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November 20, 2025
Good Morning, Mazi Readers!
Inflation jitters, energy deals, shipyard revivals, traffic that refuses to move, and Greek flavors popping up from Greenpoint to Westchester – this week’s Mazi for a Minute has a bit of everything. From Washington’s embrace of Greece as an energy and defense hub, to diaspora stories, culture, and community news coast to coast, we’re tracking how Hellenism shows up in boardrooms, chancelleries, parish halls, and restaurant kitchens.
We’re also spotlighting the latest episode of Kafé & Kouvénta, where Minister Niki Kerameus sits down with Eraklis to talk ReBrain Greece, cutting red tape, and bringing talent back home – available wherever you get your favorite podcasts, with the full video on YouTube.
This edition comes to you with support from North Shore Farms, Limani Restaurant, Divani Collection Hotels, Kofinas Fertility Group, Capital Link, Sand Castle, Parklane Resort & Spa Limassol and of course, Ethnikos Kirikas / The National Herald.
ECONOMIC ESPRESSO
U.S. Backs Greek Shipyard Revival and Counters Chinese Influence
Global and U.S. Market Pulse
Anchors Up: Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle voiced strong U.S. support for the major redevelopment of Elefsis Shipyards, a $125 million DFC-backed project that Greek officials say will transform the facility into the country’s largest shipbuilding hub. She also signaled Washington’s intent to curb China’s control of the Port of Piraeus, urging expanded American-aligned infrastructure to counter COSCO’s dominance.
CROSS-ATLANTIC CURRENTS
Niki Kerameus on ReBrain Greece and the Push to Bring Talent Home
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
Making Her Pitch: On Kafé & Kouvénta with host Eraklis Diamataris, Minister Niki Kerameus details Greece’s efforts to reverse brain drain through streamlined bureaucracy, expanded vocational training, and new incentives for skilled professionals and diaspora Greeks. She also highlights the ReBrain Greece event in New York, where participants can meet leading Greek companies and explore concrete career opportunities.
Greece Strengthens Its Role as a Regional Energy Hub
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
Power Up: Greece signed a new agreement to channel U.S. LNG to Ukraine this winter via the Vertical Corridor, a move backed by Washington as Kyiv works to protect its energy network from Russian attacks. At the same time, U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle praised Greece as a “crucial and reliable ally,” highlighting its rising status as an energy powerhouse and the expanding cooperation showcased at the P-TEC Conference.
A Practical Guide to Navigating Greece’s National Cadastre
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
Clarity Needed: In an interview with The National Herald, Elxis CEO Giorgos Gavrilidis explained how Greece’s modern digital cadastre system records ownership, boundaries, and property rights—and why inaccurate or incomplete registrations can result in land being classified as “unknown owner.” He urged property owners to verify their entries, correct discrepancies early, and stay organized as Greece phases out old land registries and moves fully into a stricter digital system.
Greece Debuts a Modern LL.M. for International Law Minds
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
Mock Trials, Real Skills: The program at Democritus University of Thrace gives students structured training in Public International Law along with practical exercises like simulations and mock sessions. With most classes online and periodic sessions in Komotini, it aims to attract globally minded students from law, politics, and related fields.
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HELLENIC HORIZONS
Greek-American Prosecutor Takes Over Georgia Election Case
Greek & American Business Highlights
Skandalakis Steps In: After Fani Willis was removed from the Georgia election interference case, Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council Executive Director Pete Skandalakis appointed himself to lead the prosecution, inheriting a massive file that includes 101 boxes of documents and an eight-terabyte hard drive. Skandalakis will review the sprawling indictment and decide whether to pursue new charges, narrow the case, or dismiss parts of it ahead of a December 1 status hearing.
🇬🇷 THI’s John Georges Appointed Greece’s Honorary Consul in New Orleans
Greek & American Business Highlights
NOLA: The Hellenic Initiative announced that founding board member and philanthropist John Georges has been sworn in as Greece’s Honorary Consul in New Orleans by Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou. Georges, a prominent business leader and longtime supporter of Hellenic causes, has played major roles in Louisiana civic life and in rebuilding and supporting Greek Orthodox institutions in New Orleans and New York.
Queens’ Young Greek Dentist Making Smiles a Family Affair
Greek & American Business Highlights
Astoria's Own: Astoria native Dr. Yannis Koroneos is redefining dental care in Queens with NY Legacy Dentistry and Vital Dental of Bayside, practices he runs with his wife and built on person-centered, community-rooted care. The youngest Greek-speaking dentist in the neighborhood, he says every patient is treated “like family,” honoring the legacy of the longtime practitioners whose offices he revived.
Peter Kellis on TRAY: The Greek-Born Tech Founder Transforming Restaurant POS
Greek & American Business Highlights
AI at the Table: Greek-born MIT alumnus Peter Kellis spoke with The National Herald about building TRAY, a cloud-native POS platform powering major brands like IHOP with flexible, open-architecture technology. He discussed the company’s mission, his entrepreneurial journey, and how A.I. is shaping the future of restaurant operations.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Greek-Canadian Mother Sentenced to Life for Killing Two Sons
Diaspora in Focus
Tragic: A Toronto judge sentenced 27-year-old Vanessa Collias to life in prison with no parole eligibility for 18 years after she pleaded guilty to killing her two young sons in 2023, days after her husband’s sudden death. Court documents and CBC News reporting reveal that Collias, overwhelmed by grief, attempted suicide after the murders and left detailed notes, funeral preparations, and family contacts for authorities.
HACC Honors Dr. John Coustas as 2025 Person of the Year
Diaspora in Focus
Person of the Year The Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce celebrated Dr. John Coustas at its 73rd Person of the Year Gala at Cipriani Wall Street, recognizing his leadership in global shipping and his contributions to the Greek-American business community. The evening featured tributes from chamber leaders, dignitaries, and friends, followed by a performance from Anna Vissi and a gathering of prominent Greek-American guests.
Saint Demetrios Astoria Approves Property Transfer Amid Tensions
Diaspora in Focus
A Big Decision: The General Assembly of Saint Demetrios Astoria voted to transfer 39% of its 31st Street building to the Archdiocese as collateral for $3 million in financial relief, part of a court-filed oversight agreement. The meeting included disputes over media access, updates on financial plans and loans, and exchanges among former community leaders about past decisions and parish governance.
Orthodoxy’s Unexpected Boom Among Young Americans
Diaspora in Focus
Surge in the Pews: The New York Times reports a sharp rise in young Americans, especially young men, joining Orthodox Christian parishes across the country. Clergy and longtime parishioners describe unprecedented attendance, fueled partly by social media influencers and growing interest in Orthodoxy’s more rigorous spiritual traditions.
Alpha Omega Council Honors Agganis Legacy at Record Boston Gala
Diaspora in Focus
Legend: The Alpha Omega Council’s 2025 Honors Gala drew 400 guests and raised $150,000 as it celebrated the late athlete Harry Agganis and presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to his nephew, Mike Agganis. The evening featured tributes from community leaders, presentations of additional awards, and appearances by notable athletes and dignitaries, underscoring Agganis’ enduring impact on sports and the Greek-American community.
Chicago Metropolis Charts a New Course with Headquarters Move & Expanded Scholarships
Diaspora in Focus
Homecoming: The Metropolis of Chicago is returning to the city with a new headquarters at 1290 North Clybourn Avenue, pending GOA approval, while Metropolitan Nathanael announced new leadership appointments, naming Rev. Fr. Dionysios Anagnostopoulos as Chancellor and Rev. Fr. Panagiotis Boznos as Vicar General. At the same time, the Metropolis is deepening its commitment to future clergy by expanding its HCHC Scholarship Fund to include undergraduate seminarians, with plans to extend support to all Metropolis students at Hellenic College Holy Cross next year.
Classics Crisis: The University of Ottawa has suspended admissions to its Greek and Roman Honours BA due to low enrollment, prompting concern that the move may threaten the future of classical language studies at the institution. University officials describe the pause as a chance to redesign the program, while a petition with nearly 3,500 signatures calls for an immediate reversal.
🎤 Anastasia Closes Out North American Tour with Heart and High Energy
Diaspora in Focus
Sold Out: Greek pop star Anastasia reflected on her U.S.–Canada tour, sharing the emotional highs of sold-out shows and the bittersweet loss she carried with her on the road. She told TNH she gives “her whole heart” at every concert and feels blessed to be living her dream at just 22, with more global performances already ahead.
Symi Protopsaltis Shares His Story and Admiration for Greek-Americans
Diaspora in Focus
Voice of Symi: In an interview with The National Herald, renowned protopsaltis Demosthenis Giannaras reflected on his decades of chanting, his training in Byzantine music, and his lifelong devotion to the Church on his native island of Symi. He also spoke with deep affection about the Greek-American community, praising its steadfast connection to faith, tradition, and Hellenic heritage.
Young Adults Gather for Metropolis Fall Retreat in California
Diaspora in Focus
eat the Ranch: Fifty young adults from parishes across the Metropolis of San Francisco spent a weekend at Saint Nicholas Ranch, engaging in hiking, worship services, discussions, and visits to the nearby monastery. Led by clergy throughout the weekend, the retreat blended outdoor adventure with spiritual reflection under the theme “Glory to Thee for Every Step of My Life’s Journey.”
🇬🇷 Community Pride Shines Across AHEPA & DOP Chapters
Diaspora in Focus
Coast to Coast: From Syracuse to Astoria, Greek-American organizations celebrated service, charity, and tradition this week. AHEPA Chapter 37 honored resident veterans at the AHEPA Home with certificates and a community luncheon, while DOP Athens Chapter 39 rallied behind member Tarah Kalogris as she brought Kalamatiano flair to a United Way fundraising dance. The Pan Gregorian Charitable Foundation marked 41 years of philanthropy with a gala that awarded $90,000 in scholarships and community grants, and DOP Ilion Chapter 135 celebrated Founder’s Day in Astoria, recognizing longtime members and renewing its commitment to service ahead of the holiday season.
FOOD & CULTURE
Opera’s Big Night in Athens
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Center Stage: The Greek National Opera hosted the 2025 International Opera Awards at the Stavros Niarchos Hall, celebrating global talent and honoring winners across major categories including MusikTheater an der Wien and legendary mezzo-soprano Agnes Baltsa.
Ariston Flowers & Café Blooms in Union Square
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Eva Explores: Ariston Flowers & Café, a nearly 50-year-old Greek family business, has transformed its historic Union Square florist into one of New York’s most photogenic hangouts blending fresh blooms with specialty European coffee. The owners say the café’s evolving seasonal décor, loyal multigenerational customers, and global flower sourcing have helped make it a true neighborhood destination.
Sweet Apple Classics for the Holidays
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Recipes of the Week: From Greek Yogurt Apple Cake glazed with apricot jam to a warm, walnut-topped Apple Crisp, these festive desserts bring cinnamon, comfort and tradition to the table. Bake them for your next gathering and enjoy the season’s sweetest flavors.
Greece’s Crisis Through Workers’ Eyes
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Book of the Week: Aris Asproulis’ book The Melancholy Worker explores how the economic crisis reshaped the lives and identities of Megalopoli power plant employees through on-site research and 40 worker interviews. The new Greek release from Kapa Publishing offers a rare look into the human side of Greece’s labor upheaval.
Nerina Brings Vintage Greece to the Brooklyn Waterfront
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Greenpoint Goes Greek: Just 10 months after opening, Nerina has turned into a Greenpoint hotspot, drawing regulars with its handmade pita, rustic breads, and mezze dishes shaped by recipes from Kefalonia, Patra, Crete, and Corfu. Its skylit, 70s-and-80s-inspired design, paired with hits like lobster pasta, grilled octopus, and Cretan-spiced scallops, has made it a go-to for New Yorkers craving a real Greek table.
Kyria Brings Authentic Greek Flavor to Westchester County
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Island Vibes: Kyria, a new Greek restaurant in Harrison founded by Yiannis Rodopoulos, Granit Shala, and executive chef Maria Lachana, is drawing attention for its modern Greek cuisine and island-inspired atmosphere. With fresh seafood, family recipes, and vibrant décor, the team says their goal is to transport diners straight to Greece.
How Omonia Café’s Cake Became a My Big Fat Greek Wedding Icon
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Astoria's Hollywood Moment: Omonia Café owner John Arvanitis recounted how his Astoria pastry shop created the original Greek-themed wedding cake for My Big Fat Greek Wedding, a custom design complete with columns imported from Greece that brought nationwide recognition to the bakery. More than 20 years later, Omonia recreated the cake for an event celebrating the film’s third installment, with Arvanitis’ son Peter joining the family tradition as one of the café’s rising pastry chefs.
ECONOMY & SOCIETY
Fitch Boosts Greece to BBB
Snapshots of Change
Upgrade: Fitch upgraded Greece’s long-term rating to BBB, citing strong fiscal performance, primary surpluses, and rising tax revenues. The agency also shifted Greece’s outlook to “stable,” noting steady growth despite lingering debt burdens and external challenges.
Erdogan Shuts Down Hopes for Renewed Cyprus Talks
Snapshots of Change
Ankara Hardens Its Line: Any optimism surrounding the election of moderate Turkish-Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman quickly faded after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his demand for a two-state solution. At a joint press conference in Ankara, Erdogan dismissed reunification prospects and blamed Greek Cypriots and international bodies for the stalemate, signaling Ankara won’t return to negotiations under current terms.
Mitsotakis Promises Over €2B in New Support Measures
Snapshots of Change
Relief Is on the Way: Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the government will roll out more than €2 billion in income-support measures in the coming months, prioritizing young people and families as Greeks continue to struggle with high prices. He added that new housing measures and a home-renovation program will be announced soon, while authorities step up checks on companies for profiteering.
Mitsotakis Unveils Modernized Disability Certification Centre in Piraeus
Snapshots of Change
An Upgrad: Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the new KEPA facility at the Peace and Friendship Stadium, now capable of serving up to 10,000 people with disabilities each month with updated infrastructure, more staff, and enhanced accessibility services. He emphasized that the redesigned center reflects a “modern European country,” replacing outdated conditions with streamlined procedures, remote interpretation, and improved medical support as part of a broader national strategy to better support people with disabilities.
Cypriot Paychecks Surge While Greek Wages Trail the EU
Snapshots of Change
Pay Gap: New data shows Cypriots earning €27,611 a year, far above Greece’s €18,000 average, which ranks 25th out of 27 EU countries. While EU salaries climbed overall, with Luxembourg, Denmark, and Ireland topping the charts, Greece remains grouped with the bloc’s lowest earners despite recent minimum-wage hikes.
Sheep Pox Outbreak Worsens Across Greece
Snapshots of Change
Pox Pressure: Sheep pox continues to spread in Greece with new outbreaks in Achaia, Ilia, and even Kefalonia, despite containment zones and emergency legislation aimed at curbing the disease. Officials warn the situation is becoming endemic as illegal animal movements undermine controls and farmers push to reopen slaughterhouses ahead of the Christmas season.
Greece Adds Fourth French Frigate to Its Fleet
Snapshots of Change
Naval Era: Greece will acquire a fourth French-built Belharra-class FDI frigate, to be named Themistocles, after Parliament approved the procurement agreement with Naval Group. The new vessel, capable of carrying ballistic missiles, joins the Kimon, Formion, and Nearchos as Greece continues modernizing its Armed Forces despite a period of reduced tension with Turkey.
A Giant Spider Metropolis Discovered on the Greek-Albanian Border
Snapshots of Change
Nightmare Fuel: Scientists uncovered a colossal 1,140-square-foot web inside Sulfur Cave, home to an estimated 110,000 spiders living in total darkness. Two different species coexisting peacefully in the same web stunned researchers, with abundant midge flies likely fueling this unprecedented arrangement.
Greece Eyes €3 Billion Israeli Air Defense Deal
Snapshots of Change
High Tech: Athens is in accelerated talks to purchase advanced air-defense systems from Israel Aerospace Industries and Rafael, in what would be a €3 billion investment focused on Thrace and the eastern Aegean. The move adds to Greece’s expanding arsenal of Rafales, upgraded F-16s, new frigates, and future F-35s as it responds to regional missile threats despite its current detente with Turkey.
Cyprus’ Bailout-Era Banks Are Booming Again
Snapshots of Change
Rebound: Cyprus’ major banks, once rescued from collapse in 2013, are now reporting a combined €750 million in profits despite slightly lower earnings than last year’s record haul. Strong nine-month results from Bank of Cyprus, Eurobank’s group performance, and the Alpha Bank Cyprus–Astrobank merger highlight a sector that has firmly rebounded from its crisis-era lows.
TRAVEL & CONNECTIVITY
Record Tourism, Reported Losses
Expanding Horizons
Billions In, Pennies Out: Even with another blockbuster tourism year bringing in €21.6 billion, thousands of Greek food, beverage, and service businesses declared losses or implausibly low incomes to the tax authority. New AADE cross-checks using AI exposed large gaps between declared earnings and real spending, highlighting how pervasive underreporting remains despite a fast-growing economy.
Athens Traffic Hits a Breaking Point
Expanding Horizons
The City that Crawls: Athenian drivers are spending more time stuck than moving, with congestion so severe that new traffic cameras can’t even catch speeders. Aging cars, outdated junctions, and relentless urban sprawl are choking key corridors, prompting experts to push for bold restrictions on private vehicles and major upgrades to public transit.
Athens’ Airbnb Ban Backfires as Listings Surge
Expanding Horizons
Loophole: A freeze on new short-term rental permits in central Athens hasn’t reduced Airbnb-style stays, data shows they actually climbed 5% in the first ten months of 2025. Loopholes in the registration system allowed thousands of properties to lock in approval before the ban, pushing neighborhoods like Kerameikos, the Acropolis area, and the Syntagma–Monastiraki–Plaka triangle to their highest listing counts yet.
GOINGS-ON: NOVEMBER 20TH - 30TH
Spotlighting some upcoming community events:
ASTORIA, NY – ‘O Pappous Ehi Piesi' (Grandfather Has Blood Pressure), a theatrical comedy by Demetra Papadopoulou, directed by Ioanna Katsarou, opens at the Hellenic Cultural Center’s Thespis Theatre (November 15 - December 14)CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church hosts its annual Greek Festival (November 21)
NEW YORK, NY – The 35th Annual Hellenic Lawyers Association Dinner Gala takes place at the Pierre Hotel (November 21)
ASTORIA, NY – The Greek Cultural Center presents ‘A Music Tribute to Giorgos Mitsakis’, part of the Rembetiko Without Borders series, events focusing on the history and contribution of rembetiko to world cultural heritage (November 21-22)
KINGSTON, NY – St. George Greek Orthodox Church hosts its annual Greek Bazaar (November 21-23)
LOS ANGELES, CA – ‘Pylos and Minoan Crete’, a lecture by University of Ioannina Professor Andreas G. Vlachopoulos, will be hosted by the UCLA SNF Center for the Study of Hellenic Culture in collaboration with The J. Paul Getty Museum and held in conjunction with the exhibition The Kingdom of Pylos: Warrior-Princes of Mycenaean Greece (November 22)
SACO, ME – St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church hosts its annual St. Fotini Greek Bazaar (November 22)
MANCHESTER, NH – The 6th Annual Auction and Bake Sale Fundraiser at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church takes place (November 22)
ROSLINDALE, MA – Bake Sale at St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church following the Divine Liturgy (November 23)
ASTORIA, NY – Thanksgiving Eve with Greek singer Klavdia live at Code Astoria (November 26)
THIS WEEK IN GREEK HISTORY
November 20, 2001
On this day, political analyst George Stephanopoulos married actress Alexandra Wentworth at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral in Manhattan. They met on a blind lunch date, and he later said he knew within 24 hours she was “the one.” His father officiated. They have two daughters.
November 23, 1996
On this day, Irene Skliva, an 18-year-old Greek model, was crowned Miss World. Born in Athens, she had first won the Miss Hellas title before competing in India. After her reign, she returned to Greece, building a career in modeling and television. She married in 2002 and welcomed a daughter in 2003.
November 25, 1826
On this day, the Greek frigate Hellas arrived in Nafplio, becoming the first flagship of the Revolutionary Hellenic Navy. In 1831, Admiral Andreas Miaoulis burned the ship to prevent its transfer to the Russian navy after Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias ordered it handed over during a political standoff.
Throwback Headlines
The National Herald Archive
Digitalization thanks to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF)
November 20, 1958
Britain Will Base Its Position on the Condemnation of Violence: British Parliament expected to circulate new proposals regarding Cyprus - The Opposition in Parliament Supports Self-Determination
Tragic Shipwreck of a Cargo Vessel – Six Lost in Lake Michigan
Editorial: The Betrayals of the West in Its Misguided Steps
The British Press Recommends Abandoning the Macmillan Plan — Return of Makarios and Negotiations with the Cypriots
Lebanese Delegates Reject Anti-Nasser Accusations Filed at the U.N.
The Struggle Within British Shipping
World Council of Churches Appeals for the Return of Archbishop Makarios to Cyprus
New Parliamentary Speech on Misuse of Public Funds
Maria Callas in Chicago - Touring, Giving Concerts in Various Music Centers
🇬🇷 GREEK WORDS OF THE WEEK
Συζήτηση
see-ZEE-tee-see
"Discussion" or "Conversation"
-
Κατάστημα
kah-TAH-stee-mah
"Store/Shop"
-
Λύση
LEE-see
"Solution"
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Bold Message Takes Flight in Miss Universe National Costume Show
Miss Greece Mary Chatzipavlou displays a winged costume bearing the message “Take Our History Back” during the national costume competition at the Miss Universe pageant in Nonthaburi province, Thailand, on November 19. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
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