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Discover the book “The Making of Modern Los Angeles”

Authored by Nick Patsaouras and Jim Birakos, The Making of Modern Los Angeles is a timely and inspiring reflection on the growth of one of the world’s most dynamic cities. In light of […]

Shifting Sands: Implications of regime change in Syria and the role of Turkey in the fall of the Assad regime

An essay by Ioannis Fidanakis, former Executive Director of the American Hellenic Council. After more than a decade of harrowing bloodshed that has displaced over 14 million people, the Syrian […]

AHC meets with Deputy Minister of Culture of Cyprus, Dr. Vassiliki Kassianidou and the Ambassador of Cyprus to the United States, Hon. Evangelos Savva

  On December 11, members of the community and many members of the American Hellenic Council met with Deputy Minister of Culture of Cyprus, Dr. Vassiliki Kassianidou and the Ambassador […]

AHC meets with Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), discusses US foreign policy in Eastern Mediterranean

AHC members met with Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) in late October 2024 at an event that coincided with the Congressman’s 70th birthday and discussed a variety of issues ranging from […]

What does a second Trump presidency mean for Greek national security issues?

By Ioannis Fidanakis, former Executive Director of the American Hellenic Council. On November 5th, the American people cast their ballots for the 47th President of the United States, and to […]

Congratulations to Tulsi Gabbard for being nominated as Director of National Intelligence by President-elect Trump

The American Hellenic Council would like to congratulate our 2019 Pericles Award Honoree for being nominated as Director of National Intelligence in the incoming Administration. Ms. Gabbard has been a […]

Congratulations to the Six Greek-American Congressional Seat Winners

We are pleased to announce that six of the seven Greek-Americans who participated in Tuesday’s Congressional race have won. Our congratulations goes to re-elected candidates Nicole Malliotakis, Chris Pappas, Dina […]

AHC meeting with Adonis Georgiadis, Greek Minister of Health in Athens

On Friday October 25, Alexander Mizan, Board Member of the American Hellenic Council met with Greek Minister of Health and vice president of the New Democracy Party  Adonis Georgiadis and […]

AHC meeting with Greek Alt. Minister of Sports and Greek MP from Cyclades Ioannis Vroutsis

In late October 2024, representative of the American Hellenic Council and Board Member Alexander Mizan, met with Greek Alt. Minister of Sports and Member of Parliament from Cyclades Ioannis Vroutsis. […]

AHC attends event for Matt Gunderson (R), Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA4)

  AHC Board Member Konstantine Kabilafkas attended an event held for US House Candidate Matt Gunderson (R) who is currently running in the upcoming election for California’s 49th District, covering […]

Open Position Executive Director AHC (Part Time)

American Hellenic Council of California Position Announcement – Executive Director (Part-Time) Position Description: The American Hellenic Council (AHC) is seeking a dynamic, energetic, responsible, and self-starting individual to serve as […]

Cypriot – American Andreas Farmakalidis is a candidate for LAUSD Board

Andreas Farmakalidis, a longtime Los Angeles resident, and member of the AHC announced recently his intention to run for Los Angeles Unified School District Board in District 3, comprising of […]

AHC’S 2024 New Year’s Gala a Smashing Success–Join us Again in 2025!

The American Hellenic Council celebrated Hellenism in January, 2024 at the Annual New Year’s Gala!  We look forward to honoring exceptional Hellenic advocates and leaders at our next Gala in […]

President’s Message Commemorating the 202nd Anniversary of Greek Independence Day!

Greek Independence Day On behalf of the American Hellenic Council, I would like to pay tribute to the 202nd Anniversary of Greek Independence Day! March 25th is known to all […]

“National Day of Remembrance” of the terrorist attack on 9/11

“National Day of Remembrance” of the terrorist attack on 9/11 We must never forget the great tragedy suffered on this day 21 years ago when terrorists hijackers flew planes into […]

President’s Message Commemorating the 1955 Pogrom

Commemorating the 1955 Pogrom – The Istanbul Riots of September 6 – 7 On behalf of the Hellenic American Council, we are committed to supporting and participating in the Commemoration […]

President’s Message Commemorating the 4th of July

Commemorating the 4th of July on behalf of the American Hellenic Council We are uniquely honored on this 4th of July to celebrate our 200 years of friendship through World […]

President’s Message Commemorating the 201st Anniversary of Greek Independence Day!

Happy Greek Independence Day! ZHTO ELLAS! On behalf of the American Hellenic Council I would like to wish all Hellenes and Philhellenes a Happy 201st Anniversary of Greek Independence Day! […]

President’s Message Commending Pappas’ Oxi Day Resolution

House Set to Introduce Pappas’ Oxi Day Resolution U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) plans to introduce a bipartisan-backed congressional resolution to honor Greece’s resistance to Axis Powers in World War […]

President’s Message Applauding Titus’ Grey Wolves Amendment

The American Hellenic Council is proud to join with the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA); the American Hellenic Institute (AHI); and the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) […]

President’s Message Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 with our Beacon of Light, St. Nicholas Church & National Shrine

20 years ago our nation faced one of its darkest days in history! September 11th remains in our hearts and our memories. It remains a day we will remember forever. […]

President’s Message to Commemorate the 99th Anniversary of Smyrna Catastrophe on September 10th, 1922

As we commemorate another tragic event, we must not forget the 99th Anniversary of the Catastrophe of Smyrna on September 10th, 1922.  On this day, the world witnessed the first […]

Official Statement: Bicentennial Commemoration of Greek Independence at LA City Hall

On behalf of the American Hellenic Council, I would like to thank Mayor of Los Angeles, Mr. Eric Garcetti, and the City Council for the Official Commemoration of the Bicentennial […]

Los Angeles Celebrates Greek Bicentennial

Days before the 200th Anniversary of Greek Independence, members of the Greek American community in Los Angeles began efforts to light Los Angeles City Hall in blue and white in […]

Celebratory Messages Honoring the Bicentennial of Greece’s Independence

The auspicious occasion of the 200-Year Anniversary of Greece’s war of independence was celebrated by our leaders and in cities across the globe. President Katerina Sakellaropoulou sent a message of […]

Los Angeles City Hall to Commemorate Bicentennial of Greece’s Independence

US-Greek relations are the best they’ve been in modern history. Our friendship began during Greece’s war for independence and Greece’s 2021 bicentennial is an opportunity to celebrate this history and […]

Bipartisan Senate Resolution Honoring Greece’s 200th Anniversary

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.),Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was joined by Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) in introducing a bipartisan Senate resolution commemorating the 200thanniversary of Greek Independence Day, […]

The Cyprus Question: Turmoil on the Island of Aphrodite

An article from the archives, written in the Spring of 1974 for “Today’s World” before the invasion of Cyprus, written by AHC President, Dr. James F. Dimitriou when he was […]

Statement on the violent insurrection that took place on January 6, 2021 in the US Capitol

Statement of the President of the American Hellenic Council on the violent insurrection that took place on January 6, 2021 in the US Capitol: At a time of great stress […]

Happy 2021 from the American Hellenic Council

The American Hellenic Council sends best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year!  Words from our Board Members, On behalf of the Board of Directors of the American Hellenic Council […]

Season’s Greetings from the American Hellenic Council

Dear Friends, On behalf of the American Hellenic Council, I would like to wish you Καλά Χριστούγεννα & a Happy New Year! It has been a very challenging year for […]

AHC Commends the Administration for imposing sanctions on Turkey

On behalf of the American Hellenic Council, we would like to commend the Administration for their long awaited decision to impose sanctions on the Republic of Turkey. Secretary of State […]

The Secretary-General for Public Diplomacy and the Greeks Abroad on the passing of Paul Sarbanes

A great loss and an irreplaceable void in the great fight for Hellenism has been dealt to us with the passing of the former Maryland Senator, Paul Sarbanes, said Ioannis […]

Honoring the memory of Senator Paul Sarbanes

As a true statesmen and champion of justice, truth and courage, Senator Paul Sarbanes always will be remembered for the values we continue to cherish as Hellenic Americans. Paul Sarbanes […]

Thanksgiving Message

Dear friends and members of the American Hellenic Council, On behalf of the American Hellenic Council, I would like to take this time to wish everyone a Happy & Safe […]

AHC Interviews John Defterios, CNN Business’ Emerging Markets Editor

We have seen an exponential increase in activities in the Eastern Mediterranean that have caused upheaval in the region and in the international community. Erdogan’s aggression in the Mediterranean, the […]

AHC Statement Denouncing Turkey’s Change of Hagia Sophia’s Status

The American Hellenic Council strongly condemns the actions of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to unilaterally convert Hagia Sophia from a museum and UNESCO World Heritage into a mosque. This […]

Anniversary of the 1974 Invasion of Cyprus: A Message from Dr. James F. Dimitriou

never forget Dear friends and supporters, As we are all facing such troubling times, we must take time to remember the fateful events of July 20, 1974. On that day […]

Greece and Italy sign agreement for delimitation of maritime zones

June 10, 2020 Greece and Italy sign agreement for delimitation of maritime zones Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias, and his Italian counterpart, Luigi Di Maio, signed a historic agreement […]

A Message from James F. Dimitriou on the Current Tensions & Civil Unrest Following the Death of George Floyd

Dear Friends and Supporters, I am reaching out to our community, for the third time in such a short period, to extend my heartfelt support to all members, friends and […]

AHC Interviews Dr. Elizabeth H. Prodromou

Geopolitical Volatility & Stability in the Eastern Mediterranean Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou, faculty member of Tufts University’s, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and Director of the Fletcher Initiative on Religion, […]

In Memoriam: Eugene T. Rossides

The members of the American Hellenic Council are deeply saddened to hear of the news of the passing of a true patriot and leader of the Hellenic American Community, Eugene […]

A Message from Chairman & President, James F. Dimitriou, About HealthMay 13, 2020

Dear Friends and Supporters of the American Hellenic Council,   As we all try to adjust our lives to this new reality, I wanted to touch base with our AHC […]

Prime Minister Mitsotakis at the Coronavirus Global Response Summit

May 4, 2020 Prime Μinister Mitsotakis’ particiaption in the Donors’ video-conference for Coronavirus vaccine, during the Coronavirus Global Response Summit: PM Mitsotakis announced that Greece would offer 3 million euros to […]

Main Points from Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ May 4th interview on CNN

May 4, 2020 Main Points from Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ interview on CNN: Greece, thanks to a successful early lock down, now is reopening its economy. Greece is dependent on tourism […]

Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs unveils, “Staying at home, traveling through literature: Diplomats recite Greek literature”

The General Secretariat for Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released two video under a project entitled, “Staying at Home, Traveling through Literature: Diplomats recite Greek Literature”. This […]

AHC Interviews Mike Manatos, President of Manatos & Manatos

Mike Manatos, President of Manatos & Manatos, speaks to the AHC about the evolution of Hellenic advocacy in the United States. With three generations of Manatos’s serving in or working […]

AHC interviews Greek Ambassador to the U.S., Mrs. Alexandra Papadopoulou

American Hellenic Council Executive Director, Christianna Kontou, interviewed newly appointed Ambassador of Greece to the United States, Mrs. Alexandra Papadopoulou, introducing her to the members of the Greek American diaspora. […]

National Address from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on April 13, 2020

National Address from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on April 13, 2020 My fellow citizens, Thirty-three days have gone by since my first addresses about the pandemic. I then set a […]

International Art Competition for Greek Children of the Diaspora: near of far, WE are all ONE

Τhe General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Children’s Art Gallery of Greece in collaboration with the Greek Section of International Board on […]

Message from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to the Greek Diaspora in the United States of America regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic

Message from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to the Greek Diaspora in the United States of America regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic   My compatriots in America,   Greece is entering its […]

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis appeals to elected officials to donate salary

On Monday, March 30, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis appeals to members of the New Democracy party, from Members of Parliament to Ministers and Deputy Ministers, to donate 50% of […]

AHC Leadership speaks with U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Geoffrey Pyatt

On March 20, American Hellenic Council (AHC) leadership invited U. S. Ambassador to Greece, Geoffrey Pyatt, to participate in a conversation about the latest developments in the U.S.-Greek bilateral relationship.  In […]

Message from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for Greek Independence Day

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ televised address to the nation: a message of hope, strength, unity, and perseverance on Greek Independence Day Our national holiday, this year, finds our country in […]

Message to the Diaspora from the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou – March 25, 2020

Message   From the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou To the Greeks abroad, on the occasion of Greek Independence Day of March 25th   My dear compatriots, Greek […]

Message from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on COVID-19 – March 22nd, 2020

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ televised address to the nation, on Sunday, March 22nd, as he announces the nation’s most restrictive measures yet.  My fellow citizens, Just a few moments ago, […]

Message from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on COVID-19 – March 19th, 2020

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ televised address to the nation, on Thursday, March 19th – his third in a week – on the government’s response to the coronavirus and the measures […]

Message from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on COVID-19 – March 17th, 2020

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ televised address to the nation, on Tuesday, March 17th – his second in a week – on the spread of the coronavirus. My fellow citizens, I […]

A Message from Chairman & President, James F. Dimitriou on COVID-19

Dear Friends and Supporters of the American Hellenic Council,   As part of the American Hellenic Council family, I wanted to reach out to you personally regarding the current state […]

46TH Annual Awards Gala Postponed

Due to the recent developments with COVID-19 and following Governor Newsom’s recommendation, the American Hellenic Council will be postponing the 46th Annual Awards Gala set for Saturday, March 28th. We […]

Congressman Gus Bilirakis Letter to the Editor to the NYTimes

The New York Times published an article titled We Are Like Animals’: Inside Greece’s Secret Site for Migrants, wrongly claiming that Greece is operating a “blacksite” on its border with Turkey, as Turkey’s President […]

Greeting of the new Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. Alexandra Papadopoulou

Dear friends Dear fellow Greeks   This month, I submitted my credentials to President Trump assuming the post of Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. I know the country; I […]

Speaking with Nick Larigakis, President of the American Hellenic Institute

For over forty years, the American Hellenic Institute has been fighting to uphold the rule of law in matters of U.S. foreign policy, particularly in our nation’s dealings with Greece, […]

AHC & Friends Young Professional Meet Up: City Club Los Angeles

The American Hellenic Council’s second Young Professional Meet Up will take place on Monday, March 2 at City Club Los Angeles starting at 5 PM. More details on the Facebook […]

Jerusalem Meets Athens: The New Israeli-Cyprus-Greek Partnership

Presented by The American Jewish Committee Los Angeles, The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, and USC Center on Public Diplomacy with the American Hellenic Council of California and The […]

Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) meeting with AHC Board Members

Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Co-Chair of the Hellenic Caucus and the Congressional Hellenic – Israel Alliance, visiting California the first weekend of February and met with members of the American Hellenic […]

The passing of AHC Founding Member, Gil Kyprianou

One of the American Hellenic Council’s first board members, Mr. Gilbert J. Kyprianou, passed away in December. The AHC family grieves his loss and celebrates his many contributions to Hellenism. […]

The Thirty-Year Genocide: A Discussion with Benny Morris

Special event hosting Benny Morris, co-author of “The Thirty-Year Genocide: Turkey’s Destruction of its Christian Minorities” The American Hellenic Council, The Philos Project, the Armenian National Committee of America – […]

The Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act is signed by President Trump

On December 20, 2019 The Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership was signed into law by President Trump. The bill was co-authored in the Senate by Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and […]

AHC Meet & Greet with Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH)

AHC Meet & Greet with Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) The American Hellenic Council of California is hosting a Meet & Greet with Congressman Chris Pappas on Sunday, December 8th at [...]

U.S. House Votes Overwhelmingly to Lock in Armenian Genocide Recognition, Rejecting Turkey’s Denial of This Crime

U.S. House Votes Overwhelmingly to Lock in Armenian Genocide Recognition, Rejecting Turkey’s Denial of This Crime WASHINGTON, DC – In a major blow to Ankara’s obstruction of justice for the [...]

Protest at Turkish Consulate, October 13, 2019

AHC Joins ANCA in protesting the Turkish attack on Northern Syria and the invasion of Cyprus’ EEZ On October 13, 2019, hundreds of people joined in condemning Turkey’s latest acts [...]

“#bOObs for Life” Exhibition in Los Angeles by Greek photographer, Sylvia Kouveli

#bOObs for Life is a compilation of visually portrayed stories about physical trauma, personal struggle, survival, and the celebration of life. The exhibition is the fruit of the collaborative work of […]

AHC condemns Turkey’s attack on Northeastern Syria and escalation in Cyprus EEZ

President Donald Trump’s decision to remove US military support from Northeastern Syria jeopardizes, not only one of America’s greatest allies in the fight against ISIS, but also jeopardizes Greek and […]

AHC meets with Governor of Region of Central Macedonia, Apostolos Tzitzikostas

AHC meets with Governor of Region of Central Macedonia, Apostolos Tzitzikostas The American Hellenic Council of California welcomed the Governor of the Region of Central Macedonia, Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas accompanied [...]

AHC and ANCA-WR Sign Memorandum of Understanding and Collaboration

The American Hellenic Council of California and the Armenian National Committee of America–Western Region signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation during a special ceremony on Monday, September 30, 2019, [...]

New Los Angeles Consul General, Evgenia Beniatoglou, speaks to the AHC

On Saturday, October 6th, members of the American Hellenic Council had the pleasure and privilege of welcoming Ms. Evgenia Beniatoglou to Los Angeles as the New Consul General of Greece. […]

AHC welcomes New Greek Consul General to Los Angeles

AHC welcomes New Greek Consul General to Los Angeles Los Angeles, California – On Saturday, October 6th, members of the American Hellenic Council had the pleasure and privilege of welcoming [...]

Dr. James Dimitriou elected as new President of the American Hellenic Council

Dr. James Dimitriou elected as new President of the American Hellenic Council Los Angeles, CA – The Board of Directors of the American Hellenic Council, the leading Greek-American advocacy organization [...]

Director of the Basil P. Caloyeras Center Retires

Director of the Basil P. Caloyeras Center Retires Los Angeles, California – On Saturday, May 19, 2018, Professor Demetrios Liappas celebrated his retirement from the directorship of the Basil P. [...]

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard speaks about her trip to Greece

In September 2017, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, traveled to Greece, just prior to her official trip to Armenia with Congressman Frank Pallone […]

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard Visits Greece

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard Visits Greece Los Angeles, CA – Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, traveled to Greece in September, just prior to her [...]

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER?

Personal injury lawyers are civil litigators who represent clients commonly referred to as plaintiffs alleging psychological or physical injury as result of negligence or careless acts by another person, company, […]

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Dr James & Virginia Kallins

Dr. James and Virginia Kallins

Longtime stewards and servants of the Greek Community and Hellenism, Doctor James and Virginia Kallins have never forgotten their roots and an appreciation of blessings.

Doctor Kallins was the youngest of five children. He grew up on a small farm in the mountains of Arcadia in Greece, surviving multiple occupations during World War II. Seeing his village’s doctor caring for so many ill and injured inspired Doctor Kallins to study medicine at the University of Athens.

Hoping to become a surgeon, James then sailed to the USA and settled in Chicago, training in OB/GYN, surgery, and pathology at the University of Illinois School of Medicine, where he also served as an associate professor.

At a Greek Orthodox Church party, Dr. Kallins met his beloved wife, Virginia, nee Evgenia Lambropoulou, whom he married in 1957. Growing up in Chicago during the Great Depression, Virginia had lost her father and her older brother. Her mother spoke only Greek and supported herself and Virginia by knocking on doors, holding up a needle and thread to let people know she could sew. Fortunately, Virginia’s mother met and married Nicholas Mannos, loving stepfather to Virginia. Virginia’s mother encouraged her education, spurring her to become a Master Teacher mentoring others.

Dr. Kallins and his wife moved to California in 1959 where he launched his own medical practice. James encouraged his family to preserve their Greek culture, and honor charitable organizations in both the United States and Greece, which he fondly calls his “two countries and two mothers.” James and Virginia became the parents of three children (Barbara, George, and Nicholas) and now have five grandchildren (Anastasia, Evgenia, Dimitri, Nicholas and Eston).

Doctor Kallins retired from medicine in 1997, and continued the couple’s charitable initiatives, including serving as stewards for St. Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles, Assumption in Long Beach, and as co-founders of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Downey, named after Dr. Kallins’ father George Kallinteris.

Doctor Kallins was a member of the Cathedral’s Parish Council and a founder of the Hellenic Medical and Dental Society. He also founded the Alpha Beta Society – the Greek School – in Downey, and supported the Hellenic Library in Bellflower, California. Virginia worked closely with parents at St. Sophia Cathedral to reenergize the Greek Orthodox Youth of America.

When Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974, Dr. Kallins joined the Save Cyprus Council, flying to DC to advocate for safety and justice for Hellenes in Cyprus and Greece.

The tragic and untimely passing of the couple’s son, Nicholas, was a time of great sadness. However, James and Virginia used that difficult time as an opportunity to honor Nicholas’ life by establishing the Greek Orthodox Memorial and Cultural Foundation of Southern California, and the Saint Nicholas Chapel at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, California.

The philanthropy of James and Virginia Kallins extended to the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, the Archdiocese, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. As an Archon Exarchos in the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Doctor Kallins served as the Regional Archon Commander. He has been a member of the Metropolis and Archdiocesan Councils and served with the Pan Arcadian Federation on a local and national level. He was elected as Supreme President of the Pan-Arcadian Federation, helping to raise funds for a hospital in Tripoli, Greece. The couple was honored with the Metropolitan Anthony Humanitarian Award at the FDF Festival in 2013.

The American Hellenic Council takes great pleasure in honoring Doctor James and Virginia Kallins with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award. Doctor James Kallins and Virginia Kallins, thank you for your unwavering love and support of humanity and Hellenism, and for the promotion and preservation of our Greek culture and community in America.

Arianna Papalexopoulos

Yes, Hello, Hi! Arianna Papalexopoulos is a Greek-American actor, writer, producer, and comic based in Los Angeles, California. Both Arianna's undergraduate theatre degree from UCLA School of Theatre, Film and Television and masters degree in Digital Media from USC Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism have synergized to expand her lifelong comedy skills into rewarding content.

Arianna has produced and starred in numerous short films that have premiered at various festivals around the globe. Her latest short films, Como, Ti Amo and Greek Enough display the tradition of excellence in filmmaking. Building on this success, she produced and acted in her first feature film, Jaunt, which took home the Audience Award at the 2024 Los Angeles Greek Film Festival.

Arianna is currently fresh off a Canadian, Midwest, and Florida stand up comedy tour where she opened for fellow Greek comic, Angelo Tsarouchas. In addition, she performed her comedy set and hosted the 18th Annual Los Angeles Greek Film Festival Orpheus Awards. Arianna recently received the Greek America's Forty Under 40 award in New York City and was also selected as a “Modern Muse” speaker at the

Hellenic American Women's Council in Los Angeles, which celebrated Contemporary Hellenic American Women in the Arts.

Arianna's popular digital content celebrates both her roots and the experiences of American immigrants and their first-generation children. Arianna’s most notable character, Greek Mom, has garnered her almost 1 million followers collectively across all her social media platforms and continues to generate dozens of millions of views.

Apart from performing, you can find Arianna on the islands or mountains of Greece, cheering on the Golden State Warriors, or getting lost off the 101 Freeway.

Instagram & TikTok: @ariannapapalexopoulos

Hon. Ambassador of USA in Greece, George Tsunis

Hon. Ambassador of USA in Greece, George Tsunis

Mr. George J. Tsunis was the United States Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic for 3 years. During is successful term, Greek officials/partners speedily approved American requests critical for U.S. and NATO operations in Greece. With the signing of a $3.54 billion agreement for 20 American F-35 fighters, Greece was able to modernize its military. Following multiple collaborations with governments in Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Greece became a leader promoting energy connectivity and resiliency in the EU. Mr. Tusnis efforts promoted the Greek Prime Minister’s almost two-year political rappochement with Turkey, enhancing peace and stability in the region. Mr. Tsunis was awarded the Order of Phoenix by the Foreign Minister to The Hellenic Republic, George Gerapetritis during his three-year tenure as Ambassador.

Mr. Tsunis is the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Chartwell Hotels as well as an attorney, developer, philanthropist and public policy advisor with a strong interest at the intersection of economic and foreign affairs. Chartwell Hotels owns and manages Hilton, Marriott and InterContinental Hotels Group franchises across the Northeast and Middle Atlantic states. The firm also focuses community renewal, supporting tourism, business travel and investment dollars.

Mr. Tsunis’ public service includes time as a Legislative Attorney at the New York City Council, Special Counsel to the Town of Huntington (NY) Environmental Open Space Committee and Counsel to the Dix Hills (NY) Water District. He was appointed by Senator Alfonse D’Amato and served as an advisor to the United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Mr. Tsunis served in the cabinet of the Governor of the State of New York and served on the Board of Directors of four New York State Public Benefit Cooperations.

Mr. Tsunis was a director of the New York Convention Center’s (Jacob Javits Center) Operating Committee and Director of the New York Convention Center’s Development Committee. Mr. Tsunis’ tenure as director came at a seminal time – during a 1.5 million sq. ft. expansion – transforming Javits into one of the world’s most modern and beautiful convention centers.

In 2021, His Eminence Elpidophoros, Archbishop of America, appointed Mr. Tsunis as the Vice-Chairman of the national coordinating committee for the 200th anniversary of the Greek revolution of 1821, organizing nationwide festivities and commemorative events to be held throughout the year to honor the revolution’s bicentennial. Mr. Tsunis was a founding trustee of the Hellenic Initiative, a global movement of the Greek diaspora, investing in the future of Greece through direct philanthropy and economic revitalization. The Hellenic Initiative empowers people to provide crisis relief, encourage entrepreneurs and create jobs. Mr. Tsunis was also a founding member of the Hellenic American Leadership Council, a national civic advocacy organization, and until recently served as the organization’s National Vice Chairman. HALC comprises a national network of Greek American community leaders to encourage an active form of citizenship committed to the Hellenic American ideals of democracy, rule of law, and philanthropy. Mr. Tsunis has also served on the Board of Directors of the Coordinated Efforts of Hellenes (CEH), a national umbrella organization for the major Greek-American advocacy organizations.

Mr. Tsunis was recognized by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios with the Saint Paul’s Medal, the Greek Orthodox Church of America’s highest recognition for a layperson. Mr. Tsunis is a member of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the highest ecclesiastical honor that can be bestowed upon a layman by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

Mr. Tsunis was the recipient of the Cyprus Federation’s Justice for Cyprus Award, which was personally awarded to him by the President of Cyprus, Demetris Christofias, in 2010. In 2012, President Christofias presented Mr. Tsunis with a plaque of sterling silver olive branches, signifying peace. This award is traditionally reserved for heads of state. In 2013, the new President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, similarly honored Mr. Tsunis for his philanthropic efforts on behalf of the children of Cyprus.

In 2017, Mr. Tsunis was the recipient of the Athens-Wishner Award jointly presented by the American Jewish Committee (“AJC”) and Hellenic American Leadership Council (“HALC”) for his dedication to Greco-Israeli-Cypriot relations.

Mr. Tsunis received his Juris Doctor from St. John’s University School of Law. Mr. Tsunis established the James and Eleni Tsunis Endowed Distinguished Academic Scholarship at Hofstra University, the George J. Tsunis Scholarship at the Maurice Deane School of Law at Hofstra University, the James George Tsunis Memorial Scholarship at Pennsylvania College of Technology and the George James Tsunis ’92 and the Karloutsos Scholarships at St. John’s University’s School of Law and created the James and Eleni Tsunis Endowed Scholarship at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Mr. Tsunis also underwrote the James and Eleni Tsunis Library at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons in honor of his parents. In 2019, the Hellenic Lawyers Association of New York named Mr. Tsunis as its honoree for his dedication to professional development in the Hellenic community.

Mr. Tsunis and his wife, Olga live in Matinecock, NY, with their three children. It is a great honor for the American Hellenic Council to welcome Ambassador Tsunis to Los Angeles and our Annual Gala and award him the AHC Aristeion Award.

Christos Vassilopoulos

Christos Vasilopoulos was born and raised in Athens, Greece. He started acting at the age of 17 as a stage actor and graduated from the "Iasmos" Athens Drama School. Christos was one of the few young actors who worked professionally during his drama school years.
Two years after his graduation, he became a member of the National Theatre of Greece, where he performed for four years. After seven years of continuous work in theatre and TV commercials, Christos landed a series of regular roles on one of the biggest daily shows of that time, taking his career to the next level.

During the first 14 years of his career, having worked on major TV shows and collaborated with some of the most renowned theatre directors in Greece, he decided to transition to the United States. His credits in the U.S. include films, campaigns, commercials, recurring roles on the hit shows Banshee (created by Alan Ball) and The Last Ship, as well as guest-star roles on The Closer, Blindspot, Whiskey Cavalier, Warrior, and Kabul.

Christos holds a 3rd dan black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He served in the Greek Special Forces as a marine and attained the rank of sergeant. He rarely uses a stunt double.

Alongside his fellow actor and friend Yorgos Karamichos, Christos translated Ivana Chubbuck’s The Power of the Actor into Greek—one of the most influential books on modern acting techniques. He is also the only Greek-certified acting coach trained by Ivana Chubbuck.

For the past five years, Christos has been working as a creative producer on films and TV shows.