April 16, 2026
Kalimera Mazi Readers
Christos Anesti! The lambades have been blown out, the magiritsa bowls have been cleared, and the lamb bones picked clean. Now we exhale, and we catch up on everything that happened while we were busy celebrating the Resurrection.
This week's Mazi is packed. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was saved from shutdown by a Greek-American nonprofit, a marble fragment recovered off Kythira may be from the Parthenon itself, and Greece fired back at Turkey's foreign minister with a message that needs no translation. We've got Greek frozen yogurt making its New York debut, a Chian pastry chef bringing masourakia to Astoria, and a soup war between Athens and Istanbul that Homer himself may have started.
As always, 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
IMF Chief: Greece Is among the Eurozone's Best-Performing Economies
Global and U.S. Market Pulse
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva singled out Greece at an event ahead of the IMF Spring Meeting as one of the eurozone's top performers, pointing to its recovery from the debt crisis as proof that difficult reforms pay off. She noted that the election of Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis as Eurogroup president reflects Greece's restored credibility and stronger standing in Europe. Greece, Ireland, and Portugal, she said, are proof that political will and commitment to tough reforms can produce a strong comeback.
CROSS-ATLANTIC CURRENTS
Greek Energy Company Eyes New LNG Terminal by End of Decade
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
Atlantic SEE LNG Trade, led by AKTOR Group president Alexandros Exarchou, expects to finalize commercial agreements with buyers across Eastern Europe by early summer and break ground on a new LNG import terminal in Greece by late 2028 or early 2029. The company is targeting an annual capacity of around 5 billion cubic meters and is currently focusing on Alexandroupoli as the likely site. Exarchou cited the war in the Middle East as a factor that accelerated the company's timeline.
U.S. Ambassador Guilfoyle Sends Easter Greetings to Greece
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle marked Orthodox Easter with a warm message to the Greek people via X, writing "Christ is risen! Χρόνια Πολλά!" and wishing health, hope, and connection to all those celebrating. Greece Weighing Role in Persian Gulf Naval Operation
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
Greece is in discussions with France and the United States about potentially joining a naval escort force to protect commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Kathimerini. As one of the world's leading shipping powers, Greece has significant stakes in the region's stability and is considering a possible role in minesweeping operations. The situation remains fluid, with most EU member states opposing the broader conflict.
Greek Elementary School Robotics Team Heads to Massachusetts
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
Nine elementary school students from the 3rd Primary School in Heraklion, Attica, have qualified for the FIRST LEGO League World Robotics Competition in Massachusetts, set for June 11-14. The GRoboVines team advanced from a local Athens competition through the Greek National Finals in Thessaloniki, bringing an innovative project centered on a flexible, nature-inspired robot designed to explore archaeological sites without causing damage. The school's Parents' Association has launched a fundraising campaign to help cover travel costs.
FCAO Announces Summer Program and Scholarship Deadlines
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
The Federation of Cypriot American Organizations is accepting applications through April 30 for its 2026 Cyprus Summer Hospitality Program, open to youth of Cypriot descent ages 14-17 for a July 13-20 trip to Cyprus, as well as for its annual $2,500 scholarships for undergraduate students of Hellenic descent.
HELLENIC HORIZONS
The 'Greek Twins' Are Building Bridges between Greece and China
Greek & American Business Highlights
Identical twins Marianna and Sofia Erotokritou have spent years introducing China to Greece and Greece to China, amassing hundreds of thousands of viewers on Chinese social media platforms including Douyin, Bilibili, and WeChat. A campaign they produced for the Greek National Tourism Organization reached over 210 million views on Weibo, and a video on the Ikaria diet aired on PHOENIX TV to an audience of 125 million. The Cypriot-Greek sisters now also work in real estate investment and have begun presenting China to European audiences.
Chian Pastry Chef Brings the Flavors of Her Island to Astoria
Greek & American Business Highlights
Argiro Saranti, who ran a family pastry shop in Chios for over two decades, launched RG Homemade out of her Ditmars home in Astoria in 2023, bringing traditional Chian sweets to New York. Her specialties include amigdalota, mastiha-infused almond cookies, masourakia, baklava, galaktoboureko, and koulourakia, all made with authentic ingredients and techniques. Greeks from Chios, she says, were overjoyed to discover they no longer had to carry boxes of their favorite sweets back from Greece.
San Francisco Teacher Launches Mastiha Fragrance Line to Honor His Yiayia
Greek & American Business Highlights
Dimitri Florakis, a Greek-American teacher in San Francisco, is crowdfunding SIDO Fragrances, a dedicated line of mastiha-scented Eau de Parfum perfumes inspired by his yiayia's home island of Chios. The Kickstarter campaign, launching this month, aims to raise between $55,000 and $65,000 to produce three distinct mastiha scents in collaboration with Athens-based perfumer Dr. Spyros Drosopoulos of Baruti Perfumes. More information is available at sidofragrances.com.
MYKA Greek Frozen Yogurt Makes Its New York Debut
Greek & American Business Highlights
MYKA Greek Frozen Yogurt, the Madrid-born concept that has grown to more than 175 locations worldwide since 2023, opens its New York City location on April 18. Founded by chef Natalia Morales and entrepreneur Javier Ezquerro, MYKA uses a Greek yogurt and goat milk kefir base with intentional, pastry-inspired toppings, positioning itself as a refined alternative to the traditional frozen yogurt model. For Morales, opening in New York is "a defining moment," testing the concept in one of the world's most demanding culinary markets.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Family Alleges Greek-American Columbia Professor Swindled Vulnerable Senior
Diaspora in Focus
The family of the late Frank Watrous Hamilton III has filed suit against Columbia University psychiatry professor Maria Karayiorgou, alleging she manipulated and financially exploited the 72-year-old retired Wall Street executive after he suffered a debilitating stroke. The lawsuit, reported by the New York Post, claims Karayiorgou received $1.3 million from Hamilton, which his family alleges was used to purchase a home in Athens. Karayiorgou has not commented publicly on the allegations.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Saved by Greek-American Nonprofit
Diaspora in Focus
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, one of America's oldest newspapers, has been rescued from a May 3 closure by the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, founded by the late Greek-American Ted Venetoulis. The nonprofit, which also publishes the award-winning Baltimore Banner, will continue print editions on Thursdays and Sundays while operating a full digital presence the rest of the week.
Brittany Kriti, 32, Found Dead on Long Island after Disappearance on March 20
Diaspora in Focus
The disappearance of Greek-American Brittany Kriti of Oyster Bay, NY, has ended in tragedy, after Suffolk County Police identified her as the woman recovered from the waters of Lloyd Harbor in the Long Island Sound. She had last been seen on March 20, and authorities say there are currently no indications of criminal activity, though the investigation continues. Her brother Nikos described her as "a light in the lives of all who knew her," and the family expressed deep gratitude for the community's outpouring of support during the search.
Greek-American Surgeon Dr. Apazidis Accused in FedEx Crash Fraud Scheme
Diaspora in Focus
Greek-American spine surgeon Dr. Alexios Apazidis of Long Island has been named in a RICO lawsuit alleging he performed unnecessary spinal surgeries on participants in a staged car crash scheme involving FedEx vehicles. The suit, filed by the Texas-based Willis Group, accuses more than 20 medical and legal professionals of coordinating fraudulent claims to extract settlements from companies through false injuries and inflated medical bills. Apazidis, who was previously fined $50,000 and had his license suspended in 2015, has not commented publicly on the latest allegations. The Omogenia Gathers at St. Nicholas WTC for Holy Week
Diaspora in Focus
Archbishop Elpidophoros presided over the Good Friday Epitaphios at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center, drawing a large crowd bearing lambades and chanting the Lamentations. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was among those in attendance. His Eminence distributed flowers with wishes for a "Kali Anastasi."
Greek Easter Lives On in the Heart of Oslo
Diaspora in Focus
Hundreds of faithful packed the streets of Oslo for the Good Friday Epitaphios procession, keeping Greek traditions alive thousands of kilometers from home. The Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation has grown into a full community lifeline for Norway's roughly 5,500 Greeks, offering practical guidance, cultural events, and language lessons. The community has even attracted Norwegians to its ranks, including a choir member baptized Orthodox who learned Greek to understand the hymns.
Greek Orthodox Communities across the Diaspora Mark Holy Week with Devotion
Diaspora in Focus
From Whitestone to Brooklyn, Staten Island to the Bronx, and as far as Melbourne, Greek Orthodox parishes filled their churches and took to the streets this Holy Week for Epitaphios processions, the Twelve Gospels, Holy Unction, and the Resurrection service. In Astoria, the Epitaphioi of Saint Catherine and Saint George and the Monastery of Saint Irene Chrysovalantou met on 23rd Avenue in one of the neighborhood's most beloved annual traditions. Archbishop Elpidophoros presided at Holy Thursday services at Holy Cross in Whitestone, where the Good Friday procession also made its traditional stop at FDNY Engine 295 to honor first responders and remember the fallen of September 11.
'Dreaming of Greece' Brings Greek Art to Manhattan
Diaspora in Focus
Greek-American curator Vasia Makris opens "Dreaming of Greece" on April 18 at the Dream Downtown hotel in Manhattan, bringing together 12 photographers, muralists, painters, and visual storytellers celebrating Greece's art, culture, and people. The exhibition, which runs through May 2, features a launch night with Greek music, vendors, and cultural voices from the Greek-American community. The showcase is free and open to the public during regular gallery hours.
Greek-American Director Highlights Greek Presence at Major NYC Photography Show
Diaspora in Focus
Irene Papaefthimiou, Associate Director of The Photography Show 2026, is helping lead the 45th edition of the world's longest-running fine art photography exhibition, taking place April 23-26 at Park Avenue Armory. Greek and Greek-American artists featured include Victoria Sambunaris, Lucas Samaras, Maria Antelman, Jenny Calivas, and photographer Ioanna Sakellaraki, who will sign copies of her book on Greek grieving rituals on April 25. A Night of Photography with artist talks and book signings takes place on April 24 from 5 to 7 PM.
George Stephanopoulos Gets a New Executive Producer at 'This Week'
Diaspora in Focus
Jon Schlosberg has been named executive producer of "This Week with George Stephanopoulos," ABC News' top-ranked Sunday public affairs program, effective May 6. An award-winning journalist who joined ABC News in 2018, Schlosberg has earned two duPont-Columbia honors, an Emmy, and an Edward R. Murrow Award. He will oversee all aspects of the program alongside Greek-American anchor George Stephanopoulos, Martha Raddatz, and Jonathan Karl.
Greek Easter Shopping Holds Steady Despite Economic Headwinds
Diaspora in Focus
Greek-owned food businesses across New York are reporting solid Easter traffic, with customers stocking up on tsourekia, cheeses, olives, and lamb despite tariff pressures of 10-15% on some imports. Titan Foods, in its first Easter at its new location, is seeing stronger traffic than the Christmas season, while Mediterranean Foods owner Vasilis Tentolouris says his shop has absorbed price increases to support the community. Lamb on the spit is holding steady at $15.50 per pound, though younger generations are increasingly opting for oven-roasted alternatives.
Rhode Island Celebrates Greek Independence Day at the State House
Diaspora in Focus
Rhode Island's three Hellenic communities gathered at the State House in Providence on March 31 for a celebration of the 205th anniversary of Greek independence, with the dome lit in blue and white and Greece's flag flying in four locations inside the building. Senior state officials, members of Congress, and the Consul General of Greece in Boston all participated, alongside students who recited poems and songs in honor of the occasion. The tradition was started in 1993 by State Senator Leonidas Raptakis, who has championed the event for more than three decades.
FOOD & CULTURE
Spring Salads and Vegetables for after the Easter Feast
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Recipes of the Week: TNH offers three simple, olive-oil-forward recipes perfect for the lighter days after Easter: a hearty green salad with farro and roasted golden beets, simply prepared fresh artichokes, and grilled asparagus with lemon. All three feature spring vegetables at their peak in the Northeast and can be combined into a single meal or served separately. Greek extra virgin olive oil stars in each one.
Greece and Turkey Feud Over Which Country Owns Patsa Soup
Tastes and Traditions Explored
A Thessaloniki restaurant owner is seeking UNESCO recognition for patsa, the traditional bovine belly and leg soup he traces back to Homer's Odyssey, reigniting a familiar Greece-Turkey culinary dispute. Turkish restaurateurs are pushing back, insisting the soup, which they call iskembe, has been a cultural staple in Turkey for centuries. The two countries have feuded over the origins of everything from baklava to stuffed grape leaves, and neither side shows any sign of backing down.
Marble Fragment Recovered off Kythira May Be from the Parthenon
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Greek authorities have recovered a small marble fragment from the wreck of the Mentor, the ship Lord Elgin chartered to illegally transport antiquities from the Acropolis in 1802, which sank off the island of Kythira. The fragment, measuring just over 9 centimeters in length, features a decorative "water drop" motif consistent with the Parthenon's Doric style, and its dimensions closely match recorded elements of the ancient temple. The discovery was made during underwater surveys conducted in 2025-2026 by Greece's Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities.
Grammy-Nominated Laouto Master Vasilis Kostas Debuts New Album in Brooklyn
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Vasilis Kostas, the Grammy-nominated laouto virtuoso from Epirus, brings his newest album "Léna" to New York on April 18, in a performance that doubles as a homecoming, with much of his mother's family having lived in the city for over 60 years. A master's graduate of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute and former collaborator of Danilo Pérez, Kostas has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, and WOMEX. Tickets are available at roulette.org.
Sweet Habit: The LIC Café That Feels Like Greece
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Exploring with Eva: Sweet Habit, the Greek-owned café at 45-11 Broadway in Long Island City, has been a community fixture since 2019, serving freddo espressos, fresh-baked pites, and made-to-order crêpes in a space that feels more like a neighborhood zaharoplasteio than a New York coffee shop. Owner Irakles Ramadhis, who came from Greece in 2007 and built a career in banking and real estate before pivoting to hospitality, says what he loves most is the freedom and the relationships he has built with his regulars. TNH contributor Eva calls the freddo espresso one of the best she has had in New York.
Jeffrey Siger Launches a New Mystery Series while His Greece Books Get Fresh Editions
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Book of the Week: International bestselling author Jeffrey Siger, best known for his Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis mystery series set in Greece, has launched a brand-new series with "A Study in Secrets," featuring a retired intelligence operative living quietly in a New York City townhouse who gets drawn into a dangerous search for a priceless missing treasure. All 14 books in the Kaldis series are also now available in new editions for readers looking to start or revisit the Greece-set page-turners. Siger is an American who lives on Mykonos.
A Greek Doctor Discovers Albania's Surprisingly Familiar Table
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Writing for TNH, Dr. Evropi-Sofia Dalampira reflects on a visit to Albania this Easter, finding deep parallels between Albanian and Greek culinary traditions, from bean soups that mirror fasolada to byrek, stuffed peppers, and the beloved Sunday lamb dish tavë kosi. The two neighboring Orthodox cultures, she notes, share not only recipes but a philosophy of simple, seasonal, locally sourced eating. The piece is a reminder that the Mediterranean table has no borders.
ECONOMY & SOCIETY
Mitsotakis Proposes Third Term for Bank of Greece Governor Stournaras
Snapshots of Change
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has proposed renewing the term of Bank of Greece Governor Yannis Stournaras for a third consecutive time, a move Stournaras called "the greatest honor." The Bank's General Council will convene in the coming days to formalize its recommendation to the Cabinet. Stournaras has led the institution through some of Greece's most consequential economic chapters.
Top Greek Government Official Giorgos Mylonakis Suffers Stroke
Snapshots of Change
Giorgos Mylonakis, Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister, collapsed during a morning meeting at Maximos Mansion and was rushed to Evangelismos Hospital, where he remains intubated in the ICU with a brain hemorrhage. Doctors have diagnosed a ruptured brain aneurysm and are assessing whether to proceed with surgery or medication. Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis both visited him at the hospital.
🇬🇷 Greece to Turkey: We Don't Accept Directives or Owe Anyone Explanations
Snapshots of Change
Greece's Foreign Ministry fired back at Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan after he suggested that the trilateral cooperation between Greece, Israel, and Cyprus could lead to war. Athens made clear that it formulates its foreign policy independently, calling Fidan's remarks fear-mongering that distorts reality.
Greek Microsatellites Are Transforming How the Country Farms
Snapshots of Change
Greece's 11-satellite microsatellite program is producing high-resolution maps of the country's agricultural land, giving the government for the first time a precise, real-time picture of what is growing where. The data, generated through a 200 million euro initiative led by the Digital Governance and A.I. Ministry, will be used to ensure fair EU subsidies, reduce fraud, and help farmers improve production and monitoring.
Saharan Dust Sweeping across Greece through Thursday
Snapshots of Change
A transfer of Saharan dust is affecting Greece this week, with air quality expected to marginally exceed safety limits across the Ionian islands, Western Greece, and Epirus on Tuesday, spreading to the Aegean islands on Wednesday and covering nearly the entire country by Thursday. The phenomenon is being monitored by the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service and tracked through the AtmoHub portal. Muddy rain showers are also expected in affected areas.
PASOK Demands PM Mitsotakis Fire Deputy Minister Lazaridis
Snapshots of Change
Greece's main opposition party PASOK is calling for the immediate removal of Deputy Rural Development Minister Makarios Lazaridis, after he admitted on live television that he did not hold the academic credentials required for his previous government appointment as an Expert Scientist. PASOK said Lazaridis confirmed he lacked the required bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree, and two years of experience, adding that he had been appointed based on partisan ties rather than qualifications.
Culture Minister and Mayor Trade Barbs over Vasilissis Olgas Project
Snapshots of Change
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni pushed back after Athens Mayor Haris Doukas praised the completed redevelopment of Vasilissis Olgas Street, pointing out that he had actively opposed the project before it was finished. Mendoni noted the street, which unifies Athens' archaeological sites and revealed important antiquities from the classical and Roman periods, was planned in the 1990s and implemented under Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis. Doukas fired back, saying Mendoni has "selective memory" and that it was his administration that pushed for a multimodal road rather than the original pedestrian-only plan.
Israeli Firm Black Cube Admits It's Behind Cyprus' 'Videogate'
Snapshots of Change
Israeli intelligence firm Black Cube has acknowledged it produced the controversial video that triggered political turmoil in Cyprus earlier this year, according to a report by the newspaper Politis. The eight-minute video, posted on X in January, used secretly recorded conversations to allege corruption and pay-for-access schemes involving figures close to President Christodoulides. Black Cube says it was hired by a private company, not a state, and has agreed to hand over roughly 30 hours of recorded material to Cypriot authorities.
Cyprus' Legal Community Outraged by Police Raid in 'Santi' Case
Snapshots of Change
Cyprus' legal community has erupted in anger after police raided the home and office of lawyer Nikos Clerides on Holy Saturday in connection with the high-profile "Santi" corruption case, seizing his phone, computers, and USB devices. Clerides and his legal team have called the predawn operation "unprecedented intimidation," arguing the timing was deliberate to block immediate legal recourse, while police maintain all proper procedures were followed.
TRAVEL & CONNECTIVITY
Rizes Gastro Taverna Returns to the Santorini Caldera
Expanding Horizons
Rizes Gastro Taverna has reopened for its second season in Fira, Santorini, with an expanded menu and a deepened focus on local ingredients and Greek wines. Executive Chef Alexandros Makropoulos leads the kitchen, with the cellar now featuring rare domestic labels and exclusive wine pairing experiences. The restaurant is open daily from noon to 1 AM.
Porto Carras Launches New Sports and Wellness Festival in Halkidiki
Expanding Horizons
Porto Carras Grand Resort introduces Porto Carras Athlos, a new sports tourism and wellness event set for May 29 through June 1 at the resort's Sithonia property in Halkidiki. The inaugural event features trail runs, open water swimming, beach volleyball with Olympian Efi Sfyri, yoga, padel, and wine tastings at Domaine Porto Carras, Greece's largest organic vineyard. Registration is available through the more.com platform.
GOINGS-ON: APRIL 16TH - 26TH
Spotlighting some upcoming community events:
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)
NEW YORK, NY – As it celebrates its 90th Anniversary, the Hellenic Medical Society (HMS) unveils the inaugural Hippocratic Medical Symposium— a landmark gathering where leading minds in medicine will convene to shape the future of cardiovascular care. Taking place at 150 W 17th Street, the symposium launches under the 2026 theme: ‘Heart & Vascular Innovation: Emerging Science, Technologies and Future Therapies’ (April 19)
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)
NEW YORK, NY – The Greek actress and performer Eleanna Finokalioti will appear in ‘HUMAN – Layers of Identity’, a new dance theatre work presented as part of the Spring 2026 Spark Theatre Festival NYC at the 28th Street Theatre (TADA!) in Manhattan (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)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – The ARCAthens 2026 NOLA/NYC Research Fellowship will host a public presentation at the Jefferson Parish Library – East Bank Regional Library (April 20)
NEW YORK, NY – Hellenic Professional Women hosts its Pre-Parade Happy Hour at Kyma Flatiron (April 22)
NEW YORK, NY – The Hellenic- American Cultural Foundation (HACF) presents ‘Growing Up Spartan: Myth, Reality, and the Agōgē’ at 150W17TH (April 23)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley presents the Annual Greek Flag Raising Ceremony at Philadelphia City Hall’s North Apron (April 24)
BETHESDA, MD – The Hellenic Society Prometheas/Kyklos and the Hellenic-American Women’s Council (HAWC) Capital Region host a book presentation featuring Maria Karametou, George Mason University School of Art Professor Emerita, and her debut novel ‘The Amalgam’ at The Hellenic Center - reception to follow (April 24)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley hosts The Eleftheria Gala in the Grand Ballroom of the Pennsylvania Convention Center (April 25)
NEW YORK, NY – The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York hosts the Greek Independence Day 2026 Gala, honoring Grand Marshals John A. Catsimatidis, Chairman Red Apple Group; Nicholas Tsakos, Founder & CEO Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN) Ltd.; The Hellenic Initiative, and Capital Link at Cipriani 42nd Street (April 25)
NEW YORK, NY – The 87th Annual Greek Independence Parade marches up Fifth Avenue from 64th to 79th Streets celebrating the 205/250th Anniversary of 1821: Greek Struggle for Independence and the 1776: Declaration of American Independence (April 26)
BOSTON, MA – The 30th Annual Greek Independence Day Parade of Boston returns to Back Bay (April 26)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – The 2026 Greek Independence Day Parade on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia takes place (April 26)
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 16, 1994
Senior PASOK Figures Launch Harsh Criticism Against Papandreou - Aleyras and Vasso Papandreou Among the Most Critical
Dora Speaks on Her Father, Evert, AGET, and the Greek Diaspora
Evert Leaves Open the Possibility of a Leadership Challenge at New Democracy Congress
Albania Proposes Ministers’ Meeting in Romania
Questions Raised About U.S. Technology After Helicopters Were Shot Down
Constantine II Accuses the Government of “Barbarity”
German Policy Missteps Push the Balkans Toward a New Crisis
GREEK WORDS/PHRASES OF THE WEEK
Έπιασε τόπο
EH-pee-ah-seh TOH-poh
Literal: “It caught a place.”
Meaning: Something paid off / had an effect.
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Κρίσιμη
KREE-see-mee
"Critical"
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Ένταση
EN-dah-see
"Tension"
THIS WEEK IN LAW
Bill Introduced in the House
H.R.8219 - BLOCK PUTIN Act - "To encourage Hungary to end its reliance on Russian energy and prevent Hungary’s efforts to obstruct financial or security assistance to Ukraine, and for other purposes."
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Bill Introduced in the Senate
S.4285 - A bill to ensure National Guard members performing full-time National Guard duty in support of Federal law enforcement operations receive benefits equivalent to those provided for service during a national emergency.
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Bill Introduced in the Senate
H.R.8266 - To prohibit the exportation of gasoline during periods of high gasoline prices.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Holy Fire in Jerusalem
Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III lights candles during the Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, revered as the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, in the Old City of Jerusalem on April 11. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)
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Global and U.S. Market Pulse
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva singled out Greece at an event ahead of the IMF Spring Meeting as one of the eurozone's top performers, pointing to its recovery from the debt crisis as proof that difficult reforms pay off. She noted that the election of Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis as Eurogroup president reflects Greece's restored credibility and stronger standing in Europe. Greece, Ireland, and Portugal, she said, are proof that political will and commitment to tough reforms can produce a strong comeback.
CROSS-ATLANTIC CURRENTS
Greek Energy Company Eyes New LNG Terminal by End of Decade
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
Atlantic SEE LNG Trade, led by AKTOR Group president Alexandros Exarchou, expects to finalize commercial agreements with buyers across Eastern Europe by early summer and break ground on a new LNG import terminal in Greece by late 2028 or early 2029. The company is targeting an annual capacity of around 5 billion cubic meters and is currently focusing on Alexandroupoli as the likely site. Exarchou cited the war in the Middle East as a factor that accelerated the company's timeline.
U.S. Ambassador Guilfoyle Sends Easter Greetings to Greece
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle marked Orthodox Easter with a warm message to the Greek people via X, writing "Christ is risen! Χρόνια Πολλά!" and wishing health, hope, and connection to all those celebrating. Greece Weighing Role in Persian Gulf Naval Operation
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
Greece is in discussions with France and the United States about potentially joining a naval escort force to protect commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Kathimerini. As one of the world's leading shipping powers, Greece has significant stakes in the region's stability and is considering a possible role in minesweeping operations. The situation remains fluid, with most EU member states opposing the broader conflict.
Greek Elementary School Robotics Team Heads to Massachusetts
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
Nine elementary school students from the 3rd Primary School in Heraklion, Attica, have qualified for the FIRST LEGO League World Robotics Competition in Massachusetts, set for June 11-14. The GRoboVines team advanced from a local Athens competition through the Greek National Finals in Thessaloniki, bringing an innovative project centered on a flexible, nature-inspired robot designed to explore archaeological sites without causing damage. The school's Parents' Association has launched a fundraising campaign to help cover travel costs.
FCAO Announces Summer Program and Scholarship Deadlines
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
The Federation of Cypriot American Organizations is accepting applications through April 30 for its 2026 Cyprus Summer Hospitality Program, open to youth of Cypriot descent ages 14-17 for a July 13-20 trip to Cyprus, as well as for its annual $2,500 scholarships for undergraduate students of Hellenic descent.
HELLENIC HORIZONS
The 'Greek Twins' Are Building Bridges between Greece and China
Greek & American Business Highlights
Identical twins Marianna and Sofia Erotokritou have spent years introducing China to Greece and Greece to China, amassing hundreds of thousands of viewers on Chinese social media platforms including Douyin, Bilibili, and WeChat. A campaign they produced for the Greek National Tourism Organization reached over 210 million views on Weibo, and a video on the Ikaria diet aired on PHOENIX TV to an audience of 125 million. The Cypriot-Greek sisters now also work in real estate investment and have begun presenting China to European audiences.
Chian Pastry Chef Brings the Flavors of Her Island to Astoria
Greek & American Business Highlights
Argiro Saranti, who ran a family pastry shop in Chios for over two decades, launched RG Homemade out of her Ditmars home in Astoria in 2023, bringing traditional Chian sweets to New York. Her specialties include amigdalota, mastiha-infused almond cookies, masourakia, baklava, galaktoboureko, and koulourakia, all made with authentic ingredients and techniques. Greeks from Chios, she says, were overjoyed to discover they no longer had to carry boxes of their favorite sweets back from Greece.
San Francisco Teacher Launches Mastiha Fragrance Line to Honor His Yiayia
Greek & American Business Highlights
Dimitri Florakis, a Greek-American teacher in San Francisco, is crowdfunding SIDO Fragrances, a dedicated line of mastiha-scented Eau de Parfum perfumes inspired by his yiayia's home island of Chios. The Kickstarter campaign, launching this month, aims to raise between $55,000 and $65,000 to produce three distinct mastiha scents in collaboration with Athens-based perfumer Dr. Spyros Drosopoulos of Baruti Perfumes. More information is available at sidofragrances.com.
MYKA Greek Frozen Yogurt Makes Its New York Debut
Greek & American Business Highlights
MYKA Greek Frozen Yogurt, the Madrid-born concept that has grown to more than 175 locations worldwide since 2023, opens its New York City location on April 18. Founded by chef Natalia Morales and entrepreneur Javier Ezquerro, MYKA uses a Greek yogurt and goat milk kefir base with intentional, pastry-inspired toppings, positioning itself as a refined alternative to the traditional frozen yogurt model. For Morales, opening in New York is "a defining moment," testing the concept in one of the world's most demanding culinary markets.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Family Alleges Greek-American Columbia Professor Swindled Vulnerable Senior
Diaspora in Focus
The family of the late Frank Watrous Hamilton III has filed suit against Columbia University psychiatry professor Maria Karayiorgou, alleging she manipulated and financially exploited the 72-year-old retired Wall Street executive after he suffered a debilitating stroke. The lawsuit, reported by the New York Post, claims Karayiorgou received $1.3 million from Hamilton, which his family alleges was used to purchase a home in Athens. Karayiorgou has not commented publicly on the allegations.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Saved by Greek-American Nonprofit
Diaspora in Focus
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, one of America's oldest newspapers, has been rescued from a May 3 closure by the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, founded by the late Greek-American Ted Venetoulis. The nonprofit, which also publishes the award-winning Baltimore Banner, will continue print editions on Thursdays and Sundays while operating a full digital presence the rest of the week.
Brittany Kriti, 32, Found Dead on Long Island after Disappearance on March 20
Diaspora in Focus
The disappearance of Greek-American Brittany Kriti of Oyster Bay, NY, has ended in tragedy, after Suffolk County Police identified her as the woman recovered from the waters of Lloyd Harbor in the Long Island Sound. She had last been seen on March 20, and authorities say there are currently no indications of criminal activity, though the investigation continues. Her brother Nikos described her as "a light in the lives of all who knew her," and the family expressed deep gratitude for the community's outpouring of support during the search.
Greek-American Surgeon Dr. Apazidis Accused in FedEx Crash Fraud Scheme
Diaspora in Focus
Greek-American spine surgeon Dr. Alexios Apazidis of Long Island has been named in a RICO lawsuit alleging he performed unnecessary spinal surgeries on participants in a staged car crash scheme involving FedEx vehicles. The suit, filed by the Texas-based Willis Group, accuses more than 20 medical and legal professionals of coordinating fraudulent claims to extract settlements from companies through false injuries and inflated medical bills. Apazidis, who was previously fined $50,000 and had his license suspended in 2015, has not commented publicly on the latest allegations. The Omogenia Gathers at St. Nicholas WTC for Holy Week
Diaspora in Focus
Archbishop Elpidophoros presided over the Good Friday Epitaphios at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center, drawing a large crowd bearing lambades and chanting the Lamentations. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was among those in attendance. His Eminence distributed flowers with wishes for a "Kali Anastasi."
Greek Easter Lives On in the Heart of Oslo
Diaspora in Focus
Hundreds of faithful packed the streets of Oslo for the Good Friday Epitaphios procession, keeping Greek traditions alive thousands of kilometers from home. The Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation has grown into a full community lifeline for Norway's roughly 5,500 Greeks, offering practical guidance, cultural events, and language lessons. The community has even attracted Norwegians to its ranks, including a choir member baptized Orthodox who learned Greek to understand the hymns.
Greek Orthodox Communities across the Diaspora Mark Holy Week with Devotion
Diaspora in Focus
From Whitestone to Brooklyn, Staten Island to the Bronx, and as far as Melbourne, Greek Orthodox parishes filled their churches and took to the streets this Holy Week for Epitaphios processions, the Twelve Gospels, Holy Unction, and the Resurrection service. In Astoria, the Epitaphioi of Saint Catherine and Saint George and the Monastery of Saint Irene Chrysovalantou met on 23rd Avenue in one of the neighborhood's most beloved annual traditions. Archbishop Elpidophoros presided at Holy Thursday services at Holy Cross in Whitestone, where the Good Friday procession also made its traditional stop at FDNY Engine 295 to honor first responders and remember the fallen of September 11.
'Dreaming of Greece' Brings Greek Art to Manhattan
Diaspora in Focus
Greek-American curator Vasia Makris opens "Dreaming of Greece" on April 18 at the Dream Downtown hotel in Manhattan, bringing together 12 photographers, muralists, painters, and visual storytellers celebrating Greece's art, culture, and people. The exhibition, which runs through May 2, features a launch night with Greek music, vendors, and cultural voices from the Greek-American community. The showcase is free and open to the public during regular gallery hours.
Greek-American Director Highlights Greek Presence at Major NYC Photography Show
Diaspora in Focus
Irene Papaefthimiou, Associate Director of The Photography Show 2026, is helping lead the 45th edition of the world's longest-running fine art photography exhibition, taking place April 23-26 at Park Avenue Armory. Greek and Greek-American artists featured include Victoria Sambunaris, Lucas Samaras, Maria Antelman, Jenny Calivas, and photographer Ioanna Sakellaraki, who will sign copies of her book on Greek grieving rituals on April 25. A Night of Photography with artist talks and book signings takes place on April 24 from 5 to 7 PM.
George Stephanopoulos Gets a New Executive Producer at 'This Week'
Diaspora in Focus
Jon Schlosberg has been named executive producer of "This Week with George Stephanopoulos," ABC News' top-ranked Sunday public affairs program, effective May 6. An award-winning journalist who joined ABC News in 2018, Schlosberg has earned two duPont-Columbia honors, an Emmy, and an Edward R. Murrow Award. He will oversee all aspects of the program alongside Greek-American anchor George Stephanopoulos, Martha Raddatz, and Jonathan Karl.
Greek Easter Shopping Holds Steady Despite Economic Headwinds
Diaspora in Focus
Greek-owned food businesses across New York are reporting solid Easter traffic, with customers stocking up on tsourekia, cheeses, olives, and lamb despite tariff pressures of 10-15% on some imports. Titan Foods, in its first Easter at its new location, is seeing stronger traffic than the Christmas season, while Mediterranean Foods owner Vasilis Tentolouris says his shop has absorbed price increases to support the community. Lamb on the spit is holding steady at $15.50 per pound, though younger generations are increasingly opting for oven-roasted alternatives.
Rhode Island Celebrates Greek Independence Day at the State House
Diaspora in Focus
Rhode Island's three Hellenic communities gathered at the State House in Providence on March 31 for a celebration of the 205th anniversary of Greek independence, with the dome lit in blue and white and Greece's flag flying in four locations inside the building. Senior state officials, members of Congress, and the Consul General of Greece in Boston all participated, alongside students who recited poems and songs in honor of the occasion. The tradition was started in 1993 by State Senator Leonidas Raptakis, who has championed the event for more than three decades.
FOOD & CULTURE
Spring Salads and Vegetables for after the Easter Feast
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Recipes of the Week: TNH offers three simple, olive-oil-forward recipes perfect for the lighter days after Easter: a hearty green salad with farro and roasted golden beets, simply prepared fresh artichokes, and grilled asparagus with lemon. All three feature spring vegetables at their peak in the Northeast and can be combined into a single meal or served separately. Greek extra virgin olive oil stars in each one.
Greece and Turkey Feud Over Which Country Owns Patsa Soup
Tastes and Traditions Explored
A Thessaloniki restaurant owner is seeking UNESCO recognition for patsa, the traditional bovine belly and leg soup he traces back to Homer's Odyssey, reigniting a familiar Greece-Turkey culinary dispute. Turkish restaurateurs are pushing back, insisting the soup, which they call iskembe, has been a cultural staple in Turkey for centuries. The two countries have feuded over the origins of everything from baklava to stuffed grape leaves, and neither side shows any sign of backing down.
Marble Fragment Recovered off Kythira May Be from the Parthenon
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Greek authorities have recovered a small marble fragment from the wreck of the Mentor, the ship Lord Elgin chartered to illegally transport antiquities from the Acropolis in 1802, which sank off the island of Kythira. The fragment, measuring just over 9 centimeters in length, features a decorative "water drop" motif consistent with the Parthenon's Doric style, and its dimensions closely match recorded elements of the ancient temple. The discovery was made during underwater surveys conducted in 2025-2026 by Greece's Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities.
Grammy-Nominated Laouto Master Vasilis Kostas Debuts New Album in Brooklyn
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Vasilis Kostas, the Grammy-nominated laouto virtuoso from Epirus, brings his newest album "Léna" to New York on April 18, in a performance that doubles as a homecoming, with much of his mother's family having lived in the city for over 60 years. A master's graduate of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute and former collaborator of Danilo Pérez, Kostas has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, and WOMEX. Tickets are available at roulette.org.
Sweet Habit: The LIC Café That Feels Like Greece
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Exploring with Eva: Sweet Habit, the Greek-owned café at 45-11 Broadway in Long Island City, has been a community fixture since 2019, serving freddo espressos, fresh-baked pites, and made-to-order crêpes in a space that feels more like a neighborhood zaharoplasteio than a New York coffee shop. Owner Irakles Ramadhis, who came from Greece in 2007 and built a career in banking and real estate before pivoting to hospitality, says what he loves most is the freedom and the relationships he has built with his regulars. TNH contributor Eva calls the freddo espresso one of the best she has had in New York.
Jeffrey Siger Launches a New Mystery Series while His Greece Books Get Fresh Editions
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Book of the Week: International bestselling author Jeffrey Siger, best known for his Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis mystery series set in Greece, has launched a brand-new series with "A Study in Secrets," featuring a retired intelligence operative living quietly in a New York City townhouse who gets drawn into a dangerous search for a priceless missing treasure. All 14 books in the Kaldis series are also now available in new editions for readers looking to start or revisit the Greece-set page-turners. Siger is an American who lives on Mykonos.
A Greek Doctor Discovers Albania's Surprisingly Familiar Table
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Writing for TNH, Dr. Evropi-Sofia Dalampira reflects on a visit to Albania this Easter, finding deep parallels between Albanian and Greek culinary traditions, from bean soups that mirror fasolada to byrek, stuffed peppers, and the beloved Sunday lamb dish tavë kosi. The two neighboring Orthodox cultures, she notes, share not only recipes but a philosophy of simple, seasonal, locally sourced eating. The piece is a reminder that the Mediterranean table has no borders.
ECONOMY & SOCIETY
Mitsotakis Proposes Third Term for Bank of Greece Governor Stournaras
Snapshots of Change
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has proposed renewing the term of Bank of Greece Governor Yannis Stournaras for a third consecutive time, a move Stournaras called "the greatest honor." The Bank's General Council will convene in the coming days to formalize its recommendation to the Cabinet. Stournaras has led the institution through some of Greece's most consequential economic chapters.
Top Greek Government Official Giorgos Mylonakis Suffers Stroke
Snapshots of Change
Giorgos Mylonakis, Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister, collapsed during a morning meeting at Maximos Mansion and was rushed to Evangelismos Hospital, where he remains intubated in the ICU with a brain hemorrhage. Doctors have diagnosed a ruptured brain aneurysm and are assessing whether to proceed with surgery or medication. Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis both visited him at the hospital.
🇬🇷 Greece to Turkey: We Don't Accept Directives or Owe Anyone Explanations
Snapshots of Change
Greece's Foreign Ministry fired back at Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan after he suggested that the trilateral cooperation between Greece, Israel, and Cyprus could lead to war. Athens made clear that it formulates its foreign policy independently, calling Fidan's remarks fear-mongering that distorts reality.
Greek Microsatellites Are Transforming How the Country Farms
Snapshots of Change
Greece's 11-satellite microsatellite program is producing high-resolution maps of the country's agricultural land, giving the government for the first time a precise, real-time picture of what is growing where. The data, generated through a 200 million euro initiative led by the Digital Governance and A.I. Ministry, will be used to ensure fair EU subsidies, reduce fraud, and help farmers improve production and monitoring.
Saharan Dust Sweeping across Greece through Thursday
Snapshots of Change
A transfer of Saharan dust is affecting Greece this week, with air quality expected to marginally exceed safety limits across the Ionian islands, Western Greece, and Epirus on Tuesday, spreading to the Aegean islands on Wednesday and covering nearly the entire country by Thursday. The phenomenon is being monitored by the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service and tracked through the AtmoHub portal. Muddy rain showers are also expected in affected areas.
PASOK Demands PM Mitsotakis Fire Deputy Minister Lazaridis
Snapshots of Change
Greece's main opposition party PASOK is calling for the immediate removal of Deputy Rural Development Minister Makarios Lazaridis, after he admitted on live television that he did not hold the academic credentials required for his previous government appointment as an Expert Scientist. PASOK said Lazaridis confirmed he lacked the required bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree, and two years of experience, adding that he had been appointed based on partisan ties rather than qualifications.
Culture Minister and Mayor Trade Barbs over Vasilissis Olgas Project
Snapshots of Change
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni pushed back after Athens Mayor Haris Doukas praised the completed redevelopment of Vasilissis Olgas Street, pointing out that he had actively opposed the project before it was finished. Mendoni noted the street, which unifies Athens' archaeological sites and revealed important antiquities from the classical and Roman periods, was planned in the 1990s and implemented under Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis. Doukas fired back, saying Mendoni has "selective memory" and that it was his administration that pushed for a multimodal road rather than the original pedestrian-only plan.
Israeli Firm Black Cube Admits It's Behind Cyprus' 'Videogate'
Snapshots of Change
Israeli intelligence firm Black Cube has acknowledged it produced the controversial video that triggered political turmoil in Cyprus earlier this year, according to a report by the newspaper Politis. The eight-minute video, posted on X in January, used secretly recorded conversations to allege corruption and pay-for-access schemes involving figures close to President Christodoulides. Black Cube says it was hired by a private company, not a state, and has agreed to hand over roughly 30 hours of recorded material to Cypriot authorities.
Cyprus' Legal Community Outraged by Police Raid in 'Santi' Case
Snapshots of Change
Cyprus' legal community has erupted in anger after police raided the home and office of lawyer Nikos Clerides on Holy Saturday in connection with the high-profile "Santi" corruption case, seizing his phone, computers, and USB devices. Clerides and his legal team have called the predawn operation "unprecedented intimidation," arguing the timing was deliberate to block immediate legal recourse, while police maintain all proper procedures were followed.
TRAVEL & CONNECTIVITY
Rizes Gastro Taverna Returns to the Santorini Caldera
Expanding Horizons
Rizes Gastro Taverna has reopened for its second season in Fira, Santorini, with an expanded menu and a deepened focus on local ingredients and Greek wines. Executive Chef Alexandros Makropoulos leads the kitchen, with the cellar now featuring rare domestic labels and exclusive wine pairing experiences. The restaurant is open daily from noon to 1 AM.
Porto Carras Launches New Sports and Wellness Festival in Halkidiki
Expanding Horizons
Porto Carras Grand Resort introduces Porto Carras Athlos, a new sports tourism and wellness event set for May 29 through June 1 at the resort's Sithonia property in Halkidiki. The inaugural event features trail runs, open water swimming, beach volleyball with Olympian Efi Sfyri, yoga, padel, and wine tastings at Domaine Porto Carras, Greece's largest organic vineyard. Registration is available through the more.com platform.
GOINGS-ON: APRIL 16TH - 26TH
Spotlighting some upcoming community events:
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)
NEW YORK, NY – As it celebrates its 90th Anniversary, the Hellenic Medical Society (HMS) unveils the inaugural Hippocratic Medical Symposium— a landmark gathering where leading minds in medicine will convene to shape the future of cardiovascular care. Taking place at 150 W 17th Street, the symposium launches under the 2026 theme: ‘Heart & Vascular Innovation: Emerging Science, Technologies and Future Therapies’ (April 19)
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)
NEW YORK, NY – The Greek actress and performer Eleanna Finokalioti will appear in ‘HUMAN – Layers of Identity’, a new dance theatre work presented as part of the Spring 2026 Spark Theatre Festival NYC at the 28th Street Theatre (TADA!) in Manhattan (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)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – The ARCAthens 2026 NOLA/NYC Research Fellowship will host a public presentation at the Jefferson Parish Library – East Bank Regional Library (April 20)
NEW YORK, NY – Hellenic Professional Women hosts its Pre-Parade Happy Hour at Kyma Flatiron (April 22)
NEW YORK, NY – The Hellenic- American Cultural Foundation (HACF) presents ‘Growing Up Spartan: Myth, Reality, and the Agōgē’ at 150W17TH (April 23)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley presents the Annual Greek Flag Raising Ceremony at Philadelphia City Hall’s North Apron (April 24)
BETHESDA, MD – The Hellenic Society Prometheas/Kyklos and the Hellenic-American Women’s Council (HAWC) Capital Region host a book presentation featuring Maria Karametou, George Mason University School of Art Professor Emerita, and her debut novel ‘The Amalgam’ at The Hellenic Center - reception to follow (April 24)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley hosts The Eleftheria Gala in the Grand Ballroom of the Pennsylvania Convention Center (April 25)
NEW YORK, NY – The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York hosts the Greek Independence Day 2026 Gala, honoring Grand Marshals John A. Catsimatidis, Chairman Red Apple Group; Nicholas Tsakos, Founder & CEO Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN) Ltd.; The Hellenic Initiative, and Capital Link at Cipriani 42nd Street (April 25)
NEW YORK, NY – The 87th Annual Greek Independence Parade marches up Fifth Avenue from 64th to 79th Streets celebrating the 205/250th Anniversary of 1821: Greek Struggle for Independence and the 1776: Declaration of American Independence (April 26)
BOSTON, MA – The 30th Annual Greek Independence Day Parade of Boston returns to Back Bay (April 26)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – The 2026 Greek Independence Day Parade on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia takes place (April 26)
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 16, 1994
Senior PASOK Figures Launch Harsh Criticism Against Papandreou - Aleyras and Vasso Papandreou Among the Most Critical
Dora Speaks on Her Father, Evert, AGET, and the Greek Diaspora
Evert Leaves Open the Possibility of a Leadership Challenge at New Democracy Congress
Albania Proposes Ministers’ Meeting in Romania
Questions Raised About U.S. Technology After Helicopters Were Shot Down
Constantine II Accuses the Government of “Barbarity”
German Policy Missteps Push the Balkans Toward a New Crisis
GREEK WORDS/PHRASES OF THE WEEK
Έπιασε τόπο
EH-pee-ah-seh TOH-poh
Literal: “It caught a place.”
Meaning: Something paid off / had an effect.
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Κρίσιμη
KREE-see-mee
"Critical"
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Ένταση
EN-dah-see
"Tension"
THIS WEEK IN LAW
Bill Introduced in the House
H.R.8219 - BLOCK PUTIN Act - "To encourage Hungary to end its reliance on Russian energy and prevent Hungary’s efforts to obstruct financial or security assistance to Ukraine, and for other purposes."
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Bill Introduced in the Senate
S.4285 - A bill to ensure National Guard members performing full-time National Guard duty in support of Federal law enforcement operations receive benefits equivalent to those provided for service during a national emergency.
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Bill Introduced in the Senate
H.R.8266 - To prohibit the exportation of gasoline during periods of high gasoline prices.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Holy Fire in Jerusalem
Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III lights candles during the Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, revered as the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, in the Old City of Jerusalem on April 11. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)
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