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 T. Rossides.

On behalf of the American Hellenic Council, I would like to pay tribute to Eugene T. Rossides, the founder of the American Hellenic Institute in Washington, DC, former Under Secretary of the Treasury and a true patriot and outstanding leader in the cause of Hellenism, the “rule of law, and support of Cyprus and Greece for over 50 years.

In a time of turmoil and threats, he was of the first to rise up to challenge the ruthless invasion of Cyprus in 1974. His influence and focus on the “rule of law” as American Hellenes helped to forge a national effort to lobby Congress as Turkey violated the Foreign Assistance Act and the Foreign Military Sales Act when they illegally used American arms to invade a neutral, peace loving country. With the bi-partisan support of Rep. John Brademas, Sen. Paul Sarbanes, Sen. Thomas Eagleton, Sen. Olympia Snow, & Sen. Paul Tsongas a successful embargo on Turkey was imposed.

This grass roots focus helped to launch an organized effort leading to what the news media called a “Greek Lobby.” This battle through several votes of Congress would finally result in an embargo on Turkey.

Gene Rossides would be the spark to see the creation of our own Save Cyprus Council (today’s American Hellenic Council)  following the invasion in 1974.  His efforts and coordination with the newly formed Council leadership of Theodore Saloutos, Peter Caloyeras, Spyros Vryonis, Aris Anagnos and the Hon. Andreas Kyprianides expanded the lobby effort for “the rule of law” to prevail throughout all California Congressional Districts. An intense effort would spread to the entire Southern California Community.  Mr. Rossides would later be honored by the Council at our annual awards dinner and in a book-signing at the University of Southern California.

Mr. Rossides would continue his work as a continual member of the Board of the American Hellenic Institute in Washington, DC, and in the creation of the coordinated efforts of AHEPA, HALC, Pan Cypriots and others in the creation of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus.

Eugene T. Rossides will be remembered for his intense & focused efforts on behalf of Hellenism and the Rule of Law!

He will be remembered as our Pericles standing tall and leading in a time of need.

The members of the American Hellenic Council extends its deepest condolences to the Rossides family. He will be remembered as a pillar of Hellenism rising in a time of need & offering hope & justice.

May his memory be eternal.

Dr. James F. Dimitriou

Chairman & President

American Hellenic Council