July 16, 2026
Kalimera Mazi Readers
This week ranges from the halls of NATO to a rehearsal-break coffee that turned into a song. Greek politics saw plenty of movement, Sokratis Famellos stepped down as SYRIZA president, and Mitsotakis pressed Turkey's "casus belli" in Ankara. On the harder-news side, the Marfin bank arson case moved forward on two continents, a Greek-American photojournalist's missing gear became a fight over police bodycam footage, and a hospital mix-up in Serres left one family questioning who they buried.
But there's plenty to smile about too: Rob Pruitt turned a Hydra shoe shop into a cat-filled art installation and a Cypriot teen celebrated two cancer-free years with his first bite of pizza. It's a week that runs the full range, cosmos to kitchen.
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-American Investors Launch Greece's Biggest-Ever Biotech Fund
Global and U.S. Market Pulse
Kos Biotechnology Partners, founded by Simos Simeonidis and Alex Tzoukas, closed its debut fund at $123 million, the largest first-time venture fund in Greek history across any sector (The Recursive). The fund aims to channel U.S. biopharma expertise into Greek and European life sciences, with Epikast among its first investments.
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CROSS-ATLANTIC CURRENTS
Dendias Hosts Bipartisan U.S. Congressional Delegation in Athens
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
Defense Minister Nikos Dendias met with a delegation led by Senators Roger Wicker and John Cornyn to discuss the Greece-U.S. strategic defense partnership, including concerns over Turkey's potential F-35 acquisition. Dendias pointed to the two Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreements he signed as foreign minister as evidence of the relationship's staying power.
Diamataris and Bilirakis Talk Turkey over Seafood in Chania
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
TNH Publisher Eraklis A. Diamataris sat down with Congressman Gus Bilirakis at Ta Neoria, a historic taverna in Chania's Old Venetian Harbor, during the congressman's visit to Greece. Bilirakis voiced confidence that Turkey won't be let back into the F-35 program.
Your Greek Citizenship Questions, Answered
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
This month's installment tackles descent through a Greek mother when a father's records are inaccessible, claiming citizenship through a grandfather when a parent never registered, and fixing name discrepancies across Greek and American documents. As always, readers can send their own questions to athens@ekirikas.com.
Ioannina Names Its First Woman Honorary Professor
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
Dr. Eleni Andreopoulou, a breast cancer researcher now at Weill Cornell, returned to the University of Ioannina, where she trained decades ago, to become the school's first female Honorary Professor. She reflected on her family's history of migration and return, calling herself an "ambassador" for Ioannina throughout her career in London, Houston, and New York.
Rob Pruitt Brings Cats, Pandas, and a Beauty Salon to Hydra
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
New York artist Rob Pruitt's first Greek residency turned a former shoe shop near Hydra's harbor into an interactive gallery, complete with haircuts, nail treatments, and cat sculptures including one named for Leonard Cohen. The exhibition, part of ArtCinema's new Summer Prelude program, runs through summer and will help fund the island's first veterinary clinic.
Diaspora Teen Finds Genetics, Cryptology, and Greek Roots at CTY Thessaloniki
Insights from Greece, Cyprus and America
Texas-born Themistoklis Plevris was among roughly 400 students, many from abroad, taking summer courses at Anatolia College's Center for Talented Youth, where more than half attend on scholarship. He said the program gives diaspora kids a way to connect with Greece even without fluency in the language.
HELLENIC HORIZONS
Greek-Canadian Hockey Player Drafted by the LA Kings
Greek & American Business Highlights
Greek-Canadian defenseman Giorgos Pantelas has taken a step toward the NHL, selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2026 NHL Draft. The Quebec native joins the ranks of the few players of Greek heritage to be drafted into the league, following in the footsteps of Hall of Famer Chris Chelios.
From Aigio to Doha, a Greek Healthcare Leader on What Travels
Greek & American Business Highlights
Yannis Angouras, now Director at The View Hospital in Doha, credits Greek concepts like filotimo for shaping his leadership across hospitals in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. He points to AI as a tool for sharper diagnostics and fewer errors, not a replacement for the human judgment healthcare still runs on.
A West-Facing Sequel to a Faith Film Phenomenon
Greek & American Business Highlights
Professor Norris Chumley, whose "Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer" reached an estimated 100 million viewers, is producing a sequel focused on the West, made in partnership with Vatopaidi Monastery on Mount Athos. The film will add two new hosts and is currently raising its $1 million budget ahead of a release expected in about a year.
Kois Optics Marks Ermoupoli's 200th with Hermes-Inspired Eyewear
Greek & American Business Highlights
The Syros eyewear brand unveiled a limited-edition collector's piece honoring the city's bicentennial, inspired by the god Hermes and a ceiling fresco in the Kois family's 1860 mansion. Part of the proceeds will support Ermoupoli's bid for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Greek Cinematographer Joins the Academy's Ranks
Greek & American Business Highlights
Olympia Mytilinaiou, whose credits include "Miss Violence" and "Quiet Life," is the only Greek among 22 international cinematographers invited into the Academy's Cinematographers Branch this year. She traces her eye for light back to childhood in Litochoro, at the foot of Mount Olympus
COMMUNITY NEW
A Century-Old Family Mystery, Still Unsolved
Diaspora in Focus
Giorgios Kapolonaris is searching for descendants of his grandfather's brother, separated from the family during the chaos of the 1922 Asia Minor Catastrophe and believed to have settled somewhere in America. The surname may have morphed along the way, think Kaplounaris, Kaplan, or Kapas, and anyone with a lead can reach TNH directly.
Bodycam Footage at Center of Photojournalist's Missing Gear Case
Diaspora in Focus
A lawsuit has been filed against the Essex County Prosecutor's Office seeking bodycam footage tied to Greek-American photojournalist Angelina Katsanis, whose camera bag vanished after she was injured covering a protest outside a Newark ICE facility (pttl.gr). An officer, now facing a theft charge, was later found with her equipment at his New Jersey home after an AirTag led investigators there.
What the Census Actually Says About Astoria's Greek Roots
Diaspora in Focus
New data from Dr. Grigoris Argeros shows Astoria (North)-Ditmars-Steinway still ranks first citywide in both number and share of residents reporting Greek ancestry, even as three of the four Astoria neighborhoods have seen declines since 2010. The numbers suggest Astoria remains New York's most prominent Greek-American area, just a more fragmented and shifting one than the old shorthand implies.
Dallas to Host 2028 Clergy-Laity Congress amid Budget Scrutiny
Diaspora in Focus
Archbishop Elpidophoros announced Dallas as the site of the Archdiocese's 49th Clergy-Laity Congress in 2028, with Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church expected to serve as host parish. The announcement came at the close of this year's Congress in Cleveland, where delegates approved a 2027-2028 operating budget of $28.128 million and $28.921 million after some questioned changes to the traditional Finance Committee review process.
Greektown's New Plaza Opens as $20M Overhaul Rolls On
Diaspora in Focus
Detroit's Greektown unveiled the new Gratiot-Randolph Plaza on July 9, part of a $20 million streetscape project that narrowed Randolph Street and turned a once-chaotic intersection into pedestrian-friendly public space (MLive). The plaza will host events like this month's Greektown Heritage Festival, with more of the Monroe Street redesign expected to wrap by year's end.
Tasoulas Meets Melbourne Greek Community President
Diaspora in Focus
President Konstantinos Tasoulas welcomed Vasilis Papastergiadis, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria, who briefed him on the community's cultural and language initiatives. Tasoulas called strengthening ties with the diaspora a constant priority for the Greek state.
Brooklyn AHEPA's Golf Outing Just Had Its Best Year Yet
Diaspora in Focus
Chapter 41's 15th Annual Greek Community Golf Outing at Dyker Beach sold out for the third straight year, drawing a record 140 golfers and 84 hole sponsors. Over 15 years the event has now distributed more than $750,000 to Brooklyn's Greek Orthodox parishes and students.
THI Opens Microfinance Program for Peloponnese Entrepreneurs
Diaspora in Focus
The Hellenic Initiative, AFI Microfinance, and the Constantakopoulos Foundation launched a program offering up to €25,000 in collateral-free financing for businesses in Messinia, Laconia, and Arcadia, with a focus on agrifood ventures. The initiative expects to support around 60 agrifood businesses and pairs financing with training from the American Farm School.
The Names Behind Oxi Day's Global Reach
The Washington Oxi Day Foundation released a new video crediting the Greek-American donors and leaders, including the Logothetis family, George Marcus, and John Calamos, who've helped bring the WWII Oxi Day story to world figures from Zelensky to the Dalai Lama over the past 15 years. The Foundation's awards have reached recipients in 22 countries and been recognized three times through the Nobel process.
In Loving Memory, Christos "Christakis" Lazaridis, 91
Diaspora in Focus
A longtime Executive Vice President of Atlantic Bank who quietly supported Cyprus cause efforts for decades. Born in Lefkoniko, Cyprus, he leaves behind his wife Kiki, children Theano and George, seven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren; his funeral will be held Monday at the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior in Mattituck, New York.
Αιωνία η Mνήμη
Diaspora in Focus
Eleni Stavropoulos, 78, a longtime Greek school teacher who spent decades shaping students at St. Demetrios Jamaica, Whitestone, and St. Nicholas Flushing before her retirement. Born in Sparta, she leaves behind her husband Christoforos and children Katerina and Yiannis; her funeral and burial will take place in Soustiani, Laconia, her family's ancestral home.
Why Swimming Is Called the Heart's Favorite Workout
Diaspora in Focus
Our Health Column: Because the body stays weightless and horizontal in water, swimming lets the heart pump more efficiently while easing the strain that gravity puts on land-based cardio. Regular swimmers tend to show better circulation and heart health over time, though anyone with an existing heart condition should check with a doctor before diving into an intense routine.
AHIF Sends Another Class of Students Into Diplomacy's Deep End
Diaspora in Focus
This year's AHIF College Student Foreign Policy Trip took students through 70 meetings across DC, Athens, and Cyprus, including stops at Souda Bay, Salamis Naval Base, and Cyprus's occupied areas. AHI President Nick Larigakis told the group at their closing dinner in Athens that they're now "ambassadors of Hellenism," with the real work starting once they're back home.
FOOD & CULTURE
Lesbos Unveils Restored Castle Monuments
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni inaugurated the restored northern fortification wall and Ottoman madrasa at the Castle of Mytilene, part of a multi-year restoration funded through Greece's Recovery and Resilience Facility and EU programs. More work, including the castle commander's residence, is expected to wrap by early 2028.
Hank Azaria Chases Emmy Number Seven for 'The Simpsons'
Tastes and Traditions Explored
The Greek-Jewish actor, whose father's roots trace to Thessaloniki and Smyrna, earned his 12th voice-over nomination for his work on the long-running series, going up against Julie Andrews, Trey Parker, and others. Also nominated is Greek-American writer Agathe Panaretos, part of the team behind this year's Oscars telecast.
A Queens College Professor Maps His Borough in Verse
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Book of the Week: Nicos Alexiou's new poetry collection, "Queens, New York," closes out his second trilogy, weaving Cavafy and Whitman into a portrait of migration and coexistence across the "World's Borough." The book includes a foreword from Queens College President Frank H. Wu and a poem translated into many of the languages spoken there today.
Milos Rolls Out a Greek Island-Themed Spritz Menu
Tastes and Traditions Explored
Estiatorio Milos's Hudson Yards and Midtown locations are serving five limited-time cocktails through Labor Day, each named for a different Greek island and built around ingredients like mastiha, ouzo-adjacent Mastiqua, and Greek wine. The Mykonos leans bright with watermelon and Aperol, while the Symi brings botanical notes from Votanikon gin and chrysanthemum garnish.
ECONOMY & SOCIETY
Mitsotakis Raises Turkey's "Casus Belli" at NATO Summit in Ankara
Snapshots of Change
The Greek PM told allies in Ankara that NATO cohesion is incompatible with one member threatening another with war, referencing Turkey's 1995 parliamentary threat over Greek territorial waters. He also flagged concerns about renewed talk of Turkey rejoining the F-35 program, while touting Greece's own defense upgrades, including F-35 pilot training starting in 2027.
Turkey Rejects EU Resolution on 1974 Cyprus Invasion Crimes
Snapshots of Change
The European Parliament passed a resolution addressing crimes committed against women and girls during Turkey's 1974 invasion of Cyprus, prompting Turkey's Foreign Ministry to call the accusations "baseless and irrational" and side with the unrecognized administration in northern Cyprus. The ministry's statement did not address the substance of the allegations or the continuing occupation, which the resolution also addresses.
Marfin Case Moves Forward on Two Fronts
Snapshots of Change
Two men accused of involvement in the 2010 Marfin bank arson, which killed three employees, were remanded in custody in Athens after denying the charges before an investigating magistrate. Separately, a 46-year-old woman arrested at Gatwick Airport agreed to extradition from the UK, with British authorities expecting the transfer within ten days.
Passengers Pull Man Back Through Blown-Out Airplane Window
Snapshots of Change
A Ryanair-operated flight from Thessaloniki to Germany turned back after a window dislodged mid-air, partially sucking out a 61-year-old passenger who suffered neck and shoulder injuries before fellow travelers pulled him to safety. The investigation is being led by North Macedonia's aviation authority, since the incident occurred in that country's airspace.
Greek Shipping Firms Among Top Earners From Russian Oil Trade
Snapshots of Change
An FT analysis found Greek companies, including Dynacom Tankers and the Onassis Group's Olympic Shipping, earned an estimated $3.8 billion transporting Russian crude since the G7 price cap took effect. Eight of the top 20 global earners in this trade are Greek, trailing only UAE-registered firms.
Vertical Gas Corridor Talks Move Ahead in Athens
Snapshots of Change
Gas operators from nine countries met in Athens to map out the infrastructure needed to expand regional access to natural gas through the Greek system, ahead of the EU's planned ban on Russian gas imports next October. DESFA confirmed the North Macedonia interconnector remains on track for 2027, with a Serbia link to follow.
Mitsotakis Marks Axarlian Assassination Anniversary: "We Are Not Intimidated"
Snapshots of Change
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis marked 34 years since the November 17 terrorist group's killing of student Thanos Axarlian, warning that "the ghosts of the past are attempting to return once again." He wrote on X that "democracy always defeats hatred and violence."
Famellos Steps Down as SYRIZA President
Snapshots of Change
Sokratis Famellos resigned after roughly a year and a half leading SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance, citing internal resistance to his push for a broader progressive coalition ahead of the next elections. He said he's staying in Parliament and remaining a party member, framing the move as a message that the Left needs unity, not further fragmentation.
Greek AI Minister: Innovation and Citizen Protection Aren't Opposites
Snapshots of Change
Digital Governance and AI Minister Dimitris Papastergiou told ANA-MPA that Greece's national framework for the EU's AI Act aims to build public trust while giving businesses clear rules. He described AI's growing role in healthcare, agriculture, and public administration as full of promise, but dependent on getting the guardrails right.
Hospital Mix-Up Sends Wrong Body to Grieving Family in Xanthi
Snapshots of Change
The General Hospital of Serres is investigating after relatives of an 86-year-old patient discovered the body released to a family in Xanthi may not have been their own loved one's. Officials are weighing whether an exhumation will be needed to confirm identities, and a formal administrative inquiry is already underway.
TRAVEL & CONNECTIVITY
New Digital Platform Maps Accessibility at Greek Cultural Sites
Expanding Horizons
The "EUMAEUS" platform, unveiled by the Culture Ministry and the National Confederation of Disabled People, offers detailed accessibility information for more than 120 archaeological sites and museums nationwide. It's funded through the Recovery and Resilience Facility as part of Greece's national disability rights plan.
Theopetra Cave Draws Growing Crowds to Central Greece
Expanding Horizons
More than 23,500 visitors toured the prehistoric cave and museum near Meteora between April and December 2025, with April 2026 alone bringing in over 3,000. Mayor Lefteris Avramopoulos says the site is becoming a hub for cultural tourism in the region.
Mitsotakis Signs Off on Skaramangas Interchange to Ease Western Attica Traffic
Expanding Horizons
The Greek PM attended the signing of the construction contract for the Skaramangas Triple Interchange, a 36-month project meant to untangle a longstanding bottleneck and better connect the Port of Piraeus with the Attiki Odos. He also announced the E65 motorway will open within days, completing the country's last major mainland highway link.
GOINGS-ON: JULY 16TH - 26TH
Spotlighting some upcoming community events:
NEW YORK, NY – Greek actress and singer Eleanna Finokalioti joins the cast of Joseph Summer’s opera ‘The Tempest’, inspired by William Shakespeare’s timeless play, at its world staged premiere at La MaMa’s Ellen Stewart Theatre, presented by Teatro Grattacielo and directed by Stefanos Koroneos. (July 16 & 18)
SOUTHAMPTON, NY – Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church hosts its annual Hamptons Greek Festival (July 16-19)
HALKIDIKI – The Aristotelia Festival continues with an impressive array of events including the iconic Axion Esti of Odysseas Elytis set to music by Mikis Theodorakis which will be presented in a narrative-musical performance, featuring singer Vasilis Lekkas, at the Port of Olympiada overlooking the historical and natural setting of Ancient Stagira (July 17)
NEWPORT, RI – St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church hosts its Hellenic Festival (July 17-19)
NILES, IL – Holy Taxiarhai and Saint Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church hosts its annual Greek Festival (July 17-19)
JOLIET, IL – All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, celebrating its 110th anniversary this year, hosts its annual Greek Festival at St. George Serbian Hall and Grounds (July 18-19)
ST. LOUIS, MO – St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church hosts its annual Greek Festival (July 18-19)
WHEELING, WV – St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church hosts its annual Greek Festival (July 22-24)
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)
NEWBURYPORT, MA – The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Greek Food Festival at Harris and Park Streets takes place (July 24-25)
GLENVIEW, IL – Saints Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church hosts its annual Greek Festival (July 25-26)
SEMINOLE, FL – Jim Gigurtsis exhibition, 'Materiality', is being shown at the Dunedin Fine Art Center - one of the state’s most respected art institutions (thru August 16)
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 (thru September 30)
THROWBACK HEADLINES 🗞️
The National Herald Archive
Digitalization thanks to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF)
July 16, 2010
Greece: Number of Unemployed Rises by 130,101 in One Year - Youth Unemployment Reaches 30.8% Among Those Aged 15–24
Cyprus President Demetris Christofias lays a wreath during ceremonies marking the 36th anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus
Cyprus Remembers the Betrayal of 1974 - Honors the Victims
Heart Transplants Rejected Because of Staffing Shortages as a Result of Summer Vacations
18th-Century Ship Discovered at Ground Zero
EDITORIAL: The Curse of Unemployment
Greek-American Candidates Giannaris and Simotas Prepare for Elections
GREEK WORDS/PHRASES OF THE WEEK
Πετάω στα σύννεφα
peh-TAH-ph stah SEE-neh-fah
Literal: “I'm flying in the clouds”
Meaning: I’m over the moon.
