April 9, 2026
Kalimera Mazi Readers
Holy Thursday is here, and with it the quiet hum of a community preparing for the holiest night of the year. To all our readers celebrating, Kaló Páscha, may this Sunday's Anastasi bring you light, joy, and a table full of people you love.
This week's Mazi is a full one. The Archdiocesan Executive Committee convened on Holy Monday over the deepening crisis at St. Demetrios in Astoria, Greece is banning social media for children under 15, a Saharan dust storm turned Crete's sky a deep red, and the Greek Independence Day Parade on 5th Avenue is just around the corner. We've also got Grammy-nominated music, handmade lambades in Astoria, lamb on the spit at Kellari, and an olive oil that comes from the edge of Mount Athos.
As always, thank you, efharistó to our sponsors: North Shore Farms, Limani Restaurant, Divani Collection Hotels, Aria Hotels – La Divina, Sand Castle, and Ethnikos Kirikas / The National Herald. We couldn't do it without you.
Now grab your kafé and let's get into it.
'Mazi' with our Sponsors
ECONOMIC ESPRESSO
OECD Gives Greece High Marks on Budget Reform
Global and U.S. Market Pulse
An OECD report presented in Athens highlighted Greece's progress on fiscal reforms, specifically praising the country's performance budget, expenditure reviews, and integration of environmental considerations into public spending. The report noted Greece has built a robust, transparent framework for monitoring public expenditure and evaluating policy effectiveness.
CROSS-ATLANTIC CURRENTS
Dracopoulos Back at Leeds United
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
Andreas Dracopoulos, co-president of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, has returned to Leeds United as an investor and board member, two decades after his first stake in the club. His connection to Leeds is personal, a lifelong passion dating to the 1970s, and has already sparked philanthropic impact, including an £835,000 SNF grant to Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Frangou to Address Columbia Engineering Graduates
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
Angeliki Frangou, chairwoman and CEO of Navios Maritime Partners and a Columbia Engineering alumna, will deliver the Class Day address to the graduating Class of 2026 on May 18. The fifth-generation Greek shipping executive built Navios into a global transportation benchmark over decades of disciplined leadership.
Greece and Florida: A New Defense Partnership
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias met with U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle on Holy Tuesday to formalize Greece's partnership with the Florida National Guard under the State Partnership Program. Dendias also conveyed thanks to Secretary Pete Hegseth and highlighted the continued deepening of Greek-American strategic defense relations.
'Kapodistrias' Comes to Chicago and San Francisco
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
Special pre-screening events for the film "Kapodistrias" are set for April 16 in Chicago and April 18 in San Francisco, ahead of its one-night-only U.S. release at over 600 theaters on April 22. In San Francisco, the Evzones will make their first-ever appearance in the city as part of a five-day Greek Independence celebration culminating at Union Square on April 19.
Greek Robotics Team Bound for Houston
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
Athens-based team "The Inventors" earned a spot at the FIRST LEGO League World Robotics Championship in Houston, April 28 to May 2, after finishing 2nd at the Greek national finals. Their project, the Arch Kit, is an interactive portable system designed to bring archaeological knowledge to life, including for people with visual impairments, and the team is seeking sponsorships to cover their approximately €21,000 participation costs.
Athens Calling Young Greeks Abroad
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
The General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad has opened applications for the 3rd Greek Youth Diaspora Symposium, taking place in Athens June 18–25 and open to diaspora youth aged 18–25. The deadline to apply is April 15, send your CV and statement of interest to pdo.newyork@mfa.gr.
HELLENIC HORIZONS YAYA's EVOO: Family Groves, Boston Doorsteps
Greek & American Business Highlights
Victoria Pappas launched YAYA's EVOO two years ago, bringing her family's cold-pressed Koroneiki olive oil from groves near Sparta directly to U.S. customers via subscription. Named for her yiayia and built on a boutique model, the brand has grown fast on word of mouth and the flavor of the real thing.
Service Above Self
Greek & American Business Highlights
Anastasios Ballas, CEO of Ballas Promotion and President of the Rotary Club of Athens, sat down with TNH to discuss a career built on the principle his father instilled in him: what we earn should never be kept solely for ourselves. From promotional products trusted by Coca-Cola and Pfizer to renovating a children's hospital floor for parents in need, Ballas sees entrepreneurship and civic service as connected forces.
Anastasia Takes Fans behind the Scenes
Greek & American Business Highlights
Greek pop star Anastasia released her first documentary in February, capturing the behind-the-scenes reality of her 2025 U.S. and Canada tour across ten cities. Now 22, she has a new song out, a summer Balkans tour ahead, and a major international tour announcement on the way.
17 Years and Still Flipping
Greek & American Business Highlights
Miko's Cafe in Brockton, MA is marking its 17th anniversary, a milestone for the Psikarakis family whose restaurant roots go back to Crete and a West Bridgewater donut shop in 1982. After a car accident damaged the storefront in 2021 and a quiet rebuild, the cafe reopened leaner and Monday through Friday, serving the same hearty breakfasts Brockton has come to count on.
Galifianakis Gets Gardening on Netflix
Greek & American Business Highlights
Greek-American comedian Zach Galifianakis hosts a new six-part series, "This Is a Gardening Show," premiering on Netflix on April 22, Earth Day. True to form, he plays the curious novice rather than the expert, approaching dirt, seeds, and human connection with his signature deadpan warmth.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Emergency Meeting in Astoria
Diaspora in Focus
The Archdiocesan Executive Committee convened on Holy Monday to address the deepening financial crisis at St. Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria. A $1.25 million loan guaranteed by the Archdiocese was extended through July, the State of New York approved the Archdiocese's purchase of 39% of the building for $3 million, and $500,000 was set aside for potential misconduct settlements. The Parish Council of St. Demetrios was not informed the meeting was taking place.
Recall Push Against Arizona Sheriff
Diaspora in Focus
A recall campaign has launched against Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, citing his handling of the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, 84, mother of Today anchor Savannah Guthrie, as well as a disciplinary record from his time at the El Paso Police Department that deputies say was concealed. More than 300 deputies voted no confidence in Nanos in March, and organizers are racing against a July primary deadline.
Diaspora in Focus
Get Yours this Week: Hellenic Aesthetic in Astoria is offering handcrafted lambades for the first time this Easter, made by founder Marianthi Vlachos with materials imported from Greece. At $38 each in blue or pink, they've been selling fast in store and online, and Vlachos has posted a video showing how to make your own at home.
A Chanter's Gift, Born from Grief
Diaspora in Focus
Efrosini "Frosene" Phillips of Oakland, CA has been chanting at her Greek Orthodox cathedral since 1978, a calling that began as a tribute to her late father, a choir director who shaped her love of music, and deepened after losing her husband to cancer at 26. Now she sings at funeral services, supporting others through grief the way music once carried her.
Meet the New HPW President
Diaspora in Focus
Dr. Evelyn Bilias Lolis, an educational psychologist and dean at Fairfield University, has been named president of Hellenic Professional Women for 2026. With 25 years in mental health and a career spanning academia, research, and community engagement, she brings a mission of empowerment and connection to the role.
🇨🇦 120 Years of Greeks in Montreal, Recognized
Diaspora in Focus
The National Assembly of Quebec passed a unanimous resolution honoring the Greek Community of Greater Montreal on its 120th anniversary, citing contributions to entrepreneurship, education, healthcare, the arts, and civic life. One speaker noted that the community adopted French as its language of instruction as early as 1972, before Bill 101.
Greeks Mark Independence from Astoria to Tampa to Baltimore
Diaspora in Focus
The spirit of March 25th echoed across the diaspora this week. In Astoria, the Daughters of Penelope Ilion Chapter #135 gathered after their business meeting to mark the 205th anniversary with the Greek flag. In Perth Amboy, the St. Demetrios community raised the flag at International Park, with Mayor Helmin Caba praising the community's decades of contributions to the region. And in Tarpon Springs and Baltimore, thousands marched on March 29, with Cyprus front and center at both parades.
💃 Lawyers Who Lead with Their Feet
Diaspora in Focus
The Athens Bar Association's dance group, Dikigori en Choro, has grown to 200 lawyers since its first lesson in January 2024 and recently performed in Alexandria and Cairo as part of Greek Independence celebrations. Founder Sevastiani Neonaki says the group hopes to bring their performances to New York next, dancing and singing "as only Greeks know how."
NY's Parade Weekend Is Almost Here
Diaspora in Focus
The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York reports that this year's Grand Marshals' Dinner at Cipriani 42nd Street is completely sold out, with 70 organizations registered and 45 floats commissioned for the 5th Avenue parade on April 26. Wine and the Heart: A More Honest Look
Diaspora in Focus
Our Medical Column: Moderate wine consumption, particularly red wine, has long been associated with cardiovascular benefits thanks to polyphenols and effects on cholesterol and blood clotting. Researchers are increasingly cautious, noting that similar benefits are achievable through diet and exercise, and that no doctor recommends starting to drink for heart health.
A Lecture on Sparta, Live in Manhattan
Diaspora in Focus
The Hellenic-American Cultural Foundation hosts Dr. Andrew Bayliss of the University of Birmingham on April 23 for a deep dive into the Spartan agoge, the brutal education system behind one of history's most mythologized societies. A book signing and reception follow at 150 West 17th Street.
FOOD & CULTURE
TNH's Easter Table
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Recipes of the Week: From recipes to traditions, TNH has you covered for the Easter holiday. There's a full tsoureki recipe with a bonus French toast for the leftovers, a traditional magiritsa to break the fast after Anastasi, as well as a festive bunny cake the kids can help decorate.
Eight Greek Restaurants for Easter Sunday in New York
Tastes and Traditions Explored
If you’re not hosting a feast at home this Sunday, TNH has rounded up eight Greek restaurants celebrating Orthodox Easter in New York, from Bahari and Nisi in Astoria to Molyvos, Loi Estiatorio, and Kellari in Manhattan. Expect lamb on the spit, magiritsa, kokoretsi, and tsoureki across menus ranging from $59 to $100 per person.
Easter Beyond the Red Eggs
Tastes and Traditions Explored
From the rocket war between rival churches on Chios to pot-smashing from Corfu balconies, the burning of Judas in Cyprus, and the Epitaphios carried into the sea on Hydra, Pascha unfolds differently across every corner of Greece and Cyprus. TNH takes a look at the local traditions that give Holy Week its remarkable depth and texture.
Sunset Views, Greek Flavors
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Molos Restaurant in Weehawken, NJ has launched a new Sunset Prix Fixe menu, available Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 PM at $55 per person. Think Greek spreads, lavraki, seafood orzo, and baklava, all with floor-to-ceiling views of the Manhattan skyline.
Avra Estiatorio Is Coming to Boston
Tastes and Traditions Explored
The beloved Greek seafood restaurant is expanding to Back Bay this spring, opening at 400 Newbury Street in the Lyrik development with seating for up to 250 guests. The menu will draw from Nafpaktos, hometown of co-founder Nick Tsoulos, with fresh whole fish, zucchini chips, Chilean seabass souvlaki, and house-made baklava, all behind floor-to-ceiling windows and olive trees.
Olive Oil From the Edge of Mount Athos
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Holy Bio Products founder Grigoris Kaimakis has produced an ultra-rare extra virgin olive oil from a centuries-old grove bordering the Athonite State, pressing a regenerated variety he named "Ourania." The oil recently placed among the top three at an international EVOO competition and earned a silver distinction for packaging and branding.
A Roman Villa Rises Again in Northern Greece
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Greece's Culture Ministry is launching a 2.5 million euro restoration of a sprawling Late Roman villa near Amyntaio in Florina, covering some 5,100 square meters with mosaics, wall paintings, baths, and a domestic shrine to Zeus. The site, discovered in 2017, will be opened to visitors as part of a broader push to connect heritage preservation with local development.
The Holy Sepulchre Has Survived this Before
Tastes and Traditions Explored
A missile fragment struck a monastery next to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in March, shocking Christians worldwide. TNH traces the church's long history of destruction and reconstruction, from the Sassanid invasion of 614 to the Mad Caliph of Egypt who ordered it razed to its foundations in 1009, and the remarkable resilience that has kept it standing for seventeen centuries.
Greek Warriors on Display in Detroit
Tastes and Traditions Explored
The Hellenic Museum of Michigan's "#WeAreGreekWarriors" exhibition is open through May 17, spotlighting the women of the Greek War of Independence through bold contemporary art and storytelling. Upcoming programming includes a film screening, an art workshop, and a lecture on revolutionary heroines across cultures.
Eight Years in the Making
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Book of the Week: Greek-American author Tom Cladis will release his debut novel "The Age of Serpents and Scorpions" on April 14, a young adult fantasy about faith, truth, and doing what's right, written in early morning hours over nearly a decade. A signing is set for April 20 at Tattered Cover in Denver, with a sequel already in the works and a D.B. Cooper project on the side.
Messolonghi, 200 Years On
Tastes and Traditions Explored
President Konstantinos Tassoulas marked the 200th anniversary of the Heroic Exodus at the Garden of Heroes in Messolonghi on April 5, calling it the moment that "reflects to the highest degree the glory, the impact, and the lessons of the entire Greek Revolution of 1821." The glory, he said, belongs not to the invaders but to the besieged who chose freedom or death.
Olive Oil Polyphenols Take on Metabolic Syndrome
Tastes and Traditions Explored
A clinical trial in Cyprus found that a daily olive oil polyphenol supplement significantly reduced blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol in patients with metabolic syndrome over 12 weeks. Study co-author Dr. Prokopios Magiatis calls it the only supplement proven in a clinical trial to simultaneously target all three conditions.
ECONOMY & SOCIETY
Greece to Ban Social Media for Under-15s
Snapshots of Change
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced via TikTok that Greece will ban social media access for children under 15, with the regulation taking effect January 1, 2027. Citing science on screen time and youth anxiety, Mitsotakis said Greece aims to push the EU in the same direction.
Greeks Spending Big on Housing
Snapshots of Change
A Bank of Greece report finds that nearly one in three Greeks spends more than 40% of their disposable income on housing, compared to an EU average of 8.2%. The squeeze comes from rising demand, short-term rentals, the Golden Visa program, and a construction sector that still hasn't recovered from the financial crisis.
Mitsotakis Wants Ministers Out of Parliament
Snapshots of Change
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis proposed a constitutional amendment that would bar government ministers from simultaneously serving as Members of Parliament, a change he wants in place after the 2027 elections. The proposal came in the context of the OPEKEPE agricultural subsidy scandal and his broader push against what he called the "deep state."
Greece Opens Cold War Intelligence Files
Snapshots of Change
Greece's National Intelligence Service released 123 declassified documents covering the years 1953 to 1959, offering public access to Cold War-era intelligence assessments, Soviet bloc analyses, and reports on domestic communist activities. The release is part of a broader effort to make historically sensitive material available to citizens and historians.
Greece's Central Bank Calls for Stability
Snapshots of Change
Bank of Greece Governor Yannis Stournaras warned that Greece's economic growth will slow to 1.9% in 2026 amid rising global uncertainty, while urging political stability as a "decisive factor for economic resilience." On the bright side, Greece is still expected to outpace the Eurozone average, with investments, employment gains, and a strong primary surplus keeping the fundamentals solid.
Emergency Measures for Lesbos Farmers
Snapshots of Change
Greece's Parliament took up an emergency amendment to support livestock breeders on Lesbos hit by a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, fast-tracking veterinary deployment, emergency staffing, and financial relief. The government also expanded funding to regions dealing with both foot-and-mouth and smallpox outbreaks, reimbursing costs for animal slaughter, disposal, and disinfection.
Cyprus 'Video Gate' Probe Gets More Time
Snapshots of Change
Investigators examining Cyprus' "Video Gate" scandal have been granted a two-month extension, after securing the full unedited hour-long video at the center of the case. The footage appears to show a former energy minister and a former presidential chief of staff in conversations referencing campaign funding, though those involved have disputed its authenticity.
Cyprus Has a Plan for the British Bases
Snapshots of Change
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said his government is moving forward with a specific strategy on the British Bases issue, noting that preparation began before his public statement on the matter. He also pointed to a recent EU Council conclusion acknowledging Cyprus' intentions as carrying "particular added value."
Greece Looks to Its Mountains for Tourism Growth
Expanding Horizons
Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni unveiled a strategy to promote Greece's mountain regions as a major pillar of the country's tourism offering, noting that mountains cover 80% of Greece's land area but remain largely undiscovered by international visitors. The push aims to extend the tourist season and respond to growing demand for experiential, nature-based travel.
Saharan Dust Turns Crete's Sky Red
Expanding Horizons
A powerful storm front swept Greece this week, bringing gale-force winds, flooding, and a dramatic Saharan dust storm that turned the sky over Crete a deep red. One man died after being swept under a car in Nea Makri, while fire crews responded to some 500 emergency calls across the country.
GOINGS-ON: APRIL 9TH - 19TH
Spotlighting some upcoming community events:
WASHINGTON, DC – The Congressional Salute to Greek Independence Day, presented by the American Hellenic Institute in conjunction with Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, takes place at the Rayburn House Office Building (April 15)
BOSTON, MA – The 2026 Boston Marathon Wreath Ceremony, celebrating its 42nd anniversary, will take place at View Boston (April 16)
NEW YORK, NY – The Tank NYC presents ANTONIN ARTAUD - 130th ANNIVERSARY directed by Ioli Andreadi. A theatrical tribute to the 130th anniversary of the birth of the great, groundbreaking artist and thinker Antonin Artaud, written by the two prolific Greek playwrights Ioli Andreadi & Aris Asproulis and consisting of two new plays (April 16-18)
FALLS CHURCH, VA – The Heavenly Isle: 1,000 Years of Byzantine Art and Archaeology in Cyprus, a special lecture event featuring Cypriot history, culture, and cuisine, will be held at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church (April 18)
NEW YORK, NY – Philo4Thought is hosting a Spring Symposium and Awards Ceremony at the St. John's University Manhattan Campus followed by a reception at Village Taverna. The Symposium ‘Aristotle for Life’ will feature a day of strategic talks, networking, and celebration centered around personal and professional branding (April 18)
LOS ANGELES, CA – The American Hellenic Council (AHC) of California hosts its Annual Gala at the Omni Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles (April 18)
BROOKLYN, NY – Robert Browning Associates, Lotus Music & Dance, and Roulette present the Grammy-nominated laouto virtuoso as he premieres works from his new recording ‘Vasilis Kostas Contemporary & Traditional Music of Epirus, Greece’ and the World Premiere of his album ‘Léna’ at Roulette (April 18)
CHICAGO, IL – The Greek Independence Parade returns to Chicago’s Greektown marching on Halsted Street, presented by the ENOSIS Federation of Illinois, and supported by Greektown Special Service Area #16. For the first time in almost a decade, the Evzones, the Hellenic Presidential Guard, will be participating in the Chicago parade (April 19)
NEW YORK, NY – Kehila Kedosha Janina Synagogue and Museum, hosts the annual Yom HaShoah Holocaust Remembrance Day Ceremony featuring a special keynote talk with Holocaust survivor David Baruch (April 19)
ASTORIA, NY – The Timarete 9th Annual Hellenic Arts Festival, organized by the Academy of Hellenic Paideia, under the auspices of the Consulate General of Greece, takes place at the Stathakeion Cultural Center (thru April 19)
DETROIT, MI – In partnership with One Bean Marketing (OBM), Ramona Pintea, National Hellenic Society, and the Detroit Cultural Center, the Hellenic Museum of Michigan presents a celebration of the women of the Greek Revolution. The new exhibition, ‘#WeAreGreekWarriors: From the Greek Revolution to Today: The Power of the Heroines of 1821 Lives in Every Woman’, along with a rich cultural program of events and activities, runs through May 17.
NEW YORK, NY – A Greek 'Mamma Mia'-inspired immersive cooking class and dance party in New York takes place every Thursday night at Pappas New York. Features wine and flowing hors d’oeuvres - but also lessons about Greek cuisine and how to cook your own Grecian delicacies alongside professional chefs (thru July 23)ANN ARBOR, MI – The ‘Echoes of the Past: Greektown as Seen by Sam Karres’ Exhibition takes place featuring the personal sketchbooks of Greek-American painter and artist Sam Karres (1929-2021), as he illustrates the daily life of residents in Greektown, Detroit (thru August 21)
THROWBACK HEADLINES 🗞️
The National Herald Archive
Digitalization thanks to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF)
April 9, 1993
Gligorov to the U.N.: “We Have a Very Long Memory” - Extends Hand of Friendship and Cooperation to Greece
Turks Kill Greek Cypriot Guardsman in Cold Blood in Nicosia Buffer Zone
Talks Begin Toward a Final Resolution of the Skopje Issue
Voyiouklakis Takes Hard Line, but Disciplinary Penalty Is Lenient
What Is Happening with the Cars of Repatriated Greeks
U.N. Faces Difficult Task in Bosnia
Archbishop of America Admitted to Boston Hospital
The Question of an Ordinary Skopjan: Have You Ever Seen a State Recognized Without a Name and Without a Flag?
GREEK WORDS/PHRASES OF THE WEEK
Έριξε λάδι στη φωτιά
EH-reeks-eh LAH-thee stee foht-YAH
Literal: "He poured oil on the fire."
Meaning: He made a situation worse.
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Διάταξη
thee-AH-tax-see
"Provision"
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Παρασκήνιο
pah-rah-SKEE-nee-oh
"Behind the scenes"
THIS WEEK IN LAW
Resolution, Introduced in the House
H.Res.1155 - Impeaching Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.
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Bill, Introduced in the House
H.R.8174 - To amend Title 31, United States Code, to prohibit the issuance of United States currency and securities containing the signature of the sitting President.
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Bill, Introduced in the House
H.R.8187 - To amend Title 51, United States Code, to direct the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to seek to establish the initial elements of a lunar outpost, and for other purposes.
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Bill Introduced in the Senate
S.4277 - 10 Years of ICE Funding Act: For necessary expenses of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for operations and support … $100,363,620,000, for procurement, construction, and improvements, including acquisition of necessary additional real property and facilities … $5,000,000,000. Amounts shall remain available until September 30, 2036.
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Resolution, Introduced in the House
H.Res.1152 - Expressing appreciation and recognition for the contributions of the American cowboy and historic cattle trails in advancing American history in celebration of the Nation's 250th anniversary.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Renovations Underway at Athens Olympic Velodrome
Climbers work atop the Olympic Velodrome during major renovations in Athens on April 7 as part of a project to restore the steel roof structure and repair or replace metal frames and polycarbonate roofing. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
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