncovering hidden truths and forging unexpected empathy. With strong performances and emotional depth, it’s a hauntingly beautiful meditation on family and forgiveness. Available on Prime. ­ Watching ­ ­ 🇬🇷 GREEK WORD OF THE WEEK Εγγραφή egg-grah-FEE "Registration" or "Record" How's your vocabulary coming along? ­ 📸 PHOTO OF THE WEEK ­ From Photo Op to Power Moves ­ From left, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, U.S. President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan walk off the podium following the NATO heads of state photo at the summit in The Hague, Netherlands on June 25. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert) ­ ­ See you next week!   Explore more in-depth coverage at The National Herald's website: www.thenationalherald.com ­ Brought to you by the news source you rely on most for independent reporting about the Greek community: The National Herald