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March 26, 2026 Kalimera Mazi Readers

Χρόνια Πολλά, and what a week it has been. Greece marked 205 years of independence yesterday with military parades, student marches, gun salutes from Lycabettus Hill, and a thanksgiving service at the Metropolitan Cathedral, while President Trump signed a proclamation linking the Greek Revolution of 1821 to America's founding ideals and Secretary Rubio called Greece a valued NATO ally. From Athens to Melbourne to Boston to Astoria, the diaspora showed up, with vespers, dance weekends, school performances, radiothons, and a Miss Greek Independence crowned in memory of Manto Mavrogenous.

Closer to home, the Niotis family of Cranford faces yet another heartbreak, Ernie Anastos was laid to rest at Holy Trinity in New Rochelle, and a Greek Patriot battery in Saudi Arabia quietly made history by shooting down two Iranian ballistic missiles. There is also a new restaurant in Bay Ridge bringing the flavors of Chios to Brooklyn, a criminal trial finally opening over the Tempe train disaster, and a 94-year-old Greek-American patriarch of one of New England's most beloved companies has passed away.

As always, thank you, efharistó to our sponsors: North Shore Farms, Limani Restaurant, Divani Collection Hotels, Aria Hotels – La Divina, Sand Castle, Parklane Resort & Spa Limassol, and Ethnikos Kirikas / The National Herald. We couldn't do it without you.

Now grab your kafé and let's get into it.
ECONOMIC ESPRESSO Investing in National Defense Is a Necessity, Not a Luxury
Global and U.S. Market Pulse
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Speaking after the March 25 parade at Syntagma Square, Prime Minister Mitsotakis said Greeks watching the Armed Forces march "could only have felt pride," describing the event as a demonstration that Greece is not just defending its own borders but serving as "a force for peace" and protecting Greeks in Cyprus. He called on Greeks to distinguish between major national interest issues and ordinary political disagreements, and extended his wishes to the diaspora, saying Greece "moves ahead steadfastly and boldly."
CROSS-ATLANTIC CURRENTS



 Trump Declares March 25 a National Day of Celebration

Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
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President Trump issued a presidential proclamation designating March 25, 2026 as "Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy," drawing a direct line between the Greek Revolution of 1821 and America's founding ideals. Secretary of State Rubio also issued a statement praising Greece as a valued NATO ally and calling for deeper U.S.-Greece cooperation in defense, energy security, and trade.


 Hellenic Caucus Introduces Bipartisan U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Act

Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
­Reps. Chris Pappas, Gus Bilirakis, Dina Titus, and Nicole Malliotakis introduced the U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act on March 19, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize International Military Education and Training assistance to Greece for five years. The bill is endorsed by AHEPA, the American Hellenic Institute, and the Hellenic American Leadership Council.



 Malliotakis: Turkey's F-16 Deployment to Cyprus Demands a Congressional Response

Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
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Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis issued a sharp statement calling Turkey's deployment of F-16s to occupied Cyprus "a brazen provocation" and a violation of U.S. law, and urged House leadership to bring the End Cyprus Embargo Act to the floor without delay. She noted that Cyprus, currently under a Level 3 State Department travel advisory, lacks the multiyear procurement contracts needed for advanced air defense systems because of the existing embargo.
 Is Your Property in Greece Actually Insured?

Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
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Most Greek home insurance policies contain a vacancy clause that can void coverage entirely if a property sits empty for 30 to 60 consecutive days, a threshold that virtually every Greek-American who visits once or twice a year is unknowingly crossing. Athens-based Home Watch Athens, founded by Giannis Zisis who spent 15 years living overseas, offers monthly property monitoring plans starting at €99, including timestamped photo reports and on-the-ground coordination of any needed repairs.
 'Kapodistrias' Coming to U.S. Theaters for One Night Only on April 22

Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
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Director Yannis Smaragdis' historical epic Kapodistrias (The Governor), chronicling the life of Greece's first governor after independence, is coming to U.S. theaters for a one-night-only release on April 22 from Fathom Entertainment. The screening will include exclusive bonus content featuring Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and the director reflecting on the film's cultural significance.


HELLENIC HORIZONS




 Karos Sisters Bring a Dose of Greece to the U.S. with Mastiha Cocktail in a Can

Greek & American Business Highlights
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Sisters Alexandra and Demetra Karos of Minneapolis have launched Dosi Dosi, the first Greek cocktail in a can in the U.S., a mastiha-based drink blended with lemon and mint using imported mastic tears from Chios. Currently available in select California liquor stores, the pair told TNH they hope to expand to cities with large Greek populations, starting with New York.




 Greek-American Christine Kushner Wins Wake County Primary
Greek & American Business Highlights
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Christine Chrysostom Kushner, daughter of Greek Orthodox priest Fr. Chrysostom Manuel and Greek language teacher Amphitrite Manuel, secured the Democratic nomination for the Wake County Board of Commissioners in North Carolina, earning more than 68,000 votes. She believes she would be the first Greek-American to serve on the Wake Commission, with the general election set for November.


 Kampos Taverna Brings a Traditional Taste of Chios to Bay Ridge
Greek & American Business Highlights
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Kampos Taverna opened at 8413 3rd Avenue in Bay Ridge on February 27, built by three partners with roots in Chios who wanted to create something authentically different from the typical blue-and-white Greek restaurant experience in New York. The menu features traditional Chian dishes including Mastelo cheese, a rotating daily dessert by their Greek chef, and specialty cocktails built around mastiha and Chian ouzo, all inside a space lined with stone imported from the village of Thymiana in Chios.

Athena Andreadis and Her Calling Into the World of Music
Greek & American Business Highlights
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London-born Greek-roots singer-songwriter Athena Andreadis, who sang alongside Leonard Cohen on his final Grammy-winning record, is releasing a new EP titled "Uncovered" this spring and will host an exclusive live performance at Village Studios in Los Angeles on April 18. With five studio albums combining Greek and English across more than 15 years, she told TNH her music is driven by a simple belief: "We are love, at the end of the day, at our very essence, and we just forget who we are sometimes."

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COMMUNITY NEWS


🎙️ Congressman Pappas Speaks on the War, Greece, and the Senate Race

Diaspora in Focus
­Greek-American Congressman Chris Pappas of New Hampshire, speaking at a Greek Independence Day celebration in Nashua, told TNH that President Trump "has to come to Congress to seek authorization" for the ongoing Iran war, warning that shifting rationales are "extremely disrespectful to the members of the armed forces who are serving." The four-term congressman, who has announced his Senate candidacy, said the U.S. cannot go it alone and must deepen ties with allies including Greece and Cyprus. New Misfortune Strikes the Niotis Family of Cranford
Diaspora in Focus
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Just months after losing their daughter Maria to a classmate's murderous rage, the Niotis family now faces a serious financial blow: a fire caused extensive damage to their restaurant, Chris's Family Diner in South Orange, leaving it unable to operate. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help the family rebuild and reopen the diner that has long been a gathering place for their community.




 Manhattan Reception Celebrates 205 Years of Greek Independence
Diaspora in Focus
An exclusive gathering at The Russian Tea Room on March 18 brought together Consul General Iphigenia Kanara, John Catsimatidis, Capital Link's Nicholas and Olga Bornozis, and members of the Greek media and community to mark 205 years of Greek independence and 250 years of American liberty. Catsimatidis opened with a personal tribute to the late Ernie Anastos, recounting that he and Lou Katsos had called Ernie to invite him to the very event just days before his passing.



 Boston Marks Greek Independence with the Lament and Heroism of Messolonghi

Diaspora in Focus
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The Greek Independence celebration at the Consulate General of Greece in Boston drew nearly 300 attendees on March 22, anchored by addresses from Harvard scholar siblings Konstantinos and Vivian Paraskevi Douglas, descendants of heroes of Messolonghi. Vivian's performance of the Lament of Messolonghi brought tears to the room, she departs next week for Greece to perform alongside Maria Farantouri in Messolonghi itself.



 Demeter Despina Stathakopoulos Named Miss Greek Independence

Diaspora in Focus
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Demeter Despina Stathakopoulos, with roots in Chios, was crowned Miss Greek Independence on March 22 at the Stathakeion Cultural Center in Astoria, with Olga Gotsis named first runner-up and Maria Chasapi second runner-up. This year's competition was renamed in memory of 1821 heroine Manto Mavrogenous, following a suggestion by Parade Committee Chairman Louis Katsos.



 Brooklyn Schools Honor the Spirit of 1821

Diaspora in Focus
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Two Brooklyn schools brought Greek Independence Day to life this week: Argyrios Fantis School presented dramatic performances of "The Secret School" and "The Women of Mani" for an audience that included Consul of Greece in New York Petros Dorizas, while the Greek School of Plato marked the occasion with songs, poems, and dance, with Board Vice President Kostas Karkas reminding the crowd that "the Revolution of 1821 was not only a Greek event but a global one."


 George Haseotes of Cumberland Farms Family Has Passed Away

Diaspora in Focus
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George Haseotes, a member of the Greek-immigrant family that grew Cumberland Farms from a single cow and $84 into a chain of more than 600 convenience stores and 2,500 Gulf stations across the eastern U.S., passed away on March 18 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Palm Beach at the age of 94. He was one of eight children of founders Vasilios and Aphrodite Haseotes, Greek immigrants who settled in Cumberland, Rhode Island and built one of New England's most recognizable companies.




Diaspora in Focus

Internationally renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Michael Patzakis, a pioneer whose trauma care protocols have saved countless patients from infection and amputation worldwide, received the 2026 Metropolitan Anthony Humanitarian Award at the 49th Annual Folk Dance and Choral Festival in Phoenix. The son of Greek immigrants who grew up during the Great Depression and lost his father at age seven, he dedicated the award to the memory of his late wife Susan, telling the audience: "Jesus has been with me every step of the way."

 Our Journey to Saint Sophia of San Antonio

Diaspora in Focus
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Three friends made the six-hour round trip to San Antonio to witness something rarely seen: the Christodoulou brothers from Oraiokastro, Thessaloniki, installing handcrafted Byzantine icons directly into the walls of Saint Sophia Church ahead of its centennial consecration this May. The parish's 100-year story begins with a grief-stricken Greek community that refused to wait weeks for a priest to bury a child, and built a church within two years of filing their permit with the State of Texas in 1924.



 Fr. Karloutsos Opens Up About the White House March 25 Event

Diaspora in Focus
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Fr. Alexander Karloutsos told TNH that the White House March 26 celebration, which he helped launch in 1986 alongside Andy Manatos, is organized by the White House Office of Public Liaison, with the Archdiocese and other organizations recommending guests for approval. Stepping back from his role this year, Fr. Karloutsos was candid about the reason why.
 New York State Senate Honors Greek-American Attorney Chrissy Grigoropoulos

Diaspora in Focus
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Greek-American attorney Chrissy Grigoropoulos of the Grigoropoulos Law Group PLLC has been formally recognized by the New York State Senate through a legislative resolution, honoring her professional accomplishments and commitment to advocacy, leadership, and community service. The recognition comes in connection with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Visionary Award Gala held on March 22 in Nassau County.



 From Quiet Prayer to Marching Remembrance in Melbourne

Diaspora in Focus
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Melbourne's Greek community marked the 205th anniversary of the Annunciation and Greek Independence with a dawn service at St. Eustathios Church followed by a wreath-laying at the Shrine of Remembrance, where Archbishop Makarios of Australia presided alongside the Greek Ambassador and Victorian government officials. The Victorian Government announced it will rename a site near Parliament House "Democracy Place" in honor of Greece's contribution to democratic ideals.


 Greek Heritage Society of Southern California Enters a New Decade

Diaspora in Focus
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The Greek Heritage Society of Southern California, founded in 1985, marked its 40th anniversary with an all-day celebration at UCLA last October, featuring scholars, genealogists, and a new generation of Greek-American creators ready to carry the mission forward. With nearly 500 interviews collected and an award-winning documentary trilogy narrated by Olympia Dukakis, the organization is now focused on reaching "New Greek Americans" with innovative ways to keep Hellenism alive globally.



 Greek-American Chamber of Commerce of NJ Honors March 25

Diaspora in Focus
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The Greek-American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey marked Greek Independence Day on March 19 at The Great Greek restaurant in Old Bridge, with Chamber President George Sarris calling 1821 "a unique and decisive event for the homeland" that Greeks everywhere must draw inspiration from. New Jersey State Senator Owen Henry praised the contributions of Greek-Americans and described Greek-American relations as "stronger than ever."
 Greek Independence Celebrated at St. Demetrios Greek School in Upper Darby

Diaspora in Focus
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More than 250 people attended the annual Greek Independence celebration at St. Demetrios Greek School in Upper Darby, PA on March 22, where students presented poems, songs, and theatrical performances honoring the heroes of 1821. Fr. Alexandros Kaitidis emphasized the importance of preserving the Greek language and faith within the diaspora.



 Karmanos Becomes First Independent Cancer Center to Offer New Hemophilia B Gene Therapy

Diaspora in Focus
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The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit has become the first independent cancer center in the U.S. to administer Hemgenix, a one-time FDA-approved gene therapy for adults with Hemophilia B that allows patients to stop routine factor IX injections. The first patient treated at Karmanos, Steve W. of Clinton Township, was the 52nd person in the country to receive the therapy.


👨‍⚕️ Greek Cardiologist Dr. Lerakis Thanked by GMA's Sam Champion

Diaspora in Focus
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Dr. Stamatios Lerakis, Director of the Cardiovascular Imaging Program at Mount Sinai's Fuster Heart Hospital, was publicly thanked by Good Morning America weather anchor Sam Champion following a cardiac catheterization procedure that left Champion expected to make a full recovery. Dr. Lerakis told TNH that young physicians should consider cardiology because "cardiovascular disease is the number one killer worldwide — innovations and new discoveries will continue to go on, so it will be very exciting."


 Betsy Ross Flag to Fly at Bowling Green on April 24

Diaspora in Focus
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Parade Chairman Lou Katsos announced that a replica of the historic Betsy Ross flag will be raised at the Federation's flagpole at Bowling Green in Manhattan at noon on April 24, with the same flag set to fly at the U.S. Embassy in Athens during the 250th anniversary of American Independence. A new commemorative plaque marking both the American and Greek anniversaries will also be installed at Bowling Green.



 National Philoptochos Grants Nearly $37,000 to GOA Girl Delegate Program

Diaspora in Focus
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The National Philoptochos presented a $36,795 grant to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Girl Delegate Program at the United Nations, supporting scholarships, participation in the Commission on the Status of Women, and a paid summer internship for young Greek Orthodox women. Archbishop Elpidophoros praised the program for equipping young women to address global issues through the lens of Orthodox Christian values.



 Radiothon Raises Over $13K for the NY Greek Parade

Diaspora in Focus
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The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York wrapped a live Radiothon on Hellas FM on March 23, raising more than $13,000 to support the 2026 Greek Independence Day Parade in New York City. Communications Chair Demos Siokis thanked donors while expressing optimism that internal challenges within the Federation will be resolved.



 The 2026 Dyslipidemia Guidelines: What You Need to Know

Diaspora in Focus
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Our New Medical Column: The new 2026 dyslipidemia guidelines shift the focus from cholesterol numbers alone to overall cardiovascular risk, emphasizing earlier screening, lifestyle changes including the Mediterranean diet, and personalized treatment plans. Statins remain the first-line medication for high-risk patients, with newer options like PCSK9 inhibitors available when LDL targets aren't met.



 Yale Hellenic Society Hosts Greek MP and Oxford Lecturer Dr. Doudonis

Diaspora in Focus
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The Yale Hellenic Society welcomed Greek Parliament Member and Oxford law lecturer Dr. Panagiotis Doudonis to campus in February for a lecture on Greek constitutional law and Prime Minister Mitsotakis' proposed constitutional amendments, sparking a lively debate among Greek students in the audience. Society President Lukas Koutsoukos told TNH the evening was "a fascinating exploration of Greek constitutional law" and part of the Society's growing push to host speakers focused on current Greek and diaspora affairs.

FOOD & CULTURE


 #WeAreGreekWarriors Exhibition Opens at Hellenic Museum of Michigan on March 27

Tastes and Traditions Explored
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The Hellenic Museum of Michigan opens "#WeAreGreekWarriors: From the Greek Revolution to Today" on Friday, March 27 at 6:30 PM, featuring seven contemporary artworks by internationally renowned artist Ramona Pintea bringing the heroines of 1821 to life. The exhibition connects the iconic warriors of the Revolution to women leaders shaping the world today.


 The 23rd San Francisco Greek Film Festival Wraps with Full Slate of Awards

Tastes and Traditions Explored
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The 23rd Annual San Francisco Greek Film Festival closed March 21 after screening 33 films by Greek and Cypriot filmmakers, with Best Narrative Feature going to Yannis Economides' Broken Vein and Best Documentary to Change Makers. Audience favorite Rooster, by director Tassos Gerakinis, took the top Astron Award for narrative feature.


 Nine Antiquities Stolen from Argos Museum Returned to Greece from Budapest

Tastes and Traditions Explored
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Nine ancient vessels stolen from the Archaeological Museum of Argos between 1970 and 1992 were formally returned to Greece at a ceremony at the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest, capping a repatriation effort that began in 2008. Culture Minister Mendoni noted that claims for 13 additional antiquities from the same collection remain active.



 Spectacular Roman Villa Being Restored in Amyntaio, Florina
Tastes and Traditions Explored
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Greece's Ministry of Culture is launching a €2.5 million restoration project for a 5,100-square-meter Late Roman villa near Amyntaio, discovered in 2017 and featuring 175 distinct spaces adorned with mosaics, wall paintings, sculpture, and a domestic shrine dedicated to Zeus. Culture Minister Mendoni called the project essential not only as an educational resource but as a driver of local development in the region of ancient Eordaia.
 The Story Behind Bay Ridge's Beloved Bagel Villa

Tastes and Traditions Explored
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Eva Explores: Giuseppe "Joe" Mitilis opened Bagel Villa at 7221 5th Avenue in Bay Ridge at just 21 years old, following in the footsteps of his father George who once ran the beloved Blue Donut shop in Sunset Park, and 18 years later it remains a neighborhood institution turning out 500 hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, stone-oven-baked bagels daily. Mitilis told TNH he sees himself as more than a bagel maker: "I'm not only in the bagel business, but I'm also almost like a friend or a therapist, I love to talk to people and hear their life stories."




 Freskos Greek Restaurant Celebrates 10 Years on Greek Independence Day
Tastes and Traditions Explored
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Peter Vouras is marking the 10th anniversary of his award-winning Freskos Greek Restaurant in Hamden, CT with a full day of live music, dancing, mezethes, and 10% off for all customers on March 25, with the mayor and local officials expected to join the celebration. Vouras, who built Freskos on the philosophy that "we don't make fast food, we make Greek food as fast as we can," told TNH he is deeply grateful to the loyal customers who kept the restaurant thriving for a decade.

 Artichoke Recipes to Enjoy This Spring

Tastes and Traditions Explored

Native to the Mediterranean and mentioned in Greek texts as far back as the 8th century BC, artichokes are back in season and three recipes are worth adding to your table: the classic Artichokes a la Polita with potatoes, carrots, peas, and dill; simply steamed artichokes served with lemon and olive oil; and a bright pasta salad with shrimp, marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and Kalamata olives.

 Peter Pan Diner in Bay Shore Is Back

Tastes and Traditions Explored
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The historic Peter Pan Diner in Bay Shore, Long Island, reopened its doors on March 16, nearly two years after a devastating fire forced its closure, with the parking lot full and dozens of customers waiting for a table from the early morning hours. Brothers Peter and Nick Lentzeres have rebuilt with modern touches including wooden floors, a refreshed outdoor area, and a Greek-inspired avocado toast, while one patron who has been coming since 1953 summed it up simply: "It's more modern, but it's still a diner."


 HACF Highlights Homer's Iliad with Director Stathis Livathinos

Tastes and Traditions Explored
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The Hellenic-American Cultural Foundation hosted a sold-out evening with renowned Greek theatre director Stathis Livathinos at 150W17th in New York on March 18, exploring the themes and heroes of Homer's Iliad and how they speak to the present day. Livathinos, elected to the Academy of Athens in 2024, told the audience: "It's like Bach, Fellini, Homer, two or three others, maybe, that we give to the next generations so we can prove that once upon a time, we were human."



 Yolanda Markopoulou's Digital Revolution at La MaMa

Tastes and Traditions Explored
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Greek director Yolanda Markopoulou brought her augmented reality production of "Hippolytus (in the arms of Aphrodite)" to CultureHub at La MaMa in New York on March 21-22, immersing three spectators at a time in a world where ancient myth dissolves into digital forest, burning trees, and the silent presence of Artemis's deer. The production makes a compelling case that AR is not a theatrical gimmick but a new regime of perception entirely.



 Remembering Odysseas Elytis, 30 Years after His Passing

Tastes and Traditions Explored
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Book of the Week: Odysseas Elytis, the Nobel Prize-winning poet whose name was a composite of the Greek words for Greece, hope, freedom, and beauty, passed away on March 18, 1996, and his work remains as alive as ever thirty years later. In his honor, TNH has compiled a reading list of his essential works in English translation, from "The Axion Esti" to "The Little Mariner" and "The Collected Poems of Odysseus Elytis."



 Sounds of Lent Impresses at the Archdiocesan Cathedral

Tastes and Traditions Explored
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The Archdiocesan Cathedral Choir, Youth Choir, and Orchestra presented a moving evening of sacred music at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity on March 14, honoring the 15th anniversary of the passing of beloved Music Director Maestro Dino Anagnost. Virtual viewing of the performance is available through Pascha, April 12.




 'Vimata Eleftherias' Inaugural Hellenic Dance Weekend Comes to Astoria

Tastes and Traditions Explored
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The Federation of Hellenic Societies and the Greek-American Folklore Society hosted the first-ever "Steps of Freedom" Hellenic Dance Weekend at the Stathakion Cultural Center and Athens Square Park March 20-22, drawing dancers and instructors from across the region for workshops, performances, and a final public exhibition. Renowned instructor Kostas Mitsis led sessions combining live singing, cultural storytelling, and the dances of Epirus.

ECONOMY & SOCIETY




Snapshots of Change
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Athens woke Wednesday to a 21-gun salute from Lycabettus Hill at dawn, the National Flag raised at the Acropolis, and a thanksgiving service at the Metropolitan Cathedral led by Archbishop Ieronymos II before President Tasoulas laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown SoldierThere was a student procession through the city center on Tuesday, with representative groups from schools across the Municipality of Athens marching past the Hellenic Parliament alongside the Athens Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Special Olympics team, and the Scouts of Greece.

 Greek Patriot Battery in Saudi Arabia Shoots Down Two Iranian Ballistic Missiles

Snapshots of Change
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The Greek Patriot missile battery stationed in Saudi Arabia intercepted two Iranian ballistic missiles headed toward Saudi refineries on March 19, with Defense Minister Dendias praising the crew's combat-readiness and noting the action "indirectly but clearly protects the living standards of Greek and European citizens." Prime Minister Mitsotakis later confirmed the battery has been in Saudi Arabia since 2021 as part of a critical energy infrastructure protection agreement.
 Council of State Rules Same-Sex Couples May Adopt Children

Snapshots of Change
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Greece's Council of State ruled by majority that recognizing the right of married same-sex couples to adopt a minor is constitutional, finding no violation of the constitutional protection of childhood or the best interests of the child. The court also ruled that same-sex marriage is consistent with both the Greek Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights.


 Trial Opens in Greece Over 2023 Tempe Train Disaster That Killed 57
Snapshots of Change
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A criminal trial opened in Larissa this week over the February 2023 Tempe train collision that killed 57 people, many of them college students, with 36 rail and transport officials facing serious charges linked to endangering public transport. Families arrived holding photographs of their loved ones, with one father telling reporters: "Real justice would be to get our kids back, but what we are asking for now is the exemplary punishment of those responsible."
 A Pink Veil Across the Fields: Thousands Flock to Greece's Peach Blossoms

Snapshots of Change
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Every spring, the 170-square-kilometer peach-growing plain around Veria in northern Greece turns completely pink, drawing thousands of visitors from across Greece and increasingly from Western Europe for cycling tours, photography events, and farm-to-table tastings. "I have never seen anything like this before," one traveler from Germany told the AP.

 Golden Visa Changes Shift Greece Property Buyers Toward Western Europeans

Snapshots of Change

Following adjustments to Greece's Golden Visa program that raised minimum thresholds and barred short-term rentals, demand for residency permits has dropped 83% year over year according to real estate firm Elxis, while the share of Dutch buyers rose 16.7% and French buyers 6.3%. The buyer profile has shifted from younger investment-focused purchasers to Western Europeans aged 45-60 approaching retirement who are drawn to Greece's lower cost of living and coastline access.



 Greek Labor Union Chief Panagopoulos Faces Felony Charges Over Undeclared Millions
Snapshots of Change
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Greece's Anti-Money Laundering Authority has referred GSEE labor confederation president Giannis Panagopoulos to prosecutors after finding he failed to declare income totaling €3.2 million over the past five years, with the case also implicating a former Secretary General of Labor and her husband over additional undeclared assets. Panagopoulos is calling it "a set-up case" and vowed to present evidence, saying "I have nothing to fear."


 Greece Ready to Address Impact of Fuel Price Surge

Snapshots of Change
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Speaking after the European Council meeting in Brussels, Prime Minister Mitsotakis said the Greek government is prepared, within its fiscal capacity, to address the impact of rising fuel prices stemming from the ongoing Middle East conflict. He also dismissed Turkish objections to the relocation of the Greek Patriot battery to Karpathos as "legally unfounded" and "completely untimely."



 Greece at the Global Forefront in AI-Powered Traffic Management
Snapshots of Change
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Prime Minister Mitsotakis visited the Hellenic Institute of Transport in Thessaloniki on March 24, where AI systems drawing on Google data are already reducing traffic congestion by 10-15% and serving 15,000 commuters daily via a free mobile app. His next objective: bringing the system to Athens.
ΤRAVEL & CONNECTIVITY Greece Wins Bronze at UK Independent Tour Operators Annual Awards

Expanding Horizons
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The Greek National Tourist Organization's UK and Ireland office took home the bronze award for Tourist Board Partner of the Year 2025 at the Association of Independent Tour Operators ceremony in London, held as part of AITO's 50th anniversary celebration. GNTO head Eleni Skarveli called it "a substantial recognition by the British tourism market" of Greece's efforts to promote lesser-known destinations year-round.

Why More Greek-Americans Are Choosing to Get Married in Greece

Expanding Horizons
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A growing number of Greek-American couples are taking their weddings back to Greece, drawn not just by the scenery but by a desire to reconnect with family roots, heritage, and identity in a setting where both sides of who they are can coexist. Athens-based destination wedding photographer Anastasia Rassia of Moments To Keep told TNH: "There is a sense of ease, but also a strong emotional connection. It's not just about how the day looks, but how it feels."
 GOINGS-ON: MARCH 26TH - APRIL 5TH
Spotlighting some upcoming community events:


ASTORIA, NY – The Pancyprian Association of America presents five exclusive performances by musicians Panicos and Marios Charalambous at Dionysos Restaurant to raise funds for the much needed repairs and renovations of the organization’s Community Center (March 24-28)

ASTORIA, NY – The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York presents a benefit concert for the New York Greek Independence Parade, titled ‘Ach Ellada, S’ Agapo’ (‘Ach Greece, I Love You’), at the Stathakeion Cultural Center (March 26)


BOSTON, MA – A festive commemoration of Greek Independence Day with the USS Constitution Museum and Maliotis Cultural Center of the Hellenic College-Holy Cross will be held at the USS Constitution Museum, Building 22 at the Charlestown Navy Yard (March 28)


MIAMI, FL – TheGreekend Yacht Fleet sets sail for a one-of-a-kind, multi-yacht celebration of Greek Independence Day in partnership with Yachts MiamiVice, Poseidon Miami, Acqua Chiarella, and KLEOS Mastiha (March 28)


ASTORIA, NY – The Federation of Cypriot American Organizations in collaboration with the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA) presents the commemorative tribute ‘Ηρώων Γη’ with music, narration and poetry readings Commemorating the 71st Anniversary of the EOKA liberation struggle 1955-59 from the British colonial rule at the Petros Patrides Community Center at St. Demetrios School (March 28)


ONLINE – The UCLA Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Center for the Study of Hellenic Culture presents ‘The Fumes of Mars’ book discussion with artist and writer Katerina Angelopoulou (March 28)


BALTIMORE, MD – The Greek-American Community of Maryland commemorates Greek Independence Day with a festive parade in Baltimore’s historic Greektown (March 29)


ASTORIA, NY – The New York Greek Independence Parade Committee presents ‘Bridging Revolutions: 250 Years of American Liberty and 205 Years of Hellenic Independence’, a cultural, musical, historical, bilingual, immersive, multimedia experience honoring Hellenic heroism at the Stathakion Cultural Center (March 29)


ASTORIA, NY – The Federation of Cypriot American Organizations and the Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce, under the auspices of the Consulate General of the Republic of Cyprus in New York, host an informative presentation on Cypriot citizenship, passports and other consular issues, presented by Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus in New York Kyriakos Pogiatzis at Dionysos Restaurant (March 31)


NEW YORK, NY – The Consulate General of Greece in New York, in celebration of International Women’s Month, proudly presents the group exhibition Euclid’s Finite to Zeno’s Infinite: Hellenic-American Women Artists, curated by Dr. Thalia Vrachopoulos (thru March 31)


WORCESTER, MA – Psaltikon performs at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral (April 2)
NEW YORK, NY – ‘Agnes Varda’, a comprehensive retrospective of the pioneering Greek-French filmmaker’s work, will run for three weeks at Film Forum in New York (thru April 2)


THROWBACK HEADLINES 🗞️
The National Herald Archive

Digitalization thanks to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF)









March 26, 1991
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New Democracy Says Kamaras Helped Papandreou - Koskotas Scandal Trial Takes a Dramatic New Turn (A major political controversy dominated headlines as New Democracy accused businessman George Kamaras of aiding former Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou, in connection with developments surrounding the Koskotas scandal trial.)
Impressive Military Parade Held Under Bright Sunshine
Dollar Continues to Rise
Delay in Lifting the “Directive” Affecting Greece (European-level decisions impacting Greece faced delays, adding to political and economic uncertainty.)
Government Insists Transport Will Soon Be Privatized
European Parliament Resolution on Cyprus Deemed Especially Important
New Clashes Between Albanian Refugees and Police in Durrës
Kurdish Rebels Move Across Turkey–Iraq Border
­ GREEK WORDS/PHRASES OF THE WEEK


Κάνει την τρίχα τριχιά
KAH-knee teen TREE-ha tree-hee-AH


Literal: "He makes a hair into a rope."

Meaning: Exaggerating a small issue.

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Ενίσχυση

eh-KNEES-hee-see

"Strengthening" or "Support"

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Συντονισμός

seen-doh-knees-MOHSS

"Coordination"

 THIS WEEK IN LAW

Bill Introduced in the House

H.R.8019 - To authorize International Military Education and Training Assistance for Greece

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Bill Introduced in the House

H.R.8054 - To designate the Palm Beach International Airport in Florida as the "Donald J. Trump International Airport", and for other purposes.

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Bill Passed in the House

H.R.7342 - Made in America Jobs Act of 2026 - ‘’To amend the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to provide for certain grant eligibility relating to projects that facilitate the relocation, to the United States, of a source of employment located outside the United States, and for other purposes.’’

 PHOTO OF THE WEEK


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A Salute to History: Young Evzonas in Athens
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Giannis, five and a half years old, dressed as an Evzonas, the ceremonial Presidential Guard, salutes while posing with a soldier atop a military vehicle before a parade marking the start of Greece’s 1821 War of Independence in Athens on March 25. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
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