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Andreas Farmakalidis

Farmakalidis Andreas and Family

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 several areas in the San Fernando Valley..

The AHC is proud for Andreas’ venture into public life and urges its members who vote in the LAUSD District 3 to support his candidacy in the upcoming elections. Andreas brings a wealth of experience and dedication to education, making him a strong contender for the upcoming elections. With a proven track record in education advocacy and a deep-rooted commitment to enhancing the quality of education for all students, Farmakalidis is poised to make a significant impact in District 3.

As an educator with 15 years of experience, Farmakalidis has demonstrated his passion for fostering innovative learning environments. His tenure as music educator in all levels of education, business owner, LAUSD vendor, rotarian, freemason and executive director of the chamber of commerce, underscores his unwavering commitment to promoting student success and educational equity.

Farmakalidis, hailing from Cyprus, is deeply rooted in his Greek heritage. Raised by both Greek parents, his upbringing was immersed in the rich culture of music, sparking his passion for it at a young age. He delved into music studies early on, finding joy in playing Greek melodies in several instruments mainly piano, percussion and bass. At 18, he fulfilled his mandatory military service, joining the Greek army, where his musical talents led him to become a respected officer in the military band. Beyond music, Andreas has a penchant for Greek and Cypriot cuisine, indulging in cooking these traditional dishes. His musical journey expanded to collaborations with renowned Greek singers, and upon relocating to California, he engaged in shows and partnerships with the globally acclaimed Greek vocalist, Alexia Vassiliou, further amplifying his musical footprint.

Farmakalidis’ vision for LAUSD District 3 encompasses fostering an inclusive educational environment where every child has access to quality education. His priorities are strengthening support for music and arts programs essential for holistic development and enhancing resources for special education to ensure tailored learning experiences  for all. Moreover he aims to maintain fiscal responsibility to sustain these initiatives, ensuring equitable distribution of resources. His innovative strategies aim to create an inclusive, supportive, and high-achieving educational system for every student in the district.

As the election approaches, Andreas Farmakalidis stands ready to bring positive change and meaningful progress to LAUSD District 3. We invite you to learn more about his vision for edu–cation and the community.  The AHC endorses Andreas’ efforts and encourages our members to go out and vote and support his candidacy. For more information, reach out to @farmakalidis, his website or his campaign at 818-450-6014.

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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 Greek Orthodox Christians as the commemoration of the Annunciation of the Theotokos! It also marks the beginning of the Greek War of Independence! On this day, Bishop Germanos raised the flag of the revolution at the Monastery of Agia Lavra! The slogan of “Freedom or Death” became the slogan to free the Greek people of some 400 years under the Ottoman yoke.

With the help of the naval fleets of France, Britain and Russia, the Ottoman fleet was defeated at the famous Battle of Navarino. This ultimately would lead to Greek Independence declared in the Treaty of Edirne.

America’s early fathers praised the Greek War of Independence and victory. In the words of Thomas Jefferson, “No people sympathise more feeling than ours with the sufferings of your countrymen, none offer more sincere and ardent prayers to heaven for their success!”

Today, President Joe Biden issued an important proclamation on Greek Independence Day as “A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.” He continued in stating that “the alliance between Greece and the United States has never been stronger!  As Greece and the United States meet the future together, the ties of family and the contributions of Greek Americans continue to strengthen our partnership at every turn.”

Senator Bob Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Senator John Barrasso introduced a bi-partisan Senate resolution commemorating the anniversary of Greek Independence Day!

On this Day of National Celebration, the American Hellenic Council call upon all Greek Americans to commemorate the memory of the heroes of the revolution and continue to be vigilant to protect against any future threat to Greece.

ZHTO ELLAS!
Dr. Jim Dimitriou
President & Chairman

 

Greece, personified as a woman in the painting, surrounded by fighters of the Greek War of Independence. “Grateful Hellas” by Theodoros Vryzakis, 1858. Credit: Public Domain

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“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 the World Trade Center. This dark day in American history witnessed almost 3000 people killed that included the destruction of the historic St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and the deaths of 39 Greek Americans!
This year, however, also is a time of renewal of our faith and commitment when on July 4th, we joined with Archbishop Elpidophoros in the dedication of the beautiful “St. Nicholas National Shrine” as a symbol of peace and reflection for all Greek Orthodox Americans.

The Hellenic American Council continues to be dedicated to this spirit of peace and righteousness as we honor the memory of those lost during this tragedy. We further stand committed to working on strengthening United States and Greece relations to promote peace through strength & common purpose!

Dr. James F. Dimitriou
President & Chairman
American Hellenic Council

 

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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 of the September 6-7 1955 Pogrom. This historical tragedy is most important and we must never forget.  We cannot be silent regarding the horrific events that were directly instigated by the Turkish State against the Greek Community of Istanbul. This attack was unprovoked and deliberate aiming at Greek owned businesses, homes, churches and even cemeteries. These were government instigated riots with hundreds of rioters were bused into the city with the purpose of eradicating the Greek Population that had lived there for over two and half thousand years!  Dozens were killed, more were beaten and raped as thousands of stores and homes were destroyed!

The monumental book, “The Mechanism of Catastrophe” was brilliantly written and extensively researched and chronicled by the late UCLA Professor Spero Vryonis. He believed that we must never forget these events and shares the stories of this tragedy along with some 1500 photos!  We are proud to say that Dr. Vryonis was founding member of original “The Save Cyprus Council” that was the predecessor of our “American Hellenic Council.’ As a tribute to Professor Vryonis we must be sure that his legacy continues and is supported!

From a personal standpoint our family suffered directly from the pogrom that saw our families’ homes, businesses and even graves and monuments destroyed. Let us not forget the memory of those that lost so much and gave their lives.

We encourage everyone to watch the informative short video below and continue our support for the commemorative efforts by the Consulate General of Greece.

Respectfully,

Dr. James F. Dimitriou

President & Chairman

American Hellenic Council

 

 

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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 Wars, conflicts, threats, and a sense of common purpose and unity that has united our nations through two centuries!  The “Age of Pericles” had a unique impact on America’s Founding Fathers and especially, President Thomas Jefferson at the time of the birth of our nation!  In World War II, it was Greece that provided the first victory of fascism and totalitarian rule!  On that basis, it was President Harry S. Truman that developed the Truman Doctrine to aid Greece at a critical time and the Marshall Plan to rebuild a nation devastated by war!  The Truman Statue and the Marshall Memorial stand tall for Greeks to see and be reminded of this lasting friendship! The strength of this lasting friendship was clearly evident in the address of Prime Minister Mitsotakis to a Joint Session of Congress last month where his theme emphasized how Greece remains a faithful ally of the United States in vision, strength and commitment to freedom!

Re-emphasizing the 200 years of courage, friendship and common destiny is clearly observed in the words of the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Greece, the Honorable George J. Tsunis in celebrating America’s Birthday:

“Today, we celebrate America’s declaration of independence.  We celebrate the quest of a nation and a diverse group of people – representing all walks of life, sexuality, beliefs, and faith – who were united 246 years ago and remain united by a shared dream of equality and the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness for all.

This dream of democracy was born right here in Athens.  It was here that, for the first time in the history of the world, everyday citizens were empowered and ennobled as stewards of their collective destiny.  They were charged with protecting the democratic rights and freedoms of their society and putting them in service to the greater good of all.

Since the golden age of Pericles, the light of this democracy has guided the world’s path forward, dispelling the darkness of tyranny however menacingly it threatened.

This dream of democracy inspired the founding of the United States. It sparked the friendship of Thomas Jefferson and Adamantios Korais.  It united our peoples – as many brave Americans joined Greeks and courageously fought by their side for Greece’s independence 201 years ago, with the cry of “Liberty or Death! It’s the promise we’ve shared ever since – that the flame of democracy would never die.”

Now is the time for America to share that special relationship and provide the much-needed F-35 Lightning II to Greece and to continue to support the efforts of former US Ambassador to Greece, Geoffrey Pyatt as Assistant Secretary of Energy to complete the much needed “Eastern Mediterranean Pipeline” for the future of Greece, the European Union and the United States!

Let Freedom Ring,

Dr. James F. Dimitriou

President & Chairman

American Hellenic Council

 

 

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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!

Ending 400 years of Ottoman rule, Greece rose up on this important day in history.  With the cry of “Eleftheria”, Freedom to end slavery, the Greek people were once again free!  As Thomas Jefferson said, Ancient Greece provided “The light which led ourselves out of Gothic darkness!”  Many American patriots were philhellenes that called out in support of freedom for Greece.  After 200 years, America & Greece have remained steadfast allies. Our Western Alliance is evident in NATO and the strategic naval base in Souda Bay, Crete.  As US Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt has stated, Greece remains the strongest “pillar of stability” in the Eastern Mediterranean. In the time of such unending tragedy in the Ukraine, Greece stands in support of the poor suffering people of Mariupol; especially the many suffering Greeks in need of relief over there.

It is a time that the American Hellenic Council continues its efforts to forge a strong alliance in support of the Hellenic Republic, the Congressional Hellenic Caucus and the pressing need to complete the East-Med Pipeline.

With your continued support we can continue the call for freedom and Greek-American relations!

Dr. James F. Dimitriou
President
American Hellenic Council

 

 

 

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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 commemoration of Greece’s Bicentennial. President of AHC, Jim Dimitriou approached Jim Birakos, a knowledgable city government executive, who was the Dep. Executive Officer of the Los Angeles County Air Pollution Control District and the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Earlier attempts to accomplish the lighting had proven unsuccessful and following their discussion, a plan was set in motion. Nick Patsaouras, the past president of the Southern California Rapid Transit District and the Water and Power Commission (DWP), who was recently appointed by Mayor Eric Garcetti to head the city’s program for the homeless, was brought into the plan.

Despite event scheduling conflicts and a previous commitment by City Hall, following work on the City Council level and relentless effort by members of our community, Los Angeles City Hall celebrated Greece’s Bicentennial.

On March 25, 2021, Los Angeles City Hall lit up the civic center in Greek colors, blue and white. Present for the lighting were the Consul General of the Hellenic Republic, Eugenia Beniatoglou, Sharon Gerstel, Director of the UCLA Stavros Niarchos Foundation Center for the Study of Hellenic Culture, Christina Bogdanou, Director of the Basil P. Caloyeras Center
for Modern Greek Studies at Loyola Marymount, Jim Birakos, Nick Patsaouras and AHC President, Dr. James F. Dimitriou.

Across the county, on the west side of Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel was also adorned in blue and white colors and celebratory messages.

Consul General Eugenia Beniatoglou, who played an integral role in the event, said,

“Thank you Mayor Garcetti for the great honor in support of the bicentenary of modern Greece. We are truly grateful that the Los Angeles City Hall joined other landmarks around the globe to celebrate this, the 200th Anniversary of Greek Independence. We are also grateful to our local community advocates, the American Hellenic Council, represented by Jim Dimitriou, Jim Birakos, Nick Patsaouras and the many others who voiced their support and helped make the lighting of both the Los Angeles City Hall and the Santa Monica Pier, a reality. Echoing the sentiments of President Sakellaropoulou, Prime Minister Mitsotakis, the opposition leader, Mr. Alexis Tsipras, and political leaders of the Hellenic Parliament, the Greek Diaspora has always been Greece’s greatest advocates and we share with them this great celebration of our 200 years of Independence!”

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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 gratitude to the Greek Diaspora, whose,

“…self-denial and selfless contribution contributed to the awakening of the Greek national conscience and to the preparation of the struggle, supporting in every way and means this sacred purpose.”


Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, shared a message for all Greeks of the Diaspora, recognizing the contributions of Greek expatriates, who during the time of the Struggle fought for Greece, through advocacy, sending resources and, in many cases, joining in arms, returning to their homeland, to fight in battle.


President Joe Biden speaks to Greeks and Greek-Americans in celebration of the Bicentennial of Greece’s Independence,

“We’re two people rooted in the common conviction that every human being is entitled to be treated with dignity. And it’s our shared commitment to liberty, human rights, and the rule of law that empowers us to write our own futures — whether two hundred years ago or today.”


The Annual White House Greek Independence Day Commemoration took place, with many leaders of the Greek-American community in attendance. The White House was represented by not only President Joe Biden, but by our very own Jen Psaki, the White House Press Secretary.

All organizations from the Hellenic Advocacy community were in attendance, including the American Hellenic Council.

“On behalf of the American Hellenic Council, I am very proud to have participated in the White House Commemoration of the Bicentennial of Greece.  We shared a session with both the Greek American members of Congress as well as the leaders of our Greek American organizations.  The 200 years of Greek Independence is marked with a profound renewal of Greek-American friendship and cooperation marked by both President Biden & Archbishop Elpidophoros! As President Biden quoted Aristotle, ‘the friendship between our two nations is like two people sharing one soul.’” – Dr. James F. Dimitriou, President, American Hellenic Council

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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 the values of liberty and democracy our peoples have defended for over 200 years.
—Geoffrey Pyatt, US Ambassador to Greece

It is with great pride and humility, that we commemorate the Bicentennial of Greece’s Independence. Proud allies and friends throughout these 200 years of history, in war time and peace, the United States and Greece have never been stronger in their relations and mutual commitment to freedom and human rights.

It is with this keen sense of patriotism and friendship that the American Hellenic Council and the City of Los Angeles commemorate the 200 Years of Freedom as we light Los Angeles Hall in the Greek colors of blue and white on the week of March 25th, 2021.

The AHC shares in the co-sponsorship of this historic event with the United Hellenic Societies of Northern California.
Ζήτω η Ελλάς!

Dr. James Dimitriou
President, American Hellenic Council of California

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