The National Herald newsletter

 

'Mazi' with our Sponsors May 14, 2026 ­  Kalimera Mazi Readers Spring is in full swing, and with it comes another full slate of stories from across our community. From a 75-year-old koulourakia recipe finding new life behind a Fishkill bakery counter to the Melisses band surprising students at St. Demetrios in Astoria, this week reminded us that tradition still has plenty of room to grow. Before we dive in, we'd love to hear from you. As we continue shaping Mazi and Ethnikos Kirix/The National Herald for our readers across the Diaspora, please take a moment to fill out our readership survey and let us know what you'd like to see more of. This week's edition carries no shortage of headlines. Lincoln Center broke ground on the new SNF Gardens and Baron Theater, Prime Minister Mitsotakis told the Financial Times that Greece is on track to shed its title as Europe's most indebted country, and Kamala Harris officially endorsed Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis for California Treasurer. Patriarch Bartholomew marked ERT's 60th anniversary in Athens, eight suspects were arrested in a €200,000 bank heist cracked by the "Greek FBI," and Chicago laid Officer John Bartholomew to rest. 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. ECONOMIC ESPRESSO 🍳 Greek Diners Face an Uncertain Future Global and U.S. Market Pulse ­ The Greek-American diner, long an emblem of immigrant entrepreneurship, is fading fast under rising costs, labor shortages, and a generational shift away from the family business. Owners from Neptune Diner, Ewing Diner, Van Dam Diner, and Carle Place Diner told TNH that 24-hour service is largely over, wages have surged, and food and insurance costs have multiplied since the pandemic. New York's diner count has dropped roughly 60% in less than 30 years, and several more closures are expected soon. CROSS-ATLANTIC CURRENTS 🍫 Ambassador Guilfoyle Tours the Historic Pavlidis Chocolate Factory Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America ­ U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle visited the Pavlidis chocolate factory on Piraeus Street, Greece's first chocolate manufacturing facility, in continuous operation since 1876 and now part of Mondelēz International. Guilfoyle highlighted Mondelēz's footprint in Greece, including three production facilities, an R&D center, and an international cybersecurity hub. 🎓 University of Athens Delegation Touches Down in Boston Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America ­ A delegation from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, led by Rector Gerasimos Siasos, visited Boston for a gathering at the Consulate General hosted by Consul General Symeon Tegos. The team highlighted study opportunities for diaspora students and the University's English-language programs in Medicine, Pharmacy, and Classical Studies. Rector Siasos himself previously studied in Boston. 🇺🇸 AHI Athens Honors Olga Bornozi and John Saracakis Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America ­ The American Hellenic Institute's Athens chapter held its 21st Anniversary Awards Dinner on May 7 at the Grande Bretagne Hotel, honoring Olga Bornozi of Capital Link and John D. Saracakis of the Saracakis Group with the Hellenic Heritage Award. US Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle, Fr. Alexander Karloutsos, and NY Greek Parade Chair Lou Katsos were among the guests, with Deputy Foreign Minister Giannis Loverdos praising AHI's 52 years of US-Greece outreach. HELLENIC HORIZONS 🗳️ Kamala Harris Backs Eleni Kounalakis for California Treasurer Greek & American Business Highlights ­ Former Vice President Kamala Harris officially endorsed Greek-American Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis in her campaign for California State Treasurer this week. Harris praised Kounalakis as a leader who delivers results and highlighted her role in enshrining reproductive freedom in the state constitution. Kounalakis called the endorsement from "my dear friend" both personally and politically meaningful. 🍪 A 75-Year-Old Recipe Becomes a Bakery in Fishkill Greek & American Business Highlights ­ Niki Quinn and her neighbor Candace Baker built Belegrina Kafenio & Bakery in Fishkill, NY, on a koulourakia recipe Quinn's mother Virginia Eliades learned growing up in Thessaloniki, one so good their local church now uses it for Easter. Named for a beach on the island of Chrysi, the shop sells butter biscuits named after Greek islands, plus baklava, finikia, kourabiedes, and imported Greek goods. 🌯 Gyro City Crosses the East River to Astoria Greek & American Business Highlights ­ Gyro City, the Greenwich Village fast-casual hit launched in January by friends George Karavias, Angelos Georgiadis, and Mario Costantini, opened its second location at 37-06 30th Avenue in Astoria. The Grand Opening drew lines around the block, with the first 100 customers getting a complimentary gyro. The team is known for cooking fries in beef tallow and sourcing high-quality meat and produce, aiming, as they put it, to make quality the standard rather than an upgrade. ­ Sand Castle ­ The perfect Cinderella setting  for your big day ­ Discover Long Island’s premier venue for life’s most memorable celebrations. From breathtaking gardens to exquisite ballrooms, Sand Castle offers the perfect blend of tradition, elegance, and personalized service for weddings, galas, and special events. ­ Start Planning Today ­ COMMUNITY NEWS 🚔 Chicago Bids Farewell to Officer John Bartholomew Diaspora in Focus ­ Family, fellow officers, and the Greek community filled Saint Andrew Orthodox Church in Chicago on May 9 to lay to rest Officer John Bartholomew, a 10-year veteran killed in the line of duty April 25. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Police Superintendent Larry Snelling were among those in attendance, with dozens of officers lining the street as the procession traveled south along Lake Shore Drive. His partner, Officer Nelson Crespo, was seriously wounded in the same incident and continues to recover. 🎭 Lincoln Center Breaks Ground on SNF Gardens and The Baron Theater Diaspora in Focus ­ Lincoln Center broke ground May 11 on a major reimagining of its west side, anchored by a new 2,000-seat Baron Theater backed by a $75 million gift from the Baron Family Foundation. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation, a Founding Partner, contributed a catalytic $75 million grant, and the new performance gardens at Damrosch Park will carry the SNF name. 🎤 Melisses Bring the Music to Astoria Diaspora in Focus ­ The beloved Greek pop-rock band Melisses stopped by St. Demetrios Greek-American School in Astoria on May 11, greeted by Fr. Anargyros Stavropoulos and Principal Vasilios Skordas. Vocalist Christos Mastoras shared a moving message about friendship and keeping Hellenism alive, before student Anna Maria Skoufri performed a Greek song and the day wrapped with group photos. The band would go on to play two sold-out concerts at Astoria’s Melrose Ballroom on successive days. 🔥 Boston Metropolis Rallies Around Family after Devastating Fire Diaspora in Focus ­ The Metropolis of Boston is asking the community to support the Newman family after a May 4 fire destroyed their home of nearly seven years. The family of five and their two dogs escaped safely but are now in a hotel facing significant expenses. Details on how to help are available through the Metropolis of Boston and Give in Kind websites. 🎶 Elios Foundation Dances the Night Away at Bimbo's 365 Club Diaspora in Focus ­ The Elios Charitable Foundation debuted The Hellenic Social Club benefit on April 25 at San Francisco's Bimbo's 365 Club, hosted by Greek-American actress and digital sensation Arianna Papalexopoulos. Spotlight Awards went to acclaimed bass player Angeline Saris and to Papalexopoulos herself, presented by Consul General Grigorios Tassiopoulos. Guests included Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, George and Judy Marcus, and Foundation Chair John Gumas. 🏆 Jack L. Davis Takes Home the Athens Prize Diaspora in Focus ­ The American School of Classical Studies at Athens honored archaeologist Jack L. Davis with the 2026 Athens Prize at its 10th annual gala on May 7 at Gotham Hall, drawing more than 400 guests. The evening also marked the 100th anniversary of the Gennadius Library, the 140th of the School, and the 130th of its excavation at Ancient Corinth. Davis, who has authored 20 books and over 150 articles with co-director and wife Sharon Stocker, told TNH he simply does what he does "because I love Greece." 🎨 Venia Bechraki's 'Unfinished Landscape' Lands in Boston Diaspora in Focus ­ The Maliotis Cultural Center, with Greece in USA, opened "The Unfinished Landscape: Chronicle" on May 1, a solo exhibition by Athens- and New York-based painter Venia Bechraki, curated by Sozita Goudana. The large-scale canvas and paper works reinterpret landscape as a dynamic field shaped by time and movement. Runs through September 1. 🎧 Pete Kalamoutsos Gears Up for Project Glow's Biggest Year Yet Diaspora in Focus ­ Greek-American electronic music impresario Pete Kalamoutsos, founder of DC's Club Glow, is preparing for the 5th Project Glow Festival on May 30-31, expected to sell out at 45,000 people per day. The son of immigrants from Arcadia, Kalamoutsos has run the East Coast's longest-running electronic music company since 1999. 📚 Archangel Michael Greek Language Institute Opens a New Chapter Diaspora in Focus ­ The Archangel Michael Greek Language Institute in Port Washington is rolling out a reimagined 2026-2027 curriculum under new Principal K. Demetra Varsami, blending language with literature, STEM, dance, music, theater, and faith for students Pre-K through adulthood. Early bird enrollment is open through July 15. 🛒 Market Basket Names New President from the Bagging Aisle Up Diaspora in Focus ­ The Market Basket board appointed Chuck Casassa as president on April 30, capping a five-decade rise that began in 1976 when he started as a grocery bagger. Casassa takes over as interim CEO Donald T. Mulligan retires after 43 years, while Athanasios Tilemachos Demoulas, dismissed last year, retains a 28% ownership stake in the $8 billion chain. ⚽ Olympiacos Fan Club Marks 31 Years at Laterna Diaspora in Focus ­ The Olympiacos Fan Club of New York packed Laterna in Bayside on May 8 for its 31st annual dinner dance, with comedian and screenwriter Markos Seferlis as the official guest, the first artist ever invited. The Cup trophy from Olympiacos FC and the championship trophy from KAE were both on display. 🤖 Tech Turns to Faith Leaders in Search of Ethical AI Diaspora in Focus ­ The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America was among the faith groups at the inaugural Faith-AI Covenant roundtable in New York, where representatives from Anthropic, OpenAI, and others met to discuss building moral and ethical guardrails into the technology. Organized by the Geneva-based Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities, the roundtable is the first of several planned in Beijing, Nairobi, and Abu Dhabi. Anthropic, maker of Claude, helped shape its "Claude Constitution" with input from religious and ethics leaders. 🪩 St. Luke Philoptochos Throws It Back to the 80s Diaspora in Focus ­ The Ladies Philoptochos Society Chapter 1082 of St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church in Broomall packed its community center on May 7 for the annual Bid 'n Buy, decked out in 1980s décor. A four-course dinner, themed cocktails, and bidding on 300+ prizes filled the night, with proceeds supporting Philoptochos outreach. 🌸 Greek American Mothers Association of NY Lights Up Terrace on the Park Diaspora in Focus ­ The Greek American Mothers Association of New York held its Annual Dinner Dance May 3 at Terrace on the Park, honoring Eleni Sarigiannis and Margaret "Rita" Manolis, mother of Elias Manolis, who recently received a kidney transplant. With Dimitris Filippidis as MC and Orchestra Pelagos on stage, the night raised funds for Ronald McDonald House, Real Men Wear Pink, the Malan Syndrome Association, and St. Mary's of Bayside. 🫀 Know the Signs of an Aortic Aneurysm Diaspora in Focus ­ Our Health Column: An aortic aneurysm forms when a weakened section of the aorta bulges outward, and if it ruptures or dissects, it becomes one of the deadliest cardiovascular emergencies known to medicine. Symptoms can include sudden tearing or ripping chest, back, or abdominal pain, a pulsating sensation in the abdomen, dizziness, or unequal blood pressure between arms. Risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, atherosclerosis, family history, and genetic conditions like Marfan syndrome, with screening recommended for men 65-75 who have ever smoked. FOOD & CULTURE 🪙 Ancient Greek Coin Surfaces in a Berlin Field Tastes and Traditions Explored ­ A 13-year-old boy in Berlin found a rusty coin in a field that turned out to be a rare bronze piece from Troy, minted between 281 and 261 BC and depicting Athena in a Corinthian helmet. Berlin's Cultural Heritage Authority confirmed it as the first ancient Greek artifact ever discovered in the German capital, with archaeologists speculating it traveled north through trade or as payment to recruit Germanic-speaking soldiers. 🇨🇾 A Second Face Emerges from Cyprus 1974 Tastes and Traditions Explored ­ Cypriot researcher Odysseas Christou has released a second photograph of blindfolded prisoners taken by Turkish invading forces in 1974, via his "1974 Testimonies and Documents" page. The first prisoner has been identified as 28-year-old reservist Makis Sergidis; the second remains unknown. MEP Kostas Mavridis is bringing the case to the European Parliament with rapporteur François-Xavier Bellamy. 🏺 Mendoni Champions 3D Digitization of Greek Heritage Tastes and Traditions Explored ­ Culture Minister Lina Mendoni joined the closing event of the European "Twin it! Part II" campaign, which advances 3D digitization of cultural heritage across the EU. She spotlighted a new 3D model of key areas of Delos developed under the "Archaeorama" research program, calling digitization "a driving force for innovation, accessibility, and knowledge production." 👗 The Met Gala Goes Full Greek Goddess Tastes and Traditions Explored ­ With this year's "Fashion Is Art" dress code, the May 4 Met Gala turned into a parade of Hellenic inspiration. Anne Hathaway wore a Michael Kors gown nodding to Keats' "Ode on a Grecian Urn," Kendall Jenner channeled the Winged Victory of Samothrace in custom Zac Posen, and Kylie Jenner evoked the Venus de Milo in Schiaparelli. Hailey Bieber, Suki Waterhouse, Doja Cat, and Serena Williams also leaned into Grecian draping, while Ciara stepped out in a piece by Athens-based Celia Kritharioti. 🫒 Paper Olive Oil Bottles Are Now a Thing Tastes and Traditions Explored ­ Greek producer Enia Foods, working with British packaging maker Frugalpac, has rolled out the world's first plant-based paper bottle for olive oil under its AEONS brand, which won the 2024 SIAL Innovation Packaging Grand Prix. Weighing just 83 grams, the bottle has up to 84% less carbon footprint than glass and uses a collapsible inner liner that blocks oxygen as oil pours out. Jordan Olive Oil, sourcing from Lesbos, has launched a version with a drip-free pourer and a recyclable mono-material liner. 🍗 Bring a Greek Twist to BBQ Season Tastes and Traditions Explored ­ Recipe of the Week: With grilling weather here, two Greek classics worth adding to the menu: lemon-and-oregano grilled chicken cutlets marinated in olive oil and dry white wine, and a feta-and-olive pasta salad tossed in a red wine vinegar dressing. Just remember the nonreactive bowl for marinating, and never reuse a raw-meat marinade without boiling it first. 🍇 Porto Carras Vertical Tasting Pours Decades into a Night at Molyvos Tastes and Traditions Explored ­ Domaine Porto Carras teamed up with importer Cava Oinos for an exclusive vertical tasting at Molyvos in New York on May 5, pouring Chateau Porto Carras vintages from 1990, 2006, and 2016, plus the 1993 Porfyrogennitos. Sommelier and educator Marika Vida-Arnold guided guests through pairings from crab cake to short rib stifado, with Export Manager Evripidis Tsardakis paying tribute to Émile Peynaud, the father of modern Bordeaux winemaking who consulted on the estate. 🔍 The Indiana Joneses Who Outsmarted the Nazis Tastes and Traditions Explored ­ Book of the Week: Stephan Talty's upcoming book, "The American School of Spies: The Archaeologists who Fought the Nazis and Saved the Treasures of Ancient Greece," uncovers the OSS "Greek Desk" led by archaeologist Rodney Young, who recruited classicists and epigraphers to outwit the Nazis. Drawing on newly declassified documents, Talty traces how artifacts were hidden in caves, bank vaults, and beneath Athens itself. Available for preorder, with a June 9 release. 🎭 'The Teacher of Imbros' Shines at Pallas Theater for a Cause Tastes and Traditions Explored ­ A charity musical tribute, 'The Teacher of Imbros,' was held May 5 at the Pallas Theater to support Greek schools on the island, under the auspices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and graced by Patriarch Bartholomew himself. Lakis Lazopoulos directed and presented the show, Maria Kavogianni narrated, and Giannis Kotsiras took the stage with his band, while the Municipal Philharmonic Band of Amfilochia closed the evening with conductor Georgios Tsongas hoping the show will travel to Constantinople next. ECONOMY & SOCIETY 💶 Mitsotakis: Greece Ready to Shed Its Most-Indebted Title Snapshots of Change ­ At the Energy Transition Summit on May 13, PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis told the Financial Times' Ben Hall that within the year, Greece will likely no longer be Europe's most indebted country, calling it "a political legacy" and an "obligation toward future generations." The conversation also covered the Strait of Hormuz crisis, planned hydrocarbon drilling in Greek waters, and an open discussion on civilian nuclear energy. 📉 Pierrakakis: Greece Posts the Fastest Debt Decline on the Planet Snapshots of Change ­ In the same vein, Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis told the Economic Chamber of Greece's 7th Conference Gala Dinner that Greece is recording the fastest debt reduction globally, with a target to drop public debt below 120% of GDP by 2029. He also previewed legislation easing penalties for late zero-value VAT returns and scrapping fines for tax declarations involving liabilities up to €100. 🏥 Tragedy in Ilioupoli as Two Teens Fall from Apartment Roof Snapshots of Change ­ Two 17-year-old girls fell from the roof of a six-story apartment building in the Athens suburb of Ilioupoli on May 12, in what police are treating as a suicide. One girl lost her life and the other is in critical condition at Asklipieio Hospital in Voula. The Ilioupoli police station is conducting a preliminary investigation. 🚨 Eight Arrested in €200,000 Bank Heist Cracked by the 'Greek FBI' Snapshots of Change ­ Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis confirmed that eight suspects, six men and two women, are in custody following the May 11 armed bank robbery in Kato Tithorea, Fthiotida that netted about €200,000. The gang, which had been under months of surveillance by the Directorate Against Organized Crime, used Kalashnikovs, disguises, and a getaway driver, and is reportedly tied to several other robberies. 📊 Mitsotakis and Grabowski File Their 2025 'Pothen Esches' Snapshots of Change ­ The 2025 asset declarations of Greek politicians are now public, with PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis reporting €35,916 in net salaried income, €575,208 in bank deposits, 26 real estate entries across Crete, Epirus, and the Cyclades, and a 75% stake in Cretan newspaper KIRYX S.A. Wife Mareva Grabowski reported €94,707 in salaried income, €875,842 from the sale of inherited property, and a Lombard Odier current account totaling €1.29 million. Liabilities include a housing/renovation loan balance of €818,744 and €150,000 owed to the PM's sister Alexandra. 🦠 Greek MV Hondius Passenger Lands in Athens Under Quarantine Snapshots of Change ­ The Greek passenger from cruise ship MV Hondius, where hantavirus cases were detected, arrived at Elefsina early Monday aboard a Hellenic Air Force flight from the Netherlands. Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis said the passenger is fever-free and asymptomatic, and was transferred to Attikon Hospital purely as a precaution. He will remain in quarantine for 45 days. 🇺🇦 Greece Says Sea Drone Found Off Lefkada Is Ukrainian Snapshots of Change ­ Defense Minister Nikos Dendias confirmed in Brussels that the military sea drone found by a fisherman off Lefkada on May 7 is a Ukrainian-built USV, likely a Magura-type craft. Dendias called the discovery "an extremely serious issue" for Mediterranean navigation and said he would raise it with EU counterparts and Ukrainian officials directly. Deputy Maritime Minister Stefanos Gikas noted the craft appeared to have malfunctioned and could have struck a tourist vessel. 🤖 Greece Moves to Put Humans Ahead of AI in Its Constitution Snapshots of Change ­ PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis unveiled proposed constitutional revisions that include a provision requiring artificial intelligence to "serve the freedom of the individual and the prosperity of society." The package also expands postal voting, raises mandatory schooling from 9 to 11 years, and bans retroactive taxation, with lead lawmaker Evripidis Stylianidis framing the AI clause as a long-term guardrail on use of the technology. 📺 Patriarch Bartholomew Marks ERT's 60th Anniversary in Athens Snapshots of Change ­ Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited ERT headquarters on May 7 to mark the broadcaster's 60th anniversary and inaugurate ERT Cosmos, the new international channel succeeding the diaspora-focused ERT World. His All-Holiness called ERT's archive "a precious ark of images and sounds" and reminded journalists of their responsibility to "serve the truth, with objectivity and respect for citizens." He also praised the choice of the Greek word "Cosmos" over an English alternative as a tribute to the language. 🕵️ Cyprus Police 'Sandy' Case Report Lands on the Minister's Desk Snapshots of Change ­ Cyprus Police Chief Themistos Arnaoutis delivered the investigative team's report on the high-profile 'Sandy' case to Justice Minister Kostas Fytiris on May 11, with President Nikos Christodoulides next in line to be briefed. The case, tied to allegations by journalist Makarios Drousiotis, involves around 70 statements, hundreds of messages, and bank records, with Europol and FBI assessments on the messages' authenticity still pending. 🏍️ Rescue Operation Reaches Injured Austrian Motorcyclist in Zagori Snapshots of Change ­ A 70-year-old Austrian tourist on a motorcycle excursion through Zagori lost control between Dikoryfo and Kipi and crashed into a slope. His group called for help at 6 PM, prompting a 27-person rescue effort involving the Ioannina Fire Brigade, Hellenic Police, and EKAV, with first responders and a doctor reaching him shortly before 8 PM. 🎙️ Grigoris Dimitriadis Breaks Silence on Wiretapping Fallout Snapshots of Change ­ Former Secretary General of the Prime Minister's Office Grigoris Dimitriadis gave his first major public interview since resigning, telling Real News he assumed the political responsibility "to protect the government, my party, but above all the homeland." He pledged unity within New Democracy, ruled out running in the next national elections, and aimed sharp criticism at PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis over what he framed as partisan exploitation of the affair. TRAVEL & CONNECTIVITY ⚔️ Retired Generals Turn Greek Battlefields into Living History Expanding Horizons ­ Retired Major Generals Panagiotis Gartzoniikas and Stavros Koutris founded Hellenic Battlefield Tours to bring Greek military history to life on the ground where it happened, from the Persian Wars to the Battle of Crete. Tours range from half-day visits to multi-day Special Tours, with upcoming programs for the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete and a Peloponnese tour tracing the Greek Revolution. More at hellenicbattlefieldtours.com. ✈️ Greek Tourism Hits a New Revenue Record in 2025 Expanding Horizons ­ Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni told the Mare MED III Conference in Athens that 2025 set a new tourism revenue record at €23.6 billion, with more than 43 million visitors, over 5 million of them cruise passengers. Greece is now consistently ranked among the world's 10 most popular destinations, with shoulder-season activity rising as the government pushes a model built on sustainability and lesser-known destinations. 🚌 Athens Buses Get a Major Overhaul Expanding Horizons ­ Athens is rolling in 205 new buses next month, including 125 electric ones, with another 201 expected by the end of 2026, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport says. By 2028, the active fleet will hit 2,000 vehicles, roughly 1,700 of them brand-new, backed by €290 million in EU and national funding. All older Euro 2 buses will be retired in the process. ­ GOINGS-ON: MAY 14TH - 24TH Spotlighting some upcoming community events: NEW YORK, NY – The Off-Broadway premiere of ‘Spirit of the Game: The Ultimate Musical’, at Asylum NYC (May 14-17) ASTORIA, NY – I Am Kalli, a performance that explores family history, cultural identity, and generational memory through comedy, tragedy, dance, and live Pontian music by the renowned lyra player Kostas Siamidis, will be performed in various locations in Astoria and Long Island City (May 14-17) LONG ISLAND CITY, NY – LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC), in collaboration with Eclipses Group Theater NY, presents Euripides’ powerful anti-war tragedy ‘The Trojan Women’ at The Little Theater at LPAC (May 14-17) NASHUA, NH – St. Philip Greek Orthodox Church hosts its Annual Greek Festival (May 15-16) https://www.stphilipnashua.com/. PORT WASHINGTON, NY – The Eleftheria-Pancyprian Soccer Club holds its 1st Annual Gala, honoring Nicos Tziazas for 40 years of service at the Harbor Links Golf Course. Email: info@eleftheriapancyprian.com (May 16) LOS ANGELES, CA – The UCLA Stavros Niarchos Foundation Center for the study of Hellenic Culture announced their ‘Glendi’, a community dance celebration with refreshments, live music and dancing and dance lessons from 7-7:30 PM (May 17) HALF MOON BAY, CA – Kombos Collective performs ‘Vardari: Shared Folk Melodies’, the world-fusion band performing Greek and other shared melodies sung in nine languages at the Piano Palace (May 17) ASTORIA, NY – The Hellenic Film Society (HFS) presents its second annual It’s Greek to Me short film program at the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) (May 17) 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. BERKELEY, CA – Kombos Collective performs Vardari at The Cheeseboard Collective (May 22) NEW ORLEANS, LA – Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral hosts its annual Greek festival (May 22-24) LONG ISLAND CITY, NY – Mosaic ArtSpace presents ‘Antonia Papatzanaki: Unseen Brought to Light’, a solo exhibition by the renowned artist, featuring a series of light sculptures that explore the hidden structures of life through a visual language that bridges art, science, and technology (May 22-September 30) 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)

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THROWBACK HEADLINES 🗞️ The National Herald Archive Digitalization thanks to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) May 14, 1999 ­ Shift in Simitis’ Position Toward NATO - Calls for Immediate End to the Bombings - Serbian Officials Are Smuggling Their Families Out NATO Intensifies Attacks Against Serbia Athens Supports Cyprus’ Position on Serbia Karamanlis Addresses New Democracy Parliamentary Group NATO Air Force Chief Breaks His Silence Russian Parliament Debates Yeltsin’s Removal ­ 🇬🇷 GREEK WORDS/PHRASES OF THE WEEK Έφαγε πόρτα EH-fah-yeh POR-tah Literal: “He ate a door” Meaning: Got rejected