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 Thanksgiving weekend.
We are optimistic that we all will be safe and careful in these times and hold the belief that hope will prevail in the near future.
At this time I would like to congratulate President-elect, Joseph R. Biden and Vice President-elect, Kamala Harris, on their election. We do hope that the new Administration continues to support key foreign policy positions that are of critical importance to the Hellenic Caucus and the American Hellenic Council. The relations between Greece and the US have been successfully promoted by the Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt, and we hope that Greece and Cyprus will remain a priority for the new administration.
In addition, the Hellenic American Community and the Hellenic Caucus shared in several key Congressional victories. We hope that these victories will propel our priorities and goals for promoting even stronger relations between Greece, Cyprus and the United States. We are most happy to recognize the five Greek American Congressional Representatives in their strong victories! We are especially pleased to see the resolute reelection of Hellenic Caucus Co-Chair, Congressman Gus Bilirakis of Florida. We also want to take this time to congratulate the other Caucus members winning their re-election including Congressional Representatives John Sarbanes, Dina Titus, Chris Pappas and Charlie Christ. We offer congratulations to a new member of Congress, Ms. Nicole Malliotakis.
We wish all of elected members who share our values, strength in promoting the interests of the Hellenic Caucus to new levels of success. We also need the courage to guarantee and support the efforts to embolden the relationship between the United States with Greece and Cyprus.
These are trying times and we must not be hesitant to call for sanctions against the most dangerous threat in the Mediterranean. Turkey’s unprovoked and unilateral actions cannot go unaddressed by NATO nor the United States, in particular, as President Erdogan’s actions pose a considerable danger on a daily basis.
Let us stand together and expand our Hellenic Caucus and work together for a brighter future.
It is in this spirit of optimism, fortitude and gratitude, that I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!
Best regards,
Dr. James F. Dimitriou
President, American Hellenic Council
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 UAE and Israel signing an agreement, Iran’s precariousness, and it seems like at the center of it is energy.
John Defterios, CNN Business’ Emerging Markets Editor and Anchor, joined us to unpack the geopolitical dynamics of the Eastern Mediterranean as it relates to the energy sector and the discuss the economic ramifications of the pandemic on a global scale.
The US relationship towards the Eastern Med is changing. Most notably, in December 2019, President Trump signed the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019; a bipartisan bill authored by Senator Menendez of NJ and Senator Rubio of Florida.
The legislation is a comprehensive recalibration of American diplomatic, military, and economic policy towards the Eastern Mediterranean and a strong and prosperous alliance between the United States, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus.
Mr. Defterios helps answer questions like what are the political and economic implications of the changing oil prices and demand? How are Russia and Turkey affected by these changes and what does this mean for Greece, Cyprus, Israel and the United States? And what will the legacy of Covid-19 be?
For more insight into the future of the global energy sector, watch John Defterios’ CNN documentary series, “The Global Energy Challenge.”
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 is a blatant violation of the UNESCO treaty of 1985 and of Mustafa Kemal Attaturk’s conversion of Hagia Sophia into a museum in 1934. It is an attempt to fully eradicate religious and cultural heritage and cover the years of restoration to its precious mosaics.
Cultural and religious heritage is too important to cover, ignore and desecrate! Hagia Sophia stood for beauty, peace and divine wisdom.
Built by the Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, Hagia Sophia stood for 1000 years as an architectural wonder and center of Orthodox & Byzantine heritage. Following 1453, it was converted to a mosque for 400 years. Finally seeing its universal historic value, it was converted to a museum 85 years ago thus becoming the most visited tourist attraction in all of Turkey.
With the Blue Mosque just steps away and over 3000 mosques in the city, it can hardly be said that there is a need for another religious site.
There is no question that we must stand strong and boycott all travel to Turkey, all flights on Turkish Airlines, all cruise lines traveling there and call on Congress to suspend all military sales and aid. It is time for NATO to close the Incirlik Base. Further, as Turkey continues to violate religious and human rights in this way, it is time to finally end their superficial attempt to join the European Union.
To eradicate such a symbol of cultural & religious heritage is nothing more than President Erdogan continuing his dangerous policies of confrontation, turmoil and threats.
Recognizing this illegal eradication of heritage, of breaking a treaty and even threatening peace, has resulted in a strong statement made by UNESCO that has been joined by the World Council of Churches, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, Roman Catholic Pope Francis and many other religious and political leaders.
Please call and write your Congressmen, Senators and the President and notify them that this issue requires a complete ban on all travel & aid.
Not taking immediate action will further endanger Greece and Cyprus!
Please act today!
Respectfully,
Dr. James F. Dimitriou
President & Chairman
American Hellenic Council
As we are all facing such troubling times, we must take time to remember the fateful events of July 20, 1974. On that day some 46 years ago, Turkey launched “Operation Attila” and began a full fledged air, sea and infantry invasion of the Republic of Cyprus. A flotilla of 33 war ships delivered some 60,000 infantry, along with armored divisions and over 30 tanks that stormed the beaches of Northern Cyprus. Driving through with the landing of paratroops, Turkey attacked the capital city of Nicosia. Ultimately, some 160,000 Greek Cypriots were forced to evacuate the north to reach safety. Greatly outnumbered and overwhelmed, the 12,000 Cypriot military stood strong to prevent the fall of Nicosia! 4 weeks & 1 day later, in August 1974, the United Nations established a cease fire and Buffer Zone along the Green Line.
Ending with Turkey occupying 37% of the island and not accounting for some 1800 missing persons. Still the port city of Farmagusta, remains a ghost town surrounded in barbed wire and Turkish military.
To this day the so-called “Federated Republic of Northern Cyprus” remains unrecognized by the world community.
Immediately following the invasion of Cyprus, the Save Cyprus Council was formed. The immediate task was to organize our community and lobby Congress to cut off all military aid to Turkey, citing the the Foreign Assistance Act and Foreign Military Sales Act, all aid to Turkey was cut off! Under the leadership of our initial founders, Theodore Saloutos, Aris Anagnos, Peter Caloyeras, Andreas Kyprianides, Spiro Vryonis and others, the Save Cyprus Council continued to organize, instruct and lobby.
This successful effort became today’s American Hellenic Council.
Never forget,
Dr. James F. Dimitriou
President & Chairman
The American Hellenic Council
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 on the delimitation of the maritime zones between Greece and Italy in Athens, on Tuesday, June 9, 2020. Read their statements here.
“Τogether we have made Greece bigger,” Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias stated on Wednesday in an interview with SKAI TV, referring to the agreement for the delimitation of the maritime zones between Greece and Italy signed on Tuesday. Read more here.
All islands have the same rights as continental territory, as established by the International Law of the Sea, US Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt told the Delphi Economic Forum, conducted online, on Wednesday. Pyatt also noted that the memorandum signed between Turkey and Libya cannot remove anything from Greece and was, additionally, unhelpful and provocative. On the other hand, he called the Greek-Italian agreement signed on Tuesday over maritime zone delineation in the Ionian Sea “the right way to do things, inclusive of all parties”. Read more here.
What is the significance of the maritime zone delimitation agreement between Greece and Italy?
The importance of the agreement was highlighted by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in a statement yesterday in which he stressed: “This is a good day for Greece, Italy, Europe and the entire Mediterranean. Athens and Rome have delimited the Exclusive Economic Zones in the waters that connect the two neighboring countries, thus removing, in a constructive way, a 40-year pending issue. The agreement is in full compliance with the rules of international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The agreement describes the extent of the maritime zones that can be exploited. Furthermore, the agreement recognizes sovereign rights in all land areas both in the mainland and the islands. It is a model of cooperation and good neighborly relations.
It is also a decisive contribution to peace and stability in our region. Greece and Italy have shown how two neighbors can transform the sea around them into calm waters of progress and development. I hope that similar agreements will be reached in the region, among other countries as well. «In his statement after the signing of the agreement, the Minister Nikos Dendias underlined that: «The constant pursuit of our country remains to determine maritime zones with all our neighbors, within the framework of international law. To this end, the United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea provides all necessary instruments. Indeed, the United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea in general consolidates customary International law, yet neither selectively, nor arbitrarily as certain nations are attempting to make use of it. The delimitation of maritime zones can be reached in accordance with International Law, with valid agreements. Not with agreements that are non-existent”.
What exactly were the agreements signed on Tuesday, June 9, between Greece and Italy?
The major and most significant agreement is regarding the delimitation of maritime zones between the two states. This is the first agreement signed by our country in regards to EEZ and has been concluded in accordance with UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea). Therefore, the Agreement confirms the right of the islands to maritime zones. It also confirms the median line of the 1977 agreement on the delimitation of the continental shelf between Greece and Italy as a borderline between the Greek-Italian EEZ. Consequently, that median line will also apply to the superjacent waters of the continental shelf. This is an extremely important agreement, a development of historical significance for our country.
– A Joint Declaration of Greece and Italy on the Resources of the Mediterranean was also signed. With this declaration, the two states express their commitment to a balanced and sustainable management of these resources and agree to hold consultations to assess the impact of various factors on the existing practices of fishermen of the two states. (Sustainable management).
-Finally, a Joint Notification was signed, addressed to the European Commission, requesting the amendment of the regulation on common fisheries policy so that, when Greece decides to expand its maritime zone to 12 nm, the existing fishing activity of Italian fishermen in the area between 6 and 12 n.m., which is now within international waters, will be maintained. What is of paramount importance is the reference, within the Agreement, of the right to expand everywhere our territorial sea. The existing fishing rights of Italian fishermen are described restrictively, both in terms of the number of vessels and the species they can fish, which are excluded from the species Greek fishermen can fish.
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 family of the American Hellenic Council and to all those enduring the difficulties of the past three months.
In the beginning, we experienced, and in some cases continue to experience, life under strict quarantine measures due to the threat of the corona virus; a quarantine that has caused hardships on families, businesses, and students. Then, as a nation we grieved after the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. And now, as civil unrest is expressed through peaceful protests and demonstrations, we also watch our cities go up in flames by opportunists who choose to inflict harm and violate private property.
It is an unsettling time. A time for concern. A time for reflection, but also a time for action.
As Greeks, we have faced injustice and discord many times throughout history and know the generational trauma is causes. It has been 567 years since the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, a tragic anniversary we commemorated just last week, on Friday, May 29th. Today, Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, aims to open those wounds by holding a celebration of the Fall in Hagia Sophia, that will include a reading of the so-called “victory verse” of the Quran.
But through the centuries, under occupations and dictatorship, during civil and world wars, and even while under siege from an invisible foe in the form of Covid-19, Greeks fought with an unyielding spirit and courage to preserve fundamental human rights. We remember the two young men, Manolis Glezos and Lakis Santas, who on May 30, 1941, risked their lives as they tore down the Nazi flag from atop of the Acropolis. We remember Archbishop Iakovos, who marched in Selma, Alabama alongside Martin Luther King Jr. some 55 years ago, in 1965.
In Archbishop Iakovo’s own words:
“I came to the United States from Turkey where I was a third category citizen. So, when Martin Luther King, Jr had his walk at the courthouse of Selma, Alabama, I decided to join him because this is my time to take revenge against all.”
The Archbishop further recounts how young Greek immigrants faced much of the same hatred and violence during the turn of the last century as they traveled to the United States in search of a better life. Go ahead and click here to learn more information on how to contact the best attorney near you.
On June 3, 2020, Archbishop Elpidophoros marched in Brooklyn, NY, in a peaceful protest denouncing the killing of Louisville EMT, Breonna Taylor.
“I came here to Brooklyn today,” said His Eminence, Archbishop Elpidophoros, “In order to stand in solidarity with my fellow sisters and brothers whose rights have been sorely abused. This was a peaceful protest, one without violence of any kind, and I thank all of those involved, because violence begets only more violence. We must speak and speak loudly against the injustice in our country. It is our moral duty and obligation to uphold the sanctity of every human being. We have faced a pandemic of grave physical illness, but the spiritual illness in our land runs even deeper and must be healed by actions as well as words. And so, I will continue to stand in the breach together with all those who are committed to preserving peace, justice, and equality for every citizen of goodwill, regardless of their race, religion, gender or ethnic origin.”
The American Hellenic Council stands committed to justice and the pursuit of happiness of all people. Our mission to advocate for Hellenism, extends into advocating not only for Greeks and Cypriots, but for all those whose human rights are violated, because advocacy must be based on truth, understanding and justice for all.
We condemn all acts of hatred and discrimination and denounce those who disrupt peaceful, democratic protests with acts of violence and destruction.
We encourage people to learn our own history, of the violence and hatred committed against the early Greek immigrants arriving in the United States.
We must end all forms of racism and discrimination and as Archbishop Iakovos did in 1965 and Archbishop Elpidoforos did just yesterday, we must stand for justice and equality, not only for those among us who share our race or religion, but for all people.
I hope all of you stay safe and take time to learn our own immigrant history. We have great challenges ahead and, as a nation, will need the courage to face them!
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, Law and Diplomacy speaks on the 567th anniversary of the Fall of Constantinople. This auspicious day, as she puts it, brings to light the modern Neo-Ottoman imperialist plans that the Erdogan regime has been actively working on for many years.
As policy makers and scholars alike, increasingly refer to Turkey as a rogue state, it is time for the international community to address the “adventurist foreign policies” of the Erdogan government, which is threatening, not only Greek and Cypriot sovereignty, but stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as, NATO and global security.
Watch AHC’s interview in which Dr. Prodromou dissects Turkey’s actions, Erdogan’s ambitions to become a global hegemon and the possibility of a hot conflict this summer in Greek territory.
Read more about Dr. Prodromou’s professional experience and policy work here.
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.
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 family and friends.
The American Hellenic Council’s Board of Directors and I want to reiterate our commitment to the members of our community during this health crisis. Your safety and well-being are of utmost concern to us and we wish for everyone’s health during these unprecedented times. So we want to emphasize that people being overweight it is important for your health to start making changes in your life, one of them is you can take alpilean ice hack this supplement will help you lose those extra pounds you have and don’t forget to eat the healthiest you can, As such, we are committed to following all the guidelines set by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom.
In March, we were disheartened to have to postpone the AHC Annual Awards Dinner and due to the continued uncertainty, we are not prepared to share a new date. We are grateful to our sponsors, whose unwavering commitment to Hellenism and patience, as we navigate these unconventional circumstances, speak volumes. Without our sponsors and supporters, we would not have the necessary resources to continue to do our important work on behalf of promoting improved relations between the United States and Greece & Cyprus.
In the Greek spirit of perseverance, the AHC is continuing to do as much as possible to engage with relevant stakeholders and promote our issues within the permitted parameters. We urge our members to follow the developments taking place in Greece, Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean and to also take advantage of AHC news updates, which we communicate through our social media channels, weekly newsletter and various action alerts or by visiting americanhellenic.org.
Through the AHC website, you can read translated addresses and announcements by the Greek government relating to all matters of national concern, ranging from COVID-19 to the response and the reaction to Turkey’s escalating aggression, as well as, articles such as , the AHC Board of Director’s conversation with U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Geoffrey Pyatt. You may also enjoy the American Hellenic Council’s newly established video interview series, inaugurated with an interview of the newly appointed Ambassador of Greece to the United States, Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou and followed by an interview with Mike Manatos, President of Washington D.C.-based public affairs firm, Manatos & Manatos. Our upcoming interview will be with Dr. Elizabeth H. Prodromou, visiting associate professor at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, a scholar and advocate with extensive experience in conflict resolution and religious freedom.
During this time of increased uncertainty, our mission to promote stronger U.S.-Greek relations and support the Hellenic Caucus and Congressional Hellenic Israeli Alliance is only reinforced. Turkey cannot be allowed to continue to disregard international law and threaten our waters and borders. It is only with your support that we can meet this challenge.
We hope to announce a new date for the 2020 Annual Awards Dinner soon. We value your health and safety and will reschedule only when we are certain it is possible for large group gatherings again. Please watch for said new date and continue to follow our news and action updates. Visit https://norgesbriketten.no/dugnad/ to get informed abbot fundraisings and voluntary work.
Your health is so important for us so remember ti take care about it, being overweight can make you will be more prone to many diseases so don’t forget to take your alpilean pills and you will see changes.
In the meantime, please consider making a donation to the AHC at this critical time; anything you can contribute will go a long way in ensuring the organization’s continued work.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support!
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 support the work of the World Health Organization and the scientific community in the fight against Coronavirus.
He also pointed out that “the vaccine should be produced without delay, in sufficient quantities and at an affordable price, prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable”.
The Donors’ Marathon resulted in contributions amounted to 7.5 billion euros in support of the World Health Organization’s fight against Coronavirus. The Greek Prime Minister has already addressed the need for EU joined action with regard to medical supplies, purchasing patents and licenses for new vaccines and rapid detection tests.
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
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.
